Detection device for a position sensor and detection system comprising such a detection device

Abstract

In several apparent embodiments, the present invention relates to a detection device for a position sensor and a detection system comprising such a detection device. In some embodiments, the detection device comprises at least one primary winding and a secondary winding circuit. The secondary winding circuit has a plurality of secondary windings inductively coupled to the at least one primary winding, and the plurality of secondary windings are designed as two sinusoidal coils, each sinusoidal coil having a center tap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a detection device for a position sensor and a detection system including such a detection device. In particular, this invention relates to a detection device for a position sensor, for use in conjunction with a sensor element rotatably arranged relative to the detection device, to detect the angular position of the sensor element relative to the detection device. Background Technology

[0002] In many technical fields, it is necessary to determine the position of a moving object with the precision specified for the corresponding application. To this end, numerous sensor systems have been developed in which the relative position between at least two elements can be measured with sufficiently high precision through interactions such as light, electricity, magnetism, and others. Particularly in technical fields with very harsh background conditions (such as high operating temperatures caused by high operating currents combined with high magnetic fields), sensor arrangements are often used where the position of a component is determined using the generation of position-dependent eddy currents. For this purpose, in some examples of such eddy current sensor arrangements, the damping of one or more coils induced by eddy currents is detected, where one or more coils are set as stationary components, and the moving component has a track made of a suitable material, which leads to the generation of position-dependent eddy currents and thus damping. Based on this position-dependent eddy current generation, the position of the moving track relative to one or more stationary coils can therefore be determined by correlating the induced damping with a specific shape of the track.

[0003] An exemplary application of this is the determination of the rotor position of a motor, thereby determining the appropriate drive signal to provide suitable current and voltage values. For example, in many cases where the motor requires highly variable speeds and a moderately wide control bandwidth, it is important to obtain the output voltage signal from a sensor system with high time resolution to be able to determine the rotor position relatively accurately. For example, the efficient operation of a permanently excited synchronous motor requires knowing the rotor position with good accuracy based on the number of poles within the angular section to properly excite the stator windings, thus achieving the desired operation. Sensor arrangements based on non-contact coils are often used for this purpose, but they require relatively large installation space for the coils and associated evaluation electronics. Very tight coupling is often required between the sensor element and the rotor in the motor, resulting in high currents with correspondingly high magnetic fields and relatively high temperatures near the sensor element, leading to interference in the coil's output signal. This sensitivity to interference ultimately results in poor spatial resolution of the rotor position. However, in addition to the desired immunity to interference with high magnetic fields, it is also desirable for sensor arrangements used in motors to be adapted to the motor's operating conditions, such as the dominant temperature, the required speed range, etc.

[0004] In addition to the aspects mentioned above, there are high, consistent accuracy requirements in the manufacturing of sensor arrangements, such as in mass production, regardless of the specific application of the component supply and integration of the sensor system. This allows for consistent sensor arrangement functionality without the need for time-consuming adjustments during installation in the final application.

[0005] US 2017 / 0268907 A1 illustrates a position sensor having a rectangular primary coil surrounding two sinusoidal secondary coils. These coils are formed in a printed circuit board. A position transmitter for position determination is further provided herein, thereby determining the position along a linear motion.

[0006] In WO 2006 / 074560 A2, an eddy current sensor is shown, which is mounted on a magnetic bearing assembly to measure the distance to the bearing.

[0007] US 2015 / 0362340 A1 describes a position sensor that includes a primary coil, several secondary coils, and a sensor element. The coils are integrated into a printed circuit board.

[0008] In known rotor position sensors, due to the inherently asymmetrical arrangement of the secondary windings around the shaft, there exists a problem of signal offset in the output signal caused by the uneven distribution of the secondary windings across the entire circumference of the shaft. Furthermore, because individual windings in the rotor position sensor experience varying degrees of coupling with adjacent windings, the phase signal of the rotor position sensor is offset, especially when the windings are arranged only on a segment of the circumference, since the outer windings have only one adjacent winding compared to the inner windings. Therefore, these signal offsets, entirely caused by the arrangement of the windings in the rotor position sensor, are error sources that negatively impact the accuracy of the rotor position sensor unless compensation is provided. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a detection device that is compact in design yet highly accurate and insensitive to interference, and a detection system having such a detection device.

[0010] Based on the fact that not every secondary winding is coupled to adjacent secondary windings to the same degree, the aforementioned objective is achieved within the scope of independent claims 1 and 7 by compensating for the phase shift generated in the secondary winding circuit of the position sensor detection device. The starting point of this solution is the recognition that phase misalignment is caused by the outer secondary winding "seeing" only one adjacent secondary winding, while the inner secondary winding "sees" the two adjacent secondary windings on either side. This means that the secondary windings of the secondary winding circuit have different couplings to adjacent coils because the secondary windings are arranged only on a segment of the circle, not the entire circumference, such that each secondary winding "sees" two adjacent windings. Taking into account the undesirable phase shift, the technical teaching is implemented within the scope of the independent claims: phase shift is compensated uniformly in an economical manner, and since phase shift is addressed as a single problem by the independent claims, phase shift compensation is achieved.

[0011] In the first embodiment, a position sensor detection device, such as a rotor position sensor or a general position sensor, is provided. This device does not detect the position of the motor rotor, but rather the position of any rotating component, such as a component flanged to the motor rotor via a gearbox, or a rotating component that rotates only within a limited angular range or continuously. In an illustrative embodiment of the first embodiment, the detection device includes at least primary and secondary winding circuits.

[0012] In this scheme, the secondary winding circuit includes multiple secondary windings inductively coupled to at least one primary winding. The multiple secondary windings are configured as two sinusoidal coils, each with a center tap. In this document, "sine" also means "cosine" or a general shape obtained by a phase shift of any phase of a sine curve, or a general shape obtained by a continuous deformation of a sine curve. Furthermore, "sine" can also be applied to curve shapes corresponding only to partial sections of a sine or cosine curve or their continuous deformations.

[0013] Sine coils allow for the generation of sinusoidal measurement signals using simple sensor structures in a detection system. For example, a strip-shaped sensor structure with a substantially constant width along its length during a single rotation, but with interruptions in the strip, ensures that the sinusoidal coil scanning the sensor structure has overlapping areas between the two interruptions (i.e., areas projected onto the strip, i.e., coil areas projected onto the strip), thus generating a monotonically increasing or decreasing signal in the coil as the strip is scanned. A center tap from the sinusoidal coil provides a simple method for tapping one secondary winding at a time.

[0014] For example, if the secondary winding is a single-layer or multi-layer sinusoidal planar coil, the center tap can serve as a vertical contact in the printed circuit board. This means that the sinusoidal winding is formed in the form of a sinusoidal conductor track, or the sinusoidal winding is formed or composed of more than one sinusoidal conductor track segment. Then, in this case, the center tap is formed as a vertical contact in the printed circuit board, for example, in the form of more than one through-hole, which centrally divides the sinusoidal conductor track segment into two sub-segments, or divides two sub-segments having a sinusoidal shape in the planar view into two track segments of substantially equal length. Here, "substantially" can indicate a tolerance of up to 40% in the length of the track segment, preferably up to 30%, or up to 20%, or up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%. Different layers can be interconnected at the center tap of the multi-layer winding.

[0015] In a first embodiment of this scheme, the primary winding may be formed as a rectangular coil surrounding a plurality of secondary windings in a plan view.

[0016] This provides favorable coupling between the primary and secondary windings.

[0017] In a second embodiment of this scheme, the plurality of secondary windings may include a first subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other and a second subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other. This allows for a differential circuit arrangement of the secondary windings in each subset. In this case, the detection device may further include a resistor or a capacitor. For example, a resistor or capacitor may now be arranged between the secondary windings from the first subset and the secondary windings from the second subset, and / or it may be arranged in parallel with the primary secondary windings from the first subset, possibly having a second resistor or capacitor that can be arranged in parallel with the primary secondary windings from the second subset. Here, on the one hand, phase balance between individual subsets can be achieved by a resistor or capacitor between the secondary windings from the first subset and the secondary windings from the second subset; on the other hand, offset balance can be achieved by a resistor or capacitor arranged in parallel with the primary secondary windings from the first subset, wherein the second resistor or capacitor may be arranged in parallel with the primary secondary windings from the second subset. This also allows for compensation for phase shifts that would otherwise always occur because the windings in an arrangement on only one circuit segment have different strong couplings to the windings of adjacent coil pairs, and / or allows for compensation for shifts occurring in asymmetrical coil arrangements. In a more advantageous embodiment here, improved temperature stability can be further achieved through a combination of capacitors and resistors.

[0018] In a third embodiment of this scheme, at least one primary winding and secondary winding circuit can be integrated together on a printed circuit board. This provides a very compact design for the detection device. In some specific illustrative embodiments herein, the number of primary windings and the number of secondary windings can be the same, and on the printed circuit board, primary windings can be allocated to or aligned with exactly one secondary winding at a time (i.e., forming a coil pair). In this case, a 1:1 allocation between primary and secondary windings is provided, thereby improving the coupling between the primary winding and the associated secondary winding. Furthermore, sensitivity to electromagnetic interference fields is reduced here, because using more than one primary winding in the primary winding circuit means that the area occupied by the primary winding in the lead plate is smaller than that with only one primary winding. In addition, the smaller size of the primary winding allows for space savings in the design of the primary winding circuit, as space now becomes available near and between two separate primary windings. In addition to eliminating the need for a large primary winding to provide a large trapping area for the interference field, the size of the primary winding can be matched with the size of the associated secondary winding, allowing for improved coupling between the primary and associated secondary windings, and allowing for reduced interference from the primary winding associated with the adjacent secondary winding to the secondary winding.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of this invention, the secondary winding can be a sinusoidal coil. In this case, the sinusoidal coil allows the generation of a sinusoidal measurement signal using a simple sensor structure in the detection system, such as a strip-shaped sensor structure having a substantially constant width along the sensor structure in the circuit, but with interruptions to ensure that the sinusoidal coils scanning the sensor structure have overlapping areas (i.e., projected onto the strip). For example, the strip can have multiple secondary coils, but the strip can have interruptions that cause the sinusoidal coils scanning the sensor structure to have overlapping areas between the two interruptions (i.e., the projected area of ​​the coils on the strip), which results in the signal in the coils monotonically increasing or decreasing as the strip is scanned. For example, multiple secondary windings can be formed as two sinusoidal coils, each with a center tap, thereby providing two secondary windings that can be easily tapped by the center tap on a single secondary winding.

[0020] In a fourth embodiment of this scheme, the secondary winding circuit may further include a first resistor connected in parallel with the first secondary winding of the first subset and a second resistor connected in parallel with the first secondary winding of the second subset. The first and second resistors can be used to achieve offset matching. In the detection device, the secondary windings are unevenly arranged around the entire circumference of the shaft, and due to the inherent asymmetrical arrangement of the secondary windings around the shaft, an offset occurs in the signal output by the secondary windings. Alternatively, a capacitor can be provided instead of the first resistor, and / or a capacitor can be provided instead of the second resistor. Furthermore, only one of the first and second resistors can be provided, such that offset matching is achieved only in the subset, while a capacitor can be provided instead of the resistor, such that offset matching is achieved only in the subset via the capacitor.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of this example, the secondary winding circuit may further include a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the first capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the first subset, and the second capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the second subset. This combination of a first resistor and a first capacitor in the first subset and a second resistor and a second capacitor in the second subset can increase the temperature stability of each subset. Alternatively, only one of the first and second capacitors can be provided, such that improved temperature stability is achieved only in one subset.

[0022] In the second embodiment, a detection device for a position sensor is provided, such as a rotor position sensor or a typical position sensor, which does not detect the position of the motor rotor, but rather the position of any rotating component, such as a component flanged to the motor rotor via a gearbox, or a rotating component that rotates only within a limited angular range or continuously. In an illustrative embodiment of the first embodiment, the detection device for the position sensor includes at least one primary winding and a secondary winding circuit. The secondary winding circuit includes a plurality of secondary windings inductively coupled to at least one primary winding, wherein the plurality of secondary windings includes a first subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other and a second subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other, and wherein the secondary winding circuit further includes a first resistor or capacitor arranged between the secondary windings of the first subset and the secondary windings of the second subset, or arranged in parallel with the primary windings of the first subset or the second subset.

[0023] In some embodiments of this scheme, at least one primary winding and secondary winding circuit can be integrated together on a printed circuit board.

[0024] In some embodiments of this scheme, the number of primary windings and the number of secondary windings can be the same, and the primary windings can be aligned with or assigned to a secondary winding on the circuit board.

[0025] In some embodiments of this scheme, the secondary winding circuit may further include an additional resistor or capacitor disposed between two other secondary windings, one of which comes from a first subset and the other from a second subset.

[0026] In some embodiments of this scheme, multiple secondary windings can be formed as two sinusoidal coils, each sinusoidal coil having a center tap, and only one primary winding can be provided, the primary winding being formed as a rectangular coil surrounding the secondary winding in a planar view.

[0027] In some embodiments of this scheme, the secondary windings in each subset can be arranged in a wired manner in the secondary winding circuit relative to more than one primary winding, so that differential signals are provided from each subset during operation of the detection device.

[0028] In some embodiments of this scheme, the secondary winding circuit may further include a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the first capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the first subset, and the second capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the second subset.

[0029] In the third embodiment, a detection system is provided. In an illustrative embodiment, the detection system includes a detection device according to one of the first and second embodiments and a sensor element rotatably arranged relative to the detection device, the sensor element comprising a sensor structure formed of a conductive material.

[0030] In the detection system of the third scheme, the angular position between the detection device and the sensor element can be advantageously detected when the sensor element moves relative to the detection device. For example, the relative rotational motion between the sensor element and the detection device caused by the rotational motion of the rotor (which may be the rotor of a motor in a particular application) can induce a voltage in the secondary winding based on the instantaneous position of the sensor element relative to the detection device. In other words, the magnetic field generated by the primary winding circuit is modulated by the sensor element, and the modulated magnetic field induces a voltage signal in the secondary winding of the detection device. This voltage signal represents a signal modulated by the sensor structure of the sensor element applied to the primary winding circuit, which has the shape or form of a sensor structure along the rotation of the sensor element relative to the detection device, and this shape or form changes according to the angle.

[0031] In the detection device according to the first and / or second scheme, the primary and secondary windings can be configured as hollow coils, meaning that the primary and secondary windings do not have a magnetizable core. In this case, since there is no magnetic core material in the coil, the external magnetic field does not contribute to magnetization or even saturation, or only contributes to an acceptable extent, and therefore the obtained output signal is relatively undisturbed, for example, by interference from a large magnetic field generated in a motor. Therefore, if the sensor structure is at least partially composed of conductive / magnetic material, the eddy current losses of the sensor structure can be utilized to influence the output signal of the detection device, making the detection device according to the first and second schemes undisturbed by electromagnetic interference. For example, the hollow coil is wound and attached to a carrier, such as a suitable substrate or printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates further advantages and illustrative embodiments of the above-described solution of the present invention, wherein:

[0033] Figures 1a-1b A rotor position sensor according to some illustrative embodiments is schematically shown in the plan view. Figure 1b The view in is along Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of line 1b-1b in the diagram;

[0034] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor position sensor according to other illustrative embodiments is shown schematically;

[0035] Figure 3 The detection device according to some illustrative embodiments is schematically shown in the plan view;

[0036] Figure 4 The arrangement of the secondary winding relative to the sensor structure and the final output signal of the detection device are schematically shown according to some illustrative embodiments.

[0037] Figure 5 The arrangement of individual secondary windings relative to the sensor structure is schematically shown according to some illustrative embodiments;

[0038] Figure 6 A primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings according to some illustrative embodiments are schematically shown in a top view;

[0039] Figure 7 A secondary winding with a center tap is schematically shown in a top view according to some illustrative embodiments;

[0040] Figure 8 A secondary winding with multiple turns and a center tap is schematically shown in a top view according to some illustrative embodiments;

[0041] Figure 9 A circuit diagram of a detection system according to some illustrative embodiments is shown schematically.

[0042] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a detection system according to some illustrative embodiments is schematically shown, wherein a pair of coils are arranged in a printed circuit board;

[0043] Figure 11 A circuit diagram of a detection system according to some other illustrative embodiments is shown schematically;

[0044] Figure 12 A circuit diagram of a detection system according to further illustrative embodiments is schematically shown; and

[0045] Figure 13 A circuit diagram of multiple primary windings according to some illustrative embodiments is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The various illustrative embodiments described below may relate to the application of the detection device in a rotor position sensor. In this regard, the rotor position sensor according to the illustrative embodiments typically includes a detection system for detecting the angular position between a detection device and a sensor element of the detection system. In this regard, the sensor element has a sensor structure formed of a conductive / magnetic material that changes angle during full rotation (i.e., a 360° rotation about the rotation axis of the sensor element relative to the detection device), thereby detecting the angular position between the detection device and the sensor element.

[0047] The primary winding circuit in the detection device generates a magnetic field modulated by the sensor structure of the sensor element. This modulated magnetic field, in turn, induces corresponding modulated electrical signals in the multiple secondary windings of the detection device. By comparing the electrical signal applied to the primary winding circuit to generate the magnetic field with the electrical signal output by the secondary windings in response, the angular position between the sensor element and the detection device can be deduced.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 Two alternative embodiments of a rotor position sensor for a detection system having an angular position between a detection device and a sensor element of the detection system are described.

[0049] Figure 1aThe rotor position sensor 1 of the motor is schematically shown in the side view. Here, the sensor structure 3 is attached to the axial surface of the rotor (e.g., rotor 2 of the motor) and is movable with the rotor. In the illustrative example, the motor may be a permanent magnet motor, where the angular signal is used for electrical commutation. Furthermore, a detection device 4 is provided, which is arranged axially opposite to the sensor structure 3. The sensor structure 3 and the detection device 4 form a detection system for the rotor position sensor 1, wherein the sensor structure 3 is rotatably arranged relative to the detection device 4.

[0050] According to the illustrative embodiment, the sensor structure 3 is applied to a suitable carrier material 7a or directly mounted in the substrate of the rotor 2 located on the shaft 2a. The substrate of the rotor 2 should be understood as any material required for the function of the rotor 2, such as materials used to hold the motor components, such as magnets.

[0051] Figure 1b Show along Figure 1a The cross-section of line 1b-1b in this embodiment shows that the sensor structure 3 has a single track 3a that extends periodically over the complete mechanical rotation of the rotor 2 (i.e., the rotor 2 rotates 360° around the axis 2a). However, this is not a limitation of the invention; the track 3a can be replaced by a strip of substantially constant width (without...). Figure 1b The periodically varying width shown (with periodic interruptions provided in the strip) or the strips formed as strips whose width monotonically varies over the full mechanical rotation of the rotor 2. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sensor structure 3 may have a repeating triangular structure instead of... Figure 1b The track 3a is shown in the diagram. However, other shapes that cause position-dependent inductance changes can also be used, such as rectangular structures. In some illustrative examples, the sensor structure 3 may include, for example, aluminum, steel, copper, a printed circuit board, more than one conductive layer, or metallized plastic. Typically, the sensor structure 3 may simply be conductive, and in particular, the sensor structure may be non-magnetic or magnetizable, and therefore may include conductive components embedded in or attached to the non-conductive support material of the rotor 2. However, this is not a limitation of the invention, and the sensor structure may be formed of a magnetic or magnetizable material embedded in or attached to the support material of the rotor 2.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view schematically shows a rotor position sensor 10 according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein the rotor position sensor 10 is attached to a motor and configured to... Figure 1a and Figure 1bAn alternative embodiment of the rotor position sensor 1. In this case, the rotor position sensor 10 has a detection system formed from the detection device 12 and the sensor structure 14, the sensor structure 14 being arranged such that it can rotate about the rotor shaft R relative to the detection device 12. Here, the sensor structure 14 is attached to the radial surface of the rotor, such as the rotor 18 of a motor, and can move with it. Figure 2 As shown, the motor has a stator coil 19, with the stator of the motor wound around the stator coil 19. The sensor structure 14 can be formed according to the sensor structure 3, and refers to the description above in this respect.

[0053] according to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the detection device and sensor structure 14 are arranged radially opposite each other on the outside of the motor housing 16 of the motor, wherein the stator coil 19 is stationary relative to the rotor 18. Figure 2 In the illustration, for display purposes, the motor housing 16 is partially cut open to show the sensor structure 14 arranged below the detection device 12; otherwise, in... Figure 2 In the perspective view, the sensor structure 14 is obscured by the motor housing 16.

[0054] According to some illustrative embodiments, the detection device 12 may include a plurality of windings (not shown) and electronic circuitry (not shown) that processes signals output from the plurality of windings and outputs them as position signals, such as electrical signals, such as voltage amplitude, differential voltage, current amplitude, differential current, frequency, phase angle, etc., wherein the electrical signals enable the angular rotational position of the rotor 18 relative to the detection device 12 to be obtained.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 The following describes some illustrative embodiments of the detection device 20 in more detail. The detection device 20 includes a circuit board 22 having a plurality of coils, such as a plurality of secondary windings 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, arranged side-by-side in the circuit board 22. Furthermore, at least one primary winding (not shown) may be formed in the circuit board 22. For example, a single primary winding (not shown) may be provided, and... Figure 3 In the top view shown, the primary winding (not shown) may surround the secondary windings 24a to 24d. Alternatively, two primary windings (not shown) may be provided, one of which may surround two adjacent secondary windings 24a and 24b in the top view shown, and the other primary winding (not shown) may surround two adjacent secondary windings 24c and 24d in the top view shown. In another alternative, four primary windings (not shown) may be provided, each of which may substantially uniformly cover a corresponding one of the secondary windings 24a to 24d.

[0056] Secondary windings 24a to 24d can be rectangular coils (e.g., ... Figure 3 (As shown by the dashed line in the diagram). The term rectangle is understood to refer to a rectangle or a shape produced from a rectangle by deforming it (such as a trapezoid) (stretching or compressing at least one side of the rectangle). In this text, compressing a line into a point should also be understood as falling under the term "deformation," such that a rectangle can also be deformed into a triangle.

[0057] According to some illustrative embodiments, the printed circuit board 22 can be used for Figure 1a and Figure 1b The rotor position sensor enables the printed circuit board 22 to... Figure 1b The background is identified by reference numeral 4. In this context, the term rectangle should also be understood to indicate a shape that can be formed by deformation of a rectangle (as described above), and furthermore, according to Figure 1b In the axial arrangement, at least one radial side of the deformed rectangle can have a shape that is similar to that surrounding the circuit board 22. Figure 1b The curvature on the radial line of axis 2a in the middle is approximately the same as the curvature (see, for this point, see...). Figure 1b (See figure 4). In other words, the corresponding curved radial side can correspond to... Figure 1b The arc-shaped portion surrounding shaft 2a at a position relative to the radial side of shaft 2a.

[0058] According to other illustrative embodiments, the printed circuit board 22 can be inserted Figure 2 In the rotor position sensor, the printed circuit board 22 is in Figure 2 The background will be by Figure 2 The detection device 12 faces Figure 2 The lower surface of sensor structure 14 in the sensor is identified. Figure 2 The lower surface of the detection device 12 can be a plane, or it can be... Figure 2 The position of the lower surface of the detection device 12 according to Figure 2 An arcuate portion is formed around the rotor shaft R. In this case, the term "rectangular" should also be understood to indicate a shape that can be formed from a rectangle by deformation (as described above), and furthermore, according to Figure 2 In the radial arrangement, at least one radial side of the deformed rectangle may have a shape that surrounds the circuit board 22. Figure 2 The curvature on the radial line of the rotor shaft R in the figure is essentially the same as the curvature (see, for this point, see...). Figure 2 (The lower surface of the imaging device 12 in the middle). Furthermore, as a... Figure 2 In the application of the components of the detection device 12, refer to Figure 2 The printed circuit board 22 can be Figure 2 The printed circuit board is oriented in the detection device 12 such that the surface normal of the printed circuit board is oriented parallel to the surrounding surface. Figure 2 The radial direction of rotation of the rotor shaft R in the middle.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 An embodiment of secondary windings 24a to 24d integrated into the material of printed circuit board 22 is shown, as indicated by dashed lines representing secondary windings 24a to 24d. This provides improved integrity of secondary windings 24a to 24d even under challenging background conditions. For this purpose, secondary windings 24a to 24d can be overmolded or encapsulated from a suitable material with or without a carrier material, or they can be mounted in a housing or simply disposed on the printed circuit board. When the secondary windings are overmolded or encapsulated, each of the secondary windings 24a to 24d does not necessarily need to be completely embedded in the material of printed circuit board 22, but rather the top conductor surface of each of the secondary windings 24a to 24d can be exposed, or the coverage of the secondary windings 24a to 24d can be small, such that, together with the thickness of the material of printed circuit board 22, a desired gap is obtained to the sensor structure (not shown). Alternatively, the secondary windings can be mounted on circuit board 22 and connected to electrical leads (not shown) in circuit board 22 via external connections (not shown) to circuit board 22.

[0060] Refer to Figure 1 to Figure 3 It should be noted that, due to the small size of the detection device compared to the circumference of the sensor structure shown, the secondary winding and the corresponding primary winding (not shown) are arranged only on the arc segment of the stator.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 The description provides information about the relationship between the sensor structure and the secondary winding according to some illustrative embodiments, as well as the electrical signals output from the secondary winding.

[0062] Figure 4 The arrangement of sensor structure 36, which relates sensor elements 37 to a plurality of secondary windings 50, is schematically shown. The plurality of secondary windings 50 are formed by four secondary windings 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, which are formed as rectangular windings according to the illustration and arranged side-by-side relative to sensor structure 36. Here, sensor structure 36 represents the structure described above with reference to the preceding figures, and therefore will not be repeated here. In particular, sensor structure 36 represents a structure formed of conductive material, which is formed along the rotation of a rotor (not shown) in a single or multiple cycles; for example, at least one cycle of sensor structure 36 represents one complete rotation of the rotor (not shown).

[0063] Reference Figure 4Secondary windings 34a to 34d are arranged side-by-side relative to sensor structure 36, such that they are substantially equidistant from each other along the period of sensor structure 36. Therefore, each of the secondary windings 34a to 34d can be associated with a portion of sensor structure 36, such that sensor structure 36 is divided into four substantially equal portions along its period. In other words, the secondary windings are offset from each other by one-quarter of the period of sensor structure 36 relative to its period. Therefore, secondary windings 34a and 34b have a one-quarter period relationship with sensor structure 36, secondary windings 34a and 34c have a half-period relationship, and secondary windings 34a and 34d have a three-quarter period relationship.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The schematic diagram further illustrates a signal processing circuit 32 connected to secondary windings 34a to 34d. The signal processing circuit 32 receives the electrical signals output from the secondary windings 34a to 34d, processes them, and outputs them as a processed signal 30. In some illustrative examples, the signal processing circuit may influence filtering and / or offset balance and / or phase balance, which will be discussed in more detail below. At this point, secondary windings 34a and 34c are interconnected in subset 35a and output electrical signals to the signal processing circuit 32. Furthermore, secondary windings 34b and 34c are interconnected in subset 35b and output electrical signals to the signal processing circuit 32.

[0065] Figure 4 The processed signal 30 shown is illustrated within time intervals that correspond exactly to the period of the sensor structure 36. In other words, the time intervals shown represent the intervals during which the multiple secondary windings 50 sweep or scan the entire period of the sensor structure 36. Here, referring to the sensor structure 36, the signal output from subset 35a is represented as a "sine" in the processed signal 30, while the signal output from subset 35b is represented as a "cosine" in the processed signal 30. These sine and cosine signals allow for the explicit identification of the angular position and direction of rotation of the secondary windings 34a to 34d relative to the sensor structure 36, and thus the identification of the angular position and direction of rotation of the detection device including the secondary windings relative to the sensor structure 36.

[0066] Reference Figure 5Individual secondary windings 64a to 64d are shown alongside different portions 63a to 63d relative to the sensor structure. Here, it is evident that between portions 63a and 63b scanned by secondary windings 64a and 64b, there is an angular position of 180° relative to the period of the sensor structure. Similarly, between portions 63c and 63d scanned by secondary windings 64c and 64d, there is an angular position of 180° relative to one period of the sensor structure. On the other hand, between portions 63a and 63c scanned by secondary windings 64a and 64c, there is an angular position of 90° relative to one period of the sensor structure, and between portions 63c and 63d scanned by secondary windings 64b and 64d, there is also an angular position of 90° relative to one period of the sensor structure.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 The secondary windings 64a to 64d can be identified as secondary windings 34a to 34d. In this case, portions 63a to 63d represent the portions of sensor structure 36 scanned by the corresponding secondary windings 34a to 34d within the same period.

[0068] Refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 In the described embodiments, the sensor structure can be formed in a sinusoidal shape on or at the sensor element. In this case, a sinusoidal shape is advantageous because this geometry allows the sensor structure to form an attenuating surface in the form of a sinusoidal trajectory, which in turn allows the electrical signal detected by the detection device to be affected sinusoidally and therefore easily evaluated. However, this is not a limitation, and as mentioned above, other sensor structures can be used in principle. Typically, the sensor structure does not necessarily have to be multi-cycle over a complete rotation, as long as the electrical signal detected by the detection device sensing the sensor structure can be explicitly assigned to the position or angular position of the detection device relative to the sensor structure along the complete rotation.

[0069] Based on the above description of various embodiments, in the detection system according to some illustrative embodiments, the output signal modulated by the sensor element is provided by various subsets of the secondary winding (e.g., see...). Figure 4Subsets 35a and 35b are provided, wherein the amplitude and / or phase and / or frequency of the output signal corresponding to the sensor structure of the sensor element changes during the rotational movement of the sensor element relative to the detection device. Subsets of secondary windings can be defined relative to the sensor structure, wherein the electrical signals output from the two subsets have a 90° phase offset from each other relative to the period of the sensor structure. This allows for the provision of output signals from subsets having sine and cosine relationships with each other, and is therefore easily evaluated using known methods. Within a subset, the secondary windings can be arranged relative to each other such that they provide electrical signals with a 180° phase offset or a 360° phase offset relative to one period of the sensor structure. In the case of a 180° phase offset, the signal output from the secondary windings in the subset can be provided as a differential output signal for that subset, compensating for equal noise signals generated by each secondary winding in the subset.

[0070] Reference Figures 6 to 8 This describes an illustrative embodiment where the secondary winding is a sinusoidal coil. In the case of a sinusoidal secondary winding, the sensor structure of the sensor element does not necessarily have a changing structure along a complete rotation. If the periodically changing sensor structure is scanned by the sinusoidal secondary winding, this results in an electrical output signal that is a modified sinusoidal signal corresponding to the periodically changing sensor structure. For example, a sinusoidal sensor structure scanned by the sinusoidal secondary winding results in a sinusoidal signal with sinusoidal... 2 A proportional electrical signal.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 The detection device 100 is illustrated schematically. The detection device 100 includes a primary winding 110 and a plurality of secondary windings provided by sinusoidal coils 120a and 120b. In the top view shown, the primary winding represents a rectangular coil surrounding the plurality of secondary windings. The printed circuit board of the detection device 100 is not shown.

[0072] Each of the sine coils 120a and 120b consists of two sine coil segments whose sinusoidal shapes differ from each other by 180°. Therefore, illustratively, each of the sine coils 120a and 120b is similar in shape to oo. In a specific illustrative example, the sine coils 120a and 120b may be substantially identical in shape, but offset by 90° relative to their sinusoidal shapes. This represents an advantageous, but not limiting, example in which the corresponding coils can be easily mass-produced and ensure the output of a sinusoidal signal.

[0073] Since the sinusoidal coils 120a and 120b overlap individually and multiple times with each other, they preferably form a multi-layered coil, wherein a vertical contact V between two individual layers provides electrical connection. The vertical contact also serves as an external contact relative to the secondary winding and primary winding 110. However, this is not a limitation, and bridges and / or underpasses, such as bridge contacts, can be provided at points where intersections will occur, in which case the secondary winding will extend in the same plane of the printed circuit board, except for the bridge contacts.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 , showing Figure 6 Alternative embodiments are described. More specifically, the sine coil 220 is shown having two secondary windings 222a and 222b, each having one turn, the secondary windings 222a and 222b being arranged in series and having turns opposite to each other. Vertical contacts V1 and V7 represent the external contacts of the sine coil 220, such that vertical contact V1 represents the external contact of secondary winding 222a, and vertical contact V7 represents the external contact of secondary winding 222b. Additional vertical contacts V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 are used for vertical connections between different horizontal layers (not shown) of a printed circuit board (not shown), wherein individual winding segments of the sine coil 220 extend. For example, the portion extending between vertical contacts V1 and V2, V3 and V1, and V5 and V6 is in a first layer or plane, while the portion extending between vertical contacts V2 and V3, V4 and V5, and V6 and V7 is in a second layer different from the first layer. The center tap M1 is implemented by the vertical contact V4, allowing voltage signals to be tapped on the secondary winding 222a between V1 and M1, and on the secondary winding 222b between M1 and V7.

[0075] Each of the secondary windings 222a and 222b can be connected to an electrical component via the center tap M1 to allow correction of the signal output from the sine coil 220.

[0076] Reference Figure 8 , showing Figure 7 Alternative embodiments are described. More specifically, the sine coil 320 is shown having two secondary windings 322a and 322b, each having multiple turns, the secondary windings 322a and 322b being arranged in series and having opposite directions of rotation relative to each other. Vertical contacts represent the external contacts of the sine coil 320 and the internal connections between different layers, wherein individual winding segments of the sine coil 320 are wired, similar to... Figure 7 The above description. In addition, a center tap M2 is implemented so that the voltage signal across the secondary winding 322a and the voltage signal across the secondary winding 322b can be tapped by M2.

[0077] Reference Figure 9 , refer to Figure 9 The sensor structure 420 of the sensor element is shown, illustrating a detection system 400 including a detection device 410 and a sensor element. Although the sensor structure 420 is shown as a sinusoidal structure, this is not a limitation, and alternative sensor structures can be used, as described above. The rotational direction of the sensor element relative to the detection device 410 is... Figure 9 The arrow DR is used to schematically represent this.

[0078] according to Figure 9 In the embodiments described above, the detection device 410 includes a plurality of primary windings 402 and a plurality of secondary windings 404. These windings can be integrated in a printed circuit board (not shown), as described above with reference to various illustrative embodiments. The plurality of primary windings 402 have four primary windings 402a to 402b, and the plurality of secondary windings 404 have four secondary windings 404a to 404b. The number of secondary windings is not limited to four, and can be a multiple of four. Instead of four primary windings, the number of primary windings can be set such that it matches the number of secondary windings in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, a subset of the secondary windings from the plurality of secondary windings can be associated with exactly one primary winding. For example, one primary winding from each of the plurality of primary windings can be associated with more than two secondary windings, such that each primary winding is associated with a subset of secondary windings, each subset having an equal number of secondary windings.

[0079] Reference Figure 9 An electronic circuit 430 is provided, which applies electrical signals to multiple primary windings 402 and receives electrical signals output from multiple secondary windings 404. For example, the electronic circuit may include an oscillator circuit. Figure 9 Only the oscillator terminals Osz1 and Osz2 are shown in the diagram. Through this oscillator circuit, periodic electrical signals are applied to multiple primary windings 402.

[0080] Multiple primary windings 402 can be connected in a resonant circuit 403 powered by the oscillator circuit of electronic circuit 430. For example, multiple primary windings 402 can be formed by series connection of primary windings 402a to 402d. However, this is not a limitation, and a suitable parallel connection of at least some of the primary windings 402a to 402d can be provided.

[0081] The secondary windings 404a to 404d of the multiple secondary windings 404 can be divided into two subsets of secondary windings, each arranged in series and connected to the electronic circuit 430. For example, secondary windings 404a and 404c can be arranged in series to form one subset of secondary windings, while secondary windings 404b and 404d can be arranged in series to form another subset of secondary windings. Each of these subsets provides an electrical signal to the electronic circuit 430, based on which angular position can be determined in the detection system 400. The secondary windings in each subset are wound and interconnected relative to each other, such that the voltage signal output from the subset is a differential signal. This means that the voltage signal output from the subset corresponds to the voltage difference induced in the individual windings of the subset. (See below for reference.) Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This describes in more detail various embodiments in which the subsets are configured to output differential signals.

[0082] Relative to reference Figure 9 In the described embodiment, this means that all primary windings 402a to 402d and all secondary windings 404a to 404d have the same winding direction relative to each other, but secondary windings 404a and 404c are interconnected in a subset so that differential signals can be tapped from this subset. Similarly, secondary windings 404b and 404d are interconnected in another subset so that differential signals can be tapped from this subset. Therefore, differential signals can be provided by secondary windings 404a and 404c in electronic circuit 430 through terminals "sin+" and "sin-", while differential signals are also provided by secondary windings 404b and 404d in electronic circuit 430 through terminals "cos+" and "cos-". By mutual reference, on the one hand, the electrical signals of subsets of secondary windings 404a and 404c, and on the other hand, the electrical signals of subsets of secondary windings 404b and 404d are periodic signals that are 90° out of phase with each other, as can be understood from the above discussion of the illustrative embodiments.

[0083] In contrast to other embodiments of the sensor structure 420 that differ from the illustrated sensor structure 420 (as described above with respect to various embodiments of the sensor structure), suitable shapes, such as sinusoidal coils or rectangular coils, can be selected for the secondary winding and primary winding.

[0084] In some illustrative embodiments, a plurality of primary windings 402 are arranged relative to a plurality of secondary windings 404 such that a corresponding one of the primary windings 402a to 402d and a corresponding one of the secondary windings 404a to 404d are arranged in a coil pair such that these windings in the coil pair have the maximum inductive coupling compared to the inductive coupling between the windings in that coil pair and the windings in different coil pairs. Specifically, this means that primary windings 402a and 404a form a coil pair (402a, 404a) that is specified such that the inductive coupling between primary windings 402a and secondary windings 404a is maximized compared to the inductive coupling between primary windings 402a and any one of secondary windings 404b to 404d, and also maximized compared to the inductive coupling between secondary windings 404a and any one of primary windings 402b to 402d. Therefore, the remaining windings 402b to 402d and 404b to 404d can also be arranged in coil pairs. This can be achieved according to a specific illustrative (but not limiting) example of winding arrangement, in which a primary winding and a secondary winding are each directly opposite each other or interleaved. In this way, the individual coil pairs generate maximum signal strength, such that the signals generated by the coil pairs require almost no amplification. In a further illustrative example, the primary and secondary windings in the coil pairs can be equal.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, secondary windings 404a to 404d are connected in the secondary circuit, and each of the two secondary windings is connected in a subset. Regarding... Figure 9 As illustrated in the diagram, secondary windings 404a and 404c are interconnected in a subset of secondary windings 404 and connected to electronic circuit 430. For example, secondary windings 404a and 404c are arranged in series between the two terminals sin+ / sin- of electronic circuit 430. At this point, secondary windings 404a and 404c can be arranged in series such that they have opposite winding directions relative to each other in the series connection. As a result, a differential signal is output from this subset to electronic circuit 430. Furthermore, secondary windings 404b and 404d form a subset of secondary windings 404 and are connected to electronic circuit 430. For example, secondary windings 404b and 404d are arranged in series between the two terminals cos+ / cos- of electronic circuit 430. In this respect, secondary windings 404b and 404d can be arranged in series, such that secondary windings 404b and 404d have opposite winding directions relative to each other in the series connection. As a result, a differential signal is output from this subset to electronic circuit 430. The subset in this example represents the interconnection of secondary windings that are directly connected without intermediate elements.

[0086] according to Figure 9In the embodiment described above, the detection system 400 further includes at least one resistor and / or capacitor to achieve a balance between offset and phase. As mentioned above, in a rotor position sensor with a detection device, where the secondary windings are not uniformly arranged around the entire circumference of the shaft, an offset occurs in the signal output by the secondary windings due to the inherent asymmetrical arrangement of the secondary windings around the shaft. In the current case, for the detection system 400, if the secondary windings 404a to 404d are asymmetrically arranged around the rotation axis (not shown), an offset in the signal can be assumed. Furthermore, when the secondary windings 404a to 404d are asymmetrically arranged, a phase deviation of 90° and 180° occurs between the secondary windings and subsets because the secondary windings are coupled to adjacent windings to different degrees. For example, each of the secondary windings 404a and 404d has only one adjacent secondary winding, while each of the secondary windings 404b and 404c has two adjacent secondary windings.

[0087] In the illustrative embodiment, offset balancing in the secondary winding circuit can be achieved by resistors 406a to 406d arranged in parallel with the respective secondary windings. For example, only one resistor may be provided in each subset. Alternatively, only one resistor may be provided in total. Alternatively, more resistors may be provided; for example, each of resistors 406a to 406d may be provided.

[0088] In the illustrative embodiment, phase balance in the secondary winding circuit can be achieved using resistors 408a to 408d, each establishing an electrical connection between the inputs / outputs of one subset and the inputs / outputs of another subset. For this purpose, one of resistors 408a to 408d may be sufficient. If desired, one of resistors 408a to 408d can be combined with another resistor.

[0089] A capacitor may be provided in place of at least one of resistors 406a to 406d and / or at least one of resistors 408a to 408d. The combination of resistors and capacitors can help improve temperature stability. For example, one of resistors 406a and 406c in a subset of secondary windings 404a and 404c may be replaced by a capacitor arranged in parallel with the corresponding secondary winding in that subset. Additionally or alternatively, one of resistors 406b and 406d in a subset of secondary windings 404b and 404d may be replaced by a capacitor arranged in parallel with the corresponding secondary winding in that subset. Additionally or alternatively, resistors may be provided from resistors 408a to 408d, and a capacitor may be provided in place of one of the remaining resistors from 408a to 408d.

[0090] The specific values ​​of resistors and capacitors in the secondary winding circuit depend primarily on the layout of the sensing device 410 or sensing system 400. Various measurements and / or simulations can be performed at the beginning of development to determine the phase offset and drift. From this, suitable resistors and / or capacitors (including those for temperature stability) can then be determined, enabling appropriate drift matching and / or phase matching, with improved temperature stability, if necessary, to be achieved by using suitable resistors and / or capacitors in the secondary winding circuit.

[0091] about Figure 11 Now describing Figure 9 An alternative embodiment is provided, wherein a subset of secondary windings is formed to provide a differential signal. Here, Figure 9 and Figure 11 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same features, and refer to the above. Figure 9 The same characteristics are described using the same description.

[0092] Figure 11 Showing with Figure 9 The detection system 400 is different from the detection system 600, except that the detection system 600 includes a detection device 610. More specifically, the detection device 610 is... Figure 9 The difference in the detection device 410 is that it has multiple primary windings 602 and multiple secondary windings 604, which will be described in more detail below.

[0093] Multiple primary windings 602 include primary windings 602a, 602b, 602c, and 602d arranged in series. Primary windings 602a and 602b are wound in the same direction and arranged in series with each other, such that the current applied to the input terminal of primary winding 602a flows in the same direction in both windings. Furthermore, primary windings 602c and 602d are wound in series with respect to each other in the same direction, and in series with respect to primary windings 602a and 602b in opposite directions, such that the current applied to primary winding 602a flows in primary windings 602c and 602d in opposite directions with respect to primary windings 602a and 602b. However, the current applied to the input terminal of primary winding 602c flows in the same direction through both primary windings 602c and 602d.

[0094] Multiple secondary windings 604 include secondary windings 604a, 604b, 604c, and 604d, which are arranged in the same winding direction as each other, such that secondary windings 604a and 604b are wound in the same direction relative to primary windings 602a and 602b, while secondary windings 604c and 604d are wound in opposite directions relative to primary windings 602c and 604d. The interconnection of secondary windings 604a and 604c in the detection device 610 with electronic circuitry 430 causes the magnetic flux density (not shown) generated by primary winding 602a during operation of the detection device to generate a current in the associated secondary winding 604a, which is applied from secondary winding 604a to secondary winding 604c and flows through secondary winding 604c in the same direction relative to the current in secondary winding 604a. However, since the windings in the coil pair, including the primary winding 602c and the secondary winding 604c, have opposite winding directions, opposite currents are induced here, resulting in a differential signal between the input and output terminals of the subset formed by the secondary windings 604a and 604c during the operation of the detection device 610. Therefore, when the secondary windings 604b and 604d of the subset of the detection device 610 are connected to the electronic circuit 430, the magnetic flux density (not shown) generated by the primary winding 602b during the operation of the detection device induces a current in the associated secondary winding 604b, which is applied from the secondary winding 604b to the secondary winding 604d and flows in the same direction as the current in the secondary winding 604b. However, since the windings in the coil pair consisting of primary winding 602d and secondary winding 604d have opposite winding directions, during the operation of the detection device 610, the primary winding 602d induces opposite currents in the secondary winding 604d, resulting in a differential signal between the input and output terminals of this subset of secondary windings 604b and 604d.

[0095] Reference Figure 11 The primary winding and associated secondary winding pairs are given by (602a, 604a) and (602b, 604b), and (602c, 604c) and (602d, 604d). Only in the coil pairs (602a, 604a) and (602b, 604b) are there windings in the same direction, while in the coil pairs (602c, 604c) and (602d, 604d) the windings are wound in opposite directions. Furthermore, the multiple secondary windings 604 are divided into two subsets [604a, 604c] and [604b, 604d], in which the windings in one subset are arranged in series with each other, and the current applied to that subset flows in the same direction.

[0096] about Figure 12 Now describing Figure 9 and Figure 11 Further alternative embodiments, wherein a subset is formed from the secondary winding to provide a differential signal. Here, Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same features, and refer to the above. Figure 9 The same characteristics are described using the same description.

[0097] Figure 12 Showing with Figure 9 The detection system 400 is different from the detection system 700, except that the detection system 700 includes a detection device 710. More specifically, the detection device 710 is... Figure 9 The difference in the detection device 410 is that it has multiple primary windings 702 and multiple secondary windings 704, which will be described in more detail below.

[0098] Multiple primary windings 702 include primary windings 702a, 702b, 702c, and 702d arranged in series. Primary windings 702a and 702c are wound in the same direction and arranged in series with each other, such that current applied to the input terminal of primary winding 702a flows through the two windings in the same direction. Furthermore, primary windings 702b and 702d are arranged in series, wound in the same direction relative to each other, and wound in opposite directions relative to primary windings 702a and 702c, such that current applied to primary winding 702a flows in primary windings 702b and 702d in opposite directions relative to primary windings 702a and 702c. However, current applied to the input terminal of primary winding 702b flows through both primary windings 702b and 702d in the same direction. Primary windings 702a to 702d are arranged in series and have alternating winding orientations in this arrangement.

[0099] The secondary windings 704a, 704b, 704c and 704d of the multiple secondary windings 704 are arranged relative to each other in an alternating winding direction corresponding to the alternating winding direction of the primary windings 702a to 702d. Therefore, the secondary windings 704a and 704c are wound in the same direction relative to the primary windings 702a and 702c, the secondary windings 704b and 704d are wound in the same direction relative to the primary windings 702b and 704d, and the secondary windings 704a and 704c are wound in opposite directions relative to the secondary windings 704b and 704d. The interconnection of the secondary windings 704a and 704c in the detection device 710 with the electronic circuit 430 causes the magnetic flux density (not shown) generated by the primary winding 702a during operation of the detection device to induce a current in the associated secondary winding 704a. This current is applied from the secondary winding 704a to the secondary winding 704c and flows through the secondary winding 704c in the same direction as the current in the secondary winding 704a. However, since the primary winding 702c has a winding direction opposite to that of the secondary winding 704a, the primary winding 702c generates a magnetic field that induces a opposite current flow in the secondary winding 704c, resulting in a differential signal being generated between the input and output terminals of the subset formed by the secondary windings 704a and 704c during operation of the detection device 710. Therefore, when the secondary windings 704b and 704d are interconnected with the electronic circuit 430 in a subset of the detection device 710, the magnetic flux density (not shown) generated by the primary winding 702b during operation of the detection device generates a current in the associated secondary winding 704b, which is applied from the secondary winding 704b to the secondary winding 704d and flows through the latter in the same direction as the current in the secondary winding 704b. However, since the windings in the coil pair consisting of the primary winding 702d and the secondary winding 704d have a winding direction opposite to that of the secondary winding 704b, during the operation of the detection device 710, the primary winding 702d induces a current in the secondary winding 704d that flows in the opposite direction to the coil pair of the primary winding 702b and the secondary winding 704b, so that a differential signal is also generated between the input and output terminals of this subset of the secondary windings 704b and 704d.

[0100] Reference Figure 12Coil pairs of primary windings and associated secondary windings are given by (702a, 704a) and (702b, 704b) and (702c, 704c) and (702d, 704d), wherein coil pairs (702a, 704a) and (702c, 704c) have windings wound in the same direction relative to each other, and coil pairs (702b, 704a) and (702d, 704c) have windings wound in the same direction relative to each other, these windings being opposite in direction or winding direction to coil pairs (702a, 704a) and (702c, 704c). Multiple secondary windings 704 are divided into two subsets [704a, 704c] and [704b, 704d], wherein the windings in one subset are arranged in series with each other, and the current applied to that subset flows through them in the same direction.

[0101] Reference Figure 11 Further illustrative embodiments are described, wherein additional coil pairs are added to the detection device 710 to provide symmetrical coupling of the end coil pairs formed by windings 702a, 704a, 702d, and 704d. This allows for avoidance of offsets in the signal output by the detection device 710 without requiring additional electrical components corresponding to resistors 406a to 406d and / or corresponding capacitors. On the other hand, additional secondary windings 704e and 704f are provided adjacent to the secondary windings 704a and 704d, such that secondary windings 704a and 704d are now each disposed between the two secondary windings (704e and 704b in the case of secondary winding 704a, and 704f and 704c in the case of secondary winding 704d). Thus, at the cost of the additional space requirement of the additional primary windings 702e and 702f, the expense of providing at least one suitably defined resistor and / or capacitor corresponding to elements 406a to 406d can be avoided. Regarding the secondary windings 704e and 704f, they can be unconnected, so that there is no need for active interconnection of these elements in the secondary winding circuit. Instead, the unconnected secondary windings 704e and 704f are both associated with the primary windings 702e and 702f, thus forming a coil pair.

[0102] Regarding the additional primary windings 702e and 702f, they can be arranged in series with the existing primary windings 702a to 702d, thereby enabling a winding arrangement along the alternating winding directions of the multiple primary windings 702.

[0103] Reference Figure 12 The additional windings described are not limited to Figure 12 The embodiments shown can also be used in conjunction with the above. Figure 9 and Figure 11 The illustrated embodiments are configured together. For example, regarding Figure 9 For this purpose, according to Figure 12 The embodiment shown, Figure 12 A copy of the coil pair (702f, 704f) can be formed in Figure 9 The right side of the coil pair (402a, 404a) and Figure 9 The left side of the coil pair (402d, 404d) in the middle. Regarding Figure 11 For this purpose, Figure 12 A copy of the coil pair (702f, 704f) in the middle can be formed in Figure 9 The coil pair (602a, 604a) is on the right side, corresponding to... Figure 11 The coil pair (602d, 604d) in the middle can be formed on the left side of the coil pair (602d, 604d) as an additional coil pair with an unconnected additional secondary winding.

[0104] about Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 Various embodiments are described, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are coupled and / or interconnected with a particular winding direction or winding direction, such that a magnetic field is generated in each primary winding associated with a subset of secondary windings, which induces a voltage in the corresponding associated secondary winding of the subset, such that a voltage difference is generated at the terminal ends of the subset of electronic circuit 430 from the corresponding induced voltage in the secondary winding.

[0105] Reference Figure 13 A primary winding circuit 801 is shown according to some illustrative embodiments. The primary winding circuit 801 includes a plurality of primary windings 802 and a capacitor 807 connected to terminal Osz of the electronic circuit 430 described above. The primary winding circuit 801 may include a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency determined by the plurality of primary windings 802 and the capacitor 807, and is operated by the electronic circuit 430. For example, the electronic circuit 430 includes a power source or is capable of providing power at terminal Osz, such that power is suitably supplied to the primary winding circuit 801.

[0106] Reference Figure 13 Multiple primary windings 802 have primary windings 802a to 802d connected in parallel. For example, primary windings 802a to 802c are arranged in parallel with primary winding 802d connected to a terminal.

[0107] The primary winding circuit 802 can be set as described above. Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 In any of the detection devices described in the figures above, wherein the reference above is made Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12The multiple primary windings and sensor structure shown in any of the figures are composed of Figure 13 Multiple primary windings 802 are replaced. Alternatively, at least one of the primary windings 802a to 802d can be replaced. Figure 9 At least one of the primary windings 402a to 402d, or Figure 11 At least one of the primary windings 602a to 602d, or at least one of the primary windings 702a to 702d, such that Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The primary winding that has been replaced is no longer arranged in series, but rather as follows: Figure 13 The parallel arrangement is shown.

[0108] Reference Figure 10 The diagram schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a detection system 500 according to some illustrative embodiments, which can be used for rotor position sensors, such as those referenced above. Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 One of the rotor position sensors. The detection system includes a detection device 530 with a circuit board 501 and a sensor element 520 with a sensor structure (not shown). The sensor structure 520 and the detection device 510 are spaced apart from each other by a distance d. For example, d can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0109] like Figure 10 As shown, circuit board 501 includes a primary winding 502 and a secondary winding 504. Optionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, circuit board 501 may further include electronic circuitry 530, which may be shielded from windings 502 and 504 by an optional shield 540 (e.g., a foil or layer of conductive material that may be connected to a reference potential (such as ground), or may be unconnected or electrically floating).

[0110] In some illustrative embodiments, the printed circuit board 501 may be multilayered, such that the windings 502 and 504, (optionally) the shield 540, and the electronic circuitry 530 may be arranged in different layers on top of each other. Alternatively, the windings 502 and 504 may be integrated in a first printed circuit board element, and the electronic circuitry 530 may be integrated in a separate second printed circuit board element, wherein the two printed circuit board elements may be connected to each other via an electrical connector. Here, the orientation of the normal to the circuit board surface of the first circuit board element corresponding to the winding surface of the first circuit board element may be substantially perpendicular to the surface normal of the second circuit board element. This configuration can be used according to... Figure 2 Applications of rotor position sensors in [the context of] [the application of] [the technology].

[0111] In some illustrative embodiments, the electronic circuit 530 may be formed in multiple layers, such as in two planes having circuit layers 530a and 530b. In this respect, for example, circuit layer 530a may be implemented with circuit layers 530a and 530b present. Figure 9 , Figure 11 and / or Figure 12 This is part of the secondary winding circuit of the resistors and capacitors described in the background. For example, circuit layer 530b may correspond to... Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 At least one of the electronic circuits 430.

[0112] like Figure 10 As shown, the secondary winding 504 can have multiple layers, such as winding layers 504-1 and 504-2, or it can have more layers. Winding layers 504-1 and 504-2 can be spaced apart from each other, for example, by 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. For example, the distance can be approximately 100 μm.

[0113] Although the primary winding 502 is in Figure 10 The primary winding 502 is shown as a single layer, but this is not limiting; on the contrary, the primary winding 502 can be formed in multiple layers. The distance between the two individual winding layers can correspond to that of the secondary winding 504. The secondary winding 504 and the primary winding 502 can be spaced apart from each other, for example, by 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. For example, the distance can be approximately 100 μm.

[0114] The primary winding 502 may correspond to the primary winding formation described above. For example, only a single primary winding may be formed at the primary winding 502 in the circuit board 501. Alternatively, the primary winding 502 may be the primary winding of a plurality of primary windings. In the illustrative example, and as described above in conjunction with some illustrative embodiments, the primary winding 502 may be arranged as a coil pair with the secondary winding 504. For example, multiple coil pairs may be distributed in the circuit board 501 perpendicular to the drawing plane shown in the cross-sectional view (corresponding to the thickness direction of the circuit board 501).

[0115] A distance ranging from approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm can be formed between the primary coil 502 and the (optional) shield 540. For example, a distance of approximately 1.7 mm can exist.

[0116] The distance between the (optional) shield 540 and the electronic circuit 530 can be selected in the range of 0.05 mm to approximately 0.2 mm. For example, the distance can be approximately 100 μm.

[0117] A distance ranging from approximately 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm can be formed between two separate layers of the electronic circuit 530. For example, the distance can be approximately 100 μm.

[0118] Regarding the various illustrative embodiments described above, the windings are described in terms of primary and secondary windings. For example, at least a portion of these windings can be formed as hollow coils. This means that no magnetizable core is provided.

[0119] Regarding some illustrative embodiments, a "sine" coil has been described above. In this document, the term "sine" is also considered to include "cosine" shapes, since angles are known... The sine and cosine are 90° phase shifted:

[0120] The term "substantially" is intended to indicate that deviations and variations are also possible, with little or no impact on the desired function or effect. In this case, deviations within a range of 50%, such as a maximum of 25%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%, are considered acceptable.

[0121] Various embodiments of the detection device with secondary windings connected in a subset are generally inferred from the above description, in which the primary winding and secondary winding are coupled and / or connected in a specific winding direction or winding direction, such that the primary winding is connected to the secondary winding. Typically, it can be understood from the above description that the primary winding and secondary winding can each be coupled and / or interconnected with a specific winding direction, such that a magnetic field is generated in each primary winding associated with a specific subset of the secondary winding, which in turn induces a voltage in the corresponding associated secondary winding of that specific subset, resulting in a voltage difference at the terminal of that specific subset to the electronic circuit 430 compared to the voltage induced in the individual secondary winding of that specific subset.

[0122] This specification discloses various embodiments of position sensor detection devices, such as rotor position sensors, or generally, position sensors that detect the position of any rotating component rather than the rotor of a motor, such as a component flanged to the rotor of a motor via gears, or a rotating component that rotates only within a limited angular range or rotates continuously.

[0123] In some of these illustrative embodiments, the detection device includes a printed circuit board, a plurality of primary windings, and a plurality of secondary windings, wherein the plurality of primary windings and / or the plurality of secondary windings are integrated in or attached to the printed circuit board, and one primary winding and one secondary winding are each arranged in a coil pair such that the winding in each coil pair has maximum inductive coupling compared to the inductive coupling between the winding in that coil pair and the winding in another coil pair. In the illustrative examples herein, the secondary windings may be at least partially interconnected in the printed circuit board of the secondary winding circuit with other electrical and / or electronic components integrated in the printed circuit board, or the secondary windings may be configured not to be connected in the printed circuit board, such that interconnection of the secondary windings occurs via electrical and / or electronic components externally connected to the printed circuit board. Additionally or alternatively, the primary windings may be at least partially interconnected with additional electrical and / or electronic components integrated in the printed circuit board, or the primary windings may be configured not to be connected in the printed circuit board, such that interconnection of the secondary windings occurs via electrical and / or electronic components externally connected to the printed circuit board. Due to the use of individual coil pairs, the detection device can be designed to be more compact, as large-area coil designs are avoided, allowing for a more compact design. Furthermore, avoiding large-area coils increases the detection device's immunity to electromagnetic fields, as the smaller coil area results in less interference being captured by the windings. Additionally, compared to coil arrangements with large-area coil designs, coil pairs offer improved coupling, requiring less amplification for the measurement signal induced in the secondary windings, which contributes to the compact design of the detection device. This allows for better adaptation of the detection device to a given installation space and / or optimal utilization of that space, for example, by further integrating other components besides the detection device into the given installation space. On the other hand, coil pairs allow for improved EMC, as the compact design allows for less radiation from the detection device.

[0124] In a further embodiment, the windings from each coil pair can be arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board, and the coil pairs can be distributed transversely to the thickness direction. This represents an advantageous embodiment of coil pairs in the printed circuit board that, on the one hand, allows improved coupling between the windings in each coil pair, and on the other hand, allows low crosstalk between coil pairs, while providing a compact embodiment of the printed circuit board.

[0125] In a further embodiment, the secondary winding can be a rectangular coil. In this respect, a rectangular coil with a small coil region can be arranged in a very simple manner. Here, the coil region refers to the area surrounded by one or more turns of the winding in a top view of the winding parallel to its axis.

[0126] In a further embodiment, the secondary windings in the secondary winding circuit can be divided into a first subset and a second subset, with only the secondary windings in each subset arranged in series with each other. The secondary winding circuit may further include a first resistor arranged in parallel with the first secondary winding from the first subset, and a second resistor arranged in parallel with the first secondary winding from the second subset. The first and second resistors allow for offset matching. In the detection device, the secondary windings are not uniformly arranged around the entire circumference of the axis, and due to the inherent asymmetrical arrangement of the secondary windings around the axis, an offset occurs in the signal output by the secondary windings. Alternatively, a capacitor may be provided instead of the first resistor, and / or a capacitor may be provided instead of the second resistor. Furthermore, only one of the first and second resistors may be provided, such that offset matching is achieved only in one subset, and a capacitor may be provided instead of that resistor, such that offset matching is achieved only in one subset via the capacitor. In a particular illustrative example of the fourth embodiment, at least one resistor and / or at least one capacitor may be integrated into an integrated circuit within a printed circuit board.

[0127] In a further embodiment, the secondary winding circuit may further include a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the first capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the first subset, and the second capacitor is arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the second subset. This can increase the temperature stability of each subset when there is a combination of a first resistor and a first capacitor in the first subset and a combination of a second resistor and a second capacitor in the second subset. Alternatively, only one of the first and second capacitors may be provided, such that improved temperature stability is achieved only in one subset. In a particular illustrative example of this advantageous embodiment of the fourth embodiment, at least one resistor and / or at least one capacitor may be integrated into an integrated circuit within a printed circuit board.

[0128] In a further embodiment of this, the secondary winding circuit may further include an additional resistor or capacitor disposed between the secondary windings of the first subset and the secondary windings of the second subset. This may also be an alternative to the fifth embodiment (“Alternative Fifth Embodiment”), wherein an additional resistor or capacitor is provided instead of the first and / or second resistors (or capacitors) or instead of both resistors (or capacitors). The additional resistor or capacitor enables phase balance between the two individual subsets. Thus, phase shifts arising from different strong couplings between the windings and the windings of adjacent coil pairs are balanced. Similarly, improved temperature stability can be further achieved through the combination of capacitors and resistors, each capacitor and resistor disposed between the windings of the first subset and the second subset. In a particular illustrative example of this other advantageous embodiment of the fourth embodiment, at least one resistor and / or at least one capacitor may be integrated into an integrated circuit within a printed circuit board.

[0129] In a further embodiment, the first subset and the second subset may each have two secondary windings with opposite winding directions. This provides a differential output signal for the subsets in the secondary winding circuit, allowing, for example, compensation for parasitic signals scattered on the secondary windings.

[0130] In the context of the above embodiment, at least one of the primary windings and at least one of the secondary windings can be formed as hollow coils, as described above.

[0131] Although the application is described with reference to the accompanying drawings related to the rotor position sensor, this is not a limitation. Instead of the rotor position sensor, the invention can be applied to position sensors that do not directly detect the position of the motor's rotor, but rather to any rotating component, such as a component flange-connected to the motor's rotor via a gearbox, or a rotating component that rotates only within a limited angular range or continuously, such as any rotary actuator.

Claims

1. A detection device for a position sensor, comprising: Primary winding, and The secondary winding circuit has a plurality of secondary windings inductively coupled to the primary winding during operation of the detection device. The plurality of secondary windings are formed as two sinusoidal coils with overlapping wiring. Each sinusoidal coil has a center tap, which serves as a vertical contact on a printed circuit board. The detection device is configured to, for each sinusoidal coil, use the center tap as a common node and the first and second end terminals of the sinusoidal coil respectively to tap the voltage signals of the two half-coils.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The primary winding is formed as a rectangular coil surrounding the plurality of secondary windings in a plan view.

3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of secondary windings includes a first subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other and a second subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other.

4. The detection device according to claim 3, further comprising a resistor or capacitor arranged between the secondary windings of the first subset and the secondary windings of the second subset.

5. The detection device according to claim 3, wherein, The secondary winding circuit further includes a first resistor arranged in parallel with the primary winding from the first subset and a second resistor arranged in parallel with the primary winding from the second subset.

6. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The primary winding and the secondary winding circuits are integrated in the printed circuit board.

7. A detection device for a position sensor, comprising: At least one primary winding, and The secondary winding circuit has a plurality of secondary windings inductively coupled to the at least one primary winding during operation of the detection device. The plurality of secondary windings includes a first subset of at least two secondary windings and a second subset of at least two secondary windings arranged in series with each other. The secondary winding circuit further includes a first resistor or capacitor, which is arranged between the secondary windings from the first subset and the secondary windings from the second subset, or in parallel with the primary windings from the first subset or the second subset. The plurality of secondary windings are formed as two sinusoidal coils with overlapping wiring, each sinusoidal coil having a center tap, and only one primary winding is provided. The primary winding is formed as a rectangular coil in the plan view and surrounds the secondary windings. Each center tap serves as a vertical contact on the printed circuit board, and the detection device is configured to use the center tap as a common node for each sine coil and to tap the voltage signals of the two half-coils using the first and second end terminals of the sine coil respectively.

8. The detection device according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one primary winding and the secondary winding circuit are integrated in the printed circuit board.

9. The detection device according to claim 8, wherein, The number of primary windings is the same as the number of secondary windings, and in the printed circuit board, each primary winding is assigned to one secondary winding.

10. The detection apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The secondary winding circuit further includes an additional resistor or an additional capacitor arranged between two other secondary windings, one of which comes from the first subset and the other from the second subset.

11. The detection apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The secondary windings in each subset are arranged and connected in the secondary winding circuit relative to the primary winding or at least one primary winding, so as to provide differential signals from each subset during operation of the detection device.

12. The detection apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The secondary windings in each of the first and second subsets have opposite winding directions relative to each other in the series connection of each subset, so as to output differential signals from each subset.

13. The detection apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The secondary winding circuit further includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor, the first capacitor being arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the first subset, and the second capacitor being arranged in parallel with the second secondary winding from the second subset.

14. A detection system, comprising: The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and A sensor element, which is rotatably arranged relative to the detection device. The sensor element includes a sensor structure formed of a conductive material.

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