Linear drive system, rotor unit and stator unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a linear drive system (100) comprising a stator unit (101) and a rotor unit (103), wherein the stator unit (101) includes at least one guide rail (105, 107) on which the rotor unit (103) is movable, wherein the stator unit (101) includes a stator magnet unit (109) for providing a stator magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit (103) includes a rotor magnet unit (111) for providing a rotor magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit (103) is movable along the guide rail (105, 107) by magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field, wherein the drive system (100) further includes an encoder system (115) having an encoder arranged on the rotor... An encoder unit (117) on a subunit (103) and a measuring scale (119) arranged on a stator unit (101) are provided. The encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) by a locking device (121). The encoder unit (117) is displaceable relative to the rotor unit (103) along at least one predefined displacement direction (123) via the locking device (121). The distance (125) from the encoder unit (117) to the measuring scale (119) can vary by the displacement of the encoder unit (117) along at least one displacement direction (123) when the rotor unit (103) is positioned on the guide rails (105, 107). The invention also relates to a rotor (400), a stator unit (300), and a planar drive system (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear drive system and a rotor unit and a stator unit for the linear drive system. Background Technology

[0002] Linear drive systems, often referred to as linear motors, are particularly useful in automation technologies, especially manufacturing, material handling, and process technologies. Linear drive systems enable the precise and rapid transport of goods along predefined routes. Magnetic-excited linear drive systems are known in the prior art. These systems utilize the magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field of the stator unit and the rotor magnetic field of the rotor unit.

[0003] By manipulating the rotor magnetic field and / or stator magnetic field, the rotor unit can move along a predefined transport path. The advantages of magnetically excited drives include high-precision control of a single rotor unit. Furthermore, magnetically excited drives are direct drives, eliminating the need for gears or transmission units. Therefore, drive units can be manufactured with minimal structural space. Additionally, the drive is steplessly controlled, enabling increased flexibility. Moreover, magnetic drives allow for compliance with high hygiene standards, as contamination of the drive environment can be minimized.

[0004] Encoder systems are typically used to determine the position of a rotor unit relative to a stator unit. These include encoder units formed on the rotor unit and measuring scales formed on the stator unit. In this case, the encoder unit is arranged to read position information from the measuring scale and use that information to perform the position determination of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0005] Typically, during machine assembly, and in the case of very large machines with long linear drive systems, this type of encoder system is only assembled when the machine is being commissioned by the machine manufacturer or operator's staff. In this case, the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit. This is usually achieved through a threaded connection constructed in such a way that the encoder unit is adjustablely fixed in a frame relative to its spatial position during assembly. The measuring scale is then fixed to the stator unit. Threaded and adhesive connections are used here.

[0006] In this situation, the accuracy of the position determination provided by the encoder unit is sensitive to the distance and spatial alignment between the encoder unit mounted on the rotor unit and the measuring scale arranged on the stator unit. For example, if the encoder system operates with insufficient distance or incorrect spatial angle between the encoder unit and the measuring scale, the position determination cannot provide the necessary accuracy, and therefore the control of the linear drive system may be erroneous.

[0007] Therefore, well-trained and experienced personnel from machine manufacturers or machine operators are required to assemble and align the encoder system.

[0008] Printed document DE 10 2014 202 784 A1 discloses a linear motion device having a resilient housing and an encoder system. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved linear drive system and a rotor unit and a stator unit for the linear drive system.

[0010] This objective is achieved by the linear drive system, rotor unit, and stator unit as described in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a linear drive system is provided, comprising a stator unit and a rotor unit, wherein the stator unit includes at least one guide rail on which the rotor unit is movable, wherein the stator unit includes a stator magnet unit for providing a stator magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit includes a rotor magnet unit for providing a rotor magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit can be moved along the guide rail by magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field, wherein the drive system further includes an encoder system having an encoder unit disposed on the rotor unit and a measuring scale disposed on the stator unit, wherein the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit by a locking device, wherein the encoder unit is displaceable relative to the rotor unit via the locking device along at least one predefined displacement direction, and wherein when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail, the distance from the encoder unit to the measuring scale can be varied by the displacement of the encoder unit along at least one displacement direction.

[0012] Therefore, a technological advantage can be achieved by providing an improved linear drive system with an improved encoder system. In this case, the encoder system includes an encoder unit fixed to the rotor unit of the drive system and a measuring scale correspondingly fixed to the stator unit of the drive system. In this case, the encoder unit is arranged to read the position information of the measuring scale, thereby realizing the absolute or incremental position determination of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0013] The encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit by a locking device, allowing the encoder unit to be displaced relative to the rotor unit along at least one predefined displacement direction. Specifically, the locking device allows the encoder unit to be fixed to the rotor unit at the factory by the rotor unit manufacturer. Therefore, higher positioning accuracy relative to the spatial position of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit can be advantageously achieved, such that when the rotor unit is assembled in the machine, the encoder unit only needs to be moved in a predefined displacement direction by means of the locking device to achieve the necessary optimal spatial position of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale.

[0014] When the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail of the stator unit, the displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit can change the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale.

[0015] By changing the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale, the optimal distance between them can be set, allowing for optimal signal transmission from the encoder unit or optimal readout of the measuring scale's position information. Since the locking device only allows the encoder unit to move relative to the rotor unit in a predefined displacement direction, the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be easily set by actuating the locking device. According to the invention, this simplifies and accelerates machine assembly for machine manufacturers and / or operators.

[0016] Preferably, when the rotor unit is correctly positioned on the guide rails of the stator unit, the displacement direction is perpendicular to the surface orientation of the stator unit. Because of this perpendicular orientation relative to the underside of the stator unit or drive unit, the encoder unit can be vertically displaced relative to a measuring scale formed on the surface of the stator unit when the rotor unit is arranged on the guide rails. This allows for precise setting of the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale by displacing the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction.

[0017] In the context of this application, the measuring scale is preferably configured as a strip-shaped unit that can be positioned on the surface of the stator unit. The strip-shaped unit of the measuring scale includes position information on its surface, which can be read by the encoder unit as it passes through this position information. Therefore, as the encoder unit moves along the strip-shaped unit of the measuring scale, the encoder system allows the absolute or incremental position of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit to be determined.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the encoder unit can be precisely displaced relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction by a locking device, wherein the displacement direction is perpendicular to the lower side of the encoder unit and / or perpendicular to the lower side of the drive unit of the rotor unit.

[0019] Therefore, a technical advantage can be achieved: since the encoder unit can be displaced only along a predefined displacement direction relative to the rotor unit, tilting or rotation of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit can be avoided. Thus, by means of a locking device, the encoder unit can be kept aligned when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail relative to the measuring scale formed on the stator unit, and only the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be changed by displacement.

[0020] The encoder unit is preferably arranged on the rotor unit or connected to the drive unit such that the lower side of the encoder unit is oriented parallel to the lower side of the drive unit. In this case, the lower sides of the encoder unit and the drive unit describe the sides facing the stator unit when the rotor unit is properly arranged on the guide rail.

[0021] Therefore, the locking device prevents the encoder unit from tilting relative to the measuring scale. This allows for setting the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale as easily as possible, resulting in optimal readout of the encoder unit's positional information from the measuring scale, without requiring additional adjustments to the encoder unit's alignment relative to the measuring scale. As mentioned earlier, this allows the encoder unit to be factory-mounted to the rotor unit using the locking device. Therefore, during the assembly or installation of the linear drive system, the user only needs to actuate the locking device to set the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale.

[0022] The orientation of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale is determined at the factory by fixing the encoder unit to the rotor unit using a locking device, eliminating the need for tedious adjustments when installing the linear drive system. Therefore, the installation of the linear drive system is greatly simplified by using an encoder unit fixed to the rotor unit at the factory via a locking device, where the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be adjusted simply by actuating the locking device, without requiring complex alignment of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale positioned on the stator unit.

[0023] In this case, the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can depend on the corresponding type of encoder system and can be specified accordingly by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the optimal distance can also be set by testing and tracking the signal strength of the encoder unit's measurement signal.

[0024] In the context of this application, "factory" refers to the operations performed by the manufacturer during the manufacture of the linear drive system and / or rotor unit and / or encoder system and / or stator unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking device is configured to allow the encoder unit to move steplessly relative to the rotor unit along the displacement direction.

[0026] Therefore, a technical advantage can be achieved: when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rails of the stator unit, the optimal distance between the encoder unit fixed to the rotor unit and the measuring scale fixed to the stator unit can be set as precisely as possible. Through the stepless displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, any desired distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be set between a predefined minimum distance and a predefined maximum distance.

[0027] Optionally, this can compensate for manufacturing tolerances of a single component of a linear drive system or different types of components of a linear drive system.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the locking device includes a first locking portion fixed to a rotor unit and a second locking portion fixed to an encoder unit, wherein the first locking portion or the second locking portion has an oriented displacement groove parallel to the displacement direction, wherein a corresponding other locking portion has a displacement protrusion that can be accommodated by the displacement groove, and wherein the first and second locking portions can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction by sliding the displacement protrusion along the displacement groove.

[0029] Therefore, it offers the technical advantage of enabling the encoder unit to be displaced as precisely as possible relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction. Furthermore, it avoids tilting or rotation of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, as well as tilting or rotation deviating from the displacement direction.

[0030] To this end, the locking device includes two first and second locking portions that are displaceable relative to each other, wherein the first locking portion is fixed to the rotor unit and the second locking portion is fixed to the encoder unit. In this case, the first or second locking portion has a displacement groove oriented parallel to the displacement direction, while the corresponding other locking portion has a displacement protrusion that can be accommodated by the displacement groove. By accommodating the displacement protrusion in the displacement groove, and by sliding the displacement protrusion along the displacement groove, the first and second locking portions can be displaced relative to each other only along the displacement direction.

[0031] By constructing displacement grooves or displacement protrusions, the locking parts can be prevented from tilting or rotating relative to each other about a direction deviating from the displacement direction. In this way, the encoder unit, which is fixed to the rotor unit by a locking device having two first and second locking parts, can only move along a predefined displacement direction.

[0032] In this way, the encoder unit's alignment can be maintained even as its displacement relative to the rotor unit remains constant. Specifically, when the rotor unit is positioned on the stator unit's guide rails, the alignment of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale fixed to the stator unit can be maintained as the encoder unit displaces relative to the measuring scale, and as the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale changes. In this case, the longitudinal alignment of the displacement slots defines the alignment of the displacement direction.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the locking device includes an actuation unit for displacing the first and second locking portions, wherein the actuation unit includes a spindle element connected to the first and / or second locking portions, and wherein the first and second locking portions are displaced relative to each other via the spindle element.

[0034] Therefore, a technical advantage can be achieved: the encoder unit can be simply displaced relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction using the actuation unit. For this purpose, the actuation unit has a spindle element rotatably connected to the first or second locking portion. Therefore, by actuating the spindle element, displacement of the first and second locking portions relative to each other can be achieved. Thus, by actuating the spindle element, displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction can be achieved.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the actuation unit includes an adjustment wheel connected to the spindle element as an operating element for the user, wherein the adjustment wheel is rotatable relative to the spindle element.

[0036] Therefore, the actuation unit of the locking device can be easily operated by the user, which offers the technical advantage of being user-friendly. For this purpose, the actuation unit includes an adjusting wheel connected to the spindle element via threaded teeth. The adjusting wheel is rotatable relative to the spindle element. Thus, by rotating the adjusting wheel, it can be displaced relative to the spindle element along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element along the external thread of the spindle element. This allows the spindle element to move into or out of the internal thread of the adjusting wheel, resulting in displacement of the spindle element. The displacement of the first and second locking portions relative to each other can be achieved through the displacement of the spindle element. For this purpose, the spindle element contacts the first or second locking portion and is configured to displace the corresponding first or second locking portion accordingly when displaced along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element.

[0037] The rotation of the adjusting wheel enables simple operation of the actuation unit of the locking device, and in turn, enables simple displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, thereby enabling simple adjustment of the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking portions are connected to each other by screw elements, wherein the spindle element is connected at right angles to the screw elements, wherein the adjusting wheel engages with the external thread of the spindle element via an internal thread, and wherein the screw elements are displaceably arranged in the first or second locking portion along the displacement direction.

[0039] Therefore, the technical advantages of a simple locking device structure can be achieved. The first and second locking parts can be fixed to each other by screw elements, allowing the first and second locking parts to be displaced relative to each other along a predefined displacement direction.

[0040] In this configuration, the spindle element is connected to the screw element at a right angle, wherein the adjusting wheel engages with the external thread of the spindle element via its internal thread. By rotating the adjusting wheel, the spindle element can be displaced relative to the adjusting wheel along its longitudinal axis.

[0041] The displacement of the spindle element causes the screw element to displace along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element. This causes the first and second locking portions to displace relative to each other. In this case, the screw element is configured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the displacement groove and, consequently, perpendicular to a predefined displacement direction.

[0042] According to one implementation, the spindle element is oriented parallel to the displacement direction.

[0043] Therefore, the technical advantage can be achieved by making precise displacement of the first and second locking portions along a predefined displacement direction possible through the rotation of the spindle element or through the rotation of the adjusting wheel relative to the spindle element and the resulting displacement of the adjusting wheel along the spindle element.

[0044] Because the spindle element is oriented parallel to the displacement direction, it also prevents the first and second locking parts from moving relative to each other in directions deviating from the displacement direction. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the encoder unit can only move relative to the rotor unit along a predefined displacement direction.

[0045] This allows the encoder unit to maintain its orientation or alignment relative to the rotor unit when it is displaced relative to the rotor unit. As described several times above, this also allows the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale formed on the stator unit to be variably adapted without problems when the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit at the factory by a locking device and when the linear drive system is installed, by actuating the locking device and by the displacement of the encoder unit along a predefined displacement direction.

[0046] Therefore, tilting or rotation of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit positioned on the guide rail of the stator unit can be avoided, as well as the associated tilting of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking portions are spaced apart from each other with respect to a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction.

[0048] Therefore, it is possible to achieve the technical advantage of arranging the encoder unit on the rotor unit in a space-saving manner. In this case, the locking device can be fixed to the rotor unit, for example, at the side end of the rotor unit, so the encoder unit can be arranged laterally on the latter relative to the rotor unit. By arranging the encoder unit laterally on the rotor unit, a space-saving design can be achieved. Furthermore, by arranging the encoder unit laterally on the rotor unit, damage to the encoder unit due to the rotor unit colliding with external objects can be avoided.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a measuring scale is disposed on a carrier unit, wherein the carrier unit is detachably arranged on the stator unit along the stator magnet unit, and wherein the longitudinal center line of the measuring scale can be arranged on the stator unit at a certain distance from the longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit.

[0050] This method offers the technical advantage of simple positioning of the measuring scale on the stator unit. In this way, the measuring scale is initially formed on the carrier unit. The carrier unit can be detachably arranged on the stator unit along the stator magnet unit.

[0051] By predefining the dimensions of the carrier unit, when the carrier unit is positioned at a predefined location on the stator unit, the distance from the measuring scale to the stator magnet unit can be predefined by appropriately positioning the measuring scale on the carrier unit. In this case, the distance is defined between the longitudinal centerline of the measuring scale and the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit.

[0052] In this configuration, the longitudinal centerline of the measuring scale is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the measuring scale and centered relative to the measuring scale. The longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stator magnet unit and passes through the center of the upper side of the stator magnet unit.

[0053] In this case, the measuring scale and the upper side of the stator unit describe the side facing the rotor unit arranged on the guide rail.

[0054] Since the position of the measuring scale on the stator unit can be predefined by the dimensions of the carrier unit, the installation of the linear drive system is simplified, especially the positioning of the measuring scale relative to the encoder unit. Therefore, the measuring scale can be easily positioned by arranging the carrier unit on the stator unit at the position provided for this purpose.

[0055] This can be achieved, for example, by properly tightening the carrier unit onto the stator unit. Therefore, the measuring scale can be positioned at the location provided for this purpose on the carrier unit at the factory. Thus, when installing the linear drive system, the user simply needs to secure the carrier unit to the appropriate position on the stator unit, for example, by tightening it.

[0056] Therefore, by fixing the carrier unit to the stator unit, and by using the corresponding dimensions of the carrier unit and the corresponding positioning of the measuring scale on the carrier unit, a predefined distance can be achieved between the measuring scale and the stator magnet unit of the stator unit. By using this predefined distance, the position of the measuring scale on the stator unit can be predefined.

[0057] When the positioning of the encoder unit on the rotor unit is known, and the positioning of the rotor unit, especially the rotor magnet unit, relative to the stator unit, especially the stator magnet unit, is known, this allows for precise positioning of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail fixed to the stator unit.

[0058] In this case, it is particularly advantageous that, in the distance between the measuring scale and the stator magnet unit, only the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the measuring scale and the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit on the stator unit is considered. Therefore, for the design of the correct position of the measuring scale on the stator unit, the width of a particular measuring scale and the width of a particular stator magnet unit in a particular embodiment are not important. The only determining factor is the selection of distances that allow the measuring scale to be positioned laterally and parallel to the stator magnet unit and to be used in conjunction with the encoder unit.

[0059] Therefore, the complex design of the measuring scale on the stator unit can be avoided, so as to ensure that the measuring scale is aligned with the encoder unit.

[0060] The measuring scale is simply attached to the stator unit by fixing the carrier unit to the stator unit. Due to the factory-defined dimensions and factory-defined positions on the carrier unit, the measuring scale is automatically positioned on the stator unit for this purpose by fixing the carrier unit to the stator unit.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit by a locking device such that the longitudinal centerline of the detection unit of the encoder unit facing the measuring scale is at a distance from the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit.

[0062] Therefore, a technological advantage can be achieved, namely that the encoder unit can occupy a predefined and precise position on the locking device, and thus also occupy a predefined and precise position on the rotor unit.

[0063] This allows for precise alignment of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit. In particular, the manufacturing tolerances of the rotor unit, locking device, and encoder unit can be precisely matched to each other, so that the locking device can be fixed to the rotor unit with very high precision, and then the encoder unit can be fixed to the locking device with very high precision.

[0064] This can at best be done in the rotor unit manufacturer's factory, allowing for the precise alignment of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit that is typically absent during machine assembly by the machine manufacturer or user. This eliminates the complex alignment of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale.

[0065] What is particularly advantageous here is that, in the distance between the encoder unit and the rotor magnet unit, only the longitudinal centerline of the encoder unit is considered, especially the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the encoder unit facing the measuring scale detection unit and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit.

[0066] Therefore, for the design of the correct position of the encoder unit on the rotor unit, the width of the corresponding encoder unit and the width of the corresponding rotor magnet unit in the specific implementation are not important. The only determining factor is the selection of distances that allow the encoder unit and the locking device for intermediate storage to be laterally positioned next to the rotor magnet unit and to be used in conjunction with a measuring scale.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit are congruent along the x-axis and aligned parallel to each other along the y-axis.

[0068] This ensures optimal magnetic force transfer between the rotor magnet unit and the stator magnet unit. The measuring scale and encoder unit are arranged relative to the x-axis on the common side transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit, allowing the encoder unit to determine its position using the measuring scale.

[0069] In this case, the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the measuring scale and the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit, and the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the encoder unit and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit, have the same length.

[0070] Therefore, a technical advantage can be achieved: due to the identical and parallel arrangement of the rotor magnet unit and the stator magnet unit, and the design of having the same distance, the encoder unit is thus precisely centered above the measuring scale. Therefore, precise position determination of the encoder unit associated with the measuring scale is possible.

[0071] Because the distances have the same length, another advantage is gained: when using an encoder unit with dimensions different from the original encoder unit, and consequently causing a change in the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the detection unit facing the measuring scale and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit in the currently used encoder unit, the positioning of the measuring scale automatically changes. It is then positioned in such a way that the longitudinal centerline of the measuring scale is arranged on the stator unit at a certain distance from the longitudinal centerline of the stator magnet unit, corresponding to the distance between the longitudinal centerline of the detection unit facing the measuring scale and the longitudinal centerline of the rotor magnet unit in the currently used encoder unit. Therefore, finding the new position of the measuring scale on the stator unit is very simple.

[0072] According to one implementation, the encoder system is configured as a magnetic encoder system, an optical encoder system, or a capacitive encoder system.

[0073] Therefore, the technical advantage can be achieved by providing a precise encoder system for determining the position of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0074] According to one implementation, the encoder system is configured as an incremental encoder system and / or an absolute encoder system.

[0075] Therefore, it has the technical advantage of enabling precise positioning of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the stator unit includes two guide rails extending parallel to each other, wherein a measuring scale is disposed between the two guide rails on the stator unit.

[0077] Therefore, a technical advantage can be achieved: by forming a measuring scale between the two guide rails of the stator unit, the encoder system can be arranged between the two guide rails of the stator unit. This prevents damage to the encoder system from impacts by external objects located next to the guide rails on the stator unit. Furthermore, reliable drive behavior of the rotor unit can be achieved through the two guide rails.

[0078] According to another aspect, a rotor unit having an encoder unit for an encoder system of a linear drive system according to one of the foregoing embodiments is provided.

[0079] Therefore, it is possible to achieve the technical advantages, namely, to provide an improved rotor unit that includes an encoder unit of an encoder system having the aforementioned technical advantages.

[0080] According to another aspect, a stator unit is provided having a measuring scale for an encoder system of a linear drive system according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0081] Therefore, it is possible to achieve the technical advantage of providing a stator unit that includes a measuring scale of an encoder system with the aforementioned technical advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0082] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0083] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a linear drive system having a stator unit and a rotor unit according to one embodiment is shown.

[0084] Figure 2 A schematic front view of a linear drive system having a stator unit and a rotor unit according to one embodiment is shown.

[0085] Figure 3 Showing from Figure 2 Enlarged view of the encoder unit and measuring scale;

[0086] Figure 4 A schematic front view of a rotor unit with an encoder unit according to one embodiment is shown;

[0087] Figure 5 A schematic plan view of a rotor unit with an encoder unit according to one embodiment is shown;

[0088] Figure 6 A schematic side view of a rotor unit with an encoder unit according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0089] Figure 7 A schematic bottom view of a rotor unit with an encoder unit according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a linear drive system 100 having a stator unit 101 and a rotor unit 103 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0091] The illustrated linear drive system 100 includes a stator unit 101 and a rotor unit 103. The stator unit 101 has at least one guide rail 105, 107 on which the rotor unit 103 can move. The stator unit also includes a stator magnet unit 109. The rotor unit 103 has a [missing information - likely a component name or structure] integrated within the drive unit 205 and... Figure 1 Rotor magnet unit 111, not shown in the figure.

[0092] The rotor magnetic field of rotor unit 103 can be generated by rotor magnet unit 111. The corresponding stator magnetic field of stator unit 101 can be generated by stator magnet unit 109. The rotor unit 103 can be manipulated along the first and second guide rails 105, 107 via a magnetic coupling, and thus can move in the longitudinal direction 207.

[0093] The linear drive system 100 also includes an encoder system 115 having an encoder unit 117 and a measuring scale 119. According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the rotor unit 103, while the measuring scale 119 is arranged on the stator unit 101. The position of the rotor unit 103 relative to the stator unit 101 can be determined by the encoder system 115.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the stator unit 101 includes a stator base 159. In the illustrated embodiment, the stator base 159 is configured as a substrate.

[0095] Multiple positioning holes 223 are formed in the stator base 159. The stator magnet unit 109 can be fixed to the stator base through the positioning holes 223.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the stator unit 101 has guide rails 105 and 107 in the form of a first guide rail 105 and a second guide rail 107. The guide rails 105 and 107 are arranged in parallel on the stator base 159 and are spaced apart from each other.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged between the first and second guide rails 105, 107 along a longitudinal direction 207 corresponding to the y-direction. The stator magnet unit 109 may include, for example, a plurality of permanent magnets arranged along the longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105, 107.

[0098] The measuring scale 119 is spaced apart from the stator magnet unit 109 relative to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 207. The measuring scale 119 is preferably aligned parallel to the stator magnet unit 109. In this case, the parallelism between the measuring scale 119 and the stator magnet unit 109 refers to the longitudinal centerline 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the corresponding longitudinal centerline 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 being arranged parallel to each other. In this case, the longitudinal centerline 235 of the measuring scale 119 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring scale 119 and extends through the center of the upper side 241 of the measuring scale 119. Correspondingly, the longitudinal centerline 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 257 of the stator magnet unit 109 and extends through the center of the upper side 253 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0099] Preferably, the longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal direction 253 of the stator magnet unit 109 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105 and 107.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring scale 119 is configured as a strip-shaped unit that extends along a longitudinal direction 207 parallel to the stator magnet unit 109 and the first and second guide rails 105, 107. The measuring scale 119 has two long sides 271 and two short sides 273. The longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring scale 119 is oriented parallel to the long sides 271.

[0101] The stator magnet unit 109 is rectangular, having two long sides 267 and two short sides 269. The longitudinal direction 257 of the stator magnet unit 109 is oriented parallel to the long side 267 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, a measuring scale 119 is arranged on a carrier unit 147. The carrier unit 147 includes a carrier plate 151. The carrier plate 151 has a plurality of fixed openings 167.

[0103] With the help of Figure 1 The corresponding fixing element not shown in the figure, the carrier unit 147 or the carrier plate 151 on which the measuring scale 119 is provided can be fixed to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring scale 119 is arranged at a distance 149 from the stator magnet unit 109. The distance 149 is defined as the distance between the longitudinal centerline 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal centerline 133 of the stator magnet unit 109. Because the longitudinal centerline 235 of the measuring scale 119 is parallel and aligned with the longitudinal centerline 233 of the stator magnet unit 109, the distance 149 is constant over the entire length of the measuring scale 119 and / or the stator magnet unit 109.

[0105] The distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 is preferably determined to be such that when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107, the measuring scale 119 is arranged directly below the encoder unit 117.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the encoder unit 117 of the encoder system 115 is arranged on the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the encoder unit 117 is arranged laterally on the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 relative to the longitudinal direction 207, or spaced apart from the housing unit 171 relative to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 207.

[0107] According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is arranged on the rotor unit 103 via a locking device 121, particularly on the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103. The locking device 121 allows the encoder unit 117 to be displaced relative to the rotor unit 103 along at least one predefined displacement direction 123.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the encoder unit 117 can be precisely displaced relative to the rotor unit 103 along a predefined displacement direction 123. In this case, the precisely predefined displacement direction 123 is perpendicular to the rotor base 161 of the rotor unit 103 and also perpendicular to the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117. When the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 106 of the stator base 159, the rotor base 161 and the drive unit 205 are aligned parallel to the plate-shaped stator base 159 of the stator unit 101.

[0109] When the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 of the encoder system 115 arranged on the stator unit 101 can be changed by moving the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123.

[0110] The signal detection of encoder unit 117 can be optimized by changing the distance between encoder unit 117 and measuring scale 119. Encoder unit 117 is configured to read or detect the position information of measuring scale 119. In this case, the position information acquired by encoder unit 117 can be sensitively dependent on the distance between encoder unit 117 and measuring scale 119. Therefore, an optimal distance can exist between encoder unit 117 and measuring scale 119 for optimal signal detection by encoder unit 117.

[0111] By using the user-actuated locking device 121 of the linear drive system 100, the distance from the encoder unit 117 to the measuring scale 119 can be set to the optimal distance that allows the encoder unit 117 to perform optimal signal detection by displacing the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123.

[0112] For this purpose, the locking device 121 includes a first locking portion 127 and a second locking portion 129. The first locking portion 127 is fixedly connected to the rotor unit 103, while the second locking portion 129 is connected to the encoder unit 117.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 127 is fixed to the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 by two second fixing elements 187, which may be configured as screw elements, for example. The second locking portion 129 is similarly fixed to the encoder unit 117 by two first fixing elements 169.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking portions 127, 129 can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction 123. Therefore, by displacing the first and second locking portions 127, 129 relative to each other along the displacement direction 123, the encoder unit 117 can be displaced relative to the rotor unit 103.

[0115] When the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107, the displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 by the displacement of the first and second locking portions 127 and 129 relative to each other makes it possible to change the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 provided on the stator unit 101.

[0116] According to the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 121 includes an actuation unit 135. By means of the actuation unit 135, the first and second locking portions 127, 129 can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation unit 135 includes an adjusting wheel 139, which allows a user to displace the first and second locking portions 127, 129 relative to each other.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the encoder unit 117 is connected to the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via a connecting cable 173. Data transmission of signal detection or position data of the encoder unit 117 can be transmitted to the drive unit 205 via the connecting cable 173.

[0118] This is particularly advantageous if the encoder unit 117 has already been positioned on the rotor unit 103 at the factory by the manufacturer of the rotor unit 103 using locking device 121. The encoder unit 117 can then be directly wired for its voltage supply and data connection, without requiring additional wiring during machine assembly by the machine manufacturer and / or user. In this case, when the machine is put into operation, only the rotor unit 103 and the encoder unit 117 need to be connected to a common voltage and data connection for a higher level of voltage supply and control, which can be guided, for example, through cable conduit 183.

[0119] According to the present invention, during the manufacture of the drive unit 205, the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the drive unit 205 at the factory by the manufacturer of the drive unit 205 using the locking device 121. In this regard, the manufacturer also defines the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the rotor magnet unit 111, which is part of the drive unit 205. For a precise description of the distance, refer to... Figure 2 The description.

[0120] The rotor unit 103 and stator unit 101 are subsequently manufactured by the machine manufacturer. For this purpose, a drive unit 205, including an encoder unit 117, is fixed to the rotor base 161. The rotor base 161 is also provided with at least one guide element 175, 177. The dimensions and detailed design of the rotor unit are determined by the machine manufacturer. Furthermore, the stator unit 101 is manufactured by the machine manufacturer.

[0121] During assembly, the stator magnet unit 109 provided by the manufacturer of drive unit 205 and the measuring scale 119 including carrier unit 147 can be arranged on stator base 159 by machine manufacturer or end user at a predefined distance 149 between measuring scale 119 and stator magnet unit 109.

[0122] For this purpose, the drive unit 205 has a partially shown connection wiring 191 on the front cover 199 of the housing unit 171. The connection wiring 191 enables the electrical and data connections of the rotor unit 103.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 205 is arranged on the lower side of the rotor base 161. Furthermore, two guide elements 175 and 177 are formed on the lower side of the rotor base 161.

[0124] The rotor unit 103 is arranged on the first guide rail 105 of the stator unit 101 via the first guide element 175, and on the second guide rail 107 of the stator base 159 via the second guide element 177.

[0125] With the aid of the first and second guide elements 175 and 177, the rotor unit 103 can move along the first and second guides 105 and 107 of the stator base 159 in the longitudinal direction 207 relative to the stator base 159 by manipulating the rotor magnetic field.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor base 161 has a plurality of positioning holes 163. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning holes 163 are only shown on the upper side 209 of the rotor base 161.

[0127] However, in addition, the corresponding positioning hole 163 can be arranged on the lower side 211 of the rotor base 161. In addition to the drive unit 205 and the guide elements 175, 177, the additional structure can be fixed to the rotor base 161 through the positioning hole 163.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged on the stator base 159 via the fixed base 201.

[0129] Figure 2 A schematic front view of a linear drive system 100 having a stator unit 101 and a rotor unit 103 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0130] Figure 2 The implementation shown is based on Figure 1 The implementation method is as follows. The linear drive system 100 includes all the features described herein.

[0131] Combine Figure 3 , Figure 2 A more detailed description of the locking device 121 is shown, by means of which the encoder unit 117 is secured to the rotor unit 103. The locking device 121 includes the first and second locking portions 127, 129 already mentioned.

[0132] The first locking portion 127 is fixed to the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via the second fixing element 187. The second locking portion 129 is fixed to the encoder housing 197 of the encoder unit 117 via two first fixing elements 169.

[0133] The first and second locking portions 127, 129 can be displaced relative to each other along a predefined displacement direction 123 via the actuation unit 135. When the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, the predefined displacement direction 123 extends perpendicular to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 and is therefore parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system shown.

[0134] The distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 fixed on the stator unit 101 can be achieved by the displacement of the two locking parts 127 and 129 relative to each other along the displacement direction 123 and the corresponding displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation unit 135 includes an adjusting wheel 139. By rotating the adjusting wheel 139, the first and second locking portions 127, 129 can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting wheel 139 has a plurality of adjusting openings 165.

[0136] According to another embodiment, the adjusting wheel 139 can also be configured as a knurled wheel. In this embodiment, the adjusting opening 165 can be replaced by the structure of the outer surface of the adjusting wheel 135.

[0137] The adjusting wheel 139 can be rotated by the user to displace the first and second locking portions 127, 129 and the encoder unit 117, respectively. In this case, the adjusting opening 165 can be used, for example, to insert a screwdriver so that the adjusting wheel 139 can be rotated by the screwdriver.

[0138] With the rotor unit 103 positioned on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, the actuation unit 135, particularly the adjusting wheel 139, can be accessed from the side of the rotor unit 103 to change the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119. Therefore, when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the user can easily access the adjusting wheel 139. For this purpose, the adjustment opening 165 can be used, for example, as an insertion opening for a screwdriver or similar tool to rotate the adjusting wheel 137. This allows the user to easily access the actuation unit 135 of the locking device 121 to change the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting cable 173 of the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the encoder housing 197 via the connecting plug element 185.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second guide elements 175 and 177 are fixed to the lower side 211 of the rotor base 161 by two carrier elements 203.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier unit 147 on which the measuring scale 119 is formed is configured as a carrier plate 151 having a receiving groove 153. The measuring scale 119 is disposed in the receiving groove 153. The receiving groove 153 and the measuring scale 119 disposed therein are arranged on the stator unit 101 such that the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring scale 119 is at a distance 149 from the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0142] The carrier unit 147 and the carrier plate 151 are respectively configured as longitudinally extending units and are formed along the longitudinal direction 207 and the y direction of the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101, respectively.

[0143] By appropriately positioning the carrier unit 147 on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 for this purpose, the positioning of the measuring scale 119 on the stator base 150 of the stator unit 101 can be predefined.

[0144] Positioning of the carrier unit 147 on the stator base 159 can be achieved, for example, by screwing the carrier unit 147 onto the stator base 159.

[0145] like Figure 1 As shown, the carrier unit 147 may be configured with corresponding positioning holes 136. The stator base 159 may be provided with corresponding additional positioning holes 223, by means of which the carrier unit 147 can be screwed onto the stator base 159.

[0146] Similarly, the stator magnet unit 109 can be fixed in a predefined position on the stator base 159 through the corresponding positioning hole 223.

[0147] Preferably, the distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 corresponds to the distance 155 between the longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 and the longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111.

[0148] In this case, the longitudinal centerline 239 of the encoder unit 117 is aligned with the longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117 and extends through the center point of the encoder unit 117.

[0149] Similarly, the longitudinal centerline 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205 and extends through the center of the lower side of the rotor magnet unit 111.

[0150] Since the distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109, and the distance 155 between the longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 and the longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 are the same, the encoder unit 117 can be directly arranged above the measuring scale 119 when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107.

[0151] Therefore, the distance 155 is precisely determined during the manufacturing process. This is primarily provided by the design of the encoder unit 117, the rotor magnet unit 111, and the locking device 121. According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is arranged next to the rotor magnet unit 111 relative to the longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205, or spaced apart from the rotor magnet unit 111 relative to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 249.

[0152] When the distance 155 between the longitudinal centerline 239 of the encoder unit 117 and the longitudinal centerline 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 is known, the measuring scale 119 is arranged at the stator unit 101 by means of the carrier unit 147 and the stator magnet unit 109 at a distance 149 from each other.

[0153] This can be achieved, for example, by first providing corresponding positioning holes 223 for the stator base 159 at predefined positions on the stator base 159.

[0154] Therefore, by positioning the corresponding additional positioning holes 223 on the stator base 159, the positioning of the carrier unit 147 and the positioning of the measuring scale 119 formed on the carrier unit 147 relative to the stator magnet unit 109 can be predefined.

[0155] The predefined configuration of the carrier unit 147 on the stator base 159 allows for easy positioning of the measuring scale 119 on the stator unit 101 relative to the stator magnet unit 109. This can be easily achieved by fixing the carrier unit 147 to the position of the additional positioning holes 223 provided for this purpose on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101.

[0156] During the final installation of the drive system 100, the actual positioning of the carrier unit 147, including the measuring scale 119 and the stator magnet unit 109, at a predefined distance 149 at the stator base 159 can be achieved by the machine manufacturer or end user of the drive system 100.

[0157] Because the two distances 149 and 155 coincide, the measuring scale 119 can be directly positioned on the stator base 159 at its optimal location, which makes optimal alignment of the measuring scale 119 with respect to the encoder unit 117 possible.

[0158] The measuring scale 119 is preferably arranged on the stator base 159 such that the longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring scale 119 is parallel and aligned with the longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117.

[0159] During the manufacturing process of rotor unit 103, encoder unit 117 is positioned in the factory on rotor unit 103 for this purpose by means of locking device 121 and spaced 155 from rotor magnet unit 11.

[0160] Therefore, as described above, the positioning of the carrier unit 147 and the measuring scale 119 arranged thereon on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 can also be determined at the factory. This is mainly achieved by positioning the measuring scale 119 at a predefined distance 149 to the stator magnet unit 109. Therefore, the alignment of the encoder unit 117 relative to the measuring scale 119 can be optimally predefined at the factory by defining distances 149 and 155.

[0161] However, since the carrier unit 147 can be releasably fixed to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 by a corresponding fixing element, the measuring scale 119 does not need to be formed on the stator unit 101 in the factory in order to position the measuring scale 119 on the stator unit 101 in the factory.

[0162] As needed, the machine manufacturer or end user can achieve this by appropriately arranging the carrier unit 147 on the stator unit 101 itself. However, by using predefined distances 149, 155 and the resulting predefined positioning of the measuring scale 119 relative to the stator magnet unit 109, it is ensured that the measuring scale 119 is arranged on the stator unit 101 by fixing the carrier unit 147 in such a way that optimized alignment of the encoder unit 117 with the measuring scale 119 is achieved when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101.

[0163] Of course, it is assumed here that the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged on the stator base 159 in such a way that when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the rotor magnet unit 111 and the stator magnet unit 109 are optimally aligned with each other, preferably arranged directly on each other.

[0164] Such as about Figure 1 As already mentioned, the locking device allows the encoder unit 117 to move relative to the rotor unit 113 along a predefined displacement direction 123. When the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the stator unit 101, the predefined displacement direction 123 extends perpendicular to the surface of the stator base 159 and is therefore parallel to the z-direction of the coordinate system shown.

[0165] Since the locking device 121 only allows the encoder unit 117 to move relative to the rotor unit 103 in a predefined displacement direction 123, and prevents the encoder unit 117 from tilting or rotating relative to the rotor unit 103 in a tilting or rotational direction deviating from the displacement direction 123, the alignment of the encoder unit 117 relative to the measuring scale 119 formed on the stator unit 101 remains unchanged when the encoder unit 117 moves along the displacement direction 123.

[0166] Since the actuation locking device and the encoder unit 117 displaced along the displacement direction 123 do not cause the encoder unit to tilt or rotate, the encoder unit 117 can achieve a uniform distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 along the entire path of the encoder unit 117 on the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117.

[0167] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Enlarged illustration of encoder unit 117 and measuring scale 119.

[0168] Figure 3 It shows in particular detail Figure 2 Detail A.

[0169] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotor unit 103 is located on the guide rails 105 and 107. When the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107, the encoder unit 117 is directly arranged above the measuring scale 119.

[0170] The distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 set on the stator unit 101 can be varied by the encoder unit 117 being displaced relative to the rotor unit 103 along the displacement direction 123.

[0171] In this way, an optimal distance 125 can be set between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119, which is best for the signal detected by the encoder unit 117. This makes it possible to achieve precise position determination via the encoder unit 117.

[0172] According to the present invention, when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, the distance 125 is limited between the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 and the upper side 241 of the measuring scale 119.

[0173] When the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107, the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 and the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 face the stator unit 101, while the upper side 241 of the measuring scale 119 faces the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117.

[0174] By displacing the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123 and adjusting the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 accordingly, the manufacturing tolerances of the linear drive system 100 can be compensated.

[0175] The optimal distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 can be, for example, 0.15 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0176] The total stroke of the locking device 121, which can displace the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123, can be, for example, 1-2 mm.

[0177] The optimal signal detection assumption is that when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107, the encoder unit 117, especially the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117, is aligned parallel to the measuring scale 119.

[0178] For this purpose, the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the rotor unit 103 by the locking device 121, such that the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 103 is oriented parallel to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103.

[0179] Since the drive unit 205 is formed on the lower side 211 of the plate rotor base 161, the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 is also oriented parallel to the lower side 211 of the rotor base 161.

[0180] Therefore, the predefined displacement direction 123 is oriented perpendicular to the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117. Thus, when the encoder unit 117 is displaced along the displacement direction 123, the alignment of the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 can remain unchanged.

[0181] Therefore, when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105 and 107 of the stator unit 101, the parallel alignment of the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 with respect to the upper side 241 of the measuring scale 119 remains unchanged when the encoder unit 117 is displaced by the actuation locking device 121.

[0182] This ensures optimal signal detection of the position information of the measuring scale 119 by the encoder unit 117.

[0183] The displacement of encoder unit 117 relative to rotor unit 103, and therefore relative to measuring scale 119 provided on stator unit 101, can be achieved by actuation unit 135 of user-actuated locking device 121.

[0184] In the illustrated embodiment, for ease of user operation, the actuation unit 135 of the locking device 121 includes an adjusting wheel 129 having an adjusting opening 165. According to one embodiment, the adjusting wheel 129 is connected to... Figure 3 The spindle element is not shown. The spindle element is sequentially connected to the first and second locking portions 127 and 129. By rotating the adjusting wheel 129, the spindle element can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element, which is parallel to the displacement direction 123.

[0185] Therefore, through the action of the spindle element, the first and second locking portions 127, 129 can be displaced relative to each other. Consequently, the encoder unit 117 can be displaced relative to the rotor unit 103, and the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 can thus be varied.

[0186] For a detailed description of the operating modes of the locking device 121, please refer to the section on... Figure 4 The description.

[0187] In addition, two threaded pins 243 are formed on the second locking portion 129. Each threaded pin 243 is screwed into and extends through the threads formed in the second locking portion 129 and contacts the encoder unit 117. By screwing the threaded pins 243 into or out of the threads, the threaded pins 243 can tilt the encoder unit 117 about the x-axis of the coordinate system shown.

[0188] Therefore, the encoder unit 117 can be tilted relative to the rotor unit 103, thereby achieving parallel alignment of the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 with respect to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205 and the lower side 211 of the rotor base 161 of the rotor unit 103. The threaded pin 243 can compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the rotor unit 103 and / or the locking device 121, and can achieve precise alignment of the encoder unit 117 with respect to the rotor unit 103.

[0189] In an embodiment not shown, further threaded pins may be formed between the first locking portion 127 and the second locking portion 129. These additional threaded pins may be screwed into threads formed in and extending through the first locking portion 127 and into the second locking portion 129. By screwing the additional threaded pins into or out of the threads, the additional threaded pins may cause the second locking portion 129, and thus also the encoder unit 117, to tilt about the y-axis of the coordinate system shown.

[0190] Therefore, the encoder unit 117 can be tilted relative to the rotor unit 103, thereby achieving parallel alignment of the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 with respect to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205 and the lower side 211 of the rotor base 161 of the rotor unit 103. Thus, alternatively or additionally, manufacturing tolerances in the rotor unit 103 and / or the locking device 121 can be compensated for by additional threaded pins, and precise alignment of the encoder unit 117 with respect to the rotor unit 103 can be achieved.

[0191] In particular, during the manufacture of the linear drive system 100, the encoder unit 117 can be aligned using threaded pins 243 and / or other threaded pins. Therefore, a rotor unit 103 with precisely aligned encoder units 117 can be provided to the user.

[0192] Figure 4 A schematic front view of a rotor unit 103 having an encoder unit 117 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0193] Figure 4 The implementation shown is based on Figure 1 , 2 The implementation method of 3 and 4 will not be described in detail below. Figure 1 , 2 The features described in section 3.

[0194] Figure 4 The front end 215 of the drive unit 205 is shown. The encoder unit 117 is fixed to the drive unit 205 by a locking device 121.

[0195] Furthermore, the encoder unit 117 is arranged next to the drive unit 205 in the longitudinal or y-direction relative to the coordinate system shown.

[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second locking portions 127, 129 are also spaced apart from each other relative to the y-direction.

[0197] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the first locking portion 127 is shown in a semi-transparent manner. This is used to indicate the components of the actuation unit 135 arranged inside the locking portion 127.

[0198] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation unit 135 includes the previously mentioned spindle element 137 and the already mentioned spindle element 137. Figures 1 to 3 The adjusting wheel 139 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle element 137 extends parallel to the displacement direction 123. The spindle element 137 includes... Figure 3 External thread 145, not shown.

[0199] Adjustment wheel 139 includes Figure 4 The internal thread 143 is also not shown. The adjusting wheel 139 engages with the external thread 145 of the spindle element 137 via the internal thread 143. Therefore, the adjusting wheel 139 can rotate relative to the spindle element 137.

[0200] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 121 further includes a screw element 141. The first and second locking portions 127, 129 are secured to each other by the screw element 141. In the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, the screw element 141 extends in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction 123.

[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the spindle element 137 also has a coupling element 181. The coupling element 181 enables coupling between the spindle element 137 and the screw element 141. For this purpose, the screw element 141 is guided through a through opening 195 in the coupling element 181.

[0202] Therefore, right-angle coupling is achieved between screw element 141 and spindle element 137 through coupling element 181.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting wheel 139 is arranged in the guide groove 217 of the first locking portion 127. Outside the guide groove 217, the adjusting wheel 139 protrudes beyond the outer surface 219 of the first locking portion 127, so that the user can access it and rotate it relative to the spindle element 137 disposed inside the first locking portion 127.

[0204] Furthermore, the adjusting wheel 139 is fixed relative to the displacement direction 123 by the guide groove 217 and cannot move relative to the first locking portion 127 along the guide direction 123.

[0205] Therefore, by rotating the adjusting wheel 139, the main spindle element 137 rotates out of or into the adjusting wheel 139 through the teeth between the internal thread 143 of the adjusting wheel 139 and the external thread 145 of the main spindle element 137. As a result, the main spindle element 137 moves along the displacement direction 123.

[0206] Since the spindle element 137 is coupled to the screw element 141 via the coupling element 181, the screw element 141 and the spindle element 137 are displaced along the displacement direction 123. In this case, the screw element 141 is displaceably arranged relative to the first locking portion 127.

[0207] By fixing the screw element 141 to the second locking portion 129, the second locking portion 129 is also displaced relative to the first locking portion 127 along the displacement direction 123 by the rotation of the adjusting wheel 139 and thus by the displacement of the spindle element 137 and the related displacement of the screw element 141 along the displacement direction 123.

[0208] Figure 5 A schematic plan view of a rotor unit 103 having an encoder unit 117 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0209] Figure 5 The implementation shown is based on Figures 1 to 4 The implementation method shown.

[0210] Figure 5The first locking portion 127 is shown to have a guide groove 131 extending along the displacement direction 123. The second locking portion 129 has a corresponding guide protrusion 133 positioned in the guide groove 131. When the second locking portion 129 is displaced relative to the first locking portion 127, the guide protrusion 133 slides in the guide groove 131 along the displacement direction 123.

[0211] According to the embodiment shown, the displacement direction 123 is parallel to the z-direction of the coordinate system shown.

[0212] Unlike the embodiment shown, the displacement groove 131 may also be formed on the second locking portion 129, while the displacement protrusion 133 is formed on the first locking portion 127.

[0213] Because of the structure of the displacement groove 131 parallel to the displacement direction 123 and the displacement protrusion 133 being accommodated by the displacement groove 131, it can be ensured that the second locking part 129 can only be displaced relative to the first locking part 127 along the predefined displacement direction 123.

[0214] Therefore, encoder unit 117 can only be displaced relative to rotor unit 103 or drive unit 205 relative to rotor unit 103 along a predefined displacement direction 123.

[0215] The guide groove 131 and the guide protrusion 133 housed therein prevent the encoder unit 117 from tilting or rotating, for example, in the x or y direction about the coordinate system shown.

[0216] The first and second locking portions 127, 129, arranged adjacent to each other relative to the y-direction of the coordinate system shown, are connected to each other by a screw element 141 extending through the first locking portion 127.

[0217] In this case, the screw element 141 runs parallel to the x-axis of the coordinate system shown, and therefore perpendicular to the predefined displacement direction 123.

[0218] Figure 5 A fixing opening 167 is also shown formed on the upper outer surface 232 of the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205. The drive unit 205 can be fixed to the rotor base 161 through the fixing opening 167.

[0219] Figure 6 A schematic side view of a rotor unit 103 having an encoder unit 117 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0220] Figure 6 The implementation shown is based on Figures 1 to 5 The implementation method.

[0221] exist Figure 6In the diagram, the second locking portion 129 is shown in a semi-transparent manner. Furthermore, the first fixing element 169 has been removed. Figure 6 The side surface 221 of the first locking portion 127 is shown in a semi-transparent diagram through the second locking portion 129. A displacement groove 131 is formed on the side surface 221 along the z-direction of the coordinate system shown. Within the displacement groove 131, a displacement recess 179 is also formed on the side surface 221 of the first locking portion 127.

[0222] The screw element 141 extends along the x-axis of the coordinate system shown, through the displacement groove 179, and protrudes from the side 221 of the first locking portion 127.

[0223] The screw element 141, passing through the displacement groove 179, is tightened onto the second locking portion 129. By tightening with the second locking portion 129, the first and second locking portions 127 and 129 are secured to each other.

[0224] The guide groove 179 extends along the displacement direction 123, allowing the screw element 141 to be displaced within the displacement groove 179 along the displacement direction 123.

[0225] By adjusting the rotation of the adjusting wheel 139 and the corresponding displacement of the spindle element 137, as well as the related displacement of the screw element 141 along the displacement direction 123, such as in combination Figure 4 As described in detail, by fixing the screw element 141 to the second locking portion 129, the second locking portion 129 can be displaced relative to the first locking portion 127 along the displacement direction 123.

[0226] In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement groove 179 is elliptical. However, this is merely an example, and different designs of the displacement groove 179 are possible. Furthermore, the displacement groove 179 may have a shape greater than that along the displacement direction 123. Figure 6 The larger range shown.

[0227] Figure 5 The drive unit 205 is shown to be constructed in a rectangular shape with two long sides 259 and two short sides 261. The longitudinal centerline 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205. The longitudinal direction 249 is again oriented parallel to the long side 259 of the drive unit 205.

[0228] The encoder unit 117 is also rectangular, with two long sides 263 and two short sides 265. The longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117, and is also oriented parallel to the long side 263.

[0229] exist Figure 6It can also be seen that the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 is oriented parallel to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205.

[0230] By the displacement of the first and second locking portions 127 and 129 relative to each other along the displacement direction 123, the sliding of the displacement protrusion 133 in the displacement groove 131 can prevent the encoder unit 117 from tilting or rotating relative to the rotor unit 103, so that when the encoder unit 117 is displaced, the lower side 213 of the encoder unit 117 remains parallel to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205.

[0231] Figure 7 A schematic bottom view of a rotor unit 103 having an encoder unit 117 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0232] Figure 7 The implementation shown is based on Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method.

[0233] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor magnet unit 111 has a plurality of energized coil units 113. By energizing the coil units 113, a variable rotor magnetic field can be generated. Therefore, by the corresponding actuation or energization of the coil units 113 and the corresponding variable adjustable rotor magnetic field, and through the magnetic coupling between the rotor magnetic field and the stator magnetic field of the stator magnet unit 109 of the stator unit 101, the rotor unit 103 can move relative to the stator unit 101 along the guide rails 105, 107.

[0234] In this case, the rotor magnet unit 111, including the coil unit 113, is arranged inside the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205, in the interior 227.

[0235] Connection wiring 191 is shown at the front end 215 of the drive unit 205. Multiple cables 193 can be guided through connection wiring 191 into the interior 227 of the housing element 171. The cables 193 ensure the power or data supply to the drive unit 205, particularly the coil unit 113.

[0236] It is also shown that the first locking portion 127 is fixed to the lower side 225 of the drive unit 205 via the third fixing element 189.

[0237] It can also be seen that the adjusting wheel 139 protrudes at least partially through the guide groove 217 from the first locking portion 127 and from the outer surface 219 of the first locking portion 127. In this way, the user can reach the adjusting wheel 139 without any problems and can rotate it accordingly to operate the locking device.

[0238] Figure 7It is also shown that a displacement opening 229 is formed on the lower side 231 of the first locking portion 127. The spindle element 131 can extend from the first locking portion 127 through the displacement opening 229. In this way, displacement of the first and second locking portions relative to each other can be achieved.

[0239] According to one implementation, the encoder system 115 may be configured as an absolute encoder system 115 or an incremental encoder system 115.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the encoder system 115 may be configured as a magnetic encoder system, an optical encoder system, or a capacitive encoder system.

[0241] List of reference numerals

[0242] 100 drive system

[0243] 101 stator unit

[0244] 103 Rotor Unit

[0245] 105 First guide rail

[0246] 107 Second guide rail

[0247] 109 Stator Magnet Units

[0248] 111 Rotor Magnet Unit

[0249] 113 Coil Unit

[0250] 115 Encoder System

[0251] 117 Encoder Unit

[0252] 119 Measuring ruler

[0253] 121 Locking device

[0254] 123 Displacement direction

[0255] 125 encoder unit / measuring scale distance

[0256] 127 First Locked Section

[0257] 129 Second Locked Section

[0258] 131 Displacement groove

[0259] 133 Displacement protrusion

[0260] 135 Actuation Unit

[0261] 137 Spindle Components

[0262] 139 Adjustment wheel

[0263] 141 Screw Components

[0264] 143 Internal Thread

[0265] 145 external thread

[0266] 147 carrier units

[0267] 149 Stator Magnet Unit / Distance of the longitudinal center line of the measuring scale

[0268] 151 Carrier Plate

[0269] 153 Receiving Tank

[0270] Distance of the longitudinal centerline of the 155 stator magnet unit / encoder system

[0271] 157 Outer edge

[0272] 159 Stator base

[0273] 161 Rotor base

[0274] 163 positioning holes

[0275] 165 Adjustable opening

[0276] 167 Fixed opening

[0277] 169 First fixed element

[0278] 171 Casing Unit

[0279] 173 Connecting cable

[0280] 175 First guiding element

[0281] 177 Second guide element

[0282] 179 Displacement Groove

[0283] 181 Coupling element

[0284] 183 Cable conduit

[0285] 185 Connector Component

[0286] 187 Second fixed element

[0287] 189 Third fixed element

[0288] 191 Connection wiring

[0289] 193 Cable

[0290] 195 Through opening

[0291] 197 Encoder Housing

[0292] 199 Front Cover

[0293] 201 Fixed base

[0294] 203 Carrier Element

[0295] 205 drive unit

[0296] 207 Vertical direction

[0297] 209 upper side

[0298] 211 Lower side

[0299] 213 Lower side of encoder unit

[0300] 215 Frontend

[0301] 217 Guide Groove

[0302] 219 Outer surface

[0303] 221 Side View

[0304] 223 Other positioning holes

[0305] 225 Lower side of drive unit

[0306] 227 The interior of the housing unit

[0307] 229 Displacement opening

[0308] 231 The lower side of the first locking part

[0309] Longitudinal centerline of stator magnet unit 233

[0310] Longitudinal centerline of the 235 measuring scale

[0311] Longitudinal centerline of rotor magnet unit 237

[0312] Longitudinal centerline of the 239 encoder unit

[0313] 241 The upper side of the measuring scale

[0314] 243 Threaded Pin

[0315] 245 Fixing Components

[0316] 247 Longitudinal direction of encoder unit

[0317] 249. Longitudinal direction of the drive unit

[0318] 251 Lower side of rotor magnet unit

[0319] 253 Upper side of stator magnet unit

[0320] 255. Longitudinal direction of the measuring scale

[0321] Longitudinal direction of 257 stator magnet unit

[0322] 259 Long side of the drive unit

[0323] 261 Short side of the drive unit

[0324] 263 Long side of encoder unit

[0325] The short side of the 265 encoder unit

[0326] 267 Long side of stator magnet unit

[0327] 269 ​​Short side of stator magnet unit

[0328] 271 Measuring the long side of the ruler

[0329] 273 Measuring the shorter side of the scale

[0330] A. Details.

Claims

1. A linear drive system (100), comprising a stator unit (101) and a rotor unit (103), wherein, The stator unit (101) includes at least one guide rail (105, 107) on which the rotor unit (103) is movable. The stator unit (101) includes a stator magnet unit (109) for providing a stator magnetic field. The rotor unit (103) includes a rotor magnet unit (111) for providing a rotor magnetic field. The rotor unit (103) can move along the guide rail (105, 107) via magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field. The system (100) also includes an encoder system (115) having an encoder unit (117) disposed on the rotor unit (103) and a measuring scale (119) disposed on the stator unit (101), wherein the encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) by a locking device (121), wherein the encoder unit (117) is displaceable relative to the rotor unit (103) along at least one predefined displacement direction (123) via the locking device (121). And wherein, when the rotor unit (103) is positioned on the guide rails (105, 107), the distance (125) from the encoder unit (117) to the measuring scale (119) can be varied by the displacement of the encoder unit (117) along the at least one displacement direction (123), wherein the locking device (121) includes a first locking portion (127) fixed to the rotor unit (103) and a second locking portion (129) fixed to the encoder unit (117), wherein The first locking portion (127) or the second locking portion (129) has an oriented displacement groove (131) parallel to the displacement direction (123), wherein the corresponding other locking portion (127, 129) has a displacement protrusion (133) that can be accommodated by the displacement groove (131), and wherein the first and second locking portions (127, 129) can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction (123) by sliding the displacement protrusion (133) along the displacement groove (131).

2. The drive system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The encoder unit (117) can be precisely displaced relative to the rotor unit (103) along a predefined displacement direction (123) by means of the locking device (121), wherein the displacement direction (123) is perpendicular to the lower side (213) of the encoder unit (117) and / or perpendicular to the lower side (225) of the drive unit (205) of the rotor unit (103), wherein, when the rotor unit (103) is controlled to be arranged on the at least one guide rail (105, 107), the lower side (213) of the encoder unit (117) and the lower side (225) of the drive unit (205) face the stator unit (101).

3. The drive system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking device (121) is configured to allow the encoder unit (117) to move steplessly relative to the rotor unit (103) along the displacement direction (123).

4. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking device (121) includes an actuation unit (135) for displacing the first and second locking portions (127, 129), wherein the actuation unit (135) includes a spindle element (137) connected to the first and / or second locking portions (127, 129), and wherein the first and second locking portions (127, 129) are displaced relative to each other via the spindle element (137).

5. The drive system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The actuation unit (135) includes an adjustment wheel (139) connected to the spindle element (137) as an operating element for the user, wherein the adjustment wheel (139) is rotatable relative to the spindle element (137).

6. The drive system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The first and second locking portions (127, 129) are connected to each other by screw elements (141), wherein the spindle element (137) is connected at right angles to the screw elements (141), wherein the adjusting wheel (139) engages with the external thread (145) of the spindle element (137) via an internal thread (143), and wherein the screw elements (141) are displaceably arranged in the first or second locking portions (127, 129) along the displacement direction (123).

7. The drive system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein, The spindle element (137) is oriented parallel to the displacement direction (123).

8. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first and second locking portions (127, 129) are spaced apart from each other relative to a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction (123).

9. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The measuring scale (119) is disposed on the carrier unit (147), wherein the carrier unit is detachably arranged on the stator unit (101) along the stator magnet unit (109), and wherein the longitudinal center line (235) of the measuring scale (119) can be arranged on the stator unit (101) at a certain distance (149) from the longitudinal center line (233) of the stator magnet unit (109).

10. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) by the locking device (121) such that the longitudinal center line (239) of the detection unit of the encoder unit (117) facing the measuring scale (119) is at a distance (155) from the longitudinal center line (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111).

11. The drive system (100) according to claims 9 and 10, wherein, The longitudinal centerline (233) of the stator magnet unit (109) and the longitudinal centerline (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111) are congruent along the x-axis and aligned parallel to each other along the y-axis. The measuring scale (119) and the encoder unit (117) are arranged relative to the x-axis on the common side transverse to the longitudinal centerline (233) of the stator magnet unit (109) and the longitudinal centerline (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111). The distance (149) between the longitudinal centerline (235) of the measuring scale (119) and the longitudinal centerline (233) of the stator magnet unit (109) and the distance (155) between the longitudinal centerline (239) of the encoder unit (117) and the longitudinal centerline (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111) have the same length.

12. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The encoder system (115) is configured as a magnetic encoder system (115), an optical encoder system (115), or a capacitive encoder system (115).

13. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The encoder system (115) is configured as an incremental encoder system (115) and / or an absolute encoder system (115).

14. The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The stator unit (101) includes two guide rails (105, 107) extending parallel to each other, and wherein the measuring scale (119) is disposed between the two guide rails (105, 107) on the stator unit (101).

15. A rotor unit (103) comprising an encoder unit (117) for an encoder system (115) of a linear drive system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The rotor unit (103) includes a rotor magnet unit (111) for providing a rotor magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit (103) is movable along the guide rails (105, 107) of the stator unit (101) via magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field of the stator unit (101) of the linear drive system (100) and the rotor magnetic field, wherein the encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) by a locking device (121), wherein the encoder unit (117) is displaceable relative to the rotor unit (103) via the locking device (121) along at least one predefined displacement direction (123), and wherein when the rotor unit (103) is positioned on the guide rails (105, 107) of the stator unit (101), the encoder unit (117) is connected to the encoder system (115) formed on the stator unit (101). The distance (125) of the measuring scale (119) can be varied by the displacement of the encoder unit (117) along the at least one displacement direction (123), wherein the locking device (121) includes a first locking portion (127) fixed to the rotor unit (103) and a second locking portion (129) fixed to the encoder unit (117), wherein the first locking portion (127) or the second locking portion (129) has a displacement groove (131) oriented parallel to the displacement direction (123), wherein the corresponding other locking portion (127, 129) has a displacement protrusion (133) that can be accommodated by the displacement groove (131), and wherein the first and second locking portions (127, 129) can be displaced relative to each other along the displacement direction (123) by sliding the displacement protrusion (133) along the displacement groove (131).

Images