Electromagnetic motor system for driving a pointer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic motor system for driving an indicator (16) in front of a display panel (4). The system comprises: an electromagnetic motor including a stator (6) and a rotor (7), the stator being configured to face a first side of the display panel and including coils, the rotor being configured to face a second opposite side of the display panel and being formed as a ring to allow a readable area on the second side of the display panel (4) to be seen at least through the inner region of the ring, the rotor (7) including a set of rotor magnets placed along the ring; a guide (8) configured to hold the rotor (7) in a given position relative to the display panel while allowing the rotor to rotate relative to a rotor rotation axis; an indicator (16) coupled to or integrally formed with the rotor (7) such that the indicator is configured to rotate relative to the rotor rotation axis when the rotor (7) rotates due to the excitation coil (13); a sensor system (9) configured to determine rotation-related information of the rotor (7); and a control module (10) configured to feed an electrical signal to the coil to excite the coil, at least based on the rotation-related information from the sensor system (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electromagnetic motor system for driving a pointer on a display panel or instrument panel. The electromagnetic motor system includes a stator and a rotor, the rotor being configured to rotate relative to a rotor rotation axis, thereby rotating the pointer. The stator and rotor are positioned on opposite sides of the display panel. The invention also relates to a display system comprising an electromagnetic motor system and a display panel. The display panel is positioned between the stator and the rotor. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional analog dashboards are equipped with pointers or indicators to display information such as speed, temperature, fuel level, and other data. Traditional analog dashboards rely on mechanical mechanisms that move the pointers. These traditional systems typically employ mechanical linkages, gears, and rotating shafts, components that are prone to wear over time, leading to reduced accuracy, increased maintenance requirements, and a shorter overall lifespan.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for dashboards that offer greater precision, durability, and flexibility in pointer movement. This demand stems from technological advancements and the industry's need for more reliable and efficient information display systems. Electromagnetic motors, by providing precise control, reducing mechanical complexity, and extending lifespan, have emerged as an ideal solution to these challenges.

[0004] Electromagnetic motors, including but not limited to linear and rotary motors, have been used in a variety of applications, such as robotics, manufacturing, and aerospace, to achieve high-precision motion control. However, as a means of driving pointers with the required accuracy and responsiveness, electromagnetic motors have limited adaptability for use in display panels.

[0005] Existing electromagnetic motor devices used for pointer control in display panels often lack optimization for the specific requirements of this application. For example, the components in front of the display panel are too large, obstructing the view of most of the display panel by the user or driver. Furthermore, these motors typically exhibit limitations related to power consumption and size constraints, which may hinder their widespread adoption.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved electromagnetic motor system for display panels, in which the pointer is driven by an electromagnetic motor system specifically designed to drive pointers in front of dashboards. This system should be able to provide precise and reliable pointer movement while addressing the unique challenges associated with display panel applications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems associated with electromagnetic motor systems. More specifically, the invention overcomes at least some limitations of existing systems by providing an electromagnetic motor system comprising an electromagnetic motor specifically designed to drive pointers in front of a display panel, and wherein the electromagnetic motor obstructs the view of the readable area of ​​the display panel by the driver or user to a minimum.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electromagnetic motor system for driving an indicator in front of a display panel is provided according to claim 1.

[0009] The proposed electromagnetic motor system is characterized by its ability to transmit highly precise indicator movements while occupying minimal space in front of the display panel or dashboard. Therefore, this electromagnetic motor system is specifically designed for its intended applications, such as automotive dashboards. The system's motor also reduces power consumption. Furthermore, the invention offers advantages in reliability, durability, and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of display panel applications across various industries.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a display system according to claim 19 is provided.

[0011] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art and the growing need for improved display panel systems, the present invention provides a novel and inventive solution that improves the level of electromagnetic motor technology for indicator control in display panel systems.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments, in which: Figure 1 This is an isometric top view of a display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric top view of the display system; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the display system; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the display system; Figure 5 Is Figure 1 An isometric top view of the motor system used in the display system; Figure 6 Is Figure 5 An isometric top view of the motor used in the motor system; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An isometric top view of the stator of the motor; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An isometric top view of the motor rotor; Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A top view of the motor; Figure 10 It is used for booting Figure 8 A top view of an example rotor guiding system; Figure 11 yes Figure 5 A partially enlarged side view of the motor system; and Figure 12 This is an isometric top view of the stator of a motor according to a variation of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are described within the context of a display system used in automotive instrument clusters. However, the proposed display system can also be used in other technical fields, such as aerospace and manufacturing. Identical or corresponding functional and structural elements appearing in different drawings have the same reference numerals. It should be noted that, unless explicitly stated or implied in the context, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., may not imply any particular order or hierarchy. Furthermore, when used to give a numerical range, the phrase “between” also includes the endpoints of that range.

[0015] Figures 1 to 4 Different views of example display system 1 are shown. Display system 1 includes... Figure 5 The electromagnetic motor system 3 or device is better illustrated in the diagram, along with a display panel or dashboard 4 that forms a digital display in this example. The motor system 3 includes the following main components: a first motor section 6, in this case a bottom motor section; a second motor section 7, in this case a top motor section; a guide device 8; a sensor system 9; and a control module 10 or electronic circuitry. In this specification, the term "top" refers to the readable area side or the information display side of the display panel, while the term "bottom" refers to the opposite side of the display panel, which is not visible to the user under normal operating conditions. The bottom motor section and the top motor section together form the electromagnetic motor 11, wherein the bottom motor section is the stator 6 and the top motor section is the rotor 7.

[0016] The first or bottom side of the display panel 4 faces the stator, and the second or top side faces the rotor. Therefore, the rotor is positioned on top of the stator, creating a given spatial gap between the rotor and stator to allow the display panel to be placed between them. In this example, the motor 11 operates using alternating current (AC). The stator is the stationary part, and in this example, it contains a set of coils (armature) 13. The rotor 7 is the rotating part, containing a set of magnets 14, also called rotor magnets, which in this case are permanent magnets. When current is applied to the armature, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with the rotor's magnetic field, causing the rotor to rotate relative to the rotor rotation axis 15. The rotor is a ring-shaped element or a substantially ring-shaped element, forming a closed or open loop. Therefore, the ring has a hollow internal region, meaning there is space inside the ring that is not filled with material. The rotation axis is perpendicular to the surface of the display panel 4, passing through the center of the ring. A pointer or indicator 16 is also provided, either connected to or integrally formed with the rotor 7, such that the pointer is set to rotate with the rotor relative to the rotor axis of rotation when the rotor rotates due to the selective excitation coil 13. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the pointer is positioned inside the ring, pointing to the center of the ring. The control module 10 includes the necessary hardware and software to control the excitation coil 13 to ensure the precise position of the rotor and / or its desired rotational speed.

[0017] In this example, display panel 4 is unperforated, meaning there are no through holes through the panel. More specifically, display panel 4 is unperforated at least in the area directly below the ring and in the area directly below the inner region of the ring. In this way, the display panel area located at least directly below the inner region of the ring can be fully used to display information. Furthermore, it is easier to manufacture an unperforated display panel. Additionally, since in this example only the rotor, as a narrow and thin circular element, is placed in front of display panel 4, the components in front of the display panel only obscure a small portion of the display panel. In this way, the readable area of ​​display panel 4 can be increased. In this example, the readable area is the area directly below the inner region of the ring. However, in other implementations, the readable area can be additionally or alternatively formed by an area maintained outside the periphery of the ring. Thus, mechanical or physical pointers together with a digital display panel form a hybrid analog-to-digital display, or simply a hybrid display that combines digital technology used for the underlying screen or panel with mechanical (analog) pointers to provide a blend of digital and analog information presentation. In this type of display, the digital panel provides the underlying information or data, while the physical pointer is configured to move (i.e. rotate) to point to a specific value or position on the display panel.

[0018] exist Figures 6 to 9 The stator 6 and rotor 7 are shown more clearly in the image. Figure 6An isometric top view of a motor 11 consisting of a stator and a rotor is shown. Figure 7 An isometric top view of the stator, including the phase diagram of the coils, is shown. Figure 8 An isometric top view of the rotor is shown. Figure 9 A top view of motor 11 is shown. Example motor 11 is a three-phase electromagnetic motor, a type of motor that operates on a three-phase alternating current (AC) power supply. For three phases, the number of coils 13 on stator 6 is a multiple of three. In this example, the stator comprises 24 coils, which are evenly distributed on the stator yoke 19. A given coil is connected to one of the three phases of the AC power supply. In this example, the coils 13 on stator 6 are interconnected as described below, and in this example, they are distributed in groups of eight coils per phase, for a total of 24 coils. Coil 1-A belonging to phase A is connected to coils 2-A, 3-A, 4-A, 5-A, 6-A, 7-A, and 8-A. Coil 1-B belonging to phase B is connected to coils 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-B, 7-B, and 8-B. Coil 1-C belonging to phase C is connected to coils 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-C, 6-C, 7-C, and 8-C.

[0019] Furthermore, the rotor magnet 14 of rotor 7 is placed on rotor yoke 20. In this example, the rotor includes 16 magnets. Coils are arranged on stator yoke such that the coils face the bottom side of the display panel, and the rotor magnets on rotor yoke are arranged such that the rotor magnets face the top side of the display panel. Thus, coil 13 and magnet 14 face each other, but the display panel is placed between the coils and magnets, while stator yoke 19 and rotor yoke 20 are opposite to each other. Thus, rotor magnet 14 is arranged on the display panel-facing side of rotor yoke 20 such that the south pole (S) or north pole (N) of a given magnet faces the display panel, while the other pole faces away from the display panel, and the rotor magnets are arranged alternately on rotor yoke 20 such that the south pole of every other rotor magnet 14 faces the display panel, while the north pole of every other rotor magnet 14 faces away from the display panel. The configuration of magnets and coils generates a rotating magnetic field, wherein the axis of rotation is parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation, which causes rotational motion on the rotor equipped with permanent magnets.

[0020] The number of rotor magnets can depend on many factors. One factor is keeping the physical dimensions of rotor 7 as small as possible for the purpose of the application. Another factor is the clearance between the stator and rotor. It is advantageous to keep the spatial clearance between the stator and rotor constant or substantially constant so that the dynamics of the system remain substantially unchanged during motor operation. Another factor is the magnetic field strength to achieve the dynamics and speed required for the application. The weight of rotor yoke 20 also affects the dynamics. The rotor weight is advantageously between 50 grams and 300 grams, or more specifically between 70 grams and 250 grams.

[0021] Figure 10and Figure 11 The rotor guide device 8 or guide system is shown in more detail. In this example, the rotor guide device includes three guide elements or wheel assemblies or systems 3, wherein each wheel assembly includes a rotating element 25, a wheel or washer, and a bearing 26, which in this example is a ball bearing. According to this example, a wheel assembly also includes an elastic or flexible arm 27 for lateral clearance compensation. In this case, the arm is configured as a spring. The wheels are preferably evenly or substantially evenly distributed along the periphery of the rotor 7. The rotor includes a track 29, which in this example is configured as a groove extending along the periphery of the rotor 7. Alternatively, the track 29 may be configured as a ridge. The outer surface of the track 29 is advantageously shaped to be complementary in form to the outer surface of the wheel 25. The track 29 may be integrally formed on the periphery of the rotor yoke, but as shown in this example, it is formed in a rim 30 having an annular shape, which is coupled to the rotor yoke 20. Thus, the rotor yoke 20 and the rim are modular elements.

[0022] Furthermore, the rotation axis of wheel 25 may be angled relative to the surface normal of the plane defined by the top surface of the rotor or the top surface of the display panel (i.e., the surface of the readable area). The surface perpendicular to the surface at point P is a vector perpendicular to the tangent plane of the surface at point P. Therefore, the wheels are configured to rotate relative to their respective wheel rotation axes, and wherein at least one wheel 25 is angled such that the wheel rotation axis of one or more wheels is not parallel to the surface normal of the plane defined by the bottom or top surface of rotor 7. Figure 11 The angle shown as angle α is a non-zero angle, meaning the surface normal and the axis of rotation of at least one wheel are not parallel to each other. Angle α is advantageously included between 0.5 degrees and 20 degrees, or more specifically between 1 degree and 10 degrees. Angled wheels help counteract the perpendicular (attractive) forces between the stator and rotor. These forces... Figure 11 The double-headed arrow indicates this. Therefore, when the angled wheel contacts the rotor 7, it applies a force to the rotor 7, causing at least one component of this force to be oriented away from the stator 6.

[0023] In this example, sensor system 9 includes two sensors: a first sensor 31 and a second sensor 32. These two sensors are used to ensure the accurate position and desired rotational speed of the rotor, thereby ensuring the pointer is within the readable area (information). In this example, the first sensor 31 is an optical sensor and is used to determine whether the rotor is at a rotational reference position, in this case, a unique position, using optical sensing methods. For this purpose, the rotor may include markings along its circumference indicating the location of the reference position. Therefore, this unique position can be detected due to the markings on the rotor. In this example, the second sensor 32 is a Hall effect sensor configured to use Hall effect physics to read the magnetic field emitted by the rotor magnet 14. A Hall effect sensor is a device for measuring the magnitude of a magnetic field. This Hall effect sensor relies on the Hall effect, a phenomenon where a voltage difference (Hall voltage) is generated across a conductor or semiconductor material when subjected to a magnetic field perpendicular to a current. This voltage difference is proportional to the magnetic field strength. This allows the second sensor to detect whether the rotor is rotating and the direction of rotation. The sensitivity of the sensor determines the resolution / accuracy of the rotor positioning. The rotation or rotation-related information detected by the two sensors is then fed into control module 10, which is configured to combine the information from the two sensors (e.g., if the information has not been previously combined by the sensors) to determine the rotation angle (position) of the rotor with an absolutely precise value. The control module is also configured to determine the rotor speed using a signal generated by a Hall effect sensor. Then, when the coil is selectively excited by feeding an electrical signal to coil 13 to control the rotor's rotation in the motor's dynamic mode, control module 10 considers the rotation-related information. The dynamic mode is a mode in which the rotor is driven to rotate by the stator according to instructions from control module 10. Therefore, the control module is configured to excite the coil based on the rotation-related information, and also based on information about the desired position of the pointer at a given time point. The control module can receive this information from another module not shown in the figure. It should be noted that sensor system 9 may optionally include more than two sensors to detect rotor rotation information (and more than two sensors also communicate data with control module 10), i.e., at least a third sensor, which may optionally also be a Hall effect sensor.

[0024] Figure 12A variation of stator 6 is shown. According to this variation, the motor can optionally provide a powerless position holding mode or a stable or static mode, during which the rotor is not allowed to rotate. In the event of a motor power failure, an embedded system ensures that the motor maintains the rotor's position without consuming energy. In this case, the embedded system includes a set of stator magnets 35. More specifically, additional permanent magnets (eight magnets in this example) are placed on the stator on the side facing the display panel 4 to generate a holding force (magnetic attraction), thereby holding the rotor and thus the pointer in place when the motor is powered off. The magnets are optionally placed in the coil core at equal or approximately equal intervals. These additional magnets 35 have no significant effect on the motor's dynamics during dynamic operation. In this example, the stator magnets are all oriented in the same direction. In other words, the north or south pole of the magnet faces the rotor (with the display panel positioned in between), while the other pole faces in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the rotor. The principle is that during static mode, the stator magnets 35 in the middle of the coil lock the rotor 7 in place due to the opposing attraction generated by the magnetic fields from the stator and rotor magnets. The magnetic field strength generated by the stator magnets is less than or significantly less than the magnetic field strength generated by the coil 13 when it is excited.

[0025] While the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary, not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other embodiments and variations in carrying out the claimed invention. Further variations can be obtained by combining the teachings of any of the foregoing examples.

[0026] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The fact that different features are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be advantageously used. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic motor system (3) for driving an indicator (16) in front of a display panel (4), the electromagnetic motor system (3) comprising: An electromagnetic motor (11) includes a stator (6) and a rotor (7), the stator (6) being positioned facing a first side of the display panel (4) and including a set of coils (13), the rotor (7) being positioned facing a second opposite side of the display panel (4) and being shaped as a closed loop or an open loop to allow a readable area on the second side of the display panel (4) to be seen at least through the inner region of the loop, the rotor (7) including a set of rotor magnets (14) placed along the loop. A guide device (8) is configured to hold the rotor (7) in a given position relative to the display panel (4) while allowing the rotor (7) to rotate relative to the rotor rotation axis (15); An indicator (16) is coupled to or integrally formed with the rotor (7) such that the indicator (16) is configured to rotate relative to the rotor rotation axis (15) when the rotor (7) rotates due to the excitation of the coil (13); A sensor system (9) configured to determine rotational information related to the rotor (7); and A control module (10) is configured to feed an electrical signal to the coil (13) based at least on the rotation-related information from the sensor system (9) to excite the coil (13).

2. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The indicator (16) is located inside the ring and points to the center of the ring.

3. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The guiding device (8) includes at least: a first guiding element, the first guiding element including a first rotating element (25) and a first bearing (26); a second guiding element, the second guiding element including a second rotating element (25) and a second bearing (26); and a third guiding element, the third guiding element including a third rotating element (25) and a third bearing (26), wherein the first, second and third rotating elements (25) are arranged along the periphery of the rotor (7).

4. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 3, wherein, The rotating element (25) is arranged approximately evenly along the periphery of the rotor (7).

5. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The rotating element (25) is a wheel (25) configured to rotate relative to a corresponding wheel axis of rotation, wherein at least one wheel (25) is angled such that the wheel axis of rotation of the one or more wheels is not parallel to the surface normal of the plane defined by the bottom or top surface of the rotor (7).

6. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 5, wherein, The corresponding bevel wheel (25) is angled such that when the corresponding bevel wheel contacts the rotor (7), it applies a force to the rotor (7) such that at least one component of the force is oriented away from the stator (6).

7. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor (7) includes a track (29) on its periphery, the track having grooves or ridges configured to contact the guide device (8).

8. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 7, wherein, The track (29) is shaped to be complementary in form to the outer surface of the rotating element (25) of the guide device (8).

9. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide device (8) includes a lateral clearance device (27) configured to allow the rotor (7) to move in a controlled manner in a direction generally parallel to a plane defined by the bottom or top surface of the rotor (7).

10. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor system (9) includes: a first sensor (31) configured to determine whether the rotor (7) is in a reference position; and a second sensor (32) configured to determine whether the rotor (7) is rotating and the direction of rotation of the rotor (7).

11. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 10, wherein, The first sensor (31) is an optical sensor, and the second sensor (32) is a Hall effect sensor.

12. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The stator (6) includes a set of stator magnets (35) to generate an attractive force between the stator magnets (35) and at least some rotor magnets (14), thereby ensuring that the rotor (7) remains stationary when the coil (13) is not energized.

13. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 12, wherein, The stator magnets (35) are placed along the stator (6) at equal or approximately equal intervals.

14. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The stator magnet (35) is placed at the coil core.

15. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The magnetic field strength generated by the stator magnet (35) is less than the magnetic field strength generated by the coil (13) when the coil is excited.

16. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The stator magnets (35) are oriented in the same direction such that the north or south pole of the stator magnets (35) faces the rotor (7), while the other pole faces the opposite direction away from the rotor (7).

17. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor magnet (14) is disposed on the stator-facing side of the rotor yoke (20) such that the south or north pole of a given magnet faces the stator (6), while the other pole faces away from the stator (6), and the rotor magnet (14) is disposed on the rotor yoke (20) in an alternating manner such that the south pole of every other rotor magnet (14) faces the stator (6), while the north pole of the other rotor magnet (14) faces the stator (6).

18. The electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The coil (13) is placed on the rotor-facing side of the stator yoke (19).

19. A display system (1) comprising an electromagnetic motor system (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a display panel (4) disposed between the stator (6) and the rotor (6).

20. The display system (1) according to claim 19, wherein, The display panel (4) is not perforated in the area directly below the ring and in the inner area of ​​the ring.

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