Winding and scale configuration for inductive position encoders
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITUTOYO CORP
- Filing Date
- 2018-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS
[0001] This application is a partial continuation of US patent application No. 15 / 850,457 entitled “WINDING AND SCALE CONFIGURATION FOR INDUCTIVE POSITION ENCODER”, which was filed on December 21, 2017, and a partial continuation of US patent application No. 15 / 245,560 entitled “WINDING CONFIGURATION FOR INDUCTIVE POSITION ENCODER”, which was filed on August 24, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. Technical field
[0002] This disclosure relates to measuring instruments and in particular inductive position encoders that can be used in precision measuring instruments. Description of the state of the art
[0003] Different encoder configurations can include various types of optical, capacitive, magnetic, and inductive displacement and / or position encoders. These transducers use different geometric configurations of a transmitter and receiver within a read head to measure the movement between the read head and a scale. Magnetic and inductive encoders are relatively robust against contamination, but not completely so.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 6,011,389 (the '389 patent) describes an inductive current position transducer usable in high-precision applications; U.S. Patents No. 5,973,494 (the '494 patent) and 6,002,250 (the '250 patent) describe incremental and inductive position calipers and linear scales with signal generation and processing circuits; and U.S. Patents No. 5,886,519 (the '519 patent), 5,841,274 (the '274 patent), and 5,894,678 (the '678 patent) describe inductive calipers and electronic measuring tapes with an inductive current transducer. U.S. Patent No. 7,906,958 ('958 patent) describes an induction current position converter usable in high-precision applications, wherein a scale having two parallel halves and a plurality of transmitting coil and receiving coil sets attenuates certain signal offset components that could otherwise produce errors in an induction current position converter.The '958 patent, however, requires an unconventional scale and shows only schematic coil layouts. As such, its teachings, while useful, pertain to signals generated by "ideal" sensors or at least "identical" sensors. Certain manufacturing problems and / or limitations that typically result in "non-ideal" sensors and arise from practical layout, manufacturing, and cost constraints are not addressed and / or resolved. These problems and the associated design factors are discussed in more detail below.
[0005] All of the patents listed above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As described in these patents, an induction current transformer can be manufactured using printed circuit board technology and is therefore largely insensitive to contamination.
[0006] However, such systems may be limited in their ability to provide certain combinations of features desired by users, such as compact size, signal strength, high resolution, low cost, practical layout, and robustness against misalignment and contamination. Therefore, encoder configurations that enable improved combinations are desirable. SUMMARY
[0007] This summary serves to present, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are described in more detail below. It is not intended to define the main features of the claimed subject matter, nor to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] An electronic position sensor is provided for measuring the relative position between two elements along a measurement axis direction corresponding to an x-axis direction. In various implementations, the electronic position sensor comprises a scale and a detector section. In some implementations, a signal processing configuration can be operatively connected to the detector section to provide a control signal (e.g., from a field-generating coil configuration) and determine the relative position between the detector section and the scale pattern based on the detector signals input from the detector section (e.g., from a scanning coil configuration). In other implementations, the signal processing configuration can be integrated with the detector section (e.g., as a circuit on a printed circuit board used as the substrate for the detector section).In other implementations, the signal processing configuration may include external circuits connected to the detector section via a plug connector.
[0009] The scale runs along the measurement axis and comprises a signal-modulating scale pattern with a first and a second pattern track arranged parallel to each other. Each pattern track includes field-attenuating elements, which locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively greater extent, and field-maintaining elements, which locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively lesser extent or locally amplify the changing magnetic flux. The field-attenuating and field-maintaining elements are offset along the x-axis in a periodic pattern that has a spatial wavelength W.
[0010] The detector section is configured to be mounted near the pattern tracks and to move along the measurement axis relative to the pattern tracks. In various implementations, the detector section comprises a field-generating coil configuration and a scanning coil configuration.
[0011] The field-generating coil configuration comprises at least one field-generating loop, which may be mounted on a substrate. The field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide, in response to a coil control signal, a first changing magnetic flux in a first inner region aligned with the first pattern track, and a second changing magnetic flux in a second inner region aligned with the second pattern track.
[0012] The sampling coil configuration comprises a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track. In various implementations, according to known principles and depending on the desired signal processing and position measurement techniques to be used in conjunction with the detector section, the sampling coil configuration can also include "additional" (e.g., second, third, fourth, etc.) coil configurations for sampling the spatial phase of the first and second tracks, analogous to the first coil configurations for sampling the spatial phase of the first and second tracks.
[0013] The first coil configuration for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first track is arranged in the first inner region and comprises a set of N positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones that repeat along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W, and a set of N negatively polarized windings distributed in negatively polarized winding zones that alternate with the positively polarized winding zones and repeat along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W. N is an integer that is at least 2.The windings with positive and negative polarity each respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux provided by adjacent field-attenuating or field-maintaining elements, and provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the first track, which is provided by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track.The first coil configuration for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track is arranged in the second inner region and comprises a set of M positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones that repeat along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W, and a set of M negatively polarized windings distributed in negatively polarized winding zones that alternate with the positively polarized winding zones and repeat along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W. M is an integer that is at least 2.The windings with positive and negative polarity each respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux provided by adjacent field-attenuating or field-maintaining elements, and provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the second track, which is provided by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track.
[0014] In contrast to prior art configurations (e.g., as disclosed in the '958 patent), the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track each define a first and a second sampling span along the x-axis direction, and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track are not symmetrical to each other with respect to a boundary line along the x-axis direction between the first and second sample tracks. This results in certain practical design freedoms and other advantages, which are described in more detail below.
[0015] In contrast to prior art configurations (e.g., as disclosed in the '958 patent), in various embodiments the periodic pattern of the second pattern track is aligned with the first pattern track or offset from it by a scale pattern offset STO, which is not equal to 0.5*W, along the x-axis direction (where W is the scale pattern wavelength or division).
[0016] In various embodiments, the electronic position sensor A) or B) is configured according to, wherein: The field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide a changing magnetic flux with opposite polarities in the first inner area along the first pattern track and in the second inner area along the second pattern track; and A) Starting from a starting point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track also has the first winding polarity, and the initial windings along the first and second tracks are offset from each other by a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x-axis direction.
[0017] Or: B) The field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide a changing magnetic flux of the same polarity in the first inner area along the first pattern track and in the second inner area along the second pattern track; and Starting from a starting point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity, and the initial windings along the first and second tracks are offset from each other by a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x-axis direction.
[0018] In various embodiments according to A) or B), N can be equal to M. In various embodiments according to A) or B), the scale pattern offset STO can be in the range of 0 ± 0.25 W. In some embodiments according to A) or B), the scale pattern offset STO can be zero, which corresponds to the configuration of a conventional scale. In various embodiments according to A) or B), the windings of the first coil for sensing the spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks comprise conductors fabricated in layers of a printed circuit board, the conductors having vias connecting different layers of the printed circuit board, and the portions of the windings located in the first and second inner regions lacking vias.
[0019] In various embodiments according to A) or B), the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are combined to produce a combined first spatial phase signal. In some such embodiments, the respective windings of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track comprise respective sections of a continuous conductor, and the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are inherently combined in the continuous conductor to produce the combined first spatial phase signal.In other such embodiments, a signal processing circuit as described above can be operatively connected to the detector section, and the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are connected to inputs of the signal processing circuit and are combined by signal processing to produce a combined first spatial phase signal.
[0020] In various embodiments according to A), and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and its final winding has a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity. In such a case, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the first winding polarity, and its final winding has a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity.
[0021] In various other embodiments according to A), and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings having the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.In such a case, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.
[0022] In various embodiments according to B), and starting from an initial point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and its final winding has a second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity. In such a case, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has a second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding has the first winding polarity.
[0023] In various other embodiments according to B), and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings having the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.In such a case, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding also has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the first winding polarity.
[0024] The basic combinations of the design features disclosed above are sufficient to eliminate certain design limitations deemed necessary in the prior art (e.g., in the '958 patent) to compensate for or neutralize certain "offset" signal components in inductive encoders. For example, the '958 patent requires an unconventional scale that is not widely used (that is, a scale with two parallel tracks in which the scale pattern is offset from each other by half its scale division). Such a scale has disadvantages in terms of cost and availability and is not compatible with other detector types. Advantageously, unconventional or conventional scales with various corresponding embodiments disclosed herein can be used. As another example, the prior art (e.g.,The '958 patent presupposes perfect symmetry in the two symmetrical halves of the detector section, which are aligned along two parallel scale tracks. However, it fails to account for layout and routing asymmetries that may arise due to practical layout, manufacturing, or production constraints, leading to various signal asymmetries and preventing the neutralization of the "signal offset." This is especially true when considering coil configurations with multiple "spatial phases" superimposed in the same area, in contrast to the simple "single-phase" schematics shown in the '958 patent. This is particularly true for comparatively longer detector designs, which may require many small-dimensioned scanning loops to achieve high resolution and sufficient signal levels.Advantageously, the various design principles of the detector section disclosed herein offer a greater number of practical layout and manufacturing alternatives, and potential signal asymmetries that might otherwise arise due to practical layout and manufacturing constraints can be reduced to a negligible level according to the layout principles and features disclosed herein.
[0025] Advantageously, the various detector section design principles disclosed herein also offer alternatives for overcoming position measurement errors caused by “dynamic division effects,” such as those described in U.S. Patents 5,998,990 and 7,239,130 (the '990 patent and the '130 patent, respectively), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The design principles and features disclosed herein may be used individually or in combination with those disclosed in the '990 patent and / or the '130 patent to, for example, reduce and / or neutralize errors caused by “dynamic division effects,” while at the same time allowing the use of conventional scales and / or more cost-effective detector section design configurations, even for fine-division and / or high-resolution position encoders. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 is an isometric expanded schematic view of a hand tool type caliper that uses an electronic position sensor with a detector section and a scale. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view, representing a first exemplary implementation of a detector section that can be used in an electronic position transmitter. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing a second exemplary implementation of a detector section that can be used in an electronic position transmitter. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric schematic representation that shows a first exemplary implementation of an end section of a field-generating coil configuration of a detector section. Fig. Figure 5 is an isometric schematic representation that shows a second exemplary implementation of an end section of a field-generating coil configuration of a detector section. Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram that represents an exemplary implementation of components of a measuring system with an electronic position sensor. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing a third exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing a fourth exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic top view showing a fifth exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic top view showing a sixth exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic top view representing a seventh exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic top view representing an eighth exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic top view representing a ninth exemplary implementation of a detector section and a compatible scale pattern that can be used in an electronic position encoder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Fig. Figure 1 is an isometric, expanded schematic view of a caliper. 100 of the type of hand tool, which has a scale element 102 , which includes a rod with an approximately rectangular cross-section and a scale 170 features, and a sliding arrangement 120 includes. In different implementations, the scale can be 170 along the measuring axis MA (e.g., in an x-axis direction) and a signal-modulating scale pattern 180 include a top layer 172 of a known type (e.g. 100 µm thick) the scale 170 cover. thighs 108 and 110near a first end of the scale element 102 and movable legs 116 and 118 on the slide arrangement 120 are used to measure the dimensions of objects in a known way. The slider arrangement 120 A depth rod can be optionally attached. 126 include those below the scale element 102 through an end stop 154 in a depth rod groove 152 is being held back. The free end 128 The depth probe can extend into a hole to measure its depth. A cover 139 the slide arrangement 120 can have an on / off switch 134 , a zero position switch 136 and a measuring display 138 include a base 140 the slide arrangement 120 has a guiding edge 142 on, which has a side edge 146 of the scale element 102 is in contact, and screws 147tension an elastic pressure beam 148 against an opposite edge of the scale element 102 to ensure correct alignment for measuring and moving a read head section 164 relative to the scale 170 to ensure.
[0027] One based on 140 mounted scanning arrangement 160 contains the read head section 164 , which in this implementation is a substrate 162 (e.g. a printed circuit board) that includes a detector section 167 with a field-generating coil configuration and a group of scanning elements (e.g., a common field-generating and scanning winding configuration) that runs along the measuring axis direction MA are arranged, and a signal processing configuration 166 (e.g., a control circuit). Between the cover 139 and the substrate 162 can an elastic seal 163It must be compressed to keep contaminants away from the circuits and connections. The detector section 167 may be covered with an insulating coating.
[0028] In a specific illustrative example, the detector section 167 parallel to the scale 170 and be arranged opposite this, and a front surface of the detector section 167 , which of the scale 170 Opposite, can be separated from the scale by a gap on the order of 0.5 mm along the depth direction (Z). 170 (and / or the scale pattern) 180 ) be separate. Together, the read head section can be 164 and the scale 170a transducer as part of an electronic position sensor. In one implementation, the transducer can be an eddy current transducer that works by generating changing magnetic fields, with the changing magnetic fields being incorporated into some of the signal-modulating elements of the scale pattern. 180 , which are arranged within a changing magnetic field, induce circulating currents known as eddy currents, as described in more detail below. It should be noted that the in Fig. 1 caliper shown 100One of several applications that typically implement an electronic position sensor has evolved over the years to provide a relatively optimized combination of compact size, low power consumption (e.g., for long battery life), high measurement resolution and accuracy, low cost, and robustness against contamination, among other factors. Even small improvements in these factors are highly desirable but difficult to achieve, especially due to the design constraints imposed to achieve commercial success in various applications. The principles revealed in the following description enable improvements in some of these factors in a particularly cost-effective and compact manner.
[0029] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a first exemplary implementation, which is located in the electronic position sensor or the like, which is in Fig. 1 is shown as the detector section 167 and signal-modulating scale pattern 180 usable. Fig. Figure 2 can be viewed as partly representational and partly schematic. An enlarged section of the detector section. 167 and the scale pattern 180 is in the lower part of Fig. 2 shown. Fig. 2. The various elements described below are represented by their shape or outline and their superimposition to highlight certain geometric relationships. It is understood that different elements may be located on different manufacturing layers, arranged as needed on different planes along the z-axis direction to provide different working distances and / or insulating layers, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following description and / or as further described below. Fig. 4 described in more detail. It should be noted that the x -Axles-, y -Axis and / or z-axis dimensions of one or more elements in the drawings of this disclosure may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0030] The depicted part of the scale pattern 180 includes signal modulating elements (SMEs) that are represented by a dashed outline and are on the scale 170 (in Fig. (shown in Figure 1) are arranged. The ends, in the y-direction, of most signal modulating elements (SMEs) are located in the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment below the first and second elongated sections EP1 and EP2 hidden. It should be noted that the scale pattern 180 during operation relative to the detector section 167 moved, as if from Fig. 1 can be seen.
[0031] In the example of Fig. 2 shows the scale pattern180 a scale pattern nominal width measure NSPWD along a y- axis direction perpendicular to x -axis is stationary and includes signal-modulating individual elements SME, which are positioned at regular intervals along the measurement axis direction. MA (e.g., a x -axis direction accordingly). In general, the scale pattern can be 180 However, various alternative spatially modulated patterns may be included, including single elements or one or more continuous pattern element(s), provided that the pattern has a spatial characteristic that changes according to the position along the x-axis direction in order to provide position-dependent detector signals (in some embodiments also referred to as detector signal components), the known methods accordingly in the scanning elements SEN (e.g. SEN14 ) of the detector section 167 appear.
[0032] In various implementations, the detector section 167 configured to be near the scale pattern 180 to be mounted and to be aligned along the measuring axis MA relative to the scale pattern 180 to move. The detector section comprises a field-generating coil configuration (FGC) and a plurality of scanning elements, which in various embodiments can assume different alternative configurations, used in combination with various corresponding signal processing methods, as is understandable to the person skilled in the art. Fig. Figure 2 shows a representative single set of scanning elements SEN1 - SEN24 , which in this particular embodiment comprises scanning loop elements (alternatively referred to as scanning coil elements or scanning winding elements) connected in series. In this embodiment, adjacent loop elements are connected by a configuration of conductors on different layers of the printed circuit board, the known methods according to (e.g. as in Fig. (4 shown) are connected by vias such that they have opposite winding polarities. That is, if a first loop responds to a changing magnetic field with a detector signal contribution of positive polarity, the adjacent loops respond with a detector signal contribution of negative polarity. In this particular embodiment, the scanning elements are connected in series so that their detector signals or signal contributions are summed, and at the detector signal output terminals SDS1 and SDS2 A "summed" detector signal is output to a signal processing configuration (not shown). Even if Fig. Figure 2, for the sake of simplicity, shows a single set of scanning elements. It is understood by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments it is advantageous to configure the detector to have one or more additional sets of scanning elements in a different spatial phase orientation (e.g., to provide quadrature signals). It should be noted, however, that the configurations of scanning elements described here are only exemplary and not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, individual scanning element loops can output individual signals to a corresponding signal processing configuration, as disclosed, for instance, in the jointly transmitted, concurrently pending US patent application No. 15 / 199,723, filed on June 30, 2016, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In general, various known scanning element configurations can be combined in different embodiments with the principles disclosed and claimed herein for use with various known scale patterns and signal processing systems.
[0033] The various scanning elements and the field-generating coil configuration FGC can be on a substrate (e.g. substrate) 162 from Fig. 1) be attached. The field-generating coil configuration FGC can be described as an interior area. INTA described surrounding, which has a coil area nominal length dimension NCALD along the x-axis direction and a coil area nominal width dimension von etwa YSEP along the y -axis direction. In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration (FGC) can comprise a single turn, which defines the interior area. INTA surrounds. In operation, the field-generating coil configuration creates FGC indoors INTA a changing magnetic flux in response to a coil control signal.
[0034] In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration can be FGC an entrance section INP , a first and a second oblong section EP1 and EP2 and a terminal section EDP (e.g., as in Fig. 4 and / or 5 disclosed and implemented) comprise. The input section INP has a first and a second connecting section. CP1 and CP2 on, which receives a coil control signal from a signal processing configuration (e.g., the signal processing configuration) 166 from Fig. 1 or the signal processing configuration 766 from Fig. 6, etc.) connect to the field-generating coil configuration FGC. The first and second connection sections CP1 and CP2 They can be connected to the signal processing configuration via printed circuit board vias or the like, and in some embodiments the connections can also be shielded using principles such as those disclosed below with respect to the end section EDP. The first and second elongated sections EP1 and EP2 They each run adjacent to one side of the interior. INTA along the x -Axis direction and have a track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD along the y-axis direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the nominal width dimension that creates the track is NGTWD for EP1 and EP2 the same, however, this is not necessary in all embodiments. The final section EDP (e.g., as in Fig. 4 and / or 5 revealed and implemented) spans the distance in the y-Axis direction between the first and the second elongated section EP1 and EP2 , which corresponds to the nominal coil width dimension YSEP corresponds to being near one end of the interior INTA to establish a connection between them. In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC advantageously configured according to the principles disclosed herein with a design ratio in which each track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD at least 0.1 times the nominal width of the coil area YSEP is. In some implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC be configured in such a way that each track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width of the coil area YSEP is. In some implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC be configured in such a way that each track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD at least 25 times the skin depth of the elongated sections EP1 and EP2 at a nominal operating frequency that is defined according to the detector signals occurring in response to the changing magnetic flux.
[0035] The scanning elements SEN1 - SEN24 are along the x-axis direction (e.g., the measurement axis direction) MA accordingly) arranged and on the substrate (e.g. substrate 162 from Fig. 1) attached. In the example of Fig. 2 indicates each of the scanning elements SEN a scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD along the y -axis direction, whereby at least a large part of the scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD in the coil area nominal width dimension YSEP is contained along the y-axis direction. The scanning elements SEN are configured to provide detector signals that respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux passing through an adjacent signal-modulating section of the scale pattern 180 (e.g. one or more signal modulating elements) SME ) of the scale 170 A signal processing configuration (e.g., the signal processing configuration) is provided. 166 from Fig. 1 or the signal processing configuration 766 from Fig. 6 etc.) can be configured to determine the position of the majority of scanning elements. SEN1 - SEN24 relative to the scale 170 based on the detector section 167 to determine the input detector signals. In general, the field-generating coil configuration (FGC) and the scanning elements can be used. SEN1 - SEN24 or similar known principles (e.g. for inductive value transmitters) as described in the reference documents included here.
[0036] In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC and the scanning elements SEN isolated from each other (e.g., arranged in different layers of a printed circuit board, etc.). In such an implementation, the nominal sampling width is NSEWD at least one scanning element SEN advantageously larger than the coil area nominal width dimension YSEP and extends by an amount that is called the coverage dimension OD is defined by an inner edge IE at least one of the elongated sections EP1 or EP2 Furthermore, the field-generating coil configuration can FGC advantageously be configured such that each track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD In various embodiments, it is larger than the corresponding coverage dimension OD. In different implementations, the elongated sections can EP1 and EP2 be manufactured on a first layer of a printed circuit board, and the scanning elements SEN can include conductor loops that are manufactured in one or more layers of the printed circuit board, which are at least in the vicinity of the coverage area OD include a different layer than the first layer.
[0037] In various implementations, the substrate can comprise a printed circuit board, and the field-generating coil configuration FGC can conductor tracks (e.g. including the elongated sections) EP1 and EP2 ) which are manufactured on the printed circuit board. In various implementations, the scanning elements can SEN Magnetic flux scanning loops are formed by conductive traces fabricated on the printed circuit board. As shown above. Fig. 1. As described with reference, the detector section 167It may be included in various implementations in measuring instruments of different types (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges, linear scales, etc.). The detector section 167 It can, for example, be attached to a sliding element, and the scale pattern 180 can be attached to a support element whose measuring axis is connected to a x -axis direction coincides. In such a configuration, the sliding element can be movably mounted on the support element and aligned along the measuring axis direction. MA be movable in a plane that runs along the x -axis direction and a y -axis direction runs, whereby a z -Axis direction is orthogonal to this plane.
[0038] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing a second exemplary implementation of a detector section. 367 represents the one in the Fig. 1 shown electronic position sensor or the like as detector section 167 usable. The detector section 367 exhibits features and components similar to those of the detector section 167 from Fig. 2 correspond, and its construction and operation are configured to fulfill various design principles disclosed and claimed herein. In particular, the elements that are in Fig. 3. are designated by reference signs, which are marked with an apostrophe, the elements that are in Fig. 2 are designated by corresponding reference marks without an apostrophe, and also have the same operating principle, unless otherwise specified below.
[0039] The main difference between the designs of Fig. 3 and Fig. 2 is that the detector section 367 along the y -Axis direction is narrower than the detector section 167, which results in the scale pattern nominal width measure NSPWD is considerably larger than the nominal width of the scanning element NSEWD' and other y -Axis dimensions of the detector section 367 In a specific implementation, the sample element nominal width dimension can be NSEWD' for example, about 2 / 3 or less of the scale pattern nominal width measurement NSPWD In various implementations, such configurations can relate to a lateral movement of the detector section. 367 compared to the scale pattern 180 leading to a greater lateral offset tolerance.
[0040] Notwithstanding this difference, other features of the detector section may 367 those of the detector section 167 correspond. For example, each of the scanning elements can SEN' a scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD' along the y-axis direction, with at least a large part of the scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD' along the y -Axis direction in the coil area nominal width dimension YSEP' is included. In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC' comprises the first and second elongated sections. EP1 ' and EP2 'as well as an end section EDP' (e.g. as in Fig. 4 and / or 5 revealed and implemented), all of which have the same configuration as the corresponding elements of the detector section. 167 They may have. In some implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC' be configured in such a way that the track-generating nominal width dimension NGTWD' at least 0.10 times, at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width of the coil area YSEP' other characteristics and / or interpretive relationships may also correspond to those referring to Fig. 2 were described, if desired.
[0041] With regard to the exemplary configurations of the detector sections described above. 167 and 367 It should be noted that certain state-of-the-art systems for field-generating coil configurations have comparatively narrower paths and / or a comparatively larger internal area (e.g., a larger area). INTA and / or a larger nominal coil width dimension YSEP ) have used. That is to say, in certain prior art systems, it was generally considered desirable to have a relatively high inductance for the associated detector section elements so that the system would have a Q-factor high enough to be in resonance for a relatively long period of time, which was considered advantageous with respect to the signal processing and measurement techniques used. In contrast, according to the principles disclosed here, a larger path width is used (e.g., at the expense of the INTA and / or YSEP with an overall external dimension of the detector in the y(-axis direction, which is limited by the respective application), resulting in a comparatively lower inductance and also a smaller overall impedance, where a larger current can flow in a comparatively shorter time (e.g., to obtain a stronger signal) and resonance can be reached for a desired measurement time. As above regarding the detector sections. 167 and 367 As mentioned, in various implementations each track-generating nominal width dimension is NGTWD at least 0.10 times, at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width of the coil area YSEP . In certain implementations, the nominal coil width dimension can be used as a specific example value. YSEP in the range of 2.0 mm, 8.0 mm or 10 mm, and each track-producing nominal width dimension NGTWD can be on the order of at least approximately 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm, 1.00 mm, or larger. These are comparable to web widths in certain prior art systems, which were on the order of 0.10 mm. Configurations such as those disclosed here were chosen in some cases to achieve detector signal levels that exceed the signal level of comparable prior art configurations by a factor of 1.5 or more, and in some cases by a factor of 3 or more, if a comparable control signal is input into the field-generating coil configuration.
[0042] Regarding the exemplary configurations of the detector sections 167 and 367 and the like can be the scanning elements SEN (e.g. the area-enclosing loop or coil elements, as in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown) offer certain advantages (e.g., higher gain, etc.) over conventional scanning elements in various implementations when configured according to a principle disclosed here for maximum signal amplification, in which the amount of a region receiving the scanning element field, which is equipped with a field-generating coil configuration FGC (e.g., in INTA ) coincides with or lies in being comparatively maximized, while the amount of the area receiving the scanning element field that lies outside the conductors forming a field-generating coil configuration FGC (e.g., along the y-axis direction) is comparatively minimized. It should be noted that the in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 scan elements shown SEN an overlap measure OD exhibit the above-described design conditions that are consistent with this principle. For example, any track-creating nominal width dimension can NGTWD greater than the corresponding coverage dimension OD be done.
[0043] Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric schematic “wireframe” model, representing a first exemplary implementation of a terminal section. EDP represents a field-generating coil configuration FGC, which is located in a detector section 467 according to the principles disclosed and claimed herein. It should be noted that the elements of the detector section 467 the elements of the detector section 167 from Fig. 2, which are designated with the same reference numerals, are designed and operated accordingly, and are generally to be understood analogously. The detector section 467 includes the field-generating coil configuration (FGC) and the majority of scanning elements SEN1 - SEN24 (in Fig. 4 are representative sampling elements SEN17 - SEN24 (shown). The field-generating coil configuration FGC comprises the first and second elongated sections. EP1 and EP2 as well as the terminal section EDP, is on a substrate (e.g. the substrate 162 from Fig. 1) fastens and surrounds the interior INTA .
[0044] In various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC and the scanning elements SEN isolated from each other, for example by being arranged in different layers of a printed circuit board (the layer structure is in Fig. 4 not explicitly shown). In Fig. 4. The various labeled Z-coordinates are to be understood as corresponding to or identifying the respective surfaces of different printed circuit board (PCB) layers, even if other manufacturing processes are possible. The elements SME of the scale pattern 180 lie on a surface of the (in Fig. 1 shown) scale 170 at a Z-coordinate Zsme. It is understood that the scale 170 from the printed circuit board (PCB) that holds the elements of the detector section 467 wears, is separated. In the in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 4 features the PCB a front surface (e.g. a front surface of an insulating coating) that lies on a Z-coordinate Zfs.
[0045] Between the Z-coordinate Zsme of the scale element and the Z -Coordinate Zfs of the front surface, there is a working distance. The elongated sections EP1 and EP2 can be applied to a PCB layer surface with a Z- The scanning elements (SEN) must be manufactured with Z coordinates and covered with the insulating coating. The scanning elements can comprise interconnected conductor loop sections located on the respective PCB layer surfaces with Z coordinates. ZseL1 and ZseL2 The conductor loop sections can be connected between the layers by vias, allowing the conductors to cross over each other while connecting the signal contributions of the scanning elements in series and providing respective signal contribution polarities, as previously described.
[0046] The first and second elongated sections EP1 and EP2 each run along the x -axis direction and lie along a z-axis direction that is perpendicular to the x- axle and y -axis is located at a nominal z-distance EPZD= (Zep-Zsme) of the elongated section from the front surface of the PCB of the detector section 467 , which corresponds to the scale pattern 180 opposite. As mentioned above, the end section EDP comprises a conductor spanning a distance in the y-axis direction equal to the coil area nominal width YSEP between the first and second elongated sections. EP1 and EP2 This corresponds to establishing a connection between them near one end of the INTA interior area. In the embodiment described in Fig. As shown in section 4, the end section EDP comprises a shielded end section SES, which is connected to a respective printed circuit board layer surface with a Z- The coordinate Zses lies at a nominal z-distance SESZD=(Zses-Zfs) of the shielded end section from the front surface of the PCB of the detector section. 467 lies, where the z-distance SESZD the shielded end section is larger than the z-distance EPZD of the elongated section. A first connection section CNP1 (e.g., a PCB via) connects the first elongated section. EP1 with a first end of the shielded end section SES, and a second connecting section CNP2 (e.g., a PCB via) connects the second elongated section EP2 with a second end of the shielded end section SES.
[0047] In the implementation, which in Fig. As shown in section 4, the detector section includes 467 in addition, a conductive shielding area CSR (e.g., a conductive surface area that is in Fig. 4 (represented by somewhat arbitrarily placed dashed "border lines"), runs along the x-axis and y-axis directions and nominally lies on a respective PCB layer surface with a Z-coordinate Zcsr, which is at a nominal z-distance SRZD=(Zcsr-Zfs) of the shielding area from the front surface of the PCB of the detector section. 467 In various implementations, the z-distance SRZD of the shielding area is smaller than the z-distance. SESZD of the shielded end section, and the conductive shielding area CSR lies between at least part of the shielded end section SES and the front surface of the PCB of the detector section467 The conductive shielding area CSR can represent a section of an extensive mass surface layer in the PCB of the detector section 467 It may encompass, or in some embodiments it may comprise a single area. The conductive shielding area CSR can include through holes, so that the first and second connecting sections CNP1 (e.g. PCB vias) from the conductive shielding area CSR are separated or isolated.
[0048] In general, the field components that are used in previously known configurations for the end sections of field-generating coil configurations (e.g., end sections that extend along the y-The field components generated by the end sections (in the direction of the axis) lead to error components in the detector signals of the nearest scanning elements – a so-called “end effect.” Attempts have been made to mitigate this end effect through “conical end configurations” in the detector and / or by placing the end sections far from the end scanning elements. However, these approaches undesirably reduce the signal strength or increase the x-axis dimension of the detector, or both. In contrast, the shielding configuration shown above tends to reduce the field component generated by the end sections and / or prevent it from reaching the signal modulating elements (SMEs). The field component coupled to the nearest scanning elements is therefore smaller and / or nearly constant, regardless of the scale position, thus significantly mitigating the end effect.
[0049] As mentioned above, the elongated sections can EP1 and EP2 In various implementations, the shielded end section (SES) can be manufactured on a first layer of a printed circuit board, and the conductive shielding area CSR is manufactured on a layer of the circuit board that is closer to the front surface of the detector (e.g. the front surface of a PCB (of the detector) lies as the second layer of the circuit board. In such an implementation, the conductive shielding area CSR It may be manufactured on a layer of the printed circuit board located between the first and second layers. In such a configuration, the conductive shielding region (CSR) can comprise at least one section of a ground plane layer of the printed circuit board, with the ground plane located between the first and second layers. In one implementation, a connection (e.g., as part of the first or second connection section) may be CNP1 or CNP2 ) between an elongated section EP1 or EP2 and the shielded end section SES include a PCB via that runs along the z-axis direction. In such a configuration, the conductive shielding area CSR can be fabricated on a layer of the PCB located between the first and second layers, and the PCB via can pass through an opening fabricated in the conductive shielding area CSR.
[0050] Fig. Figure 5 is an isometric schematic “wire model” representing a second exemplary implementation of an end section EDP” of a field-generating coil configuration FGC” located in a detector section 567 according to the principles disclosed and claimed herein. It should be noted that the elements of the detector section 567 the elements of the detector section 167 from Fig. 2 and / or of the detector section 467 from Fig. 4, which are provided with the same reference numerals, are designed and operated accordingly and are generally to be understood analogously.
[0051] In Fig. 5 are the different labeled Z-coordinates as in Fig. 4. To be understood as corresponding to or identifying the respective surfaces of different printed circuit board (PCB) layers, although other manufacturing processes are possible. The elements SME of the scale pattern 180 lie on a surface of the (in Fig. 1 shown) scale 170 at a z-coordinate Zsme. The detector section 567 has a front surface (e.g., a front surface of an insulating coating on a PCB of the detector section) 567 ) on, which is attached to a Z The Z-coordinate Zfs lies between the Z-coordinate Zsme of the scale element and the Z-Coordinate Zfs of the front surface, there is a working distance. The elongated sections EP1 and EP2 can be applied to a PCB layer surface with a Z -Coordinate Zep manufactured and covered by the insulating coating. The SEN scanning elements can comprise interconnected conductor loop sections that are connected to the respective PCB layer surfaces. Z- Coordinates ZseL1 and ZseL2 lie, which, as before, in relation to the detector section 467 are described as connected.
[0052] The first and second elongated sections EP1 and EP2 lie in a z -Distance EPZD=(Zep-Zsme) of the elongated section from the front surface of the detector section 567 , which corresponds to the scale pattern 180 opposite. As in the detector section 467The end section EDP comprises a conductor track spanning a distance in the y-axis direction corresponding to the nominal coil area width. YSEP between the first and the second elongated section EP1 and EP2 corresponds to being near one end of the interior INTA to establish a connection between them. In the embodiment described in Fig. As shown in section 5, the final section includes EDP "a shielded end section SES ", which is arranged on a respective printed circuit board layer surface with a Z-coordinate Zses" that is at a nominal z-distance SESZD"=(Zses"-Zfs) of the shielded end section from the front surface of the detector section 567 lies, where the z-distance SESZD " of the shielded end section is greater than the z-distance EPZD of the elongated section. A first connecting section CNP1 (e.g. with a PCB through-hole) CNP1A and a conductor track CNP1B ) connects the first elongated section EP1 with a first end of the shielded end section SES , and a second connecting section CNP2 (e.g. with a PCB through-hole) CNP2A and a conductor track CNP2B ) connects the second elongated section EP2 with a second end of the shielded end section SES.
[0053] In the implementation, which in Fig. As shown in section 4, the detector section includes 567 in addition, a conductive shielding area CSR" (e.g., a conductive surface area that is in Fig. 5 (shown by dashed border lines), which runs along the x -axles- and y- The axis direction runs and is nominally located on a respective PCB layer surface with a Z-coordinate Zcsr" lies at a nominal z-distance SRZD"=(Zcsr"-Zfs) of the shielding area from the front surface of the PCB of the detector section 467 In various implementations, the z-distance SRZD" of the shielding area is smaller than the z-distance. SESZD "of the shielded end section, and the conductive shielding area CSR " lies between at least part of the shielded end section SES "and the front surface of the PCB of the detector section 567 . To the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 5, it should be noted that the shielding area CSR "In some implementations, on the same surface as the elongated sections" EP1 and EP2 can be located if desired (that is, Zcsr"=Zep and EPZD=SRZD", if desired). Furthermore, in such an implementation, the shielded end section SES" and the conductor tracks can be located CNP1B and CNP2B They lie on the same surface(s) as those used for the SEN scanning elements, if desired (i.e., Zses"=ZseL1 or Zses"=ZseL2, etc., if desired). In such implementations, a PCB of the detector section can be used. 567 comprise fewer layers and / or be thinner along the z-axis direction than the detector section 467 In any case, the shielded configuration of the end section EDP" reduces the effect in the detector section. 567 End effects in a manner that differs from the previous one in relation to the final section EDP in the detector section 467 corresponds to the described.
[0054] With regard to the exemplary detector sections described above 467 and 567It should be noted that the conductive shielding area(s) CSR (CSR") can reduce the effect (e.g., on the changing magnetic flux) of the shielded end section SES on the scanning elements SEN, at least partially based on the relative layer position of the shielded end section SES (which is, for example, located on a different PCB layer, etc.) compared to the layer position of the elongated sections. EP1 and EP2 of the field-generating coil configuration FGC. Such configurations can enable the use of conductive shielding areas CSR (CSR") and allow a shorter overall x-axis dimension for the field-generating coil configuration FGC (where the end section EDP, for example, does not have to be so far away from the scanning elements SEN to avoid influencing the detector signals that occur in response to the changing magnetic flux, etc.).
[0055] Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an exemplary implementation of components of a measurement system. 700 represents an electronic position sensor 710 includes. It should be noted that certain components of Fig. 6, which are marked with reference numerals 7XX, components of Fig. 1, which may be designated with reference numeral 1XX and / or may have a corresponding mode of operation, unless otherwise described below. The electronic position transmitter 710 includes a scale 770 and a detector section 767 , which together form a converter, and a signal processing configuration 766 In different implementations, the detector section can 767 one of the configurations that referred to above Fig. 2 - Fig. 6 described, or exhibit other configurations. The measuring system 700This also includes user interfaces such as a display. 738 and control switches 734 and 736 and can also provide a power supply 765 They may also include an external data interface in various implementations. 732 It should be included. All these elements are part of the signal processing configuration. 766 (or signal processing and control circuitry) connected, which may be implemented as a signal processor. The signal processing configuration 766 determines the position of the scanning elements of the detector section. 767 relative to the scale 770 based on the detector section 767 Entered detector signals.
[0056] In different implementations, the signal processing configuration can be 766 from Fig. 6 (and / or the signal processing configuration) 166 from Fig.1) Include one or more processor(s) that execute software to perform the functions described herein. Processors include programmable general-purpose or specialized microprocessors, programmable logic controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), etc., or a combination of such components. Software may be stored in memory such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc., or a combination of such components. Software may also be stored in one or more storage devices such as optical disks, flash memory, or other types of non-volatile storage media for storing data. Software may generally comprise one or more program modules, which include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or use specific abstract data types.In distributed computing environments, the functionality of the program modules can be combined or distributed across multiple computer systems or devices, with access in a wired or wireless configuration via service calls.
[0057] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing a third exemplary implementation of a detector section. 767 and a compatible scale pattern 780 represents the electronic position sensor of Fig. 1 or the like, each as a detector section 167 and scale patterns 180 usable. The detector section 767 exhibits features and components similar to those of the detector section 167 from Fig. 2, and its construction and operation are configured to fulfill various design principles disclosed and claimed herein. In particular, the elements described in Fig. 7 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig. Figures 2 or other are identical or the same (e.g., same "XX" suffixes, as in 7XX and 2XX), have the same elements, and operate in the same way unless otherwise stated below. Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section are discussed below. 767 and the scale pattern 780 described. The detector section 767 and a compatible scale pattern 780 offer additional advantages, as they enable more robust signal accuracy and / or signal strength compared to the previously described implementations, as described in more detail below.
[0058] A key difference between the embodiments of Fig. 7 and Fig. 2 is that the scale pattern 780The first pattern track comprises a first pattern track FPT and a second pattern track SPT, arranged parallel to each other. The first pattern track FPT has a nominal width dimension FPTWD along the y-axis direction between an inner boundary FTIB of the first track, which is closest to the other pattern track, and an outer boundary FTEB of the first track, which is furthest from the other pattern track. The second pattern track SPT has between an inner boundary of the second track STIB , which is closest to the other pattern track, and an outer boundary of the second track STEB , which is furthest from the other pattern track, a nominal width dimension of the second pattern track SPTWD along the y-axis direction. Each of the first and second pattern tracks FPT and STP includes signal modulating elements SME, which are arranged to provide a spatially changing characteristic that varies as a periodic function of position along the x-axis direction. In Fig. 7. The signal modulating elements SME shown with the hatched area can be considered as field-attenuating elements that locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively greater extent according to known principles (they can be, for example, conductive plates of a printed circuit board scale or raised areas of a metal rod scale), and the spaces between the hatched signal modulating elements SME They can be considered as field-preserving elements that, according to known principles (they can be, for example, non-conductive areas of a printed circuit board scale or recessed areas of a metal rod pattern), locally weaken or locally strengthen a changing magnetic flux to a relatively lesser extent.
[0059] Another key difference is that the detector section 767 for compatible operation with the scale pattern 780 is configured. The detector section 767 includes a field-generating coil configuration FGC , which can be attached to a substrate and has a field-generating coil section of the first track FTFGCP and a field-generating coil section of the second track STFGCP includes the field-generating coil configuration. FGC can create an entrance section INP include at least two connecting sections (e.g. CP1 and CP2 ) exhibits a coil control signal from a signal processing configuration with the field-generating coil configuration FGC connect. In the field-generating coil configuration FGC, the field-generating coil section surrounds the first track. FTFGCP einen first interior area FINTA, which is aligned with the first pattern track FPT and has a nominal length dimension of the first interior area FIALD along the x- Axis direction and a nominal width dimension of the first inner area YSEP1 along the y -axis direction and in response to a coil control signal in the first inner area FINTA a changing first magnetic flux is generated. Accordingly, the field-generating coil section surrounds the second track. STFGCP a second indoor area SINTA , the one with the second pattern track SPT is aligned and has a nominal length dimension of the second interior area SIALD along the x-axis direction as well as a nominal width dimension of the first inner area YSEP2 along the y-axis direction and, in response to a coil control signal in the second inner area, SINTA generates a changing second magnetic flux.
[0060] The detector section 767also includes a plurality of scanning elements SEN (e.g. SEN1 , SEN14 ), which along the x -axis direction arranged and mounted on a substrate, each of the scanning elements SEN having a scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD along the y- Axis direction that includes the first and second interior areas FINTA and SINTA spanned, with the majority of scanning elements configured to provide detector signals that respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux induced by neighboring signal modulating elements (SMEs) of the scale pattern 780 is provided. In various implementations, the majority of SEN scanning elements comprise magnetic flux scanning loops and can be formed by conductor tracks and vias fabricated on a printed circuit board. In various implementations (e.g., as in Fig.(As shown in Figure 7), magnetic flux sampling loops configured to provide a first sampling loop polarity (which, for example, responds to a changing magnetic flux of a first polarity to generate a current in the first direction) are nested along the x-axis with magnetic flux sampling loops configured to provide a second sampling loop polarity opposite to the first sampling loop polarity (which, for example, responds to a changing magnetic flux opposite to the first polarity to generate a current in the same direction). A signal processing configuration can be operatively connected to the detector section to provide the coil control signal and determine the relative position between the detector section and the scale pattern based on detector signals from the depicted sampling elements. SEN (and other, not shown scanning elements) SEN, the known principles are provided for in other spatial phase positions) of the detector section 767 The data will be entered according to known procedures.
[0061] As in Fig. Figure 7 shows the field-generating coil configuration FGC and the scanning elements SEN Advantageously configured according to the principles disclosed above. The field-generating coil configuration FGC may include one or more of the depicted vias to provide a connection for one or more of the end sections EDP to implement a shielded configuration. It is understood that vias shown that are not required or desired in a particular implementation can be omitted.
[0062] In the Fig. In the implementation shown in section 7, the elongated sections run inside and outside the first track. FTIEP and FTOEPadjacent to the first interior area FINTA along the x- Axis direction. The elongated section within the first track FTIEP is adjacent to the inner boundary of the first track. FTIB arranged, and the elongated section outside the first lane FTOEP is adjacent to the outer boundary of the first lane FTEB arranged. The elongated section within the first lane FTIEP has a nominal width dimension NFTIGTWD within the first lane along the y- Axis direction. The elongated section outside the first lane FTOEP has a nominal width dimension NFTOGTWD outside the first lane along the y- Axis direction. According to the principles revealed here, each of the nominal width dimensions of the first track is NFTIGTWD and NFTOGTWD (which may be the same or different) at least 0.1 times the nominal width dimension of the first interior area YSEP1In some implementations, it may be advantageous if the nominal width dimensions of the first track NFTIGTWD and NFTOGTWD at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width dimension of the first interior area YSEP1 be.
[0063] The elongated sections inside and outside the second lane STIEP and STOEP each extends adjacent to the second interior area SINTA along the x- Axis direction. The elongated section within the second lane STIEP is adjacent to the inner boundary of the second lane STIB arranged, and the elongated section outside the second lane STOEP is adjacent to the outer boundary of the second lane STEB arranged. The elongated section within the second lane STIEP has a nominal width dimension NSTIGTWD within the second lane along the y-Axis direction. The elongated section outside the second lane STOEP has a nominal width dimension NSTOGTWD outside the second lane along the y- Axis direction. According to the principles revealed here, each of the nominal width dimensions of the second track is NSTIGTWD and NSTOGTWD (which may be the same or different) at least 0.1 times the nominal width dimension of the second interior area YSEP2 In some implementations, it may be advantageous if the nominal width dimensions of the second track NSTIGTWD and NSTOGTWD at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width dimension of the second interior area YSEP2 Other characteristics and / or interpretive relationships may also correspond to those referring to Fig. 2 were described, if desired.
[0064] In various implementations, in combination with the features described above, at least a large part of the sample element nominal width dimension is NSEWD between the elongated section outside the first lane FTOEP and the elongated section outside the second track STOEP. In some implementations, at least a large portion of the sample element's nominal width is included. NSEWD in the first and second indoor area FINTA and SINTA Included in various implementations is the field-generating coil configuration. FGC and the scanning elements SEN isolated from each other. As in Fig. Figure 7 shows the nominal width of the scanning element. NSEWD at least one scanning element SEN larger than an overall interior width dimension OIAWD between the elongated section outside the first lane FTOEPand the elongated section outside the second track STOEP and extends by a overlap dimension (e.g., the overlap dimension of the first track). FTOD and / or the overlap of the second track STOD ) defined amount over an inner edge IE at least one of the elongated sections outside the first lane FTOEP and elongated section outside the second lane STOEP Furthermore, in various implementations, the field-generating coil configuration FGC is configured such that each nominal width dimension (NFTOGTWD and NSTOGTWD ) outside a track is larger than its corresponding cover measure. In various implementations, all elongated sections ( FTIEP , FTOEP , STIEP and STOEP ) manufactured in a first layer of a printed circuit board, and the scanning elements SENinclude conductor loops that are manufactured in one or more layers of the printed circuit board and that include a layer other than the first layer at least in the vicinity of the coverage area.
[0065] In the specific implementation that is in Fig. As shown in 7, the first and second pattern tracks can be FPT and SPT each the same type of signal modulating elements SME include those with the same spatial period or wavelength W accordingly along the x -Axis direction in the first and second pattern track FPT and SPT are arranged. The signal modulating elements SME In the second sample track SPT, the signal modulating elements are opposite the ones in the first sample track along the measurement axis direction (the X -axis direction) by a nominal scale offset STO offset by approximately W / 2. As indicated by the current flow arrows in Fig.The number 7 displayed is the field-generating coil configuration. FGC configured to be in the first interior area FINTA to generate a changing magnetic flux of the first track with a first polarity, and in the second inner area SINTA to generate a changing magnetic flux of the second track with a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity.
[0066] As mentioned previously, the majority of scanning elements include SEN Magnetic flux scanning loops (alternatively referred to as scanning coils or scanning windings), whose polarity is oriented along the x -Axis direction alternates and is formed by conductive traces produced on a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, at least a large proportion of the magnetic flux scanning loops can each occupy the first and second inner areas. FINTA and SINTA along the y- Spanning the axis direction. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the special scanning element SEN14 can, for example, be a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN14 the first track with positive polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN14 The second track can be comprehensively described with positive polarity. The special scanning element SEN15 can, for example, be described as a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN15 the first track with negative polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN15 The second track is comprehensively described with negative polarity, and so on for the other scanning elements. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that correspond to the inner area FINTA aligned with the first track, this represents an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track. FTFSPSCCFready. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that are connected to the interior SINTA The second track is aligned with an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track. STFSPSCCF ready. Together, the first coil configurations for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks form FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF a sampling coil overall configuration SCC that is configured such that all signal components interacting with the scale pattern 780 in each of its windings or winding sections (e.g. FTSEN and STSEN ) occur, have the same spatial phase. That is, in this particular embodiment, each scanning element SEN comprises windings or winding sections that occur in the first and second inner regions. FINTA and SINTA have the same loop polarity. Since the polarity of the loop in the first inner area FINTASince the generated magnetic flux is opposite in polarity to the magnetic flux generated in the second inner area SINTA, this interacts with the pattern of the signal modulating elements. SME together, which are in the first and second pattern track FTP and STP a scale pattern offset STO of approximately W / 2 to have in each of the scanning elements SEN to generate amplifying signal contributions. It is understood that additional sampling coil configurations are required. SCC configured according to principles known from other spatial phases and added to the detector section 767 can be added, and all resulting signals (e.g. quadrature signals) can be processed to produce a robust position measurement.
[0067] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing a fourth exemplary implementation of a detector section. 867 and a compatible scale pattern 780represents each as a detector section 167 and scale patterns 180 in the electronic position sensor of Fig. 1 or similar are usable. The in Fig. 8 scale patterns shown 780 can do that in Fig. 7 scale patterns shown 780 correspond and will not be described in more detail below, except with regard to its operation with the detector section 867 The detector section 867 exhibits features and components similar to those of the detector section 767 from Fig. 7, and its design and operation are configured to meet the same design principles as disclosed and claimed herein, and offer similar advantages. The elements that are in Fig. 8 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig.Figures 7 or other are identical or the same (e.g., identical "XX" suffixes, as in 8XX and 7XX) and denote the same elements and have the same operating principle, unless otherwise specified below. Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section are discussed below. 867 and the scale pattern 767 described in detail.
[0068] Like the detector section 767 is the detector section 867 for one with the scale pattern 780 Configured for compatible operation. The field-generating coil section of the first track FTFGCP surrounds a first interior area FINTA , the one with the first pattern track FPT is aligned and has a nominal length dimension FIALD of the first interior area along the x -Axis direction and a nominal width dimension YSEP1 of the first interior area along the y -Axis direction and creates in the first interior area FINTAIn response to a coil control signal, a changing magnetic flux is generated. Accordingly, the field-generating coil section surrounds the second track. STFGCP a second indoor area SINTA , the one with the second pattern track SPT is aligned and has a nominal length dimension of the second interior area SIALD along the x -Axis direction and a nominal width dimension of the first inner area YSEP2 along the y- exhibits axis direction and responds to a coil control signal in the second inner area SINTA generates a changing second magnetic flux.
[0069] A key difference between the detector section 867 and the detector section 767 is that the field-generating coil configuration FGC, as shown by the current flow arrows in Fig. 8 is displayed, configured to be in the first indoor area FINTAto generate a changing magnetic flux of the first track with a first polarity, and in the second inner area SINTA to generate a changing magnetic flux in the second track with a second polarity that corresponds to the first polarity. This results in a second significant difference in the majority of scanning elements. SEN (e.g. SEN1 , SEN14 ) connected, as described below.
[0070] As with the detector section 767 The majority of scanning elements SEN are located in the detector section 867 a scanning element nominal width dimension NSEWD along the y-axis direction, which includes the first and second interior areas FINTA and SINTA overstretched, and the majority of scanning elements SEN are configured to provide detector signals that respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux provided by neighboring signal-modulating elements SMEof the scale pattern 780 is provided. The majority of scanning elements SEN magnetic flux sampling loops (alternatively referred to as sampling coils or sampling windings), whose polarity runs along the x- The axis direction alternates and is formed by conductive traces produced on a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, at least a large proportion of the magnetic flux scanning loops can each occupy the first and second inner areas. FINTA and SINTA along the y -Axis direction. However, unlike the detector section 767 The magnetic flux scanning loops located in the detector section 867 shown are each a crossing or bending of their conductor tracks in order to be in the first inner area FINTA and in the second indoor area SINTAto provide opposite scanning loop polarities. In various embodiments, the crossing or bending of the conductor tracks in or over an "inactive" central area between the first inner area is required for at least a large proportion of the magnetic flux scanning loops. FINTA and the second indoor area SINTA arranged, which the elongated section within the first lane FTIEP and the elongated section within the second lane STIEP It contains features to avoid unwanted signal interference.
[0071] As in Fig. As shown in 8, the special scanning element can SEN14 for example as a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN14 the first track with positive polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN14 The second track can be comprehensively described with negative polarity. The special scanning element SEN15can be, for example, a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN15 the first track with negative polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN15 The second track is comprehensively described with positive polarity, and so on for the other scanning elements. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that correspond to the inner area FINTA aligned with the first track, represents a further implementation of a first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track. FTFSPSCCF ready. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that are connected to the interior SINTA aligned with the second track, represents a further implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track. STFSPSCCF ready. As in Fig. Figure 8 shows the magnetic flux scanning loops of the scanning elements. SENfurthermore, configured to have opposite loop polarities, which in each of the first coil configurations are used to sample the spatial phase of the first and second tracks FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF along the x -axis are nested (e.g., as shown by an example of a scanning loop circuit diagram and the associated current flow arrows in the enlarged section in the lower part of Fig. 8 (shown schematically).
[0072] Together, the first coil configurations form the basis for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF a sampling coil overall configuration SCC that is configured such that all signal components interacting with the scale pattern 780 in each of its windings or winding sections (e.g. FTSEN and STSEN ) occur, have the same spatial phase.
[0073] That is, since, according to the above description, the polarity of the first interior area FINTA generated magnetic flux opposite to the polarity of the flux in the second inner area SINTA The generated magnetic flux interacts with the signal modulating elements. SME together, which are in the first and second pattern track FTP and STP a scale pattern offset STO exhibit approximately W / 2 in order to be present in each of the “wound” scanning elements SEN to generate amplifying signal contributions. A signal processing configuration can be operatively connected to the detector section to provide the coil control signal and to determine the relative position between the detector section and the scale pattern based on detector signals generated by the represented scanning elements. SEN (and other, not shown scanning elements) SEN , the known principles are provided for in other spatial phase positions) of the detector section 867 The data will be entered according to known procedures.
[0074] As in Fig. Figure 8 shows the field-generating coil configuration FGC and the scanning elements SEN Advantageously configured according to the principles disclosed above. The field-generating coil configuration FGC may include one or more of the depicted vias to provide a connection for one or more of the end sections EDP to implement a shielded configuration. It is understood that vias shown that are not required or desired in a particular implementation can be omitted. According to the principles disclosed here, each of the nominal width dimensions of the first track is NFTIGTWD and NFTOGTWD at least 0.1 times the nominal width dimension of the first interior area YSEP1 In some implementations, it may be advantageous if the nominal width dimensions of the first track NFTIGTWD and NFTOGTWD at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width dimension of the first interior area YSEP1 The nominal width dimensions of the second track are as follows: According to the principles disclosed here, each of the nominal width dimensions of the second track is... NSTIGTWD and NSTOGTWD at least 0.1 times the nominal width dimension of the second interior area YSEP2 In some implementations, it may be advantageous if the nominal width dimensions of the second track NSTIGTWD and NSTOGTWD at least 0.15 times, at least 0.25 times or at least 0.50 times the nominal width dimension of the second interior area YSEP2 be.
[0075] Other features and / or design conditions described in the detector section 867The components used may also correspond to compatible features and / or design ratios that relate to the detector section. 767 were described, if desired.
[0076] A two-track scale pattern, which in combination with field generation polarities and sampling element polarities such as those referred to above, Fig. 7 and Fig. The use described in Section 8 can help reduce or eliminate certain signal offset components that might otherwise occur in single-track scale pattern configurations, as disclosed without detailed explanation of the fabrication or layout in the '958 patent, incorporated herein by reference. As already mentioned herein, prior art systems (e.g., those mentioned in the '958 patent) used comparatively narrower conductor tracks and / or comparatively larger internal areas (e.g., larger internal areas FINTA and / or SINTA and / or coil area nominal width dimensions) for field-generating coils. YSEP1 and / or YSEP2 In certain prior art systems, it was generally assumed that the detector section elements should have a relatively large coupled area to receive the changing magnetic flux in a field-generating coil interior, which was considered advantageous with respect to current flow and signal strength. In contrast, the principles disclosed here employ a larger path width (e.g., at the expense of the interior areas). FINTA and / or SINTA and / or YSEP1 and / or YSEP2 with an overall external dimension of the detector along the y -axis direction, which is limited by a given application), resulting in a comparatively lower overall impedance for the field-generating coil configuration FGC This leads to a situation where a larger current can flow in a comparatively shorter time (e.g., to obtain a stronger signal) and the resonance can still be maintained for a desired measurement time. This is particularly true for dual-track scale patterns, which, for practical reasons (e.g., to occupy the same space as previously used single-track encoders), may be limited to a relatively small first-track pattern width and second-track pattern width. It has been found that dual-track configurations configured according to the principles disclosed herein achieve detector signal levels in some cases that exceed the signal levels of comparable prior art configurations by a factor of 1.5 or more, and in some cases by a factor of 3 or more, if a comparable control signal is input into the field-generating coil.
[0077] Even if preferred implementations refer to Fig. 1 - Fig. Based on the information presented and described in Figure 8, a person skilled in the art will be able to imagine numerous variations of the arrangements of features and workflows shown and described. Various alternative forms can be used to implement the principles disclosed herein.
[0078] For example, the embodiments that refer to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 were shown and described, a coverage measure OD , which is not equal to zero, but this is not required in all embodiments. Another example is the special configurations of the scanning elements. SEN and the scale pattern offset STO , which are in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The figures shown in 8 are merely examples and not exhaustive. Other scale track offsets STO can be combined with suitable adjustments in the shape of the scanning elements SEN can be used to be adapted to a specific scale pattern offset, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art based on the description and the principles disclosed above.
[0079] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic top view showing a fifth exemplary implementation of a detector section. 967 and a compatible scale pattern 980 represents elements that can be used in an electronic position sensor. The detector section 967 exhibits features and components similar to those of the detector section 767 from Fig. 7, and its construction and operation are configured to fulfill various design principles disclosed and claimed herein. In particular, the elements described in Fig. 9 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig. Figures 7 or other are the same or identical to them (e.g., same "XX" suffixes, as in 9XX and 2XX), have the same elements, and operate in the same way unless otherwise stated below. Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section are discussed below. 967 and the scale pattern 980 described. The detector section 967 and a compatible scale pattern 980 offer certain advantages such as enabling additional layout and manufacturing options and reduced costs for the detector section 967, and in some embodiments the possibility of using readily available conventional scales. Furthermore, the disclosed design principles and features, as described in more detail below, also offer alternatives for overcoming position measurement errors caused by “dynamic division effects” resulting from certain misalignments or tilts of the assembly, as explained in the aforementioned 990 patent and 130 patent.
[0080] How the scale pattern 780 The scale pattern includes 980A first and a second pattern track, FPT and SPT, are arranged parallel to each other. Each pattern track comprises signal-modulating elements (SMEs), which may include field-attenuating elements that locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively greater extent, and field-maintaining elements that locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively lesser extent or locally amplify the changing magnetic flux. The signal-modulating elements (SMEs, the field-attenuating elements) and the field-maintaining elements are nested along the x-axis in a periodic pattern that has a spatial wavelength W. However, a key difference is that, unlike the scale pattern, 780 the second pattern track SPT in the scale pattern 980 The first pattern track is not offset by a scale pattern offset STO of approximately or equal to W / 2. Rather, the scale pattern 980the periodic pattern of the second pattern track aligned with the periodic pattern of the first pattern track or offset from it by a scale pattern offset STO offset by a factor other than 0.5*W along the x-axis direction. The scale pattern offset (STO) can, for example, advantageously be in the range of 0 ± 0.25 W. In some embodiments, the scale pattern offset (STO) can even more advantageously be zero, which corresponds to the configuration of a conventional scale. (In a conventional scale, the signal-modulating elements are typically narrow rectangular elements or strips that extend without interruption, discontinuity, or offset across the entire width of the scale pattern.) Conventional scales can be lighter, available in various lengths, and at a lower cost than a specialty scale that has multiple tracks with different patterns or offsets.
[0081] Like the detector section 767is the detector section 967 configured to be near the pattern traces FPT and SPT to be mounted and to be positioned along the measuring axis direction relative to the pattern tracks FPT and SPT to move, and includes a field-generating coil configuration FGC and at least one corresponding scanning coil configuration SCC , which provides signal components with a respective spatial phase. Regarding the field-generating coil configuration FGC This will only be briefly discussed here. The field-generating coil configuration FGC can be mounted on a substrate and includes a field-generating coil section of the first track FTFGCP , which is configured to respond to a coil control signal in the first interior area FINTA , the one with the first pattern track FPT is designed to provide a changing magnetic flux, and a field-generating coil section of the second track STFGCP , which is configured to respond to a coil control signal in the second interior area SINTA , the one with the second pattern track SPT is designed to provide a changing magnetic flux. In the detector section 967 The second changing magnetic flux exhibits a field polarity that is opposite to that of the first changing magnetic flux. The field-generating coil configuration FGC It can advantageously be configured according to the principles outlined above. However, these design principles in various implementations are only exemplary and not restrictive.
[0082] The scanning coil configuration SCC of the detector section 967 can the detector section 767correspond and, with the exception of certain differences which are described below, is to be understood analogously.
[0083] To briefly summarize some comparable aspects, the following includes Fig. 9 scanning coil configuration shown SCC scanning elements SEN , each of which is a winding or winding section of the first track FTSEN and a winding or winding section of the second track STSEN include the scanning element. SEN13 can be, for example, a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN 13 the first track with positive polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN 13 The second track with positive polarity is comprehensively described. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that correspond to the inner area FINTA The first track is aligned with an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCCF. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that are aligned with the inner area FINTA The second track is aligned with an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track. FTFSPSCCF ready. Together, the first coil configurations form the basis for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF a complete scanning coil configuration SCC , which is configured such that all signal components interacting with the scale pattern 980 in each of its windings or winding sections (e.g. FTSEN and STSEN ) occur, have the same spatial phase.
[0084] Regarding the differences compared to the detector section 767As far as the detector section is concerned, 967 some additional and / or modified features that are suitable for use with the scale pattern 980 are configured for compatible operation, which has a different scale pattern offset. STO as the scale pattern 780 exhibits. That is, the first coil configurations for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF are corresponding to a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x -axis arranged, where STO is the respective scale pattern offset STO that is used for a particular implementation of the scale pattern 980 is used. As already mentioned for the in Fig. As described in the embodiment shown in 9, the scale pattern offset is STO never 0.5*W and is advantageously in the range of 0+ / - 0.25 W (e.g. as in Fig. 9 shown) and can advantageously be zero. As in the Fig. As can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track is defined. FTFSPSCCF and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCCF each a first and a second sampling span FSS and SSS along the x- Axis direction. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the first and second scanning spans are FSS and SSS not along the x -Axis direction aligned with each other and with respect to a boundary line along the x- Axis direction between the first and second pattern track FPT and SPT They are not arranged symmetrically to each other. Instead, the spans are FSS and SSS to compensate for the winding offset WO mutually offset. In the specific implementation, which is in the lower part of Fig. As shown in 9, each of the scanning elements is SEN the winding of the first track FTSEN the winding of the second track STSEN opposite, offset by WO.
[0085] In the specific implementation that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, each of the first coil configurations is used to sample the spatial phase of the first track and the second track. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF configured to provide the same number of windings (winding sections) with positive polarity and negative polarity along the x- The axes are nested without interruption. '990 -patent and the '130The patent explains division compensation, however, through hypothetically nested zones of positive polarity and zones of negative polarity in scanning coil configurations. Different division-compensated scanning coil configurations can have the same number of windings of positive and negative polarity, but the windings need not be distributed across each polarity zone. For example, in some division-compensated scanning coil configurations, one zone of positive polarity may contain two windings of positive polarity, and another zone of positive polarity may be empty. These principles can be combined with various principles and features disclosed here. Therefore, the special continuous and uniform first coil configurations for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks are... FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF , which in Fig. Figure 9 is shown, merely as an example and not as a limitation. More generally, a first coil configuration can be used to scan a spatial phase signal of the first track. FTFSPSCC , which are located in the first indoor area FINTA is arranged to comprise a set of N positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones oriented along the spatial wavelength W. x- repeat axis direction, and a set of N windings with negative polarity distributed in winding zones with negative polarity that alternate with the winding zones with positive polarity and align with the spatial wavelength W accordingly along the x -Axis direction repeat, whereby N is an integer that is at least 2. The windings with positive and negative polarity (e.g. FTSEN1 - FTSEN24 ) are each configured to respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux provided by adjacent field-attenuating elements (e.g., the signal-modulating elements SME) or field-maintaining elements, and to provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the first track, supplied by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCCF (e.g., at the detector signal output terminals). SDS1 and SDS2 ) is provided. Accordingly, a first coil configuration can be used to sample a spatial phase signal of the second track. STFSPSCCF , which are located in the second interior area SINTA is arranged to comprise a set of M positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones oriented along the spatial wavelength W. x-axis direction repeat, and a set of M windings with negative polarity distributed in winding zones with negative polarity that alternate with the winding zones with positive polarity and align with the spatial wavelength W repeat accordingly along the x-axis direction, whereby M is an integer that is at least 2. The windings with positive and negative polarity (e.g. STSEN1 - STSEN24 ) are each configured to respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux caused by neighboring field-attenuating elements (e.g., the signal-modulating elements). SME ) or field-maintaining elements are provided, and to provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the second track, which is supplied by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCCF (e.g. at the detector signal output terminals) SDS1 and SDS2 ) is provided. In various embodiments, it is advantageous if N=M. However, in some embodiments, this is not strictly necessary.
[0086] It should be noted that in the specific embodiment described in Fig. As shown in 9, each scanning element SEN windings or winding sections FTSEN and STSEN includes those that have the winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W and are located in the first and second inner area FINTA and SINTA provide the same loop polarity. Since the polarity of the first inner area FINTA generated magnetic flux opposite to the polarity of the flux in the second inner area SINTA The generated magnetic flux interacts with the pattern of the signal modulating elements. SME together, which are in the first and second pattern track FTP and STP of the scale pattern 980 a scale pattern offset STO have to generate amplifying signal contributions in each of the sampling elements SEN. It should also be noted that from a starting point (e.g., the left end in Fig. 9) Starting from the scanning coil configuration SCC, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCCF has a configuration in which its initial winding (e.g. FTSEN1 ) along the first lane FPT exhibits a first winding polarity (e.g., a positive polarity), and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCCF has a configuration in which its initial winding (e.g., STSEN1 ) along the second lane SPT It also exhibits the first winding polarity (e.g., the positive polarity), and the initial windings along the first and second tracks are offset from each other by the winding offset WO = STO + / - 0.5 * W along the x-axis direction. This special feature is important to compensate for or eliminate signal offset components that would otherwise occur due to a static or dynamic "division misalignment" of the detector section. 967 relative to the scale pattern 980 These can occur. Division misalignment refers to the detector section. 967 , which is at an angle around the Y -axis is tilted around so that it is not parallel to the plane of the scale pattern 980 The inventor has determined that, in addition to the aspects of division compensation described in the patents, '990 and / or '130to be revealed another aspect that has not been considered so far, with subtle differences in the effects of the field-weakening elements and the field-maintaining elements of a scale pattern (e.g. the scale pattern) 780 or 980 ) is related. A scanning coil configuration SCC , which is configured according to the principles described above, addresses this aspect of division compensation in addition to the other, previously known aspects of division compensation.
[0087] Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic top view showing a sixth exemplary implementation of a detector section. 1067 represents a scale pattern that is also compatible with the previously described scale pattern. 980 is the detector section 1067 exhibits features and components similar to those of the detector section 867 from Fig. 8 and the detector section 967 from Fig. 9, and its construction and operation are configured to fulfill various design principles disclosed and claimed herein. In particular, the elements described in Fig. 10 are provided with reference marks or labels that correspond to those in Fig. 8 and / or Fig. 9 or in other figures shown here are the same or identical, have the same elements and operate in the same way, unless otherwise stated below. Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section are discussed below. 1067 described. The detector section 1067 offers in combination with the scale pattern 980 certain advantages such as those previously mentioned regarding the detector section 967 described.
[0088] Like the detector sections 867 and 967 is the detector section 1067 configured to be near the pattern traces FPT and SPT to be mounted and to be positioned along the measuring axis direction relative to the pattern tracks FPT and SPT to move, and includes a field-generating coil configuration FGC and at least one respective scanning coil configuration SCC , which provides signal components with a respective spatial phase. Regarding the field-generating coil configuration FGC This will only be briefly discussed here. The field-generating coil configuration FGC can be mounted on a substrate and, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises a field-generating coil section of the first track FTFGCP and a field-generating coil section of the second track STFGCP , which are configured to be in the first interior area FINTA along the first pattern track FPT and in the second indoor area SINTA along the second pattern track SPT to provide a changing magnetic flux of the same polarity. The field-generating coil configuration FGC can advantageously be configured according to the principles described above. However, in various implementations, these design principles are only exemplary and not restrictive. Since in some implementations the field-generating coil section of the first track FTFGCP and the field-generating coil section of the second track STFGCP Providing the same alternating magnetic flux polarity, a single winding can be used to configure the scanning coils. SCC surrounding, as both "coil sections" are considered to be providing, without the need to consider the elongated sections within the first and second track FTIEP and STIEP to use. While such a configuration may not offer certain advantages described above, it may be sufficient in some implementations.
[0089] The scanning coil configuration SCC of the detector section 1067 can the detector section 867 accordingly and is to be understood accordingly, with the exception of certain differences which are described below.
[0090] To briefly summarize some comparable aspects, the following includes Fig. 10 scanning coil configurations shown SCC scanning elements SEN , each of which is a winding or winding section of the first track FTSEN and a winding or winding section of the second track STSEN include the scanning element. SEN13 can be, for example, a winding (or a winding section) FTSEN13 the first track with positive polarity and a winding (or winding section) STSEN13 The second track can be comprehensively described with negative polarity. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) FTSEN , which are connected to the interior FINTA aligned with the first track, this represents an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track. FTFSPSCCF ready. The set or group of windings (or winding sections) that are connected to the interior SINTA The second track is aligned with an implementation of a first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track. STFSPSCCF ready. Together, the first coil configurations form the basis for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF a sampling coil overall configuration SCC that is configured such that all signal components interacting with the scale pattern 980 in each of its windings or winding sections (e.g. FTSEN and STSEN ) occur, which have the same spatial phase.
[0091] Regarding the differences compared to the detector section 867 As far as the detector section is concerned, 1067 some additional and / or modified features that are suitable for use with the scale pattern 980 are configured for compatible operation, which has a different scale pattern track offset. STO as the scale pattern 780 exhibits. That is, the first coil configurations for scanning the spatial phase of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF are corresponding to a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x -axis arranged, which previously referred to the winding offset WO in the detector section 967 The described principles should be understood accordingly. As already mentioned, the scale pattern offset (STO) is for the scale pattern. 980never 0.5*W and is advantageously in the range of 0 + / - 0.25 W and can even advantageously be zero. Compatibility with such scale patterns 980 Half are in the detector section 1067 the first and second sampling spans FSS and SSS not along the x -Axis direction aligned with each other and with respect to a boundary line along the x -Axis direction between the first and second pattern track FPT and SPT They are not arranged symmetrically to each other. Instead, the spans are FSS and SSS to compensate for the winding offset WO offset from each other. In the specific implementation, which is in the lower part of Fig. As shown in 9, each of the scanning elements is SEN the winding of the first track FTSEN the winding of the second track STSEN opposite WO displaced.
[0092] In the specific implementation that is in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, each of the first coil configurations is used to sample the spatial phase of the first track and the second track. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF configured to provide the same number of windings (winding sections) with positive and negative polarity, nested without interruption along the x-axis direction. For reasons already explained in relation to the detector section 967 The special continuous and uniform first coil configurations for scanning the spatial phase of the first track and the second track have been named. FTFSPSCCF and STFSPSCCF , which in Fig. The examples shown in section 10 are merely illustrative and not exhaustive. More generally, a first coil configuration can be used to scan a spatial phase signal of the first track. FTFSPSCC , which are located in the first indoor area FINTA is arranged to form a set of NWindings with positive polarity are included, which are distributed in winding zones with positive polarity that are aligned with the spatial wavelength. W accordingly along the x -Axis direction repeat, and a set of N Windings with negative polarity are distributed in winding zones with negative polarity, alternating with the winding zones with positive polarity and repeating along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W, where N is an integer that is at least 2. The windings with positive and negative polarity (e.g. FTSEN1 - FTSEN24 ) are each configured to respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux caused by neighboring field-attenuating elements (e.g., the signal-modulating elements). SME ) or field-maintaining elements are provided, and to provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the first track, which is supplied by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCCF (e.g. at the detector signal output terminals) SDS1 and SDS2 ) is provided. Accordingly, a second coil configuration can be used to sample a spatial phase signal of the second track. STFSPSCCF , which are located in the second interior area SINTA is arranged to form a set of M Windings with positive polarity are included, which are distributed in winding zones with positive polarity that are aligned with the spatial wavelength. W accordingly along the x -Axis direction repeat, and a set of MWindings with negative polarity are distributed in winding zones with negative polarity, alternating with the winding zones with positive polarity and repeating along the x-axis direction according to the spatial wavelength W, where M is an integer at least 2. The windings with positive and negative polarity (e.g. STSEN1 - STSEN24 ) are each configured to respond to a local effect on the changing magnetic flux caused by neighboring field-attenuating elements (e.g., the signal-modulating elements). SME ) or field-maintaining elements are provided, and to provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the second track, which is supplied by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCCF (e.g. at the detector signal output terminals) SDS1 and SDS2 ) is provided. In various embodiments, it is advantageous if N=M. However, in some embodiments, this is not strictly necessary.
[0093] It should be noted that in the specific embodiment described in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, each scanning element SEN has windings or winding sections. FTSEN and STSEN includes those that have the winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W and are located in the first and second inner area FINTA and SINTA provide the opposite loop polarity. Since the polarity of the first inner area FINTA generated magnetic flux of the polarity of the second interior area SINTA The generated magnetic flux corresponds to the pattern of the signal modulating elements. SME together, which are in the first and second pattern track FPT and SPT of the scale pattern 980 a scale pattern offset STO have to generate amplifying signal contributions in each of the sampling elements SEN. It should also be noted that, starting from a starting point (e.g., the left end in Fig. 10) the SCC sampling coil configuration, the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCCF a configuration in which its initial winding (e.g. FTSEN1 ) along the first lane FPT exhibits a first winding polarity (e.g., a positive polarity), and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCCF a configuration in which its initial winding (e.g. STSEN1 ) along the second lane SPT a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity (e.g., negative polarity), and the initial windings along the first and second tracks by the winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x-Axis directions are offset from each other. The previously mentioned detector section 967 According to the principles described, this special feature is important to compensate for or eliminate signal offset components that would otherwise occur due to a static or dynamic "division misalignment" of the detector section. 1067 relative to the scale pattern 980 can occur.
[0094] Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic top view showing a seventh exemplary implementation of a detector section. 1167 represents the functionally equivalent detector section 967 corresponds to and also to the previously described scale pattern 980 is compatible. It goes without saying that elements that are in Fig. 11 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig. 9 are the same or identical, correspond to the same elements, and have the same operating principle. The detector section1167 offers in combination with the scale pattern 980 certain advantages such as those previously mentioned regarding the detector section 967 described.
[0095] The field-generating coil configuration FGC of the detector section 1167 can the detector section 967 Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section will be discussed below. 1167 compared to the detector section 967 described.
[0096] In the detector section 967 the scanning coil configuration SCC First track windings FTSEN and windings of the second track STSEN on, which are in pairs as sections of a corresponding, as a scanning element SEN The designated scanning loop was provided for in the detector section. 967 This arrangement shows windings of the first track FTSEN , which in a respective winding zone of the first coil configurations for scanning a spatial phase signal of the first track FTFSPSCC lie in the first indoor area FINTA a first and a second conductor segment, which run perpendicular to the x- The axis direction is aligned. The first conductor segment is connected in series via a first serial connection to apply a scanning current directly to a conductor segment (e.g., a winding section). STSEN to output the second lane), which is in the second interior area SINTA perpendicular to x -axis direction is aligned to a winding section (e.g. a winding section) STSEN the second track) of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track STFSPSCC to form. In addition, the second conductor segment is connected in series via a second serial connection to draw a sampling current directly from a conductor segment (e.g., a winding section). STSEN to enter the second lane), which is located in the second interior area SINTA perpendicular to x- axis direction is aligned to a winding section (e.g. a winding section) STSEN the second track) of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track STFSPSCC to form.
[0097] In contrast, the detector section includes 1167 the scanning coil configuration SCC First track windings FTSEN and windings of the second track STSEN , which in the first coil configurations are used to sample a spatial phase signal of the first and second track FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC are intended to be "separate" and only connected at their right ends in Fig. 11 are connected in series. An exemplary configuration for the conductors used to provide the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC used will be described below. Fig. 11 is shown. Otherwise, it is understood that the detector section 1167 exhibits comparable configuration features that differ from those previously mentioned in relation to the detector section 967 are designed according to the described principles and offer comparable advantages.
[0098] Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic top view showing an eighth exemplary implementation of a detector section. 1267 represents the functionally equivalent detector section 1067 corresponds to and also to the previously described scale pattern 980 is compatible. It goes without saying that elements that are in Fig. 12 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig. 10 are the same or identical, correspond to the same elements, and have the same operating principle. The detector section 1267 offers in combination with the scale pattern 980 certain advantages such as those previously mentioned regarding the detector section 1067 described.
[0099] The field-generating coil configuration FGC of the detector section 1267 can the detector section 1067 Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section will be discussed below. 1267 compared to the detector section 1067 described.
[0100] In the detector section 1267 the scanning coil configuration SCC First track windings FTSEN and windings of the second track STSEN which were provided in pairs as sections of a corresponding scanning loop, designated as a scanning element SEN. In the detector section 1067 This arrangement shows windings of the first track FTSEN , which in a respective winding zone of the first coil configurations for scanning a spatial phase signal of the first track FTFSPSCC lie in the first indoor area FINTA a first and a second conductor segment, which run perpendicular to the x -axis direction are aligned. The first conductor segment is connected in series via a first serial connection to apply a sampling current directly to a conductor segment (e.g., a winding section). STSEN to output the second lane), which is in the second interior area SINTA perpendicular to x -axis direction is aligned to a winding section (e.g. a winding section) STSEN the second track) of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track STFSPSCC to form. In addition, the second conductor segment is connected in series via a second serial connection to draw a sampling current directly from a conductor segment (e.g., a winding section). STSEN to enter the second lane), which is located in the second interior area SINTA perpendicular to x -axis direction is aligned to a winding section (e.g. a winding section) STSEN the second track) of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track STFSPSCC to form. The first and second serial connections are located in an area between the first and second interior spaces. FINTA and SINTA a crossing or a bend.
[0101] In contrast, the scanning coil configuration includes SCC in the detector section 1267First track windings FTSEN and windings of the second track STSEN , which in the first coil configurations are used to sample a spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC are intended to be "separate" and only connected at their right ends in Fig. 12 are connected in series. An exemplary configuration for the conductors used to provide the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC used will be described below. Fig. 12 is shown. Otherwise, it is understood that the detector section 1267 exhibits similar configuration features, which differ from those previously mentioned in relation to the detector section 1067 as described principles, and offers similar advantages.
[0102] Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic top view showing a ninth exemplary implementation of a detector section. 1367 represents the functionally equivalent detector section 1167 corresponds to and also to the previously described scale pattern 980 is compatible. It goes without saying that elements that are in Fig. 13 are provided with reference marks or labels corresponding to those in Fig. 11 are the same or identical, correspond to the same elements, and have the same mode of operation. The detector section 1367 offers in combination with the scale pattern 980 certain advantages such as those previously mentioned regarding the detector section 1167 described.
[0103] The field-generating coil configuration FGC of the detector section 1367 can the detector section 1167 correspond. It is for easy comparison with the detector. 1167 with the same length along the x-axis shown, but it is understood that due to the reduced length of the scanning coil configuration SCC in the detector section 1367 The time can be significantly shortened if desired. Therefore, only the significant differences of the detector section are discussed below. 1367 compared to the detector section 1167 described.
[0104] In the detector section 1167 (as well as in the detector section) 967 ) is each of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first track and the second track FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC configured with windings (winding sections) with positive and negative polarity, running without interruption along the x-Axis direction are nested in zones with alternating positive and negative polarity. Starting from a starting point (e.g., the left end in the figures) of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCC in addition, a configuration in which its initial winding is along the first track FPT exhibits a first winding polarity and its end winding (e.g., the right end in the figures) exhibits a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity; and the first coil configuration is for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCC has a configuration in which its initial winding runs along the second track SPT the first winding polarity has and its final winding has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.
[0105] As already mentioned, the special continuous and uniform first coil configurations are for scanning the spatial phase of the first track and the second track. FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC in the detector section 1167 (as well as in the detector section) 967 ) only as an example and not limiting. The detector section 1367 represents one of several possible alternative configurations. In the specific embodiment described in Fig. Figure 13 shows the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track. FTFSPSCCF four windings of the first track FTSEN The windings with positive polarity of the first track FTSEN1 and FTSEN4 are arranged in respective winding zones with positive polarity, and two windings with negative polarity of the first track FTSEN2 and FTSEN3 are arranged in a winding zone with negative polarity located between them. The first coil configuration is for scanning the spatial phase of the second track. STFSPSCCF has four windings of the second track STSEN up. The windings with positive polarity of the second track STSEN1 and STSEN4 are arranged in respective winding zones with positive polarity, and two windings with negative polarity of the second track STSEN2 and STSEN3 are arranged in a winding zone with negative polarity located between them.
[0106] As a more general description of the scanning coil configuration SCC of the detector section 1367 and various alternatives that can be used in its place, the scanning coil configuration SCC , from a starting point (e.g. the left end in Fig. 13) the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCC starting from a configuration in which its initial development (e.g. FTSEN1 ) along the first lane FPT a first winding polarity (e.g. a positive polarity) and its final winding (e.g. FTSEN4 ) also exhibits the first winding polarity (e.g., the positive polarity), and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding has two windings (e.g., FTSEN2 and FTSEN3 The first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCC has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.
[0107] It should be noted that Fig. 13 a first set of detector signal output connections SDS1 and SDS2 for the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCC and a second set of detector signal output connectors SDS1 and SDS2 for the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCC This includes components that can each transmit and / or output the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track. In various such embodiments, a signal processing circuit can be combined with the detector section. 1367The first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track, available at these terminal sets, can be connected to inputs of the signal processing circuit and combined by signal processing to produce a combined first spatial phase signal. This is an alternative method for combining the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track to produce a combined first spatial phase signal in various embodiments disclosed herein. In contrast, the methods described in Fig. 9 - Fig. Figure 12 illustrates another alternative method in which the respective windings of the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCC and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCC comprise respective sections of a continuous conductor, and the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are inherently combined in the continuous conductor to produce the combined first spatial phase signal, which is output at a single set of detector signal output terminals. SDS1 and SDS2 is available. It should be noted that each of the in Fig. 9 - Fig. The 13 illustrated configurations of the detector section can be easily adapted to one or another method for providing a combined first spatial phase signal.
[0108] It should be noted that the detector section 1367 , which functionally corresponds to the detector section 1167 corresponds to, suggests a similar detector section that is functionally equivalent to the detector section 1267 This corresponds to the field-generating coil configuration in such a detector section. FGC similar or identical to that of the detector section 1267 , even though it may have a reduced length in different implementations. In the detector section 1267 (as well as in the detector section) 1067 ) is each of the first coil configurations for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first track and the second track FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC configured with windings (winding sections) with positive and negative polarity, running without interruption along the x-Axis direction are nested in zones with alternating positive and negative polarity. Starting from a starting point (e.g., the left end in the figures) of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track FTFSPSCC in addition, a configuration in which its initial winding is along the first track FPT exhibits a first winding polarity and its end winding (e.g., the right end in the figures) exhibits a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity; and the first coil configuration is for scanning the spatial phase of the second track STFSPSCC has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track SPT has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding has the first winding polarity.
[0109] As a general description of various functionally analogous scanning coil configurations (SCC), which replace the previously used ones for the detector section 1267In contrast, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration, starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration SCC, in which its initial winding along the first track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity.Its first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding also has the second winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the first winding polarity.
[0110] It should be noted that in all detector section configurations described in Fig. 9 - Fig. Figure 13 shows the windings of the first coil for scanning the spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC conductors may include those manufactured in a plurality of layers of a printed circuit board, wherein the conductors have vias connecting different layers of the printed circuit board, and in the parts of the windings that are located in the first and second inner areas FINTA and SINTA No vias are present. This is advantageous because signal asymmetries resulting from loop area asymmetries, which would otherwise be associated with non-ideal conductor routings required to create the vias, are largely eliminated, since they are located outside the dominant signal-generating areas of the first coil for sampling the spatial phase signal of the first and second tracks. FTFSPSCC and STFSPSCC in the first and second indoor area FINTA and SINTA lay.
[0111] Even though preferred implementations of the present disclosure are presented and described, the person skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous variations of the presented and described arrangements of features and workflows based on this disclosure. Various alternative forms can be used to implement the principles disclosed herein.
[0112] For example, the exemplary principles that refer to Fig. 9 - Fig. 13 are described and illustrated, in combination with the various exemplary dimensions and size ratios along the y-axis direction, which refer to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are described and illustrated. However, these combinations are only exemplary and not limiting. More generally, the exemplary principles referring to Fig. 9 - Fig. 13 are described and illustrated, irrespective of such limitations of dimensions and proportions along the y -Axis direction offers certain advantages when applied in other detector section configurations, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art based on the principles disclosed herein.
[0113] Another example is that the signal modulating elements SME Different implementations may include loop elements or plate elements or variations in material properties and / or a dimension along the x-Axis direction of W / 2 or greater or less than W / 2 can be used to generate a desired periodic signal profile. As a further example, various features and principles disclosed herein are also applicable to rotary encoders in which a circular measuring axis direction and a radial direction of the type mentioned above are used. x -Axis direction and y -Axis direction correspond.
[0114] More generally, the various implementations and features described above can be combined to provide further implementations. All US patents and US patent applications mentioned in this patent specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the implementations may be modified as needed to apply concepts from the various patents and applications and to provide further implementations.
[0115] These and other modifications can be made to the implementations in light of the detailed description above. In general, the terms used in the following claims are not to be understood as limiting the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the description and in the claims, but rather as encompassing all possible implementations, together with the entire range of equivalents covered by the claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] US 15245560
[0001] US 6011389
[0004] US 5973494
[0004] US 5886519
[0004] US 7906958
[0004] US 5998990
[0025] US 7239130
[0025] US 15199723
[0032]
Claims
[1] Electronic position sensor usable for measuring a relative position between two elements along a measuring axis direction corresponding to an x-axis direction, wherein the electronic position sensor comprises: a scale extending along the measurement axis direction and comprising a signal-modulating scale pattern having a first and a second pattern track arranged parallel to each other, each pattern track comprising field-attenuating elements that locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively greater extent, and field-maintaining elements that locally attenuate a changing magnetic flux to a relatively lesser extent or locally enhance the changing magnetic flux, and wherein the field-attenuating elements and the field-maintaining elements are offset along the x-axis direction in a periodic pattern having a spatial wavelength W; and a detector section configured to be mounted near the pattern tracks and to move along the measurement axis direction relative to the pattern tracks, wherein the detector section comprises: a field-generating coil configuration comprising at least one field-generating loop mounted on a substrate, wherein the field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide a first changing magnetic flux in response to a coil control signal in a first interior region aligned with the first pattern track, and to provide a second changing magnetic flux in a second interior region aligned with the second pattern track. a scanning coil configuration, including: A first coil configuration for sampling a spatial phase signal of the first track, arranged in the first interior region, comprising a set of N positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones that repeat along the x-axis direction of the spatial wavelength W accordingly, and a set of N negatively polarized windings distributed in negatively polarized winding zones that alternate with the positively polarized winding zones and repeat along the x-axis direction of the spatial wavelength W accordingly, wherein N is an integer that is at least 2, and wherein the positively and negatively polarized windings each respond to a local action on the changing magnetic flux provided by adjacent field-attenuating or field-maintaining elements.and provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the first track, which is provided by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track; and , a first coil configuration for sampling a spatial phase signal of the second track, which is arranged in the second interior region, comprising a set of M positively polarized windings distributed in positively polarized winding zones that repeat along the x-axis direction of the spatial wavelength W accordingly, and a set of M negatively polarized windings distributed in negatively polarized winding zones that alternate with the positively polarized winding zones and repeat along the x-axis direction of the spatial wavelength W accordingly, wherein M is an integer that is at least 2, and wherein the positively and negatively polarized windings each respond to a local action on the changing magnetic flux provided by adjacent field-attenuating or field-maintaining elements.and provide signal contributions for a first spatial phase signal component of the second track, which is provided by the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track; , where: the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track each define a first and a second sampling span along the x-axis direction, and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track are not symmetrical to each other with respect to a boundary line along the x-axis direction between the first and the second sample track; the periodic pattern of the second pattern track is aligned with the periodic pattern of the first pattern track or is offset from it by a scale pattern offset STO not equal to 0.5*W along the x-axis direction; and the electronic position sensor A) or B) is configured according to, wherein: A) the field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide a changing magnetic flux with opposite polarities in the first inner area along the first pattern track and in the second inner area along the second pattern track; and Starting from a starting point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track also has the first winding polarity, and the initial windings along the first and second tracks are offset from each other by a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x-axis direction; or B) the field-generating coil configuration is configured to provide a changing magnetic flux of the same polarity in the first inner area along the first pattern track and in the second inner area along the second pattern track; and Starting from a starting point of the scanning coil configuration, the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track has a first winding polarity, and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has a second winding polarity that is opposite to the first winding polarity, and the initial windings along the first and second tracks are offset from each other by a winding offset WO=STO+ / - 0.5*W along the x-axis direction. [2] Electronic position sensor according to claim 1, wherein the electronic position sensor A) is configured according to [3] Electronic position encoder according to claim 2, wherein the scale pattern offset STO is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W, and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration: the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track exhibits a first winding polarity and its final winding exhibits the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity; and The first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the first winding polarity and its final winding has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity. [4] Electronic position encoder according to claim 2, wherein the scale pattern offset is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W, and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration: the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track exhibits the first winding polarity and its final winding also exhibits the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings exhibiting the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity; and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the first winding polarity and its final winding also has the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity. [5] Electronic position encoder according to claim 2, wherein the scale pattern offset is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W and comprises at least a majority of the windings located in a respective winding zone of the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track: a first conductor segment, which in the first inner region is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction and which is connected in series via a first serial connection to output a sampling current directly to a conductor segment, which in the second inner region is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction to form a winding section of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track; and a second conductor segment, which is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction in the first inner area and which is connected in series via a second serial connection to input a sampling current directly from a conductor segment, which is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction in the second inner area to form a winding section of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track, and The windings of the first coil for scanning the spatial phase signal of the first and second track comprise conductors manufactured in layers of a printed circuit board, the conductors having vias connecting different layers of the printed circuit board, and no vias being present in the parts of the windings located in the first and second inner area. [6] Electronic position sensor according to claim 1, wherein the electronic position sensor B) is configured according to [7] Electronic position encoder according to claim 6, wherein the scale pattern offset is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W, and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration: the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track exhibits a first winding polarity and its final winding exhibits the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity; and The first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding has the first winding polarity. [8] Electronic position encoder according to claim 6, wherein the scale pattern offset is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W, and starting from the initial point of the scanning coil configuration: the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the first track exhibits the first winding polarity and its final winding also exhibits the first winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings exhibiting the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity; and the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the second track has a configuration in which its initial winding along the second track has the second winding polarity, which is opposite to the first winding polarity, and its final winding also has the second winding polarity, and at least one winding zone between its initial winding and its final winding contains two windings that have the first winding polarity. [9] Electronic position encoder according to claim 6, wherein the scale pattern offset is in a range of 0+ / - 0.25 W and comprises at least a majority of the windings located in a respective winding zone of the first coil configuration for scanning the spatial phase of the first track: a first conductor segment, which in the first inner region is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction and which is connected in series via a first serial connection to output a sampling current directly to a conductor segment, which in the second inner region is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction to form a winding section of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track; and a second conductor segment, which is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction in the first inner area and which is connected in series via a second serial connection to input a sampling current directly from a conductor segment, which is oriented transversely to the x-axis direction in the second inner area to form a winding section of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track, and wherein the first and second serial connections provide a crossing or a bend in a region between the first and second inner regions, and the windings of the first coil for sampling the spatial phase signal of the first track and of the first coil for sampling the spatial phase signal of the second track comprise conductors manufactured in layers of a printed circuit board, the conductors having vias connecting different layers of the printed circuit board, and no vias being present in the portions of the windings that lie in the first and second inner regions. [10] Electronic position sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track C) or D) are combined to give a combined first spatial phase signal, wherein: C) the respective windings of the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the first track and the first coil configuration for sampling the spatial phase of the second track comprise respective sections of a continuous conductor, and the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are inherently combined in the continuous conductor to yield the combined first spatial phase signal; or D) a signal processing circuit is operatively connected to the detector section and the first spatial phase signal component of the first track and the first spatial phase signal component of the second track are connected to inputs of the signal processing circuit and combined by signal processing to produce a combined first spatial phase signal. [11] Electronic position sensor according to claim 1, wherein N=M. [12] Electronic position sensor according to claim 1, wherein the scale pattern offset is zero.