Position detection device and method

Abstract

Inductive position sensor (100) configured to detect a relative position between a first link and a second link, the inductive position sensor (100) comprising: a transmitting antenna (102) which is designed to be arranged on the first member, wherein the transmitting antenna (102) has at least one transmitting winding; a receiving antenna (104) designed to be arranged on the first member, wherein the receiving antenna (104) has one or more receiving windings (103, 105); a coupling element (107) that is operational, being arranged on the second member; a processing circuit (110) configured to provide one or more signals (123, 125) indicating the position of the first element relative to the second element, based on a current induced in one or more receiving windings (103, 105) as a result of an oscillating signal provided to the at least one transmitting winding; and at least one electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the electrostatic shield (210, 212) comprises a plurality of conductor tracks arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the inductive position sensor (100) comprises a first electrostatic shield (210) and a second electrostatic shield (212), wherein one or more layers (202, 204) associated with the transmitting antenna (102) and the receiving antenna (104) are arranged between the first electrostatic shield (210) and the second electrostatic shield (212).

Description

AREA

[0001] The present revelation generally concerns the determination of a relative position between two members. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Various forms of inductive position sensors are known for detecting the position of a first element relative to a second element. In some cases, one element may carry a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, while the other element may carry a coupling element. The transmitting and receiving antennas can be arranged such that, in the absence of the coupling element, a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the transmitting antenna induces a zero signal in the receiving antenna (the transmitting and receiving antennas are then said to be balanced). However, in the presence of the coupling element, a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the transmitting antenna induces an electromotive force in the receiving antenna, which generates a current that depends on the position of the coupling element relative to the transmitting and receiving antennas.By analyzing this current, the relative position of the two links can be determined.

[0003] WO 88 / 09 479 A2 discloses a sensor for determining absolute position using multiple wavelengths with a stepwise shifted phase structure. To detect absolute positions over a large range of motion while achieving the resolution, accuracy, and precision achievable through an incremental operating mode, the sensor is equipped with a plurality of terminals that provide position-dependent information about phases with shifted step sizes. A microcomputer is programmed to perform a decoding procedure to read the phase step information and calculate the absolute position. This method can be applied to detect both linear and rotary positions.Through multiplexing, digital signal processing, and integration to create an interface between the resolver and the microcomputer, this method enables highly reliable and cost-effective absolute position detection. Offset-step phase information is readily provided by inductive coupling across a multitude of windings, including a set of offset-step windings connected to the terminals. A phase indicator signal is acquired using a relatively movable sensor or a stationary coil connected via a ferromagnetic core. An RF-fed modulator is used to wirelessly transmit the phase indicator signal from the movable sensor. The offset-step windings are formed by photolithography on multiple laminated layers or by winding coils with a suitable orientation, e.g.,on a winding form.

[0004] Further state of the art is given, for example, by US 9 958 480 B2, DE 10 2009 042 940 A1, DE 32 40 920 A1, DE 10 2007 021 913 A1 and EP 2 230 341 A1. SUMMARY

[0005] According to the invention, an inductive position sensor according to claim 1 and a multilayer structure according to claim 15 are proposed. Dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0006] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure are partly specified in the following description, or can be derived from the description, or can be learned through the practice of the embodiments.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an inductive position sensor configured to detect a relative position between a first element and a second element. The inductive position sensor comprises a transmitting antenna configured to be arranged on the first element. The transmitting antenna has at least one transmitting winding. The inductive position sensor also comprises a receiving antenna configured to be arranged on the first element. The receiving antenna has one or more receiving windings. Finally, the inductive position sensor includes a coupling element capable of being arranged on the second element.The inductive position sensor comprises a processing circuit configured to provide one or more signals indicating the position of the first element relative to the second element, based on a current induced in one or more receiving windings, and resulting from an oscillating signal provided to the at least one transmitting winding. The inductive position sensor includes at least one electrostatic shield. The electrostatic shield comprises a plurality of conductive traces arranged such that no current loops are formed within the electrostatic shield. The inductive position sensor includes a first electrostatic shield and a second electrostatic shield, with one or more layers associated with the transmitting and receiving antennas, respectively.related, located between the first electrostatic shield and the second electrostatic shield.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description and the attached claims. The accompanying drawings, which are included and form part of this description, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the associated principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The description details embodiments intended for a person skilled in the art, with reference to the attached figures, which: Fig. 1 represents a schematic drawing of an exemplary inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 exemplary windings are shown, which are connected with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 exemplary windings are represented which are connected with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 represents an exemplary first layer of a multilayer structure associated with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 represents an exemplary second layer of a multilayer structure associated with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 represents an exemplary first layer of a multilayer structure associated with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 represents an exemplary second layer of a multilayer structure associated with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 represents an exemplary multilayer structure for an inductive position sensor having a plurality of electrostatic shields, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 represents an exemplary electrostatic shielding according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 represents an exemplary electrostatic shielding according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 11 represents an exemplary electrostatic shielding according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 12 represents an exemplary electrostatic shielding according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 13 represents an exemplary electrostatic shielding according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 14 represents an exemplary electrostatic shield arranged on the same layer as a layer associated with a transmitting antenna and / or a receiving antenna of an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 15 represents an exemplary electrostatic shield arranged on the same layer as a layer associated with a transmitting antenna and / or a receiving antenna of an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 16 represents a schematic drawing of an exemplary transmitting antenna section of an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 17 exemplary windings are represented, which are associated with a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 18 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary transmitting antenna section of an inductive position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Extensive reference will now be made to embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided to clarify the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Indeed, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of protection or the inventive concept of the present disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to achieve yet another embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations.

[0011] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to position sensors (e.g., rotary position sensors) and, in particular, inductive position sensors that incorporate electrostatic protection to reduce interference. Electrostatic interference can originate from high-voltage sources such as high-voltage electric motors. For example, high-voltage electric motors are increasingly used in automotive and other applications. These high-voltage sources can generate interference in inductive position sensors, such as inductive rotary position sensors. The interference can, for example, include low-frequency electrostatic coupling between the high-voltage source(s) and the inductive sensors.

[0012] For example, in some embodiments, an inductive position sensor can determine a relative position between two elements, such as a first element and a second element. The inductive position sensor can include a transmitting antenna arranged on the first element. The transmitting antenna can include a transmitting winding. The inductive position sensor can also include a receiving antenna arranged on the first element. The receiving antenna can include one or more windings, for example, a first winding (e.g., a sine winding) and a second winding (e.g., a cosine winding). The inductive position sensor can include a coupling element on the second element. The coupling element can include one or more conductive areas and / or one or more areas of ferromagnetic material.

[0013] An oscillating signal can be supplied to the transmitting winding of the transmitting antenna. This oscillating signal can induce electromotive forces in the receiving winding(s) of the receiving antenna. In the presence of the coupling element on the second element, a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the transmitting antenna induces an electromotive force in the receiving antenna, generating a current that depends on the position of the coupling element relative to the transmitting and receiving antennas. In this way, the sensor can be used to detect the relative position (e.g., rotational position) between the two elements.

[0014] According to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, an inductive position sensor (e.g., an inductive rotary position sensor) may comprise one or more electrostatic shields to reduce interference with the inductive position sensor. The electrostatic shield(s) may comprise one or more conductors arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield(s). The electrostatic shield is grounded. The electrostatic shield may be arranged on a printed circuit board or other substrate associated with the inductive position sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the electrostatic shield(s) may be arranged on the same layer as windings associated with the inductive position sensor.In some embodiments, the electrostatic shield(s) can be arranged on one or more different layers in the printed circuit board, such as windings associated with the inductive position sensor. In some embodiments, the electrostatic shield can be integrated into a housing used to accommodate various components of the inductive position sensor. This can provide a low-impedance path to ground for the receiving winding to reduce interference.

[0015] In some embodiments, a capacitor can be coupled between a point on the transmitting winding and / or a point on one or more receiving windings (e.g., sine wave and / or cosine wave) and ground. The capacitor coupled in this way can reduce interference at the windings, including low-frequency interference.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an inductive position sensor configured to detect a relative position between a first element and a second element. The inductive position sensor comprises a transmitting antenna configured to be arranged on the first element. The transmitting antenna may have at least one transmitting winding. The inductive position sensor may also include a receiving antenna configured to be arranged on the first element. The receiving antenna may have one or more receiving windings. The inductive position sensor may include a coupling element capable of being arranged on the second element.The inductive position sensor may include a processing circuit configured to provide one or more signals indicating the position of the first element relative to the second element, based on a current induced in one or more windings as a result of an oscillating signal supplied to the transmitting winding. The inductive position sensor includes at least one electrostatic shield. The electrostatic shield may comprise a plurality of conductive traces arranged such that no current loops are formed within the electrostatic shield.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary rotary position sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a rotary position sensor 100 comprises a transmitting antenna 102, a receiving antenna 104 formed by a sine winding 103 and a cosine winding 105, and an intermediate coupling element 107. The transmitting antenna 102 and the receiving antenna 104 are formed on a first element (not shown). The intermediate coupling element 107 is formed on a second element (also not shown). The intermediate coupling element 107 can comprise a conductive and / or ferromagnetic material. Relative movement (e.g., a rotational movement) between the first element and the second element generates a corresponding relative movement between, on the one hand, the transmitting antenna 102 and the receiving antenna 104, and on the other hand, the intermediate coupling element 107.

[0018] The transmitting antenna 102, the sine wave winding 103, and the cosine wave winding 105 are electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the processing circuit 110. In this example, the processing circuit 110 is implemented as an integrated semiconductor switching device, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or an application-specific standard product (ASSP). In other examples, the processing circuit 110 may use multiple interconnected devices and / or may be implemented using one or more suitable components (e.g., electronic components such as discrete electronic components).

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the processing circuit 110 comprises a TX driver stage 112 that generates an oscillating electrical signal to supply the transmitting antenna 102. In this example, the TX driver stage 112 can be a free-running oscillator that generates an oscillating electrical signal at a driver frequency determined by the inductance of the transmitting antenna 102 and the capacitance of one or more capacitors 113 connected in parallel with the transmitting antenna 102. This driver frequency is typically selected to be a few MHz, for example, in the range of about 2 MHz to about 5 MHz. As used in this document, the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value is intended to refer to a range within 20% of the specified numerical value.

[0020] Supplying the transmitting antenna 102 with an oscillating current induces electromotive forces in the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105 of the receiving antenna 104, which can cause a current to flow in the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105 are separate windings, so separate currents flow in the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. The sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105 are electrically connected to separate terminals of the processing circuit 110, with the current flowing in the sine winding 103 being processed to provide a sine output signal 123, and the current flowing in the cosine winding 105 being processed to provide a cosine output signal 125. The relative magnitudes of the sine output signal 123 and the cosine output signal 125 indicate the relative position (e.g., relative rotational position) of the first and second elements.

[0021] Upon entering the processing circuit 110, a current flowing in the sinusoidal winding 103 first passes through an EMC filter stage 115, thus reducing signal components at frequencies away from the driver frequency. The signal components that are reduced may, for example, be caused by interference from electrical signals generated by other nearby electrical components. According to exemplary aspects of this disclosure and as described in more detail below, the inductive position sensor 100 may include one or more electrostatic shields designed to reduce interference from electrical signals generated by other electrical components, such as a high-voltage electric motor.

[0022] The filtered electrical signal then passes through a synchronous demodulation stage 117, where it is mixed with a demodulation signal from the TX driver stage 112. The demodulation signal is in phase with the driver signal. As a consequence of the fact that the intermediate coupling element 107 is made of a conductive material, the electrical signal from the sine wave 103 can be phase-shifted by 180° relative to the driver signal. The demodulated electrical signal resulting from the synchronous demodulation accordingly exhibits a baseband component, the magnitude of which varies depending on the relative rotational position of the first and second elements, and high-frequency components at twice the driver frequency and at higher harmonics of the driver frequency.

[0023] The demodulated electrical signal can pass through a low-pass filter stage 119 to reduce the high-frequency components corresponding to the harmonics of the driver signal, leaving the baseband component intact. The signal can then pass through a gain and output buffer stage 121, allowing adjustable gain to be applied before the sine wave output signal 123 is output by the processing circuit 110.

[0024] As from Fig. As will be evident in Figure 1, a current induced in the cosine winding 105 also undergoes EMC filtering 115, synchronous demodulation 117, low-pass filtering 119 and amplification and output buffering 121 within the processing circuit 110 before it is output as a cosine output signal 125.

[0025] The transmitting antenna 102, the sine winding 103, and the cosine winding 105 are formed by conductive traces. The conductive traces can be located on a printed circuit board or another substrate that is positioned on the first element. The intermediate coupling element 107 comprises a conductive material (e.g., a pattern of conductive material) that lies on the second element.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 represents an exemplary embodiment of a transmitting antenna 102, a sinusoidal winding 103, and a cosine winding 105 of an inductive position sensor 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The transmitting antenna 102, sinusoidal winding 103, and cosine winding 105 can be arranged on a substrate, for example, a printed circuit board. As shown in Figure 2, the transmitting antenna 102, sinusoidal winding 103, and cosine winding 105 can be arranged on a substrate, for example, a printed circuit board. Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105 can be designed as a multilayer structure with different components, the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105, arranged in different layers of a printed circuit board or other substrate.

[0027] In particular, Fig. 4 a first layer 202 of the inductive position sensor made of Fig. 2 according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The first layer 202 comprises conductor tracks connected to the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. Fig. 5 represents a second layer 204 of the inductive position sensor Fig. 2 according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The second layer 204 comprises conductive traces connected to the sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105. The first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can, for example, be arranged on opposite sides of a printed circuit board or other substrate. In some embodiments, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can be arranged on different substrates. The first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can, for example, be connected by means of vias.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 represents a further exemplary embodiment of a transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103, and cosine winding 105 of an inductive position sensor 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103, and cosine winding 105 can be arranged on a substrate, for example, a printed circuit board. As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105 can be designed as a multilayer structure with different components, the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105, arranged in different layers of a printed circuit board or other substrate.

[0029] In particular, Fig. 6 a first layer 202 of the inductive position sensor made of Fig. 3 according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The first layer 202 comprises conductor tracks connected to the transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. Fig. Figure 7 represents a second layer 204 of the inductive position sensor. Fig. 3 according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The second layer 204 comprises conductive traces connected to the sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105. The first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can, for example, be arranged on opposite sides of a printed circuit board or other substrate. In some embodiments, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can be arranged on different substrates. The first layer 202 and the second layer 204 can, for example, be connected by means of vias.

[0030] According to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, an inductive position sensor can comprise one or more electrostatic shields arranged proximal to the transmitting and receiving antennas, such that electromagnetic interference is reduced. In some embodiments, the electrostatic shield(s) can be arranged on a different layer or layers relative to the layers associated with the transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0031] For example, Fig. Figure 8 presents an exemplary multilayer structure for a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna of an inductive position sensor 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The multilayer structure 100 can comprise a first layer 202 and a second layer 204. The first layer 202 can comprise conductive traces associated with the transmitting antenna and / or the receiving antenna. For example, the first layer 202 can be the first layer 202 that is in Fig. 4 or Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this. The second layer 204 can include conductor tracks associated with the transmitting antenna and / or the receiving antenna. For example, the second layer 204 could be the second layer 204 located in Fig. 5 or Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this.

[0032] The inductive position sensor can comprise a first electrostatic shielding layer 210 and a second electrostatic shielding layer 212. The first electrostatic shielding layer 210 can be grounded. The second electrostatic shielding layer 212 can be grounded. The first electrostatic shielding layer 210 and the second electrostatic shielding layer 212 can be arranged in the multilayer structure such that the layer(s) associated with the transmitting and receiving antennas (e.g., layer(s) 202 and 204) are located between the first electrostatic shielding layer 210 and the second electrostatic shielding layer 212.

[0033] Fig. Figure 8 presents an exemplary embodiment having two electrostatic shielding layers for the purposes of illustration and discussion. A person skilled in the art will understand, using the disclosures provided in this document, that any number of electrostatic shielding layers may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the inductive position sensor may have a single electrostatic shielding layer arranged adjacent to the first layer 202 or the second layer 204.

[0034] Each of the electrostatic shields 210, 212 can comprise a plurality of conductors connected to ground. The conductors can be arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield 210, 212. Exemplary embodiments of electrostatic shields 210, 212 are shown in Fig. Set for 9-13.

[0035] For example, Fig. Figure 9 presents an exemplary embodiment of an electrostatic shield 210, 212 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 comprises an arc-shaped first conductor 220 extending in an arc-shaped manner from a first end to a second end. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 further comprises a plurality of second conductors 222. Each of the second conductors 222 extends in a direction away from the first conductor 220. The second conductors 222 may each have the same length or different lengths.

[0036] Fig. Figure 10 presents an exemplary embodiment of an electrostatic shield 210, 212 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 comprises a linear first conductor 230 extending linearly from a first end to a second end. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 further comprises a plurality of second conductors 232. Each of the second conductors 232 extends in a direction away from the first conductor 230. The second conductors 232 may each have the same length or different lengths.

[0037] Fig. Figure 11 presents an exemplary embodiment of an electrostatic shield 210, 212 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 comprises a linear first conductor 240 extending linearly from a first end to a second end. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 further comprises a plurality of second conductors 242. Each of the second conductors 242 extends in a first direction away from the first conductor 240. The second conductors 242 may each have the same length or different lengths. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 may further comprise a plurality of third conductors 244. Each of the third conductors 244 extends in a second direction away from the first conductor 240. The second direction may be different from the first direction.The third conductor tracks 244 can each have the same length or different lengths.

[0038] Fig. Figure 12 represents an exemplary embodiment of an electrostatic shield 210, 212 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 comprises a first conductor 250 extending from a first end to a second end in an arc-shaped manner. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 further comprises a plurality of second conductors 252. Each of the second conductors 252 extends in a direction away from the first conductor 250. The second conductors 252 can each have a length such that the ends of the second conductors 252 form an arc shape.

[0039] Fig. Figure 13 presents an exemplary embodiment of an electrostatic shield 210, 212 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 comprises a linear first conductor 260 extending linearly from a first end to a second end. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 further comprises a plurality of second conductors 262. Each of the second conductors 262 extends in a first direction away from the first conductor 260. The second conductors 262 can each have a length such that the ends of the second conductors 262 form an arc. The electrostatic shield 210, 212 can further comprise a plurality of third conductors 264. Each of the third conductors 264 extends in a second direction away from the first conductor 260. The second direction can be different from the first direction.The third conductor tracks 264 can each have a length such that the ends of the second conductor tracks 264 form an arc shape.

[0040] The designs of the electrostatic shields 210, 212, which are in Fig. Figures 9-13 are shown for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of electrostatic shielding may be used without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electrostatic shielding(s) can be formed on the same layer as one or more conductor tracks associated with the transmitting and / or receiving antenna. For example, Fig. 14 represents an electrostatic shield 300 formed in the same layer as conductor tracks associated with a sine and cosine winding of an inductive position sensor. In particular, the electrostatic shield 300 is in the second layer 204, which is connected to the inductive position sensor 100. Fig. 3 is related, formed. The second layer 204 without the electrostatic shielding 300 is in Fig. 7 shown.

[0042] The electrostatic shielding 300 made of Fig. 14 is grounded and comprises a plurality of conductor tracks arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield 300. The electrostatic shield 300 comprises a first conductor track 302 that at least partially surrounds the conductor tracks associated with the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. A plurality of second conductor tracks 304 extend from the first conductor track 302. The plurality of second conductor tracks 304 can extend from the first conductor track 302 such that each of the second conductor tracks is arranged between a track associated with the sine winding 103 and a track associated with the cosine winding 105. A plurality of third conductor tracks 306 can extend from the second conductor tracks 304. The multiple third conductor tracks 306 can extend in any direction and have the same or different lengths.The third conductor tracks 306 can also be arranged in such a way that they do not overlap or intersect any tracks associated with the sine winding 103 or the cosine winding 105.

[0043] Fig. 15 represents an electrostatic shield 300 formed in the same layer as conductor tracks associated with a sine and cosine winding of an inductive position sensor. In particular, the electrostatic shield 300 is in the second layer 204, which is connected to the inductive position sensor 100. Fig. 2 is related, formed. The second layer 204 without the electrostatic shielding 300 is in Fig. 5 shown.

[0044] The electrostatic shielding 300 made of Fig. 15 is grounded and comprises a plurality of conductors arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield 300. The electrostatic shield 300 comprises a first conductor 312 extending in an arc-shaped manner from a first end and a second end. A plurality of second conductors 314 extend from the first conductor 312. The plurality of second conductors 314 can extend from the first conductor 312 such that the second conductors 314 at least partially surround conductors associated with the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105.

[0045] Fig. Figure 16 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary transmitting antenna according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The design of the transmitting antenna 102 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that a point 102.5 of the transmitting antenna winding is connected to ground, for example by means of a capacitor 114. This can reduce coupling of electrostatic fields through the coils, thereby reducing low-frequency electrostatic interference. The same principle can be applied to the receiving antenna windings such as the sine winding 103 and / or the cosine winding 105.

[0046] Fig. Figure 17 represents a further example of a transmitting antenna 102, sine winding 103 and cosine winding 105 of an inductive position sensor 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the above with reference to Fig. The electrostatic shield 400 discussed in Section 14 can be formed integrally with the transmitting antenna 102. For example, the transmitting antenna 102 can comprise a first conductor track 402 that at least partially surrounds the conductor tracks associated with the sine winding 103 and the cosine winding 105. The transmitting antenna 102 can comprise a plurality of second conductor tracks 404. As shown, each of the plurality of second conductor tracks 404 can extend from the first conductor track 402 such that each of the plurality of second conductor tracks 404 is located between a conductor track associated with the sine winding 103 and a conductor track associated with the cosine winding 105. The transmitting antenna 102 can comprise a plurality of third conductor tracks 406 extending from each of the second plurality of second conductor tracks 404. The multiple third conductor tracks 406 can extend in any direction and have the same or different lengths.The multitude of third conductor tracks 406 can also be arranged in such a way that they do not overlap or intersect any conductor tracks associated with the sine winding 103 or the cosine winding 105.

[0047] Fig. Figure 18 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary transmitting antenna 102 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The design of the transmitting antenna 102 from Fig. 18 is similar to the design of the transmitting antenna from Fig. 16. The design of the transmitting antenna 102 from Fig. However, 18 does not include capacitor 114 ( Fig. 16), which is between Earth and point 102.5 ( Fig. 16) is coupled to the transmitting antenna 102.

[0048] While the present subject matter of the invention has been described in detail with regard to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be estimated that those skilled in the art, upon gaining an understanding of the foregoing, will be able to easily make changes, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is to be understood as exemplary rather than limiting, and the disclosure of the subject matter of the invention does not exclude such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be immediately obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

[1] Inductive position sensor (100) configured to detect a relative position between a first member and a second member, the inductive position sensor (100) comprising: a transmitting antenna (102) which is designed to be arranged on the first member, wherein the transmitting antenna (102) has at least one transmitting winding; a receiving antenna (104) designed to be arranged on the first member, wherein the receiving antenna (104) has one or more receiving windings (103, 105); a coupling element (107) that is operational, being arranged on the second member; a processing circuit (110) configured to provide one or more signals (123, 125) indicating the position of the first element relative to the second element, based on a current induced in one or more receiving windings (103, 105) as a result of an oscillating signal provided to the at least one transmitting winding; and at least one electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the electrostatic shield (210, 212) comprises a plurality of conductor tracks arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the inductive position sensor (100) comprises a first electrostatic shield (210) and a second electrostatic shield (212), wherein one or more layers (202, 204) associated with the transmitting antenna (102) and the receiving antenna (104) are arranged between the first electrostatic shield (210) and the second electrostatic shield (212). [2] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic shield (210, 212) is grounded. [3] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting antenna (102), receiving antenna (104) and electrostatic shielding (210, 212) are arranged as a multilayer structure. [4] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrostatic shield (210) and the second electrostatic shield (212) is arranged on a different layer relative to the transmitting antenna (102) and the receiving antenna (104). [5] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein a point (102.5) on the at least one transmitting winding is coupled to the earth. [6] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 5, wherein the point (102.5) on the at least one transmitting winding is coupled to earth by means of a capacitor (114). [7] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more receiving windings (103, 105) comprise a sine winding (103) and a cosine winding (105). [8] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic shielding (210, 212) comprises the following: a first conductor track (220, 230, 240, 250, 260) that extends from a first end section to a second end section; a multitude of second conductor tracks (222, 232, 242, 252, 262) extending from the first conductor track (220, 230, 240, 250, 260). [9] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first conductor track (220, 250) extends from the first end section to the second end section in an arc-shaped manner. [10] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first conductor track (230, 240, 260) extends linearly from the first end section to the second end section. [11] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second conductor tracks (222, 232, 242) have approximately the same length. [12] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of second conductor tracks (222, 232, 242) have different lengths. [13] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein end sections of the second conductor tracks (252, 262) form an arc shape. [14] Inductive position sensor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the electrostatic shielding (210, 212) further comprises a plurality of third conductor tracks (244, 264) extending from the first conductor track (240, 260), wherein the third conductor tracks (244, 264) extend in a different direction relative to the plurality of second conductor tracks (242, 262). [15] Multilayer structure for use with an inductive position sensor (100), wherein the multilayer structure comprises: a transmitting antenna (102) having at least one transmitting winding; a receiving antenna (104) comprising one or more receiving windings (103, 105); and at least one electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the electrostatic shield (210, 212) comprises a plurality of conductor tracks arranged such that no current loops are formed in the electrostatic shield (210, 212), wherein the inductive position sensor (100) has a first electrostatic shield (210) and a second electrostatic shield (212), and wherein one or more layers (202, 204) associated with the transmitting antenna (102) and the receiving antenna (104) are arranged between the first electrostatic shield (210) and the second electrostatic shield (212). [16] Multilayer structure according to claim 15, wherein the electrostatic shielding (210, 212) is grounded. [17] Multilayer structure according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first electrostatic shield (210) and the second electrostatic shield (212) is arranged on a different layer relative to the transmitting antenna (102) and the receiving antenna (104).

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