Linear drive system, rotor unit, and stator unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a linear drive system (100), comprising a stator unit (101) and a rotor unit (103), said stator unit (101) comprising at least one guide rail (105, 107) on which the rotor unit (103) can be moved. The stator unit (101) comprises a stator magnetic unit (109) for providing a stator magnetic field, and the rotor unit (103) comprises a rotor magnetic unit (111) for providing a rotor magnetic field. The rotor unit (103) can be moved along the guide rail (105, 107) via a magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field. The drive system (100) additionally comprises a transmitter system (115) with a transmitter unit (117) which is arranged on the rotor unit (103) and a measuring body (119) which is arranged on the stator unit (101), wherein the transmitter unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) via a locking device (121), and the transmitter unit (117) can be moved relative to the rotor unit (103) along at least one specified movement direction (123) via the locking device (121). The distance (125) between the transmitter unit (117) and the measuring body (119) can vary as a result of the movement of the transmitter unit (117) along the at least one movement direction (123) when positioning the rotor unit (103) on the guide rail (105, 107). The invention also relates to a rotor (400), a stator unit (300), and a planetary drive system (200).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Linear drive system, slider unit and stator unit

[0003] The invention relates to a linear drive system and a rotor unit and a stator unit for a linear drive system.

[0004] Linear drive systems, also commonly referred to as linear motors, can be used in automation technology, particularly in manufacturing technology, handling technology, and process engineering. Linear drive systems enable the precise and rapid transport of goods along predefined transport paths. Magnetically excited linear drive systems are known from the state of the art. Magnetically excited linear drive systems utilize magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic fields of a stator unit and the rotor magnetic fields of the rotor units of the linear drive system.

[0005] By controlling the rotor magnetic fields and / or stator magnetic fields, the rotor units can be moved along predefined transport paths. The advantages of the magnetically excited drive include high precision control of the individual rotor units. Furthermore, the magnetically excited drive represents a direct drive that does not require gearboxes or transmission units. The drive units can therefore be manufactured in a compact installation space. Furthermore, the drive is continuously controllable, which allows for increased flexibility. Furthermore, the magnetic drive allows compliance with high hygiene standards, as contamination of the drive environment can be minimized.

[0006] Encoder systems are typically used to determine the position of the rotor units relative to the stator units. These systems comprise encoder units mounted on the rotor units and measuring elements mounted on the stator units. The encoder units are configured to read position information from the measuring elements and use this information to determine the position of the rotor units relative to the stator units.

[0007] Typically, such encoder systems are installed during machine assembly, and in the case of very large machines with long linear drive systems, only during machine commissioning by employees of the machine manufacturer or the machine operator. The encoder unit is attached to a rotor unit. This is usually achieved using a screw connection, which is designed in such a way that the encoder unit can be adjusted within certain limits in terms of its spatial position during assembly. The measuring scale, in turn, is fixed to a stator unit. Both screw connections and adhesive connections are used for this purpose.

[0008] The precision of the position determinations provided by the encoder units depends critically on the distances and spatial alignment between the encoder units mounted on the rotor units and the measuring elements arranged on the stator units. For example, if the encoder system is operated with an insufficient distance or at an incorrect spatial angle between the encoder unit and the measuring element, the position determination may not provide the required accuracy, and the control of the linear drive system may consequently be faulty.

[0009] Therefore, adequately trained and experienced employees of the machine manufacturer or machine operator are required for the assembly and alignment of the encoder system.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved linear drive system as well as a rotor unit and a stator unit for a linear drive system.

[0011] This object is achieved by the linear drive system, the rotor unit, and the stator unit of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a linear drive system is provided, comprising a stator unit and a rotor unit, wherein the stator unit comprises at least one guide rail on which the rotor unit is movable, wherein the stator unit comprises a stator magnet unit for providing a stator magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit comprises a rotor magnet unit for providing a rotor magnetic field, wherein the rotor is movable along the guide rail via a magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field, wherein the drive system further comprises an encoder system with an encoder unit arranged on the rotor unit and a measuring embodiment arranged on the stator unit, wherein the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit via a locking device,wherein the encoder unit is displaceable relative to the runner unit along at least one predefined displacement direction via the locking device, and wherein, when the runner unit is positioned on the guide rail, a distance between the encoder unit and the measuring embodiment can be varied by displacing the encoder unit along the at least one displacement direction.

[0013] This allows the technical advantage of providing an improved linear drive system with an improved encoder system. The encoder system comprises an encoder unit, which is fixed to a slider unit of the drive system, and a measuring element, which is correspondingly fixed to a stator unit of the drive system. The encoder unit is configured to read position information from the measuring element and thus effect an absolute or incremental position determination of the slider unit relative to the stator unit.

[0014] The encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit via a locking device such that the encoder unit can be displaced relative to the rotor unit along at least one predefined displacement direction via the locking device. In particular, the locking device enables the encoder unit to be fixed to the rotor unit at the manufacturer's factory. This advantageously allows for greater positioning accuracy with regard to the spatial position of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, so that when the rotor unit is mounted in a machine, the encoder unit only needs to be varied in the predefined displacement direction using the locking device in order to achieve the necessary optimal spatial position of the encoder unit relative to the measuring standard.

[0015] By moving the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, a distance between the encoder unit and the measuring standard can be varied when the rotor unit is positioned on a guide rail of the stator unit.

[0016] By varying the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale, an optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be set, which allows optimal signal transmission or optimal readout of the position information of the measuring scale by the encoder unit. Because the locking device allows displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit exclusively in a predefined displacement direction, the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be easily set by actuating the locking device. According to the invention, this simplifies and accelerates assembly of the machine by the machine manufacturer and / or the machine operator. When the rotor unit is correctly positioned on the guide rail of the stator unit, the displacement direction is preferably oriented perpendicular to a surface of the stator unit.By orienting the displacement direction vertically relative to the underside of the stator unit or the drive unit, a vertical displacement of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale formed on the surface of the stator unit can be achieved when the slider unit is arranged on the guide rails. This enables precise adjustment of the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale by moving the encoder unit relative to the slider unit along the predefined displacement direction.

[0017] A measuring scale, as defined in the application, is preferably designed as a strip-shaped unit that can be positioned on a surface of the stator unit. The strip-shaped unit of the measuring scale comprises position information on a surface of the strip-shaped unit, which can be read by the encoder unit when it moves over it. The encoder system thus allows for absolute or incremental position determination of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit when the encoder unit moves along the strip-shaped unit of the measuring scale.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the locking device allows the encoder unit to be displaced relative to the rotor unit along exactly one predefined displacement direction, wherein the displacement direction is oriented perpendicular to an underside of the encoder unit and / or perpendicular to an underside of the drive unit of the rotor unit.

[0019] This achieves the technical advantage that, since the encoder unit can be displaced relative to the rotor unit exclusively along the predefined displacement direction, tilting or twisting of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit can be prevented. The locking device thus ensures that the orientation of the encoder unit is maintained when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail relative to the measuring scale formed on the stator unit, and that only the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be varied by displacement.

[0020] Preferably, the encoder unit is arranged on the rotor unit or connected to the drive unit in such a way that the underside of the encoder unit is oriented parallel to the underside of the drive unit. The undersides of the encoder unit and drive unit define sides that, when the rotor unit is correctly arranged on the guide rails, face the stator unit.

[0021] The locking device prevents the encoder unit from tilting relative to the measuring scale. This allows for the simplest possible adjustment of the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale, which leads to optimal readout of the position information of the measuring scale by the encoder unit, without the need to additionally adjust the alignment of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale. As already described, this allows the encoder unit to be fixed to the slider unit at the factory using the locking device. The user of the linear drive system therefore only needs to adjust the optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale by actuating the locking device when assembling or installing the linear drive system.

[0022] The orientation of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale is already determined by the factory-attached locking device to the rotor unit, eliminating the need for laborious adjustment by the user during installation of the linear drive system. Installation of the linear drive system is thus drastically simplified by the encoder unit being factory-attached to the rotor unit via the locking device. The optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale can be adjusted simply by actuating the locking device, eliminating the need for laborious alignment of the encoder unit to the measuring scale positioned on the stator unit.

[0023] The optimal distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale may depend on the type of encoder system and may be specified accordingly by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the optimal distance can also be determined by trial and error and monitoring the signal strength of the encoder unit's measurement signal.

[0024] For the purposes of the application, “factory” means that a corresponding process is carried out by the manufacturer during production of the linear drive system and / or the rotor unit and / or the encoder system and / or the stator unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking device is configured to effect a continuous displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along the displacement direction. This provides the technical advantage of enabling the most precise possible adjustment of the optimal distance between the encoder unit fixed to the rotor unit and the measuring standard fixed to the stator unit when positioning the rotor unit on the guide rail of the stator unit. By continuously displacing the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, any distance between a predefined minimum distance and a predefined maximum distance can be set between the encoder unit and the measuring standard.

[0026] This can be used to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of individual components of the linear drive system or different types of components of the linear drive system.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises a first locking part fixed to the rotor unit and a second locking part fixed to the encoder unit, wherein the first locking part or the second locking part has a displacement groove oriented parallel to the displacement direction, wherein the respective other locking part has a displacement projection receivable by the displacement groove, and wherein by sliding the displacement projection along the displacement groove, the first and second locking parts are displaceable relative to one another along the displacement direction.

[0028] This provides the technical advantage of achieving the most precise possible displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along the predefined displacement direction. Furthermore, tilting or twisting of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit, as well as tilting or rotation directions that deviate from the displacement direction, can be avoided.

[0029] For this purpose, the locking device comprises two first and second locking parts that can be displaced relative to one another, of which a first locking part is fixed to the rotor unit and a second locking part is fixed to the encoder unit. The first or second locking part has a displacement groove oriented parallel to the displacement direction, while the other locking part has a displacement projection that can be received by the displacement groove. By receiving the displacement projection in the displacement groove, the sliding of the displacement projection along the displacement groove can ensure that the first and second locking parts can be displaced relative to one another exclusively along the displacement direction. Tilting or twisting of the locking parts relative to one another in tilting or rotational directions that deviate from the displacement direction can be prevented by the formation of the displacement groove or the displacement projection.This makes it possible to ensure that the encoder unit, which is fixed to the rotor unit via the locking device with the two first and second locking parts, can only be moved along the predefined direction of displacement.

[0030] This ensures that the orientation of the encoder unit remains unchanged when the encoder unit is moved relative to the rotor unit. Particularly when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail of the stator unit, the orientation of the encoder unit relative to the measuring standard fixed to the stator unit can be maintained when the encoder unit is moved relative to the measuring standard and, consequently, when the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring standard changes. The longitudinal orientation of the displacement groove defines the orientation of the displacement direction.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises an actuating unit for effecting the displacement of the first and second locking parts, wherein the actuating unit comprises a spindle element connected to the first or second locking part, and wherein the first and second locking parts are displaceable relative to one another via the spindle element.

[0032] This provides the technical advantage that the actuating unit can easily move the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along the predefined direction of displacement. For this purpose, the actuating unit has a spindle element rotatably connected to the first or second locking part. By actuating the spindle element, a displacement of the first and second locking parts relative to each other can be achieved. By actuating the spindle element, a displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit along the predefined direction of displacement can be achieved.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the actuating unit comprises an adjusting wheel connected to the spindle element as an operating element for a user, wherein the adjusting wheel is rotatable relative to the spindle element. This can achieve the technical advantage of enabling easy operation of the actuating unit of the locking device by a user. For this purpose, the actuating unit comprises an adjusting wheel connected to the spindle element via a threaded toothing. The adjusting wheel is rotatable relative to the spindle element. By rotating the adjusting wheel, the adjusting wheel can thus be displaced relative to the spindle element along an external thread of the spindle element along a longitudinal axis of the spindle element. For this purpose, the spindle element can be moved into or out of an internal thread of the adjusting wheel, which leads to the displacement of the spindle element.By displacing the spindle element, the first and second locking parts can be displaced relative to one another. For this purpose, the spindle element contacts the first or second locking part and is configured to displace the respective first or second locking part accordingly when displaced along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element.

[0034] Rotating the adjusting wheel enables easy operation of the actuating unit of the locking device and, associated with this, easy displacement of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit and thus easy adjustment of the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking parts are connected to one another via a screw element, wherein the spindle element is connected to the screw element at right angles, wherein the adjusting wheel is toothed with an external thread of the spindle element via an internal thread, and wherein the screw element is arranged displaceably along the displacement direction in the first or second locking part.

[0036] This allows for the technical advantage of enabling a technically simple design of the locking device. The screw element allows the first and second locking parts to be fixed to one another in such a way that a displacement of the first and second locking parts relative to one another along the predefined displacement direction is possible.

[0037] The spindle element is connected at right angles to the screw element, with the adjusting wheel meshing with an external thread of the spindle element via an internal thread. By rotating the adjusting wheel, the spindle element can be displaced relative to the adjusting wheel along a longitudinal axis of the spindle element. Displacing the spindle element causes the screw element to be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the spindle element. This causes the first and second locking parts to be displaced relative to one another. The screw element is designed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the displacement groove and thus perpendicular to the predefined displacement direction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the spindle element is oriented parallel to the direction of displacement.

[0039] This makes it possible to achieve the technical advantage that by rotating the spindle element or by rotating the adjusting wheel relative to the spindle element and by the resulting displacement of the adjusting wheel along the spindle element, a precise displacement of the first and second locking parts along the predefined displacement direction is possible.

[0040] By orienting the spindle element parallel to the displacement direction, it is also possible to prevent the first and second locking parts from moving relative to each other in a direction deviating from the displacement direction. This ensures that the encoder unit can be displaced relative to the rotor unit exclusively along the predefined displacement direction.

[0041] This, in turn, allows the orientation or alignment of the encoder unit relative to the slider unit to be maintained when the encoder unit is moved relative to the slider unit. This, in turn, allows, as already described several times above, that when the encoder unit is factory-fixed to the slider unit via the locking device during installation of the linear drive system, the distance between the encoder unit and the measuring scale formed on the stator unit can be easily adjusted by activating the locking device and moving the encoder unit along the predefined displacement direction.

[0042] This prevents the encoder unit from tilting or twisting relative to the rotor unit positioned on the guide rail of the stator unit and the associated tilting of the encoder unit relative to the measuring standard.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking parts are arranged at a distance from one another with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement. This makes it possible to achieve the technical advantage of ensuring that the encoder unit can be arranged on the rotor unit in the most space-saving manner possible. The locking device can be fixed to the rotor unit, for example, at a lateral end of the rotor unit, and the encoder unit can thus be arranged laterally to the rotor unit. The lateral arrangement of the encoder unit on the rotor unit makes it possible to achieve a space-saving design. Furthermore, the lateral arrangement of the encoder unit on the rotor unit can prevent damage to the encoder unit caused by the rotor unit striking external objects.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the measuring embodiment is arranged on a carrier unit, wherein the carrier unit can be detachably arranged along the stator magnet unit on the stator unit, and wherein a longitudinal center line of the measuring embodiment can be arranged at a distance from a longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit on the stator unit.

[0045] This provides the technical advantage of enabling easy positioning of the measuring scale on the stator unit. The measuring scale is first formed on a carrier unit. The carrier unit can be removably arranged on the stator unit along the stator magnet unit.

[0046] By predefining the dimensions of the carrier unit, a distance between the measuring standard and the stator magnet unit can be predefined by appropriately positioning the measuring standard on the carrier unit when the carrier unit is positioned at a predefined position on the stator unit. The distance is defined between a longitudinal center line of the measuring standard and a longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit.

[0047] The longitudinal center line of the measuring standard is aligned parallel to a longitudinal direction of the measuring standard and oriented centrally to the measuring standard. The longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit is aligned parallel to a longitudinal direction of the stator magnet unit and runs through the center of a top side of the stator magnet unit.

[0048] The upper sides of the measuring scale and the stator unit describe sides that face the rotor unit arranged on the guide rails.

[0049] By predefining the position of the measuring scale on the stator unit through the dimensioning of the support unit, the installation of the linear drive system, and in particular the positioning of the measuring scale relative to the encoder unit, is simplified. The measuring scale can thus be positioned simply by arranging the support unit at a designated position on the stator unit.

[0050] This can be achieved, for example, by screwing the support unit to the stator unit. The measuring scale can thus be factory-formed on the support unit in the designated position. When installing the linear drive system, the user simply needs to fix the support unit in the appropriate position on the stator unit, for example, by screwing it in.

[0051] By fixing the carrier unit to the stator unit, a predefined distance of the measuring element relative to the stator magnet unit of the stator unit can be achieved through appropriate dimensioning of the carrier unit and the corresponding positioning of the measuring element on the carrier unit. The predefined distance of the measuring element relative to the stator magnet unit of the stator unit allows the position of the measuring element on the stator unit to be predefined.

[0052] This allows, if the positioning of the encoder unit on the rotor unit and if the positioning of the rotor unit, in particular the rotor magnet unit, relative to the stator unit, in particular the stator magnet unit, is known, when the rotor unit is positioned on the guide rail firmly fixed to the stator unit, a clear positioning of the encoder unit relative to the measuring embodiment.

[0053] A particular advantage here is that the distance between the measuring standard and the stator magnet unit only takes into account the distance between the longitudinal center line of the measuring standard and the longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit on the stator unit. Thus, for the design of the correct position of the measuring standard on the stator unit, it is irrelevant how wide the respective measuring standard is in the specific embodiment and how wide the respective stator magnet unit is in the specific embodiment. The only decisive factor is that the distance is selected such that the measuring standard can be positioned laterally and parallel along the stator magnet unit and that it can be used in conjunction with the encoder unit.

[0054] This eliminates the need for laboriously constructing the measuring scale on the stator unit to ensure that the measuring scale is correctly aligned with the encoder unit. The measuring scale simply needs to be secured to the stator unit by securing the carrier unit to the stator unit. Due to the factory-predefined dimensions of the carrier unit and the factory-predefined positioning of the measuring scale on the carrier unit, the fixing of the carrier unit to the stator unit automatically positions the measuring scale in the designated position on the stator unit.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the encoder unit is fixed to the rotor unit by means of the locking device in such a way that a longitudinal center line of a detection unit of the encoder unit facing the measuring embodiment is at a distance from a longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit.

[0056] This provides the technical advantage that the encoder unit can assume a predefined and exact position on the locking device and thus also on the rotor unit.

[0057] This enables precise alignment of the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit. In particular, the manufacturing tolerances of the rotor unit, the locking device, and the encoder unit can be precisely matched to one another, allowing the locking device to be fixed very precisely to the rotor unit, and the encoder unit to the locking device.

[0058] Ideally, this can be done at the factory by the manufacturer of the rotor unit, allowing highly precise tools that are typically not available at the machine manufacturer's or user's site during machine assembly to be used to precisely align the encoder unit relative to the rotor unit. This eliminates the need for laborious alignment of the encoder unit relative to the measuring scale.

[0059] It is particularly advantageous here that, for the distance between the encoder unit and the rotor magnet unit, only the distance between the longitudinal center line of the encoder unit, in particular the longitudinal center line of a detection unit of the encoder unit facing the measuring embodiment, and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit is taken into account.

[0060] Thus, when designing the correct position of the encoder unit on the rotor unit, it is irrelevant how wide the encoder unit is in the specific design and how wide the rotor magnet unit is in the specific design. The only decisive factor is that the distance is selected such that the encoder unit and the intermediate locking device can be positioned laterally next to the rotor magnet unit and that use in conjunction with the measuring scale is possible.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit are congruent along an x-axis and aligned parallel to each other along a y-axis.

[0062] This ensures optimal magnetic force transmission between the rotor magnet unit and the stator magnet unit. The measuring scale and the encoder unit are arranged on a common side relative to the x-axis, lateral to the longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit, so that the encoder unit can use the measuring scale for position determination.

[0063] The distance between the longitudinal center line of the measuring standard and the longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit and the distance between the longitudinal center line of the encoder unit and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit have an identical length.

[0064] This achieves the technical advantage that, thanks to the congruent and parallel arrangement of the rotor magnet unit and the stator magnet unit, and the formation of the aforementioned distances with identical lengths, the encoder unit is positioned precisely centrally above the measuring scale. Accordingly, precise position determination is possible using the encoder unit in conjunction with the measuring scale.

[0065] The fact that the aforementioned distances have an identical length results in the further advantage that when using a sensor unit with a different dimension than that of an original sensor unit and a resulting change in the distance between the longitudinal center line of a detection unit facing the measuring embodiment of the now inserted sensor unit and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit, the positioning of the measuring embodiment also automatically changes. This is then positioned according to the aforementioned features such that a longitudinal center line of the measuring embodiment is arranged at a distance from a longitudinal center line of the stator magnet unit on the stator unit that corresponds to the distance between the longitudinal center line of a detection unit facing the measuring embodiment of the now inserted sensor unit and the longitudinal center line of the rotor magnet unit.The new position of the measuring scale on the stator unit is therefore easy to find. According to one embodiment, the encoder system is designed as a magnetic encoder system, an optical encoder system, or a capacitive encoder system.

[0066] This provides the technical advantage of providing a precise encoder system for determining the position of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the encoder system is designed as an incremental encoder system and / or an absolute encoder system.

[0068] This provides the technical advantage of enabling precise determination of the position of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the stator unit has two guide rails running parallel to each other, wherein the measuring embodiment is arranged between the two guide rails on the stator unit.

[0070] This allows for the technical advantage of locating the measuring scale between the two guide rails of the stator unit, ensuring that the encoder system is positioned between the two guide rails of the stator unit. This prevents damage to the encoder system caused by impact from external objects located next to the guide rails on the stator unit. Furthermore, the two guide rails ensure safe movement of the rotor unit.

[0071] According to a further aspect, a rotor unit with an encoder unit of an encoder system for a linear drive system according to one of the preceding embodiments is provided.

[0072] This makes it possible to achieve the technical advantage that an improved rotor unit with a sensor unit of a sensor system with the technical advantages described above can be provided.

[0073] According to a further aspect, a stator unit with a measuring embodiment of an encoder system for a linear drive system according to one of the preceding embodiments is provided. This makes it possible to achieve the technical advantage of providing a stator unit with a measuring embodiment of an encoder system with the technical advantages described above.

[0074] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Herein:

[0075] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a linear drive system with a stator unit and a rotor unit according to an embodiment;

[0076] Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the linear drive system with a stator unit and a rotor unit according to an embodiment;

[0077] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the encoder unit and the measuring scale from Fig. 2;

[0078] Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a rotor unit with a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

[0079] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the rotor unit with a sensor unit according to an embodiment;

[0080] Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the rotor unit with a sensor unit according to an embodiment; and

[0081] Fig. 7 is a schematic bottom view of the rotor unit with a sensor unit according to an embodiment.

[0082] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a linear drive system 100 with a stator unit 101 and a rotor unit 103 according to an embodiment.

[0083] The linear drive system 100 shown comprises a stator unit 101 and a slider unit 103. The stator unit 101 has at least one guide rail 105, 107 on which the slider unit 103 can be moved. The stator unit further has a stator magnet unit 109. The slider unit 103 has a slider magnet unit 111 integrated into a drive unit 205 and not shown in Fig. 1.

[0084] A rotor magnetic field of the rotor unit 103 can be generated by means of the rotor magnet unit 111. A corresponding stator magnetic field of the stator unit 101 can be generated by means of the stator magnet unit 109. Via a magnetic coupling, the rotor unit 103 can be controlled along the first and second guide rails 105, 107 and thus displaced in the longitudinal direction 207.

[0085] The linear drive system 100 further comprises an encoder system 115 with an encoder unit 117 and a measuring scale 119. According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the rotor unit 103, while the measuring scale 119 is arranged on the stator unit 101. The encoder system 115 can be used to determine the position of the rotor unit 103 relative to the stator unit 101.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the stator unit 101 comprises a stator base 159. In the embodiment shown, the stator base 159 is formed as a base plate.

[0087] A plurality of positioning holes 223 are formed in the stator base 159. The stator magnet unit 109 can be attached to the stator base via the positioning holes 223.

[0088] In the embodiment shown, the stator unit 101 has guide rails 105, 107 in the form of a first guide rail 105 and a second guide rail 107. The guide rails 105, 107 are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another on the stator base 159.

[0089] In the embodiment shown, the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged between the first and second guide rails 105, 107 along a longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105, 107 corresponding to the y-direction. The stator magnet unit 109 can, for example, comprise a plurality of permanent magnets arranged along the longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105, 107.

[0090] With respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 207, the measuring embodiment 119 is formed at a distance from the rotor magnet unit 109. The measuring embodiment 119 is preferably aligned parallel to the stator magnet unit 109. The parallelism of the measuring embodiment 119 to the stator magnet unit 109 refers to a longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring embodiment 119 and a corresponding longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109, which are each arranged parallel to one another. The longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring embodiment 119 is oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring embodiment 119 and runs through a center of an upper side 241 of the measuring embodiment 119. The longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 is correspondingly oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction 257 of the stator magnet unit 109 and runs through a center of an upper side 253 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0091] Preferably, the longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring embodiment 119 and the longitudinal direction 253 of the stator magnet unit 109 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105, 107.

[0092] In the embodiment shown, the measuring embodiment 119 is formed as a band-shaped unit that extends along the longitudinal direction 207 parallel to the stator magnet unit 109 and to the first and second guide rails 105, 107. The measuring embodiment 119 has two long sides 271 and two short sides 273. The longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring embodiment 119 is oriented parallel to the long sides 271.

[0093] The stator magnet unit 109 is rectangular with two long sides 267 and two short sides 269. The longitudinal direction 257 of the stator magnet unit 109 is oriented parallel to the long sides 267 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0094] In the embodiment shown, the measuring scale 119 is arranged on a support unit 147. The support unit 147 comprises a support plate 151. The support plate 151 has a plurality of fixing openings 167.

[0095] The carrier unit 147 or the carrier plate 151 with the measuring embodiment 119 arranged thereon can be fixed to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 by means of corresponding fixing elements, not shown in Fig. 1.

[0096] In the embodiment shown, the measuring standard 119 is arranged at a distance 149 from the stator magnet unit 109. The distance 149 is defined as a distance between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring standard 119 and the longitudinal center line 133 of the stator magnet unit 109. Due to the parallel alignment of the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring standard 119 to the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet arrangement 109, the distance 149 is constant over the entire length of the measuring standard 119 and / or the stator magnet unit 109.

[0097] The distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring embodiment 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet arrangement 109 is preferably dimensioned such that the measuring embodiment 119 is arranged directly below the encoder unit 117 when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107.

[0098] In the embodiment shown, the encoder unit 117 of the encoder system 115 is arranged on a housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103. In the embodiment shown, the encoder unit 117 is arranged laterally on the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 with respect to the longitudinal direction 207 or at a distance from the housing unit 171 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 207.

[0099] According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is arranged on the rotor unit 103 and in particular on the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via a locking device 121. The encoder unit 117 is displaceable relative to the rotor unit 103 along at least one predefined displacement direction 123 via the locking device 121.

[0100] In the embodiment shown, the encoder unit 117 is displaceable along precisely one predefined displacement direction 123 relative to the runner unit 103. The precisely one predefined displacement direction 123 is oriented perpendicular to a runner base 161 of the runner unit 103 and simultaneously perpendicular to an underside 213 of the encoder unit 117. When the runner unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 106 of the stator base 101, the runner base 161 and the drive unit 205 are aligned parallel to a plate-shaped stator base 159 of the stator unit 101.

[0101] When positioning the rotor unit 103 on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, a distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 of the encoder system 115 arranged on the stator unit 101 can be varied by displacing the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123.

[0102] By varying the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring standard 119, the signal detection by the encoder unit 117 can be optimized. The encoder unit 117 is configured to read or detect position information from the measuring standard 119. The detection of the position information by the encoder unit 117 can depend sensitively on the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring standard 119. For optimal signal detection by the encoder unit 117, an optimal distance can thus exist between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring standard 119.

[0103] By actuating the locking device 121 by a user of the linear drive system 100, the distance of the encoder unit 117 to the measuring embodiment 119 can be adjusted to the optimal distance at which optimal signal detection by the encoder unit 117 is possible by moving the encoder unit 117 along the direction of displacement 123.

[0104] For this purpose, the locking device 121 comprises a first locking part 127 and a second locking part 129. The first locking part 127 is fixedly connected to the rotor unit 103, while the second locking part 129 is connected to the encoder unit 117.

[0105] In the embodiment shown, the first locking part 127 is fixed to the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via two second fixing elements 187, which may be designed, for example, as screw elements. The second locking part 129 is also fixed to the encoder unit 117 via two first fixing elements 169.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first and second locking parts 127, 129 are displaceable relative to one another along the displacement direction 123. By displacing the first and second locking parts 127, 129 relative to one another along the displacement direction 123, the encoder unit 117 can thus be displaced relative to the rotor unit 103.

[0107] When positioning the rotor unit 103 on the guide rails 105, 107, the displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 by displacing the first and second locking parts 127, 129 against each other enables a variation of the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 arranged on the stator unit 101.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown, the locking device 121 comprises an actuating unit 135. By means of the actuating unit 135, the first and second locking parts 127, 129 can be displaced relative to one another along the displacement direction 123. In the embodiment shown, the actuating unit 135 comprises an adjusting wheel 139, by means of which a user can effect the displacement of the first and second locking parts 127, 129 relative to one another. In the embodiment shown, the encoder unit 117 is connected to the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via a connecting cable 173. The connecting cable 173 enables data transmission of the signal detection or the position data of the encoder unit 117 to the drive unit 205.

[0109] This is particularly advantageous if the encoder unit 117 is already positioned on the rotor unit 103 at the factory by the manufacturer of the rotor unit 103 using the locking device 121. Then, the encoder unit 117 can be directly wired with regard to its power supply and data connection, without the encoder unit 117 having to be additionally wired during assembly of the machine by the machine manufacturer and / or the machine user. In this case, only a common power and data connection of the rotor unit 103 and the encoder unit 117 to a higher-level power supply and control system is required during commissioning of the machine, which can be routed, for example, via a cable guide 183.

[0110] According to the invention, the manufacturer of the drive unit 205 attaches the encoder unit 117 to the drive unit 205 via the locking device 121 during the production of the drive unit 205. In this context, the manufacturer also defines a distance between the encoder unit 117 and the rotor magnet unit 111, which is part of the drive unit 205. For a precise description of the distance, reference is made to the description of Fig. 2.

[0111] The rotor unit 103 and the stator unit 101 are then manufactured by a mechanical engineer. For this purpose, the drive unit 205, including the encoder unit 117, is fixed to the rotor base 161. The rotor base 161 is further provided with at least the guide elements 175, 177. The dimensions and detailed design of the rotor unit are determined by the mechanical engineer. The stator unit 101 is also manufactured by the mechanical engineer.

[0112] During assembly, the machine builder or an end user can arrange the stator magnet unit 109 provided by the manufacturer of the drive unit 205 and the measuring scale 119, including the support structure 147, on the stator base 159 at the predefined distance 149 between the measuring scale 119 and the stator magnet unit 109. For this purpose, the drive unit 205 has a partially illustrated connection cabling 191 on a front cover 199 of the housing unit 171. The connection cabling 191 enables the electrical and data connection of the rotor unit 103.

[0113] In the embodiment shown, the drive unit 205 is arranged on an underside of the rotor base 161. Two guide elements 175, 177 are also formed on the underside of the rotor base 161.

[0114] The rotor unit 103 is arranged on the first guide rail 105 of the stator unit 101 via a first guide element 175 and on the second guide rail 107 of the stator base 101 via the second guide element 177.

[0115] Via the first and second guide elements 175, 177, a movement of the rotor 103 on the first and second guide rails 105, 107 of the stator base 101 along the longitudinal direction 207 of the guide rails 105, 107 relative to the stator base 101 can be effected by controlling the rotor magnetic field.

[0116] In the embodiment shown, the rotor base 161 has a plurality of positioning holes 163. In the embodiment shown, the positioning holes 163 are shown only on a top side 209 of the rotor base 161.

[0117] In addition, however, corresponding positioning holes 163 can be arranged on the underside 211 of the runner base 161. In addition to the drive unit 205 and the guide elements 175, 177, additional structures can be fixed to the runner base 161 via the positioning holes 163.

[0118] In the embodiment shown, the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged on the stator base 159 via a fixing base 201.

[0119] Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of the linear drive system 100 with a stator unit 101 and a rotor unit 103 according to an embodiment.

[0120] The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is based on the embodiment in Fig. 1. The linear drive system 100 includes all the features described therein. Fig. 2, in conjunction with Fig. 3, shows a more detailed description of the locking device 121, by means of which the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the slider unit 103. The locking device 121 includes the previously mentioned first and second locking parts 127, 129.

[0121] The first locking part 127 is fixed to the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103 via the second fixing elements 187. The second locking part 129 is fixed to the encoder housing 197 of the encoder unit 117 via the two first fixing elements 169.

[0122] The first and second locking parts 127, 129 can be displaced relative to one another along the predefined displacement direction 123 via the actuating unit 135. When the runner unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, the predefined displacement direction 123 runs perpendicular to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 and thus parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system shown.

[0123] By displacing the two locking parts 127, 129 against each other along the displacement direction 123 and a corresponding displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103, the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 fixed to the stator unit 101 can be effected.

[0124] In the embodiment shown, the actuating unit 135 comprises an adjusting wheel 139. By rotating the adjusting wheel 139, the first and second locking parts 127, 129 are displaceable relative to one another along the displacement direction 123. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting wheel 139 has a plurality of adjustment openings 165.

[0125] According to a further embodiment, the adjusting wheel 139 can also be designed as a knurled wheel. In this embodiment, the adjusting openings 165 can be replaced by a structuring of an outer surface of the adjusting wheel 135.

[0126] The adjusting wheel 139 can be rotated by a user to thereby effect the displacement of the first and second locking parts 127, 129 or the encoder unit 117. The adjusting openings 165 can be used, for example, to insert a screwdriver to thereby achieve rotation of the adjusting wheel 139.

[0127] In the installed state, in which the runner unit 103 is on the guide rails 105,

[0128] 107 of the stator unit 101, the actuating unit 135 and in particular the adjusting wheel 139 can be reached from the side of the rotor unit 103 in order to be able to vary the distance between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119. The adjusting wheel 139 is thus easily accessible by the user in the installed state in which the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107. For this purpose, the adjusting openings 165 can be used, for example, as insertion openings for a screwdriver or a similar tool in order to rotate the adjusting wheel 137. This allows the user easy access to the actuating unit 135 of the locking device 121 in order to be able to vary the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119.

[0129] In the embodiment shown, the connecting cable 173 of the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the encoder housing 197 via a connector element 185.

[0130] In the embodiment shown, the first and second guide elements 175, 177 are fixed to the underside 211 of the rotor base 161 by two support elements 203.

[0131] In the embodiment shown, the carrier unit 147, on which the measuring embodiment 119 is formed, is designed as a carrier plate 151 with a receiving groove 153. The measuring embodiment 119 is arranged in the receiving groove 153. The receiving groove 153 and the measuring embodiment 119 arranged therein are arranged on the stator unit 101 such that the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring embodiment 119 is at a distance of 149 from the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109.

[0132] The support unit 147 and the support plate 151 are designed as an elongated unit and are formed along the longitudinal direction 207 and the y-direction of the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101, respectively.

[0133] By appropriately positioning the carrier unit 147 in the intended position on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101, a positioning of the measuring embodiment 119 on the stator base 150 of the stator unit 101 can be predefined.

[0134] The positioning of the carrier unit 147 on the stator base 159 can be achieved, for example, by screwing the carrier unit 147 onto the stator base 159.

[0135] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the support unit 147 can be designed with corresponding positioning holes 136 for this purpose. The stator base 159 can be provided with corresponding additional positioning holes 223, by means of which a screw connection of the support unit 147 to the stator base 159 is possible.

[0136] Analogously, the stator magnet unit 109 can be fixed in predefined positions via corresponding positioning holes 223 on the stator base 159.

[0137] Preferably, the distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring scale 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 corresponds to a distance 155 between a longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 and a longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111.

[0138] The longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 is aligned along a longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117 and runs through a center point of the encoder unit 117.

[0139] Analogously, the longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 is aligned parallel to a longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205 and runs through a center of the underside of the rotor magnet unit 111.

[0140] By making the distance 149 between the longitudinal center line 235 of the measuring embodiment 119 and the longitudinal center line 233 of the stator magnet unit 109 and the distance 155 between a longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 and a longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 equal, it can be achieved that when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the encoder unit 117 is arranged directly above the measuring embodiment 119.

[0141] For this purpose, an exact determination of the distance 155 is determined during production. This is primarily determined by the design of the encoder unit 117, the rotor magnet unit 111, and the locking device 121. According to the invention, the encoder unit 117 is arranged next to the rotor magnet unit 111 with respect to the longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205 or is arranged at a distance from the rotor magnet unit 111 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 249.

[0142] Knowing the distance 155 between the longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 and a longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111, the measuring scale 119 is arranged by means of the carrier unit 147 and the stator magnet unit 109 at a distance 149 from each other on the stator unit 101. This can be done, for example, by initially providing the stator base 159 with corresponding positioning holes 223 at predefined positions on the stator base 159.

[0143] By positioning the corresponding further positioning holes 223 on the stator base 159, the positioning of the support base 147 and, associated therewith, the positioning of the measuring embodiment 119 formed on the support base 147 relative to the stator magnet unit 109 can be predefined.

[0144] This predefinition of the position of the measuring embodiment 119 on the stator unit 101 relative to the stator magnet unit 109 by the predefined formation of the carrier unit 147 on the stator base 159 enables simple positioning of the measuring embodiment 119 on the stator unit 101. This can be achieved simply by fixing the carrier unit 147 at the designated locations of the additional positioning holes 223 on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101.

[0145] The actual positioning of the support structure 147 including the measuring embodiment 119 and the stator magnet unit 109 on the stator base 159 at the predefined distance 149 can be carried out by a machine builder or an end user of the drive system 100 during the final installation of the drive system 100.

[0146] By matching the two distances 149, 155, the measuring embodiment 119 can be arranged directly in the optimal position on the stator base 159, which enables an optimal alignment of the measuring embodiment 119 to the encoder unit 117.

[0147] Preferably, the measuring embodiment 119 is arranged on the stator base 159 in such a way that a parallel alignment of the longitudinal direction 255 of the measuring embodiment 119 to the longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117 is achieved.

[0148] The encoder unit 117 is formed in the intended position on the rotor unit 103 at the factory during manufacture of the rotor unit 103 via the locking device 121 and is spaced at a distance 155 from the rotor magnet unit 11.

[0149] The positioning of the carrier unit 147 and the measuring scale arranged thereon

[0150] 119 on the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 can thus also be factory-defined, as described above. This is primarily achieved by defining the positioning of the measuring standard 119 with the predefined distance 149 from the stator magnet unit 109. The alignment of the encoder unit 117 to the measuring standard 119 can thus be optimally predefined at the factory by defining the distances 149, 155.

[0151] Since the carrier unit 147 can be releasably fixed to the stator base 159 of the stator unit 101 via the corresponding fixing elements, the measuring embodiment 119 does not have to be already formed on the stator unit 101 at the factory in order to predefine the positioning of the measuring embodiment 119 on the stator unit 101.

[0152] The machine manufacturer or the end user can achieve this as desired by appropriately arranging the carrier unit 147 on the stator unit 101. However, the predefined distances 149, 155 and the resulting predefined positioning of the measuring embodiment 119 relative to the stator magnet unit 109 ensure that the measuring embodiment 119 is arranged on the stator unit 101 via the fixation of the carrier unit 147 in such a way that, when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101, an optimized alignment of the encoder unit 117 to the measuring embodiment 119 is achieved.

[0153] This naturally assumes that the stator magnet unit 109 is arranged on the stator base 159 in such a way that when the rotor unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the rotor magnet unit 111 and the stator magnet unit 109 are optimally aligned with each other, preferably directly above each other.

[0154] As already mentioned in Fig. 1, the locking device enables the encoder unit 117 to be moved relative to the rotor unit 113 along the predefined displacement direction 123. When the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the stator unit 101, the predefined displacement direction 123 runs perpendicular to a surface of the stator base 159 and thus parallel to the z-direction of the coordinate system shown.

[0155] Since the locking device 121 allows a displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 only in the predefined displacement direction 123 and prevents tilting or twisting of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 in tilting or rotation directions deviating from the displacement direction 123, the alignment of the encoder unit 117 to the measuring embodiment 119 formed on the stator unit 101 remains intact when the encoder unit 117 is displaced along the displacement direction 123.

[0156] By actuating the locking device and by moving the encoder unit 117 along the direction of displacement 123, no tilting or twisting of the encoder unit is caused, a uniform distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 can be achieved over the entire course of an underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 by moving the encoder unit 117 along the direction of displacement 123.

[0157] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 from Fig. 2.

[0158] In Fig. 3, section A of Fig. 2 is shown in detail.

[0159] As shown in Fig. 2, the slider unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107. When the slider unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the encoder unit 117 is arranged directly above the measuring scale 119.

[0160] By displacing the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 along the displacement direction 123, the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring embodiment 119 arranged on the stator unit 101 can be varied.

[0161] This allows the optimal distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 to be set for signal detection by the encoder unit 117. This enables precise position determination by the encoder unit 117.

[0162] According to the invention, the distance 125 is defined between the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 and an upper side 241 of the measuring embodiment 119 when the rotor unit 103 is arranged on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101.

[0163] When the runner unit 103 is positioned on the guide rails 105, 107, the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 and the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 of the runner unit 103 face the stator unit 101, while the top side 241 of the measuring standard 119 faces the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117. By displacing the encoder unit 117 along the displacement direction 123 and correspondingly adjusting the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring standard 119, tolerances in the manufacturing of the linear drive system 100 can be compensated.

[0164] An optimal distance 125 between encoder unit 117 and measuring scale 119 can be, for example, 0.15 mm +- 0.1 mm.

[0165] The total stroke of the locking device 121, by which the encoder unit 117 can be displaced along the displacement direction 123, can be, for example, 1-2 mm.

[0166] Optimum signal detection requires that when positioning the slider unit 103 on the guide rails 105, 107, the encoder unit 117, in particular the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117, is aligned parallel to the measuring scale 119.

[0167] For this purpose, the encoder unit 117 is fixed to the rotor unit 103 via the locking device 121 in such a way that the underside 213 of the encoder unit 103 is oriented parallel to the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103.

[0168] Since the drive unit 205 is formed on the underside 211 of the plate-shaped rotor base 161, the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 is thus also oriented parallel to the underside 211 of the rotor base 161.

[0169] Thus, the predefined displacement direction 123 is oriented perpendicular to the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117. This ensures that the orientation of the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 remains unchanged when the encoder unit 117 is displaced along the displacement direction 123.

[0170] The parallel alignment of the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 to the top side 241 of the measuring standard 119 when positioning the rotor unit 103 on the guide rails 105, 107 of the stator unit 101 consequently remains unchanged when the encoder unit 117 is displaced by actuating the locking device 121.

[0171] This ensures optimal signal acquisition of the position information of the measuring embodiment 119 by the encoder unit 117. The displacement of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 and thus relative to the measuring embodiment 119 arranged on the stator unit 101 can be effected by a user actuating the actuating unit 135 of the locking device 121.

[0172] In the embodiment shown, the actuating unit 135 of the locking device 121 comprises an adjusting wheel 129 with adjusting openings 165 for easy operation by a user. The adjusting wheel 129 is, according to one embodiment, provided with a spindle element, in Fig.

[0173] 3 (not shown). The spindle element is in turn connected to the first and second locking parts 127, 129. By rotating the adjusting wheel 129, the user can move the spindle element along a longitudinal axis of the spindle element parallel to the direction of displacement 123.

[0174] By acting on the spindle element, the first and second locking parts 127, 129 can thus be displaced relative to each other. As a result, the encoder unit 117 can be displaced relative to the rotor unit 103, and the distance 125 between the encoder unit 117 and the measuring scale 119 can be varied.

[0175] For a detailed description of the operation of the locking device 121, reference is made to the description of Fig. 4.

[0176] Two threaded pins 243 are also formed on the second locking part 129. The threaded pins 243 are each screwed into a thread formed in the second locking part 129 and extending through the second locking part 129 and contact the encoder unit 117. By screwing the threaded pins 243 into the thread or unscrewing them from the thread, the threaded pins 243 can cause the encoder unit 117 to tilt about the x-axis of the illustrated coordinate system.

[0177] This allows the encoder unit 117 to be tilted relative to the rotor unit 103, thereby achieving a parallel alignment of the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 relative to the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 and the underside 211 of the rotor base 161 of the rotor unit 103. The threaded pins 243 compensate for tolerances in the manufacturing of the rotor unit 103 and / or the locking device 121, and achieve a precise alignment of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103.

[0178] In an embodiment not shown, additional threaded pins can be formed between the first locking part 127 and the second locking part 129. These additional threaded pins can each be screwed into a thread formed in the first locking part 127 and extending through the first locking part 127, and contact the second locking part 129. By screwing the additional threaded pins into the thread or by unscrewing them from the thread, the additional threaded pins can cause the second locking part 129, and thus also the encoder unit 117, to tilt about the y-axis of the illustrated coordinate system.

[0179] This allows the encoder unit 117 to be tilted relative to the rotor unit 103, thereby achieving a parallel alignment of the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 relative to the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 and the underside 211 of the rotor base 161 of the rotor unit 103. The additional threaded pins can thus alternatively or additionally compensate for tolerances in the manufacturing of the rotor unit 103 and / or the locking device 121, and achieve a precise alignment of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103.

[0180] The alignment of the encoder unit 117 via the threaded pins 243 and / or the additional threaded pins can be performed, in particular, at the factory during production of the linear drive system 100. Thus, the user can be provided with a slider unit 103 with a precisely aligned encoder unit 117.

[0181] Fig. 4 shows a schematic front view of a rotor unit 103 with a sensor unit 117 according to an embodiment.

[0182] The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is based on the embodiments of Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The features described for Figs. 1, 2 and 3 will not be described again in detail below.

[0183] Fig. 4 shows a front end 215 of the drive unit 205. The encoder unit 117 is attached to the drive unit 205 via the locking device 121.

[0184] The encoder unit 117 is further arranged next to the drive unit 205 with respect to the longitudinal direction or with respect to the y-direction of the coordinate system shown.

[0185] In the embodiment shown, the first and second locking parts 127, 129 are also arranged spaced apart from one another with respect to the y-direction. In Fig. 4, the first locking part 127 is shown in a semi-transparent view. This serves to illustrate the components of the actuating unit 135 arranged inside the locking part 127.

[0186] In the embodiment shown, the actuating unit 135 comprises the spindle element 137 already mentioned and the adjusting wheel 139 already shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In the embodiment shown, the spindle element 137 runs parallel to the displacement direction 123. The spindle element 137 comprises an external thread 145, not shown in Fig. 3.

[0187] The adjusting wheel 139 includes an internal thread 143, also not shown in Fig. 4. The adjusting wheel 139 is toothed with the external thread 145 of the spindle element 137 via the internal thread 143. The adjusting wheel 139 is thus rotatable relative to the spindle element 137.

[0188] In the embodiment shown, the locking device 121 further comprises a screw element 141. The first and second locking parts 127, 129 are fixed to one another via the screw element 141. In the embodiment shown, the screw element 141 extends perpendicular to the displacement direction 123.

[0189] In the embodiment shown, the spindle element 137 further comprises a coupling element 181. The coupling element 181 enables coupling of the spindle element 137 to the screw element 141. For this purpose, the screw element 141 is guided through a through-opening 195 of the coupling element 181.

[0190] A right-angled coupling between the screw element 141 and the spindle element 137 is thus achieved via the coupling element 181.

[0191] In the embodiment shown, the adjusting wheel 139 is arranged in a guide recess 217 of the first locking part 127. The adjusting wheel 139 projects beyond the guide recess 217 beyond an outer surface 219 of the first locking part 127 and is thus accessible to the user and rotatable by the user relative to the spindle element 137 arranged inside the first locking part 127.

[0192] Furthermore, the adjusting wheel 139 is fixed by the guide recess 217 with respect to the displacement direction 123 and cannot be moved along the guide direction 123 relative to the first locking part 127. By rotating the adjusting wheel 139, the spindle element 137 is rotated out of the adjusting wheel 139 or into the adjusting wheel 139 by the toothing between the internal thread 143 of the adjusting wheel 139 and the external thread 145 of the spindle element 137. As a result, the spindle element 137 is moved along the displacement direction 123.

[0193] By coupling the spindle element 137 to the screw element 141 via the coupling element 181, the screw element 141 is displaced with the spindle element 137 along the displacement direction 123. The screw element 141 is arranged displaceably relative to the first locking part 127.

[0194] By fixing the screw element 141 with the second locking part 129, the second locking part 129 is also displaced relative to the first locking part 127 along the displacement direction 123 by rotating the adjusting wheel 139 and thus by displacing the spindle element 137 and the associated displacement of the screw element 141 along the displacement direction 123.

[0195] Fig. 5 shows a schematic plan view of the rotor unit 103 with a sensor unit 117 according to an embodiment.

[0196] The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is based on the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0197] Fig. 5 shows that the first locking part 127 has a guide groove 131 extending along the displacement direction 123. The second locking part 129 has a corresponding guide projection 133 positioned in the guide groove 131. When the second locking part 129 is displaced relative to the first locking part 127, the guide projection 133 slides in the guide groove 131 along the displacement direction 123.

[0198] According to the embodiments shown, the displacement direction 123 runs parallel to the z-direction of the illustrated coordinate system.

[0199] In contrast to the embodiment shown, the displacement groove 131 can also be formed on the second locking part 129, while the displacement projection 133 is formed on the first locking part 127. By forming the displacement groove 131 parallel to the displacement direction 123 and by accommodating the displacement projection 133 by the displacement groove 131, it can be ensured that the second locking part 129 can only be displaced relative to the first locking part 127 along the predefined displacement direction 123.

[0200] The encoder unit 117 can thus also only be moved along the predefined displacement direction 123 relative to the rotor unit 103 or relative to the drive unit 205 of the rotor unit 103.

[0201] Tilting or twisting of the encoder unit 117, for example about the x-direction or y-direction of the coordinate system shown, is prevented by the guide groove 131 and the guide projection 133 received therein.

[0202] The first and second locking parts 127, 129, which are arranged next to one another with respect to the y-direction of the coordinate system shown, are connected to one another by the screw unit 141 extending through the first locking part 127.

[0203] The screw unit 141 runs parallel to the x-axis of the shown coordinate system and thus perpendicular to the predefined displacement direction 123.

[0204] Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows that fixing openings 167 are formed on an upper outer surface 232 of the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205. The drive unit 205 can be fixed to the rotor base 161 via the fixing openings 167.

[0205] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of the rotor unit 103 with a sensor unit 117 according to an embodiment.

[0206] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is based on the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5.

[0207] In Fig. 6, the second locking part 129 is shown in a semi-transparent representation. Furthermore, the first fixing elements 169 are removed. In Fig. 6, a side surface 221 of the first locking part 127 is shown through the semi-transparent representation of the second locking part 129. The displacement groove 131 is formed on the side surface 221 along the z-direction of the shown coordinate system. A displacement recess 179 is also formed within the displacement groove 131 on the side surface 221 of the first locking part 127.

[0208] Through the displacement recess 179, the screw element 141 runs along the x-axis of the coordinate system shown and protrudes from the side surface 221 of the first locking part 127.

[0209] The screw element 141 is screwed to the second locking part 129 through the displacement recess 179. The screw connection to the second locking part 129 fixes the first and second locking parts 127, 129 together.

[0210] The guide recess 179 extends along the displacement direction 123, so that the screw element 141 is displaceable within the displacement recess 179 in the displacement direction 123.

[0211] By rotating the adjusting wheel 139 and the corresponding displacement of the spindle element 137 and the associated displacement of the screw element 141 along the displacement direction 123, as described in detail for Fig. 4, the second locking part 129 can be displaced along the displacement direction 123 relative to the first locking part 127 by fixing the screw element 141 with the second locking part 129.

[0212] In the embodiment shown, the displacement recess 179 is elliptical. However, this is merely an example, and a differently designed displacement recess 179 is also possible. Furthermore, the displacement recess 179 can have a greater extent along the displacement direction 123 than shown in Fig. 6.

[0213] Fig. 5 shows that the drive unit 205 is rectangular in shape with two long sides 259 and two short sides 261. The longitudinal center line 237 of the rotor magnet unit 111 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 249 of the drive unit 205. The longitudinal direction 249 is in turn oriented parallel to the long sides 259 of the drive unit 205.

[0214] The encoder unit 117 is also rectangular with two long sides 263 and two short sides 265. The longitudinal center line 239 of the encoder unit 117 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 247 of the encoder unit 117, which in turn is oriented parallel to the long sides 263.

[0215] In Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 is oriented parallel to an underside 225 of the drive unit 205.

[0216] By displacing the first and second locking parts 127, 129 relative to one another along the displacement direction 123, tilting or twisting of the encoder unit 117 relative to the rotor unit 103 can be avoided by the sliding of the displacement projection 133 in the displacement groove 131, so that the underside 213 of the encoder unit 117 remains parallel to the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 when the encoder unit 117 is displaced.

[0217] Fig. 7 shows a schematic bottom view of the rotor unit 103 with the encoder unit 117 according to an embodiment.

[0218] The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is based on the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6.

[0219] In the embodiment shown, the rotor magnet unit 111 has a plurality of energizable coil units 113. By energizing the coil units 113, a variable rotor magnetic field can be generated. By appropriately controlling or energizing the coil units 113 and the correspondingly variable rotor magnetic field, the rotor unit 103 can be moved along the guide rails 105, 107 relative to the stator unit 101 through the magnetic coupling of the rotor magnetic field with the stator magnetic field of the stator magnet unit 109 of the stator unit 101.

[0220] The rotor magnet unit 111 including the coil units 113 is arranged in an interior 227 of the housing unit 171 of the drive unit 205.

[0221] A connecting cabling 191 is partially shown on the front end 215 of the drive unit 205. A plurality of cables 193 can be routed into the interior 227 of the housing element 171 via the connecting cabling 191. The cables 193 ensure an electrical or data supply to the drive unit 205 and in particular to the coil units 113. Furthermore, it is shown that the first locking part 127 is fixed to the underside 225 of the drive unit 205 via a third fixing element 189.

[0222] Furthermore, it can be seen that the adjusting wheel 139 protrudes at least partially through the guide recess 217 from the first locking part 127 and protrudes from the outer surface 219 of the first locking part 127. The adjusting wheel 139 can thus be easily reached by a user and rotated accordingly to operate the locking device.

[0223] Fig. 7 further shows that a displacement opening 229 is formed on an underside 231 of the first locking part 127. The spindle element 131 can protrude from the first locking part 127 through the displacement opening 229. This allows the first and second locking parts to be displaced relative to one another.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the encoder system 115 can be designed as an absolute encoder system 115 or as an incremental encoder system 115.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the encoder system 115 may be configured as a magnetic encoder system or an optical encoder system or a capacitive encoder system.

[0226] Drive system Stator unit Rotor unit First guide rail Second guide rail Stator magnet unit Rotor magnet unit Coil unit Encoder system Encoder unit Measuring element Locking device Direction of displacement Distance between encoder unit / measuring element First locking part Second locking part Displacement groove Displacement projection Actuating unit Spindle element Adjusting wheel Screw element Internal thread External thread Carrier unit Distance between longitudinal center line Stator magnet unit / measuring element Carrier plate Receiving groove Distance between longitudinal center line Rotor magnet unit / encoder system Outer edge of stator base Rotor base Positioning holes Adjustment openings Fixing openings First fixing element Housing unit Connecting cable First guide element Second guide element Displacement recess Coupling element Cable guide

[0227] Connector element second fixing element third fixing element connecting wiring cable

[0228] Feedthrough opening encoder housing front cover fixing base

[0229] Support element drive unit longitudinal direction top bottom

[0230] Bottom of the encoder unit

[0231] front end

[0232] Guide recess outer surface

[0233] Side surface additional positioning holes bottom of the drive unit interior of the housing unit displacement opening

[0234] Underside of the first locking part Longitudinal center line of stator magnet unit Longitudinal center line of measuring standard Longitudinal center line of rotor magnet unit Longitudinal center line of encoder unit Top side of the measuring standard Threaded pin

[0235] Fastening element 247 Longitudinal direction of the encoder unit

[0236] 249 Longitudinal direction of the drive unit

[0237] 251 Bottom of the rotor magnet unit

[0238] 253 Top side of the stator magnet unit 255 Longitudinal direction of the measuring scale

[0239] 257 Longitudinal direction of the stator magnet unit

[0240] 259 long side of the drive unit

[0241] 261 short side of the drive unit

[0242] 263 long side of the encoder unit 265 short side of the encoder unit

[0243] 267 long side of the stator magnet unit

[0244] 269 ​​short side of the stator magnet unit

[0245] 271 long side of the measuring scale

[0246] 273 short side of the measuring scale

Claims

A section Claims 1. A linear drive system (100) comprising a stator unit (101) and a rotor unit (103), wherein the stator unit (101) comprises at least one guide rail (105, 107) on which the rotor unit (103) is movable, wherein the stator unit (101) comprises a stator magnet unit (109) for providing a stator magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit (103) comprises a rotor magnet unit (111) for providing a rotor magnetic field, wherein the rotor unit (103) is movable along the guide rail (105, 107) via a magnetic coupling between the stator magnetic field and the rotor magnetic field, wherein the drive system (100) further comprises an encoder system (115) with an encoder unit (117) arranged on the rotor unit (103) and a measuring embodiment (119) arranged on the stator unit (101), wherein the The encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) via a locking device (121),wherein the encoder unit (117) is displaceable relative to the runner unit (103) along at least one predefined displacement direction (123) via the locking device (121), and wherein when the runner unit (103) is positioned on the guide rail (105, 107), a distance (125) between the encoder unit (117) and the measuring embodiment (119) can be varied by displacing the encoder unit (117) along the at least one displacement direction (123).

2. Drive system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (121) enables the encoder unit (117) to be displaced relative to the rotor unit (103) along precisely one predefined displacement direction (123), and wherein the displacement direction (123) is oriented perpendicular to an underside (213) of the encoder unit (117) and / or perpendicular to an underside (225) of the drive unit (205) of the rotor unit (103).

3. Drive system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking device (121) is configured to effect a continuous displacement of the encoder unit (117) relative to the rotor unit (103) along the displacement direction (123).

4. Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (121) comprises a first locking part (127) fixed to the rotor unit (103) and a second locking part (129) fixed to the encoder unit (117), wherein the first locking part (127) or the second locking part (129) has a displacement groove (131) oriented parallel to the displacement direction (123), wherein the respective other locking part (127, 129) has a displacement projection (133) which can be received by the displacement groove (131), and wherein by sliding the displacement projection (133) along the displacement groove (131), the first and second locking parts (127, 129) can be displaced relative to one another along the displacement direction (123). Drive system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the locking device (121) comprises an actuating unit (135) for effecting the displacement of the first and second locking parts (127, 129), wherein the actuating unit (135) comprises a spindle element (137) connected to the first and / or second locking part (127, 129), and wherein the first and second locking parts (127, 129) are displaceable relative to one another via the spindle element (137).The drive system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the actuating unit (135) comprises an adjusting wheel (139) connected to the spindle element (137) as an operating element for a user, and wherein the adjusting wheel (139) is rotatable relative to the spindle element (137). The drive system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the first and second locking parts (127, 129) are connected to one another via a screw element (141), wherein the spindle element (137) is connected at right angles to the screw element (141), wherein the adjusting wheel (139) is toothed with an external thread (145) of the spindle element (137) via an internal thread (143), and wherein the screw element (141) is arranged displaceably in the first or second locking part (127, 129) along the displacement direction (123). Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the spindle element (137) is oriented parallel to the displacement direction (123).Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, wherein the first and second locking parts (127, 129) are arranged spaced apart from one another with respect to a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction (123). Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring embodiment (119) is arranged on a carrier unit (147), wherein the carrier unit can be detachably arranged along the stator magnet unit (109) on the stator unit (101), and wherein a longitudinal center line (235) of the measuring embodiment (119) can be arranged at a distance (149) from a longitudinal center line (233) of the stator magnet unit (109) on the stator unit (101). Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the encoder unit (117) is fixed to the rotor unit (103) by means of the locking device (121) in such a way that a longitudinal center line (239) of a detection unit of the encoder unit (117) facing the measuring embodiment (119) has a distance (155) from a longitudinal center line (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111).Drive system (100) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the longitudinal center line (233) of the stator magnet unit (119) and the longitudinal center line (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111) are congruent along an x-axis and are aligned parallel to one another along a y-axis, wherein the measuring embodiment (119) and the encoder unit (117) are arranged on a common side with respect to the x-axis, laterally to the longitudinal center line (233) of the stator magnet unit (119) and the longitudinal center line (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111), and wherein the distance (149) between the longitudinal center line (235) of the measuring embodiment (119) and the longitudinal center line (233) of the stator magnet unit (109) and the distance (155) between the longitudinal center line (239) of the encoder unit (117) and the longitudinal center line (237) of the rotor magnet unit (111) have an identical length.Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the encoder system (115) is designed as a magnetic encoder system (115) or an optical encoder system (115) or a capacitive encoder system (115). Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the encoder system (115) is designed as an incremental encoder system (115) and / or an absolute encoder system (115). Drive system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator unit (101) has two guide rails (105, 107) running parallel to one another, and wherein the measuring embodiment (119) is arranged between the two guide rails (105, 107) on the stator unit (101).

16. A rotor unit (103) with a sensor unit (117) of a sensor system (115) for a linear drive system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15.

17. A stator unit (101) with a measuring embodiment (119) of a sensor system (115) for a linear drive system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15.

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