Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light source, a light sensor array, and a code disk having a data track and a commutation pattern. The commutation pattern includes first, second, and third commutation tracks, each including a series of apertures configured to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a respective light sensor of the light sensor array as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor. The relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a commutation sequence of a brushless motor.
Abstract: An encoder includes a rotor including: a shaft and a code disk attached to the shaft; a stator including a scanning unit configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an angular position of the code disk; a cable configured to transfer the electrical signal; and a cover overmolded onto the stator, where the scanning unit is sealed from an outer environment by the cover.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 30, 2013
Assignee:
Heidenhain Corporation
Inventors:
Robert M. Setbacken, Gary Rhodes, Esteban Cortina, Tony Cepeda
Abstract: An encoder device includes: a housing; a hub arranged in the housing, the hub arranged to carry an encoder disk, the hub rotatable in the housing; a cover that is axially movable between a first position and a second position; and a gapping and centering device arranged to urge the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the housing when the cover is in the first position, the gapping and centering device arranged to permit axial and radial movement of the hub when the cover is in the second position.