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US 8,525,459 B2Granted
Code disk, optical encoder, and motor system
AssigneeHeidenhain Corporation
InventorsRobert M. Setbacken, Ruth E. Franklin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
An optical encoder, comprising:
- a light source;
- a light sensor array;
- and
- a code disk including:
- a data track having a plurality of slots configured to allow light from the light source to pass to the light sensor array to determine a rotational position and direction of the code disk;
- and
- a commutation pattern having:
- a first commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a first light sensor of the light sensor array such that the first light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor;
- a second commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a second light sensor of the light sensor array such that the second light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the second light sensor;
- and
- a third commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a third light sensor of the light sensor array such that the third light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the third light sensor;
- wherein the relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a continuous commutation sequence of a first coil, a second coil, and a third coil of a brushless motor.
9 more elements
A motor system, comprising:
- a brushless motor;
- and
- an optical encoder including:
- a light source;
- a light sensor array;
- and
- a code disk including:
- a data track having a plurality of slots configured to allow light from the light source to pass to the light sensor array to determine a rotational position and direction of the code disk;
- and
- a commutation pattern having:
- a first commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a first light sensor of the light sensor array such that the first light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor;
- a second commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a second light sensor of the light sensor array such that the second light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the second light sensor;
- and
- a third commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a third light sensor of the light sensor array such that the third light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the third light sensor;
- wherein the relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a continuous commutation sequence of a first coil, a second coil, and a third coil of the brushless motor.
12 more elements
A code disk for an optical encoder, comprising:
- a data track having a plurality of slots configured to allow light from a light source to pass to a light sensor array to determine a rotational position and direction of the code disk;
- and
- a commutation pattern having:
- a first commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a first light sensor of the light sensor array such that the first light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures pass over the first light sensor;
- a second commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a second light sensor of the light sensor array such that the second light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the second light sensor;
- and
- a third commutation track including a series of apertures which are spaced closely enough together to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a third light sensor of the light sensor array such that the third light sensor continuously receives light as the series of apertures passes over the third light sensor;
- wherein the relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a continuous commutation sequence of a first coil, a second coil, and a third coil of a brushless motor.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.