Encoder unit and process of assembling same
First Claim
1. An encoder unit for a motor having a shaft and a flange end, comprising:
- (a) a printed circuit board having an underside;
(b) an encoder housing fixed to the electric motor and comprising a base plate, a cover arranged parallel to the base plate, and side walls, wherein the base plate is releasably fixed at the flange end of the motor and includes a recess sized to receive the motor shaft, wherein the encoder housing includes guiding grooves sized to receive the printed circuit board in parallel to the base plate, and wherein at least one of the side walls is removably anchorable to the encoder housing;
(c) a timing disc hub disposed within the recess of the encoder housing base plate and beneath the underside of the printed circuit board;
(d) a timing disc supported on the timing disc hub and having code markings;
(e) at least one sensor connected to the printed circuit board and disposed in the region of the code markings, the sensor being fixed in all three coordinate directions; and
(f) an abutment supported by the printed circuit board and having a first position in contact with the timing disc hub when the printed circuit board is not fully received within the encoder housing and a second position clear of contact with the timing disc hub.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An encoder unit releasably secured to the flange end of a motor with a form-fitting and positive connection comprises an encoder housing with guide grooves for receiving a printed circuit board (PCB), a recess for receiving the motor shaft, and at least one moveable side wall. A timing disc and hub are positioned on the motor shaft within the encoder housing beneath the PCB. The PCB, a sensor unit fixed, and the movable side wall are slid into the guiding grooves to press an abutment against the hub. The pre-assembled encoder housing can be placed onto a base plate at the flange end of the motor. Pressure movement fully insert the PCB into the housing cover so that the sensor unit records the code markings of the timing disc and so that an abutment is removed from a region of contact with the timing disc hub.
25 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An encoder unit for a motor having a shaft and a flange end, comprising:
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(a) a printed circuit board having an underside;
(b) an encoder housing fixed to the electric motor and comprising a base plate, a cover arranged parallel to the base plate, and side walls, wherein the base plate is releasably fixed at the flange end of the motor and includes a recess sized to receive the motor shaft, wherein the encoder housing includes guiding grooves sized to receive the printed circuit board in parallel to the base plate, and wherein at least one of the side walls is removably anchorable to the encoder housing;
(c) a timing disc hub disposed within the recess of the encoder housing base plate and beneath the underside of the printed circuit board;
(d) a timing disc supported on the timing disc hub and having code markings;
(e) at least one sensor connected to the printed circuit board and disposed in the region of the code markings, the sensor being fixed in all three coordinate directions; and
(f) an abutment supported by the printed circuit board and having a first position in contact with the timing disc hub when the printed circuit board is not fully received within the encoder housing and a second position clear of contact with the timing disc hub. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A process of assembling an encoder unit of the type comprising a housing that affixes the encoder unit at a flange end of a motor having a shaft, a printed circuit board, a timing disc having code markings, a timing disc hub fixed to the motor shaft, at least one sensor disposed in the region of the code markings and fixed in all three coordinate directions with accuracy, comprising the steps of:
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(a) fixing a first base plate at the flange end of the electric motor;
(b) pre-assembling the encoder housing comprising a cover having guiding grooves, a base plate having a recess in the region of the motor shaft, a plurality of side walls of which at least one side wall is movably guided to engage the guiding grooves of the cover by;
(i) placing the timing disc hub and the timing disc within the recess in the base plate;
(ii) fixing the at least one sensor to the printed circuit board;
(iii) sliding the printed circuit board together with the movable side wall into the guiding grooves of the cover and parallel to the base plate so as to press an abutment against the timing disc hub;
(c) connecting the pre-assembled encoder housing on the first base plate while at the same time applying a pressing movement to the timing disc and the timing disc hub in the direction of the motor shaft; and
(d) completing assembly of the encoder housing by further sliding the printed circuit board together with the movable side wall completely into the encoder housing cover so as to clear the abutment of contact with the timing disc hub, whereby the sensor unit records the code markings of the timing disc and the encoder unit in a condition in which it is ready for operation. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification