SCAN ELEMENT FOR USE IN SCANNING LIGHT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

• US 20110069365A1
• Filed: 09/23/2009
• Published: 03/24/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Edmonds, Shane Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,059,324 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/199.3
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/105 with one or more pivoting mirrors or galvano-mirrors G02B26/101 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10643 Activating means
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 33/16 with polarised armatures moving in alternate directions by reversal or energisation of a single coil system
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49009 Dynamoelectric machine

Abstract

A scan element includes a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an electromagnetic wire coil and having a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis. At least one elastomeric support has a first end coupled to the flange. A permanent magnet has first and second surfaces, a central axis, and a magnetization direction oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet. The magnet is supported by a second end of the elastomeric support. A mirror has a central axis and is mounted on the second surface of the magnet. The central axes of the mirror and magnet are coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin. The elastomeric support provides a return force when the magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.

Claims

1. A scan element for use in scanning light from a light source, the scan element comprising:

(a) a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an energizable electromagnetic wire coil, the bobbin includes a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the bobbin;

(b) an elastomeric support having first and second ends, the first end is coupled to the flange of the bobbin;

(c) a permanent magnet having a central axis and a magnetization direction, the magnet being embedded within the elastomeric support adjacent to the second end of the elastomeric support, the central axis of the permanent magnet is generally coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin, the magnetization direction is oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet;

(d) a mirror having a central axis and being mounted on the second end of the elastomeric support, the central axis of the mirror is generally coaxial with the central axes of the bobbin and the permanent magnet,

the elastomeric support providing a return force when the permanent magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.

2. The scan element of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric support has an intermediate portion between the first and second ends, the intermediate portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first and second ends.

3. The scan element of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric support is formed from a silicone room temperature vulcanization (RTV) resin.

4. The scan element of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric support is generally coaxially aligned with the central axes of the bobbin, the permanent magnet, and the mirror.

5. The scan element of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric support has a cross-section of one of a rectangle, a circle, and an ellipse.

6. The scan element of claim 1, wherein the permanent magnet is coupled to the mirror.

7. A method of forming a scan element, the method comprising:

(a) providing a bobbin having a flange, the flange having a generally flat surface;

(b) forming an elastomeric support having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the surface of the flange;

(c) embedding a magnet within the elastomeric support adjacent the first end; and

(d) mounting a mirror to the second end of the elastomeric support.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of forming the elastomeric support includes patterning and hardening a molding material and adhering the first end to the surface of the flange.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of forming the elastomeric support includes patterning a molding material and placing a predetermined amount of molding material in contact with the surface of the flange prior to hardening the molding material.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

(e) coupling the mirror to the magnet.