CN219798365U - Optical encoder - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical encoder comprising: the code disc unit is provided with an increment pattern area, a first reference pattern area and a second reference pattern area, wherein the first reference pattern area is arranged along a first direction, and the second reference pattern area is arranged along a second direction; the optical sensing unit is provided with a first light receiving element and a first light emitting element, the first light receiving element is provided with a first increment light receiving area and a first reference light receiving area which are oppositely arranged, the first light emitting element is positioned between the first increment light receiving area and the first reference light receiving area, and the long axis direction of the first increment light receiving area extends along a first direction. When the first light-emitting element irradiates the first reference pattern area, the first reference light-receiving area can generate a first reference position signal. In the same principle, the second light receiving element and the second light emitting element are arranged along the second direction.

Description

Optical encoder

Technical field

The utility model relates to an encoder, in particular to an optical encoder.

Background technique

With the advancement of technology, encoder technology is widely used in precision instrument control fields such as motor speed measurement and position detection. For example, two-dimensional (2D) or planar (Planar) position detection can be achieved through encoders on mobile device platforms. displacement information. This conventional two-dimensional (2D) displacement sensing method is achieved by using two sets of one-dimensional (1D) position sensors respectively arranged in orthogonal directions, so the accuracy of this orthogonal positioning must be required during assembly.

In the known technology, the two-dimensional optical position sensor uses an optical interference method architecture to obtain position information, and its main architecture includes a laser transmitter, an optical receiver, a beam splitter, a reflector, a phase retarder, and diffraction Grating pattern code disk and processing circuit, in which obtaining one-dimensional information requires at least dividing a light beam into two sets of reference and detection beams, each traveling a different path. This difference in travel distance will form a phase difference between each other, and upon arrival The detection elements are recombined before, so the combined light will produce an interference effect, causing the intensity of the light to change periodically to generate a position increment signal.

However, since the known optical interference method architecture requires the integration of a variety of optical components, the volume space design is difficult. In addition, the combination of light for interference requires precise assembly and alignment. As the accuracy requirements of encoders increase, the corresponding The area of the photoreceptor sensing area has also been greatly reduced, so external environmental pollution such as oil, dirt, and particulates will have a serious impact on the sensed position signal.

Therefore, how to provide a two-dimensional optical encoder with lower sensitivity to environmental contamination, improve the stability of the encoder signal, and achieve the effects of easy assembly and thin encoder is actually the focus in the current technical field. subject.

Utility model content

The purpose of this utility model is to provide an optical encoder that obtains a position signal through an optical sensing component, and uses an optical reflective structure in which the optical sensing component is arranged on the same side as the optical code disk, so that fewer components can be achieved The volume and space of the encoder can be reduced easily and the complexity of assembly and production can be reduced. On the other hand, under the reflective architecture, the allowable sensing area for receiving light is wider, making the encoder less sensitive to environmental contamination. At the same time, the optical sensing component has an incremental light collection area and a sensing pattern arranged in a phase array, which can further improve the stability of the encoder signal.

The utility model provides an optical encoder, which includes: a code disc unit having an incremental pattern area extending and arranged along a first direction and a second direction; and an optical sensing unit arranged corresponding to the code disc unit. , and has a first light-collecting element and at least a first light-emitting element. The first light-collecting element has a first incremental light-collecting area. The first light-emitting element is located on one side of the first incremental light-collecting area. A long axis direction of the light receiving area extends along the first direction. When the optical sensing unit moves in the first direction, the first light-emitting element illuminates the incremental pattern area to generate an incremental position signal, and the first incremental light-receiving area receives the incremental position signal.

In some embodiments, the code wheel unit also has a first reference pattern area and a second reference pattern area. The first reference pattern area is along a first direction and the second reference pattern area is along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the incremental pattern area is arranged between the first reference pattern area and the second reference pattern area.

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit has a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit adjacent to each other, the first light-collecting element and the first light-emitting element are disposed in the first sub-unit, and a second light-collecting element The element and at least one second light-emitting element are arranged in the second sub-unit.

In some embodiments, the first light-collecting element further has a first reference light-collecting area and a first incremental light-collecting area arranged oppositely, and the first light-emitting element is located between the first incremental light-collecting area and the first reference light-collecting area. between light areas. The first light-emitting element illuminates the first reference pattern area to generate a first reference position signal, and the first reference light-receiving area receives the first reference position signal. When the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the first incremental light receiving area receives the incremental position signal.

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit further includes a second light-collecting element and at least a second light-emitting element. The second light-collecting element also has a second incremental light-collecting area and a second oppositely arranged light-collecting area. Referring to the light-receiving area, a long axis direction of the second incremental light-receiving area extends along the second direction. The second light-emitting element illuminates the second reference pattern area to generate a second reference position signal, and the second reference light-receiving area receives the second reference position signal. When the optical sensing unit moves along the second direction, the second incremental light receiving area receives the incremental position signal.

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit further includes: a processing element electrically connected to the first light-collecting element and the second light-collecting element, and receiving the first reference position signal and the incremental position from the first light-collecting element. signal, and receiving the second reference position signal and the incremental position signal from the second light collecting element.

The utility model provides an optical encoder, which includes: a code disk unit, which has an incremental pattern area that is arranged two-dimensionally and has a high reflection coefficient area and a low reflection coefficient area that are arranged corresponding to each other. ; And a structure of a changing form of an optical sensing unit, which is arranged corresponding to the code disk unit and has a light-collecting element and a light-emitting element. The light-collecting element has a first incremental light-collecting area, and the light-emitting element is located at the first On one side of the incremental light-receiving area, a long axis direction of the first incremental light-receiving area extends along the first direction. When the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the light-emitting element illuminates the high reflection coefficient area and the low reflection coefficient area of the incremental pattern area to generate an incremental position signal, and the first incremental light receiving area receives the incremental position signal. .

In some embodiments, the code wheel unit also has a first reference pattern area and a second reference pattern area. The first reference pattern area is along a first direction and the second reference pattern area is along a first direction. Arranged in two directions, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the incremental pattern area is arranged between the first reference pattern area and the second reference pattern area.

In some embodiments, the first light-collecting element also has a first incremental light-collecting area and a first reference light-collecting area arranged oppositely, and a long axis direction of the first incremental light-collecting area is along the first Extending in the direction, the light-emitting element is located between the first incremental light-collecting area and the first reference light-collecting area. When the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the light-emitting element illuminates the reference coordinate area to generate a first reference position signal, the first reference light-receiving area receives the first reference position signal, and the first incremental light-receiving area receives the increment location signal. The first light-collecting element also has a second incremental light-collecting area and a second reference light-collecting area arranged oppositely. A long axis direction of the second incremental light-collecting area extends along the second direction, and the light-emitting element is located on the second incremental light-collecting area. Between the second incremental light receiving area and the second reference light receiving area. When the optical sensing unit moves along the second direction, the light-emitting element illuminates the reference coordinate area to generate a second reference position signal, the second reference light-receiving area receives the second reference position signal, and the second incremental light-receiving area receives the incremental position Signal.

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit further includes: a processing element electrically connected to the light-collecting element, and receives the first reference position signal and the incremental position signal, and receives the second reference position signal and the incremental position signal. .

To sum up, the optical encoder of the present invention arranges the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element on the same side of the code disc unit, thereby reducing the volume space of the optical encoder and reducing the complexity of assembly and production. Furthermore, the optical encoder of the present invention generates a reference position signal corresponding to the two-dimensional space through the reference coordinate area extending along the first direction and the second direction that are perpendicular to each other, thereby achieving high-precision position sensing and Output of location information. What's more, the optical encoder of the present invention uses a reflective structure to allow a wider sensing area, and therefore has higher resistance to environmental pollution such as particulates, oil, dirt, etc. At the same time, the incremental light collection area of the optical sensing unit uses a phased-array pattern arrangement, which can further improve the stability of the optical encoder of the present invention.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram showing the optical encoder in this case;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing part of the structure of the optical encoder in this case;

Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram showing the code disc unit of the optical encoder in this case;

Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram showing the optical sensing unit of the optical encoder in this case;

Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram showing changes in the optical sensing unit of this case;

Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram showing changes in the optical sensing unit of this case;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing different structures of the light-emitting components of this case;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of the processing elements of this case.

【Symbol Description】

1: Optical encoder

11: Code disc unit

111: Incremental pattern area

112: Reference coordinate area

112A, 112B: Reference pattern area

12, 12A, 22: Optical sensing unit

121: First subunit

121A, 122A, 221: Light collecting element

121B, 122B, 222, 322: Light-emitting components

121C, 122C: base material

122: Second subunit

322A: Luminous area

322B: Electrode

123: Circuit board

124, 424: processing components

424A: Incremental signal processing unit

424B: Reference signal processing unit

424C: Position signal processing unit

125: Outer shell

13: Bearing shell

9: light

AR1, AR2: incremental light receiving area

D1: first direction

D2: Second direction

HR1, HR2: high reflection coefficient area

L1, L2: long axis direction

LR1, LR2: low reflection coefficient area

RR1, RR2: Reference light receiving area

SA1, SA2: incremental position signal

SR1, SR2: reference position signal

SA3, SR3: electronic signal

SP: two-dimensional position signal

Detailed ways

As used herein, terms such as "first", "second" and the like describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections that should not be subject to limitations of these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another. Terms such as "first" and "second" used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly dictated by the context.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram showing the optical encoder 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram showing the optical encoder 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram showing the code disk unit 11 of the optical encoder 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 , the optical encoder 1 in this case includes a code disk unit 11 and an optical sensing unit 12 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the code wheel unit 11 has an incremental pattern area 111 and a reference coordinate area 112 . The reference coordinate area 112 is provided around the incremental pattern area 111 . The reference coordinate area 112 extends, for example, along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2. The code disk unit 11 may be made of glass, metal, plastic, or any material that can be processed to produce optical low-reflection coefficient and high-reflection coefficient staggered pattern periods, but is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the reference coordinate area 112 may be divided into a first reference pattern area 112A and a second reference pattern area 112B. The first reference pattern areas 112A are arranged along the first direction D1, and the second reference pattern areas 112B are arranged along the second direction D2. The incremental pattern area 111 is provided between the first reference pattern area 112A and the second reference pattern area 112B.

It should be noted that the reference coordinate area 112 can be disposed close to the side of the code plate unit 11 (as shown in FIG. 3 ), or cross each other on the code plate unit 11 (ie, similar to the coordinate axis, the code plate unit 11 divided into four quadrants), or set in other suitable locations according to needs.

In some embodiments, the incremental pattern areas 111 are extended and arranged along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, that is, the incremental pattern areas 111 are arranged and extended in two dimensions. The incremental pattern area 111 has a high reflection coefficient area HR1 and a low reflection coefficient area LR1 arranged corresponding to each other. The high reflection coefficient region HR1 is formed, for example, by a periodic arrangement (staggered arrangement, sequential arrangement, or other arrangement) of basic units with high reflection coefficient characteristics. The shape of the basic units with high reflection coefficient characteristics can be a two-dimensional rectangle, square, or ellipse. , round, etc., are not limited here. In addition, the low reflection coefficient region LR1 may be formed by a periodic arrangement (staggered arrangement, sequential arrangement or other arrangement) of basic units with low reflection coefficient characteristics, or the gaps between the basic units of the high reflection coefficient region HR1 may be retained as low reflection coefficients. In the coefficient area LR1 (as shown in FIG. 3 ), the shape of the basic unit with low reflection coefficient characteristics can be a two-dimensional rectangle, a square, an ellipse, a circle, etc., which is not limited here.

In some embodiments, the reference coordinate area 112 also has a high reflection coefficient area HR2 and a low reflection coefficient area LR2. The high reflection coefficient region HR2 is formed, for example, by a periodic arrangement (staggered arrangement, sequential arrangement, or other arrangement) of basic units with high reflection coefficient characteristics. The shape of the basic units with high reflection coefficient characteristics can be a two-dimensional rectangle, a square, or an ellipse. , round, etc., are not limited here. In addition, the low reflection coefficient region LR2 may be formed by a periodic arrangement (staggered arrangement, sequential arrangement or other arrangement) of basic units with low reflection coefficient characteristics, or the gaps between the basic units of the high reflection coefficient region HR2 may be retained as low reflection coefficients. In the coefficient area LR2 (as shown in FIG. 3 ), the shape of the basic unit with low reflection coefficient characteristics can be a two-dimensional rectangle, a square, an ellipse, a circle, etc., which is not limiting. It should be noted that the high reflection coefficient area HR2 and the low reflection coefficient area LR2 are arranged in a stripe shape. That is to say, the high reflection coefficient area HR2 and the low reflection coefficient area LR2 of the first reference pattern area 112A and the second reference pattern area 112B of the reference coordinate area 112 can follow the directions of two orthogonal coordinate axes in two dimensions, and their stripes Arrangement is made along the coordinate axis, but it is not limiting.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram showing the optical sensing unit 12 of the optical encoder 1 in this case. As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , the optical sensing unit 12 is provided correspondingly to the code disk unit 11 . Here, the corresponding arrangement means that the optical sensing unit 12 is disposed on one side of the code plate unit 11 , and the optical sensing unit 12 can move corresponding to the code plate unit 11 and emit light 9 to illuminate the incremental pattern of the code plate unit 11 Area 111 and reference coordinate area 112.

The optical sensing unit 12 has a first light-collecting element 121A and a first light-emitting element 121B. The first light collecting element 121A has a first incremental light collecting area AR1 and a first reference light collecting area RR1 arranged oppositely. The long axis direction L1 of the first incremental light collecting area AR1 extends along the first direction D1. The first light-emitting element 121B is located between the first incremental light-collecting area AR1 and the first reference light-collecting area RR1. That is, the first incremental light-collecting area AR1 and the first reference light-collecting area RR1 are located between the first light-emitting element 121B. both sides. The first light-emitting element 121B may be, for example, but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or a laser diode (LD).

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit 12 may have, for example, a first sub-unit 121 and a second sub-unit 122 adjacent to each other, but this is not limiting. For example, the first light-collecting element 121A and the first light-emitting element 121B are provided in the first sub-unit 121, and the second light-collecting element 122A and the second light-emitting element 122B are provided in the second sub-unit 122. In some embodiments, the second light collecting element 122A has a second incremental light collecting area AR2 and a second reference light collecting area RR2 arranged oppositely. The long axis direction L2 of the second incremental light-reducing area AR2 extends along the second direction D2. The second light-emitting element 122B is located between the second incremental light-collecting area AR2 and the second reference light-collecting area RR2. That is, the second incremental light-collecting area AR2 and the second reference light-collecting area RR2 are located between the second light-emitting element 122B. both sides. The second light-emitting element 122B may be, for example, but not limited to, a light-emitting diode, a vertical resonant cavity surface-emitting laser, or a laser diode.

In some embodiments, the optical sensing unit 12 may further have substrates 121C and 122C disposed in the first sub-unit 121 and the second sub-unit 122 respectively. The first light-collecting element 121A and the first light-emitting element 121B are disposed on the base material 121C and located in the first sub-unit 121. The second light-collecting element 122A and the second light-emitting element 122B are disposed on the base material 122C and located in the second sub-unit 121. in subunit 122.

It is worth mentioning that the positional relationship between the light-collecting elements 121A and 122A and the light-emitting elements 121B and 122B can be, for example, as shown in FIG. Restrictive.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram showing a variation of the optical sensing unit 12A in this case. As shown in FIG. 5 , in the optical sensing unit 12A, the positional relationship between the light-collecting elements 121A, 122A and the light-emitting elements 121B, 122B can also be such that the light-emitting elements 121B, 122B and the light-collecting elements 121A, 122A are located at the same height. In other words, the light-collecting elements 121A and 122A are arranged around the light-emitting elements 121B and 122B. Therefore, according to different requirements, different design methods of the optical sensing unit 12A can be added to increase the application range of the optical sensing unit 12A.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4 , for example, the code wheel unit 11 can be disposed on the carrying case 13 , and the optical sensing unit 12 can also include, for example, a circuit board 123 , a processing element 124 and an outer shell 125 , but it is not limited thereto. sex. The first subunit 121 and the second subunit 122 are, for example, disposed on one side of the circuit board 123. The processing element 124 is, for example, disposed on the other side of the circuit board 123, and are electrically connected to the light collecting elements 121A and 122A. However, it is not Restrictive. The processing element may also be disposed on the same side of the circuit board 123 as the first sub-unit 121 and the second sub-unit 122 .

The processing element 124 may include, for example, a sensor integrated circuit, a microcontroller (MCU), a microprocessor (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processor (GPU), field programmable logic array (FPGA), or system on chip (SoC).

The outer housing 125 is provided correspondingly to the carrying housing 13, so that the optical sensing unit 12, the code wheel unit 11 and the carrying housing 13 can move correspondingly.

Therefore, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the first direction D1 and the first light-emitting element 121B emits light 9 to illuminate the reference coordinate area 112, the pattern of the first reference pattern area 112A of the reference coordinate area 112 will form a reflection, The reflected light 9 will form an intensity distribution of light energy on the plane of the first light-collecting element 121A to generate a first reference position signal. The first reference light-collecting area RR1 of the first light-collecting element 121A detects the intensity of this light energy. The weak distribution changes to receive the first reference position signal and convert the first reference position signal into an electronic signal for output, and the output electronic signal is provided to the back-end processing element 124 .

In other words, if the optical sensing unit 12 starts from the origin of the first reference pattern area 112A (for example, the lower left side of FIG. 3 ) and stops at a certain position in the first reference pattern area 112A, the optical sensing unit 12 can The relative position of the optical sensing unit 12 is determined through the first reference position signal detected by the first reference light receiving area RR1.

Furthermore, when the first light-emitting element 121B emits light 9 and irradiates the incremental pattern area 111, the pattern of the incremental pattern area 111 will also be reflected, and the reflected light 9 will be reflected on the plane of the first light-collecting element 121A. The intensity distribution of light energy is formed to generate an incremental position signal. The first incremental light-collecting area AR1 of the first light-collecting element 121A detects changes in the intensity distribution of light energy to receive the incremental position signal, and will increase the position signal. The quantitative position signal is converted into an electronic signal and output, and the output electronic signal is provided to the back-end processing element 124.

In other words, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves to a certain position in the first reference light collecting area RR1 and then moves from this position to another position, the optical sensing unit 12 can detect through the first incremental light collecting area AR1 The incremental position signal is obtained to determine the position of the optical sensing unit 12 relative to the first reference light-receiving area RR1.

Specifically, the sensing pattern of the first incremental light-collecting area AR1 of the first light-collecting element 121A has a phase array arrangement. As shown in FIG. 4 , the sensing pattern of the first incremental light-collecting area AR1 is, for example, an arrangement in which A+, B+, A-, and B- are alternately repeated for several periods. The induced B+, A- and B- signals have phase differences of 90°, 180° and 270° respectively relative to the A+ signal. In other words, through the repetitive periodic signal, even if part of the signal is missing due to dirt (such as the lack of A+ signal, etc.), the incremental position signal can still be stably determined through other parts. In addition, A+ and A- can be used as differential signals to offset noise interference. Similarly, B+ and B- can be used as another set of differential signals. Therefore, through the arrangement of the phase array, the uneven distribution of light receiving energy can be uniformized, and the anti-interference ability is enhanced through the differential signal technology, so that the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment has higher oil resistance. and dirt tolerance, improving signal stability.

It should be noted that the sensing patterns of the first reference light-collecting area RR1 are arranged in an array, but the arrangement is not limiting, as long as the first reference position signal can be received stably and correctly.

On the other hand, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the second direction D2 and the second light-emitting element 122B emits light 9 to illuminate the reference coordinate area 112, the pattern of the second reference pattern area 112B of the reference coordinate area 112 will be formed. Reflected, the reflected light 9 will form a intensity distribution of light energy on the plane of the second light-collecting element 122A to generate a second reference position signal. The second reference light-collecting area RR2 of the second light-collecting element 122A detects this light. The energy intensity distribution changes to receive the second reference position signal, and convert the second reference position signal into an electronic signal for output, and the output electronic signal is provided to the back-end processing element 124 .

In other words, if the optical sensing unit 12 starts from the origin of the second reference pattern area 112B (for example, the lower left side of FIG. 3 ) and stops at a certain position in the second reference pattern area 112B, the optical sensing unit 12 can The relative position of the optical sensing unit 12 is determined through the second reference position signal detected by the second reference light receiving area RR2.

Furthermore, when the second light-emitting element 122B emits light 9, the pattern of the incremental pattern area 111 will also form a reflection, and the reflected light 9 will form an intensity distribution of light energy on the plane of the second light-collecting element 122A. To generate an incremental position signal, the second incremental light collecting area AR2 of the second light collecting element 122A detects changes in the light energy intensity distribution to receive the incremental position signal, and converts the incremental position signal into an electronic signal for output. , the output electronic signal is provided to the back-end processing element 124.

In other words, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves to a certain position in the second reference light collecting area RR2 and then moves from this position to another position, the optical sensing unit 12 can detect through the second incremental light collecting area AR2 The incremental position signal is obtained to determine the position of the optical sensing unit 12 relative to the second reference light-receiving area RR2.

Specifically, the sensing pattern of the second incremental light-collecting area AR2 of the second light-collecting element 122A has a phase array arrangement. Similar to the first incremental light-collecting area AR1, the sensing pattern of the second incremental light-collecting area AR2 is, for example, an arrangement in which A+, B+, A- and B- are alternately repeated for several periods. The induced B+, A- and B- signals have phase differences of 90°, 180° and 270° respectively relative to the A+ signal. In other words, through the repetitive periodic signal, even if part of the signal is missing due to dirt (such as the lack of A+ signal, etc.), the incremental position signal can still be stably determined through other parts. In addition, A+ and A- can be used as differential signals to offset noise interference. Similarly, B+ and B- can be used as another set of differential signals. Therefore, through the arrangement of the phase array, the uneven distribution of light receiving energy can be uniformized, and the anti-interference ability is enhanced through the differential signal technology, so that the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment has higher oil resistance. and dirt tolerance, improving signal stability.

It should be noted that the sensing patterns of the second reference light-collecting area RR2 are arranged in an array, but the arrangement is not limiting, as long as the first reference position signal can be received stably and correctly.

It is worth mentioning that the movement method of the optical sensing unit 12 is not limited. For example, it can also be moved from the incremental pattern area 111 to the first reference pattern area 112A or the second reference pattern area 112B to determine the position. Or other corresponding movement methods.

Furthermore, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the first direction D1, the second light-emitting element 122B can also emit light 9, or the second light-collecting element 122A can also receive the reflected light of the first light-emitting element 121B, but because The received reflected light does not have obvious periodic amplitude changes, and the signals detected by the second reference light collecting area RR2 and the second incremental light collecting area AR2 of the second light collecting element 122A have no displacement in the second direction D2. signal, so the optical sensing unit 12 can determine that it moves along the first direction D1. On the other hand, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the second direction D2, it becomes the signal detected by the first reference light collecting area RR1 and the first incremental light collecting area AR1 of the first light collecting element 121A. It is a signal that there is no displacement in the first direction D1, so the optical sensing unit 12 can determine that it moves in the second direction D2.

In other words, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the first direction D1, only the first reference light collecting area RR1 and the first incremental light collecting area AR1 will receive the reference position signal and the incremental position signal in the first direction D1. Change, when the optical sensing unit 12 moves along the second direction D2, only the second reference light collecting area RR2 and the second incremental light collecting area AR2 will receive the reference position signal and the incremental position signal in the second direction D2. Variety.

Based on the above, the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment arranges the light-collecting elements 121A and 122B and the light-emitting elements 122A and 122B on the same side of the code wheel unit 11, thereby reducing the volume space of the optical encoder 1 and reducing the assembly time. Production Complexity. Furthermore, the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment generates a reference position signal corresponding to the two-dimensional space through the reference coordinate area 112 extending along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other, thereby achieving high precision. Position sensing and output of position information. What's more, the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment uses a reflective structure to allow a wider sensing area, and therefore has higher resistance to environmental pollution such as particulates, oil, dirt, etc. At the same time, the incremental light collection areas AR1 and AR2 of the optical sensing unit 12 use a phase array type pattern arrangement, which can further improve the stability of the optical encoder 1 of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram showing a variation of the optical sensing unit 22 in this case. The optical sensing unit 22 has a light collecting element 221 and a light emitting element 222. The difference between the optical sensing unit 22 and the above-mentioned optical sensing units 12 and 12A is that the light collecting element 221 also has an oppositely arranged first incremental light collecting area. AR1 and the first reference light collecting area RR1, and the second incremental light collecting area AR2 and the second reference light collecting area RR2. The working mode of the optical sensing unit 22 is similar to the working mode of the above-mentioned optical sensing unit 12A, which will not be described again.

Based on the above, the optical sensing unit 22 uses the structure of a single light-collecting element 221 and a light-emitting element 222, and there is no need to provide two sub-units. This can further reduce the volume space of the optical encoder and reduce the complexity of assembly and production. In addition, the light-emitting element can be one, but it is not limited, and it can also be multiple elements arranged side by side, so as to stably and correctly allow the light-receiving element to obtain the position signal.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing different structures of the light-emitting element 322 of this case. The light-emitting element 322 has, for example, a light-emitting region 322A and an electrode 322B. The shape of the light emitting area 322A may be, for example, but not limited to, a circle, a rectangle, or an ellipse. The light-emitting area 322A has a width W in the long axis directions L1 and L2 of the incremental light-reducing areas AR1 and AR2 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5), and there is a pitch between the basic units of the incremental pattern area 111. P (as shown in Figure 3), and the width W is 0.5 to 1.5 times the pitch P (0.5P≦W≦1.5P). In this way, an incremental position signal with good signal quality can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of the processing element 424 of this case. The processing element 424 may include, for example, an incremental signal processing unit 424A, a reference signal processing unit 424B, and a position signal processing unit 424C, but is not limited thereto. The incremental signal processing unit 424A and the reference signal processing unit 424B are electrically connected to the position signal processing unit 424C respectively. The incremental signal processing unit 424A may receive the incremental position signal SA1 along the first direction and the incremental position signal SA2 along the second direction, and convert them into electronic signals (eg, a two-dimensional incremental position signal) SA3. The reference signal processing unit 424B may receive the first reference position signal SR1 and the second reference position signal SR2, and convert them into an electronic signal (eg, a two-dimensional reference position signal) SR3. The position signal processing unit 424C can receive the electronic signals SA3 and SR3 and output the two-dimensional position signal SP.

It is worth mentioning that the processing element 424 can be applied to the above-mentioned optical sensing unit 12, and its processing method is as described above, which will not be described again here.

To sum up, the optical encoder of the present invention arranges the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element on the same side of the code disc unit, thereby reducing the volume space of the optical encoder and reducing the complexity of assembly and production. Furthermore, the optical encoder of the present invention generates a reference position signal corresponding to the two-dimensional space through the reference coordinate area extending along the first direction and the second direction that are perpendicular to each other, thereby achieving high-precision position sensing and Output of location information. What's more, the optical encoder of the present invention uses a reflective structure to allow a wider sensing area, and therefore has higher resistance to environmental pollution such as particulates, oil, dirt, etc. At the same time, the incremental light collection area of the optical sensing unit uses a phase array pattern arrangement, which can further improve the stability of the optical encoder of the present invention.

The components of several embodiments are summarized above so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can better understand the concepts of the embodiments of the present invention. Those with ordinary skill in the technical field of the present invention should understand that the embodiments of the present invention can be used as a basis to design or modify other processes and structures to achieve the same purposes as the embodiments introduced here and/or achieve the same benefits. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs should also understand that these equivalent structures do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, and can be used here without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model. Make various changes, substitutions and other choices. Therefore, the protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An optical encoder, characterized in that it includes: A code plate unit having an incremental pattern area extending along a first direction and a second direction; and An optical sensing unit is provided corresponding to the code wheel unit and has a first light-collecting element and at least a first light-emitting element. The first light-collecting element has a first incremental light-collecting area. The first light-emitting element The element is located on one side of the first incremental light-reducing area, and a long axis direction of the first incremental light-receiving area extends along the first direction, Wherein, when the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the first light-emitting element irradiates the incremental pattern area to generate an incremental position signal, and the first incremental light-receiving area receives the incremental position signal. 2. The optical encoder according to claim 1, wherein the code wheel unit further has a first reference pattern area and a second reference pattern area, and the first reference pattern area is along the first The direction and the second reference pattern area are arranged along the second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the incremental pattern area is provided in the first reference pattern area and the second reference pattern area. between. 3. The optical encoder according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensing unit has a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit adjacent to each other, the first light-collecting element and the first light-emitting element The element is arranged in the first sub-unit, a second light-collecting element and at least a second light-emitting element are arranged in the second sub-unit. 4. The optical encoder according to claim 2, wherein the first light-collecting element further has a first reference light-collecting area and is disposed opposite to the first incremental light-collecting area, and the first light-emitting element Located between the first incremental light collection area and the first reference light collection area, The first light-emitting element irradiates the first reference pattern area to generate a first reference position signal, the first reference light-receiving area receives the first reference position signal, and When the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the first incremental light receiving area receives the incremental position signal. 5. The optical encoder according to claim 4, wherein the optical sensing unit further includes a second light-collecting element and at least a second light-emitting element, and the second light-collecting element also has an oppositely arranged a second incremental light-collecting area and a second reference light-collecting area, a long axis direction of the second incremental light-collecting area extending along the second direction, The second light-emitting element illuminates the second reference pattern area to generate a second reference position signal, the second reference light-receiving area receives the second reference position signal, and When the optical sensing unit moves along the second direction, the second incremental light receiving area receives the incremental position signal. 6. The optical encoder according to claim 5, wherein the optical sensing unit further includes: A processing element is electrically connected to the first light collecting element and the second light collecting element, and receives the first reference position signal and the incremental position signal from the first light collecting element, and receives the first reference position signal and the incremental position signal from the second light collecting element. The optical element receives the second reference position signal and the incremental position signal. 7. An optical encoder, characterized by comprising: A code disk unit has an incremental pattern area that is arranged two-dimensionally, and the incremental pattern area has a high reflection coefficient area and a low reflection coefficient area that are arranged corresponding to each other; and An optical sensing unit is provided corresponding to the code disk unit and has a light-collecting element and at least one light-emitting element. The light-collecting element has a first incremental light-collecting area, and the light-emitting element is located in the first incremental light-collecting area. On one side of the light area, a long axis direction of the first incremental light collection area extends along a first direction, Wherein, when the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the light-emitting element irradiates the high reflection coefficient area and the low reflection coefficient area of the incremental pattern area to generate an incremental position signal, and the first incremental acquisition The optical zone receives this incremental position signal. 8. The optical encoder according to claim 7, wherein the code wheel unit further has a first reference pattern area and a second reference pattern area, the first reference pattern area is along the first The direction and the second reference pattern area are arranged along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the incremental pattern area is provided in the first reference pattern area and the second reference pattern area. between. 9. The optical encoder according to claim 8, wherein the light collecting element further has a first reference light collecting area and is arranged opposite to the first incremental light collecting area, and the first incremental light collecting area A long axis direction of the area extends along the first direction, and the light-emitting element is located between the first incremental light-collecting area and the first reference light-collecting area, When the optical sensing unit moves along the first direction, the light-emitting element illuminates the reference coordinate area to generate a first reference position signal, the first reference light-receiving area receives the first reference position signal, and the first increment The light receiving area receives the incremental position signal, The light-collecting element also has a second incremental light-collecting area and a second reference light-collecting area arranged oppositely. A long axis direction of the second incremental light-collecting area extends along the second direction. The light-emitting element Located between the second incremental light collection area and the second reference light collection area, When the optical sensing unit moves along the second direction, the light-emitting element illuminates the reference coordinate area to generate a second reference position signal, the second reference light-receiving area receives the second reference position signal, and the second increment The light receiving area receives the incremental position signal. 10. The optical encoder according to claim 9, wherein the optical sensing unit further includes: A processing element is electrically connected to the light collecting element, and receives the first reference position signal and the incremental position signal, and receives the second reference position signal and the incremental position signal.