US 12,235,184 B2
Rotary encoder and a method for monitoring operation of the rotary encoder
Mats Gustafsson, Stallarholmen (SE); Martin Lundgren, Strängnäs (SE); and Robin Johansson, Strängnäs (SE)
Assigned to LEINE & LINDE AB, Strängnäs (SE)
Filed by LEINE & LINDE AB, Strängnäs (SE)
Filed on Jan. 24, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/100,774.
Claims priority of application No. 22154049 (EP), filed on Jan. 28, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0243719 A1, Aug. 3, 2023
Int. Cl. G01M 13/04 (2019.01); G01B 21/22 (2006.01); G01L 1/22 (2006.01)
CPC G01M 13/04 (2013.01) [G01B 21/22 (2013.01); G01L 1/2262 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A rotary encoder, comprising:
a housing including a flexible structure;
a shaft including a bearing system arranged in the housing, the shaft being rotatable relative to the housing via the bearing system;
a rotor attached to the shaft;
a stator; and
a strain sensor system attached to the housing;
wherein the flexible structure is adapted to, in connection with rotation of the shaft, facilitate transmission of forces associated with the bearing system to the strain sensor system, the strain sensor system adapted to detect tension and/or compression associated with the housing and to determine a malfunction of the bearing system based on the detected tension and/or compression.