Patent Description:
Rotary encoders are used in industry for position and speed monitoring and are typically mounted on a shaft of a motor or a gearbox of an assembly. Rotary encoders may be equipped with a rotor unit and a stator unit for detecting operational parameters of the shaft of the assembly.

Today rotary encoders may be assembled in such a way that a package comprising bearings mounted on a shaft is fixated within a bearing housing by means of an adhesive, such as e.g. glue. Assembling of the rotary encoder accordingly is however rather complicated because it is difficult to secure a stable gluing process. Hereby various problems may arise during the entire rotary encoder life time. Another drawback of this assembling process is that it is very time consuming. Usually it takes many hours for the glue to cure, which causes the production cost of the rotary encoder higher than necessary.

<CIT> concerns a housing for a bearing of a rotary encoder.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a rotary encoder, which seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination.

An object of the present invention is to propose a novel and advantageous method for assembling a rotary encoder.

An object of the present invention is to propose a time-effective assembling process of a rotary encoder.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous rotary encoder.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose an alternative method for assembling a rotary encoder, an alternative rotary encoder.

Some of these objects are achieved with a rotary encoder according to claim <NUM>. Other objects are achieved with a method for assembling a rotary encoder in accordance with what is depicted herein. Advantageous embodiments are depicted in the dependent claims. Substantially the same advantages of method steps of the proposed method hold true for corresponding means of the proposed rotary encoder.

According to one example there is provided a rotary encoder comprising a bearing configuration, a bearing housing and a stator, the bearing configuration comprises a shaft, a number of bearing units and a rotor, wherein the bearing housing is arranged to receive the bearing configuration internally when the bearing housing is in a deformed state, in which deformed state insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration is possible due to an increased internal diameter of the bearing housing, and wherein the bearing housing is arranged to fixedly secure the received bearing configuration in a pre-stressed state in a non-deformed state.

The deformed state of the rotary encoder is achieved by applying external forces according to what is depicted herein. After insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing the applied forces are removed and the bearing housing hereby is fixedly securing the received bearing configuration in a pre-stressed state in the non-deformed state. Hereby a time effective assembling process of the rotary encoder is achieved. Mounting of the rotary encoder may be performed within minutes instead of several hours which often is the case when using the assembly process involving provision of an adhesive.

Hereby a simplified assembling process is provided. A machine may be used for affecting the bearing housing so as to allow insertion of the bearing configuration and affecting the bearing housing so that the bearing configuration is fixated in a pre-stressed state. Hereby a relative cost-effective and accurate method for assembling the rotary encoder.

Advantageously bearing units of the bearing configuration are secured in a pre-stressed state before or during assembling of the rotary encoder. The bearing units of the bearing configuration are after have being assembled according to the proposed method depicted herein arranged in a pre-stressed state in an axial direction of the rotary encoder. The bearing units of the bearing configuration are after have being assembled according to the proposed method depicted herein also arranged in a pre-stressed state in an radial direction of the shaft of the rotary encoder. Hereby the bearing units are not fit loosely. Hereby the bearing units are not loosely arranged in the rotary encoder.

Advantageously a rotary encoder which has been assembled according to the herein proposed method presents an increased lifetime of operation.

One advantage of providing the bearing units in such a pre-stressed state, thus not being loosely fit, is that an improved accuracy regarding detection of operational parameters by means of the rotary encoder is achieved.

The rotary encoder may further comprise a spring member, which is arranged to the shaft between a first bearing unit and a second bearing unit so as to provide a pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit and the second bearing unit in an axial direction.

The rotary encoder may comprise at least one rib arranged internally of the bearing housing, wherein the at least one rib is arranged to fixedly secure the received bearing configuration. Advantageously a plurality of ribs are provided for improved balance during operation.

The bearing housing may be arranged to be affected by respective pushing forces in a direction radially inwards, whereby the bearing housing is arranged to change to the deformed state, in which deformed state insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing is possible. Insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration is possible when the bearing housing is in the deformed state.

Hereby the bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is increased by applying a number of external forces to the bearing housing in a radial direction towards a centre of the bearing housing, and the bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is reduced by removing said applied external forces.

The external forces for affecting the bearing housing may be applied with high precision and high accuracy. Hereby a reliable assembling process is achieved. The external forces may be applied in such a way that a minimum of tension is caused to the bearing housing but still allowing insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing.

The rotary encoder may comprise at least one wall member arranged internally of the bearing housing, wherein the at least one wall member is arranged to fixedly secure the received bearing configuration. The at least one wall member is provided with a gripping means, which gripping means is arranged to be affected by respective pulling forces in a direction radially outwards, whereby the bearing housing is arranged to change to the deformed state, in which deformed state insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing is possible. Insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration is possible when the bearing housing is in the deformed state.

Hereby the bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is increased by applying a number of external forces to gripping means of the bearing housing in a radial direction outwards a centre of the bearing housing. The bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is reduced by removing said applied external forces.

According to one example the bearing housing has a cross section being in the shape of a polygon, and wherein at least one outside surface of the polygon is provided with a gripping means, which gripping means is arranged for being affected by respective pulling forces in a direction radially outwards, whereby the bearing housing is arranged to change to the deformed state, in which deformed state insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing is possible. Insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration is possible when the bearing housing is in the deformed state.

The bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is increased by applying a number of external forces to gripping means of the bearing housing in a radial direction outwards a centre of the bearing housing. The bearing housing is affected so that the internal diameter thereof is reduced by removing said applied external forces.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly comprising a rotary encoder according to the disclosure. The assembly may be any device, system, installation, machine, platform, configuration wherein the rotary encoder is applicable. The assembly may comprise any one of an electric motor, combustion engine and transmission shaft configuration.

According to an example there is provided method for assembling a rotary encoder, the rotary encoder comprising a bearing housing and a bearing configuration, the method comprising the steps of:.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not confined to the specific details described. One skilled in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations in other fields.

For fuller understanding of embodiments of the present invention and its further objects and advantages, the detailed description set out below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various diagrams, and in which:.

<FIG> depicts a side view of an assembly <NUM>. The exemplified assembly <NUM> is a crane for movement of various goods. The assembly <NUM> comprises a motor unit <NUM> being arranged to control operation of a cylinder unit <NUM> for holding a crane wire <NUM>. The cylinder unit <NUM> may alternatively be denoted "drum". The crane wire <NUM> is adapted to detachably hold a load <NUM> at one end thereof. The crane may be provided with a number of support members <NUM>. A first electronic control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with a second electronic control arrangement <NUM> via a link L202. Alternatively, the first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication directly with the motor unit <NUM>. The second control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with the motor unit <NUM> via a link L120. The first and/or second control arrangement may be arranged to control operation of the assembly <NUM>, e.g. by controlling the motor unit <NUM>. Hereby rotational/lateral movement of the cylinder unit <NUM> may be controlled and the load <NUM> may hereby be transported/positioned/moved, in vertical and lateral directions, according to operator commando signals. Alternatively, operation of the cylinder unit <NUM> may be performed automatically/autonomously by means of the second control arrangement <NUM>. A shaft <NUM> of a rotary encoder <NUM> may be mechanically arranged via a clutch <NUM> to a shaft of the cylinder unit <NUM>. The second control arrangement <NUM> may be arranged to control operation of the clutch <NUM>. According to an example the shaft <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> is mechanically arranged to the shaft of the cylinder unit <NUM> via a coupling means. The coupling means being arranged for connecting the shaft <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> and an external shaft, such as the shaft of the cylinder unit <NUM>, is depicted in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. The first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with the rotary encoder via a link L201. The rotary encoder <NUM> is arranged to determine operational parameters of the assembly <NUM>. Said operational parameters may be e.g. cylinder unit shaft rotational speed and/or relative rotational positions of the cylinder unit shaft.

The rotary encoder disclosed herein may be applicable to paper mill systems and rolling mills. The rotary encoder disclosed herein may be applicable to elevator systems, oil rig systems and various machine tools. The rotary encoder may thus be applicable to a great variety of assemblies.

The proposed rotary encoder may be applicable to various assemblies comprising an engine/motor for rotating a shaft. The assembly may be a vehicle such as a mining machine, tractor, dumper, wheel-loader, forest machine, earth mover, road construction vehicle, road planner, emergency vehicle or a tracked vehicle. The proposed rotary encoder is according to one aspect of the disclosure well suited to other applications that comprise a rotary shaft than vehicles, e.g. watercraft. The watercraft may be of any kind, e.g. motorboats, steamers, ferries, ships or submarines.

The rotary encoder disclosed herein is applicable to various stationary assemblies/platforms comprising a rotating shaft, such as a windmill for generating electricity.

According to one example a number of rotary encoders <NUM> are provided to the assembly <NUM> for detecting operational parameters of various components/units/arrangements of the assembly <NUM>. Said number of rotary encoders <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or larger.

The term "link" refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connection such as a multicore cable, an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or microwave link.

The term "electronic control arrangement" is according to one embodiment herein defined as an arrangement comprising only one electronic control arrangement or a number of connected electronic control arrangements. Said one electronic control arrangement or said number of connected electronic control arrangements may be arranged to perform the steps according to the method depicted herein.

In some implementations and according to some aspects of the disclosure, the functions or steps noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Also, the functions or steps noted in the blocks can according to some aspects of the disclosure be executed continuously in a loop.

Herein the term "deformation" of the bearing housing of the rotary encoder concerns elastic deformation. Herein the term "affecting" may mean "providing a number of forces" (to the bearing housing). Herein the term "affecting" may mean "influencing" (the bearing housing).

Herein it is depicted that the pressing force F1 and the pulling forces F2 and F3 are applied to the bearing housing or gripping elements of the bearing housing having predetermined force magnitudes. The forces F1-F3 are hereby causing a desired deformation of the bearing housing so as to allow insertion of the bearing configuration into the bearing housing. The forces F1-F3 may hereby be applied in such a way that a predetermined radial distance movement of the bearing housing at positions of the applied forces F1-F3 is achieved. The forces F1-F3 may be of such a magnitude that a predetermined deformation of the bearing housing allowing insertion/positioning of the bearing configuration is achieved.

According to one example the pressing force F1 and the pulling forces F2 and F3 are applied to the bearing housing or gripping elements of the bearing housing in an non-symmetrical manner, still affecting the inner diameter of the bearing housing so as to allow insertion, positioning and fixation of the bearing configuration.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a rotary encoder <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. The rotary encoder <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is configured to be attached to a rotating device of an assembly, such as the assembly <NUM> which assembly is depicted in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. The rotary encoder <NUM> is arranged to determine values of a set of operational parameters of the shaft <NUM>. The operational parameters may be characteristics of operation of the assembly <NUM>. According to one example the set of operational parameters may comprise the parameter "prevailing angular position of the shaft <NUM>". According to one example the set of operational parameters may comprise any of the parameters: prevailing angular position of the shaft <NUM> and rotational speed of the shaft <NUM>.

According to one example the shaft <NUM> may be connectable to a rotating device of the assembly <NUM> by any suitable fastening means. This allows a connection in a rotatable fixed manner. According to one example a connection between the shaft <NUM> and a rotating device of the assembly is performed via a shaft coupling device. According to one example a connection between the shaft <NUM> and a rotating device of the assembly is performed via a clutch. This allows a releasable connection.

A first bearing unit 220a is provided. The first bearing unit 220a is arranged to be fixedly arranged to the shaft <NUM>. The first bearing unit 220a may comprise any suitable bearings. A second bearing unit 220b is provided. The second bearing unit 220b is arranged to be fixedly arranged to the shaft <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b may comprise any suitable bearings.

A spring member <NUM> is arranged to provide a pre-stressing condition. The spring member <NUM> is arranged to be arranged to the shaft <NUM> between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The spring member <NUM> may be any suitable spring element. According to one embodiment the spring member <NUM> is a wave spring. The wave spring may comprise a coiled flat wire with waves. The wave spring may be a single turn wave spring. The wave spring may be a multi turn wave spring. The spring member <NUM> may according to one example be a coil spring. According to one embodiment the spring member <NUM> comprises a number of spring elements being arranged to provide a pre-stressed state of the bearing units of the rotary encoder <NUM> in an axial direction. The spring member <NUM> may be denoted wave washer.

According to one example there is provided least two bearing units at the shaft <NUM> for achieving a balanced and low-vibration operation of the rotary encoder <NUM>.

A bearing housing <NUM> is provided. The bearing housing <NUM> may consist of any suitable material, such as a metal or alloy, e.g. copper or stainless steel. The bearing housing <NUM> may consist at least partly of a plastic material. The bearing houses <NUM> and <NUM> depicted below may consist of the same material.

The rotary encoder <NUM> works by being configured to detect relative rotation of a rotor <NUM> and a stator <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is arranged to be fixedly secured at the shaft <NUM>. The rotation of the rotor <NUM> with respect to the stator <NUM> may be detected using any technology capable of detecting such changes. Examples of such technologies include capacitive, optical, inductive and magnetic detection. The rotary encoder <NUM> may be configured as an incremental and/or an absolute rotary encoder. The terms rotor and stator may refer to single components as well as aggregates serving a common function of rotor or stator.

The rotor <NUM> further comprises a first disc having a scale for detection of relative rotation between the rotor <NUM> and the stator <NUM>. The first disc is mounted at the shaft <NUM>. When the shaft <NUM> rotates with respect to the stator <NUM>, rotation measurement circuitry at the stator <NUM> can detect changes in the scale with respect to the rotation measurement circuitry. For instance, the scale may comprise inductive, capacitive and/or magnetic elements configured to cause a corresponding inductive, capacitive or magnetic signal when the first disc is rotated with respect to the stator <NUM>. The scale may be part of an optical rotary encoder wherein the rotary encoder is configured to shine a light onto a photodiode through slits in the first disc. Alternatively, a reflective version of an optical rotation measurement technology for an optical rotary encoder may be used. Alternatively, any suitable components being arranged for detecting operational parameters may be used in the rotary encoder <NUM>. The components are chosen on the basis of the operation parameter detection method of the rotary encoder <NUM>.

The stator <NUM> comprises a second disc. The second disc comprises measurement apparatus configured to detect relative motion of the first and second discs, e.g. by detecting said inductive, optical, capacitive or magnetic signals. The second disc may be a printed circuit board.

The rotor <NUM> may be denoted "graduation carrier" or "code disc". The stator <NUM> may be denoted "detector". According to one example the stator <NUM> is not disc-shaped and may be denoted "scanner" or "scanning unit".

A first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with the rotary encoder <NUM> via a link L201, see <FIG>. According to one embodiment the first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with the rotation measurement circuitry at the stator <NUM> via the link L201. Hereby the stator <NUM> is arranged to send signals comprising information about operational parameters to the first control arrangement <NUM> via the link L201.

The first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged to determine values of the operational parameters. The first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for presenting determined values of the operational parameters via any suitable presentation means (not shown) to an operator of the assembly <NUM> and/or the rotary encoder <NUM>.

A second control arrangement <NUM> is arranged for communication with the first control arrangement <NUM> via a link L202. It may be releasably connected to the first control arrangement <NUM>. It may be a control arrangement external to the assembly <NUM>. It may be used to cross-load software to the first control arrangement <NUM>, particularly software for determining operational parameters. It may alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control arrangement <NUM> via an internal network of the assembly <NUM>. It may be adapted to performing functions corresponding to those of the first control arrangement <NUM>. The second control arrangement <NUM> may be arranged for operating the assembly <NUM>. For example the second control arrangement <NUM> may be arranged to control operation of the motor <NUM> and the clutch <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>.

According to one example the rotary encoder <NUM> is arranged to be connected to an assembly <NUM> for detecting operational parameters thereof. According to one example a set comprising the rotary encoder <NUM> and the first control arrangement <NUM> is arranged to be connected to an assembly comprising the second control arrangement <NUM>, wherein the second control arrangement <NUM> is a control arrangement being external to the rotary encoder <NUM>. The set comprising the rotary encoder <NUM> and the first control arrangement <NUM> may thus according to one example be arranged for being "plugged-in" to an assembly <NUM> where operational parameters are to be detected for various purposes.

According to one embodiment the rotation measurement circuitry at the stator <NUM> may be arranged to perform the same functions as the first control arrangement <NUM> and the second control arrangement <NUM>. Herein detection of operational parameters may be performed by any of the rotation measurement circuitry at the stator <NUM>, the first control arrangement <NUM> and/or the second control arrangement <NUM>.

According to one example any suitable locking device may be provided for fixedly securing the shaft <NUM> to the shaft being external to the rotary encoder <NUM>.

The rotary encoder <NUM> may further be configured for electromagnetic compatibility scenarios. The bearing housing <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> may be arranged to fixate and protect fragile EMC components from vibrations. According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> further comprises electrostatic discharge, ESD, shielding arranged to shield the rotary encoder <NUM> from electrostatic charge and/or discharge. According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> further comprises electromagnetic shielding arranged to prevent electromagnetic radiation to and/or from the rotary encoder <NUM> exceeding a predetermined threshold. According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> is configured to function without degradation in the presence of a predetermined electromagnetic disturbance. In other words, according to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> is configured to be electromagnetically immune to a predetermined radio frequency interference.

According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> further may comprise a set of sealing components arranged at the rotary encoder <NUM>. The set of sealing components is arranged to seal the rotary encoder <NUM> from an environment.

According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> comprises a set of sealing components. The set of sealing components is arranged to seal the rotary encoder <NUM> from an environment.

According to some aspects, the rotary encoder <NUM> comprises a set of spacers. The set of spacers is configured to fix a relative position between two or more components of the rotary encoder <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an exploded view of a sub-set of a rotary encoder <NUM>. The first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined axial position. The first bearing unit 220a may be attached to the shaft <NUM> in any suitable manner. According to one example the first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of a pressing process. According to one example the first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of a clamping process. According to one example the first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive. The first bearing unit 220a may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of a machine <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first bearing unit 220a may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of any suitable device/machine/arrangement. The first bearing unit 220a is fixedly attached to the shaft <NUM>.

The spring member <NUM> is provided about the shaft <NUM> at one side of the first bearing unit 220a.

The second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined axial position. Hereby the spring member is sandwiched between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The second bearing unit 220b may be attached to the shaft <NUM> in any suitable manner. According to one example the second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of a pressing process. According to one example the second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of a clamping process. According to one example the second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive. The second bearing unit 220b may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of the machine <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of any suitable device/machine/arrangement. The second bearing unit 220b is fixedly attached to the shaft <NUM>.

The assembly of the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, spring member <NUM>, second bearing unit 220b and rotor <NUM> is denoted bearing configuration <NUM>.

According to one example the bearing configuration <NUM> comprises the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, second bearing unit 220b and rotor <NUM> when being mounted in the rotary encoder <NUM>. According to this configuration no spring member <NUM> is mounted on the shaft <NUM> for providing a pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction when assembling the rotary encoder <NUM>. Instead external forces are applied so as to achieve a pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction. After the bearing configuration <NUM> according to this example has been positioned and fixedly secured within the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) the external forces achieving the pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction are removed. According to this example the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b are arranged in a pre-stressed state in an axial direction towards each other within the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>). The external forces achieving the pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction are according to this example pushing forces.

According to one example the bearing configuration <NUM> comprises the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, second bearing unit 220b and rotor <NUM> when being mounted in the rotary encoder <NUM>. According to this configuration no spring member <NUM> is mounted on the shaft <NUM> for providing a pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction when assembling the rotary encoder <NUM>. Instead external forces are applied so as to achieve a pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction. After the bearing configuration <NUM> according to this example has been positioned and fixedly secured within the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) the external forces achieving the pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction are removed. According to this example the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b are arranged in a pre-stressed state in an axial direction away from each other within the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>). The external forces achieving the pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction are according to this example pulling forces.

The external pushing and pulling forces, respectively, may be applied by any suitable means. The external pushing and pulling forces, respectively, may be of any suitable magnitude so as to achieve a predetermined pre-stressed state of the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a rotary encoder <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention.

Hereby it is illustrated that the bearing configuration <NUM> is arranged internally of the bearing housing <NUM> at a predetermined axial position. The process of inserting the bearing configuration <NUM> is further depicted with reference to e.g. <FIG>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of a bearing housing <NUM> according to a first example. This bearing house configuration is also denoted a first profile <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> is according to this example a circular cylinder provided with a number of ribs <NUM> arranged internally of the bearing housing <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may also be denoted fixating means or holding means. The bearing housing <NUM> is dimensioned so as to, an affected state, receive the first bearing unit 220a, the spring member <NUM>, the second bearing unit 220b and the stator <NUM> of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> may be arranged with any suitable number of ribs <NUM>. According to one embodiment the ribs <NUM> are provided in a symmetrical manner. According to this example six ribs are provided. Hereby the ribs <NUM> are positioned such that they are separated from each other by <NUM> degrees. According to one example a number of ribs <NUM> are provided in a non-symmetrical manner.

According to other examples multiple ribs <NUM> are provided, such as e.g. four or ten ribs. The ribs <NUM> are elongated members and arranged in an axial direction of the bearing housing <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may be equally long as the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>. Alternatively the ribs <NUM> may be shorter than the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bearing housing <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> hereby presents a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional form. Inner surfaces of the ribs <NUM> are hereby configured to correspond to an outer curvature of the bearing configuration <NUM>. Inner surfaces of the ribs <NUM> are hereby presenting a concave shape corresponding to the outer curvature of the bearing configuration <NUM>. An internal diameter of the housing <NUM> is defined by a diameter limited by the inner surfaces of the ribs <NUM>. The inner diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The first profile <NUM> is hereby presented in an original state. The first profile <NUM> is hereby presented in a non-affected state.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of the bearing housing <NUM> in an affected state. Hereby a number of external forces F1 are applied to the bearing housing <NUM>. The external forces F1 are predetermined forces. The external forces F1 may be applied by means of the machine <NUM>. The external forces F1 may be applied in a symmetrical manner. The applied forces F1 may be applied equidistantly. The applied forces F1 may be applied at predetermined positions/areas of the bearing housing <NUM>. According to one example the external forces are applied at positions right between the ribs <NUM>. The external forces F1 are applied in a radial direction towards a centre of the bearing housing <NUM>.

Hereby the bearing housing <NUM> is in an affected state. Hereby the bearing housing is deformed in such a way that the internal diameter D defined by the inner surfaces of the ribs <NUM> is increased to allow insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM>. <FIG> is illustrating the affected bearing housing <NUM> and the inserted bearing configuration <NUM>.

The external forces F1 is hereby applied so as to deform the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the inner surfaces if the ribs is increased to a certain extent. The external forces F1 is hereby applied so as to deform the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the inner diameter is increased to a predetermined extent. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. In this affected state the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is increased to be larger than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>, thus allowing insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM> into the bearing housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the bearing housing <NUM> in an unaffected state where the bearing configuration <NUM> is positioned inside the bearing housing <NUM>. Hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is fixedly secured internally the bearing housing <NUM>. Now the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the inner surfaces of the ribs <NUM> is equal to the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The bearing configuration <NUM> is hereby arranged in a pre-stressed state inside the bearing housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of a bearing housing <NUM> according to a second example. This bearing house configuration is also denoted a second profile <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> is according to this example a circular cylinder provided with a number of internal wall members <NUM> arranged internally of the bearing housing <NUM>. The wall members <NUM> may also be denoted fixating means or holding means. The bearing housing <NUM> is dimensioned so as to, an affected state, receive the first bearing unit 220a, the spring member <NUM>, the second bearing unit 220b and the stator <NUM> of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> may be arranged with any suitable number of wall members <NUM>. According to one embodiment the wall members <NUM> are provided in a symmetrical manner. According to one embodiment the wall members <NUM> are provided in a non-symmetrical manner. According to this example eight wall members <NUM> are provided. The wall members <NUM> may have substantially flat surfaces facing the centre of the bearing housing <NUM>. According to one example the wall members <NUM> may have concave surfaces facing the centre of the bearing housing <NUM>, corresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

According to other examples at least two wall members <NUM> are provided, such as e.g. three, four or ten wall members <NUM>. The wall members <NUM> are arranged in an axial direction of the bearing housing <NUM>. The wall members <NUM> may be equally long as the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>. Alternatively at least one of the wall members <NUM> may be shorter than the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>.

The wall members <NUM> are arranged such that a respective space <NUM> is formed in the bearing housing <NUM>. At a surface of the respective wall members <NUM> facing the space of the bearing housing <NUM> there is arranged a gripping means <NUM>. The gripping means <NUM> is arranged to be attached to a corresponding pulling means of the machine <NUM>. Hereby the machine <NUM> is arranged to connect pulling means to each of the gripping means <NUM> and apply a pulling force F2 in a radial direction outwards. The pulling means may comprise pins or rods or any other suitable means depending upon the configuration of the gripping means <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bearing housing <NUM>. An internal diameter of the housing <NUM> is defined by a diameter limited by the inner surfaces of the wall members <NUM>. The internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The second profile <NUM> is hereby presented in an original state. The second profile <NUM> is hereby presented in a non-affected state.

By applying the pulling forces F2 to the gripping means <NUM> the internal diameter of the bearing housing defined by the inner surfaces of the wall members <NUM> is increased. Only one applied pulling force F2 is illustrated, however according to this example a pulling force F2 is applied to each of the eight gripping means <NUM>.

The pulling forces F2 are predetermined forces. The pulling forces F2 may be applied by means of the machine <NUM>. The pulling forces F2 may be applied in a symmetrical manner. The applied pulling forces F2 may be applied to the gripping means <NUM>, which gripping means <NUM> are provided at predetermined positions/areas of the wall members <NUM>. According to one example the gripping means <NUM> are provided at positions centrally arranged at the wall members <NUM>. The pulling forces F2 are applied in a radial direction outwards a centre of the bearing housing <NUM>. Hereby the bearing housing <NUM> may be set in an affected state. Hereby the wall members <NUM> are deformed in such a way that the internal diameter defined by the surfaces of the wall members <NUM> is increased to allow insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The pulling forces F2 are hereby applied so as to deform the wall members <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the internal diameter of the bearing housing defined by the inner surfaces if the wall members <NUM> is increased to a certain extent. The pulling forces F2 are hereby applied so as to deform the wall members <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the inner diameter is increased to a predetermined extent. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. In this affected state the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is increased to be larger than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>, thus allowing insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM> into the bearing housing <NUM>.

After the bearing configuration <NUM> has been inserted and positioned in the bearing housing <NUM> the pulling forces F2 are removed. Hereby the bearing housing <NUM> is in an un-affected state where the bearing configuration <NUM> is positioned inside the bearing housing <NUM>. Hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is fixedly secured internally the bearing housing <NUM>. Now the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the inner surfaces of the wall members is equal to the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The bearing configuration <NUM> is hereby arranged in a pre-stressed state inside the bearing housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of a bearing housing <NUM> according to a third example. This bearing house configuration is also denoted a third profile <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> is according to this example shaped as a hexagonal having six walls <NUM>. Each of the outer surfaces of the walls is provided with a gripping means <NUM>. The inner surfaces of the bearing housing <NUM> may also be denoted fixating means or holding means. The bearing housing <NUM> is dimensioned so as to, in an affected state, receive the first bearing unit 220a, the spring member <NUM>, the second bearing unit 220b and the stator <NUM> of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The bearing housing <NUM> may be arranged with any suitable number of walls <NUM>. According to one embodiment the walls <NUM> are provided in a symmetrical manner, thus being shaped as e.g. a triangle, pentagon, or any other suitable polygon. According to one embodiment the walls <NUM> are provided in a non-symmetrical manner, thus not being shaped as a symmetrical polygon. According to this example six walls are provided. The walls may have substantially flat surfaces facing the centre of the bearing housing <NUM>. According to one example the walls may have concave surfaces facing the centre of the bearing housing <NUM>, at least partly corresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The gripping means <NUM> may be arranged in an axial direction of the bearing housing <NUM>. The gripping means <NUM> may be equally long as the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>. Alternatively at least one of the gripping means may be shorter than the axial length of the bearing housing <NUM>.

The gripping means <NUM> is arranged to be attached to a corresponding pulling means of the machine <NUM>. Hereby the machine <NUM> is arranged to connect pulling means to each of the gripping means <NUM> and apply a pulling force F3 in a radial direction outwards.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bearing housing <NUM>. An internal diameter of the housing <NUM> is defined by a diameter limited by the inner surfaces of the walls <NUM>. The internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The third profile <NUM> is hereby presented in an original state. The third profile <NUM> is hereby presented in a non-affected state.

By applying the pulling forces F3 to the gripping means <NUM> the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the inner surfaces of the walls is increased. Only one applied pulling force F3 is illustrated, however according to this example a pulling force F3 is applied to each of the six gripping means <NUM>.

The pulling forces F3 are predetermined forces. The pulling forces F3 may be applied by means of the machine <NUM>. The pulling forces F3 may be applied in a symmetrical manner. The applied pulling forces F3 may be applied to the gripping means <NUM>, which gripping means <NUM> are provided at predetermined positions/areas of the walls <NUM>. According to one example the gripping means <NUM> are provided at positions centrally arranged at the outer surface of each wall <NUM>. The pulling forces F3 are applied in a radial direction outwards a centre of the bearing housing <NUM>. Hereby the bearing housing <NUM> may be set in an affected state. Hereby the walls <NUM> are deformed in such a way that the internal diameter defined by the inner surfaces of the walls <NUM> is increased to allow insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM>.

The pulling forces F3 are hereby applied so as to deform the walls <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the internal diameter of the bearing housing defined by the inner surfaces of the walls <NUM> is increased to a certain extent. The pulling forces F3 are hereby applied so as to deform the walls <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> in such a way that the inner diameter is increased to a predetermined extent. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. Said increased predetermined extent may be e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>% of the original internal diameter. In this affected state the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> is increased to be larger than the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>, thus allowing insertion of the bearing configuration <NUM> into the bearing housing <NUM>.

After the bearing configuration <NUM> has been inserted and positioned in the bearing housing <NUM> the pulling forces F3 are removed. Hereby the bearing housing <NUM> is in an un-affected state where the bearing configuration <NUM> is positioned inside the bearing housing <NUM>. Hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is fixedly secured internally the bearing housing <NUM>. Now the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the inner surfaces of the walls <NUM> is equal to the outer diameter D of the bearing configuration <NUM>. The bearing configuration <NUM> is hereby arranged in a pre-stressed state inside the bearing housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for assembling a rotary encoder <NUM>. According to this example a bearing housing <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> depicted with reference to <FIG> is at hand.

The method comprises a method step s610. The method step s610 comprises the step of providing a first bearing unit 220a. Hereby the first bearing unit 220a is pressed onto a shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, the first bearing unit 220a may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive, such as glue. Hereby the first bearing unit 220a is fixedly secured at the shaft <NUM>. The first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. This may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. The control arrangement <NUM> is depicted in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. Alternatively positioning and fastening of the first bearing unit 220a may be performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices. After the method step s610 a subsequent method step s611 is performed.

The method step s611 comprises the step of providing a spring member <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> is depicted in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. The spring member <NUM> is according to this example a wave washer. The spring member <NUM> is arranged about the shaft <NUM> towards one side of the first bearing unit 220a. The spring member <NUM> is according to one example arranged at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> may be arranged at any suitable position of the shaft <NUM> between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. This may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. Alternatively positioning of the spring member <NUM> is performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices. After the method step s611 a subsequent method step s612 is performed.

The method step s612 comprises the step of providing a second bearing unit 220b. Hereby the second bearing unit 220b is pressed onto the shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, the second bearing unit 220b may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive, such as glue. Hereby the second bearing unit 220b is fixedly secured at the shaft <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a position of the shaft <NUM> providing a predetermined axial distance between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The second bearing unit 220b is positioned at the shaft <NUM> facing one side of the spring member <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> is hereby sandwiched between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The spring member <NUM> is arranged to provide a pre-stressing state affecting both the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The spring member <NUM> is arranged to provide a pre-stressing state affecting both the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction. Provision of the second bearing unit 220b may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. Alternatively positioning and fastening of the second bearing unit 220b may be performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices.

The method step s612 further comprises the step of providing a rotor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is attached to the shaft <NUM> facing one side of the second bearing unit 220b. The rotor <NUM> is fixedly secured about the shaft <NUM>. Hereby a bearing configuration <NUM> comprising the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, spring member <NUM>, second bearing unit 220b and the rotor <NUM> has been assembled. After the method step s612 a subsequent method step s613 is performed.

The method step s613 comprises the step of affecting the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is hereby affected by external forces F1 in a radial direction towards a centre of the housing <NUM>. The external forces are applied at predetermined positions/areas of the outer surface of the housing <NUM>. The applied external forces F1 are of a predetermined magnitude. The magnitudes of the applied forces F1 are predetermined magnitudes. The magnitudes of the applied forces F1 may have been empirically determined. The external forces F1 may be applied in a symmetrical manner. The external forces F1 are applied in such a way that an internal diameter of the housing <NUM> being defined by a number of ribs <NUM> is increased to a predetermined extent. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the bearing housing <NUM> is at hand, insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration <NUM> is possible. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a deformed state. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a second state of the housing <NUM>. The process of providing an increased internal diameter of the bearing housing defined by the ribs <NUM> is further depicted with reference to <FIG>.

The effect of the housing according to the step s613 may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. After the method step s613 a subsequent method step s614 is performed.

The method step s614 comprises the step of providing the bearing configuration <NUM> comprising the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, spring member <NUM>, second bearing unit 220b and the rotor <NUM>. Hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted in the affected/deformed housing <NUM>. In other words, hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted in the bearing housing <NUM> being in the second state. The bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted to a predetermined axial position of the housing <NUM>. Hereby a certain position of the bearing configuration <NUM> is axially aligned with a certain position of the housing <NUM>. After the method step s614 a subsequent method step s615 is performed.

The method step s615 comprises the step of affecting the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is hereby affected in such a way that the applied external forces F1 towards the centre of the housing <NUM> are removed. After the external forces F1 no longer are applied at predetermined positions/areas of the external surface of the bearing housing <NUM> the geometry of the housing <NUM> is changed. In other words, the applied external forces F1 are removed in such a way that an internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> being defined by a number of ribs <NUM> is decreased to a diameter of the outer surface of the bearing configuration <NUM>. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the bearing housing <NUM> is not at hand, the inserted and positioned bearing configuration <NUM> is fastened. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a non-deformed state. This state of the housing <NUM> may be referred to as a first state of the housing <NUM>. The process of arranging the bearing configuration in a pre-stressed state is further depicted with reference to <FIG>.

The method step s615 may also comprise the step of providing a stator <NUM>. The stator <NUM> is arranged in any suitable manner so as to allow proper detection of operational parameters. After the method step s615 the method ends.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for assembling a rotary encoder <NUM>. According to this example a bearing housing <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> depicted with reference to <FIG> or a bearing housing <NUM> of the rotary encoder <NUM> depicted with reference <FIG> is at hand.

The method comprises a method step s620. The method step s620 comprises the step of providing a first bearing unit 220a. Hereby the first bearing unit 220a is pressed onto the shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, the first bearing unit 220a may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive, such as glue. Hereby the first bearing unit 220a is fixedly secured at the shaft <NUM>. The first bearing unit 220a is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. This may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. The control arrangement <NUM> is depicted in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. Alternatively positioning and fastening of the first bearing unit 220a may be performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices. After the method step s620 a subsequent method step s621 is performed.

The method step s621 comprises the step of providing the spring member <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> is arranged about the shaft <NUM> towards one side of the first bearing unit 220a. The spring member <NUM> may according to one example be arranged at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> may be arranged at any suitable position of the shaft <NUM> between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. This may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. Alternatively positioning of the spring member <NUM> is performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices. After the method step s621 a subsequent method step s622 is performed.

The method step s622 comprises the step of providing a second bearing unit 220b. Hereby the second bearing unit 220b is pressed onto the shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, the second bearing unit 220b may be attached to the shaft <NUM> by means of an adhesive, such as glue. Hereby the second bearing unit 220b is fixedly secured at the shaft <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a predetermined position of the shaft <NUM>. The second bearing unit 220b is attached to the shaft <NUM> at a position of the shaft <NUM> providing a predetermined axial distance between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The second bearing unit 220b is positioned at the shaft <NUM> facing one side of the spring member <NUM>. The spring member <NUM> is hereby sandwiched between the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The spring member <NUM> is arranged to provide a pre-stressing state affecting both the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b. The spring member <NUM> is arranged to provide a pre-stressing state affecting both the first bearing unit 220a and the second bearing unit 220b in an axial direction. Provision of the second bearing unit 220b may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. Alternatively positioning and fastening of the second bearing unit 220b may be performed manually by means of any suitable tools/equipment/devices.

The method step s622 further comprises the step of providing a rotor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is attached to the shaft <NUM> facing one side of the second bearing unit 220b. The rotor <NUM> is fixedly secured about the shaft <NUM>.

Hereby a bearing configuration <NUM> comprising the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, spring member <NUM>, second bearing unit 220b and the rotor <NUM> has been assembled. After the method step s622 a subsequent method step s623 is performed.

According to one embodiment the method step s623 comprises the step of affecting gripping means <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. This embodiment relates to the bearing housing <NUM> comprising the gripping means <NUM> depicted with reference to <FIG>. The gripping means <NUM> of the wall members <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> are hereby affected by external pulling forces F2 in a radial direction outwards a centre of the bearing housing <NUM>. The external pulling forces F2 are applied at gripping means <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The applied external pulling forces F2 are of a predetermined magnitude. The magnitudes of the applied pulling forces F2 are predetermined magnitudes. The magnitudes of the applied pulling forces F2 may have been empirically determined. The external pulling forces F2 may be applied in a symmetrical manner. The external pulling forces F2 are applied in such a way that an internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> being defined by a number wall members <NUM> is increased to a predetermined extent. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the wall members <NUM> is at hand, insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration <NUM> is possible. This state of the housing <NUM> comprising the gripping means <NUM> may be referred to as a deformed state. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> comprising the gripping means <NUM> may be referred to as a second state of the housing <NUM>. The process of providing an increased internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the wall members <NUM> is further depicted with reference to <FIG>. The effect of the gripping means <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> according to the step s623 may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>.

According to one embodiment the method step s623 comprises the step of affecting the housing <NUM>. This embodiment relates to the bearing housing depicted with reference to <FIG>. The housing <NUM> is hereby affected by external pulling forces F3 in a radial direction outwards a centre of the housing <NUM>. The external pulling forces F3 are applied at gripping means <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM>. The applied external pulling forces F3 are of a predetermined magnitude. The magnitudes of the applied pulling forces F3 are predetermined magnitudes. The magnitudes of the applied pulling forces F3 may have been empirically determined. The external pulling forces F3 may be applied in a symmetrical manner, such as at each gripping means <NUM> arranged at the outer surface of the respective wall of the bearing housing <NUM>. The external pulling forces F3 are applied in such a way that an internal diameter of the housing <NUM> being defined by the geometry of the internal surfaces of the bearing housing <NUM> is increased to a predetermined extent. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the bearing housing <NUM> is at hand, insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration <NUM> is possible. This state of the housing <NUM> may be referred to as a deformed state. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a second state of the bearing housing <NUM>. The process of providing an increased internal diameter of the housing <NUM> defined by the geometry of the internal surfaces of the bearing housing <NUM> is further depicted with reference to <FIG>. The effect of the housing <NUM> according to the step s623 may be performed by means of the machine <NUM>. The operation of the machine <NUM> is according to this example controlled by means of the control arrangement <NUM>. After the method step s623 a subsequent method step s624 is performed.

The method step s624 comprises the step of providing the bearing configuration <NUM> comprising the shaft <NUM>, first bearing unit 220a, spring member <NUM>, second bearing unit 220b and the rotor <NUM>. Hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted in the bearing housing <NUM> or the bearing housing <NUM>. In other words, hereby the bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted in the bearing housing <NUM> or the bearing housing <NUM> being in the second state. The bearing configuration <NUM> is inserted to a predetermined axial position of the bearing housing <NUM> or the bearing housing <NUM>. After the method step s624 a subsequent method step s625 is performed.

According to one embodiment (relating to Profile <NUM> of the housing <NUM>) the method step s625 comprises the step of affecting the bearing housing <NUM>. The bearing housing <NUM> is hereby affected in such a way that the applied external pulling forces F2 are removed. After the external pulling forces F2 no longer are applied at gripping means <NUM> of the bearing housing <NUM> the wall members <NUM> are holding the bearing configuration in a pre-stressed state. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the bearing housing <NUM> is not at hand, the inserted and positioned bearing configuration <NUM> is fastened. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a non-deformed state. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a first state of the bearing housing <NUM>. The process of deceasing the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the wall members <NUM> is further depicted with reference to <FIG>.

According to one embodiment (relating to Profile <NUM> of the housing <NUM>) the method step s625 comprises the step of affecting the bearing housing <NUM>. The bearing housing <NUM> is hereby affected in such a way that the applied external pulling forces F3 outwards the centre of the bearing housing <NUM> are removed. After the external pulling forces F3 no longer are applied at the gripping means <NUM> of the respective outer surface of the bearing housing <NUM> the geometry of the housing <NUM> is changed. In other words, the applied external pulling forces F3 are removed in such a way that walls <NUM> are holding the bearing configuration <NUM> in a pre-stressed state. In such a state, wherein a deformation of the bearing housing <NUM> is not at hand, the inserted and positioned bearing configuration <NUM> is fastened. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a non-deformed state. This state of the bearing housing <NUM> may be referred to as a first state of the bearing housing <NUM>. The process of deceasing the internal diameter of the bearing housing <NUM> defined by the internal surfaces of the walls <NUM> is further depicted with reference to <FIG>.

The method step s625 may also comprise the step of providing a stator <NUM>. The stator <NUM> is arranged in any suitable manner so as to allow proper detection of operational parameters. After the method step s625 the method ends.

<FIG> is a diagram of one version of a device <NUM>. The control arrangements <NUM> and <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may in one version comprise the device <NUM>. According to one example the rotation measurement circuitry of the stator <NUM> may comprise the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> comprises a non-volatile memory <NUM>, a data processing unit <NUM> and a read/write memory <NUM>. The non-volatile memory <NUM> has a first memory element <NUM> in which a computer program, e.g. an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O means, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interruption controller (not depicted). The non-volatile memory <NUM> has also a second memory element <NUM>.

According to an example outside the scope of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising routines for controlling the machine <NUM> to assemble a rotary encoder <NUM> according to the teachings herein.

The computer program P may comprise routines for performing any one of the method steps detailed according to the disclosure. The program P may be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory <NUM> and/or in a read/write memory <NUM>.

Where it is stated that the data processing unit <NUM> performs a certain function, it means that it conducts a certain part of the program which is stored in the memory <NUM> or a certain part of the program which is stored in the read/write memory <NUM>.

The data processing device <NUM> can communicate with a data port <NUM> via a data bus <NUM>. The non-volatile memory <NUM> is intended for communication with the data processing unit <NUM> via a data bus <NUM>. The separate memory <NUM> is intended to communicate with the data processing unit via a data bus <NUM>. The read/write memory <NUM> is arranged to communicate with the data processing unit <NUM> via a data bus <NUM>. A link L790 is arranged for communication between the device <NUM> and the machine <NUM>. The links L201, L202, L120 and L790, for example, may be connected to the data port <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>). When data are received on the data port <NUM>, they are stored in the second memory element <NUM>. When input data received have been stored, the data processing unit <NUM> will be prepared to conduct code execution as described above.

Parts of the methods herein described may be conducted by the device <NUM> by means of the data processing unit <NUM> which runs the program stored in the memory <NUM> or the read/write memory <NUM>. When the device <NUM> runs the program, method steps and process steps herein described are executed.

The relevant method steps depicted herein may be performed by means of e.g. the device <NUM>. Any suitable processing circuitry may be used for performing the disclosed method steps.

The computer program product comprises a computer readable medium such as, for example a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a plug-in card, an embedded drive or a read only memory (ROM). The computer readable medium has stored thereon a computer program comprising program instructions. The computer program is loadable into the processing circuitry comprised in any of the first control arrangement <NUM>, second control arrangement <NUM>, device <NUM> or the rotation measurement circuitry of the stator <NUM>. When loaded into the processing circuitry, the computer program may be stored in a memory associated with or comprised in the processing circuitry and executed by a processor. According to some examples outside the scope of the invention, the computer program may, when loaded into and run by the processing circuitry, cause execution of method steps according to, for example, the methods illustrated in <FIG> or otherwise described herein.

Claim 1:
A rotary encoder (<NUM>) comprising a bearing configuration (<NUM>), a bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a stator (<NUM>), the bearing configuration comprises a shaft (<NUM>), a number of bearing units (220a, 220b) and a rotor (<NUM>), wherein the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is arranged to receive the bearing configuration (<NUM>; <NUM>, 220a, 220b, <NUM>, <NUM>) internally when the bearing housing is in a deformed state, in which deformed state insertion and positioning of the bearing configuration (<NUM>) is possible due to an increased internal diameter of the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and wherein the bearing housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is arranged to fixedly secure the received bearing configuration (<NUM>) in a pre-stressed state in a non-deformed state.