Rotary encoder producing two output signals
US6275173A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H19/11
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A rotary encoder able to produce a first output signal and a second output signal. The rotary encoder of this invention includes a rotary wheel supported by a frame. An elastic means disposed on the frame provides elastic force to the inside wall of the rotary wheel. A plate is mounted on and rotates with the rotary wheel, and there are a plurality of apertures arranged at a predetermined pitch circularly around an axis of rotation of the plate. An axial rod extends perpendicularly from the center of the plate. Pressure applied to the rotary wheel causes the elastic means to compress and shifts the axis of the wheel and plate such that axial rod contacts a switch and produces the first output signal. A second output signal is produced by a light transmitter located on one side of the plate and a light receiver located on the other side of the plate, wherein the light transmitter and light receiver are arranged so that light passes through an aperture in the plate and is received by the light receiver when rotation of the plate is such that the aperture and the light transmitter are aligned, and light is blocked by the plate when rotation of the plate is such that an aperture and th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.