Encoder having electrode pattern with pairs of non-conductive portions and multiple sliders that contact the electrode pattern
US6946979B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/305
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An encoder includes a rotary member having a predetermined electrode pattern and a fixed member having multiple channel contacts which are opposed to the electrode. The rotary member has stable reference phases where at most one pair of the contacts is ON (in electrical contact) and at least another pair is OFF (not in electrical contact), i.e. both pairs may be OFF. When the rotary member is rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise from one reference phase, both pairs of contacts are temporarily on before reaching the adjacent reference phase. The pairs of contacts that are ON or OFF at the adjacent reference phase differ dependent on the direction of rotation. A counter is incremented or decremented according to the direction of rotation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.