초록 ▼

An encoder for a wheel or other devices with relative movement comprises in the use of a printwheel, a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted in a non-ferrous metal shaft with a flux conducting spiral ring molded in the printwheel and encircling the shaft. The angular position of the printwhee

An encoder for a wheel or other devices with relative movement comprises in the use of a printwheel, a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted in a non-ferrous metal shaft with a flux conducting spiral ring molded in the printwheel and encircling the shaft. The angular position of the printwheel is absolutely determined by the magnitude of the signal relative to the transition point of the spiral. The values are converted to digital information and stored in non-volatile memory for comparison to the values measured as the wheel is positioned during operation of the wheel. In another embodiment, a second Hall-effect sensor is placed on the shaft opposite the first sensor to provide an enhanced signal.

대표청구항 ▼

A printwheel encoder comprising: (a) a Hall-effect sensor fixed to a shaft; (b) magnetic means mounted in the shaft adjacent said Hall-effect sensor; (c) a printwheel rotatably mounted in the shaft for rotation with respect to the sensor said printwheel having printing elements thereon; (d) a flux-c

A printwheel encoder comprising: (a) a Hall-effect sensor fixed to a shaft; (b) magnetic means mounted in the shaft adjacent said Hall-effect sensor; (c) a printwheel rotatably mounted in the shaft for rotation with respect to the sensor said printwheel having printing elements thereon; (d) a flux-conducting ring disposed in the printwheel and encircling the shaft, said ring having an inner surface formed as a spiral surface which provides a gap between the ring and Hall-effect sensor that varies with the angular position of the printwheel, said Hall-effect sensor providing an output signal whose magnitude depends upon the position of the printwheel; (e) means for receiving said output signal and for providing digital information corresponding to an output signal of the Hall-effect sensor at each printwheel setting; and (f) means for storing the magnitude of the output signal associated with each printwheel setting for comparison and later determination of a particular printwheel setting in accordance with the comparison with previously stored values.