초록 ▼

Miniature scan modules which occupy a volume of less than about 1 cubic inch so as to facilitate installation in any apparatus which requires scanning of a light beam across a target and detection of light reflected from the target. The miniature size of the scan module enables it to be incorporated

Miniature scan modules which occupy a volume of less than about 1 cubic inch so as to facilitate installation in any apparatus which requires scanning of a light beam across a target and detection of light reflected from the target. The miniature size of the scan module enables it to be incorporated in various apparatus, such as keyboards or terminals and provide them with the ability to read various symbols, particularly bar codes. The module has at least two printed circuit boards on at least one of which a source of a light beam, such as a laser diode or light emitting diode is mounted and another board which may be fixed in the apparatus in which the module is installed. The boards are interconnected by structure including a flexure which defines a pivot axis for the light source and the board on which it is mounted. The flexure is made up of a plurality of elements which are insulated from each other and provide separate conductive paths for electrical power and signals between the boards. The board on which the light source is mounted is driven to oscillate about the pivot axis, thereby scanning the beam across the target. A photo detector may be mounted on the same board as the source and receives light reflected from the target, as through a collecting lens.

대표청구항 ▼

A miniature scan module which comprises a mounting structure, said structure being defined by at least first and second circuit boards with wiring thereon, flexure means having at least two elements of conductive material defining a pivot axis connecting said boards, an electrical current operated s

A miniature scan module which comprises a mounting structure, said structure being defined by at least first and second circuit boards with wiring thereon, flexure means having at least two elements of conductive material defining a pivot axis connecting said boards, an electrical current operated source providing a light beam, said source being mounted on and connected to the wiring on a first of said boards, means for driving said first board to execute oscillatory motion about said pivot axis and scan said beam, and said wiring on said first board and second board being connected to each other exclusively via said elements of said flexure means.