Patent ID: 6800839
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: G01D,H03K

Abstract:
An apparatus for the optoelectronic detection of switch positions of a mechanically actuatable switch element, wherein the switch element is movable in switch position steps in first and second switch directions with each switch position step in the first and second switch directions corresponding to a switch position of the switch element, the apparatus comprising:a light source; a first plurality of photoelectric receivers each being arranged at a distance correspondingly from each other of a switch position step in the first switch direction of the switch element; a first shutter coupled to the movement of the switch element to move relative to the first plurality of receivers and the light source as the switch element moves in the first switch direction between switch positions; wherein the state of one of the first plurality of receivers changes between an exposed state in which the receiver is exposed to the light source and a shaded state in which the first shutter shades the receiver from the light source when the switch element moves in the first switch direction from one switch position to an adjacent switch position; a second plurality of receivers each being arranged at a distance correspondingly from each other of a switch position step in the second switch direction of the switch element; a second shutter coupled to the movement of the switch element to move relative to the second plurality of receivers and the light source as the switch element moves in the second switch direction between switch positions; wherein the state of one of the second plurality of receivers changes between an exposed state in which the receiver is exposed to the light source and a shaded state in which the second shutter shades the receiver from the light source when the switch element moves in the second switch direction from one switch position to an adjacent switch position.