Patent ID: 6194673
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A rotary encoder comprising:(1) a stationary body provided with a plurality of flexible contacts having respective terminals thereof for providing signals;(2) a rotor in a cylindrical shape made of insulation material, and supported rotatably by said stationary body, said rotor being provided on a peripheral surface thereof with a ring shaped movable contact and comb-tooth shaped movable contacts extending sideways at a predetermined angle pitch from said ring shaped movable contact, with which said plurality of flexible contacts make resilient contact, and said rotor having a non-circular hole in a rotational center thereof;(3) an operating axle fitted in and pivotally supported by said non-circular hole in the center of said rotor in a manner that said operating axle rotates together with said rotor and is also freely tiltable;(4) an operating knob having one of a cylindrical shape and a polygonal shape in a predetermined width, and attached to said operating axle protruding from said rotor; and(5) a linearly-driven type component disposed in a manner to be in contact with an outer periphery of said operating axle at one of an end portion and an intermediate portion, and being operative with a tilting manipulation of said operating axle.