GB2223370A

GB2223370A - Coding switch

Info

Publication number: GB2223370A
Application number: GB8912371A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harald Kubis; Heinz Schulze; Hans Zimmet
Original assignee: Pentacon Dresden VEB
Current assignee: Pentacon GmbH Foto und Feinwerktechnik
Priority date: 1988-10-03
Filing date: 1989-05-30
Publication date: 1990-04-04
Also published as: GB8912371D0; DD275954A1; DE3925541A1

Description

1 2,2-1 2 3 3 7 0 CM1IMG 5MCH

This invention relates to a coding switch 'for the digital forming of nplace code words by means of a switching element, which carries state zones each having a digital statement and is movable relative to interrogation stations for the state zones.

Coding switches of this type possess switching elements each having several switching tracks, movable relative to the interrogation stations, which tracks carry the state zones for the forming of digital statements (DE-PS 29 21 735; Lehrbuch Grundlagen der Automatisierung ("textbook, Bases of Automation"), VEB Verlag T6chnik, Berlin, 1987, page 41 fig. 4.2. 11 and page 102 fig. 4.2.12). The arrangement of several switching tracks lying alongside one another requires an increase in size of the switching element beyond one track width and the provision of several interrogation stations transversely to the run of the track. These circumstances act against minimizing of switch size. Furthermore, the forming of several switching tracks means a corresponding multiplication in constructional and technical expense.

Jp, 9 l- An object of the invention is to create a coding switch corresponding to the stated category, which is simpler to manufacture and permits... ing of its overall size.

According to the invention, this result is achieved in that the state.zones are disposed at equal graduation steps on the switching element one after another in one track, which extends parallel to the direction of movement of the switching element relative to the interrogation stations, and that a series of n interrogation stations is disposed in a row parallel to the track of the state zones one after another at the same graduation steps as the state zones. With advantage, the switching element carries a first group of state zones, which is lengthened by the succeeding (n-1) state zones of an equal group, following in the same sequence without a break. Preferably, the switching element is rotatably mounted and carries, uniformly distributed over its periphery, a group of at most 2n state zones. According to one advantageous form of construction, the switching element carries, uniformly distributed around its periphery, several like groups of state zones. To increase the reliability of interrogation, it is advantageous for there to be associated with each state zone a like series of interrogation stations each in identical manner, the like interrogation stations of which are electrically conductingly connected with one another.

The invention is explained in greater detail by reference to examples of embodiment thereof, illustrated and described. The figures show:

Fig. 1 a form of construction with linearly displaceable switching element Fig. 2 a form of construction with rotatable switching element, Fig. 3 a form of construction with sector-like switching element and Fig. 4 a rotatable switching element having several state zones.

The switching element 4 is slidably mounted on a support 1 by means of studs 2 in slits 3 (see Fig. 1). The switching element 4 is of electrically non-conducting material. In a track parallel to its direction of movement, the switching element 4 carries the group Z of state zones Z 1 to Z 8 These state zones are disposed at equal graduation steps s one behind another. Each of the state zones Z 1 to Z 8 is occupied by a digital statement by its longer or shorter form. State zones Z1, Z 2 and Z 3 or Z 41 Z5 and Z6, disposed alongside one another, which are each occupied by the same digital statement, are combined in the interests of better technical donstruction. Beyond the group Z of state zones Z 1 to Z., the track is continued.by the two state zones Z1 1 and Z1 2 of a group P, which adjoins without a break, the statement characteristic of which group is the same as that of the group Z. In accordance with the scale 5, the numbering of which corresponds to the designations of the state zones Z 1 to Z., the switching element 4 is adjustable relative to the mark 6 mounted on the support 1.

In a row parallel to the track of the state zones Z 1 to Z8, V1 and Z'21 the interrogation stations A, B and C are provided. The interrogation stations A, B and C are disposed at the same graduation step s apart as the state zones Z 1 to Z 8' V1 and Z'2. The number of interrogation stations corresponds to the position number n of code words to be formed. The interrogation stations A, B and C are formed by a contact plate 7, fixed to the support 1, and contact springs 8 electrically insulated from one another, it being possible for the state zones Z 4' Z 5' Z6 and Z., occupied by the C statement "V', i.e. switch open, to come between the contact plate 7 and the contact springs 8. The contact plate 7 and the contact springs 8 are each electrically connected to the circuit 9.

The method of functioning of the assembly is as follows:

When the switching element 4 is moved, the relevant digital statements are imparted, by the state zones Z 1 to Z 8' ZT 1 and Z1 2' to the interrogation stations A, B and C in that the contact springs 8 either bear on the contact plate 7 or are lifted off this plate. When a contact spring 8 rests on the plate, the digital statement "0" is formed and when the contact spring 8 is lifted off the statement '11" is formed. Different settings are indicated by the mark 6 by means of the scale 5. In the positionillustrated of the switching element 4 the scale value 1511 is set, to which the code word "110'I corresponds. If the scale values "71' and "B" are set, the interrogation stations C and, respectively, B and C lie outside the group Z comprising the state zones Z 1 to Z 8 In this case, the lengthening of the state zones of the group Z by the state zones V 1 and V 2' the digital statement of which is identical with the state zones Z 1 and Z 2' is effective.

In a further example of embodiment (see Fig. 2) a switching element 10 capable of unlimited rotation is provided, which carries on its periphery, uniformly distributed at angular spacings E, the state zones.Z 1 to Z 16' The digital statement "1", that is switch closed, is formed by radially outstanding projections at the periphery of the switching element 10. Adjacent projections are combined in each case. The switching element 10 is of electrically conducting material and is connected by the slider 11 with the circuit 12. Corresponding to the position number n of the code words to be formed, four

1 c 1 interrogation stations A, B, C and D in the form of contact springs 13 are disposed in a row parallel to the track of the state zones Z 1 to Z 16' and at the same angular interval as the state.zones. Each contact spring 13 is, for its part, electrically connected with the circuit 12. The switching element 10 is adjustable relative to the mark 14 by means of the scale having the values 1 to 16.

When a scale value is set, four adjacent state zones are interrogated by the interrogation stations A, B, C and D. In the position of the switching element 10 illustrated, the interrogation stations A and B supply the digital statement "V' and the interrogation stations C and D the statement 11011, so that, for the set scale value "P', the code word "11OT' is formed. Due to the continuous rotatability of the switching element 10, the state zones Z to Z 16 continue without interruption from the state zone Z 16 into the state zone Z1, so that no lengthening in the sense of the example of embodiment according to Fig. 1 is required.

A third example of embodiment (see Fig. 3) shows a variant having a rotatable switching element 15, which possesses a group Z of six state zones Z 1 to Z 6' uniformly distributed only over a part of its circumference. On account of the desired formation of 3-place code words, three interrogation stations A, B and C are provided,'at the angular spacing of the state zones and parallel to their track. The group Z of the state zones Z 1 to Z 6 is lengthened by two state zones Z1 1 and V 21 which are identical with the state zones Z1 and Z 2 respectively. This lengthening becomes effective whe n the scale values "Y' and %" are set, because then the interrogation stations B and C lie outside the group Z of the state zones. Rotation of the switching ele- ment 15 is limited at the periphery of the scale values "V' to '1611 by the stop 16, which projects through the slit 17 of the switching element 15. The method of functioning of this arrangement corresponds to the preceding examples.

According to another embodiment (see Fig. 4), two mutually identical groups Z and V of state zones Z 1 to Z 6 and V 1 to Z1 6 respectively are uniformly distributed around the entire circumference of the rotatable switching element 18. Each of the groups Z and V can be read off by a series of interrogation stations A, B and C and A', B' and C' respectively, associated in identical manner with these groups. Like interrogation stations A and A', B and B' and also C and C' are electrically connected to each other. In this manner an increased switching reliability is obtained by the fact that for each code word two identical signals are formed. Therefore, an error in interrogation of one state zone cannot result in a fault in the forming of the set code word.

The invention is not limited to the examples of embodiment illustrated. In particular, lengthenings beyond the groups Z of the state zones may adjoin the first state zone Z 1 or may lie partly at the first and partly at the last state zone. The important aspect always is that all state zones lie in one track, and that interrogation stations corresponding to the position number of the desired code words are disposed in a row parallel to the track of the state zones.

Claims

1.

Coding switch for the digital forming of n-place code words by means of a switching element, which carries state zones each having a digital statement and which is movable relative to interrogation stations for the state zones, characterized in that the state zones (Z; V) ere disposed at equal graduation steps (S;ú) on the switching element (4; 10; 15; 18) one after another in one track, which extends parallel to the direction of movement of the switching element (4; 10; 15; 18) relative to the interrogation stations (A; B; C; D), and that a series of n interrogation stations (A; B; C; D) is arranged in a row parallel to the track of the state zones (Z; Z') after one another at the same graduation steps (S;F,) as the state zones (Z; Z1).

2. Coding switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the switching element (4; 15) carries a group W of state zones (Z1, Z 2), which is lengthened by the following (nl) state zones W 1; ZY of a like group ( V) adjoining in the same sequence without interruption.

3. Coding switch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the switching element (10; 18) is rotatably mounted and carries, uniformly distributed around its periphery, a group of at most 2 n state zones (Z1, Z 2)'-

4. Coding switch according to Claim 3, characterized in that the switching element (18) carries, uniformly distributed around its periphery, several like groups (Z, Z1) of state zones (Z 1' Z2' -; Z'1; Z'2)

5. Coding switch according to Claim 4, characterized in that with each state zone (Z; Z1) a like series of interrogation stations (A, B, C; A', B', C') is associated in identical manner in each case, the like interrogation stations of which (A, A'; B, W; C, C') are electrically connected with each other.

1

6. Coding switch substantially as described with reference to Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

1 Published 199OatThePatentOfDce,State House,68171 Mgh Holborn,London WClR 4TP. Further copies maybe obtainedfrom ThePatentOMce. Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray. Kent. Con. 1/87