Incremental Rotary Encoder Using Hall Effect Sensors and Magnetic Detents

摘要

A rotary encoder and rotary encoder system that provides rotation detection and generates tactile feedback using a single magnetic mechanism and without relying on mechanical detects. The rotary encoder utilizes a ring magnet attached to a knob, two Hall Effect sensors that detect movement information for the processor, and magnets that are mounted to the surface of the platform. As the knob and multipole ring magnet get rotated, the ring magnet is subjected to opposing forces due to the magnets mounted to the platform surface, causing an unstable position that is experienced as tactile feedback by the user rotating the knob. Releasing the knob snaps the magnetic ring into one of many fixed positions, thus providing further tactile feedback.

主权项

1. A rotary encoder providing tactile feedback, the rotary encoder comprising:
a multipole ring magnet attached to a knob, in which the knob rotates the multipole ring magnet above a stationary surface; the stationary surface comprising a plurality of stationary magnets and a plurality of magnetic field sensor integrated circuits; the plurality of magnetic field sensor integrated circuits, in which each magnetic field sensors are configured to detect a magnetic field generated during the rotation of the multipole ring magnet; and the stationary magnets configured to interact with the poles of the multipole ring magnet to generate tactile feedback in the knob rotation.