Linear encoder, control system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a linear encoder and a control system and method. The linear encoder comprises a carrier; the plurality of first conductive pieces extend along the first direction and are arranged on one surface of the carrier at intervals along the second direction; the first direction intersects with the second direction; at least one first conductive piece comprises two sub conductive pieces; the two sub-conductive pieces extend along a first direction and are arranged on one surface of the carrier at intervals along the first direction; the second conductive part is provided with a plurality of metal contact parts which are mutually spaced, so that at least two metal contact parts in the plurality of metal contact parts are conducted with the plurality of first conductive parts through the second conductive part under the condition that the plurality of metal contact parts are in sliding contact with the plurality of first conductive parts from the first point to the second point along the first direction; and the interval between the two sub-conductive pieces is between the first point and the second point. The linear encoder can be applied to a linear displacement scene and is used for measuring the absolute position of a linear displacement object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of encoder technology, and more specifically, relates to a linear encoder, a control system, and a method. Background Art

[0002] A linear encoder is a sensor used to measure linear displacement. It converts mechanical displacement into an electrical signal, enabling precise detection of the position, speed, and direction of linear motion. Linear encoders primarily operate based on photoelectric, magnetoelectric, or capacitive principles. Key types include photoelectric, magnetoelectric, and capacitive linear encoders.

[0003] The main principle of a linear encoder is to convert the signals generated by the linear motion components of the linear encoder into electrical signals, which are then processed by a circuit to obtain displacement information. However, because the displacement of the linear motion components in the linear encoder is not synchronized with the displacement of the detected object, it is difficult to reflect the absolute displacement information of the detected object. As a result, in some scenarios, the motion status of the detected object cannot be timely responded to. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to improve or solve the technical problem in the related art that linear encoders are difficult to reflect the absolute displacement information of the detected object, the purpose of this application is to provide a linear encoder, a control system and a method.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a linear encoder, comprising: carrier; A plurality of first conductive members extending along a first direction and spaced apart from each other along a second direction are provided on one side of the carrier; the first direction and the second direction intersect; at least one first conductive member includes two sub-conductive members; both of the two sub-conductive members extend along the first direction and are spaced apart from each other along the first direction on one side of the carrier; and a second conductive member having a plurality of mutually spaced metal contact portions, so that when the plurality of metal contact portions are in sliding contact with the plurality of first conductive members from a first point to a second point along the first direction, at least two of the plurality of metal contact portions are electrically connected to the plurality of first conductive members through the second conductive member; The interval between the two sub-conductive elements is between the first point and the second point.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, when the detected object and the metal contact part move synchronously in the first direction, the position through which the detected object moves in the first direction can be determined by the conductive position between each metal contact part and the second conductive part, and then, the absolute displacement information of the detected object can be reflected by the above linear encoder.

[0007] Furthermore, at least two or three first conductive members include two sub-conductive members; the two sub-conductive members extend along the first direction and are arranged on the first surface of the carrier at intervals along the first direction; the intervals between the at least two or three first conductive members are different in position in the first direction.

[0008] Furthermore, when the second conductive member slides from a first point of the first conductive member to a second point of the first conductive member along the first direction, there are multiple positions between the first point and the second point where the second conductive member is in a conducting state.

[0009] Furthermore, the linear encoder further comprises: a limiting member, slidably connected to the carrier along the first direction; A limiting hole, provided on the limiting member; And a sliding member is provided in the limiting hole, and is provided with the second conductive member, which is slidably connected to the limiting hole along the first direction, so that the second conductive member can slide and contact with the multiple first conductive members from the first point to the second point in the limiting hole along the first direction under the drive of the sliding member.

[0010] Furthermore, the carrier includes a PCB substrate; The plurality of first conductive elements include: A plurality of metal strips are spaced apart and arranged on the first surface of the PCB substrate along the second direction of the PCB substrate; The plurality of metal strips include a first metal strip, a second metal strip, and a third metal strip; each of the first metal strip, the second metal strip, and the third metal strip includes a first sub-metal strip and a second sub-metal strip; the first sub-metal strip extends along the first direction, and two first sub-metal strips are spaced apart along the first direction on the first surface of the PCB substrate; The first metal strip and the third metal strip are respectively spaced apart on one side and the other side of the second metal strip along the second direction; The metal contact portion includes a first metal contact portion, a second metal contact portion and a third metal contact portion; the first metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the first metal strip along a first direction driven by the sliding member; the second metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the second metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding member; and the third metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the third metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding member.

[0011] Furthermore, the first sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a third signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a first signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a second signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a first signal pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the seventh position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin of the first metal strip, the first signal pin of the second metal strip, and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the first signal pin of the second metal strip and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member.

[0013] Furthermore, the second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the ninth position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the third signal pin on the first metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the first signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the eighth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the ninth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the first signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present application provides a control system, comprising: The linear encoder; a controller, configured to be connected to a conductive link formed by the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member of the linear encoder; and an actuator, which is connected to the controller and connected to the sliding member of the linear encoder to drive the sliding member to drive the metal contact portion to slide in contact with the first conductive member along the first direction.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for detecting the aging degree of a carbon film on a PCB substrate, comprising: S1 provides the linear encoder; wherein the carbon film covers the metal strip on the first surface of the PCB substrate of the linear encoder; S2. When the metal contact portion of the linear encoder slides along the first conductive member from the first point to the second point, and when the metal contact portion is in a position where the first conductive member is in a conductive state, obtaining a resistance signal of the carbon film at the position corresponding to the position where the first conductive member is in a conductive state; S3. Determine whether the carbon film at the position where the first conductive element is in the on state exceeds a resistance threshold based on the resistance signal of the carbon film; if so, determine that the carbon film is aged.

[0016] An embodiment of the present application provides a linear encoder, a control system, and a method. By arranging a first conductive member on a carrier along a first direction and a second direction, a plurality of mutually spaced metal contact portions of the second conductive member slide on the first conductive member, so that when the plurality of metal contact portions slide in contact with the plurality of first conductive members along the first direction, at least two of the plurality of metal contact portions are conductively connected through the second conductive member. When the detected object and the metal contact portions move synchronously in the first direction, the position through which the detected object moves in the first direction can be determined by the conductive position of each metal contact portion and the second conductive member. Furthermore, the above-mentioned linear encoder can reflect the absolute displacement information of the detected object. Therefore, the linear encoder of the embodiment of the present application can be suitable for linear displacement scenarios to measure the absolute position of the linear displacement object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linear encoder.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of the first conductive member on the carrier.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the second conductive element.

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the side structure of the second conductive member.

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a linear encoder according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure after removing the limiter.

[0024] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of the first conductive member on the front side of the carrier according to another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of the first conductive member on the front surface of the carrier according to another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure on the back of the carrier.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the control system.

[0028] Figure 11 A flow chart of a method for detecting the aging degree of a carbon film on a PCB substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by this application more clearly understood, this application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0030] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0031] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0033] In order to improve or solve the technical problem that the linear encoder in the related art is difficult to reflect the absolute displacement information of the detected object, the embodiment of the present application provides a linear encoder, referring to Figure 1 As shown, it includes a carrier, a first conductive member, and a second conductive member; a plurality of first conductive members extend along a first direction and are spaced apart from each other along a second direction on one side of the carrier; the first direction and the second direction intersect; at least one first conductive member includes two sub-conductive members; the two sub-conductive members both extend along the first direction and are spaced apart from each other along the first direction on one side of the carrier; the second conductive member is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced metal contact portions, so that when the plurality of metal contact portions slide in contact with the plurality of first conductive members from a first point 101 to a second point 102 along the first direction, at least two of the plurality of metal contact portions are electrically connected to the plurality of first conductive members through the second conductive member; the position of the spaced apart portions is between the first point and the second point. The conduction refers to the formation of a conductive link, which can form a circuit loop when an external circuit is connected to the link.

[0034] In some embodiments, the linear encoder includes a carrier 5, a second conductive member 1, and first conductive members distributed on one surface of the carrier 5. Figure 1 The first direction can be Figure 1 In the X direction, the second direction can be Figure 1 The Y direction of the carrier 5. One side of the carrier 5 can be Figure 1 The side of the middle carrier 5 faces upward.

[0035] The number of the first conductive members is at least 3; optionally, the first conductive member includes an upper conductive member 2, a middle conductive member 3 and a lower conductive member 4; see Figure 2 As shown, the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3 and the lower conductive member 4 are arranged at intervals along the Y direction on the upward side of the carrier 5 without contacting each other; the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3 and the lower conductive member 4 are arranged side by side along the Y direction on one side of the carrier 5, and the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3 and the lower conductive member 4 all extend along the X direction to form a slender structure.

[0036] At least one first conductive member among the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3 and the lower conductive member 4 includes two sub-conductive members; both sub-conductive members extend along the X direction and are arranged on one side of the carrier at intervals along the X direction; the two sub-conductive members include a first sub-conductive member 91 and a second sub-conductive member 92, and the first sub-conductive member 91 and the second sub-conductive member 92 extend along the X direction; a gap 93 is formed between the two ends of the first sub-conductive member 91 that are close to each other in the X direction.

[0037] The second conductive member 1 drives multiple metal contacts to slide along the X-direction on the surfaces of the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3, and the lower conductive member 4. When the metal contact at the corresponding position slides to the gap 93, the metal contact at that position is in a non-conductive state with the first conductive member due to the separation of the gap 93. When the metal contact at the corresponding position slides past the gap 93, the metal contact at that position can be conductive with any two or more of the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3, and the lower conductive member 4 through the second conductive member 1. It is only necessary to ensure that at least two of the multiple metal contacts are conductive through the second conductive member 1 to form a conductive link among the first conductive member, the metal contact, and the second conductive member 1. A conductive link refers to a section of a circuit that can be conductive and can form a complete signal loop with an external circuit.

[0038] Exemplarily, at least two of the upper conductive member 2, the middle conductive member 3, and the lower conductive member 4 are connected through the second conductive member 1. For example, when the second conductive member 1 drives multiple metal contact parts to slide along the X direction on the surface of the first conductive member, at a certain position, the upper conductive member 2 and the lower conductive member 4 are connected through the second conductive member 1. If a certain signal or a combination of several signals exists in the upper conductive member 2 and the lower conductive member 4 at this time, the signal can be obtained by an external circuit to determine the position to which the multiple metal contact parts slide along the X direction on the surface of the first conductive member at this time. In this way, a one-to-one correspondence can be generated between the signal existing in the link when the first conductive member is connected and the position of the multiple metal contact parts of the first conductive member. Through this one-to-one correspondence, a mapping relationship can be established between the absolute position of the first conductive member moving along the X direction and the signal existing in the link when the first conductive member is connected.

[0039] When the detected object drives the first conductive member to move along the X-direction, the absolute displacement of the detected object in the X-direction and the displacement information of the first conductive member along the X-direction can be kept absolutely synchronized. When a signal is detected in the link when the first conductive member is turned on when it moves from one position to the next, it can be determined that the first conductive member has moved from one position to the next position along the X-direction. At this time, it can be determined that the absolute displacement of the detected object in the X-direction is also the displacement from the aforementioned one position to the next position.

[0040] Thus, when the detected object and the metal contact part move synchronously in the first direction, the position through which the detected object moves in the first direction can be determined by the conductive position between each metal contact part and the second conductive part. Furthermore, the absolute displacement information of the detected object can be reflected by the above-mentioned linear encoder. Therefore, the linear encoder of the embodiment of the present application can be suitable for linear displacement scenarios to measure the absolute position of the linear displacement object.

[0041] In some embodiments, the structure of the second conductive member 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it includes a metal sheet 11 and multiple metal contact parts; each metal contact part includes a contact unit, and each contact unit includes a metal connecting part 13 extending along the X direction; one side of the metal connecting part 13 is connected to the metal sheet 11; the other side of the metal connecting part 13 is connected to the arc-shaped contact part 12, and the arc-shaped contact part 12 is used to make sliding contact with the first conductive member.

[0042] Optionally, each metal contact portion includes two contact units spaced apart along the Y direction; and each first conductive member is in sliding contact via the two contact units.

[0043] The arc-shaped contact portion 12 is used to make sliding contact with the first conductive member, so that the arc-shaped contact portion has good contact performance when sliding along the X direction on the surface of the first conductive member. The arc structure on the arc-shaped contact portion can make the arc-shaped contact portion have stable contact with the surface of the first conductive member during the sliding process.

[0044] Furthermore, at least two or three first conductive members include two sub-conductive members; the two sub-conductive members extend along the first direction and are arranged on the first surface of the carrier at intervals along the first direction; the intervals between the at least two or three first conductive members are different in position in the first direction.

[0045] Optionally, the structures of the three first conductive members are: including a first sub-conductive member 91 and a second sub-conductive member 92, the first sub-conductive member 91 and the second sub-conductive member 92 extending along the X direction; and a gap 93 is formed between two ends of the first sub-conductive member 91 approaching each other in the X direction.

[0046] Furthermore, when the second conductive member slides from a first point of the first conductive member to a second point of the first conductive member along the first direction, there are multiple positions between the first point and the second point where the second conductive member is in a conducting state.

[0047] See Figure 2As shown, when the second conductive member 1 slides from left to right along the X direction relative to the first conductive member, the first point can be the leftmost point, that is, the starting point, and the second point can be the rightmost point, that is, the end point; at the first point and the second point, when the second conductive member 1 slides in contact with the first conductive member between the first point and the second point, there are multiple positions that can make the second conductive member be in a conductive state.

[0048] See Figure 2 As shown, the intervals 93 of the first conductive members are at different positions in the X direction. This approach allows the first conductive member to have more conductive positions when sliding along the X direction, at which conductive links can be formed between the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member 1.

[0049] More conductive positions mean that conductive links with multiple different signals can be formed among the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member. By detecting the signal of the conductive link at each conductive position, the absolute position of the first conductive member in the X-direction can be accurately corresponded, thereby better and more timely reflecting the position change of the detected object in the X-direction.

[0050] In order to prevent the second conductive member from sliding out of the predetermined area when contacting the first conductive member along the X direction, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the linear encoder also includes: a limit member 6, a limit hole 8 and a sliding member 7; the limit member is slidably connected to the carrier 5 along the first direction; the limit hole is provided in the limit member; the sliding member 7 is provided in the limit hole 8, and the sliding member is provided with the second conductive member 1, and the sliding member 7 is slidably connected to the limit hole 8 along the first direction, so that the second conductive member is driven by the sliding member to slide in contact with the multiple first conductive members from the first point to the second point in the limit hole along the first direction.

[0051] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the side of the limiting member 6 is fixedly connected to the carrier 5; the limiting hole of the limiting member 6 is a long hole extending along the X direction; the sliding member 7 is fixedly connected to the second conductive member 1 in the long hole, and the sliding member 7 slides left and right in the long hole, thereby driving the second conductive member 1 to slide left and right on the surface of the first conductive member.

[0052] Optionally, the sliding member includes a sliding rod 71 and a sliding sleeve 72, wherein the sliding sleeve 72 is fixedly connected to the second conductive member 1; the sliding rod 71 is connected to the sliding sleeve 72. During use, the detected object is connected to the sliding rod, so that when the detected object moves in the X direction, the detected object drives the sliding sleeve 72, which in turn drives the second conductive member 1 to slide on the first conductive member.

[0053] In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a PCB substrate.

[0054] The multiple first conductive parts include multiple metal strips; the multiple metal strips are arranged on the first surface of the PCB substrate at intervals along the second direction of the PCB substrate; the multiple metal strips include a first metal strip, a second metal strip and a third metal strip; each of the first metal strip, the second metal strip and the third metal strip includes a first sub-metal strip and a second sub-metal strip; the first sub-metal strip extends along the first direction and the two first sub-metal strips are arranged on the first surface of the PCB substrate at intervals along the first direction; the first metal strip and the third metal strip are respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the second metal strip at intervals along the second direction; the metal contact part includes a first metal contact part, a second metal contact part and a third metal contact part; the first metal contact part is in sliding contact with the first metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding part; the second metal contact part is in sliding contact with the second metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding part; the third metal contact part is in sliding contact with the third metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding part.

[0055] See Figure 7 As shown, the first metal strip includes a first sub-metal strip 201 and a second sub-metal strip 202. The first sub-metal strip 201 and the second sub-metal strip 202 extend along the X-direction, with a first gap 506 between the right end of the first sub-metal strip 201 and the left end of the second sub-metal strip 202. The second metal strip includes a third sub-metal strip 301 and a fourth sub-metal strip 302. The third sub-metal strip 301 and the fourth sub-metal strip 302 extend along the X-direction, with a second gap 507 between the right end of the third sub-metal strip 301 and the left end of the fourth sub-metal strip 302. The third metal strip includes a fifth sub-metal strip 401 and a sixth sub-metal strip 402. The fifth sub-metal strip 401 and the sixth sub-metal strip 402 extend along the X-direction, with a third gap 508 between the right end of the fifth sub-metal strip 401 and the left end of the sixth sub-metal strip 402. The center points of the first gap 506, the second gap 507, and the third gap 508 are not collinear.

[0056] To facilitate determining the position change of the second conductive member 1 sliding along the X-axis based on the signal combination, and thus determining the displacement information of the detected object, signal pins are provided on the sub-metal strips of each metal strip. Optionally, the first sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a third signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a first signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a second signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a first signal pin.

[0057] See Figure 7As shown, the left end of the first sub-metal strip 201 is provided with a fourth signal pin 504, and the left end of the second sub-metal strip 202 is provided with a third signal pin 503; the left end of the third sub-metal strip 301 is provided with a first signal pin 501, and the right end of the fourth sub-metal strip 302 is provided with a fourth signal pin 504; the left end of the fifth sub-metal strip 401 is provided with a second signal pin 502; and the right end of the sixth sub-metal strip 402 is provided with a first signal pin 505.

[0058] During use, each signal pin can form a loop with the external circuit through the bus. The first signal, second signal, third signal, and fourth signal generated by the controller in the external circuit respectively form a loop through each pin and the conductive links formed by the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member at different conductive positions. The controller can determine the conductive positions of the second conductive member along the X-direction according to the combination of each signal.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the seventh position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin of the first metal strip, the first signal pin of the second metal strip, and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the first signal pin of the second metal strip and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member.

[0060] The following takes 7 conductive positions as an example to illustrate the signal combinations corresponding to the various conductive positions during the movement of the second conductive member along the X direction, so that the absolute position of the detected object in the X direction can be determined based on the occurrence of each signal combination.

[0061] Specifically, see Figure 7 As shown, the first to seventh positions correspond to Figure 7 The af position in the figure is a conductive position, that is, at this position, the first conductive member, the metal contact portion and the second conductive member can form a conductive link. When moving from left to right along the X direction, the metal contact portions on the second conductive member 1 move from left to right along the X direction. Figure 7 Position a in the diagram sequentially passes through positions b, c, d, e, f, and g. The external circuit can use the signals at each position to determine the position of the second conductive member on the first conductive member, and thus determine the position change and absolute displacement of the detected object connected to the first conductive member.

[0062] In order to further increase the number of conductive positions and more accurately and intuitively reflect the position change and absolute displacement of the detected object, the first conductive member is further improved.

[0063] See Figure 8 As shown, the first metal strip, the second metal strip and the third metal strip are arranged on the first surface of the PCB substrate, that is, the front surface of the PCB substrate.

[0064] The first metal strip includes a seventh sub-metal strip 211 and an eighth sub-metal strip 212 ; the seventh sub-metal strip 211 and the eighth sub-metal strip 212 extend along the X direction, and a fourth gap 516 is formed between the right end of the seventh sub-metal strip 211 and the left end of the eighth sub-metal strip 212 ; The left end of the seventh sub-metal strip 211 is connected to the first metal connecting strip on the back of the PCB substrate through the first via 517; the first metal connecting strip on the back of the PCB substrate is provided with a fourth signal pin s 514; A third signal pin s 513 is provided at the right end of the eighth sub-metal strip 212 .

[0065] The second metal strip includes a ninth sub-metal strip 311 and a tenth sub-metal strip 312 . The ninth sub-metal strip 311 and the tenth sub-metal strip 312 extend along the X-direction. The length of the ninth sub-metal strip 311 and the tenth sub-metal strip 312 in the X-direction is shorter than the length of the seventh sub-metal strip 211 , the eighth sub-metal strip 212 , the eleventh sub-metal strip 411 , or the twelfth sub-metal strip 412 in the X-direction. A fifth gap 519 is defined between the right end of the ninth sub-metal strip 311 and the left end of the tenth sub-metal strip 312 . The ninth sub-metal strip 311 is provided with a second via hole 518 , and the ninth sub-metal strip 311 is connected to the second metal connecting strip on the back of the PCB substrate through the second via hole 518 ; the second metal connecting strip is provided with a first signal pin s 511 ; The tenth sub-metal strip 312 is provided with a third via hole 521 , and the tenth sub-metal strip 312 is connected to the third metal connecting strip on the back of the PCB substrate through the third via hole 521 ; the third metal connecting strip is provided with a fourth signal pin s 514 ; The third metal strip includes an eleventh sub-metal strip 411 and a twelfth sub-metal strip 412. The eleventh and twelfth sub-metal strips 411 and 412 extend along the X-direction, with a sixth gap 520 defined between the right end of the eleventh sub-metal strip 411 and the left end of the twelfth sub-metal strip 412. A second signal pin s 512 is provided at the left end of the eleventh sub-metal strip 411, while a fourth signal pin s 514 is provided at the right end of the twelfth sub-metal strip 412. The center points of the fourth gap 516, the fifth gap 519, and the sixth gap 520 are not aligned.

[0066] Furthermore, the second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the ninth position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the third signal pin on the first metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the first signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the eighth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the ninth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the first signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member.

[0067] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first to ninth positions correspond to Figure 8 The ai position in the figure is the conducting position, that is, at this position, the first conductive member, the metal contact portion and the second conductive member can form a conducting link. When moving from left to right along the X direction, the metal contact portions on the second conductive member 1 move from left to right along the X direction. Figure 7 Position a in the diagram sequentially passes through positions b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and finally i. The external circuit can use the signals at each position to determine the position of the second conductive member on the first conductive member, and thus determine the position change and absolute displacement of the detected object connected to the first conductive member.

[0068] In the second aspect, the present application provides a control system, referring to Figure 10 As shown, including: The linear encoder; a controller, configured to be connected to a conductive link formed by the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member of the linear encoder; and an actuator, which is connected to the controller and connected to the sliding member of the linear encoder to drive the sliding member to drive the metal contact portion to slide in contact with the first conductive member along the first direction.

[0069] The controller is connected to the various signal pins on the linear encoder via a bus. When the first conductive member, metal contact portion, and second conductive member of the linear encoder form a conductive link, the external circuitry of the controller and this conductive link form a circuit loop. As the second conductive member of the linear encoder slides relative to the first conductive member in the X-direction to various conductive positions, the controller receives different signals or signal combinations through the circuit loop at each conductive position. This signal or signal combination can be used to determine the position of the second conductive member relative to the first conductive member, and thus the position change and absolute displacement of the detected object along the X-direction.

[0070] It can be understood that the actuator of the actuator is connected to the sliding member of the linear encoder. The movement of the actuator can drive the sliding member to move, and the movement of the sliding member can drive the second conductive member to slide and contact the surface of the first conductive member along the X direction. Therefore, the position change and absolute displacement of the actuator along the X direction can be determined by determining the position of the first conductive member in the X direction.

[0071] When a linear encoder is manufactured using a PCB substrate, each metal strip is coated on the first side of the PCB substrate, such as the front side of the PCB substrate, through a carbon film. The carbon film is prone to aging after long-term use, but it is not easy to determine the aging position of the carbon film and whether the carbon film has aged. In order to solve the problem of not being able to determine the aging position of the carbon film and whether the carbon film has aged in a linear encoder manufactured using a PCB substrate, the present application provides a method for detecting the aging degree of the carbon film on the PCB substrate. The method can use the above-mentioned system as the execution subject, see Figure 11 As shown, including: S1 provides the linear encoder; wherein the carbon film covers the metal strip on the first surface of the PCB substrate of the linear encoder; S2. When the metal contact portion of the linear encoder slides along the first conductive member from the first point to the second point, and when the metal contact portion is in a position where the first conductive member is in a conductive state, obtaining a resistance signal of the carbon film at the position corresponding to the position where the first conductive member is in a conductive state; S3. Determine whether the carbon film at the position where the first conductive element is in the on state exceeds a resistance threshold based on the resistance signal of the carbon film; if so, determine that the carbon film is aged.

[0072] It is understood that the first surface of the PCB substrate can be the front or back surface of the PCB substrate. The carbon film covers the metal strip on the first surface of the PCB substrate. Then, the sliding contact of the second conductive member with the first conductive member along the X direction is actually the sliding contact of the second conductive member with the surface of the first conductive member through the carbon film, that is, the sliding contact of the second conductive member with the carbon film on the metal strip. When the second conductive member moves along the X-axis from a first point on the first conductive member to a second point on the first conductive member, and conducts at a conductive position between the first and second points, the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member form a conductive link. The external circuit of the controller and the conductive link form a circuit loop. Through this circuit loop, a signal or signal combination at a conductive position can be received, and a resistance signal of the carbon film at the corresponding position of the conductive link can be obtained. Based on this resistance signal, it can be determined whether the carbon film at the conductive position exceeds a resistance threshold; if so, it can be determined that the carbon film at the corresponding position has aged.

[0073] By using the above method, not only can the position of the second conductive member relative to the first conductive member be determined by the signal or signal combination in the conductive link, and then the position change and absolute displacement of the detected object moving along the X direction can be determined, but also whether carbon film aging occurs at the corresponding position can be determined.

[0074] The functions and effects of the technical features in this technical solution that are similar or related to the aforementioned technical solution are similar to those of the aforementioned technical solution. The inventive concept and beneficial effects of this technical solution are similar to those of the aforementioned technical solution, and are not elaborated here.

[0075] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A linear encoder, characterized in that: include: carrier; A plurality of first conductive members extending along a first direction and spaced apart from each other along a second direction are provided on one side of the carrier; the first direction and the second direction intersect; at least one first conductive member includes two sub-conductive members; both of the two sub-conductive members extend along the first direction and are spaced apart from each other along the first direction on one side of the carrier; and a second conductive member having a plurality of mutually spaced metal contact portions, so that when the plurality of metal contact portions are in sliding contact with the plurality of first conductive members from a first point to a second point along the first direction, at least two of the plurality of metal contact portions are electrically connected to the plurality of first conductive members through the second conductive member; The interval between the two sub-conductive elements is between the first point and the second point.

2. The linear encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two or three first conductive members include two sub-conductive members; the two sub-conductive members extend along the first direction and are arranged on the first surface of the carrier at intervals along the first direction; the intervals between the at least two or three first conductive members are different in position in the first direction.

3. The linear encoder according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the second conductive member slides from a first point of the first conductive member to a second point of the first conductive member along the first direction, there are multiple positions between the first point and the second point that make the second conductive member in a conducting state.

4. The linear encoder according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a limiting member, slidably connected to the carrier along the first direction; A limiting hole, provided on the limiting member; And a sliding member is provided in the limiting hole, and is provided with the second conductive member, which is slidably connected to the limiting hole along the first direction, so that the second conductive member can slide and contact with the multiple first conductive members from the first point to the second point in the limiting hole along the first direction under the drive of the sliding member.

5. The linear encoder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The carrier includes a PCB substrate; The plurality of first conductive elements include: a plurality of metal strips spaced apart and arranged on the first surface of the PCB substrate along the second direction of the PCB substrate; The plurality of metal strips include a first metal strip, a second metal strip, and a third metal strip; each of the first metal strip, the second metal strip, and the third metal strip includes a first sub-metal strip and a second sub-metal strip; the first sub-metal strip extends along the first direction, and two first sub-metal strips are spaced apart along the first direction on the first surface of the PCB substrate; The first metal strip and the third metal strip are respectively spaced apart on one side and the other side of the second metal strip along the second direction; The metal contact portion includes a first metal contact portion, a second metal contact portion and a third metal contact portion; the first metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the first metal strip along a first direction driven by the sliding member; the second metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the second metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding member; and the third metal contact portion is in sliding contact with the third metal strip along the first direction driven by the sliding member.

6. The linear encoder according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the first metal strip is provided with a third signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a first signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the second metal strip is provided with a fourth signal pin; the first sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a second signal pin, and the second sub-metal strip of the third metal strip is provided with a first signal pin.

7. The linear encoder according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the seventh position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin of the first metal strip, the first signal pin of the second metal strip, and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the first signal pin of the second metal strip and the second signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member.

8. The linear encoder according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second conductive member slides along the first direction so that the second conductive member is sequentially located at any one of the first position to the ninth position on the first surface of the carrier and is in a conducting state; When the second conductive member is in the first position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the second position, the fourth signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the third signal pin on the first metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the third position, the first signal pin on the second metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the fourth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the first signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the fifth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second metal strip and the second conductive member are not electrically connected; When the second conductive member is in the sixth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the seventh position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the eighth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip, the fourth signal pin on the second metal strip, and the first signal pin on the third metal strip are electrically connected via the second conductive member, and the second signal pin on the third metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member; When the second conductive member is in the ninth position, the third signal pin on the first metal strip and the first signal pin of the third metal strip are electrically connected through the second conductive member, and the second metal strip is not electrically connected to the second conductive member.

9. A control system, characterized in that: include: The linear encoder according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a controller, configured to be connected to a conductive link formed by the first conductive member, the metal contact portion, and the second conductive member of the linear encoder; and an actuator, which is connected to the controller and connected to the sliding member of the linear encoder to drive the sliding member to drive the metal contact portion to slide in contact with the first conductive member along the first direction.

10. A method for detecting the aging degree of a carbon film on a PCB substrate, characterized in that: include: A linear encoder according to any one of claims 5 to 8 is provided; wherein the metal strip is covered on the first surface of the PCB substrate of the linear encoder by a carbon film; When the metal contact portion of the linear encoder slides along the first conductive member from the first point to the second point, and the metal contact portion is in a position where the first conductive member is in a conducting state, a resistance signal of the carbon film at the position corresponding to the position where the first conductive member is in a conducting state is obtained; According to the resistance signal of the carbon film at the position where the first conductive member is in the conducting state, it is determined whether the carbon film at the position exceeds a resistance threshold; if so, it is determined that the carbon film is aged.

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