A rotary encoder, a rotation angle detection method, and a rotary control device

Abstract

This invention discloses a rotary encoder, a rotation angle detection method, and a rotation control device. The rotary encoder includes: a disk capable of continuous 360-degree rotation; multiple detection marks arranged along the circumference of the disk on a concentric circular track; the cross-sectional shape of the detection marks is asymmetrical relative to the radial axis of the disk; a distance sensor fixed at the center of the disk and facing the periphery of the disk; the distance sensor is used to transmit detection signals to the detection marks and receive reflected signals to detect the distance between the sensor and the detection marks in real time; and a data processing unit electrically connected to the distance sensor is used to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time, and to determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk based on the periodic distance signal. The technical solution provided by this invention simplifies the structure, enhances environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities, achieves continuous 360-degree rotation, and supports the simultaneous acquisition of angle and direction using only a single sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rotary encoder technology, and more particularly to a rotary encoder, a rotation angle detection method, and a rotation control device. Background Technology

[0002] Rotation control devices are widely used in industrial automation, robotics, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. Their core function is to convert the angular displacement and rotation direction of a rotating axis into electrical signals for the control system to achieve rotation control. Currently, the mainstream technologies for detecting rotation angles mainly include three categories: optical encoding, magnetic induction encoding, and mechanical limit type.

[0003] Optical rotary encoders typically employ a grating disk in conjunction with an optoelectronic transceiver assembly. The grating disk is etched with equally spaced transparent and opaque stripes. As the shaft rotates, the light signal received by the photoelectric pair undergoes periodic on-off changes. After shaping, it outputs a quadrature pulse sequence, and the angular displacement can be determined by counting the pulses. However, optical encoders have inherent drawbacks, including: 1. High cost and precision: The precision of the grating disk's engraving directly affects resolution. High-line-count gratings require complex molds and etching processes, and strict optical path alignment between the LED, code disk, and receiver is essential, making assembly difficult. 2. Poor environmental adaptability: Dust and oil can easily cause signal attenuation. To overcome the environmental sensitivity of optical solutions, magnetic induction rotary encoders are widely used. A typical implementation involves installing multi-pole magnetic rings (alternating N / S magnetization) or magnetic scales on the rotating component, using Hall elements, magnetoresistive sensors (AMR, GMR, TMR), and other magnetically sensitive elements to detect changes in the magnetic field. After signal conditioning, the angular position is calculated. However, magnetic induction encoders also have several technical bottlenecks: 1. Complex structure and high cost: To achieve high precision or high resolution, the precision requirements of components such as magnetic rings are extremely high. The uniformity of magnetization and the consistency of pole spacing place stringent requirements on the manufacturing process, leading to complex processing and assembly, and a significant increase in cost. If the thickness and volume are further reduced, the difficulty of magnetic circuit design and system integration will increase dramatically. 2. Susceptible to interference from environmental magnetic fields: Magnetic sensors measure absolute magnetic field strength. The magnetic field generated by the Earth's magnetic field or the current in a nearby conductor may be superimposed on the magnetic field of the target being measured, causing reading deviation. When metal structures or magnetic materials (especially ferromagnetic materials) are close to the sensor, they can also cause local magnetic field distortion, further deteriorating the measurement accuracy. 3. Significant impact of temperature drift: The remanence of magnetic materials and the magnetic sensor itself have temperature coefficients. In a wide temperature range operating environment, without complex software calibration, nonlinear errors are difficult to suppress effectively. 4. Direction discrimination and zero-position alignment problems: Some incremental magnetic encoders can only output positive and negative pulses. If there is a lack of phase difference signals or independent direction marks, it is difficult to accurately distinguish between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. If the system does not have a zero-point marker or cannot automatically zero itself, the reference angle cannot be determined during startup or reset. 5. Nonlinear error and error accumulation: Mechanical eccentricity, installation errors, shaft misalignment, thermal expansion, and reflective surface distortion can all cause the actual angle to deviate from the theoretical model. In sections where the angle change is extremely small, the signal amplitude may be too weak and easily masked by system noise, leading to decreased resolution or signal loss. Mechanical limit structures (such as potentiometer-type rotary switches) limit the rotation angle range through physical stops. This type of solution is simple in structure and low in cost, but it cannot achieve 360-degree continuous unrestricted rotation, and mechanical wear occurs after long-term use, resulting in unsatisfactory angle repeatability and lifespan. In addition, to determine the direction of rotation, some existing technologies use a dual-sensor (dual Hall effect, dual photoelectric) configuration, identifying clockwise / counterclockwise rotation through the phase difference of the two signals.However, this solution doubles the hardware cost, and the requirements for the consistency of response and the symmetry of installation of the two sensors are stringent, which is not conducive to system miniaturization and low-cost integration.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of rotary encoder that is simple in structure, highly adaptable to the environment, has good anti-interference ability, supports 360-degree continuous rotation, and can acquire angle and direction simultaneously with only a single sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a rotary encoder, a rotation angle detection method, and a rotation control device to achieve 360-degree continuous rotation while simplifying the structure, enhancing environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities, and supporting the simultaneous acquisition of angle and direction using only a single sensor.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotary encoder is provided, comprising: A disc that can rotate continuously 360 degrees around its central axis; Multiple detection marks are arranged on a concentric circular trajectory along the circumference of the disk; the cross-sectional shape of the detection marks is asymmetrical with respect to the radial axis of the disk; A ranging sensor is fixed at a fixed point on the disk and faces the periphery of the disk; the ranging sensor is used to emit a detection signal to the detection mark and receive the reflected signal to detect the distance between the sensor and the detection mark in real time; The data processing unit is electrically connected to the ranging sensor and is used to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time, and to determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk based on the periodic distance signal.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of detection marks are disposed on the disk and located at the edge of the disk; the ranging sensor is disposed at the center of the disk; wherein, the detection mark is a protruding structure protruding from the surface of the disk.

[0008] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark is a right triangle, including one leg and one hypotenuse; The right-angled side extends along the radius of the disk; the hypotenuse has a preset angle of inclination relative to the radius; the first end of the right-angled side is connected to the edge of the disk, the second end of the right-angled side is connected to the first end of the hypotenuse, and the second end of the hypotenuse is connected to the edge of the disk.

[0009] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark is an inclined line segment, the inclined line segment has a preset inclination angle relative to the radial direction, and one end of the inclined line segment is connected to the edge of the disk.

[0010] Optionally, the plurality of detection marks are arranged at uniform intervals along the circumference of the disk; The number of detection markers is greater than or equal to 360.

[0011] Optionally, the ranging sensor includes a time-of-flight sensor or an infrared ranging sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the data processing unit is configured to determine the rotation angle of the disk based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the graduation value represented by the detection mark; and, The rotation direction of the disk is determined based on the changing trend of the distance signal within a single cycle.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rotation angle detection method is provided, applied to the rotary encoder described in any embodiment of the present invention, comprising: The distance between the sensor and the detection mark on the rotating disk is continuously measured by a ranging sensor to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies over time. The data processing unit determines the rotation angle and direction of the disk based on the periodic distance signal.

[0014] Optionally, determining the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk by the data processing unit based on the periodic distance signal includes: The rotation angle of the disk is determined based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the scale value represented by the detection mark. The rotation direction of the disk is determined based on the changing trend of the distance signal within a single cycle.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, an adjustment device is provided, including a rotary encoder as described in any embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rotation angle and direction signals output by the data processing unit are used to control a target parameter value for continuous adjustment.

[0016] The technical solution provided by this invention involves setting multiple detection marks with asymmetrical cross-sectional shapes relative to the radial axis of a disk. A distance sensor fixed at a fixed point on the disk detects the distance between the sensor and the detection marks in real time during disk rotation. A data processing unit then determines the rotation angle and direction of the disk based on the obtained periodic distance signals. This invention employs a single distance sensor combined with asymmetrical circumferential marks, replacing the high-precision grating lines and precise optical path alignment required by traditional optical encoders. It also eliminates the need for multi-pole magnetic rings in magnetic induction encoders, simplifying processing and assembly, and significantly reducing manufacturing costs and integration difficulty. Furthermore, this invention operates based on the distance measurement principle, avoiding the dependence on scale in traditional optical encoders and is less susceptible to contaminants such as dust, oil, and moisture. It also avoids magnetic field measurement, completely circumventing interference from external magnetic fields such as the Earth's magnetic field, nearby currents, and ferromagnetic materials, as well as the impact of temperature drift on the accuracy of the magnetic sensor. It maintains stable and reliable measurement performance even under harsh conditions. Furthermore, by setting the detection mark to an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape, the distance signal acquired by the ranging sensor presents as a periodic signal with unique waveform characteristics. The data processing unit can simultaneously determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk by analyzing a single waveform, enhancing control accuracy and safety. This eliminates the need for dual-sensor configuration, avoids the challenge of dual-channel signal consistency calibration, significantly simplifies the system structure, and reduces costs. In addition, the disk in this embodiment can rotate continuously 360 degrees around its central axis, improving the problems of mechanical wear, unsatisfactory angle repeatability, and poor lifespan after long-term use. Therefore, it achieves the beneficial effects of simplifying the structure, enhancing environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities, realizing continuous 360-degree rotation, and supporting the simultaneous acquisition of angle and direction using only a single sensor.

[0017] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary encoder provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another rotary encoder provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a rotation angle detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0022] This invention provides a rotary encoder. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary encoder provided in an embodiment of the present invention, for reference. Figure 1 The rotary encoder includes: The disk 10 is capable of rotating continuously 360 degrees around its central axis; Multiple detection marks 20 are arranged on a concentric circular trajectory along the circumference of the disk 10; the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark 20 is asymmetrical with respect to the radial axis r of the disk 10. The distance sensor 30 is fixed at a fixed point on the disk 10 and faces the periphery of the disk 10. The distance sensor 30 is used to transmit detection signals to the detection mark 20 and receive reflected signals to detect the distance between the distance sensor 30 and the detection mark 20 in real time. The data processing unit is electrically connected to the ranging sensor 30 and is used to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time, and to determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk 10 based on the periodic distance signal.

[0023] Specifically, the rotary encoder includes: a disc 10, multiple detection marks 20, a ranging sensor 30, and a data processing unit. The disc 10 can be made of metal or plastic, is a circular flat plate, and can rotate continuously 360 degrees around its central axis. The edge or near-edge area of ​​the disc 10 serves as the detection area, and the multiple detection marks 20 are arranged on the same concentric circular trajectory along the circumference of the disc 10. The cross-sectional shape of the detection marks 20 is asymmetrical with respect to the radial axis r of the disc 10, where the radial axis r can be understood as an axis extending along the radius of the disc. Adjacent detection marks 20 are evenly spaced and arranged periodically.

[0024] A ranging sensor 30 is fixedly mounted at a fixed point on the disk 10, with its detection head facing the periphery of the disk 10. The ranging sensor 30 can be a laser ranging sensor or an infrared ranging sensor, used to emit a detection beam towards the detection marks 20 and receive the reflected beam, thereby measuring the linear distance between the sensor and the surface of each detection mark 20 in real time. A data processing unit is electrically connected to the ranging sensor 30 and receives the real-time distance signal output by the ranging sensor 30. This distance signal changes periodically with the rotation of the disk 10, forming a periodic distance signal. The data processing unit can be configured to determine the rotation angle of the disk 10 based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the graduation value represented by the detection marks 20; and to determine the rotation direction of the disk 10 based on the trend of the distance signal within a single period.

[0025] The technical solution provided by this invention involves setting multiple detection marks 20 on a disk 10, whose cross-sectional shapes are asymmetrical relative to the radial axis r of the disk 10. A distance sensor 30 fixed at a fixed point on the disk 10 detects the distance between the sensor and the detection marks 20 in real time during the rotation of the disk 10. A data processing unit then determines the rotation angle and direction of the disk 10 based on the obtained periodic distance signal. This invention employs a single distance sensor 30 in conjunction with a circumferentially asymmetrical mark detection scheme, replacing the high-precision grating lines and precise optical path alignment required by traditional optical encoders. It also eliminates the need for multi-pole magnetic rings in magnetic induction encoders, simplifying processing and assembly, and significantly reducing manufacturing costs and integration difficulty. Furthermore, this invention operates based on the distance measurement principle, avoiding the dependence on scale in traditional optical encoders and is less susceptible to contaminants such as dust, oil, and moisture. It also avoids magnetic field measurement, completely circumventing interference from external magnetic fields such as the Earth's magnetic field, nearby currents, and ferromagnetic materials, as well as the impact of temperature drift on the accuracy of the magnetic sensor. It maintains stable and reliable measurement performance even under harsh conditions.

[0026] Furthermore, by setting the detection mark 20 as an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape, the distance signal acquired by the ranging sensor 30 presents as a periodic signal with unique waveform characteristics. The data processing unit can simultaneously determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk 10 by analyzing a single waveform, thereby enhancing control accuracy and safety. This eliminates the need for dual-sensor configuration, avoids the challenge of dual-channel signal consistency calibration, significantly simplifies the system structure, and reduces costs. In addition, the disk 10 in this embodiment can rotate continuously 360 degrees around its central axis, improving the problems of mechanical wear, unsatisfactory angle repeatability, and poor lifespan after long-term use. Therefore, the technical solution provided by this invention achieves the beneficial effects of simplifying the structure, enhancing environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities, realizing continuous 360-degree rotation, and supporting the simultaneous acquisition of angle and direction using only a single sensor.

[0027] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, refer to... Figure 1 Multiple detection marks 20 are disposed on the disk 10 and located at the edge of the disk 10; a ranging sensor 30 is disposed at the center of the disk 10; wherein, the detection mark 20 is a protruding structure protruding from the surface of the disk 10.

[0028] Specifically, by placing the detection mark 20 at the edge of the disk 10, the maximum rotation radius of the disk 10's edge can be utilized to amplify the linear displacement corresponding to the same angle change, thereby increasing the signal change amplitude of the ranging sensor 30 and improving the angle measurement resolution. Placing the ranging sensor 30 at the center of the disk 10 ensures that the distance from the ranging sensor 30 to the same position points of each detection mark 20 is equal, resulting in a more consistent distance signal. Setting the detection mark 20 as a protruding structure from the surface of the disk 10 allows the detection mark 20 and the disk 10 to be integrally molded, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0029] Furthermore, multiple detection marks 20 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the disk 10; the number of detection marks 20 is greater than or equal to 360.

[0030] Specifically, multiple detection marks 20 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the disk 10, ensuring that the central angle between any two adjacent detection marks 20 is equal, meaning that each detection mark 20 represents the same angle increment. If the number of marks is N, then the angle increment corresponding to each mark is 360° / N. This equal angle relationship provides a fixed angle measurement benchmark for the data processing unit, eliminating the need for nonlinear calibration at different positions, simplifying the angle determination algorithm, and resulting in an ideal periodicity in the output signal, facilitating signal processing and analysis. Setting the number of detection marks 20 to be greater than or equal to 360 allows for a single-circle angle resolution of 1° or higher, and combining this with waveform interpolation technology can further improve the accuracy of angle detection.

[0031] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, refer to... Figure 1 The cross-sectional shape of the detection mark 20 is a right triangle, which includes a right-angled side a and a hypotenuse b. The right-angled side a extends along the radius of the disk 10, that is, the right-angled side a is perpendicular to the tangent of the circumference. The hypotenuse b has a preset tilt angle relative to the radius. The first end of the right-angled side a is connected to the edge of the disk 10, the second end of the right-angled side a is connected to the first end of the hypotenuse b, and the second end of the hypotenuse b is connected to the edge of the disk 10.

[0032] The rotary encoder works as follows: When the disk 10 rotates, the ranging sensor 30 sequentially scans each detection mark 20 it passes. Since the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark 20 is asymmetrical (e.g., a right-angled triangle in this embodiment), the measured distance d varies according to the position of the beam from the ranging sensor 30 on the detection mark 20. Specifically, when the beam passes the hypotenuse b of the triangle, the distance changes linearly; when the beam passes the right-angle a of the triangle, the distance changes abruptly. Therefore, each complete detection mark 20 generates a pulse signal with a characteristic waveform when it passes the sensor. The data processing unit analyzes the periodic distance signal. To determine the rotation angle, the cumulative rotation angle of the disk 10 can be calculated by counting the number of detection marks 20 that pass and combining this with the angle increment corresponding to each mark. More precisely, sub-mark-level angle subdivision can be achieved by interpolating the signal waveform. Regarding the determination of the rotation direction: Because the detection mark 20 is an asymmetrical shape, the waveform sequence received by the sensor differs when the disk 10 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. For example, in Figure 1 In the viewing direction, right-angled side a is located to the left of detection mark 20. When disk 10 rotates clockwise in direction A, the waveform exhibits a "gradual rise-sharp fall" characteristic; when disk 10 rotates counterclockwise in direction B, it exhibits a "sharp rise-gradual fall" characteristic. The data processing unit can uniquely determine the rotation direction by identifying the slope characteristics or timing sequence of the rising and falling edges of the waveform. In the periodic distance signal, the farthest point is the point where the hypotenuse of the triangle is close to the perimeter of the disk, and the distance from the ranging sensor 30 to this point is the farthest. The nearest point is the intersection of right-angled side a and hypotenuse b, and the distance from the ranging sensor 30 to this point is the shortest.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape of the detection mark 20 can be an inclined line segment with a preset inclination angle relative to the radial direction, and one end of the inclined line segment is connected to the edge of the disk 10.

[0034] The rotary encoder works as follows: When the disk 10 rotates, the ranging sensor 30 sequentially scans each detection mark 20. Since the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark 20 is asymmetrical (e.g., in this embodiment, it is an inclined line segment), the measured distance d will exhibit a specific variation pattern when the sensor beam illuminates different positions of the detection mark 20. Specifically, when the beam sweeps across the inclined line segment, the distance changes continuously and linearly; when the beam sweeps across the raised end of the inclined line segment, the distance changes abruptly. Therefore, each complete detection mark 20 generates a pulse signal with a characteristic waveform when it passes the sensor. The data processing unit analyzes the periodic distance signal. For determining the rotation angle: by counting the number of detection marks 20 that have passed and combining this with the angle increment corresponding to a single mark, the cumulative rotation angle of the disk 10 can be calculated. More precisely, sub-mark level angle subdivision can be achieved by interpolating the signal waveform. For determining the rotation direction: because the detection mark 20 is asymmetrical, the waveform sequence received by the sensor differs when the disk 10 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. For example, refer to Figure 2 When disk 10 rotates clockwise in direction A, the waveform exhibits a "gradual rise-sharp fall" characteristic; when disk 10 rotates counterclockwise in direction B, it exhibits a "sharp rise-gradual fall" characteristic. The data processing unit can uniquely determine the rotation direction by identifying the slope characteristics or timing sequence of the rising and falling edges of the waveform.

[0035] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, if the angle of rotation of the disk 10 is less than the angle increment represented by a detection mark, the angle determined by the data processing unit remains unchanged.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the ranging sensor 30 may include, but is not limited to, a time-of-flight sensor or an infrared ranging sensor 30.

[0037] Specifically, a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor is a device that calculates distance by measuring the time difference between the emission of a light pulse to a target and its reflection. It boasts advantages such as high measurement accuracy (down to the millimeter level), fast response speed, strong resistance to ambient light interference, and immunity to surface oil contamination. It is suitable for high-speed rotating detection scenarios where high measurement accuracy and reliability are required. An infrared ranging sensor 30 is a device that measures distance using the principle of infrared light reflection intensity or the phase method. It offers advantages such as low cost, simple circuitry, and good beam directionality, making it suitable for low-cost applications with relatively controllable operating environments.

[0038] This invention also provides a rotation angle detection method, which is executed by the rotary encoder described in any embodiment of this invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a rotation angle detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention, see reference. Figure 3The rotation angle detection methods include: S110. The distance between the distance sensor and the detection mark on the rotating disk is continuously measured to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time.

[0039] S120. The data processing unit determines the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk based on the periodic distance signal.

[0040] The process of determining the rotation angle and direction of the disk 10 by the data processing unit based on the periodic distance signal includes: determining the rotation angle of the disk 10 based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the scale value represented by the detection mark 20; and determining the rotation direction of the disk 10 based on the changing trend of the distance signal within a single period.

[0041] The rotation angle detection method provided in this embodiment of the invention is executed by the rotary encoder described in any embodiment of the invention and has the same technical effect, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] This invention also provides a rotation control device, including the rotary encoder described in any embodiment of this invention, and rotation angle and direction signals output by the data processing unit, used to control a target parameter value for continuous adjustment.

[0043] Optionally, the rotary control device can be a thermostat for precise adjustment of indoor temperature or heating equipment, with the target parameter value being temperature. When the user rotates the knob assembly on the thermostat, the disc 10 rotates accordingly. The distance sensor 30 detects the distance between itself and each detection mark 20 in real time, generating a periodic distance signal that varies over time. The data processing unit analyzes this signal to calculate the rotation angle and direction of the disc 10. For example, when rotating clockwise, the angle increases, and the data processing unit sends a heating command to the temperature control circuit; when rotating counterclockwise, the angle decreases, and the data processing unit sends a cooling command, thus decreasing the set temperature value.

[0044] Optionally, the rotation control device can be a volume control device, applied to an audio system, multimedia equipment, or smart home control panel, with the target parameter value being the volume value. When the user rotates the knob assembly on the volume control device, the disk 10 rotates accordingly. The distance sensor 30 detects the distance between itself and each detection marker 20 in real time, generating a periodic distance signal that varies over time. The data processing unit analyzes this signal to calculate the rotation angle and direction of the disk 10. For example, when rotating clockwise, the angle value increases, and the data processing unit sends an increase volume command to the volume control circuit; when rotating counterclockwise, the angle value decreases, and the data processing unit sends a decrease volume command to the volume control circuit.

[0045] Optionally, the rotation control device can be a menu selection device, applied to smart home appliances, industrial control terminals, or in-vehicle entertainment systems, with the target parameter value being the menu item index. When the user rotates the knob component on the menu selection device, the disk 10 rotates accordingly. The distance sensor 30 detects the distance between itself and each detection mark 20 in real time, generating a periodic distance signal that varies over time. The data processing unit analyzes this signal to calculate the rotation angle and direction of the disk 10. The absolute angle of the disk 10 can correspond to the menu item index; rotating to a specific angle selects the corresponding menu item. The rotation direction can be used to control the menu scrolling direction: clockwise to scroll down and counterclockwise to scroll up. A push-button switch can be added to the center of the disk 10; pressing it confirms the selection.

[0046] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary encoder, characterized in that, include: The disk (10) is capable of rotating 360 degrees continuously around its central axis; Multiple detection marks (20) are arranged on a concentric circular trajectory along the circumference of the disk (10); the cross-sectional shape of the detection mark (20) is asymmetrical with respect to the radial axis (r) of the disk (10); The distance sensor (30) is fixed at a fixed point on the disk (10) and faces the periphery of the disk (10); the distance sensor (30) is used to transmit a detection signal to the detection mark (20) and receive a reflected signal to detect the distance between the distance sensor (30) and the detection mark (20) in real time. The data processing unit is electrically connected to the ranging sensor (30) and is used to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time, and to determine the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk (10) based on the periodic distance signal.

2. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of detection marks (20) are disposed on the disk (10) and located at the edge of the disk (10); the ranging sensor (30) is disposed at the center of the disk (10); The detection mark (20) is a protruding structure protruding from the surface of the disk (10).

3. The rotary encoder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the detection mark (20) is a right triangle, including one leg (a) and one hypotenuse (b); The right-angled side (a) extends along the radius of the disk (10); the hypotenuse (b) has a preset tilt angle relative to the radius; the first end of the right-angled side (a) is connected to the edge of the disk (10), the second end of the right-angled side (a) is connected to the first end of the hypotenuse (b), and the second end of the hypotenuse (b) is connected to the edge of the disk (10).

4. The rotary encoder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the detection mark (20) is an inclined line segment. The inclined line segment has a preset inclination angle relative to the radial direction of the disk (10). One end of the inclined line segment is connected to the edge of the disk (10).

5. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of detection marks (20) are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the disk (10); The number of the detection markers (20) is greater than or equal to 360.

6. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ranging sensor (30) includes a time-of-flight sensor or an infrared ranging sensor (30).

7. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing unit is configured to determine the rotation angle of the disk (10) based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the graduation value represented by the detection mark (20); and, The rotation direction of the disk (10) is determined based on the changing trend of the distance signal within a single cycle.

8. A rotation angle detection method, applied to a rotary encoder as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: The distance between the distance sensor (30) and the detection mark (20) on the rotating disk (10) is continuously measured by the distance sensor (30) to obtain a periodic distance signal that varies with time; The data processing unit determines the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk (10) based on the periodic distance signal.

9. The rotation angle detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of determining the rotation angle and rotation direction of the disk (10) by the data processing unit based on the periodic distance signal includes: The rotation angle of the disk (10) is determined based on the number of periods of the periodic distance signal and the scale value represented by the detection mark (20); The rotation direction of the disk (10) is determined based on the changing trend of the distance signal within a single cycle.

10. A rotation control device, characterized in that, The rotary encoder includes any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotation angle and direction signals output by the data processing unit are used to control a target parameter value for continuous adjustment.

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