# US 2010/0164873 A1 · Optoelectronic Device for Determining Relative Movements or Relative Positions of Two Objects > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2010/0164873 A1 - Document ID: US20100164873A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 12/294,797 - Filed: 2007-04-05 - Published: 2010-07-01 - Earliest claimed: 2006-04-05 - Assignees: 3DConnection Holding SA - Inventors: Volker Senft; Antonio Pascucci - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20100164873A1 ## CPC - G06F 3/0421: {by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen} - G01D 5/34: the beams of light being detected by photocells - G01L 5/166: using photoelectric means - G06F 3/0338: with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks - G01D 2205/95: Three-dimensional encoders, i.e. having codes extending in three directions - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - G01D: MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G01L: MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE (weighing G01G) ## Abstract The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device (100) for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object (10) fixed relative to a frame (1) of the device; a second object (20) mounted in spaced relation to the first object (10) and adapted for movement relative thereto; and at least one measuring cell for determining movement or displacement of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10). In one aspect, the invention provides a stop arrangement (40) for limiting the movement or displacement of the second object relative (20) to the first object (10), wherein the stop arrangement (40) comprises a mounting part (44) to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100), and at least one generally elongate stop member (41) arranged laterally of and substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44). ## Claims ### Claim 1 An optoelectronic device (100) for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising: a first object (10) fixed relative to a frame (1) of the device; a second object (20) mounted in spaced relation to the first object (10) and adapted for movement relative thereto; at least one measuring cell for determining movement or displacement of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10); and a stop arrangement (40) for limiting the movement or displacement of the second object relative (20) to the first object (10), wherein the stop arrangement (40) comprises a mounting part (44) fixed relative to a frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100), and at least one generally elongate stop member (41) arranged laterally of and substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) An optoelectronic device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting part (44) is generally elongate and is fixed relative to the frame (1) of the device (100) at an end region thereof, and wherein the at least one stop member (41) is substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44) at a location spaced from said end region of the mounting part fixed to the frame. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) An optoelectronic device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is rigidly interconnected with the mounting part (44) at an end region of the mounting part opposite said end region fixed to the frame (1). ### Claim 4 (depends on 1, 2, 3) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is rigidly interconnected with the mounting part (44) via a connecting member (42, 45). ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) An optoelectronic device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting member (42, 45) comprises a substantially flat or plate-like element (42), such as a disc-shaped element, whereby the at least one stop member (41) and the mounting part (44) extend from one side of the plate-like element (42). ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) An optoelectronic device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the plate-like element (42) includes a region (43) oriented at a specific angle defining a maximum angle of tilt or rotation of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10). ### Claim 7 (depends on 4, 5, 6) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connecting member (42, 45) comprises a web or fin-like element (45) extending from the mounting part (44). ### Claim 8 (depends on 4, 5, 6, 7) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is received within an opening (24) formed in the second object (20) and wherein the connecting member (42, 45) extends in spaced relation to said second object (20). ### Claim 9 (depends on 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the mounting part (44), the at least one stop member (41) and the connecting member (42, 45) are formed as a unitary or integral component. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one stop member (41) comprises a plurality of stop members (41) arranged spaced apart from one another around the mounting part (44); wherein the mounting part (44) preferably comprises a central hub fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100) by a fastener, such as a threaded fastener, or by an adhesive. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an end of said at least one stop member (41) which is opposite an end region thereof rigidly interconnected with the mounting part (44) is not fixed to, or relative to, the frame (1). ### Claim 12 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) An optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mounting part (44) is comprised of an elongate stop member (41), such that the stop arrangement (40) comprises a plurality of stop members (41); wherein each of the stop members (41) is fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100) at one end region thereof, and the stop members (41) are substantially rigidly interconnected with each other at the other end regions thereof. ### Claim 13 A stop arrangement (40) for limiting the movement or displacement of a second object (20) relative to a first object (10) in an optoelectronic device (100), comprising: a mounting part (44) to be fixed relative to a frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100); and at least one generally elongate stop member (41) arranged laterally of and substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44). ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A stop arrangement (40) according to claim 13, wherein the mounting part (44) is generally elongate and is to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100) at an end region thereof, and wherein the at least one stop member (41) is substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44) at a location spaced from said end region of the mounting part (44) to be fixed to the frame. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A stop arrangement (40) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is rigidly interconnected with the mounting part (44) at the other end region of the mounting part opposite said one end region adapted to be fixed to the frame (1). ### Claim 16 (depends on 14, 15) A stop arrangement (40) according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is arranged laterally of the mounting part (44) such that the stop member (41) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of mounting part (44). ### Claim 17 (depends on 13, 14, 15, 16) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the at least one stop member (41) is rigidly interconnected with the mounting part (44) via a connecting member (42, 45). ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) A stop arrangement (40) according to claim 17, wherein the connecting member (42, 45) comprises a substantially flat or plate-like element (42), such as a disc-shaped element, whereby the at least one stop member (41) and the mounting part (44) extend from one side of the flat or plate-like element (42). ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) A stop arrangement (40) according to claim 18, wherein the plate-like element (42) includes a region (43) oriented at a specific angle defining a maximum angle of tilt or rotation of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10). ### Claim 20 (depends on 17, 18, 19) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the connecting member (42) comprises a web or fin-like element (45) which extends from the mounting part (44). ### Claim 21 (depends on 17, 18, 19, 20) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the mounting part (44), the at least one stop member (41) and the connecting member (42, 45) are formed as a unitary or integral component. ### Claim 22 (depends on 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 21, comprising a plurality of stop members (41) arranged spaced apart from one another around the mounting part (44), wherein the mounting part (44) preferably comprises a central hub adapted to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100). ### Claim 23 (depends on 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein an end region of each stop member (41) comprises a projection (43) for location or registration of the respective stop member (41) relative to a corresponding hole in the first object (10). ### Claim 24 (depends on 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein an end region of each stop member (41) is not to be fixed to, or relative to, the frame of the optoelectronic device (100). ### Claim 25 (depends on 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) A stop arrangement (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the mounting part (44) is comprised of an elongate stop member (41), such that the stop arrangement comprises a plurality of stop members (41); wherein each of the plurality of stop members (41) is adapted to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100) at said one end region thereof; and wherein the stop members (41) are substantially rigidly connected with each other at the other end regions thereof. ### Claim 26 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) A force and/or moment sensor incorporating an optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) A keyboard for a personal computer incorporating an optoelectronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.