Modular encoder and switch assembly

A modular electrical encoder and switch assembly, comprising:

• a first module containing a rotary-action electrical encoder, comprising a rotor, electrical contact fingers on the bottom surface of the rotor, and a substrate with a predetermined pattern of conductive elements fixed thereon to be contacted by the contact fingers as the rotor is rotated, the first module having top, bottom, and side surfaces;
• a second module containing a switch actuated by a push-button, the second module having top, bottom and side surfaces;
• attachment means for joining the first and second modules together in tandem and in axial alignment, with the top surface of the second module adjacent to the bottom surface of the first module;
• and
• a shaft having an outer end extending outwardly from the top surface of the first module, an inner end extending through the bottom surface of the first module, and an intermediate portion operatively connected to the rotor so that the rotor rotates with the shaft, the shaft being axially movable, with respect to the first and second modules and the rotor, between first and second axial positions;
• and
• spring means, engageable with the inner end of the shaft, for resiliently biasing the shaft toward the first axial position;
• whereby the shaft is rotatable to rotate the rotor when the shaft is in either the first or second axial positions, and the push-button of the switch is actuated when the shaft is moved axially from the first axial position to the second axial position.

A modular electrical encoder and switch assembly, comprising:

• a first module containing an electrical encoder, the first module having top bottom and side surfaces;
• a second module containing a switch, the second module having top, bottom, and side surfaces;
• bracket means for joining the first and second modules together in tandem, with the top surface of the second module adjacent to the bottom surface of the first module;
• shaft means passing through the first module and extending outwardly from the top surface thereof, and operatively connected to the encoder, the shaft means being rotatable about its axis to operate the encoder, and movable axially between first and second axial positions, the shaft means operatively engaging the switch when moved to the second axial position;
• a first bus bar extending from a side surface of the first module;
• and
• a second bus bar extending from a side surface of the second module so as to be vertically spaced from, and substantially parallel to, the first bus bar;
• the first and second bus bars each having a plurality of holes, the holes in the second bus bar being vertically aligned with the holes in the first bus bar, each vertically aligned pair of holes adapted to receive a termination pin.