Multiturn rotary encoders

Abstract

A multiturn rotary encoder includes: a measuring standard having at least one graduation track, with whose aid the angular position of a shaft is absolutely encoded; a first scanner, with which the at least one graduation track is able to be scanned in order to generate first position signals; a first single-turn evaluation unit for forming a first single-turn code word from the first position signals; a first multiturn evaluation unit for forming a first multiturn code word from the first position signals; a second scanner, with which the at least one graduation track is able to be scanned in order to generate second position signals; a second single-turn evaluation unit for forming a second single-turn code word from the second position signals; a second multiturn evaluation unit for forming a second multiturn code word from the second position signals; and a battery, with which at least the components necessary for forming the multiturn code words are able to be supplied with energy upon loss of a main power supply. A first battery-monitoring unit is provided, with which the functioning of the battery is able to be monitored and indicated by at least one battery-status signal.