US20070279049A1 - Magnetic rotational position sensor - Google Patents
Magnetic rotational position sensor Download PDFInfo
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- US20070279049A1 US20070279049A1 US11/891,178 US89117807A US2007279049A1 US 20070279049 A1 US20070279049 A1 US 20070279049A1 US 89117807 A US89117807 A US 89117807A US 2007279049 A1 US2007279049 A1 US 2007279049A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- 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
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
- G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
- G01D5/142—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices
- G01D5/145—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- 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
- G01D2205/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of means for transferring or converting the output of a sensing member
- G01D2205/40—Position sensors comprising arrangements for concentrating or redirecting magnetic flux
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- 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
- G01D2205/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of means for transferring or converting the output of a sensing member
- G01D2205/80—Manufacturing details of magnetic targets for magnetic encoders
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the field of rotational position sensors, and more specifically to a magnetic rotational position sensor for sensing position about an axis of rotation over a definable range of rotation. It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved magnetic rotational position sensor. Further objects, features, advantages, benefits, and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and description contained herein.
- the present invention relates generally to magnetic rotational position sensors. While the actual nature of the invention covered herein can only be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto, certain forms of the invention that are characteristic of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein are described briefly as follows.
- a magnetic rotational position sensor comprising first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap and cooperating with one another to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation.
- First and second magnetic flux sensors are positioned within the magnetic field and are operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement of the magnetic field.
- the first magnetic flux sensor defines a first sensing plane extending along a first sensor axis, with the first sensor axis arranged substantially parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation.
- the second magnetic flux sensor defines a second sensing plane extending along a second sensor axis, with the second sensor axis arranged substantially parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation.
- a magnetic rotational position sensor comprising first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap, and first and second shaped pole pieces positioned adjacent respective ones of the first and second magnets and facing one another across the air gap.
- the first and second shaped pole pieces cooperate with the first and second magnets to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation.
- At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the magnetic flux sensor.
- a magnetic rotational position sensor comprising a loop pole piece having a peripheral outer wall defining an inner region.
- the loop pole piece has a first overall dimension along a first axis and a second overall dimension along a second axis, with the first overall dimension being greater than the second overall dimension to provide the loop pole piece with an oblong configuration.
- First and second magnets are positioned within the inner region of the loop pole piece adjacent the peripheral outer wall and are spaced apart to define an air gap. The first and second magnets cooperate with said loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation.
- At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the at least one magnetic flux sensor.
- a magnetic rotational position sensor comprising a loop pole piece including first and second wall portions each having a substantially linear configuration, with the first and second wall portions arranged generally parallel to one another and spaced apart to define an inner region of the loop pole piece.
- First and second magnets are positioned within the inner region of the loop pole piece adjacent respective ones of the first and second wall portions, with the first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap.
- the first and second magnets cooperate with the loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation.
- At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the at least one magnetic flux sensor.
- FIG. 1A is a first exploded view of a first embodiment of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to one form of the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is a first perspective view of the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 1A , as assembled and adjoined to a control shaft.
- FIG. 1C is a second exploded view of the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 1D is a second perspective view of the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 1A , as assembled and adjoined to a control shaft.
- FIG. 2A is a first diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic circuit of FIGS. 1A-1D .
- FIG. 2B is a second diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic circuit of FIGS. 1A-1D .
- FIG. 2C is a third diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic circuit of FIGS. 1A-1D .
- FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic illustration of a second embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic illustration of a third embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a drive circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a graph depicting a waveform of a first generated voltage sensing signal and a waveform of a second generated voltage sensing signal of a preferred embodiment of the magnetic flux sensor of FIGS. 1A-1D .
- FIG. 5 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of an output signal amplifier in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic illustration of a reference positioning of a magnetic flux sensor of a preferred embodiment of a magnetic rotational position sensor in accordance with the present invention as adjoined to a control shaft.
- FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic illustration of a clockwise synchronous rotation of a magnetic circuit of the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic illustration of a counterclockwise synchronous rotation of the magnetic circuit of the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic circuit of FIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic circuit of FIG. 3A in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor of FIG. 16 .
- the present invention is a novel and unique magnetic rotational position sensor that senses each degree of rotation of a control shaft about an axis of rotation over a definable range of rotation without experiencing magnetic hysteresis.
- a control shaft is broadly defined as any article of manufacture or any combination of manufactured articles that is adjoined to an object, e.g. a throttle diaphragm, a foot pedal, a piston, etc., to control the linear, angular and/or rotational movement of the object as the control shaft is rotated about an axis of rotation, e.g. a longitudinal axis of the control shaft.
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 senses each degree of rotation of a control shaft 20 about an axis of rotation over a 180 degree range of rotation without experiencing magnetic hysteresis as further described in FIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text.
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 comprises a loop pole piece.
- a loop pole piece is broadly defined as any magnetizable article of manufacture or any combination of manufactured magnetizable articles that has a closed configuration defining an air gap area.
- the present invention contemplates that the loop pole piece can vary in geometric size and shape, and can be made from any magnetizable material.
- the loop pole piece is a soft magnetic steel loop pole piece 11 having an annular inner diameter surface 11 a defining an air gap area 11 c and an annular outer diameter surface 11 b as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D . It is also preferred that loop pole piece 11 has a thickness of 0.1 inches, inner diameter surface 11 a has a radius of 0.7 inches, and outer diameter surface 11 b has a radius of 0.75 inches.
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 further comprises a magnet disposed within air gap area 11 c to constitute a magnetic circuit that generates a magnetic field within air gap area 11 c and encloses the magnetic field within loop pole piece 11 to prevent magnetic hysteresis. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates that either a north pole surface of the magnet is facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface of the magnet is facing and adjacent inner diameter surface 11 a , or a north pole surface of the magnet is facing and adjacent inner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface of the magnet is facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 11 a , or a north pole surface and a south pole surface of the magnet are both facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 11 a .
- the magnet can vary in geometric size and shape, and can be any type of magnet.
- the magnet is an injection molded rare earth magnet 12 having a substantially semi-circular configuration that is void of any magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces.
- Magnet 12 is disposed within air gap area 11 c to constitute a magnetic circuit 13 as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D .
- Magnet 12 has a north pole surface 12 a facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface 12 b facing and adjoined to inner diameter surface 11 a to generate an equally balanced magnetic field 15 throughout air gap area 11 c and to enclose magnetic field 15 within loop pole piece 11 as further described in FIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text.
- magnet 12 has a thickness of 0.1 inches, and a maximum radial length of south pole surface 12 b is 0.25 inches.
- Loop pole piece 11 is adjoined to control shaft 20 to synchronously rotate magnetic field 15 about a second rotational axis for each degree of rotation of control shaft 20 about a first rotational axis, e.g. longitudinal axis 21 of control shaft 20 , as further described in FIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text.
- first rotational axis e.g. longitudinal axis 21 of control shaft 20 , as further described in FIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text.
- the term adjoined is broadly defined as an unitary fabrication, a permanent affixation, a detachable coupling, a continuous engagement or a contiguous disposal by any means of a first article and a second article, e.g.
- loop pole piece 11 , magnet 12 and control shaft 20 are encapsulated in plastic to permanently affix south pole surface 12 a and inner diameter surface 11 a via a plastic bonding, and to permanently affix loop pole piece 11 and control shaft 20 via a plastic base 23 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D .
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 further comprises a magnetic flux sensor.
- a magnetic flux sensor is broadly defined as any device operable to sense a magnitude of a magnetic flux density passing through the device and operable to generate at least one voltage sensing signal representative of a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing through the device.
- the magnetic flux sensor is a Hall effect device 14 , e.g. a HZ-302C (SIP type) Hall effect device manufactured by Ashai Kasei Electronics Co., Ltd., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D .
- Hall effect device 14 has a first plane 14 a and a second plane 14 b , and is operable to sense a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing through planes 14 a and 14 b .
- Hall effect device includes an input lead 14 c , a reference lead 14 d , a first output lead 14 e and a second output lead 14 f .
- Hall effect device 14 is also operable to generate a first voltage sensing signal V SS1 and a second voltage sensing signal V SS2 .
- Both voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 are representative of a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing through planes 14 a and 14 b , respectively, as further described in FIGS. 4A and 4B , and accompanying text.
- angular orientation angle ⁇ relative to magnetic field 15 will change with each degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about rotational axis 16 over a ⁇ ninety (90) degree range of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 relative to magnetic flux sensor 14 as evidenced by the synchronized rotational movement of a center point 17 of magnetic flux sensor 14 and a reference point 22 of control shaft 20 as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C .
- each degree of rotation of control shaft 20 about longitudinal axis 21 over a 180 degree range of rotation can be sensed because each degree of rotation of control shaft 20 about longitudinal axis 21 exclusively corresponds to a distinct degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about rotational axis 16 and a different magnitude of magnetic flux density will pass through magnetic flux sensor 14 for each degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about rotational axis 16 over the 180 degree range of rotation.
- angular orientation angle ⁇ To linearly sense each degree of rotation of control shaft 20 about longitudinal axis 21 over the 180 degree range of rotation, angular orientation angle ⁇ must uniformly change for each degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about rotational axis 16 .
- One aspect of the present invention is that for a selected rotational axis of magnetic field 15 that intersects center line 15 a , angular orientation angle ⁇ uniformly changes along one radial arc originating from the selected rotational axis for each degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about the selected rotational axis over approximately an ⁇ eighty (80) degree range of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 .
- angular orientation angle ⁇ uniformly changes along a radial arc 18 originating from rotational axis 16 for each degree of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 about rotational axis 16 over approximately an ⁇ eighty (80) degree range of synchronized rotation of magnetic field 15 relative to magnetic flux sensor 14 .
- magnetic flux sensor is initially disposed within magnetic field 15 along center line 15 a of magnetic field 15 with planes 14 a and 14 b parallel to magnetic field 15 and center point 17 of magnetic flux sensor 14 being an intersection point of center line 15 a of magnetic field 15 and radial arc 18 .
- the present invention contemplates that the axis of rotation of control shaft 20 may or may not coincide with a selected rotational axis of a generated and enclosed magnetic field.
- the axis of rotation of control shaft 20 does coincide with the selected rotational axis of the magnetic field, e.g. longitudinal axis 21 of shaft 20 coinciding with rotational axis 16 of magnetic field 15 .
- the relative dimensions of an inner diameter surface of a loop pole piece in accordance with the present invention and a north pole surface and a south pole surface of a magnet in accordance with the present invention defines the maximum synchronous range of rotation of a generated and enclosed magnetic field relative to a magnetic flux sensor.
- inner diameter surface 11 a of loop pole piece 11 , and poles surfaces 12 a and 12 b enable magnetic field 15 to be rotated at least 180 degrees relative to magnetic flux sensor 14 .
- the symmetrical configurations of a loop pole piece and a magnet void of magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces relative to a center line of a generated and enclosed magnetic field equally balances the magnetic field throughout the air gap area.
- the symmetrical configurations of loop pole piece 11 and magnet 12 relative to center line 15 a of magnetic field 15 equally balances magnetic field 15 throughout air gap area 11 c.
- a second embodiment of a magnetic circuit 113 includes a loop pole piece 111 having an annular configuration and a magnet 112 having a three quarter configuration. Loop pole piece 111 has an annular inner diameter surface 111 a defining an air gap area 111 c .
- Magnet 112 is disposed within air gap area 111 c and has a north pole surface 112 a facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface 112 b adjoined to inner diameter surface 111 a to generate and enclose an equally balanced magnetic field 115 throughout air gap area 111 c .
- Magnetic circuit 113 is advantageous to provide a more concentrated magnetic field 115 in situations where the definable range of rotation of control shaft 20 is to be thirty (30) degrees.
- a third embodiment of a magnetic circuit 213 includes a loop pole piece 211 having a dome configuration and a magnet 212 having a rectangular prism configuration. Loop pole piece 211 has an inner diameter surface 211 a defining an air gap area 211 c .
- Magnet 212 is disposed within air gap area 211 c and has a north pole surface 212 a facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 211 a and a south pole surface 212 b adjoined to inner diameter surface 211 a to generate and enclose an equally balanced magnet field 215 throughout air gap area 211 c .
- Magnetic circuit 213 is advantageous in situations where the simplicity of manufacturing a magnet or the expense in purchasing a magnet is of primary importance.
- a fourth embodiment of a magnetic circuit 313 includes a loop pole piece 311 having a diamond configuration and a magnet 312 having a triangular prism configuration. Loop pole piece 311 has an inner diameter surface 311 a defining an air gap area 311 c .
- Magnet 312 is disposed within air gap area 311 c and has a north pole surface 312 a facing and spaced from inner diameter surface 311 a and a south pole surface 312 b adjoined to inner diameter surface 311 a to generate and enclose an equally balanced magnet field 315 throughout air gap area 311 c.
- a current drive signal IDS and a voltage drive signal V DS need to be supplied to Hall effect device 14 to generate voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 .
- the present invention contemplates that any power source supplying current drive signal IDS and voltage drive signal V DS to Hall effect device 14 via input lead 14 a may be exposed to adverse temperatures as low as ⁇ 40° Celsius to as high as 150° Celsius when Hall effect device 14 is located in a engine compartment of a motor vehicle, and consequently, it is to be appreciated and understood that current drive signal IDS and voltage drive signal V DS can significantly fluctuate under such adverse temperature conditions.
- a preferred embodiment of a drive circuit 30 to invariably generate a constant current drive signal I CDS and a constant voltage drive signal V CDS over such adverse temperatures is shown in FIG. 4A .
- drive circuit 30 comprises a voltage divider 31 operable to generate a first reference voltage signal V REF1 in response to a power signal V CC .
- Voltage divider 31 including a first resistor R 1 , a second resistor R 2 and a third resistor R 3 electrically coupled in series to a power supply terminal 50 a and a ground reference terminal 50 b of a power source (not shown).
- the power source transmits a power signal V CC of 5.0 volts and first reference voltage signal V REF1 is approximately 2.5 volts.
- resistors R 1 and R 2 are of equal value and that resistor R 3 is of a significantly less value.
- resistors R 1 and R 2 are 10 k ohm resistors
- resistor R 3 is a trimable 1 k ohm resistor.
- Drive circuit 30 further comprises a current amplifier 32 operable to generate and control constant current drive signal ICDs and constant voltage drive signal V CDS in response to power signal V CC and a generated first reference voltage signal V REF1 .
- Current amplifier 32 includes a first operational amplifier OP 1 , a first bipolar pnp transistor Q 1 , a fourth resistor R 4 , a fifth resistor R 5 , and a first capacitor C 1 .
- Operational amplifier OP 1 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled to voltage divider 31 to receive a generated reference voltage signal V REF1 , and an inverting input electrically coupled to input lead 14 c of Hall effect device 14 .
- Transistor Q 1 has an emitter lead electrically coupled to reference lead 14 d of Hall effect device 14 and a collector lead electrically coupled to ground reference terminal 50 b .
- Resistor R 4 electrically couples power supply terminal 50 a to input lead 14 c of Hall effect device 14
- resistor R 5 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP 1 to a base lead of transistor Q 1
- capacitor C 1 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP 1 to the inverting input of operational amplifier OP 1 .
- constant current drive signal I CDS is 7.0 milliamperes ⁇ 10 microamperes and constant voltage drive signal V CDS is approximately 4.2 volts.
- resistor R 4 is a 150 ohm resistor
- resistor R 5 is a 470 ohm resistor
- capacitor C 1 is a 0.01 microfarads capacitor.
- drive circuit 30 can further comprise a second capacitor C 2 electrically coupling power supply terminal 50 a and ground reference terminal 50 b to eliminate any noise from power signal V CC .
- capacitor C 2 is a 0.1 microfarads capacitor.
- Hall effect device 14 Upon receipt of a generated constant current drive signal I CDS and a generated constant voltage drive signal V CDS , via input lead 14 c , Hall effect device 14 generates voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 . Waveforms of generated voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 as related to angular orientation angle ⁇ of Hall effect device 14 relative to magnetic field 15 are shown in FIG. 4B . Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C and 4 B, it is to be appreciated and understood that each value of voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 along the waveforms exclusively corresponds to a distinct degree of rotation of control shaft 20 about an axis of rotation, e.g.
- output signal amplifier 40 comprises a buffer amplifier 41 operable to buffer voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 and to counteract any temperature drift of voltage sensing signals V SS1 and/or V SS2 due to the ambient temperature of Hall effect device 14 .
- Buffer amplifier 41 includes a second operational amplifier OP 2 , a third operational amplifier OP 3 , a sixth resistor R 6 , a seventh resistor R 7 , an eighth resistor R 8 , a ninth resistor R 9 and a thermistor TR.
- Operational amplifier OP 2 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled to output lead 14 f of Hall effect device 14 to receive a generated voltage sensing signal V SS1
- operational amplifier OP 3 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled to output lead 14 e of Hall effect device 14 to receive a generated voltage sensing signal V SS2 .
- Resistor R 6 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP 2 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP 2
- resistor R 7 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP 3 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP 3
- resistors R 8 and R 9 in series electrically couple the inverting input of operational amplifier OP 2 and the inverting input of operational amplifier OP 3
- thermistor TR is electrically coupled in parallel to resistor R 8 .
- resistors R 6 and R 7 are 10 k ohm resistors
- resistors R 8 and R 9 are 1 k ohm resistors.
- Output signal amplifier 40 further comprises a voltage divider 42 operable to generate a second reference voltage signal V REF2 in response to a power signal V CC .
- Second reference voltage signal V REF2 is generated to correct for any manufacturing anomalies of Hall effect device 14 as further described in FIG. 6A and accompanying text.
- Voltage divider 42 includes a tenth resistor R 10 , an eleventh resistor R 11 , a twelfth resistor R 12 , and a thirteenth resistor R 13 electrically coupled in series to power supply terminal 50 a and ground reference terminal 50 b .
- power signal V CC is 5.0 volts and second reference voltage signal V REF2 is approximately 2.5 volts.
- resistors R 10 and R 13 are of equal value and that resistors R 11 and R 12 are of a significantly less value.
- resistors R 10 and R 13 are 10 k ohm resistors
- resistors R 11 and R 12 are trimable 1 k ohm resistors.
- Voltage divider 42 further includes an operational amplifier OP 5 having an non-inverting input electrically coupled to resistors R 11 and R 12 to receive a generated second reference voltage signal V REF2 , and an inverting input electrically coupled to a power output.
- Output signal amplifier 40 further comprises a differential amplifier 43 operable to generate a voltage output signal V OUT and a first current output signal I OUT1 in response to buffered voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 , and a generated second reference voltage signal V REF2 .
- Differential amplifier 43 includes an operational amplifier OP 4 , a fourteenth resistor R 14 , a fifteenth resistor R 15 , a sixteenth resistor R 16 and a third capacitor C 3 .
- Resistor R 14 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP 2 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP 4
- resistor R 15 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP 3 to a non-inverting input of operational amplifier OP 4
- resistor R 16 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP 5 to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier OP 4
- capacitor C 3 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP 4 to the inverting input of operational amplifier OP 4 .
- voltage output signal V OUT is representative of each degree of rotation of a control shaft 20 about the first rotational axis.
- voltage output signal V OUT ranges between 0 volts and 5.0 volts over the 180 degree range of rotation of control shaft 20 , and linearly ranges between 0.5 volts and 4.5 volts over a middle 160 degrees of the 180 degree range of rotation.
- resistors R 14 , R 15 and R 16 are 10 k ohm resistors, and capacitor C 3 is a 0.01 microfarads capacitor.
- output signal amplifier 40 can further comprises a boost circuit 44 to transmit voltage output signal V OUT and to boost output current signal I OUT1 .
- Boost circuit 44 includes a first bipolar npn transistor Q 2 , a second bipolar pnp transistor Q 3 , a seventeenth resistor R 17 , an eighteenth resistor R 18 , a nineteenth resistor R 19 , a twentieth resistor R 20 , a twenty-first resistor R 21 , and a fourth capacitor C 4 .
- An emitter lead of transistor Q 3 is electrically coupled to power supply terminal 50 a
- a base lead of transistor Q 3 is electrically coupled to a collector lead of transistor Q 2 .
- Resistor R 17 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP 4 to a base lead of transistor Q 2
- resistor R 18 electrically couples the inverting input of operational amplifier OP 4 to a collector lead of transistor Q 3
- resistor R 19 electrically couples an emitter lead of transistor Q 2 to ground reference terminal 50 b
- resistor R 20 electrically couples the emitter lead of transistor Q 2 to the collector lead of transistor Q 3
- resistor 21 and capacitor C 4 electrically couple the collector lead of transistor Q 3 to ground reference terminal 50 b .
- a boosted output current signal I OUT2 is approximately 5 milliamperes.
- resistor R 17 and Rl 9 are 5.6K ohm resistors
- resistor R 18 is a 10 k ohm resistor
- R 20 is a 8.2 k ohm resistor
- R 21 is a trimable 1 k ohm resistor
- capacitor C 4 is a 0.1 microfarads capacitor.
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 ′ comprises magnetic circuit 13 , Hall effect device 14 , drive circuit 30 and output signal amplifier 40 as previously described herein.
- Magnetic rotational position sensor 10 ′ further comprises a power source 50 , e.g. a battery as shown, electrically coupled to drive circuit 30 and output signal amplifier 40 to supply a power signal of 5.0 volts to drive circuit 30 and output signal amplifier 40 .
- a power source 50 e.g. a battery as shown
- the present invention contemplates that at an angular orientation angle ⁇ of zero degrees, voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 should be 2.5 volts and output voltage signal V OUT should be 2.5 volts as indicated on a voltmeter 60 as shown in FIG. 6A .
- Hall effect device 14 can have manufacturing anomalies that offsets voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 and output voltage signal V OUT from 2.5 volts.
- resistor R 3 of drive circuit 30 , and resistors R 11 and R 12 of output signal amplifier 40 are trimmed as necessary to transform the values of voltage sensing signals V SS1 and V SS2 and output voltage signal V OUT to 2.5 volts.
- thermistor TR of output signal amplifier 40 will maintain the value of output voltage signal V OUT to 2.5 volts over a temperature range of approximately ⁇ 40° Celsius and 150° Celsius.
- voltage sensing signals V S1 is 4.5 volts and V S2 is 0.5 volts
- output voltage signal V OUT is 4.5 volts as indicated on voltmeter 60 as shown in FIG.
- output voltage signal V OUT varies linearly between 0.5 volts and 4.5 volts, and increases and decreases at a rate of 0.025 volts per full degree of rotation of control shaft 20 .
- output voltage signal V OUT can be easily processed by a microprocessor based system to control all rotational movements of control shaft 20 about the first rotational axis.
- magnetic circuit 13 includes an injection molded rare earth magnet 12 having a substantially semi-circular configuration that is void of any magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces 12 a and 12 b .
- magnets are difficult to manufacture.
- FIG. 7 an alternative embodiment of a magnetic circuit 13 ′ in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 7 .
- magnetic circuit 13 ′ includes loop pole piece 11 and a magnet 12 ′ of a semi-circular configuration having a first magnetic flux density hot spot 12 c ′ and a second magnetic flux density hot spot 12 d ′ on a north pole surface 12 a ′.
- magnetic circuit 13 ′ further includes a diffusion plate 19 adjacent north pole surface 12 a ′ of magnet 12 ′ to create and maintain an equally balance magnetic field 15 ′ throughout air gap area 11 c.
- a loop pole piece can be any combination of manufactured magnetizable articles that has a closed configuration defining an air gap area.
- FIG. 8 is an example of such a loop pole piece.
- a magnetic circuit 413 includes a first pole piece 411 of an opened dome configuration, and a second pole piece 419 having a rectangular prism configuration adjoined to a portions 411 e and 411 f of pole piece 411 to close first pole piece 411 , thus defining an air gap area 411 c .
- Magnetic circuit 413 further includes a magnet 412 disposed within air gap area 411 c with a north pole surface 412 a facing and spaced from an inner diameter surface 411 a of pole piece 411 and a south pole surface adjoined to a portion 411 e and a portion 411 f of pole piece 411 to generate a magnetic field 415 .
- Pole piece 419 is properly aligned along portions 411 e and 411 f to equally balance enclosed magnetic field 415 throughout air gap area 411 c.
- the magnetic rotational position sensor 500 includes a magnetic circuit generally comprised of a loop pole piece 502 and a magnet 504 arranged generally along a central axis 506 . Similar to the magnetic rotational position sensor embodiments illustrated and described above, the magnetic rotational position sensor 500 is adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft (e.g., control shaft 20 ) about an axis of rotation R 1 with minimal magnetic hysteresis. The magnetic rotational position sensor 500 is preferably adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft about the axis of rotation R 1 over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation. However, other ranges of rotation are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- a control shaft e.g., control shaft 20
- the magnetic rotational position sensor 500 is preferably adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft about the axis of rotation R 1 over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation.
- other ranges of rotation are also contemplated
- the loop pole piece 502 includes a peripheral outer wall 608 extending about an inner air gap area G within which the magnet 504 is disposed.
- the magnet 504 is preferably polarized in a direction extending generally along the central axis 506 .
- the loop pole piece 502 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheral outer wall 608 .
- the outer wall 608 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations, as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,664 to Ventroni et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- the loop pole piece 502 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, the loop pole piece 502 includes a base portion 510 arranged along the central axis 506 , a pair of outwardly projecting portions 512 and 514 extending laterally from the base portion 510 and disposed on opposite sides of the central axis 506 , and an inwardly projecting portion 516 disposed between the outwardly projecting portions 512 , 514 and arranged generally along the central axis 506 .
- the loop pole piece 502 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to the central axis 506 .
- the loop pole piece 502 has an oblong or elliptical configuration, defining a transverse dimension along a transverse axis 507 that is greater than an axial dimension along the central axis 506 .
- the loop pole piece 502 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the base portion 510 , the outwardly projecting portions 512 and 514 , and the inwardly projecting portion 516 cooperate to define the inner air gap G.
- the magnet 504 is disposed within the air gap G adjacent the base portion 510 of the loop pole piece 502 , with the south pole S of the magnet 504 positioned adjacent the base portion 510 and the north pole N of the magnet 504 facing the air gap G.
- the orientation of the magnet 504 may be reversed, with the north pole N disposed adjacent the base portion 510 and the south pole S facing the air gap G.
- the magnet 504 has a rectangular configuration, with the base portion 510 of the pole piece 502 having a linear configuration defining a substantially flat inner surface 520 for adjoinment with a corresponding flat surface 505 of the magnet 504 .
- the magnet 504 and the base portion 510 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including non-rectangular and non-linear configurations, examples of which have been illustrated and described above with regard to other embodiments of the invention.
- the outwardly projecting portions 512 , 514 of the loop pole piece 502 each preferably have an arcuate configuration defining concave inner surfaces 522 , 524 , respectively, facing the air gap area G.
- the concave inner surfaces 522 , 524 each have a diametric configuration defining a substantially uniform radius of curvature.
- other configurations of the outwardly projecting portions 512 , 514 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including non-diametric configurations and non-arcuate configurations, such as, for example, angled configurations or polygonal configurations.
- the inwardly projecting portion 516 of the loop pole piece 502 preferably has an arcuate configuration defining a convex inner surface 526 facing the air gap area G.
- the convex inner surface 526 defines a substantially uniform radius of curvature.
- other configurations of the inwardly projecting portion 516 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including non-arcuate configurations, such as, for example, angled configurations or polygonal configurations.
- the outer wall 608 of the pole piece 502 has a varying material thickness t. More specifically, the base portion 510 of the pole piece 502 adjacent the magnet 504 has a first thickness t 1 which transitions to a reduced second thickness t 2 adjacent the inwardly extending portion 516 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pole piece 502 gradually transitions from the first thickness t 1 to the second thickness t 2 along the length of the outwardly extending portions 512 , 514 . As should be appreciated, the thicker portions of the loop pole piece 502 offer a lesser degree of magnetic reluctance than do the thinner portions of the loop pole piece 502 . As a result, the portions of the loop pole piece 502 conveying higher levels of magnetic flux density are provided with a greater material thickness t compared to the portions of the loop pole piece 502 conveying lower levels of magnetic flux density.
- the loop pole piece 502 and the magnet 504 cooperate to generate a magnetic field 530 within the air gap G.
- the magnetic field 530 is equally balanced relative to the central axis 506 so as to define substantially symmetrical portions of the magnetic field 530 on either side of the central axis 506 .
- a magnetic flux sensor 14 is positioned within the air gap G to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through the sensing planes 14 a and 14 b upon rotation of the magnetic circuit about an axis of rotation R 2 .
- a single magnetic flux sensor 14 is provided to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G.
- two or more magnetic flux sensors may be used to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G, an example of which is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,865 to Tola et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit is arranged co-axial with the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit may be offset from the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the magnetic flux sensor 14 is arranged along a central axis 17 extending generally along the sensing surfaces 14 a , 14 b and offset from and arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit.
- the central axis 17 of the magnetic flux sensor 14 travels along a sensing path 18 , extending generally along a radial arc as the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the sensing range of the magnetic rotational position sensor 500 preferably extends over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation.
- the sensing path 18 also preferably extends along a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree radial arc.
- the relative density or concentration of the magnetic field lines is increased in the region of the air gap G adjacent the central axis 506 extending between the magnet 504 and the inwardly extending pole piece portion 516 .
- the magnetic field lines adjacent the central axis 506 extending between the magnet 504 and the inwardly extending pole piece portion 516 are relatively uniform and are arranged substantially parallel with the central axis 506 .
- sensitivity associated with the positioning and alignment of the magnetic flux sensor 14 within the air gap G adjacent the central axis 506 is reduced, thereby resulting in increased linearity and decreased hysteresis of sensor signal output.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 shown therein is a magnetic rotational position sensor 600 according to another form of the present invention. Additionally, a similar magnetic rotational position sensor 600 ′ according to a further form of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ each include a magnetic circuit generally comprised of a loop pole piece 602 and first and second magnets 604 a , 604 b arranged generally along a central longitudinal axis L and spaced apart to define an air gap G therebetween. It should be understood that the air gap G not only includes the area lying directly between the magnets 604 a , 604 b along the longitudinal axis L, but also includes the areas laterally adjacent thereto along the transverse axis T.
- the illustrated embodiments of the magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ each include first and second shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b arranged generally along the longitudinal axis L and positioned proximately adjacent the first and second magnets 604 a , 604 b . Similar to the magnetic rotational position sensor 500 illustrated and described above, the magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ are adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft (e.g., a control shaft 20 ) about an axis of rotation R 1 with minimal magnetic hysteresis.
- a control shaft e.g., a control shaft 20
- the magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ are preferably adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft about an axis of rotation R 1 over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation.
- R 1 a control shaft about an axis of rotation
- R 1 a control shaft about an axis of rotation
- other ranges of rotation are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 602 is formed of a magnetic material and serves to enhance/intensify the magnetic field levels generated by the magnetic circuit by providing a return path for the magnetic flux generated by the magnets 604 a , 604 b . Additionally, the loop pole piece 602 serves to shield the magnetic circuit from any magnetic fields existing outside of the sensor 600 to prevent or at least minimize magnetic hysteresis and/or magnetic or electrical interferences.
- the loop pole piece 602 includes a peripheral outer wall 608 defining an inner region 610 within which the magnets 604 a , 604 b are positioned.
- the magnets 604 a , 604 b are each polarized in a direction extending generally along the longitudinal axis L.
- the magnets 604 a , 604 b are polarized in the same general direction. However, it should be understood that other polarization configurations and arrangements are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 602 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheral outer wall 608 .
- the outer wall 608 of the loop pole piece 602 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations, as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,664 to Ventroni et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- the loop pole piece 602 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, the loop pole piece 602 has a rectangular-shaped or square-shaped configuration including a first pair of opposite wall portions 608 a , 608 b arranged substantially parallel to one another, and a second pair of opposite wall portions 608 c , 608 d arranged substantially parallel to one another.
- the first pair of opposite wall portions 608 a , 608 b extends generally along the transverse axis T while the second pair of opposite wall portions 608 c , 608 d extends generally along the longitudinal axis L between the first pair of opposite wall portions 608 a , 608 b .
- the corners between the adjacent wall portions are rounded.
- the loop pole piece 602 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.
- non-symmetrical configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 602 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 602 may have circular or diametric configurations, oblong or elliptical configurations, angular or polyagonal configurations, or any other shape or configuration that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the magnets 604 a , 604 b are rare earth magnets and each has a substantially rectangular configuration. This particular type of magnet is relatively common, thereby increasing sourcing opportunities and reducing the overall cost of the magnetic circuit.
- other shapes and configurations of the magnets 604 a , 604 b are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including a square shape, irregular shapes, and non-rectangular and non-linear configurations, examples of which have been illustrated and described above with regard to other embodiments of the invention.
- the magnets 604 a , 604 b are disposed within the inner region 610 of the loop pole piece 602 and are positioned adjacent the opposite wall portions 608 a , 608 b , respectively, with the north pole N of the magnet 604 a positioned adjacent the wall portion 608 a and the south pole S of the magnet 604 b positioned adjacent the wall portion 608 b .
- the orientation of one or both of the magnets 604 a , 604 b relative to the wall portions 608 a , 608 b may be reversed.
- the wall portions 608 a , 608 b of the pole piece 602 each have a linear configuration defining a substantially flat inner surface 612 adapted for adjoinment with a corresponding flat surface 614 of the magnets 604 a , 604 b .
- the wall portions 608 a , 608 b are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the magnetic circuit is illustrated and described as including a pair of magnets 604 a , 604 b , it should be understood that the magnetic circuit may include any number of magnets, including a single magnet or three or more magnets.
- the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b are formed of cold rolled steel (CRS). However, it should be understood that other suitable materials are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the pole pieces 606 a , 606 b are positioned adjacent the magnets 604 a , 604 b , respectively, and include inwardly facing surfaces 628 a , 628 b that face the air gap G.
- the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b cooperate with the magnets 604 a , 604 b to generate a magnetic field M ( FIGS. 11 and 15 ) extending across the air gap G.
- the magnetic field M is substantially symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis L and relative to the transverse axis T. As a result, the magnetic field M is balanced relative to the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b each have a non-rectangular or irregular shape.
- each of the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b has a generally curved or arcuate configuration including a central portion 620 positioned adjacent a respective one of the magnets 604 a , 604 b and a pair of side portions or wings 622 a , 622 b extending transversely and laterally beyond the respective magnet 604 a , 604 b .
- the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b have been illustrated and described as having a particular shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations of the pole pieces 606 a , 606 b are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b are each formed as a single-piece, unitary structure. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b may each be formed from separate/discrete elements that are subsequently interconnected to form an integrated pole piece structure. Furthermore, although the magnetic circuit is illustrated and described as including a pair of the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b , it should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the magnetic circuit need not necessarily include any shaped pole pieces.
- the central portion 620 of the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b preferably has a linear configuration defining a substantially flat outer surface 624 for adjoinment with a corresponding flat surface 626 defined by a respective one of the magnets 604 a , 604 b .
- the central portion 620 may take on other configurations as well, such as, for example, a curved or arcuate configuration.
- the side portions 622 a , 622 b preferably have substantially the same configuration and are preferably arranged symmetrical to one another relative to the longitudinal axis L.
- the side portions 622 a , 622 b have a curved or arcuate configuration defining a concave or radial inner surface 630 facing the air gap G. Additionally, the side portions 622 a , 622 b have a reduced or tapering thickness t as the side portions 622 a , 622 b extend laterally outward from the central portion 620 . Furthermore, the side portions 622 a , 622 b extend outwardly from the central portion 620 at an angle ⁇ . In one embodiment, the side portions 622 a , 622 b extend from the central portion 620 at an angle ⁇ falling within a range of zero degrees to ninety degrees.
- the side portions 622 a , 622 b extend from the central portion 620 at an angle ⁇ of about thirty degrees to about sixty degrees, and in a specific embodiment extend from the central portion 620 at an angle ⁇ of about forty-five degrees.
- a specific configuration of the side portions 622 a , 622 b has been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that the side portions 622 a , 622 b may take on other configurations as well.
- the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b are configured and arranged in a substantially symmetrical relationship relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.
- the magnets 604 a , 604 b and the shaped pole pieces 606 a , 606 b cooperate to generate a balanced magnetic field M within the air gap G that is also substantially symmetrical relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T ( FIGS. 11 and 15 ).
- the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the longitudinal axis L is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L.
- the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the transverse axis T is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the transverse axis T.
- a pair of magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b is positioned within the air gap G to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through the sensing planes S as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b in turn generate an electronic signal, such as a voltage signal, that is proportional to the magnitude of the sensed magnetic flux density.
- the magnetic field strength or flux density sensed by the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b is proportional to the rotational position/orientation of the sensors 14 a , 14 b relative to the magnetic circuit and the magnetic field M.
- the voltage signal generated by the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b is preferably substantially linear over a predetermined range of rotational travel and exhibits minimal magnetic hysteresis.
- magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ are illustrated and described herein as including a pair of magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b , it should be understood that one or three or more magnetic flux sensors may be used to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G.
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are Hall devices that function to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density in directions substantially perpendicular to the sensing plane S.
- other types and configurations of magnetic flux sensors are also contemplated as would occur to one of skill in the art including, for example, MR-type sensors.
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are arranged along sensor axes 17 a , 17 b , respectively, which extend generally along respective ones of the sensing planes S. Additionally, the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b are each offset from and arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the axis of rotation R 2 and are offset from the axis of rotation R 2 by an equal distance.
- the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b travel along substantially identical sensing paths 18 a , 18 b which extend along a common radius as the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the sensing range of each of the magnetic rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′ preferably extends over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation.
- the sensing paths 18 a , 18 b may also extend along a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree radial arc.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit is arranged co-axial with the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit may be offset from the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are positioned such that the sensing planes S are arranged in a co-planar relationship, with the sensing planes S preferably intersecting the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are positioned such that the sensing planes S are arranged in a parallel and offset relationship, with the sensing planes S arranged on opposite sides of the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic rotational position sensor 600 ′ illustrates the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b as being offset from one another by a distance d, it should be understood that the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b may be positioned such that their inwardly facing surfaces are arranged proximately adjacent one another or in an abutting relationship (i.e., wherein the distance d is zero).
- the density or concentration of the magnetic field within the air gap G is relatively uniform, with the magnetic field lines extending generally parallel with the longitudinal axis L and providing a generally symmetrical magnetic field M relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.
- the angular orientation of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b relative to the magnetic field M will correspondingly change so as to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through the sensing planes S (i.e., the normal magnetic flux passing perpendicularly through the sensing planes S).
- the magnetic field lines extending along the longitudinal axis L are relatively uniform and are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L, the sensitivity associated with the positioning and alignment of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b within the air gap G is reduced, thereby resulting in increased linearity and decreased hysteresis of sensor signal output.
- the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux will vary in a substantially linear manner as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 , with the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux density being approximately zero when the sensing planes S are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L.
- the magnetic field M is substantially uniform and symmetrical relative the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T, the magnitude of magnetic flux sensed by the magnetic flux sensor 14 a will be substantially equal to that sensed by magnetic flux sensor 14 b arranged diametrically opposite the magnetic flux sensor 14 a .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b may be used to generate substantially equal or redundant output signals that correspond to the particular rotational position of the sensors 14 a , 14 b along the radial sensing paths 18 a , 18 b relative to the magnetic field M, which in turn corresponds to the particular rotational position of the control shaft 20 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b remain in a stationary position while the magnetic field M generated by the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic field M remains in a stationary position while the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b and the magnetic field M may both be rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 , either at different rates and/or in opposite directions relative to one another.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 shown therein is a magnetic rotational position sensor 700 according to another form of the present invention. Additionally, a similar magnetic rotational position sensor 700 ′ according to a further form of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- the magnetic rotational position sensors 700 and 700 ′ each include a magnetic circuit generally comprised of a loop pole piece 702 and first and second shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b centrally arranged relative to a longitudinal axis L and extending generally along a transverse axis T.
- the magnets 704 a , 704 b are spaced apart to define an air gap G therebetween.
- the air gap G not only includes the area lying directly between the magnets 704 a , 704 b along the longitudinal axis L, but also includes the areas laterally adjacent thereto along the transverse axis T.
- the illustrated embodiments of the sensors 700 and 700 ′ do not include shaped pole pieces that cooperate with the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b in a manner similar to that described about with regard to the rotational position sensors 600 and 600 ′, it should be understood that the use of shaped pole pieces is also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the magnetic rotational position sensors 700 and 700 ′ are adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft (e.g., control shaft 20 ) about an axis of rotation R 1 with minimal magnetic hysteresis. Additionally, the magnetic rotational position sensors 700 and 700 ′ are preferably adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft about the axis of rotation R 1 over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation. However, other ranges of rotation are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the loop pole piece 702 and the first and second shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are attached to a rotor portion 708 .
- the rotor portion 708 is in turn coupled to the control shaft 20 (not shown) such that rotation of the control shaft 20 rotates the rotor portion 208 which in turn rotates the magnetic circuit (including the magnetic field M) about the axis of rotation R 2 . It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the position sensors 700 and 700 ′ need not necessarily include a separate rotor portion 208 .
- the loop pole piece 702 is formed of a magnetic material and serves to enhance/intensify the magnetic field levels generated by the magnetic circuit by providing a return path for the magnetic flux generated by the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b . Additionally, the loop pole piece 702 serves to shield the magnetic circuit from any magnetic fields existing outside of the sensors 700 and 700 ′ to prevent or at least minimize magnetic hysteresis and/or magnetic or electrical interferences. In one embodiment, the loop pole piece 702 includes a peripheral outer wall 708 defining an inner region 710 within which the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are positioned.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are each polarized in directions substantially normal to the respective pole surfaces 730 a , 730 b facing the air gap G.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b may be polarized in the same overall longitudinal direction. Additionally, it should be also understood that other polarization configurations and arrangements are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 702 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheral outer wall 708 . However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the outer wall 708 of the loop pole piece 702 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations.
- the loop pole piece 702 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, the loop pole piece 702 has an oval or elliptical configuration, including a first pair of opposite wall portions 708 a , 708 b extending generally along the transverse axis T and a second pair of opposite wall portions 708 c , 708 d extending generally along the longitudinal axis L between the first pair of opposite wall portions 708 a , 708 b .
- each of the wall portions 708 a , 708 b and 708 c , 708 d has a curved or arcuate configuration and the loop pole piece 702 has a transverse dimension (along axis T) that is somewhat greater than an axial dimension (along axis L) so as to provide the loop pole piece 702 with an oblong configuration having an oval or elliptical shape.
- the loop pole piece 702 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T, although non-symmetrical configurations are also contemplated.
- the loop pole piece 702 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the loop pole piece 702 may have circular or diametric configurations, rectangular or square configurations, angular or polyagonal configurations, or any other shape or configuration that would occur to one of skill in the art.
- the loop pole piece has a rectangular or square configuration and the magnetic circuit includes shaped magnets having planar pole surfaces that are positioned proximately adjacent to or in abutment with opposite linear wall portions of the rectangular loop pole piece.
- the shaped magnets may define pole surfaces facing the air gap which have an arcuate configuration, such as a concave curvature, or a planar configuration.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are rare earth magnets and each have a curved or arcuate configuration that generally corresponds to the curved or arcuate shape associated with the wall portions 708 a , 708 b of the loop pole piece 702 .
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b define concave inner pole surfaces 730 a , 730 b , respectively, which face the air gap G.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b have a strip or bar-like configuration extending along the curved inner perimeter of the loop pole piece 702 and having a substantially uniform thickness t.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b may be said to have a peripheral or arc-shaped configuration defining a segment of an annular ring.
- other shapes and configurations of magnets are also contemplated for use in association with the present invention.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are configured and arranged in a substantially symmetrical relationship relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b cooperate with one another to generate a balanced magnetic field M extending across the air gap G that is also substantially symmetrical relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T ( FIGS. 13 and 17 ).
- the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the longitudinal axis L is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L.
- the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the transverse axis T is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the transverse axis T.
- the magnetic field M is balanced relative to the axis of rotation R 2 , the purpose of which will be discussed below.
- each of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b extends about approximately one-sixth to one-half of the overall perimeter of the loop pole piece 702 . In a further embodiment, each of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b extends about approximately one-forth to one-third of the overall perimeter of the loop pole piece 702 . In a specific embodiment, the combined length of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b extends about approximately three-quarters of the overall perimeter of the loop pole piece 702 . However, other dimensional configurations of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b may be formed by bending or otherwise deforming a standard rectangular-shaped magnet, thereby increasing sourcing opportunities and reducing the overall cost of the magnetic circuit.
- the opposite wall portions 708 a , 708 b and 708 c , 708 d of the loop pole piece 702 cooperate to define the inner region 710 of the magnetic circuit.
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b are disposed within the inner region 710 and are positioned adjacent the opposite wall portions 708 a , 708 b , respectively, with the north pole N of the magnet 704 a positioned adjacent the wall portion 708 a and with the south pole S of the magnet 704 b positioned adjacent the wall portion 708 b .
- the orientation of one or both of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b relative to the wall portions 708 a , 708 b may be reversed.
- the wall portions 708 a , 708 b of the pole piece 702 each define a concave inner surface 712 configured for adjoinment with a corresponding convex outer surface 714 of the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b .
- the shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b and/or the wall portions 708 a , 708 b are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including the rectangular or linear configuration illustrated and described above with regard to the position sensors 600 and 600 ′.
- the magnetic circuit is illustrated and described as including a pair of shaped magnets 704 a , 704 b , it should be understood that the magnetic circuit may include any number of magnets, including a single magnet or three or more magnets.
- each of the position sensors 700 , 700 ′ includes a pair of magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b that are positioned within the air gap G to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through sensing planes S as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b in turn generate an electronic signal, such as a voltage signal, that is proportional to the magnitude of the sensed magnetic flux density.
- the magnetic field strength or flux density sensed by the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b is proportional to the rotational position/orientation of the sensors 14 a , 14 b relative to the magnetic circuit and the magnetic field M.
- the voltage signal generated by the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b is preferably substantially linear over a predetermined range of rotational travel and exhibits minimal magnetic hysteresis.
- the position sensors 700 and 700 ′ are illustrated and described herein as including a pair of magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b , it should be understood that one or three or more magnetic flux sensors may be used to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G.
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are Hall devices that function to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density in directions substantially perpendicular to the sensing plane S.
- other types and configurations of magnetic flux sensors are also contemplated as would occur to one of skill in the art including, for example, MR-type sensors.
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are arranged along sensor axes 17 a , 17 b , respectively, which extend generally along respective ones of the sensing planes S. Additionally, the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b are each offset from and arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the axis of rotation R 2 and are offset from the axis of rotation R 2 by an equal distance.
- the sensor axes 17 a , 17 b of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b travel along substantially identical sensing paths 18 a , 18 b which extend along a common radius as the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the sensing range of each of the magnetic rotational position sensors 700 and 700 ′ preferably extends over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation.
- the sensing paths 18 a , 18 b may also extend along a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree radial arc.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit is arranged co-axial with the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the axis of rotation R 2 of the magnetic circuit may be offset from the axis of rotation R 1 of the control shaft.
- the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are positioned such that the sensing planes S are arranged in a co-planar relationship, with the sensing planes S preferably intersecting the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are positioned such that the sensing planes S are arranged in a parallel and offset relationship, with the sensing planes S arranged on opposite sides of the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic rotational position sensor 700 ′ illustrates the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b as being offset from one another by a distance d, it should be understood that the flux sensors 14 a , 14 b may be positioned such that their inwardly facing surfaces are arranged proximately adjacent one another or in an abutting relationship (i.e., wherein the distance d is zero).
- the density or concentration of the magnetic field within the air gap G is relatively uniform, with the magnetic field lines extending generally parallel with the longitudinal axis L and providing a generally symmetrical magnetic field M relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.
- the angular orientation of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b relative to the magnetic field M will correspondingly change so as to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through the sensing planes S (i.e., the normal magnetic flux passing perpendicularly through the sensing planes S).
- the magnetic field lines extending along the longitudinal axis L are relatively uniform and are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L, the sensitivity associated with the positioning and alignment of the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b within the air gap G is reduced, thereby resulting in increased linearity and decreased hysteresis of sensor signal output.
- the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux will vary in a substantially linear manner as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 , with the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux density being approximately zero when the sensing planes S are positioned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L.
- the magnetic field M is uniform and symmetrical relative the transverse axis T, the magnitude of magnetic flux sensed by the magnetic flux sensor 14 a will be substantially equal to that sensed by magnetic flux sensor 14 b arranged diametrically opposite the magnetic flux sensor 14 a .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b may be used to generate substantially equal or redundant output signals that correspond to the particular rotational position of the sensors 14 a , 14 b along the radial sensing paths 18 a , 18 b relative to the magnetic field M, which in turn corresponds to the particular rotational position of the control shaft 20 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b remain in a stationary position while the magnetic field M generated by the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic field M remains in a stationary position while the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b are rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 .
- the magnetic flux sensors 14 a , 14 b and the magnetic field M may both be rotated about the axis of rotation R 2 , either at different rates and/or in opposite directions relative to one another.
Abstract
A magnetic rotational position sensor including first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap and cooperating with one another to generate a magnetic field within the air gap extending along an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the magnetic flux sensor about the axis of rotation.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/348,234, filed Jan. 21, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 09/645,190, filed Aug. 24, 2000 and issued on Jan. 21, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,734, which is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/074,946, filed May 8, 1998 and issued on Oct. 24, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,288, the contents of each patent application hereby being incorporated by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to the field of rotational position sensors, and more specifically to a magnetic rotational position sensor for sensing position about an axis of rotation over a definable range of rotation. It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved magnetic rotational position sensor. Further objects, features, advantages, benefits, and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and description contained herein.
- The present invention relates generally to magnetic rotational position sensors. While the actual nature of the invention covered herein can only be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto, certain forms of the invention that are characteristic of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein are described briefly as follows.
- In one form of the present invention, a magnetic rotational position sensor is provided, comprising first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap and cooperating with one another to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation. First and second magnetic flux sensors are positioned within the magnetic field and are operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement of the magnetic field. The first magnetic flux sensor defines a first sensing plane extending along a first sensor axis, with the first sensor axis arranged substantially parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation. The second magnetic flux sensor defines a second sensing plane extending along a second sensor axis, with the second sensor axis arranged substantially parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation.
- In another form of the present invention, a magnetic rotational position sensor is provided, comprising first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap, and first and second shaped pole pieces positioned adjacent respective ones of the first and second magnets and facing one another across the air gap. The first and second shaped pole pieces cooperate with the first and second magnets to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the magnetic flux sensor.
- In still another form of the present invention, a magnetic rotational position sensor is provided, comprising a loop pole piece having a peripheral outer wall defining an inner region. The loop pole piece has a first overall dimension along a first axis and a second overall dimension along a second axis, with the first overall dimension being greater than the second overall dimension to provide the loop pole piece with an oblong configuration. First and second magnets are positioned within the inner region of the loop pole piece adjacent the peripheral outer wall and are spaced apart to define an air gap. The first and second magnets cooperate with said loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the at least one magnetic flux sensor.
- In a further form of the present invention, a magnetic rotational position sensor is provided, comprising a loop pole piece including first and second wall portions each having a substantially linear configuration, with the first and second wall portions arranged generally parallel to one another and spaced apart to define an inner region of the loop pole piece. First and second magnets are positioned within the inner region of the loop pole piece adjacent respective ones of the first and second wall portions, with the first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap. The first and second magnets cooperate with the loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across the air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the at least one magnetic flux sensor.
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FIG. 1A is a first exploded view of a first embodiment of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to one form of the present invention. -
FIG. 1B is a first perspective view of the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 1A , as assembled and adjoined to a control shaft. -
FIG. 1C is a second exploded view of the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 1D is a second perspective view of the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 1A , as assembled and adjoined to a control shaft. -
FIG. 2A is a first diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic circuit ofFIGS. 1A-1D . -
FIG. 2B is a second diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic circuit ofFIGS. 1A-1D . -
FIG. 2C is a third diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic circuit ofFIGS. 1A-1D . -
FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic illustration of a second embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic illustration of a third embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3C is a diagrammatic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a magnetic circuit in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 4A is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a drive circuit in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 4B is a graph depicting a waveform of a first generated voltage sensing signal and a waveform of a second generated voltage sensing signal of a preferred embodiment of the magnetic flux sensor ofFIGS. 1A-1D . -
FIG. 5 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of an output signal amplifier in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic illustration of a reference positioning of a magnetic flux sensor of a preferred embodiment of a magnetic rotational position sensor in accordance with the present invention as adjoined to a control shaft. -
FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic illustration of a clockwise synchronous rotation of a magnetic circuit of the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic illustration of a counterclockwise synchronous rotation of the magnetic circuit of the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic circuit ofFIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic circuit ofFIG. 3A in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of a magnetic rotational position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic rotational position sensor ofFIG. 16 . - For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
- The present invention is a novel and unique magnetic rotational position sensor that senses each degree of rotation of a control shaft about an axis of rotation over a definable range of rotation without experiencing magnetic hysteresis. For purposes of the present invention, a control shaft is broadly defined as any article of manufacture or any combination of manufactured articles that is adjoined to an object, e.g. a throttle diaphragm, a foot pedal, a piston, etc., to control the linear, angular and/or rotational movement of the object as the control shaft is rotated about an axis of rotation, e.g. a longitudinal axis of the control shaft. Referring to
FIGS. 1A-1D , a first embodiment of a magneticrotational position sensor 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Magneticrotational position sensor 10 senses each degree of rotation of acontrol shaft 20 about an axis of rotation over a 180 degree range of rotation without experiencing magnetic hysteresis as further described inFIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text. - Magnetic
rotational position sensor 10 comprises a loop pole piece. For purposes of the present invention, a loop pole piece is broadly defined as any magnetizable article of manufacture or any combination of manufactured magnetizable articles that has a closed configuration defining an air gap area. The present invention contemplates that the loop pole piece can vary in geometric size and shape, and can be made from any magnetizable material. Preferably, the loop pole piece is a soft magnetic steelloop pole piece 11 having an annularinner diameter surface 11 a defining anair gap area 11 c and an annularouter diameter surface 11 b as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D . It is also preferred thatloop pole piece 11 has a thickness of 0.1 inches,inner diameter surface 11 a has a radius of 0.7 inches, andouter diameter surface 11 b has a radius of 0.75 inches. - Magnetic
rotational position sensor 10 further comprises a magnet disposed withinair gap area 11 c to constitute a magnetic circuit that generates a magnetic field withinair gap area 11 c and encloses the magnetic field withinloop pole piece 11 to prevent magnetic hysteresis. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates that either a north pole surface of the magnet is facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface of the magnet is facing and adjacentinner diameter surface 11 a, or a north pole surface of the magnet is facing and adjacentinner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface of the magnet is facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 11 a, or a north pole surface and a south pole surface of the magnet are both facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 11 a. The present invention further contemplates that the magnet can vary in geometric size and shape, and can be any type of magnet. Preferably, the magnet is an injection moldedrare earth magnet 12 having a substantially semi-circular configuration that is void of any magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces.Magnet 12 is disposed withinair gap area 11 c to constitute amagnetic circuit 13 as shown inFIGS. 1B and 1D .Magnet 12 has anorth pole surface 12 a facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 11 a and asouth pole surface 12 b facing and adjoined toinner diameter surface 11 a to generate an equally balancedmagnetic field 15 throughoutair gap area 11 c and to enclosemagnetic field 15 withinloop pole piece 11 as further described inFIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text. It is also preferred thatmagnet 12 has a thickness of 0.1 inches, and a maximum radial length ofsouth pole surface 12 b is 0.25 inches.Loop pole piece 11 is adjoined to controlshaft 20 to synchronously rotatemagnetic field 15 about a second rotational axis for each degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 about a first rotational axis, e.g.longitudinal axis 21 ofcontrol shaft 20, as further described inFIGS. 2A-2C and accompanying text. For purposes of the present invention, the term adjoined is broadly defined as an unitary fabrication, a permanent affixation, a detachable coupling, a continuous engagement or a contiguous disposal by any means of a first article and a second article, e.g.south pole surface 12 b andinner diameter surface 11 a, andloop pole piece 11 andcontrol shaft 20. Preferably,loop pole piece 11,magnet 12 andcontrol shaft 20 are encapsulated in plastic to permanently affixsouth pole surface 12 a andinner diameter surface 11 a via a plastic bonding, and to permanently affixloop pole piece 11 andcontrol shaft 20 via aplastic base 23 as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D . - Magnetic
rotational position sensor 10 further comprises a magnetic flux sensor. For purposes of the present invention, a magnetic flux sensor is broadly defined as any device operable to sense a magnitude of a magnetic flux density passing through the device and operable to generate at least one voltage sensing signal representative of a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing through the device. Preferably, the magnetic flux sensor is aHall effect device 14, e.g. a HZ-302C (SIP type) Hall effect device manufactured by Ashai Kasei Electronics Co., Ltd., as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D .Hall effect device 14 has afirst plane 14 a and asecond plane 14 b, and is operable to sense a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing throughplanes input lead 14 c, areference lead 14 d, afirst output lead 14 e and asecond output lead 14 f. In response to a current drive signal IDS and a voltage drive signal VDS,Hall effect device 14 is also operable to generate a first voltage sensing signal VSS1 and a second voltage sensing signal VSS2. Both voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 are representative of a magnitude of magnetic flux density passing throughplanes FIGS. 4A and 4B , and accompanying text. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A-2C , to sense each degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 about an axis of rotation, e.g. alongitudinal axis 21 ofcontrol shaft 20, over a definable range of rotation, a different magnitude of magnetic flux density must pass throughplanes magnetic flux sensor 14 for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 about a second rotational axis, e.g. an axis ofrotation 16, over the definable range of rotation. Consequently, an angular orientation angle θ ofplanes magnetic field 15 must change for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16 over the definable range of rotation. Preferably, whenmagnetic flux sensor 14 is disposed along acenter line 15 a ofmagnetic field 15, planes 14 a and 14 b are parallel tomagnetic field 15, i.e. an angular orientation angle θ of zero degrees, as shown inFIG. 2A . It is to be appreciated and understood that angular orientation angle θ relative tomagnetic field 15 will change with each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16 over a ±ninety (90) degree range of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 relative tomagnetic flux sensor 14 as evidenced by the synchronized rotational movement of acenter point 17 ofmagnetic flux sensor 14 and areference point 22 ofcontrol shaft 20 as shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C . Thus, it is to be appreciated and understood that each degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 aboutlongitudinal axis 21 over a 180 degree range of rotation can be sensed because each degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 aboutlongitudinal axis 21 exclusively corresponds to a distinct degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16 and a different magnitude of magnetic flux density will pass throughmagnetic flux sensor 14 for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16 over the 180 degree range of rotation. - To linearly sense each degree of rotation of
control shaft 20 aboutlongitudinal axis 21 over the 180 degree range of rotation, angular orientation angle θ must uniformly change for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16. One aspect of the present invention is that for a selected rotational axis ofmagnetic field 15 that intersectscenter line 15 a, angular orientation angle θ uniformly changes along one radial arc originating from the selected rotational axis for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 about the selected rotational axis over approximately an ±eighty (80) degree range of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15. For example, angular orientation angle θ uniformly changes along aradial arc 18 originating fromrotational axis 16 for each degree of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 aboutrotational axis 16 over approximately an ±eighty (80) degree range of synchronized rotation ofmagnetic field 15 relative tomagnetic flux sensor 14. Thus, it is preferred that magnetic flux sensor is initially disposed withinmagnetic field 15 alongcenter line 15 a ofmagnetic field 15 withplanes magnetic field 15 andcenter point 17 ofmagnetic flux sensor 14 being an intersection point ofcenter line 15 a ofmagnetic field 15 andradial arc 18. - Referring still to
FIGS. 2A-2C , several important points must be appreciated and understood. First, the present invention contemplates that the axis of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 may or may not coincide with a selected rotational axis of a generated and enclosed magnetic field. Preferably, the axis of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 does coincide with the selected rotational axis of the magnetic field, e.g.longitudinal axis 21 ofshaft 20 coinciding withrotational axis 16 ofmagnetic field 15. Second, the relative dimensions of an inner diameter surface of a loop pole piece in accordance with the present invention and a north pole surface and a south pole surface of a magnet in accordance with the present invention defines the maximum synchronous range of rotation of a generated and enclosed magnetic field relative to a magnetic flux sensor. For example,inner diameter surface 11 a ofloop pole piece 11, and poles surfaces 12 a and 12 b enablemagnetic field 15 to be rotated at least 180 degrees relative tomagnetic flux sensor 14. Finally, the symmetrical configurations of a loop pole piece and a magnet void of magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces relative to a center line of a generated and enclosed magnetic field equally balances the magnetic field throughout the air gap area. For example, the symmetrical configurations ofloop pole piece 11 andmagnet 12 relative tocenter line 15 a ofmagnetic field 15 equally balancesmagnetic field 15 throughoutair gap area 11 c. - Referring to
FIGS. 3A-3C , some examples of other magnetic circuits in accordance with the present invention having symmetrical configurations of a loop pole piece and of a magnet void of magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces relative to a centerline of a magnetic field are shown. Referring toFIG. 3A , a second embodiment of amagnetic circuit 113 includes aloop pole piece 111 having an annular configuration and amagnet 112 having a three quarter configuration.Loop pole piece 111 has an annularinner diameter surface 111 a defining anair gap area 111 c.Magnet 112 is disposed withinair gap area 111 c and has anorth pole surface 112 a facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 11 a and a south pole surface 112 b adjoined toinner diameter surface 111 a to generate and enclose an equally balancedmagnetic field 115 throughoutair gap area 111 c.Magnetic circuit 113 is advantageous to provide a more concentratedmagnetic field 115 in situations where the definable range of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 is to be thirty (30) degrees. Referring toFIG. 3B , a third embodiment of amagnetic circuit 213 includes a loop pole piece 211 having a dome configuration and amagnet 212 having a rectangular prism configuration. Loop pole piece 211 has aninner diameter surface 211 a defining anair gap area 211 c.Magnet 212 is disposed withinair gap area 211 c and has anorth pole surface 212 a facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 211 a and a south pole surface 212 b adjoined toinner diameter surface 211 a to generate and enclose an equallybalanced magnet field 215 throughoutair gap area 211 c.Magnetic circuit 213 is advantageous in situations where the simplicity of manufacturing a magnet or the expense in purchasing a magnet is of primary importance. Referring toFIG. 3C , a fourth embodiment of amagnetic circuit 313 includes aloop pole piece 311 having a diamond configuration and amagnet 312 having a triangular prism configuration.Loop pole piece 311 has aninner diameter surface 311 a defining anair gap area 311 c.Magnet 312 is disposed withinair gap area 311 c and has anorth pole surface 312 a facing and spaced frominner diameter surface 311 a and a south pole surface 312 b adjoined toinner diameter surface 311 a to generate and enclose an equallybalanced magnet field 315 throughoutair gap area 311 c. - As previously described in
FIGS. 1A-1D and accompanying text, a current drive signal IDS and a voltage drive signal VDS need to be supplied toHall effect device 14 to generate voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2. The present invention contemplates that any power source supplying current drive signal IDS and voltage drive signal VDS toHall effect device 14 viainput lead 14 a may be exposed to adverse temperatures as low as −40° Celsius to as high as 150° Celsius whenHall effect device 14 is located in a engine compartment of a motor vehicle, and consequently, it is to be appreciated and understood that current drive signal IDS and voltage drive signal VDS can significantly fluctuate under such adverse temperature conditions. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of adrive circuit 30 to invariably generate a constant current drive signal ICDS and a constant voltage drive signal VCDS over such adverse temperatures is shown inFIG. 4A . - Referring to
FIG. 4A , drivecircuit 30 comprises avoltage divider 31 operable to generate a first reference voltage signal VREF1 in response to a power signal VCC. Voltage divider 31 including a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2 and a third resistor R3 electrically coupled in series to apower supply terminal 50 a and aground reference terminal 50 b of a power source (not shown). Preferably, the power source transmits a power signal VCC of 5.0 volts and first reference voltage signal VREF1 is approximately 2.5 volts. The present invention contemplates that resistors R1 and R2 are of equal value and that resistor R3 is of a significantly less value. Preferably, resistors R1 and R2 are 10 k ohm resistors, and resistor R3 is a trimable 1 k ohm resistor. - Drive
circuit 30 further comprises acurrent amplifier 32 operable to generate and control constant current drive signal ICDs and constant voltage drive signal VCDS in response to power signal VCC and a generated first reference voltage signal VREF1.Current amplifier 32 includes a first operational amplifier OP1, a first bipolar pnp transistor Q1, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, and a first capacitor C1. Operational amplifier OP1 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled tovoltage divider 31 to receive a generated reference voltage signal VREF1, and an inverting input electrically coupled to input lead 14 c ofHall effect device 14. Transistor Q1 has an emitter lead electrically coupled toreference lead 14 d ofHall effect device 14 and a collector lead electrically coupled toground reference terminal 50 b. Resistor R4 electrically couplespower supply terminal 50 a to inputlead 14 c ofHall effect device 14, resistor R5 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP1 to a base lead of transistor Q1, and capacitor C1 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP1 to the inverting input of operational amplifier OP1. Preferably, constant current drive signal ICDS is 7.0 milliamperes±10 microamperes and constant voltage drive signal VCDS is approximately 4.2 volts. Accordingly, it is preferred that resistor R4 is a 150 ohm resistor, resistor R5 is a 470 ohm resistor, and capacitor C1 is a 0.01 microfarads capacitor. The present invention further contemplates thatdrive circuit 30 can further comprise a second capacitor C2 electrically couplingpower supply terminal 50 a andground reference terminal 50 b to eliminate any noise from power signal VCC. Preferably, capacitor C2 is a 0.1 microfarads capacitor. - Upon receipt of a generated constant current drive signal ICDS and a generated constant voltage drive signal VCDS, via
input lead 14 c,Hall effect device 14 generates voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2. Waveforms of generated voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 as related to angular orientation angle θ ofHall effect device 14 relative tomagnetic field 15 are shown inFIG. 4B . Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C and 4B, it is to be appreciated and understood that each value of voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 along the waveforms exclusively corresponds to a distinct degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20 about an axis of rotation, e.g.longitudinal axis 21 ofcontrol shaft 20, over a 180 degree range of rotation. It is to be further appreciated and understood that voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 are linearly generated over a middle 160 degrees of the 180 degree range of rotation. Unfortunately, voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 are high impedance loads that are not feasible as voltage output signals. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of anoutput signal amplifier 40 is shown inFIG. 5 . - Referring to
FIG. 5 ,output signal amplifier 40 comprises abuffer amplifier 41 operable to buffer voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 and to counteract any temperature drift of voltage sensing signals VSS1 and/or VSS2 due to the ambient temperature ofHall effect device 14.Buffer amplifier 41 includes a second operational amplifier OP2, a third operational amplifier OP3, a sixth resistor R6, a seventh resistor R7, an eighth resistor R8, a ninth resistor R9 and a thermistor TR. Operational amplifier OP2 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled to output lead 14 f ofHall effect device 14 to receive a generated voltage sensing signal VSS1, and operational amplifier OP3 has a non-inverting input electrically coupled to output lead 14 e ofHall effect device 14 to receive a generated voltage sensing signal VSS2. Resistor R6 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP2 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP2, resistor R7 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP3 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP3, resistors R8 and R9 in series electrically couple the inverting input of operational amplifier OP2 and the inverting input of operational amplifier OP3, and thermistor TR is electrically coupled in parallel to resistor R8. Preferably, resistors R6 and R7 are 10 k ohm resistors, and resistors R8 and R9 are 1 k ohm resistors. -
Output signal amplifier 40 further comprises avoltage divider 42 operable to generate a second reference voltage signal VREF2 in response to a power signal VCC. Second reference voltage signal VREF2 is generated to correct for any manufacturing anomalies ofHall effect device 14 as further described inFIG. 6A and accompanying text.Voltage divider 42 includes a tenth resistor R10, an eleventh resistor R11, a twelfth resistor R12, and a thirteenth resistor R13 electrically coupled in series topower supply terminal 50 a andground reference terminal 50 b. Preferably, power signal VCC is 5.0 volts and second reference voltage signal VREF2 is approximately 2.5 volts. The present invention contemplates that resistors R10 and R13 are of equal value and that resistors R11 and R12 are of a significantly less value. Preferably, resistors R10 and R13 are 10 k ohm resistors, and resistors R11 and R12 are trimable 1 k ohm resistors.Voltage divider 42 further includes an operational amplifier OP5 having an non-inverting input electrically coupled to resistors R11 and R12 to receive a generated second reference voltage signal VREF2, and an inverting input electrically coupled to a power output. -
Output signal amplifier 40 further comprises a differential amplifier 43 operable to generate a voltage output signal VOUT and a first current output signal IOUT1 in response to buffered voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2, and a generated second reference voltage signal VREF2. Differential amplifier 43 includes an operational amplifier OP4, a fourteenth resistor R14, a fifteenth resistor R15, a sixteenth resistor R16 and a third capacitor C3. Resistor R14 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP2 to an inverting input of operational amplifier OP4, resistor R15 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP3 to a non-inverting input of operational amplifier OP4, resistor R16 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP5 to the non-inverting input of operational amplifier OP4, and capacitor C3 electrically couples a power output of operational amplifier OP4 to the inverting input of operational amplifier OP4. It is to be appreciated that voltage output signal VOUT is representative of each degree of rotation of acontrol shaft 20 about the first rotational axis. Preferably, voltage output signal VOUT ranges between 0 volts and 5.0 volts over the 180 degree range of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20, and linearly ranges between 0.5 volts and 4.5 volts over a middle 160 degrees of the 180 degree range of rotation. Accordingly, it is preferred that resistors R14, R15 and R16 are 10 k ohm resistors, and capacitor C3 is a 0.01 microfarads capacitor. - The present invention contemplates that
output signal amplifier 40 can further comprises aboost circuit 44 to transmit voltage output signal VOUT and to boost output current signal IOUT1. Boost circuit 44 includes a first bipolar npn transistor Q2, a second bipolar pnp transistor Q3, a seventeenth resistor R17, an eighteenth resistor R18, a nineteenth resistor R19, a twentieth resistor R20, a twenty-first resistor R21, and a fourth capacitor C4. An emitter lead of transistor Q3 is electrically coupled topower supply terminal 50 a, and a base lead of transistor Q3 is electrically coupled to a collector lead of transistor Q2. Resistor R17 electrically couples the power output of operational amplifier OP4 to a base lead of transistor Q2, resistor R18 electrically couples the inverting input of operational amplifier OP4 to a collector lead of transistor Q3, resistor R19 electrically couples an emitter lead of transistor Q2 to groundreference terminal 50 b, resistor R20 electrically couples the emitter lead of transistor Q2 to the collector lead of transistor Q3, andresistor 21 and capacitor C4 electrically couple the collector lead of transistor Q3 to groundreference terminal 50 b. Preferably, a boosted output current signal IOUT2 is approximately 5 milliamperes. Accordingly, it is preferred that resistor R17 and Rl9 are 5.6K ohm resistors, resistor R18 is a 10 k ohm resistor, R20 is a 8.2 k ohm resistor, R21 is a trimable 1 k ohm resistor and capacitor C4 is a 0.1 microfarads capacitor. - Referring to
FIGS. 6A-6D , a preferred embodiment of a magneticrotational position sensor 10′ in accordance with the present invention is shown. Magneticrotational position sensor 10′ comprisesmagnetic circuit 13,Hall effect device 14,drive circuit 30 andoutput signal amplifier 40 as previously described herein. Magneticrotational position sensor 10′ further comprises apower source 50, e.g. a battery as shown, electrically coupled to drivecircuit 30 andoutput signal amplifier 40 to supply a power signal of 5.0 volts to drivecircuit 30 andoutput signal amplifier 40. The present invention contemplates that at an angular orientation angle θ of zero degrees, voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 should be 2.5 volts and output voltage signal VOUT should be 2.5 volts as indicated on avoltmeter 60 as shown inFIG. 6A . It is to be appreciated and understood thatHall effect device 14 can have manufacturing anomalies that offsets voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 and output voltage signal VOUT from 2.5 volts. Thus, resistor R3 ofdrive circuit 30, and resistors R11 and R12 ofoutput signal amplifier 40 are trimmed as necessary to transform the values of voltage sensing signals VSS1 and VSS2 and output voltage signal VOUT to 2.5 volts. It is to be further appreciated and understood that thermistor TR ofoutput signal amplifier 40 will maintain the value of output voltage signal VOUT to 2.5 volts over a temperature range of approximately −40° Celsius and 150° Celsius. As a result, at an angular orientation angle θ of +eighty (80) degrees, voltage sensing signals VS1 is 4.5 volts and VS2 is 0.5 volts, and output voltage signal VOUT is 4.5 volts as indicated onvoltmeter 60 as shown inFIG. 6B , and at an angular orientation angle θ of eighty (80) degrees, voltage sensing signals VS1 is 0.5 volts and VS2 is 4.5 volts, and output voltage signal VOUT is 0.5 volts as indicated onvoltmeter 60 as shown inFIG. 6C . It is to be appreciated and understood that output voltage signal VOUT varies linearly between 0.5 volts and 4.5 volts, and increases and decreases at a rate of 0.025 volts per full degree of rotation ofcontrol shaft 20. As a result, output voltage signal VOUT can be easily processed by a microprocessor based system to control all rotational movements ofcontrol shaft 20 about the first rotational axis. - As previously described herein in reference to
FIGS. 1A-1D and accompanying text,magnetic circuit 13 includes an injection moldedrare earth magnet 12 having a substantially semi-circular configuration that is void of any magnetic flux density “hot spots” along both pole surfaces 12 a and 12 b. Typically, such magnets are difficult to manufacture. Accordingly, an alternative embodiment of amagnetic circuit 13′ in accordance with the present invention is shown inFIG. 7 . Referring toFIG. 7 ,magnetic circuit 13′ includesloop pole piece 11 and amagnet 12′ of a semi-circular configuration having a first magnetic flux densityhot spot 12 c′ and a second magnetic flux densityhot spot 12 d′ on anorth pole surface 12 a′. It is to be appreciated and understood thathot spots 12 c′ and 12 d′ hinders an equally balanced magnetic field throughoutair gap area 11 c. Thus,magnetic circuit 13′ further includes adiffusion plate 19 adjacentnorth pole surface 12 a′ ofmagnet 12′ to create and maintain an equally balancemagnetic field 15′ throughoutair gap area 11 c. - As defined herein in reference to
FIGS. 1A-1D and accompanying text, a loop pole piece can be any combination of manufactured magnetizable articles that has a closed configuration defining an air gap area.FIG. 8 is an example of such a loop pole piece. Referring toFIG. 8 , amagnetic circuit 413 includes afirst pole piece 411 of an opened dome configuration, and asecond pole piece 419 having a rectangular prism configuration adjoined to aportions pole piece 411 to closefirst pole piece 411, thus defining anair gap area 411 c.Magnetic circuit 413 further includes amagnet 412 disposed withinair gap area 411 c with a north pole surface 412 a facing and spaced from aninner diameter surface 411 a ofpole piece 411 and a south pole surface adjoined to aportion 411 e and aportion 411 f ofpole piece 411 to generate amagnetic field 415.Pole piece 419 is properly aligned alongportions magnetic field 415 throughoutair gap area 411 c. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , shown therein is a magneticrotational position sensor 500 according to another form of the present invention. The magneticrotational position sensor 500 includes a magnetic circuit generally comprised of aloop pole piece 502 and amagnet 504 arranged generally along acentral axis 506. Similar to the magnetic rotational position sensor embodiments illustrated and described above, the magneticrotational position sensor 500 is adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft (e.g., control shaft 20) about an axis of rotation R1 with minimal magnetic hysteresis. The magneticrotational position sensor 500 is preferably adapted to sense rotation of a control shaft about the axis of rotation R1 over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation. However, other ranges of rotation are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. - The
loop pole piece 502 includes a peripheralouter wall 608 extending about an inner air gap area G within which themagnet 504 is disposed. Themagnet 504 is preferably polarized in a direction extending generally along thecentral axis 506. However, it should be understood that other polarization configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment of the invention, theloop pole piece 502 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheralouter wall 608. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, theouter wall 608 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations, as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,664 to Ventroni et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. - The
loop pole piece 502 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, theloop pole piece 502 includes abase portion 510 arranged along thecentral axis 506, a pair of outwardly projectingportions base portion 510 and disposed on opposite sides of thecentral axis 506, and an inwardly projectingportion 516 disposed between the outwardly projectingportions central axis 506. Theloop pole piece 502 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to thecentral axis 506. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, theloop pole piece 502 has an oblong or elliptical configuration, defining a transverse dimension along atransverse axis 507 that is greater than an axial dimension along thecentral axis 506. Although theloop pole piece 502 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. - The
base portion 510, the outwardly projectingportions portion 516 cooperate to define the inner air gap G. Themagnet 504 is disposed within the air gap G adjacent thebase portion 510 of theloop pole piece 502, with the south pole S of themagnet 504 positioned adjacent thebase portion 510 and the north pole N of themagnet 504 facing the air gap G. However, it should be understood that the orientation of themagnet 504 may be reversed, with the north pole N disposed adjacent thebase portion 510 and the south pole S facing the air gap G. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, themagnet 504 has a rectangular configuration, with thebase portion 510 of thepole piece 502 having a linear configuration defining a substantially flatinner surface 520 for adjoinment with a correspondingflat surface 505 of themagnet 504. However, it should be understood that other configurations of themagnet 504 and thebase portion 510 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including non-rectangular and non-linear configurations, examples of which have been illustrated and described above with regard to other embodiments of the invention. - The outwardly projecting
portions loop pole piece 502 each preferably have an arcuate configuration defining concaveinner surfaces inner surfaces portions - The inwardly projecting
portion 516 of theloop pole piece 502 preferably has an arcuate configuration defining a convexinner surface 526 facing the air gap area G. In one embodiment of the invention, the convexinner surface 526 defines a substantially uniform radius of curvature. However, other configurations of the inwardly projectingportion 516 are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including non-arcuate configurations, such as, for example, angled configurations or polygonal configurations. - In one embodiment of the invention, the
outer wall 608 of thepole piece 502 has a varying material thickness t. More specifically, thebase portion 510 of thepole piece 502 adjacent themagnet 504 has a first thickness t1 which transitions to a reduced second thickness t2 adjacent the inwardly extendingportion 516. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thepole piece 502 gradually transitions from the first thickness t1 to the second thickness t2 along the length of the outwardly extendingportions loop pole piece 502 offer a lesser degree of magnetic reluctance than do the thinner portions of theloop pole piece 502. As a result, the portions of theloop pole piece 502 conveying higher levels of magnetic flux density are provided with a greater material thickness t compared to the portions of theloop pole piece 502 conveying lower levels of magnetic flux density. - The
loop pole piece 502 and themagnet 504 cooperate to generate amagnetic field 530 within the air gap G. Preferably, themagnetic field 530 is equally balanced relative to thecentral axis 506 so as to define substantially symmetrical portions of themagnetic field 530 on either side of thecentral axis 506. Amagnetic flux sensor 14 is positioned within the air gap G to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density passing through the sensing planes 14 a and 14 b upon rotation of the magnetic circuit about an axis of rotation R2. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a singlemagnetic flux sensor 14 is provided to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G. However, in other embodiments of the invention, two or more magnetic flux sensors may be used to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density within the air gap G, an example of which is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,865 to Tola et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. - In one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation R2 of the magnetic circuit is arranged co-axial with the axis of rotation R1 of the control shaft. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the axis of rotation R2 of the magnetic circuit may be offset from the axis of rotation R1 of the control shaft. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic flux sensor 14 is arranged along acentral axis 17 extending generally along the sensing surfaces 14 a, 14 b and offset from and arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R2 of the magnetic circuit. As a result, thecentral axis 17 of themagnetic flux sensor 14 travels along asensing path 18, extending generally along a radial arc as the magnetic circuit is rotated about the axis of rotation R2. As discussed above, the sensing range of the magneticrotational position sensor 500 preferably extends over a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree range of rotation. Accordingly, thesensing path 18 also preferably extends along a one-hundred and eighty (180) degree radial arc. - Due to the unique configuration of the
loop pole piece 502, the relative density or concentration of the magnetic field lines is increased in the region of the air gap G adjacent thecentral axis 506 extending between themagnet 504 and the inwardly extendingpole piece portion 516. Additionally, the magnetic field lines adjacent thecentral axis 506 extending between themagnet 504 and the inwardly extendingpole piece portion 516 are relatively uniform and are arranged substantially parallel with thecentral axis 506. As a result, sensitivity associated with the positioning and alignment of themagnetic flux sensor 14 within the air gap G adjacent thecentral axis 506 is reduced, thereby resulting in increased linearity and decreased hysteresis of sensor signal output. - Referring to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , shown therein is a magneticrotational position sensor 600 according to another form of the present invention. Additionally, a similar magneticrotational position sensor 600′ according to a further form of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 . The magneticrotational position sensors loop pole piece 602 and first andsecond magnets magnets rotational position sensors pole pieces second magnets rotational position sensor 500 illustrated and described above, the magneticrotational position sensors rotational position sensors - The
loop pole piece 602 is formed of a magnetic material and serves to enhance/intensify the magnetic field levels generated by the magnetic circuit by providing a return path for the magnetic flux generated by themagnets loop pole piece 602 serves to shield the magnetic circuit from any magnetic fields existing outside of thesensor 600 to prevent or at least minimize magnetic hysteresis and/or magnetic or electrical interferences. In one embodiment, theloop pole piece 602 includes a peripheralouter wall 608 defining aninner region 610 within which themagnets magnets magnets loop pole piece 602 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheralouter wall 608. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, theouter wall 608 of theloop pole piece 602 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations, as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,664 to Ventroni et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. - In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the
loop pole piece 602 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, theloop pole piece 602 has a rectangular-shaped or square-shaped configuration including a first pair ofopposite wall portions opposite wall portions opposite wall portions opposite wall portions opposite wall portions loop pole piece 602 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to both the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. However, non-symmetrical configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. Although theloop pole piece 602 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, theloop pole piece 602 may have circular or diametric configurations, oblong or elliptical configurations, angular or polyagonal configurations, or any other shape or configuration that would occur to one of skill in the art. - In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
magnets magnets - The
magnets inner region 610 of theloop pole piece 602 and are positioned adjacent theopposite wall portions magnet 604 a positioned adjacent thewall portion 608 a and the south pole S of themagnet 604 b positioned adjacent thewall portion 608 b. However, it should be understood that the orientation of one or both of themagnets wall portions wall portions pole piece 602 each have a linear configuration defining a substantially flatinner surface 612 adapted for adjoinment with a correspondingflat surface 614 of themagnets wall portions magnets - In one embodiment of the invention, the shaped
pole pieces pole pieces magnets surfaces pole pieces magnets FIGS. 11 and 15 ) extending across the air gap G. As will be discussed below, in one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field M is substantially symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis L and relative to the transverse axis T. As a result, the magnetic field M is balanced relative to the axis of rotation R2. - In the illustrated embodiment, the shaped
pole pieces pole pieces central portion 620 positioned adjacent a respective one of themagnets wings respective magnet pole pieces pole pieces pole pieces pole pieces pole pieces - The
central portion 620 of the shapedpole pieces outer surface 624 for adjoinment with a correspondingflat surface 626 defined by a respective one of themagnets central portion 620 may take on other configurations as well, such as, for example, a curved or arcuate configuration. Theside portions side portions inner surface 630 facing the air gap G. Additionally, theside portions side portions central portion 620. Furthermore, theside portions central portion 620 at an angle α. In one embodiment, theside portions central portion 620 at an angle α falling within a range of zero degrees to ninety degrees. In a further embodiment, theside portions central portion 620 at an angle α of about thirty degrees to about sixty degrees, and in a specific embodiment extend from thecentral portion 620 at an angle α of about forty-five degrees. Although a specific configuration of theside portions side portions - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaped
pole pieces magnets pole pieces FIGS. 11 and 15 ). In other words, the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the longitudinal axis L is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L. Similarly, the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the transverse axis T is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the transverse axis T. - With regard to each embodiment of the magnetic
rotational position sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors sensors magnetic flux sensors - Although the magnetic
rotational position sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors identical sensing paths rotational position sensors sensing paths - With regard to the magnetic
rotational position sensor 600, theflux sensors rotational position sensor 600′, theflux sensors rotational position sensor 600′ illustrates theflux sensors flux sensors - Due to the unique configuration and positioning of the shaped
pole piece magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - As should also be appreciated, since the magnetic field M is generally uniform and symmetrical relative the longitudinal axis L, the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux will vary in a substantially linear manner as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R2, with the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux density being approximately zero when the sensing planes S are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L. As should further be appreciated, since the magnetic field M is substantially uniform and symmetrical relative the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T, the magnitude of magnetic flux sensed by the
magnetic flux sensor 14 a will be substantially equal to that sensed bymagnetic flux sensor 14 b arranged diametrically opposite themagnetic flux sensor 14 a. As a result, themagnetic flux sensors sensors radial sensing paths control shaft 20. - In one embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - Referring now to
FIGS. 12 and 13 , shown therein is a magneticrotational position sensor 700 according to another form of the present invention. Additionally, a similar magneticrotational position sensor 700′ according to a further form of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 . The magneticrotational position sensors loop pole piece 702 and first and second shapedmagnets magnets magnets sensors magnets rotational position sensors - Similar to the magnetic
rotational position sensor 500 illustrated and described above, the magneticrotational position sensors rotational position sensors loop pole piece 702 and the first and second shapedmagnets rotor portion 708. Therotor portion 708 is in turn coupled to the control shaft 20 (not shown) such that rotation of thecontrol shaft 20 rotates the rotor portion 208 which in turn rotates the magnetic circuit (including the magnetic field M) about the axis of rotation R2. It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, theposition sensors - The
loop pole piece 702 is formed of a magnetic material and serves to enhance/intensify the magnetic field levels generated by the magnetic circuit by providing a return path for the magnetic flux generated by the shapedmagnets loop pole piece 702 serves to shield the magnetic circuit from any magnetic fields existing outside of thesensors loop pole piece 702 includes a peripheralouter wall 708 defining aninner region 710 within which the shapedmagnets magnets magnets loop pole piece 702 has a closed configuration defined by a continuous, uninterrupted peripheralouter wall 708. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, theouter wall 708 of theloop pole piece 702 may be peripherally interrupted at one or more locations. - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
loop pole piece 702 has a non-circular or non-diametric configuration. More specifically, theloop pole piece 702 has an oval or elliptical configuration, including a first pair ofopposite wall portions opposite wall portions opposite wall portions wall portions loop pole piece 702 has a transverse dimension (along axis T) that is somewhat greater than an axial dimension (along axis L) so as to provide theloop pole piece 702 with an oblong configuration having an oval or elliptical shape. Additionally, theloop pole piece 702 is preferably substantially symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T, although non-symmetrical configurations are also contemplated. Although theloop pole piece 702 has been illustrated and described as having a specific shape and configuration, it should be understood that other shapes and configurations are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, theloop pole piece 702 may have circular or diametric configurations, rectangular or square configurations, angular or polyagonal configurations, or any other shape or configuration that would occur to one of skill in the art. In one alternative embodiment, the loop pole piece has a rectangular or square configuration and the magnetic circuit includes shaped magnets having planar pole surfaces that are positioned proximately adjacent to or in abutment with opposite linear wall portions of the rectangular loop pole piece. In this alternative embodiment, the shaped magnets may define pole surfaces facing the air gap which have an arcuate configuration, such as a concave curvature, or a planar configuration. - In one embodiment of the invention, the shaped
magnets wall portions loop pole piece 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the shapedmagnets magnets loop pole piece 702 and having a substantially uniform thickness t. In this manner, the shapedmagnets - In a further embodiment of the invention, the shaped
magnets magnets FIGS. 13 and 17 ). In other words, the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the longitudinal axis L is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis L. Similarly, the portion of the magnetic field on one side of the transverse axis T is virtually a mirror image of the portion of the magnetic field on the opposite side of the transverse axis T. As a result, the magnetic field M is balanced relative to the axis of rotation R2, the purpose of which will be discussed below. - In one embodiment of the invention, each of the shaped
magnets loop pole piece 702. In a further embodiment, each of the shapedmagnets loop pole piece 702. In a specific embodiment, the combined length of the shapedmagnets loop pole piece 702. However, other dimensional configurations of the shapedmagnets magnets - The
opposite wall portions loop pole piece 702 cooperate to define theinner region 710 of the magnetic circuit. The shapedmagnets inner region 710 and are positioned adjacent theopposite wall portions magnet 704 a positioned adjacent thewall portion 708 a and with the south pole S of themagnet 704 b positioned adjacent thewall portion 708 b. However, it should be understood that the orientation of one or both of the shapedmagnets wall portions wall portions pole piece 702 each define a concaveinner surface 712 configured for adjoinment with a corresponding convexouter surface 714 of the shapedmagnets magnets wall portions position sensors magnets - In one embodiment of the invention, each of the
position sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors sensors magnetic flux sensors - Although the
position sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors identical sensing paths rotational position sensors sensing paths - With regard to the magnetic
rotational position sensor 700, theflux sensors rotational position sensor 700′, theflux sensors rotational position sensor 700′ illustrates theflux sensors flux sensors - Due to the unique configuration and positioning of the shaped
magnets magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - As should also be appreciated, since the magnetic field M is generally uniform and symmetrical relative the longitudinal axis L, the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux will vary in a substantially linear manner as the magnetic field M is rotated about the axis of rotation R2, with the sensed magnitude of magnetic flux density being approximately zero when the sensing planes S are positioned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L. As should further be appreciated, since the magnetic field M is uniform and symmetrical relative the transverse axis T, the magnitude of magnetic flux sensed by the
magnetic flux sensor 14 a will be substantially equal to that sensed bymagnetic flux sensor 14 b arranged diametrically opposite themagnetic flux sensor 14 a. As a result, themagnetic flux sensors sensors radial sensing paths control shaft 20. - In one embodiment of the invention, the
magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors magnetic flux sensors - While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Claims (21)
1.-26. (canceled)
27. A magnetic rotational position sensor, comprising:
a loop pole piece having a peripheral outer wall defining an inner region, said loop pole piece having a first overall dimension along a first axis and a second overall dimension along a second axis arranged substantially perpendicular to said first axis, said first overall dimension being greater than said second overall dimension to provide said loop pole piece with an oblong configuration;
first and second magnets positioned within said inner region of said loop pole piece adjacent said peripheral outer wall and spaced apart to define an air gap, said first and second magnets cooperating with said loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across said air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation; and
at least one magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between said magnetic field and said at least one magnetic flux sensor about said axis of rotation.
28. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said first magnet is positioned adjacent a first portion of said peripheral outer wall extending generally along said first axis, said second magnet positioned adjacent a second portion of said peripheral outer wall extending generally along said first axis.
29. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said oblong configuration of said loop pole piece comprises one of a substantially oval configuration and a substantially ellipsoidal configuration.
30. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said peripheral outer wall includes a pair of opposing arcuate inner surfaces, each of said first and second magnets having an arcuate outer pole surface positioned adjacent a respective one of said arcuate inner surfaces of said peripheral outer wall.
31. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said first magnet is positioned adjacent a first substantially linear portion of said peripheral outer wall, said second magnet positioned adjacent a second substantially linear portion of said peripheral outer wall; and
wherein said first and second substantially linear portions of said peripheral outer wall are arranged generally parallel to one another.
32. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 31 , wherein said first and second substantially linear portions of said peripheral outer wall each extend generally along said first axis.
33. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 31 , wherein said first and second magnets each include a substantially planar pole surface positioned adjacent respective ones of said first and second substantially linear portions of said peripheral outer wall.
34. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 33 , wherein said first and second magnets each have a substantially rectangular configuration.
35. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said first magnet has a first magnetic pole surface facing said air gap, said second magnet having a second magnetic pole surface facing said air gap, said first and second pole surfaces having opposite polarity.
36. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said loop pole piece has a substantially rectangular configuration that is elongated along said first axis.
37. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , further comprising:
a first shaped pole piece positioned adjacent a first pole surface of said first magnet and having a first concave surface facing said air gap; and
a second shaped pole piece positioned adjacent a second pole surface of said second magnet and having a second concave surface facing said air gap; and
wherein said first and second shaped pole pieces cooperate with said first and second magnets to provide said magnetic field extending across said air gap.
38. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 27 , wherein said at least one magnetic flux sensor includes:
a first magnetic flux sensor defining a first sensing plane extending along a first sensor axis, said first sensor axis arranged substantially parallel with and offset from said axis of rotation, said first magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between said magnetic field and said first magnetic flux sensor about said axis of rotation; and
a second magnetic flux sensor defining a second sensing plane extending along a second sensor axis, said second sensor axis arranged substantially parallel with and offset from said axis of rotation, said second magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between said magnetic field and said second magnetic flux sensor about said axis of rotation.
39. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 38 , wherein said first sensor axis is offset from said axis of rotation in a direction substantially parallel with said first sensing plane, said second sensor axis being offset from said axis of rotation in a direction substantially parallel with said second sensing plane, said first and second magnetic flux sensors positioned on opposite sides of said axis of rotation with said first sensing plane and said second sensing plane arranged substantially co-planar to one another.
40. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 38 , wherein said first sensor axis is offset from said axis of rotation in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first sensing plane, said second sensor axis being offset from said axis of rotation in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second sensing plane, said first and second magnetic flux sensors being positioned on opposite sides of said axis of rotation.
41. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 38 , wherein said first sensing plane and said second sensing plane are arranged substantially parallel with one another, said first and second magnetic flux sensors positioned on opposite sides of said axis of rotation.
42. A magnetic rotational position sensor, comprising:
a loop pole piece having a peripheral outer wall defining an inner region, said loop pole piece having a first overall dimension along a first axis and a second overall dimension along a second axis arranged substantially perpendicular to said first axis, said first overall dimension being greater than said second overall dimension to provide said loop pole piece with a rectangular configuration that is elongated along said first axis, said loop pole piece including first and second wall portions each having a substantially linear configuration and arranged generally parallel with one another;
a first magnet positioned within said inner region of said loop pole piece adjacent said first wall portion;
a second magnet positioned within said inner region of said loop pole piece adjacent said second wall portion and spaced apart from said first magnet to define an air gap, said first and second magnets cooperating with said loop pole piece to generate a magnetic field extending across said air gap and positioned along an axis of rotation; and
at least one magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between said magnetic field and said at least one magnetic flux sensor about said axis of rotation.
43. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 42 , wherein said first and second wall portions each extend generally along said first axis.
44. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 42 , wherein said first magnet has a substantially planar first pole surface positioned adjacent said first wall portion, said second magnet having a substantially planar second pole surface positioned adjacent said second wall portion.
45. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 44 , wherein said first and second magnets each have a substantially rectangular configuration.
46. The magnetic rotational position sensor of claim 42 , wherein said first magnet has a first magnetic pole surface facing said air gap, said second magnet having a second magnetic pole surface facing said air gap, said first and second pole surfaces being of opposite polarity.
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US7268538B2 (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 2007-09-11 | Wabash Technologies, Inc. | Magnetic rotational position sensor |
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US20090218163A1 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2009-09-03 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Pressure detection device and pressure detection method |
US7992444B2 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2011-08-09 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Pressure detection device and pressure detection method |
US8590386B2 (en) | 2008-02-28 | 2013-11-26 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Pressure detection device and pressure detection method |
US20130278247A1 (en) * | 2012-04-18 | 2013-10-24 | Honeywell International Inc. | Arc position encoder with an extended angular position sensing range |
US8816679B2 (en) * | 2012-07-16 | 2014-08-26 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 180-degree arc position encoder with an extended angular position sensing range |
US20140184204A1 (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2014-07-03 | Denso Corporation | Position detector |
US9810518B2 (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2017-11-07 | Denso Corporation | Position detector with transmission parts defining varying gap width |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007047651A2 (en) | 2007-04-26 |
US7268538B2 (en) | 2007-09-11 |
US20060038557A1 (en) | 2006-02-23 |
WO2007047651A3 (en) | 2007-12-27 |
EP1938041A2 (en) | 2008-07-02 |
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