WO1997022847A2 - Capteur de position - Google Patents

Capteur de position Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997022847A2
WO1997022847A2 PCT/US1996/020456 US9620456W WO9722847A2 WO 1997022847 A2 WO1997022847 A2 WO 1997022847A2 US 9620456 W US9620456 W US 9620456W WO 9722847 A2 WO9722847 A2 WO 9722847A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
base plate
housing
position sensor
sensor according
rotor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/020456
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1997022847A3 (fr
Inventor
Akihide Miwa
Yoshiyuki Takahashi
Original Assignee
The Whitaker Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Whitaker Corporation filed Critical The Whitaker Corporation
Priority to US09/142,243 priority Critical patent/US6032521A/en
Priority to EP96945637A priority patent/EP0868647A2/fr
Publication of WO1997022847A2 publication Critical patent/WO1997022847A2/fr
Publication of WO1997022847A3 publication Critical patent/WO1997022847A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • G01D5/16—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 by varying resistance
    • G01D5/165—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 by varying resistance by relative movement of a point of contact or actuation and a resistive track
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
    • G01B7/30—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes
    • 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
    • G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D11/24—Housings ; Casings for instruments
    • G01D11/245—Housings for sensors

Definitions

  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional position sensor 100 disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 92-92601.
  • the position sensor 100 comprises a main housing 102 supporting a rotor 104 which can rotate therein. Sliding brushes 106 are fixed to one end of rotor 104, and a base plate 110 is secured to main housing 102 on whose surface resistor elements 108 are located which are in electrical contact with sliding brushes 106.
  • a cover housing 116 encloses the base plate 110 and other internal components and electrical terminals 114 are located on the outside of the main housing 102 which are connected to the base plate 110 by means of electrical conductors 112.
  • the position sensor has a lever 118 connecting the rotor 104 to the throttle valve (not shown) and a torsion coil spring 120 whose purpose is to return the rotor to an initial position.
  • the joint between the main housing 102 and the cover housing 116 is sealed by adhesive 124.
  • a large number of components in the conventional position sensor 100 results in difficulty in reduction of its cost because of complicated parts inventory management, large number of assembly operations, high cost of materials, etc.
  • a layer of air 122 is present between the outer side of the base plate 110 and the cover housing 116 which prevents heat generated by the base plate 110 from dissipating, there is a danger that due to thermal expansion of the base plate 110, the position sensor 100 will provide erroneous operation.
  • Conductors 112 connecting base plate 110 and terminals 114 are joined in several locations by rivets, soldering or other means. This results in a reduced reliability of electrical connections.
  • the first purpose of this invention is to provide a position sensor which would have a smaller number of components, which would require fewer assembly operations, which would have a lower price and which provides reliable operation.
  • the second purpose of this invention is to offer a position sensor having an improved reliability of electrical connections by substantially reducing the number of electrical connections.
  • a position sensor comprises a housing, a rotor having brushes fixed to it and an integral sleeve for a shaft attachment which is supported in the housing in such a manner that it can rotate, and a base plate having on its surface a resistor element making contact with the brushes wherein the outside surface of the base plate is directly exposed to the outside.
  • a position sensor according to the present invention includes a terminal unit connected to the resistor element through an electrical connection means intended for the connection to mating contacts wherein the terminal unit is an integral part of base plate.
  • the electrical connection means and the terminal unit are made as conductive patterns formed on a bottom surface of the base plate.
  • a position sensor comprises a housing, a rotor having brushes thereon rotatably mounted in the housing, a base plate mounted to the housing, conductive members on the base plate in electrical connection with the brushes, wherein the base plate is a cover member for the housing so that an outer surface thereof is exposed to the outside.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a position sensor of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a top plan view of a base plate used in the position sensor of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the base plate.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional position sensor.
  • Position sensor 1 comprises a housing 10 having a rotor cavity 12 and a connector unit 14 made as integral parts of the housing, a rotor 16 fitting inside the rotor cavity 12, a wiper brush unit 18, and a base plate 20 forming electrical contact with wiper brush unit 18.
  • the rotor 16 has a shaft sleeve 22 into which a shaft of a throttle valve (not shown) of an automotive engine is inserted and a journal 24 located at the opposite end of the shaft sleeve 22 which fits in a cavity 40 of the base plate 20.
  • a flat surface 26 is formed to which wiper brush unit 18 is fixed by thermal fusion or some other method known in the art.
  • a torsion coil spring 28, a spring washer 30 and a seal, for example O-ring 32, are installed between the housing 10 and the rotor 16.
  • the seal can be also made as an X-ring, a U-packing, V-packing, etc.
  • the purpose of the torsion spring 28 is to return the rotor 16 to its original position by rotating the rotor around its axis 34.
  • the spring washer 30 prevents play between the housing 10 and the rotor 16 in vertical direction as seen in Fig. 1.
  • the purpose of O-ring 32 is to maintain air tightness in the space between the housing 10 and the rotor 16 in order to prevent penetration of water, oil or other foreign substances from underneath (as seen in Fig. 1) .
  • the wiper brush unit 18 includes brushes 36, 37 made from springy metal which sweep around the base plate 20, thus forming connection and mounting elements 38 which are secured to lugs 27 formed on the flat surface 26 of the rotor 16 by means of a thermal fusion method.
  • the base plate 20 is made as an integral unit having at its center a cavity 40 for the journal 24 of the rotor 16, an element unit 42 and a terminal unit 44.
  • the base plate 20 is made preferably of a liquid crystal polymer material possessing heat resistance sufficient to withstand baking temperatures (which will be explained below) and good plasticity, such as for example PPS .
  • the position sensor according to this invention unlike conventional position sensors, does not have a cover housing, the outer surface 47 of the base plate 20 is exposed to the outside and heat generated in the base plate 20 is dissipated directly from the outer surface 47, thus greatly improving heat dissipation characteristics thereof. This makes it possible to minimize dimensional distortion of the base plate 20 due to thermal expansion without using expensive ceramic materials having poor molding properties.
  • a first conductive pattern 48 is made which includes a circular section 48a concentric with the cavity 40 and a connecting extension 48b leading to the front edge of the terminal unit 44.
  • Second and third conductive patterns 50, 52 are formed outside of the first conductive pattern 48 in the form of arcuate sections 50a, 52a and connecting extensions 50b, 52b to the front edge of the terminal unit 44 extending parallel to the first conductive pattern 48.
  • a resistor element 54 shaped as a circular arc is made concentrically with the circular section of the first conductive pattern 48. It is connected to the ends of the second and third conductive patterns 50, 52 and has overlapping portions 74, 76 (overlap covers about 10°) .
  • the first brush 36 of the wiper brush unit makes contact with the resistor element 54, and the second brush 37 makes contact with the circular section 48a of the first conductive pattern 48.
  • the angle of rotation of the rotor 16 can be determined from the value of resistance between first conductive pattern 48 and second conductive pattern 50 or third conductive pattern 52.
  • First, second and third conductive patterns 48, 50, 52 have connecting extensions 48c, 50c, 52c on the upper surface 58 of the terminal unit 44 which extend over the front edge surface 56.
  • conductive patterns 48, 50, 52 are formed on both surfaces of terminal unit 44 results in an increased number of contact points of terminals with a receptacle connector (not shown) , thus increasing reliability of electrical connection. Since the terminal unit 44 has conductive patterns formed on the same base plate 20, it eliminates the possibility of misalignment of contacts which often happens with metal contacts.
  • the base plate 20 is molded from a liquid crystal polymer or other resin which can be metal plated. Then, using molded interconnection device (MID) technology, three-dimensional conductive patterns 48, 50, 52 are formed from copper on the bottom surface 45, front edge surface 56 and upper surface 58 of the base plate 20.
  • MID technology provides for one-sheet molding method and two-sheet molding method. Both methods can be applied to this invention. In the first embodiment described below, the one-sheet molding method was used.
  • the surface of the base 46 is etched with an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, and after roughing and catalytic treatment, the entire surface is metal plated by an electroless method. After that, the entire surface is evenly coated with a photoresist using electrodeposition, spraying, dipping or some other method. Subsequent exposure is performed m two or three steps using either several light sources simultaneously or reflectors. The next step is removal of photoresist from all areas but those of conductive patterns 48, 50, 52, after which the copper layer deposited by an electroless method is removed by an acid. By removing photoresist covering conductive patterns 48, 50, 52, three-dimensional conductive patterns 48, 50, 52 can be obtained.
  • the layer of copper thus obtained is plated with nickel; and, if necessary, it can be gold plated.
  • Nickel plating prevents conductive patterns 48, 50, 52 from oxidation at high temperatures. Gold plating improves reliability of connection between contacts of a mating receptacle connector (not shown) and the resistor element 54.
  • a paste whose main component is carbon powder is printed on the bottom surface 45 of the base plate 20. After baking at 250°C, this paste is converted into resistor element 54, thus completing the process of manufacturing the base plate 20.
  • the process of assembly of the position sensor 1 will be explained. At the beginning, the torsion coil spring 28 and the spring washer 30 are placed in the rotor cavity 12 of the housing 10. Then the rotor 16 with the wiper brush unit 18 and O-ring 32 mounted thereon is inserted in the cavity 40.
  • a flat washer 60 is placed over the journal 24 of the rotor 16.
  • the terminal unit 44 of the base plate 20 is passed through the opening 62 provided in the connector unit 14 and, at the same time, the journal 24 of the rotor 16 is inserted in the cavity 40 of the base plate 20.
  • a lug 64 protruding inside the opening 62 latches in the groove 66 made in the upper surface 58 of the terminal unit 44, thus preventing the forward (in Fig. 1 it is direction to the right) movement of the base plate 20.
  • the base plate 20 is temporarily secured on the housing 10 by softening via heating the outside edge 68 of the housing 10 along the circular portion of the element unit 42.
  • the assembly process is completed by sealing the base plate 20 with an adhesive 70 between the outer edge of the element unit 42 and the housing 10.
  • the sealing between the terminal unit 44 and the housing 10 is accomplished by sealing means provided at the mating receptacle connector (not shown) which engages against the inner walls of the connector unit 14
  • the base plate 20 is made as an integral unit similar to base plates and terminal units in conventional position sensors, there is practically no place for intermediate connections the unit, which makes it possible not only to reduce the number of parts and assembly operations, but also to substantially increase reliability of electrical connections.
  • the effect of the position sensor according to this invention consists the fact that the base plate is the cover member so that the outer surface of the base plate is exposed to the outside which makes it possible not only to reduce the number of parts and assembly operations, but also to greatly increase the accuracy of operation due to an increased thermal resistance as well as improve heat dissipation.
  • the effect of the position sensor according to this invention consists in the fact that its design makes it possible not only to reduce the number of parts and assembly operations, but also to improve reliability of electrical connection between resistor elements and terminal contacts.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
  • Adjustable Resistors (AREA)
  • Details Of Resistors (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un capteur de position. Ce capteur comprend un boîtier (10), un rotor (16) comportant des balais (36, 36) montés rotatifs dans le boîtier, une plaque de base (20) fixée à ce dernier, et des éléments conducteurs (48, 50, 52), situés sur la plaque de base, électriquement connectés aux balais. La plaque de base (20) forme un élément de couverture pour le boîtier de telle sorte qu'une surface extérieure (47) est exposée par rapport à l'extérieur. Une telle configuration se traduit par un capteur de position dont le nombre de composants est réduit, avec des caractéristiques de dissipation de la chaleur améliorées et des connexions électriques présentant une fiabilité supérieure.
PCT/US1996/020456 1995-12-20 1996-12-16 Capteur de position WO1997022847A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/142,243 US6032521A (en) 1995-12-20 1996-12-16 Position sensor
EP96945637A EP0868647A2 (fr) 1995-12-20 1996-12-16 Capteur de position

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP34930195A JPH09171902A (ja) 1995-12-20 1995-12-20 ポジションセンサ
JP7/349301 1995-12-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997022847A2 true WO1997022847A2 (fr) 1997-06-26
WO1997022847A3 WO1997022847A3 (fr) 1997-09-04

Family

ID=18402847

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/020456 WO1997022847A2 (fr) 1995-12-20 1996-12-16 Capteur de position

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0868647A2 (fr)
JP (1) JPH09171902A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997022847A2 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2772470A1 (fr) * 1997-12-12 1999-06-18 Electricfil Capteur de deplacement rotatif equipe de moyens d'assemblage avec un axe d'entrainement concus pour minimiser les effets d'un desalignement de connexion
WO1999032855A1 (fr) * 1997-12-20 1999-07-01 Robert Bosch Gmbh Transducteur et son procede de fabrication
US6032521A (en) * 1995-12-20 2000-03-07 The Whitaker Corporation Position sensor
DE19841960C1 (de) * 1998-09-14 2000-03-09 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Sensor zur Erfassung von Drehwinkeln
DE19946095C1 (de) * 1998-09-14 2000-10-19 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Sensor zur Erfassung von Drehwinkeln
US6441626B1 (en) 1999-10-22 2002-08-27 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Rotary position sensor

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6778596B1 (en) 1999-03-12 2004-08-17 Aware, Inc. Method and multi-carrier transceiver with stored application profiles for supporting multiple applications

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4688420A (en) * 1985-06-05 1987-08-25 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Throttle valve position-detecting device for a vehicle engine
US4703649A (en) * 1985-12-09 1987-11-03 Aisan Kogyo Kk Throttle valve opening sensor
US4719795A (en) * 1985-11-08 1988-01-19 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Throttle valve opening sensor
EP0670473A1 (fr) * 1994-03-04 1995-09-06 CTS Corporation Capteur de position

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4688420A (en) * 1985-06-05 1987-08-25 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Throttle valve position-detecting device for a vehicle engine
US4719795A (en) * 1985-11-08 1988-01-19 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Throttle valve opening sensor
US4703649A (en) * 1985-12-09 1987-11-03 Aisan Kogyo Kk Throttle valve opening sensor
EP0670473A1 (fr) * 1994-03-04 1995-09-06 CTS Corporation Capteur de position

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6032521A (en) * 1995-12-20 2000-03-07 The Whitaker Corporation Position sensor
FR2772470A1 (fr) * 1997-12-12 1999-06-18 Electricfil Capteur de deplacement rotatif equipe de moyens d'assemblage avec un axe d'entrainement concus pour minimiser les effets d'un desalignement de connexion
US6252394B1 (en) 1997-12-12 2001-06-26 L'electricfil Industrie Rotary movement sensor equipped with means of assembly with a drive shaft designed to minimize the effects of a misalignment in the connection
WO1999032855A1 (fr) * 1997-12-20 1999-07-01 Robert Bosch Gmbh Transducteur et son procede de fabrication
US6534994B1 (en) 1997-12-20 2003-03-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Transducer and method for producing the same
DE19841960C1 (de) * 1998-09-14 2000-03-09 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Sensor zur Erfassung von Drehwinkeln
DE19946095C1 (de) * 1998-09-14 2000-10-19 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Sensor zur Erfassung von Drehwinkeln
US6441626B1 (en) 1999-10-22 2002-08-27 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Rotary position sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1997022847A3 (fr) 1997-09-04
EP0868647A2 (fr) 1998-10-07
JPH09171902A (ja) 1997-06-30

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