Patent ID: 6104098
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: E06C,G01D,Y10T

Abstract:
A rotation position sensor unit comprising:a first multi-segment ring having:(a) a first electrically conductive segment extending over a first arc length and to which a first input signal is supplied, and(b) a second electrically conductive segment extending over a second arc length and to which a second input signal is supplied, said first electrically conductive segment electrically isolated from said second electrically conductive segment;a second ring having no more than three electrical contacts electrically isolated from each other and from which output signals are delivered:(a) first and second electrical contacts positioned on said second ring for:(1) contact of said first electrical contact with said second electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring and contact of said second electrical contact with said second electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring for a first range of rotational positions of said second ring relative to said first multi-segment ring, and(2) contact of said first electrical contact with said first electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring and contact of said second electrical contact with said second electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring for a second range of rotational positions, extending beyond said first range of rotational positions, of said second ring relative to said first multi-segment ring, and(b) a third electrical contact positioned on said second ring for:(1) contact of said third electrical contact with said second electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring for said first range of rotational positions of said second ring relative to said first multi-segment ring, and(2) contact of said third electrical contact with said second electrically conductive segment of said first multi-segment ring for said second range of rotational positions of said second ring relative to said first multi-segment ring; andmeans for mounting said first multi-segment ring and said second ring for relative rotation between said first multi-segment ring and said second ring.