Angular position encoder

Details Angular position encoder Angular position encoder

2000-03-22

2001-07-10

Sircus, Brian (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With contact preventer or retractable cover part

C439S144000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06257907

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to an angular position encoder having a connecting cable that is mounted simply, reliably, and in a strain-free manner on the encoder.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
Angular position encoders are used for measuring the rotary motion of a shaft over one or a plurality of revolutions, and are also referred to as rotary position transducers. The rotary motion is detected incrementally or absolutely. In conjunction with gear racks or worm-gear spindles, angular position encoders can also be used to measure linear motion.
An operating voltage is supplied via electrical connecting cables to the angular position encoder, and the measuring signals are tapped off, and routed to a processing electronic device. To facilitate attachment of different types of connecting cables to an angular position encoder, a connector is provided at the angular position encoder. Configuring the connector inside the housing of the measuring device results in an especially compact design, that ensures that the connector is protectively housed.
An angular position encoder of this kind is known from German Patent 43 04 032 C2. To make the connector accessible inside the housing to connect the cable, provision is made at the housing for a cut-out segment, which can be covered by a swing-mounted cap. In the covered position, the cap provides mechanical strain relief for the connecting cable.
One drawback of this angular position encoder is that the strain relief is effective exclusively in the closed state of the cap, and a tensile force at the cable can easily open the cap.
German Patent Application 195 43 372 Al, describes an angular position encoder where provision is made inside the housing for a connector for connecting a cable, as well as for a strain relief device. The connector and the strain relief device are accessible from the outside, once the cover is opened.
A disadvantage of this device, in turn, is that a tensile force at the cable can cause the cover to open quite easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an angular position encoder which has a connector that can be covered in order to securely attach a cable, and which features simple cable installation and reliable strain relief.
In one aspect, the invention is an angular position encoder comprising a housing having at least one opening, a cover for closing the opening when in a closed position, a connector with a stationary part attached to the housing within the opening and a mating component for electrically connecting a connecting cable, and a holder adapted for securing a portion of the connecting cable to the housing, the holder relieving a strain in the connecting cable, wherein the cover when in the closed position covers the connector making it inaccessible, and is locked in the closed position between the housing and the holder, such that the holder is fixed in position.
The angular position encoder designed in accordance with the present invention provides reliable strain relief before the connecting cable is attached, and includes an housing of the angular position encoder that can be covered without necessitating additional connecting elements and the tools required for them. Other advantages will be apparent from the following description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1819214 (1931-08-01), Dorn
patent: 3811104 (1974-05-01), Caldwell
patent: 4556264 (1985-12-01), Tamaka
patent: 4806112 (1989-02-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 4922069 (1990-05-01), Huizenga
patent: 4979209 (1990-12-01), Collins et al.
patent: 5464351 (1995-11-01), Oka
patent: 195 43 372 (1997-05-01), None
patent: 43 04 032 (1998-07-01), None

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