Lead guide for cable extension type position sensors
First Claim
1. A position sensor having an assembly comprising a spool rotatable about a central axis of rotation, a guide having an elongated slot formed therein and a cable passing through the elongated slot and adapted to be wound around the spool to form a plurality of individual windings adjacent to but not overlapping each other wherein the guide has an inner surface facing the spool and an outer surface, and wherein the guide has an arcuate mouth formed that widens from the elongated slot at the outer surface in the direction toward the inner surface, said elongated slot being orientated to allow said cable to move along the central axis of said spool as said cable is wound around the spool.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A position sensor and sensor assembly having a spool onto which is wound a plurality of individual windings to make up a cable coil. A free end of the cable extends through a guide for attachment to an object whose position is desired to be sensed. The cable passes through an elongated slot formed the guide and which is preferably formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of rotation of the spool. By means of the elongated slot, the individual windings can be wound about the spool without successive windings overlapping each other. The elongated slot further has an internal surface that has a minimum radius to prevent the cable from making too small a bend during the winding function.
47 Citations
25 Claims
- 1. A position sensor having an assembly comprising a spool rotatable about a central axis of rotation, a guide having an elongated slot formed therein and a cable passing through the elongated slot and adapted to be wound around the spool to form a plurality of individual windings adjacent to but not overlapping each other wherein the guide has an inner surface facing the spool and an outer surface, and wherein the guide has an arcuate mouth formed that widens from the elongated slot at the outer surface in the direction toward the inner surface, said elongated slot being orientated to allow said cable to move along the central axis of said spool as said cable is wound around the spool.
- 7. An assembly for use in a position related sensor, the assembly comprising a spool rotatable about a central axis of rotation, a guide having an elongated slot formed therein and a cable passing through the elongated slot and adapted to be wound around the spool to form a plurality of individual windings adjacent to but not overlapping each other wherein the guide has an inner surface facing the spool and an outer surface, and wherein there is an arcuate mouth formed that widens from the elongated slot at the outer surface in the direction toward the inner surface.
- 13. A position sensor, said position sensor comprising a frame, a spool rotatable affixed within the frame about a central axis of rotation, a guide affixed to the frame, the guide having an elongated slot formed therein and a cable passing through the elongated slot and adapted to be wound around the spool to form a plurality of individual windings adjacent to but not overlapping each other wherein the guide has an inner surface facing the spool and an outer surface, and wherein there is an arcuate mouth formed that widens from the elongated slot at the outer surface in the direction toward the inner surface, said elongated slot being orientated to allow said cable to move along the central axis of said spool as said cable is wound around the spool.
- 22. A guide adapted to be located in a fixed position with respect to a spool rotatable about a central axis of rotation, the guide having an elongated slot formed to direct a cable to wind about the spool, the guide having an inner surface facing the spool and an outer surface, and wherein there is an arcuate mouth formed that widens from the elongated slot at the outer surface in the direction toward the inner surface.
Specification