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US 2013/0154669 A1Published application
Housings for inductive proximity sensors
AssigneeHTM Sensors
InventorRobert Hooper
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AssigneeHTM Sensors
InventorRobert Hooper
Estimating the term…
Inductive Proximity Sensors are non-contact sensing devices used in manufacturing processes to sense metal targets. In practice, it is common for objects to contact the sensor causing the sensor to malfunction. An inductive sensor with improved durability is required. An inductive proximity sensor includes an exterior housing, an interior sensing coil and electronic circuit, and a connector. The Exterior housing is produced from one piece of metal bar, bored from one end to the tip of the other end, leaving the cylindrical tube open only on one end. The Exterior Housing is produced with an Inside Dimension that is smaller than previous proximity sensors and places the coil and electronic circuit further away from the Outside Dimension of the Exterior Housing. The interior sensing coil and electronic circuit are protected by the thick casing of the Exterior housing to improve structural rigidity and the longevity of operation in manufacturing processes.
An inductive proximity sensor comprising an elongated cylindrical Exterior Housing with spaced apart ends. On one end is the sensing face, and on the other end is the connector to electrical power and output connections. The Exterior Housing is made of one piece of metal bar, bored out from one end to produce a hollow cylinder with a thick inside dimension that is meant to provide protection from contact to the Exterior Housing from damaging the inside electronic components or sensing coil. Within the hollow cylinder of the Exterior Housing is the inductive proximity sensor circuit, on one end connected to the Connector, and on the other end connected to the sensor coil. The sensor coil is placed at the end of the hollow cylinder opposite the open connector end, with no air gaps or any other annulus or material between the coil and the sensor housing. The Exterior Housing has an inside dimension that is comprised of the sensor portion, and the connector portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.