ZF Switches & Sensors, the leading manufacturer of electromechanical switch and sensor solutions for the industrial market sector, can now offer designers a complete range of angular position sensors based on Hall Effect technology which responds to magnetic fields generated by a (rare-earth) magnet. The sensors provide a linear change in voltage output corresponding to the rotation of the actuator.
The ANG series of sensors are non-contact angular position sensors which provide a linear change in the voltage output corresponding to an angular rotation of the input shaft. One or two independent (non- or semi-redundant) outputs are available. The sensors offer rotation up to 360°, can replace potentiometers and have a 12 bit resolution. Custom programming is available for angle range, slope and PWM output. ANG sensors are waterproof to IP68, have a temperature range from -40 to +140° and have wire termination. The compact design has no mechanical interface ensuring there are no parts to wear out or jam.
Typical applications include position sensing, throttle-by-wire, steering, gear selection, and outboard trim sensing on industrial vehicles, fork lift trucks and agricultural trailer hitching.
The ZF AN1 sensors family are angular position sensors with an integral magnet with sensor housing and mate with a Delphi Metri-Pak 150 connector. They offer a nominal rotational range of 120° with counter-clockwise rotation. The sensors are mechanically tested to 10 million cycles, meet IP67 have an electrical operating range 5°to 85°C and operating temperature range from -40 to +125°.
The completely encapsulated assembly is suitable for printing equipment and rough terrain applications including farming machinery
The AN8 sensor is available with wire termination or Delphi Metri-Pak 150 connector. The IP67 rated device has an operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C, an angular rotation up to 360° and can be used to replace potentiometers. Having no mechanical interface ensures high reliability as there are no parts to wear out or jam.
Applications include fork lift truck position sensing, steering-by-wire and foot pedal control of throttle and brake for golf and utility carts
The final model in the ZF angular position sensor range is the AN9 which offers redundancy for safety-critical applications an angular rotation of up to 360°, wire termination, IP67 rating and an operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C.
An example of a design requiring redundancy for safety purposes is the steering column of forklifts where the rotation angle of the steering column needs to be detected to justify the wheel position of the vehicle. Other applications include steer-by-wire, position sensing and foot pedals for throttle and brake control.
Mark Mills, Distribution Sales Manager for ZF Switches & Sensors, comments, “ZF has vast experience of supplying sensors to the automotive market and our range of industrial sensors provide cost effective, high reliability sensing solutions for the growing industrial sensing market.“
ZF industrial solutions is headquartered in Auerbach, Germany and supplies major OEMs in markets including white goods and appliances, control engineering, vending, switchgear, tools, off-highway vehicles (construction, material handling, landscaping) and home and building automation.
The ZF Industrial Solutions product range consists primarily of switch and sensor products previously sold under the former CHERRY brand, following ZF’s acquisition of the company in 2008. More recently innovative Energy Harvesting RF switch solutions have been added to the product offering, opening up new and diverse business opportunities in smart building and IoT applications.
For more information on switch and sensor solutions from ZF Switches & Sensors visit www.switches-sensors.zf.com
ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company has a global workforce of around 137,000 with approximately 230 locations in some 40 countries. In 2016, ZF achieved sales of €35.2 billion. ZF annually invests about six percent of its sales in research & development – ensuring continued success through the design and engineering of innovative technologies. ZF is one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. With its technologies, the company is striving for Vision Zero – a world of mobility without accidents and emissions. With its broad portfolio, ZF is advancing mobility and services in the automobile, truck and industrial technology sectors.
The Business Unit Electronic Systems headquartered in Auerbach/O
pf., Germany offers innovative electronic- and mechatronic solutions for automotive applications with a special focus on e-mobility and efficiency solutions. Furthermore the Business Unit is also offering switches and sensors for industrial applications.
