Arrangement for determining the relative angular orientation between a first machine element and a second machine element

Abstract

An arrangement is provided for determining the relative angular orientation between an excavator bucket and the dipper stick of an excavator. The excavator bucket is mounted on a bucket linkage that is pivotally secured to the end of the dipper stick. An hydraulic actuator has an hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the dipper stick, and a piston rod pivotally connected to the bucket linkage. Extension or contraction of the hydraulic actuator causes the excavator bucket to be pivoted by the bucket linkage with respect to the dipper stick. A cable extension linear position transducer having a transducer casing, a sheath extending from the casing to a pulley system, and an extensible belt cable extending from the sheath through the pulley system to an end of the piston rod, provides an electrical output related to the extension of the belt cable from the sheath. A transducer mounting secures the casing of the cable extension linear position transducer in fixed relationship to the hydraulic cylinder. A clip or a release mechanism secures the extensible belt cable to the piston rod. By this arrangement, extension or contraction of the hydraulic actuator causes the output of the transducer to vary, thus providing an electrical output related to the relative angular orientation of the excavator bucket with respect to the dipper stick.