| 摘要 |
A coupling (40) is described for conducting electrical signals between two members (70, 72) which are movably mounted to each other. The coupling uses a piece of compressed electrically conductive elastomer (90) material to maintain physical and electrical contact between the two members. The coupling is well adapted for conveying low current analog or digital control signals. In a preferred form the coupling is a rotary coupling which has a drum (70) mounted for rotation in a cavity (72) in a housing. The outer surface of the drum and the inner surface of the cavity each have a number of circumferential electrically rings (74, 76) aligned in pairs. A ring (90) of electrically conductive elastomer material is compressed between each pair of rings (74, 76). The coupling can be advantageously combined with a rotary coupling for hydraulic fluid. In the combined electric-hydraulic rotary coupling the electric portion of the coupling is flushed with hydraulic fluid. The rotary coupling is rugged, completely sealed and is electrically quiet during rotation.
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