Optoelectronic position indicator for a drive system

摘要

An optoelectronic system is employed for determining the position of a movable vehicle control element such as a gas pedal. The system includes an optical carrier which is linked to and moves with the control element. The carrier includes an optical indicator range which provides a continuously variable gradient of optical permeability over the limits of carrier movement. A light source and an electro-optical detector are arranged to generate an electrical signal indicative of a measure of optical permeability of a zone of the range in registry with the detector. The light source and detector may be positioned on the same or opposite sides of the carrier. A further range of the same or different configuration may be formed on the carrier and associated with a second light source-detector. The signals generated by each detector are processed to generate a signal indicative of the position of the control element. Optionally, a signal generated by a single detector comprises the position indicative signal.