Abstract: A device for sensing the linear axial displacement of an actuator comprises, in one embodiment, a movable, elongated magnet coupled to the actuator and a fixed Hall sensor. A one-dimensional bearing for the magnet is designed to receive bearing forces in a direction radial to the axial direction by permitting a displacement and pivoting movement of the magnet around the one-dimensional bearing. Arranging the Hall sensor in the region of the one-dimensional bearing ensures that the spacing or gap between the magnet and the Hall sensor remains constant, even in case of a pivoting and/or radial movement of the actuator and of the magnet connected thereto along the full length of displacement of the actuator. Accordingly, the results in sensing the linear displacement of the actuator are not adversely affected by admissible deflections of the actuator from the axial direction of linear displacement.

Abstract: A device for sensing the linear axial displacement of an actuator comprises, in one embodiment, a movable, elongated magnet coupled to the actuator and a fixed Hall sensor. A one-dimensional bearing for the magnet is designed to receive bearing forces in a direction radial to the axial direction by permitting a displacement and pivoting movement of the magnet around the one-dimensional bearing. Arranging the Hall sensor in the region of the one-dimensional bearing ensures that the spacing or gap between the magnet and the Hall sensor remains constant, even in case of a pivoting and/or radial movement of the actuator and of the magnet connected thereto along the full length of displacement of the actuator. Accordingly, the results in sensing the linear displacement of the actuator are not adversely affected by admissible deflections of the actuator from the axial direction of linear displacement.