Abstract: A magnetic pole position detecting device correctly acquires magnetic pole position even if two magnetic sensors are arranged at an arbitrary interval. The magnetic pole position detecting device receives the input of sensor outputs “a” and “b” of two magnetic sensors arranged at a predetermined interval L along a magnetic pole arraying direction and a phase difference ? between the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”. When sin ?>?, the magnetic pole position detecting device divides a·sin ? by b?a·cos ? to calculate tan ? and outputs a magnetic pole position ?=tan?1 {a·sin ?/(b?a·cos ?)}. When sin ???, because a=sin ? and b=cos(?+?), the magnetic pole position detecting device outputs magnetic pole position ?={sin?1(a)+sin?1(b)??}/2. Because ?=2?×L/(a magnetic pole pitch or the number of poles), by using ? as a correction coefficient for the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”, magnetic pole position error can be canceled even when the interval L is different from a theoretical value.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus includes a position detection target member, a magnet that moves in accordance with movement of the position detection target member, and a plurality of magnetic detectors provided on a surface opposite a movement plane of the magnet. A flat yoke is provided on the reverse face of the magnet. The magnetic polarity of a peripheral side part of the magnet is opposite to the magnetic polarity of a center part thereof. The peripheral side part is formed at a regional range that can be defined on the basis of a predetermined distance(s) measured from a side edge of the yoke.

Abstract: A transmission clutch position sensor includes two Hall sensors located at opposite ends of a flux concentrator outside the casing of the transmission to sense a magnetic field generated by a magnet attached to the clutch piston. To reduce sensitivity to magnet-to-sensor gap tolerances, a ratio of the voltage of one Hall sensor to the sum of the voltages from both Hall sensors is used to correlate to the piston and, hence, clutch position.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the assembly of an elongated magnetostrictive sensor in an enveloping tight protective profile, the sensor unit according to the invention comprises a head piece which closes the face of the protective profile and which partially reaches into the protective profile, wherein the wave conductor unit and also the circuit board are initially connected form locked with the head piece and electrically connected therewith.

Abstract: As imaging devices are miniaturized, and optical devices are miniaturized, lens moving mechanisms are also miniaturized. Thus, position sensors for them are required to be miniaturized and have high accuracy at low cost. A magnet of a pillar shape and a yoke which move in the X axis direction with respect to a magnetic field detection element are provided, and a shape of a cross section of the yoke which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the magnet changes along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A two-piece collar (10) is rigidly clamped onto the hydraulic driver shaft (12) via two shoulder bolts (14). The collar halves (16) engage a tightly toleranced groove feature (18) on the spool (20) that is assembled onto the linear sensor shaft (22). The spool (20) houses a magnet (24) that sends a position signal to the sensor (26). As the hydraulic driver shaft (12) reciprocates during operation, the spool (20) moves along with it sending the position signal to the sensor (26) that tells the driver (28) to change direction. The hydraulic driver and chemical pump shafts (12) can slowly rotate over time, which is preferred for increased chemical pump/hydraulic driver seal life.

Abstract: A linear sensor system includes a first field sensor displaced linearly from a second field sensor. A member having high magnetic permeability is disposed between the first field sensor and the second field sensor. The member is optimized in shape and material to completely remove any redirection or interference of the magnetic flux in the field sensors. A torque transmitting device incorporating the linear sensor system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stroke amount detecting device includes a magnetism detecting unit, a first magnetic field generating unit and a second magnetic field generating unit. A magnetic pole of the first generating unit and a magnetic pole of the second generating unit, which are opposed to each other, have different polarities. A distance between a gap end of the first generating unit and a gap end of the second generating unit, which are located on a farther side of a rectilinear axis, is smaller than a distance between an open end of the first generating unit and an open end of the second generating unit, which are located on a closer side of the rectilinear axis. The magnetism detecting unit detects a stroke amount of an object based on a magnetic flux generated between the open end of the first generating unit and the open end of the second generating unit.

Abstract: A resolver includes an excitation coil for receiving an excitation signal and a detection coil for outputting a detection signal. The detection sine wave is changeable according to an amount of displacement of a movable element provided in the excitation coil or the detection coil. The resolver detects the amount of displacement of the movable element based on the excitation signal and the detection signal. The detection coil is one coil formed of a first detection coil pattern and a second detection coil pattern connected in series or in parallel such that the second detection coil pattern is shifted in phase by a half cycle from the first detection coil pattern.

Abstract: Techniques for coupling with devices that convert displacements into differential voltages and improve the sensitivity of such devices. The disclosed system improves the accuracy and resolution of a transducers such as an LVDT by converting certain parts of the circuit to a digital circuit. One embodiment uses a processor, although other digital processing circuitry may also be used.

Abstract: An angle detecting apparatus includes a rotor fixed to a rotating shaft, a pair of magnetic sensors arranged close to the outer periphery of the rotor so as to have a difference in angle (?/2) with respect to the center of rotation of the rotor, a differential operational circuit performing differential operation on detection signals output by the magnetic sensors to output a differential signal, and the angle calculating circuit calculating the angle of rotation of the rotating shaft based on the differential signal. The planar shape of the rotor is such that the sum of the distances between the center of rotation and the respective two points where two straight lines crossing at the center of rotation at a crossing angle of (?/2) cross the outer periphery of the rotor is constant, and the planar shape is symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through the center of rotation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a self-test on a sensing device are described in the present disclosure. One implementation, among others, includes a method of performing a self test. In this implementation, the method includes supplying a periodic magnetic field upon a sensing element that is configured to sense a parameter of an object. The method further includes receiving an output from the sensing element indicating the operability of the sensing element. It should be noted that the output is received independently of the parameter of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shift rail position sensing system. There is a need for a rapid and accurate shift rail position sensing system. In a transmission shift mechanism shifts are performed by axially moving a shift rail which is slidable in a rail bore in a housing. A rail position sensing system includes a groove formed in the shift rail and a Hall effect sensor. The groove includes a curved bottom surface, a first ramp surface extending from one side of the bottom surface to an outer peripheral surface of the shift rail, and a second ramp surface extending from a second side of the bottom surface to an outer peripheral surface of the shift rail. The Hall effect sensor has a sensor shaft with an axis normal to an axis of the shift rail. The sensor shaft has a sensing tip which adjacent to and spaced apart from the groove, so that the Hall effect sensor is sensitive an entire range of positions of the shift rail.

Abstract: In a range detection device, a movable member has a magnetized portion and can move with a manual valve of a control device. A supporting member includes a plate portion having a surface opposed to the magnetized portion and a recess formed in an opposite surface of the plate portion, and supports the movable member such that the movable member is capable of moving parallel with the plate portion. A substrate is placed in the recess and has a first hole that penetrates the substrate. A magnetic detection element is installed to a surface of the substrate at a side of the plate portion to correspond to a position of the first hole, and detects magnetism of the magnetized portion. A sealing member is filled in the recess and covers the substrate and the magnetic detection element.

Abstract: An incremental displacement transducer and method for determining a displacement of a first object relative to a second object having a scanning unit linked or to be linked with the first object for scanning a spacing or division track linked or to be linked with the second object having first areas and second areas arranged in alternating manner with a period length, the first areas having a first physical property and the second areas a second physical property differing therefrom, and where the scanning unit has a plurality of sensors for scanning the first areas and the second areas on the basis of the first and/or second physical property, and having an evaluation unit linked with the scanning unit for determining the displacement on the basis of measuring signals of the sensors.

Abstract: A holder is disposed in the case. The holder is mounted with an actuator that moves in the predetermined direction and a wiring board having a detector. A positioning mechanism between relevant components for detecting the positions of components is provided such as a wiring board and a holder, the position of magnet in particular. In this way, the magnet and the detector opposing to each other are positioned. As a result, when a vehicle switch is assembled, the variation in position of the magnet and detector is reduced.

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor providing excellent output characteristics is provided. The rotation angle sensor has a structure in which a ring-shaped permanent magnet provided so as to be rotatable integrally with a rotor connected to a member to be detected; magnetic flux gathering yokes surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped permanent magnet with a certain clearance being formed between the outer circumferential surface and the magnetic flux gathering yokes; and Hall ICs 30 arranged in gaps between the magnetic flux gathering yokes, are arranged inside a casing formed by a casing body and a cover. In the casing body, a guide tube surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped permanent magnet is formed with a certain clearance being formed between the outer circumferential surface and the guide tube.

Abstract: The displacement sensor (100) includes a rod (103) including a conical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) and a magnetic sensor (110) located in close proximity to the concical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105). The magnetic sensor (110) generates a positional signal that is related to the position of the concical convex graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) in relation to the magnetic sensor (110).

Abstract: A three-wire transformer position sensor is provided that includes an excitation coil and an output coil. The excitation coil is adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal, and has a first end and a second end. The output coil includes a first coil and a second coil and is inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation thereof the excitation coil. The first end of the first coil is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and to the second end of the excitation coil, and the second end of the first coil is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil. The output coil is configured, when it is balanced and the excitation coil is being electrically excited, to supply a null output signal.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a movable part rotatably supported by a base, a first input unit that is part or all of a first member formed integrally with or secured to the movable part, a second input unit that is part or all of a second member formed integrally with or secured to the movable part, a turning member turning together with the movable part, and a sensing element that is secured to a reference position of the base, senses a direction of the turning member relative to the reference position, and outputs a signal determined on the basis of the detected direction to identify a first linear displacement and a second linear displacement.

Abstract: A compact sensing device capable of sensing a rotational angle and a rotational velocity, or a rectilinear moving distance and a moving velocity. A displacement sensing device that senses a rotational angle of a moving member rotation and a distance of a linear movement of the moving member, or senses an angular velocity of the moving member rotation and a velocity of a linear movement of the moving member, includes: a first movable member, moved together with the moving member by a linear movement of the moving member; a second movable member holding the first movable member in a rotatable manner, and rotated together with the moving member by rotation of the moving member; a first sensor outputting a signal in accordance with a linear movement of the first movable member; and a second sensor outputting a signal in accordance with a rotation of the second movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus including a controller, a transport in communication with the controller having a movable portion and a transport path and a multi-dimensional position measurement device in communication with the controller, the multi-dimensional position measurement device including a plurality of transformers and at least one element attached to the movable portion, wherein the multi-dimensional position measurement device is configured so that a circuit is completed in at least one plurality of transformers as the at least one element passes proximate to the at least one of the plurality of transformers and the controller is configured to calculate a multi-dimensional position of the movable object based on an output of the at least one of the plurality of transformers, wherein the multi-dimensional position includes at least a gap between the movable portion and the plurality of transformers.

Abstract: Methods of compensating for position errors due to signal scaling, linearity, and offset between first and second members in a displacement transducer are provided, including: producing a first signal at the first member; producing a second signal at the first member; modulating the first signal at the second member to include at least one region with an invariant amplitude as the first and second members are displaced relative to one another along a measurement axis; determining a relation between a sample of the second signal and the invariant amplitude of the first signal as an indication of an error parameter; and generating a compensated sample based upon the determined relation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an angular or linear magnetic position sensor that comprises a mobile member including at least one magnet (1) having a magnetisation direction that varies linearly along the movement direction of the magnet in a surface defined by said movement direction and in a normal direction, at least four magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3 and 4, 5) and at least one processing circuit (6) providing a signal based on the absolute position of the mobile member, characterised in that a first set of magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3) and (4, 5) are located at a same point, the first couple of magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3) being spatially offset from a second couple of magneto-sensitive elements (4, 5) along the movement direction, and in that the magneto-sensitive elements (3 and 5) measure the tangential component of the magnetic field while the magneto-sensitive elements (2 and 4) measure the normal component of the magnetic field in order to provide, after algebraic combination of the component

Abstract: A position-sensor and/or speed-sensor arrangement comprising a sensor with at least a first sensitive main plane and an encoder with at least one encoder track face. The sensor senses a magnetic field generated and/or modulated by the encoder, and the sensor has at least a first magnetic field sensor element and a second magnetic field sensor element. The first magnetic field sensor element has at least a first main sensing direction and the second magnetic field sensor element has an at least second main sensing direction different from the first main sensing direction. The first magnetic field sensor element and the second magnetic field sensor element are arranged such that at least an element output signal of the first magnetic field sensor element has a phase shift absolute value between 75° and 105° with respect to at least one element output signal of the second magnetic field sensor element.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and a device for determining the relative position of two elements that are mobile with respect to one another, in which connected to a first element is a source of a field of forces and connected to a second element is a meter, designed to measure the field of forces and to supply, instant by instant and as a function of the measurement made, a response identifying the relative position of the first element with respect to the second element at that instant, the meter being provided with at least three field sensors arranged in respective distinct points of the second element, and the response being obtained by comparing with one another the outputs corresponding to that instant.

Abstract: A hall effect system having a housing, an input element coupled to the housing, and a magnetic element coupled to the input element and configured to have a detectable magnetic flux. A sensing element is adjacent to the magnetic element. The sensing element is configured to sense the magnetic flux. A processing element is coupled to the sensing element and is configured to determine a position of the magnetic element relative to the sensing element by determining changes in and/or the orientation of the magnetic flux upon movement of the interface element by a user.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system is provided that comprises a first sensor element disposed within a first member having an axis Y, and a second member configured to rotate about the axis Y at a value X. The second member is configured to interface with the first member. The non-contact sensor system further comprises a second sensor element disposed on the second member proximate the first sensor element without physically contacting the first sensor element, and the first sensor element and the second sensor element are operatively coupled to facilitate sensing the value X. The non-contact sensor system may be configured to sense velocity, acceleration, and other values.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement method for a relative displacement or relative positioning of a first object relative to a second object, in which: at least one transmitting coil, placed on the first object, is excited by an alternating excitation signal, at least one alternating electronic output signal, generated by mutual inductance in at least one receiving coil, is detected; the at least one receiving coil being placed on the second object and in a magnetic field created by the at least one transmitting coil, and the relative displacement of the first object is determined relative to the second object using the at least one alternating electric output signal generated on the at least one receiving coil.

Abstract: An apparatus including a controller, a workpiece transport in communication with the controller having a movable portion and a transport path, and a multi-dimensional position measurement device including at least one field generating platen attached to the movable portion and at least one sensor group positioned along the transport path and in communication with the controller, the field generating platen is configured for position measurement and propelling the movable portion, each sensor in the at least one sensor group is configured to provide but one output signal along a single axis corresponding to a sensed field generated by the at least one field generating platen and the controller is configured calculate a multi-dimensional position of the movable portion based on the but one output signal of at least one of the sensors in the at least one sensor group, the multi-dimensional position including a planar position and a gap measurement.

Abstract: An AMR array magnetic position sensing method and system for improving sensor-to-magnet carrier misposition. A magnetic carrier can be provided, which maintains two or more magnets with angled magnetic vectors position above an array of AMR array sensors. The magnet carrier can then be passed over the AMR array sensors to generate an output signal having less susceptibility to variations in air gap because the angles of flux lines generated by the magnets do not change much with air gap variation. The AMR array sensors are generally sensitive to variation in a direction being sensed, because a constant magnetic field angle sensed by AMR runners located on the AMR array sensors do not change with respect to variation in other directions.

Abstract: A method of designing a sensor assembly having a housing, a first magnet and a second magnet includes forming each of the first magnet and the second magnet into a wedge shape. The method further includes tilting each of the first magnet and the second magnet at an angle within the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor arrangement (1), having magnetically sensitive sensor elements (7, 8) whose electrical properties are changeable as a function of a magnetic field that a moving, passive transmitter element (11) is able to influence. The magnetic sensor arrangement (1) has two sensor elements (7, 8) in a gradiometer arrangement that are each respectively associated with one of two magnetic regions (4, 5) of a permanent magnet embodied in the form of a gap magnet (2; 20; 23), which regions are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (sa). The regions (4, 5) and the gap magnet (2; 20; 23)—in terms of the for example wedge-shaped embodiment, the dimensions (h, b, t), the gap width (sa), the gap depth (st), and their positions in relation to the sensor elements (7, 8)—are situated so as to minimize the offset of the output signal of the sensor elements (7, 8) in the gradiometer arrangement.

Abstract: An angle detection apparatus comprising a magnet rotor having a multi-pole segment magnet, and a magnetic sensor for detecting the direction of a magnetic flux generated from the multi-pole segment magnet; the multi-pole segment magnet having pluralities of magnetic poles along the rotation direction of the magnet rotor, the magnetic sensor comprising a magnetosensitive plane having pluralities of spin-valve, giant-magnetoresistive devices each having a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and a free layer having a magnetization direction rotating in response to the magnetic flux direction; and the magnetic sensor being positioned relative to the magnet rotor, such that the magnetosensitive plane crosses the magnetic flux, with perpendicular magnetic flux density components having different amplitudes on the magnetosensitive plane.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor array including a plurality of magnetic sensors detects a phase regarding a magnetic pole of a magnetic pole array including magnetic poles of N and S arranged alternately. A pitch identification unit detects a pitch number of the magnetic pole currently being detected by the magnetic sensor array, in the magnetic pole array.

Abstract: A waste gate actuator for an exhaust gas turbocharger, including an actuator housing and an actuator cover, an element for actuating the waste gate valve and electronic components for controlling the element to actuate the waste gate valve being arranged in the waste gate actuator. Provided is a simple and inexpensive revolution counting system on the turbocharger which allows the number of revolutions of the rotating parts (turbine wheel, compressor wheel, turboshaft) to be detected without substantial constructional alterations to the design of existing turbochargers. A sensor for detecting the variations in a magnetic field that are produced by the rotation of the rotating parts is arranged in or on the actuator housing or in or on the actuator cover.

Abstract: A circular top surface of a magnet is magnetized to the N-pole, and a back surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves within the X-Y plane at positions located away from the top surface of the magnet. A pair of X-direction detecting elements and a pair of the Y-direction detecting elements are provided in the detector. In the X-direction detecting elements, the directions of a bias magnetic field provided to free magnetic layers are opposite to each other. When the detector moves in the Y direction, a decrease in the sensitivity of one of the X-direction detecting elements is compensated for by an improvement in the sensitivity of the other element. This also applies to the Y-direction detecting elements. Accordingly, position detection outputs of the X direction and the Y direction can be accurately obtained from the detector.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a linear magnetic field sensor to produce a voltage proportional to a sensed magnetic field and an interface having only two terminals for external connections. The two terminals of the interface include a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. The interface includes a voltage-controlled current generating device that is connected between the two terminals and is controlled by the voltage to provide a current signal that is proportional to the sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: A linear position sensor having a transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of electrical energy and wound in a first direction. A receiver coil is contained within the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes both a first loop wound in a first direction and a second loop wound in the opposite direction. A coupler element linearly moves along a first direction relative to the transmitter coil which varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the linear position of the coupler element to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil. The first and second loops of the receiver coil are linearly aligned with each other along the first direction.

Abstract: In a method for communicating electrical positioning information of an actuator-positioned final control element such as a valve element, the positioning information resulting from continually sensing the position of the final control element, a binary signal is formed or received signalling a condition 0 (zero) when the final control element has attained a predefined position and a condition 1 (one) when the final control element has not attained the predefined position or the predefined position range. For forming a positioning signal, the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal and the associated continually sensed positioning information are combined such that the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal or the positioning information or both can be optionally invoked from the positioning signal.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement has a sensor array (SA) with a first, a second, and a third sensor focus (SSP1, SSP2, SSP3), which are located along a main linear direction (L) and in which the third sensor focus (SSP3) is located in the middle between the first and second sensor foci (SSP1, SSP2). Individual sensor devices (SM1, SM2, SM3) with magnetic field sensors that provide a first, second, and third set of sensor signals are correlated with the sensor foci (SSP1, SSP2, SSP3). A first and a second channel signal (CH1, CH2) are derived as a function of the sets of sensor signals in a processing device (PRC) via a first and a second combination device (K1, K2). An evaluation unit (EV) is configured to derive a phase angle as a function of the channel signals (CH1, CH2).

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create an inexpensive sensor system for a movable electric machine in order to determine positions, the sensor signal featuring zero crossings. Said aim is achieved by a sensor device (1) comprising a U-shaped yoke (3) and a sensor (10) which is disposed in/on the yoke (3) to detect a magnetic variable, for example. Magnets (6 to 9) that are or can be inversely magnetized are arranged at a free end of the yoke (3). Opposite magnetic fluxes that can be detected by the sensor (10) can be generated in the yoke (3) in accordance with the position of the magnets (6 to 9) relative to one of the pole teeth (11, 12, 13) of a machine component. Approximately sinusoidal sensor signals can be generated therefrom without having to use several measuring sensors, e.g. in order to regulate a linear motor.

Abstract: A first magnet is secured to the movable member at a first axial position and is associated with a first magnetic field. A secondary magnet is secured to the movable member at a secondary axial position and is associated with a secondary magnetic field. A sensor assembly comprises magnetic sensors arranged in an array (e.g., on a fixed member). A first magnetic sensor is spaced apart from the sensor assembly such that the first magnetic sensor detects the first magnetic field of the first magnet in a first state and an absence of or change in the first magnetic field in a second state. A data processor is arranged for determining an axial position of the moveable member based on at least one of the magnetic fields sensed by the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An encoder scale is a piston rod for use in a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The method includes the steps of providing a mask defining a required groove pattern on an encoder scale member that is formed from a first material (e.g. steel) and etching material from the encoder scale member, through the mask, to form a plurality of grooves in the outer surface of the encoder scale member. A second material such as copper is then deposited on to the encoder scale member to substantially fill the grooves, the second material having a different magnetic permeability than the first material. A machining process (e.g. grinding) is then used to remove any excess second material and thereby provide an encoder scale member having a substantially smooth outer surface. A step of coating the outer surface of the encoder scale member with a metal, such as chronium, is then performed.

Abstract: An assembly includes a magnetostrictive transducer that provides a transducer output. Amplifier circuitry receives the transducer output and generates a transducer output burst and a bias output burst. The transducer output burst and bias output burst overlap in time and differ by a phase difference. A burst processor receives the transducer output burst and the bias output burst. The burst processor provides a displacement output that is a function of a time when the transducer output burst and the bias output burst are at the same voltage level.

Abstract: A magnetic absolute position sensor comprises: a read head, a horizontal magnetic scale, and an oblique magnetic scale. The read head is provided with a first position sensing unit and a second position sensing unit which are used produce signal with respect to the horizontal magnetic scale and the oblique magnetic scale, respectively. The distance between the first position sensing unit and the horizontal magnetic scale is constant, and the distance between the second position sensing unit and the oblique magnetic scale changes from narrow to wide. The absolute position identifying system is electrical connected to the first and second position sensing units, respectively, to obtain absolute position coordinates.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided which can reduce its size and height, reduce leakage magnetic flux density to the outside. Magnetic sensors are disposed symmetrically two by two on X and Y axes on a printed circuit board. A silicone resin is placed on the printed circuit board, and an internally and externally unipolarly magnetized ring-like magnet is placed near the center of the magnetic sensors. The printed circuit board and silicone resin are not bonded. The silicone resin is easily deformed by applying external force, and returns to its initial state without the external force as soon as the external force is removed. The ring-like magnet is configured to move approximately in parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board. The variations in the ambient magnetic flux density produced by the movement of the ring-like magnet are detected by the magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus includes (a) a sleeve that has an open first end and a second end opposite the first end, (b) a guide pin guided at least partly in the sleeve, (c) a spring, (d) a linear magnetic field sensor and (e) a magnet disposed adjacent to the linear magnetic field sensor. To avoid wear even in the presence of large temperature fluctuations, the magnet is disposed on a face of the guide pin facing the second end of the sleeve, and the spring is disposed between the second end of the sleeve and the magnet such that the spring urges the magnet against the guide pin.

Abstract: In a position detecting device including a movable member provided in a displaceable manner on a base member, and a proximity sensor which detects the position of the movable member, the proximity sensor includes a magnetic field generating portion, a detecting portion which detects a change in magnetic field according to the displacement of the movable member, and a protruding portion made of a nonmagnetic material, which protrudes toward an object to be detected. A seat position detecting device of a vehicle including the configuration of the position detecting device mentioned above is provided. The base member is comprised of a lower rail which is fixedly installed on a floor of a vehicle body, and the movable member is comprised of an upper rail which is attached to a seat for a vehicle and slidably engaged with the lower rail and which is allowed to be fixed in arbitrary sliding positions on the lower rail.

Abstract: In a position detecting apparatus, a magnetic scale part has a magnetic pattern formed by magnetization along a longitudinal direction. An increased magnetization part is arranged at an end portion of the magnetic scale part in the longitudinal direction. The increased magnetization part is magnetized with an increased intensity of magnetization as compared to the magnetic scale part. A magnetic field shaping part is disposed adjacent to the magnetic scale part for shaping a magnetic field generated from the magnetic scale part. A magnetic detection part detects both the magnetic field from the magnetic pattern of the magnetic scale part and the magnetic field from the increased magnetization part. The magnetic detection part is arranged in opposed relation to the magnetic scale part movably in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic scale part. The magnetic pattern and the increased magnetization part are arranged along a track through which the magnetic detection part moves.