Position detection using reluctance changes induced by displacement of metallic balls
US5006798A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2233/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A linear guide includes a linear guide member provided over a guide range, a movable member being displaceable along the linear guide member and a ball bearing assembly provided on the movable member in a portion which comes in sliding contact with the linear guide member. A position detection device for the linear guide comprises the ball bearing assembly and a coil assembly and the ball bearing assembly has a casing and a succession of plural metallic balls disposed within the casing to form an endless ball array with each adjacent one of the balls being in close contact with another whereby the balls are linearly displaceable in accordance with displacement of the movable member. The coil assembly is provided on a part of the casing and includes a coil member which is excited by an ac signal. A magnetic path is formed through the ball located at the part of the casing and a reluctance change is produced in the magnetic path in accordance with displacement of the balls. One cycle of the reluctance change is determined by displacement corresponding to the diameter of the balls. An output signal responsive to the reluctance change is produced from the coil assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.