Position encoder using saturable reactor interacting with magnetic fields varying with time and with position
US6118271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01F13/003
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A position encoder is provided for indicating the relative position between first and second relatively movable members. One of the members carries a multi-pole magnetic scale which generates a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction vary with position and the other member carries at least one sense conductor. A saturable magnetic element is located in the positionally varying magnetic field of the magnetic scale and an excitation winding is provided which, when energized, generates a magnetic filed which interacts with the positionally varying magnetic field to cause different portions of the saturable magnetic element to saturate and desaturate at different times. The arrangement of the sense conductor is such that as the magnetic element is driven into and out of saturation, it outputs a signal which is indicative of the position of the magnetic scale relative to the sense conductor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.