Position encoder using saturable reactor interacting with magnetic fields varying with time and with position

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB96/02560 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 17, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 17, 1998 PCT Filed Oct. 17, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/14935 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 24, 1997A 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.