Self-induction-type position detector device for detecting object position

Abstract

Single coil to be excited by a predetermined A.C. signal is provided, with no secondary coil being provided. Magnetism-responsive member is movable relative to the coil so that a self-inductance of the coil progressively increases or decreases in response to displacement of an object to be detected within a predetermined range and a voltage of the coil corresponding to the self-inductance is produced. Predetermined reference voltage is generated and subjected to analog operations with the coil output voltage, to thereby generate first and second A.C. outputs having, as amplitude coefficients, first and second cyclic amplitude functions correlated to the position to be detected. The position is detected on the basis of the phase component of the amplitude coefficient functions. Combination of two coils and one reference voltage may be employed. Further, a plurality of coil segments excitable by a same-phase signal are placed in series along the direction of displacement of the object so that a progressive increase or decrease occurs sequentially in the self-inductance of the coil segments as the magnetism-responsive member moves relative to the coil segments, and the voltage corresponding to the self-inductance is taken out from each of the coil segments. Performing analog arithmetic operations on combinations of the coil voltages produces first and second A.C. outputs having, as amplitude coefficients, first and second cyclic amplitude functions correlated to the position to be detected.