The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 14, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 16, 2000
Toshihiro Yamaki, Wako, JP;
Kenji Abe, Wako, JP;
Kouichi Ikoma, Wako, JP;
Yasuo Shimizu, Wako, JP;
Minoru Nakamura, Wako, JP;
Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
Displacement of a mechanical element is accurately detected by a simple and inexpensive structure. To provide displacement detecting device including: a mechanical element capable of being displaced; a magnet connected to the mechanical element and magnetized in displacement direction of the mechanical element; and a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnet and outputting a sensor output corresponding to a detected magnetic-flux value, so as to detect displacement of the mechanical element in accordance with the sensor output. In one embodiment, a Hall element is used as the magnetic sensor and the magnet longer than distance of movement of the mechanical element is used. Thus, an output having a linear relation with displacement of the mechanical element is obtained, and detection of the displacement is easily implemented. The displacement detecting device can be applied to an actuator of intake/exhaust valves of an engine. In another embodiment, a magnetic material provided between the Hall element and a spring to reduce the disturbance caused by the spring. Moreover, a transfer shaft connected to the intake/exhaust valve is made of a non-magnetic material or a material having characteristics close to the non-magnetic material to reduce the effect of leakage flux.