MAGNETIC LOAD SENSOR FOR USE IN A LINEAR MOTION ACTUATOR AND LINEAR MOTION ACTUATOR

A load sensor unit for use in a linear motion actuator is provided which is less likely to suffer from hysteresis errors during use while being mounted in the linear motion actuator, and which can reduce the axial length of the linear motion actuator. The load sensor unit is a magnetic load sensor unit, for use in a linear motion actuator, configured to detect the magnitude of an axial load applied to an object (22) from the linear motion actuator. The sensor unit includes a flange member (2) configured to be deflected when a reaction force to the axial load is received through a thrust bearing (41), a magnetic target (4) which generates magnetic fields; and a magnetic sensor (5) arranged such that its position relative to the magnetic target (4) changes when the flange member (4) is deflected. The flange member (2) has an axial end surface in which a groove (10) is formed with which rolling elements (41B) of the thrust bearing (41) are in rolling contact.