Title of Invention	"ACTUATOR THAT FUNCTIONS BY MEANS OF A MOVABLE COIL ARRANGEMENT"
Abstract	Actuator with a housing shell, a coil support displaceable within housing shell, having current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with magnet cylinder enclosed by coil support forming air gap, with sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk arranged axially in cylinder's interior, wherein axial width of coil is greater than axial extension of pole disk associated with coil, wherein dimensions of permanent magnet (16) and pole disk (17) are adapted to each other such that end face cross-sectional area of permanent magnet corresponds to circumferential surface of neighboring pole disk (11) and that width of coil overlaps width of disk by stroke amplitude of coil support (19) displaceable in fluid medium and air gap (24) between coil support and a magnet tube (15) enclosing permanent magnet and pole disk is at maximum wide enough for laminar lubricating film to form between parts (15, 19) without displacing surrounding fluid.

Title of Invention

"ACTUATOR THAT FUNCTIONS BY MEANS OF A MOVABLE COIL ARRANGEMENT"

Abstract

Actuator with a housing shell, a coil support displaceable within housing shell, having current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with magnet cylinder enclosed by coil support forming air gap, with sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk arranged axially in cylinder's interior, wherein axial width of coil is greater than axial extension of pole disk associated with coil, wherein dimensions of permanent magnet (16) and pole disk (17) are adapted to each other such that end face cross-sectional area of permanent magnet corresponds to circumferential surface of neighboring pole disk (11) and that width of coil overlaps width of disk by stroke amplitude of coil support (19) displaceable in fluid medium and air gap (24) between coil support and a magnet tube (15) enclosing permanent magnet and pole disk is at maximum wide enough for laminar lubricating film to form between parts (15, 19) without displacing surrounding fluid.

Full Text	The present invention relates to actuator that functions by means of a movable coil arrangement. Description The invention relates to an actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial length of the pole disk associated with the coil. An actuator with the described features is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,345,206. The prior-art actuator has a housing, which is closed on . one end and is made entirely of a magnetically conductive material. The coil support, which can be driven out of the housing by an actuation projection, is displaceable within the housing. The prior art actuator is distinguished in that the pole disks are narrow compared to the permanent magnets arranged adjacent thereto, and the coils wound -2-- onto the coil support are much wider than the associated narrow pole disks. With this configuration of the prior-art actuator, based on a magnetic saturation of the narrow pole disks, a leakage field from the permanent magnets acting on the coils overlapping the permanent magnets is to be produced deliberately. This configuration accepts the drawback that the magnetic flux provided by the permanent magnet cannot be completely converted into a useful flux to move the coil support, and that the field lines, to a large extent, must overcome a longer path in the air gap next to the pole regions, so that a larger amount of magnetic material is required. To take into account the leakage flux, the coils are dimensioned to overlap by far the width of the associated pole disk. As a result, a relatively large amount of coil material is located on the coil support. This has not only the drawback of increasing the mass of the coil support that must be moved when the actuator is in operation, but the coil is also strongly heated because of the power that is supplied to a coil with a corresponding winding mass. This heating affects the actuator's heat balance and causes the individual coil bodies to expand and consequently to influence the size of the specified air gap and to limit the maximum possible energy density. These drawbacks have the result that an actuator of the prior art cannot be used in a fluid-filled space. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide an actuator with the initially described features for use in fluid engineering applications. Fluid engineering in this context means, in particular, the filling of the interior space of the actuator with a fluid medium. This is a prerequisite for the use of such an actuator, for example, as a direct drive of pumps in the pumping medium or for the direct control of inlet or outlet valves in internal combustion engines. The means to attain this object, including advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention, are set forth in the claims, which follow this description. In its basic concept, the invention provides that the dimensions of permanent magnet and pole disk are matched to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk and that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk overlaps the width of the pole disk by the stroke amplitude of the coil support. The coil support is displaceable in a fluid medium and the air gap between the coil support and a cylindrical magnet tube enclosing the permanent magnet and the associated pole disk is at maximum wide enough that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts without displacing the surrounding fluid. The invention has the advantage that, first, the leakage flux, which does not contribute to the force acting on the coil support, is kept low because the entire magnetic flux in the area of the pole disk is guided radially through the air gap between the cylindrical magnet tube and the housing or the housing shell along the geometrically shortest path, so that all the coil conductors are exposed to the maximum air gap induction. To ensure this for the entire axial movement of the coil support relative to the fixed cylindrical magnet tube, it is provided according to the invention that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk overlaps the width of the pole disk by the stroke amplitude of the coil support. Since the extent of the coils is thereby limited to the degree necessary, this has the advantage of resulting in an arrangement of coils with the smallest possible self-inductance and with a low winding weight. The size of the air gap between the coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube is decisive for the leakage flux, which according to the invention is to be prevented. The invention therefore provides that the smallest possible air gap be adjusted by making the air gap between the coil support, which is displaceable in the fluid medium, and the cylindrical magnet tube at maximum wide enough so that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts without displacing the surrounding fluid. On the one hand this especially takes into account the use of the actuator in fluid engineering applications because it provides a type of sleeve bearing arrangement of the coil support on the cylindrical magnet tube with the lowest possible frictional losses. The displacement of the fluid surrounding the coil support, caused by the axial movement of the coil support in the fluid, occurs on the outside of the coil support. If an actuator according to the invention is used, for example, for the direct control of inlet or outlet valves in internal combustion engines, the surrounding fuel-oil mixture causes a lubricating film to form. The same is true for an actuator used for the direct drive of pumps. In this case, the actuator can be arranged in the pumping medium itself, which causes the lubricating film to form. In a pump drive, however, the actuator can also be operated with a medium such as water filling its interior if the actuator is to be separate from the pumping medium. The one end face of the sleeve-shaped coil support may be provided with a support star having radially inwardly projecting spokes. According to a first embodiment, a tappet protruding from the housing as an actuation projection may be connected in the center of the support star. This type of solution is suitable, for example, in controlling inlet and outlet valves of internal combustion engines to couple valve tappets with the tappet of the actuator. For this purpose, the actuator may be configured in such a way that the housing shell is a component of a closed housing that receives the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. In this case, the tappet reaches through an opening in the associated end face of the housing. If the actuator is used in the direct drive of pumps, the housing shell may be a component of a housing open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The open end face of the housing is closed by a flexible membrane, and the tappet works against the membrane. As an alternative, the housing shell can be a component of a housing open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The open end face of the housing is closed by a flexible membrane. The coil support on the associated end face is provided with a plate as the support star, which works against the end-face membrane of the housing. In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing shell can be a component of a housing open on both sides and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The two open end faces of the housing are closed by a flexible membrane. The coil support, on the two end faces, is provided with a plate as a support star and is configured as a piston moving back and forth, which works against the end-face membranes of the housing. If the actuator housing is closed by one or two membranes and the pumping medium is pressurized by the moving membranes, the interior space of the housing formed by the housing shell and the end-face membranes may be filled with water to separate the fluid that is required to operate the actuator from the pumping medium. To the extent that an undesirable leakage flux does occur, particularly on the permanent magnet or the pole disk adjacent to the housing end face facing away from the support star of the coil support, it is provided that in a housing made entirely of a conductive material a spacer made of a magnetically non-conductive material be disposed between the end of the cylindrical magnet tube and the end face of the housing. As an alternative, the end face of the housing may be made of a magnetically non-conductive material. In a basic configuration of coil support and magnet cylinder, the invention provides for a magnet module, which is formed by a permanent magnet disposed in the center of the magnet cylinder and two pole disks arranged on the outside. A partial coil on the coil support is associated with each pole disk in the magnet module. The partial coils of a magnet module are wound in opposition and are mechanically and electrically connected with each other, so that mutual induction is also avoided. One embodiment of the invention provides that a single magnet module be arranged within the housing shell of the actuator. Because of the resulting compact symmetrical construction of the magnet module, a relatively large power density is generated due to the relatively low magnetic leakage losses according to the invention.. This, in conjunction with a low mass inertia of the coil support including the coil windings formed thereon, makes possible rapid alternating movements or a rapid unilateral displacement of the coil support. The self-inductances of the partial coils are kept low. As a result, current changes are so rapid that, for example, stroke adjustments over several millimeters can be achieved in a few milliseconds. Due to the dimensional relationships according to the invention regarding the relative size of permanent magnet and pole disk on the one hand and pole disk and coil winding on the other, the resulting axial magnet lengths are short, especially in view of the desired small overall size of the actuator according to the invention. As a consequence, depending on the application, the induction of an individual permanent magnet may not be sufficient for the desired movement of the coil support. According to one embodiment of the invention it is therefore provided that a plurality of magnet modules be arranged axially in series within the housing shell. In this case, like poles of the permanent magnet of each magnet module are located axially opposite each other. The outer pole disks of each magnet module are joined into a one-piece composite pole disk. In an arrangement of alternating permanent magnet and pole disk within the cylindrical magnet tube, a leakage flux may result in the area of the pole disks lying at the outer ends because the magnetic flux emanating from the inner permanent magnet is not completely diverted in the pole disk in the direction of the coil that covers the pole disk. One embodiment of the invention therefore provides that an edge magnet, whose strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube, be arranged at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube formed by the outer pole disks of the magnet module or modules and connected with the magnetically conductive housing shell. As a result, the magnetic flux emanating from the edge magnet is closed via the housing, which is connected with the edge magnet. Since the edge magnet needs to compensate only the leakage losses in the area of the associated pole disk, it does not need to have the same axial dimensions as the primary magnet or magnets arranged in the magnet carrier. A special embodiment of the invention provides for the arrangement of edge magnets and claw poles in all the actuators of the class, irrespective of the structure of a magnetic cylinder as such, i.e. irrespective of whether a cylindrical magnet tube is provided. In a housing that is open on one side in the area of the tappet, it is useful, according to one embodiment of the invention, if the inner edge magnet of the cylindrical magnet tube rests against the magnetically conductive end face of the housing on the closed housing side. To make it possible to compensate such leakage losses also on the side of the housing that is open in the area of the tappet, one embodiment of the invention provides that the housing, at its open end face, has magnetically conductive claw poles extending radially inwardly and axially between the spokes of the support star of the coil support. These claw poles are in magnetically adhesive engagement with the associated edge magnet of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube. This has the particular advantage that due to the magnetic flux established between the magnetically conductive housing or the claw poles and the edge magnets of the magnet cylinder, the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube is immovably mounted within the housing without any additional fastening elements. The magnetic holding forces are so large that even substantial external forces are unlikely to change the position of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube within the housing. This type of fixation within the housing of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube further makes it possible, according to one embodiment of the invention, to configure the housing shell open on both sides with claw poles formed at both ends. The coil support displaceable within the housing shell can have a support star on each of the end faces with a tappet protruding therefrom. Specifically, the claw pole may be configured to correspond in shape with the gaps between the spokes of the support star. The fixation of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube in the housing provides the means for the claw poles to form an anti-rotation protection for the support star and tappet insofar as twisting forces, which occur in the interaction of the actuator with the valve used in fluid engineering applications upon startup of the valve, may be transmitted to the tappet and thus to the coil support via the support star. To avoid contact friction over an area between the fixed claw poles and the coil support as the latter is being displaced, one embodiment of the invention provides that at least one claw pole has, for example, a knob-like or linear projection relative to the associated spoke of the support star, so that area friction is avoided and only point friction or linear friction is permitted. Correspondingly, a projection may be formed on a spoke and rest against the claw pole. Advantageously, it is furthermore possible that a claw pole and/or the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube mounted between claw pole and housing, or between the claw poles on the two sides, forms a fixed mount for the sensor of a position measuring system in relation to the housing. Movements of the carrier of the sensor that would distort the measuring results of the position measuring system are thus excluded. According to one embodiment of the invention, the structure of a magnet module, or of a plurality of magnet modules, can be such that a magnet module is formed by a pole disk arranged in the center of the cylindrical magnet tube with two permanent magnets disposed on both sides thereof. Like poles of the permanent magnets are located axially opposite each other, and a coil associated with the pole disk disposed in the center is wound on the coil support. This has the advantage that the permanent magnets disposed at the outer ends of the cylindrical magnet tube simultaneously act as edge magnets and thus enable the cylindrical magnet tube to be fixed directly between claw poles and housing, or between the claw poles fixed to the housing on the two sides. This arrangement, in contrast to the arrangement using additional edge magnets, advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of magnets while retaining the same configuration of the force effect. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of alternating pole disks and permanent magnets may be disposed between two outer permanent magnets. One embodiment of the invention provides that a preloaded spring is arranged between the support star of the coil support and the end-face side of the cylindrical magnet tube to bias the tappet in its coupling position with a valve connected to the actuator. With respect to the configuration of the coil support, including the coil windings formed thereon, the coil support, which is made of an electrically non-conductive material, e.g. plastic, fabric-based laminate or ceramic, may be provided with coil recesses into which the individual coils are wound. According to one embodiment of the invention, the coils wound into the recesses of the coil support can furthermore be covered with a protective layer to impart a smooth surface to the respective coil support provided with the coils. Such a configuration of the coil support makes it possible to realize very small air gaps between the coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube on the one hand and the housing shell on the other. Finally, a further embodiment of the invention provides that grooves be disposed on the inside of the housing shell extending in its longitudinal direction to allow the passage of the fluid displaced during the axial movement of the coil support inside the housing shell. This makes it possible to realize a small air gap between the coil support and the housing shell, despite the displacement of the fluid surrounding the coil support that occurs when the coil support moves. Corresponding grooves may be provided on the outer circumference of the coil support, if necessary. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing in which: FIG 1 is a schematic longitudinal section of an actuator with a magnet module consisting of a central permanent magnet with pole disks arranged on the outside, FIG 2 shows an actuator corresponding to FIG 1 with a plurality of magnet modules, FIG 3 is a longitudinal section of an actuator according to FIG 1 with additional edge magnets, FIG 4 is a section taken along line IV - IV in FIG 3, FIGS shows the subject of FIG 3 with an arrangement of a plurality of magnet modules, FIG 6 is an embodiment of the actuator according to FIG 3 with a housing that is open on both sides, with correspondingly arranged claw poles and with a central pole disk and outer primary magnets, FIG 7 shows the subject of FIG 6 with an arrangement of a plurality of primary magnets and pole disks, FIG 8 shows a detail of a coil support in cross section. The actuator shown schematically in FIG 1 has a housing 10 whose outer housing shell 11 is made of a magnetically conductive material. The closed end face 12 of the housing 10 is made of a different material, i.e. a magnetically non-conductive material, for reasons that will be explained below, while the opposite end face 13 is made of a magnetically conductive material and is provided with a central opening 14. A cylindrical magnet tube 15 is arranged in the interior of the housing 10 and connected on one side with the closed end face 12 of the housing 10. The cylindrical magnet tube 15 is made of a magnetically non-conductive material. In its interior a permanent magnet 16 is arranged in a centered position. A pole disk 17 each is disposed on the two end faces of this magnet. Between the pole disk 17 in proximity of the closed end face 12 of the housing 10 and said end face 12, a spacer 18 is furthermore arranged, which is made of a magnetically non-conductive material. The purpose of this spacer is to provide sufficient clearance for the movement of the coil support, which will be explained below, in view of the geometric proportions of permanent magnet 16 and pole disk 17, which will also be explained below. In the annular space between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the outer housing shell 11, a sleeve-type coil support 19 made of a magnetically and electrically non-conductive material, e.g. plastic, fabric-based laminate or ceramic, is disposed so as to be axially displaceable. An air gap 24 is arranged between the magnet cylinder 15 and the coil support 19, and an air gap 25 between the coil support 19 and the outer housing shell 11. On the side facing away from the closed end face 12 of the housing, the coil support is provided with a support star 20 formed by radially inwardly projecting spokes 21. A tappet 22 protruding axially through the opening 14 of the end face 13 of the housing 10 is arranged in the center of the support star 20 and is connected with the support star 20. As indicated only schematically in FIG 1 and somewhat more clearly in FIG 8, two coils 23 made of a suitable material, preferably copper or aluminum wire, are wound onto the coil support 19 in the embodiment depicted in FIG 1. These coils 23 axially cover the pole disks 17 and are wound in opposition to each other. For the high dynamics required in the actuators according to the invention, it is essential on the one hand to configure the coils 23 with the smallest possible self-inductance and a low winding weight and on the other hand to guide the entire magnetic flux emanating from the permanent magnet 16 as radially as possible in the area of the pole disks 17 through the air gap 24 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the coil support 19, so that the coils 23 located on the coil support 19 are subject to the maximum air-gap induction during the entire axial movement of the coil support. To minimize the leakage flux, which does not contribute to the force production, the magnets should be short and the air gaps small. For this reason — in a manner not visible in the schematic representation of FIG 1 — the dimensions of permanent magnet 16 and pole disks 17 are adjusted to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of the respective pole disk. Put briefly, this is true if the axial length of the magnet and the axial length of the pole disks 17 correspond to approximately half the diameter of the permanent magnet 16. Longer pole disks are perfectly feasible within the scope of the concept according to the invention. Moreover, each of the two coils 23 must overlap the width of the associated pole disk 17 by the stroke amplitude of the coil support 19 to achieve the largest possible force during the entire movement of the coil support 19. The two coils 23 are spatially separated in axial direction by a non-conductive spacer region 30 of the coil support 19 but are electrically connected with each other via the winding wire. Since the two coils 23 are furthermore wound in opposition, mutual inductance is avoided. To prevent leakage flux, which cannot be utilized, the air gap 24 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the coil carrier 19 must also be kept small. Thus, the air gap 24 should at maximum be wide enough so that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts 15,19 without displacing the fluid surrounding the coil support 19 or the cylindrical magnet tube. In the construction illustrated in FIG 1 of an actuator with a magnet module that has the described structure and is arranged in the housing 10, the permanent magnet 16 generates a homogenous magnetic field directed from the inside radially toward the outside in the region of the coils 23 in the entire air gap 24, 25 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the housing shell 11. This magnetic field, as indicated by the flux direction 31, can be closed through the magnetically conductive annular housing shell 11. In a homogenous magnetic field with a force proportional to the coil current, the magnetic air gap induction and the number of turns of the two coils 23, the direct current carrying coils 23 are displaced perpendicularly to the direction of the magnetic field. For this purpose, a current is supplied to the coils 23 disposed on the displaceable coil support 19 through highly flexible cables (not depicted). Displacement of the coil support 19, and thus an axial movement of the tappet 22, occurs as long as current carrying conductors, i.e. the coils 23, are located within the magnetic field. When the current is switched, the direction of movement of the coil support 19 also reverses, resulting in a back and forth movement of the coil support 19, or the tappet 22 carried by it, as indicated by arrow 32. Since the arrangement depicted in FIG 1 is free from transverse magnetic forces the coil support 19 can be guided within the recess 14 of the housing 10 without any additional bearing arrangement because the air gap 24 is adjusted to enable a laminar lubricating film to form. This is a particular advantage in operation. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG 2 essentially is distinguished from that of FIG 1 by a plurality of magnet modules having a central permanent magnet 16 and outer pole disks 17 in the cylindrical magnet tube 15, as depicted in FIG 1. The two pole disks 17, which are associated with permanent magnets 16 respectively arranged at a distance from one another, are combined into a single and consequently wider pole disk. The coils 23 associated with the wider pole disks 17 have a corresponding width plus the specified overlap corresponding to the stroke amplitude of the coil support. In principle, the structure of the embodiment depicted in FIG 3 corresponds to that shown in FIG 1. At the outer ends of the cylindrical magnet tube 15, an additional edge magnet 26 each is arranged, whose magnetic strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube 15, i.e. this leakage flux is compensated by the magnetic flux of the edge magnets 26. The relation of the ratio of the size of the permanent magnets 16 and the associated pole disks 17 thus does not apply to the design of the edge magnets. To enable the edge magnets 26 to be effective, they must be connected to the housing 10, which is made of a magnetically conductive material, so that a corresponding magnetic flux is established. On the side of the cylindrical magnet tube 15 facing away from the tappet 22 this is accomplished by making the respective end face 12 of the housing 10 and the corresponding spacer 18 of a magnetically conductive material. At the end face 13 opposite the end face 12, radially inwardly extending magnetically conductive mounts 27 with claw poles 28 axially mounted thereto are provided to form a magnetically conductive connection with the edge magnet 26 that is arranged there. The claw poles 28 reach between the spokes 21 of the support star 20 of the coil support 19 (FIG 4) and rest against the outer edge magnets 26 of the magnet cylinder 15. The magnetically conductive mounts 27 can also be configured, for example, as a circumferential disk from which claw poles start, which is connected with the housing shell 11. Due to the magnetic forces, the magnet cylinder 15 is thus firmly connected with the end face 12 of the housing 10 on the one hand and with the claw poles 28 forming an integral part of the housing 10 on the other, so that a stable configuration results, which can withstand even a relatively large force acting thereon. For this reason, the claw poles 28 are particularly suitable for use as an anti-rotation protection for the support star 20 of the coil support 19 with tappet 22 or as a mount for the sensor of a position measuring system. As shown in FIG 5, it is also possible in an embodiment of the actuator according to the invention shown in FIG 3 and 4 to provide a sequence of permanent magnets 16 and pole disks 17 within the cylindrical magnet tube with corresponding edge magnets 26. Another means of using the advantages of the actuator depicted in FIG 3 and 4 is illustrated in FIG 6 in which the housing 10 is open on both sides and therefore has claw poles 28 on both sides. As a result, the coil support 19, via a support star 20, can be provided with tappets 22 protruding on both sides from the housing 10. This makes it possible to actuate connected units in both directions of movement of the coil support 19 within the housing 10. Since the cylindrical magnet tube 15 is again firmly mounted by means of the two claw poles 28 fixed to the housing and arranged on both sides, the cylindrical magnet tube 15 is supported on both sides without interfering with the two-sided actuation by means of the two tappets 22 disposed on both sides. A further difference between the embodiments depicted in FIG 6 and in FIG 3 or 5 is that in the embodiment according to FIG 6 a central pole disk 17 is arranged with a permanent magnet 16 disposed on each side thereof inside the cylindrical magnet tube 15. These outer permanent magnets 16 simultaneously act as edge magnets. The edge magnets that are still provided in FIG 3 and 5 can be eliminated here, while the force effect remains the same. This saves magnetic material. As shown in FIG 7, such an arrangement can also be implemented with a sequence of several pole disks 17 and permanent magnets 16. Finally, FIG 8 by way of example shows the configuration of a coil support 19. In the embodiment shown, recesses 35 to accommodate the coils 23 are made in the outer surface of the coil support 19. The coils 23 are wound into these recesses. Thereafter, the recesses 35 or coils 23 are covered or encapsulated with a protective layer 36. This results in a correspondingly smooth outer circumference of the coil support 19, making it possible to adjust small air gaps 24, 25. The features of the subject of these documents as disclosed in the above description, the claims, the abstract and the drawing can be significant either alone or in any combination in the implementation of the invention and its various embodiments. We Claim: 1. Actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial extension of the pole disk associated with the coil, characterized in that the dimensions of the permanent magnet (16) and the pole disk (17) are adapted to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet (16) corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk (11) and that the width of the coil (23) associated with the pole disk (17) overlaps the width of the pole disk (17) by the stroke amplitude of the coil support (19) and that the coil support (19) is displaceable in a fluid medium and the air gap (24) between the coil support (19) and a cylindrical magnet tube (15) enclosing the permanent magnet (16) and the associated pole disk (17) is at maximum wide enough for a laminar lubricating film to form between the parts (15, 19) without displacing the surrounding fluid. 2. Actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve-shaped coil support (19) on its one end face is provided with a support star (20) having radially inwardly projecting spokes (21). 3. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein a tappet (22) protruding from the housing (10) is connected as an actuation projection in the center of the support star (20). 4. Actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a closed housing (10) receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), wherein the tappet (22) reaches through an opening (14) in the associated end face (13) of the housing (10). 5. Actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), wherein the open end face of the housing (10) is closed by a flexible membrane, and the tappet (22) works against the membrane. 6. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and the open end face of the housing (10) is closed by a flexible membrane, and that the coil support on the associated end face is provided with a plate as a support star which works against the end-face membrane of the housing. 7. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on both sides and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), and the two open end faces of the housing are closed by a flexible membrane, and that the coil support (19) on the two end faces is provided with a plate as a support star configured as a piston moving back and forth which works against the end face membrane of the housing (10). 8. Actuator as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the interior space of the housing (10) that is formed by the housing shell (11) and the end-face membranes is filled with water. 9. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the end face (12) of the housing (10) facing away from the support star (20) of the coil support (19) is made of a magnetically conductive material and a spacer (18) made of a magnetically non-conductive material is arranged at the end of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) facing toward the end face (12). 10. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the end face (12) of the housing (10) is made of a magnetically non-conductive material. 11. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a magnet module is formed by a permanent magnet (16) arranged in the center of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and by two pole disks (17) arranged on the outside, wherein each pole disk (17) in the magnet module is associated with a coil (23) on the coil support (19), wherein the coils (23) of a magnet module are wound in opposition and are mechanically and electrically interconnected. 12. Actuator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a magnet module is arranged within the housing shell (11). 13. Actuator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a plurality of magnet modules are disposed axially one behind the other within the housing shell (11), wherein like poles of the permanent magnet (16) of each magnet module are located axially opposite each other. 14. Actuator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outer pole disks (17) of each magnet module are joined into a one- piece compound pole disk. 15. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein an edge magnet (26) each is arranged on the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) formed by the outer pole disks (17) of the magnet module or modules, the strength of which is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the magnet cylinder (15) and is connected with the housing shell (11) made of a magnetically conductive material. 16. Actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet arid pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial extension of the pole disk associated with the coil, characterized in that, on the ends of the magnet cylinder formed by the outer pole disks (17) of a magnet module, or a plurality of magnet modules, comprising a permanent magnet (16) arranged in the center between two outer pole disks (17), an edge magnet (26) each is arranged whose strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the magnet cylinder and is connected with the housing shell (11) made of a magnetically conductive material. 17. Actuator as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein in a housing (10) open on one side in the area of the tappet (22), the interior edge magnet (26) of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) situated on the closed housing side rests against the end face (12) made of a magnetically conductive material of the housing (10). 18. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the housing (10), at its open end face (13), has radially inwardly projecting claw poles (28) made of a magnetically conductive material and reaching axially between the spokes (21) of the support star (20) of the coil support (19), which are in magnetically adhering engagement with the associated edge magnet (26) of the cylindrical magnet tube (15). 19. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the housing shell (11) is open on both sides and is configured with claw poles (28) formed at both of its ends, and the coil support (19) displaceable within the housing shell (11) has a support star (20) at each end face with a tappet (22) protruding therefrom. 20. Actuator as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the claw poles (28) are configured so as to correspond in their shape to the gaps between the spokes (21) of the support star (20). 21. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the claw poles (28) form an anti-rotation protection for the support star (20) with tappet (22). 22. Actuator as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one claw pole (28) has a projection resting against the associated spoke (21) of the support star (20). 23. Actuator as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one spoke (21) of the support star (20) has a projection resting against the associated claw pole (28). 24. Actuator as claimed in anyone of claims 18 to 23, wherein a claw pole (28) and/or the cylindrical magnet tube (15) form a mount for the sensor of a position measuring system. 25. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein a magnet module is formed by a pole disk (17) arranged in the center inside the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and by two permanent magnets (16) arranged on the outside, respectively, wherein like poles of the permanent magnet (16) are located axially opposite each other and a coil (23) associated with the centered pole disk (17) is wound onto the coil support (19). 26. Actuator as claimed in claim 25, wherein a sequence of alternating pole disks (17) and permanent magnets (16) is arranged between two outer permanent magnets (16). 27. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to. 26, wherein a preloaded spring is arranged between the support star (20) of the coil support (19) and the end face of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) to apply pressure against the tappet (22) in its coupling position with the valve connected to the actuator. 28. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the coil support (19) has recesses (35) to receive the coils (23). 29. Actuator as claimed in claim 28, wherein the coils (23) wound into the recesses (35) of the coil support (19) have a protective layer (36) applied over them, so that the coil support (19) provided with coils (23) has a smooth circumferential surface. 30. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein grooves are disposed on the inside of the housing shell (11) extending in its longitudinal direction to allow the passage of the fluid displaced when the coil support (19) moves axially within the housing shell (11).

Full Text

The present invention relates to actuator that functions by means of a movable coil arrangement.
Description
The invention relates to an actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial length of the pole disk associated with the coil.
An actuator with the described features is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,345,206. The prior-art actuator has a housing, which is closed on . one end and is made entirely of a magnetically conductive material. The coil support, which can be driven out of the housing by an actuation projection, is displaceable within the housing. The prior art actuator is distinguished in that the pole disks are narrow compared to the permanent magnets arranged adjacent thereto, and the coils wound
-2--

onto the coil support are much wider than the associated narrow pole disks.
With this configuration of the prior-art actuator, based on a magnetic saturation of the narrow pole disks, a leakage field from the permanent magnets acting on the coils overlapping the permanent magnets is to be produced deliberately. This configuration accepts the drawback that the magnetic flux provided by the permanent magnet cannot be completely converted into a useful flux to move the coil support, and that the field lines, to a large extent, must overcome a longer path in the air gap next to the pole regions, so that a larger amount of magnetic material is required. To take into account the leakage flux, the coils are dimensioned to overlap by far the width of the associated pole disk. As a result, a relatively large amount of coil material is located on the coil support. This has not only the drawback of increasing the mass of the coil support that must be moved when the actuator is in operation, but the coil is also strongly heated because of the power that is supplied to a coil with a corresponding winding mass. This heating affects the actuator's heat balance and causes the individual coil bodies to expand and consequently to influence the size of the specified air gap and to limit the maximum possible energy density.
These drawbacks have the result that an actuator of the prior art cannot be used in a fluid-filled space. Thus, the object of the invention is to provide an actuator with the initially described features
for use in fluid engineering applications. Fluid engineering in this context means, in particular, the filling of the interior space of the actuator with a fluid medium. This is a prerequisite for the use of such an actuator, for example, as a direct drive of pumps in the pumping medium or for the direct control of inlet or outlet valves in internal combustion engines.
The means to attain this object, including advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention, are set forth in the claims, which follow this description.
In its basic concept, the invention provides that the dimensions of permanent magnet and pole disk are matched to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk and that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk overlaps the width of the pole disk by the stroke amplitude of the coil support. The coil support is displaceable in a fluid medium and the air gap between the coil support and a cylindrical magnet tube enclosing the permanent magnet and the associated pole disk is at maximum wide enough that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts without displacing the surrounding fluid.
The invention has the advantage that, first, the leakage flux, which does not contribute to the force acting on the coil support, is kept low because the entire magnetic flux in the area of the pole disk is guided
radially through the air gap between the cylindrical magnet tube and the housing or the housing shell along the geometrically shortest path, so that all the coil conductors are exposed to the maximum air gap induction. To ensure this for the entire axial movement of the coil support relative to the fixed cylindrical magnet tube, it is provided according to the invention that the width of the coil associated with the pole disk overlaps the width of the pole disk by the stroke amplitude of the coil support. Since the extent of the coils is thereby limited to the degree necessary, this has the advantage of resulting in an arrangement of coils with the smallest possible self-inductance and with a low winding weight.
The size of the air gap between the coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube is decisive for the leakage flux, which according to the invention is to be prevented. The invention therefore provides that the smallest possible air gap be adjusted by making the air gap between the coil support, which is displaceable in the fluid medium, and the cylindrical magnet tube at maximum wide enough so that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts without displacing the surrounding fluid. On the one hand this especially takes into account the use of the actuator in fluid engineering applications because it provides a type of sleeve bearing arrangement of the coil support on the cylindrical magnet tube with the lowest possible frictional losses. The displacement of the fluid surrounding the coil support, caused by the axial movement of the coil support in the fluid, occurs on the outside of the coil support. If an actuator according to
the invention is used, for example, for the direct control of inlet or outlet valves in internal combustion engines, the surrounding fuel-oil mixture causes a lubricating film to form. The same is true for an actuator used for the direct drive of pumps. In this case, the actuator can be arranged in the pumping medium itself, which causes the lubricating film to form. In a pump drive, however, the actuator can also be operated with a medium such as water filling its interior if the actuator is to be separate from the pumping medium.
The one end face of the sleeve-shaped coil support may be provided with a support star having radially inwardly projecting spokes.
According to a first embodiment, a tappet protruding from the housing as an actuation projection may be connected in the center of the support star. This type of solution is suitable, for example, in controlling inlet and outlet valves of internal combustion engines to couple valve tappets with the tappet of the actuator. For this purpose, the actuator may be configured in such a way that the housing shell is a component of a closed housing that receives the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. In this case, the tappet reaches through an opening in the associated end face of the housing.
If the actuator is used in the direct drive of pumps, the housing shell may be a component of a housing open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The open
end face of the housing is closed by a flexible membrane, and the tappet works against the membrane.
As an alternative, the housing shell can be a component of a housing open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The open end face of the housing is closed by a flexible membrane. The coil support on the associated end face is provided with a plate as the support star, which works against the end-face membrane of the housing.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing shell can be a component of a housing open on both sides and receiving the displaceable coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube. The two open end faces of the housing are closed by a flexible membrane. The coil support, on the two end faces, is provided with a plate as a support star and is configured as a piston moving back and forth, which works against the end-face membranes of the housing.
If the actuator housing is closed by one or two membranes and the pumping medium is pressurized by the moving membranes, the interior space of the housing formed by the housing shell and the end-face membranes may be filled with water to separate the fluid that is required to operate the actuator from the pumping medium.
To the extent that an undesirable leakage flux does occur, particularly on the permanent magnet or the pole disk adjacent to the housing end
face facing away from the support star of the coil support, it is provided that in a housing made entirely of a conductive material a spacer made of a magnetically non-conductive material be disposed between the end of the cylindrical magnet tube and the end face of the housing. As an alternative, the end face of the housing may be made of a magnetically non-conductive material.
In a basic configuration of coil support and magnet cylinder, the invention provides for a magnet module, which is formed by a permanent magnet disposed in the center of the magnet cylinder and two pole disks arranged on the outside. A partial coil on the coil support is associated with each pole disk in the magnet module. The partial coils of a magnet module are wound in opposition and are mechanically and electrically connected with each other, so that mutual induction is also avoided.
One embodiment of the invention provides that a single magnet module be arranged within the housing shell of the actuator. Because of the resulting compact symmetrical construction of the magnet module, a relatively large power density is generated due to the relatively low magnetic leakage losses according to the invention.. This, in conjunction with a low mass inertia of the coil support including the coil windings formed thereon, makes possible rapid alternating movements or a rapid unilateral displacement of the coil support. The self-inductances of the partial coils are kept low. As a result, current changes are so rapid that, for example, stroke
adjustments over several millimeters can be achieved in a few milliseconds.
Due to the dimensional relationships according to the invention regarding the relative size of permanent magnet and pole disk on the one hand and pole disk and coil winding on the other, the resulting axial magnet lengths are short, especially in view of the desired small overall size of the actuator according to the invention. As a consequence, depending on the application, the induction of an individual permanent magnet may not be sufficient for the desired movement of the coil support. According to one embodiment of the invention it is therefore provided that a plurality of magnet modules be arranged axially in series within the housing shell. In this case, like poles of the permanent magnet of each magnet module are located axially opposite each other. The outer pole disks of each magnet module are joined into a one-piece composite pole disk.
In an arrangement of alternating permanent magnet and pole disk within the cylindrical magnet tube, a leakage flux may result in the area of the pole disks lying at the outer ends because the magnetic flux emanating from the inner permanent magnet is not completely diverted in the pole disk in the direction of the coil that covers the pole disk. One embodiment of the invention therefore provides that an edge magnet, whose strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube, be arranged at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube formed by the
outer pole disks of the magnet module or modules and connected with the magnetically conductive housing shell. As a result, the magnetic flux emanating from the edge magnet is closed via the housing, which is connected with the edge magnet. Since the edge magnet needs to compensate only the leakage losses in the area of the associated pole disk, it does not need to have the same axial dimensions as the primary magnet or magnets arranged in the magnet carrier.
A special embodiment of the invention provides for the arrangement of edge magnets and claw poles in all the actuators of the class, irrespective of the structure of a magnetic cylinder as such, i.e. irrespective of whether a cylindrical magnet tube is provided.
In a housing that is open on one side in the area of the tappet, it is useful, according to one embodiment of the invention, if the inner edge magnet of the cylindrical magnet tube rests against the magnetically conductive end face of the housing on the closed housing side.
To make it possible to compensate such leakage losses also on the side of the housing that is open in the area of the tappet, one embodiment of the invention provides that the housing, at its open end face, has magnetically conductive claw poles extending radially inwardly and axially between the spokes of the support star of the coil support. These claw poles are in magnetically adhesive engagement with the associated edge magnet of the magnet cylinder or the

cylindrical magnet tube. This has the particular advantage that due to the magnetic flux established between the magnetically conductive housing or the claw poles and the edge magnets of the magnet cylinder, the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube is immovably mounted within the housing without any additional fastening elements. The magnetic holding forces are so large that even substantial external forces are unlikely to change the position of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube within the housing.
This type of fixation within the housing of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube further makes it possible, according to one embodiment of the invention, to configure the housing shell open on both sides with claw poles formed at both ends. The coil support displaceable within the housing shell can have a support star on each of the end faces with a tappet protruding therefrom.
Specifically, the claw pole may be configured to correspond in shape with the gaps between the spokes of the support star.
The fixation of the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube in the housing provides the means for the claw poles to form an anti-rotation protection for the support star and tappet insofar as twisting forces, which occur in the interaction of the actuator with the valve used in fluid engineering applications upon startup of the valve, may be transmitted to the tappet and thus to the coil support via the support star. To avoid contact friction over an area between the fixed claw
poles and the coil support as the latter is being displaced, one embodiment of the invention provides that at least one claw pole has, for example, a knob-like or linear projection relative to the associated spoke of the support star, so that area friction is avoided and only point friction or linear friction is permitted. Correspondingly, a projection may be formed on a spoke and rest against the claw pole.
Advantageously, it is furthermore possible that a claw pole and/or the magnet cylinder or the cylindrical magnet tube mounted between claw pole and housing, or between the claw poles on the two sides, forms a fixed mount for the sensor of a position measuring system in relation to the housing. Movements of the carrier of the sensor that would distort the measuring results of the position measuring system are thus excluded.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the structure of a magnet module, or of a plurality of magnet modules, can be such that a magnet module is formed by a pole disk arranged in the center of the cylindrical magnet tube with two permanent magnets disposed on both sides thereof. Like poles of the permanent magnets are located axially opposite each other, and a coil associated with the pole disk disposed in the center is wound on the coil support. This has the advantage that the permanent magnets disposed at the outer ends of the cylindrical magnet tube simultaneously act as edge magnets and thus enable the cylindrical magnet tube to be fixed directly between claw poles and housing, or between the claw poles fixed to the
housing on the two sides. This arrangement, in contrast to the arrangement using additional edge magnets, advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of magnets while retaining the same configuration of the force effect. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of alternating pole disks and permanent magnets may be disposed between two outer permanent magnets.
One embodiment of the invention provides that a preloaded spring is arranged between the support star of the coil support and the end-face side of the cylindrical magnet tube to bias the tappet in its coupling position with a valve connected to the actuator.
With respect to the configuration of the coil support, including the coil windings formed thereon, the coil support, which is made of an electrically non-conductive material, e.g. plastic, fabric-based laminate or ceramic, may be provided with coil recesses into which the individual coils are wound. According to one embodiment of the invention, the coils wound into the recesses of the coil support can furthermore be covered with a protective layer to impart a smooth surface to the respective coil support provided with the coils. Such a configuration of the coil support makes it possible to realize very small air gaps between the coil support and the cylindrical magnet tube on the one hand and the housing shell on the other.
Finally, a further embodiment of the invention provides that grooves be disposed on the inside of the housing shell extending in its
longitudinal direction to allow the passage of the fluid displaced during the axial movement of the coil support inside the housing shell. This makes it possible to realize a small air gap between the coil support and the housing shell, despite the displacement of the fluid surrounding the coil support that occurs when the coil support moves. Corresponding grooves may be provided on the outer circumference of the coil support, if necessary.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing in which:
FIG 1 is a schematic longitudinal section of an actuator with a magnet module consisting of a central permanent magnet with pole disks arranged on the outside,
FIG 2 shows an actuator corresponding to FIG 1 with a plurality of magnet modules,
FIG 3 is a longitudinal section of an actuator according to FIG 1 with additional edge magnets,
FIG 4 is a section taken along line IV - IV in FIG 3,
FIGS shows the subject of FIG 3 with an arrangement of a plurality of magnet modules,
FIG 6 is an embodiment of the actuator according to FIG 3 with a housing that is open on both sides, with correspondingly arranged claw poles and with a central pole disk and outer primary magnets,
FIG 7 shows the subject of FIG 6 with an arrangement of a plurality of primary magnets and pole disks,
FIG 8 shows a detail of a coil support in cross section.
The actuator shown schematically in FIG 1 has a housing 10 whose outer housing shell 11 is made of a magnetically conductive material. The closed end face 12 of the housing 10 is made of a different material, i.e. a magnetically non-conductive material, for reasons that will be explained below, while the opposite end face 13 is made of a magnetically conductive material and is provided with a central opening 14.
A cylindrical magnet tube 15 is arranged in the interior of the housing 10 and connected on one side with the closed end face 12 of the housing 10. The cylindrical magnet tube 15 is made of a magnetically non-conductive material. In its interior a permanent magnet 16 is arranged in a centered position. A pole disk 17 each is disposed on the two end faces of this magnet. Between the pole disk 17 in proximity of the closed end face 12 of the housing 10 and said end face 12, a spacer 18 is furthermore arranged, which is made of a magnetically
non-conductive material. The purpose of this spacer is to provide sufficient clearance for the movement of the coil support, which will be explained below, in view of the geometric proportions of permanent magnet 16 and pole disk 17, which will also be explained below.
In the annular space between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the outer housing shell 11, a sleeve-type coil support 19 made of a magnetically and electrically non-conductive material, e.g. plastic, fabric-based laminate or ceramic, is disposed so as to be axially displaceable. An air gap 24 is arranged between the magnet cylinder 15 and the coil support 19, and an air gap 25 between the coil support 19 and the outer housing shell 11. On the side facing away from the closed end face 12 of the housing, the coil support is provided with a support star 20 formed by radially inwardly projecting spokes 21. A tappet 22 protruding axially through the opening 14 of the end face 13 of the housing 10 is arranged in the center of the support star 20 and is connected with the support star 20.
As indicated only schematically in FIG 1 and somewhat more clearly in FIG 8, two coils 23 made of a suitable material, preferably copper or aluminum wire, are wound onto the coil support 19 in the embodiment depicted in FIG 1. These coils 23 axially cover the pole disks 17 and are wound in opposition to each other.
For the high dynamics required in the actuators according to the invention, it is essential on the one hand to configure the coils 23 with the smallest possible self-inductance and a low winding weight and on the other hand to guide the entire magnetic flux emanating from the permanent magnet 16 as radially as possible in the area of the pole disks 17 through the air gap 24 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the coil support 19, so that the coils 23 located on the coil support 19 are subject to the maximum air-gap induction during the entire axial movement of the coil support. To minimize the leakage flux, which does not contribute to the force production, the magnets should be short and the air gaps small. For this reason — in a manner not visible in the schematic representation of FIG 1 — the dimensions of permanent magnet 16 and pole disks 17 are adjusted to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of the respective pole disk. Put briefly, this is true if the axial length of the magnet and the axial length of the pole disks 17 correspond to approximately half the diameter of the permanent magnet 16. Longer pole disks are perfectly feasible within the scope of the concept according to the invention. Moreover, each of the two coils 23 must overlap the width of the associated pole disk 17 by the stroke amplitude of the coil support 19 to achieve the largest possible force during the entire movement of the coil support 19. The two coils 23 are spatially separated in axial direction by a non-conductive spacer region 30 of the coil support 19 but are electrically connected with
each other via the winding wire. Since the two coils 23 are furthermore wound in opposition, mutual inductance is avoided.
To prevent leakage flux, which cannot be utilized, the air gap 24 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the coil carrier 19 must also be kept small. Thus, the air gap 24 should at maximum be wide enough so that a laminar lubricating film is established between the parts 15,19 without displacing the fluid surrounding the coil support 19 or the cylindrical magnet tube.
In the construction illustrated in FIG 1 of an actuator with a magnet module that has the described structure and is arranged in the housing 10, the permanent magnet 16 generates a homogenous magnetic field directed from the inside radially toward the outside in the region of the coils 23 in the entire air gap 24, 25 between the cylindrical magnet tube 15 and the housing shell 11. This magnetic field, as indicated by the flux direction 31, can be closed through the magnetically conductive annular housing shell 11. In a homogenous magnetic field with a force proportional to the coil current, the magnetic air gap induction and the number of turns of the two coils 23, the direct current carrying coils 23 are displaced perpendicularly to the direction of the magnetic field. For this purpose, a current is supplied to the coils 23 disposed on the displaceable coil support 19 through highly flexible cables (not depicted). Displacement of the coil support 19, and thus an axial movement of the tappet 22, occurs as long as current carrying conductors, i.e. the coils 23, are located within the magnetic
field. When the current is switched, the direction of movement of the coil support 19 also reverses, resulting in a back and forth movement of the coil support 19, or the tappet 22 carried by it, as indicated by arrow 32. Since the arrangement depicted in FIG 1 is free from transverse magnetic forces the coil support 19 can be guided within the recess 14 of the housing 10 without any additional bearing arrangement because the air gap 24 is adjusted to enable a laminar lubricating film to form. This is a particular advantage in operation.
The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG 2 essentially is distinguished from that of FIG 1 by a plurality of magnet modules having a central permanent magnet 16 and outer pole disks 17 in the cylindrical magnet tube 15, as depicted in FIG 1. The two pole disks 17, which are associated with permanent magnets 16 respectively arranged at a distance from one another, are combined into a single and consequently wider pole disk. The coils 23 associated with the wider pole disks 17 have a corresponding width plus the specified overlap corresponding to the stroke amplitude of the coil support.
In principle, the structure of the embodiment depicted in FIG 3 corresponds to that shown in FIG 1. At the outer ends of the cylindrical magnet tube 15, an additional edge magnet 26 each is arranged, whose magnetic strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube 15, i.e. this leakage flux is compensated by the magnetic flux of the edge magnets 26. The relation of the ratio of the size of the
permanent magnets 16 and the associated pole disks 17 thus does not apply to the design of the edge magnets. To enable the edge magnets 26 to be effective, they must be connected to the housing 10, which is made of a magnetically conductive material, so that a corresponding magnetic flux is established. On the side of the cylindrical magnet tube 15 facing away from the tappet 22 this is accomplished by making the respective end face 12 of the housing 10 and the corresponding spacer 18 of a magnetically conductive material.
At the end face 13 opposite the end face 12, radially inwardly extending magnetically conductive mounts 27 with claw poles 28 axially mounted thereto are provided to form a magnetically conductive connection with the edge magnet 26 that is arranged there. The claw poles 28 reach between the spokes 21 of the support star 20 of the coil support 19 (FIG 4) and rest against the outer edge magnets 26 of the magnet cylinder 15. The magnetically conductive mounts 27 can also be configured, for example, as a circumferential disk from which claw poles start, which is connected with the housing shell 11. Due to the magnetic forces, the magnet cylinder 15 is thus firmly connected with the end face 12 of the housing 10 on the one hand and with the claw poles 28 forming an integral part of the housing 10 on the other, so that a stable configuration results, which can withstand even a relatively large force acting thereon. For this reason, the claw poles 28 are particularly suitable for use as an anti-rotation protection for the support star 20 of the coil support 19 with tappet 22 or as a mount for the sensor of a position measuring system.
As shown in FIG 5, it is also possible in an embodiment of the actuator according to the invention shown in FIG 3 and 4 to provide a sequence of permanent magnets 16 and pole disks 17 within the cylindrical magnet tube with corresponding edge magnets 26.
Another means of using the advantages of the actuator depicted in FIG 3 and 4 is illustrated in FIG 6 in which the housing 10 is open on both sides and therefore has claw poles 28 on both sides. As a result, the coil support 19, via a support star 20, can be provided with tappets 22 protruding on both sides from the housing 10. This makes it possible to actuate connected units in both directions of movement of the coil support 19 within the housing 10. Since the cylindrical magnet tube 15 is again firmly mounted by means of the two claw poles 28 fixed to the housing and arranged on both sides, the cylindrical magnet tube 15 is supported on both sides without interfering with the two-sided actuation by means of the two tappets 22 disposed on both sides. A further difference between the embodiments depicted in FIG 6 and in FIG 3 or 5 is that in the embodiment according to FIG 6 a central pole disk 17 is arranged with a permanent magnet 16 disposed on each side thereof inside the cylindrical magnet tube 15. These outer permanent magnets 16 simultaneously act as edge magnets. The edge magnets that are still provided in FIG 3 and 5 can be eliminated here, while the force effect remains the same. This saves magnetic material. As shown in FIG 7, such an arrangement can also be implemented with a sequence of several pole disks 17 and permanent magnets 16.
Finally, FIG 8 by way of example shows the configuration of a coil support 19. In the embodiment shown, recesses 35 to accommodate the coils 23 are made in the outer surface of the coil support 19. The coils 23 are wound into these recesses. Thereafter, the recesses 35 or coils 23 are covered or encapsulated with a protective layer 36. This results in a correspondingly smooth outer circumference of the coil support 19, making it possible to adjust small air gaps 24, 25.
The features of the subject of these documents as disclosed in the above description, the claims, the abstract and the drawing can be significant either alone or in any combination in the implementation of the invention and its various embodiments.

We Claim:
1. Actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet and pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial extension of the pole disk associated with the coil, characterized in that the dimensions of the permanent magnet (16) and the pole disk (17) are adapted to each other in such a way that the end face cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet (16) corresponds to at least the circumferential surface of a neighboring pole disk (11) and that the width of the coil (23) associated with the pole disk (17) overlaps the width of the pole disk (17) by the stroke amplitude of the coil support (19) and that the coil support (19) is displaceable in a fluid medium and the air gap (24) between the coil support (19) and a cylindrical magnet tube (15) enclosing the permanent magnet (16) and the associated pole disk (17) is at maximum wide enough for a laminar lubricating film to form between the parts (15, 19) without displacing the surrounding fluid.
2. Actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve-shaped coil support (19) on its one end face is provided with a support star (20) having radially inwardly projecting spokes (21).
3. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein a tappet (22) protruding from the housing (10) is connected as an actuation projection in the center of the support star (20).

4. Actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing shell (11) is a
component of a closed housing (10) receiving the displaceable coil support (19)
and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), wherein the tappet (22) reaches through
an opening (14) in the associated end face (13) of the housing (10).
5. Actuator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), wherein the open end face of the housing (10) is closed by a flexible membrane, and the tappet (22) works against the membrane.
6. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on one side and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and the open end face of the housing (10) is closed by a flexible membrane, and that the coil support on the associated end face is provided with a plate as a support star which works against the end-face membrane of the housing.
7. Actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing shell (11) is a component of a housing (10) open on both sides and receiving the displaceable coil support (19) and the cylindrical magnet tube (15), and the two open end faces of the housing are closed by a flexible membrane, and that the coil support (19) on the two end faces is provided with a plate as a support star configured as a piston moving back and forth which works against the end face membrane of the housing (10).
8. Actuator as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the interior space of the housing (10) that is formed by the housing shell (11) and the end-face membranes is filled with water.

9. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the end face (12) of the housing (10) facing away from the support star (20) of the coil support (19) is made of a magnetically conductive material and a spacer (18) made of a magnetically non-conductive material is arranged at the end of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) facing toward the end face (12).
10. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the end face (12) of the housing (10) is made of a magnetically non-conductive material.
11. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a magnet module is formed by a permanent magnet (16) arranged in the center of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and by two pole disks (17) arranged on the outside, wherein each pole disk (17) in the magnet module is associated with a coil (23) on the coil support (19), wherein the coils (23) of a magnet module are wound in opposition and are mechanically and electrically interconnected.
12. Actuator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a magnet module is arranged within the housing shell (11).
13. Actuator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a plurality of magnet modules are disposed axially one behind the other within the housing shell (11), wherein like poles of the permanent magnet (16) of each magnet module are located axially opposite each other.
14. Actuator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outer pole disks (17) of each magnet module are joined into a one- piece compound pole disk.
15. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein an edge magnet (26) each is arranged on the ends of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) formed by the outer pole disks (17) of the magnet module or modules, the strength of which is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the magnet cylinder (15) and is connected with the housing shell (11) made of a magnetically conductive material.

16. Actuator with a housing shell made of a magnetically conductive material, a coil support displaceable within the housing shell while forming an air gap relative thereto, with at least one current-carrying coil wound onto its circumference and with a magnet cylinder enclosed by the coil support while forming an air gap, with a sequence of permanent magnet arid pole disk made of a magnetically conductive material arranged axially in the cylinder's interior, wherein the axial width of the coil is greater than the axial extension of the pole disk associated with the coil, characterized in that, on the ends of the magnet cylinder formed by the outer pole disks (17) of a magnet module, or a plurality of magnet modules, comprising a permanent magnet (16) arranged in the center between two outer pole disks (17), an edge magnet (26) each is arranged whose strength is adjusted to compensate the magnetic leakage flux occurring at the ends of the magnet cylinder and is connected with the housing shell (11) made of a magnetically conductive material.
17. Actuator as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein in a housing (10) open on one side in the area of the tappet (22), the interior edge magnet (26) of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) situated on the closed housing side rests against the end face (12) made of a magnetically conductive material of the housing (10).
18. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the housing (10), at its open end face (13), has radially inwardly projecting claw poles (28) made of a magnetically conductive material and reaching axially between the spokes (21) of the support star (20) of the coil support (19), which are in magnetically adhering engagement with the associated edge magnet (26) of the cylindrical magnet tube (15).

19. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the housing shell (11) is open on both sides and is configured with claw poles (28) formed at both of its ends, and the coil support (19) displaceable within the housing shell (11) has a support star (20) at each end face with a tappet (22) protruding therefrom.
20. Actuator as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the claw poles (28) are configured so as to correspond in their shape to the gaps between the spokes (21) of the support star (20).
21. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the claw poles (28) form an anti-rotation protection for the support star (20) with tappet (22).
22. Actuator as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one claw pole (28) has a projection resting against the associated spoke (21) of the support star (20).
23. Actuator as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one spoke (21) of the support star (20) has a projection resting against the associated claw pole (28).
24. Actuator as claimed in anyone of claims 18 to 23, wherein a claw pole (28) and/or the cylindrical magnet tube (15) form a mount for the sensor of a position measuring system.
25. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein a magnet module is formed by a pole disk (17) arranged in the center inside the cylindrical magnet tube (15) and by two permanent magnets (16) arranged on the outside, respectively, wherein like poles of the permanent magnet (16) are located axially opposite each other and a coil (23) associated with the centered pole disk (17) is wound onto the coil support (19).

26. Actuator as claimed in claim 25, wherein a sequence of alternating pole disks (17) and permanent magnets (16) is arranged between two outer permanent magnets (16).
27. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 18 to. 26, wherein a preloaded spring is arranged between the support star (20) of the coil support (19) and the end face of the cylindrical magnet tube (15) to apply pressure against the tappet (22) in its coupling position with the valve connected to the actuator.
28. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the coil support (19) has recesses (35) to receive the coils (23).
29. Actuator as claimed in claim 28, wherein the coils (23) wound into the recesses (35) of the coil support (19) have a protective layer (36) applied over them, so that the coil support (19) provided with coils (23) has a smooth circumferential surface.
30. Actuator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein grooves are disposed on the inside of the housing shell (11) extending in its longitudinal direction to allow the passage of the fluid displaced when the coil support (19) moves axially within the housing shell (11).

Documents:

00900-delnp-2003-abstract.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-claims.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-correspondence-others.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-description (complete)-14-07-2008.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-description (complete).pdf

00900-delnp-2003-drawings.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-1.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-13.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-18.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-2.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-3.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-form-5.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-gpa.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-pct-210.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-pct-304.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-pct-338.pdf

00900-delnp-2003-pct-409.pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Abstract-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Claims-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Drawings-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Form-2-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Form-3-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-GPA-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Petition-137-(14-07-2008).pdf

900-DELNP-2003-Petition-138-(14-07-2008).pdf

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Patent Number

222238

Indian Patent Application Number

00900/DELNP/2003

PG Journal Number

34/2008

Publication Date

22-Aug-2008

Grant Date

30-Jul-2008

Date of Filing

10-Jun-2003

Name of Patentee

HARTMUTH RAUSCH

Applicant Address

215, RHEYDTER STRASSE, 41352 KORSCHEINBROICH, GERMANY.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HARTMUTH RAUSCH	215, RHEYDTER STRASSE, 41352 KORSCHEINBROICH, GERMANY.
2	PETER-KLAUS BUDIG	STEINBERGSIEDLUNG 4, 09122 CHEMNITZ, GERMANY.
3	RALF WERNER	AM KALKWIESENTEICH 23, 09117 CHEMNITZ, GERMANY.

PCT International Classification Number

H01F 7/06

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP01/13175

PCT International Filing date

2001-11-14

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	100 56 332.5	2000-11-14	Germany