EP2929550B1 - Electromagnetic actuating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator according to the preamble of the main claim. Such a device is known from DE 10 2007 010 156 A1 known.

Another electromagnetic actuator is from the WO 2010/063394 A1 the applicant and describes a coil means having core unit, which is designed to cooperate with relative to the core unit movably guided anchor means in response to energization of the coil means. The anchor means comprise a plurality of ram units which each have permanent magnet means at their end directed towards the core unit. In response to the energization of the core unit and the polarity chosen for this energization, it is thus possible to selectively drive individual ones of the ram units, in that the core unit repels, by the electromagnetically generated flow, a respective one of the permanent magnet units. Also, depending on the configuration of the device, it is possible to realize an opposite movement of, for example, a pair of plunger units.

Especially in a context of internal combustion engines for automobiles, an electromagnetic actuator device for camshaft adjustment has prevailed. Such a technology makes it possible, in particular, to intervene by means of a ram unit driven in the manner described above into a positioning groove of an adjusting cam or the like of the engine assembly designed to cooperate with the ram end, thus effecting camshaft adjustment. In this case, such a positioning groove then also allows the return of an extended ram unit back into a stop position on the core unit after the end of the energization.

In addition, as is known from the prior art, such as the above-introduced prior art, it is known to assume that a plurality of ram units is used for a camshaft adjustment. So it is possible, for example, a first of the ram units for camshaft displacement along a first axial direction and a second of the ram units for axially returning a correspondingly camshaft cam unit used. On the one hand, it is assumed to be known to associate each of these ram units with a separate electromagnetic actuator, these actuators then being clocked or energized in accordance with a particular application. The cited prior art according to WO 2010/063394 Furthermore, it has already been described that it is possible to move a plurality of ram units simultaneously or together in response to the energization of only a single coil (or an arrangement of coils). In particular, the possibility is here also disclosed of simultaneously and rectilinearly moving the plurality of ram units (that is to say, for example, a pair of guided guided rams), but this requires that corresponding to the polarity conditions at the described bow-shaped or U-shaped yoke area, selected or assigned polarity conditions of the permanent magnet means must apply relative to a respective yoke core section.

Accordingly, a realization of a multi-tappet technology is complex and moreover brings difficulties in the exact assignment during assembly.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electromagnetic actuator device for simultaneously driving (moving) a plurality of ram units from a starting position in an (approximately offered by a camshaft adjustment) engagement position, which is structurally easy to implement and simplified in assembly and maintenance. In this case, the present invention should be particularly suitable for a context of use (intended use) in an internal combustion engine.

The object is achieved by the electromagnetic actuator device having the features of the main claim; advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

In accordance with the invention, the generic technology is further developed such that the plurality of plunger units cooperate with their respective permanent magnet means end face with a (possibly multi-part) end face of the core unit, which is homopolar for each of the associated plunger units, i. each having a same polarity at respective times.

In that regard, the present invention differs in principle from that used as generic WO 2010/066394 since the constructional and geometric conditions prevailing there inevitably lead to the fact that different end faces of the core unit are assigned to the end faces associated with the respective one of the tappet units.

The invention property "gleichpolig" with respect to the end face (s) of the core unit does not mean that it is immutable during any operating phases of the electromagnetic actuator device according to the invention. Thus, it is in particular encompassed by the invention that, for example in an energized state of the coil means (and thus in the absence of electromagnetic flux in the core unit) by the action of the permanent magnet means of the respective plunger units a first (permanent magnetically generated) polarity in the end face (s) of the core unit is impressed, as far as the core unit is part of a permanent magnetic circuit in the de-energized (idle) state. On the other hand, if an electromagnetic flux is generated in the core unit by the energization of the coil means according to the invention, it acts according to the invention (and is set up with respect to the polarity of the current supply) such that the common, uniform (= same polarity) polarity of the end face is repugnant to the respective ones Permanent magnet means of the plunger unit acts and so drives them from their initial position on the core unit in an engagement position of the respective associated control partner. According to the invention, this is additionally made possible by the fact that the permanent magnet means (typically realized as permanent-magnetic disks which are provided on one or both ends with suitable flux-conducting disk elements) have an axially rectified permanent magnetization, in other words, between one direction of the permanent -Magnetization of the plurality of adjacently provided permanent magnets of the respective plunger units no directional difference exists. This then leads according to the invention to the fact that in response to the energization, the plurality of ram units simultaneously, synchronously and moved parallel to each other and driven, wherein the term "parallel" with respect to the driven ram units does not mean that the ram units along their respective , Entire stroke are continuously moved - in the context of respective embodiments of the invention, it is conceivable, for example, that, for example, due to different groove depths or the like conditions on the intervention partner, perform the plunger units different movement strokes up to an engagement position.

According to the invention, again in principle structural departure from the geometric realization principle of the generic technology according to WO 2010/063394 , It is envisaged and advantageous, the coil unit realized as a single coil form an axially and centrally extending portion of the core unit enclosing. If this arrangement is then enclosed by a suitable, for example, cup-shaped or hollow-cylindrical housing, a compact, easily produced and magnetically powerful unit is produced, with the (homopolar) end face protruding axially from an enclosed or overlapping region of the coil. Again, alternatively or additionally, it is provided in the context of a preferred development, a (housing) to close the front side by means of a guide element (guide portion), which then advantageous to offer a guide for the plurality of ram units (which then with a respective end-side engaging portion of the Tappet units emerge from these guides can), on the other hand such a guide portion, as part of an approximately closed by the housing magnetic circuit, the inside not only offers a stop for the permanent magnet means of the respective plunger units, but also, by a suitable permanent magnetic adhesive effect, can realize a bistability for the de-energized case ,

In a constructive-geometric configuration of the core unit not affected by the invention, it is provided to form the core unit as a single core element, which is preferably realized in one piece. This can then engage with the above-described axial center section in the (surrounded) coil, at the same time have a extending out of the coil and radially widening section, which then end- or frontally realized the same pole end face of the core unit. Such a configuration in turn combines constructive simplicity and thus easy Herstellbar- and assembling with favorable electromagnetic or Flußführungseigenschaften, so that there are optimized flow conditions for both operating conditions - in de-energized state of adhesion of the plunger units and in the moving or extended state of the plunger units.

In particular, such a configuration, widened with respect to the end face, of the core unit makes it possible to generate a respective plurality of magnetic flux circuits corresponding to the plurality of tappet units, which can be guided approximately radially-edge-sided to a corresponding housing section and then closed via the housing ,

Such an advantageous effect can also be realized by the configuration of the core unit according to the invention by means of a plurality of core elements, wherein according to this embodiment the (uniformly polar) end face can be realized by a plurality of more preferably flat or plate-like core elements, which, more preferably, The magnetically associated or cooperating permanent magnet elements of the plunger units aligned and / or dimensioned accordingly, an optimization allow the mechanical, geometric and magnetic conditions in the actuator device. Again, for the simple realization of the Gleichpoligkeit it is preferable to connect the majority of (eg plate-like, to a circumferential contour associated permanent magnet means adapted) core elements by suitable Flußleitmittel about in the form of cross or bridge pieces of suitable magnetic flux-conducting material, so that, analogous to the above Principle of a one-piece or one-piece core element, the same magnetic effect can be realized with a composite of several elements or components core.

In both embodiments, the flux guiding means thus advantageously cause a magnetic flux distribution into the core elements when the coil is energized, wherein in preferred implementations an air gap is formed between the core elements (core end pieces).

From the above discussion of the advantages of the present invention over the generic state of the art results in addition that for the activation of the plurality of plunger units a (eg pulsed) energization of a single polarity is sufficient. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, it is also provided in particular, the coil unit upstream or associated drive means to design so that they can make the energization in only one polarity, namely that polarity, which in the manner described above when activated the repulsion of the plurality causes the ram units to effect the simultaneous-parallel movement. On the other hand, it is not necessary, in contrast to the generic state of the art, to provide a polarity reversal of the coil means (this is based in particular on the typical application that the return of the majority of ram units from their engaged position back to the stop or abutment position this does not necessarily cover the complete return stroke, but rather the permanent magnet action of the tappet units would start at a predetermined reset position, with currentless coil means, on the core unit by the action of correspondingly formed engagement grooves on the tappet units ansachenden permanent magnet means cause a corresponding attraction and restoring force in cooperation with the core unit). In accordance with a further development, a suitable conical shape of the core unit (formed in one or more parts) also effects an optimization of permanent magnetic flux circuits with regard to a provision of the plunger units.

The advantageous unipolar configuration of the energization according to further development does not mean that, nevertheless, alternative polarity reversal can be performed for the purpose of assisting a reset, but this is usually not necessary for core applications of the present invention.

As a result, the present invention is thus outstandingly suitable for realizing a camshaft adjustment with a plurality of suitably engaging ram units, the present invention combining design simplicity and high operational reliability with favorable maintenance and assembly characteristics, in particular providing the opportunity for having substantially standardized ones Components synchronous and parallel movable plunger movements can be realized.

Fig. 1

eine stirnseitige Ansicht auf die elektromagnetische Stellvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit mehrteiliger Kerneinheit;

Fig. 2

eine Längsschnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in der Ansicht der Fig. 1 in unbestromtem Zustand der Spuleneinheit (a) bzw. im bestromten Zustand und bei in eine Eingriffsstellung ausgefahrenen Stößeleinheiten (b);

Fig. 3

verschiedene Ansichten der Kerneinheit im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1, Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine Stirnansicht analog Fig. 1 einer elektromagnetischen Stellvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform außerhalb der Erfindung mit einstückiger Kerneinheit;

Fig. 5

Ansichten analog Fig. 3 entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in Fig. 4 zum Verdeutlichen eines unbestromten (a) bzw. bestromten (b) Zustands der Spuleneinheit im Längsschnitt und

Fig. 6

verschiedene Ansichten der Kerneinheit des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 4, Fig. 5.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; these show in:

Fig. 1

an end view of the electromagnetic actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention with a multi-part core unit;

Fig. 2

a longitudinal sectional view along the section line AA in the view of Fig. 1 in the de-energized state of the coil unit (a) or in the energized state and extended in an engaged position ram units (b);

Fig. 3

different views of the core unit in the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a front view analog Fig. 1 an electromagnetic actuator according to a second embodiment outside of the invention with integral core unit;

Fig. 5

Views analog Fig. 3 along the section line AA in Fig. 4 to illustrate a de-energized (a) or energized (b) state of the coil unit in longitudinal section and

Fig. 6

different views of the core unit of the second embodiment according to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 ,

A cylindrical core element 10 of the multipart and in Fig. 3 Core unit 12 shown in detail is enclosed on the shell side by a coil 16 wound on a coil carrier 14 and engages at one end in a disk-shaped bottom section 18 of a housing 20 which is in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown adjusting device of the first embodiment.

On the housing bottom 18 axially opposite end of the core member 10, this is magnetically conductive with a transverse to the axial direction (vertical direction in the figure representation of Fig. 2 ) extending connecting or bridge piece 22, in which in turn dish-shaped ( Fig. 3 ) Core end pieces 24, 26 as a pair of magnetically conductive grip.

At the end, these form an i.W. in a common, transverse to the longitudinal axis extending plane face of the core unit 12.

That in the FIGS. 1 to 3 The first embodiment shown realizes an electromagnetic actuator device having a plurality of two parallel to each other in an axially opposite the bottom surface 18 guide piece 28 guided ram units 30, 32, wherein these elongated plungers 30, 32 together with a relative to the ram diameter widened permanent magnet assembly form respective anchor units which are along and parallel to the axial direction relative to the core unit 12 movable and driven. More specifically, each of the permanent magnet assemblies has a disk-shaped axially magnetized permanent magnet 34 axially covered on both sides by a magnetic flux-conducting disk 36, 38. According to the invention, the permanent magnetization of the respective permanent magnet assemblies 34, 36, 38 of the two tappet units 30, 32 are directed axially the same, wherein in the in Fig. 2 shown representation of the permanent magnetic south pole is directed upwards and toward the core unit 12.

This arrangement of (stationary) core unit with associated stationary coil unit 14, 16 together with this opposite axially movable guided ram / permanent magnet units is enclosed on the shell side of a magnetically conductive, hollow cylindrical housing shell 40, which approximately in the in Fig. 2 (a) shown de-energized state of the coil winding 16 a permanent magnet flux of the respective permanent magnet discs 34 radially over the discs 38 and the radially cone-shaped core portions 24, 26 closes. In that regard, the shows in Fig. 2 (a) shown as N-pole common (same polarity) polarity of the units formed from the units 24, 26 core end face impressed by the permanent magnet 34 permanent magnetization.

Will then, as in the immediate comparison in Fig. 2 (b) shown, an energization introduced into the coil winding 16, changes the common polarity at the end face of the core unit ("S" in the Fig.) By electromagnetic effect, so that on the permanent magnet discs 34 of the plunger units 30 and 32, a repulsive force (in the Figure plane of the Fig. 2 downwards) is exercised. This leads up to the in Fig. 2 (b) shown extended state (engaged state) of the plunger units 30, 32 which engage with respective end-side engaging portions 42 in (not shown) cam grooves of a actuatable by the adjusting device camshaft adjusting device. It shows also from the Fig. 2 (b) in that in the extended position a respective permanent-magnetic flux circuit is closed via the housing jacket 40 or the front-side guide and closing element 28, so that the armature units in the in Fig. 2 (b) shown position, as far as in a de-energized state of the coil unit, a normally-stable extended position can be realized.

A return to the starting position of Fig. 2 (a) takes place in the described embodiment in that the (not shown) control grooves by cooperating with the engaging ends 42 of the plunger 30, 32 move them back in the direction of the core unit 12, wherein from a certain stroke then in Fig. 2 (a) - Unbestromt - shown situation occurs in which by permanent magnet action of the discs 34, the anchor units are pulled back to the core unit or its end face. This means that in the preferred embodiment, the reset can be done without an energization (especially without a reverse polarity current) of the coil 16, even if, according to training and alternatively, such a polarity reversal may optionally support the reset.

The Fig. 3 illustrates with its frontal view (a), its rear view (d) and their tilted by 90 ° to each other side views (b) and (c) structural details of the multi-part core unit of the first embodiment. It turns out that the plate-like elements 24, 26 are aligned in the radial diameter and corresponding to the permanent magnet assemblies 34, 36, 38, so far as the magnetic flux conditions are optimized, it can be done compact and space-saving. It is advantageous both for manufacturing and assembly reasons, as well as for reasons of reliable magnetic flux, the plate-shaped core elements 24, 26 engage with central projections in matched holes or openings of the bridge element 22, as in particular the sectional views of FIGS. 2 (a) or (b) clarify.

The second embodiment of the FIGS. 4 to 6 describes, with otherwise identical constructive realization of the electromagnetic actuator, an alternative embodiment of the core unit. In the constructive details of the second embodiment to be described below Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 draw in comparison with the first embodiment ( Fig. 1 to 3 ) Identical reference numerals identical or equivalent assemblies, so that for the further description is only a discussion of deviating implemented core unit.

As in particular the sectional views of FIGS. 5 (a) or (b), the core unit 50 is in FIG FIG. 1 integrally formed. According to the assembly 10 of the first embodiment, this one-piece core unit includes a center portion 52, to which a pair of radially widened core portions 54 connects, which, in turn provided with a conical shape 56, the end face a gleichpolare surface for cooperation with the plunger units 30, 32 and forming permanent magnet assemblies 34, 36, 38 thereon. In that regard, the achieved in Fig. 6 from different views (again analogous to the Fig. 3 ) shown unitary core unit the same geometry and functionality as the unitized unit of the first embodiment, and also the operation when energizing the coil 16 is corresponding.

While the present embodiments have been illustrated as cylindrical coils having a single coil embracing a core portion, and thus a pair of plunger units could be driven synchronously and in parallel, the present invention is not limited to these configurations. Rather, both a plurality of more than two tappet units can be driven, as well as a different geometry of the core unit, the housing shape and the guides conceivable, so that the present invention, beyond the described and preferred application of the camshaft adjustment addition, almost any purpose purposes can be supplied.

Claims (8)

1. An electromagnetic actuator device having a core unit (12, 50) having a coil means (16), said core unit being designed for interacting with armature means (34, 36, 38, 32, 30), which are movably guided relatively to the core unit, as a reaction to an energising of the coil means, said armature means having a majority of tappet units (30, 32), which are spatially spaced from one another and can be driven simultaneously, permanent magnet means (34) being assigned to said tappet units towards the core unit, said permanent magnet means (34) having a permanent magnetisation along a respective longitudinal movement axis of the tappet units, said majority of tappet units that can be driven parallel to one another interacting magnetically with a homopolar end face of the core unit and said permanent magnet means having an axially rectified permanent magnetization, said end face being realised having a majority of core elements (24, 26) corresponding to the number of tappet units, said majority of core elements (24, 26) being connected to one another mechanically via (a) flux-conducting means (22) and in a flux-conducting manner via an electromagnetic flux of the coil means,
   characterized in that
   the coil means have an individual coil (14, 16) surrounding a section (10, 52) of the core means and in that the homopolar end face axially protrudes from an overlap area of the individual coil.
2. The device according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the tappet units are guided in a guide element (28) and/or guide section, said guide element (28) delimiting a preferably cylindrical housing (18, 40) at the front end, said housing (18, 40) surrounding the coil means.
3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
   characterized in that
   the core elements (24, 26) are realized in a disc-like manner and/or are orientated coaxially to and/or aligning flush with a respective permanent magnet body (34) of the permanent magnet means, which is radially widened with respect to the tappet units.
4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the core means form a cone section, in particular in the area of the front end.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the flux conducting means cause a magnetic flux division in the core elements, an air gap preferably being formed between the core elements.
6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   electric control means are assigned to the coil means, said electric control means being realized for controlling and/or activating the energising set up unipolar.
7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the coil means are configured for unipolar energisation and in particular no means for polarity reversal of the energisation are connected upstream of or assigned to the coil means.
8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the tappet units are realized for interacting with a combustion engine assembly, in particular for switching or actuating a camshaft displacement unit of a combustion engine.

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