FR3115169A1 - Magnetic actuator device, vehicles and vessels incorporating such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator device (1; 1a) comprising a front module (3) comprising first repelling magnetic structures (7a) and a rear module (4) comprising second repelling magnetic structures (7b), the first and second repulsive magnetic structures (7a, 7b) being configured to be able to repel each other, the anterior module (3) and the posterior module (4) being attached together by a guide structure (6) and being movable l relative to the other at least along a direction of progression (2), the rear module (4) comprising a first magnetic structure activator (9b) configured to activate the second repulsive magnetic structures (7b) so that they push back the front module (3). The invention further relates to a corresponding vehicle and current generator. Abstract Figure: Fig. 4

Description

Magnetic actuator device, vehicles and vessels incorporating such a device

The invention relates to the field of actuators using a magnetic force.

In this field, it is known to propose complex systems with an assembly of magnetic structures outside the device to be moved, cooperating with magnetic structures of the system to be moved.

Unfortunately, this type of system requires a large number of magnetic structures relative to the device to be moved. If the device must be moved over a large distance, external magnetic structures must be arranged over this entire distance.

Other solutions consist in using electromagnets as magnetic structures associated, in certain cases, with external magnetic structures.

Unfortunately, the use of an electromagnet involves a high consumption of electrical energy, which limits the interest of this type of solution.

The invention aims to provide an actuator that does not require a large number of external magnetic structures. In addition, the invention aims to provide a system that can be used with permanent magnets so as to significantly limit the consumption of electrical energy.

To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes an actuator device comprising a front module comprising first repulsive magnetic structures and a rear module comprising second repulsive magnetic structures, the first and second repulsive magnetic structures being configured to be able to repel each other one another, the anterior module and the posterior module being attached together by a guide structure and being movable relative to each other at least along a direction of progression, the posterior module comprising a first activator of magnetic structures configured to activate the second repelling magnetic structures so that they repel the anterior module.

Advantageously, the device makes it possible to have an activation of the magnetic structures and a corresponding movement. Movement can involve greater force than activation, leading to very good performance.

In the preferred embodiment, the front module further comprises third magnetic structures, the actuator device further comprising a front module comprising fourth repelling magnetic structures, the third and fourth repelling magnetic structures being configured to be able to repel each other each other, the front module and the front module being attached together by one or the guide structure and being movable relative to each other at least in one or the direction of progression, the front module being integral with the rear module, the front module comprising a second magnetic structure activator configured to activate the fourth repulsive magnetic structures so that they repel the front module.

Advantageously, the permanent actuation of the first activator and the sequential actuation of the second activator make it possible to advance the device and any element which is connected to it, when the resultant of the magnetic forces is sufficient.

Such a device does not require the use of several external magnetic structures on the path of the device. In addition, it can easily be used with permanent magnets as magnetic structures, which limits the consumption of electrical energy.

• le dispositif d’actionneur est configuré pour effectuer un rappel d’un module vers l’autre ; et/ou
• le dispositif d’actionneur comprend au moins un moyen de commande pour actionner le premier activateur de structures magnétiques et/ou pour actionner séquentiellement le deuxième activateur de structures magnétiques ; et/ou
• le dispositif d’actionneur comprend en outre un moyen de génération de courant configuré pour convertir les mouvements d’au moins un desdits modules en courant électrique ; et/ou
• au moins un activateur de structures magnétiques comprend un aimant de déviation de champs associé à un système de pivotement d’aimant (9e) et/ou un électroaimant d’activation de champs associé à un montage électronique d’activation.

According to other aspects of the invention taken in isolation, or combined according to all technically feasible combinations:

• the actuator device is configured to perform a recall from one module to the other; and or
• the actuator device comprises at least one control means for actuating the first magnetic structure activator and/or for sequentially actuating the second magnetic structure activator; and or
• the actuator device further comprises a current generating means configured to convert the movements of at least one of said modules into electric current; and or
• at least one magnetic structure activator comprises a field deflection magnet associated with a magnet pivoting system (9e) and/or a field activation electromagnet associated with an electronic activation assembly.

Another object of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one actuator device according to the invention in propulsion with the direction and the direction of progression of the device essentially corresponding to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle; and/or when braking with the direction and the direction of progression of the device being essentially opposite to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle; and/or in elevation with the direction of progression of the device in a vertical upward direction; and/or diving with the direction of progression of the device in a downward vertical direction.

Actuator devices can be in series in front of each other, or in parallel laterally.

The invention further relates to a vessel reactor comprising at least one actuator device according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a vessel comprising at least one reactor mentioned in the previous paragraph, preferably mounted so as to be able to control a variation of the orientation of the reactor.

The invention further relates to an electric generator comprising at least one actuator device according to the invention.

The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, in which:

schematically illustrates repulsive magnetic structures with their activators in the activation position in a first position;

illustrates a magnetic structure activator of the in the deactivation position in a second position;

schematically illustrates an actuator device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

schematically illustrates an actuator device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

schematically illustrates a motor vehicle comprising an actuator device according to the invention; And

schematically illustrates a reactor comprising an actuator device according to the invention.

The invention relates to an actuator device 1; 1a which will be described with reference to a direction of progression 2, as the case may be, in a forward direction consistent with a progression of the device 1 and a reverse direction opposite to a progression of the device 1; or in an upward vertical direction, relative to a movement of a device part 1a. The direction and/or direction serve as a reference and can be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention.

The actuator device 1 comprises an anterior module 3 and a posterior module 4 with reference to the direction of progression 2. The direction and the direction of progression are oriented horizontally towards the left in FIGS. 4 and 5, and towards the top on the .

The anterior module 3 and the posterior module 4 are attached together by a guide structure 6.

The guide structure may comprise an external guide structure which may be telescopic, truncated cylinder, concertina or other. This section can be masked by a bellows structure or an elastic membrane, concertina or other.

Alternatively or in combination, the guide structure 6 may comprise an axial guide structure, in particular on a central axis between at least the front module 3 and the rear module 4. It may be an arm, a cylinder, a rail… Figures 3 to 6 illustrate a guide rail as the guide structure 6.

The anterior module 3 and the posterior module 4 are movable relative to each other at least along the direction of progression 2.

The anterior module 3 comprises first repulsive magnetic structures 7a and the posterior module 4 comprises second repulsive magnetic structures 7b.

The first and second repulsive magnetic structures 7a, 7b are configured to be able to repel each other. This implies that they are likely to enter each other's magnetic field. At this moment, a repulsive magnetic force F is then exerted between the structures.

Furthermore, the anterior module 3 and the posterior module 4 are attached together by the guide structure 6, preferably a rail. In the assembly, the anterior 3 and posterior 4 modules are movable relative to each other at least along the direction of progression 2.

According to one aspect, the posterior module 4 comprises a first activator of magnetic structures 9b configured to activate the second repulsive magnetic structures so that they repel the anterior module 3, via the first repulsive magnetic structures 7a.

According to a variant, at least one magnetic structure activator comprises a field deflection magnet 9 associated with a mechanical or electromechanical magnet pivoting system, for example of known type and/or a field activation electromagnet associated with an assembly activation electronics. In particular, the magnetic structure activator 9 comprises a field deflection magnet associated with a magnet pivoting system. This is for example a permanent magnet 9 whose poles are arranged to deactivate or reactivate the magnetic structures 7, in an arrangement such as that of lifting magnets. This type of arrangement can be illustrated by figures 1 and 2 where the dashed line represents a field line of the different magnets, and the references N and S represent the north and south poles of the magnets.

The pivoting system can be a shaft associated with at least one motor configured to pivot or turn said activation magnet 9 at a given frequency. This variant has the advantage of requiring little energy.

This arrangement is particularly interesting in the first embodiment of the device 1, in which the progression 2 is for example vertical upwards. Thus, a sequential activation by the first activator 9d raises the front module 3 against its weight P. Once the front module 3 has been raised, it can come down again under the effect of its weight when the first activator 9b is in the deactivation position, then go back up at the next activation, and so on. The rear module 4 can be on a support.

The corresponding movements of the modules 3, 4 can be converted into electrical energy by an assembly, for example of the known type. Thus, according to a variant, the actuator device 1, 1a further comprises a current generating means 10 configured to convert the movements of at least one of said modules (3) into electric current. A motor can be provided for the sequential activation, for example an electric motor. Thus, the energy generation means can supply the electric motor or a battery of the electric motor.

Thus, as a variant, gravity can be taken advantage of as a return means for the anterior module 4.

Alternatively or in combination, a biasing means such as a compression or attraction spring can be used as biasing means.

In the second embodiment, the front module 3 further comprises third magnetic structures 7c. Moreover, the actuator device 1 further comprises a front module 3a comprising fourth repulsive magnetic structures 7d. The third and fourth repulsive magnetic structures 7c, 7d are configured to be able to repel each other. Preferably, the anterior module 3 is substantially between the front module 3a at the front and the posterior module 4 at the rear. These front 3a, front 3 and rear 4 modules are preferably substantially aligned.

Furthermore, the front module 3 and the front module 3a are attached together by one or the guide structure 6 and are movable relative to each other at least along one or the direction of progression 2.

According to one aspect, the front module 3a is secured to the rear module 4 for example via a securing structure. Further, the front module 3a includes a second magnetic structure activator 9d configured to activate the fourth repulsive magnetic structures 7d so that they repel the front module 4 through the third repulsive magnetic structures 7c.

According to a variant, the actuator device comprises at least one control means for actuating the first activator of magnetic structures 9b. Another or the same control means is provided to sequentially actuate the second magnetic structure activator 7d.

We can consider a greater force between the first 7a and second 7b magnetic structures than between the third 7c and fourth 7d, or the reverse or the same force.

The control means can be of the mechanical type for the rear module 4, or of the electronic, mechatronic type for the front module 3a and the rear module 4.

Preferably, even when a module is in deactivation the magnetic field extends sufficiently to cooperate with the opposing magnetic field so that the corresponding magnetic force acts as a damper. Alternatively or in combination, at least one shock absorber structure is provided between two modules to limit shocks.

In use, the repulsive magnetic structures 7b of the rear module 4 are activated, which pushes the front module 3 forwards, preferably substantially against the front module 3a.

The first and third repulsive magnetic structures 7a, 7c can be permanently activated.

Once the front module 3 is pressed against the front module 3a, the repulsive magnetic structures 7d of the front module 3a can be actuated sequentially, that is to say activated, then deactivated and so on, at a given frequency.

Such activation generates a repulsive magnetic field propelling the front module 3a forwards, and the front module 3 backwards. However, the rear module 4 exerting a magnetic force forward serves as a support for the front module 3. The front module 4 having no support will be the only one to undergo the forward propulsion by causing the device to actuator.

Magnets with a force of up to several tons can be used for effective propulsion.

Another object of the invention relates to a motor vehicle 11, 12 comprising at least one actuator device 1 as described above. In this case, the magnetic structures 7 have a force of hundreds of kilos or even more depending on the weight of the vehicle to be moved.

Said actuator device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle 11, 12 in propulsion. In this case, the direction and the direction of progression of said device 1 essentially correspond to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle 11, 12. Said device 1 can for example be arranged at the rear of the vehicle 11, 12.

Alternatively or preferably in combination, said actuator device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle 11, 12 under braking. In this case, the direction and the direction of progression of said device 1 are essentially opposite to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle 11, 12. Said device 1 can for example be arranged at the front of the vehicle 11.

Alternatively or in combination, said actuator device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle 11, 12 in elevation. In this case, the direction of progression of said device 1 in an essentially vertical direction upwards. Said device 1 can for example be arranged below the vehicle 11, 12, for example instead of car wheels.

Alternatively or in combination, said actuator device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle while diving. In this case, the direction of progression of said device 1 in an essentially vertical downward direction. Said device 1 can for example be arranged above the vehicle.

The vehicle may be a car, truck, van, watercraft, vehicle, submarine, aircraft, vessel, or a combination of these vehicles.

The invention further relates to a reactor 13 for vessel 12 comprising at least one actuator device 1 as described above.

Another object of the invention relates to a vessel 12 comprising at least one reactor 13 as described previously. Preferably, the reactor 13 is mounted so as to be able to control a variation of the orientation of the reactor 13. This reactor 13 can for example be turned over to perform a reverse thrust. It is also possible to envisage slight pivoting of the reactors 13 to make the vessel pivot.

In the case of braking, the actuator device 1 can be controlled in reverse, as for rearward propulsion.

The invention further relates to an electric generator comprising at least one actuator device 1, 1a as described above. The movements of the anterior and posterior modules and/or the magnetic fields are used in an arrangement such as those known to generate electricity for example by dynamo electricity mechanisms.

Claims (10)

Actuator device (1; 1a) comprising a front module (3) comprising first repelling magnetic structures (7a) and a rear module (4) comprising second repelling magnetic structures (7b), the first and second repelling magnetic structures ( 7a, 7b) being configured to be able to repel each other, the anterior module (3) and the posterior module (4) being attached together by a guide structure (6) and being movable relative to each other another at least along a direction of progression (2), the posterior module (4) comprising a first activator of magnetic structures (9b) configured to activate the second repulsive magnetic structures (7b) so that they repel the anterior module ( 3). Actuator device (1; 1a) according to the preceding claim configured to perform a return from one module (3) to the other (4). Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the front module further comprises third repulsive magnetic structures (7c), the actuator device (1) further comprising a front module (3a) comprising fourth repelling magnetic structures (7d), the third and fourth repelling magnetic structures (7c, d) being configured to repel each other, the front module (3) and the front module (3a) being attached together by one or the guide structure (6) and being movable relative to each other at least along one or the direction of progression (2), the front module (3a) being integral with the rear module (4), the front module (3a) comprising a second magnetic structure activator (9d) configured to activate the fourth repelling magnetic structures (7d) so that they repel the front module (3). Actuator device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one control means for actuating the first magnetic structure activator (9b) and/or for sequentially actuating the second magnetic structure activator (9d). Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises current generating means (10) configured to convert the movements of at least one of said modules into electric current. Actuator device (1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one magnetic structure activator comprises a field deflection magnet (9b, 9d) associated with a magnet pivoting system and/or a field activation electromagnet associated with an electronic activation assembly. Motor vehicle (11, 12) comprising at least one actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in propulsion with the direction and the direction of progression of the device (1) essentially corresponding to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle (11, 12); and/or when braking with the direction and the direction of progression of the device (1) being essentially opposite to a direction and a direction of progression of the vehicle; and/or in elevation with the direction of progression of the device (1) in a vertical upward direction; and/or diving with the direction of progression of the device (1) in a downward vertical direction. Reactor (13) for vessel (12) comprising at least one actuator device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6. Vessel (12) comprising at least one reactor according to the preceding claim, preferably mounted so as to be able to control a variation in the orientation of the reactor. Electric generator comprising at least one actuator device (1; 1a) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, including at least Claim 6.