JP2014006531A - Magnetically loaded electromechanical switches - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electromechanical switches which reduce used materials, power and cost while maintaining or increasing performance of the switches.SOLUTION: A switching device can include a housing, and a core rotatably or slidably disposed in the housing. The housing and the core can have magnetic poles aligned in natural positions in a natural magnetic state. The device can include an armature with a coil, the coil providing armature magnetic poles. The armature magnetic poles are not aligned with the housing magnetic poles. Therefore, energizing the armature can cause the core to transition from the natural position in the natural magnetic state to an energized position in an energized magnetic state. The core magnetic poles are aligned with the armature magnetic poles when energized. A method can be used that transitions the core when the coil is energized. The core can include a mirror to reflect a beam of light, which mirror can scan the beam of light when the core, and thereby the mirror, is transitioned between the natural and energized positions.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention generally relate to electromechanical switches and methods for their operation and use. In particular, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a fluid element, a pneumatic element, an electric element, a mirror element, and an optical element having a switching device by operation of an electromechanical switch. is there.

2. Related Art Electronically controlled switches use some form of electromagnetic design to generate application-specific state changes. These designs typically include various coils for electronic control, springs to help close and open the control points, and various designs for the control points. Control points for switches for electrical applications typically include contacts, whereas port holes with some form of plug mechanism are control points for valves and lens assemblies are control points for optical switches.

  Conventional switch operation often involves the use of a direct acting solenoid coil around the core, which opens or closes the valve when energy is supplied to or removed from the coil. Some MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) designs take advantage of the cavity squeeze effect, thereby energizing the piezoelectric material and closing the cavity or diaphragm. It will be.

  Currently, spring and hinge mechanism designs often assist in the operation of switches used in valve applications. Some switches have a port hole and the port hole is sealed by placing a compatible material over the port hole. These spring and hinge mechanisms are disadvantageous in that they introduce additional load requirements on the structure. In order to overcome these requirements of the spring and hinge mechanism, a larger magnetic force is required to operate the switch.

  In addition to this, these switches often wear and tear. For example, many valve seats have a conical needle, and insertion into the conical seat provides a seal. In most of these designs, misalignments caused by inherent manufacturing tolerances must be compensated by forcing the valve design to be fully seated using a relatively strong spring. . Misalignment can also cause leakage at the valve seat or restraint of the mechanical structure.

  Each of these conditions results in additional demands on the electromagnet and increased manufacturing costs. In addition, the valve material used for sealing is under load conditions where wear increases with increasing operation. From a cost standpoint, it is desirable to limit the use of materials in the switch. More specifically, the conductors utilized in the switch are generally made of a highly conductive material such as copper or aluminum and tend to be expensive. It would be advantageous to reduce the materials used (at least in size and / or quantity), power, and cost while maintaining or increasing the performance of switches including electromechanical switches.

  In order to further clarify at least some of the advantages and features of the present invention, a more detailed description of the present invention will be given with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These drawings are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. The invention will now be described and explained with additional details and details by the use of the drawings in which:

FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of a switch in a natural state or a non-powered state. It is the perspective view and side view of a switch in a power feeding state. It is a figure which illustrates embodiment of the switching device which has a some armature. It is a figure which illustrates embodiment of the switching device which has a some armature. It is a figure which illustrates embodiment of the switching device which has a some armature. It is a figure which illustrates embodiment of the switching device which has a some armature. It is a figure which illustrates the gap between the core of a switch, and a case. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a switch configured for fluid use. It is a perspective view of the core which formed the some port inside. It is sectional drawing of the switch comprised for optical uses. It is sectional drawing of the switch comprised for electrical uses. It is a figure which shows the example of the switch using the switching operation | movement which translates at least to a horizontal direction. It is a figure which shows the example of the three-way switch which has a core translated at least to a horizontal direction. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a switching device that includes at least one mirror element coupled to a core. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a switching device that includes at least one mirror element coupled to a core. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a switching device that includes at least one mirror element coupled to a core. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the mirror element couple | bonded with the core.

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to switches, including electromechanical switches that are small, reliable, fast operating, inexpensive to manufacture, and / or provide long operating lifetimes. In terms of cost, power, and size, embodiments of the present invention reduce or minimize the structural requirements for switches at least as compared to conventional switches. By reducing the load demand on the electromagnetic switch, it can help to minimize the number of ampere turns required to operate the electromagnet in the switch, for example. Advantageously, the amount of material required for the switch can also be reduced. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention relate to switches that operate with very low power and have a reduced number of components.

  The switches or switching devices disclosed herein include electromechanical switches and can be used for at least fluid, electrical, air, mirror, and / or optical applications. In general, electromechanical switches are formed in the form of rings and plugs of magnetically loaded material. Next, a coil is attached to provide a magnetic field for operating the switching device.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a switching device 100 including a perspective view and a side view of the switching device. The switching device includes a main body 102, and the main body 102 includes a core 104 and a housing (housing) 106. In one example, both the material for the core 104 and the housing 106 include a material containing a magnetizable substance, such as a magnetic material or an injection moldable plastic containing the magnetic material. Alnico, neodymium, and samarium cobalt are examples of materials. Often, injection molded polymers can be filled in percentages based on the desired material properties.

  The housing 106 has an outer surface or a periphery that can change its shape. For example, the shape of the outer surface can vary depending on how the switching device 100 is used. The outer surface (and other features) can be shaped to fit a particular location on the device or product.

  The housing 106 generally includes a cavity 118 shaped to receive the core 104. Generally, the cavity 118 has a circular cross section and the core 104 has a circular cross section. The cross section of the core 104 is generally smaller than the cross section of the cavity 118 so that the core 104 can fit within the cavity 118.

  Instead, the relationship between the housing 106 and the core 104 can take other forms. In one example, the housing 106 can be ring-shaped with a cavity 118 and the core 104 can occupy the cavity 118. In this example, the core 104 can be viewed as a plug that generally fits into a hole or cavity 118 in the housing 106. However, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the core may not completely fill the cavity and can translate laterally within the cavity. More specifically, the length of the core 104 can be changed with respect to the length of the cavity 118. As described in more detail herein, this length difference can be used to realize one or more different states of the switching device 100.

  However, the cross-sectional area of the housing 106 is almost filled by the core 104 at the cavity 118, so in this sense the core 104 can be viewed as a plug. As described in greater detail herein, the core 104 can move laterally within the cavity 118. The core 104 may have a length that is less than the length of the cavity 118, may have a length that is greater than the length of the cavity, or may have the same length as the length of the cavity.

  In an alternative embodiment, the relationship between the cavity in the housing 106 and the outer shape of the core 104 can be changed so that they do not correspond to each other. For example, each of the cavity 118 and the core 104 can have a conical shape. In other examples, the cavity 118 can be cylindrical or tubular, while the shape of the core 104 can be partially tubular or cylindrical and partially conical. The tubular or cylindrical portion of the core 104 can leave the core 104 aligned within the cavity 118, and the conical portion of the core 104 can be used as a control point for the switching device 100. Each of the core 104 and the cavity 118 can have a variable cross-sectional shape from the respective first end to the second end, and can rotate relative to each other where the cross-sectional shapes coincide.

  In at least one embodiment, the shape of the cavity 118 in the housing 106 and the shape of the core 104 can provide a non-contact interface for the core, thereby sealing the switch without contact. it can. For example, the core 104 and the housing 106 can be configured such that the core 104 can rotate within the cavity 118. Accordingly, the surface of the core 104 is adjacent to the inner wall of the housing that defines the cavity 118. However, the magnetic field of the core 104 and the housing 106 allows the core 104 to self-align according to the magnetic pole. As described in more detail below, this allows the switching device 100 to provide a contactless seal in fluid and air applications, but this is only an example and not a limitation.

  Advantageously, the magnetic field can be set to provide a substantially non-contact interface. As will be described below, there is a gap 116 around the core 104. Such a non-contact interface between the core 104 and the housing 106 allows the core 104 to rotate in the housing 106 (or in the cavity 118) with significantly less friction.

  The core 104 and the housing 106 are naturally oriented according to the poles 108 aligned as identified by the symbols N (North) and S (South) in FIGS. FIG. 1 illustrates the switch in its natural state, with the magnetic poles of the core 104 being attracted to the corresponding magnetic poles of the housing 106. In the natural state, the switching device 100 is generally not powered.

  FIG. 1 further illustrates that the switching device 100 can include an armature 112 having a coil 110. The armature 112 and / or the coil 110 is generally fixed to the housing 106 of the switching device 100. This connection can be, for example, a mechanical fastener (eg, screw, bolt), epoxy, welding, etc. The armature 112 and the coil 110 are examples of a power feeding device. This power supply apparatus can control the position of the core in the cavity formed in the housing. This position can be controlled rotationally and / or laterally, but this is only an example.

  In one example, armature 112 and / or coil 110 can include a cap configured to engage an end of housing 106. The housing 106 has a groove or other structure that engages a complementary structure in the cap to secure the cap and thus can secure the coil 110 and armature 112 in place. . These complementary engagement structures have a rotating structure to ensure proper placement of the armature 112 relative to the core 104 and the housing 106 to ensure proper operation of the switching device 100. You can also. The armature 112 can also be attached to the housing 106 with a pressure sensitive adhesive, a UV curable adhesive, or the like placed between the housing 106 and the armature 112.

  When the coil 110 is powered, N and S poles 114 can be generated in the armature 112. The magnetic force generated by the coil 110 is preferably designed to exceed the magnetic energy required to hold the core in the natural state 104A. When power is supplied to the coil 110 and the magnetic field of the armature 112 becomes sufficient, the core 104 rotates in the cavity 118 and enters the power supply state illustrated in FIG.

  In the power supply state 104B, the magnetic poles of the core 104 are aligned with the magnetic poles 114 generated in the armature 112, as shown in FIG. When the energy to the coil 110 is removed, the magnetic field generated by the armature 112 is thereby removed, and the magnetic field of the core 104 and the housing 106 returns the core 104 to the natural state shown in FIG. When energy is removed from the coil 110, the core 104 can rotate in either direction and return to the natural state 104A. Instead, the core 104 rotates in one rotational direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise) when the coil 110 is charged, and rotates in the other rotational direction when the coil 110 is not charged. In addition, the core 104 can be configured. In other aspects, the core 104 may be configured such that the core 104 always rotates in one direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise) while the coil is being charged, charged, discharged, or not charged. it can.

  In one example, the housing 106 is typically held or fixed in place while the core 104 can change its position relative to the magnetic field 114 generated in the armature 112. Accordingly, the body 102 or housing 106 can include means for connecting to the surface of the device. Instead, the core 104 can be fixed while the housing 106 moves freely (eg, rotates). In this example, the core 104 can be configured such that the core 104 rotates within the housing 106 in response to the application of a magnetic field, as described herein.

  For example, one coil / armature can rotate the core 104 45 degrees (otherwise moving or translating the core 104) while another coil / armature is powered The core 104 can be rotated 90 degrees. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other movements, or other degrees of displacement or rotation, can be achieved by the orientation of the coil / armature with respect to the coil 104 and the housing 106. As described above, the core 104 can rotate in either direction depending on the applied magnetic force.

  Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can contemplate that multiple coils and multiple armatures rotate the core 104 by a specified amount. For example, various armatures can be arranged and the core 104 can be rotated stepwise (in 30-degree steps, 45-degree steps, etc.), but this is only an example and is not limiting. The specified rotation angle is 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 degrees, or any angle in between It can be. Embodiments of the present invention can further contemplate both rotational and / or translational movement of the core 104 relative to the housing 106.

  In other embodiments, the energy supplied to the coil 110 can be controlled. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the armature 112 is configured to rotate the core 104 about 90 degrees. By changing the energy supplied to the coil 110, the rotation of the core 104 can be controlled. As a result, the core 104 can be rotated to any position between 0 degrees and about 90 degrees. In some examples, this allows the switching device 100 to control the flow rate in a variable manner, but this is only an example and not a limitation. Instead, the ability to variably control the rotation of the core 104 allows the switching device 100 to provide multiple contacts for electrical connection at different locations. Thus, rotation of the core 104 (and / or the housing 106) can be achieved using a variably fed coil and / or by using multiple armatures.

  As previously described, embodiments of the switching device 100 can include a plurality of alignment poles 108, 114. Multiple alignment poles can produce intermittent function and / or enhanced alignment. Accordingly, the switch or switching device disclosed herein is automatically aligned in the natural state 104A, transitions to a power supply state, such as the power supply state 104B, and returns to the natural state after energy is removed. . Since the core 104 can be naturally aligned within the housing 106 and the housing 106 can be naturally circular, the core 104 can rotate around an axis and rotate with almost no friction. Brought about.

  In addition, the switching device 100a can include or be operatively coupled to a controller that can supply an amount of power (eg, for example) to the coil 110 of one or more armatures 112a. Control the amount of electricity). Using only the armature, the amount of energy supplied to the coil under the control of this controller can control the amount of power supply, which allows the rate of change from the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state during power supply. Is controlled. The stronger the power supply state, the faster the rate of change from the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state during power supply, which changes the core position from the natural position in the natural magnetic state to the power supply position in the magnetic state during power supply. Change is faster. As described above, the angle or the number of angles with respect to a plurality of power feeding positions can be used while the angle between the natural position and the power feeding position is 90 degrees.

  The controller that controls the power supply of the coil to generate the power supply magnetic state can be configured to selectively time the duration of power supply that facilitates the core changing from the natural position to the power supply position. In some examples, the controller controls the power supply of the coil, thereby changing the core from a natural position to some arbitrary or predetermined position that does not fully reach the fully powered position of the armature 112, and The controller cuts off the power supply, which stops the core at a certain position, for example at an angle, that does not move or rotate completely to the fully powered position. Then, using selective “on”, “off”, or power supplied to the coil, a change in the position of the core, for example, a change from a natural position to an arbitrary or predetermined position, such as an arbitrary angle or a predetermined angle Can be controlled.

  In one embodiment, the controller can be configured such that the controller rotates the core 104 in any sequence from a natural position to any predetermined position or angle. For example, the core can be selectively rotated from 0 degrees (eg, natural position) to 45 degrees, from 30 degrees to 60 degrees, from 45 degrees to 75 degrees, and up to 90 degrees. This selective rotation can be any angular sequence from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, or even 360 degrees.

  FIG. 2A illustrates a switching device 100a including a plurality of armatures 112a indicated by broken lines. Here, each armature 112 a includes a coil (not shown) shown together with the armature 112. These coils are the same as the coil 110 for the armature 112. All of these coils can be operatively coupled to the power supply system or power supply controller described above, thereby supplying power to the armature 112a and generating magnetic poles therein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching device 100 a has a magnetic pole at an angle with respect to the magnetic pole of the housing 102 when supplied with power. For example, the first armature 112 can have a magnetic pole 90 degrees from the magnetic pole of the housing 102 when supplied with power. Thus, any number of additional armatures 112a can be included at any desired angle or combination of angles. The change in angle between the armatures can be the same or different. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the armature 112a can exist at angles of 0 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, 67.5 degrees, and 90 degrees, which are equally spaced between the angles. At. However, these angles can be 0 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees, or other angular intervals. In addition, although not specifically shown, these armatures can be arranged from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, further from 1 degree to 360 degrees, or at an arbitrary angle or angular interval. it can. Also, different angles can be given using the same armature. For example, the same armature can be used for 90 degrees and 270 degrees and the polarity can be switched. In any case, the core 104 can rotate to align with the magnetic poles of the armature 112a that is fed. Note that each armature 112a can include its own coil 110 and power supply component, and one or more controllers can control power supply.

  2B to 2D illustrate different arrangements of the plurality of armatures 112 with respect to the housing 102 and the core 104. Again, the armature 112 is shown without a coil so that the orientation and relative rotation of the armature 112 can be easily seen. FIG. 2B shows different armatures 112 (eg, at different angles to each other as described above) through the housing 102 or with a portion 102 of the housing between each armature. For example, the armature 112 can be received in the slit 111 in the housing 102. FIG. 2C shows all armatures 112 separated by member 113 at one end (eg, member 113 can be used to couple armatures 112 to each other), and member 113 is placed between armatures 112. A gap 115 is left. The member 113 can be an electrical insulator or a conductor. FIG. 2D shows a state in which all armatures 112 are attached to each other and attached to the housing 102. 2C and 2D both show that the other end of the housing 102 includes another armature 112a, which can be a 90 degree armature or a main armature.

  In one example, the core 104 can rotate without touching the inner wall of the housing 106. This contributes to a reduction in the power required to operate the electromechanical switch. More specifically, the gap 116 between the core 104 and the housing 106 can be controlled to tight tolerances using current manufacturing methods. Due to the nature of the magnetic force in the switching device 100, the core 104 is naturally aligned with the rotation center axis of the housing 106. This feature can be used to create low power precision switches or switching devices for some applications.

  For example, the switching device 100 can be employed in gas valve applications. In this example, the ability to provide tight manufacturing tolerances can prevent gas leakage from the switching device 100. For example, if the gap 116 between the core 104 and the housing 106 can be in a relationship of 0.0001 inch ≦ D2−D1 ≦ 0.0003 inch as illustrated in FIG. 3, leakage occurs for all gases except hydrogen. Does not occur. In this example, D2 is the diameter of the cavity in the housing 106, and D1 is the diameter of the core 104. The gap 116 is uniform around the core 104 because the core 104 naturally centers in the housing 106 due to the balanced magnetic forces present at the poles of the switching device 100.

  In one example of a fluid application, the gap 116 can be manufactured such that the gap 116 maintains a D2-D1 relationship of less than 0.0001 inches. The lower limit of 0.0001 inches is the maximum gap allowed to seal hydrogen gas. All other gases can usually be sealed by limiting this gap to a maximum value of 0.0003 inches. In liquid applications, the viscosity of the fluid can be adjusted to prevent leakage or slow operation. In addition, the operating surface of the switching device (eg, a valve) can be treated to be lyophobic to prevent fluid from infiltrating into the gap 116.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an electromechanical switch 400 in a fluid application (such as a gas) in a perspective view and a cross-sectional view along the port hole 418. The switch 400 is an example of the switching device 100 and includes a housing 402 and a core 404. In this example, the port hole 418 is formed through the housing 406 and the core 404 (eg, through its center). In this example, the port hole 418 passes substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core 404, but the port hole 418 can be arranged in other configurations and axes.

  In the “normally open” configuration of switch 400, fluid can flow freely through the valve in a natural state 404A or in an energy off state. In other words, the core 404 is configured to allow fluid to flow through holes or holes formed in the core 404 so that fluid can flow through the port holes 418.

  In this example, when the coil 410 is energized, the core 404 is rotated 90 degrees to the energized state 404B, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the switch 400.

  In the normally closed configuration of the switch 400, the pole of the core 404 is offset by 90 degrees with respect to the pole of the core 404 in the normally open configuration of the switch 400, resulting in a closed power off (power shutdown) or natural state. . In other words, the orientation of the poles of the core 404 relative to the port hole 418 determines whether the switch 400 (eg, a valve) opens or closes when no energy is supplied to the coil 410.

  The size of the port hole 418 can be varied depending on the desired flow or flow rate. The flow rate can be controlled, for example, by the size of the hole or hole forming the port hole 418.

  FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a core 500 that can be used to control fluid flow in an embodiment of a switch or switching device disclosed herein. The core 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 can provide low speed leakage. In such an example core 500, the core 500 may include a port 502 and a port 504.

  For example, when a switch (eg, switch 400) is powered, fluid can flow freely through port 502. When energy is removed from the switch, the switch causes a slow leak through the port 504 and the fluid flow is more limited compared to the port hole 502. This can be useful for a variety of fluids including gaseous and liquid fluids. The port 504 can have a diameter on the order of 0.1 inches, whereas the port 502 can have a larger diameter, but this is only an example and not a limitation.

  In addition, in one example, ports 502 and 504 are generally arranged substantially orthogonal to each other. In addition, the fit or gap between the core 500 and the switch housing is substantially configured so that fluid does not normally leak from unaligned ports. For example, when port 504 is aligned for fluid flow, the interface between port 502 and the inner wall of the housing prevents further leakage of fluid from port 502 at this point.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the switch 600 in an optical application. The switch 600 is an example of the switching device 100. In this example, a spherical lens 602 (or other optical element) can be attached to the center of the axis on the core 606. Similar to the valve design port described above, the optical fiber 612 can be inserted into the housing 610 of the switch 600. By supplying power to the coil of switch 600, lens 602 is rotated from position 614A to position 614B to block light traveling through optical fiber 612. The magnetic force naturally positions the core 606 at the center of ideal rotation, greatly reducing the manufacturing costs associated with alignment. As described above, a lens 602 or other optical assembly can be placed in the core 606 so that the coiled state can pass or block light.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a switch 700 for electrical use. The switch 700 is an example of the switching device 100. As previously described, as the core 702 rotates, the contacts 706 engage with a desired rubbing action or other type of mechanical engagement to establish an electrical connection. Similar to the motor stator, the electrical switch includes a spring 708 design to keep the contacts 706 engaged and closed. Such a design requires more power to operate the switch 700. Both spring designs that require power to maintain an electrical connection and spring designs that do not require power can be created.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of the switch 800, which is an example of the switching device 100. The switch 800 includes a housing 802 and a core 814. However, in this example, the core 814 has such a length that the core 814 can translate laterally within the cavity of the housing 802. In this example, the magnetic field is at the ends of the housing 802 and the core 814 as indicated by the magnetic field 812.

  When the coil and armature (collectively 804) are not powered, the core 814 is in a natural state within the housing 802. Since the core 814 has a length that is shorter than the length of the cavity in the housing 802, the natural state 810 of the core 814 naturally follows the magnetic field 812 of the switch 800 at the center in the cavity of the housing 802.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a pull state 808 when the coil 804 is supplied with power. The switch 800 can also enter a push state 822. In the pulled state 808, the magnetic field generated by the coil 804 attracts the core 814, exceeds the magnetic field of the housing 802 and the core 814, and pulls the core 814 toward the end of the switch 800 on the coil / armature 804 side. Of course, the coil / armature 804 can also be configured to generate a magnetic field that pushes the core 814, as shown by the pushed state 822.

  As described above, the switch 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 can also have a gap and can be operated in fluid applications, pneumatic applications, electrical applications, optical applications, and the like. Specifically, items 816 and 818 can be contacts, ports, optical fibers, etc., or any combination thereof. As previously described herein, the core 814 can similarly be comprised of optical elements, contacts, holes, and the like. One or more additional items (ports, contacts, etc.) can exist behind the core 814.

  8 illustrates that the core 814 is between items 816 and 818, the core 814 has a length such that at least one item is covered by the core 814 in the natural state 810 (or , So arrange items 816 and 818). In accordance with the present disclosure, the item can be positioned so that the core 814 can cover, touch, or interact with one or more of these items, either in a natural state or in a powered state. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that 816 and 818 can be configured.

  Further, the magnetic field generated by the coil / armature 804 can be reversed to allow at least three states. As a result, items 816 and 818 can both be opened in the natural state, or one of items 816 and 818 can be covered, as illustrated in the powered state.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a switch 900 that can be a three-way switch. Switch 900 is an example of switch 800. By supplying power to the switch 900 and pushing or pulling the core 814 to different positions within the cavity of the housing 802, at least three states can be achieved with the switch of FIG. Core 814 allows items 816, 818, and 820 to be connected in different configurations. For example, the core 814 can connect the items 820 and 818, the items 816 and 820, or none of the items 816, 818, and 820.

  The switches or switching devices described herein have components that degrade or wear due to load conditions that seal the port (eg, loads that occur when the port is sealed, such as mechanical constraints). Can not. In some embodiments, the interface between the core and the housing is non-contact and the core is automatically aligned by the magnetic field.

  In addition, these switches that have no or minimal resistance to movement and minimal structural load can operate in low power or ultra-low power modes with little or no friction. it can. In addition, these switches self-align using a magnetic field. Also, these switches can be manufactured at a lower cost. Some embodiments of the present invention eliminate a spring that increases the electromagnetic force required to open or close the switch.

  10A-10B illustrate an embodiment of a switching device that includes a mirror element attached to a core 104. FIG. Again, the armature 112 is shown without a coil for ease of viewing. When the core 104 rotates, the mirror 150 rotates. This can be used when directing the laser to the mirror 150 in the scanning method. Thus, the switching device can include a laser operatively coupled thereto. The switching device can also be included in a device such as a scanning device, which also includes a laser. Furthermore, when a plurality of mirror elements 150 are coupled to the core 104, an apparatus having this switching device can include a plurality of lasers. FIG. 10A shows one mirror element 150 at the end of the core 104. FIG. 10B shows the mirror element 150 at the center position of the core 104 exposed in the gap 152 in the housing 102. As described herein, the gap 152 can also be a slit, and the housing 102 can be a single integrated housing 102 or two or more housings joined together. The member 102 can also be used. Multiple intermediate or central mirror elements 150 can be used with a gap 152 for each mirror element 150 on a single core in the housing 102. FIG. 10C shows a mirror element 150 at each end of the core 104 and one mirror element 150 at the center of the housing 102 and exposed to a gap 152 in the housing 102.

  The mirror element 150 can be configured in any desired shape, or can include one or more reflective surfaces that reflect light, such as laser light. FIG. 11 illustrates a few samples of possible configurations and shapes of mirror elements 150 having one or more mirror surfaces. The mirror element 150a is a triangular member having three mirror surfaces. Here, the core 104 is arranged at the center of the mirror element. Here, all three surfaces are flat surfaces, but one surface can be a flat surface, one surface can be a concave surface, and one surface can be a convex surface. The mirror element 150 can be used with one, two, or three lasers for single or multiple scanning applications. FIG. 11 also shows a planar mirror element 150b having one mirror surface and the opposite surface coupled to the core 104. Here, when the core 104 rotates, the mirror surface rotates and the reflection angle of the incident laser To change. FIG. 11 also shows a trapezoidal mirror element 150c, in which the core 104 is disposed and embedded in the plane. The trapezoidal mirror element 150c can include one more mirror surface. FIG. 11 also shows an elliptical mirror element 150d, where the core 104 is centered. The elliptical core 104 can be selectively rotated at selected portions of the surface to change the light reflection angle.

  In addition, the switching device can be mounted on a mechanical component, which can move the switching device in one or more directions. For example, the switching device can be mounted on a rail, which can slide the switching device in a direction along the central cavity major axis (the major axis that is the central axis of the cavity). The mechanical device can also move the switching device laterally as well as up and down. Any mechanical movement in any direction can be used. For example, in the case of a scanning device, the core can rotate the mirror and the mechanical component can move the switching device to scan the item from side to side and from top to bottom.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include: a housing; a core; an armature; and a coil, the housing having a body defining a cavity, the cavity formed in the body. Having a circular cross-sectional shape, having a first cavity horizontal axis orthogonal to the second cavity horizontal axis on the cross-sectional shape, and intersecting the first cavity horizontal axis and the second cavity horizontal axis The central cavity major axis is orthogonal, the first cavity horizontal axis intersects the body of the housing at the housing pole opposite the central cavity major axis, and the core is disposed within the cavity; Having a body having a (similar) cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the cavity and coincides with the cross-sectional shape of the cavity, the central core long axis (the long axis that is the central axis of the core) is aligned with the central cavity long axis Core body and housing An annular gap exists between the body and the core body has core poles opposed on the horizontal axis of the core, and these core poles are magnetically aligned with the housing poles in a natural magnetic state. The child is connected to the housing, the opposing armature magnetic poles are aligned on the second cavity horizontal axis, the core magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the armature magnetic poles in the magnetic state of power supply, and the coil is the opposing armature When the coil is fed between the magnetic poles and the coil is fed, the coil generates a magnetic field in the armature, and the armature rotates the core from the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state being fed, and the coil When is not powered, the core returns to its natural magnetic state.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include: a housing made of magnetic material; a core made of magnetic material; the housing and core are automatically aligned and naturally aligned by the polarity of the magnetic material To the state.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include a magnetic field generated in the armature, which is strong enough to move the core from the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state being fed.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include a core that rotates by about 90 degrees, or any angle up to 90 degrees, when rotating from the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state being fed. Can do. In other words, the magnet can be set at an arbitrary angle to have an arbitrary rotation angle.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include a gap between the entire core and the housing. The core is centered within the cavity with the cavity major axis and the tangential surface (opposite surface). The core and the housing can be substantially non-contact or completely non-contact in a natural magnetic state and a magnetic state during power feeding. Thus, the annular gap can be in the range of about 0.0001 inches to 0.0003 inches. The annular gap can be 0.0001 inches or less.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include a housing port formed in the housing, which housing port is in the core when in either the natural magnetic state or the magnetic state during power feeding. Aligned with the core port formed in the other, not aligned in the other magnetic state. The housing port and the core port can be configured for one of a fluid application, a pneumatic application, or an optical application. For example, a contactless seal can be provided to the housing port when the housing port and the core port are not aligned.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include an optical element disposed in the core port. The optical element can be any optical element, such as an optical fiber, lens, collimator, prism, or the like. When the housing port and the core port are aligned, light passes through the core port in one of a natural state or a power supply state, and when the core port does not align with the housing port, the light does not pass through the core port.

  In one embodiment, the core port can be configured such that the core port is self-aligned with the housing port when in a natural state or in a powered state. Due to the ability to perform self-alignment, the magnetic field configuration can be adapted.

  In one embodiment, the surface of the core and / or the inner wall of the cavity of the housing can be treated lyophobically.

  In one embodiment, the core can include electrical contacts that are electrically engaged with corresponding electrical contacts mounted on the housing. This can be beneficial when the core is configured for electrical applications. Such electrical engagement can be facilitated when in one of the natural state, the power supply state, or between them.

  In one embodiment, the length in the major axis (vertical) direction of the core can be less than the length in the major axis direction of the housing. This allows the magnetic field to push or pull the core within the cavity. The core can vibrate from push to pull depending on its electronic state.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include: a housing; an elongate core, and at least one power supply, the housing having a body defining an elongate cavity, the elongate cavity being within the body. Formed and having a circular cross-sectional shape and having a central housing major axis (long axis which is the central axis of the housing) at both ends of the elongated cavity and extending between opposing housing magnetic poles, and the elongated core is a cavity A body having a cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the cavity and matches (similar to) the cross-sectional shape of the cavity, the central core long axis being aligned with the central cavity long axis, and the core body and housing There is an annular gap between the body body, the core body has core poles facing each other at both ends, these core poles are magnetically aligned with the housing poles, and the core is a natural magnetic During the state Centered between the magnetic poles in the magnetic state position, the core can translate along the central cavity major axis to the pulling magnetic state position and to the opposite pushing magnetic state position, The power feeding device is adjacent to at least one end of the cavity of the housing and is operatively coupled to the first end of the core. The power feeding device controls the position of the core in the cavity so that the power feeding device feeds power. The core is in the natural magnetic state position when not being fed, and the core is in the pulling magnetic state position close to the power feeding device when the power feeding device is being fed to the pulling power feeding state. When the device is being fed into the push feed state, the core is in the push push magnetic state position relative to the feed device.

  In one embodiment, the core can include at least one of a fluidic element, an optical element, an electrical element, or a mirror element. These elements can be arranged at any position on the core, for example, on a portion of the core extending from the housing. The housing can also include slits that align with such elements. The power feeding device can change the state of the element by controlling the position of the core. That is, by controlling the power supply device, the power supply device can control the position of the fluid element, the optical element, the mirror element, or the electric element with respect to the housing. The position of the element can be changed by changing the position of the core.

  In one embodiment, each of the core and the cavity can have a circular cross section, and the core has a non-contact interface with the cavity. When a sliding core rather than a rotating core, the core and cavity are coincident (similar) polygons, ellipses, or other that allow linear translation along the major axis without rotation. It can have a cross-sectional shape.

  In one embodiment, the length of the core is shorter than the length of the cavity. In other embodiments, the length of the core is the same as the length of the cavity, thereby aligning the surface of the core with the surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the length of the core is longer than the length of the cavity, which causes the core to protrude from the cavity.

  In one embodiment, the feeding device feeds the coil and generates a magnetic field in the armature connected to the housing, exceeding the strength of the magnetic poles of the housing that naturally align with the core. The supplied coil facilitates the movement of the core and moves the core to the pulling magnetic state position or the pushing magnetic state position in the cavity. The magnetic state of pulling or the magnetic state of pushing can be different from the natural state. When the coil is not powered, the core can be in a natural state.

  In one embodiment, the housing and / or core can include a magnetic material. Thereby, in the natural state, the core and the housing are attracted by magnetism, and the core and the housing are naturally aligned, and the natural state is a natural magnetic alignment.

  In one embodiment, these power supply devices can be configured such that the power supply device or the plurality of power supply devices move the core to a plurality of positions relative to the cavity. In one embodiment, as described herein, the core can include a plurality of holes, which can be used as ports. Each hole or port can be sized or otherwise configured for a different flow rate of fluid through the switching device. Different holes can also include different elements, such as different optical elements, different electrical elements, or different mirror elements. Different optical elements can have different ways of propagating through the light. Different electrical elements can have, for example, different resistivity, impedance, or other electrical parameters. The different mirror elements can be flat, concave or convex.

  In one embodiment, the device can include multiple power feeders. Optionally, each power supply can be operatively coupled to an armature. A plurality of power feeding devices can advance the core in stages (step operation) over a plurality of positions. In addition, the at least one power supply device can be configured to advance the core step by step over a plurality of positions so that each position corresponds to a different state.

  In one embodiment, the switching device can include: a housing; a core; an armature, and a coil, the housing having a body defining a cavity, the cavity comprising a central cavity major axis and Having a first cavity transverse axis, the first cavity transverse axis intersects the body of the housing at the opposite housing pole, and the core is disposed within the cavity and has a body smaller than the cavity; The central core long axis is aligned with the central cavity long axis, with a gap between the core body and the body of the housing, the core body having core poles facing on the core transverse axis, and these cores The magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the housing magnetic pole in the natural magnetic state, and the armature is connected to the housing so that the opposing armature magnetic pole is not aligned on the first cavity horizontal axis. The core pole is magnetically aligned with the armature pole. The coil is operatively coupled to the armature, and when the coil is fed, it generates a magnetic field in the armature that causes the core to move from the natural position of the natural magnetic state to the magnetic state being fed. When the coil is not fed, the core returns to the natural position. In one aspect, the feeding position of the core is at a specific angle with respect to the natural position.

  In one aspect, the housing and the core are configured to slide relative to each other along the central cavity major axis between the natural position and the feeding position, or any position therebetween. A core can be configured.

  In one embodiment, the gap is between the entire core and the housing, forming an annular gap. In one example, the annular gap is in the range of about 0.0001 inches (2.54 microns) to 0.0003 inches (7.62 microns). In other examples, the annular gap is 0.0001 inches or less, 0.00007 inches (1.78 microns) or less, 0.00005 inches (1.27 microns) or less, or 0.00003 inches (0.76 microns) or less. Thereby, a gap can be manufactured to less than 1 micron. These dimensions are obtained with modern manufacturing techniques, for example with microelectromechanical (MEM) devices.

  In one embodiment, the device can include a housing port formed in the housing and a core port formed in the core, either in the natural magnetic state or in the magnetic state during power feeding. In the other magnetic state. The housing port and the core port can be configured for one of a fluid application, a pneumatic application, a reflective application, or an optical application. In one aspect, the core provides a contactless seal to the housing port when the housing port and the core port are not aligned.

  In one embodiment, the core includes electrical contacts that are in electrical engagement with corresponding electrical contacts mounted on the housing at least in either a natural state or a powered state.

  In one embodiment, the device can include one or more mirror elements coupled to the core. In one aspect, at least one mirror element is coupled to the end of the core extending from the housing. In one aspect, the housing includes a slit or gap that exposes the central portion of the core, and at least one mirror element is coupled to the central portion of the core and exposed through the slit or gap.

  In one embodiment, the device can include a plurality of armatures, each armature having a coil and opposing armature poles that are aligned with the first cavity transverse axis. Not. In one aspect, the plurality of armatures can have a plurality of armature pole positions relative to the housing pole. In one aspect, the plurality of armature magnetic poles are at different angles with respect to the housing magnetic pole.

  In one embodiment, the switching devices described herein can be used in a switching method. Such a switching method may include: providing a switching device as described above; and switching the switching device between a natural magnetic state and a magnetic state during power feeding. The switching method may include a step of feeding power to the coil and a step of transitioning the core between a natural position and a feeding position. The switching method includes a step of supplying power to the coil, whereby the core makes a transition from the natural state toward the power supply state, and a step of cutting off the power supply of the coil and thereby making the core return to the natural state. be able to.

  In one embodiment, an apparatus can include a switching device having a mirror element described herein and a light source aligned with the mirror element. The light source can be a lamp, a light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), a high-intensity diode, a halogen light bulb, or the like. In one aspect, the mirror element can be coupled to the core and transition with the core, such as a rotational transition or a major axis transition. In one example, at least one mirror element can be coupled to the end of a core extending from the housing. In another example, the housing can include a slit or gap that exposes the central portion of the core, and at least one mirror element can be coupled to the central portion of the core and exposed through the slit or gap. .

  In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a switching device as described herein; reflecting a light beam by the mirror element; and switching device between a natural magnetic state and a magnetic state being fed. Switching between. Such a method may also include feeding the coil and transitioning the core between a natural position and a feeding position. The method may also include a step of supplying power to the coil, whereby the core moves from the natural position to the power supply position, and a step of cutting off the power supply to the coil, thereby causing the core to transition and return to the natural position. it can. The method can also include scanning the item with a light beam.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its scope or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Switching device 102 Main body 104 Core 104A Natural state 104B Power supply state 106 Case 108 Pole 110 Coil 111 Slit 112 Armature 112a Armature 113 Member 114 Magnetic pole 115 Gap 116 Gap 118 Cavity 150 Mirror element 150a Mirror element 150b Plane mirror element 150c Trapezoid Mirror element 150d Elliptical mirror element 152 Gap 400 Electromechanical switch 402 Housing 404 Core 404A Natural state 440B Power supply state 406 Housing 410 Coil 418 Port hole 500 Core 502 Port 504 Port 600 Switch 602 Spherical lens 606 Core 612 Optical fiber 614A Position 614B Position 700 Switch 702 Core 706 Contact 708 Spring 800 Switch 802 housing 804 coil armature 808 pulls state 810 natural state 812 field 814 core 816 item 818 item 820 item 822 pressed state

Claims (20)

A housing;
With the core;
One or more mirror elements coupled to the core;
With armature;
With a coil,
The housing has a body that defines a cavity, the cavity has a central cavity long axis and a first cavity horizontal axis, the first cavity horizontal axis being a housing magnetic pole facing the housing. Intersects the body of the housing at
The core is disposed in the cavity and has a body smaller than the cavity, and a central core long axis of the core is aligned with a central cavity long axis of the cavity, and the core body and the housing body The core body has a core magnetic pole opposed on the core horizontal axis of the core, and the core magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the housing magnetic pole in a natural magnetic state;
The armature is connected to the housing so that the armature magnetic poles facing the armature are not aligned on the first cavity horizontal axis, and the core magnetic pole and the armature magnetic pole are in a magnetic state during power feeding. Magnetic alignment,
The coil is operatively coupled to the armature, and when the coil is powered, generates a magnetic field in the armature that causes the core to move from a natural position in a natural magnetic state. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the core is returned to the natural position when the coil is not supplied with power when the power is shifted to a magnetic power supply position during power supply.   The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the casing and the core are configured to rotate with respect to each other between the natural position and the power feeding position.   The said housing | casing and the said core are comprised so that it may slide with respect to each other between the said natural position and the said electric power feeding position along the said cavity center long axis. The switching device described.   The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the gap exists between the entire core and the housing to form an annular gap.   The switching device of claim 1, wherein the annular gap is in the range of about 0.0001 inches to 0.0003 inches.   The switching device of claim 1, wherein the gap is 0.0001 inches or less.   It further includes a housing port formed in the housing and a core port formed in the core, and the housing port and the core port are either in a natural magnetic state or in a magnetic state during power feeding. 2. Aligned and not aligned in other magnetic states, wherein the housing port and the core port are configured for one of a fluid application, a pneumatic application, a reflective application, or an optical application. Switching device according to.   8. The switching device of claim 7, wherein the core provides a non-contacting seal to the housing port when the housing port and the core port are not aligned.   The core includes electrical contacts, and the electrical contacts are electrically engaged with corresponding electrical contacts mounted on the housing in at least one of a natural state and a power supply state. Item 4. The switching device according to Item 1.   The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the power feeding position of the core is at a specific angle with respect to the natural position.   A plurality of armatures, each of the plurality of armatures having a coil and an opposing armature magnetic pole, wherein the armature magnetic poles are not aligned with the first cavity horizontal axis; The switching device according to claim 1.   The switching device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of armatures have a plurality of armature magnetic pole positions with respect to the housing magnetic pole.   The switching device of claim 1, wherein the one or more mirror elements are coupled to an end of the core extending from the housing.   The housing includes a slit or gap that exposes a central portion of the core, and the one or more mirror elements are coupled to the central portion of the core and exposed through the slit or gap. The switching device according to claim 1. The steps of preparing a switching device, which is:
A housing;
With the core;
With armature;
With a coil,
The housing has a body that defines a cavity, the cavity has a central cavity long axis and a first cavity horizontal axis, the first cavity horizontal axis being a housing magnetic pole facing the housing. Intersects the body of the housing at
The core is disposed in the cavity and has a body smaller than the cavity, and a central core long axis of the core is aligned with a central cavity long axis of the cavity, and the core body and the housing body The core body has a core magnetic pole opposed on the core horizontal axis of the core, and the core magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the housing magnetic pole in a natural magnetic state;
The armature is connected to the housing so that the armature magnetic poles facing the armature are not aligned on the first cavity horizontal axis, and the core magnetic pole and the armature magnetic pole are in a magnetic state during power feeding. Magnetic alignment,
The coil is operatively coupled to the armature, and when the coil is powered, generates a magnetic field in the armature that causes the core to move from a natural position in a natural magnetic state. Transition to a feeding position in a magnetic state during feeding, and when the coil is not fed, the step of returning the core to the natural position and the step of reflecting a light beam by a mirror element coupled to the core;
Switching the switching device between a natural magnetic state and a magnetic state during power feeding. The step of switching the switching device includes:
Feeding the coil;
16. The method of claim 15, comprising transitioning the core between the natural position and the feeding position. The step of switching the switching device includes:
Feeding the coil, whereby the core is directed from the natural position to the feeding position;
The method according to claim 15, comprising interrupting power supply to the coil, thereby causing the core to transition and return to the natural position.   The method of claim 15, further comprising scanning an item with the light beam.   The method of claim 18, wherein the light beam is a laser beam. A housing;
With the core;
With multiple armatures,
The housing has a body that defines a cavity, the cavity has a central cavity long axis and a first cavity horizontal axis, the first cavity horizontal axis being a housing magnetic pole facing the housing. Intersects the body of the housing at
The core is disposed in the cavity and has a body smaller than the cavity, and a central core long axis of the core is aligned with a central cavity long axis of the cavity, and the core body and the housing body The core body has a core magnetic pole opposed on the core horizontal axis of the core, and the core magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the housing magnetic pole in a natural magnetic state;
Each of the plurality of armatures:
The armature magnetic poles opposed to the armature are connected to the casing so as not to be aligned on the first cavity horizontal axis, and the core magnetic pole is magnetically aligned with the armature magnetic poles in a magnetic state during power feeding;
A coil that is operatively coupled to the armature, and when the coil is powered, generates a magnetic field in the armature that causes the core to move from a natural position in a natural magnetic state. A switching device, wherein a transition is made to a magnetic power supply position during power supply, and the core returns to the natural position when the coil is not supplied with power.