阅读说明：本技术 电磁促动器 (Electromagnetic actuator ) 是由 P·维德曼 于 2019-07-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种电磁促动器、尤其是用于操纵阀的电磁促动器。所述电磁促动器包括带有盖壁和与该盖壁相对置的磁轭的壳体。所述促动器还包括：在壳体中设置在盖壁与磁轭之间的、带有管形区段的线圈体,在该管形区段的外侧上设置有线圈绕组；和沿运动方向可运动地设置在管形区段中的衔铁。(The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator, in particular for actuating a valve. The electromagnetic actuator includes a housing with a cover wall and a yoke opposing the cover wall. The actuator further comprises: a coil former, which is arranged in the housing between the cover wall and the magnet yoke and has a tubular section, on the outside of which a coil winding is arranged; and an armature movably disposed in the tubular section in the direction of movement.)

1. An electromagnetic actuator, in particular for actuating a valve, comprising at least: a housing (10) having a cover wall (11) and a yoke (20) facing the cover wall (11); a coil body (30) which is arranged in the housing (10) between the cover wall (11) and the magnet yoke (20) and has a tubular section (31), on the outside of which a coil winding (32) is arranged; and an armature (40) which is arranged in the tubular section (31) so as to be movable in the direction of movement (2), wherein a first end face (43) of the armature (40) which faces the cover wall (11) is larger than a second end face (44) of the armature (40) which is opposite the first end face (43), characterized in that the electromagnetic actuator has a working gap (3) which is arranged between the first end face (43) of the armature (40) and an inner face of the cover wall (11).

2. Electromagnetic actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section of the armature (40) taken in the direction of movement (2) has a T-shape and/or in that the armature (40) has a rod-shaped section (41) extending in the direction of movement (2) and on the free end of this rod-shaped section (41) a plate-shaped section (42) which extends at right angles to the direction of movement (2) and has a first end face (43) of the armature (40).

3. The electromagnetic actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end face (43) is larger than a cross section of one of the rod-shaped sections (31) parallel to the first end face (43), wherein in particular the first end face (43) is at least 20%, in particular at least 50%, in particular preferably at least 100% larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section (41) parallel to the first end face (43) or the second end face (44).

4. The electromagnetic actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (34) is formed in an abutment surface (33) of the coil body (30) which abuts against the cover wall (11), in which recess a plate-shaped section (42) of the armature (40) is arranged, wherein in particular a depth of the recess (34) measured in the direction of movement (2) is greater than a thickness of the plate-shaped section (42) and/or an inner contour of the recess (34) corresponds to an outer contour of the plate-shaped section (42).

5. The electromagnetic actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end face (43) of the armature (40) and/or a cross section parallel to the first end face (43) has a circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular or square outer contour.

6. The electromagnetic actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yoke (20) has a through-opening (22), and in particular the armature (40) extends through the through-opening (22) and protrudes from the yoke (20) in the direction of movement (2).

7. The electromagnetic actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first end position of the armature (40), in which the armature (40) rests on the inner face of the cover wall (11), and a second end position of the armature (40), which is spaced apart in the direction of movement (2), are provided, in which the armature (40) is spaced apart from the inner face of the cover wall (11) and forms the working gap (3).

8. The electromagnetic actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromagnetic actuator has a return element (50) which preloads the armature (40) into the second end position, wherein in particular the return element (50) is elastically configured and arranged as a spring, in particular a helical spring or a conical compression spring.

9. The electromagnetic actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an annular shoulder (49) is provided on the armature (40) in the region of the second end face (44) and the restoring element (50) is supported between the yoke (20) and the annular shoulder (49), wherein in particular an armature cover (48) which is provided in the region of the second end face (44) and which is fitted onto the armature (40) and is connected to the armature (40), in particular in a force-fitting manner, has an annular shoulder (49), or the armature (40) has a recess in which the restoring element (50) is supported, and/or a recess (23) is formed on the outside of the yoke (20) and the restoring element (50) is supported on the base of the recess (23), or a blind hole (45) is formed in the first end face (43) of the armature (40), the reset element (50) is arranged in the blind hole, wherein in particular the reset element (50) is supported between the bottom of the blind hole (45) and the cover wall (11) of the housing (10).

10. The electromagnetic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromagnetic actuator has a damping element (47) which is arranged in a first end face (43) of the armature (40), wherein in particular a recess (46) is formed in the first end face (43) of the armature (40), in which recess the damping element (47) is arranged, wherein in particular the recess (46) is formed as an annular groove in the first end face (43) or as a step along the outer contour of the first end face (43), and the damping element (47) is arranged annularly, and/or in that the plate-shaped section (42) has a damping element (400), in particular a disc-shaped or annular damping element (400), on the side facing away from the cover wall (11).

11. Electromagnetic actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10), the armature (40) and/or the yoke (20) comprise or are made of a soft magnetic material and/or the coil body (30) comprises or is made of plastic and/or the damping element (47) comprises or is made of plastic or rubber.

12. Electromagnetic actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner contour of the tubular section (31) is adapted to the outer contour of the rod-shaped section (41), and/or the armature (40) is mounted on the inner surface of the tubular section (31) of the coil former (30) so as to be movable in the direction of movement (2), wherein in particular at least the length of the coil winding (32), preferably the entire length of the tubular section (31), serves as a support for the armature (40), or a bearing element (60) inserted into the magnet yoke (20) and an end region of the tubular section (31) facing away from the bearing element (60) serve as a bearing for the armature (40), and the region of the tubular section (31) facing the bearing element (60) does not serve as a bearing for the armature (40).

Technical Field

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator, in particular for actuating a valve.

Background

Electromagnetic actuators typically include a coil and a movable armature. The coil and armature are important components of the electromagnetic actuator. A current is applied to the coil to move the armature, thereby generating a magnetic field in which the armature is subjected to an accelerating magnetic force.

In detail, the electromagnetic actuator includes: at least one housing with a cover wall and a yoke opposite the cover wall; a coil body disposed in the housing between the cover wall and the yoke and having a tubular section; a coil winding disposed on an outer side of the tubular section; and an armature movably arranged in the tubular section in the direction of movement.

To actuate the valve, the electromagnetic actuator and the valve are usually arranged relative to one another such that the armature of the electromagnetic actuator engages with a tappet which in turn is in a fixed positional relationship with a valve component (e.g. a socket of the valve). In this way, the armature of the actuator can move the valve element in the direction of movement by means of the tappet, so that the valve is actuated, i.e. selectively opened or closed.

Electromagnetic actuators known from the prior art comprise a soft-magnetic core which is held in the end region of the tubular section of the coil body opposite the yoke and forms part of the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic actuator.

During operation of the electromagnetic actuator, the armature accelerates toward the core, so that when the armature comes into contact with the core (i.e., collides with the core and is braked by the core), the armature exerts a force impulse on the core. This is accompanied by a corresponding mechanical loading of the core, which leads to intensive wear of the core or damage to the electromagnetic actuator.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electromagnetic actuator which is improved with respect to the disadvantages mentioned and has a long service life.

According to the invention, this is solved by an electromagnetic actuator according to independent claim 1. Advantageous developments can be gathered from the dependent claims.

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator, in particular for actuating a valve, comprising at least: a housing with a cover wall and a yoke opposite the cover wall; a coil former arranged in the housing between the cover wall and the magnet yoke and having a tubular section, on the outside of which a coil winding is arranged; and an armature which is movably arranged in the tubular section in the direction of movement. The mentioned components and their relative arrangement are given in many electromagnetic actuators. Accordingly, the invention has a large number of application possibilities.

According to the invention, a first end face of the armature, which faces the cover wall, is larger than a second end face of the armature, which is opposite the first end face. In other words, the effective contact surface of the armature increases during a force impact. Due to the increased contact surface, the pressure load of the impact counterpart of the armature due to the force impact is reduced. This reduces wear or avoids damage to the impact counterpart of the armature and thus increases the service life of the electromagnetic actuator.

In addition, the armature forms part of the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic actuator, so that the end faces of the armature form the pole faces of the magnetic action. Thus, the increased first end face also improves the magnetic flux of the electromagnetic actuator, thereby increasing the efficiency of the electromagnetic actuator.

It is advantageously provided that a cross section of the armature taken in the direction of movement has a T-shape. The outer contour of the cross section is therefore stepped in the direction of movement, so that a difference in the dimensions of the opposing end faces of the armature is achieved in a simple manner.

Preferably, a working gap is provided between the first end face of the armature and the inner face of the cover wall. The working gap defines the stroke of the electromagnetic actuator, i.e. the width of the working gap limits the movement of the armature in the direction of movement. When the working gap is provided between the first end face of the armature and the cover wall, the core, which is customary in the prior art, can be dispensed with. The number of components of the electromagnetic actuator is thereby reduced, which is accompanied by a simplified structure of the electromagnetic actuator. Coreless electromagnetic actuators are particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

This coreless design has the following advantages, among others: the entire length of the tubular section can be used for guiding or supporting the armature, which improves the precise guidance of the armature and thus contributes to the wear resistance, i.e. to the service life of the electromagnetic actuator.

Here, it is also possible to use the invention in an electromagnetic actuator with a core, the structure of which is thus slightly different from the example shown in the figures. Thus, for example, the core is part of a yoke and at least part of the armature passes through the yoke or the cover wall in order to be able to move the armature for external use.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the armature has a rod-shaped section extending in the direction of movement and, at its free end, a plate-shaped section which extends at right angles to the direction of movement and has a first end face of the armature. In other words, the armature has a rivet or mushroom configuration, wherein the plate-shaped section corresponds to the mushroom head and the rod-shaped section corresponds to the mushroom foot. An armature of this configuration can be produced simply and at low cost.

It is also provided that the first end face is larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section parallel to the first end face. Of course, the first end face can also be larger than each parallel cross section of the rod-shaped section.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first end face is at least 20%, in particular at least 50%, in particular preferably at least 100%, larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section parallel to the first end face or the second end face. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first end face is at least 70%, 80%, 120%, 150%, 170%, 200%, 250% or 300% larger than the cross section of the rod-shaped section or the second end face.

The larger the first end face relative to the second end face, the smaller the pressure load of the impact counterpart of the armature and the higher the efficiency of the electromagnetic actuator. In this case, it is desirable to design the first end face of the armature at least twice as large as the second end face.

Since the armature is supported in the tubular section, it is clear that the cross section or diameter of the armature is slightly smaller than the cross section or diameter of the tubular section. The more precisely the fitting is selected here, the less wear the bearing takes place.

It is advantageously provided that a recess is formed in the contact surface of the coil body that contacts the cover wall, in which recess a plate-shaped section of the armature is arranged. The recess contributes to the fact that the housing of the electromagnetic actuator and thus its extent in the direction of movement of the armature do not have to be increased in order to arrange the armature constructed according to the invention in the housing.

In other embodiments, the depth of the recess, measured in the direction of movement, is greater than the thickness of the plate-shaped section. This means that, given the thickness of the plate-shaped section, the depth of the recess defines the stroke of the armature.

Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the inner contour of the recess corresponds to the outer contour of the plate-shaped section. When the plate-shaped section is not rotationally symmetrical about an axis extending through the rod-shaped section and parallel to the direction of movement, the angular position of the armature with respect to this axis is determined in the manner described, i.e. the armature is prevented from rotating in the tubular section of the coil body.

The first end face may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular or square outer contour. The outer contour can be understood merely by way of example. The outer contour of the first end face can of course also be configured arbitrarily, differing from the shape described.

The cross section of the armature parallel to the first end face can likewise have a circular, oval, polygonal, rectangular or square outer contour. The same applies to the parallel cross-section for the first end face. Such an armature, in which the first end face and the cross section parallel to the first end face are identically configured, may provide advantages in the manufacture and assembly of the electromagnetic actuator.

It is advantageously provided that the yoke has a through-opening, and in particular the armature extends through the through-opening and protrudes out of the yoke in the direction of movement. This facilitates, for example, engagement with a push rod which transmits the movement of the armature to a valve component (e.g., a valve socket).

Preferably, the electromagnetic actuator has a first end position of the armature, in which the armature rests against the inner face of the cover wall, and a second end position of the armature, which is spaced apart from the inner face of the cover wall and forms a working gap between the inner face of the cover wall and the first end face of the armature, said positions being spaced apart in the direction of movement. The two final positions define the travel of the armature.

In a further embodiment, an annular shoulder is provided on the armature in the region of the second end face and the restoring element is supported between the yoke and the annular shoulder. In this embodiment, the restoring element can be clamped in compression between the yoke and the annular shoulder and can be relaxed in that the restoring element presses the armature away from the yoke into the second end position.

It is advantageously provided that a recess is formed on the outer side of the magnet yoke and the restoring element is supported on the base of the recess. The recess serves for positioning, in particular centering, the restoring element.

In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator comprises an armature cover, which is fitted onto the armature in the region of the second end face and is connected to the armature, in particular at least in a force-fitting manner, and which has an annular shoulder. Accordingly, the annular shoulder is not formed integrally with the armature. The armature cover is held on the armature by means of a press fit, so that the armature cover cannot move relative to the armature in the direction of movement. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the armature cover can also be connected to the armature in other ways, for example form-locked or material-locked (for example welded), in order to achieve the same object. It is likewise known to the person skilled in the art that instead of an armature cap, a part of different configuration can also be provided, said part having an annular shoulder.

In an alternative embodiment, the armature has a recess in which the return element is supported. The recess is understood to be an annular recess, i.e. an annular groove, which is formed in the lateral surface of the armature and extends in the circumferential direction of the armature. The recess can be arranged in the region of the second end face of the armature.

Alternatively, a blind hole can be formed in the first end face of the armature, in which blind hole the reset element is arranged. The blind hole provides space for the resetting element without requiring a large extension of the housing in the direction of movement. Furthermore, the restoring element can be positioned, in particular centered, in the blind hole.

Furthermore, it is provided that the restoring element is supported between the bottom of the blind hole and the cover wall of the housing. In this embodiment, the reset element can be clamped in compression between the bottom of the blind hole and the cover wall of the housing and can be relaxed in that the reset element presses the armature away from the cover wall into the second end position.

The restoring element is preferably designed elastically and is provided as a spring, in particular a helical spring or a conical compression spring. The helical spring or the conical compression spring is a restoring element which can be produced and assembled particularly simply and inexpensively. The helical spring engages an annular shoulder of the armature, while the conical pressure spring interacts with a recess of the armature.

The electromagnetic actuator may further comprise a damping element disposed in the first end face of the armature. The damping element further reduces the load of the impact counterpart of the armature due to the impact force of the armature.

It is provided that a recess is formed in the first end face of the armature, in which recess the damping element is arranged. The damping element is therefore positioned in the first end face and at most does not significantly reduce the stroke of the armature.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the recess is designed as an annular groove in the first end face or as a step along the outer contour of the first end face, and the damping element is arranged annularly. The construction can achieve symmetrical and uniform damping.

Furthermore, it is provided that the damping element comprises or is made of plastic or rubber. Plastics or rubbers can be processed simply and inexpensively and can provide particularly good damping action on account of their elasticity.

Advantageously, the housing, the armature and/or the yoke comprise or are made of a soft magnetic material. The components together constitute a magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic actuator. Soft magnetic materials that can be polarized in a magnetic field can achieve a strong magnetic flux, thereby improving the efficiency of the electromagnetic actuator.

The coil body may comprise or be made of plastic. The plastic enables a low-cost and simple production of the molded part (e.g. coil body). Furthermore, they do not affect the magnetic flux, so that the intensity and direction of the magnetic flux are determined only by the component made of soft magnetic material.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the inner contour of the tubular section is adapted to the outer contour of the rod-shaped section. In this way, the armature is centered transversely to the direction of movement by the tubular section of the coil former.

Furthermore, it is provided that the armature is mounted on the inner face of the tubular section of the coil body so as to be displaceable in the direction of movement. In this way, the coil body fulfills a dual function. On the one hand, the coil body holds the coil windings and, on the other hand, the coil body movably supports the armature. No additional support elements are required.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least the length of the coil winding, preferably the entire length of the tubular section, serves as a support for the armature. This effectively resists tilting of the armature relative to the direction of motion.

Alternatively, the bearing element inserted into the yoke and the end region of the tubular section facing away from the bearing element can serve as a bearing for the armature, and the region of the tubular section facing the bearing element does not serve as a bearing for the armature. In this variant, the armature is supported only at two points spaced apart in the direction of movement. This reduces the friction between the armature and the bearing, which is accompanied by an increase in the efficiency of the electromagnetic actuator.

In addition, it is advantageously provided in the proposed solution that the plate-shaped section has a damping element, in particular a disc-shaped or annular damping element, on the side facing away from the cover wall. The damping element damps the impact action of the armature when the armature reaches the second end position, so that the wear of the impact partners, in particular of the coil body, is reduced and the service life of the electromagnetic actuator is increased.

The electromagnetic actuator proposed according to the invention is preferably used, for example, in a solenoid valve, an electromagnet or an electromagnetically actuated holding magnet. These examples do not limit the scope of application of the present invention.

Drawings

The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawings and in particular in the embodiments. Wherein:

fig. 1a shows a lateral cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 1b shows an enlarged plan view of the armature of the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 1 a;

fig. 2a shows a lateral cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator according to another embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2b shows an enlarged illustration of the armature of the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 2 a;

fig. 3 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

In the figures, identical or mutually corresponding elements are respectively marked with the same reference numerals and are therefore not explained again as long as they are not useful. The disclosures contained throughout this specification can be transferred in meanings to the same parts having the same reference numerals or the same component names. The positional references selected in the description, such as upper, lower, lateral and the like, are directed to the directly illustrated and shown figures, and when the position is changed, these positional references should be correspondingly transferred to the new position. Furthermore, individual features and combinations of features in the different embodiments shown and described can also constitute independent, inventive or inventive solutions themselves.

Fig. 1a and 1b show an electromagnetic actuator 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, which is connected to a valve part of a valve, for example by way of a tappet, for actuating the valve. The actuator 1 comprises a housing 10 made of soft magnetic material with a cover wall 11 and a yoke 20 made of soft magnetic material. The magnet yoke 20 is arranged opposite the cover wall 11 of the housing 10 and is of plate-shaped design, but it can also have a different design. The yoke 20 also has a central passage 22 and a pull-out 21 which projects from the edge of the passage 22 toward the cover wall 11 and increases the support of the armature 40 and the magnetic flux between the yoke 20 and the armature 40. On the outside of the yoke 20, recesses 23 are formed, which are arranged on the edge of the passage 22 and form a step around the passage 22.

The electromagnetic actuator 1 further comprises a coil body 30 made of plastic. The coil former 30 has a tubular section 31, which tubular section 31 extends in the direction of movement 2. The coil body 30 is arranged between the cover wall 11 and the magnet yoke 20 and also has an abutment surface 35 which abuts against an inner surface of the magnet yoke 20. The electromagnetic actuator 1 further comprises a coil winding 32, which coil winding 32 is arranged on the outside of the tubular section 31.

The electromagnetic actuator 1 further comprises an armature 40 made of soft magnetic material, which is arranged movably in the movement direction 2 in the tubular section 31. The armature 40 extends through the passage 22 and projects out of the yoke 20 in the direction of movement 2. The armature 40 has a rod-shaped section 41 extending in the direction of movement 2 and a plate-shaped section 42 which is formed on the free end of the rod-shaped section 41 and extends at right angles to the direction of movement 2.

The plate-shaped section 42 forms a first end face 43 of the armature 40. The first end face 43 is larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section 41 parallel to the first end face 43 and larger than a second end face 44 of the armature 40 opposite the first end face 43. The cross section of the armature 40 taken in the direction of movement 2 accordingly has a T-shape. The first end face 43 is in the present case approximately four times as large as the parallel cross section or the second end face 44 of the rod-shaped section 41, i.e. 300% larger than the parallel cross section or the second end face 44 of the rod-shaped section 41. The first end face 43 has a rectangular outer contour, the corners of which are rounded off, and the parallel cross-sections of the second end face 44 and of the rod-shaped section 41 have an oval outer contour.

In the contact surface 33 of the coil body 30, which contacts the cover wall 11, a recess 34 is formed, in which the plate-shaped section 42 of the armature 40 is arranged. The recess 34 has an inner contour which corresponds to the outer contour of the plate-shaped section 42. The depth of the recess 34 measured in the direction of movement 2 is greater than the thickness of the plate-shaped section 42. In this way, the working gap 3 is provided between the first end face 43 of the armature 40 and the inner face of the cover wall 11.

The electromagnetic actuator defines a first end position of the armature 40, in which the armature 40 rests against the inner face of the cover wall 11, and a second end position of the armature 40, spaced apart in the direction of movement 2, in which the armature 40 is spaced apart from the inner face of the cover wall 11 and forms a working gap 3 between the inner face of the cover wall 11 and the first end face 43 of the armature 40. The width of the working gap 3 measured in the direction of movement 2 determines the stroke of the armature 40.

Likewise, the inner contour of the tubular section 31 is adapted to the outer contour of the rod-shaped section 41, so that the armature 40 is mounted on the inner face of the tubular section 31 of the coil body 30 so as to be movable in the direction of movement 2. The entire length of the tubular section 31 serves here as a support for the armature 40.

The electromagnetic actuator 1 comprises an armature cover 48 which is fitted to the armature 40 in the region of the second end face 44 and is connected to the armature 40 in a force-fitting manner. The armature cap 48 has an annular shoulder 49 which is correspondingly arranged in the region of the second end face 44 of the armature 40.

The electromagnetic actuator 1 further comprises a reset element 50, which preloads the armature 40 into the second end position. The restoring element 50 is elastically designed and arranged as a helical spring and is supported between the bottom of the yoke 20, more precisely the recess 23, and the annular shoulder 49. Alternatively, the armature 40 can have a recess in which the restoring element 50 is supported.

During operation of the electromagnetic actuator 1, the armature 4 is held by the reset element 50 in a second final position in which the plate-shaped section 42 abuts against the bottom of the recess 34. The second end position represents a stationary state of the electromagnetic actuator 1. When a current is applied to the coil winding 32, the armature 40 accelerates toward a first end position in which the section 42 abuts the inner face of the cover wall 11 and the armature 40 remains in this first end position as long as the current flows through the coil winding 32. After the current has been switched off, the armature 40 is accelerated back into the second end position by the reset element 50.

Fig. 2a and 2b show an electromagnetic actuator 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The electromagnetic actuator 1 has the same basic structure as the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 1a and 1 b. In contrast to the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 1a and 1b, the yoke 20 does not have a pull-out 21.

Fig. 3 shows an electromagnetic actuator 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The electromagnetic actuator 1 has the same basic structure as the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 2a and 2 b. In contrast to the electromagnetic actuator shown in fig. 2a and 2b, a recess 46 in the form of a step along the outer contour of the first end face 43 is formed in the first end face 43 of the armature 40. Alternatively, the recess 46 can also be designed as an annular groove in the first end face 43.

Furthermore, the electromagnetic actuator 1 comprises an annular damping element 47 made of plastic or rubber, which is arranged in the first end face 43 of the armature 40, more precisely in the recess 46.

Fig. 4 shows an electromagnetic actuator 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The electromagnetic actuator 1 has the same basic structure as the actuator shown in fig. 2a and 2 b. In contrast to the actuator shown in fig. 2a and 2b, a blind hole 45 is formed in the first end face 43 of the armature 40, in which blind hole the restoring element 50 is arranged. The restoring element 50 is supported between the bottom of the blind hole 45 and the cover wall 11 of the housing 10.

In addition, the electromagnetic actuator comprises in a preferred embodiment a support element (not shown in the figures) inserted into the magnet yoke 20. The bearing element and the end region of the tubular section 31 facing away from the bearing element serve as bearing points for the armature 40, while the region of the tubular section 31 facing the bearing element does not serve as bearing points for the armature 40. In other words, the bearing element and the end region of the tubular section 31 facing away from the bearing element form a two-point bearing for the armature 40.

A further difference is that the plate-shaped section 42 has a damping element 400, in particular a disc-shaped or annular damping element 400, on the side facing away from the cover wall 11.

The main advantages of the electromagnetic actuator 1 according to the invention are: as a result of the enlargement of the end face 43 of the armature 40, the mechanical loading of the cover wall 11 due to the impact of the armature 40 when reaching the first end position is reduced and the magnetic flux between the armature 40 and the cover wall 11 of the housing is increased. This increases the service life and efficiency of the electromagnetic actuator 1.

The following gives again, in a structured manner, possible features of the proposed solution. The features specified below in a structured manner can be combined with one another in any desired manner and can be included in any desired combination in the claims of the present application. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the present invention has been derived by a solution with minimal features. In particular, the following provides advantageous or possible embodiments of the invention, rather than the only possible embodiments.

The invention comprises the following steps:

electromagnetic actuator, in particular for actuating a valve, comprising at least: a housing with a cover wall and a yoke opposite the cover wall; a coil body which is arranged in the housing between the cover wall and the magnet yoke and has a tubular section, on the outside of which a coil winding is arranged; and an armature which is movably arranged in the tubular section in the direction of movement.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein a first end face of the armature which is directed toward the cover wall is larger than a second end face of the armature which is opposite the first end face.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the cross section of the armature taken in the direction of movement has a T-shape.

An electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein a working gap is provided between the first end face of the armature and the inner face of the cover wall.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the armature has a rod-shaped section which extends in the direction of movement and has a plate-shaped section on its free end, which extends at right angles to the direction of movement and has a first end face of the armature.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the first end face is larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section parallel to the first end face.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the first end face is at least 20%, in particular at least 50%, in particular preferably at least 100% larger than a cross section of the rod-shaped section parallel to the first end face or the second end face.

In the case of an electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, a recess is formed in the contact surface of the coil body that contacts the cover wall, in which recess the plate-shaped section of the armature is arranged.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the depth of the recess measured in the direction of movement is greater than the thickness of the plate-shaped section.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the inner contour of the recess corresponds to the outer contour of the plate-shaped section.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the cross section of the armature parallel to the first end face can have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular or square outer contour.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the first end face may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular or square outer contour.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the yoke has a through-opening and in particular the armature extends through the through-opening and protrudes from the yoke in the direction of movement.

An electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above has a first end position of the armature, in which the armature rests against the inner face of the cover wall, and a second end position of the armature, which is spaced apart from the inner face of the cover wall and forms a working gap between the inner face of the cover wall and the first end face of the armature, and is spaced apart in the direction of movement.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein a first end face of the armature which is directed toward the cover wall is larger than a second end face of the armature which is opposite the first end face.

An electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein it has a reset element which preloads the armature into the second end position.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above is provided with an annular shoulder on the armature in the region of the second end face and the restoring element is supported between the magnet yoke and the annular shoulder.

The electromagnetic actuator is explained in detail above, wherein a recess is formed on the outer side of the magnet yoke and the restoring element is supported on the base of the recess.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the armature has a recess in which the reset element is supported.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above comprises an armature cover which is fitted onto the armature in the region of the second end face and is connected to the armature, in particular in a force-fitting manner, and which has an annular shoulder.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above is configured with a blind hole in the first end face of the armature, in which blind hole the reset element is arranged.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the resetting element is supported between the bottom of the blind hole and the cover wall of the housing.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the restoring element is elastically designed and arranged as a spring, in particular as a helical spring or a conical compression spring.

As explained in detail before, the electromagnetic actuator may comprise a damping element which is arranged in the first end face of the armature.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above is configured with a recess in the first end face of the armature, in which recess the damping element is arranged.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the recess is configured as an annular groove in the first end face or as a step along the outer contour of the first end face, and the damping element is arranged annularly.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the damping element comprises or is made of plastic or rubber.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the housing, the armature and/or the yoke comprise or are made of a soft magnetic material.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the coil body comprises or is made of plastic.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail before, wherein the inner contour of the tubular section is adapted to the outer contour of the rod-shaped section.

An electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the armature is mounted on the inner face of the tubular section of the coil body so as to be movable in the direction of movement.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein at least the length of the coil winding, preferably the entire length of the tubular section, serves as a support for the armature.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the bearing element inserted into the magnet yoke and the end region of the tubular section facing away from the bearing element serve as bearing points for the armature, and the region of the tubular section facing the bearing element does not serve as a bearing point for the armature.

The electromagnetic actuator as explained in detail above, wherein the plate-shaped section has a damping element, in particular a disc-shaped or ring-shaped damping element, on the side facing away from the cover wall.

The claims now filed with this application and later filed are not biased to obtain broad protection.

If, in the course of further examination, in particular also of the related prior art, it is assumed that one or the other of the features is of decisive importance, although advantageous, for the purposes of the present invention, it is of course now possible to claim expressions which, in particular, do not have such features anymore in the independent claims. Such sub-combinations are also encompassed by the disclosure of the present application.

It is further to be noted that the embodiments and variants of the invention described in the different embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in any desired manner. In this case, individual features or a plurality of features can be arbitrarily replaced with one another. These combinations of features are also disclosed together.

The references cited in the dependent claims indicate further developments of the measures of the independent claims by means of the features of the respective dependent claims. However, these configurations should not be understood as disclaimed in obtaining independent and specific protection of the features of the dependent claims cited.

The features disclosed in the description or the claims may be added to the dependent claims in any way, which is significant for the invention, in order to demarcate the prior art, and also when such features are mentioned or are particularly advantageous in combination with other features.