A linear motor is disclosed. The linear motor includes an armature mounted for driven linear oscillation substantially along a longitudinal direction; a secondary mass mounted for linear oscillation substantially along the longitudinal direction; and a coupling unit for coupling the armature and the secondary mass. The coupling unit includes at least two coupling spring assemblies and at least a coupling element, the coupling spring assemblies being arranged in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and being spaced apart from each other, and the coupling element being fixedly connected with the coupling spring assemblies.

A linear motor is disclosed. The linear motor includes an armature mounted for driven linear oscillation substantially along a longitudinal direction; a secondary mass mounted for linear oscillation substantially along the longitudinal direction; and a coupling unit for coupling the armature and the secondary mass. The coupling unit includes at least two coupling spring assemblies and at least a coupling element, the coupling spring assemblies being arranged in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and being spaced apart from each other, and the coupling element being fixedly connected with the coupling spring assemblies.

An actuator may include a supporting body; a movable body; a connecting body connected to the movable body and the supporting body and having elasticity or viscoelasticity; a first magnetic driving circuit including first magnets and a first coil held by the supporting body and movable body, the first coil being opposed to the first magnets in a first direction, and the first magnetic driving circuit generating driving the movable body in a second direction which perpendicularly intersects with the first direction; and a second magnetic driving circuit including second magnets and a second coil held by the supporting body or the movable body, the second coil being opposed to the second magnets in the first direction, and the second magnetic driving circuit driving the movable body in a third direction which perpendicularly intersects with the first direction and crosses the second direction.

A reciprocating electric motor includes a housing, a stator member disposed in the housing, a reciprocating armature movable relative to the housing, and a controller. The stator member includes first and second. electromagnet units opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction of the housing. The reciprocating armature includes first and second elongated pole units each of which is moved into register with a corresponding one of the first and second electromagnet units when the corresponding one of the first and second electromagnet units is energized. The controller is configured to alternately energize the first and second electromagnet units to cause reciprocating movement of the reciprocating armature.

A double helix actuator is disclosed that includes a double helix coil wound around a movable proof mass that is enclosed within a magnetic structure. The double helix coil and the magnetic structure are arranged relative to each other so that the magnetic field generated by the entirety of the double helix coil contributes to a linear force direction of the actuator. The double helix actuator produces a greater linear force density compared to traditional racetrack coil actuators, where only a portion of the coil contributes to the linear force. The double helix actuator also produces torque in addition to linear force which allows the double helix to provide unique haptic sensations in a variety of applications.

A double helix actuator is disclosed that includes a double helix coil wound around a movable proof mass that is enclosed within a magnetic structure. The double helix coil and the magnetic structure are arranged relative to each other so that the magnetic field generated by the entirety of the double helix coil contributes to a linear force direction of the actuator. The double helix actuator produces a greater linear force density compared to traditional racetrack coil actuators, where only a portion of the coil contributes to the linear force. The double helix actuator also produces torque in addition to linear force which allows the double helix to provide unique haptic sensations in a variety of applications.

An embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator, such as a moving magnet actuator (MMA), includes a back iron, a first coil winding, a second coil winding, a mover, and a permanent magnet. The first and second coil windings are connected to the back iron, and have generally annular shapes. The mover moves relative to the back iron during use of the MMA. The permanent magnet is connected to the mover and moves with the mover during use of the MMA. The permanent magnet has a generally annular shape.

An embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator, such as a moving magnet actuator (MMA), includes a back iron, a first coil winding, a second coil winding, a mover, and a permanent magnet. The first and second coil windings are connected to the back iron, and have generally annular shapes. The mover moves relative to the back iron during use of the MMA. The permanent magnet is connected to the mover and moves with the mover during use of the MMA. The permanent magnet has a generally annular shape.

An oscillating motor suitable for use with a personal care appliance is provided. The oscillating motor is configured with a reduced motor envelope as compared to conventional motors in order to be suitable for personal care appliances with smaller handles.

An oscillating motor suitable for use with a personal care appliance is provided. The oscillating motor is configured with a reduced motor envelope as compared to conventional motors in order to be suitable for personal care appliances with smaller handles.