Electromagnetic actuating device with adaptable plunger arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuating device (20) having at least two actuator units (1a, 1b) which are arranged adjacently in a housing (10) and which each have electrically energizable static coil means (2a, 2b), armature means (3a, 3b) mounted so as to be movable relative to said coil means, and a plunger (4a, 4b) which interacts with the armature means (3a, 3b) and which is mounted so as to be movable along axial plunger direction (S1, S2) and which has a free end portion (5a, 5b) for engagement into an actuation partner, in particular a guide groove of a camshaft, wherein the plungers (4a, 4b) of the actuator units (1a, 1b) of the actuating device (20) are preferably arranged such that the plunger directions (S1, S2) thereof run parallel to one another, and wherein the device (20) has adjustment means (6) which are integrated in the housing (10) and which serve for varying the arrangement of at least one plunger along a plane (E) perpendicular to the respective plunger direction (S1, S2).

Claims

1. An electromagnetic positioning device (20) comprising at least two actuator units (1a, 1b) arranged adjacent to one another in a housing (10), the actuator units (1a, 1b) each comprising energizable stationary coil means (2a, 2b), armature means (3a, 3b) mounted so as to be movable in relation to the stationary coil means (2a, 2b), and a plunger (4a, 4b) interacting with the armature means (3a, 3b) and mounted so as to be movable along an axial plunger direction (S1, S2) and having a free end section (5a, 5b) for engaging into a positioning partner, and the device (20) comprising adjustment means (6) integrated into the housing (10) for changing the arrangement of at least one plunger along a plane (E) perpendicular to the respective plunger direction (S1, S2), wherein the adjustment means (6) are configured in such a manner that they enable a change in the relative arrangement of the plungers (4a, 4b) with respect to each other independent of a relative arrangement of the respective associated armature means (3a, 3b) and/or stationary coil means (2a, 2b).

2. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means (6) are configured in such a manner that they enable a change in an axial distance (d) of the plungers (4a, 4b) to one another and/or a change in the position of at least one respective plunger (4a, 4b) relative to the respective other plunger (4a, 4b) and/or relative to the housing (10).

3. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means (6) are configured in such a manner that they enable a movement of at least one plunger (4a, 4b) in relation to another plunger (4a, 4b) in a direction (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) which is perpendicular to the respective plunger direction (S1, S2).

4. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means (6) comprise an adaptable bearing (17a, 17b) of at least one plunger (4a, 4b) of an actuator unit (1a, 1b) in the housing (10) of the device (20).

5. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means (6) comprise at least one groove-shaped recess (7a, 7b) for a displaceable bearing of a plunger (4a, 4b) inside a bottom plate (10b) of the housing (10).

6. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 5, wherein the groove-shaped recess (7a, 7b) is linear and/or curved.

7. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means (6) comprise securing means (8a, 8b) by means of which a respective plunger (4a, 4b) and/or a plunger guide (9a, 9b) receiving the plunger is secured to the housing (10) of the positioning device (20).

8. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the plungers (4a, 4b) of the actuator units (1a, 1b) are arranged on the housing (10) by means of provided plunger guides (9a, 9b).

9. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plungers (4a, 4b) is arranged so as to be changeable with respect to its radial position in relation to the stationary coil means (2a, 2b) and/or the armature means (3a, 3b) of the respective actuator unit (1a, 1b).

10. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plungers (4a, 4b) is arranged eccentrically in relation to the stationary coil means (2a, 2b) and/or the armature means (3a, 3b) of the respective actuator unit (1a, 1b).

11. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plungers (4a, 4b) is arranged displaceable by means of magnetic force on the armature means (3a, 3b) of the respective actuator unit (1a, 1b).

12. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one of the plungers (4a, 4b) is arranged radially displaceable by means of magnetic force on the armature means (3a, 3b) of the respective actuator unit (1a, 1b).

13. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plungers (4a, 4b) is fixed to the respective armature means (3a, 3b) and the respective armature means are arranged in the housing (10) displaceable in relation to the associated stationary coil means (2a, 2b).

14. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 13, wherein the respective armature means are arranged in the housing (10) radially displaceable in relation to the associated stationary coil means (2a, 2b).

15. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device (20) comprises a common connector or plug unit (30) for energizing the stationary coil means (2a, 2b) of the actuator units (1a, 1b).

16. A use of the electromagnetic positioning device (20) according to claim 1 for the installation on a combustion engine of a motor vehicle in order to adjust its camshaft.

17. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the plungers (4a, 4b) of the actuator units (1a, 1b) of the positioning device (20) are arranged in such a manner that their plunger directions (S1, S2) run parallel to one another.

18. The electromagnetic positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning partner is a guide groove of a cam shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In the figures:

(2) FIG. 1a is a front view of a positioning device according to the invention including a sectional view of the plunger,

(3) FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the positioning device according to FIG. 1a,

(4) FIG. 1c is a lateral view of the positioning device including a sectional view of an adaptable plunger,

(5) FIG. 1d is a detailed view from FIG. 1a which shows the connection of the plunger and the armature means,

(6) FIG. 1e is a detailed view from FIG. 1c which shows the connection of an adaptable plunger with the armature means,

(7) FIGS. 2a-2e are views analogous to FIGS. 1a-1e of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention having two adaptable plungers,

(8) FIGS. 3a-3e are views analogous to FIGS. 2a-2e of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention having two adaptable plungers and adjustment means arranged in an alternative manner,

(9) FIGS. 4a-4d are views analogous to FIGS. 3a-3d of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention having two adaptable plungers and alternative adjustment means,

(10) FIGS. 5a-5e are views analogous to FIGS. 1a-1e of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention having an adaptable plunger and an alternative configuration of the armature means, and

(11) FIG. 6 is a lateral sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to FIGS. 2a-2e in the assembled state in a guide plate upstream of a positioning partner of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) In the figures, the same elements and elements having the same function are referenced with the same reference numerals.

(13) FIGS. 1a-1e show different views of a first preferred exemplary embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention. Positioning device 20 shown in a lateral sectional view in FIG. 1a comprises two actuator units 1a, 1b which are adjacent to one another and which are arranged in a common housing 10. Housing 10 is preferably made of polymer material, for example by means of injection molding, and can be realized in one or several parts. In the present case, housing 10 comprises an essentially cylindrical base body 10a and a bottom plate 10b which can be fixed thereto on the bottom side. A seal 11, such as an O-ring, can be arranged between bottom plate 10b and housing base body 10a. Housing 10 preferably comprises only one common connector or plug unit 30 for energizing actuator units 1a, 1b. Connector or plug unit 30 is preferably integrally configured on the housing at a head end of base body 10a opposite to bottom plate 10b. The housing can comprise integrated fastening bores 40a, 40b for installation purposes.

(14) Actuator units 1a, 1b each comprise coil means 2a, 2b which can be energized, which are arranged in a stationary manner in the housing and which are known from the state of the art, and armature means or an armature assembly 3a, 3b which can be moved relative to coil means 2a, 2b and which are also known from the state of the art. Armature assembly 3a, 3b can comprise several discs which are arranged coaxially, such as a base disc 12a, a permanent magnet disc (cf. 12b in FIG. 5d), a head disc 12c and an outer (retaining) ring 12d, which realize a so-called disc pack 12. In the shown exemplary embodiment, armature means 3a, 3b comprise a cylindrical extension 13 which extends coaxially from disc pack 12 at least partially through coil means 2a, 2b. Armature means 3a, 3b of individual actuator units 1a, 1b are therefore preferably arranged coaxially in relation to a center axis L1, L2 of respective associated coil means 2a, 2b and can be moved along respective axis L1, L2 by energizing associated coil means 2a, 2b.

(15) Furthermore, positioning device 20 comprises plungers 4a, 4b which are assigned to respective actuator units 1a, 1b and which are configured to interact with respective associated armature means 3a, 3b in such a manner that a movement of armature means 3a, 3b and therefore a movement of plungers 4a, 4b along a respective axial plunger direction S1, S2 is realized by energizing respective coil means 2a, 2b. Plungers 4a, 4b or their respective plunger direction S1, S2 are preferably oriented axially parallel to one another. Actuator units 1a, 1b are configured in such a manner that plungers 4a, 4b can be selectively moved into at least one retracted state (cf. plunger 4b in FIG. 1a) and one extended state (cf. plunger 4a in FIG. 1a) by energizing respective coil means 2a, 2b.

(16) Plungers 4a, 4b have a cylindrical shape and each comprise a free end section 5a, 5b which protrudes from housing 10 and which is configured to engage into a positioning partner, in particular a guide groove of a camshaft. Plungers 4a, 4b are preferably mounted in or on housing 10 by means of respective associated plunger guides 9a, 9b. Plunger guides 9a, 9b are preferably essentially cylindrical components in which plungers 4a, 4b are mounted or guided axially displaceable in respective plunger direction S1, S2. Guides 9a, 9b are preferably arranged on housing 10 in such a manner that they are immobile at least in axial plunger direction S1, S2. Guides 9a, 9b can comprise two internal bearing points 14a, 14b and 15a, 15b for mounting or guiding plunger 4a, 4b. Alternatively, plungers 4a, 4b can each be mounted or guided in a provided cylindrical bore of guides 9a, 9b.

(17) In the shown exemplary embodiment, plungers 4a, 4b are axially decoupled from associated coil means 2a, 2b and associated armature means 3a, 3b. This means that the axial orientation of respective plunger 4a, 4b is not defined by the axial orientation of stationary coil means 2a, 2b and armature means 3a, 3b. In particular, the plungers which are axially movable along respective plunger direction S1, S2 are not arranged or oriented coaxially in relation to coil means 2a, 2b and armature means 3a, 3b which are arranged coaxially according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the present case, plungers 4a, 4b or their respective plunger direction S1, S2 are preferably arranged eccentrically in relation to center axis L1, L2 of coil means 2a, 2b (and armature means 3a, 3b). An axial distance d between plunger axes 4a, 4b is smaller than an axial distance d2 between center axes L1, L2 of coil means 2a, 2b and armature means 3a, 3b.

(18) Plungers 4a, 4b are preferably connected to associated armature means 3a, 3b by means of magnetic force. As shown in FIG. 1d, for example, plungers 4a, 4b thus adhere to armature means 3a, 3b irrespective of the positioning of armature means 3a, 3b, i.e., both in the retracted and in the extended state. Plungers 4a, 4b adhere to respective base disc 12a of armature means 3a, 3b. This can be realized, for example, by a suitable magnetization of armature means 3a, 3b and/or of an end 16a, 16b of respective plunger 4a, 4b which is assigned to the armature means. By means of the magnetic connection between respective plunger 4a, 4b and associated armature means 3a, 3b, respective plunger 4a, 4b is arranged displaceable in relation to armature means 3a, 3b in at least one direction perpendicular to plunger direction S1, S2 and preferably radially flexible.

(19) Furthermore, the device comprises adjustment means 6 which are integrated into the housing and which are configured in such a manner that they enable an adaption of the relative arrangement of plungers 4a, 4b with respect to each other in or parallel to a plane E perpendicular to a plunger direction S1, S2. Plane E, in which or along which plungers 4a, 4b can be changed with respect to their relative position with respect to each other by adjustment means 6, is preferably parallel to the extension of bottom plate 10b of housing 10. Adjustment means 6 enable a change or an adaption of the relative position of plungers 4a, 4b whilst maintaining the preferably axially parallel orientation of the plungers.

(20) In the shown exemplary embodiment, adjustment means 6 comprise at least one adaptable bearing 17a of plunger 4a by means of which at least one of plungers 4a is arranged or mounted displaceable in housing 10. According to the present exemplary embodiment, adaptable bearing 17a comprises a groove-shaped, elongated recess 7a in bottom plate 10b of housing 10. Plunger 4a, together with plunger guide 9a receiving the plunger, is guided by elongated recess 7a. Adaptable bearing 17a preferably comprises securing means 8a which are configured to keep plunger 4a and/or plunger guide 9a receiving plunger 4a in a secured manner inside groove-shaped recess 7a. Securing means 8a can be a flange-like disc which is circumferentially adapted to plunger guide 7a and fixed thereto and which rests on an inner surface 10c of bottom plate 10b. An outer diameter of securing means 8a is preferably adapted to an inner diameter of groove-shaped recess 7a in such a manner that plunger 4a or plunger guide 9a can preferably still be displaced together with securing means 8a along groove-shaped recess 7a without great effort.

(21) As shown in FIG. 1b, adjustment means 6 or groove-shaped recess 7a arranged in such a manner that it extends along a linear direction R1 which extends parallel to an axial distance d of the two plungers 4a, 4b. As described above, direction R1 is in (adjustment) plane E. By displacing plunger 4a inside linear recess 7a and therefore along direction R1, axial distance d between plungers 4a and 4b can be directly changed. The relative plunger position can thus be adapted to different positioning partners, in particular with respect to a distance between guide grooves into which the adjacent plungers are to engage. A securing against a (additional) change in the plunger position in the installed state of device 20 can be realized by the respective positioning partner and/or a guide plate (not shown) arranged upstream of the positioning partner, the guide plate guiding plungers 4a, 4b and/or plunger guides 9a, 9b in the installed state.

(22) In the present exemplary embodiment, adjacent plunger 4b is fixed in its radial orientation, i.e., along plane E which is perpendicular to plunger direction S2. A plunger guide 9b of plunger 4b is arranged in a stationary manner, i.e., unchangeable, on the housing. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, plunger guide 9b can be mounted in bottom plate 10b by means of a bore 7c which is adapted to the guide, for example. Alternatively, stationary guide 9b can be configured integrally with housing 10.

(23) Aforementioned adjustment means 6 of positioning device 20 in particular also enable an adaption of the relative arrangement of plungers 4a, 4b irrespective of the stationary relative arrangement of corresponding armature means 3a, 3b and coil means 2a, 2b.

(24) FIGS. 2a-2e show views analogous to FIGS. 1a-1e of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention which comprises two adaptable plungers 4a, 4b. The basic structure of device 20 shown here corresponds to the structure according to FIGS. 1a-1e. Adjustment means 6 according to the present exemplary embodiment comprise two adaptable bearings 17a, 17b instead of one, by means of which the two plungers 4a, 4b of device 20 can be adjusted along plane E perpendicular to respective plunger direction S1, S2.

(25) As shown in FIG. 2b, both adaptable bearings 17a, 17b comprise a groove-shaped recess 7a, 7b. As shown in the figure, said groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b preferably extend in a collinear manner along direction R1 in (adjustment) plane E. Axial distance d between plungers 4a, 4b can thus be directly adjusted by means of each bearing 17a, 17b. The configuration of second bearing 17b of the adjustment means corresponds to first bearing 17a described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1e. In an alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown), groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b can each extend parallel to shown direction R1 and therefore not in a collinear manner with respect to each other. In another alternative, groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b can be arranged at an angle with respect to each other.

(26) The positioning of plungers 4a, 4b relative to one another and/or relative to housing 20 can be adjusted in an even more optimal manner by such an exemplary embodiment.

(27) FIGS. 3a-3e show views analogous to FIGS. 2a-2e of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention which comprises two adaptable plungers. The basic structure of shown device 20 corresponds to the structure according to FIGS. 2a-2e.

(28) In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b are arranged parallel to one another in bottom plate 10b in a bottom view of housing 10. In particular, first groove-shaped recess 7a extends along a linear direction R2 and the second groove-shaped recess extends along a linear direction R3, both directions R2, R3 preferably both extending perpendicular to axial distance d of plungers 4a, 4b (in the shown bottom view of the housing according to FIG. 3b). Plungers 4a, 4b can therefore be optimally adapted to a positioning partner along parallel directions R2, R3. The plunger position on housing 10 can be adapted with and without a change in axial distance d between plungers 4a, 4b. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), directions R2, R3 can extend at an angle with respect to each other.

(29) FIGS. 4a-4d show views analogous to FIGS. 3a-3d of another preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to the invention which comprises two adaptable plungers 4a, 4b. The basic structure of shown device 20 corresponds to the structure according to FIGS. 3a-3d.

(30) In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, adjustment means 6 or adaptable bearings 17a, 17b do not comprise linear, but curved groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b by means of which respective plungers 4a, 4b are arranged displaceable perpendicular to plunger direction S1, S2 in (adjustment) plane E. In the bottom view shown in FIG. 4b, groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b are arranged in the shape of a circle section in bottom plate 10b of housing 20. Plungers 4a, 4b are therefore arranged displaceable along circular directions R4 or R5 shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, shown groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b can be arranged in such a manner that they mirror one another at an axis Z through bottom plate 10b. As an alternative to the shown configuration, groove-shaped recesses 7a, 7b can extend in a different manner with respect to each other and/or can realize more complex curve paths.

(31) By means of the shown arrangement of adjustment means 6, the respective plunger position on housing 10 in (adjustment) plane E can be adjusted in an even more flexible manner.

(32) FIGS. 5a-5e show another preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, plungers 4a, 4b are fixed to associated armature means 3a, 3b. As shown in FIG. 5d, the fixation can be realized by means of a bore 18a, 18b in armature means 3a, 3b into which respective plunger 4a, 4b is fit or pressed. Alternatively, plunger 4a, 4b can be welded and/or glued to armature means 3a, 3b or to disc pack 12 of the armature means. Armature means 3a, 3b and corresponding plunger 4a, 4b are therefore preferably arranged concentrically with respect to each other.

(33) According to said exemplary embodiment, an axial decoupling of armature means 3a from coil means 2a is preferably realized by omitting cylindrical extension 13 of armature means 3a, cylindrical extension 13 extending coaxially to the coil means (see FIG. 1c, for example). Armature means 3a are therefore not coupled to center axis L1 of the coil means with respect to their axial position, but can be moved, in particular in a perpendicular manner, relative to center axis L1 of the coil means. In order to guide armature means 3a in housing 10, a guide 19 enlarged in radial direction d3 compared to the preceding exemplary embodiments can be provided below and/or inside associated coil means 2a inside housing 10. Additionally, the axial guiding of armature means 3a is preferably realized via plunger guide 9a assigned to plunger 4a.

(34) The remaining structure of positioning device 20 according to said exemplary embodiment corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1a-1e. In particular, adjustment means 6 of the device comprise an elongated groove-shaped recess 7a which extends parallel to axial distance d in a linear direction R1 in bottom plate 10b and in which the at least one adaptable plunger 4a is mounted.

(35) In accordance with the preceding exemplary embodiments, the embodiment according to FIGS. 5a-5e can comprise adjustment means for both plungers 4a, 4b. In addition to the shown linear groove-shaped recess 7a, the adjustment means can also comprise one or several at least partially curved recesses or recesses which have a different shape.

(36) FIG. 6 shows a lateral sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the positioning device according to FIGS. 2a-2e in the installed state in a guide or interface plate 50 upstream of the positioning partner of the device. Guide plate 50 preferably comprises two predefined fitting bores 51a, 51b which are adapted to the respective positioning partner, such as a camshaft (not shown) arranged below, i.e., to one or several guide grooves of the camshaft.

(37) In the shown installed state of positioning device 20, the positioning of plungers 4a, 4b which has previously been adapted to guide plate 50 or fitting bores 51a, 51b arranged therein by means of arrangement means 6 according to the invention is now fixed. In particular, guides 9a, 9b and therefore plungers 4a, 4b mounted therein are no longer radially changeable in terms of their position with respect to each other because of predefined fitting bores 51a, 51b. A respective outer diameter of guides 9a, 9b can be adapted to the respective inner diameter of fitting bores 51a, 51b.

(38) As shown, positioning device 20 can be installed and thus axially fixed on a plane surface 52 of guide plate 50, for example by means of fastening bores 40a, 40b described above. The thickness of guide plate 50 is preferably selected in such a manner that plungers 4a, 4b can protrude on a bottom side 53 opposite to surface 52, and that plungers 4a, 4b can selectively engage with a positioning partner arranged below by energizing associated coil means 2a, 2b.

(39) As described above, positioning device 20 can be adapted to a predefined arrangement of fitting bores 51a, 51b with respect to the exact positioning of plungers 4a, 4b by means of adjustment means 6 according to the invention. In particular, tolerance compensation for predefined fitting bores 51a, 51b and therefore for a predefined positioning partner can be realized during installation and/or positioning device 20 can be adapted to different positioning partners or different interfaces.

(40) The embodiments described above are only examples, the invention not being limited to the embodiments shown in the figures by any means. In particular, the shown embodiments can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, the adjustment means according to the invention for changing the arrangement of a plunger along a plane perpendicular to the corresponding plunger direction can also be used in an alternative electromagnetic positioning device which comprises only a single actuator unit.