METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A MAGNETIC RELEASE MECHANISM

Abstract

A method for adjusting a magnetic release mechanism includes steps: a first measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism is carried out, a decision is made as to whether an adjustment step is performed, a start-adjustment current I.sub.J0 is selected, a second measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism is carried out, a decision is made as to whether an adjustment step is performed and that in the event that an adjustment step is necessary, a selection of a certain differential amount ΔI.sub.J takes place, partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet is carried out in a further adjustment step with the adjustment current I.sub.J formed in this way and the steps are carried out in succession until the release current I measured lies within a specified range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a magnetic release mechanism (1), in which at least partial demagnetisation of a permanent magnet (2) arranged in the magnet release mechanism (1) takes place to achieve a specified release current, wherein an adjustment takes place automatically in one or more adjustment steps, whereby in a first step of the method a first measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) is carried out, whereby in a second step of the method, depending on this release current I measured, a decision is made as to whether an adjustment step is performed and that in the event that an adjustment step is necessary, a start-adjustment current I.sub.J0 is selected in a third step with which, in a fourth step of the method, the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet (2) is carried out in an adjustment step, that in a subsequent fifth step of the method a second measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) is carried out, that in a sixth step of the method, depending on this present measured release current I, a decision is made as to whether an adjustment step is performed and that in the event that an adjustment step is necessary, in a seventh step of the method a selection of a certain differential amount ΔI.sub.J takes place, which is added in an eighth step of the method to the adjustment current I.sub.J selected in the previous adjustment step, that in a ninth step of the method the further partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet (2) is carried out in a further adjustment step with the adjustment current I.sub.J formed in this way and that the steps five to nine of the method are carried out in succession until the release current I measured in the fifth step of the method lies within a specified range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein an adjustment takes place automatically in one adjustment step, whereby in a first step of the method a measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) is carried out, whereby in a second step of the method, depending on this release current I measured, a decision is made as to whether an adjustment step is undertaken and that in the event that an adjustment step is necessary, in a third step of the method a certain specified adjustment current I.sub.J(28, 29, 30, 31) is selected to carry out the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet (2), that an adjustment step using the selected adjustment current I.sub.Jn is carried out, that subsequently a new measurement of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) is carried out and that an evaluation takes place as to whether the present release current I measured lies within a specified range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement and storage of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) takes place at the time of the release of the magnetic release mechanism (1), whereby this time is recorded by a detection tool which recognises a movement of an armature (3) of the magnetic release mechanism (1) from an initial end position to a second end position and vice versa.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein a selection of the first adjustment current I.sub.J1 takes place in one step (28) in the event that it is determined in one step (22) that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.3 and smaller than a maximum current I.sub.4, that a selection of a second adjustment current I.sub.J2 takes place in one step (29) in the event that it is determined in one step (23) that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.2 and smaller than a current I.sub.3, that a selection of a third adjustment current I.sub.J3 takes place in one step (30) in the event that in one step (24) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.1 and smaller than a current I.sub.2 and that a selection of a fourth adjustment current I.sub.J4 in one step (31) takes place in the event that in one step (25) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and smaller than current I1, whereby I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min<I.sub.TARGET<I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and I.sub.J4<I.sub.J3<I.sub.J2<I.sub.J1.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a selection of a certain differential amount ΔI.sub.J takes place from four differential amounts ΔI.sub.J1, ΔI.sub.J2, ΔI.sub.J3 or ΔI.sub.J4, whereby a selection of a first differential amount ΔI.sub.J1 takes place in step (35) in the event that in one step (25′) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and smaller than a current I.sub.1, that a selection of a second differential amount ΔI.sub.J2 in step (36) takes place in the event that in a step (24′) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.1 and smaller than a current I.sub.2, that a selection of a third differential amount ΔI.sub.J3 in step (37) takes place in the event that in a step (23′) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.2 and smaller than a current I.sub.3 and that a selection of a fourth differential amount ΔI.sub.J4 in step (38) takes place in the event that in a step (22′) it is determined that the release current I is larger than a current I.sub.3 and smaller than a current I.sub.4, whereby I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min<I.sub.targetTARGET<I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and ΔI.sub.J1<ΔI.sub.J2<ΔI.sub.J3<ΔI.sub.J4.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein before every measurement of release current I the armature (3) of the magnetic release mechanism (1) is re-set from the second final position to the first final position, in which the armature (3) is held by the permanent magnet (2).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the detection of the release of the magnetic release mechanism (1) takes place by means of a light barrier (12).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein by means of a control unit (13) a continually increasing release current I is provided for the magnetic release mechanism (1).

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the differential amount ΔI.sub.4 is twice the size of the differential amount ΔI.sub.J3, that the differential amount ΔI.sub.J3 is twice the size of the differential amount ΔI.sub.J2 and that the differential amount ΔI.sub.J2 is twice the size of the differential amount ΔI.sub.J1.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein what is at least partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet (2) is carried out by means of a current pulse with a decreasing amplitude, which flows through an adjustment coil (15).

11. The method of claim 2, wherein the measurement and storage of the present release current I of the magnetic release mechanism (1) takes place at the time of the release of the magnetic release mechanism (1), whereby this time is recorded by a detection tool which recognises a movement of an armature (3) of the magnetic release mechanism (1) from an initial end position to a second end position and vice versa.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic release mechanism in accordance with the prior art.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagram with a frequency distribution of releasing magnet release mechanisms based on the release current of the magnetic release mechanism.

[0050] FIG. 3 is an arrangement for implementing the adjustment method according to the invention.

[0051] FIG. 4 is diagram of several characteristic curves of demagnetisation for magnet release mechanisms.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an initial flow chart of the method according to the invention.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a second alternative flow chart of the method according to the invention.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the method using the flow chart in accordance with FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings. Apparently, the embodiments as described below are merely part of, rather than all, embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, any other embodiment obtained by a person skilled in the art without paying any creative effort shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0056] It is noted that, when a component is described to be “fixed” to another component, it can be directly fixed to the another component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is described to be “connected” to another component, it can be directly connected to the another component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is described to be “disposed” on another component, it can be directly disposed on the another component or there may be an intermediate component.

[0057] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms have the ordinary meaning as commonly understood by people skilled in the art. The terms used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than limiting. The term “and/or” used in this disclosure means that each and every combination of one or more associated items listed are included.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a magnetic release mechanism 1 in accordance with the prior art. The magnetic release mechanism 1 comprises a permanent magnet 2, above which an armature 3 is shown positioned in an end position. In this first end position the contacts of the magnetic release mechanism 1, which are mechanically connected to the armature and not shown in FIG. 1, are closed. Via these contacts, in the first end position an outer circuit can be closed.

[0059] The magnetic release mechanism 1 is surrounded by a housing 5 and a base plate 6 which are manufactured from a material that enables a magnetic flow. Thus the ‘iron circuit’, i.e. a closed circuit for the magnetic flow, can be formed via the permanent magnet 2, the armature 3, the housing 5 and the base plate 6.

[0060] If, in the coil 7 arranged in the magnetic release mechanism 1 around the permanent magnet 2 and the armature 3, a current of sufficient magnitude flows, then through the coil 7 a magnetic field is generated which weakens the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2. If this weakening is sufficiently large, the armature 3 is moved via the spring 4 into its second end position. In this second end position, in which a part of the armature 3 protrudes significantly out of the housing 5, the associated switching contacts are opened and the outer circuit is therefore interrupted.

[0061] If the circumstance that has caused the current through the coil 7, for example a short circuit, has been eliminated, then the armature 3 can be pressed into the magnetic release mechanism 1 and hence from its second end position back into the first end position, whereby the switching contacts close. In this end position the armature 3 is held through the effect of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2.

[0062] In this design the required release energy of the magnetic release mechanism 1 or the current necessary for the coil 7 is dependent on the field strength of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2. Since this field strength of the permanent magnet 2 has strong variation for production-related reasons, only a limited reduction in the field strength of the permanent magnet 2 is possible during production as it must be ensured that permanent magnets 2, produced with a minimal field strength, also generate a magnetic field which is strong enough to hold the armature 3 securely in the first end position. In addition, the production tolerances of the magnetic release mechanism 1 as a whole, in particular different surface qualities, coating thicknesses, residual air gap or spring characteristics of the different individual parts of the magnetic release mechanism 1, bring about an additional variation of the release current.

[0063] The permanent magnets 2 required for the magnetic release mechanisms 1 are produced in such a way that they have, on average, a magnetic field that is too strong. In particular, it is important that the permanent magnets 2 are produced in such a way that their release current I, after the production of the magnetic release mechanism 1, is not less than I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min. The invention provides that all magnetic release mechanisms which have a release current I greater than I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max undergo one or more adjustment steps, during which a targeted weakening of the magnetic field of the corresponding permanent magnet 2 is induced.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a frequency of the release of the magnetic release mechanism 1 as a function of the release current I. Here the first curve 8 describes a distribution of the release current I for non-adjusted magnetic release mechanisms 1 coming out of production. One can discern a broad scattering, over a large range, of the release current I.

[0065] If these magnetic release mechanisms 1, as proposed in this Description, are adjusted accordingly, one can clearly discern in curve 9 that the range of the release current I, in which the magnetic release mechanisms 1 release, can be made significantly narrower. Over and above this, the range of the release current I lies in the lower range of the release current I of the first curve 8. Hence it was possible to uniformly reduce the required release energy or the required release current I for the release of the magnetic release mechanism 1.

[0066] Provision is made to adjust the permanent magnet 2, which is located in a ready-mounted magnetic release mechanism 1, through targeted demagnetisation. To this end, the assembled magnetic release mechanism 1 is secured in an adjustment arrangement 10 on an adjustment site 11.

[0067] In order to detect the release of the magnetic release mechanism 1, during which the armature 3 moves from its first end position into its second end position, a detection tool is provided. This detection tool may for example be a mechanical contact or, as shown in FIG. 3, a light barrier 12. This light barrier 12 is arranged in such a way that it can reliably record the position of the armature 3 in both end positions.

[0068] The magnetic release mechanism 1 is connected via an appropriate line to a control unit 13, which can generate a release current I that for example is increasing. In order to be able to bring the armature 3, after a release of the magnetic release mechanism 1, from its second end position back into its first end position, and hence to enable a further measurement of the release current I, a re-setting unit 14 is arranged in the adjustment arrangement 10. This re-setting unit 14 can be designed as a pneumatically driven cylinder, a linear motor or a unit working in a similar way and providing a linear motion. FIG. 3 shows a design with a pneumatically driven cylinder.

[0069] The adjustment arrangement 10 additionally has an adjustment coil 15 which for example surrounds the adjustment site 11 on which the magnetic release mechanism 1 is located during an adjustment process. In FIG. 3 the adjustment coil 15 is shown only schematically in a cross-sectional view. The assemblies of the adjustment arrangement 10 are connected to a central control unit (not shown) which controls the entire procedure during the testing of the magnetic release mechanisms 1 and their adjustment.

[0070] In the text below, an example of an adjustment process is described. At the beginning of an adjustment process the magnetic release mechanism 1 is positioned on an adjustment site 11 which is surrounded by an adjustment coil 15. The parameter to be adjusted is the release current I of the magnetic release mechanism 1. For this reason, using the control unit 13, a continuously increasing release current I is generated for the coil 7 of the magnetic release mechanism 1 in an initial measurement process. This generation of the release current I is continued by the control unit 13 until the magnetic release mechanism 1 releases and the armature 3 moves from the first end position into the second end position. This change in the position of the armature 3 is detected using the light barrier 12, a signal is generated for the central control unit and the present release current I, under which the release has occurred, is stored.

[0071] Depending on the release current I determined, a decision is taken by means of a comparison with a specified release current I.sub.TARGET as to whether or not an adjustment of the magnetic release mechanism 1 is necessary.

[0072] If the release current I has precisely the value of the specified release current I.sub.TARGET or if the release current I lies within a specified tolerance range between a current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and a current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max, then no further adjustment process must be performed.

[0073] In the event that the release current I is smaller than the minimum permitted current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min, the magnetic release mechanism 1 is rejected, as it does not reach the required parameters and releases too soon. An adjustment of such magnetic release mechanisms 1 is not provided for according to the method. For this, the adjustment arrangement would have to be extended for example by a further adjustment coil known from the prior art, by means of which a magnetisation of the permanent magnets 2 can be performed. After this magnetisation the method according to the invention can be deployed.

[0074] In the event that the release current I lies in a range greater than I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max, at least one adjustment process takes place, which may comprise several adjustment steps. In a first step, a first adjustment current I.sub.J is selected. This first adjustment current I.sub.J may be selected only so large that the permanent magnet 2 of the magnetic release mechanism 1 is not too greatly weakened, so that the value does not fall below the lower current threshold I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min. The adjustment process takes place in the region of what is known as a ‘kink’ in the curve, as for example is shown in FIG. 4 for various magnetic release mechanisms 1. To this end, reference can also be made to the well-known B-H curve of neodymium magnets.

[0075] By means of this adjustment current I a magnetic field is generated in the adjustment coil 15 for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2. When this first adjustment step is completed, the armature 3 is, by means of the re-setting device 14, brought back into its first end position, in which it is held through the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2.

[0076] Subsequently, in a second measurement process, once again a continuously increasing release current I is generated for the coil 7 of the magnetic release mechanism 1 through the control unit 13 and the process of release detected by means of the light barrier 12. In this case, too, the present release current I is determined and stored. After this second measurement process, once again a comparison is made of the present release current I measured with the specified release current I.sub.TARGET or the tolerance range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max. Depending on this comparison, it is in turn decided whether or not a second or further adjustment step with a second or further adjustment current I.sub.J is to be performed.

[0077] If a second or further adjustment step is necessary, this is performed with an adjustment current I.sub.J that is larger in comparison with the previous adjustment step. The absolute value of the adjustment current I.sub.J and hence also the difference from the previously set adjustment current I.sub.J can be made dependent on how large the difference is between the measured release current I and the specified release current I.sub.TARGET. Thus for example, in the event that there is still a relatively large difference between the release current I and the specified release current I.sub.TARGET, the difference from the previously selected adjustment current I.sub.J can be selected larger than in the event that release current I is relatively close to the specified release current I.sub.TARGET.

[0078] Alternatively, each adjustment step can also be performed with an equal difference from the adjustment current I.sub.J, based on the previously set adjustment current I.sub.J.

[0079] It is also provided that the difference between the adjustment currents I.sub.J to be set becomes smaller with an increasing number of adjustment steps, in order to avoid the value falling below the minimum current value I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min.

[0080] In order to design simple and effective selection of the adjustment current I.sub.J a table may for example be stored in the central control unit which is used to select the adjustment current I.sub.J as a function of the determined release current I.

[0081] Using the adjustment current I.sub.J selected in the second or further adjustment step, a magnetic field is in turn generated in the adjustment coil 15 for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2. If this second or further adjustment step is completed, then by means of the re-setting device 14 the armature 3 is brought back into its first end position, in which it is held by means of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2.

[0082] Subsequently, in a further measurement process, the present release current I is determined and, in turn, stored. This procedure—described above—with the comparison of the measured release current I with the specified release current I.sub.TARGET and with a possible further adjustment step is continued until the release current lies at least within the tolerance range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max.

[0083] When this state has been achieved, then the release current I is, in accordance with the method, set at a reduced value and hence a reduction in the required release energy is achieved.

[0084] FIG. 4 shows, in a diagram, the relationship between an adjustment current I.sub.J used during a demagnetisation process and the release current I set by means of this adjustment process for three different magnetic release mechanisms 1.

[0085] Marked on the characteristic curves are measurement points using the symbols circle, square and diamond. Thus it can be discerned, for example, that when setting an adjustment current I.sub.J which lies outside of the region 16, the release current required to release the magnetic release mechanism 1 barely changes. Thus an effective adjustment of the release current I and of the required release energy is not achieved until region 16, in which there is high sensitivity for the adjustment and in which the characteristic curves display a clear kink. These kinks in the characteristic curves of the three permanent magnets 2 of the three magnetic release mechanisms 1 are caused by the B-H curve, which also has a kink in the characteristic curve, which describes the magnetic flow density B as a function of the impact of an external magnetic field H on the permanent magnet 2. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 2 is a neodymium magnet.

[0086] Knowing this characteristic curve pattern it is for example possible, outside of the region 16, to choose a greater increment for the selection of the adjustment current I.sub.J, while within the region 16 adjustment must take place with appropriately small increments when selecting the adjustment current I.sub.J in order not to set a release current I that is smaller than I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows, by way of an example, a flow chart of the method according to the invention for the adjustment of a magnetic release mechanism 1. After the start of the adjustment method in Step 17, in Step 18 a measurement is performed of the release current I, as described above in the adjustment arrangement 10.

[0088] Subsequently a comparison is made of the present release current I measured with the specified release current I.sub.TARGET. This comparison is performed in the example of FIG. 5 in such a way that the regions 19 to 25 are made available and a check is made as to in which of these regions 19 to 25 the present release current I measured lies.

[0089] If the measured release current I lies in the first region 19, i.e. is larger than the release current I.sub.4, then the release current I lies above a threshold permitted in the method. In this case, no adjustment is performed and the magnetic release mechanism 1 is rejected in Step 26. The method hence ends in Step 26 without having provided a successfully adjusted magnetic release mechanism 1.

[0090] If the present release current I measured lies in the second region 20 below a fixed minimum release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min, provision is made to likewise reject the magnetic release mechanism 1 in Step 26, since this magnetic release mechanism 1 releases too soon, i.e. at a current below I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min. In this case the method ends in Step 26.

[0091] If the measured release current I lies in the third region 21, i.e. is larger than the minimum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and smaller than the maximum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max, then it lies within the fixed tolerance range and an adjustment is hence not, or no longer, necessary.

[0092] If the present release current I measured lies in the fourth region 22, in the fifth region 23, in the sixth region 24 or in the seventh region 25, a corresponding adjustment current I.sub.J is selected and an adjustment step performed with this.

[0093] If the release current I is classified in the fourth region 22, in Step 28 a first adjustment current I.sub.J1 is selected and, with this, the adjustment step for the demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2 performed. If the release current I lies in the fifth region 23, then in Step 29 the second adjustment current I.sub.J2 is selected. Accordingly, with a release current I in the sixth region 24, the third adjustment current I.sub.J3 is selected in Step 30 and for a release current I in the seventh region 25 the fourth adjustment current I.sub.J4 is selected in Step 31 and used in the subsequent adjustment step in each case. Here it is provided that the adjustment current I.sub.J1 is the largest and the adjustment current I.sub.J4 by comparison the smallest adjustment current (I.sub.J4<I.sub.J3<I.sub.J1<I.sub.J2), in a magnitude of a few kiloamps (kA).

[0094] With one example of an adjustment process, an increasing release current I is generated using the control unit 13 and it is detected when the magnetic release mechanism 1 releases and the armature 3 moves from its first into the second end position. The release of the magnetic release mechanism 1 is detected by the light barrier 12 and the present release current I recorded or stored. With this first measurement process it is assumed that a release current I is measured which lies between the currents I.sub.3 and I.sub.4 i.e. in the fourth region 22. Hence the adjustment current I.sub.J1 is selected in Step 28 and by means of this selected current I.sub.J1 the adjustment step for partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2 performed. With this adjustment step a magnetic field that is opposed to the magnetic field of permanent magnet 2 is built up, at least temporarily, by means of adjustment coil 15, which has current I.sub.J1 flowing through it in pulses.

[0095] If, in the first measurement process, a present release current I is for example determined which for instance is greater than I.sub.1 but less than I.sub.2 and hence lies in the sixth region 24, then in Step 30 the adjustment current I.sub.J3, which is smaller than the adjustment current I.sub.J1, is used for demagnetisation in the adjustment step.

[0096] If a release current I is measured which lies above I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and below I.sub.1 and hence can be allocated to the seventh region 25, then in Step 31 the adjustment current I.sub.J4 is selected which is smaller than the adjustment current I.sub.J3.

[0097] If the adjustment performed results in the setting of a release current I for the magnetic release mechanism 1 which lies in the tolerance range 21′ between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and is measured in Step 18′, the adjustment step has been performed successfully. In this case the adjustment process is terminated in Step 27′ and the magnetic release mechanism 1 can be removed from the adjustment site 11 of the adjustment arrangement 10.

[0098] If the specified tolerance range is not achieved, then the procedure ends unsuccessfully in Step 26.

[0099] A demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2 by means of an adjustment current I.sub.J1 to I.sub.J4 selected according to the method can for example be performed in such a way that a charging of a capacitor occurs such that the latter, on its discharging via the coil 7, and also an ohmic element, generates a current pulse with one of the desired adjustment current intensities I.sub.J1 to I.sub.J4, whereby the pulse subsides in accordance with a normal discharge curve.

[0100] This current pulse generates, in the coil 7, a magnetic field, which is aligned opposed to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2 and is suitable for at least partially demagnetising the permanent magnet 2. For this purpose the magnetic field generated must have a corresponding field strength, which is dependent on the selected adjustment current I.sub.J1 to I.sub.J4.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a second alternative flow chart of the method according to the invention. Whilst the method in accordance with FIG. 5 requires precise specification of the adjustment currents I.sub.J1 to I.sub.J4 to be selected in order to adjust, in one adjustment step, the specified tolerance range for the release current I, the method in accordance with FIG. 6 works with at least one, mostly several adjustment steps in which the adjustment current I.sub.J is set step-by-step to the required intensity. The advantage of this method alternative lies in a high level of reliability in the adjustment of the magnetic release mechanism 1.

[0102] The procedure corresponds at least partially to the procedure described for FIG. 5. For example, after the start of the adjustment process, in Step 17, in Step 18 an initial measurement of the release current I is performed in the adjustment arrangement 10.

[0103] Subsequently a comparison is made of the present release current I measured with the specified release current I.sub.TARGET.

[0104] If the measured release current I lies in the first region 19, i.e. is larger than the release current I.sub.4, then the release current I lies above a threshold permitted in the method. In this case no adjustment is performed and the magnetic release mechanism 1 is rejected in Step 26. The method therefore ends in Step 26.

[0105] If the present release current I measured lies in the second region 20 below a fixed minimum release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min, provision is made to likewise reject the magnetic release mechanism 1 in Step 26, since this magnetic release mechanism also releases too soon, i.e. at a current below I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min. In this case the method ends in Step 26.

[0106] If the measured release current I lies in the third region 21, i.e. is larger than the minimum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and smaller than the maximum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max, then it lies within the fixed tolerance range and an adjustment is therefore not or no longer necessary. The method ends in Step 27.

[0107] If the present release current I measured lies in an eighth region 32, i.e. in a region larger than I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and smaller than I.sub.4, then in Step 33 an adjustment current I.sub.J0 is selected as a ‘start-adjustment current’, and with this adjustment current I.sub.J0 the first adjustment step is performed. The fixing of this start-adjustment current takes place, for example, empirically, whereby the value is stored in a memory and is available to the method at any time.

[0108] In the event that another type or another series of magnetic release mechanisms 1 are adjusted, then value for the start-adjustment current can be changed and hence adapted to the relevant type.

[0109] After the implementation of the first adjustment step with the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 selected in Step 33, the armature 3 of the magnetic release mechanism 1 is brought by means of the re-setting unit 14 into the first end position and in Step 34 a second measurement of the release current I is performed.

[0110] The value measured at that particular time for the release current I is subsequently classified in one of the regions shown: 20′, 21′, 22′, 23′, 24′ or 25′. If classified in region 20′, then the first adjustment step has demagnetised the permanent magnet too strongly or weakened it, so that the release current I no longer reaches a minimum value of I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min. The method hence ends in Step 26′.

[0111] If the present release current I measured lies in region 21′, i.e. is bigger than the minimum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and smaller than the maximum permitted release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max, then it lies within the fixed tolerance range for the release current I and an adjustment is therefore no longer necessary. In this case, the method ends in Step 2T.

[0112] If the first adjustment step, using the adjustment current I.sub.J0, has not yet sufficiently demagnetised the permanent magnet, then the release current I measureable after to this adjustment step still lies in a region above the current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max. According to the method, at least one further adjustment step must be carried out. The magnitude of the adjustment current I.sub.J to be used for a next adjustment step is dependent on the difference between the specified release current I.sub.TARGET and the present release current I measured.

[0113] To this end 4 current values or current indicators I1, I2, I3 and I4 for example are fixed, whereby I1<I2<I3<I4 and all current indicators I1, I2, I.sub.3 and I.sub.4 lie above the release current I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max.

[0114] In the event that the release current I measured in Step 34 lies in a range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and I.sub.1 in Step 25′, then in Step 35 a sixth adjustment current I.sub.J is selected. This sixth adjustment current I.sub.J is formed in such a way that a first proportion ΔI.sub.J1 is added on to the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 selected in Step 33. This results in an adjustment current I.sub.J selected in Step 35 in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J+ΔI.sub.J1. This sixth adjustment current I.sub.J, which is greater by the amount ΔI.sub.J1, is used in the subsequent second adjustment step for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2.

[0115] In the event that the release current I measured in Step 34 lies in a region 24′ between I.sub.1 and I.sub.2, then in Step 36 a seventh adjustment current I.sub.J is selected. This seventh adjustment current I.sub.J is formed by a second proportion ΔI.sub.J2 being added to the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 selected in Step 33. This second proportion ΔI.sub.J2 is larger than the first proportion ΔI.sub.J1. In a particular case ΔI.sub.J2 is twice as large as ΔI.sub.J1. This results in a seventh adjustment current I.sub.J selected in Step 36 in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J+ΔI.sub.J2. This seventh adjustment current I.sub.J which is greater by the amount ΔI.sub.J2 is used in the subsequent adjustment step for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2.

[0116] In the event that the release current I measured in Step 34 lies in a region 23′ between I.sub.2 and I.sub.3, then in Step 37 an eighth adjustment current I.sub.J is selected. This eighth adjustment current I.sub.J is formed by a third proportion ΔI.sub.J3 being added to the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 selected in Step 33. This third proportion ΔI.sub.J3 is greater than the second proportion ΔI.sub.J2. In a particular case ΔI.sub.J3 is twice as large as ΔI.sub.J2. This results in an eighth adjustment current I.sub.J selected in Step 37 in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J+ΔI.sub.J3. This eighth adjustment current I.sub.J which is greater by the amount ΔI.sub.J3 is used in the subsequent adjustment step for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2.

[0117] In the event that the release current I measured in Step 34 I lies in a region 22′ between I.sub.3 and I.sub.4, then in Step 38 a ninth adjustment current I.sub.J is selected. This ninth adjustment current I.sub.J is formed by a fourth proportion ΔI.sub.J4 being added to the fifth adjustment current selected in Step 33. This fourth proportion ΔI.sub.J4 is larger than the third proportion ΔI.sub.J3. In a particular case ΔI.sub.J4 is twice as large as ΔI.sub.J3. This results in a ninth adjustment current I.sub.J selected in Step 38 in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J+ΔI.sub.J4. This ninth adjustment current I.sub.J which is greater by the amount ΔI.sub.J4 is used in the subsequent second adjustment step for the partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2.

[0118] Using one of the adjustment currents selected in the Steps 35, 36, 37 or 38, the subsequent adjustment step is performed and a further demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2 induced. Following this adjustment step the armature 3 of the magnetic release mechanism 1 is moved using the re-setting unit 14 into the first end position and the procedure continued in Step 34 with a further measurement of the present release current I.

[0119] In a second run-through of the lower loop in the procedure beginning with the measurement of the release current I in Step 34, the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 selected in Step 33 is no longer the basis for the calculation of a further adjustment current in Steps 35, 36, 37 and 38. In a second and further run-through, the new adjustment current I.sub.J in Steps 35, 36, 37 and 38 is always formed by the adjustment current I.sub.J used in the preceding adjustment step being further increased by a corresponding differential amount ΔI.sub.J1 or ΔI.sub.J2 or ΔI.sub.J3 or ΔI.sub.J4. For example, in a first adjustment step adjustment takes place with an adjustment current I.sub.J=I.sub.J0, in a second adjustment step with the adjustment current I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J4 and in a third adjustment step with an adjustment current I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J4+ΔI.sub.J2.

[0120] FIG. 7 shows a graphical representation of the method using the flow chart in accordance with FIG. 6. The diagram illustrates the release current I of the magnetic release mechanism 1 in the unit milliamps above an adjustment current I.sub.J0 in kiloamps.

[0121] In the text below, the invention is described using a further embodiment with the aid of FIG. 7. The release current I of the magnetic release mechanism 1, with a first measurement in Step 18 before adjustment, lies in the region between I.sub.2 and I.sub.3, hence in the area of the eighth region 32, and in Step 33 the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J0 is selected for the first adjustment step. This first measured value 39 is shown by means of a circle on the y-axis at the beginning of the curve drawn. Adjustment takes place during which the fifth adjustment current I.sub.J=I.sub.J0 is used.

[0122] After a re-setting of the magnetic release mechanism 1, in Step 34 a second measurement takes place in order to establish whether the release current I now lies in the specified tolerance range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max. With this measurement, a release current I is determined which still lies in the region 25′ between I.sub.2 and I.sub.3 and is displayed as measured value 40. Since the release current I lies in the region 23′, in Step 37 a differential amount ΔI.sub.J3 is determined and added to the previously used adjustment current I.sub.J. Thus for the second adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3 is formed and the second adjustment step performed.

[0123] After a renewed re-setting of the magnetic release mechanism 1, in Step 34 a third measurement occurs in order to establish, once again, whether the release current I now lies in the specified tolerance range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max. With this third measurement a release current I is established which still lies in the region 23′ between I.sub.2 and I.sub.3 and is displayed as measured value 41 in FIG. 7. Since the release current I lies in the region 23′, in Step 37 a differential amount ΔI.sub.J3 is once again determined and once again added to the previously used adjustment current I.sub.J. Thus for the third adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3 is formed and the second adjustment step performed.

[0124] With the subsequent fourth measurement, too, it is established that the release current I, displayed in measured value 42, still lies in the region 23′ between I.sub.2 and I.sub.3, even if, in terms of its value, it has reduced somewhat after each adjustment step. Thus for the subsequent fourth adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3 is formed and the fourth adjustment step performed.

[0125] After this fourth adjustment step the release current I determined in a fifth measurement in Step 34 lies in the region 24′ between I.sub.1 and I.sub.2, displayed as measured value 43 in FIG. 7. Therefore with classification into region 24′ a selection of a differential amount ΔI.sub.J2 is performed in the associated Step 36 which must be added to the previously used adjustment current. Thus for the subsequent fifth adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J2 is formed and the fifth adjustment step performed.

[0126] As a result of this adjustment step, in the sixth measurement in Step 34 a release current I is determined in the region 25′ between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.1, displayed as measured value 44 in FIG. 7. As a result of the release current I coming close to the specified target value I.sub.TARGET in this manner, through the classification into region 25′ a proportion ΔI.sub.J1 that is smaller than ΔI.sub.J2 is selected in Step 35. Thus for the subsequent sixth adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J2+ΔI.sub.J1 is formed and the sixth adjustment step performed.

[0127] After this adjustment step the release current I measured in Step 34, displayed as measured value 45, still lies in the region 25′ between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.1. Thus for the subsequent seventh adjustment step an adjustment current in accordance with I.sub.J=I.sub.J0+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J3+ΔI.sub.J2+ΔI.sub.J1+ΔI.sub.J1 is formed and the seventh adjustment step performed with this adjustment current.

[0128] This seventh adjustment step has sufficiently demagnetised the permanent magnet 2 that, during the subsequent eighth measurement of the release current I, a value is determined which is displayed with the measurement point 46 and lies between I.sub.TARGET and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max and hence in the specified tolerance range. Through the classification into region 21′, the method for adjustment of a magnetic release mechanism ends in Step 27′.

[0129] To illustrate the principles of the differential amounts ΔI.sub.J1, ΔI.sub.J2, ΔI.sub.J3 and ΔI.sub.J4 these have been displayed, by way of an example, in the top right of the diagram in FIG. 7, in a comparison with one another. In the example ΔI.sub.J4 is twice as large as ΔI.sub.J3, ΔI.sub.J3 twice as large as ΔI.sub.J2 and ΔI.sub.J2 twice as large as ΔI.sub.J1. These relationships of the differential amounts to one another are by way of examples and can be adapted individually by a person skilled in the art.

[0130] As can be discerned, when the release current I is brought close to the specified release target value I.sub.TARGET as the procedure progresses smaller and smaller differential amounts are added to the adjustment current I.sub.J selected in the previous adjustment step and used in the following adjustment step until the release current I lies within the tolerance range between I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.min and I.sub.TARGET.sub._.sub.max. Here it may also be necessary to add on the same differential amount ΔI.sub.Jn in two or more procedure run-throughs before a smaller differential amount ΔI.sub.Jn can be selected.

[0131] As can also be discerned, the release current I is brought close to the specified target value I.sub.TARGET particularly in region 16, which constitutes a region with high sensitivity for adjustment.

[0132] The partial demagnetisation of the permanent magnet 2 may, in a further variant, take place for example through oblique magnetisation of the permanent magnet 2. In order to carry out this oblique magnetisation, it is provided that the adjustment site 11 within the adjustment arrangement 10 is designed swivel- or tiltable. Thus the magnetic release mechanism 1 with its permanent magnet 2 can be moved out of its vertical position into an oblique position at an angle of for example κ, 10, 15, 30 or 45 degrees prior to carrying out an adjustment step.

[0133] The above embodiments are merely to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.