초록 ▼

A method of controlling velocity of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator as the armature moves from a first position towards a second position is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a coil and a core at the second position. The coil generates a magnetic force to cause the armature

A method of controlling velocity of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator as the armature moves from a first position towards a second position is provided. The electromagnetic actuator includes a coil and a core at the second position. The coil generates a magnetic force to cause the armature to move towards and land at the core. Spring structure acts on the armature to bias the armature away from the second position to a resetting position. The method includes selectively energizing the coil to permit the armature to move at a certain velocity towards the core. A certain voltage corresponding to a voltage across the coil is determined when the armature is approaching the core. The certain voltage corresponds to a rate of change of magnetic flux and is used as a feedback variable to control energy to the coil so as to control a velocity of the armature as the armature moves towards the core. In one embodiment, the certain voltage is a measured terminal voltage of the coil. In another embodiment, the certain voltage is a parametrically determined voltage which mirrors the terminal voltage.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling velocity of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator as the armature moves from a first position towards a second position defining a cycle, the electromagnetic actuator including a coil and a core at said second position, said coil generating a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling velocity of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator as the armature moves from a first position towards a second position defining a cycle, the electromagnetic actuator including a coil and a core at said second position, said coil generating a magnetic force to cause the armature to move towards and land at said core, and spring structure acting on the armature to bias the armature away from said second position to a resetting position, the method including:selectively energizing said coil when said armature is moving at a certain velocity towards said core;determining a certain voltage corresponding to a voltage across said coil when said armature is moving toward said core; andduring said cycle, using said certain voltage as a feedback variable to control energy to said coil to thereby control said velocity of said armature as said armature continues to move towards said core.