Patent ID: 6101992
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: F01L,F16F,H01F

Abstract:
An electromagnetic actuator comprising(a) an electromagnet having an energized state for generating an electromagnetic force and a de-energized state; said electromagnet having a pole face;(b) an armature movable towards and away from said pole face in a travel path extending from a first end position remote from said pole face to a second end position at said pole face; said armature assuming said second end position in the energized state of said electromagnet;(c) a return spring urging said armature away from said pole face and toward said first end position;(d) a fluid damping unit for braking a motion of said armature; and(e) a plunger element connected to said armature for movement therewith as a unit; said plunger element having a surface portion cooperating with said fluid damping unit to assume a contacting relationship therewith; in one of said first and second end positions of said armature said surface portion of said plunger element being at a clearance from said fluid damping unit; said clearance being less than said travel path, whereby for a first portion of said travel path starting from said one end position, said plunger element is disconnected from, and approaching said fluid damping unit and for a second, terminal portion of said travel path said plunger element is connected to said fluid damping unit for effecting a soft arrival of said armature into the other of said first and second end positions.