Patent ID: 7336006
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A magnetic actuator, comprising: a magnet, with mutually opposite magnetic poles thereof being arranged opposing each other, wherein the magnet includes: a first magnet array including a plurality of sub-magnets radially juxtaposed with each other in plan view around a central point, the sub-magnets encircling the central point, and traveling around the central point, the sub-magnets are alternately magnetized into at least four opposite magnetic poles such that each sub-magnet is disposed between two other sub-magnets having polarities opposite to a polarity of the sub-magnet, the magnetic poles directed in a direction perpendicular to the plan view, and a second magnet array arranged opposing the first magnet array, the second magnet array including a plurality of sub-magnets radially juxtaposed with each other in plan view around a central point, the sub-magnets encircling the central point, and traveling around the central point, the sub-magnets are alternately magnetized into at least four opposite magnetic poles such that each sub-magnet is disposed between two other sub-magnets having polarities opposite to a polarity of the sub-magnet, the magnetic poles directed in a direction perpendicular to the plan view and being magnetized such that respectively opposite magnetic poles thereof are opposed to the respectively opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet array, and at least one coil, having at least one portion thereof inserted between corresponding magnetic poles, the coil movably arranged so that the coil may be driven parallel to the plan view along a straight line; wherein a driving force for the coil is obtained by applying an electric current to the coil in a magnetic field generated by the magnet.