A device for providing electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression, an electric motor, a first mounting unit, a second mounting unit, a first actuator, a second actuator, and combinations thereof.

Abstract

The device (RH) of this invention provides an electrically adjustable, non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electro-permanent magnet (MAG) and a starting torque ring (RR) with distributed rotor pole shoes (RP) capable of rotating a shaft (D). The electro-permanent magnet includes a core (MK), a coil (SP1, SP2) surrounding the core, and a magnetic field conductor (Bo, Bu) connected to its electrode ends (PE). To provide starting torque suppression, a suitable current pulse can be applied to the coil. The two magnetic field conductors extend from their electromagnetic ends to the rotor pole shoes, and at their respective ends form stator pole shoes, opposite the starting torque ring with rotor pole shoes. The two magnetic field conductors are interconnected in an anti-rotation manner. In this invention, the magnetic field conductors form multiple finger-shaped segments (Fo, Fu), each having a finger tip (Eo, Eu). These finger tips are formed in a radially outer region (RA) of an electric permanent magnet, where one of the two magnetic field conductors engages with the other magnetic field conductor finger tip to form a stator pole shoe with north and south poles that are staggered in the peripheral direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a device for providing electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electric permanent magnet and a coaxially arranged starting torque ring capable of rotating a shaft. The shaft passes through the electric permanent magnet. The starting torque ring has nPR rotor pole shoes that are preferably evenly distributed in the peripheral direction. The electric permanent magnet includes a magnetic core or magnetic coil core for forming a north pole and a south pole at the two electrode ends of the core. The electric permanent magnet further includes at least an electric coil surrounding the core and a magnetic field conductor magnetically connected to the electrode ends of the core. To provide electrically adjustable reluctance torque suppression, an electrical pulse with an appropriate current intensity and / or pulse length and an appropriate current direction can be applied to at least one electric coil. Two electromagnetic fields extend from the electrode ends of the core toward the rotor pole shoes of the torque ring or toward the starting torque ring, and form stator pole shoes at the ends of the two magnetic field conductors. In particular, the two magnetic field conductors are anti-rotation and preferably fixedly connected to each other. The stator pole shoes are located opposite the starting torque ring with the rotor pole shoes, providing starting torque suppression. In particular, the two magnetic field conductors, the electrical coils, and the preferred magnetic core are also anti-rotation and are particularly fixedly connected to each other. In other words, the magnetic field conductors are mounted to the shaft of the device so as not to twist relative to each other. A minimum air gap is formed between the rotor pole shoes and the stator pole shoes, typically between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0002] Based on the design of the rotor pole shoes, and the recesses or slots in the peripheral direction to the shaft, as well as the magnetic flow guidance, a stator pole shoe can be directly placed opposite a rotor pole shoe or in the gap, i.e., in a recess between two rotor pole shoes, in the engaged state. The stator and rotor pole shoes are generally evenly distributed around the shaft in the peripheral direction. It is not necessary to construct or omit one or more stator and / or rotor pole shoes, and the torque behavior remains unchanged for the electrostatic permanent magnets from engagement to engagement during a full rotation of the torque ring.

[0003] The present invention further relates to an (extended) electric motor comprising a stator, a rotor rotatable about a motor shaft, and a device for providing electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between the stator and the rotor. The rotor of this (extended) electric motor is connected to the torque loop of the device of the present invention in an anti-rotation manner, or the rotor of this (extended) electric motor has formed a starting torque loop as part of the device of the present invention.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a first and a second mounting unit for mounting an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppressor on an inner rotor motor and an outer rotor motor. The inner rotor and outer rotor motors are constructed as a unit, which is prior art and is available on the market. One of them may be referred to as a standard motor or a conventional motor.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a combination of such (extended) electric motors, such inner rotor or outer rotor electric motors, and a first or second mounting unit of the present invention disposed thereon.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a first actuation driver, including such a configuration and a driven-side actuation element having an actuation connector.

[0007] Finally, the present invention relates to a second actuation driver, including such a configuration, particularly a speed reducer located after the motor, and an actuation element on the driven side having an actuation joint.

[0008] In the first and second actuation drives, a speed reducer is not required. In this case, the electric motor, that is, the (extended) electric motor or the inner rotor or the outer rotor electric motor, directly drives the actuation joint of the first and second actuation drives in accordance with the prior art. [Previous Technology]

[0009] As disclosed in WO 2020 / 109744 A2, an adjustable force device includes a mechanically guided element capable of sliding along a predetermined trajectory, and a device for magnetization and contact locking of the sliding via magnetic exchange between a first ferromagnetic structure and a second ferromagnetic structure, which is a component of a magnet. The magnet is at least partially surrounded by an electric coil, and the magnetization of the permanent magnet is modified according to the direction and amplitude of the current flowing in the coil.

[0010] This device can be integrated into an electric motor or a motor drive (see Figures 10a, 11 and 17 therein).

[0011] Figure 4 shows an improved embodiment, wherein the second ferromagnetic structure includes two disks, each with a radially outward tooth, forming two main air gaps with the first structure at the toothed region of the interface between the two structures. The first ferromagnetic structure includes a tubular first permanent magnet with high coercive field strength and axial magnetization. Furthermore, the first ferromagnetic structure includes an inner cylindrical second permanent magnet coaxial with the first permanent magnet, having low coercive field strength and axial magnetization. The second permanent magnet is fixedly connected to the shaft of the power device. A coil surrounds the inner second permanent magnet. The second permanent magnet is magnetized in a first axial direction or an opposite second axial direction by a current pulse directed to the coil, depending on the direction of the current pulse. The generated magnetic field adds to or reduces the axial magnetic field of the first permanent magnet, thereby creating an index and a contact lock or suppression between the first and second ferromagnetic structures.

[0012] WO 2011 / 146076 A1 discloses a holding brake, particularly for elevators, for applying a holding torque to a rotatable component of the elevator. The rotatable component is, for example, a cable pulley or roller of a guide car component, such as a circular cable or a flat belt. This tensioning component can also be connected to a counterweight and an elevator car by a suitable cable assembly. The holding brake includes a first flange and a second flange, wherein each of the first and second flanges includes a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes. The second flange is connected to the rotatable component for applying the holding torque and is further mounted to allow rotation of a pivot of the holding brake relative to the first flange. The first and second sets of electrodes are located radially outward of the first and second flanges relative to the pivot, and the electrodes extend axially from there. Furthermore, the second flange is disposed on the first flange, with the second set of electrodes radially inward relative to the pivot directly near the first set of electrodes radially outward. Additionally, the holding brake includes a ring assembly disposed between the first and second flanges. The ring assembly can be a permanent magnet ring, including one or more magnetic cores and a brake coil. In the active state, the permanent magnet ring generates a magnetic field, and the radially opposing electrodes of the two flanges act to stop the rotation of the second flange. In the resting state, the current in the brake coil generates an electromagnetic field that counteracts the magnetic field of the permanent magnet ring, demagnetizes the electrodes, and allows the second flange to rotate freely.

[0013] An actuation actuator is known from the applicant's German patent DE 10 2021 209 914 B3, which includes an electric motor, a gearbox connected downstream, and an actuating element on the driven side having an actuation joint. The electric motor has a stator and a pair of rotor disks rotating on a single shaft as outer rotors, the rotor disks being magnetically reluctantly suppressed in the direction of rotation. This actuation actuator includes a non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppression by electrically connecting and disconnecting an electromagnet to hold or release the rotor disks. The electromagnet has a coil assembly surrounding an electromagnetic coil core having two pole shoes to form two magnetic poles. The electromagnet is designed and positioned relative to the rotor disks such that the two pole shoes are opposite each other, each forming an air gap on the outer side of the rotor disk. The rotor disks have armatures distributed around the motor shafts in the peripheral direction on their outer side, at least one of which can magnetically interact with the two pole shoes of the electromagnet to provide torque suppression as much as possible. To keep the rotor disk in a rotor holding position, a first brief current pulse can be applied to the coil assembly by an actuation driver circuit assembly, followed by a residual magnetic field present in the coil core to provide magnetic drag torque suppression.

[0014] In order to release the rotor disk in a rotor release position, a second short current pulse can be applied to the coil assembly by means of the circuit assembly, and then the residual electromagnetic field remaining in the coil core is basically deconstructed, thereby relieving the magnetic reluctance torque suppression.

[0015] In this type of actuation actuator, a check valve or valve is directly or even partially constituted by the actuating element of the actuation actuator to move the actuating shaft. The actuation actuator is often configured such that the actuating element moves from a first actuated position to a second actuated position. The two actuated positions can also form an end stop. The first actuated position can also be referred to as the rest position, in which the actuation actuator places the actuating element, i.e., the motor, in a de-current state, particularly by means of a pre-forced return actuation spring, and forces it back. Such actuation actuators are also referred to as fail-safe actuation actuators. The second actuated position can be referred to as the trigger position. The actuating connector can be rotated over its actuating shaft within a predetermined actuation angle range or rotation angle range between the rest position or the first actuated position and the trigger position or the second actuated position. The maximum actuation angle range between these two actuated positions or rotational positions is generally 90° ± 10°.

[0016] To hold a fail-safe actuator in the triggered position, the simplest method is to hold the motor in the triggered position with a long-term holding current (minimum current). Only when current is supplied and thus the holding current is lost or fails, the spring operates, and the actuator drives the actuating element to the safe rest position. However, the previously described scheme has a fairly high current consumption in the triggered position. Therefore, the operating time for a fireproof check valve related to safety is practically 100% (ED100%).

[0017] In fail-safe actuators, the motor often requires a high self-sustaining torque to ensure that the actuator does not exceed the load torque, i.e., the connected check valve or the connected valve "continues to operate". For this purpose, the motor is generally equipped with a rotor with a starting torque wheel.

[0018] WO 2011 / 047488 A1 discloses a brushless DC motor suitable for driving an actuation element of an actuator. The DC motor includes a stator, a rotor disk surrounding the stator having multiple permanent magnet electrodes, and a starting torque plate connected to the stator having multiple pole shoes for generating a starting torque to move the surrounding rotor disk to a rest position. Each pole shoe in the rest position is located between two adjacent electrodes of the surrounding rotor disk, forming a magnetic short circuit. The starting torque plate is substantially outside the magnetic field generated by the stator operation, thereby the generation of the starting torque is independent of the electrical behavior of the brushless DC motor.

[0019] The actuation actuator under consideration can also be a linear actuation actuator, generating a linear drive motion on a drive joint along a drive shaft, for example, controlling a valve to open, partially open, or close. The rotational motion on the drive joint can be converted into a corresponding linear motion, for example, by a rack, a shaft, or a centrifuge. [Summary of the Invention]

[0020] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a simple device for providing an electrically adjustable non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppression.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative device that differs from the prior art.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an (extended) electric motor having a device of the present invention.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a first and a second mounting unit for mounting an electrically adjustable and non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppressor on a prior art inner rotor motor and an outer rotor motor.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination of such an electric motor, an inner rotor motor having an inner rotor motor having an inner rotor motor having an inner rotor motor having an outer rotor motor having an outer rotor motor having an outer rotor motor having a second inner rotor motor having an inner rotor motor, and to provide a circuit combination for each.

[0025] Finally, the object of the present invention is to provide a first and second actuation actuator having such a combination.

[0026] This object of the present invention is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the appendix claim.

[0027] In the device of the present invention, each of the two magnetic field conductors constitutes a plurality of finger-shaped segments nF having a fingertip component. These fingertip components are designed in a radially outer region of the electro-permanent magnet such that the fingertip component of one of the two magnetic field conductors engages between the fingertip components of the other magnetic field conductor, forming nPS stator pole shoes having north and south poles that are staggered in the peripheral direction relative to the axis of rotation.

[0028] The interlocking finger-shaped segments of the two magnetic conductors generally do not contact each other. In other words, the interlocking finger-shaped segments of the two magnetic conductors are located in the gaps between them. Furthermore, the interlocking finger-shaped segments of the two magnetic conductors and the two long magnetic wires are connected to each other in an anti-rotation manner and, in particular, fixedly, relative to the axis of rotation of the device of the present invention. In particular, the interlocking finger-shaped segments of the two magnetic conductors are located on a common plane. All the aforementioned components of the electro-permanent magnet are anti-rotation and, in particular, fixedly connected to each other in the assembled state. The aforementioned components are, for example, glued together and / or can be interlocked.

[0029] The present invention includes an electro-permanent magnet comprising two highly magnetically permeable magnetic field conductors (metal plates), having finger-shaped segments, stator interlocking similar to a bicycle claw pole generator, and including a cage-like enclosure of the magnetic core and a coil assembly.

[0030] The purpose of this invention is not to generate current for bicycle lighting, but to provide an electrically adjustable non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppression between the electro-permanent magnet (stator) and the starting torque (rotor).

[0031] The starting torque ring is made of a soft magnetic material. Soft magnetic materials include iron, steel, cobalt, nickel alloys, or ferrites, which are easily magnetized in a magnetic field. In particular, the starting torque ring is made of electrical steel. Magnetization in all soft magnetic materials results in a higher magnetic flux density than that produced by an externally applied magnetic field in air. The magnetic material considered preferably has a permeability of at least 40 µr, particularly at least 300. It is preferred that the two magnetic field conductors are made of an electrical steel sheet, particularly a grain-free electrical steel sheet, suitable for stamping and bending.

[0032] The advantage of the present invention is that it has a simple structure and has two generally identical stamped / bent parts made of magnetic plate metal, whose radial finger-end parts interlock with each other and intersect in the peripheral direction to form the North Pole and the South Pole.

[0033] A pole shoe is a component made of a highly permeable magnetic material, such as iron or a so-called electrical steel sheet. The function of the pole shoe is to emit and distribute the magnetic field lines of a permanent magnet in a defined shape. In an electric motor, for example, the magnetic excitation field is distributed in a circular shape on the armature via a pole shoe, homogenizing the magnetic flux density along the direction of the armature circulation. The armature is the electrically acting component of the rotor in electrical technology. This applies not only to the stator pole shoes, but also to the armature, the rotor of the electric motor, and the generator.

[0034] An electrical coil is a winding and winding object used in electrical engineering, suitable for generating or detecting magnetic fields. The coil assembly described in the semantics of this invention includes, in particular, one or two coils, preferably one or two loop coils formed by wound insulated wire, such as copper wire. A magnetic field is formed according to the direction of the winding and the sign of the current flowing through the winding, having one of two possible magnetic field directions, and the generated electromagnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the coil.

[0035] An electric permanent magnet is a special magnet whose external magnetism can be switched on or off by a current pulse. Electric permanent magnets are divided into compensated and uncompensated electric permanent magnets. Compensated electric permanent magnets are also referred to as a dual-magnet system.

[0036] One type of compensated electrostatic permanent magnet includes an electromagnet having a core of a magnetic "semi-hard" material and a permanent magnet of a magnetic "hard" material. If the semi-hard material core is magnetized in the opposite direction to the hard material core, its magnetic effect is additive. If the semi-hard material core is magnetized in the same direction as the permanent magnet, a magnetic effect exists outward. This is a dual-stable magnet, requiring electrical energy only when switching between the two states.

[0037] An uncompensated electro-permanent magnet has only a core of a magnetic "semi-hard" material. It has a smaller maximum magnetic field strength and magnetic flux density than a compensated electro-permanent magnet. Therefore, an electrical pulse passing through the electro-coil can be appropriately selected to adjust a continuous intermediate stage between the maximum magnetic field strength and a negligible residual magnetic field strength.

[0038] To electrically adjust the holding torque acting on the starting torque loop, the electrical energy of the current in the coil assembly is crucial to a magnetic saturation boundary surrounding the core. The holding torque is substantially proportional to the magnetic induction on the stator pole shoes, which originates from the residual magnetic field of the core after power is cut off and is continued to be guided to the stator pole shoes via two magnetic conductors. If the current intensity in the input coil assembly is constant, the pulse length, electrical energy, and the induction acting on the stator pole shoes, as well as the holding torque, are adjustable. To reduce the holding torque and weaken the residual magnetic field in the core, a current of opposite sign is input to the coil assembly, exceeding the characteristic coercive field strength KC of the magnet material used. The holding torque can be adjusted, for example, from 0% to 100%, where 100% is the maximum saturation induction value after the current stops.

[0039] The object of the present invention is further achieved by an (extended) electric motor having a stator, a rotor rotatable relative to the motor shaft, and a device of the present invention for providing electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between the permanent magnet of the motor and a starting torque ring rotatable relative to the motor shaft. The starting torque ring is connected to the rotor of the motor in an anti-rotation manner, or forms a starting torque ring such that the starting torque ring and the permanent magnet have a structural main shaft aligned with the motor shaft. The starting torque ring is axially located outside the stator. The permanent magnet is axially adjacent to and connected to the stator of the motor. The axial orientation of the starting torque ring and the permanent magnet is such that the rotor pole shoe of the starting torque ring faces the stator pole shoe of the permanent magnet. An air gap is formed between the rotor pole shoe and the stator pole shoe, typically in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

[0040] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a first mounting unit that mounts an electrically adjustable non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppressor onto an external rotor motor. The starting torque ring of the present invention can be mounted axially on the outer side of the rotor of the external rotor motor in an anti-rotation manner, such that the main structural axis of the starting torque ring is aligned with the rotational axis of the external rotor motor rotor. Preferably, the device of the present invention is similar to the first mounting unit and can be mounted on a mounting side of the motor, fixed to a base plate or carrier plate and on the outer side axially opposite to a circuit carrier located therein.

[0041] The first mounting unit has a holding device, such as a frame or a crossbar, that is fixed in position relative to the rotor of the external rotor motor and overlaps the rotor. The electro-permanent magnet of the device is placed on the holding device such that the main axis of the electro-permanent magnet is aligned with the shaft of the external rotor motor, and the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet is radially opposite to the starting torque ring of the rotor pole shoe.

[0042] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a second mounting unit that mounts an electrically adjustable non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppressor onto an inner rotor motor. The electro-permanent magnet of the device can be fixedly positioned on the axially outer side of the stator of the inner rotor motor, such that the main axis of the electro-permanent magnet is aligned with the shaft of the inner rotor motor. The device of the present invention can be positioned on the axially outer side opposite to the mounting side of the motor. The starting torque ring of the first mounting unit can be connected, in an anti-rotation manner, to the motor shaft of the inner rotor motor, which is axially protruding or axially elongated, via a through-hole of the electro-permanent magnet, through a connecting element, such as via a support, spoke, or disc. The starting torque ring of the first mounting unit can be axially aligned such that the starting torque ring is located radially opposite the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet.

[0043] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a combination of such (extended) motors, namely, an external rotor motor together with a first such mounting unit mounted thereon, or an internal rotor motor together with a second such mounting unit mounted thereon, and by a combination of circuits. The latter has a control unit, such as a microcontroller, and at least two switching elements, such as switching transistors, that can be controlled by the control unit. In order to keep the starting torque loop in a holding operation, a first electrical pulse can be input to at least one electrical coil of the electro-permanent magnet by the control unit through at least two switching elements, so that the residual magnetic field remaining in the electro-permanent magnet acting on the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet provides magnetic drag torque suppression. To release the starting torque loop to a free-running operation, a second electrical pulse is input to at least one electrical coil by the combination of at least two switching elements of the circuit, so that the residual magnetic field remaining in the electro-permanent magnet acting on the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet is substantially decomposed, thereby releasing the magnetic drag torque suppression.

[0044] “Basic attenuation” means that the maximum magnetic induction of the attenuated reference magnetic field is 0.1 times the magnetic induction value of the residual magnetic field present in the first brief electric pulse, and the maximum preference is 0.05 times.

[0045] If the current intensity of the input coil assembly via the circuit assembly is constant, the electrical energy and magnetic induction value of the stator pole shoe, as well as the holding torque, can be adjusted by the pulse length of the current pulse. The holding torque is adjustable from 0% to 100%, where 100% is a saturated maximum induction value. Adjusting a predetermined torque suppression, which is a predetermined torque value for the holding torque, can be done, for example, in the form of an expected value, which is received by the control unit of the circuit assembly, for example, via an interface.

[0046] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a first actuation driver, which includes a combination of the present invention, particularly a reducer mounted on an electric motor, and an actuation element on the driven side having a moving joint.

[0047] According to the present invention, the control unit is configured to receive an actuation signal and correspondingly control the motor, causing the actuating element to move from a predetermined first actuation position and a predetermined second actuation position, and vice versa. The first and second actuation positions may sometimes be end stops of an adjustable first actuation driver. The control unit is further configured such that the control of at least two switching elements of the electro-permanent magnet is such that, in order to move the actuating element from the first actuation position to the second actuation position and from the second actuation position to the first actuation position, the control of the motor by the actuation driver, particularly before or after controlling the motor, is switched from a holding operation to a free-running operation. The control unit is further configured such that, when the actuation driver reaches the second actuation position and the first actuation position, particularly in terms of time, a brief period before and after reaching the second actuation position or the first actuation position, the control of the at least two switching elements of the electro-permanent magnet is such that, when the actuation driver reaches the second actuation position and the first actuation position, particularly in terms of time, a brief period before and after reaching the second actuation position or the first actuation position, the control is switched from a free-running operation to a holding operation.

[0048] The control unit may be, for example, an upper-level microcontroller of the actuator. The actuation signal is received by an upper-level controller, for example, via a connector cable of the actuator or wirelessly. Alternatively, the control signal may be provided by the control unit itself, such as based on clock time, or based on day of the week, or based on temperature.

[0049] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in non-fail-safe actuators. Through time-coordinated switching from hold operation to free-running operation and return, the movement of the actuator element does not require a starting torque wheel.

[0050] Another advantage is that no starting torque is required during free-running operation, and there is no mechanical vibration. During the entire driving process, mechanical vibration enters the connected valve as acoustic noise, or enters the connected check valve (Klappe), and then enters the connected piping system or a ventilation channel connected thereto.

[0051] Finally, the object of the present invention is achieved by a second actuation driver, which includes a combination of the present invention, in particular a reducer mounted on an electric motor and an actuation element on the driven side having an actuation joint.

[0052] The actuation driver has a return spring that provides a return torque acting on the actuating element, causing the actuating element to automatically enter a safe rest position, particularly when the actuation driver loses its current supply, or when a cut-off signal is received that causes the actuating element to move to a safe rest position. The return torque acts directly on the motor or, in the case of a gearbox, via a rotor return torque. The control unit is configured to operate the motor when the power supply is connected or when an on signal is received requiring the actuating element to move from the safe rest position to a trigger position. The control unit is further configured to operate at least two switching elements to switch the actuation driver from a free-running operation to a holding operation when it reaches the trigger position, particularly shortly before or after reaching the trigger position.

[0053] "Before the brief arrival in time" or "after the brief arrival in time" is a time period of less than 3 seconds for the first and second actuators, especially less than 1 second.

[0054] By means of an electro-permanent magnet, the holding torque applied to the motor rotor during holding operation is greater than the total rotor torque acting on the rotor, particularly at least 1.1 to 3 times greater. This ensures that the actuator can reliably remain in the triggered position even when considering connected loads such as check valves or valves. The load torque acting on the actuation joint via the connected check valve or valve must be substantially known.

[0055] The control unit is further configured such that when the circuit combination of at least two control units receives a power cut-off signal or when the current supply is lost, the control mode is such that the actuator switches from holding operation to free operation, and then the actuator automatically returns from the trigger position to a safe rest position.

[0056] The power cut-off signal may come from the upper controller and be received by the control unit, for example, via the connector cable of the actuator or wirelessly. Alternatively, the circuitry is configured such that the actuator driver switches from holding operation to free-running operation when the current supply is lost, and then the actuator returns to a safe rest position.

[0057] In this invention, "electric motor" refers to the first and second actuation drives, or an extended electric motor having an integrated electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression, and an inner rotor electric motor or an outer rotor electric motor as a building unit, on which the first and second mounting units are mounted. Regarding inner and outer rotor electric motors, this refers to commercially available, conventional electric motors.

[0058] The two previously described actuators preferably have, but are not required to have, a speed reducer. In other words, the (extended) electric motor, the conventional inner and outer rotor motors, can be directly connected to the actuator connector for direct drive.

[0059] The main advantage of the present invention is that the two aforementioned actuators require significantly less median electrical energy in the holding operation, i.e. in the trigger position and in the first and second actuation positions, and for most of the time.

[0060] Another major advantage is that, in the presence of the gearbox, the two aforementioned actuators, due to their typically very high reduction ratios in the range of 1:5000 and 1:25000, and due to the radially outward starting torque on the motor rotor, require only a relatively small holding force, less than 1 N, and particularly less than 0.1 N, to properly hold the actuating elements of the actuators in the triggered position. For this purpose, the gearbox has a reduction ratio in the range of 1:500 and 1:25000, preferably in the range of 1:1000 and 1:10000.

[0061] A speed reducer generally has multiple gears connected in series, particularly on a base plate, to provide the speed reduction required for the actuation element of a first or second actuation drive. The actuation element may be, for example, a toothed segment. The actuation element itself has an actuating joint that connects the actuation drive to a check valve or a valve as a load. Depending on the speed reduction output design, a predetermined rotation of the actuation shaft of the drive actuator or a predetermined linear motion along the actuation shaft is possible at the actuating joint.

[0062] The coil assembly may generally have one (single) pair of coils or windings wound around a magnetic core, which may be excited by a positive or negative excitation current. Alternatively, the coil assembly may also have two pairs of coils or windings wound around a magnetic core, which may be controlled by excitation currents respectively.

[0063] The aforementioned actuator specifically includes a housing for housing the following components: an extended motor having an integrated adjustable starting torque suppression device and an outer or inner rotor motor having an axially mounted first or second mounting unit for adjustable starting torque suppression, a speed reducer (if present), and a braking element. These components are preferably mounted on a base plate or carrier plate within the actuator housing. Embodiments of the Invention

[0064] In one embodiment of the device, the electro-permanent magnet comprises a straight prism or a straight hollow prism, particularly a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical magnetic core, relative to its structural axis. The electro-permanent magnet further comprises at least one coaxially surrounding electrical coil around the magnetic core, and two magnetically conductive sheet metal pieces, preferably identical in construction, serving as magnetic field conductors. The two sheet metal pieces surround or enclose the magnetic core, each having at least one electrical coil, and are axially opposed to the structural axis. The two sheet metal pieces are magnetically connected to one of the magnetic core's extreme ends via a radially inwardly oriented central sheet metal segment. In other words, the two sheet metal pieces are attached to the extreme ends of the preferred magnetic core with their central sheet metal segments, without air gaps. The two sheet metal pieces may, for example, be glued, clamped, soldered, or welded to the magnetic core. The two sheet metal pieces form a plurality of nF finger segments extending radially outward. The two sheet metal pieces are torsional to each other in the circumferential direction relative to the structural axis, particularly in the spacing, with the finger ends of one sheet metal piece engaging, particularly non-contactly, with the finger ends of the other sheet metal piece. The rotating shaft of the device and the main shaft of the electro-permanent magnet are aligned with each other. This coaxial structure results in an advantageous simplicity and ease of manufacturing and assembly.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the finger-end pieces of the two sheet metal parts are flexed axially relative to the main axis of the electro-permanent magnet, so as to form stator pole shoes distributed in the circumferential direction on the radially outer side of the radially outer region. The interlocking finger-end pieces are located on a common radially circumscribed plane. The stator pole shoes are disposed on the starting torque ring, radially opposite to the rotor pole shoes. In particular, the finger-end pieces are bent at 90°±10° such that their plane normal is perpendicular to the main axis of the electro-permanent magnet. The finger-end pieces are more or less planar, and preferably planar. The two sheet metal parts can advantageously be manufactured by a stamping process.

[0066] According to the magnetic flux guiding structure design, in the engaged state, one rotor pole shoe is precisely radially opposite to one stator pole shoe, or in the peripheral direction, one rotor pole shoe is precisely located between two stator pole shoes and radially opposite each other. In the latter state, the rotor pole shoes are positioned on the interval when viewed from the rotation axis in the peripheral direction.

[0067] In an embodiment that replaces the foregoing embodiment, one of the two sheet metal parts has a finger-shaped segment extending radially outward with its finger tip. The finger-shaped segment and the finger tip are located on a common axial external contact surface. The plane normals of the finger-shaped segment and the finger tip are parallel to the construction principal axis of the electric permanent magnet. Therefore, the first sheet metal part is more or less a planar sheet metal part. It can be easily manufactured by stamping.

[0068] The finger-shaped segment of the other sheet metal piece has a central finger that flexes axially relative to the main axis of the permanent magnet, while adjacent finger tips flex radially relative to the main axis of the permanent magnet, forming stator pole shoes distributed in a peripheral direction together with the finger tips of the first sheet metal piece. In this example, the central finger and the finger tips together surround the radially outer region of the electrical coil. The finger tips of the second sheet metal piece are therefore flexed twice in the same direction, specifically 90° ± 10°, and surround the radially outer side of the electrical coil of the permanent magnet. The stator pole shoes and the rotor pole shaft are axially opposite to the starting torque ring. Therefore, the finger tips of the first and second sheet metal pieces are more or less located in the same plane, preferably in a common plane. The normal of this plane is parallel to the structural main axis of the permanent magnet.

[0069] According to the magnetic flux guiding structure design, in the engaged state, one rotor pole shoe is precisely radially opposite to one stator pole shoe, or in the peripheral direction, one rotor pole shoe is precisely located between two stator pole shoes and radially opposite each other. In the latter state, the rotor pole shoes are positioned on the interval when viewed from the rotation axis in the peripheral direction.

[0070] The preferred electric coil is circular or polygonal in construction and spread out into a coil plane, while the main axis of the electric permanent magnet is perpendicular to the coil plane, especially in the middle.

[0071] The finger-shaped segments of the aforementioned two sheet metal parts gradually taper towards their radial ends.

[0072] In one embodiment of the invention, the electro-permanent magnet has a (straight) hollow prism, particularly a hollow cylindrical permanent magnet ring. The permanent magnet ring coaxially surrounds at least one electro-coil and coil assembly. The permanent magnet ring is made of a hard magnetic material, having a residual magnetic flux density BR of at least 0.5T, particularly at least 0.7T, and a coercive field strength KC greater than 100 kA / m, particularly at least 500 kA / m. Such a permanent magnet ring has hard magnetic properties and is almost entirely unaffected by the magnetic interference field of the permanent magnet environment. The hard magnetic material is, for example, derived from cobalt-samarium alloys or neodymium-iron-boron alloys.

[0073] When a suitable current is input into the coil assembly in such an electric permanent magnet, an electromagnetic field with a corresponding sign is induced in the "semi" hard magnetic core, depending on the sign of the input current. After the input current disappears, a residual magnetic field running axially remains in the core, which overlaps with the permanent magnet field of a permanent magnet ring running axially, acting as a magnetic field conductor in the central section of the two radially inscribed sheet metal pieces. If the two magnetic fields overlap and add, an alternating north and south pole is formed on the fingertip piece in the peripheral direction relative to the main axis of construction. In another case, the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, therefore, a south or north pole with sufficient magnetic field strength is not formed on the fingertip piece. The advantage of this embodiment is that a higher magnetic induction value can be achieved on the stator pole shoe compared to an electric permanent magnet with only a "semi" hard magnetic core.

[0074] In another embodiment of the device, the core of the electro-permanent magnet is made of a magnetic material having a residual magnetic flux density BR of at least 1 T, particularly at least 1.2 T, and a coercive field strength KC of 25 kA / m to 100 kA / m, particularly 40 kA / m to 100 kA / m, and / or a magnetic energy density BHmax of at least 30 KJ / m³. Such "semi-"hard" magnetic materials are, for example, derived from AlNiCo 600, or from platinum-cobalt alloys, copper-nickel-iron alloys, iron-cobalt-chromium alloys, or manganese-aluminum-carbon alloys. A core with such a magnetic material is highly advantageous, as it can provide a strong and tunable residual magnetic field at its two electrode ends.

[0075] In another embodiment of this device, the magnetic field conductors are made of a magnetic material having a permeability of at least 40 µr, particularly at least 300. It is preferred that both magnetic field conductors are made of an electrical steel sheet, particularly a non-granular-oriented electrical steel sheet or a generator steel sheet, suitable for stamping and bending. Electrical steel sheets, particularly non-granular-oriented electrical steel sheets, are described, for example, in EN 10106 "Cold-rolled non-granular-oriented electrical steel sheets and strips in the final annealed condition".

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, the electro-permanent magnet has two electrical coils, and a voltage detection unit connected to the control unit is connected parallel to one of these two electrical coils to detect a voltage signal. The control unit is configured to analyze the voltage signal, detect the presence of repeating voltage pulses, and declare them as drehimpulses, for example, in the form of digital rectangular pulses. Based on such drehimpulses, the motor connected to the device of the invention can be controlled and regulated.

[0077] In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor, particularly a Hall sensor, is incorporated in the stator pole shoe region of an electro-permanent magnet to detect a magnetic induction value. This control unit is configured such that the circuitry controls at least two switching elements to input a first current pulse having a first predetermined pulse length. After the pulse ends, an actual magnetic induction value is detected. If the detected actual magnetic induction value does not exceed a predetermined upper limit, the first current pulse is repeatedly input, but the pulse length increases progressively until, after the pulse ends, the actual magnetic induction value exceeds the predetermined upper limit.

[0078] This allows for the advantageous achievement of continuous monitoring of the electro-permanent magnet, ensuring that the magnetic induction of the residual magnetic field acting on the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet reaches the upper limit, sufficient to securely fix the motor rotor connected to the starting torque ring in an anti-rotation manner in the holding operation.

[0079] An alternative or additional approach is that the control unit may be configured such that at least two switching elements of the control circuit combination receive a second current pulse having a second predetermined pulse length, and after the pulse ends, detect an actual magnetic induction value. If the detected magnetic induction value is not lower than a predetermined lower limit, the second current pulse is repeatedly input, but the pulse length is increased by the second pulse length until the actual magnetic induction value is lower than the predetermined lower limit after the pulse ends.

[0080] This allows for the advantageous achievement of continuously monitoring the electro-permanent magnet, ensuring that the magnetic induction of the residual magnetic field acting on the stator pole shoe of the electro-permanent magnet does not exceed the lower limit, which is sufficient to properly release the motor rotor connected to the starting torque ring in an anti-rotation manner into free-running operation.

[0081] The lower limit of magnetic induction is particularly located in the region of 0.05 to 0.2 times the upper limit of magnetic induction.

Implementation Method

[0083] Figure 1 shows side-by-side the components Bu, SP, MK, and Bo of the device RH of the present invention—an electro-permanent magnet MAG—for providing a non-contact magnetic drag torque suppression. The left and right components in Figure 1 are an upper sheet metal piece Bo and a lower sheet metal piece Bu. The names Bo and Bu for the upper and lower sheet metal pieces are only used in this and subsequent illustrations. The two sheet metal pieces Bo and Bu can also be referred to as the first and second sheet metal pieces. The two sheet metal pieces Bo and Bu have, for example, 12 radially protruding finger-shaped segments Fo and Fu, evenly distributed in the peripheral direction relative to the structural axis A of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. Alternatively, as shown by the dashed lines, some finger-shaped segments Fo and Fu may be missing. Figure 1 shows two sheet metal pieces Bo and Bu with finger-shaped segments Fo and Fu, initially without bending. OF represents a central through hole, and Zu and Zo represent central sheet metal segments radially inward relative to the structural axis A. Eo and Eu are radially outward finger tips, and Ao and Au represent finger protrusions. The latter is connected to the radially inline central sheet metal section.

[0084] In another embodiment, the hollow cylindrical magnetic core MK has its two axially outer sides opposite or connected to an internally connected central sheet metal segment Zo, Zu. The two axially outer sides of the magnetic core MK form electrode ends, which, in the magnetized state, form a magnetic north pole and a south pole, or vice versa. The coaxially connected external magnetic core MK is surrounded by an electrical coil assembly SP. For this purpose, the electrical coil assembly SP has a geometrically fitted opening OFS. The two electrical terminals of the electrical coil assembly SP are labeled EA.

[0085] In the assembled state, that is, the fingertips Eo and Eu flexibly cage-like surround the electrical coil assembly SP between the two sheet metal parts Bo and Bu, which coaxially accommodates the magnetic core MK. The fingertip Eo of the upper sheet metal part Bo engages with the fingertip Eu of the lower sheet metal part Bu. All the aforementioned components Bo, Bu, SP, and MK of the electro-permanent magnet MAG are connected to each other in an anti-rotation manner, and particularly in a fixed manner, in the assembled state. The aforementioned components Bo, Bu, SP, and MK can be glued together and / or interlocked.

[0086] Figure 2 shows a top view of the exemplary device RH of the present invention as seen from viewpoint II in Figure 3. The electro-permanent magnet MAG is radially inlined and radially outlined with a torque ring RR about a common axis D. A shaft, labeled W, is aligned with the rotational shaft D of the device RH. In the example of Figure 2, a shaft W aligned with the rotational shaft D is connected to the starting torque ring RR in an anti-rotation manner. The shaft W and the motor shaft may also be components of the motor (see Figures 5 to 9). The starting torque ring RR includes, for example, 24 radially inwardly oriented rotor pole shoes PR evenly distributed around the rotational shaft D in the circumferential direction. Twenty-four slots NU or recesses are provided in the center of each pole shoe.

[0087] The finger tips Eo and Eu of the electro-permanent magnet MAG are designed such that, within a radially outer region RAB of the electro-permanent magnet MAG, the finger tips Eo and Eu engage with the finger tips Eu and Eu of one of the two sheet metal parts Bo and Bu, forming a plurality of nPS, for example, 24 in this case, stator pole shoes PS, having north and south poles N and S that interact with the rotation shaft D in the peripheral direction. The finger segments Fu of the lower sheet metal part Bu are marked with lines and dashed lines. Each of the corresponding finger tips Eu forms a south pole S as a pole shoe PS, while the finger tips Eo of the upper sheet metal part Bo forms a north pole N as a pole shoe PS. In this example, the rotor pole shoes PR in the engaged state each accurately corresponds to a stator pole shoe PS of the electro-permanent magnet MAG, and each forms an air gap LS with it. Finally, the outer diameter of the device RH of the present invention is marked as AD and the starting torque ring is RR.

[0088] Figure 3 shows the example of Figure 2 through a cross-sectional view of the main axis A of the device RH of the present invention. Here, HE indicates the component height of the device RH and the electric permanent magnet MAG of the present invention. The relationship between the outer diameter MD and the component height HE is particularly in the range of 3 to 20, preferably in the range of 5 to 10. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 3, a through hole OF can be seen for a shaft W to pass through, such as the motor shaft of an electric motor. This through hole OF is not necessary, as shown in Figure 8 later. It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the curved finger ends Eo and Eu of the finger-shaped segments Fo and Fu surround the electric coil SP and the coil assembly at the radial outer edge, where each pole shoe PS is formed. Ao and Au indicate the corresponding finger flanges, which are located in the radially inner central plate segments Zo and Zu. The latter then serve as the electrode end PE on the axial outer side of the magnetic core MK.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a side view of one of the electro-permanent magnets MAG, which is one of the coaxial inner parts of the device RH of the present invention. In this display, finger-like ends Eo and Eu, bent at 90°, are visible, tapering towards their ends in a trapezoidal shape. The north and south poles N and S, formed on the stator pole shoes PS when the magnetic core MK is magnetized, are also clearly visible.

[0090] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through a shaft D of an external rotor motor MO, which has an integrated device RH on a substrate GP of an actuator driver of the present invention. As shown, the motor MO, extended to have start-up torque suppression, includes a shaft D aligned with the main shaft A, about which the motor shaft W of the motor MO rotates. A motor gear MZ is connected to this motor shaft W in an anti-rotation manner, and a reduction gear ZR, shown only partially, drives an actuator driver reduction gear G. An outer axis of the motor MO is indicated by AM. A circuit carrier LP is provided on the substrate GP, on which a control unit MC, particularly a microcontroller, is mounted for controlling the actuator driver, and a control unit TR for the motor MO and, if necessary, for start-up torque suppression. The control unit TR includes an integrated power semiconductor field-effect transistor (FET) or diode. Other components, such as Hall sensors, may be mounted on the circuit carrier LP for magnetically detecting the rotational motion of the rotor RO of the motor MO. In addition to the rotor RO driving the motor shaft W, the motor MO also includes a pair of stators ST fixed to the base plate GP, allowing the rotor MO, along with its permanent magnets PM distributed around the shaft D in the circumferential direction, to move relative to the stators. For clarity, the excitation coils of the stator ST are not shown. The axial height of the motor MO is indicated by H, and the motor diameter is indicated by DM.

[0091] In this invention, the electric motor MO includes an integrated device for providing an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electro-permanent magnet MAG and a starting torque ring RR rotatable on the shaft D of the electric motor MO. The latter is connected to the rotor RO of the electric motor MO in an anti-rotation manner. Two possible embodiments of the starting torque ring RR and the starting torque wheel are shown in the figures. In the left half of Figure 5, the starting torque ring RR is located along an axial extension of the rotor RO, which is designed as a rotor clock, for example, by pressing or bonding. In the right half of Figure 5, the rotor RO and the rotor clock itself form the starting torque ring RR. This can be done, for example, by a pressing tool acting radially outward on the outer rotor ROA of the rotor RO, which presses the rotor pole shoe PR into the rotor RO. The starting torque ring RR itself is located axially outward on the stator ST. Furthermore, the electro-permanent magnet MAG is axially adjacent to the stator ST of the electric motor MO, for example, by bonding. A magnetic isolator MI, such as a perforated plate made of plastic or aluminum, can be installed between the stator ST and the electro-permanent magnet MAG for magnetic isolation. The starting torque ring RR and the electro-permanent magnet MAG are also coaxial, with the starting torque ring RR radially aligned with the rotor pole shoe PR and the stator pole shoe PS of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. Finally, L indicates a power supply wire that connects the electrical coil SP and coil assembly in the electro-permanent magnet MAG to the circuit carrier LP. An appropriate current pulse is input through this wire L to power the adjustment of the reluctance torque suppression. The rotational motion of this type of motor MO can be blocked in the simplest case, or switched to free operation without starting torque suppression.

[0092] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along tangent VI-VI through the motor MO in Figure 5, showing the device RH of the present invention integrated therein. The starting torque ring RR is clearly visible in the figure, radially fitted into the inner side of the rotor RO. A through hole OF is also visible in the electro-permanent magnet MAG, through which the motor shaft W passes, driving the rotor RO.

[0093] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view through the shaft D of a motor MO, for example designed as an internal rotor, with such an integrated device RH of the present invention. Unlike the previous two Figures 5 and 6, the rotor RO is coaxially internally connected to the shaft D and coaxially externally connected to the stator ST. A fixed motor housing, denoted by MG, is used to house the circuit carrier LP. An electro-permanent magnet MAG is disposed at the axial end of the stator ST. A starting torque ring RR, coaxially disposed with respect to the electro-permanent magnet MAG, is connected to the motor shaft W through a connecting element VE. In this example, the starting torque ring RR and the connecting element VE are advantageously configured as a cover-like one-piece component.

[0094] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the shaft D of an external rotor motor MOS, showing a first mounting unit NE1 with axial mounting, which includes a device RH of this invention. The starting torque ring RR of the device RH can be provided in an anti-rotation manner on the axially outer side AM of the rotor RO of the external rotor motor MOS, so that the main axis of the starting torque ring RR is aligned with the shaft D of the external rotor motor MOS. Therefore, it is not necessary for the starting torque ring RR to be directly connected to the motor shaft W. The first mounting unit NE1 further includes a retaining device HL, such as a crossbar or a frame, which fixes the stator ST position of the external rotor motor MOS and overlaps the rotor RO. The retaining device HL serves to mount the electro-permanent magnet MAG of the device RH, such that the main axis A of the electro-permanent magnet MAG is aligned with the shaft D of the external rotor motor MOS, and at the same time, the stator pole shoes PS and rotor pole shoes PR of the electro-permanent magnet MAG are opposite to the starting torque ring RR. As shown in Figure 8, the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) can be fixed on a circuit carrier (LP), which is mounted on a holding device (HL). A drive module with an integrated power semiconductor, or two or more power semiconductors such as FETs, can be mounted on the circuit carrier (LP) to simplify the current input to the MAG coil assembly (SP). Furthermore, a magnetic isolator (MI) is provided axially outside the MAG and rotor (RO) on the outer side (AM) for magnetic isolation.

[0095] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view through a shaft D of an internal rotor motor MOS, with an axially mounted second mounting unit NE2, which includes a device RH of this invention. The housing of the internal rotor motor MOS is still designated MG. An electro-permanent magnet MAG can be fixedly mounted on the axially outer AM of a stator ST or on the motor housing MG of the internal rotor motor MOS, such that a structural main shaft A of the electro-permanent magnet MAG is aligned with the shaft D of the internal rotor motor MOS. The starting torque ring RR shown can be connected in an anti-rotation manner to the axially protruding or axially extending motor shaft WE of the internal rotor motor MOS via a connecting element VE, the motor shaft passing through a permanent magnet MAG through a through hole OF. The starting torque ring RR and the connecting element VE can also form a common component, such as a magnet. Furthermore, the starting torque ring RR of the second mounting unit NE2 can be axially oriented such that it, along with the rotor pole shoe PR, is radially opposite to the stator pole shoe PS of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. In addition, a magnetic isolator MI is installed on the outer side of the electric permanent magnet MAG and the motor housing MG on the axial side for magnetic isolation.

[0096] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the device RH of the present invention, which additionally includes a permanent magnet ring R and a magnetic isolator IS, and sequential components Bu, IS, R, SP, MK, Bo of an electric permanent magnet MAG. Unlike the embodiment in Figure 1, the electric coil and coil assembly SP, which axially accommodate the magnetic core MK, are coaxially accommodated within a central opening OFR of the permanent magnet ring R. The coaxial assembly of the permanent magnet ring R, coil assembly SP, and magnetic core MK is coaxially accommodated within a central opening OFI of a magnetic isolator IS. The latter can be, for example, a plastic ring or an aluminum ring. The magnetic isolator IS is not absolutely necessary, but it improves the magnetic flux conduction through the two sheet metal parts Bo, Bu of the electric permanent magnet MAG, which, like a cage, surrounds the entire assembly containing the magnetic core MK, coil assembly SP, permanent magnet ring R, and magnetic isolator IS. In this illustration, the two sheet metal parts Bo, Bu are shown without the bending of the fingertips Eo, Eu. The following will show the case with bending.

[0097] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a cross-section of the main axis A of the electrical permanent magnet MAG according to Figure 10. In this display, the coaxial combination of components Bu, IS, R, SP, MK, and Bo can be clearly seen.

[0098] If a current is applied appropriately to the coil assembly SP, an electromagnetic field of corresponding sign is induced in the magnetic core MK. After the input current is removed, an axial residual magnetic field remains in the magnetic core MK, which overlaps with the axial residual magnetic field in the permanent magnet ring R in the radially inscribed central sections Zo and Zu of the two sheet metal parts Bo and Bu. If the two magnetic fields overlap and add, they will alternately form north and south poles on the structural main axis A in the peripheral direction at the finger tips Fo and Fu, which serve as stator pole shoes PS. In the other case, if the two magnetic fields cancel each other out, no north and south poles with sufficient magnetic field strength will be formed on the finger tips Fo and Fu. The electromagnetic field induced by the coil assembly SP has no effect on the residual magnetic field originating from the permanent magnet ring R.

[0099] Figure 12 shows the principle of circuit assembly SA in selecting and controlling the electro-permanent magnet MAG of the present invention. It applies a possible holding torque by inputting a first and second electrical pulse to the coil assembly SP in the electro-permanent magnet MAG, thereby holding or releasing the rotor of a motor MO or MOS. The electro-permanent magnet MAG considered here includes a magnetic core MK, but no permanent magnet ring R.

[0100] To electrically adjust the holding torque acting on the starting torque ring RR, it is crucial that the current energy of the input coil assembly SP reaches one of the magnetic saturation boundaries of the surrounding magnetic core MK. The holding torque is essentially proportional to the magnetic induction on the stator pole shoe PS, which is generated by the residual magnetic field in the core MK after the input current is turned off and conducted to the stator pole shoe PS via the two magnetic field conductors Bo and Bu. If the current intensity from the coil assembly SA to the coil assembly SP is constant, then the energy transmitted via the pulse length of a ground current pulse is also constant, as is the magnetic induction value on the stator pole shoe PS, thus the holding torque is adjustable. To reduce the holding torque, a current of opposite sign can be input from the coil assembly SA to the coil assembly SP, weakening the residual magnetic field in the core MK to at least exceed the coercive field strength KC characteristic of the magnetic material. Thus, the holding torque is adjustable within a range of 0% to 100%, where 100% is the maximum induction value relative to the residual magnetic field. A predetermined value is adjusted to suppress the starting torque, which corresponds to a predetermined torque value for holding torque. This can be, for example, in the form of an expected value, which is received by the control unit MC of the circuit assembly SA, for example through an interface of the electric motor of the present invention, the electric motor of the present invention, an mounting unit of the present invention, or according to the combination of the present invention.

[0101] Circuit assembly SA has a series circuit of an electro-permanent magnet MAG coil SP1, a capacitor C, and a switching switch WS. The switching switch WS can be implemented, for example, via two unipolar and jointly operable switching elements S1 and S2, according to circuit technology. When the switching switch WS is switched to a holding position (indicated by "on"), the capacitor C is charged via a supply voltage V+ provided by the switching switch to the holding position, and via the coil SP1 connected in series, until the capacitor C is saturated. A short current pulse is thus generated through the coil SP1, which is fixed by the time constant of the inductance of the coil SP1 and the capacitance of the capacitor C. Thus, a current pulse flows through the coil SP1, initially increasing and then decreasing, and establishing a magnetic field. The pulse length of the current pulse is specifically in the range of 5 ms to 200 ms. An optional front resistor is indicated by RV to limit the current peak that occurs during the switching process.

[0102] If the switching switch WS is switched from the holding position to the free running position (marked as “off”), the capacitor C discharges through the coil SP1 in the opposite current direction and establishes a magnetic field with opposite magnetic signs.

[0103] The inductance of the electric coil and the capacitance of the capacitor C are measured by the following method: when switching at the second end of the series circuit, there is a brief, gradually decreasing sinusoidal current pulse oscillation at the common reference potential M, which is used to demagnetize the magnetic core MK of the electric permanent magnet MAG. The circuit assembly SA shown in

[0104] further includes a control unit MC and a switching switch WS controllable by the control unit MC, so as to input a first or second brief current pulse into the coil assembly SP of the electrically permanent magnet MAG. The control unit MC is in particular a processor-supported control unit, and preferably a microcontroller. The switching switch WS can be, for example, a relay. Alternatively, it can be implemented using two single switching elements. The switching elements are in particular switching transistors, preferably so-called FETs.

[0105] One such core circuit assembly advantageously requires only a few components. Furthermore, the electrical energy stored in the capacitor C ensures that the magnetic core remains sufficiently demagnetized upon power failure, suppressing and releasing the magnetic reluctance torque into free-running operation. The actuating element can be driven back to a safe resting position via a return spring.

[0106] Another major advantage is that the circuit combination actuator no longer requires much electrical power to maintain operation after the capacitor C is charged.

[0107] In particular, the inductance of the electric coil SP1 and the capacitance of the capacitor C are measured by a brief, gradually decreasing sinusoidal current pulse oscillating at the common reference potential M during switching at the second end of the series circuit, used to demagnetize the core MK of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. The gradually decreasing sinusoidal current pulse can, for example, have 5 to 20 oscillations. This advantageously allows for near-complete demagnetization of the core.

[0108] Figure 13 shows a second circuit assembly SA, having a coil assembly SP, having two electrical coils SP1, SP2 and a magnetic field sensor MF. The two coils SP1, SP2, as part of the coil assembly SP, are switched to a common, positive supply voltage V+. The two coils SP1, SP2 are switched to a common reference potential (ground) via a switching element S1, S2, and preferably via a switching transistor. The two switching elements S1, S2 are controlled by a control unit MC of a control driver.

[0109] In order to adjust the holding operation of the actuator driver (indicated by "on"), the rotor RO of the holding motor MO and MOS magnetically engages with the starting torque ring RR of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. The first switching element S1 is briefly closed, so that a short-term current pulse is applied to the coil SP1 to establish a magnetic field in the magnetic core MK of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. After the first switching element S1 is reopened, a residual magnetic field remains in the magnetic core MK, providing a magnetic starting torque on the outside of the rotor RO.

[0110] To adjust the free-running operation (indicated by "off"), the second switching element S2 is briefly closed, causing a brief current pulse to be applied to the coil SP2 to generate a magnetic field in the core MK of the electro-permanent magnet MAG in the opposite direction to the residual magnetic field. After the second switching element S2 is reopened, the aforementioned residual magnetic field remaining in the core MK disappears. The disappearance of the residual magnetic field causes the starting torque between the rotor RO of the operating motor MO and MOS and the starting torque ring RR of the electro-permanent magnet MAG to disappear, allowing the rotor RO to move freely. In a fail-safe drive actuator, the drive element driven by the preloaded return spring returns to the safe rest position via a reducer.

[0111] The magnetic field sensor MG is shown on the left side of Figure 13. It is located at the PE region of the two electrode ends of the magnetic core MK of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. The latter is connected to a control unit MC of the drive actuator to detect an actual magnetic induction value. The control unit MC is configured to control the first switching element S1 of the circuit combination SA to input a first current pulse with a first predetermined pulse length. After the pulse ends, an actual magnetic induction value is detected. If the detected magnetic induction value does not exceed a predetermined upper limit, the first pulse is repeated, but the length of the first pulse is increased, until the actual magnetic induction value exceeds the predetermined upper limit after the pulse ends.

[0112] In this embodiment, the control element MC is further configured to control the second switching element S2 to input a second current pulse having a second predetermined pulse length. After the pulse ends, an actual magnetic induction value is detected. If the detected magnetic induction value is not lower than a predetermined lower limit, the second pulse is repeated, but the length of the second pulse is increased until the actual magnetic induction value is lower than the predetermined lower limit after the pulse ends.

[0113] Furthermore, as can be seen on the left side of Figure 13, a voltage detection unit VM is parallel to one of the two coils, specifically parallel to the first coil SP1. The voltage detection unit VM is connected to the control unit MC for detecting voltage signals. The latter is configured to analyze the voltage signal, detect the presence of voltage pulses, and submit the voltage pulses as rotation pulses to an actuator driver—a motor control unit—to control the motors MO and MOS. The voltage signal detection can be performed, for example, through an A / D converter. The latter can be integrated into a control unit MC and a microcontroller. Analyzing the voltage signal to detect whether voltage pulses recur can be performed, for example, by a PLL (Phased-Locked-Loop) circuit or by a PLL function implemented in software, which is implemented by the control unit MC.

[0114] Figure 14 illustrates the principle of a third circuit assembly SA providing rotation pulses. It has a full-bridge circuit assembly SP, a magnetic field sensor MF, and a voltage detection unit VM. In this example, the coils of the coil assembly SP are arranged in the full-bridge such that when the first and fourth switching elements S1 and S4 are closed, a first short-duration current pulse is applied to the coils, and when the second and third switching elements S2 and S3 are closed, a second short-duration current pulse is applied to the coil of the electro-permanent magnet S1. The four switching elements S1-S4 are connected to the control unit MC of the actuator driver for operation. The detection of the rotation pulses is implemented in a manner similar to the embodiment in Figure 13.

[0115] In summary, the present invention relates to a device RH for providing an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electro-permanent magnet MAG and a starting torque ring RR rotatable about a shaft D and having distributed rotor pole shoes PR. The electro-permanent magnet MAG includes a magnetic core MK, a coil assembly SP surrounding the permanent magnet, and magnetic field conductors Bo, Bu connected to its electrode ends PE. To provide torque suppression, a suitable current pulse can be applied to the coil assembly SP. The two magnetic field conductors extend from the electrode ends to the rotor pole shoes and form stator pole shoes at their ends, opposite to the rotor pole shoes of the starting torque ring. In the present invention, the magnetic field conductors Bo, Bu form a plurality of finger-shaped segments Fo, Fu, having a plurality of finger-like ends Eo, Eu. Finger tips Eo and Eu are formed in the radial outer region RA of the electro-permanent magnet MAG. The design and orientation are such that the finger tips Eo and Eu of one of the two magnetic field conductors Bo and Bu are engaged between the finger tips Eu and Eo of the other magnetic field conductor Bu and Bo, forming the stator pole shoe PS, which has north and south poles N and S that interact in the peripheral direction. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0082] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show: Figure 1 shows side-by-side diagrams of the components of an electro-permanent magnet according to an embodiment of the device of the present invention, for providing non-contact magnetic reluctance torque suppression; Figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention as seen from viewpoint II in Figure 3; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the device of the present invention through a structural main shaft; Figure 4 is a side view of an electro-permanent magnet as a coaxial inner portion of the device of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through a shaft of a motor designed as an outer rotor, having an integrated such device disposed on a substrate of a motor actuator of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through a motor along tangent VI-VI in Figure 5, having an integrated device of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through a shaft of a motor designed as an inner rotor, having an integrated such device of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through a shaft of a motor designed as an outer rotor, having a first mounting unit axially mounted on such a device of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through a shaft of a motor designed as an inner rotor, having a second mounting unit axially mounted on such a device of the present invention. Figure 10 shows the components of a permanent magnet for an electric motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, side by side, which additionally includes a permanent magnet ring and a magnetic isolator; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through the main axis of the electric permanent magnet in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows the principle of a circuit combination for selectively controlling the electric permanent magnet of the present invention for possible holding or releasing the motor rotor; Figure 13 shows the principle of a second circuit combination having two electric coils and a magnetic field sensor; and Figure 14 shows the principle of a third circuit combination having a full-bridge circuit combination having a magnetic field sensor and a voltage detection unit for providing rotation pulses.

Claims

1. A device (RH) for providing electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electrically permanent magnet (MAG) and a coaxially mounted starting torque ring (RR) rotatable towards a rotating shaft D, wherein the starting torque ring (RR) has nRP rotor pole shoes (RP) evenly distributed in a peripheral direction towards the rotating shaft (D), wherein, An electrically permanent magnet (MAG) includes at least one electric coil (SP1, SP2) surrounding a magnetic core (MK) and a magnetic field conductor (Bo, Bu) magnetically connected to the electrode ends (PE) of the magnetic core (MK) to form a north pole and a south pole at the two electrode ends (PE) of the magnetic core (MK). To provide electrically adjustable reluctance torque suppression, a current pulse with appropriate current intensity and / or pulse intensity and in an appropriate current direction can be input to an electric coil (SP1, SP2). The two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu) extend from the two electrode ends (PE) of the magnetic core (MK) towards the rotor pole shoe (RP) of the starting torque ring (RR), and form a stator pole shoe (PS) at the ends of the two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu). The two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu) are interconnected in an anti-rotation manner. The stator pole shoe (PS) is located opposite the starting torque ring (RR) with the rotor pole shoe (RP) to provide starting torque suppression. The feature is that... Two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu) each have nF finger segments (Fo, Fu), each finger segment has a finger tip (Eo, Eu), the finger tip (Eo, Eu) is formed in a radial outer region (RA) of an electric permanent magnet (MAG), and the finger tip (Eo, Eu) of one of the two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu) engages with the finger tip (Eu, Eo) of the other magnetic field conductor (Bu, Bo) so as to form nPS stator pole shoes (PS) with north pole (N) and south pole (S) that are staggered with respect to the rotation axis (D) in the peripheral direction.

2. The apparatus (RH) as described in claim 1, wherein, An electric permanent magnet (MAG) comprises, along its main axis (A), a straight prism or a straight hollow prism, particularly a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical magnetic core (MK), which includes at least two electric coils (SP1, SP2) concentrically surrounding the magnetic core (MK), and two magnetically conductive plates (Bo, Bu) of the same configuration serving as magnetic field conductors. The two plates (Bo, Bu) surround the magnetic core (MK) with at least one electric coil (SP1, SP2) axially opposite each other along the main axis (A), and are magnetically connected to one of the electrode ends (PE) of the magnetic core (MK) via a radially inwardly connected central section (Zo, Zu) plate. Two sheet metal parts (Bo, Bu) constitute nF finger segments (Fo, Fu) extending radially outward from that point. The two sheet metal parts (Bo, Bu) are rotatably arranged relative to the main axis (A) in the circumferential direction. The finger tip (Eo, Eu) of one sheet metal part (Bo, Bu) engages with the finger tip (Eu, Eo) of the other sheet metal part (Bu, Bo). The rotating shaft (D) of the device (RH) and the main axis (A) of the electrostatic permanent magnet (MAG) are aligned with each other.

3. The apparatus (RH) as described in claim 2, wherein, The finger tips (Eo, Eu) of the two sheet metal parts (Bo, Bu) are bent axially toward the main shaft (A) of the electric permanent magnet (MAG) so as to form stator pole shoes (PS) arranged in the peripheral direction on the radially outer side (RA) of the outer region (RAB), wherein the stator pole shoes (PS) are located opposite the starting torque ring (RR) having the rotor pole shoes (RP).

4. The apparatus (RH) as described in claim 2, wherein, One of the two sheet metal parts (Bo, Bu) has a finger-shaped segment (Fo, Fu) and its finger-end pieces (Eo, Eu) extending radially outward (RA), and the finger-shaped segment (Fo, Fu) and its finger-end pieces (Eo, Eu) are located in a common plane. The other sheet metal part (Bu, Bo) has a finger-shaped segment (Fu, Fo) that is bent axially toward the main axis (A) of the permanent magnet (MAG). Each adjacent finger-end piece (Eu, Eo) is bent axially toward the main axis (A) of the permanent magnet (MAG) so that it forms a stator pole piece (PS) arranged in a peripheral direction with the finger-end pieces (Eo, Eu) of the first sheet metal part (Bo, Bu) in a common plane. The stator pole piece (PS) is located opposite the starting torque ring (RR) with the rotor pole piece (RP).

5. The apparatus (RH) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) has a straight hollow prism, particularly a hollow cylindrical permanent magnet ring (R), wherein, The permanent magnet ring (R) axially surrounds the at least one electric coil (SP1, SP2) and the permanent magnet ring (R) is made of a magnetic material having a residual magnetic flux density BR of at least 0.5T, particularly at least 0.7T, and a coercive field strength KC of at least 100 kA / m, particularly at least 500 kA / m.

6. The apparatus (RH) of any one of requests 1 to 4, wherein, The core (MK) of an electro-permanent magnet (MAG) is made of a magnetic material having a residual magnetic flux density BR of at least 1 T, particularly at least 1.2 T, and a coercive field strength KC in the range of 25 kA / m to 100 kA / m, particularly in the range of 40 kA / m to 100 kA / m, and / or a magnetic energy density BHmax of at least 30 kJ / m3.

7. The apparatus (RH) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The two magnetic field conductors (Bo, Bu) are made of a magnetic material having a magnetic permeability of at least 40, particularly at least 300, µr, and are made of an electrical steel sheet.

8. An electric motor (MO) having a stator (ST), a rotor (RO) rotatable about a shaft (D) of the motor (MO), and a device (RH) according to the preceding claim for providing an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppression between an electrically permanent magnet (MAG) and a starting torque ring (RR) rotatable about a shaft (D) of the motor (MO), wherein, The starting torque ring (RR) is connected to the rotor (RO) of the electric motor (MO) in an anti-rotation manner or forms a starting torque ring (RR) such that the main shaft (A) of the starting torque ring (RR) and the electric permanent magnet (MAG) is aligned with the rotating shaft (D) of the electric motor (MO). The starting torque ring (RR) is located outside the stator (ST) axial direction, and the electric permanent magnet (MAG) is axially adjacent to the stator (ST) of the electric motor (MO). The starting torque ring (RR) and the electric permanent magnet (MAG) are axially aligned such that the starting torque ring (RR) with the rotor pole shoe (RP) is opposite to the stator pole shoe (PS) of the electric permanent magnet (MAG).

9. A first mounting unit (NE1) comprising a device (RH) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for mounting an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppressor on an external rotor motor (MOS), wherein a starting torque ring (RR) of the device (RH) is mounted in an anti-rotation manner on the axially outer side (AM) of a rotor (RO) of the external rotor motor (MOS), such that a structural main shaft (A) of the starting torque ring (RR) is aligned with the rotating shaft (D) of the external rotor motor (MOS), the first mounting unit (NE1) having a holding device (HL) for fixing the position of the external rotor motor (MOS) stator (ST) and overlapping the rotor (RO), wherein an electrically permanent magnet (MAG) of the device (RH) may be disposed on the holding device (HL), wherein, The main axis (A) of the electric permanent magnet (MAG) is aligned with the shaft (D) of the external rotor motor (MOS), such that the stator pole piece (PS) of the electric permanent magnet (MAG) is opposite to the starting torque ring (RR) with the rotor pole piece (RP).

10. A second mounting unit (NE2) comprising a device (RH) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for mounting an electrically adjustable non-contact reluctance torque suppressor on an internal rotor motor (MOS), wherein, The permanent magnet (MAG) of the device (RH) can be fixedly mounted on the outer side (AM) of the stator (ST) or the motor housing (MG) of the inner rotor motor (MOS), such that the main shaft (A) of the permanent magnet (MAG) is aligned with the shaft (D) of the inner rotor motor (MOS). The starting torque ring (RR) of the second mounting unit (NE2) can be connected to the motor shaft (W) of the inner rotor motor (MOS) through a through hole (OF) of the permanent magnet (MAG) in an anti-rotation manner via a connecting element (VE). The starting torque ring (RR) of the second mounting unit (NE2) can be axially oriented, such that the starting torque ring (RR) is radially opposite to the stator pole shoe (PS) of the permanent magnet (MAG) with respect to the rotor pole shoe (RP).

11. A combination of an electric motor (MO) as claimed in claim 8, an external rotor motor (MOS) having a first mounting unit (NE1) as claimed in claim 9 or an internal rotor motor (MOS) having a second mounting unit (NE2) as claimed in claim 10, and a circuit assembly (SA) having a control unit (MC) and at least two switching elements (S1-S4) controllable by the control unit (MC), wherein, To maintain the starting torque ring (RR) in a holding operation, a first current pulse is applied through at least two switching elements (S1-S4) to at least one electric coil (SP1, SP2) of the electro-permanent magnet (MAG), such that the residual magnetic field remaining in the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) acting on the stator pole shoe (PS) of the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) is used to provide magnetic drag torque suppression and to release the starting torque ring (RR) in a free-running operation. A second current pulse is applied through the circuit combination (SA) to at least one electric coil (SP1, SP2) via at least two switching elements (S1-S4), such that the residual magnetic field remaining in the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) acting on the stator pole shoe (PS) is disintegrated, thus canceling the magnetic drag torque suppression.

12. A combination of claim 11, wherein the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) has two coils (SP1, SP2), wherein, A voltage detection unit (VM) connected to the control unit (MC) is parallel to one of the two coils (SP1, SP2) and is used to detect voltage signals. The control unit (MC) is configured to analyze the voltage signals, detect whether there are recurring voltage pulses, and output them as rotation pulses.

13. As in the combination of request items 11 or 12, wherein, The assembly includes a magnetic field sensor (MF), particularly a Hall sensor, located in the stator pole shoe (PS) region of an electrically permanent magnet (MAG) to detect a magnetic induction value. The control unit (MC) is configured such that the control circuit assembly (SA) has at least two switching elements (S1-S4) to apply a first current pulse with a first predetermined pulse length. After the pulse ends, an actual magnetic induction value is detected. If the sensed magnetic induction value does not exceed a predetermined upper limit, the pulse length is increased and the first current pulse is repeated until the actual magnetic induction value exceeds the predetermined upper limit after the pulse ends. Alternatively, the control unit (MC) is configured such that the control circuit assembly (SA) has at least two switching elements (S1-S4) to apply a second current pulse with a second predetermined pulse length. After the pulse ends, an actual magnetic induction value is detected. If the sensed magnetic induction value is not lower than a predetermined lower limit, the pulse length is increased and the second current pulse is repeated until the actual magnetic induction value is lower than the predetermined lower limit after the pulse ends.

14. A first actuation driver comprising a combination of any one of claims 11 to 13, particularly a gearbox mounted to an electric motor (MO, MOS), and an actuating element on the driven side having a moving joint, wherein, The control unit (MC) is configured to receive an actuation signal and correspondingly control the motor (MO, MOS) to move the actuating element from a predetermined first actuation position to a predetermined second actuation position, and vice versa. The control unit (MC) is configured to control the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) to operate at least two switching elements (S1-S4) in such a manner that, in order to move the actuating element from a predetermined first actuation position to a predetermined second actuation position, the actuation driver controls the motor (MO, MOS), particularly switching from a holding operation to a free-running operation before or after controlling the motor (MO, MOS). The control unit (MC) is configured to control at least two actuating elements (S1-S4) so ​​that the actuation driver switches from a free-running operation to a holding operation when reaching the second actuation position, particularly in terms of time, shortly before or after reaching the second actuation position.

15. A second actuation driver comprising a combination of any one of claims 11 to 13, particularly a gearbox mounted to an electric motor (MO, MOS), and an actuating element on the driven side having a moving joint, wherein, The actuator driver has a return spring that provides a return actuating torque acting on the actuating element, causing the actuating element to automatically travel to a safe rest position, particularly after the current supply to the actuator driver stops or after receiving a power-off signal. The return actuating torque acts as a rotor return torque on the motor (MO, MOS). The control unit (MC) is configured to operate the motor (MO, MOS) from the safe rest position to a trigger position when the current supply is turned on or when a power-on signal is received. The control unit is also configured to operate at least two switching elements (S1-S4) to switch the actuator driver from a free-running operation to a holding operation when it reaches the trigger position, particularly within a short time before and after reaching it. The holding torque applied to the rotor (RO) of the motor (MO, MOS) by the electro-permanent magnet (MAG) during the holding operation is greater than the rotor return actuating torque acting on the rotor (RO) of the motor (MO, MOS). The control unit (MC) is configured such that when the control circuit assembly (SA) receives a power-off signal or loses current supply, it controls at least two switching elements (S1-S4) to switch the actuator from holding operation to free-running operation, and then the actuator automatically returns from the triggered position to a safe rest position.

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