High-torque electromagnetic torque motors with limited rotation angle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a torque motor which uses the convergence of the surface of the stator with the surface of the rotor opposite to magnify the electromagnetic force that closes the gap between the surfaces and the torque resulting therefrom, the surface of the rotor being inclined at a slight angle towards that of the stator, particularly when the two surfaces approach the apex of the angle. The surface of the stator therefore begins directly in line with the centre of rotation of the rotor in order to minimise the width of the gap, the gap between the surfaces of the stator and the rotor having the minimum width at the starting point, and subsequently the width of the gap therebetween increases with the distance from the starting point, as a result of the angle of inclination. If the surface cannot begin at this point, then it begins as close as possible thereto. The stator, rotor and axis of rotation of the rotor are situated such that the two surfaces coincide when the angle between them is zero. The motor has several embodiments such that more than one pair of opposite surfaces can be used, and the pairs of opposite surfaces can be arranged such that the result of the forces is zero and the torque results from one or more pairings. Furthermore, two or more assemblies can be used, each assembly working in one direction on one or two levels. Precautions must be taken and the surfaces and dimensions suitably formed so as to prevent interference and, consequently, the generation of torque in the direction opposite to the target direction.

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