Electromagnetic ram actuator

Abstract

An electromagnet consists of two essentially symmetrically designed magnetizable E-shaped yoke halves each embraced by a coil. The facing pole ends of the yoke halves form three aligned operating gaps. Between the operating gaps a tongue-shaped ram is arranged which is shiftable in the direction of the line of alignment of the operating gaps. The cross-section of the ram is adapted to the area of the operating gaps. The ram comprises cuboid-shaped armature bars of magnetizable material. The armature bars are geometrically designed in such a manner that their volume is on the order of magnitude of the operating gap volume. In the original position of the ram the armature bars are essentially positioned in front of the operating gaps of the electromagnet. Upon excitation of the electromagnet, the armature bars are pulled into its operating gaps, being accelerated in the process. The windings of the coils exciting the yoke halves are essentially positioned between the E-legs of the yoke halves. By transverse connecting means made of the same material as themselves, the armature bars may be connected to form a continuous part. In view of the operation of the actuator, these transverse connecting means do not have the same material thickness as the armature bars, that is, they take the form of narrow connecting strips between the armature bars.