US3771462A - Electromagnetic motion imparting means and transporter system embodying the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An electromagnetic device producing a mechanical action, as in a transporter system comprising a suspended car, or in an electric motor, includes a magnetizing assembly and a magnetized assembly adapted to move one with respect to the other. The magnetizing assembly comprises at least one magnetic circuit defining an air gap and provided with at least one inductor wiring, the magnetized assembly, subjected to the action of the magnetizing assembly comprising at least one magnetic portion associated with at least one non-magnetic portion and being in part housed in the air gap of said magnetizing assembly. This latter comprises at least two electromagnetic units each comprising an air gap and disposed in line whereas said magnetized assembly comprises a number of separate magnetic sections at least equal to two, the pitch of which is different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly, said magnetic sections being coupled together mechanically, separated by non-magnetic sections and constituting a series in line. The windings of said electromagnetic units are connected to a switch adapted to ensure their energization following a predetermined sequence, guiding means being provided so as to permit the displacement of the magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly in the air gaps of said electromagnetic units in a transverse direction relative to the lines of force in said air gap.

Description

United States Patent [191 Barthalon et al.

[ Nov. 13, 1973 1 ELECTROMAGNETIC MOTION IMPARTING MEANS AND TRANSPORTER SYSTEM EMBODYING THE SAME [76] Inventors: Maurice Barthalon, 78, avenue Henri Martin, Paris; Auguste Moiroux, Ecole Centrale Lyonnaise, Ecully, Rhone, both of France; Patrick Watson, Park Farm House, Farm Ln., Ashtead, Surrey, England [22] Filed: May 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 256,612

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 32,774, April 28, 1970, Pat. No.

[52] US. Cl. 104/148 LM [51] Int. Cl. B601 13/00, H02k 41/02 [58] Field of Search 104/148 LM; 310/12, 310/13; 318/119, 138; 160/331 [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 782,312 2/1905 Zehden 104/148 LM 3,225,228 12/1965 Roshala 104/148 LM 3,233,559 2/1966 Smith et a1 104/148 LM 3,385,228 5/1968 Kwangho Chung. 104/148 LM 3,462,883 8/1969 Reeks et a1. 1 104/148 LM 2,585,317 2/1952 Holmquist 104/148 LM FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 129,479 9/1950 Sweden 104/148 LM Primary Examiner-Drayton E. Hoffman Attorney-Irvin S. Thompson et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An electromagnetic device producing a mechanical action, as in a transporter system comprising a suspended car, or in an electric motor, includes a magnetizing assembly and a magnetized assembly adapted to move one with respect to the other. The magnetizing assembly comprises at least one magnetic circuit defining an air gap and provided with at least one inductor wiring, the magnetized assembly, subjected to the action of the magnetizing assembly comprising at least one magnetic portion associated with at least one nonmagnetic portion and being in part housed in the air gap of said magnetizing assembly. This latter comprises at least two electromagnetic units each comprising an air gap and disposed in line whereas said magnetized assembly comprises a number of separate magnetic sections at least equal to two, the pitch of which is different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly, said magnetic sections being coupled together mechanically, separated by non-magnetic sections and constituting a series in line. The windings of said electromagnetic units are connected to a switch adapted to ensure their energization following a predetermined sequence, guiding means being provided so as to permit the displacement of the magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly in the air gaps of said electromagnetic units in a transverse direction relative to the lines of force in said air gap.

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SHEET 070$ 10 PATENTEURUY 13 m SHEET OSUF 10 T a F- PATENTED NOV 13 I973 SHEET lOUF 10 a L :XXXYI ELECTROMAGNETIC MOTION IMPARTING MEANS AND TRANSPORTER SYSTEM EMBODYING THE SAME This is a division, of US. Pat. application Ser. No. 32,774, filed Apr. 28, 1970, now issued as US. Pat. No. 3,707,924.

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic device capable of producing a mechanical action, as in transporter systems comprising suspended cars, or in electric motors, or the like.

This device is of the kind comprising a magnetizing unit and a magnetized unit which are movable one with respect to the other, the magnetizing unit comprising at leastone magnetic circuit defining an air gap and provided with at least one field winding, while the magnetized unit which is subjected to the action of the magnetizing unit comprises at least one magnetic section associated with at least one non-magnetic section, and it is housed in part in the air gap of the magnetizing unit.

In particular, one of the units may be fixed, in which case the other may be associated with any device for receiving mechanical power.

Linear or rotary electric motors are already known which utilize polyphase electric current and work by conversion of electro-magnetic energy to mechanical energy, and more precisely by the effect of magnetic induction generated by the field assembly in the armature assembly.

The practical construction of linear motors of this type has serious inadequacies: the controls of speed, acceleration and braking are not satisfactory, the armature has a considerable mass and its conductivity must be high, which necessitates the use, whenever the armature is long, of large quantities of copper or aluminum which are particularly expensive metals. Finally, the existence of a relative slip between the field and the armature aggravates the problem presented by the control of movement, and prevents the development of a large force at low translation speeds.

Certain forms of linear electric induction motors permit the armature to be supported with respect to the field or vice-versa and constitute an electromagnetic suspension, but this necessitates a power per unit of weight which is too high to be utilizable in practice.

Another type of linear electric motor already described comprises a succession of cylindrical windings surrounding a magnetized assembly sliding along the axis of the unit: however, the movement generated can then only be transmitted by the extremity, which limits the possibilities of application. The power/weight ratio is low and the unit power is limited. The control of the movement and speed necessitates complicated and expensive switching and relay arrangements, since the air-gap is not precisely defined; the force varies considerably with the position of the magnetic cores and the impulses received by the moving system are not well defined in time and in space.

Finally, amongst the rotary induction motors, the polyphase asynchronous machines can only operate in a narrow range of speeds of rotation, and only have a moderate starting torque, contrary to the requirements of numerous applications. Rotary direct-current motors do actually comply with the requirements, but these are of expensive construction since the field and the armature must both be wound. Furthermore, the rotor cannot be fixed in a pre-determined position.

The foregoing machines employ two well-known physical laws:

The so-called electrodynamic machines utilize the action of a field on a current;

in the others, the displacement of the moving system is parallel to the field lines, and following the law of magnetic attraction, the force variation is inversely proportional to the square of the displacement.

The devices which form the object of the present invention make use of a different physical law, namely the fact that if there is established in a first element an electromagnetic circuit supplied at constant current and closed by an air-gap in which is arranged a second element comprising a magnetic tooth, the edges of which are arranged transversely with respect to the flux, the attraction is very low when the tooth is out of the air-gap, but increases abruptly at the moment when the edge of the tooth passes into the air-gap, and then remains substantially constant, in spite of the displacement, until the converse phenomenon takes place. Under these conditions, the attraction is in fact substantially proportional to the variation of magnetic permeance per unit displacement.

The present invention thus employs this particular law of force in order to overcome the abovementioned difficulties and disadvantages, for the purpose of constructing machines in which the force, the displace ment, the speed and the acceleration of the magnetized unit with respect to the magnetizing unit can be con trolled in an accurate manner, whether the speed is increasing or decreasing. Another object of the invention is to obtain a particularly low mass for one of the two units, which is particularly advantageous in the case of linear electric traction motors, in which the fixed portion is long, and of rotary motors with high speeds of rotation, in which the rotor must be capable of withstanding large centrifugal forces.

Another object of the invention is to obtain rotary motors with high starting torques and variable speed of rotation over a wide range, these motors having furthermore a low production cost.

According to the invention, the electromagnetic device of the kind defined above is characterized in that the magnetizing assembly comprises at least two electromagnetic units, each comprising an air-gap and arranged in line, in that the magnetized assembly comprises a number of separate magnetic sections at least equal to two, the pitch of which is different from that of the electromagnetic units of the magnetizing assembly, these sections being mechanically coupled together, separated by non-magnetic sections and forming a line; in that the windings of the electromagnetic units are connected to a commutator ensuring their excitation following a predetermined sequence; and in that guiding means are provided to permit the displacement of the magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly in the air-gaps of the electromagnetic units in a transverse direction relation to the lines of force in the said air-gap.

A device of this kind has appreciable advantages. In particular, one of the two parts, the magnetized assembly, has a low weight and a high power/weight ratio and its cost is small since it is not bulky and is made of cheap magnetic material. The starting force is very high. The controls of the position of the moving system, of its speed and acceleration, positve or negative, are easily effected by acting on the electric impulse switch.

The pitch of the electromagnetic units of the magnetizing assembly, measured along the axis of relative displacement of the two assemblies is preferably constant, but is different from the also constant pitch of the magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly. In particular, the axial length corresponding to N pitches of one of the assemblies, and especially of the magnetizing assembly, may be equal to the length of (N l) pitches of the other assembly, where N is a whole number.

This arrangement produces a uniform driving effort.

Depending on the applications, the magnetizing assembly and the magnetized assembly may extend in parallel rectilinear or coaxial circular directions, or finally along any curvilinear directions, the moving system being then constituted by an in-line series of articulated elements.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the device comprises means for regulating the starting and end instants of the electric impulse supplying an electromagnetic unit, these means being operated as a function of at least one of the following parameters: position, speed, acceleration of the moving system with respect to the fixed system.

In particular, the device may advantageously comprise a detector of the relative position of a magnetic section and an electromagnetic unit which cooperates therewith, this detector being itself preferably adjustable in position with respect to the assembly on which it is carried, enabling the electric impulse to be initiated or interrupted at an adjustable pre-determined position. This detector may be advantageously combined with a device introducing, with a variable phase according to the desired conditions of operation, this detection signal in a device which modulates the electric impulses. This combination of regulating means having very great flexibility, makes it possible to ensure precise control of the movement, the force, the speeds and the accelerations, and furthermore ensures optimal efficiency.

According to another outstanding aspect of the invention, provision is made to utilize the device in question as an effective system of electromagnetic suspension of one of the assemblies with respect to the other. A suspension of this kind represents a considerable economy of means per unit oflifting force, with respect to other known suspensions. In fact, when an electromagnetic circuit is excited by an electric impulse, a slight relative displacement of the magnetizing and magnetized assemblies in a direction which is simultaneously normal to the direction of movement and to that of the lines of force in the air-gap (namely a vertical downward direction) creates a large restoring force on the magnetic section in the air-gap (namely an upward force), and this does not involve a considerable consumption of additional energy.

The industrial constructions which will now be described show that, depending on the application, the force applied by the magnetizing assembly may only cause a small displacement of the moving assembly, such as is the case in machines producing a vibratory movement. The device may also produce a resultant movement of medium amplitude (as is the case for pumps and compressors) or a movement of large amplitude (the case especially of conveyors of any kind: industrial conveyors, trains, etc.).

In applications for which a large travel is required, it may be advantageous to provide a fixed magnetized assembly and a moving magnetzing assembly, and conversely for applications requiring a small travel. The

various forms of construction of the invention vary between two extreme cases: a machine in which the mag- 5 netized assembly comprises two magnetic sections successively attracted into the air-gaps of a large number of electromagnetic circuits, and conversely a machine in which a large number of magnetic sections forming the magnetized assembly are attracted successively into the air-gaps of two consecutive electromagnetic units. In the long-travel machines, if a small number of electromagnetic units is employed, a large number of magnetic sections is necessary for the magnetized assembly and vice-versa.

A remarkable special case of the long-travel construction is that in which the movement is rotating and there is thus obtained a rotary motor having the advantageous characteristics specified above, and in particular a great aptitude for operation at high torque, at variable speed and at high speed of rotation.

The electromagnetic device in accordance with the invention constitutes a driving machine which can be used over a large field of applications and especially in the case of the following apparatus:

Devices for lifting, or braking during lowering, with a linear movement, for lifts, lifting trucks, extraction of boring rods, pile-driving equipment;

Sliding control devices, especially for doors, shuttles, machine carriages;

Propulsion and braking devices for transport or handling means for passengers, goods or equipment, comprising guided vehicles such as: trains, trolleys, launch ing catapults for aircraft or rockets, toys;

Actuating motors giving considerable power, for example for driving tools for cold-forging metals by percussion or broaching tools;

Driving motors of alternating machines at relatively low speed and large travel, such as pumps and compressors;

Driving motors for devices of the chain type for caterpillar tractors, conveyors, bucket dredgers, etc.;

Driving motors for rotating machines such as cranedriving tables or drilling platforms, vehicle wheels and more generally rotary machines requiring a high torque at low speeds, accurate control, a very wide range of speeds and a rotor having a low weight and low inertia;

Torque or force limiting or transmitting devices: clutches;

Transmission to a distance of angles of rotation or linear displacements, remote recording, remote synchronization, servo-controls.

Further particular characteristics of the invention will be brought out in the description which follows below.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimitative examples, there have been shown various industrial constructions according to the invention.

FIG.1 is a general perspective diagram of the device according to the invention.

FIG.2 is a view in crosssection taken along the line IIII of FIG.3, of a first industrial construction relating to an actuating device.

FIG.3 shows a cross-section taken along the line III- III of H62.

FIG.4 is a cross-section taken along the line IVIV of F162.

F165 shows to a larger scale a detail of the crosssection along the line V-V of P162.

FlG.6 shows diagrammatically an immobilizing device for the moving element of the first construction.

FlG.7 is a transverse section of an alternative form of the first construction, constituting an electromagnetic suspension.

FlG.8 is a plan view from above of a magnetizing assembly forming a conveyor.

F169 is a view to a larger scale of the above conveyor in cross-section along the line IXIX of FIGS.

FlG.l0 is a side view of the magnetized assembly assumed to be isolated.

FlG.ll is a transverse section of a lifting device for a vehicle.

FlG.l2 is a diagram of an electronic switching system of impulses utilizable for the previous constructions.

FIG.13 is a view in side elevation taken along the section XIll-Xlll of H614, showing an industrial construction intended for vehicle traction.

F1614 is a cross-section taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG.13.

FIG.15 is a section taken along the line XV-XV of FlG.l3.

FIG.16 shows the diagram of the electrical supply for the device of FlG.l3 to 15.

FlG.17 is a transverse section along the line XVII- XVll of FIG.18, showing an alternative form of the previous construction applied to wall-effect vehicles.

FIG.18 is a cross-section taken along the line XVIII- XVlll of H017.

FIG.19 shows a detail of the cross-section XIXXIX of F1618.

FlG.20 is a view in longitudinal section taken along the line XXXX of FlG.2l, ofa motor with a reciprocating movement.

H621 and 22 are views in cross-section along the line XXIXXI and XXIIXXII of FIG.20.

FIG.23 is a view in elevation of the cross-section XXlll-XXIll of FIG.24, showing another industrial construction intended for driving a member in rotation.

FIG.24 is a cross-section taken along the line XXIVXXIV of F1623.

F1625 shows diagrammatically the method of supplying the windings of the device of FIGS.23 and 24.

FlG.26 is a cross-section along the line XXVI- XXVI of FIG.27, showing the application of the invention to the construction of a micro-motor.

FlG.27 is an axial cross-section along the line XXVI]- -XXVll of FlG.26.

FlG.28 and 29 are detail explanatory diagrams concerning the starting system.

FlGS.30 and 31 are diagrams of electrical supply devices.

FIG.32 is a partial view of an alternative form of construction of the magnetized assembly of the above micro-motor, following the section XXXIIXXXII of FIG.33.

FIG.33 is a partial view in transverse section of an alternative form of construction of the magnetizing circuit.

FlG.34 is a diagrammatic view in cross-section along the line XXXIVXXXIV of FIG.35 of a motor with mechanical self-commutation.

FIG.35 is a cross-section XXXVXXV of FIG.34.

along the line FIG.36 shows an alternative form with electrical selfcommutation, taken along the line XXXVlXXXVl of FIG.37.

FlG.37 is a cross-section along the line XXXVll- XXXVlI of FlG.36.

FIG.38 is a diagram showing the electric switching device of the cnstruction of FIG.36 and 37.

FIG.39 is an explanatory diagram.

FIG.40 is a diagram of a supply circuit.

There will first be described, with reference to FIG.] of the accompanying drawings, a simplified construction of the device according to the invention.

This device is intended to produce a mechanical action (development of a driving or static force) and comprises essentially a magnetizing assembly 1 including at least two electromagnetic units 2 forming a series. Each unit 2 comprises a magnetic circuit 3 having an air-gap 4 and carrying a magnetizing winding 5 which creates a magnetic flux in the said air-gap.

The device further comprises a magnetized assembly 6 including at least two sections 7 of magnetic material (that is to say having a magnetic permeability greater than 1 The sections 7, the number of which is furthermore different from that of the electromagnetic units 2, are coupled mechanically to each other, arranged in line and separated by none-magnetic sections 8 (for example of air).

The relative mechanical couplings of the assemblies 1 and 6 are such that a relative displacement may take place between them, this displacement being effected in the air-gaps 4, in a substantially transverse direction with respect to the lines of force of the magnetic flux created in these air-gaps.

The windings 5 of the electromagnetic units 2 are supplied from a source 13 of electrical impulses through a commutator 14 which distributes these impulses cyclically between the various windings S.

The device may also comprise a system 15 for modulating the impulses, acting on the commutator l4 and controlled in turn simultaneously by the orders and operating data inscribed in a recording system 12, and by a unit 9 connected to a detector 10 of the position of the magnetized assembly 6.

means may further be provided for determining a preferential direction of displacement of the magnetized assembly 6.

In operation, the windings 5 of the magnetizing assembly 1 receive successive electric impulses through the commutator 14 in such manner that the magnetic flux is established in at least one of the air-gaps 4 at the moment or time when one of the magnetic sections 7 of the magnetized assembly 6 has reached the entrance of this air-gap. The section 7 is thus attracted and tends to take up the position of minimum reluctance in the air-gap 4. When this condition is reached, or during the course of the previous movement, a new circuit 3 is excited and attracts another section 7 at the moment when this latter also reaches the entrance of its air-gap,

and so on.

Apart from special geometric relations which may be established between the pitches of the air-gap 4 and those of the sections 7 in order that one of these sections may be at the entry of an air-gap 4 when the other section is located in this air-gap, for the purpose of permitting the systematic and sequential devglopment of a driving attraction, the invention provides means for acting on the amplitude, the duration and the phase of the impulses from the commutator 14 in order to provide a regulation, especially of the acceleration or the speed of the magnetized assembly 6.

The general features which have been specified above will now be detailed and illustrated with reference to the description of the particular applications of the invention.

The first particular construction of the invention illustrated in FIGS.2 to relates to a linear actuating device constituting a semi-static driving machine with controlled displacement. This device comprises a frame 21, on which is mounted the magnetizing assembly formed by a succession of electromagnetic units 22, five in number in the case selected. Each unit 22 comprises a magnetic circuit 23 formed by an assembly of magnetic laminated sheets, stamped out to the shape of a C. The interrupted arm thus forms a parallelepiped air-gap 24, between the two poles 25.

The circuits 23 are retained by a transverse bar 23 arranged in their central portion and fixed to the frame 21 by screws 33. The bar 32, of non-magnetic metal has a U-shaped section as shown in FIGS, and it is bordered by lugs 26 slottgd with a bevel at the level of the poles 25 similar to a rack, which ensures an absolutely firm fixing of the units 22.

On each of the lateral branches of the circuits 23 are mounted the magnetizing windings 28 which, for the same unit, are supplied in phase from a source of direct-current 36, through a switch 39, a potentiometer 39a. and a rotary switch 37, the rotating contact 38 of which is driven by a motor 301 with two directions of rotation and variable speed regulated by the operator. This device could furthermore be replaced by a manually-operated crank-handle.

Each winding 28 of the electromagnetic unit 22 is connected to one of the terminals 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d and 37e of the rotary switch 37. The rotating contact 38 simultaneously establishes contact with several of the said terminals, as will be described later. The potentiometer 390 provides a regulation for the power of the impulses and therefore of the force applied on the moving element.

The magnetized assembly 27 is composed of a flat strip of magnetic material having a substantially parallelepiped shape, adapted to the air-gaps 24 and to the free space provided between the lugs 26 of the bar 32. The assembly 27 has a succession of magnetic sections formed by teeth 30 produced by cutting-out and forming a toothed rack. The non-magnetic sections arranged between the teeth 30 are constituted by blocks 31, of plastic material for example, which restore the parallelepiped shape of the strip and ensure the continuity of the guiding surface.

The assembly 27 thus constituted is slidably mounted axially on the bar 32 between the poles 25 of the electromagnetic units 22.

The clearance between the magnetized assembly and the poles remains practically constant over the greater part of the travel, due to the fact that the magnetic fields in the air-gaps 24 are transverse with respect to the movement. The magnetized assembly 27 is guided in its displacement by the lugs 26 of the bar 32, the play in this guiding action being substantially'twice as small as that existing between the elements 27 and the poles 25. The element 27 is coupled to the utilization device by a crank-arm 34 by means of an articulation shaft 35. The friction of the element 27 with the bar 32 and the lugs 26 can be reduced by employing self-lubricating materials 303 for the parts in contact (plastic material, non-magnetic alloy, for example) (see FlG.5).

ln orderto ensure the effective operation of the actuating device, the following particular relations are preferably provided for the assemblies 22 and 27:

The parallelepiped shape of the air-gap 24 is such that its section perpendicular to the flux approximates to that of a square, the side of which is larger than the thickness of the air-gap in the direction of the flux.

The axial length of the non-magnetic sections 31 is slightly greater than the length of the poles 25 relative to the direction of the movement L O R M, and their height is slightly greater than that of the poles 25.

The axial length of the magnetizing assembly corresponding to N pitches (the pitch being the axial length of a pole plus the distance separating two poles) is equal to that of (N l) pitches, of the magnetized assembly.

The number of electromagnetic units is odd. Thus, in the present embodiment, 5 pitches of the electromagnetic units 22 occupy the same axial length as 6 pitches of the magnetic sections 30.

' This value of the pitch makes it possible to obtain a high proportion of electromagnetic units 22 which are active at any particular moment, while at the same time having an attraction in the opposite direction with respect to the desired direction of movement having a value as small as possible on the magnetized assembly 27. To the same end, it is provided that the axial length of the non-magnetic sections 31 of the magnetized assembly 27 is greater than that of the magnetic sections 30 in the proportion of 5 percent to percent. The spacing between the electromagnetic units is thus fixed by all the foregoing points.

To the magnetized element 27 there may advantageously be added a solenoid-brake 40 (FIG.6) intended to prevent any relative movement between the magnetizing assembly 22 and the magnetized assembly 27 when none of the windings 28 is excited. When stationary, the magnetized assembly 27 is gripped by two mechanical jaws 41 by the action of springs 42 applying a force in opposition to that of release electromagnets 43, the sliding cores 302 of which are fixed to the jaws 41. When the switch 39 is closed, the jaws 41 move away from the element 27 due to the attraction effect of the electromagnets 43 on the cores 302.

The differential spacing of the electromagnetic units 22 and the magnetic sections 30 of the magnetized assembly 27 provides the following operation: when one of the magnetic sections 30a is exactly between the poles 25 of one of the electromagnetic units 22a, another magnetic section 30b of the magnetized assembly is partially between the poles of the following electromagnetic unit 22b, while the magnetic section 30c is ready to pass into the electromagnetic unit 220 and the magnetic section 30d is half-way between the units 220 and 22d.

The rotary switch 37 is arranged with respect to the fixed contacts 37a, 37b, 37e, in such manner that for this position of the element 27, the electromagnetic unit 22b is excited, so that the magnetic section 30b is attracted in the direction L between the poles of this section. at the end of this movement, the section 30c is partially engaged in the electromagnetic unit 220, and the electromagnetic unit 220 is then excited instead of the electromagnetic unit 22b, so that the movement of the magnetized assembly 27 in the direction L may continue.

Thus, the excitation in sequence of the electromagnetic units 22 produces a movement of the magnetized assembly in the same direction as the order in which these units are excited. Under these conditions however, it will be observed that only one of the electromagnetic units is excited at a given instant, so that the power/weight ratio of the system does not have its maximum value. In order to remedy this, the invention provides for the simultaneous excitation of a second electromagnetic unit 22 as follows:

The rotating contact 38 of the switch 37 is arranged in such manner as to connect continuously two of the terminals such as 37a and 37b to the source 36, and to establish contact with a fresh terminal 370 at the exact moment when it breaks the contact with the terminal 37a which it leaves behind.

Under these conditions, the magnetized element 27 being in the position shown in FIG.3. the unit 22a .which supplies no driving force is not excited, whereas the units 22b and 220 are excited simultaneously. When the section 30b has come into the air-gap 24 of the unit 22b, the corresponding winding 28 is de-excited in turn to the benefit of the winding of the following unit, and so on. A reverse order of switching is utilized in order to obtain a movement of the magnetized assembly 27 in the opposite direction.

Rotation of the contact 38 thus controls the position, the direction, the movement and the acceleration of the moving magnetized element 27. The potentiometer 39a permits the regulation of the force applied in the axial direction by this magnetized assembly 27 which, by means of the crank-arm 34 communicates the movement and the force of the actuating device to the member which is to be driven. This latter may equally well be a sliding door, a control device for a machine-tool, or an aircraft control device. The device considered can also be employed in place of rotary electric motors with reduction gearing and worm-screws or toothed racks.

In certain applications of this embodiment, it is essential that the movement under load of the magnetized assembly should be particularly uniform. It is then provided that the variation of the total permeance of the various circuits is proportional to the travel for an excitation current which is maintained constant. This can be effected by various means, such as: magnetic sections having a sinusoidal profile, magnetic sections having a slightly variable thickness and a permeability less than that of the circuit, lamination of this latter perpendicular to the movement, air-gap with a slightly variable thickness, switching de-phased with respect to the passage into and out of the air-gap, and more generally by any means controlling the increase of flux at the beginning of the introduction of a magnetic section 30 into the air-gap. There is thus obtained simultaneously an optimum efficiency and an easier control of the movement.

By way of an alternative form, the present invention.

that described above, but which is in this case located below the units 22 of the magnetizing assembly, itself fixed to the lower part of a fixed support 47 such as a ceiling or framework. The weight of the element 45 tends to pull the magnetized assembly 27 downwards and to pull the magnetic sections 30 out of the air-gaps 24, which creates restoring forces increasing rapidly with the vertical displacement. These forces finally counterbalance the weight of the element 45. An additional lifting force may be obtained by joining together the magnetic sections 30 by a transverse magnetic piece 48.

In order that the lift forces may be well distributed over the length of the magnetized assembly 27, it is provided to employ at least two magnetizing assemblies, adequately spaced apart. The lift force is proportional to the axial length of the magnetic sections or teeth 30, while the propulsion force is proportional to the height of these teeth. Flanges or angle-iron sections 49, con tinuous over the whole length of the device and located below the element 27, prevent the latter from falling in the event of a failure of current supply.

In the foregoing devices, the switch 37 and the potentio'rneter 39a provide a precise control of the actuating device and especially of its position, of the direction of movement, of the speed and the acceleration of the driven element. The driving force for starting-up is large. The moving system may be held stopped in any position, even on load. The direct transmission of electromagnetic energy to the magnetized assembly 27 serving as an actuating slide results in a very simple unit having no intermediate transmission element. The bulk of the magnetized assembly 27 is small and its construction of magnetic metal results in a very low cost. By virtue of a magnetic play, substantially greater than the mechanical play and practically constant, and due to the rules for dimensioning and switching indicated above, the force on the moving magnetized element can be made practically constant for a given current. The displacement is thus effected without appreciable shocks and there is no sticking effect on the poles.

A prototype machine in accordance with FIGS.2 to 5 has been built and tested. Its characteristics are as fol- Number of electromagnetic units 5 Total weight of magnetizing assembly 2.5 kg.

Supply voltage 12 volts Power absorbed 100 watts Resistance of each winding 1.40 ohms Number of turns 2 X 2l0 Average force 2.5 kg.

Mechanical commutator.

The following operational results were obtained during the tests:

Maximum linear speed 2 m./sec. Pulsation speed obtained with alternating-current for a travel of .100 mm. 2 cm./sec. Maximum slope climbed by the magnetizing assembly forming a trolley Maximum force of magnetic lift: 3,700 g.: 37g./watt.

An alternative form of construction of the conveyor device of FIG.7, intended to permit of movement over a curve, is shown in FIGS.8 to 10. In this embodiment two magnetized assemblies 27a, 27b are provided, each constituted by an articulated assembly of magnetic sections 260 forming successive castellations in which are interleaved non-magnetic sections 261, also in the form of castellations which have an arrangement reversed with respect to the preceding. The sections 260 and 261 form in pairs substantially rectangular plates joined to each other by hinges through which pass the pivotal shafts 262. On each of these plates are provided guiding shoes 263. The assemblies 27a, 27b each carry a supporting rod 46a, 46b, and these two suspension rods are coupled together by a swing-bar 264 which carries a lifting hook 265.

The magnetizing assembly constitutes a continuous supporting track with a curvilinear outline (FIG.8 formed by a succession of electromagnetic units 22 each comprising a C-shaped circuit 23, as in the case of FIG.7, fixed to the support 47, and in the air-gap 24 of which can circulate the magnetized assemblies 27a, 27b. In this case it is provided however to mount the magnetizing windings 28 on the horizontal limbs of the circuits 23 and in the vicinity of the air-gaps 24. Above the pole-pieces 25 are arranged continuous friction bands 266 with which the shoes 263 are in contact. At the lower part of these pole-pieces are arranged guiding and safety angle-irons 49, by which the lower shoes 263 are supported. The articulation axes 262 permit the assemblies 27a, 27b to follow the curves.

The units 22 are supplied with current in pairs, the corresponding windings of the same pair being separated by a distance which corresponds to that separating the homologous sections 260 of the assemblies 27a, 27b.

The actuating device provided thus constitutes a particularly simple electromagnetic suspension having a high power/weight ratio and low friction, the trajectory of which may have any desired form in space.

In the constructions which have just been described, the magnetized assembly is moving and the magnetizing assembly is fixed, but this arrangement may be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention, especially in the cases where, for reasons of practical construction, it is preferable to keep the magnetized assembly stationary and to cause the magnetizing assembly to move by attaching the driven element 45 to this latter.

A version of this kind is shown diagrammatically in FlG.ll. The conveyor comprises a magnetized assembly 250 fixed to the lower part of the support 47 and which comprises, as previously, a succession of magnetic and non-magnetic sections, such as 251. The magnetizing assembly 252 comprises a series of electromagnetic units 253 in line, fixed to the upper part of a vehicle 254 and playing simultaneously the parts of lifting and propulsion motors. Each unit 253 comprises in particular two windings 267 located in the vicinity of the poles 268. As previously, supporting angle-irons 269 prevent the fall of the vehicle 254 in case of interruption of the current by coming to rest on a widened portion of the magnetized assembly 250.

The rotary switch 37 of FIG.3, intended to ensure the sequential switching of the current supply to the electromagnetic units 22 may, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FlG.l2, be replaced by a static electronic device, in particular with thyristors.

More precisely, this device comprises a thyristor 51 assignedto each winding 28. The thyristor 51 is connected between the conductor 50a coupled to the negative pole of the source 36 and one of the terminals of the winding 28 concerned, the other terminal of which is connected to the positive pole of the source 36 by the conductor 50b.

The trigger of each thyristor 51 is controlled by an electronic gate 52 of the AND type, of which one of the inputs is connected to an impulse generator 53 and the other input to a routeing contact 54. The fixed studs of the contact 54 terminate respectively at the output circuit of the preceding thyristor 51 and of the following thyristor 51.

It can thus be seen that the control gate 52b of the thyristor 51b is connected to the contact 54b, the fixed studs of which terminate respectively at the outputs of the thyristor 51a and of the thyristor 51c.

Condensers 55 are connected between the corresponding conductors of the windings 28, two by two, following a circular permutation, and diodes 56 are connected in parallel with each winding 28, their cathode being coupled to the positive pole of the source 36 in order to prevent voltage surges in the windings 28 when these latter are de-energized.

.The operation is as follows: if the displacement takes place in the direction L, the contacts 54 are connected as shown in FlG.l2. Assuming that the windings 28a and 28b are excited, the excitation of the following winding 280 is determined by the striking of the thyristor 510 which is triggered by the gate 52c. This release occurs when the generator 53 delivers an impulse and the preceding winding 28b is excited simultaneously. The striking of the thyristor 51c short-circuits the condenser 55a and thus creates a reverse potential at the terminals of the thyristor 51a which becomes blocked. The winding 28a of the unit 22a is no longer excited, while the winding 280 is put into circuit. At the following impulse, the thyristor Sld strikes and the thyristor 51b becomes blocked and so on, the successive excitation of the electromagnetic units 22 being effected in the direction L. In order to reverse the direction of movement, that is to say to effect it in the direction M, it is only necessary to modify the position of the switch 54 which changes the sequence of excitation of the second input of the gates 52. The diodes 56 protect the thyristors 51 against voltage surges which may occur during the break of the corresponding circuit.

This electronic switch enables high powers to be controlled with accuracy and avoids the problems presented by mechanical switches, especially the ares due to voltage surges on interruption of inductive circuits.

The checking of the control impulses can readily be made automatic in order to ensure that the moving system has a movement at constant speed or at progressive acceleration, depending on the applications. For this purpose, it is only necessary to control the impulse generator 53 in dependence on an appropriate parameter.

The electromagnetic device contemplated by the invention may, following another industrial application, be employed for the propulsion of vehicles guided by a track for handling, transport of goods or passengers. in particular, this device may equip railway vehicles, monorails or ground-effect vehicles.

In these applications, the magnetized assembly is prferably stationary and follows the outline of the track. The electromagnetic units which form the magnetizing assembly are mounted on thevehicle and are supplied with electric current derived from any known means.

While in certain cases, especially of conveyors, it is necessary to provide control means external to the vehicle, as in the machines which have been described in the preceding embodiments, in the present case the control and in consequence the switching of the electromagnetic units is effected directly from the interior of the vehicle.

In the construction shown in FIGS.13 to 16, there is indicated diagrammatically at 60 the frame of a vehicle fitted with wheels 61 and moving along a normal railway track 62. The fixed magnetized assembly 63 which constitutes a rail and follows the outline of the track is arranged at equal distances from the two rails 62. The upper part of the magnetized assembly 63 comprises a succession of teeth 64, separated by non-magnetic sections 65, produced very economically by simple cutting-out. A suitable magnetized assembly may be made from a normal carbon steel of good quality.

The driving section is preferably constituted by several magnetizing assemblies distributed amongst the vehicles of a train. There is thus obtained a moving assembly havng a small mass, which more readily follows the irregularities of profile of the magnetized assembly 63. Furthermore, this multiplication of the driving units results in a better utilization of the magnetized assembly, permits of manufacture on a larger scale and at low cost of small light driving units which are readily housable in and removable from all the vehicles of a train, and provides an installed power proportional to the size of the train.

In the particular construction described, the magnetizing assembly provided for a vehicle 60 comprises four electromagnetic units 67 fixed on a frame 66 mounted elastically in the lower part of the vehicle 60. Each unit 67 comprises a circuit 68 made from mag-, netic sheet, and two windings 69 mounted on poles 71 defining an air-gap and arranged in such manner that the teeth 64 of the magnetized assembly 63 may pass in line through the abovementioned air-gap, perpendicular to the lines of force between the poles 71, when the windings 69 are excited. The magnetic circuits 68 which are C-shape are laminated in the plane of this latter and are arranged at right angles to the direction or N of the movement.

The non-magnetic frame 66 comprises enclosing flanges 70 and re-entrant flanges 72, which provide a housing for the circuits 68. This mounting reinforces the transverse rigidity of the assembly and offers remarkable resistance to the forces of attraction of the poles between each other. In particular, the flanges 70 which surround the base of the poles 71 of each magnetic circuit 65, preventing the bending of the sheets of this latter due to the effect of the attraction force acting on the magnetic teeth 64.

The frame 66 is fixed to the lower part of the vehicle 60 by means of crank-arms 73, mounted between elastic articulations 311, 312 (see FIG. The thrust or traction efforts of the magnetizing assembly are transmitted to the vehicle 60 by at least one elastic coupling 74 which damps out the variations and the shocks of these efforts.

The guiding of the frame 66 with respect to the rail 63 is ensured by two pairs of rollers 75 mounted in opposition on each side of the magnetized rail 63, at the front and at the rear of the frame. The rollers run just beneath notched portions 65 of the rail 63, and the mechanical play is regulated in such manner that the distance between the poles 71 and the magnetic teeth 64 is greater than at least twice the value of the mechanical play. Thus, the attraction forces of the poles are balanced and the residual lateral force is negligible. A sticking effect of the poles on th magnetized assembly is a fortiozi made impossible. These mechanical and magnetic clearances and thewheel base of the rollers 75 are determined in such manner that in curves of short radius, the pole surfaces 71 remain sufficiently distant from the magnetized assembly 63.

According to an improvement, the magnetized rail 63 also serves as a third rail for supplying current. For this purpose, it is insulated from the track by a nonconductive sole-plate 77. The current is taken-off by one or more collector shoes (not shown) supported on the lateral surface of the rail.

According to a further special feature of the invention, it is provided that the four electromagnetic units of the driving assembly are associated in pairs, 67a, 670 on the one hand and 67b, 67d on the other, in such manner that in each pair (FIG.39) when one of the electromagnetic units 670 comes opposite a magnetic section 64 of the magnetized assembly 63, the other unit 67c is facing a non-magnetic section 65. In addition, the distance between the pairs of associated units 67a, 670 is such that when the poles of one pair are located respectively opposite a magnetic section 64 and a nonmagnetic section 65, the poles of the other pair are situated opposite the half of a magnetic section 64 and the half of a non-magnetic space 65.

The supply of current to the windings 69a 69d associated in pairs is effected as shown in FIG.16 by means of a two-phase current source 79 of variable frequency, such as a Diesel electric generating set carried by the train. The conductors 313a of the same phase supply two associated windings 69a, 69c, by means of two power diodes 78 connected in opposition so that one of the associated windings is supplied at each halfwave. The same arrangement is adopted for the second phase (conductors 3l3b). The source 79, associated if necessary with a phase-shifting system, is furthermore arranged in such manner that the phase-shift between the phase conductors 313a, 313b is Thus, the four electromagnetic units 67 of the magnetizing assembly begin to be excited respectively at 90, 270 and 360 of the cycle, and each one of them ceases its operation 180 later.

In addition, if the electromagnetic units 67 are excited following the sequence a, b, c, d, the vehicle 60 will be propelled in the direction 0. If the excitation sequence is a, d, c, b, the movement will take place in the opposite direction N.

No other means for controlling the direction of displacement is necessary, since if the first electromagnetic unit excited tends to cause the movement to start in the wrong direction (the case, for example, of the unit d, whereas the movement is desired in the direction 0), the subsequent windings (b, c, d, a, etc will correct this tendency and the movement will continue in the desired direction. The control of speed can be effected by varying the frequency of the source 79, and especially by increasing it as the train gathers speed.

According to another alternative form shown in FlG.40, the determination of the direction of the speed is effected by means of a feeler 76 such as a magnetic or capacitive detector which controls the triggers of the thyratrons 401 or of the thyristors forming part of the electronic switching device 402 of the electromagnetic units 67, when the latter are supplied, for example, in accordance with FIG.12.

The control is regulated in such manner that the release impulse is produced at a suitable moment with respect to the relative forward movement of the tooth 64 nearest to the magnetized assembly 63. When an acceleration is necessary, the release of the thyratrons or thyristors referred to above can be effected in phase advance. This variation of phase can be obtained by any means known per se and forming part of the electronic triggering system (and especially by a phase-shift stage 403), or by mechanically displacing the feeler 76 with respect to the chassis 66. The deceleration of the vehicle is effected in a similar manner by a phase delay. This deceleration is independent of the adhesion of the wheels. For this reason, the breaking pf the vehicle can be made very effective, flexible and silent, and gives a greater degree of safety.

Due to the high inductive impedance of the circuits, the increase and decrease of the current in the magnetizing windings 69 is delayed with respect to the beginning and the end of the electric impulse delivered by the generator 79.

In order to compensate for the effects of this delay at high speeds, the invention provides for increasing with the speed the advance of the setting of the instants of the beginning and end of the driving electric impulse with respect to the relative positions of the poles 71 and the teeth 64 of the magnetized assembly.

This advance makes it possible to prevent the subsistence of a magnetizing field in the air-gap at the moment when the poles 71 are about to pass beyond the tooth 64 considered of the magnetized assembly 63. In an arrangement of this kind, the feeler 76 may operate as a speed-detection device and may permit the frequency modulation of a signal which is employed for the regulation of the phase between the impulse periods and the instants when the magnetizing and magnetized assemblies occupy pre-determined relative positions.

The reluctance of the magnetic circuit of the units 67 varies according to the displacement of the magnetizing assembly. According to a further particular feature of the invention, it is then provided to adapt this law of variation to the most probable speed of the vehicle in the section of track considered. The modifications of this law of variation may be obtained by acting on the longitudinal profile of the magnetic sections 64, on their thickness and on their magnetic characteristics.

In particular, provision is preferably made on the portions of track intended for high speeds, for the formation of teeth such as 64a (FIG.13) of which at least the leading edge forms an acute angle with the direction of movement, and the mean length of which is greater than for low speeds, while the permeability and thickness are reduced.

These arrangements considerably reduce shocks and vibrations, and increase the effort developed.

The method of propulsion of guided vehicles thus provided by the invention may be advantageously applied to wall-effect vehicles and especially to those of the air-cushion type. An application of this type, shown in FlGS.l7 to 19, is advantageous since vehicles of the kind considered have no physical contact with the wall, so that it is difficult for them to utilize the adhesion effect with the wall for acceleration or braking.

In this embodiment, the vehicle is supported above an area 81 serving as a track by the ground effect resulting from air cushions 82 supplied by distribution channels 83. The vehicle is guided by a vertical rib 84 which forms the magnetized assembly with the mag netic sections 85 and the non-magnetic sections 86 uniformly spaced apart. The magnetic sections 85 are in this case constituted by parallelepiped blocks of magnetic material embedded in the guiding rib 84 ofa monmagnetic material such as concrete. There is thus formed a low-cost magnetized assembly which furthermore plays an essential part in guiding the vehicle along the track.

The magnetizing assembly 87 comprises, in this example, four electromagnetic units each comprising a magnetic circuit 88 in the form of a C, which has an airgap defined by the poles 91.

The windings 89 are mounted in pairs on each magnetic circuit 88 close to the poles 91, in order to concentrate the magnetizing field in the air-gap, to reduce the leakage flux and to have the maximum driving force on each magnetic section for a given magneto-motive force.

The guiding of the magnetizing assembly 87 is effected by the wall effect resulting from air cushions 94 created between the rib 84 and the said assembly. The cushions 94 are supplied through channels 93, depending on the size of the vehicle.

The magnetizing assembly 87 is preferably mounted on a separate frame 316 coupled to the vehicle 80 by suspension and thrust arms 317. The guiding of the vehicle 80 is effected by other air cushions 321 created by discharge nozzles 322 which produce a wall effect with the rib 84. The independent guiding provided for the magnetizing assembly 87 makes it possible for this latter, by reason of its low weight, to follow faithfully the profile of the magnetized assembly while facilitating its oscillations and its relative movements with respect to the vehicle. The air cushion follows the law of compression of gases, which gives a law of force as a function of the lateral displacement which is particularly well suited to compensate the law of the magnetic disturbing force, since the two laws give representative curves of the same form. In this case, it is therefore no longer necessary to provide guiding rollers.

The electric motor proposed avoids the use of air propellers, propulsion wheels, braking shoes and other means ill-suited to this type of vehicle, especially by reason of the noise during operation and of the numerous degrees of freedom of the system.

The invention enables a direct, progressive and silent driving force to be applied to the vehicle, together with a large braking effort and complete control of the speed.

Within the framework of systems comprising a relative rectilinear displacement between the magnetizing assembly and the magnetized assembly, it is also contemplated by the invention to produce driving machines with a reciprocating motion of low frequency and large travel, such as liquid pumps, compressors, mud pumps, pile-driving devices, etc.

For the construction of these machines, the invention provides for the use of an assembly of electromagnetic units with sequential switching, so as to produce a linear movement of one of the two halves of the machine as previously, but the switching means are so arranged that the movement changes direction when one of the moving parts of the machine reaches the extremity of its specified travel. This generates a uniform alternating movement between the two limits of the travel. A regulating device for the switching system may be added to the machine in order to provide for a variable travel, when so desired. 1

The construction of a machine of this kind is shown in FlGS.20 to 22 for driving a single-acting pump 230 comprising a cylinder 231 provided with suction valves 232 and delivery valves 233 and with a piston 234 having a reciprocating motion.

The piston 234 is rigidly fixed to a piston rod 235 which slides in the end 325 of a mon-magnetic frame belonging to the magnetizing assembly of the driving system. On the rod 235 are stacked alternately magnetic sections 237 and non-magnetic blocks 326 both having an annular volume. The magnetized assembly 236 thus constituted, of cylindrical form, moves in the air-gaps of a certain number of electromagnetic units 238 of the magnetizing assembly 239, which comprises excitation windings 240 mounted on a magnetic circuit 241 in the form of a double C (FIG.21), and the air-gap 242 of which is defined by the poles 241a having cylindrical pole surfaces.

The electromagnetic units 238 are separated by nonmagnetic spacers 243 comprising a central arm327 in which is formed a bore 244 serving to guide the magnetized assembly 236. In order to facilitate this guiding action while avoiding any contact between the fixed and moving magnetic parts, it is provided that the diameter of the bores 244 should correspond to that of the blocks 326, while the diameter of the poles 241a is slightly greater than that of the magnetic sections 237 of the magnetized assembly.

The magnetized assembly 239 is fixed by long bolts 246 which clamp together the various fixed parts.

The cylindrical shape of the magnetized assembly 236 has the advantage of permitting free rotation of the moving system, piston, rod and magnetic cores, and thus to distribute the wear equally.

The rules of differential spacing of the poles 241a and the moving magnetic sections 237 are of course the same as in the previous embodiments. It should however be indicated that the shorter magnetized assembly must in this case be constructed with greater care and with metals having superior magnetic characteristics, or alternatively by means of a stack of magnetic sheets, as provided in FIG.20.

As previously, a switching system 247 controls the order in which the successive electromagnetic units 238 are excited. The system 247 also controls the speed at which the first and then those following are excited and the phase of the impulses relative to the position of the magnetic sections 237. This determines thefrequency of oscillation and the change of speed and acceleration throughout the cycle. For each-successive unit, it is thus possible to provide for the setting of the beginning and the end of the impulse, which ensures maximum energy transfer.

The switching system 247 is piloted by a mechanical feeler 248 excited by grooves 330 formed in the rod 235. This simple and robust feeler is very well suited for low frequencies of oscillation of a pump of large size. The reversal of the direction of running is controlled by a reversing rocker device 249, provided with a reciprocating sliding actuation finger 328 which is alternately displaced by a stop 329 located at the end of the rod 235, and by the cheek 331 on the edge of the last magnetic section 237.

The feeler 248 may also be employed to interrupt the electric supply to the electromagnetic units in the case where the stroke exceeds a pre-determined value.

A second group of industrial applications of the invention concerns the construction of machines with a curvilinear movement and in particular a movement of rotation. These applications will now be described.

In particular, the trajectory of the magnetized assembly and the structure of this latter may be curved, while the electromagnetic units of the magnetizing assembly are arranged on each side of this trajectory.

A first construction of this kind is shown in FIGS.23 to 25, and relates to the drive at slow speed of a rotating plate such as a crane platform, on which is mounted the magnetized assembly which forms a closed ring of large diameter.

The moving platform of the crane is rotatably mounted about the axis X-X in a base-plate 111 by means of a bearing ring 112 with frusto-conical rollers, carrying the weight of this platform and ensuring its peripheral guiding.

The driving portion is constituted by two magnetizing assemblies 113, diametrically opposite and housed in a circular groove 332 of the base-plate l1 1. Each magnetizing assembly 113 comprises three electromagnetic units 119 which each include a magnetic circuit 114 of C-shape, interrupted by an air-gap 115 defined by the poles 116. On the non-interrupted limb of each magnetic circuit is mounted a winding 118 which receives electric impulses from a generator (not shown).

The magnetized assembly 120 is formed by a circular ring 333 fixed under the moving platform 110 of the crane which it drives in its movement of rotation. The ring 333 comprises trapezoidal magnetic sections 121, uniformly spaced apart, and non-magnetic sections 122 obtained by cutting-out. The angle at the centre of two magnetic sections 121 is shown at a.

In order to correspond to the circular shape of the magnetized assembly 120, the electromagnetic units 119 are arranged radially and spaced apart from each other by an angle b at the centre. The polar surfaces of the poles 116 are of respectively concave and convex cylindrical form so as to be adapted to the circular form of the magnetized assembly 120, with a residual play which is as small as possible, but is at least twice as great as the mechanical play, so as to avoid any risk of sticking between the sections 121 and the poles 116.

The two magnetizing assemblies 113 provide a high rotational torque, at the same time having a small number of electromagnetic units. For machines of larger size, the number of magnetizing assemblies may be increased so as to increase the torque.

The diametrically opposite electromagnetic units 119 are energized simultaneously so as to apply a couple of equal, parallel and opposite forces, namely 119a with 119d, 11% with 119e, and 1190 with 1l9f(FIG.24).

As in the previous embodiments, a differential spacing is provided between the electromagnetic units 119 and the magnetic sections 121 of the magnetized as-

Claims (29)

1. A transporter system comprising at least one beam serving as a track, at least one car suspended from and movable along said track and provided with drive means for imparting motion thereto, said drive means comprising a magnetizing assembly and a magnetized assembly adapted to move one with respect to the other and mounted one on said beam and the other on said car, the magnetizing assembly comprising a plurality of electromagnetic units disposed in line and each said unit comprising one magnetic circuit having two oppositely facing pole faces defining an air gap therebetween and having at least one inductor winding, the magnetized assembly projecting into said air gap in the magnetic field of the magnetizing assembly and comprising a plurality of magnetic sections disposed in line in alternate relation with non-magnetic sections, each said magnetic section comprising at least a pair of oppositely facing surfaces, at least a pair of said section surfaces facing respectively two of the said pole faces of a said magnetic circuit so that the magnetic flux generated by said inductor winding and acting upon said magnetic section enters one of said section surfaces and leaves the opposite surface of said magnetic section, the pitch of said magnetic sections being different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly switching means for supplying current pulses to the windings of said electromagnetic units according to a predetermined sequence, each pulse of the sequence being supplied at about the time when one of the magnetic sections reaches the entRance of the corresponding air gap, and guiding means for guiding the relative displacement of the said magnetized assembly through the air gaps of said electromagnetic units in a direction crossing the lines of force within said air gaps, the direction of said lines of force being substantially the same in said air gaps and in said magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly, said guiding means being so arranged that the mechanical play of said magnetized assembly in a direction parallel to the lines of force within the air gaps of said electromagnetic units is substantially less than the value of the residual air gap between the pole faces of said units and the oppositely facing surfaces of the magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly when the latter are in the position of minimum reluctance.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, the line in which said electromagnetic units are disposed being a straight line.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1, the line in which said electromagnetic units are disposed being a curved line.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, the amount by which the pitch of said magnetic sections is different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly being such that the axial length of N pitches of one said assembly is equal to the length of (N + 1) pitches of the other assembly, N being a whole number.

5. A transporter system comprising at least one member serving as a track, at least one member movable along said track, and provided with driving means for imparting motion thereto, said driving means comprising a magnetizing assembly and a magnetized assembly, one of said assemblies being carried by one of said members and the other of said assemblies being carried by the other of said members, the magnetizing assembly comprising a plurality of electromagnetic units disposed in line and each said unit comprising one magnetic circuit having two oppositely facing pole faces defining an air gap therebetween and having a least one inductor winding, the magnetized assembly projecting into said air gap in the magnetic field of the magnetizing-assembly and comprising a plurality of magnetic sections disposed in line in alternate relation with non-magnetic sections, each said magnetic section comprising at least a pair of oppositely facing surfaces, at least a pair of said section surfaces facing respectively two of the said pole faces of a said magnetic circuit so that the magnetic flux generated by said inductor winding and acting upon said magnetic section enters one of said section surfaces and leaves the opposite surface of said magnetic section, the pitch of said magnetic sections being different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly, switching means for supplying current pulses to the windings of said electromagnetic units according to a predetermined sequence, each pulse of the sequence being supplied at about the time when one of the magnetic sections reaches the entrance of the corresponding air gap, and guiding means for guiding the relative displacement of the said magnetized assembly through the air gaps of said electromagnetic units in a direction crossing th lines of force within said air gaps, the direction of said lines of force being substantially the same in said air gaps and in said magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly, said guiding means being so arranged that the mechanical play of said magnetized assembly in a direction parallel to the lines of force within the air gaps of said electromagnetic units is substantially less than the value of the residual air gap between the pole faces of said units and the oppositely facing surfaces of the magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly when the latter are in the position of minimum reluctance.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5, the line in which said electromagnetic units are disposed being a straight line.

7. A system as claimed in claim 5; the line in which said electromagnetic units are dispoSed being a curved line.

8. A system as claimed in claim 5, the amount by which the pitch of said magnetic sections is different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly being such that the axial length of N pitches of one said assembly is equal to the length of (N + 1) pitches of the other assembly, N being a whole number.

9. A system comprising guide means, means movable on said guide means, drive means for imparting motion to said movable means on said guide means, said motion-imparting means comprising an electromagnetic device producing a mechanical action and comprising a magnetizing assembly and a magnetized assembly adapted to move one with respect to the other, one of said ssemblies being carried by said guide means and the other of said assemblies being carried by said movable means, the magnetizing assembly comprising a plurality of electromagnetic units disposed in line and each said unit comprising one magnetic circuit having two oppositely facing pole faces defining an air gap therebetween and having at least one inductor winding, the magnetized assembly projecting into said air gap in the magnetic field of the magnetizing assembly and comprising a plurality of magnetic sections disposed in line in alternate relation with non-magnetic sections, each said magnetic section comprising at least a pair of oppositely facing surfaces, at least a pair of said section surfaces facing respectively two of the said pole faces of a said magnetic circuit so that the magnetic flux generated by said inductor winding and acting upon said magnetic section enters one of said section surfaces and leaves the opposite surface of said magnetic section, the pitch of said magnetic sections being different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly, switching means for supplying current pulses to the windings of said electromagnetic units according to a predetermined sequence, each pulse of the sequence being supplied at about the time when one of the magnetic sections reaches the entrance of the corresponding air gap, said guide means for guiding the relative displacement of the said magnetized assembly through the air gaps of said electromagnetic units in a direction crossing the lines of force within said air gaps, the direction of said lines of force being substantially the same in said air gaps and in said magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly, said guide means being so arranged that the mechanical play of said magnetized assembly in a direction parallel to the lines of force within the air gaps of said electromagnetic units is substantially less than the value of the residual air gap between the pole faces of said units and the oppositely facing surfaces of the magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly when the latter are in the position of minimum reluctance.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, the line in which said electromagnetic units are disposed being a straight line.

11. A system as claimed in claim 9, the line in which said electromagnetic units are disposed being a curved line.

12. A system claimed in claim 9, in which the length, measured along the axis of relative displacement, of the non-magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly is greater than that of the magnetic sections of this latter assembly.

13. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which the number of electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly is odd.

14. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said non-magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly are constituted by a non-magnetic material which fills the intervals between two successive magnetic sections for giving said magnetized assembly a substantially continuous form.

15. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly are constituted by a plurality of teeth, the leading edge of which forms an acute angle with the direction of the movement of one assembly relative to the other.

16. A system as claImed in claim 9, in which said magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly have a substantially sinusoidal profile.

17. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which the moving assembly is adapted to have a reciprocating movement with respect to the fixed assembly and comprises a limit reversing device actuated by said moving assembly and adapted to effect the reversal of the energization sequence of said electromagnetic units.

18. A system as claimed in claim 9, and further comprising pneumatic guiding means including fluid cushions adapted to maintain a substantially constant residual air gap between said magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly and said pole faces of the magnetizing assembly.

19. A system as claimed in claim 9, and further comprising an electromagnetic braking system for the moving assembly, said braking system comprising means for shifting the phase of the current pulses supplied to said electromagnetic units as a function of the position of said magnetic sections of said magnetized assembly.

20. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said magnetizing assembly is mounted on a vehicle adapted to roll on a track which carries said magnetized assembly, the profile of said magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly being determined as function of the anticipated speed of said vehicle over the corresponding portion of track.

21. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said magnetizing assembly comprises a stack of non-magnetic spacers and magnetic circuits defining each a cylindrical air gap, and said magnetized assembly comprises a stack of cylindrical blocks including magnetic sections in alternate relation with non-magnetic sections, said block being traversed by an axial rod adapted to actuate a reciprocating receiver.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, in which said magnetized assembly is free to rotate on itself about its axis of reciprocating displacement.

23. A system s claimed in claim 21, in which said non-magnetic sections of the magnetized assembly have a diameter greater than that of said magnetic sections and are adapted to slide within bores formed in said non-magnetic spacers of the magnetizing assembly.

24. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said magnetized assembly is constituted by a ring.

25. A system as claimed in claim 24, in which said ring is rigidly fixed to a rotating coaxial platform and said electromagnetic units are associated in pairs, each said pair comprising two units which are diametrically opposite with respect to said ring.

26. A system as claimed in claim 9, and constituting a rotary motor in which said magnetized assembly comprises a flat disc rotatably mounted between peripheral electromagnetic units.

27. A system as claimed in claim 9, in which said magnetized assembly is formed by a magnetic plate formed with a succession of windows arranged in line.

28. A system as claimed in claim 9, and constituting a rotary motor in which said electromagnetic units are distributed over an annular stator and associated in phases comprising pairs of diametrically opposite units, said device further comprising a rotary switch mounted on the shaft of a rotor comprising the magnetized assembly and said switch being provided with brushes connected to the windings of said electromagnetic units and cooperating with contact segments for connecting in series the various windings of the same phase.

29. A system as claimed in claim 9, the amount by which the pitch of said magnetic sections is different from that of the electromagnetic units of said magnetizing assembly being such that the axial length of N pitches of one of said assembly is equal to the length of (N + 1) pitches of the other assembly, N being a whole number.

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