Solenoid actuator having a magnetic flux sensor
First Claim
1. A solenoid actuator comprising:
- a coil means of electrical wire having an axis,a plugnut within the coil means,a core within the coil means and movable along the axis thereof between a position in which it engages the plugnut and a position in which it is spaced from the plugnut,a yoke defining a magnetic circuit around the coil means, the axis of the coil means extending across the magnetic circuit,a relatively large permanent magnet and a relatively small permanent magnet associated with the yoke on opposite sides of the coil means axis, the permanent magnets being arranged to produce flux in the yoke in opposite directions, anda flux sensor adapted to sense the direction of magnetic flux in the yoke portion located on the same side of the coil means axis as the relatively small magnet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solenoid actuator comprising a coil or coils of electrical wire and a plugnut and movable core within the coil(s). A magnetic yoke surrounds the coil(s), the axis of the latter extending across the magnetic circuit defined by the yoke. Relatively large and small permanent magnets are associated with the yoke on opposite sides of the axis, the magnets producing flux in opposite directions. A flux sensor, closer to the small magnet, senses changes in direction of the flux. When the core and plugnut are separated, the large magnet flux predominates throughout the yoke. When the core engages the plugnut, the small magnet flux predominates in its portion of the yoke, this change in flux direction being detected by the sensor. Thus, the sensor can be used to indicate the position of the core with respect to the plugnut.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A solenoid actuator comprising:
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a coil means of electrical wire having an axis, a plugnut within the coil means, a core within the coil means and movable along the axis thereof between a position in which it engages the plugnut and a position in which it is spaced from the plugnut, a yoke defining a magnetic circuit around the coil means, the axis of the coil means extending across the magnetic circuit, a relatively large permanent magnet and a relatively small permanent magnet associated with the yoke on opposite sides of the coil means axis, the permanent magnets being arranged to produce flux in the yoke in opposite directions, and a flux sensor adapted to sense the direction of magnetic flux in the yoke portion located on the same side of the coil means axis as the relatively small magnet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A magnetic latch solenoid valve comprising:
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a valve body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an orifice between the ports surrounded by a valve seat, a solenoid actuator mounted on the valve body, the actuator including; a coil means of electrical wire having an axis, a plugnut within the coil means, a core within the coil means and movable along the axis thereof between a position in which it engages the plugnut and position in which it is spaced from the plugnut, a valve member, movable in response to movement of the core, between a position engaging the valve seat, to close the valve, and a position spaced from the valve seat, to open the valve, a yoke defining a magnetic circuit around the coil means, the axis of the coil means extending across the magnetic circuit, a relatively large permanent magnet and a relatively small permanent magnet associated with the yoke on opposite sides of the coil means axis, the permanent magnets being arranged to produce flux in the yoke in opposite directions, the flux throughout the yoke being in the direction of that produced by the large magnet when the core is in its position spaced from the plugnut, and the flux in a portion of the yoke nearer the small magnet being in the direction of that produced by the small magnet when the core is in its position engaging the plugnut, and a flux sensor for sensing the direction of magnetic flux in the portion of the yoke nearer the small magnet, the change in flux direction sensed by the flux sensor being an indication of the closed or open condition of the valve.
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Specification