Driving / Switching / Adjusting
During this process they convert signals from a regulation or control into mechanical work. One example is opening and closing a valve.
Electromechanical actuators are used in certain areas of mechatronics. These include lifting and adjusting systems, for example. An open or closed loop is generally used for the control.
There are numerous actuator principles, such as the electric motor, the hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, the electrochemical actuator and the solenoid, for example. The actuation which is generated by the actuators is a linear movement or a rotational movement.
Linear movement has a defined stroke start position and a defined stroke end position – while rotational movement can be continuous. Customer systems can be switched on and off with the aid of these actuators, for example. An electromagnetic actuator executes a complete linear movement, which can be both push and pull.
Appropriate design of the solenoid and the current strength can allow such an actuator to switch in just a few milliseconds. Such actuators are known as quick-acting solenoids. Unipolar solenoids can be held in the stroke end position by means of continuous current application. Generally the voltage can be lowered or the current reduced for this purpose.
Bipolar solenoids can be kept de-energized in both stroke positions. With the aid of proportional electromagnetic actuators it is possible to generate a force proportional to the current. These solenoids are used to adjust customer systems.
The movement can be both push and pull. For example, the angle of a camshaft can be adjusted in the vehicle with these solenoids.
As a solenoid manufacturer, Thomas develops and manufactures actuators, switching systems and adjustment systems.
