An electromagnetically actuated valve for an i.c. engine having a play compensating device

A device for electromagnetically actuating a gas exchange valve 9 for an internal combustion engine is provided with an actuator unit which has an armature plate 6 and switching magnets 1, 2 arranged on either side of the armature plate 6. The actuator unit can slidably move in a floating manner in the cylinder head 7. A play compensating device 8, with a piston 14 acting as a barrier between first pressure space 16 and second pressure space 17, is arranged on or in the actuator unit, preferably coaxial to a valve stem 13. The first and second pressure spaces 16, 17 are connected by a non-return valve 18 and fluid may be discharged from the second pressure space 17 via an annular gap 28 acting as a throttle. By supplying fluid under pressure through hose 21 to first pressure space 16 play between armature 6 and magnet 1 may be corrected allowing the valve to close. By discharging fluid from the second pressure space 17 play between valve stem 13 and guide pin 5 can be eliminated allowing the valve 9 to open fully.