When a coil (14) is energised, a rotor segment (18) which is mounted such that it can rotate rotates in the anticlockwise direction into an operating position (18'). The restoring force when the coil (14) is switched off is applied by means of a tension spring (32). A second tension spring (28) is used for smooth limiting of the rotation angle. The U-shaped stator part (10) has a first limb (12) and a second limb (16) whose extension (36) is used for mounting and as a magnetic return path for the rotor segment (18). The iron parts of the stator part (10) and of the rotor segment (18) preferably consist of spheroidal graphite iron. The coil (14) is supplied with direct current. Such a rotating armature electromagnet with a single coil (14) is simple and robust in construction. It is particularly suitable for use as a drive for a striker of a distribution device for a cutting machine. <IMAGE>
