EP1042773B1 - Hybrid power relay - Google Patents

Hybrid power relay Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1042773B1
EP1042773B1 EP98963611A EP98963611A EP1042773B1 EP 1042773 B1 EP1042773 B1 EP 1042773B1 EP 98963611 A EP98963611 A EP 98963611A EP 98963611 A EP98963611 A EP 98963611A EP 1042773 B1 EP1042773 B1 EP 1042773B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
contact
voltage
hybrid
signal
circuit
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EP98963611A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1042773A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Thomson-CSF Prop. Intell. Blain
Luc Thomson-CSF Prop. Intell. Raffestin
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Crouzet Automatismes SAS
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Crouzet Automatismes SAS
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542Contacts shunted by static switch means
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542Contacts shunted by static switch means
    • H01H2009/544Contacts shunted by static switch means the static switching means being an insulated gate bipolar transistor, e.g. IGBT, Darlington configuration of FET and bipolar transistor
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542Contacts shunted by static switch means
    • H01H2009/545Contacts shunted by static switch means comprising a parallel semiconductor switch being fired optically, e.g. using a photocoupler
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/56Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the ac cycle

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the hybrid power relays used to open or close electrical circuits.
  • Relays are designed to support circuit current in which they are inserted and cut the circuit electric under load, i.e. when the circuit is traversed by a Electric power.
  • Electromechanical type relays have one or more electrical contacts with mechanical displacement, coupled to an element mobile of the magnetic circuit of an electromagnet.
  • the command of the electromagnet is carried out by the supply of its coil producing a induction flux in the magnetic circuit causing the displacement of the movable element and the closing or opening of the electrical contacts of the relay.
  • Static relays unlike electromechanical relays do not use moving mechanical elements but semiconductor components capable of opening or closing a circuit in which they are inserted.
  • Solid state relays use semiconductor components such as triacs, thyristors, transistors, the MOS-thyristors known by the English name of “Insulated Gate Controlled Thyristor” or “IGCT”, the transistors bipolar with isolated grid known under the English name of ⁇ lnsulated Gate Bipolar Transistor "or" IGBT ", the thyristors MOS command known by the English name of "MOS Controlled Thyristor ”or“ MCT ”.
  • These types of semiconductor components have two power inputs intended to be connected to an electrical circuit and a control input putting the semiconductor component, when is inserted into the electrical circuit by its two power inputs, i.e. in a blocked state, or in a state passing between these two inputs of power. In the blocked state, all the voltage of the electrical circuit is applied to the power inputs of the semiconductor component and in the state passing the semiconductor is crossed by the circuit current in which it is inserted.
  • the static relays nevertheless have a disadvantage by compared to electromechanical relays. Indeed, in the passing state (or saturated), the semiconductor component presents between its inputs power, at current flow, a residual saturation voltage producing heat energy dissipation in the semiconductor component and a rise in its temperature. For example in a triac, this residual saturation voltage is of the order of 1.5 volts. Thereby, static power relays must be used in conjunction with thermal radiators to evacuate the heat energy dissipated by the semiconductor component and thus assure them a lifetime sufficient.
  • hybrid relay In another type of relay commonly called hybrid relay, the semiconductor component is connected in parallel with the contact electric with mechanical displacement of the electromechanical relay.
  • the control of the hybrid relay simultaneously causes the reset passing from the semiconductor component which absorbs the switching arc and closing of the relay contact which short-circuits the semiconductor component.
  • the contact having a very low resistance, the current of the electrical circuit goes through the contact and not through the semiconductor component which is defused thus avoiding its heating.
  • this solution has drawbacks.
  • Document FR-A-2 525 386 describes the conduction of the semiconductor component before the contact is closed or opened. It uses a thyristor or a triac, the control signal is conventionally a very brief ignition pulse which has no reason to end after the closing or opening of the mechanical contact.
  • the hybrid relay relay according to the invention can operate with any power component, namely, triacs, thyristors, but also transistors, IGBTs, IGCTs, MCTs.
  • the hybrid power relay is designed to generate, at from the first relay control signal, the closing signal of the contact and the first component conduction signal, independently of each other, which allows for setting up conduction of the semiconductor component either simultaneously with the contact closing signal, i.e. before the closing signal of the contact. It is the same when opening the contact.
  • An advantage arising from this feature is that the reaction time of the contact mechanical during the appearance, either of the closing signal or of the signal opening, does not intervene. Indeed in the case of a relay having a fast response time, conduction of the semiconductor component can be triggered when the contact closes, before this closing and opening of the contact, before this opening, which ensures sufficient time for the establishment of the current in the semiconductor and thus carry out either the opening or the closing of the contact with a substantially zero current.
  • the signal conduction of the semiconductor component may be emitted simultaneously with either the closing signal or the opening signal of the relay contact.
  • the hybrid power relay according to the invention provides a synchronized switching between the electrical displacement contact mechanical and the semiconductor component in parallel with the contact. This synchronization eliminates almost all of the electric arc that can occur when the electrical contact is opened or closed. Indeed the opening or closing of the contact is only carried out when the semiconductor component is ordered in the on state.
  • the hybrid power relay according to the invention comprises the advantage of making it unnecessary to use a radiator for the component semiconductor, which reduces the cost and size of the hybrid relay.
  • Another advantage of stopping the first activation signal conduction of the semiconductor component resulting in its state blocked, after closing the contact, lies in forcing the passage of current from the electrical circuit through the contact, which ensures cleaning the contact by destroying particles of carbonized material due to coal mining.
  • a hybrid power relay 10 has two terminals A and B intended to be inserted into an EC electrical circuit. The opening or closing of the hybrid relay is effected by an ER command input hybrid relay 10.
  • Control means include a control circuit 40 having the ER control input of the hybrid relay, a first output X1 attacking the EC control input of the semiconductor component 30 and a second output X2 supplying the coil 22.
  • the hybrid power relay 10 may further include a protection 50 connected between terminals A and B to protect the relay hybrid of any overvoltages that may appear on the network electric CE.
  • the semiconductor component 30 can be chosen from triacs, thyristors, transistors, IGBTs, IGCTs, MCTs and maybe associated with one or more semiconductor components of the same type so ensure the functionality of the hybrid power relay according to the type of electrical circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted.
  • two thyristors mounted in parallel head to tail will be used in an alternating current circuit.
  • the hybrid power relay according to the invention has the advantage ensure synchronization of the displacement contact control mechanical and semiconductor component taking into account imperatives linked to the electrical circuit or to the loads connected to the electrical circuit.
  • the control means are configured to ensure switching of the hybrid relay when passing through a value close to 0 volts of the electrical circuit voltage.
  • FIG. 2 represents an electrical diagram of a hybrid relay 60 of power, according to the invention using a triac in parallel with the contact to mechanical displacement and comprising control means using a microcontroller.
  • the microcontroller has the advantage of integrating into the relay hybrid a certain intelligence allowing to take into account many parameters related to the characteristics of the hybrid relay, and those of the circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted.
  • the hybrid relay 60 is inserted in an alternating current electrical circuit comprising two channels a first channel V1 and a second channel V2 under a voltage Ue between these tract.
  • Channels V1 and V2 supply loads not shown on the figure 2.
  • Hybrid relay 60 is inserted in the first channel V1 respectively by a first input terminal SA on the source side of voltage Ue and by a first output terminal AC on the load side, and in the second channel V2 respectively by a second input terminal SB on the side of the voltage source Ue and by a second output terminal CB on the load side.
  • the hybrid relay 60 has a displacement contact 70 mechanical in parallel with a triac 80, the assembly consisting of the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80 being inserted in the first channel V1 between the first SA input terminal and the first CA output terminal, all ensuring the opening or closing of the first channel V1.
  • the second way V2 continuously crosses the hybrid relay, between the second terminal input SB and the second output terminal CB.
  • the control means of the hybrid relay are supplied from of the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted by a supply circuit 90 and a regulation circuit 92.
  • the supply circuit 90 is connected between the channels V1 and V2 of the electrical circuit under voltage Ue supplying from voltage Ue and to through a capacity C1, the energy required to supply the means of the hybrid relay.
  • One side of the supply circuit 90 being connected to the first SA input terminal and the other side to the second terminal SB input.
  • the supply circuit 90 provides according to a known diagram, a substantially constant DC supply voltage VL between a first line L1 and a second line L2.
  • the second L2 line will be considered to be at a reference Vo potential.
  • the circuit of regulation 92 is connected between the first line L1 and the second line L2 under the supply voltage VL and provides on a third line L3, a regulated voltage VC with respect to the second line L2 at the potential Vo of reference.
  • the voltage VC ensures the supply of a microcontroller 100 of control means of the hybrid relay.
  • the hybrid relay 60 has a control input having two GN and IN control terminals to which a voltage is applied, the level is used to establish the control signals on input E1 of the microcontroller. Between the GN and IN terminals is connected a resistor R15 in series with a photodiode D5 optically coupled to a phototransistor Q5 of a first photocoupler U1.
  • the first photocoupler U1 provides galvanic isolation between the input of control of the hybrid relay and its elements under the circuit voltage Ue electric.
  • the phototransistor Q5 is connected by its collector to the third line L3 at the regulated voltage VC, and by its transmitter, on the one hand by via a resistor R14 at the second line L2 at potential Vo reference, and secondly to the first logic input E1 of the microcontroller 100, this first logic input E1 receiving the information for opening or closing the hybrid relay.
  • a control voltage Tc applied between the two terminals GN and IN control of the hybrid relay produces a current lc in the photodiode D5 sufficient to switch it on and saturate the phototransistor Q5.
  • the saturation of the phototransistor Q5 makes pass its transmitter and the first logic input E1 of the reference potential Vo microcontroller, at the regulated potential VC, corresponding to a logical change of state of the first entry E1 which goes from state 0 to state 1.
  • This change of state of the first input E1 is taken into account by the microcontroller which triggers a closing sequence of the hybrid relay 60.
  • a second photocoupler U2 forming part of the detection circuit 102 ensures the generation of logic level IP pulses applied to the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller 100. These pulses of logic level allow the microcontroller to determine on the one hand, the change of polarity of the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit (passage through a voltage Ue close to 0 volts) and on the other hand the state of the assembly formed by contact 70 in parallel with triac 80.
  • the photocoupler U2 comprises the pair of photodiodes D6 and D7 mounted in parallel head to tail optically coupled to phototransistor Q6, one side of the pair of photodiodes being connected to through a C6 capacity on the first V1 track, on the side of the first AC output terminal of the hybrid relay, the other side of the pair being connected through a resistor R17 at the first channel V1 on the side of the first SA input terminal of the hybrid relay.
  • a voltage V appearing at terminals of the assembly constituted by the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80 is applied to the detection circuit 102.
  • the phototransistor Q6 is controlled on the one hand by one of the photodiodes of the pair of photodiodes D6 and D7, during one of the two alternations of voltage V and on the other hand by the other photodiode of said pair D6 and D7, during the other alternation of voltage V.
  • the phototransistor Q6 is connected by its collector to the third line L3 under regulated voltage VC, and by its transmitter, on the one hand to the second line L2 at the reference potential Vo via a resistor R16, and on the other hand to the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller 100.
  • the voltage applied to the second input E2 is substantially equal to the regulated voltage VC (state 1) and when the phototransistor Q6 is blocked, it is substantially equal to the reference potential Vo (state 0).
  • the voltage V is substantially equal to the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit, producing a current Id in the circuit of detection 102.
  • Current Id turns on photodiodes D6 and D7 respectively during one and the other alternation of the voltage V except for a short period of time corresponding to passing through a maximum voltage Vm. Indeed the current in the capacitor C6 becomes zero when the derivative of the voltage V goes through 0, that is to say when the voltage V stops growing through a maximum voltage Vm to decrease.
  • the two photodiodes D6 and D7 are extinguished and phototransistor Q6 is blocked producing a pulse lm on the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller whose voltage passes from a voltage substantially equal to the regulated voltage VC at a voltage close to the reference potential Vo, for return to regulated voltage VC and this at each half-cycle as long as the relay hybrid is open.
  • the microcontroller 100 calculates from time to, from time tm at which produces the last pulse Im, and of period T of the voltage Ue of electrical circuit, the time required to wait for the the saturated state of the triac 80, at a time when the voltage Ue is close to 0 volts, thus avoiding the appearance of steep switching fronts in the electrical circuit.
  • the hybrid relay is used in an electrical circuit of voltage Ue alternative to the frequency of 50 Hertz.
  • the alternation period T is in this 20 millisecond example.
  • FIG. 3a shows the voltage Ue applied to the input terminals SA and SB of the relay between the two channels V1 and V2, in function of time t and around a value close to 0 volts, when change of polarity of the voltage Ue
  • FIG. 3b shows the voltage V across the terminals of the assembly constituted by the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80, inserted in the first channel V1, between the first SA input terminal and the first SB output terminal.
  • the microcontroller 100 is programmed, in this embodiment of the hybrid relay 60, to control the passage of the triac 80 to the on state, when closing the hybrid relay, only when the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit goes through a level close to 0 volts. Let t1 the instant at which the first passage through 0 volts of the voltage Ue takes place (see Figure 3a), after the instant to order the closure of the relay.
  • the microcontroller 100 passes the first output S1 logic from state 0 to state 1 (see figure 3d) and the second logic output S2 from state 0 to state 1 (see figure 3e).
  • the first follower transistor Q3 saturates putting the input 110 of the current generator 112 at the reference potential Vo passing through output 114 of the current generator, a current Ig in the trigger of the triac 80.
  • the second logic output S2 passing to state 1 applies a high logic level potential through the basic resistance R8, at the base of the second follower transistor Q4 which saturates, passing a current Ib in the coil 72, the supply terminals 118 and 120 of the coil being connected respectively to the supply voltage VL and to the reference potential Vo.
  • the diagram in figure 3e represents the state of the second output S2 logic as well as the state of the coil 72 power supply.
  • the current Ib in the coil 72 is substantially zero, corresponding to a state 0 on the diagram of FIG. 3e and at time t1, the current lb crosses the coil 70, corresponding to a state 1.
  • the coil 72 being supplied, produces the closure of the contact 70 after a delay ⁇ 1, corresponding to a response time on closing the contact 70.
  • this delay ⁇ 1 is of the order of 5 ms for the relays of series.
  • the contact is closed at time t2 equal t1 + ⁇ 1.
  • the closure of contact 70 at time t2 is represented by diagram of FIG. 3g in which an open contact corresponds to a state 0 and a contact closed at state 1.
  • Microcontroller maintains trigger current control Ig thyristor (first logic output S1 at state 1) for a delay of security (a few milliseconds) up to a time t3 at which the first logic output S1 goes from state 1 to state 0 interrupting the current lg of trigger of the triac 80 and thus preventing any priming of the triac 80, in the event of a permanent voltage appearing between its terminals as for example a residual voltage due to the smearing of contact 70.
  • trigger current control Ig thyristor first logic output S1 at state 1
  • a delay of security a few milliseconds
  • the triac 80 activation command was carried out for the first time starting before the closure of the contact 70, at time t1 and ending after its closing, or time t3.
  • the diagram in Figure 3b shows the variations in voltage V across the triac 80 in parallel with the contact 72, during this first closing phase of the hybrid relay 60.
  • the microcontroller 100 passes the first output at time t4 logic S1 in state 1 which causes the application by the current generator 112 from the current Ig to the trigger of the triac 80.
  • the triac 80 remains defused by the fact that it is short-circuited by the contact 70 still closed.
  • the microcontroller 100 switches the second logic output S2 at state 0 interrupting the supply of the coil 72 and after a delay ⁇ 2 linked to the response time at the opening of contact 70, around 10 ms for a serial relay, the latter opens at time t5 equal at t4 + ⁇ 2, initiating the triac 80 in the on state. (Figure 3f).
  • the current in the first channel V1 passes at time t5 through the triac 80 primed, removing almost all of the arc at the terminals of contact 70.
  • the microcontroller maintains control of the trigger current lg triac 80 (first output S1 in state 1) during a new delay of security (a few milliseconds) up to a time t6 at which the first logic output S1 goes from state 1 to state 0 interrupting the current Ig of trigger of the triac 80.
  • the triac 80 is defused by the approximately 0 volts of the voltage V across its terminals.
  • the triac 80 remains thereafter in the blocked state, no longer controlled and putting the relay hybrid in the open state as it was before time t0.
  • the triac 80 activation command was carried out for a second period of time starting before the contact opens 70, or time t4 and ending after are opening or time t6.
  • the diagram in Figure 3b shows the voltage V across the triac during this second phase of opening the hybrid relay 60.
  • the contact 70 short-circuits the triac 80 the voltage V is equal to the residual voltage u2 of the contact 70.
  • the voltage V is equal to the residual voltage u1 aux terminals of the triac is approximately 1.5 volts.
  • the voltage V is substantially equal to the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit.
  • the microcontroller 100 provides, using the detection circuit 102, a additional safety functionality of the hybrid relay.
  • the microcontroller considers this impulse and makes change the first logic output S1 to state 1 for a short time time during which the contact is open, applying during this same short instant the current Ig in the trigger of the triac 80 and the setting to the state passing from the triac, which has the advantage of eliminating the arc occurring on contact 70.
  • This additional security ensures better reliability and longer relay life when used in a disturbed environment.
  • the hybrid power relay 60 is equipped with diodes light-emitting indicating its state.
  • the light-emitting diode D8 (green) indicates when it is lit, closing of the hybrid relay.
  • a red light-emitting diode D10 controlled by a third logic output S3 of microcontroller 100 indicates a abnormal operation of the hybrid relay, operating information abnormal is transmitted outside the relay by an OUT control terminal galvanically isolated from the live elements Ue of the hybrid relay by a third photocoupler U3.
  • the realization of the hybrid power relay 60 is not limiting and other simpler versions can be produced, using for example exclusively discrete components or wired logic, a microcontroller system allowing to take into account many parameters related to the hybrid relay or the type of electrical circuit in which it is inserted.
  • the displacement contact mechanical and the coil are contained in a waterproof case filled with a liquid with high dielectric power.
  • the contact and the coil immersed in the liquid has the advantage of reducing the acoustic switching noise, considerably increase the number of maneuvers in charge of hybrid relay passing on average from 100,000 to 10 million operations and increase the performance of the relay in terms of breaking capacity.

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Abstract

Hybrid power relay used for opening or closing electrical circuits, including an electrical contact having a mechanical movement, a semiconductor component in parallel with the electrical contact, and a control unit which in response to a logic input level causes the electrical contact to close (open) and the semiconductor component to be turned on. The control unit generates a contact-make signal for closing the contact, and a control signal that turn on the semiconductor component for a predetermined period of time. The control signal prevents the semiconductor component from being turned on after the predetermined period if the electrical contact fails to close so that the semiconductor component is undamaged. Also, the control unit generates a contact-break signal for opening the electrical contact, and turning on the semiconductor component before the electrical contact has opened by means of a control signal which terminates at the end of a second predetermined period after the electrical contact has opened.

Description

L'invention concerne les relais hybrides de puissance utilisés pour effectuer l'ouverture ou la fermeture de circuits électriques.The invention relates to the hybrid power relays used to open or close electrical circuits.

Actuellement on rencontre deux principaux types de relais selon leurs technologies de réalisation, les relais électromécaniques et les relais à semi-conducteurs ou relais statiques.Currently there are two main types of relays according to their production technologies, electromechanical relays and relays semiconductors or solid state relays.

Les relais sont conçus pour supporter le courant du circuit électrique dans lequel ils sont insérés et effectuer la coupure du circuit électrique en charge, c'est à dire lorsque le circuit est parcouru par un courant électrique.Relays are designed to support circuit current in which they are inserted and cut the circuit electric under load, i.e. when the circuit is traversed by a Electric power.

Les relais de type électromécanique comportent un ou plusieurs contacts électriques à déplacement mécanique, couplés à un élément mobile du circuit magnétique d'un électroaimant. La commande de l'électroaimant est effectuée par l'alimentation de sa bobine produisant un flux d'induction dans le circuit magnétique entraínant le déplacement de l'élément mobile et la fermeture ou l'ouverture des contacts électriques du relais.Electromechanical type relays have one or more electrical contacts with mechanical displacement, coupled to an element mobile of the magnetic circuit of an electromagnet. The command of the electromagnet is carried out by the supply of its coil producing a induction flux in the magnetic circuit causing the displacement of the movable element and the closing or opening of the electrical contacts of the relay.

La commutation par un relais électromécanique d'un circuit électrique en charge, et particulièrement lorsque le circuit est selfique, produit des arcs entre les contacts au moment de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture du circuit. Ce phénomène est couramment appelé étincelage.Switching by an electromechanical relay of a circuit electrical under load, and particularly when the circuit is inductive, produces arcs between the contacts when opening or closing circuit closure. This phenomenon is commonly called sparking.

L'étincelage entraíne l'apparition de charbon (charbonnage) entre les contacts, dû à la combustion des poussières ou des particules de matière au moment de l'arc. Une des conséquences du charbonnage est la dégradation de la qualité du contact par l'augmentation de la résistance au passage du courant.Sparking causes the appearance of charcoal between contacts, due to the combustion of dust or particles of matter at the time of the arc. One of the consequences of coal mining is the degradation of the quality of the contact by the increase in resistance to current flow.

Les relais statiques contrairement aux relais électromécaniques n'utilisent pas d'éléments mécaniques mobiles mais des composants semi-conducteurs capables d'effectuer l'ouverture ou la fermeture d'un circuit électrique dans lesquels ils sont insérés. Les relais statiques utilisent des composants semi-conducteurs tels que les triacs, les thyristors, les transistors, les MOS-thyristors connus sous la dénomination anglaise de « Insulated Gate Controlled Thyristor » ou « IGCT », les transistors bipolaires à grille isolée connus sous la dénomination anglaise de < lnsulated Gate Bipolar Transistor » ou « IGBT », les thyristors à commande MOS connus sous la dénomination anglaise de « MOS Controlled Thyristor » ou « MCT ».Static relays unlike electromechanical relays do not use moving mechanical elements but semiconductor components capable of opening or closing a circuit in which they are inserted. Solid state relays use semiconductor components such as triacs, thyristors, transistors, the MOS-thyristors known by the English name of “Insulated Gate Controlled Thyristor” or “IGCT”, the transistors bipolar with isolated grid known under the English name of <lnsulated Gate Bipolar Transistor "or" IGBT ", the thyristors MOS command known by the English name of "MOS Controlled Thyristor ”or“ MCT ”.

Ces types de composants semi-conducteurs, comportent deux entrées de puissance destinées à être connectées à un circuit électrique et une entrée de commande mettant le composant semi-conducteur, lorsqu'il est inséré dans le circuit électrique par ses deux entrées de puissance, soit dans un état bloqué, soit dans un état passant entre ces deux entrées de puissance. Dans l'état bloqué, toute la tension du circuit électrique se trouve appliquée aux entrées de puissance du composant semi-conducteur et dans l'état passant le semi-conducteur est traversé par le courant du circuit électrique dans lequel il est inséré.These types of semiconductor components have two power inputs intended to be connected to an electrical circuit and a control input putting the semiconductor component, when is inserted into the electrical circuit by its two power inputs, i.e. in a blocked state, or in a state passing between these two inputs of power. In the blocked state, all the voltage of the electrical circuit is applied to the power inputs of the semiconductor component and in the state passing the semiconductor is crossed by the circuit current in which it is inserted.

Les relais statiques comportent néanmoins un inconvénient par rapport aux relais électromécaniques. En effet, dans l'état passant (ou saturé), le composant semi-conducteur présente entre ses entrées de puissance, au passage du courant, une tension résiduelle de saturation produisant une dissipation d'énergie calorifique dans le composant semi-conducteur et une élévation de sa température. Par exemple dans un triac, cette tension résiduelle de saturation est de l'ordre de 1,5 volts. De ce fait, les relais statiques de puissances doivent être utilisés conjointement avec des radiateurs thermiques pour évacuer l'énergie calorifique dissipée par le composant semi-conducteur et leur assurer ainsi une durée de vie suffisante.The static relays nevertheless have a disadvantage by compared to electromechanical relays. Indeed, in the passing state (or saturated), the semiconductor component presents between its inputs power, at current flow, a residual saturation voltage producing heat energy dissipation in the semiconductor component and a rise in its temperature. For example in a triac, this residual saturation voltage is of the order of 1.5 volts. Thereby, static power relays must be used in conjunction with thermal radiators to evacuate the heat energy dissipated by the semiconductor component and thus assure them a lifetime sufficient.

Dans un autre type de relais appelé couramment relais hybride, le composant semi-conducteur est connecté en parallèle avec le contact électrique à déplacement mécanique du relais électromécanique. La commande du relais hybride provoque simultanément la mise à l'état passant du composant semi-conducteur qui absorbe l'arc de commutation et la fermeture du contact du relais qui court-circuite le composant semi-conducteur. Le contact présentant une très faible résistance, le courant du circuit électrique passe par le contact et non pas par le composant semi-conducteur qui se trouve désamorcé évitant ainsi son échauffement. Néanmoins cette solution comporte des inconvénients. En effet une augmentation de la résistance entre les contacts du relais, dû à différents phénomènes comme par exemple le charbonnage, l'oxydation, le vieillissement ou un défaut mécanique des contacts, provoque l'apparition d'une chute de tension entre les contacts qui peut être suffisamment élevée pour amorcer le composant semi-conducteur en parallèle avec le contact et faire passer, d'une façon permanente, une partie, voir pratiquement la totalité du courant du circuit électrique dans le composant semi-conducteur, ce qui produit son échauffement voir sa destruction, s'il n'a pas été équipé d'un radiateur.In another type of relay commonly called hybrid relay, the semiconductor component is connected in parallel with the contact electric with mechanical displacement of the electromechanical relay. The control of the hybrid relay simultaneously causes the reset passing from the semiconductor component which absorbs the switching arc and closing of the relay contact which short-circuits the semiconductor component. The contact having a very low resistance, the current of the electrical circuit goes through the contact and not through the semiconductor component which is defused thus avoiding its heating. However, this solution has drawbacks. Indeed a increased resistance between relay contacts due to different phenomena such as, for example, coal mining, oxidation, aging or a mechanical fault in the contacts, causes the appearance a voltage drop between the contacts which can be sufficiently high to start the semiconductor component in parallel with the contact and permanently pass part of it, see practically the total current of the electrical circuit in the semiconductor component, what produces its heating see its destruction, if it was not equipped of a radiator.

Le document FR-A-2 525 386 décrit la mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur avant la fermeture ou l'ouverture du contact. Il utilise un thyristor ou un triac, le signal de commande est classiquement une impulsion d'amorçage très brève qui n'a aucune raison de se terminer après la fermeture ou l'ouverture du contact mécanique.Document FR-A-2 525 386 describes the conduction of the semiconductor component before the contact is closed or opened. It uses a thyristor or a triac, the control signal is conventionally a very brief ignition pulse which has no reason to end after the closing or opening of the mechanical contact.

La présente invention permet de palier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur en proposant un relais hybride de puissance destiné à être inséré dans un circuit électrique, le relais hybride comprenant un contact électrique à déplacement mécanique, un composant semi-conducteur en parallèle sur le contact électrique à déplacement mécanique, des moyens pour commander d'une part la fermeture du contact et la mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur en réponse à un premier signal de commande, et d'autre part l'ouverture du contact et la mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur en réponse à un second signal de commande, lesdits moyens de commande comprenant des moyens pour :

  • générer à partir du premier signal de commande un signal de fermeture du contact;
  • générer à partir du premier signal de commande, indépendamment du signal de fermeture, un premier signal de mise en conduction du composant commençant avant la fermeture du contact et se terminant après cette fermeture;
  • générer à partir du second signal de commande un signal d'ouverture du contact;
  • générer à partir du second signal de commande, indépendamment du signal d'ouverture, un deuxième signal de mise en conduction du composant commençant avant l'ouverture du contact et se terminant après cette ouverture.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a hybrid power relay intended to be inserted in an electrical circuit, the hybrid relay comprising an electrical contact with mechanical displacement, a semiconductor component in parallel on the contact. electric with mechanical displacement, means for controlling on the one hand the closing of the contact and the conduction of the semiconductor component in response to a first control signal, and on the other hand the opening of the contact and the setting conduction of the semiconductor component in response to a second control signal, said control means comprising means for:
  • generating from the first control signal a contact closing signal;
  • generating from the first control signal, independently of the closing signal, a first component conduction signal starting before the contact closes and ending after this closing;
  • generating from the second control signal a contact opening signal;
  • generating from the second control signal, independently of the opening signal, a second component conduction signal starting before the contact opens and ending after this opening.

Le relais relais hybride selon l'invention, peut fonctionner avec n'importe quel composant de puissance, à savoir, les triacs, les thyristors, mais aussi les transistors, les IGBT, les IGCT, les MCT.The hybrid relay relay according to the invention can operate with any power component, namely, triacs, thyristors, but also transistors, IGBTs, IGCTs, MCTs.

Le relais hybride de puissance est réalisé de façon à générer, à partir du premier signal de commande du relais, le signal de fermeture du contact et le premier signal de mise en conduction du composant, indépendament l'un de l'autre, ce qui permet d'effectuer une mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur soit simultanement avec le signal de ferméture du contact, soit avant le signal de fermeture du contact. Il en est de même lors l'ouverture du contact. Un avantage découlant de cette fonctionalité est que le temps de réaction du contact mécanique lors de l'apparition, soit du signal de ferméture, soit du signal d'ouverture, n'intervient pas. En effet dans le cas d'un rélais ayant un temps de reponse rapide, la mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur peut être déclanchée à la ferméture du contact, avant cette ferméture et à l'ouverture du contact, avant cette ouverture, ce qui assure un temps suffisant pour l'établissement du courant dans le semi-conducteur et ainsi effectuer soit l'ouverture soit la ferméture du contact avec un courant sensiblement nul.The hybrid power relay is designed to generate, at from the first relay control signal, the closing signal of the contact and the first component conduction signal, independently of each other, which allows for setting up conduction of the semiconductor component either simultaneously with the contact closing signal, i.e. before the closing signal of the contact. It is the same when opening the contact. An advantage arising from this feature is that the reaction time of the contact mechanical during the appearance, either of the closing signal or of the signal opening, does not intervene. Indeed in the case of a relay having a fast response time, conduction of the semiconductor component can be triggered when the contact closes, before this closing and opening of the contact, before this opening, which ensures sufficient time for the establishment of the current in the semiconductor and thus carry out either the opening or the closing of the contact with a substantially zero current.

Dans le cas d'un relais ayant un temps de réponse assez long pour que le courant soit établit dans le semi-conducteur, le signal de mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur pourra être émis simultanement avec soit le signal de ferméture, soit le signal d'ouverture du contact du relais.In the case of a relay with a fairly long response time for the current to be established in the semiconductor, the signal conduction of the semiconductor component may be emitted simultaneously with either the closing signal or the opening signal of the relay contact.

Le relais hybride de puissance selon l'invention assure une commutation synchronisée entre le contact électrique à déplacement mécanique et le composant semi-conducteur en parallèle avec le contact. Cette synchronisation supprime la quasi totalité de l'arc électrique pouvant se produire à l'ouverture ou à la fermeture du contact électrique. En effet l'ouverture ou la ferméture du contact n'est effectuée qu'au moment où le composant semi-conducteur est commandé dans l'état passant.The hybrid power relay according to the invention provides a synchronized switching between the electrical displacement contact mechanical and the semiconductor component in parallel with the contact. This synchronization eliminates almost all of the electric arc that can occur when the electrical contact is opened or closed. Indeed the opening or closing of the contact is only carried out when the semiconductor component is ordered in the on state.

Le relais hybride de puissance selon l'invention comporte l'avantage de rendre inutile l'utilisation d'un radiateur pour le composant semi-conducteur, ce qui diminue le coût et la taille du relais hybride.The hybrid power relay according to the invention comprises the advantage of making it unnecessary to use a radiator for the component semiconductor, which reduces the cost and size of the hybrid relay.

En effet, après la fermeture du contact, l'arrêt du premier signal de mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur empêche que ce dernier puisse s'amorcer par l'apparition d'une chute de tension permanente à ses bornes, due par exemple au charbonnage ou à un défaut mécanique permanent du contact, évitant ainsi le passage du courant du circuit électrique dans le composant semi-conducteur et le protégeant d'un échauffement anormal voir d'une destruction.Indeed, after closing the contact, stopping the first signal of conduction of the semiconductor component prevents this can be initiated by the appearance of a permanent voltage drop at its terminals, due for example to coal or a mechanical defect permanent contact, thus avoiding the passage of circuit current electric in the semiconductor component and protecting it from abnormal heating or even destruction.

Un autre avantage de l'arrêt du premier signal de mise en conduction du composant semi-conducteur entraínant sa mise à l'état bloqué, après la fermeture du contact, réside dans le fait de forcer le passage du courant du circuit électrique par le contact, ce qui assure le nettoyage du contact par la destruction des particules de matière carbonisée dues au charbonnage.Another advantage of stopping the first activation signal conduction of the semiconductor component resulting in its state blocked, after closing the contact, lies in forcing the passage of current from the electrical circuit through the contact, which ensures cleaning the contact by destroying particles of carbonized material due to coal mining.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description d'exemples de relais dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un synoptique d'un relais hybride de puissance selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente un schéma électrique d'un exemple de réalisation d'un relais hybride de puissance selon l'invention ;
  • les figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f et 3g, représentent les diagrammes de fonctionnement du relais hybride de puissance de la figure 2.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description of examples of relays in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of a hybrid power relay according to the invention;
  • FIG. 2 represents an electrical diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a hybrid power relay according to the invention;
  • Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f and 3g represent the operating diagrams of the hybrid power relay of Figure 2.

Un relais hybride de puissance 10 comporte deux bornes A et B destinés a être insérées dans un circuit électrique CE. L'ouverture ou la fermeture du relais hybride est effectuée par une entrée de commande ER du relais hybride 10.A hybrid power relay 10 has two terminals A and B intended to be inserted into an EC electrical circuit. The opening or closing of the hybrid relay is effected by an ER command input hybrid relay 10.

Le relais hybride 10 comporte essentiellement :

  • un contact électrique 20 à déplacement mécanique, connecté entre les deux bornes A et B du relais hybride;
  • une bobine 22 actionnant le contact 20 afin d'effectuer sa fermeture ou son ouverture;
  • un composant semi-conducteur 30, comportant deux entrées de puissance E1 et E2, connecté en parallèle avec le contact 20 par ces deux entrées de puissance, et une entrée de contrôle EC pour sa mise en conduction.
The hybrid relay 10 essentially comprises:
  • an electrical contact 20 with mechanical displacement, connected between the two terminals A and B of the hybrid relay;
  • a coil 22 actuating the contact 20 in order to close or open it;
  • a semiconductor component 30, comprising two power inputs E1 and E2, connected in parallel with the contact 20 by these two power inputs, and a control input EC for its conduction.

Des moyens de commande comportent un circuit de commande 40 ayant l'entrée de commande ER du relais hybride, une première sortie X1 attaquant l'entrée de contrôle EC du composant semi-conducteur 30 et une seconde sortie X2 alimentant la bobine 22.Control means include a control circuit 40 having the ER control input of the hybrid relay, a first output X1 attacking the EC control input of the semiconductor component 30 and a second output X2 supplying the coil 22.

Le relais hybride de puissance 10 peut comporter en outre une protection 50 connectée entre les bornes A et B afin de protéger le relais hybride des éventuelles surtensions pouvant apparaítre sur le réseau électrique CE.The hybrid power relay 10 may further include a protection 50 connected between terminals A and B to protect the relay hybrid of any overvoltages that may appear on the network electric CE.

Le composant semi-conducteur 30 peut être choisi parmi les triacs, les thyristors, les transistors, les IGBT, les IGCT, les MCT et peut être associé à un ou plusieurs composants semi-conducteurs du même type afin d'assurer la fonctionnalité du relais hybride de puissance selon le type de circuit électrique dans lequel le relais hybride se trouve inséré.The semiconductor component 30 can be chosen from triacs, thyristors, transistors, IGBTs, IGCTs, MCTs and maybe associated with one or more semiconductor components of the same type so ensure the functionality of the hybrid power relay according to the type of electrical circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted.

Par exemple deux thyristors montés en parallèle tête bêche seront utilisés dans un circuit à courant alternatif.For example two thyristors mounted in parallel head to tail will be used in an alternating current circuit.

Le relais hybride de puissance selon l'invention comporte l'avantage d'assurer la synchronisation de la commande du contact à déplacement mécanique et du composant semi-conducteur en tenant compte d'impératifs liés au circuit électrique ou aux charges connectées sur le circuit électrique. Par exemple dans le cas d'un circuit électrique fonctionnant sous une tension alternative, les moyens de commande sont configurés pour assurer une commutation du relais hybride en moment du passage par une valeur proche de 0 volt de la tension du circuit électrique.The hybrid power relay according to the invention has the advantage ensure synchronization of the displacement contact control mechanical and semiconductor component taking into account imperatives linked to the electrical circuit or to the loads connected to the electrical circuit. For example in the case of an electrical circuit operating under a alternating voltage, the control means are configured to ensure switching of the hybrid relay when passing through a value close to 0 volts of the electrical circuit voltage.

En effet la fermeture du relais hybride à un instant quelconque de la période de la tension alternative du circuit électrique, et en particulier lorsque cette tension est au maximum, provoque un brusque établissement du courant dans le circuit électrique pouvant présenter des inconvénients pour les équipements connectés au circuit électrique, voir pour le circuit électrique lui même. Nous pouvons citer à titre d'exemple le cas d'un circuit fonctionnant en courant alternatif à 50 Hertz comportant des charges capacitives provoquant un fort appel de courant lorsqu'on leur applique un front de tension raide, au moment de la commutation du relais.Closing the hybrid relay at any time during the period of the alternating voltage of the electric circuit, and in particular when this tension is at the maximum, causes a sudden establishment current in the electrical circuit which can have drawbacks for equipment connected to the electrical circuit, see for the circuit electric itself. We can cite as an example the case of a circuit operating on alternating current at 50 Hertz with loads capacitive causing a strong current draw when applied to them steep voltage front, when switching the relay.

La figure 2 représente un schéma électrique d'un relais hybride 60 de puissance, selon l'invention utilisant un triac en parallèle avec le contact à déplacement mécanique et comportant des moyens de commande utilisant un microcontrôleur.FIG. 2 represents an electrical diagram of a hybrid relay 60 of power, according to the invention using a triac in parallel with the contact to mechanical displacement and comprising control means using a microcontroller.

Le microcontrôleur comporte l'avantage d'intégrer dans le relais hybride une certaine intelligence permettant de tenir compte de nombreux paramètres liés aux caractéristiques du relais hybride, et à celles du circuit électrique dans lequel le relais hybride se trouve inséré. The microcontroller has the advantage of integrating into the relay hybrid a certain intelligence allowing to take into account many parameters related to the characteristics of the hybrid relay, and those of the circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 2 le relais hybride 60 est inséré dans un circuit électrique à courant alternatif comportant deux voies une première voie V1 et une seconde voie V2 sous une tension Ue entre ces voies. Les voies V1 et V2 alimentent des charges non représentées sur la figure 2.In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the hybrid relay 60 is inserted in an alternating current electrical circuit comprising two channels a first channel V1 and a second channel V2 under a voltage Ue between these tract. Channels V1 and V2 supply loads not shown on the figure 2.

Le relais hybride 60 est inséré dans la première voie V1 respectivement par une première borne d'entrée SA du côté de la source de tension Ue et par une première borne de sortie CA du côté des charges, et dans la seconde voie V2 respectivement par une seconde borne d'entrée SB du côté de la source de tension Ue et par une seconde borne de sortie CB du côté des charges.Hybrid relay 60 is inserted in the first channel V1 respectively by a first input terminal SA on the source side of voltage Ue and by a first output terminal AC on the load side, and in the second channel V2 respectively by a second input terminal SB on the side of the voltage source Ue and by a second output terminal CB on the load side.

Le relais hybride 60 comporte un contact 70 à déplacement mécanique en parallèle avec un triac 80, l'ensemble constitué par le contact 70 en parallèle avec le triac 80 étant inséré dans la première voie V1 entre la première borne d'entrée SA et la première borne de sortie CA, l'ensemble assurant l'ouverture ou la fermeture de la première voie V1. La seconde voie V2 traverse sans interruption le relais hybride, entre la seconde borne d'entrée SB et la seconde borne de sortie CB.The hybrid relay 60 has a displacement contact 70 mechanical in parallel with a triac 80, the assembly consisting of the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80 being inserted in the first channel V1 between the first SA input terminal and the first CA output terminal, all ensuring the opening or closing of the first channel V1. The second way V2 continuously crosses the hybrid relay, between the second terminal input SB and the second output terminal CB.

Les moyens de commande du relais hybride sont alimentés à partir de la tension Ue du circuit électrique dans lequel le relais hybride est inséré par un circuit d'alimentation 90 et un circuit de régulation 92.The control means of the hybrid relay are supplied from of the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit in which the hybrid relay is inserted by a supply circuit 90 and a regulation circuit 92.

Le circuit d'alimentation 90 est connectée entre les voies V1 et V2 du circuit électrique sous la tension Ue fournissant à partir de la tension Ue et à travers une capacité C1, l'énergie nécessaire à l'alimentation des moyens de commande du relais hybride. Un côté du circuit d'alimentation 90 étant connecté à la première borne d'entrée SA et l'autre côté à la seconde borne d'entrée SB.The supply circuit 90 is connected between the channels V1 and V2 of the electrical circuit under voltage Ue supplying from voltage Ue and to through a capacity C1, the energy required to supply the means of the hybrid relay. One side of the supply circuit 90 being connected to the first SA input terminal and the other side to the second terminal SB input.

Le circuit d'alimentation 90 fournit selon un schéma connu, une tension d'alimentation VL continue sensiblement constante entre une première ligne L1 et une seconde ligne L2. La seconde ligne L2 sera considéré comme étant à un potentiel Vo de référence. Le circuit de régulation 92 est connecté entre la première ligne L1 et la seconde ligne L2 sous la tension d'alimentation VL et fournit sur une troisième ligne L3, une tension régulée VC par rapport à la seconde ligne L2 au potentiel Vo de référence. La tension VC assure l'alimentation d'un microcontrôleur 100 des moyens de commande du relais hybride.The supply circuit 90 provides according to a known diagram, a substantially constant DC supply voltage VL between a first line L1 and a second line L2. The second L2 line will be considered to be at a reference Vo potential. The circuit of regulation 92 is connected between the first line L1 and the second line L2 under the supply voltage VL and provides on a third line L3, a regulated voltage VC with respect to the second line L2 at the potential Vo of reference. The voltage VC ensures the supply of a microcontroller 100 of control means of the hybrid relay.

Les moyens de commande du relais hybride comportent essentiellement le microcontrôleur 100 ayant

  • une première entrée logique E1 recevant une information de commande d'ouverture (premier signal de commande établi sur l'entrée E1) et de fermeture (deuxième signal de commande établi sur l'entrée E1) du relais hybride ;
  • une seconde entrée logique E2 recevant des impulsions IP, d'un circuit de détection 102 fournissant au microcontrôleur 100 des informations permettant de déterminer d'une part l'état de l'ensemble constitué par le triac 80 en parallèle avec le contact 70 et d'autre part le passage de la tension Ue du circuit électrique par une valeur proche de 0 volts. Le circuit de détection comporte une paire de photodiodes D6 et D7 montées en parallèle tête bêche couplées optiquement à un phototransistor Q6, cette paire de photodiodes étant en série avec un circuit de type RC série constitué par une résistance R17 et une capacité C6, la paire de photodiodes et le circuit RC étant connecté en parallèle sur l'ensemble du triac 80 en parallèle avec le contact 70. Dans cette réalisation du relais hybride 60, la résistance R17 a une valeur d'environ 47 ohms et la capacité C6 a une valeur d'environ 10 nanofarads.
  • une première sortie logique S1 fournit un premier signal de mise en conduction du triac 80 en réponse à l'application sur l'entrée E1 du premier signal de commande (ordre de fermeture du relais) ; la sortie S1 fournit également un deuxième signal de mise en conduction du triac 80 en réponse à l'application sur l'entrée E1 du second signal de commande (ordre d'ouverture du relais). Cette sortie S1 attaque une entrée des moyens de commande de mise en conductions du triac 80. Ces moyens comportent un premier transistor suiveur Q3 connecté par sa base d'une part, à la première sortie logique S1 à travers une résistance de base R7, et d'autre part au potentiel Vo de référence à travers une résistance R4, l'émetteur du premier transistor suiveur Q3 étant connecté au potentiel Vo de référence et le collecteur à une entrée 110 d'un générateur de courant de gâchette 112, une sortie 114 du générateur de courant de gâchette 112 étant connecté à la gâchette G du triac 80 au potentiel de la première voie V1 du côté de la source de tension Ue ;
  • une deuxième sortie logique S2 fournit un signal de fermeture du contact (état haut sur S2), en réponse à l'établissement sur l'entrée E1 du premier signal de commande, et un signal d'ouverture du contact (état bas sur S2), en réponse à l'établissement du second signal de commande sur l'entrée E1. La sortie S2 attaque une entrée des moyens d'alimentation d'une bobine 72 actionnant le contact 70 à déplacement mécanique. Ces moyens comportent un second transistor suiveur Q4 connecté par sa base d'une part, à la deuxième sortie logique S2 à travers une résistance de base R8, et d'autre part au potentiel Vo de référence à travers une résistance R6, l'émetteur du second transistor suiveur Q4 étant connecté au potentiel Vo de référence, et le collecteur, à travers une diode électroluminescente D8, à une première borne d'alimentation 118 de la bobine 72, une seconde borne d'alimentation 120 de la bobine 72 étant connectée à la première ligne L1, à la tension d'alimentation VL.
The hybrid relay control means essentially comprise the microcontroller 100 having
  • a first logic input E1 receiving command information for opening (first control signal established on input E1) and closing (second control signal established on input E1) of the hybrid relay;
  • a second logic input E2 receiving IP pulses, from a detection circuit 102 providing the microcontroller 100 with information making it possible to determine on the one hand the state of the assembly constituted by the triac 80 in parallel with the contact 70 and d on the other hand the passage of the voltage Ue of the electric circuit by a value close to 0 volts. The detection circuit comprises a pair of photodiodes D6 and D7 mounted in head-to-tail parallel optically coupled to a phototransistor Q6, this pair of photodiodes being in series with a circuit of the RC series type consisting of a resistor R17 and a capacitor C6, the pair of photodiodes and the RC circuit being connected in parallel on the whole of the triac 80 in parallel with the contact 70. In this embodiment of the hybrid relay 60, the resistor R17 has a value of approximately 47 ohms and the capacitance C6 has a value about 10 nanofarads.
  • a first logic output S1 provides a first conduction signal for triac 80 in response to the application to input E1 of the first control signal (order to close the relay); the output S1 also provides a second conduction signal from the triac 80 in response to the application to the input E1 of the second control signal (order to open the relay). This output S1 drives an input of the triac 80 conduction control means. These means comprise a first follower transistor Q3 connected by its base on the one hand, to the first logic output S1 through a base resistor R7, and on the other hand to the reference potential Vo through a resistor R4, the emitter of the first follower transistor Q3 being connected to the reference potential Vo and the collector to an input 110 of a gate current generator 112, an output 114 the trigger current generator 112 being connected to the trigger G of the triac 80 at the potential of the first channel V1 on the side of the voltage source Ue;
  • a second logic output S2 provides a contact closing signal (high state on S2), in response to the establishment on input E1 of the first control signal, and a contact opening signal (low state on S2) , in response to the establishment of the second control signal on input E1. The output S2 drives an input of the supply means of a coil 72 actuating the contact 70 with mechanical displacement. These means comprise a second follower transistor Q4 connected by its base on the one hand, to the second logic output S2 through a base resistor R8, and on the other hand to the reference potential Vo through a resistor R6, the emitter from the second follower transistor Q4 being connected to the reference potential Vo, and the collector, through a light-emitting diode D8, to a first supply terminal 118 of the coil 72, a second supply terminal 120 of the coil 72 being connected at the first line L1, at the supply voltage VL.

Le relais hybride 60 comporte une entrée de commande ayant deux bornes de commande GN et IN sur lesquelles on applique une tension dont le niveau sert à établir les signaux de commande sur l'entrée E1 du microcontrôleur. Entre les bornes GN et IN se trouve connectée une résistance R15 en série avec une photodiode D5 couplée optiquement à un phototransistor Q5 d'un premier photocoupleur U1. Le premier photocoupleur U1 assure un isolement galvanique entre l'entrée de commande du relais hybride et ses éléments sous la tension Ue du circuit électrique.The hybrid relay 60 has a control input having two GN and IN control terminals to which a voltage is applied, the level is used to establish the control signals on input E1 of the microcontroller. Between the GN and IN terminals is connected a resistor R15 in series with a photodiode D5 optically coupled to a phototransistor Q5 of a first photocoupler U1. The first photocoupler U1 provides galvanic isolation between the input of control of the hybrid relay and its elements under the circuit voltage Ue electric.

Le phototransistor Q5 est connecté par son collecteur à la troisième ligne L3 à la tension régulée VC, et par son émetteur, d'une part par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R14 à la deuxième ligne L2 au potentiel Vo de référence, et d'autre part à la première entrée logique E1 du microcontrôleur 100, cette première entrée logique E1 recevant l'information de commande d'ouverture ou de fermeture du relais hybride.The phototransistor Q5 is connected by its collector to the third line L3 at the regulated voltage VC, and by its transmitter, on the one hand by via a resistor R14 at the second line L2 at potential Vo reference, and secondly to the first logic input E1 of the microcontroller 100, this first logic input E1 receiving the information for opening or closing the hybrid relay.

Une tension de commande Tc appliquée entre les deux bornes GN et IN de commande du relais hybride produit un courant lc dans la photodiode D5 suffisant pour l'allumer et saturer le phototransistor Q5. A control voltage Tc applied between the two terminals GN and IN control of the hybrid relay produces a current lc in the photodiode D5 sufficient to switch it on and saturate the phototransistor Q5.

La saturation du phototransistor Q5 fait passer son émetteur et la première entrée logique E1 du microcontrôleur du potentiel Vo de référence, au potentiel régulé VC, correspondant à un changement d'état logique de la première entrée E1 qui passe de l'état 0 à l'état 1. Ce changement d'état de la première entrée E1 est pris en compte par le microcontrôleur qui déclenche une séquence de fermeture du relais hybride 60.The saturation of the phototransistor Q5 makes pass its transmitter and the first logic input E1 of the reference potential Vo microcontroller, at the regulated potential VC, corresponding to a logical change of state of the first entry E1 which goes from state 0 to state 1. This change of state of the first input E1 is taken into account by the microcontroller which triggers a closing sequence of the hybrid relay 60.

Un deuxième photocoupleur U2 faisant partie du circuit de détection 102 assure la génération des impulsions IP de niveau logique appliqués à la deuxième entrée logique E2 du microcontrôleur 100. Ces impulsions de niveau logique permettent au microcontrôleur de déterminer d'une part, le changement de polarité de la tension Ue du circuit électrique (passage par une tension Ue proche de 0 volts) et d'autre part l'état de l'ensemble constitué par le contact 70 en parallèle avec le triac 80.A second photocoupler U2 forming part of the detection circuit 102 ensures the generation of logic level IP pulses applied to the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller 100. These pulses of logic level allow the microcontroller to determine on the one hand, the change of polarity of the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit (passage through a voltage Ue close to 0 volts) and on the other hand the state of the assembly formed by contact 70 in parallel with triac 80.

A cet effet le photocoupleur U2 comporte la paire des photodiodes D6 et D7 montées en parallèle tête-bêche couplées optiquement au phototransistor Q6, un côté de la paire de photodiodes étant connecté à travers une capacité C6 sur la première voie V1, du côté de la première borne de sortie CA du relais hybride, l'autre côté de la paire étant connecté à travers une résistance R17 à la première voie V1 du côté de la première borne d'entrée SA du relais hybride . Une tension V apparaissant aux bornes de l'ensemble constitué par le contact 70 en parallèle avec le triac 80 se trouve appliquée au circuit de détection 102.For this purpose the photocoupler U2 comprises the pair of photodiodes D6 and D7 mounted in parallel head to tail optically coupled to phototransistor Q6, one side of the pair of photodiodes being connected to through a C6 capacity on the first V1 track, on the side of the first AC output terminal of the hybrid relay, the other side of the pair being connected through a resistor R17 at the first channel V1 on the side of the first SA input terminal of the hybrid relay. A voltage V appearing at terminals of the assembly constituted by the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80 is applied to the detection circuit 102.

Le phototransistor Q6 est commandé d'une part par une des photodiodes de la paire des photodiodes D6 et D7, lors d'une des deux alternances de la tension V et d'autre part par l'autre photodiode de ladite paire D6 et D7, lors de l'autre alternance de la tension V.The phototransistor Q6 is controlled on the one hand by one of the photodiodes of the pair of photodiodes D6 and D7, during one of the two alternations of voltage V and on the other hand by the other photodiode of said pair D6 and D7, during the other alternation of voltage V.

Le phototransistor Q6 est connecté par son collecteur à la troisième ligne L3 sous la tension régulée VC, et par son émetteur, d'une part à la deuxième ligne L2 au potentiel Vo de référence par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R16, et d'autre part à la deuxième entrée logique E2 du microcontrôleur 100.The phototransistor Q6 is connected by its collector to the third line L3 under regulated voltage VC, and by its transmitter, on the one hand to the second line L2 at the reference potential Vo via a resistor R16, and on the other hand to the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller 100.

Lorsque le phototransistor Q6 est saturé, la tension appliquée à la deuxième entrée E2 est sensiblement égale à la tension régulée VC (état 1) et lorsque le phototransistor Q6 est bloqué, elle est sensiblement égale au potentiel Vo de référence (état 0). When phototransistor Q6 is saturated, the voltage applied to the second input E2 is substantially equal to the regulated voltage VC (state 1) and when the phototransistor Q6 is blocked, it is substantially equal to the reference potential Vo (state 0).

Lorsque le relais hybride est au repos le contact 70 est ouvert et le triac 80 est à l'état bloqué. La première voie V1 du circuit électrique étant interrompue par le relais hybride, la tension V est sensiblement égale à la tension Ue du circuit électrique, produisant un courant Id dans le circuit de détection 102. Le courant Id allume les photodiodes D6 et D7 respectivement lors de l'une et de l'autre alternance de la tension V sauf pendant une courte période de temps correspondant au passage par un maximum de tension Vm. En effet le courant dans la capacité C6 devient nul lorsque la dérivée de la tension V passe par 0, soit lorsque la tension V cesse de croítre en passant par une tension maximum Vm pour diminuer.When the hybrid relay is at rest, contact 70 is open and the triac 80 is in the blocked state. The first path V1 of the electrical circuit being interrupted by the hybrid relay, the voltage V is substantially equal to the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit, producing a current Id in the circuit of detection 102. Current Id turns on photodiodes D6 and D7 respectively during one and the other alternation of the voltage V except for a short period of time corresponding to passing through a maximum voltage Vm. Indeed the current in the capacitor C6 becomes zero when the derivative of the voltage V goes through 0, that is to say when the voltage V stops growing through a maximum voltage Vm to decrease.

Pendant un court instant au passage par la tension maximum Vm, les deux photodiodes D6 et D7 sont éteintes et le phototransistor Q6 se bloque produisant une impulsion lm sur la seconde entrée logique E2 du microcontrôleur dont la tension passe d'une tension sensiblement égale à la tension régulée VC à une tension proche du potentiel Vo de référence, pour revenir à la tension régulée VC et ceci à chaque alternance tant que le relais hybride est ouvert.For a short time when passing through the maximum voltage Vm, the two photodiodes D6 and D7 are extinguished and phototransistor Q6 is blocked producing a pulse lm on the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller whose voltage passes from a voltage substantially equal to the regulated voltage VC at a voltage close to the reference potential Vo, for return to regulated voltage VC and this at each half-cycle as long as the relay hybrid is open.

Lors d'une demande de fermeture du relais hybride à un instant to, le microcontrôleur 100, calcule à partir du temps to, d'un temps tm auquel s'est produit la dernière impulsion Im, et de la période T de la tension Ue du circuit électrique, le temps nécessaire à attendre pour effectuer la mise à l'état saturé du triac 80, à un moment où la tension Ue se trouve proche de 0 volts, évitant ainsi l'apparition de fronts raides de commutation dans le circuit électrique.During a request to close the hybrid relay at an instant to, the microcontroller 100, calculates from time to, from time tm at which produces the last pulse Im, and of period T of the voltage Ue of electrical circuit, the time required to wait for the the saturated state of the triac 80, at a time when the voltage Ue is close to 0 volts, thus avoiding the appearance of steep switching fronts in the electrical circuit.

Lorsque le triac 80 est dans l'état passant, le contact 70 étant encore ouvert, des variations de la tension V apparaissent au moment du changement d'alternance d'une amplitude égale à la tension de saturation u1 du triac 80, de l'ordre de 1,5 volts.When the triac 80 is in the on state, the contact 70 still being open, variations in voltage V appear at the time of change of alternation of an amplitude equal to the saturation voltage u1 of the triac 80, of the order of 1.5 volts.

Ces variations de tensions V sont transmises par la capacité C6, du circuit de détection 102, allumant respectivement l'une et l'autre des photodiodes de la paire des photodiodes D6 et D7, cette fois, lors du changement d'alternance. L'émetteur du phototransistor Q6 transmet ces impulsions à la seconde logique E2 du microcontrôleur 100 qui seront utilisées par le microcontrôleur 100 pour déterminer l'état du contact 70. These variations in voltages V are transmitted by the capacitor C6, from detection circuit 102, respectively lighting one and the other of the photodiodes from the pair of photodiodes D6 and D7, this time when change of alternation. The phototransistor Q6 transmitter transmits these pulses to the second logic E2 of the microcontroller 100 which will be used by the microcontroller 100 to determine the state of the contact 70.

Lorsque le contact 70 est fermé, aucune impulsion sera détectée par le deuxième photocoupleur U2, la tension V étant pratiquement égale à 0 volts. Le phototransistor Q6 est à l'état bloqué et la tension sur la seconde entrée logique E2 reste constante et environ égale à la tension Vo de référence.When contact 70 is closed, no pulse will be detected by the second photocoupler U2, the voltage V being practically equal to 0 volts. Phototransistor Q6 is in the blocked state and the voltage on the second logic input E2 remains constant and approximately equal to the voltage Vo of reference.

Nous allons par la suite, décrire le fonctionnement du relais hybride 60 de la figure 2 en référence aux figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f et 3g représentant des diagrammes d'état et des tensions en fonction d'un temps t, de différents éléments du relais hybride de puissance.We will then describe how the hybrid relay works 60 of Figure 2 with reference to Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f and 3g representing state diagrams and voltages as a function of time t, of different elements of the hybrid power relay.

Le relais hybride est utilisé dans un circuit électrique de tension Ue alternative à la fréquence de 50 Hertz. La période T de l'alternance est dans cet exemple de 20 millisecondes.The hybrid relay is used in an electrical circuit of voltage Ue alternative to the frequency of 50 Hertz. The alternation period T is in this 20 millisecond example.

Le diagramme de la figure 3a montre la tension Ue appliquée aux bornes d'entrées SA et SB du relais entre les deux voies V1 et V2, en fonction du temps t et autour d'une valeur proche de 0 volts, lors du changement de polarité de la tension UeThe diagram in FIG. 3a shows the voltage Ue applied to the input terminals SA and SB of the relay between the two channels V1 and V2, in function of time t and around a value close to 0 volts, when change of polarity of the voltage Ue

Le diagramme de la figure 3b montre la tension V aux bornes de l'ensemble constitué par le contact 70 en parallèle avec le triac 80, inséré dans la première voie V1, entre la première borne d'entrée SA et la première borne de sortie SB.The diagram in FIG. 3b shows the voltage V across the terminals of the assembly constituted by the contact 70 in parallel with the triac 80, inserted in the first channel V1, between the first SA input terminal and the first SB output terminal.

Avant un instant initial to :

  • le relais hybride est au repos et à l'état ouvert, toute la tension Ue du circuit électrique se trouve appliquée aux bornes du contact 70 et du triac 80, la tension V est sensiblement égale à la tension Ue ;
  • le courant lc dans la photodiode D5 est nul, aucune tension de commande étant appliquée entre les bornes de commande GN et IN du relais hybride ;
  • la première entrée logique E1 du microcontrôleur 100 est à l'état 0 (voir figure 3c), la première sortie logique S1 et la seconde sortie logique S2 du microcontrôleur 100 sont à l'état 0.
Before an initial time to:
  • the hybrid relay is at rest and in the open state, all the voltage Ue of the electric circuit is applied to the terminals of the contact 70 and of the triac 80, the voltage V is substantially equal to the voltage Ue;
  • the current lc in the photodiode D5 is zero, no control voltage being applied between the control terminals GN and IN of the hybrid relay;
  • the first logic input E1 of the microcontroller 100 is in state 0 (see FIG. 3c), the first logic output S1 and the second logic output S2 of the microcontroller 100 are in state 0.

A un instant to initial, on souhaite dans une première phase, fermer le relais hybride 60 en appliquant la tension de commande Tc entre les bornes de commande GN et IN du relais hybride. Le courant de commande lc traverse la photodiode D5 qui s'allume, saturant le phototransistor Q5 du premier photocoupleur U1. Pratiquement à cet instant to, en faisant abstraction du temps de réponse du photocoupleur U1, la première entrée logique E1 du microcontrôleur passe de l'état 0 à l'état 1, se traduisant par l'apparition d'un potentiel de niveau logique (environ la tension régulée VC) appliqué à cette première entrée logique E1 (voir figure 3c).At an initial time, we wish, in a first phase, to close the hybrid relay 60 by applying the control voltage Tc between the terminals GN and IN control of the hybrid relay. The control current lc crosses the photodiode D5 which lights up, saturating the phototransistor Q5 of the first photocoupler U1. Practically at this instant to, by doing abstraction of the response time of photocoupler U1, the first input logic E1 of the microcontroller goes from state 0 to state 1, resulting in the appearance of a logic level potential (approximately the regulated voltage VC) applied to this first logic input E1 (see Figure 3c).

Le microcontrôleur 100 est programmé, dans cette réalisation du relais hybride 60, pour commander le passage du triac 80 à l'état passant, lors d'une commande de fermeture du relais hybride, que lorsque la tension Ue du circuit électrique passe par un niveau proche de 0 volts. Soit t1 l'instant ou s'effectue le premier passage par 0 volts de la tension Ue (voir figure 3a), après l'instant to commandant la fermeture du relais.The microcontroller 100 is programmed, in this embodiment of the hybrid relay 60, to control the passage of the triac 80 to the on state, when closing the hybrid relay, only when the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit goes through a level close to 0 volts. Let t1 the instant at which the first passage through 0 volts of the voltage Ue takes place (see Figure 3a), after the instant to order the closure of the relay.

A cet instant t1 le microcontrôleur 100 fait passer la première sortie logique S1 de l'état 0 à l'état 1 (voir la figure 3d) et la seconde sortie logique S2 de l'état 0 à l'état 1 (voir figure 3e).At this instant t1 the microcontroller 100 passes the first output S1 logic from state 0 to state 1 (see figure 3d) and the second logic output S2 from state 0 to state 1 (see figure 3e).

Le passage à l'instant t1, de la première sortie logique S1 à l'état 1, applique un potentiel de niveau logique haut à la base du premier transistor suiveur Q3 à travers la résistance de base R7.The transition at time t1 from the first logic output S1 to state 1, applies a high logic level potential to the base of the first transistor follower Q3 through the basic resistance R7.

A l'instant t1 le premier transistor suiveur Q3 se sature mettant l'entrée 110 du générateur de courant 112 au potentiel Vo de référence faisant passer par la sortie 114 du générateur de courant, un courant Ig dans la gâchette du triac 80.At time t1 the first follower transistor Q3 saturates putting the input 110 of the current generator 112 at the reference potential Vo passing through output 114 of the current generator, a current Ig in the trigger of the triac 80.

A cet instant t1, le triac sous la tension Ue, s'amorce. Cet amorçage est représenté par le diagramme de la figure 3f montrant le passage du triac 80 d'un état 0, ou état bloqué (avant t1) à un état 1, ou état passant à l'instant t1.At this instant t1, the triac under the voltage Ue, starts. This priming is represented by the diagram in Figure 3f showing the passage of the triac 80 from a state 0, or blocked state (before t1) to a state 1, or state passing to time t1.

Au même instant t1, la seconde sortie logique S2 passant à l'état 1 applique un potentiel de niveau logique haut à travers la résistance de base R8, à la base du second transistor suiveur Q4 qui se sature, faisant passer un courant Ib dans la bobine 72, les bornes d'alimentation 118 et 120 de la bobine étant connectées respectivement à la tension d'alimentation VL et au potentiel Vo de référence.At the same time t1, the second logic output S2 passing to state 1 applies a high logic level potential through the basic resistance R8, at the base of the second follower transistor Q4 which saturates, passing a current Ib in the coil 72, the supply terminals 118 and 120 of the coil being connected respectively to the supply voltage VL and to the reference potential Vo.

Le diagramme de la figure 3e représente l'état de la seconde sortie logique S2 ainsi que l'état de l'alimentation de la bobine 72. Avant l'instant t1 le courant Ib dans la bobine 72 est sensiblement nul, correspondant à un état 0 sur le diagramme de la figure 3e et à l'instant t1, le courant lb traverse la bobine 70, correspondant à un état 1. The diagram in figure 3e represents the state of the second output S2 logic as well as the state of the coil 72 power supply. Before now t1 the current Ib in the coil 72 is substantially zero, corresponding to a state 0 on the diagram of FIG. 3e and at time t1, the current lb crosses the coil 70, corresponding to a state 1.

La bobine 72 étant alimentée, produit la fermeture du contact 70 après un délai τ1, correspondant à un temps de réponse à la fermeture du contact 70 . En général ce retard τ1 est de l'ordre de 5 ms pour les relais de série. La fermeture du contact s'effectue au temps t2 égal t1 + τ1.The coil 72 being supplied, produces the closure of the contact 70 after a delay τ1, corresponding to a response time on closing the contact 70. In general this delay τ1 is of the order of 5 ms for the relays of series. The contact is closed at time t2 equal t1 + τ1.

La fermeture du contact 70 à l'instant t2 est représentée par diagramme de la figure 3g dans lequel un contact ouvert correspond à un état 0 et un contact fermé à un état 1.The closure of contact 70 at time t2 is represented by diagram of FIG. 3g in which an open contact corresponds to a state 0 and a contact closed at state 1.

La fermeture du contact 72 à l'instant t2 court-circuité le triac 80 qui se trouve alors désamorcé pratiquement au même instant t2, et il n'est plus traversé par le courant du circuit électrique. Sur le diagramme de la figure 3f, le triac 80 est représenté passant de l'état 1 à l'état 0 au temps t2.The closure of contact 72 at time t2 short-circuits the triac 80 which is then deactivated at practically the same time t2, and it is no longer crossed by the current of the electrical circuit. On the diagram of the figure 3f, the triac 80 is shown passing from state 1 to state 0 at time t2.

Il est a remarquer que la fermeture du contact 70 ou temps t2 s'est effectuée alors que le courant dans le circuit électrique est déjà établi (au temps t1) à travers le triac 80, donc sans arc pour le contact 70.It should be noted that the closure of contact 70 or time t2 has performed while the current in the electrical circuit is already established (at time t1) through the triac 80, therefore without arc for the contact 70.

Le microcontrôleur maintient la commande du courant Ig de gâchette du thyristor (première sortie logique S1 à l'état 1) pendant un délai de sécurité (quelques millisecondes) jusqu'à un temps t3 auquel la première sortie logique S1 passe de l'état 1 à l'état 0 interrompant le courant lg de gâchette du triac 80 et empêchant ainsi un éventuel amorçage du triac 80, dans le cas d'apparition d'une tension permanente entre ses bornes comme par exemple une tension résiduelle due au charbonnage du contact 70.Microcontroller maintains trigger current control Ig thyristor (first logic output S1 at state 1) for a delay of security (a few milliseconds) up to a time t3 at which the first logic output S1 goes from state 1 to state 0 interrupting the current lg of trigger of the triac 80 and thus preventing any priming of the triac 80, in the event of a permanent voltage appearing between its terminals as for example a residual voltage due to the smearing of contact 70.

La commande de mise en conduction du triac 80 s'est effectuée pendant un premier laps de temps commençant avant la fermeture du contact 70, au temps t1 et se terminant après sa fermeture, ou temps t3.The triac 80 activation command was carried out for the first time starting before the closure of the contact 70, at time t1 and ending after its closing, or time t3.

Le diagramme de la figure 3b montre les variations de la tension V aux bornes du triac 80 en parallèle avec le contact 72, pendant cette première phase de fermeture du relais hybride 60.The diagram in Figure 3b shows the variations in voltage V across the triac 80 in parallel with the contact 72, during this first closing phase of the hybrid relay 60.

Entre les temps to et t1 toute la tension Ue se trouve appliquée aux bornes du triac 80, entre les temps t1 et t2 le triac étant à l'état passant et le contact ouvert la tension V est sensiblement égale à la tension résiduelle - u1 de conduction du triac soit environ -1,5 volts et à partir du temps t3, le contact 70 court-circuitant la triac 80, la tension V devient très faible égale à une tension résiduelle ±u2 due au passage du courant dans le contact 70. Cette tension résiduelle est pour la plupart des contacts à déplacement mécanique inférieure à quelques millivolts. Between times to and t1 all the voltage Ue is applied to the terminals of the triac 80, between times t1 and t2 the triac being in the on state and the open contact the voltage V is substantially equal to the residual voltage - u1 conduction of the triac is approximately -1.5 volts and from time t3, the contact 70 shorting the triac 80, the voltage V becomes very low equal to a residual voltage ± u2 due to the passage of current through contact 70. This residual voltage is for most of the displacement contacts mechanical less than a few millivolts.

A un instant t4, dans une seconde phase, on souhaite effectuer l'ouverture du relais hybride 60. A cet instant t4, la tension de commande Tc n'est plus appliquée aux bornes de commande GN et IN du relais hybride, le courant lc devenant nul, la photodiode D5 s'éteint bloquant le phototransistor Q5 qui fait passer la première entrée logique E1 du microcontrôleur à l'état 0 (voir figure 3c).At an instant t4, in a second phase, we wish to perform the opening of the hybrid relay 60. At this instant t4, the control voltage Tc is no longer applied to the GN and IN control terminals of the hybrid relay, the current lc becoming zero, the photodiode D5 goes out blocking the phototransistor Q5 which passes the first logic input E1 of the microcontroller at state 0 (see Figure 3c).

Le microcontrôleur 100 fait passer à l'instant t4 la première sortie logique S1 à l'état 1 qui entraíne l'application par le générateur de courant 112 du courant Ig à la gâchette du triac 80. Le triac 80 reste désamorcé par le fait qu'il est court-circuité par le contact 70 encore fermé.The microcontroller 100 passes the first output at time t4 logic S1 in state 1 which causes the application by the current generator 112 from the current Ig to the trigger of the triac 80. The triac 80 remains defused by the fact that it is short-circuited by the contact 70 still closed.

Au même-instant t4 le microcontrôleur 100 fait basculer la seconde sortie logique S2 à l'état 0 interrompant l'alimentation de la bobine 72 et après un délai τ2 lié au temps de réponse à l'ouverture du contact 70, de l'ordre de 10 ms pour un relais de série, ce dernier s'ouvre à l'instant t5 égal à t4 + τ2, amorçant le triac 80 à l'état passant. (figure 3f).At the same instant t4 the microcontroller 100 switches the second logic output S2 at state 0 interrupting the supply of the coil 72 and after a delay τ2 linked to the response time at the opening of contact 70, around 10 ms for a serial relay, the latter opens at time t5 equal at t4 + τ2, initiating the triac 80 in the on state. (Figure 3f).

Le courant dans la première voie V1 passe à l'instant t5 par le triac 80 amorcé, supprimant la quasi totalité de l'arc aux bornes du contact 70.The current in the first channel V1 passes at time t5 through the triac 80 primed, removing almost all of the arc at the terminals of contact 70.

Le microcontrôleur maintien la commande du courant lg de gâchette du triac 80 (première sortie S1 à l'état 1) pendant un nouveau délai de sécurité (quelques millisecondes) jusqu'à un temps t6 auquel la première sortie logique S1 passe de l'état 1 à l'état 0 interrompant le courant Ig de gâchette du triac 80.The microcontroller maintains control of the trigger current lg triac 80 (first output S1 in state 1) during a new delay of security (a few milliseconds) up to a time t6 at which the first logic output S1 goes from state 1 to state 0 interrupting the current Ig of trigger of the triac 80.

A un instant t7 suivant, correspondant à la première inversion de polarité de la tension Ue après le temps t6, le triac 80 se désamorce par le passage par environ 0 volt de la tension V à ses bornes. Le triac 80 reste par la suite à l'état bloqué, n'étant plus commandé et mettant le relais hybride à l'état ouvert tel qu'il était avant l'instant t0.At a following time t7, corresponding to the first inversion of polarity of the voltage Ue after time t6, the triac 80 is defused by the approximately 0 volts of the voltage V across its terminals. The triac 80 remains thereafter in the blocked state, no longer controlled and putting the relay hybrid in the open state as it was before time t0.

La commande de mise en conduction du triac 80 s'est effectuée pendant un second laps de temps commençant avant l'ouverture du contact 70, ou temps t4 et se terminant après sont ouverture ou temps t6.The triac 80 activation command was carried out for a second period of time starting before the contact opens 70, or time t4 and ending after are opening or time t6.

Le diagramme de la figure 3b montre la tension V aux bornes du triac pendant cette seconde phase d'ouverture du relais hybride 60.The diagram in Figure 3b shows the voltage V across the triac during this second phase of opening the hybrid relay 60.

Avant l'instant t5, le relais hybride étant à l'état fermé, le contact 70 court-circuite le triac 80 la tension V est égal à la tension résiduelle u2 du contact 70. Before time t5, the hybrid relay being in the closed state, the contact 70 short-circuits the triac 80 the voltage V is equal to the residual voltage u2 of the contact 70.

Après le temps t5 jusqu'au temps t7, le contact 70 étant ouvert et le triac 80 à l'état passant, la tension V est égal à la tension résiduelle u1 aux bornes du triac soit environ 1,5 volts. Après le temps t7 le contact étant ouvert et le triac à l'état bloque la tension V est sensiblement égale à la tension Ue du circuit électrique.After time t5 until time t7, contact 70 is open and the triac 80 in the on state, the voltage V is equal to the residual voltage u1 aux terminals of the triac is approximately 1.5 volts. After time t7 the contact being open and the triac in the blocked state the voltage V is substantially equal to the voltage Ue of the electrical circuit.

Le microcontrôleur 100 assure à l'aide du circuit de détection 102 une fonctionnalité supplémentaire de sécurité du relais hybride.The microcontroller 100 provides, using the detection circuit 102, a additional safety functionality of the hybrid relay.

En effet lorsque le contact 70 est à l'état fermé, aucune impulsion est appliquée à la seconde entre logique E2 du microcontrôleur, le contact 70 court-circuitant le thyristor 80 qui est désamorcé et n'est pas commandé. Une ouverture intempestive et transitoire du contact de relais, par exemple due à un choc ou à une action manuelle sur le contact, fait apparaítre toute la tension du circuit électrique aux bornes du contact 70 au moment de son ouverture produisant un arc électrique, avec les dégradations connues sur le contact. Cette variation brusque de tension aux bornes du contact 70 est transformée en une variation de courant dans la capacité C6 du circuit de détection 102 produisant par l'intermédiaire du photocoupleur U2 une impulsion de niveau logique sur la seconde entrée logique E2 du microcontrôleur 100. Le microcontrôleur considère cette impulsion et fait passer la première sortie logique S1 à l'état 1 pendant un court instant de temps pendant lequel le contact est ouvert, appliquant pendant ce même court instant le courant Ig dans la gâchette du triac 80 et la mise a l'état passant du triac, ce qui à comme avantage de supprimer l'arc se produisant sur le contact 70.When the contact 70 is in the closed state, no pulse is applied to the second between logic E2 of the microcontroller, contact 70 short-circuiting thyristor 80 which is defused and is not controlled. Inopportune and transient opening of the relay contact, for example due to a shock or to a manual action on the contact, brings up any the voltage of the electrical circuit across contact 70 at the time of its opening producing an electric arc, with known degradations on the contact. This sudden change in voltage across the contact 70 is transformed into a variation of current in the capacity C6 of the circuit of detection 102 producing through the photocoupler U2 a logic level pulse on the second logic input E2 of the microcontroller 100. The microcontroller considers this impulse and makes change the first logic output S1 to state 1 for a short time time during which the contact is open, applying during this same short instant the current Ig in the trigger of the triac 80 and the setting to the state passing from the triac, which has the advantage of eliminating the arc occurring on contact 70.

Cette sécurité supplémentaire assure une meilleure fiabilité et une plus longue durée de vie du relais dans les cas d'utilisation dans un environnement perturbé.This additional security ensures better reliability and longer relay life when used in a disturbed environment.

Le relais hybride 60 de puissance est équipé de diodes électroluminescentes indiquant son état.The hybrid power relay 60 is equipped with diodes light-emitting indicating its state.

La diode électroluminescente D8 (verte) indique lorsqu'elle se trouve éclairé, la fermeture du relais hybride.The light-emitting diode D8 (green) indicates when it is lit, closing of the hybrid relay.

Une diode électroluminescente rouge D10 commandée par une troisième sortie logique S3 du microcontrôleur 100 indique un fonctionnement anormal du relais hybride, l'information de fonctionnement anormal est transmise à l'extérieur du relais par une borne de contrôle OUT isolée galvaniquement des éléments sous tension Ue du relais hybride par un troisième photocoupleur U3.A red light-emitting diode D10 controlled by a third logic output S3 of microcontroller 100 indicates a abnormal operation of the hybrid relay, operating information abnormal is transmitted outside the relay by an OUT control terminal galvanically isolated from the live elements Ue of the hybrid relay by a third photocoupler U3.

La réalisation du relais hybride 60 de puissance n'est pas limitative et d'autres versions plus simples peuvent être réalisées, utilisant par exemple exclusivement des composants discrets ou des logiques câblées, un système à microcontrôleur permettant de tenir compte de nombreux paramètres liés au relais hybride ou du type de circuit électrique dans lequel il se trouve inséré.The realization of the hybrid power relay 60 is not limiting and other simpler versions can be produced, using for example exclusively discrete components or wired logic, a microcontroller system allowing to take into account many parameters related to the hybrid relay or the type of electrical circuit in which it is inserted.

Dans d'autres réalisations du relais hybride, le contact à déplacement mécanique et la bobine sont contenus dans un boítier étanche rempli d'un liquide à haut pouvoir diélectrique. Le contact et la bobine plongés dans le liquide, présente l'avantage de diminuer le bruit acoustique de commutation, d'augmenter considérablement le nombre de manoeuvres en charge du relais hybride passant en moyenne de 100 000 à 10 millions de manoeuvres et augmenter les performances du relais sur le plan du pouvoir de coupure.In other embodiments of the hybrid relay, the displacement contact mechanical and the coil are contained in a waterproof case filled with a liquid with high dielectric power. The contact and the coil immersed in the liquid, has the advantage of reducing the acoustic switching noise, considerably increase the number of maneuvers in charge of hybrid relay passing on average from 100,000 to 10 million operations and increase the performance of the relay in terms of breaking capacity.

Claims (14)

  1. Hybrid power relay intended to be inserted into an electrical circuit, the hybrid relay comprising an electrical contact (20, 70) having a mechanical movement, a semiconductor component (30, 80) in parallel with the electrical contact having a mechanical movement, control means which cause, on the one hand, the contact to close and turn on the semiconductor component in response to a first control signal and which cause, on the other hand, the contact to open and turn on the semiconductor component in response to a second control signal, the said control means comprising means:
    for generating, on the basis of the first control signal, a contact-make signal;
    for generating, on the basis of the first control signal, independently of the make signal, a first signal for turning on the component, starting before the contact has closed and terminating after it has closed;
    for generating, on the basis of the second control signal, a contact-break signal;
    for generating, on the basis of the second control signal, independently the break signal, a second signal for turning on the component, starting before the contact has opened and terminating after it has opened.
  2. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first signal for turning on the component is transmitted simultaneously with the make signal.
  3. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first signal for turning on the component is transmitted before the make signal.
  4. Hybrid power relay according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the semiconductor component has two power inputs (E1 and E2), which are connected in parallel with the contact (20) via these two power inputs, and a control input (EC) for turning it on.
  5. Hybrid power relay according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening or closing of the contact (30, 70) having a mechanical movement is actuated by a coil (22, 72).
  6. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 5, characterized in that the control means comprise a control circuit (40) having a control input (ER) of the hybrid relay, a first output (X1) which is fed to the control input (EC) of the semiconductor component, and a second output (X2) supplying the coil (22).
  7. Hybrid power relay according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the semiconductor component (30, 80) may be chosen from triacs, thyristors, transistors, IGBTs, IGCTs and MCTs.
  8. Hybrid power relay according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the semiconductor component is a triac (80).
  9. Hybrid power relay according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means are supplied with a voltage (Ue) of the electrical circuit into which the hybrid relay (60) is inserted.
  10. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 9, characterized in that the control means is configured so as to switch the hybrid relay when a voltage (Ue) of the electrical circuit passes through a value close to 0 volts.
  11. Hybrid power relay according to either of Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the control means are supplied with the voltage (Ue) of the electrical circuit into which the hybrid relay (60) is inserted, via a supply circuit (90) and a regulating circuit (92), the supply circuit (90) delivering an approximately constant DC supply voltage (VL) between a first line (L1) and a second line (L2), the second line (L2) being considered at a reference potential (Vo), the regulating circuit (92) being connected between the first line (L1) and the second line (L2) and delivering, to a third line (L3), a regulated voltage (VC) with respect to the second line (L2) taken as potential reference.
  12. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 11, characterized in that the control means comprise:
    a microcontroller (10) having:
    a first logic input (E1) receiving the information item for causing the hybrid relay to open and the information item for causing the hybrid relay to close;
    a second logic input (E2) receiving pulses (IP) from a detection circuit (102) delivering, to the microcontroller (100), information items making it possible to determine, on the one hand, the state of the unit formed by the triac (80) in parallel with the contact (70) and, on the other hand, the moment when the voltage (Ue) of the electrical circuit passes through a value close to 0 volts, the detection circuit comprising a pair of photodiodes (D6, D7) mounted in parallel, head to tail, which are optically coupled to a phototransistor (Q6), this pair of photodiodes being in series with a circuit of the RC series type formed by a resistor (R17) and a capacitor (C6), the pair of photodiodes and the RC circuit being connected in parallel with the triac (80) unit in parallel with the contact (70);
    a first logic output (S1) which is fed to an input of the control means for turning on the triac (80), these means comprising a first follower transistor (Q3) connected via its base, on the one hand, to the first logic output (S1) through a base resistor (R7) and, on the other hand, to the reference potential (Vo) through a resistor (R4), the emitter of the first follower transistor (Q3) being connected to the reference potential (Vo) and the collector to an input (110) of a trigger current generator (112), an output (114) of the trigger current generator (112) being connected to the trigger (G) of the triac (80) at the potential of the first channel (VI) on the same side as the voltage source (Ue);
    a second logic output (S2) which is fed to an input of the supply means for a coil (72) which actuates the contact (70) having a mechanical movement, these means comprising a second follower transistor (Q4) connected via its base, on the one hand, to the second logic output (S2) through a base resistor (R8) and, on the other hand, to the reference potential (Vo) through a resistor (R6), the emitter of the second follower transistor (Q4) being connected to the reference potential (Vo) and the collector, through a light-emitting diode (D8), to a first supply terminal (118) of the coil (72), a second supply terminal (120) of the coil (72) being connected to the first line (L1), at the supply voltage (VL).
  13. Hybrid power relay according to Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a control input having two control terminals (GN, IN) between which a resistor (R15) is connected in series with a photodiode (D5) which is optically coupled to a phototransistor (Q5) of a first photocoupler (U1), the first photocoupler (U1) ensuring galvanic isolation between the control input of the hybrid relay and its elements under the voltage (Ue) of the electrical circuit, the phototransistor (Q5) being connected via its collector to the third line (L3) at the regulated voltage (VC) and via its emitter, on the one hand through a resistor (R14), to the second line (L2) at the reference potential (Vo) and, on the other hand, to the first logic input (E1) of the microcontroller (100), this first logic input (E1) receiving the information item for opening or closing the hybrid relay.
  14. Hybrid power relay according to one of Claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the electrical contact (20, 70) having a mechanical movement and the coil (22, 72) are contained in a sealed casing filled with a liquid having a high dielectric power.
EP98963611A 1997-12-23 1998-12-23 Hybrid power relay Revoked EP1042773B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9716344A FR2772975B1 (en) 1997-12-23 1997-12-23 HYBRID POWER RELAY
FR9716344 1997-12-23
PCT/FR1998/002851 WO1999034382A1 (en) 1997-12-23 1998-12-23 Hybrid power relay

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1042773A1 EP1042773A1 (en) 2000-10-11
EP1042773B1 true EP1042773B1 (en) 2002-03-20

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EP98963611A Revoked EP1042773B1 (en) 1997-12-23 1998-12-23 Hybrid power relay

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US (1) US6347024B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1042773B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE214840T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2316285A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69804353T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2772975B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999034382A1 (en)

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ITMI20042146A1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2005-02-09 I A C E Di Cristina Adriano SWITCHING DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS
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JP5566240B2 (en) * 2010-09-30 2014-08-06 株式会社キトー Failure detection device for drive circuit for electric winding device
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2772975A1 (en) 1999-06-25
FR2772975B1 (en) 2003-01-31
ATE214840T1 (en) 2002-04-15
EP1042773A1 (en) 2000-10-11
WO1999034382A1 (en) 1999-07-08
CA2316285A1 (en) 1999-07-08
DE69804353T2 (en) 2002-10-31
US6347024B1 (en) 2002-02-12
DE69804353D1 (en) 2002-04-25

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