EP1925008B1 - Electric circuit switching device using at least two permanent magnets - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric circuit switching device (1, 10, 100) comprising a body (4, 40, 400), an actuating member (3, 30, 300) which is movable in the body between at least two positions and acts by magnetic effect on an electric switch movable element (2) in such a way that the electric circuit is switchable between two positions, i.e., the open and closed positions thereof, wherein the inventive device comprises a fixed permanent magnet (5, 50, 500) and a movable permanent magnet (6, 60, 600) connected to the actuating member (3, 30, 300). The modification of the actuating member (3, 30, 300) position causes the modification of the direction of magnetic field lines produced by said permanent magnets (5, 50, 500, 6, 60, 600) near the movable element, thereby generating the electric circuit switching. Said device can be used in the form of a sliding-, push- and turning switch button.

Description

The present invention relates to a switching device of an electrical circuit comprising a movable actuating member, acting by magnetic effect on a switch to switch the electric circuit. The invention more particularly relates to a switching device that can be used as a push-button, position detector, sliding button or rotary knob.

He is known by the patent US 3,921,108 a push button-type assembly comprising an actuating member movable in translation between a rest position and a working position and able to set in motion a permanent magnet housed in the push-button. The permanent magnet is rotatably mounted on a curved leaf spring on which the actuating member acts. At rest, the permanent magnet is inclined relative to the axis of the assembly and is adapted to follow a rotational movement when the actuating member acts on the spring. The permanent magnet is able to control by magnetic effect a "reed" type switch to switch an electrical circuit. The position of the permanent magnet relative to the switch makes it possible to close or open the electrical circuit. When the actuating member is depressed, the permanent magnet is approached to the switch, causing the magnetic effect bringing two flexible blades of the switch together and thus closing the electrical circuit. By moving the permanent magnet away from the switch, by the mechanical effect alone, the flexible blades move apart to open the electric circuit. Such an assembly is inappropriate for controlling small switches and its implementation is difficult.

He is also known by the document EP 0 283 781 a switching device adapted to be used in a rescue system at sea. This device comprises in particular a "reed" type switch which comprises two flexible blades that can come closer under the influence of a magnetic field to close an electrical circuit. The device further comprises a fixed permanent magnet of axial magnetization whose magnetic field imposes the approximation of the two flexible blades and a movable permanent magnet also of axial magnetization and in the same direction as that of the fixed permanent magnet which, when is approached imposes the opening of the switch. The movement of the moving permanent magnet is achieved by the level of the water present in a cavity of the device. The operating principle described in this document is not suitable for use in a push button, position detector or sliding button. The document FR 2 365 873 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to provide a switching device of an electrical circuit adapted to switch miniature switches and having a simple structure and operation.

This object is achieved by a switching device of an electric circuit according to claim 1.

According to the invention, the magnetic effect-closed electrical contact makes it possible to make the ohmic contact resistance independent of the force exerted by the operator. This resistance is therefore perfectly reproducible at each manipulation.

In addition, the operation of the device is perfectly constant over time, the actuating member being urged in motion not by a mechanical spring but by the magnetic repulsion effect exerted between the two magnets in opposition. In addition, the magnetic effect of repulsion gives the user a particular tactile effect when pressing on the actuating member.

According to the invention, the two permanent magnets participate together to perform a non-contact switching of the electrical circuit and to allow the return of the actuating member in the initial position.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the mobile permanent magnet is movable in translation between at least two positions in a main plane parallel to a substrate on which is mounted the movable element.

According to a feature of this first embodiment, the fixed permanent magnet and the movable permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction perpendicular to the main plane and oriented in the same direction, the two magnets being in opposition by their edge. Thus, after action on the actuating member, the moving permanent magnet is automatically returned to its initial position by magnetic repulsion with the fixed permanent magnet, thus also causing the actuating member to its initial position, for example a rest position. In the actuating device according to the invention, the use of a mechanical return device of the actuating member, such as a spring, is not necessary.

According to another feature, when the movable permanent magnet is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is held in a position imposed by the curvature of the field lines of the magnetic field created by the magnet mobile standing. In this case, the switch is placed under the movable permanent magnet.

According to another feature, when the moving permanent magnet is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is held in a position by inverting the curvature of the field lines caused under the prevailing influence of the magnetic field created by the fixed permanent magnet. In this case, the switch is placed under the fixed permanent magnet.

According to a particular configuration of this first embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of switches and the movable permanent magnet can take several different positions for, in each of these positions, switch one or more of the switches. The actuating member is for example a control lever or a directional button.

In this configuration, the fixed permanent magnet can have a toric shape, and encircle the movable permanent magnet. The switches are then distributed circularly along the toroidal shape of the fixed permanent magnet and the moving permanent magnet is multidirectional between a central equilibrium position and close positions of each of the switches to be able to switch each of them.

In this configuration, each switch can also be associated with a fixed permanent magnet. Fixed permanent magnets are distributed, for example circularly, around the moving permanent magnet. The moving permanent magnet is multidirectional and can take a central position, for example central, relative to fixed permanent magnets and a close position of each of the fixed permanent magnets to switch the switch associated with them.

The device according to this first embodiment may also comprise a magnetic retaining device requiring a minimum force to exert on the actuating member to begin its movement. This retaining device comprises for example a ferromagnetic part mounted on the body of the device against which the mobile permanent magnet rests when the actuating member is in one of its positions. The moving permanent magnet is therefore in magnetic interaction both with the fixed permanent magnet for the return to initial position but also with the ferromagnetic part of the retaining device. The particular tactile sensation felt by the user during a pressure on the actuating member therefore results from the combination between the repulsion magnetic effect exerted between the moving permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet and the magnetic attraction effect exerted between the movable permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic part of the retaining device. This tactile sensation is not likely to deteriorate over time since it is achieved simply by the combination of these different magnetic effects.

According to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the mobile permanent magnet is rotatable between at least two positions about an axis perpendicular to a main plane parallel to a substrate on which is mounted the movable member. The mobile permanent magnet can take a so-called remote position in which its distal end is turned, for example 180 ° relative to the fixed permanent magnet so that the magnetic field created by the moving permanent magnet has a small influence or zero on the switch and a so-called close position in which the distal end of the movable permanent magnet is adjacent to the movable permanent magnet to switch the switch.

According to a feature of this second embodiment, the fixed permanent magnet and the movable permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction perpendicular to the main plane and oriented in the same direction.

According to another feature, when the moving permanent magnet is in a position in which its distal end is remote from the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is held in a position under the influence of the first magnetic field.

According to a configuration of this second embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of switches and the movable permanent magnet can take several different angular positions for, in each of its positions, switch one or more of these switches.

In this configuration, the fixed permanent magnet can have a toroidal shape encircling the moving permanent magnet. The switches are then distributed circularly along the toroidal shape of the fixed permanent magnet. The movable permanent magnet can rotate several distinct angular positions in each of which its distal end is adjacent to one of the switches.

In this configuration, each switch can also be associated with a fixed permanent magnet, the fixed permanent magnets being distributed, for example circularly around the movable permanent magnet. The movable permanent magnet can then rotate several distinct angular positions in each of which its distal end is adjacent to one of the switches.

In the first two embodiments the switch or switches may be enclosed in a housing for example hermetic and waterproof in order to prevent any penetration of dust that may interfere with the operation of the device. An actuating mechanism for the one or more switches comprising the fixed permanent magnet and the movable permanent magnet is then for example located outside the housing for controlling the switch or switches.

According to a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, the mobile permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet are superimposed and the mobile permanent magnet is movable in translation between two positions along a main axis perpendicular to a substrate on which is mounted the movable element.

According to a feature of this third embodiment, the fixed permanent magnet and the movable permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction parallel to the main axis and oriented in opposite directions. The opposition of the two permanent magnets is thus achieved by their two main faces vis-à-vis. After pressure on the actuating member, the movable permanent magnet is thus automatically recalled to its initial position by magnetic repulsion with the fixed permanent magnet, thereby driving the actuating member towards its initial position, for example a position rest. As in the first embodiment, the use of a specific device to return the actuating member to its initial position is not necessary.

According to another feature, the movable element is disposed between the two permanent magnets.

According to another feature, when the movable permanent magnet is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is maintained in a position imposed by the curvature of the field lines of the first magnetic field.

According to another particularity, when the moving permanent magnet is in a position close to the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is held in a position by inverting the field lines caused under the dominating influence of the second magnetic field. .

According to another feature, the fixed permanent magnet and the movable permanent magnet are arranged symmetrically in the device with respect to the main axis and the movable element is offset with respect to the main axis.

According to another feature, the device according to this third embodiment comprises several switches offset with respect to the main axis. The switches are for example arranged symmetrically with respect to the main axis.

According to another feature, the actuating member may comprise a structure or elastic membrane with sudden transformation. This structure can provide a tactile sensation to the user of the device.

According to another feature, the device according to this third embodiment may comprise a magnetic retaining device of the actuating member requiring a minimum force to exert on the actuating member to begin its movement. The magnetic retaining device comprises at least one fixed ferromagnetic piece mounted on the body and in magnetic attraction with the movable permanent magnet when the actuating member is in one of its positions, for example its rest position. The retaining device may also comprise two ferromagnetic parts in magnetic attraction when the actuating member is in one of its positions, a first part being mounted on the actuating member and a second part being mounted on the body of the device. During a pressure on the actuating member, the user feels a particular tactile effect achieved by the combination of the repulsion magnetic effect exerted between the movable permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet and the magnetic attraction effect exerted, depending on the variants, between the two ferromagnetic parts of the retaining device or between the movable permanent magnet and a fixed ferromagnetic part.

According to the invention, the mobile element is for example a pivoting membrane mounted on a substrate and carrying at one of its ends an electrical contact establishing the electrical junction between two fixed contacts disposed on the substrate when the membrane is in the position. closing the electrical circuit.

According to the invention, the device may comprise a magnetic shielding device. This shielding device allows for example to protect the switches from external magnetic influences.

• Les figures 1A à 3B représentent en coupe axiale différentes configurations d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant un organe d'actionnement glissant.
• Les figures 4A et 4B représentent schématiquement en vue de dessus deux configurations d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant un organe d'actionnement glissant.
• Les figures 5A à 6 représentent en coupe axiale différentes configurations d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant un organe d'actionnement tournant.
• Les figures 7A et 7B représentent schématiquement en vue de dessus deux configurations d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant un organe d'actionnement tournant.
• La figure 8 représente schématiquement le dispositif de commutation selon l'invention comportant un organe d'actionnement de type poussoir. Sur la partie gauche (G) de la figure 8, l'organe d'actionnement est montré au repos tandis que sur la partie droite (D) l'organe d'actionnement est montré enfoncé.
• Les figures 9A et 9B représentent la position des aimants permanents dans le dispositif de commutation de la figure 8 lorsque l'organe d'actionnement est, respectivement, au repos ou enfoncé et l'influence du champ magnétique créé par chacun des aimants du dispositif de commutation.
• La figure 10 représente un exemple de diagramme course/effort obtenu avec le dispositif de commutation représenté en figure 8.
• La figure 11 représente un interrupteur selon l'invention dont la membrane est au repos.
• Les figures 12A et 12B illustrent les positions prises par la membrane sous l'influence d'un champ magnétique.

Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows with reference to an embodiment given by way of example and represented by the appended drawings in which:

• The Figures 1A to 3B represent in axial section different configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a sliding actuator member.
• The Figures 4A and 4B schematically show in top view two configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a sliding actuator member.
• The Figures 5A to 6 represent in axial section different configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a rotating actuating member.
• The Figures 7A and 7B show schematically in plan view two configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a rotating actuator.
• The figure 8 schematically represents the switching device according to the invention comprising a push-type actuating member. On the left side (G) of the figure 8 , the actuating member is shown at rest while on the right part (D) the actuating member is shown depressed.
• The Figures 9A and 9B represent the position of the permanent magnets in the switching device of the figure 8 when the actuating member is respectively at rest or depressed and the influence of the magnetic field created by each of the magnets of the switching device.
• The figure 10 represents an example of a stroke / effort diagram obtained with the switching device represented in FIG. figure 8 .
• The figure 11 represents a switch according to the invention whose membrane is at rest.
• The Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the positions taken by the membrane under the influence of a magnetic field.

For the remainder of the description, an axis is defined, called the main axis (A), passing through the switching device in a vertical direction.

The terms "high", "low", "lower", "higher" should be understood by referring to the main axis (A).

The principle of the invention is based on the use of at least two permanent magnets (5, 6, 50, 60, 500, 600) in a switching device (1, 10, 100) of an electrical circuit such as a push button, a switch or position detector, a sliding button or a turning knob.

The switching device (1, 10, 100) comprises a movable permanent magnet (6, 60, 600) integral with an actuating member (3, 30, 300) of the device and at least one fixed permanent magnet (5, 50,500).

Depending on the type of switching device used, the actuating member (3, 30, 300) is movable in translation in a vertical direction as in a push button ( Figures 8 to 9B ), following a horizontal direction as in a sliding Figures 1A to 4B ) or is rotatable as in a rotating knob ( FIGS. 5A to 7B ). The switching device (1, 10, 100) can also be used as a position detector using a push-type, sliding or rotary actuator.

The displacement of the actuating member (3, 30, 300) acts by magnetic effect on one or more switches 2 sensitive to magnetic fields.

A switch 2 ( figure 11 ) comprises a movable element that can take two positions, one of which corresponds to the closing of an electrical circuit ( figure 12B ) and the other corresponding to the opening of this circuit ( figure 12A ).

The movable element consists, for example, of a miniature ferromagnetic membrane mounted on a substrate 24 perpendicular to the main axis (A) and provided with a part made of ferromagnetic material. The switch 2 can be made in planar technology type MEMS (in English "Micro ElectroMechanical System") or in PCB type laminating technology ("Printed Circuit Board") or "flex"("Flexible printed circuit board"). The membrane 20 carries a movable contact 21 adapted to electrically connect two fixed contacts 25, 26 disposed on the substrate 24 when it is in a low closing position of the electrical circuit. The membrane 20 of the switch 2 can be controlled by magnetic effect to pivot about an axis of rotation (R) perpendicular to the axis (A) and parallel to the main substrate 24 between a high position opening of the electrical circuit ( figure 12A ) and its low closing position of the electric circuit ( figure 12B ). It is connected to an anchor pad 23 for example by means of two arms 22a, 22b biased in flexion. Of course, other embodiments of the switch 2 can be envisaged.

The numerical references used above to describe the switch 2 are retained in the description of all the embodiments of the device according to the invention.

In a first embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 4B , the switching device 10 according to the invention is used as a sliding knob or position sensor using a sliding actuator.

According to this first embodiment, the device 10 comprises a body consisting of a closed housing 40 having in particular an upper wall 41 perpendicular to the main axis (A) and a circular side wall 42 and walls surmounting the housing 40 and receiving an actuating mechanism.

The walls surmounting the housing 40 form a cavity with the external dimensions of the fixed permanent magnet 50, a slideway 43 defining the stroke length of the actuating member 30 and an opening 44 on the top opening on the slideway 43.

The mobile permanent magnet 60 and the fixed permanent magnet 50 are for example identical, of circular section, symmetrical with respect to their respective axis of revolution and arranged flat on the upper wall 41 of the housing 40. Other forms of magnet can be considered.

• l'aimant permanent fixe 50 logé dans la cavité,
• l'ensemble mobile formé par l'organe d'actionnement 30 et l'aimant permanent mobile 60 solidaire de l'organe d'actionnement 30. Cet ensemble est monté coulissant sur la paroi supérieure 41 du boîtier 40, dans la glissière 43 du mécanisme.

The actuation mechanism comprises:

• the fixed permanent magnet 50 housed in the cavity,
• the moving assembly formed by the actuating member 30 and the movable permanent magnet 60 integral with the actuating member 30. This assembly is slidably mounted on the upper wall 41 of the housing 40, in the slideway 43 of the mechanism .

A stud protruding through the opening 44 is formed on the actuating member 30 to manipulate the actuating member 30 and slide it into the slideway 43 in the company of the movable permanent magnet 60.

The moving permanent magnet 60 is able to move in a direction perpendicular to the main axis (A) and to the axis of rotation (R) of the membrane 20, and to take two positions, a position said to be distant from the fixed permanent magnet 50 ( Figures 1A and 2A ) and a so-called close position of the fixed permanent magnet 50 ( Figures 1B and 2B ).

The two permanent magnets 50, 60 have a magnetization direction parallel to the main axis (A) and therefore perpendicular to the upper wall 41 of the housing 40. Their magnetization is for example oriented in the same direction, for example inwardly of the housing 40. Given their magnetization direction, the two permanent magnets 50, 60 are in opposition by their edge. In the absence of mechanical action on the actuating member 30, the movable permanent magnet 60 is thus pushed back by the fixed permanent magnet 50 towards its remote position. The magnetic repulsion effect exerted between the two magnets 50, 60 can thus avoid the use of a particular mechanical device to return the actuating member 30 to the initial position.

The magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet (s) and the moving permanent magnet are respectively symbolized by the vector (s) M10 and by the vector M20 on the FIGS. 1A to 4B and their respective field lines are referenced L10 and L20.

In the first and second configurations described below, the actuating mechanism may comprise a magnetic retaining device composed for example of a ferromagnetic part 70 against which the moving permanent magnet 60 rests when it is in position remote from the fixed permanent magnet 50. The ferromagnetic part 70 and the movable permanent magnet 60 define between them a variable air gap. The magnetic attraction effect generated between the movable permanent magnet 60 and the ferromagnetic part 70 makes it possible to generate a resistance to detachment of the actuating member 30. A minimum force exerted on the actuating member 30 is necessary to begin its translational movement, thus giving the user a particular tactile effect when handling.

In all the configurations described below of this first embodiment or variants of these configurations, the elements of the device retain the same reference numeral.

In a first configuration of the device 10, represented in figures 1 A and 1B, a switch 2 is placed under the movable permanent magnet 60 and under the influence of the magnetic field M20 generated by the moving permanent magnet 60.

The moving permanent magnet 60 moves relative to the switch 2 and, depending on whether it is in a position that is remote or close to the fixed permanent magnet 50, the membrane 20 of the switch 2 is located on one side or on the other side of the axis of revolution of the moving permanent magnet 60.

When the moving permanent magnet 60 is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet 50, the membrane 20 is under the influence of the magnetic field M20 created by the moving permanent magnet 60, whose field lines L20, oriented towards the inside of the device 10, have a curvature inducing a magnetic component in the membrane 20. The magnetic torque existing between the magnetic component created in the membrane 20 and the magnetic field M20 of the movable permanent magnet 60 then imposes on the membrane 20 to take one of its positions, for example an opening position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 1A ).

The bringing together of the moving permanent magnet 60 with respect to the fixed permanent magnet 50 has the effect of verticalizing the lines L10, L20 of the magnetic fields M10, M20 formed in the vicinity of the adjacent ends of the two magnets 50, 60. When the movable permanent magnet 60 is in a position close to the fixed permanent magnet 50, the curvature of the field lines L15 seen by the membrane 20 is totally reversed ( Figure 1 B) . The new magnetic component generated in the membrane 20 opposes the previous one and the resulting magnetic torque forces the membrane 20 to tilt towards its other position, ie towards its closed position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 1 B) .

In a second configuration of the device 10, represented in Figures 2A and 2B , the switch 2 is placed under the fixed permanent magnet 50, shifted towards the inside of the device 10 with respect to the axis of revolution of the fixed permanent magnet 50.

When the moving permanent magnet 60 is in the remote position, the lines L10 of the magnetic field M10 generated by the fixed permanent magnet 50, oriented towards the inside of the device 10, have a curvature creating a magnetic component in the membrane 20. The magnetic torque existing between the magnetic field M10 created by the fixed permanent magnet 50 and the magnetic component generated forces the membrane 20 to take one of its positions, for example the opening position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 2A ).

The bringing together of the moving permanent magnet 60 with respect to the fixed permanent magnet 50 has the effect of verticalizing the field lines formed around the adjacent ends of the two magnets 50, 60. When the moving permanent magnet 60 is in position close to the fixed permanent magnet 50, the curvature of the field lines L15 seen by the membrane 20 is reversed. The new magnetic component generated in the membrane 20 opposes the previous one. The new magnetic torque thus forces the diaphragm 20 to tilt towards its other position, ie the closed position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 2B ).

By extending the principle of this second configuration, it is realized as represented on the Figures 3A and 3B an actuating mechanism having an actuating member at at least three positions. For this, compared to the second configuration defined above, the actuating mechanism comprises two fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b identical, each housed in a cavity of the body of the device 10. A switch 2 is associated with each of these magnets permanent fixed positions 50a, 50b. Each switch 2 is for example part of a separate electrical circuit and is housed in the housing 40, under a fixed permanent magnet 50a, 50b, shifted inwardly of the device 10 relative to the axis of revolution of the magnet fixed permanent with which it is associated.

The slider 43 of the actuating mechanism is formed so that the actuating member 30 accompanied by the movable permanent magnet 60 can assume three distinct positions.

The permanent fixed magnets 50a, 50b are located on either side of the movable permanent magnet 60. In an axial central position of the organ in the slideway 43, the movable permanent magnet 60 is equidistant from the two fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b. This median position corresponds to a position remote from each of the fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b. This median position of the actuating member 30 is maintained by the respective repulsion exerted on the movable permanent magnet 60 by each of the two fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b.

The actuating member 30 can take two other positions in each of which it is brought closer to one of the fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b to switch the corresponding switch 2.

When the actuating member 30 is in its median position ( figure 3A ), the membranes 20 of each switch are under the influence of the magnetic field M10 of their respective fixed permanent magnet 50a, 50b. As before, the curvature of the lines L10 of the magnetic fields M10 of each of these fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b requires the membrane 20 of the switch 2 associated therewith to take one of its positions.

By bringing the moving permanent magnet 60 closer to one of the fixed permanent magnets 50b ( figure 3B ), the curvature of the lines L15 of the magnetic fields seen by the membrane 20 of the switch 2b associated with this fixed permanent magnet 50b is reversed. As before, the new magnetic couple formed forces the membrane 20 to tilt to its other position.

This principle can be further extended to the use of several fixed permanent magnets 50 distributed circularly around the moving permanent magnet 60 ( Figure 4A ). A switch 2 is placed under each of the fixed permanent magnets 50 encircling the movable permanent magnet 60, shifted inwardly of the device 10 with respect to the axis of revolution of the fixed permanent magnet 50 with which it is associated. The plurality of fixed permanent magnets circularly distributed can even be replaced by a single fixed permanent magnet 51 of toric shape encircling the movable permanent magnet 60 and along which are distributed switches 2 ( Figure 4B ).

Thus, the actuating member 30 used is multidirectional between a central position and close positions of each of the switches 2 distributed around it under a fixed permanent magnet 50 or under a portion of the torus formed by the fixed permanent magnet 51. The actuating member 30 may for example be embodied by a control lever (not shown).

The operating principle is identical to that described above for the second configuration. The displacement of the actuating member 30 to a position close to one of the switches 2 thus allows its switching. The actuating member 60 is held in a central position by the repulsion exerted on the moving permanent magnet 60 by the fixed permanent magnets 50 distributed or by the fixed permanent magnet ring 51.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the switching device 100 is used as a rotary knob or position detector with a rotary actuator. The device according to this second embodiment comprises a housing 400 structurally identical to the housing 40 used in the device according to the first embodiment. In contrast, unlike the first embodiment, the actuating mechanism differs in that the actuating member 300 is not slippery but rotating.

In this second embodiment, the actuating member 300 accompanied by the movable permanent magnet 600 is rotatable about an axis of rotation (R2) parallel to the main axis (A) in a recess 430 formed in the walls surmounting the casing 400.

On the FIGS. 5A to 7B the magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet (s) and the moving permanent magnet are symbolized by the vector (s) M100 and by the vector M200 and their respective field lines are referenced L100 and L200.

In all the configurations described below of this second embodiment or variants of these configurations, the elements of the device 100 retain the same reference.

In a first configuration, when the device comprises a single fixed permanent magnet 500 associated with a switch, the movable permanent magnet 600, by turning, can take for example two distinct angular positions, a remote position in which the distal end relative to its axis of rotation is remote from the fixed permanent magnet 500 ( Figure 5A ) and a close position in which this distal end is close to and adjacent to the fixed permanent magnet 500 ( Figure 5B ).

In operation, when the distal end of the moving permanent magnet is moved away from the fixed permanent magnet 500, the membrane of the switch 2 is under the influence of the magnetic field M100 generated by the fixed permanent magnet 500. magnetic component generated in the membrane 20 requires said membrane 20 to assume a position, for example an open position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 5A ). By turning the actuating member 300 180 ° about its axis of rotation (R2), the distal end of the movable permanent magnet 600 becomes adjacent to the fixed permanent magnet 500, which has the effect of reversing the curvature of the L150 field lines seen by the membrane 20 and thus tilting the membrane 20 towards its other position, for example the closed position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 5B ).

As in the different variants of the second configuration of the first embodiment, two or more fixed permanent magnets 500, 500a, 500b each associated with a switch 2 can be distributed circularly around the movable permanent magnet 600 ( Figures 6, 7A and 7B ). In this situation, the rotary actuator 300 is for example a multiposition selector, which can take several distinct angular positions in each of which it switches a switch 2 by angularly positioning the distal end of the movable permanent magnet 600 in front of the one of the fixed permanent magnets distributed 500, 500a, 500b or, if a fixed permanent magnet of toric form 501 is used, angularly positioning this distal end in front of one of the switches 2 distributed under the permanent fixed magnet 501 along its toroidal shape to reverse the curvature of the field lines L150 seen by the membrane 20.

In this second embodiment, the actuating mechanism may require a particular mechanical device for positioning the actuating member 300 rotating. This mechanical device is not the subject of the present invention, it is not described.

In the first and second embodiments of the invention, a magnetic shielding device may be used. This magnetic shielding is in particular made to protect the switch or switches 2 housed in the housing 40 of any external magnetic field that could disturb their proper operation.

In addition, in these first two embodiments, the switch (s) 2 used can be configured, according to their orientation, normally open or normally closed. This means that when the movable permanent magnet 60, 600 is in the remote position, the membrane 20 may be in the closed position or in the open position of the electrical circuit. A combination of normally open and normally closed switches distributed around the actuating member 30, 300 when it is at least three positions may be considered for certain applications.

In these first two embodiments, the housing 40 in which are housed or the switches 2 can be completely closed, the actuating mechanism being outside the housing. This allows in particular to give the device a good seal and hermeticity and not to expose the electrical switch or switches to external aggression.

According to a third embodiment shown on the figure 8 , the switching device 1 according to the invention is a push-button or position detector comprising a body 4 for example cylindrical introduced into an opening formed through a wall P. The actuating member 3 is mounted to move in translation following the main axis (A) in said body 4. The actuating member 3 can assume a rest position ( figure 8 , left part G) and a working position ( figure 8 , right part D) in which it is embedded in the body 4.

The switch 2 for switching the electrical circuit is fixed on a support 11 secured to the body 10. Electrodes 12 of the electrical circuit to be switched, integral with the support 11, extend downwards of the device 1. Several identical switches 2 may being arranged on the same substrate 24, for example symmetrically with respect to the main axis (A), or mounted on the support 11 so as to form a matrix or a combination of normally open and normally closed switches.

The fixed permanent magnet 5, for example in the form of a thin disk, is arranged under the support 11 carrying the switch 2. The movable permanent magnet 6, for example in the form of a thin disk, is mounted integral with the actuating member. 3. The two permanent magnets 5, 6 are mounted symmetrically and perpendicular to the main axis (A). The two permanent magnets 5, 6 are placed in opposition, that is to say that their disc faces of the same pole (N for North and S for South) are placed vis-à-vis one another (eg north-north opposition on the figure 1 ), each having a magnetization direction parallel to the main axis (A). The vector M1, M2 of the magnetic field created by each of the magnets 5, 6 follows the direction of magnetization and is oriented conventionally in the South-North direction. Hereinafter, the magnetic field produced by each magnet is designated M1 or M2.

As in the first embodiment, a retaining device makes it possible to retain the actuating member 3 in its rest position. This retaining device consists for example of two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8, a first ferromagnetic part 7 being integral with the actuating member 3 and a second ferromagnetic part 8 being integral with the body 4 of the device 1. These two parts 7 , 8 define between them a variable air gap according to the position of the actuating member 3 in the body 4. The first ferromagnetic part 7 integral with the actuating member 3 may be composed for example of a plate disc shape. The second ferromagnetic part 8 has for example a cylindrical shape covering the lateral internal wall of the body 4 and provided with a re-entrant flange at its upper edge. When the actuating member 3 is at rest ( figure 8 , left part), the first part 7 abuts against the re-entrant flange of the second ferromagnetic part 8. A minimal force exerted on the actuating member 3 is therefore necessary to separate the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 and to take off. the actuating member 3 of the body 4 of the device 1, thus giving the user a particular tactile effect during the depression of the actuating member 3.

• confiner le champ magnétique produit par les aimants permanents 5, 6 à l'intérieur du dispositif, évitant ainsi une pollution magnétique à l'extérieur de celui-ci,
• protéger l'interrupteur 2 d'un éventuel champ magnétique extérieur qui pourrait perturber le bon fonctionnement de l'interrupteur 2.

The two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 and a third ferromagnetic part 9 placed in the bottom of the body 4 provide the magnetic shielding of the device for:

• confining the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnets 5, 6 inside the device, thereby avoiding magnetic pollution outside thereof,
• protect the switch 2 of any external magnetic field that could disturb the proper operation of the switch 2.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the magnetic shielding is produced by the body 4 and the actuating member 3 which are then manufactured in ferromagnetic materials.

• tailles et matériaux des aimants,
• l'espace initial existant entre les deux pièces ferromagnétiques 7, 8,
• la géométrie du blindage magnétique formé par les trois pièces ferromagnétiques 7, 8, 9.

The tactile effect imparted by the restraint can be characterized by a stroke / effort diagram (see figure 10 ) which shows the force or the force exerted on the actuating member 3 as a function of the stroke thereof. When the race is zero, the actuating member 3 is in its rest position. This tactile effect can be modified by varying different parameters such as:

• sizes and materials of magnets,
• the initial space existing between the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8,
• the geometry of the magnetic shield formed by the three ferromagnetic parts 7, 8, 9.

According to the invention, the switch 2 is disposed between the two permanent magnets 5, 6 offset from the main axis (A) so that the magnetic fields M1, M2 of the two permanent magnets 5, 6 have influence to maintain the membrane 20 in one or other of its positions.

When the actuating member 3 is at rest ( Figure 9A ), the ferromagnetic membrane is under the dominating influence of the magnetic field M1 created by the fixed permanent magnet 5. The first magnetic field M1 created by the fixed permanent magnet 5 has lines L1 whose curvature creates a magnetic component in the membrane. The magnetic torque existing between this component and the magnetic field M1 requires the membrane 20 to be in a position, for example in the high position ( Figure 9A ).

The exercise of a minimum directional force parallel to the main axis makes it possible to separate the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 while in attraction and to detach the actuating member 3 from the body 4. The depression of the body actuating 3 causes the translation of the movable permanent magnet 6 along the axis (A) main. When the actuating member 3 is at the end of the stroke ( figure 8 , right part and Figure 9B ), under the dominating influence of the magnetic field M2 created by the moving permanent magnet 6, the curvature of the field lines L2 is reversed, creating a new magnetic component in the membrane, opposite to the previous one. The new magnetic torque forces the diaphragm 20 to swing to its other position, to its low position. With reference to the Figure 4B under the influence of the magnetic field M2, the membrane 20 therefore switches to its lower position corresponding for example to the closing of the electrical circuit.

The return of the actuating member 3 in its rest position is achieved by virtue of the repulsive force exerted between the two permanent magnets 5, 6 in opposition as well as by the force of attraction exerted between the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 as the actuating member 3 is raised.

According to the invention, the orientation of the switch 2 with respect to the magnetic fields created by the two permanent magnets 5, 6 makes it possible to configure it "normally open" or "normally closed". This means that when the actuating member is in its rest position, depending on its orientation with respect to the magnetic fields, the membrane 20 may be in the up position ( figure 12A ) or in the low position ( figure 12B ).

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the movable permanent magnet 6 and the first ferromagnetic part 7 consist of one and the same permanent magnet, for example in the form of a disc.

According to the invention, the radial symmetry of the permanent magnets 7, 8 allows a circular distribution of several switches 2 in the same device. The switches can therefore be actuated by the same actuating member 3.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining device may be replaced or supplemented by a preloaded elastic structure forming a blistering effect during the depression of the actuating member. According to this variant, the elastic structure undergoes a sudden transformation rapidly causing the actuating member at the end of the stroke when a determined force is exerted on the actuating member. During the abrupt transformation, the force felt by the user decreases sharply. The abrupt transformation gives the user a particular tactile impression and guarantees the exercise of a minimum force to switch the electrical circuit.

According to this latter embodiment, the elastic structure can act as a spring to bring the actuating member to its rest position and the role of waterproof membrane.

Claims (21)

1. Switching device (1, 10) for an electric circuit comprising a body (4, 40), an actuation member (3, 30) that moves inside the body (4, 40) between at least two positions and able to act by magnetic effect on a moving element of at least one electrical switch (2), for switching the electrical circuit between two positions, an open position of the electrical circuit and a closed position of said electrical circuit, characterized in that:

   - the moving element is a pivoting membrane (20) that is sensitive to the curvature of the field lines of a magnetic field,

   - the device comprises at least two permanent magnets in opposition for generating between them a repulsion magnetic effect, the two permanent magnets comprising at least one fixed permanent magnet (5, 50) and one moving permanent magnet (6, 60) joined to the actuation member (3, 30), said moving permanent magnet being able to assume a distant position or a close position relative to the fixed permanent magnet,

   - in the distant position of the moving permanent magnet (3, 30) relative to the fixed permanent magnet (5, 50), the moving element is held in one of its two positions under the predominant influence of the magnetic field created by the fixed permanent magnet,

   - the change of position of the moving permanent magnet from its distant position to its close position causes a change of curvature of the magnetic field lines created by said permanent magnets (5, 50, 6, 60) in the vicinity of the moving element (20), provoking the passage of the moving element into the other of its two positions and the switching over of the electrical circuit.
2. Device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the moving permanent magnet (60) moves in translation between at least two positions in a main plane parallel to a substrate (24) on which the moving element is mounted.
3. Device (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fixed permanent magnet (50) and the moving permanent magnet (60) exhibit magnetizations (M10, M20) in the direction perpendicular to the main plane and oriented in one and the same direction, the two magnets being in opposition through their wafer.
4. Device (10) according to one of Claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of switches (2) and in that the moving permanent magnet (60) can assume a number of distinct positions in order, in each of these positions, to switch over one or more of the switches (2).
5. Device (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the fixed permanent magnet (51) has a toroidal form, and encircles the moving permanent magnet (60), the switches (2) being distributed in circular fashion along the toroidal form of the fixed permanent magnet (51), and in that the moving permanent magnet (60) is multidirectional between a central balance position and positions close to each of the switches (2) to be able to switch over each of them.
6. Device (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that each switch is associated with a fixed permanent magnet (50, 50a, 50b), the fixed permanent magnets being distributed around the moving permanent magnet (60), and in that the moving permanent magnet (60) can assume a median position relative to the fixed permanent magnets (50, 50a, 50b) and a position close to each of the fixed permanent magnets (50, 50a, 50b) to switch over the switch (2) that is associated with them.
7. Device (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the fixed permanent magnets (50) are distributed in circular fashion around the moving permanent magnet (60) and in that the moving permanent magnet (60) is multidirectional between a central balance position relative to the distributed fixed permanent magnets (50) and positions close to each of the fixed permanent magnets (50) to switch over the switch (2) that is associated with them.
8. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 7,
   characterized in that the actuation member (30) is a control lever or a directional button.
9. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 8,
   characterized in that it comprises a magnetic retaining device (70) requiring a minimum effort to be exerted on the actuation member (30) to initiate its movement.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the retaining device comprises a ferromagnetic part (70) mounted on the body (40) of the device against which the moving permanent magnet (60) bears when the actuation member (30) is in one of its positions.
11. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the moving permanent magnet (6) and the fixed permanent magnet (5) are superimposed and in that the moving permanent magnet (6) moves in translation between two positions along a main axis (A) perpendicular to a substrate (24) on which the moving element is mounted.
12. Device (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the fixed permanent magnet (5) and the moving permanent magnet (6) exhibit magnetizations in a direction parallel to the main axis (A) and oriented in opposite directions.
13. Device (1) according to Claim 11 or 12,
    characterized in that the moving element is positioned between the two permanent magnets (5, 6).
14. Device (1) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the fixed permanent magnet (5) and the moving permanent magnet (6) are positioned symmetrically in the device (1) relative to the main axis (A) and in that the moving element (20) is offset relative to the main axis (A).
15. Device (1) according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a number of switches (2) offset relative to the main axis (A).
16. Device (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the switches (2) are positioned symmetrically relative to the main axis (A).
17. Device (1) according to one of Claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the actuation member (3) comprises an elastic structure with abrupt transformation.
18. Device (1) according to one of Claims 11 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a magnetic retaining device for the actuation member (3) requiring a minimum effort to be exerted on the actuation member (3) to initiate its movement.
19. Device (1) according to Claim 18, characterized in that the retaining device comprises two ferromagnetic parts (7, 8) cooperating when the actuation member (3) is in one of its positions, a first part (7) being mounted on the actuation member (3) and a second part (8) being mounted on the body (4) of the device (1).
20. Device (1, 10, 100) according to one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the pivoting membrane (20) is mounted on a substrate (24) and supporting at one of its ends an electrical contact (21) establishing the electrical junction between two fixed contacts (41, 42) positioned on the substrate (24) when the membrane (20) is in the closed position of the electrical circuit.
21. Device (1, 10, 100) according to one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a magnetic shielding device (7, 8, 9).

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