EP2016604B1 - Electromagnetic contactor - Google Patents

Electromagnetic contactor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2016604B1
EP2016604B1 EP07731303.9A EP07731303A EP2016604B1 EP 2016604 B1 EP2016604 B1 EP 2016604B1 EP 07731303 A EP07731303 A EP 07731303A EP 2016604 B1 EP2016604 B1 EP 2016604B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contactor
coil
fixed
contactor according
magnetic circuit
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EP07731303.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2016604A1 (en
Inventor
Bruno Lefebvre
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ABB Schweiz AG
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ABB Schweiz AG
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Publication of EP2016604A1 publication Critical patent/EP2016604A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
    • H01H50/18—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature
    • H01H50/20—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature movable inside coil and substantially lengthwise with respect to axis thereof; movable coaxially with respect to coil
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/02—Bases; Casings; Covers
    • H01H50/021—Bases; Casings; Covers structurally combining a relay and an electronic component, e.g. varistor, RC circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/54—Contact arrangements
    • H01H50/546—Contact arrangements for contactors having bridging contacts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electromagnetic contactor.
  • the invention relates to an electromagnetic contactor intended to be fixed on a support rail, in contact with other electrical devices.
  • Elastic means are provided to keep the fixed and movable parts apart in the absence of supply of the coil.
  • a first call phase when the coil is supplied with current, the magnetic circuit tends to close, the moving part coming closer to the fixed part until these two parts are in contact.
  • This so-called power call power is related to the number of ampere-turns of the coil, that is to say the product of the number of turns of the coil and the value of the current intensity in the coil.
  • the magnetic circuit During a second holding phase, the magnetic circuit must remain in the closed position as long as the supply of the coil is present. In this second phase, the amperes-turns necessary level is much lower than in the call phase, because the gap is zero, and the magnetic forces are maximum.
  • the contactors can be supplied with direct current or alternating current.
  • EP 0 411 397 A1 discloses a contactor with an electronic card above the magnetic circuit.
  • This card makes it possible in particular to supply the coil with direct current, whatever the supply voltage, alternative or continuous.
  • the card also increases the supply voltage range that can be used by the contactor.
  • the card also makes it possible to reduce shocks during the call phase and consumption during maintenance. Because of the extra cost of the electronic card, this solution is reserved for medium and large devices, greater than 50 A.
  • This contactor is however intended for automotive application, in which it is possible to allow a large bulk of the contactor along the axis of movement of the movable part of the armature.
  • this contactor comprises a movable armature which passes through the fixed armature and extends towards the rear of the contactor with respect to the coil.
  • the present invention aims to provide a contactor to be fixed on a support, whose size is reduced.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a contactor to meet the above criteria in an improved manner.
  • the subject of the present invention is an electromagnetic contactor of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the contactor comprises an insulating housing comprising a rear part intended to be fixed on a support and in that the mobile part passes through the electronic card by an opening of the card and slide inside the coil
  • Such a switch also provides the advantages mentioned above for an electronic card.
  • the contactor comprises connection terminals of the coil being located in the plane of the electronic card.
  • connection terminals makes it possible on the one hand to maintain connections of the power supply to the contactor made in the same manner as a conventional contactor, that is to say above the coil, and secondly to further limit the size of the contactor.
  • the fixed and mobile parts of the magnetic circuit have substantially axisymmetric shapes.
  • the axisymmetrical structure of the magnetic parts offers a better performance than a conventional flat structure.
  • the fixed and mobile parts have opposite conical portions, one convex and the other concave.
  • the electronic card makes it possible to limit the shocks during the call phase and therefore to considerably reduce the contact surfaces of the two armatures without exposing the magnetic circuit to premature wear, and without increasing the time of conjunction.
  • the duration of the call phase with the contactor according to the invention is of the same order as that of a contactor of the same range, having no reduced call power.
  • the fixed and mobile parts are made in massive elements.
  • the massive structure of the magnetic parts allows an optimization of the forms and the choice of the materials and to use processes of production of large series, like the stamping, the cold stamping, or the cutting. These provisions thus make it possible to reduce the costs and the complexity of the manufacture.
  • the fixed part forms a housing in which the coil is received.
  • the fixed part of the magnetic circuit comprises at least one lateral opening.
  • the lateral opening is constituted by a notch in the edge of the cylindrical portion forming the second end of the cylindrical portion.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to produce the fixed part of the magnetic circuit from two simple shapes that are easier to produce.
  • this arrangement facilitates the assembly of the coil in the fixed part of the frame. It allows to facilitate the production of the part, and to realize this production in large series.
  • the elements of the contactor are stackable.
  • This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the contactor.
  • the stacking can be performed by a simplified automated process.
  • the power supply control means of the coil are arranged to supply the DC coil, whether the supply voltage of the contactor is alternating or continuous.
  • the means for controlling the supply of the coil comprise means for determining a current value making it possible to close the contactor or to keep the contactor closed, and means making it possible to limit the average value of the supply current. from the coil to the determined value.
  • an electromagnetic contactor according to the invention comprises an insulating housing comprising a rear part 2, intended to be fixed on a support, and a front part 3, intended to be fixed on the rear part 2. On the front part 3 of the housing are fixed fixed contacts not shown.
  • the insulating housing also comprises a terminal block 4 intended to be fixed above the front part, and having connection terminals 5 intended to be connected to the fixed contacts.
  • a movable contact carrier 9 is integrally mounted with the movable portion 8 of the magnetic circuit.
  • the contact carrier 9 comprises movable contacts intended to be in contact with the fixed contacts, or separated from these fixed contacts, according to the position of the movable part 8, to close or open an electrical power circuit.
  • Elastic means consisting of two springs 10 are provided to keep the fixed parts 7 and mobile 8 apart in the absence of supply of the coil 6.
  • the contactor comprises means for controlling the supply of the coil 6 in AC or DC voltage, constituted by an electronic card 11.
  • This electronic card 11, of the type described in the document EP 0 789 378 is arranged in interface between the external power supply and the power supply of the contactor coil.
  • This electronic card 11 is arranged horizontally above the fixed part 7 of the magnetic circuit, the mobile part 8 passing through the electronic card through an opening of the card 12 and sliding inside the coil and the fixed part 7.
  • connection terminals of the coil of the terminal block 5 are located in the plane of the electronic card.
  • the fixed and mobile parts 8 and 8 of the magnetic circuit have an axisymmetric shape with respect to an axis A, which coincides with the axis of the coil 6.
  • the body and the cover define a housing in which the coil 6 is received.
  • the passage opening 17, arranged around the axis A. makes it possible to ensure the penetration of the mobile part in the coil 6.
  • the movable portion 8 comprises a cylindrical portion intended to enter the passage opening 17.
  • the fixed and mobile parts 8 have tapered portions facing each other.
  • the fixed portion comprises a convex conical portion 18 disposed on the bottom 15 of the body 13.
  • the movable portion 8 has a concave conical portion 19.
  • the concave portion could be positioned on the fixed portion and the convex portion on the moving part.
  • the two conical portions 18, 19 are of a shape adapted to provide an air gap between them when the two fixed and moving parts are in touch with.
  • the flat end ends 20, 22 of the two conical parts do not come into contact, when the fixed and moving parts are in contact.
  • the fixed parts 7 and mobile 8 are made in solid elements.
  • the body 13 of the fixed part 7 of the magnetic circuit comprises at its upper edge, on which the cover 16 is positioned, indentations 24. These notches allow the outward passage of the body of connection means of the coil, in particular wires or other portions of conductors.
  • the contactor comprises substantially the same elements as in the first embodiment.
  • a single return spring 10 is present to separate the armatures in the rest position, this spring being positioned around the movable armature.
  • the electronic card 11 comprises an opening constituted by a cutout 12 opening on the edge of the electronic card 11 through which the movable portion 8 of the magnetic circuit passes through the plane of the electronic card.
  • the connection terminals of the coil of the terminal block 5 are located in the plane of the electronic care.
  • the terminal block 5 is a removable terminal block comprising metal tabs 26 intended to be received in elastic lyres 27 mounted on the card 11 to provide the electrical connection.
  • the figure 8 shows the realization of notches 24 at the upper edge of the fixed part of the armature, allowing the passage of the coil connection means comprising flexible son or rigid conductor portions 25.
  • the electronic card used by the two previously described contactors, comprises a filtering component F and a rectifier component Rd for transforming an alternating voltage into a DC voltage.
  • the rectifier component Rd may comprise a diode bridge.
  • the electronic card comprises means for determining a current value for closing the contactor or maintaining the contactor closed, and means for limiting the average value of the supply current of the coil to the determined value.
  • the coil 6 of the contactor is powered by a step-down chopper device consisting of a power transistor TR, bipolar transistor, MOSFET or IGBT, operating in "all or nothing", controlled by a signal amplitude modulation amplitude "PWM" (pulse width modulation) generated by a control device constituted here by a microcontroller ⁇ C; this control device could also be constituted by any other specific logic circuit.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the frequency of this signal is fixed and the duty cycle, that is to say the ratio between the conduction time and the signal period, is adjusted by the microcontroller ⁇ C.
  • the coil 6 is connected in series with the power transistor TR, and a resistor R1 used for the measurement of the current.
  • the microcontroller ⁇ C is powered by a power supply component UR delivering a controlled voltage.
  • the average voltage across the coil of the contactor is the product of the duty cycle by the source voltage.
  • the adaptation of the duty ratio of the step-down chopper device as a function of the input voltage level makes it possible to feed the coil with a determined constant average value voltage regardless of the power supply value of the contactor. This value can be set to the minimum call threshold during the call phase and the minimum hold threshold during the hold phase.
  • the maximum duty cycle of 100% is reached for the minimum value of the voltage power supply within the operating range of the contactor.
  • the duty cycle is adjusted automatically according to the current to be controlled.
  • the coil is further connected antiparallel to a freewheeling diode D.
  • the freewheeling diode keeps the magnetic energy stored in the coil and limits the overvoltages caused by the switching off of the contactor control. It is thus possible to keep the closing of the contactor in case of micro-cuts or voltage dips, and to perform a clipping of the voltage. These provisions make it possible to mitigate the failures of the supply network.
  • the figure 5 illustrates the operation of the board, when a supply voltage is established across the contactor.
  • a supply voltage is established, it is subjected to filtering by the filtering component 12, then a rectification is performed by the rectifier component 13, in a first step E1.
  • a second step E2 the nature and the level of the supply voltage are detected.
  • the minimum call threshold is the minimum level of voltage across the coil 6 sufficient to trigger the detachment and closure of the magnetic circuit. With this voltage level, the travel of the moving contacts has sufficient momentum to close the power circuit in good conditions, defined by normative constraints.
  • a PWM signal is generated to control the supply of the coil to the minimum call threshold.
  • a test is performed to identify whether a change of slope and the maximum intensity in the coil are reached. If this is not the case, we stay in step E4.
  • a regulation of the current at the minimum threshold of maintenance is operated.
  • the minimum holding threshold is the level of current just sufficient to keep the electromagnet closed, taking into account the mounting positions of the contactor, its resistance to shock and vibration, and the number of auxiliary contacts associated, that is to say mechanical loads.
  • This control is operated until a contactor lock command is received, i.e. until the voltage drops below the minimum contactor supply voltage, which is shown by step E7.
  • the control logic provides control of the voltage and current during the call phase which reduces the shock and wear of mechanical parts and a current control during the maintenance phase of the contactor, which has the advantage of reducing the power dissipated.
  • the circuit board 11 allows the contactor to operate over a wide alternating or continuous supply voltage range.
  • the ratio between the minimum and maximum terminals of a supply voltage range is between 1.5 and 3.

Description

La présente invention concerne un contacteur électromagnétique. En particulier, l'invention concerne un contacteur électromagnétique destiné à être fixé sur un rail support, au contact d'autres appareils électriques.The present invention relates to an electromagnetic contactor. In particular, the invention relates to an electromagnetic contactor intended to be fixed on a support rail, in contact with other electrical devices.

De façon connue un contacteur électromagnétique comprend :

  • une bobine de génération d'un champ magnétique,
  • un circuit magnétique comportant une partie fixe et une partie mobile.
In known manner an electromagnetic contactor comprises:
  • a coil for generating a magnetic field,
  • a magnetic circuit comprising a fixed part and a movable part.

Des moyens élastiques sont prévus pour maintenir les parties fixes et mobiles écartées en absence d'alimentation de la bobine.Elastic means are provided to keep the fixed and movable parts apart in the absence of supply of the coil.

D'une manière générale, le fonctionnement électrique d'un contacteur peut être décrit en deux phases distinctes.In general, the electrical operation of a contactor can be described in two distinct phases.

Lors d'une première phase d'appel, lorsque la bobine est alimentée en courant, le circuit magnétique tend à se fermer, la partie mobile se rapprochant de la partie fixe jusqu'à ce que ces deux parties soient au contact. Pendant cette phase, une puissance importante est nécessaire, afin de vaincre l'entrefer de départ, et de déplacer la partie mobile à l'encontre de l'action des moyens élastiques. Cette puissance dite puissance d'appel est liée au nombre d'Ampères-tours de la bobine, c'est-à-dire le produit du nombre de tours de la bobine et de la valeur de l'intensité du courant dans la bobine.During a first call phase, when the coil is supplied with current, the magnetic circuit tends to close, the moving part coming closer to the fixed part until these two parts are in contact. During this phase, a large power is needed to overcome the starting gap, and move the moving part against the action of the elastic means. This so-called power call power is related to the number of ampere-turns of the coil, that is to say the product of the number of turns of the coil and the value of the current intensity in the coil.

Lors d'une seconde phase de maintien, le circuit magnétique doit rester en position fermée tant que l'alimentation de la bobine est présente. Dans cette seconde phase, le niveau d'Ampères-tours nécessaire est beaucoup plus faible que dans la phase d'appel, car l'entrefer est nul, et les efforts magnétiques sont maximums.During a second holding phase, the magnetic circuit must remain in the closed position as long as the supply of the coil is present. In this second phase, the amperes-turns necessary level is much lower than in the call phase, because the gap is zero, and the magnetic forces are maximum.

D'une manière générale, les contacteurs peuvent être alimentés en courant continu ou en courant alternatif.In general, the contactors can be supplied with direct current or alternating current.

Des technologies spécifiques d'électro-aimant permettant de réduire la puissance nécessaire et donc la consommation du contacteur pendant les phases d'appel et/ou de maintien existent depuis de nombreuses années. Il est connu en particulier d'utiliser pour un contacteur à commande continue des circuits à tôles feuilletées de contacteur à commande alternative dotés d'une bobine à deux enroulements ou des circuits massifs équipés ou non d'aimants permanents. L'utilisation de ces technologies entraîne habituellement une augmentation de l'encombrement de ces contacteurs par rapport à la version à commande alternative.Specific electromagnet technologies to reduce the power required and therefore the consumption of the contactor during the phases of call and / or maintenance have existed for many years. It is known in particular to use, for a continuously-controlled contactor, alternating-control laminated sheet circuit boards with a two-winding coil or solid circuits with or without permanent magnets. The use of these technologies leads usually an increase in the size of these contactors compared to the alternative control version.

Il est connu en outre, notamment du document EP 0 789 378 , d'équiper un contacteur à circuit feuilleté alternatif d'une carte électronique de contrôle de l'alimentation de la bobine, EP 0 411 397 A1 divulgue un contacteur avec une carte électronique au dessus du circuit magnétique. Cette carte permet notamment d'alimenter la bobine en courant continu, quelle que soit la tension d'alimentation, alternative ou continue. La carte permet également d'augmenter la plage de tension d'alimentation pouvant être utilisée par le contacteur. La carte permet en outre de réduire les chocs pendant la phase d'appel et la consommation au maintien. Du fait du surcoût de la carte électronique, cette solution est réservée à des appareils de moyen et gros calibre, supérieur à 50 A.It is also known from the document EP 0 789 378 , to equip an alternating laminated circuit contactor with an electronic card for controlling the supply of the coil, EP 0 411 397 A1 discloses a contactor with an electronic card above the magnetic circuit. This card makes it possible in particular to supply the coil with direct current, whatever the supply voltage, alternative or continuous. The card also increases the supply voltage range that can be used by the contactor. The card also makes it possible to reduce shocks during the call phase and consumption during maintenance. Because of the extra cost of the electronic card, this solution is reserved for medium and large devices, greater than 50 A.

Il est également connu d'utiliser un circuit magnétique de type feuilleté avec une carte électronique disposée latéralement dans le boîtier du contacteur par rapport à la bobine, et perpendiculairement au plan de montage, pour limiter en particulier les consommation à l'appel et les rendre compatibles avec des sorties d'automate.It is also known to use a laminated-type magnetic circuit with an electronic card arranged laterally in the contactor housing with respect to the coil, and perpendicular to the mounting plane, in particular to limit on-demand consumption and to make them compatible with PLC outputs.

Il apparaît toutefois que cette solution impose un positionnement spécifique et limitatif des bornes d'alimentation de la carte ce qui entraîne de nouveau une augmentation de l'encombrement des appareils lorsque cette solution est déclinée sur différents calibres de contacteurs.However, it appears that this solution imposes a specific and limiting positioning of the power supply terminals of the card which again leads to an increase in the size of the devices when this solution is available on different sizes of contactors.

Pour tous les contacteurs, il est souhaitable de satisfaire les critères suivants :

  • une consommation à l'appel réduite, si possible compatible avec les sorties d'automate,
  • une consommation durant la phase de maintien réduite,
  • l'acceptation de larges plages de tension d'alimentation en continu ou alternatif,
  • un encombrement identique à celui d'un appareil alternatif de calibre équivalent, et
  • un coût de réalisation identique à celui d'un appareil alternatif classique.
For all contactors, it is desirable to meet the following criteria:
  • a reduced call consumption, if possible compatible with the PLC outputs,
  • consumption during the reduced maintenance phase,
  • the acceptance of wide ranges of DC or AC supply voltage,
  • a footprint identical to that of an alternative device of equivalent caliber, and
  • a realization cost identical to that of a conventional alternative device.

Il est toutefois difficile de concilier l'ensemble de ces critères.However, it is difficult to reconcile all of these criteria.

Le document EP 0 751 545 décrit un contacteur électromagnétique comportant :

  • une bobine de génération d'un champ magnétique,
  • un circuit magnétique comportant une partie fixe et une partie mobile, et
  • une carte électronique comprenant des moyens de contrôle de l'alimentation de la bobine, la carte électronique étant disposée horizontalement au dessus de la partie fixe du circuit magnétique.
The document EP 0 751 545 discloses an electromagnetic contactor comprising:
  • a coil for generating a magnetic field,
  • a magnetic circuit comprising a fixed part and a movable part, and
  • an electronic card comprising means for controlling the supply of the coil, the electronic card being disposed horizontally above the fixed part of the magnetic circuit.

Ce contacteur est toutefois destiné à une application automobile, dans laquelle il est possible de permettre un encombrement important du contacteur selon l'axe de déplacement de la partie mobile de l'armature. En conséquence, ce contacteur comprend une armature mobile qui traverse l'armature fixe et s'étend vers l'arrière du contacteur par rapport à la bobine.This contactor is however intended for automotive application, in which it is possible to allow a large bulk of the contactor along the axis of movement of the movable part of the armature. As a result, this contactor comprises a movable armature which passes through the fixed armature and extends towards the rear of the contactor with respect to the coil.

Une telle disposition ne peut être envisagée pour un contacteur destiné à être positionnée sur un rail support par des moyens de fixation disposés à l'arrière de la bobine.Such an arrangement can not be envisaged for a switch intended to be positioned on a support rail by fixing means disposed at the rear of the coil.

De ce fait, la présente invention a pour but de proposer un contacteur destiné à être fixé sur un support, dont l'encombrement soit réduit.Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a contactor to be fixed on a support, whose size is reduced.

La présente invention a également pour objet de fournir un contacteur permettant de satisfaire les critères ci-dessus de façon améliorée.The present invention also aims to provide a contactor to meet the above criteria in an improved manner.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un contacteur électromagnétique du type précité, caractérisé en ce que le contacteur comporte un boîtier isolant comprenant une partie arrière destinée à être fixée sur un support et en ce que la partie mobile traverse la carte électronique par une ouverture de la carte et coulisse à l'intérieur de la bobineFor this purpose, the subject of the present invention is an electromagnetic contactor of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the contactor comprises an insulating housing comprising a rear part intended to be fixed on a support and in that the mobile part passes through the electronic card by an opening of the card and slide inside the coil

Les dispositions selon l'invention permettent de limiter l'encombrement du contacteur.The arrangements according to the invention make it possible to limit the size of the contactor.

Un tel contacteur permet de plus d'apporter les avantages cités ci-dessus pour une carte électronique.Such a switch also provides the advantages mentioned above for an electronic card.

De préférence, le contacteur comprend des bornes de raccordement de la bobine étant situées dans le plan de la carte électronique.Preferably, the contactor comprises connection terminals of the coil being located in the plane of the electronic card.

Cette disposition des bornes de raccordement permet d'une part de conserver des raccordements de l'alimentation au contacteur réalisés de la même manière qu'un contacteur classique, c'est-à-dire au dessus de la bobine, et d'autre part de limiter encore l'encombrement du contacteur.This arrangement of the connection terminals makes it possible on the one hand to maintain connections of the power supply to the contactor made in the same manner as a conventional contactor, that is to say above the coil, and secondly to further limit the size of the contactor.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les parties fixe et mobile du circuit magnétique présentent des formes sensiblement axisymétriques.According to one embodiment, the fixed and mobile parts of the magnetic circuit have substantially axisymmetric shapes.

La structure axisymétrique des pièces magnétiques offre un meilleur rendement qu'une structure plane classique.The axisymmetrical structure of the magnetic parts offers a better performance than a conventional flat structure.

Avantageusement, les parties fixe et mobile présentent en regard des portions coniques, l'une convexe et l'autre concave.Advantageously, the fixed and mobile parts have opposite conical portions, one convex and the other concave.

La carte électronique permet de limiter les chocs lors de la phase d'appel et donc de réduire considérablement les surfaces de contact des deux armatures sans exposer le circuit magnétique à des usures prématurées, et sans augmenter le temps de conjonction.The electronic card makes it possible to limit the shocks during the call phase and therefore to considerably reduce the contact surfaces of the two armatures without exposing the magnetic circuit to premature wear, and without increasing the time of conjunction.

Il est donc possible d'utiliser la forme conique, « à entrefer progressif », qui diminue les Ampère-tours nécessaires à l'appel car l'entrefer effectif est plus petit que la course réelle du noyau mobile.It is therefore possible to use the conical shape, "progressive air gap", which decreases the ampere-turns necessary to the call because the effective air gap is smaller than the actual stroke of the mobile core.

La combinaison des caractéristiques ci-dessus permet en conséquence d'obtenir un contacteur à puissance d'appel réduite, et de volume global réduit, équivalent à un contacteur de même gamme mais ne présentant pas de puissance d'appel réduite.The combination of the above characteristics consequently makes it possible to obtain a contactor with reduced call power, and reduced overall volume, equivalent to a contactor of the same range but having no reduced call power.

La durée de la phase d'appel avec le contacteur selon l'invention est du même ordre que celle d'un contacteur de même gamme, ne présentant pas de puissance d'appel réduite.The duration of the call phase with the contactor according to the invention is of the same order as that of a contactor of the same range, having no reduced call power.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les parties fixe et mobile sont réalisées dans des éléments massifs.According to one embodiment, the fixed and mobile parts are made in massive elements.

La structure massive des pièces magnétiques permet une optimisation des formes et du choix des matériaux et d'utiliser des procédés de production de grandes séries, comme notamment l'emboutissage, la frappe à froid, ou la découpe. Ces dispositions permettent ainsi de réduire les coûts et la complexité de la fabrication.The massive structure of the magnetic parts allows an optimization of the forms and the choice of the materials and to use processes of production of large series, like the stamping, the cold stamping, or the cutting. These provisions thus make it possible to reduce the costs and the complexity of the manufacture.

Avantageusement, la partie fixe forme un logement dans lequel la bobine est reçue.Advantageously, the fixed part forms a housing in which the coil is received.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la partie fixe du circuit magnétique comprend au moins une ouverture latérale.According to one embodiment, the fixed part of the magnetic circuit comprises at least one lateral opening.

La présence d'une ouverture permet le passage vers l'extérieur du corps de moyens de raccordement de la bobine, en particulier de fils ou de portions de conducteurs. La réalisation de cette ouverture permet ainsi de limiter la dimension verticale du contacteur car le passage des moyens de raccordement de la bobine est réalisé au niveau de la paroi latérale du corps de l'armature fixe, et non au dessus de celui-ci.The presence of an opening allows the passage to the outside of the body of connection means of the coil, in particular son or portions of conductors. The realization of this opening thus makes it possible to limit the vertical dimension of the contactor since the passage of the means for connecting the coil is made at the side wall of the body of the fixed armature, and not above it.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la partie fixe du circuit magnétique comprend :

  • une portion cylindrique,
  • un fond à une première extrémité de la portion cylindrique, et
  • une paroi comprenant une ouverture de passage de la partie mobile à une seconde extrémité de la portion cylindrique.
According to one embodiment, the fixed part of the magnetic circuit comprises:
  • a cylindrical portion,
  • a bottom at a first end of the cylindrical portion, and
  • a wall comprising a passage opening of the movable portion at a second end of the cylindrical portion.

Avantageusement, l'ouverture latérale est constituée par une échancrure dans le bord de la portion cylindrique formant la seconde extrémité de la portion cylindrique.Advantageously, the lateral opening is constituted by a notch in the edge of the cylindrical portion forming the second end of the cylindrical portion.

Avantageusement, la partie fixe du circuit magnétique comprend :

  • un corps formant la portion cylindrique et le fond, et
  • un couvercle, formant la paroi comprenant une ouverture de passage.
Advantageously, the fixed part of the magnetic circuit comprises:
  • a body forming the cylindrical portion and the bottom, and
  • a cover forming the wall comprising a passage opening.

Cette disposition permet de réaliser la partie fixe du circuit magnétique à partir de deux formes simples, plus faciles à produire. De plus, cette disposition permet de faciliter le montage de la bobine dans la partie fixe de l'armature. Elle permet de faciliter la production de la pièce, et de réaliser cette production en grande série.This arrangement makes it possible to produce the fixed part of the magnetic circuit from two simple shapes that are easier to produce. In addition, this arrangement facilitates the assembly of the coil in the fixed part of the frame. It allows to facilitate the production of the part, and to realize this production in large series.

Avantageusement, les éléments du contacteur sont empilables.Advantageously, the elements of the contactor are stackable.

Cette disposition permet de faciliter l'assemblage du contacteur. En particulier, l'empilage peut être réalisé par un procédé automatisé simplifié.This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the contactor. In particular, the stacking can be performed by a simplified automated process.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens de contrôle de l'alimentation de la bobine sont agencés pour alimenter la bobine en courant continu, que la tension d'alimentation du contacteur soit alternative ou continue.According to one embodiment, the power supply control means of the coil are arranged to supply the DC coil, whether the supply voltage of the contactor is alternating or continuous.

Avantageusement, les moyens de contrôle de l'alimentation de la bobine comportent des moyens de détermination d'une valeur de courant permettant de fermer le contacteur ou de maintenir le contacteur fermé, et des moyens permettant de limiter la valeur moyenne du courant d'alimentation de la bobine à la valeur déterminée.Advantageously, the means for controlling the supply of the coil comprise means for determining a current value making it possible to close the contactor or to keep the contactor closed, and means making it possible to limit the average value of the supply current. from the coil to the determined value.

De toute façon, l'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit, en référence au dessin schématique annexé, représentant à titre d'exemple non limitatif, un mode de réalisation d'un contacteur selon l'invention.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un contacteur selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée du contacteur de figure 1, les parties constituant le boîtier ayant été supprimées.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en perspective et en coupe partielle du circuit magnétique.
  • La figure 4 est un schéma du circuit électrique de la carte électronique du contacteur de figure 1.
  • La figure 5 est un organigramme de fonctionnement des moyens de contrôle constitués par la carte électronique.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en perspective partielle d'un second contacteur selon l'invention.
  • La figure 7 est une autre vue en perspective partielle selon un second angle de vue du contacteur de figure 6.
  • La figure 8 est une vue de détail, en perspective de la partie fixe du circuit magnétique du contacteur de figure 6.
In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing, representing by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of a contactor according to the invention.
  • The figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a contactor according to the invention.
  • The figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the contactor figure 1 , the parts constituting the housing having been removed.
  • The figure 3 is a perspective view in partial section of the magnetic circuit.
  • The figure 4 is a diagram of the electrical circuit of the electronic board of the contactor of figure 1 .
  • The figure 5 is a flowchart of operation of the control means constituted by the electronic card.
  • The figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a second contactor according to the invention.
  • The figure 7 is another partial perspective view according to a second angle of view of the contactor of figure 6 .
  • The figure 8 is a detail view, in perspective of the fixed part of the magnetic circuit of the contactor of figure 6 .

Selon un mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 4, un contacteur électromagnétique selon l'invention comporte un boîtier isolant comprenant une partie arrière 2, destinée à être fixée sur un support, et une partie avant 3, destinée à être fixée sur la partie arrière 2. Sur la partie avant 3 du boîtier sont fixés des contacts fixes non représentés. Le boîtier isolant comprend également un bornier 4 destiné à être fixé au dessus de la partie avant, et comportant des bornes de raccordement 5 destinées à être connectées aux contacts fixes.According to an embodiment shown on the Figures 1 to 4 , an electromagnetic contactor according to the invention comprises an insulating housing comprising a rear part 2, intended to be fixed on a support, and a front part 3, intended to be fixed on the rear part 2. On the front part 3 of the housing are fixed fixed contacts not shown. The insulating housing also comprises a terminal block 4 intended to be fixed above the front part, and having connection terminals 5 intended to be connected to the fixed contacts.

Les parties du boîtier forment un logement dans lequel sont reçus :

  • une bobine 6 de génération d'un champ magnétique, fixée au boîtier, et
  • un circuit magnétique comportant une partie fixe 7 par rapport au boîtier et une partie mobile 8 par rapport au boîtier.
The housing parts form a housing in which are received:
  • a coil 6 for generating a magnetic field, fixed to the housing, and
  • a magnetic circuit having a fixed portion 7 relative to the housing and a movable portion 8 relative to the housing.

Un porte contact 9 mobile est monté solidairement avec la partie mobile 8 du circuit magnétique.A movable contact carrier 9 is integrally mounted with the movable portion 8 of the magnetic circuit.

Le porte contact 9 comprend des contacts mobiles destiné à être au contact des contacts fixes, ou séparés de ces contacts fixes, suivant la position de la partie mobile 8, pour fermer ou ouvrir un circuit électrique de puissance.The contact carrier 9 comprises movable contacts intended to be in contact with the fixed contacts, or separated from these fixed contacts, according to the position of the movable part 8, to close or open an electrical power circuit.

Des moyens élastiques, constitués par deux ressorts 10 sont prévus pour maintenir les parties fixe 7 et mobile 8 écartées en absence d'alimentation de la bobine 6.Elastic means consisting of two springs 10 are provided to keep the fixed parts 7 and mobile 8 apart in the absence of supply of the coil 6.

Le contacteur comporte des moyens de contrôle de l'alimentation de la bobine 6 en tension alternative ou continue, constitués par une carte électronique 11.The contactor comprises means for controlling the supply of the coil 6 in AC or DC voltage, constituted by an electronic card 11.

Cette carte électronique 11, du type décrit dans le document EP 0 789 378 est disposée en interface entre l'alimentation extérieure et l'alimentation de la bobine du contacteur. Cette carte électronique 11 est disposée horizontalement au dessus de la partie fixe 7 du circuit magnétique, la partie mobile 8 traversant la carte électronique par une ouverture de la carte 12 et coulissant à l'intérieur de la bobine et de la partie fixe 7.This electronic card 11, of the type described in the document EP 0 789 378 is arranged in interface between the external power supply and the power supply of the contactor coil. This electronic card 11 is arranged horizontally above the fixed part 7 of the magnetic circuit, the mobile part 8 passing through the electronic card through an opening of the card 12 and sliding inside the coil and the fixed part 7.

Il doit être noté que les bornes de raccordement de la bobine du bornier 5 sont situées dans le plan de la carte électronique.,.It should be noted that the connection terminals of the coil of the terminal block 5 are located in the plane of the electronic card.

Comme représenté sur les figures 1 à 4, selon une caractéristique de l'invention, les parties fixe 7 et mobile 8 du circuit magnétique présentent une forme axisymétrique par rapport à un axe A, qui coïncide avec l'axe de la bobine 6.As shown on Figures 1 to 4 according to a characteristic of the invention, the fixed and mobile parts 8 and 8 of the magnetic circuit have an axisymmetric shape with respect to an axis A, which coincides with the axis of the coil 6.

En particulier, la partie fixe 7 du circuit magnétique comprend :

  • un corps 13 formant :
    • o une portion cylindrique 14,
    • o un fond 15 à une première extrémité de la portion cylindrique 14, et
  • un couvercle 16 formant une paroi comprenant une ouverture de passage 17 de la partie mobile 8 destiné à être positionné à une seconde extrémité de la portion cylindrique 14.
In particular, the fixed part 7 of the magnetic circuit comprises:
  • a body 13 forming:
    • a cylindrical portion 14,
    • a bottom 15 at a first end of the cylindrical portion 14, and
  • a cover 16 forming a wall comprising a passage opening 17 of the movable part 8 intended to be positioned at a second end of the cylindrical portion 14.

Le corps et le couvercle délimitent un logement dans lequel la bobine 6 est reçue. L'ouverture de passage 17, disposée autour de l'axe A. permet d'assurer la pénétration de la partie mobile dans la bobine 6.The body and the cover define a housing in which the coil 6 is received. The passage opening 17, arranged around the axis A. makes it possible to ensure the penetration of the mobile part in the coil 6.

La partie mobile 8 comprend pour sa part une portion cylindrique destinée à rentrer dans l'ouverture de passage 17.The movable portion 8 comprises a cylindrical portion intended to enter the passage opening 17.

Comme cela est illustré sur la figure 3, les parties fixes 7 et mobiles 8 présentent des portions en regard coniques. En particulier, la partie fixe comprend une portion conique convexe 18, disposé sur le fond 15 du corps 13. La partie mobile 8 présente une portion conique concave 19. Bien entendu la portion concave pourrait être positionnée sur la partie fixe et la portion convexe sur la partie mobile.As illustrated on the figure 3 the fixed and mobile parts 8 have tapered portions facing each other. In particular, the fixed portion comprises a convex conical portion 18 disposed on the bottom 15 of the body 13. The movable portion 8 has a concave conical portion 19. Of course the concave portion could be positioned on the fixed portion and the convex portion on the moving part.

Les deux portions coniques 18, 19 sont d'une forme adaptée pour ménager un entrefer entre elles lorsque les deux parties fixes et mobiles sont au contact. En particulier, les extrémités terminales planes 20, 22 des deux parties coniques n'entrent pas en contact, lorsque les parties fixes et mobiles sont en contact.The two conical portions 18, 19 are of a shape adapted to provide an air gap between them when the two fixed and moving parts are in touch with. In particular, the flat end ends 20, 22 of the two conical parts do not come into contact, when the fixed and moving parts are in contact.

Seul le bord 23 délimitant la partie conique 19 concave de la partie mobile 8 vient en butée contre le fond 15 du corps 13.Only the edge 23 defining the conical concave portion 19 of the movable portion 8 abuts against the bottom 15 of the body 13.

Les parties fixes 7 et mobile 8 sont réalisées dans des éléments massifs.The fixed parts 7 and mobile 8 are made in solid elements.

Le corps 13 de la partie fixe 7 du circuit magnétique comprend au niveau de son bord supérieur, sur lequel est positionné le couvercle 16, des échancrures 24. Ces échancrures permettent le passage vers l'extérieur du corps de moyens de raccordement de la bobine, en particulier de fils ou autres portions de conducteurs.The body 13 of the fixed part 7 of the magnetic circuit comprises at its upper edge, on which the cover 16 is positioned, indentations 24. These notches allow the outward passage of the body of connection means of the coil, in particular wires or other portions of conductors.

En outre, ces échancrures permettent d'améliorer le refroidissement de la bobine.In addition, these notches allow to improve the cooling of the coil.

Selon un second mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 5 à 8, le contacteur comprend sensiblement les mêmes éléments que dans le premier mode de réalisation. Toutefois, à la différence du premier mode de réalisation, un seul ressort 10 de rappel est présent pour séparer les armatures en position de repos, ce ressort étant positionné autour de l'armature mobile. Dans ce second mode de réalisation, la carte électronique 11 comporte une ouverture constituée par une découpe 12 débouchant sur le bord de la carte électronique 11 à travers laquelle la partie mobile 8 du circuit magnétique traverse le plan de la carte électronique. Comme précédemment, les bornes de raccordement de la bobine du bornier 5 sont situées dans le plan de la care électronique. Le bornier 5 est un bornier amovible comprenant des pattes métalliques 26 destinées à être reçues dans des lyres élastiques 27 montées sur la carte 11 pour assurer la connexion électrique.According to a second embodiment shown on the Figures 5 to 8 , the contactor comprises substantially the same elements as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, a single return spring 10 is present to separate the armatures in the rest position, this spring being positioned around the movable armature. In this second embodiment, the electronic card 11 comprises an opening constituted by a cutout 12 opening on the edge of the electronic card 11 through which the movable portion 8 of the magnetic circuit passes through the plane of the electronic card. As before, the connection terminals of the coil of the terminal block 5 are located in the plane of the electronic care. The terminal block 5 is a removable terminal block comprising metal tabs 26 intended to be received in elastic lyres 27 mounted on the card 11 to provide the electrical connection.

La figure 8 montre la réalisation des échancrures 24 au niveau du bord supérieur de la partie fixe de l'armature, permettant le passage des moyens de raccordements de la bobine comprenant des fils souples ou des portions de conducteur rigides 25.The figure 8 shows the realization of notches 24 at the upper edge of the fixed part of the armature, allowing the passage of the coil connection means comprising flexible son or rigid conductor portions 25.

Ainsi que représenté sur la figure 4, La carte électronique, utilisée par les deux contacteurs précédemment décrits, comporte un composant de filtrage F et un composant redresseur Rd permettant de transformer une tension alternative en tension continue. En particulier, le composant redresseur Rd peut comporter un pont de diodes.As shown on the figure 4 The electronic card, used by the two previously described contactors, comprises a filtering component F and a rectifier component Rd for transforming an alternating voltage into a DC voltage. In particular, the rectifier component Rd may comprise a diode bridge.

Ces composants permettent d'alimenter la bobine en courant continu, que la tension d'alimentation du contacteur soit alternative ou continue.These components make it possible to supply the coil with direct current, whether the supply voltage of the contactor is alternating or continuous.

La carte électronique comprend des moyens de détermination d'une valeur de courant permettant de fermer le contacteur ou de maintenir le contacteur fermé, et des moyens permettant de limiter la valeur moyenne du courant d'alimentation de la bobine à la valeur déterminée.The electronic card comprises means for determining a current value for closing the contactor or maintaining the contactor closed, and means for limiting the average value of the supply current of the coil to the determined value.

En particulier, La bobine 6 du contacteur est alimentée par un dispositif hacheur dévolteur constitué d'un transistor de puissance TR, transistor bipolaire, MOSFET ou IGBT, fonctionnant en « tout ou rien », commandé par un signal en modulation de largeur d'amplitude « PWM » (pulse width modulation) généré par un dispositif de contrôle constitué ici par un microcontrôleur µC ; ce dispositif de contrôle pourrait être également constitué par tout autre circuit logique spécifique. La fréquence de ce signal est fixe et le rapport cyclique, c'est-à-dire le rapport entre le temps de conduction et la période du signal, est ajusté par le microcontrôleur µC.In particular, the coil 6 of the contactor is powered by a step-down chopper device consisting of a power transistor TR, bipolar transistor, MOSFET or IGBT, operating in "all or nothing", controlled by a signal amplitude modulation amplitude "PWM" (pulse width modulation) generated by a control device constituted here by a microcontroller μ C; this control device could also be constituted by any other specific logic circuit. The frequency of this signal is fixed and the duty cycle, that is to say the ratio between the conduction time and the signal period, is adjusted by the microcontroller μ C.

La bobine 6 est connectée en série au transistor de puissance TR, et à une résistance R1 utilisée pour la mesure du courant.The coil 6 is connected in series with the power transistor TR, and a resistor R1 used for the measurement of the current.

Le microcontrôleur µC est alimenté par un composant d'alimentation UR délivrant une tension contrôlée.The microcontroller μ C is powered by a power supply component UR delivering a controlled voltage.

Le microcontrôleur µC prend en entrée :

  • un signal de mesure de la tension aux bornes de la résistance R1, qui est une mesure du courant dans la bobine, et
  • un signal proportionnel à la tension d'alimentation du contacteur, fournit par un diviseur de tension, formé par deux résistances R2 et R3.
The microcontroller μ C takes as input:
  • a signal for measuring the voltage across the resistor R1, which is a measure of the current in the coil, and
  • a signal proportional to the supply voltage of the contactor, provided by a voltage divider formed by two resistors R2 and R3.

Selon le fonctionnement d'un hacheur dévolteur, la tension moyenne aux bornes de la bobine du contacteur est le produit du rapport cyclique par la tension source.Depending on the operation of a step-down chopper, the average voltage across the coil of the contactor is the product of the duty cycle by the source voltage.

L'adaptation du rapport cyclique du dispositif hacheur dévolteur en fonction du niveau tension d'entrée permet d'alimenter la bobine avec une tension de valeur moyenne constante déterminée quelle que soit la valeur d'alimentation du contacteur. Cette valeur peut être fixée au seuil minimum d'appel pendant la phase d'appel et au seuil minimum de maintien pendant la phase de maintien.The adaptation of the duty ratio of the step-down chopper device as a function of the input voltage level makes it possible to feed the coil with a determined constant average value voltage regardless of the power supply value of the contactor. This value can be set to the minimum call threshold during the call phase and the minimum hold threshold during the hold phase.

Selon un mode de réalisation, lors de la phase d'appel, le rapport cyclique maximum de 100% est atteint pour la valeur minimum de la tension d'alimentation entrant dans la gamme de fonctionnement du contacteur. En phase de maintien, le rapport cyclique est ajusté automatiquement en fonction du courant à contrôler.According to one embodiment, during the call phase, the maximum duty cycle of 100% is reached for the minimum value of the voltage power supply within the operating range of the contactor. In the holding phase, the duty cycle is adjusted automatically according to the current to be controlled.

La bobine est de plus reliée de façon antiparallèle à une diode de roue libre D.The coil is further connected antiparallel to a freewheeling diode D.

La diode de roue libre permet de conserver l'énergie magnétique emmagasinée dans la bobine et limite les surtensions provoquées par la coupure de la commande du contacteur. Il est ainsi possible de conserver la fermeture du contacteur en cas de micro-coupures ou creux de tension, et d'effectuer un écrêtage de la tension. Ces dispositions permettent de pallier aux défaillances du réseau d'alimentation.The freewheeling diode keeps the magnetic energy stored in the coil and limits the overvoltages caused by the switching off of the contactor control. It is thus possible to keep the closing of the contactor in case of micro-cuts or voltage dips, and to perform a clipping of the voltage. These provisions make it possible to mitigate the failures of the supply network.

La figure 5 illustre le fonctionnement de la carte, lorsqu'une tension d'alimentation est établie aux bornes du contacteur.The figure 5 illustrates the operation of the board, when a supply voltage is established across the contactor.

Si aucune tension n'est établie, la carte n'est pas alimentée, ce qui est représenté dans les étapes E0 et E0'.If no voltage is established, the card is not powered, which is shown in steps E0 and E0 '.

Si une tension d'alimentation est établie, celle-ci est soumise à un filtrage par le composant de filtrage 12, puis un redressement est effectué par le composant redresseur 13, dans une première étape E1.If a supply voltage is established, it is subjected to filtering by the filtering component 12, then a rectification is performed by the rectifier component 13, in a first step E1.

Dans une seconde étape E2, la nature et le niveau de la tension d'alimentation sont détectés.In a second step E2, the nature and the level of the supply voltage are detected.

Dans une troisième étape E3, Le seuil minimum d'appel est calculé. Le seuil minimum d'appel est le niveau minimal de tension aux bornes de la bobine 6 suffisant pour déclencher le décollement et la fermeture du circuit magnétique. Avec ce niveau de tension, la course des contacts mobiles présente une dynamique suffisante pour fermer le circuit électrique de puissance dans de bonnes conditions, définies par des contraintes normatives.In a third step E3, the minimum call threshold is calculated. The minimum call threshold is the minimum level of voltage across the coil 6 sufficient to trigger the detachment and closure of the magnetic circuit. With this voltage level, the travel of the moving contacts has sufficient momentum to close the power circuit in good conditions, defined by normative constraints.

Dans une quatrième étape E4, un signal PWM est généré pour contrôler l'alimentation de la bobine au seuil minimum d'appel.In a fourth step E4, a PWM signal is generated to control the supply of the coil to the minimum call threshold.

Dans une cinquième étape E5, un test est effectué pour identifier si un changement de pente et l'intensité maximale dans la bobine sont atteints. Si ce n'est pas le cas, on reste à l'étape E4.In a fifth step E5, a test is performed to identify whether a change of slope and the maximum intensity in the coil are reached. If this is not the case, we stay in step E4.

Si le test est positif, dans une sixième étape E6, une régulation du courant au seuil minimum de maintien est opérée. Le seuil minimum de maintien est le niveau de courant juste suffisant pour maintenir l'électroaimant fermé, compte tenu des positions de montage du contacteur, de sa tenue aux chocs et vibrations, et du nombre de contacts auxiliaires associés, c'est-à-dire des charges mécaniques.If the test is positive, in a sixth step E6, a regulation of the current at the minimum threshold of maintenance is operated. The minimum holding threshold is the level of current just sufficient to keep the electromagnet closed, taking into account the mounting positions of the contactor, its resistance to shock and vibration, and the number of auxiliary contacts associated, that is to say mechanical loads.

Cette régulation est opérée jusqu'à ce qu'une commande de blocage du contacteur soit reçue, c'est-à-dire jusqu'à ce que la tension passe en dessous de la tension minimale d'alimentation du contacteur, ce qui est représenté par l'étape E7.This control is operated until a contactor lock command is received, i.e. until the voltage drops below the minimum contactor supply voltage, which is shown by step E7.

La logique de commande assure un contrôle de la tension et du courant pendant la phase d'appel ce qui permet de réduire les chocs et les usures des pièces mécaniques et un contrôle du courant pendant la phase de maintien du contacteur, ce qui a l'avantage de réduire la puissance dissipée.The control logic provides control of the voltage and current during the call phase which reduces the shock and wear of mechanical parts and a current control during the maintenance phase of the contactor, which has the advantage of reducing the power dissipated.

La carte électronique 11 permet au contacteur de fonctionner sur une plage de tension d'alimentation large alternative ou continue. Le rapport entre les bornes minimum et maximum d'une plage de tension d'alimentation est compris entre 1.5 et 3.The circuit board 11 allows the contactor to operate over a wide alternating or continuous supply voltage range. The ratio between the minimum and maximum terminals of a supply voltage range is between 1.5 and 3.

Comme il va de soi, l'invention ne se limite pas aux formes de réalisation préférentielles décrits ci-dessus, à titre d'exemple non limitatif ; elle en embrasse au contraire toutes les varientes, tels que définis par les revendications annexées.As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above, by way of non-limiting example; it encompasses all the variations, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

  1. An electromagnetic contactor including:
    - a coil (6) for generating a magnetic field,
    - a magnetic circuit including a fixed portion (7) and a movable portion (8), and
    - an electronic board (11) comprising means for controlling the supply of the coil (6), the electronic board (11) being disposed horizontally above the fixed portion (7) of the magnetic circuit,
    characterized in that
    the contactor includes an insulating casing comprising a rear portion (2) intended to be fastened on a support,
    and in that
    the movable portion (8) passes through the electronic board (11) via an opening (12) of the board and slides inside the coil.
  2. The contactor according to claim 1, comprising connection terminals of the coil (6) located in the plane of the electronic board.
  3. The contactor according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the fixed (7) and movable (8) portions of the magnetic circuit have substantially axisymmetric shapes.
  4. The contactor according to any of claim 1 to 3, wherein the fixed (7) and movable (8) portions have opposite conical portions (18, 19), one convex and the other concave.
  5. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixed (7) and movable (8) portions are made of solid elements.
  6. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixed portion (7) forms a housing in which the coil (6) is received.
  7. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixed portion (7) of the magnetic circuit comprises at least one lateral opening (24).
  8. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixed portion (7) of the magnetic circuit comprises:
    - a cylindrical portion (14),
    - a bottom (15) at a first end of the cylindrical portion (14), and
    - a wall (16) comprising a passage opening (17) of the movable portion (8) to a second end of the cylindrical portion (14).
  9. The contactor according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the lateral opening is constituted by an indentation (24) in the edge of the cylindrical portion (14) forming the second end of the cylindrical portion (14).
  10. The contactor according to any of claim 8 or 9, wherein the fixed portion (7) of the magnetic circuit comprises:
    - a body (13) forming the cylindrical portion (14) and the bottom (15), and
    - a lid (16), forming the wall comprising a passage opening (17).
  11. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the elements of the contactor are stackable.
  12. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the means for controlling the supply of the coil (6) are arranged to supply the coil (6) with direct current, whether the supply voltage of the contactor is alternating or continuous.
  13. The contactor according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the means for controlling the supply of the coil (6) include means for determining a current value allowing to close the contactor (7) or to keep the contactor (7) closed, and means allowing to limit the average value of the supply current of the coil (8) to the determined value.
EP07731303.9A 2006-05-09 2007-04-16 Electromagnetic contactor Active EP2016604B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0604083A FR2901056B1 (en) 2006-05-09 2006-05-09 ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTACTOR
PCT/FR2007/000637 WO2007128892A1 (en) 2006-05-09 2007-04-16 Electromagnetic contactor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2016604A1 EP2016604A1 (en) 2009-01-21
EP2016604B1 true EP2016604B1 (en) 2017-07-26

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US (1) US7902947B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2016604B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101356613B (en)
ES (1) ES2645241T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2901056B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007128892A1 (en)

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WO2015177958A1 (en) * 2014-05-20 2015-11-26 富士電機機器制御株式会社 Electromagnetic contactor
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ES2645241T3 (en) 2017-12-04
CN101356613A (en) 2009-01-28
US20090219119A1 (en) 2009-09-03
FR2901056B1 (en) 2008-08-01
WO2007128892A1 (en) 2007-11-15
CN101356613B (en) 2012-05-02
US7902947B2 (en) 2011-03-08
FR2901056A1 (en) 2007-11-16
EP2016604A1 (en) 2009-01-21

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