EP2085987A1 - Dual-actuation-mode control device - Google Patents

Dual-actuation-mode control device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2085987A1
EP2085987A1 EP09150415A EP09150415A EP2085987A1 EP 2085987 A1 EP2085987 A1 EP 2085987A1 EP 09150415 A EP09150415 A EP 09150415A EP 09150415 A EP09150415 A EP 09150415A EP 2085987 A1 EP2085987 A1 EP 2085987A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
permanent magnet
state
movable
membrane
fixed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09150415A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2085987B1 (en
Inventor
Miguel Debarnot
Laurent Chiesi
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Publication of EP2085987A1 publication Critical patent/EP2085987A1/en
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Publication of EP2085987B1 publication Critical patent/EP2085987B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/005—Details of electromagnetic relays using micromechanics
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/0036—Switches making use of microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/0036—Switches making use of microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]
    • H01H2001/0042—Bistable switches, i.e. having two stable positions requiring only actuating energy for switching between them, e.g. with snap membrane or by permanent magnet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
    • H01H2036/0093—Micromechanical switches actuated by a change of the magnetic field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/005—Details of electromagnetic relays using micromechanics
    • H01H2050/007—Relays of the polarised type, e.g. the MEMS relay beam having a preferential magnetisation direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for controlling an electric circuit.
  • This control device has the particular feature of having two distinct modes of operation.
  • the movable permanent magnet moves between a rest position and a work position.
  • the MEMS membrane is in a first state when the moving permanent magnet is in its rest position, this first state being maintained by the magnetic field generated by the fixed permanent magnet.
  • the MEMS membrane goes into a second state when the moving permanent magnet is in its working position under the combined influence of the magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet and the moving permanent magnet.
  • the MEMS membrane returns to its rest position, the MEMS membrane returns to its first state.
  • control device in which the movable element can be operated in two distinct ways.
  • the control device it is necessary that the control device remains particularly compact.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a control device that can be actuated in two distinct ways, which is simple to use, easy to manufacture, reliable and particularly compact.
  • the fixed element made of magnetic material is a permanent magnet.
  • the movable permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet have magnetizations of parallel direction and of the same direction.
  • the magnetic field created by the coil is substantially perpendicular to the magnetization directions of the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.
  • the mobile permanent magnet is able to move perpendicularly to its direction of magnetization.
  • the microswitch is centered relative to the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.
  • the moving permanent magnet is able to move parallel to its direction of magnetization.
  • the microswitch is off-center with respect to the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.
  • the mobile element of the microswitch is a steerable ferromagnetic membrane along magnetic field lines.
  • the moving permanent magnet after actuation, is automatically returned from its second position to its first position.
  • This return can be achieved by magnetic effect between the fixed and mobile permanent magnets or through the use of a mechanical part of the return spring type.
  • the first state of the movable element is for example an open state in which the electric circuit is open and in that the second state of the movable element is for example a closed state in which the electric circuit is closed.
  • the device can be used to suppress the leakage or standby currents in a system by disconnecting the electrical circuit by activation of the coil and by resetting the electric circuit using the movable permanent magnet.
  • the device can also be used in a circuit breaker to automatically disconnect the electrical circuit in the event of an electrical fault using the excitation coil and then manually close the electrical circuit using the movable permanent magnet.
  • the invention consists in providing a control device 1, 1 'with two distinct modes of operation. This type of control device is of particular interest in certain applications which will be specified below.
  • the control device 1, 1 'of the invention operates by means of a microswitch 2, 2' comprising a mobile element controllable by magnetic effect.
  • This micro-switch 2, 2 ' can especially be a MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical System) comprising a membrane 20, 20' provided with a ferromagnetic layer (for example permalloy) and able to align and orient along the field lines magnetic to take two distinct stable states, for example an open state of an electrical circuit and a closed state of the electrical circuit.
  • MEMS Micro-Electro Mechanical System
  • the microswitch 2, 2 ' comprises a membrane 20, 20' mounted on a substrate S made of materials such as silicon, glass, ceramics or in the form of printed circuits.
  • the substrate S carries for example on its surface 30 at least two contacts or conductive tracks 31, 32 plane, identical and spaced apart, intended to be electrically connected by a movable electrical contact 21, 21 'in order to obtain the closure of a circuit electric.
  • the membrane 20, 20 ' is for example deformable and has at least one layer of ferromagnetic material.
  • the ferromagnetic material is for example of the soft magnetic type and can be for example an alloy of iron and nickel ("permalloy" Ni 80 Fe 20 ). According to the orientation of a lateral magnetic component, the membrane 20, 20 'can assume a closed state in which its movable contact 21, 21' electrically connects the two fixed conductor tracks 31, 32 so as to close the electrical circuit or a open state, wherein its movable contact 21, 21 'is away from the two conductive tracks so as to open the electrical circuit.
  • the membrane 20 has a longitudinal axis (A) and is integral with the substrate S by means of two linking arms 22a, 22b connecting said membrane 20 to two anchoring studs 23a, 23b arranged symmetrically on either side of its longitudinal axis (A) and extending perpendicularly with respect to this axis (A).
  • the membrane 20 is able to pivot between its open state and its closed state along an axis of rotation (R) parallel to the axis described by the contact points of the membrane 20 with the electric tracks 31, 32 and perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A).
  • the movable electrical contact 21 is disposed under the membrane 20, at one end thereof.
  • the membrane 20 ' In the second configuration of the microswitch 2 'shown in FIG. figure 3 , the membrane 20 'has a longitudinal axis (A') and is connected, at one of its ends, via connecting arms 22a ', 22b', to one or more studs 23 'anchoring integral with the substrate S.
  • the membrane 20 ' is pivotable relative to the substrate along an axis (R') of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A ').
  • the link arms 22a ', 22b' form an elastic connection between the membrane 20 'and the anchor stud 23' and are flexibly biased during the pivoting of the membrane 20 '.
  • a planar excitation coil 4 is integrated in the microswitch substrate 2, 2' as shown in FIG. figure 2 .
  • a solenoid-shaped excitation coil may also be employed. The solenoid then defines a space inside which is housed the microswitch 2, 2 '.
  • the control device 1, 1 'of the invention further comprises a movable permanent magnet 11, 11' and a fixed piece of magnetic material, which may be for example a ferromagnetic piece (eg FeNi) or a permanent magnet 10, 10 ', for example fixed under the substrate S of the microswitch.
  • the moving permanent magnet 11, 11 ' is able to move between two positions, a first so-called rest position (in full lines on the Figures 4 and 5 ) and a second fugitive position of actuation of the microswitch (in dotted lines on the Figures 4 and 5 ).
  • the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11, 11' have magnetizations M 0 , M 1 , M 0 ', M 1 ' of the same direction and directions parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2, 2 '.
  • the fixed part consisting of a ferromagnetic part or the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10'
  • the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'therefore generate between them a uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 having field lines substantially parallel to each other.
  • the lateral magnetic component generated in the membrane 20, 20 'by this uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 is small, it is easy to tilt the membrane to its other state by producing an opposite lateral magnetic component of higher intensity.
  • the control device 1, 1' comprises two distinct embodiments. These two embodiments are described with a fixed piece consisting of a permanent magnet 10, 10 '.
  • the movable permanent magnet 11 is able to move in translation parallel to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2 and the fixed permanent magnet 10 so as to impart to the control device a sliding type of actuation.
  • the fixed permanent magnet 10 and the movable permanent magnet 11 in the rest position are centered relative to each other and the microswitch 2 is centered relative to the fixed permanent magnets 10 and mobile 11.
  • the membrane 20 is for example initially in the open state.
  • the movable permanent magnet 11 ' is able to move in translation along an actuation axis (X) perpendicular to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2 so as to give the control device 1 a push-type actuation .
  • the moving permanent magnet 11 'therefore has a rest position remote from the fixed permanent magnet 10' and a fugitive working position in which it is brought closer to the fixed permanent magnet 11 'along the axis of actuation (X ).
  • the fixed permanent magnet 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11' are centered relative to each other and the microswitch 2 is off-center laterally with respect to the magnets 10 ', 11 in order to be able to favor a lateral magnetic component when the moving permanent magnet 11 'is actuated towards its working position.
  • control device 1, 1 'of the first embodiment or the second embodiment is explained below in connection with the Figures 6A to 6E showing a microswitch 2 of the first configuration. It should be understood that the operation is identical with a microswitch 2 'of the second configuration.
  • the substrate S supporting the membrane 20 is placed under the effect of the uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 created between the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11, 11' which is in its rest position.
  • the uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 initially generates a magnetic component BP 1 in the membrane 20 along its longitudinal axis (A).
  • the resulting magnetic torque holds the membrane 20 in one of its states, for example the open state on the Figure 6A .
  • the displacement of the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'towards its working position generates a lateral magnetic component Ba which creates a component BP 2 in the membrane 20 so as to invert the magnetic torque exerted on the membrane and impose the tilting of the membrane to its other state, that is to say, the closed state ( Figure 6B ).
  • the return of the moving permanent magnet can be achieved simply by virtue of the magnetic interaction with the fixed permanent magnet in the case of the sliding actuator ( figure 4 ) or via a spring (not shown) in the case of the push-type actuator ( figure 5 ).
  • the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 ' is intended only to tilt the membrane from one state to another. Therefore, to bring the membrane back to its initial state, the second actuation mode, ie the excitation coil 4, is used.
  • This second actuation mode has the advantage that it can be actuated at distance by injection of a current in the coil 4 in a suitable direction.
  • the passage of a control current in a defined direction through the excitation coil 4 makes it possible to generate the temporary control magnetic field Bb whose direction is parallel to the substrate S, its direction depending on the direction of the current delivered in the coil 4.
  • the temporary magnetic field Bb thus generates the magnetic component BP 4 in the membrane 20 opposing the magnetic component BP 3 and of intensity greater than the magnetic component BP 3 so as to reverse the magnetic torque and cause the tilting membrane 20 from its closed state to its open state.
  • the magnetic field Bb is generated only transiently to tilt the membrane 20 from one state to another.
  • the microswitch is therefore in a state identical to that shown in Figure 6A .
  • control device 1, 1 ' can be controlled differently.
  • the membrane 20, 20 ' may for example initially be in the closed state.
  • the first actuation of the membrane can be achieved using the coil 4 and the second actuation with the aid of the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 '.
  • the device can be configured to close and open the circuit using only the moving permanent magnet or using only the coil by injecting a positive current or a negative current.
  • a first application is for example to eliminate the leakage current or standby of a system running on battery or battery and thus achieve energy savings.
  • the control device of the invention allows the product to be manually turned on by acting on the movable permanent magnet which causes the membrane to switch from the initial open state to the closed state. Then when the system has finished its task or after a certain period of time, the product can go back to sleep automatically by sending a current in the excitation coil of the control device to switch the membrane to its open state and thus open the electrical circuit.
  • the powered product may for example be a wireless switch or a remote control alarm or opening doors.
  • a second application of the control device of the invention consists, for example, in eliminating transformer leakage currents for AC / DC power supplies intended to power or charge mobile devices such as, for example, mobile telephones, digital music players or devices. Pictures. Small transformers have very low yields that lead to producing power sectors that consume as much empty as the load they must feed.
  • a control device 1, 1 'of the invention is used to automatically cut off the standby currents of the system when a low charge current is detected. By sending a current into the excitation coil, the membrane switches from a closed state to an open state of the electrical circuit. To restart the system, it is then sufficient to act on the movable permanent magnet by means of a button to put the membrane in its closed state.
  • the same control principle can for example be applied in a third application.
  • This third application consists in using the control device of the invention in a circuit breaker.
  • the current On detection of a fault, the current is cut off automatically by sending a current into the excitation coil which switches the membrane from the closed state to the open state.
  • the actuation of the movable permanent magnet makes it possible to pass the membrane from its open state to its closed state.
  • a last application may for example consist in using the control device in a sensor, for example wireless and autonomous, able to communicate wirelessly with a transmitter / receiver main member.
  • the device of the invention allows for example to cut the sensor once a data transmission is performed.

Abstract

The device has a fixed permanent magnet (10), and a microswitch e.g. micro-electro mechanical system, with a ferromagnetic membrane (20) driven between stable states. A mobile permanent magnet (11) is actuated between a position, in which the mobile and fixed magnets form a uniform permanent magnetic field to maintain the membrane in one of the states, and another position, in which the mobile magnet controls switchover of the membrane. A planar excitation coil (4) creates a temporary magnetic field to allow switchover of the membrane, when the mobile magnet is in former position.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de commande d'un circuit électrique. Ce dispositif de commande présente notamment la particularité de disposer de deux modes d'actionnement distincts.The present invention relates to a device for controlling an electric circuit. This control device has the particular feature of having two distinct modes of operation.

Il est connu par le brevet W02006/131520 un bouton dans lequel une membrane MEMS est actionnée en déplaçant un aimant permanent mobile par rapport à un aimant permanent fixe. L'aimant permanent mobile se déplace entre une position de repos et une position de travail. La membrane MEMS est dans un premier état lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile est dans sa position de repos, ce premier état étant maintenu par le champ magnétique généré par l'aimant permanent fixe. La membrane MEMS passe dans un second état lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile est dans sa position de travail sous l'influence conjuguée des champs magnétiques générés par l'aimant permanent fixe et l'aimant permanent mobile. Lors du retour de l'aimant permanent mobile dans sa position de repos, la membrane MEMS revient dans son premier état.He is known by the patent W02006 / 131520 a button in which a MEMS membrane is actuated by moving a movable permanent magnet relative to a fixed permanent magnet. The movable permanent magnet moves between a rest position and a work position. The MEMS membrane is in a first state when the moving permanent magnet is in its rest position, this first state being maintained by the magnetic field generated by the fixed permanent magnet. The MEMS membrane goes into a second state when the moving permanent magnet is in its working position under the combined influence of the magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet and the moving permanent magnet. When the moving permanent magnet returns to its rest position, the MEMS membrane returns to its first state.

Par ailleurs, comme décrit dans le brevet US6469602 il est connu de déplacer une membrane MEMS entre deux états à l'aide d'une bobine planaire intégrée dans le substrat et d'un aimant permanent fixe générant un champ magnétique permanent. La membrane est maintenue dans chacun de ses états sous l'influence du champ magnétique généré par l'aimant permanent fixe tandis que la bobine crée un champ magnétique temporaire permettant de faire basculer la membrane d'un état à l'autre.Moreover, as described in the patent US6469602 it is known to move a MEMS membrane between two states using a planar coil integrated in the substrate and a fixed permanent magnet generating a permanent magnetic field. The membrane is maintained in each of its states under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the fixed permanent magnet while the coil creates a temporary magnetic field to tilt the membrane from one state to another.

Pour certaines applications, il est intéressant de pouvoir disposer d'un dispositif de commande dans lequel l'élément mobile peut être actionné de deux manières distinctes. Cependant, il est nécessaire que le dispositif de commande reste particulièrement compact.For some applications, it is interesting to have a control device in which the movable element can be operated in two distinct ways. However, it is necessary that the control device remains particularly compact.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de commande pouvant être actionné de deux manières distinctes, qui soit simple d'utilisation, facile à fabriquer, fiable et particulièrement compact.The object of the invention is to provide a control device that can be actuated in two distinct ways, which is simple to use, easy to manufacture, reliable and particularly compact.

Ce but est atteint par un dispositif de commande d'un circuit électrique comportant :

  • un micro-interrupteur comprenant un élément mobile pilotable par effet magnétique entre un premier état stable et un second état stable pour commander le circuit électrique,
  • une pièce fixe en matériau magnétique,
  • un aimant permanent mobile actionnable entre une première position, dans laquelle il forme, avec la pièce fixe, un champ magnétique permanent sensiblement uniforme maintenant l'élément mobile dans le premier état ou le second état, et une seconde position dans laquelle il est apte à commander le basculement de l'élément mobile d'un état à l'autre,
  • une bobine d'excitation apte à créer un champ magnétique temporaire apte à faire basculer l'élément mobile d'un état à l'autre lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile est dans la première position.
This object is achieved by a control device of an electric circuit comprising:
  • a microswitch comprising a movable element which can be controlled by a magnetic effect between a first stable state and a second stable state for controlling the electric circuit,
  • a fixed piece of magnetic material,
  • a movable permanent magnet operable between a first position, in which it forms, with the fixed part, a substantially uniform permanent magnetic field maintaining the movable element in the first state or the second state, and a second position in which it is adapted to control the tilting of the mobile element from one state to another,
  • an excitation coil adapted to create a temporary magnetic field adapted to tilt the movable element from one state to another when the moving permanent magnet is in the first position.

Selon une particularité, l'élément fixe en matériau magnétique est un aimant permanent.According to one particular feature, the fixed element made of magnetic material is a permanent magnet.

Selon une autre particularité, l'aimant permanent mobile et l'aimant permanent fixe présentent des aimantations de direction parallèle et de même sens.According to another feature, the movable permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet have magnetizations of parallel direction and of the same direction.

Selon une autre particularité, le champ magnétique créé par la bobine est sensiblement perpendiculaire aux directions d'aimantation des aimants permanents fixe et mobile.According to another feature, the magnetic field created by the coil is substantially perpendicular to the magnetization directions of the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, l'aimant permanent mobile est apte à se déplacer perpendiculairement à sa direction d'aimantation. Dans ce cas, le micro-interrupteur est centré par rapport aux aimants permanents fixe et mobile.According to a first embodiment, the mobile permanent magnet is able to move perpendicularly to its direction of magnetization. In this case, the microswitch is centered relative to the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.

Selon un second mode de réalisation, l'aimant permanent mobile est apte à se déplacer parallèlement à sa direction d'aimantation. Dans ce cas, le micro-interrupteur est décentré par rapport aux aimants permanents fixe et mobile.According to a second embodiment, the moving permanent magnet is able to move parallel to its direction of magnetization. In this case, the microswitch is off-center with respect to the fixed and mobile permanent magnets.

Selon l'invention, l'élément mobile du micro-interrupteur est une membrane ferromagnétique orientable suivant des lignes de champ magnétique.According to the invention, the mobile element of the microswitch is a steerable ferromagnetic membrane along magnetic field lines.

Selon l'invention, après actionnement, l'aimant permanent mobile est ramené automatiquement de sa seconde position à sa première position. Ce retour peut être réalisé par effet magnétique entre les aimants permanents fixe et mobile ou grâce à l'emploi d'une pièce mécanique du type ressort de rappel.According to the invention, after actuation, the moving permanent magnet is automatically returned from its second position to its first position. This return can be achieved by magnetic effect between the fixed and mobile permanent magnets or through the use of a mechanical part of the return spring type.

Selon l'invention, le fonctionnement du dispositif peut être le suivant :

  • l'élément mobile est initialement maintenu dans le premier état, puis
  • l'élément mobile est basculé dans le second état par déplacement de l'aimant permanent mobile vers sa seconde position,
  • l'élément mobile est ramené dans son premier état par activation de la bobine une fois l'aimant permanent mobile revenu dans sa première position.
According to the invention, the operation of the device can be as follows:
  • the movable element is initially maintained in the first state, then
  • the movable element is swung into the second state by moving the movable permanent magnet to its second position,
  • the moving element is returned to its first state by activation of the coil once the moving permanent magnet has returned to its first position.

Le premier état de l'élément mobile est par exemple un état ouvert dans lequel le circuit électrique est ouvert et en ce que le second état de l'élément mobile est par exemple un état fermé dans lequel le circuit électrique est fermé.The first state of the movable element is for example an open state in which the electric circuit is open and in that the second state of the movable element is for example a closed state in which the electric circuit is closed.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif peut être utilisé pour supprimer les courants de fuite ou de veille dans un système en déconnectant le circuit électrique par activation de la bobine et en réenclenchant le circuit électrique à l'aide de l'aimant permanent mobile.According to the invention, the device can be used to suppress the leakage or standby currents in a system by disconnecting the electrical circuit by activation of the coil and by resetting the electric circuit using the movable permanent magnet.

Le dispositif peut également être utilisé dans un disjoncteur pour déconnecter automatiquement le circuit électrique en cas de défaut électrique à l'aide de la bobine d'excitation puis refermer manuellement le circuit électrique à l'aide de l'aimant permanent mobile.The device can also be used in a circuit breaker to automatically disconnect the electrical circuit in the event of an electrical fault using the excitation coil and then manually close the electrical circuit using the movable permanent magnet.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages vont apparaître dans la description détaillée qui suit en se référant à un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple et représenté par les dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un micro-interrupteur tel qu'utilisé dans le dispositif de commande de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente en vue de dessus le micro-interrupteur de la figure 1 sur lequel a été ajoutée une bobine planaire intégrée au substrat,
  • la figure 3 montre une autre configuration du micro-interrupteur employé,
  • la figure 4 montre un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de commande de l'invention,
  • la figure 5 montre un second mode de réalisation du dispositif de commande de l'invention.
  • les figures 6A à 6E illustrent le fonctionnement du dispositif de commande de l'invention.
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 figure 1 represents a microswitch as used in the control device of the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents in top view the micro-switch of the figure 1 on which was added a planar coil integrated in the substrate,
  • the figure 3 shows another configuration of the micro-switch used,
  • the figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the control device of the invention,
  • the figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the control device of the invention.
  • the Figures 6A to 6E illustrate the operation of the control device of the invention.

L'invention consiste à proposer un dispositif de commande 1, 1' doté de deux modes d'actionnement distinct. Ce type de dispositif de commande présente notamment un intérêt dans certaines applications qui seront précisées ci-après.The invention consists in providing a control device 1, 1 'with two distinct modes of operation. This type of control device is of particular interest in certain applications which will be specified below.

Le dispositif de commande 1, 1' de l'invention fonctionne à l'aide d'un micro-interrupteur 2, 2' comportant un élément mobile pilotable par effet magnétique. Ce micro-interrupteur 2, 2' peut notamment être un MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical System) comportant une membrane 20, 20' dotée d'une couche ferromagnétique (par exemple en permalloy) et apte à s'aligner et s'orienter suivant les lignes de champ magnétique pour prendre deux états stables distincts, par exemple un état ouvert d'un circuit électrique et un état fermé du circuit électrique.The control device 1, 1 'of the invention operates by means of a microswitch 2, 2' comprising a mobile element controllable by magnetic effect. This micro-switch 2, 2 'can especially be a MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical System) comprising a membrane 20, 20' provided with a ferromagnetic layer (for example permalloy) and able to align and orient along the field lines magnetic to take two distinct stable states, for example an open state of an electrical circuit and a closed state of the electrical circuit.

Les figures 1 et 3 montrent deux configurations différentes du micro-interrupteur. Dans les deux configurations représentées, le micro-interrupteur 2, 2' comporte une membrane 20, 20' montée sur un substrat S fabriqué dans des matériaux comme le silicium, le verre, des céramiques ou sous forme de circuits imprimés. Le substrat S porte par exemple sur sa surface 30 au moins deux contacts ou pistes conductrices 31, 32 planes, identiques et espacées, destinées à être reliées électriquement par un contact électrique mobile 21, 21' afin d'obtenir la fermeture d'un circuit électrique. La membrane 20, 20' est par exemple déformable et présente au moins une couche en matériau ferromagnétique. Le matériau ferromagnétique est par exemple du type magnétique doux et peut être par exemple un alliage de fer et de nickel (« permalloy » Ni80Fe20). Selon l'orientation d'une composante magnétique latérale, la membrane 20, 20' peut prendre un état fermé dans lequel son contact mobile 21, 21' relie électriquement les deux pistes 31, 32 conductrices fixes de manière à fermer le circuit électrique ou un état ouvert, dans lequel son contact mobile 21, 21' est éloigné des deux pistes conductrices de manière à ouvrir le circuit électrique.The Figures 1 and 3 show two different configurations of the microswitch. In the two configurations shown, the microswitch 2, 2 'comprises a membrane 20, 20' mounted on a substrate S made of materials such as silicon, glass, ceramics or in the form of printed circuits. The substrate S carries for example on its surface 30 at least two contacts or conductive tracks 31, 32 plane, identical and spaced apart, intended to be electrically connected by a movable electrical contact 21, 21 'in order to obtain the closure of a circuit electric. The membrane 20, 20 'is for example deformable and has at least one layer of ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material is for example of the soft magnetic type and can be for example an alloy of iron and nickel ("permalloy" Ni 80 Fe 20 ). According to the orientation of a lateral magnetic component, the membrane 20, 20 'can assume a closed state in which its movable contact 21, 21' electrically connects the two fixed conductor tracks 31, 32 so as to close the electrical circuit or a open state, wherein its movable contact 21, 21 'is away from the two conductive tracks so as to open the electrical circuit.

Dans la première configuration de micro-interrupteur 2 représentée en figure 1, la membrane 20 présente un axe longitudinal (A) et est solidaire du substrat S par l'intermédiaire de deux bras 22a, 22b de liaison reliant ladite membrane 20 à deux plots d'ancrage 23a, 23b disposés symétriquement de part et d'autre de son axe longitudinal (A) et s'étendant perpendiculairement par rapport à cet axe (A). Par torsion des deux bras de liaison 22a, 22b, la membrane 20 est apte à pivoter entre son état ouvert et son état fermé suivant un axe de rotation (R) parallèle à l'axe décrit par les points de contact de la membrane 20 avec les pistes électriques 31, 32 et perpendiculaire à son axe longitudinal (A). Le contact électrique mobile 21 est disposé sous la membrane 20, à une extrémité de celle-ci.In the first micro-switch configuration 2 shown in FIG. figure 1 , the membrane 20 has a longitudinal axis (A) and is integral with the substrate S by means of two linking arms 22a, 22b connecting said membrane 20 to two anchoring studs 23a, 23b arranged symmetrically on either side of its longitudinal axis (A) and extending perpendicularly with respect to this axis (A). By twisting the two connecting arms 22a, 22b, the membrane 20 is able to pivot between its open state and its closed state along an axis of rotation (R) parallel to the axis described by the contact points of the membrane 20 with the electric tracks 31, 32 and perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A). The movable electrical contact 21 is disposed under the membrane 20, at one end thereof.

Dans la deuxième configuration du micro-interrupteur 2' représentée en figure 3, la membrane 20' présente un axe longitudinal (A') et est reliée, à l'une de ses extrémités, par l'intermédiaire de bras de liaison 22a', 22b', à un ou plusieurs plots 23' d'ancrage solidaires du substrat S. La membrane 20' est apte à pivoter par rapport au substrat suivant un axe (R') de rotation perpendiculaire à son axe longitudinal (A'). Les bras 22a', 22b' de liaison forment une liaison élastique entre la membrane 20' et le plot 23' d'ancrage et sont sollicités en flexion lors du pivotement de la membrane 20'.In the second configuration of the microswitch 2 'shown in FIG. figure 3 , the membrane 20 'has a longitudinal axis (A') and is connected, at one of its ends, via connecting arms 22a ', 22b', to one or more studs 23 'anchoring integral with the substrate S. The membrane 20 'is pivotable relative to the substrate along an axis (R') of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A '). The link arms 22a ', 22b' form an elastic connection between the membrane 20 'and the anchor stud 23' and are flexibly biased during the pivoting of the membrane 20 '.

Dans le dispositif de commande de l'invention 1, 1', une bobine d'excitation planaire 4 est intégrée au substrat du micro-interrupteur 2, 2' comme représentée sur la figure 2. Une bobine d'excitation de forme solénoïde peut également être employée. Le solénoïde définit alors un espace à l'intérieur duquel est logé le micro-interrupteur 2, 2'.In the control device of the invention 1, 1 ', a planar excitation coil 4 is integrated in the microswitch substrate 2, 2' as shown in FIG. figure 2 . A solenoid-shaped excitation coil may also be employed. The solenoid then defines a space inside which is housed the microswitch 2, 2 '.

En référence aux figures 4 et 5, le dispositif de commande 1, 1' de l'invention comporte par ailleurs un aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' et une pièce fixe en matériau magnétique, pouvant être par exemple une pièce ferromagnétique (ex : FeNi) ou un aimant permanent 10, 10', par exemple fixée sous le substrat S du micro-interrupteur. L'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' est apte à se déplacer entre deux positions, une première position dite de repos (en traits pleins sur les figures 4 et 5) et une seconde position fugitive d'actionnement du micro-interrupteur (en traits pointillés sur les figures 4 et 5). Sur les figures 4, 5, l'aimant permanent fixe 10, 10' et l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' présentent des aimantations M0, M1, M0', M1' de même sens et de directions parallèles entre elles et perpendiculaires à la surface 30 du substrat S du micro-interrupteur 2, 2'.With reference to Figures 4 and 5 , the control device 1, 1 'of the invention further comprises a movable permanent magnet 11, 11' and a fixed piece of magnetic material, which may be for example a ferromagnetic piece (eg FeNi) or a permanent magnet 10, 10 ', for example fixed under the substrate S of the microswitch. The moving permanent magnet 11, 11 'is able to move between two positions, a first so-called rest position (in full lines on the Figures 4 and 5 ) and a second fugitive position of actuation of the microswitch (in dotted lines on the Figures 4 and 5 ). On the Figures 4, 5 the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11, 11' have magnetizations M 0 , M 1 , M 0 ', M 1 ' of the same direction and directions parallel to each other and perpendicular to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2, 2 '.

L'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' peut être actionné par l'intermédiaire d'un organe d'actionnement manuel (non représenté) pour former un bouton ou par l'intermédiaire d'un organe d'actionnement mécanique (non représenté) pour former un capteur de position.The movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'can be actuated via a manual actuator (not shown) to form a button or via a mechanical actuator (not shown) for form a position sensor.

Lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' est en position de repos, la pièce fixe, constituée d'une pièce ferromagnétique ou de l'aimant permanent fixe 10, 10', et l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' génèrent donc entre eux un champ magnétique permanent uniforme B0 ayant des lignes de champ sensiblement parallèles entre elles. Comme la composante magnétique latérale générée dans la membrane 20, 20' par ce champ magnétique permanent uniforme B0 est faible, il est aisé de faire basculer la membrane vers son autre état en produisant une composante magnétique latérale opposée d'intensité supérieure.When the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'is in the rest position, the fixed part consisting of a ferromagnetic part or the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10', and the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'therefore generate between them a uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 having field lines substantially parallel to each other. As the lateral magnetic component generated in the membrane 20, 20 'by this uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 is small, it is easy to tilt the membrane to its other state by producing an opposite lateral magnetic component of higher intensity.

Selon le sens de déplacement de l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11', le dispositif de commande 1, 1' comporte deux modes de réalisation distincts. Ces deux modes de réalisation sont décrits avec une pièce fixe constituée d'un aimant permanent 10, 10'.According to the moving direction of the moving permanent magnet 11, 11 ', the control device 1, 1' comprises two distinct embodiments. These two embodiments are described with a fixed piece consisting of a permanent magnet 10, 10 '.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 4, l'aimant permanent mobile 11 est apte à se déplacer en translation parallèlement à la surface 30 du substrat S du micro-interrupteur 2 et à l'aimant permanent fixe 10 de manière à conférer au dispositif de commande un actionnement de type glissant. L'aimant permanent fixe 10 et l'aimant permanent mobile 11 en position de repos sont centrés l'un par rapport à l'autre et le micro-interrupteur 2 est centré par rapport aux aimants permanents fixe 10 et mobile 11. La membrane 20 est par exemple initialement à l'état ouvert.In a first embodiment shown on the figure 4 the movable permanent magnet 11 is able to move in translation parallel to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2 and the fixed permanent magnet 10 so as to impart to the control device a sliding type of actuation. The fixed permanent magnet 10 and the movable permanent magnet 11 in the rest position are centered relative to each other and the microswitch 2 is centered relative to the fixed permanent magnets 10 and mobile 11. The membrane 20 is for example initially in the open state.

Dans le second mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté en figure 5, l'aimant permanent mobile 11' est apte à se déplacer en translation suivant un axe d'actionnement (X) perpendiculaire à la surface 30 du substrat S du micro-interrupteur 2 de manière conférer au dispositif de commande 1 un actionnement de type poussoir. L'aimant permanent mobile 11' présente donc une position de repos éloignée de l'aimant permanent fixe 10' et une position de travail fugitive dans lequel il est rapproché de l'aimant permanent fixe 11' suivant l'axe d'actionnement (X). Dans ce second mode de réalisation, l'aimant permanent fixe 10' et l'aimant permanent mobile 11' sont centrés l'un par rapport à l'autre et le micro-interrupteur 2 est décentré latéralement par rapport aux aimants 10', 11' de manière à pouvoir favoriser une composante magnétique latérale lors de l'actionnement de l'aimant permanent mobile 11' vers sa position de travail.In the second embodiment of the invention shown in figure 5 the movable permanent magnet 11 'is able to move in translation along an actuation axis (X) perpendicular to the surface 30 of the substrate S of the microswitch 2 so as to give the control device 1 a push-type actuation . The moving permanent magnet 11 'therefore has a rest position remote from the fixed permanent magnet 10' and a fugitive working position in which it is brought closer to the fixed permanent magnet 11 'along the axis of actuation (X ). In this second embodiment, the fixed permanent magnet 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11' are centered relative to each other and the microswitch 2 is off-center laterally with respect to the magnets 10 ', 11 in order to be able to favor a lateral magnetic component when the moving permanent magnet 11 'is actuated towards its working position.

Le fonctionnement d'un dispositif de commande 1, 1' du premier mode de réalisation ou du second mode de réalisation est explicité ci-dessous en liaison avec les figures 6A à 6E montrant un micro-interrupteur 2 de la première configuration. Il faut comprendre que le fonctionnement est identique avec un micro-interrupteur 2' de la seconde configuration.The operation of a control device 1, 1 'of the first embodiment or the second embodiment is explained below in connection with the Figures 6A to 6E showing a microswitch 2 of the first configuration. It should be understood that the operation is identical with a microswitch 2 'of the second configuration.

Sur la figure 6A, le substrat S supportant la membrane 20 est placé sous l'effet du champ magnétique permanent uniforme B0 créé entre l'aimant permanent fixe 10, 10' et l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' qui est dans sa position de repos. Le champ magnétique permanent uniforme B0 génère initialement une composante magnétique BP1 dans la membrane 20 suivant son axe longitudinal (A). Le couple magnétique résultant maintient la membrane 20 dans l'un de ses états, par exemple l'état ouvert sur la figure 6A.On the Figure 6A , the substrate S supporting the membrane 20 is placed under the effect of the uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 created between the fixed permanent magnet 10, 10 'and the movable permanent magnet 11, 11' which is in its rest position. The uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 initially generates a magnetic component BP 1 in the membrane 20 along its longitudinal axis (A). The resulting magnetic torque holds the membrane 20 in one of its states, for example the open state on the Figure 6A .

Pour chacun des modes de réalisation décrit ci-dessus, le déplacement de l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' vers sa position de travail, génère une composante magnétique latérale Ba qui crée une composante BP2 dans la membrane 20 de manière à inverser le couple magnétique exercé sur la membrane et imposer le basculement de la membrane vers son autre état, c'est-à-dire l'état fermé (figure 6B). Une fois que la membrane 20 a basculé dans son état fermé, l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' revient dans sa position initiale de repos. Le retour de l'aimant permanent mobile peut être réalisé simplement grâce à l'interaction magnétique avec l'aimant permanent fixe dans le cas de l'organe d'actionnement glissant (figure 4) ou par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort (non représenté) dans le cas de l'organe d'actionnement de type poussoir (figure 5). Lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' est revenu dans sa position de repos, le champ magnétique permanent uniforme B0 est de nouveau formé entre les deux aimants et crée une composante magnétique BP3 imposant à la membrane 20 son nouvel état, c'est-à-dire l'état fermé (figure 6C).For each of the embodiments described above, the displacement of the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'towards its working position generates a lateral magnetic component Ba which creates a component BP 2 in the membrane 20 so as to invert the magnetic torque exerted on the membrane and impose the tilting of the membrane to its other state, that is to say, the closed state ( Figure 6B ). Once the membrane 20 has tilted to its closed state, the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'returns to its initial rest position. The return of the moving permanent magnet can be achieved simply by virtue of the magnetic interaction with the fixed permanent magnet in the case of the sliding actuator ( figure 4 ) or via a spring (not shown) in the case of the push-type actuator ( figure 5 ). When the moving permanent magnet 11, 11 'has returned to its rest position, the uniform permanent magnetic field B 0 is again formed between the two magnets and creates a magnetic component BP 3 imposing on the membrane 20 its new state, c that is, the closed state ( Figure 6C ).

L'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11' n'est destiné qu'à faire basculer la membrane que d'un état vers l'autre. Par conséquent, pour ramener la membrane dans son état initial, on utilise le second mode d'actionnement, c'est-à-dire la bobine d'excitation 4. Ce second mode d'actionnement présente l'avantage de pouvoir être actionné à distance par injection d'un courant dans la bobine 4 dans un sens approprié.The movable permanent magnet 11, 11 'is intended only to tilt the membrane from one state to another. Therefore, to bring the membrane back to its initial state, the second actuation mode, ie the excitation coil 4, is used. This second actuation mode has the advantage that it can be actuated at distance by injection of a current in the coil 4 in a suitable direction.

En référence à la figure 6D, le passage d'un courant de commande dans un sens défini à travers la bobine d'excitation 4 permet de générer le champ magnétique temporaire de commande Bb dont la direction est parallèle au substrat S, son sens dépendant du sens du courant délivré dans la bobine 4. Le champ magnétique temporaire Bb génère ainsi la composante magnétique BP4 dans la membrane 20 s'opposant à la composante magnétique BP3 et d'intensité supérieure à la composante magnétique BP3 de manière à inverser le couple magnétique et provoquer le basculement de la membrane 20 de son état fermé à son état ouvert.With reference to the Figure 6D the passage of a control current in a defined direction through the excitation coil 4 makes it possible to generate the temporary control magnetic field Bb whose direction is parallel to the substrate S, its direction depending on the direction of the current delivered in the coil 4. The temporary magnetic field Bb thus generates the magnetic component BP 4 in the membrane 20 opposing the magnetic component BP 3 and of intensity greater than the magnetic component BP 3 so as to reverse the magnetic torque and cause the tilting membrane 20 from its closed state to its open state.

Une fois le basculement de la membrane 20 effectué, l'alimentation en courant de la bobine 4 n'est plus nécessaire. Selon l'invention, le champ magnétique Bb n'est généré que de manière transitoire pour faire basculer la membrane 20 d'un état à l'autre. Sur la figure 6E, le micro-interrupteur est donc dans un état identique à celui représenté en figure 6A.Once the diaphragm 20 has been tilted, the current supply of the coil 4 is no longer necessary. According to the invention, the magnetic field Bb is generated only transiently to tilt the membrane 20 from one state to another. On the figure 6E , the microswitch is therefore in a state identical to that shown in Figure 6A .

Bien entendu, il faut comprendre que le dispositif de commande 1, 1' peut être commandé différemment. La membrane 20, 20' peut par exemple être initialement à l'état fermé. De même, le premier actionnement de la membrane peut être réalisé à l'aide de la bobine 4 et le second actionnement à l'aide de l'aimant permanent mobile 11, 11'. Selon les applications, toutes les configurations de fonctionnement sont donc possibles. Par ailleurs, le dispositif peut être configuré de manière à pouvoir fermer et ouvrir le circuit en utilisant uniquement l'aimant permanent mobile ou en utilisant uniquement la bobine en y injectant un courant positif ou un courant négatif.Of course, it should be understood that the control device 1, 1 'can be controlled differently. The membrane 20, 20 'may for example initially be in the closed state. Similarly, the first actuation of the membrane can be achieved using the coil 4 and the second actuation with the aid of the movable permanent magnet 11, 11 '. Depending on the application, all operating configurations are possible. Furthermore, the device can be configured to close and open the circuit using only the moving permanent magnet or using only the coil by injecting a positive current or a negative current.

Une première application consiste par exemple à supprimer les courants de fuite ou de veille d'un système fonctionnant sur pile ou batterie et ainsi réaliser des économies d'énergie. Le dispositif de commande de l'invention permet de mettre le produit en marche manuellement en agissant sur l'aimant permanent mobile qui entraîne le basculement de la membrane de l'état ouvert initial à l'état fermé. Puis lorsque le système a fini sa tâche ou au bout d'une certaine durée, le produit peut se remettre en veille automatiquement par l'envoi d'un courant dans la bobine d'excitation du dispositif de commande pour faire basculer la membrane vers son état ouvert et ainsi ouvrir le circuit électrique. Le produit alimenté peut par exemple être un interrupteur sans fil ou une télécommande d'alarme ou d'ouverture de portes. L'emploi du dispositif de commande pour cette application permet notamment de garantir, au moment de la vente du produit, que la batterie ou la pile n'a pas été complètement déchargée par ses courants de veille.A first application is for example to eliminate the leakage current or standby of a system running on battery or battery and thus achieve energy savings. The control device of the invention allows the product to be manually turned on by acting on the movable permanent magnet which causes the membrane to switch from the initial open state to the closed state. Then when the system has finished its task or after a certain period of time, the product can go back to sleep automatically by sending a current in the excitation coil of the control device to switch the membrane to its open state and thus open the electrical circuit. The powered product may for example be a wireless switch or a remote control alarm or opening doors. The use of the control device for this application makes it possible in particular to guarantee, at the time of sale of the product, that the battery or the battery has not been completely discharged by its waking currents.

Une deuxième application du dispositif de commande de l'invention consiste par exemple à supprimer les courants de fuite des transformateurs pour les alimentations AC/DC destinées à alimenter ou recharger les appareils nomades tels que par exemple les téléphones portables, les baladeurs numériques ou les appareils photos. Les transformateurs de petite dimension présentent des rendements très bas qui conduisent à réaliser des alimentations secteurs qui consomment autant à vide que la charge qu'ils doivent alimenter. On utilise ainsi un dispositif de commande 1, 1' de l'invention pour couper automatiquement les courants de veille du système lors de la détection d'un faible courant de charge. En envoyant un courant dans la bobine d'excitation, la membrane bascule d'un état fermé à un état ouvert du circuit électrique. Pour remettre en marche le système, il suffit ensuite d'agir sur l'aimant permanent mobile par l'intermédiaire d'un bouton pour mettre la membrane dans son état de fermeture. Le même principe de commande peut par exemple être appliqué dans une troisième application.A second application of the control device of the invention consists, for example, in eliminating transformer leakage currents for AC / DC power supplies intended to power or charge mobile devices such as, for example, mobile telephones, digital music players or devices. Pictures. Small transformers have very low yields that lead to producing power sectors that consume as much empty as the load they must feed. Thus, a control device 1, 1 'of the invention is used to automatically cut off the standby currents of the system when a low charge current is detected. By sending a current into the excitation coil, the membrane switches from a closed state to an open state of the electrical circuit. To restart the system, it is then sufficient to act on the movable permanent magnet by means of a button to put the membrane in its closed state. The same control principle can for example be applied in a third application.

Cette troisième application consiste à utiliser le dispositif de commande de l'invention dans un disjoncteur. Sur détection d'un défaut, le courant est coupé automatiquement en envoyant un courant dans la bobine d'excitation qui fait basculer la membrane de l'état fermé à l'état ouvert. Pour refermer le circuit électrique, l'actionnement de l'aimant permanent mobile permet de refaire passer la membrane de son état ouvert à son état fermé.This third application consists in using the control device of the invention in a circuit breaker. On detection of a fault, the current is cut off automatically by sending a current into the excitation coil which switches the membrane from the closed state to the open state. To close the electrical circuit, the actuation of the movable permanent magnet makes it possible to pass the membrane from its open state to its closed state.

Une dernière application peut par exemple consister à utiliser le dispositif de commande dans un capteur, par exemple sans fil et autonome, apte à dialoguer par liaison sans fil avec un organe émetteur/récepteur principal. Le dispositif de l'invention permet par exemple de couper le capteur une fois qu'une transmission de données est effectuée.A last application may for example consist in using the control device in a sensor, for example wireless and autonomous, able to communicate wirelessly with a transmitter / receiver main member. The device of the invention allows for example to cut the sensor once a data transmission is performed.

Il est bien entendu que l'on peut, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, imaginer d'autres variantes et perfectionnements de détail et de même envisager l'emploi de moyens équivalents.It is understood that one can, without departing from the scope of the invention, imagine other variants and refinements of detail and even consider the use of equivalent means.

Claims (14)

Dispositif de commande (1, 1') d'un circuit électrique caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte : - un micro-interrupteur (2, 2') comportant un élément mobile pilotable par effet magnétique entre un premier état stable et un second état stable pour commander le circuit électrique, - une pièce fixe en matériau magnétique (10, 10'), - un aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') actionnable entre une première position, dans laquelle il forme, avec la pièce fixe (10, 10'), un champ magnétique permanent sensiblement uniforme (B0) maintenant l'élément mobile dans le premier état ou le second état, et une seconde position dans laquelle il est apte à commander le basculement de l'élément mobile d'un état à l'autre, - une bobine d'excitation (4) apte à créer un champ magnétique temporaire (Bb) apte à faire basculer l'élément mobile d'un état à l'autre lorsque l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') est dans la première position. Control device (1, 1 ') of an electric circuit characterized in that it comprises: a microswitch (2, 2 ') comprising a movable element which can be controlled by a magnetic effect between a first stable state and a second stable state for controlling the electric circuit, a fixed piece made of magnetic material (10, 10 '), a movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') operable between a first position, in which it forms, with the fixed piece (10, 10'), a substantially uniform permanent magnetic field (B 0 ) holding the movable element in the first state or the second state, and a second position in which it is able to control the tilting of the movable element from one state to another, - an excitation coil (4) adapted to create a temporary magnetic field (Bb) adapted to tilt the movable element from one state to another when the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') is in the first position. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément fixe en matériau magnétique est un aimant permanent (10, 10').Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixed element made of magnetic material is a permanent magnet (10, 10 '). Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') et l'aimant permanent fixe (10, 10') présentent des aimantations (M0, M1, Mo', M1') de direction parallèle et de même sens.Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') and the fixed permanent magnet (10, 10') have parallel direction magnetizations (M0, M1, Mo ', M1'). and of the same meaning. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le champ magnétique (Bb) créé par la bobine (4) est sensiblement perpendiculaire aux directions d'aimantation des aimants permanents fixe (10, 10') et mobile (11, 11').Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic field (Bb) created by the coil (4) is substantially perpendicular to the magnetization directions of the fixed (10, 10 ') and movable permanent magnets (11, 11'). Dispositif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') est apte à se déplacer perpendiculairement à sa direction d'aimantation (M1, M1').Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') is able to move perpendicular to its direction of magnetization (M 1 , M 1 '). Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le micro-interrupteur (2, 2') est centré par rapport aux aimants permanents fixe et mobile.Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the microswitch (2, 2 ') is centered with respect to the fixed and mobile permanent magnets. Dispositif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') est apte à se déplacer parallèlement à sa direction d'aimantation (M1, M1').Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') is able to move parallel to its direction of magnetization (M 1 , M 1 '). Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le micro-interrupteur (2, 2') est décentré par rapport aux aimants permanents fixe et mobile.Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the microswitch (2, 2 ') is off-center with respect to the fixed and moving permanent magnets. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile du micro-interrupteur (2, 2') est une membrane (20, 20') ferromagnétique orientable suivant des lignes de champ magnétique.Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the movable element of the microswitch (2, 2 ') is a rotatable ferromagnetic membrane (20, 20') along magnetic field lines. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que, après actionnement, l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11') est ramené automatiquement de sa seconde position à sa première position.Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that , after actuation, the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ') is automatically returned from its second position to its first position. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que : - l'élément mobile est initialement maintenu dans le premier état, puis - l'élément mobile est basculé dans le second état par déplacement de l'aimant permanent mobile vers sa seconde position, - l'élément mobile est ramené dans son premier état par activation de la bobine une fois l'aimant permanent mobile revenu dans sa première position. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that : the mobile element is initially maintained in the first state, then the movable element is swung into the second state by displacement of the moving permanent magnet towards its second position, the moving element is brought back to its first state by activation of the coil once the moving permanent magnet has returned to its first position. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que le premier état de l'élément mobile est un état ouvert dans lequel le circuit électrique est ouvert et en ce que le second état est un état fermé dans lequel le circuit électrique est fermé.Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the first state of the movable element is an open state in which the electric circuit is open and in that the second state is a closed state in which the electric circuit is closed. Utilisation du dispositif (1, 1') selon la revendication 12, pour supprimer les courants de fuite ou de veille dans un système en déconnectant le circuit électrique par activation de la bobine (4) et en réenclenchant le circuit électrique à l'aide de l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11').Use of the device (1, 1 ') according to claim 12, for suppressing the leakage or standby currents in a system by disconnecting the electrical circuit by activation of the coil (4) and resetting the electric circuit with the aid of the moving permanent magnet (11, 11 '). Utilisation du dispositif (1, 1') selon la revendication 12 dans un disjoncteur pour déconnecter automatiquement le circuit électrique en cas de défaut électrique à l'aide de la bobine d'excitation (4) puis refermer manuellement le circuit électrique à l'aide de l'aimant permanent mobile (11, 11').Use of the device (1, 1 ') according to claim 12 in a circuit breaker for automatically disconnecting the electric circuit in the event of an electrical fault by means of the excitation coil (4) and then manually closing the electrical circuit using of the movable permanent magnet (11, 11 ').
EP09150415.9A 2008-01-30 2009-01-13 Dual-actuation-mode control device Not-in-force EP2085987B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0850574A FR2926922B1 (en) 2008-01-30 2008-01-30 CONTROL DEVICE WITH DOUBLE ACTUATION MODE

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EP2085987A1 true EP2085987A1 (en) 2009-08-05
EP2085987B1 EP2085987B1 (en) 2015-03-04

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7982563B2 (en) 2011-07-19
US20090189720A1 (en) 2009-07-30
FR2926922B1 (en) 2010-02-19
FR2926922A1 (en) 2009-07-31
EP2085987B1 (en) 2015-03-04

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