EP2385538B1 - Electromagnetic contactor with a double contact and starter for a heat engine having the same - Google Patents

Electromagnetic contactor with a double contact and starter for a heat engine having the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2385538B1
EP2385538B1 EP11152651A EP11152651A EP2385538B1 EP 2385538 B1 EP2385538 B1 EP 2385538B1 EP 11152651 A EP11152651 A EP 11152651A EP 11152651 A EP11152651 A EP 11152651A EP 2385538 B1 EP2385538 B1 EP 2385538B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
contactor
micro
stirrup
winding
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11152651A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2385538A1 (en
Inventor
Stéphane PLAIDEAU
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Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
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Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
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Publication of EP2385538A1 publication Critical patent/EP2385538A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H51/00—Electromagnetic relays
    • H01H51/02—Non-polarised relays
    • H01H51/04—Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
    • H01H51/06—Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
    • H01H51/065—Relays having a pair of normally open contacts rigidly fixed to a magnetic core movable along the axis of a solenoid, e.g. relays for starting automobiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/087—Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00—Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/02—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof
    • F02N15/04—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears
    • F02N15/06—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement
    • F02N15/067—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement the starter comprising an electro-magnetically actuated lever
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H47/22—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for supplying energising current for relay coil
    • H01H47/32—Energising current supplied by semiconductor device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/0851—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines characterised by means for controlling the engagement or disengagement between engine and starter, e.g. meshing of pinion and engine gear
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H47/02—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for modifying the operation of the relay
    • H01H47/04—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current for modifying the operation of the relay for holding armature in attracted position, e.g. when initial energising circuit is interrupted; for maintaining armature in attracted position, e.g. with reduced energising current

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of thermal motor starters in motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved electromagnetic contactor type called double contact for inclusion in starters.
  • Starters with electromagnetic contactors with double contact are known in the state of the art. Such a starter 1a according to the prior art, including a contactor 10a, is described below with reference to FIG. Fig.1 .
  • the contactor 10a comprises a body 104 in which translational movement a plunger 100 whose front end 101 is provided with a finger 1010.
  • the rear end of the plunger 100 actuates two movable contact plates CM1 and CM2 for establish galvanic contacts between contact terminals C11, C12 and C21, C22.
  • a return spring core 103 is disposed between the body and the front end 101 of the plunger 100 and exerts a restoring force opposing a translation thereof backwards.
  • the contactor 10a also comprises two windings, L m and L a , having a common end. Another end of the winding L m is connected to an electrical ground M (conventionally connected to the chassis of the vehicle). Another end of the winding L a is connected to the terminals C12, C22 and an electric brush B1. The end common to the two windings, L m and L a , is connected to the positive terminal ("B +") of a battery 12 via a starting contact 13 of the vehicle (or any similar body acting). The terminal C21 is connected directly to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12. The terminals C11 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 12 through a current limiting resistor RD.
  • the starter 1a comprises an electric motor 11.
  • This engine 11 is constituted conventionally an armature or rotor 110 (winding L3) and an inductor or stator 114 which may comprise permanent magnets.
  • the armature 110 is fed conventionally via a slip ring 115, disposed at the rear of the motor 11, and two brushes B1 and B2, the brush B1 said positive being connected to the terminals C12, C22 and the broom B2 says negative being connected to mass M.
  • a launcher here comprising a launcher pinion assembly 113, free wheel 112, meshing spring 115 and a pulley (not shown) in which is engaged a fork 15.
  • a helical ramp 111 is also provided at the front of the motor 11.
  • the mechanical coupling between the contactor 10a is the motor 11 is obtained by the fork 15 movable about an axis of rotation ⁇ 1. As it appears in Fig.1 , the upper end of this fork 15 is driven by the finger 1010.
  • the lower end of the fork 15 is mechanically coupled to the launcher pulley, at the rear of the meshing spring 115, itself arranged between this lower end and the freewheel 112.
  • the movable contact plate CM1 bypasses the contact terminals C11 and C12 (closed position), the contact terminals C21 and C22 remaining non-short. circuited (open position).
  • the contact terminals C11 and C12 in the closed position connect, through the current limiting resistor RD, the positive brush B1 to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12 and feeds by running the motor 11, the electric circuit closing by the negative brush B2.
  • the armature 110 (rotor) of the motor 11 begins to rotate about its axis of rotation ⁇ 2 in reduced regime, that is to say, at reduced speed and torque, because of the current limitation imposed by the resistance RD , which also causes a rotation R of the pinion 113.
  • the pinion 113 approaches the ring gear 14 of the engine.
  • the movable contact plate CM2 bypasses the contact terminals C21 and C22 (closed position), the contact terminals C11 and C12 remaining in the closed position.
  • the contact terminals C21 and C22 in the closed position directly connect the positive brush B1 to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12.
  • the motor 11 is then powered at full speed and rotates the engine for a start operation.
  • the call winding L a is short-circuited since there has more potential difference between the end common to the two windings, L m and L a , and the contact C21-C22 both connected to the positive terminal of the battery 12.
  • the movable contact pads CM1 and CM2 are maintained in position closed by the holding winding L m , acting on the plunger 100 and the return spring core 103.
  • the electromagnetic force that developed in the contactor 10a ceases, the holding winding L m is no longer supplied.
  • the plunger 100 is returned to its rest position by the spring 103 and the electrical connection battery 12 - motor 11 is broken.
  • the motor 11 is no longer powered stops driving the pinion 113 in rotation.
  • the plunger 100 returns to its initial position (towards the rear), it acts on the fork 15 which disengages the pinion 113 of the crown 14.
  • the invention relates to a double-contact electromagnetic contactor for a heat engine starter, comprising a plunger core, a first call winding, a second holding winding, a movable contact pad and first, second and third contact pads, the contactor having three operating states: a first state without electrical contact between the contact pads, a second state with an electrical contact between the first and second contact pads and a third state with an electrical contact between the first, second and third contact pads.
  • the contactor also comprises an electrically controllable micro-actuator for enabling or prohibiting, according to the electrical control applied to it, switching between the second and third operating states, said switching being prohibited by the micro-actuator. by means of a force opposing a thrust of the movable contact plate when the micro-actuator is electrically excited.
  • the presence of the electrically controllable micro-actuator allows control of the delay between the second and third operating states of the contactor. It thus becomes possible to better control the sequencing of control of a starter and to easily adapt this sequencing to different applications of the starter.
  • the electrically controllable micro-actuator is a micro-solenoid.
  • the micro-solenoid comprises a contact stirrup, preferably made of copper, and an assembly comprising an electric coil and a movable magnetic core, the assembly being arranged between two jaws of the stirrup-contact.
  • the stirrup-contact is provided to support the passage of a power current in the contactor, in the second and third operating states of the contactor.
  • the assembly indicated above also comprises a tank forming part of the magnetic circuit of the micro-solenoid and forming a housing for the electric coil.
  • the tank housing the electrical coil is integral with a wall of the contactor and the stirrup-contact is integral with the movable core.
  • the micro-solenoid also comprises a conductive braid, preferably copper, having a first end connected to the contact stirrup and a second end connected to the second contact pad.
  • the movable contact plate and the contact stirrup are able to come into contact during the second and third operating states of the contactor.
  • stirrup-contact and the third contact pad are able to come into contact during the third state of operation of the contactor.
  • the invention also relates to a starter for a heat engine, equipped with a double contact electromagnetic contactor and an electronic control device.
  • the electromagnetic contactor included in the starter is as briefly described above.
  • the starter according to the invention is particularly well suited for applications in motor vehicles equipped with the automatic stop-recovery function of the engine, also called “stop / start” or “stop &go” in English.
  • the general configuration of a starter according to the invention takes up most of the configuration described with regard to the Fig.1 , that is to say a general configuration, in itself, in accordance with the prior art.
  • the invention has an additional advantage because it does not require substantial modifications and remains compatible with technologies commonly used in the automotive industry.
  • a starter with electromagnetic control now referenced 1
  • a contactor now referenced 10
  • the contactor 10 has particular double-contact characteristics which will be described hereinafter.
  • an electronic control device ECC is provided for controlling the contactor 10.
  • the different components of the starter 1 according to the invention are supplied with electrical energy by a battery 12.
  • the battery 12 supplies also the ECC electronic control device.
  • the contactor 10 comprises a double contact device 10dc which differs very substantially from the double contact device according to the prior art of the Fig.1 .
  • the double contact device 10dc essentially comprises a movable contact pad CM, an electrically controllable micro-actuator in the form of a micro-solenoid MS, and three contact pads PC +, PC1 and PC2.
  • the movable contact plate CM is actuated in translation by the rear end of the plunger 100 and is intended to establish a galvanic contact between the contact pad PC + and a mobile magnetic core NM of the micro-solenoid MS.
  • the micro-solenoid MS is shown schematically at the Fig.2 to facilitate understanding of the operation of the double contact device 10dc
  • the movable core NM is made for example of soft iron so as to have magnetic properties and electrical conduction.
  • the micro-solenoid MS comprises a contact stirrup, for example made of copper, for the passage of the power electric current of the starter 1.
  • the moving core NM is electrically connected to the contact pad PC1 by an electrically conductive braid TS.
  • the braid TS is preferably copper.
  • the micro-solenoid MS comprises an electric coil BO whose end is connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m which is connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12. The other end of the coil BO is connected to a connection terminal (not marked) of the electronic control device ECC.
  • the contact pad PC + is connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12.
  • the contact pad PC1 is connected to a connection terminal (not marked) of the electronic control device ECC and to the brush B1 through the current limiting resistor DR.
  • the contact pad PC2 is connected directly to the brush B1.
  • the ECC electronic control device is supplied with electrical energy after closure of the starting contact 13, via a link 20 allowing connection to the terminal B + of the battery 12.
  • the electronic control device ECC is also connected to the winding L a , through a link 21, and controls the excitation thereof by allowing a connection to the mass M of the end of the winding L to other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m .
  • Figs.3A to 3C are schematic drawings voluntarily simplified to facilitate the understanding of the reader.
  • the double contact device 10dc is shown in the open state designated "OV state" hereinafter.
  • This state corresponds to a non-activation of the ignition contact 13.
  • the electric motor 11 is not powered, no electrical connection being established between the contact pad PC + connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12 and one or other of the contact pads PC1, PC2.
  • the movable contact pad CM is kept in its rest state by the mainspring spring 103 ( Fig.2 ).
  • the micro-solenoid MS is not excited and the mobile core NM is also in its idle state.
  • the double contact device 10dc is shown in a first closed state, namely, in a "1st closed contact” state, designated “state 1 CF” below, which corresponds to the closed state of the C11-C12 contact of the prior art shown in Fig.1 .
  • the start contact 13 has been closed and is kept closed.
  • the movable contact plate CM is pushed in translation by the plunger 100 and provides electrical contact between the contact pad PC + and the mobile core NM.
  • the mobile core NM being connected to the contact pad PC1 through the braid TS, the electrical contact is thus ensured between the contact pad PC + and the PC1 contact pad.
  • the coil BO of the micro-solenoid MS is excited here and the core NM exerts a force f 3 opposing the thrust of the movable contact plate CM, as shown in FIG. 3B in which the plate CM is shown slightly at an angle.
  • the excitation of the coil BO therefore prohibits the translation of the mobile core NM and the electrical circuit remains open between the PC + and PC2 pads.
  • An electrical connection is established only between the contact pad PC + and the contact pad PC1 and the electric motor 11 is supplied in reduced regime through the current limiting resistor RD.
  • the double contact device 10dc is shown in a second closed state, namely, in a "2nd closed contact” state, designated “2CF state” hereinafter, which corresponds to the closed state of the C21-C22 contact of the prior art shown in Fig.1 .
  • the design of the double contact device 10dc according to the invention allows an adjustable time delay between the 1CF state and the 2CF state, the transition from the first state to the second state being controlled by the de-excitation of the micro-solenoid MS, itself controlled. by the electronic control device ECC.
  • FIGS. Figs.4A and 4B A practical embodiment of the contactor 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. Figs.4A and 4B in the open state OV and the 2nd closed contact state 2CF described with reference to Figs.3A and 3C .
  • the contactor 10 is shown in longitudinal section at Figs.4A and 4B in order to show the implantation of the micro-solenoid MS therein.
  • the different functional elements of the double contact device 10dc appear at Figs.4A and 4B , with the exception of PC1 contact pad.
  • micro-solenoid MS is now described in detail with reference to Figs.5, 6A, 6B and 6C .
  • the micro-solenoid MS comprises, in addition to the coil BO and the moving core NM, an AN tank forming a coil housing and forming part of the magnetic circuit, a contact stirrup ET made of copper for the passage of the electric power current and a spring RE.
  • the tank AN has an inner housing (visible to Figs.4A and 4B ) in which the BO coil is placed.
  • the tank AN, containing the coil BO, and the spring RE are inserted into the movable core NM and the assembly is inserted between the upper and lower jaws of the stirrup-contact ET.
  • One end of the copper braid TS is fixed on the contact stirrup ET, the other end thereof being connected to the contact pad PC1.
  • An assembly with clamping of the movable core NM between the jaws of the stirrup-contact ET allows the mechanical strength of all parts of the micro-solenoid MS.
  • the mounting and the mechanical positioning of the micro-solenoid MS in the double contact device 10dc are provided through the tank AN which is integral with a wall of the device 10dc.
  • the Fig.6A shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the OV state.
  • the spring RE provides a thrust P R on the contact stirrup ET, and the latter and the mobile core NM are thus pushed down, without any electrical contact with the mobile plate MC and the stud. PC2.
  • the Fig.6B shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the state 1 CF.
  • the coil BO is energized and the force f 3 applied to the movable core NM and the stirrup-contact ET is added to the thrust P R of the spring RE and opposes their displacement under the action of the mobile plate CM.
  • the Fig.6C shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the 2CF state.
  • state 2CF coil BO is no longer energized.
  • the thrust P R of the spring RE is not sufficient to oppose the displacement of the core NM and the calliper ET under the action of the mobile plate MC.
  • the core NM and the calliper ET come into high position and the electrical contact is then ensured between the mobile plate MC and the pads PC1 and PC2, via the core-stirrup assembly NM-ET and the braid TS.
  • the electronic control device ECC is now described in detail with reference to Figs.7 , 8A, 8B and 8C .
  • the ECC device can be housed inside a cover of the contactor 10.
  • the ECC device can be made in the form of an ASIC.
  • the electronic control device ECC is an analog type circuit.
  • the ECC device essentially comprises three transistors T1, T2 and T3, two voltage stabilization circuits CZ1 and CZ2, three circuits RC1, RC2 and RC3 with a time constant and a switching lock circuit SL.
  • Transistors T1, T2 and T3 are here of MOSFET type. Transistors T1 and T3 control the excitation of the call winding L a and the coil BO, respectively.
  • a drain electrode of the transistor T1 is connected to the end of the winding L a other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m .
  • a source electrode of the transistor T1 is connected to the ground M.
  • a drain electrode of the transistor T3 is connected to the end of the coil BO other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m .
  • a source electrode of the transistor T3 is connected to the ground M.
  • the transistor T2 is intended to force the opening of the transistor T1 by connecting the ground M the gate thereof at the end of excitation of the winding L a .
  • the transistor T2 comprises drain and source electrodes respectively connected to the gate of the transistor T1 and to the ground M.
  • the voltage stabilization circuits CZ1 and CZ2 are conventional Zener diode circuits.
  • the circuit CZ1 is formed of a resistor R6 and a zener diode Z1 and provides a stabilized voltage U1.
  • the voltage U1 is produced from a voltage U APC which is available for the ECC device after the closing of the starting contact 13.
  • the voltage U APC thus corresponds to the voltage U B of the battery 12 after closure of the start contact. 13.
  • the circuit CZ2 is formed of a resistor R7 and a zener diode Z2 and provides a stabilized voltage U2.
  • the voltage U2 is produced from a voltage U PC1 available on the contact pad PC1 in the state 1CF of the double contact device 10dc.
  • the voltage U PC1 therefore corresponds to the voltage U B when it becomes available on the pad PC1.
  • the voltage stabilization circuit CZ1 supplies the voltage U1 to the circuits RC1 and RC2.
  • the voltage stabilization circuit CZ2 supplies the voltage U2 to the circuits RC3 and SL.
  • the RC1 circuit is of RC integrator circuit type and comprises two resistors R1 and R2 in series with a capacitor C1.
  • the voltage U1 is applied to a first terminal of the resistor R1, a second terminal of which is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor C1.
  • a second terminal of capacitor C1 is connected to a first terminal of resistor R2, a second terminal of which is connected to ground M.
  • the point of connection between the terminals of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 is connected to the control gate of the transistor T1.
  • the RC2 circuit is a derivation-type RC circuit and comprises a capacitor C3 in series with a resistor R5.
  • the voltage U1 is applied to a first terminal of the capacitor C3.
  • a second terminal of the capacitor C3 is connected to a first terminal of the resistor R5, a second terminal of which is connected to the ground M.
  • the point of connection between the terminals of the capacitor C3 and the resistor R5 is connected to a control gate of the transistor T3.
  • the RC3 circuit is an integrating type RC circuit and comprises a resistor R3 in series with a capacitor C2.
  • the voltage U2 is applied to a first terminal of the resistor R3.
  • a second terminal of the resistor R3 is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor C2, a second terminal of which is connected to the ground M.
  • the point of connection between the terminals of the resistor R3 and the capacitor C2 is connected to a control gate of the transistor T2.
  • the switching lock circuit SL has a switching diode D1 in series with a resistor R4.
  • the voltage U2 is applied to an anode of the diode D1, a cathode of which is connected to a first end of the resistor R4.
  • a second end of the resistor R4 is connected to the gate of the transistor T1.
  • the time t0 of the curves of Figs.8A, 8B and 8C corresponds to the closing of the starting contact 13.
  • the voltage U APC is supplied to the voltage stabilization circuit CZ1 which applies the stabilized voltage U1 to the circuits RC1 and RC2.
  • the excitation of the winding L a by the current I a causes the displacement of the movable core 100 of the contactor 10 and the double contact device 10dc switches to the state 1CF at time t1.
  • Switching the double contact device 10dc to the 1CF state shows the voltage U PC1 on the contact pad PC1, as shown in FIG. Fig.8A .
  • the voltage U PC1 supplies the voltage stabilization circuit CZ2 which then supplies the stabilized voltage U2 to the switching lock circuit SL and to the circuit RC3.
  • the voltage U2 raises the voltage potential at the gate of the transistor T1 to a value equal to approximately U2 - 0.6V, 0.6 V being the voltage drop due to the diode D1. This rise in potential on the gate of transistor T1 locks transistor T1 in the closed state and thus avoids eventual switching rebounds.
  • the transistor T2 remains in the open state despite the appearance of the voltage U2, because of the time constant R3.C2 imposed by the RC3 circuit.
  • the motor 11 is powered by the voltage U PC1 and starts its rotation in reduced speed. It follows a fall of the voltage U B and consecutively of the voltage U PC1 , visible at the Fig.8A due to the power current supplied to the motor 11. The drop in the voltage U B due to the motor 11 also produces a weakening of the currents I a and I ms , as shown in FIGS. Figs.8B and 8C but which remain of sufficient amplitude to maintain a correct excitation of the coil BO and winding L a .
  • the charging voltage of the capacitor C3 reaches a value such that the voltage on the gate of the transistor T3 is no longer sufficient to maintain it in conduction.
  • the transistor T3 then switches to the open state and interrupts the current I ms in the coil BO, as it appears in FIG. Fig.8C .
  • PC2 contact pad double contact device 10dc is set at a voltage U PC2 PC1 .sensiblement equal to U and U B.
  • the voltage PC2 U then feeds the engine 11 at full speed, the starter pinion 113 being at this stage engaged in the ring gear 14 of the engine.
  • the current I a is maintained in the call winding L a until time t3.
  • This maintenance of the excitation of the call winding L has for a duration equal to t3-t2 makes it possible to guard against a possible backtracking of the starter pinion 113. Maintaining the excitation of the winding of the appeal has to t3 can last a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds after the time t2 according to the applications of the invention.
  • the time t3 is determined by the time constant R3.C2 of the circuit RC3. At time t3, the charging voltage of capacitor C2 has reached a value sufficient to control transistor T2 in conduction. Transistor T2 switches to the closed state and earths the gate of transistor T1. The transistor T1 then switches from the closed state to the open state and interrupts the current I a in the winding L a .

Abstract

The switch (10) has an electrically controllable microactuator i.e. micro-solenoid (MS), for authorizing or prohibiting the switching between closed contact operating states according to the electric control i.e. current, applied to the microactuator. The switching is prohibited by the microactuator using the force opposing the thrust of a movable contact wafer (CM) when the microactuator is electrically excited. An assembly with an electric coil (BO) and a movable magnetic core (NM) is arranged between grip jaws of a copper contact-spring clip (ET) of the microactuator.

Description

De manière générale, l'invention concerne le domaine des démarreurs pour moteur thermique dans les véhicules automobiles. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un contacteur électromagnétique perfectionné du type dit à double contact destiné à être inclus dans des démarreurs.In general, the invention relates to the field of thermal motor starters in motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved electromagnetic contactor type called double contact for inclusion in starters.

Des démarreurs avec contacteur électromagnétique à double contact sont connus dans l'état de la technique. Un tel démarreur 1a selon la technique antérieure, incluant un contacteur 10a, est décrit ci-dessous en référence à la Fig.1.Starters with electromagnetic contactors with double contact are known in the state of the art. Such a starter 1a according to the prior art, including a contactor 10a, is described below with reference to FIG. Fig.1 .

Le contacteur 10a comprend un corps 104 dans lequel se déplace en translation un noyau plongeur 100 dont l'extrémité avant 101 est munie d'un doigt 1010. L'extrémité arrière du noyau plongeur 100 actionne deux plaquettes de contact mobiles CM1 et CM2 destinées à établir des contacts galvaniques entre des bornes de contacts C11, C12 et C21, C22. Un ressort de rappel noyau 103 est disposé entre le corps et l'extrémité avant 101 du noyau plongeur 100 et exerce une force de rappel s'opposant à une translation de celui-ci vers l'arrière.The contactor 10a comprises a body 104 in which translational movement a plunger 100 whose front end 101 is provided with a finger 1010. The rear end of the plunger 100 actuates two movable contact plates CM1 and CM2 for establish galvanic contacts between contact terminals C11, C12 and C21, C22. A return spring core 103 is disposed between the body and the front end 101 of the plunger 100 and exerts a restoring force opposing a translation thereof backwards.

Le contacteur 10a comprend également deux enroulements, Lm et La, ayant une extrémité commune. Une autre extrémité de l'enroulement Lm est reliée à une masse électrique M (reliée classiquement au châssis du véhicule). Une autre extrémité de l'enroulement La est reliée aux bornes C12, C22 et un balai électrique B1. L'extrémité commune aux deux enroulements, Lm et La, est reliée à la borne positive ("B+") d'une batterie 12 via un contact de démarrage 13 du véhicule (ou tout organe similaire en faisant fonction). La borne C21 est reliée directement à la borne positive B+ de la batterie 12. Les bornes C11 est reliée à la borne positive de la batterie 12 à travers une résistance de limitation de courant RD.The contactor 10a also comprises two windings, L m and L a , having a common end. Another end of the winding L m is connected to an electrical ground M (conventionally connected to the chassis of the vehicle). Another end of the winding L a is connected to the terminals C12, C22 and an electric brush B1. The end common to the two windings, L m and L a , is connected to the positive terminal ("B +") of a battery 12 via a starting contact 13 of the vehicle (or any similar body acting). The terminal C21 is connected directly to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12. The terminals C11 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 12 through a current limiting resistor RD.

Le démarreur 1a comporte un moteur électrique 11. Ce moteur 11 est constitué de façon classique d'un induit ou rotor 110 (enroulement L3) et d'un inducteur ou stator 114 qui peut comporter des aimants permanents. L'induit 110 est alimenté classiquement par l'intermédiaire d'une bague collectrice 115, disposée à l'arrière du moteur 11, et de deux balais B1 et B2, le balai B1 dit positif étant relié aux bornes C12, C22 et le balai B2 dit négatif étant relié à la masse M.The starter 1a comprises an electric motor 11. This engine 11 is constituted conventionally an armature or rotor 110 (winding L3) and an inductor or stator 114 which may comprise permanent magnets. The armature 110 is fed conventionally via a slip ring 115, disposed at the rear of the motor 11, and two brushes B1 and B2, the brush B1 said positive being connected to the terminals C12, C22 and the broom B2 says negative being connected to mass M.

A l'avant du moteur 11 est disposé un lanceur comprenant ici un ensemble pignon lanceur 113, roue libre 112, ressort d'engrènement 115 et une poulie (non repérée) dans laquelle est engagée une fourchette 15. Une rampe hélicoïdale 111 est également prévue à l'avant du moteur 11. Le couplage mécanique entre le contacteur 10a est le moteur 11 est obtenu par la fourchette 15 mobile autour d'un axe de rotation Δ1. Comme cela apparaît à la Fig.1, l'extrémité supérieure de cette fourchette 15 est entraînée par le doigt 1010. L'extrémité inférieure de la fourchette 15 est couplée mécaniquement au niveau de la poulie du lanceur, à l'arrière du ressort d'engrènement 115, lui-même disposé entre cette extrémité inférieure et la roue libre 112.At the front of the engine 11 is disposed a launcher here comprising a launcher pinion assembly 113, free wheel 112, meshing spring 115 and a pulley (not shown) in which is engaged a fork 15. A helical ramp 111 is also provided at the front of the motor 11. The mechanical coupling between the contactor 10a is the motor 11 is obtained by the fork 15 movable about an axis of rotation Δ1. As it appears in Fig.1 , the upper end of this fork 15 is driven by the finger 1010. The lower end of the fork 15 is mechanically coupled to the launcher pulley, at the rear of the meshing spring 115, itself arranged between this lower end and the freewheel 112.

Lorsque le conducteur du véhicule actionne le contact de démarrage 13, le courant électrique circule alors dans les enroulements Lm et La du contacteur 10, la liaison à la masse M de l'enroulement La se faisant à travers le moteur 11. Il se développe alors dans le contacteur 10a une force électromagnétique qui a pour effet d'attirer le noyau 100 vers l'arrière (flèche f1). Le ressort 103 se comprime et exerce une force de rappel antagoniste. Le noyau plongeur 100 entraîne la fourchette 15 en rotation autour de l'axe Δ1 et l'extrémité inférieure de celle-ci entraîne à son tour l'ensemble ressort 115, roue libre 112 et pignon 113 vers l'avant (flèche f2).When the vehicle driver operates the start switch 13, the electric current then flows in the windings L m and L of the contactor 10, the bond to the mass M of the coil L was taking place through the motor 11. It then develops in the contactor 10a an electromagnetic force which has the effect of attracting the core 100 backwards (arrow f 1 ). The spring 103 compresses and exerts an opposing biasing force. The plunger 100 drives the fork 15 in rotation around the axis Δ1 and the lower end thereof in turn drives the spring assembly 115, freewheel 112 and pinion 113 forward (arrow f 2 ). .

Lorsque le noyau plongeur 100 du contacteur 10a arrive à un niveau intermédiaire de sa course, la plaquette de contact mobile CM1 court-circuite les bornes de contacts C11 et C12 (position fermée), les bornes de contacts C21 et C22 restant elles non court-circuitées (position ouverte). Les bornes de contacts C11 et C12 en position fermée relient, à travers la résistance de limitation de courant RD, le balai positif B1 à la borne positive B+ de la batterie 12 et alimente en courant le moteur 11, le circuit électrique se refermant par le balai négatif B2. L'induit 110 (rotor) du moteur 11 commence à tourner autour de son axe de rotation Δ2 en régime réduit, c'est-à-dire, à vitesse et couple réduits, du fait de la limitation en courant imposée par la résistance RD, ce qui occasionne également une rotation R du pignon 113. Animé d'un double mouvement, translation (flèche f2) et rotation R, le pignon 113 s'approche de la couronne dentée 14 du moteur thermique.When the plunger 100 of the contactor 10a reaches an intermediate level of its travel, the movable contact plate CM1 bypasses the contact terminals C11 and C12 (closed position), the contact terminals C21 and C22 remaining non-short. circuited (open position). The contact terminals C11 and C12 in the closed position connect, through the current limiting resistor RD, the positive brush B1 to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12 and feeds by running the motor 11, the electric circuit closing by the negative brush B2. The armature 110 (rotor) of the motor 11 begins to rotate about its axis of rotation Δ2 in reduced regime, that is to say, at reduced speed and torque, because of the current limitation imposed by the resistance RD , which also causes a rotation R of the pinion 113. Animated by a double movement, translation (arrow f 2 ) and rotation R, the pinion 113 approaches the ring gear 14 of the engine.

De façon plus précise, deux cas peuvent alors se produire:

  1. 1) Le pignon 113 engrène directement dans la couronne 14 dans son mouvement de translation (flèche f2) et le noyau plongeur 100 poursuivra sa translation jusqu'à arriver en fin de course.
  2. 2) Une dent du pignon 113 bute contre une dent de la couronne 14, ce qui a tendance à bloquer également la course du noyau plongeur 100. Le ressort de lanceur 115 permet la poursuite de l'avance du noyau plongeur 100, puisque ce ressort 115 se comprime, la poulie pouvant coulisser sur l'arbre. L'entraînement en régime réduit du pignon 113 par le moteur 11 évite d'abîmer les dents du pignon 113 et de la couronne 14 par effet dit de « fraisage ». Du fait de ses mouvements de rotation et translation, le pignon 113 finit par engrener dans la couronne 14 et le noyau plongeur 100 poursuit sa translation jusqu'à arriver en fin de course.
More precisely, two cases can then occur:
  1. 1) The gear 113 meshes directly into the crown 14 in its translational movement (arrow f 2 ) and the plunger 100 will continue its translation until it reaches the end of the race.
  2. 2) A pinion tooth 113 abuts against a tooth of the crown 14, which also tends to block the stroke of the plunger 100. The launcher spring 115 allows the plunger 100 to continue to advance, since this spring 115 is compressed, the pulley sliding on the shaft. The reduced speed drive pinion 113 by the motor 11 avoids damage to the teeth of the pinion 113 and the ring 14 by effect called "milling". Due to its rotational and translational movements, the pinion 113 eventually engages in the ring 14 and the plunger 100 continues its translation until it reaches the end of the race.

Lorsque le noyau plongeur 100 du contacteur 10a arrive en bout de sa course, la plaquette de contact mobile CM2 court-circuite les bornes de contacts C21 et C22 (position fermée), les bornes de contacts C11 et C12 restant en position fermée. Les bornes de contacts C21 et C22 en position fermée relient directement le balai positif B1 à la borne positive B+ de la batterie 12. Le moteur 11 est alors alimenté à plein régime et entraîne en rotation le moteur thermique pour une opération de démarrage.When the plunger 100 of the contactor 10a reaches the end of its travel, the movable contact plate CM2 bypasses the contact terminals C21 and C22 (closed position), the contact terminals C11 and C12 remaining in the closed position. The contact terminals C21 and C22 in the closed position directly connect the positive brush B1 to the positive terminal B + of the battery 12. The motor 11 is then powered at full speed and rotates the engine for a start operation.

Dans la situation ci-dessus, l'enroulement d'appel La est court-circuité puisqu'il n'y a plus de différence de potentiel entre l'extrémité commune aux deux enroulements, Lm et La, et le contact C21-C22 reliés tous deux à la borne positive de la batterie 12. Les plaquettes de contact mobiles CM1 et CM2 sont maintenues en position fermée par l'enroulement de maintien Lm, agissant sur le noyau plongeur 100 et le ressort de rappel noyau 103.In the situation above, the call winding L a is short-circuited since there has more potential difference between the end common to the two windings, L m and L a , and the contact C21-C22 both connected to the positive terminal of the battery 12. The movable contact pads CM1 and CM2 are maintained in position closed by the holding winding L m , acting on the plunger 100 and the return spring core 103.

Lorsque le conducteur coupe le circuit de démarrage en ouvrant le contact de démarrage 13, la force électromagnétique qui se développait dans le contacteur 10a cesse, l'enroulement de maintien Lm n'étant plus alimenté. Le noyau plongeur 100 est rappelé à sa position de repos par le ressort 103 et la liaison électrique batterie 12 - moteur 11 est rompue. Le moteur 11 n'étant plus alimenté cesse d'entraîner le pignon 113 en rotation. En outre, puisque le noyau plongeur 100 revient à sa position initiale (vers l'arrière), il agit sur la fourchette 15 qui désengage le pignon 113 de la couronne 14.When the driver cuts off the starting circuit by opening the start contact 13, the electromagnetic force that developed in the contactor 10a ceases, the holding winding L m is no longer supplied. The plunger 100 is returned to its rest position by the spring 103 and the electrical connection battery 12 - motor 11 is broken. The motor 11 is no longer powered stops driving the pinion 113 in rotation. In addition, since the plunger 100 returns to its initial position (towards the rear), it acts on the fork 15 which disengages the pinion 113 of the crown 14.

Par contre, si le conducteur maintient le contact de démarrage 13 en position fermée plus longtemps que nécessaire, le moteur thermique du véhicule commence à fonctionner, le pignon 113, donc l'induit 110 du moteur 11, est soumis en conséquence à une vitesse de rotation très élevée (typiquement, pour un moteur thermique tournant à 3 000 tr/mn, la vitesse de rotation du pignon atteindra 25 000 tr/mn, le rapport de démultiplication "couronne - moteur" étant généralement compris entre de 8/1 et 16/1). Pour éviter la centrifugation du moteur 11, il est donc nécessaire de désaccoupler l'arbre de démarreur du pignon 113. C'est le rôle qui est dévolu à la roue libre 112.On the other hand, if the driver maintains the starting contact 13 in the closed position longer than necessary, the engine of the vehicle starts to operate, the pinion 113, therefore the armature 110 of the engine 11, is subjected accordingly to a speed of very high rotation (typically, for a thermal engine running at 3,000 rpm, the speed of rotation of the pinion will reach 25,000 rpm, the gear ratio "crown-motor" being generally between 8/1 and 16 / 1). To avoid centrifugation of the motor 11, it is therefore necessary to uncouple the starter shaft of the pinion 113. This is the role that devolves on the freewheel 112.

Dans le contacteur 10a de la Fig.1, la fermeture du contact C11-C12 avant celle du contact C21-C22, autorisant le fonctionnement décrit ci-dessus du moteur 11 avec deux régimes de fonctionnement distincts, est introduite par des tarages différents de ressorts de contact P1, P2 et P3.In the contactor 10a of the Fig.1 , the closing of the contact C11-C12 before that of the contact C21-C22, allowing the operation described above of the motor 11 with two different operating speeds, is introduced by different settings of contact springs P1, P2 and P3.

D'ailleurs, le document EP 1 203884 A2 divulgue un contacteur selon le préambule de la revendication 1.Moreover, the document EP 1 203884 A2 discloses a contactor according to the preamble of claim 1.

Cette solution de la technique antérieure donne globalement satisfaction. Cependant, il est souhaitable de proposer des perfectionnements offrant des degrés de liberté supplémentaires dans la conception d'un démarreur du type décrit, notamment en termes de maîtrise de la temporisation entre les fermetures de contacts lors d'une opération de démarrage.This solution of the prior art gives overall satisfaction. However, it is desirable to propose improvements offering additional degrees of freedom in the design of a starter of the type described, in particular in terms of control of the delay between the contact closures during a startup operation.

Selon un premier aspect, l'invention concerne un contacteur électromagnétique à double contact pour démarreur de moteur thermique, comprenant un noyau plongeur, un premier enroulement dit d'appel, un deuxième enroulement dit de maintien, une plaquette de contact mobile et des premier, second et troisième plots de contact, le contacteur ayant trois états de fonctionnement : un premier état sans contact électrique entre les plots de contact, un second état avec un contact électrique entre les premier et second plots de contact et un troisième état avec un contact électrique entre les premier, second et troisième plots de contact.According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a double-contact electromagnetic contactor for a heat engine starter, comprising a plunger core, a first call winding, a second holding winding, a movable contact pad and first, second and third contact pads, the contactor having three operating states: a first state without electrical contact between the contact pads, a second state with an electrical contact between the first and second contact pads and a third state with an electrical contact between the first, second and third contact pads.

Conformément à l'invention, le contacteur comprend également un micro-actionneur commandable électriquement pour autoriser ou interdire, selon la commande électrique qui lui est appliquée, une commutation entre les second et troisième états de fonctionnement, ladite commutation étant interdite par le micro-actionneur au moyen d'une force s'opposant à une poussée de la plaquette de contact mobile lorsque le micro-actionneur est excité électriquement.According to the invention, the contactor also comprises an electrically controllable micro-actuator for enabling or prohibiting, according to the electrical control applied to it, switching between the second and third operating states, said switching being prohibited by the micro-actuator. by means of a force opposing a thrust of the movable contact plate when the micro-actuator is electrically excited.

Avantageusement, la présence du micro-actionneur commandable électriquement permet un contrôle de la temporisation entre les second et troisième états de fonctionnement du contacteur. Il devient ainsi possible de mieux maîtriser le séquencement de commande d'un démarreur et d'adapter aisément ce séquencement à différentes applications du démarreur.Advantageously, the presence of the electrically controllable micro-actuator allows control of the delay between the second and third operating states of the contactor. It thus becomes possible to better control the sequencing of control of a starter and to easily adapt this sequencing to different applications of the starter.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, le micro-actionneur commandable électriquement est un micro-solénoïde.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrically controllable micro-actuator is a micro-solenoid.

Selon une caractéristique particulière, le micro-solénoïde comprend un étrier-contact, de préférence en cuivre, et un ensemble comportant une bobine électrique et un noyau magnétique mobile, l'ensemble étant disposé entre deux mâchoires de l'étrier-contact.According to a particular characteristic, the micro-solenoid comprises a contact stirrup, preferably made of copper, and an assembly comprising an electric coil and a movable magnetic core, the assembly being arranged between two jaws of the stirrup-contact.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'étrier-contact est prévu pour supporter le passage d'un courant de puissance dans le contacteur, dans les second et troisième états de fonctionnement du contacteur.According to another characteristic, the stirrup-contact is provided to support the passage of a power current in the contactor, in the second and third operating states of the contactor.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique particulière de l'invention, l'ensemble indiqué ci-dessus comporte également une cuve faisant partie du circuit magnétique du micro-solénoïde et formant logement pour la bobine électrique.According to yet another particular characteristic of the invention, the assembly indicated above also comprises a tank forming part of the magnetic circuit of the micro-solenoid and forming a housing for the electric coil.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la cuve logeant la bobine électrique est solidaire d'une paroi du contacteur et l'étrier-contact est solidaire du noyau mobile.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the tank housing the electrical coil is integral with a wall of the contactor and the stirrup-contact is integral with the movable core.

Selon une autre caractéristique particulière, le micro-solénoïde comprend également une tresse conductrice, de préférence en cuivre, ayant une première extrémité reliée à l'étrier-contact et une seconde extrémité reliée au second plot de contact.According to another particular characteristic, the micro-solenoid also comprises a conductive braid, preferably copper, having a first end connected to the contact stirrup and a second end connected to the second contact pad.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique particulière, la plaquette de contact mobile et l'étrier-contact sont aptes à venir en contact lors des second et troisième états de fonctionnement du contacteur.According to yet another particular characteristic, the movable contact plate and the contact stirrup are able to come into contact during the second and third operating states of the contactor.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique particulière, l'étrier-contact et le troisième plot de contact sont aptes à venir en contact lors du troisième état de fonctionnement du contacteur.According to yet another particular characteristic, the stirrup-contact and the third contact pad are able to come into contact during the third state of operation of the contactor.

Selon un autre aspect, l'invention concerne également un démarreur pour moteur thermique, équipé d'un contacteur électromagnétique à double contact et d'un dispositif électronique de commande. Conformément à l'invention, le contacteur électromagnétique inclut dans le démarreur est tel que décrit brièvement ci-dessus.According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a starter for a heat engine, equipped with a double contact electromagnetic contactor and an electronic control device. According to the invention, the electromagnetic contactor included in the starter is as briefly described above.

Le démarreur selon l'invention est particulièrement bien adapté pour des applications dans des véhicules automobiles équipés de la fonction d'arrêt-relance automatique du moteur thermique, dite également « stop/start » ou « stop & go » en anglais.The starter according to the invention is particularly well suited for applications in motor vehicles equipped with the automatic stop-recovery function of the engine, also called "stop / start" or "stop &go" in English.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite de façon plus détaillée à travers des formes de réalisation particulières de celle-ci, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la Fig.1 illustre schématiquement un démarreur avec contacteur à double contact selon la technique antérieure;
  • la Fig.2 illustre schématiquement une forme de réalisation particulière du démarreur avec contacteur à double contact selon l'invention;
  • les Figs.3A, 3B et 3C illustrent schématiquement différents états d'ouverture/fermeture d'un dispositif de double contact du démarreur de la Fig.2 et les états correspondants d'un circuit de puissance alimentant le moteur électrique du démarreur;
  • les Figs.4A et 4B sont des vues en coupe d'une forme de réalisation particulière d'un contacteur à double contact inclut dans un démarreur selon l'invention;
  • la Fig.5 est une vue éclatée en perspective d'une forme de réalisation particulière d'un micro-solénoïde inclus dans le contacteur des Figs.4A et 4B;
  • les Figs.6A, 6C et 6B montrent des états de travail/repos du micro-solénoïde de la Fig.5;
  • la Fig.7 est un schéma électrique d'une forme de réalisation particulière d'un dispositif électronique de commande inclut dans le démarreur selon la présente invention; et
  • les Figs.8A, 8B et 8C montrent des courbes de tension et courant relatives au fonctionnement du dispositif électronique de commande de la Fig.7.
The invention will now be described in more detail through particular embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • the Fig.1 schematically illustrates a starter with double contact contactor according to the prior art;
  • the Fig.2 schematically illustrates a particular embodiment of the starter with double contact contactor according to the invention;
  • the Figs.3A, 3B and 3C schematically illustrate different states of opening / closing of a double contact device of the starter of the Fig.2 and corresponding states of a power circuit powering the starter motor;
  • the Figs.4A and 4B are sectional views of a particular embodiment of a double contact contactor included in a starter according to the invention;
  • the Fig.5 is an exploded perspective view of a particular embodiment of a micro-solenoid included in the contactor of the Figs.4A and 4B ;
  • the Figs.6A, 6C and 6B show working / rest states of the micro-solenoid of the Fig.5 ;
  • the Fig.7 is a circuit diagram of a particular embodiment of an electronic control device included in the starter according to the present invention; and
  • the Figs.8A, 8B and 8C show voltage and current curves relative to the operation of the electronic control device of the Fig.7 .

En référence aux Figs.2 à 8, il est maintenant décrit une forme de réalisation particulière d'un démarreur à double contact selon l'invention.With reference to Figs.2 to 8 , there is now described a particular embodiment of a dual contact starter according to the invention.

La configuration générale d'un démarreur selon l'invention reprend l'essentiel de la configuration décrite en regard de la Fig.1, c'est-à-dire une configuration générale, en soi, conforme à la technique antérieure. En cela, l'invention présente un avantage supplémentaire car elle ne nécessite pas de modifications substantielles et reste compatible avec les technologies couramment utilisées dans l'industrie automobile.The general configuration of a starter according to the invention takes up most of the configuration described with regard to the Fig.1 , that is to say a general configuration, in itself, in accordance with the prior art. In this, the invention has an additional advantage because it does not require substantial modifications and remains compatible with technologies commonly used in the automotive industry.

Aussi, dans ce qui suit, les éléments communs à la Fig.1, ou pour le moins jouant un rôle similaire, portent les mêmes références et ne seront re-décrits qu'en tant que de besoin.Also, in what follows, the elements common to the Fig.1 , or at least playing a similar role, bear the same references and will only be re-described as needed.

Comme cela apparaît à la Fig.2, on retrouve les trois composants principaux d'un démarreur à commande électromagnétique, désormais référencé 1, à savoir, un contacteur, désormais référencé 10, avec son noyau plongeur 100, le moteur 11 et l'élément de couplage mécanique constitué par la fourchette 15. Cependant, conformément à l'invention, le contacteur 10 présente des caractéristiques de double contact particulières qui vont être décrites ci-après. De plus, un dispositif électronique de commande ECC est prévu pour la commande du contacteur 10.As it appears in Fig.2 , we find the three main components of a starter with electromagnetic control, now referenced 1, namely, a contactor, now referenced 10, with its plunger 100, the motor 11 and the mechanical coupling element constituted by the range 15 However, according to the invention, the contactor 10 has particular double-contact characteristics which will be described hereinafter. In addition, an electronic control device ECC is provided for controlling the contactor 10.

Comme déjà décrit ci-dessus en référence à la Fig.1 pour le démarreur 1a de la technique antérieure, les différents composants du démarreur 1 selon l'invention sont alimentés en énergie électrique par une batterie 12. Dans le démarreur 1, outre les enroulements La, Lm et L3, la batterie 12 alimente également le dispositif électronique de commande ECC.As already described above with reference to the Fig.1 for the starter 1a of the prior art, the different components of the starter 1 according to the invention are supplied with electrical energy by a battery 12. In the starter 1, in addition to the windings L a , L m and L 3 , the battery 12 supplies also the ECC electronic control device.

Comme montré à la Fig.2, le contacteur 10 comporte un dispositif de double contact 10dc qui diffère très sensiblement du dispositif de double contact selon la technique antérieure de la Fig.1.As shown in Fig.2 , the contactor 10 comprises a double contact device 10dc which differs very substantially from the double contact device according to the prior art of the Fig.1 .

Le dispositif de double contact 10dc comprend essentiellement une plaquette de contact mobile CM, un micro-actionneur commandable électriquement sous la forme d'un micro-solénoïde MS, et trois plots de contact PC+, PC1 et PC2.The double contact device 10dc essentially comprises a movable contact pad CM, an electrically controllable micro-actuator in the form of a micro-solenoid MS, and three contact pads PC +, PC1 and PC2.

La plaquette de contact mobile CM est actionnée en translation par l'extrémité arrière du noyau plongeur 100 et est destinée à établir un contact galvanique entre le plot de contact PC+ et un noyau magnétique mobile NM du micro-solénoïde MS.The movable contact plate CM is actuated in translation by the rear end of the plunger 100 and is intended to establish a galvanic contact between the contact pad PC + and a mobile magnetic core NM of the micro-solenoid MS.

Le micro-solénoïde MS est représenté de manière schématique à la Fig.2 afin de faciliter la compréhension du fonctionnement du dispositif de double contact 10dc Dans cette représentation schématique, on considérera que le noyau mobile NM est réalisé par exemple en fer doux de manière à avoir des propriétés magnétiques et de conduction électrique. En fait, comme décrit en détail plus bas en référence aux Figs.5 et 6A à 6C relatives à une forme de réalisation pratique, le micro-solénoïde MS comporte un étrier-contact, par exemple en cuivre, pour la passage du courant électrique de puissance du démarreur 1.The micro-solenoid MS is shown schematically at the Fig.2 to facilitate understanding of the operation of the double contact device 10dc In this schematic representation, it will be considered that the movable core NM is made for example of soft iron so as to have magnetic properties and electrical conduction. In fact, as described in detail below with reference to Figs.5 and 6A to 6C relating to a practical embodiment, the micro-solenoid MS comprises a contact stirrup, for example made of copper, for the passage of the power electric current of the starter 1.

Toujours en référence à la Fig.2, le noyau mobile NM est relié électriquement au plot de contact PC1 par une tresse électriquement conductrice TS. La tresse TS est de préférence en cuivre. Le micro-solénoïde MS comprend une bobine électrique BO dont une extrémité est reliée à l'extrémité commune des enroulements La et Lm qui est raccordée à la borne B+ de la batterie 12. L'autre extrémité de la bobine BO est reliée à une borne de raccordement (non repérée) du dispositif électronique de commande ECC.Still referring to the Fig.2 the moving core NM is electrically connected to the contact pad PC1 by an electrically conductive braid TS. The braid TS is preferably copper. The micro-solenoid MS comprises an electric coil BO whose end is connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m which is connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12. The other end of the coil BO is connected to a connection terminal (not marked) of the electronic control device ECC.

Le plot de contact PC+ est relié à la borne B+ de la batterie 12. Le plot de contact PC1 est relié à une borne de raccordement (non repéré) du dispositif électronique de commande ECC et au balai B1 à travers la résistance de limitation de courant RD. Le plot de contact PC2 est quant à lui relié directement au balai B1.The contact pad PC + is connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12. The contact pad PC1 is connected to a connection terminal (not marked) of the electronic control device ECC and to the brush B1 through the current limiting resistor DR. The contact pad PC2 is connected directly to the brush B1.

Le dispositif électronique de commande ECC est alimenté en énergie électrique après fermeture du contact de démarrage 13, par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison 20 autorisant un raccordement à la borne B+ de la batterie 12. Le dispositif électronique de commande ECC est également raccordé à l'enroulement La, à travers une liaison 21, et commande l'excitation de celui-ci en autorisant une connexion à la masse M de l'extrémité de l'enroulement La autre que celle reliée à l'extrémité commune des enroulements La et Lm.The ECC electronic control device is supplied with electrical energy after closure of the starting contact 13, via a link 20 allowing connection to the terminal B + of the battery 12. The electronic control device ECC is also connected to the winding L a , through a link 21, and controls the excitation thereof by allowing a connection to the mass M of the end of the winding L to other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m .

Le fonctionnement du dispositif de double contact 10dc est maintenant décrit en référence plus particulièrement aux Figs.3A à 3C qui sont des dessins schématiques volontairement simplifiés afin de faciliter la compréhension du lecteur.The operation of the double contact device 10dc is now described with reference more particularly to Figs.3A to 3C which are schematic drawings voluntarily simplified to facilitate the understanding of the reader.

A la Fig.3A, le dispositif de double contact 10dc est montré à l'état ouvert désigné « état OV » ci-après. Cet état correspond à une non activation du contact de démarrage 13. Dans cet état ouvert du dispositif de double contact 10dc, le moteur électrique 11 n'est pas alimenté, aucune connexion électrique n'étant établie entre le plot de contact PC+ relié la borne B+ de la batterie 12 et l'un ou l'autre des plots de contact PC1, PC2. La plaquette de contact mobile CM est maintenue dans son état de repos par le ressort de rappel noyau 103 (Fig.2). Le micro-solénoïde MS n'est pas excité et le noyau mobile NM est aussi dans son état de repos.To the 3A , the double contact device 10dc is shown in the open state designated "OV state" hereinafter. This state corresponds to a non-activation of the ignition contact 13. In this open state of the double contact device 10dc, the electric motor 11 is not powered, no electrical connection being established between the contact pad PC + connected to the terminal B + of the battery 12 and one or other of the contact pads PC1, PC2. The movable contact pad CM is kept in its rest state by the mainspring spring 103 ( Fig.2 ). The micro-solenoid MS is not excited and the mobile core NM is also in its idle state.

A la Fig.3B, le dispositif de double contact 10dc est montré dans un premier état fermé, à savoir, dans un état « 1 er contact fermé », désigné « état 1 CF » ci-après, qui correspond à l'état fermé du contact C11-C12 de la technique antérieure montrée à la Fig.1.To the 3B , the double contact device 10dc is shown in a first closed state, namely, in a "1st closed contact" state, designated "state 1 CF" below, which corresponds to the closed state of the C11-C12 contact of the prior art shown in Fig.1 .

Dans cet état 1 CF, le contact de démarrage 13 a été fermé et est maintenu fermé. La plaquette de contact mobile CM est poussée en translation par le noyau plongeur 100 et assure un contact électrique entre le plot de contact PC+ et le noyau mobile NM. Le noyau mobile NM étant relié au plot de contact PC1 à travers la tresse TS, le contact électrique est donc assuré entre le plot de contact PC+ et le plot de contact PC1. La bobine BO du micro-solénoïde MS est ici excitée et le noyau NM exerce une force f3 s'opposant à la poussée de la plaquette de contact mobile CM, comme montré à la Fig.3B dans laquelle la plaquette CM est représentée légèrement en biais. L'excitation de la bobine BO interdit donc la translation du noyau mobile NM et le circuit électrique reste ouvert entre les plots PC+ et PC2. Une connexion électrique est établie seulement entre le plot de contact PC+ et le plot de contact PC1 et le moteur électrique 11 est alimenté en régime réduit à travers la résistance de limitation de courant RD.In this state 1 CF, the start contact 13 has been closed and is kept closed. The movable contact plate CM is pushed in translation by the plunger 100 and provides electrical contact between the contact pad PC + and the mobile core NM. The mobile core NM being connected to the contact pad PC1 through the braid TS, the electrical contact is thus ensured between the contact pad PC + and the PC1 contact pad. The coil BO of the micro-solenoid MS is excited here and the core NM exerts a force f 3 opposing the thrust of the movable contact plate CM, as shown in FIG. 3B in which the plate CM is shown slightly at an angle. The excitation of the coil BO therefore prohibits the translation of the mobile core NM and the electrical circuit remains open between the PC + and PC2 pads. An electrical connection is established only between the contact pad PC + and the contact pad PC1 and the electric motor 11 is supplied in reduced regime through the current limiting resistor RD.

A la Fig.3C, le dispositif de double contact 10dc est montré dans un deuxième état fermé, à savoir, dans un état « 2ième contact fermé », désigné « état 2CF » ci-après, qui correspond à l'état fermé du contact C21-C22 de la technique antérieure montrée à la Fig.1.To the Fig.3c , the double contact device 10dc is shown in a second closed state, namely, in a "2nd closed contact" state, designated "2CF state" hereinafter, which corresponds to the closed state of the C21-C22 contact of the prior art shown in Fig.1 .

Dans cet état, le contact de démarrage 13 est toujours fermé. L'excitation de la bobine BO a été interrompue et le noyau mobile NM poussé par la plaquette CM vient donc en contact avec le plot PC2. Une connexion électrique est alors établie entre le plot de contact PC+ et les plots de contact PC1 et PC2. Le plot PC2 étant relié directement au moteur électrique 11, ce dernier est alimenté à plein régime.In this state, the start contact 13 is always closed. The excitation of the coil BO has been interrupted and the mobile core NM pushed by the wafer CM thus comes into contact with the pad PC2. An electrical connection is then established between the contact pad PC + and the contact pads PC1 and PC2. The PC2 pad being directly connected to the electric motor 11, the latter is powered at full speed.

La conception du dispositif de double contact 10dc selon l'invention autorise une temporisation réglable entre l'état 1CF et l'état 2CF, le passage du premier état au second état étant commandé par la désexcitation du micro-solénoïde MS, elle-même commandée par le dispositif de commande électronique ECC.The design of the double contact device 10dc according to the invention allows an adjustable time delay between the 1CF state and the 2CF state, the transition from the first state to the second state being controlled by the de-excitation of the micro-solenoid MS, itself controlled. by the electronic control device ECC.

Une forme de réalisation pratique du contacteur 10 selon l'invention est montrée aux Figs.4A et 4B dans l'état ouvert OV et l'état de 2ième contact fermé 2CF décrits en référence aux Figs.3A et 3C. Le contacteur 10 est représenté en coupe longitudinale aux Figs.4A et 4B de manière à montrer l'implantation du micro-solénoïde MS dans celui-ci. Les différents éléments fonctionnels du dispositif de double contact 10dc apparaissent aux Figs.4A et 4B, à l'exception du plot de contact PC1.A practical embodiment of the contactor 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. Figs.4A and 4B in the open state OV and the 2nd closed contact state 2CF described with reference to Figs.3A and 3C . The contactor 10 is shown in longitudinal section at Figs.4A and 4B in order to show the implantation of the micro-solenoid MS therein. The different functional elements of the double contact device 10dc appear at Figs.4A and 4B , with the exception of PC1 contact pad.

Le micro-solénoïde MS est maintenant décrit de manière détaillée en référence aux Figs.5, 6A, 6B et 6C.The micro-solenoid MS is now described in detail with reference to Figs.5, 6A, 6B and 6C .

Comme montré à la Fig.5, le micro-solénoïde MS comprend, outre la bobine BO et le noyau mobile NM, une cuve AN formant logement de bobine et faisant partie du circuit magnétique, un étrier-contact ET en cuivre pour le passage du courant électrique de puissance et un ressort de rappel RE.As shown in Fig.5 , the micro-solenoid MS comprises, in addition to the coil BO and the moving core NM, an AN tank forming a coil housing and forming part of the magnetic circuit, a contact stirrup ET made of copper for the passage of the electric power current and a spring RE.

La cuve AN comporte un logement intérieur (visible aux Figs.4A et 4B) dans lequel est placée la bobine BO. La cuve AN, contenant la bobine BO, et le ressort RE sont insérés dans le noyau mobile NM et l'ensemble est inséré entre des mâchoires haute et basse de l'étrier-contact ET. Une extrémité de la tresse TS, en cuivre, est fixée sur l'étrier-contact ET, l'autre extrémité de celle-ci étant reliée au plot de contact PC1. Un montage avec serrage du noyau mobile NM entre les mâchoires de l'étrier-contact ET permet la tenue mécanique de l'ensemble des pièces du micro-solénoïde MS.The tank AN has an inner housing (visible to Figs.4A and 4B ) in which the BO coil is placed. The tank AN, containing the coil BO, and the spring RE are inserted into the movable core NM and the assembly is inserted between the upper and lower jaws of the stirrup-contact ET. One end of the copper braid TS is fixed on the contact stirrup ET, the other end thereof being connected to the contact pad PC1. An assembly with clamping of the movable core NM between the jaws of the stirrup-contact ET allows the mechanical strength of all parts of the micro-solenoid MS.

Comme cela apparaît aux Figs.6A, 6B et 6C, le montage et le positionnement mécanique du micro-solénoïde MS dans le dispositif de double contact 10dc sont assurés par l'intermédiaire de la cuve AN qui est solidaire d'une paroi du dispositif 10dc.As it appears in Figs.6A, 6B and 6C , the mounting and the mechanical positioning of the micro-solenoid MS in the double contact device 10dc are provided through the tank AN which is integral with a wall of the device 10dc.

La Fig.6A montre l'état du micro-solénoïde MS lorsque le dispositif de double contact 10dc est dans l'état OV. Dans l'état OV, le ressort RE assure une poussée PR sur l'étrier-contact ET, et celui-ci et le noyau mobile NM sont ainsi poussés vers le bas, sans aucun contact électrique avec la plaquette mobile MC et le plot PC2.The Fig.6A shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the OV state. In the OV state, the spring RE provides a thrust P R on the contact stirrup ET, and the latter and the mobile core NM are thus pushed down, without any electrical contact with the mobile plate MC and the stud. PC2.

La Fig.6B montre l'état du micro-solénoïde MS lorsque le dispositif de double contact 10dc est dans l'état 1 CF. Dans l'état 1 CF, la bobine BO est excitée et la force f3 appliquée sur le noyau mobile NM et l'étrier-contact ET s'ajoute à la poussée PR du ressort RE et s'oppose à leur déplacement sous l'action de la plaquette mobile CM. Le noyau NM et l'étrier-contact ET restant en position basse, le contact électrique n'est assuré qu'entre la plaquette mobile MC et l'ensemble noyau-étrier NM-ET relié électriquement au plot PC1 par la tresse TS.The Fig.6B shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the state 1 CF. In the state 1 CF, the coil BO is energized and the force f 3 applied to the movable core NM and the stirrup-contact ET is added to the thrust P R of the spring RE and opposes their displacement under the action of the mobile plate CM. The core NM and the stirrup-contact AND remaining in the low position, the electrical contact is ensured only between the mobile plate MC and the core-stirrup assembly NM-ET electrically connected to the pad PC1 by the braid TS.

La Fig.6C montre l'état du micro-solénoïde MS lorsque le dispositif de double contact 10dc est dans l'état 2CF. Dans l'état 2CF, la bobine BO n'est plus excitée. La poussée PR du ressort RE n'est pas suffisante pour s'opposer au déplacement du noyau NM et de l'étrier-contact ET sous l'action de la plaquette mobile MC. Le noyau NM et l'étrier-contact ET viennent en position haute et le contact électrique est alors assuré entre la plaquette mobile MC et les plots PC1 et PC2, par l'intermédiaire de l'ensemble noyau-étrier NM-ET et la tresse TS.The Fig.6C shows the state of the micro-solenoid MS when the double contact device 10dc is in the 2CF state. In state 2CF, coil BO is no longer energized. The thrust P R of the spring RE is not sufficient to oppose the displacement of the core NM and the calliper ET under the action of the mobile plate MC. The core NM and the calliper ET come into high position and the electrical contact is then ensured between the mobile plate MC and the pads PC1 and PC2, via the core-stirrup assembly NM-ET and the braid TS.

Le dispositif électronique de commande ECC est maintenant décrit en détail en référence aux Figs.7, 8A, 8B et 8C.The electronic control device ECC is now described in detail with reference to Figs.7 , 8A, 8B and 8C .

Compte tenu du nombre modéré de composants électronique inclus dans le dispositif ECC, on notera que celui-ci peut être logé à l'intérieur d'un capot du contacteur 10. Par ailleurs, on notera que dans certaines formes de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif ECC pourra être réalisé sous la forme d'un ASIC.Given the moderate number of electronic components included in the ECC device, it will be noted that it can be housed inside a cover of the contactor 10. Moreover, it will be noted that in certain embodiments of the invention , the ECC device can be made in the form of an ASIC.

Comme montré à la Fig.7, le dispositif de commande électronique ECC est, dans cette forme de réalisation particulière, un circuit de type analogique. Le dispositif ECC comprend essentiellement trois transistors T1, T2 et T3, deux circuits de stabilisation de tension CZ1 et CZ2, trois circuits RC1, RC2 et RC3 à constante de temps et un circuit de verrouillage de commutation SL.As shown in Fig.7 , in this particular embodiment, the electronic control device ECC is an analog type circuit. The ECC device essentially comprises three transistors T1, T2 and T3, two voltage stabilization circuits CZ1 and CZ2, three circuits RC1, RC2 and RC3 with a time constant and a switching lock circuit SL.

Les transistors T1, T2 et T3 sont ici de type MOSFET. Le transistors T1 et T3 commandent l'excitation de l'enroulement d'appel La et de la bobine BO, respectivement.Transistors T1, T2 and T3 are here of MOSFET type. Transistors T1 and T3 control the excitation of the call winding L a and the coil BO, respectively.

Une électrode de drain du transistor T1 est reliée à l'extrémité de l'enroulement La autre que celle reliée à l'extrémité commune des enroulements La et Lm. Une électrode de source du transistor T1 est reliée à la masse M.A drain electrode of the transistor T1 is connected to the end of the winding L a other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m . A source electrode of the transistor T1 is connected to the ground M.

Une électrode de drain du transistor T3 est reliée à l'extrémité de la bobine BO autre que celle reliée à l'extrémité commune des enroulements La et Lm. Une électrode de source du transistor T3 est reliée à la masse M.A drain electrode of the transistor T3 is connected to the end of the coil BO other than that connected to the common end of the windings L a and L m . A source electrode of the transistor T3 is connected to the ground M.

Le transistor T2, comme cela apparaîtra plus clairement dans la suite de la description, est destiné à forcer l'ouverture du transistor T1 en reliant à la masse M la grille de celui-ci en fin d'excitation de l'enroulement La. Le transistor T2 comprend des électrodes de drain et de source reliées respectivement à la grille du transistor T1 et à la masse M.The transistor T2, as will appear more clearly in the following description, is intended to force the opening of the transistor T1 by connecting the ground M the gate thereof at the end of excitation of the winding L a . The transistor T2 comprises drain and source electrodes respectively connected to the gate of the transistor T1 and to the ground M.

Les circuits de stabilisation de tension CZ1 et CZ2 sont des circuits classiques à diode de Zéner.The voltage stabilization circuits CZ1 and CZ2 are conventional Zener diode circuits.

Le circuit CZ1 est formé d'une résistance R6 et d'une diode de Zéner Z1 et fournit une tension stabilisée U1. La tension U1 est produite à partir d'une tension UAPC qui est disponible pour le dispositif ECC après la fermeture du contact de démarrage 13. La tension UAPC correspond donc à la tension UB de la batterie 12 après fermeture du contact de démarrage 13.The circuit CZ1 is formed of a resistor R6 and a zener diode Z1 and provides a stabilized voltage U1. The voltage U1 is produced from a voltage U APC which is available for the ECC device after the closing of the starting contact 13. The voltage U APC thus corresponds to the voltage U B of the battery 12 after closure of the start contact. 13.

Le circuit CZ2 est formé d'une résistance R7 et d'une diode de Zéner Z2 et fournit une tension stabilisée U2. La tension U2 est produite à partir d'une tension UPC1 disponible sur le plot de contact PC1 dans l'état 1CF du dispositif de double contact 10dc. La tension UPC1 correspond donc à la tension UB lorsque celle-ci devient disponible sur le plot PC1.The circuit CZ2 is formed of a resistor R7 and a zener diode Z2 and provides a stabilized voltage U2. The voltage U2 is produced from a voltage U PC1 available on the contact pad PC1 in the state 1CF of the double contact device 10dc. The voltage U PC1 therefore corresponds to the voltage U B when it becomes available on the pad PC1.

Le circuit de stabilisation de tension CZ1 fournit la tension U1 aux circuits RC1 et RC2. Le circuit de stabilisation de tension CZ2 fournit la tension U2 aux circuits RC3 et SL.The voltage stabilization circuit CZ1 supplies the voltage U1 to the circuits RC1 and RC2. The voltage stabilization circuit CZ2 supplies the voltage U2 to the circuits RC3 and SL.

Le circuit RC1 est de type circuit RC intégrateur et comprend deux résistances R1 et R2 en série avec un condensateur C1. La tension U1 est appliquée à une première borne de la résistance R1 dont une seconde borne est reliée à une première borne du condensateur C1. Une seconde borne du condensateur C1 est reliée à une première borne de la résistance R2 dont une seconde borne est reliée à la masse M. Le point de connexion entre les bornes de la résistance R1 et du condensateur C1 est relié à la grille de commande du transistor T1.The RC1 circuit is of RC integrator circuit type and comprises two resistors R1 and R2 in series with a capacitor C1. The voltage U1 is applied to a first terminal of the resistor R1, a second terminal of which is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor C1. A second terminal of capacitor C1 is connected to a first terminal of resistor R2, a second terminal of which is connected to ground M. The point of connection between the terminals of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 is connected to the control gate of the transistor T1.

Le circuit RC2 est un circuit RC de type dérivateur et comprend un condensateur C3 en série avec une résistance R5. La tension U1 est appliquée à une première borne du condensateur C3. Une seconde borne du condensateur C3 est reliée à une première borne de la résistance R5 dont une seconde borne est reliée à la masse M. Le point de connexion entre les bornes du condensateur C3 et de la résistance R5 est relié à une grille de commande du transistor T3.The RC2 circuit is a derivation-type RC circuit and comprises a capacitor C3 in series with a resistor R5. The voltage U1 is applied to a first terminal of the capacitor C3. A second terminal of the capacitor C3 is connected to a first terminal of the resistor R5, a second terminal of which is connected to the ground M. The point of connection between the terminals of the capacitor C3 and the resistor R5 is connected to a control gate of the transistor T3.

Le circuit RC3 est un circuit RC type intégrateur et comprend une résistance R3 en série avec un condensateur C2. La tension U2 est appliquée à une première borne de la résistance R3. Une seconde borne de la résistance R3 est reliée à une première borne du condensateur C2 dont une seconde borne est reliée à la masse M. Le point de connexion entre les bornes de la résistance R3 et du condensateur C2 est relié à une grille de commande du transistor T2.The RC3 circuit is an integrating type RC circuit and comprises a resistor R3 in series with a capacitor C2. The voltage U2 is applied to a first terminal of the resistor R3. A second terminal of the resistor R3 is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor C2, a second terminal of which is connected to the ground M. The point of connection between the terminals of the resistor R3 and the capacitor C2 is connected to a control gate of the transistor T2.

Le circuit de verrouillage de commutation SL comporte une diode de commutation D1 en série avec une résistance R4. La tension U2 est appliquée à une anode de la diode D1 dont une cathode est reliée à une première extrémité de la résistance R4. Une seconde extrémité de la résistance R4 est reliée à la grille du transistor T1.The switching lock circuit SL has a switching diode D1 in series with a resistor R4. The voltage U2 is applied to an anode of the diode D1, a cathode of which is connected to a first end of the resistor R4. A second end of the resistor R4 is connected to the gate of the transistor T1.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif ECC est maintenant décrit en référence également aux courbes des Figs.8A, 8B et 8C.The operation of the ECC device is now described with reference also to the curves of the Figs.8A, 8B and 8C .

Le temps t0 des courbes des Figs.8A, 8B et 8C correspond à la fermeture du contact de démarrage 13.The time t0 of the curves of Figs.8A, 8B and 8C corresponds to the closing of the starting contact 13.

Au temps t0, la tension UAPC est fournie au circuit de stabilisation de tension CZ1 qui applique la tension stabilisée U1 aux circuits RC1 et RC2.At time t0, the voltage U APC is supplied to the voltage stabilization circuit CZ1 which applies the stabilized voltage U1 to the circuits RC1 and RC2.

Le condensateur C3 du circuit RC2 étant déchargé au temps t0, la tension U1 apparaît sur l'électrode de grille du transistor T3 qui passe de l'état ouvert à l'état fermé. Comme montré à la Fig.8C, un courant Ims s'établit alors dans la bobine BO du micro-solénoïde MS et excite celle-ci. La force f3 est alors appliquée sur le noyau mobile NM du micro-solénoïde MS.The capacitor C3 of the circuit RC2 being discharged at time t0, the voltage U1 appears on the gate electrode of the transistor T3 which goes from the open state to the closed state. As shown in Fig.8C a current I ms is then established in the coil BO of the micro-solenoid MS and excites it. The force f 3 is then applied to the mobile core NM of the micro-solenoid MS.

Le condensateur C1 du circuit RC1 étant déchargé à t0, il apparaît une tension égale à U1.(R2/(R1+R2)) sur la grille du transistor T1. On notera que le transistor T2 est alors à l'état ouvert, aucune tension n'étant appliquée sur sa grille. Le transistor T1 commute progressivement de l'état ouvert à l'état fermé au fur et à mesure que sa tension de grille s'accroît avec la charge du condensateur C1. La diode D1, polarisée alors en inverse, empêche le passage d'un courant allant vers la masse M à travers le circuit SL, courant qui perturberait la charge du condensateur C1. Comme montré à la Fig.8B, un courant la s'établit progressivement dans l'enroulement d'appel La, la rapidité de montée de ce courant Ia étant essentiellement déterminée par la constante de temps (R1+R2).C1 du circuit RC1.The capacitor C1 of the circuit RC1 being discharged at t0, a voltage equal to U1 (R2 / (R1 + R2)) appears on the gate of the transistor T1. It will be noted that the transistor T2 is then in the open state, no voltage being applied to its gate. The transistor T1 gradually switches from the open state to the closed state as its gate voltage increases with the load of the capacitor C1. The diode D1, then polarized in reverse, prevents the passage of a current going to the mass M through the circuit SL, which current would disturb the charge of the capacitor C1. As shown in Fig.8B a current is gradually established in the call winding L a , the rate of rise of this current I a being essentially determined by the time constant (R1 + R2) .C1 RC1 circuit.

L'excitation de l'enroulement La par le courant Ia provoque le déplacement du noyau mobile 100 du contacteur 10 et le dispositif de double contact 10dc commute à l'état 1CF au temps t1. La commutation du dispositif de double contact 10dc à l'état 1CF fait apparaître la tension UPC1 sur le plot de contact PC1, comme montré à la Fig.8A.The excitation of the winding L a by the current I a causes the displacement of the movable core 100 of the contactor 10 and the double contact device 10dc switches to the state 1CF at time t1. Switching the double contact device 10dc to the 1CF state shows the voltage U PC1 on the contact pad PC1, as shown in FIG. Fig.8A .

Au temps t1, la tension UPC1 alimente le circuit de stabilisation de tension CZ2 qui fournit alors la tension stabilisée U2 au circuit de verrouillage de commutation SL et au circuit RC3.At time t1, the voltage U PC1 supplies the voltage stabilization circuit CZ2 which then supplies the stabilized voltage U2 to the switching lock circuit SL and to the circuit RC3.

A travers le circuit SL, la tension U2 fait monter le potentiel de tension au niveau de la grille du transistor T1 à une valeur égale à U2 - 0,6V environ, 0,6 V étant la chute de tension due à la diode D1. Cette montée de potentiel sur la grille du transistor T1 verrouille le transistor T1 à l'état fermé et évite ainsi des éventuels rebonds de commutation.Through the circuit SL, the voltage U2 raises the voltage potential at the gate of the transistor T1 to a value equal to approximately U2 - 0.6V, 0.6 V being the voltage drop due to the diode D1. This rise in potential on the gate of transistor T1 locks transistor T1 in the closed state and thus avoids eventual switching rebounds.

Au temps t1, le transistor T2 reste à l'état ouvert malgré l'apparition de la tension U2, du fait de la constante de temps R3.C2 imposée par le circuit RC3.At time t1, the transistor T2 remains in the open state despite the appearance of the voltage U2, because of the time constant R3.C2 imposed by the RC3 circuit.

Toujours au temps t1, le moteur 11 est alimenté par la tension UPC1 et démarre sa rotation en régime réduit. Il s'ensuit une chute de la tension UB et consécutivement de la tension UPC1, visible à la Fig.8A, due au courant de puissance alimentant le moteur 11. La chute de la tension UB due au moteur 11 produit également un affaiblissement des courants Ia et Ims, comme montré aux Figs.8B et 8C, mais qui restent d'amplitude suffisante pour maintenir une excitation correcte de la bobine BO et de l'enroulement La.Still at time t1, the motor 11 is powered by the voltage U PC1 and starts its rotation in reduced speed. It follows a fall of the voltage U B and consecutively of the voltage U PC1 , visible at the Fig.8A due to the power current supplied to the motor 11. The drop in the voltage U B due to the motor 11 also produces a weakening of the currents I a and I ms , as shown in FIGS. Figs.8B and 8C but which remain of sufficient amplitude to maintain a correct excitation of the coil BO and winding L a .

La charge du condensateur C3 démarrée au temps t0 à partir de la tension U1 se poursuit avec la constante de temps R5.C5. Au temps t2, montré aux Figs.8A à 8C, la tension de charge du condensateur C3 atteint une valeur telle que la tension sur la grille du transistor T3 n'est plus suffisante pour maintenir celui-ci en conduction. Le transistor T3 commute alors à l'état ouvert et interrompt le courant Ims dans la bobine BO, comme cela apparaît à la Fig.8C.The charge of the capacitor C3 started at time t0 from the voltage U1 continues with the time constant R5.C5. At time t2, shown at Figs.8A to 8C , the charging voltage of the capacitor C3 reaches a value such that the voltage on the gate of the transistor T3 is no longer sufficient to maintain it in conduction. The transistor T3 then switches to the open state and interrupts the current I ms in the coil BO, as it appears in FIG. Fig.8C .

L'interruption du courant Ims dans la bobine BO au temps t2 provoque une commutation du dispositif de double contact 10dc de l'état 1 CF vers l'état 2CF. A l'état 2CF, le plot de contact PC2 du dispositif de double contact 10dc est mis à une tension UPC2.sensiblement égale à UPC1 et UB. La tension UPC2 alimente alors le moteur 11 à plein régime, le pignon lanceur 113 étant à ce stade engagé dans la couronne dentée 14 du moteur thermique.The interruption of the current I ms in the coil BO at time t2 causes a switching of the double contact device 10dc from the state 1 CF to the state 2CF. At the state 2CF, PC2 contact pad double contact device 10dc is set at a voltage U PC2 PC1 .sensiblement equal to U and U B. The voltage PC2 U then feeds the engine 11 at full speed, the starter pinion 113 being at this stage engaged in the ring gear 14 of the engine.

Toujours au temps t2, comme cela apparaît aux Figs.8A à 8C, le courant de puissance alimentant par le moteur 11 entraîne une chute des tensions UB=UPC1=UPC2 et un affaiblissement du courant Ia dans l'enroulement d'appel La, mais qui reste d'amplitude suffisante pour maintenir une excitation correcte de l'enroulement La.Always at time t2, as it appears at Figs.8A to 8C the power current supplied by the motor 11 causes a fall in the voltages U B = U PC1 = U PC2 and a weakening of the current I a in the call winding L a , but which remains of sufficient amplitude to maintain a correct excitation of winding L a .

Comme montré à la Fig.8B, le courant Ia est maintenu dans l'enroulement d'appel La jusqu'au temps t3. Ce maintien de l'excitation de l'enroulement d'appel La pendant une durée égale à t3-t2 permet de se prémunir contre un retour en arrière éventuel du pignon lanceur 113. Le maintien de l'excitation de l'enroulement d'appel La jusqu'au temps t3 peut durer quelques millisecondes à quelques dizaines de millisecondes après le temps t2 selon les applications de l'invention.As shown in Fig.8B the current I a is maintained in the call winding L a until time t3. This maintenance of the excitation of the call winding L has for a duration equal to t3-t2 makes it possible to guard against a possible backtracking of the starter pinion 113. Maintaining the excitation of the winding of the appeal has to t3 can last a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds after the time t2 according to the applications of the invention.

Le temps t3 est déterminé par la constante de temps R3.C2 du circuit RC3. Au temps t3, la tension de charge du condensateur C2 a atteint une valeur suffisante pour commander en conduction le transistor T2. Le transistor T2 commute à l'état fermé et met à la masse M la grille du transistor T1. Le transistor T1 commute alors de l'état fermé à l'état ouvert et interrompt le courant Ia dans l'enroulement La.The time t3 is determined by the time constant R3.C2 of the circuit RC3. At time t3, the charging voltage of capacitor C2 has reached a value sufficient to control transistor T2 in conduction. Transistor T2 switches to the closed state and earths the gate of transistor T1. The transistor T1 then switches from the closed state to the open state and interrupts the current I a in the winding L a .

Après le temps t3, le maintien de l'engagement du pignon lanceur 113 dans la couronne dentée 14 est assuré grâce à l'excitation de l'enroulement de maintien Lm qui se poursuit tant que le contact de démarrage 13 reste fermé.After the time t3, the maintenance of the engagement of the starter pinion 113 in the ring gear 14 is ensured by the excitation of the holding winding L m which continues as long as the starting contact 13 remains closed.

Conformément à l'invention, en ajustant la constante de temps R5.C3 du circuit RC2, il est possible de régler aisément une temporisation TEMP = t2 - t1 entre le régime réduit du moteur 11 et son plein régime.According to the invention, by adjusting the time constant R5.C3 of the circuit RC2, it is possible to easily adjust a time delay TEMP = t2-t1 between the reduced speed of the engine 11 and its full speed.

Claims (10)

  1. Electromagnetic contactor with a double contact for a heat engine starter, comprising a plunger core (100), a first winding called the call winding (La), a second winding called the hold winding (Lm), a mobile contact plate (CM) and first, second and third contact studs (PC+, PC1 and PC2), the said contactor having three operating states: a first state (OV) without electrical contact between the said contact studs (PC+, PC1, PC2), a second state (1CF) with an electrical contact between the said first and second contact studs (PC+, PC1) and a third state (2CF) with an electrical contact between the said first, second and third contact studs (PC+, PC1, PC2), the said contactor also comprising an electrically controllable micro-actuator (MS) for allowing or prohibiting, depending on the electrical control (Ims) which is applied to it, a switching between the said second (1CF) and third (2CF) operating states, characterized in that the said switching is prohibited by the said micro-actuator (MS) by means of a force (f3) opposing a thrust of the said mobile contact plate (CM) when the said micro-actuator (MS) is electrically excited.
  2. Contactor according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said electrically controllable micro-actuator is a micro-solenoid (MS).
  3. Contactor according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said micro-solenoid (MS) comprises a contact-stirrup (ET), preferably made of copper, and an assembly comprising an electrical winding (BO) and a mobile magnetic core (NM), the said assembly being disposed between two jaws of the said contact-stirrup (ET).
  4. Contactor according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said contact-stirrup (ET) is provided for withstanding the passing of a strong current through the said contactor in the said second (1CF) and third (2CF) operating states of the contactor.
  5. Contactor according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the said assembly also comprises a case (AN) forming part of the magnetic circuit of the micro-solenoid (MS) and forming a housing for the said electrical winding (BO).
  6. Contactor according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said case (AN) housing the said electrical winding (BO) is integral with a wall of the said contactor and the said contact-stirrup (ET) is integral with the said mobile core (NM).
  7. Contactor according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the said micro-solenoid (MS) also comprises a conductive braid (TS), preferably made of copper, having a first end connected to the said contact-stirrup (ET) and a second end connected to the said second contact stud (PC1).
  8. Contactor according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the said mobile contact plate (CM) and the said contact-stirrup (ET) are able to come into contact during the said second (1CF) and third (2CF) operating states of the said contactor.
  9. Contactor according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the said contact-stirrup (ET) and the said third contact stud (PC2) are able to come into contact during the said third operating state (2CF) of the said contactor.
  10. Starter for a heat engine, equipped with an electromagnetic contactor with a double contact (1) and with an electronic control device (ECC), characterized in that the said electromagnetic contactor is according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.
EP11152651A 2010-05-07 2011-01-31 Electromagnetic contactor with a double contact and starter for a heat engine having the same Not-in-force EP2385538B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1053596A FR2959862B1 (en) 2010-05-07 2010-05-07 ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTACTEUR WITH DOUBLE CONTACT AND STARTER FOR THERMAL MOTOR INCORPORATING IT

Publications (2)

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EP2385538A1 EP2385538A1 (en) 2011-11-09
EP2385538B1 true EP2385538B1 (en) 2012-05-09

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EP11152651A Not-in-force EP2385538B1 (en) 2010-05-07 2011-01-31 Electromagnetic contactor with a double contact and starter for a heat engine having the same

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US (1) US8446238B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2385538B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5603290B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102270548B (en)
AT (1) ATE557411T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2384221T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2959862B1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
FR2959862B1 (en) 2015-01-02
CN102270548B (en) 2014-05-14
EP2385538A1 (en) 2011-11-09
ATE557411T1 (en) 2012-05-15
US20110273250A1 (en) 2011-11-10
ES2384221T3 (en) 2012-07-02
JP5603290B2 (en) 2014-10-08
FR2959862A1 (en) 2011-11-11
US8446238B2 (en) 2013-05-21
JP2011256861A (en) 2011-12-22
CN102270548A (en) 2011-12-07

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