EP2538005A1 - Method for controlling an electromagnetic suction system and electromagnetic suction system for implementing said method - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves controlling an electromagnet (2') by switching supply voltage periodically between square or rectangular signals. The electromagnet is controlled to move from a standby mode to working mode by adjusting duty cycle to satisfy a proportionality equation. A predetermined value of current is provided to establish current in the electromagnet according to the standby mode or working mode. The duty cycle and a switching mode of the electromagnet are adjusted in a continuous manner. An independent claim is also included for an electromagnetic lock system.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of electrical locking systems, more particularly intended for the electric locking of doors or windows in buildings and relates to a method of controlling an electromagnetic vacuum system. It also relates to an electromagnetic vacuum system suitable for implementing such a method.

In the field of the electric locking of the doors or windows, the electric strike is known which is a female part whose opening is electrically controlled and receives a male part or bolt to form a mechanical obstacle capable of opposing the opening of the door or window.

This type of locking system has several disadvantages. Firstly, the mechanical contacts of the male and female parts together cause wear of the parts detrimental to the proper functioning of the locking system and effective closure of the door or window. In addition, electric strikes require that the installer has qualifications in both locksmithing and in the electrical or electronic field.

To overcome these drawbacks, it has been proposed to replace the electric strikes by electromagnetic suction pad systems, the installation and particularly the wiring are simpler than those of electric strikes, while offering greater reliability due to the fact that absence of any moving parts.

In addition, because of their design and operation, the electromagnetic lock systems are ideally suited to equip fire safety doors such as fire doors.

An electromagnetic sucker system is usually constituted by a metal plate or counterplate, generally integral with the opening of the door or the window and by an electromagnetic suction cup incorporating an electromagnet, generally integral with the frame, so that in the state of closing the door or window, corresponding to the locking mode of said system, the counterplate is applied and held against the magnet by magnetic attraction.

The electromagnet comprises connecting means for its electrical connection to a power supply or electrical generator delivering a continuous supply voltage causing the appearance of a magnetic field and generating a force of attraction and retention between the electromagnet and the counterplate, said force being an increasing monotonic function of the current flowing through the electromagnet.

Furthermore, it is known that an electromagnet and therefore the electromagnetic suction cup incorporating the latter, is designed to operate efficiently, optimally or maximally under a specific voltage commonly called nominal voltage. For this purpose, the electromagnet is generally connected to a power supply delivering a DC supply voltage equal to its nominal voltage. Thus, when the electromagnet is traversed by a nominal current at said nominal voltage, in locking mode of the electromagnetic suction cup system, the electromagnet exerts a force of attraction and nominal retention on the counter plate. The opening of the door is achieved by cutting the supply voltage of the electromagnet, which has the effect of removing the attraction and retention force between the electromagnet and the counter plate.

The terms current, voltage and power used in the present application refer respectively to the electric current, to the electrical voltage and to a power supply capable of supplying an electric current.

The electromagnet, which generally comprises two coils or windings, but which may comprise a single coil or winding, is usually constituted around an elongated magnetic core of "E" section made most often from a magnetic material based on soft laminated iron or solid magnetic material and the plywood is usually a massive soft iron plywood.

The quality and efficiency of an electromagnetic pad depends on the choice of materials and mainly the magnetic characteristics of the core, as well as the good size of the winding or coils, on which the aforementioned nominal voltage of said pad depends. Thus, subject to the proper choice of a suitable magnetic core, the effectiveness of an electromagnetic plunger, in terms of attraction and retention force, is conditioned by the configuration of the winding of the electromagnet, regardless of the resistance of the latter.

In current practice, the magnetic attraction and retaining forces between the plywood and the suction cup are of the order of several hundred daN and generally range between about 150 and 600 daN.

An electromagnetic sucker system is therefore a passive safety system in the sense that if the supply voltage is zero, for example due to an accidental cut-off of the electrical network or a cut-off caused by an alarm device, said electromagnetic suction pad system unlocks automatically, which allows the opening of the opening concerned.

As a corollary, the disadvantage is that, in the locked state of the door or the window, the electromagnetic suckers of such systems are electrically activated permanently, which has the effect of causing significant current consumption which are against the energy savings currently being sought.

On the other hand, the supply voltages provided for known electromagnetic suction cups, which are low currents, are, according to the practical cases and the regulations in force, of the order of 12 V or 24 V, or even, for some countries such as France, 48 V. To do this, these electromagnetic suction cups generally comprise two windings, which according to whether they are respectively connected in parallel or in series respectively adapt to the supply voltage of 12 V or that of 24 V or respectively to the supply voltage of 24 V or that to 48 V.

To adapt such electromagnetic suction pads according to the supply voltage, it is known to use jumpers that allow the installer to manually configure, in series or in parallel, the corresponding windings according to the supply voltage. , but said riders have the disadvantage of being frequently lost or broken, difficult to handle and give rise to human errors.

Moreover, the current regulation imposes the maximum power that an electromagnetic pad, controlled directly by a fire alarm center, can take on this control link. However, the total power required for the proper operation of the suction cup frequently exceeds this maximum power regulation, so that the suction cup does not have all the power necessary for its smooth operation. To solve this problem, it has been proposed to add a device outside the suction cup having the function of separating the control link from that of the power supply, but such an additional device will encumber the cost of the installation.

The document US 2010/325967 a An electromagnetic lock comprising an electromagnet, supplied with energy by a battery, mounted on a movable closure element such as a door leaf and a counterplate fixed on the leaf, and a controller for controlling the speed of rotation. electromagnet and comprising a microcontroller which controls the power supplied by the electromagnet via a supply voltage regulating assembly comprising one or more regulated power supplies and two separate supply lines which each feed a clean coil or a common coil of the electromagnet.

However, such a lock described in this document US 2010/325967 requires many electrical and magnetic elements whose interactions are critical to the overall fragility of the system and whose accumulation adversely affects the economic cost of implementation. In addition, the set of regulation used in such a lock inevitably, because of the number of elements and the two power lines, has the effect of significantly encumbering the overall energy balance of the system and more particularly its efficiency. Moreover, with this type of lock the rate of change of the magnetic field is too slow to respond to a sudden or sudden stress such as a shock on the locked door inevitably causing its opening before the regime of the electromagnet is sufficient to produce a magnetic retaining force for retaining, during the stress, the integral counterplate of the leaf against the electromagnet.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome at least one of these disadvantages by proposing a method of controlling an electromagnetic vacuum system that significantly reduces its electrical consumption when said system is in locking mode and its manufacturing cost, without losing the effectiveness of the locking of the suction cup when a significant opening stress is exerted on the door or on the window concerned, whether it is an instantaneous solicitation, particularly sudden or sudden, or a progressive solicitation, and while limiting the number of organ implemented.

For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a method for controlling an electromagnetic vacuum system intended more particularly for locking a door or window in a building, said system comprising a counterplate and an electromagnetic suction cup incorporating a electromagnet provided with connection means enabling it to be electrically connected to a power supply supplying a given supply voltage, said electromagnet being designed to operate efficiently, optimally or at maximum under a nominal voltage by exerting, in lock mode, when traversed by a nominal current at the nominal voltage, a force of attraction and nominal retention on the counterplate.

• à commander électroniquement l'électroaimant pour mettre le système dans l'un des deux modes de verrouillage suivants :
  • un premier mode de verrouillage ou mode travail où l'électroaimant est commandé de manière à établir dans ce dernier soit un courant nominal ou sensiblement nominal provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue nominale ou sensiblement nominale, ce pour mettre ledit système en mode travail maximal soit, éventuellement, un courant intermédiaire provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue intermédiaire inférieure à la force d'attraction et de retenue F nominale ou sensiblement nominale, pour mettre ledit système en mode travail intermédiaire,
  • un deuxième mode de verrouillage ou mode veille, permettant de réduire la consommation électrique dudit système, où l'électroaimant est commandé de manière à établir dans ce dernier un courant réduit provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue réduite inférieure à la force d'attraction et de retenue nominale ou, le cas échéant, à la force d'attraction et de retenue intermédiaire,
• à assujettir la commande de l'électroaimant soit à la détection, commandant le mode travail, ou à la non détection, commandant le mode veille, d'une contrainte d'ouverture de la porte ou de la fenêtre correspondant à une sollicitation significative de son ouverture, soit à un signal de commande provenant de l'intérieur ou de l'extérieur dudit système,

et en ce qu'il consiste :

• à commander l'électroaimant en commutant périodiquement la tension d'alimentation aux bornes de ce dernier, ce à partir d'un signal périodique carré ou rectangulaire ou signal de commutation et de réduction de consommation, de rapport cyclique variable ou rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation, et de fréquence variable ou non,
• à commander l'électroaimant pour réaliser les passages du mode veille au mode travail ou réciproquement en réglant le rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation de sorte que celui-ci vérifie l'équation de proportionnalité suivante : V * k = RI où le paramètre k est ledit rapport cyclique et le paramètre R la valeur de la résistance électrique globale ou moyenne de l'électroaimant et à attribuer, d'une part, au paramètre V la valeur de la tension d'alimentation et, d'autre part, au paramètre I une valeur prédéterminée du courant à établir dans l'électroaimant en fonction du mode veille ou du mode travail à commander,
• à régler le rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation de manière discrète ou, éventuellement, de manière continue.

Such a method is essentially characterized in that it consists, from a suitable electromagnetic sucker system, in locking mode:

• electronically controlling the electromagnet to put the system in one of two following locking modes:
  • a first mode of locking or working mode where the electromagnet is controlled so as to establish in the latter a nominal or substantially nominal current causing a force of attraction and nominal or substantially nominal retention, to put said system in working mode maximum is, optionally, an intermediate current causing a force of attraction and intermediate retention lower than the attraction and retention force F nominal or substantially nominal, to put said system in intermediate work mode,
  • a second mode of locking or standby mode, to reduce the power consumption of said system, where the electromagnet is controlled so as to establish in the latter a reduced current causing a force of attraction and reduced retention less than the force of attraction and nominal restraint or, as the case may be, the force of attraction and intermediate restraint,
• to subject the control of the electromagnet either to the detection, controlling the working mode, or to the non-detection, controlling the standby mode, of a constraint of opening the door or the window corresponding to a significant solicitation of its opening either to a control signal from inside or outside said system,

and in that it consists of:

• controlling the electromagnet by periodically switching the supply voltage across the latter, from a square or rectangular periodic signal or switching signal and consumption reduction, variable duty cycle or switching duty cycle and reduction of consumption, and frequency variable or not,
• to control the electromagnet to perform the transition from standby mode to working mode or vice versa by adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction so that it verifies the following equation of proportionality: V * k = RI where the parameter k is said duty cycle and the parameter R is the value of the overall or mean electrical resistance of the electromagnet and to assign, on the one hand, parameter V the value of the supply voltage and, on the other hand, at parameter I a predetermined value of the current to be established in the electromagnet according to the standby mode or the working mode to be controlled,
• to adjust the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction discretely or, optionally, continuously.

The continuous adjustment may consist of a progressive variation of the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction until it reaches a value substantially satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I as a function of the standby mode or work mode.

The discrete setting can consist in choosing from a set of predetermined values of the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction ratio, the predetermined value satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I according to the standby mode or the working mode. to control, and, secondly, to adjust said duty cycle to said selected predetermined value.

• instantanément ou quasi instantanément, le passage du mode veille au mode travail, lorsque la contrainte d'ouverture détectée est supérieure ou égale à une contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute pour la mise en mode travail maximal, le cas échéant à une contrainte d'ouverture seuil basse inférieure à la contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute pour la mise en travail intermédiaire,
• le passage du mode travail en mode veille, lorsque la contrainte d'ouverture n'est plus détectée, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'elle est inférieure ou égale à la contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute, le cas échéant à la contrainte d'ouverture seuil basse,

In a first embodiment of the control of the transition from the standby mode to the working mode or vice versa, the method according to the present invention may consist in discretely adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction to trigger:

• instantaneously or almost instantly, the transition from standby mode to work mode, when the opening constraint detected is greater than or equal to a high threshold opening constraint for setting the maximum working mode, where appropriate to a low threshold opening constraint lower than the high threshold opening constraint for the intermediate work setting,
• the transition from working mode to standby mode, when the opening constraint is no longer detected, that is to say when it is less than or equal to the high threshold opening constraint, if necessary to the constraint Low threshold opening,

In the latter case, the force representative of the high threshold opening constraint, where appropriate the low threshold opening constraint, may be provided so as to be preferentially less than the reduced force of attraction and restraint.

Preferably, in this first embodiment, the method, according to the present invention, can consist, in lock mode, of electronically controlling the electromagnet to put the system in a third mode of locking or acceleration mode where the electromagnet can be controlled to temporarily set a higher value current in the latter than the nominal current, by temporarily increasing the value of the duty cycle k beyond the duty cycle value controlling the putting of said system into the work mode and thereby to increase the rate of rise of the force of attraction and nominal retention F.

Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the present invention can provide, to substantially increase the value of the duty ratio k that it is equal to twice the duty cycle k mode.

Such an acceleration mode ensuring the transition from standby mode to work mode, for which the average electrical current in the electromagnet is then temporarily increased beyond the current command mode work can significantly improve the rate of rise of the force of attraction and retention of the electromagnetic suction pad 2 and more particularly when there is a detection of an opening stress, especially abrupt and sudden. Thus, thanks to the acceleration mode, the system according to the present invention is able to react even more quickly and not to be "accelerated" especially in the case of a sudden and sudden shock on the door or window equipped with the system.

Furthermore, it will also be noted that in this first embodiment, if the transition from standby mode to work mode can be preferentially very fast, that is to say instantaneous or almost instantaneous, the transition from work mode to standby mode. is not necessarily critical from the point of view of speed or immediacy. However, the present invention may nevertheless provide that the transition from working mode to standby mode is also controlled instantaneously or almost instantaneously.

• le passage du mode veille en mode travail en fonction de l'accroissement progressif de la contrainte d'ouverture détectée,
• le passage du mode travail en mode veille en fonction de la diminution progressive de la contrainte d'ouverture détectée.

In a second embodiment of the control of the transition from standby mode to work mode or vice versa, the method according to the present invention may consist in adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction by continuously varying it to achieve gradually :

• switching from standby mode to work mode according to the progressive increase of the detected opening constraint,
• switching from working mode to standby mode according to the progressive decrease of the detected opening constraint.

The method according to the present invention therefore aims to control the electromagnetic suction pad system in three operating states, if necessary four states, namely a conventional unlocking mode and two locking modes (standby and work), if applicable three lock modes (standby, work and acceleration). These different modes of locking allow, thanks to the existence of sleep mode, where the attraction and restraint force is reduced, significantly reduce the consumption of electrical current of the suction cup. This in contrast to the current suction cups which can be controlled in two operating states, or at the cost of many elements affecting the operating cost and compactness of the system, namely a conventional unlocking mode and a single locking mode, corresponding to the working mode according to the present invention, whether or not an opening constraint is applied to the door or the window concerned, in the locking mode, and more particularly on the opening thereof.

Such a method, according to the present invention, allows an increased reduction in the overall consumption of the electromagnetic pad, through its operating cycles and depending on the restraining forces it will have to provide.

Preferably, the detection of the opening stress can be achieved by detecting a displacement of at least one element of said system and more particularly a displacement of the electromagnet.

In addition, the detection of the opening stress can be achieved by measuring a variation of electrical capacitance depending on the displacement of the concerned part of said system, more particularly of the electromagnet, under the effect of the stress of opening.

On the other hand, in the case where the present invention provides for progressively transitioning said system from the standby mode to the working mode by gradually varying the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction, the method according to the present invention can provide for enslaving the variation of the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction ratio to a frequency signal whose frequency is a continuous increasing function of the opening constraint.

The reduction of the consumption of the suction cup according to the present invention is thus obtained by varying the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction and more particularly by decreasing the duty cycle relative to the value given to it in working mode, this in order to reduce the average current in the electromagnet, for a given and adapted supply voltage.

The method according to the present invention therefore allows, at will, at constant supply voltage, to reduce the average current in the electromagnet by reducing the value of the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction.

As a result, the control method according to the present invention makes it possible to cut off the electric current directly at the terminals of the electromagnet while maintaining the supply voltage.

• à détecter et à mesurer la tension d'alimentation délivrée par l'alimentation connectée à ladite ventouse,
• à commander l'électroaimant en commutant périodiquement la tension d'alimentation aux bornes de ce dernier, ce à partir d'un signal périodique carré ou rectangulaire ou signal de commutation et d'adaptation de tension, de fréquence variable ou non et de rapport cyclique variable ou rapport cyclique de commutation et d'adaptation de tension,
• à comparer la tension d'alimentation avec une tension de référence, de préférence égale à la tension nominale, et, à défaut d'égalité entre lesdites tensions d'alimentation détectée et de référence, à régler le rapport cyclique de commutation et d'adaptation de tension de sorte que celui-ci vérifie l'équation de proportionnalité suivante : V * k = RI où le paramètre k est ledit rapport cyclique, avec 0 <= k <= 1, et le paramètre R la valeur de la résistance électrique globale ou moyenne de l'électroaimant et, d'une part, à attribuer au paramètre V la tension d'alimentation détectée et mesurée et, d'autre part, au paramètre I une valeur prédéterminée du courant, proportionnelle au courant nominal, à établir dans l'électroaimant,
• à effectuer le réglage du rapport cyclique de commutation et d'adaptation de tension de manière discrète ou, éventuellement continue,
  ce en vue d'adapter automatiquement et électroniquement ledit système à la tension d'alimentation de l'alimentation à laquelle il est connecté.

In an additional feature of the method according to the present invention, it may further consist of:

• detecting and measuring the supply voltage delivered by the power supply connected to said suction cup,
• to control the electromagnet by periodically switching the supply voltage across the latter, from a periodic square or rectangular signal or switching signal and voltage adaptation, variable frequency or not and cyclic ratio variable or cyclic ratio of switching and voltage adaptation,
• comparing the supply voltage with a reference voltage, preferably equal to the nominal voltage, and, in the absence of equality between said detected and reference supply voltages, adjusting the duty cycle for switching and adaptation of voltage so that it verifies the following proportionality equation: V * k = RI where the parameter k is said duty cycle, with 0 <= k <= 1, and the parameter R the value of the overall electrical resistance or average of the electromagnet and, on the one hand, to assign to the parameter V the detected and measured supply voltage and, on the other hand, to the parameter I a predetermined value of the current, proportional to the nominal current, to be established in the electromagnet,
• to adjust the duty cycle and voltage adaptation in a discrete manner or, possibly continuously,
  this to automatically and electronically adapt said system to the supply voltage of the power supply to which it is connected.

The continuous setting may consist of a gradual change in the duty cycle of switching and voltage matching until it reaches a value substantially satisfying the corresponding proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I in function from sleep mode or work mode.

The discrete setting may consist in choosing from among a set of predetermined values of the duty cycle switching and voltage matching ratio, the predetermined value satisfying said corresponding proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I according to the standby mode or the work mode to be controlled, and, secondly, to adjust said duty cycle to said predetermined value chosen.

On the other hand, in a preferred form of the additional feature of the method according to the present invention, it may be provided to allow an automatic and electronic adaptation of said system to two DC supply voltages, where appropriate three voltages. continuous supply, respectively delivered by three separate power supplies, namely, on the one hand, a first supply voltage V1, preferably equal to the nominal voltage of said electromagnetic pad, and, on the other hand, a second supply voltage V2 greater than said first supply voltage V1, if necessary a third supply voltage V3 greater than said second supply voltage V2.

In the latter case, the method according to the present invention may consist in adjusting the duty cycle for commutation and voltage adaptation, in order to adapt said system to one or other of said supply voltages V1, V2, V3, in allocating to said duty cycle a first value k1 or high value, when said system is connected to the first power supply and a second value k2, lower than said first value k1, when said system is connected to the second power supply, if necessary, a third value k3, lower than the second value k2, when said system is connected to the third power supply.

The present invention also relates to an electromagnetic suction pad system, more particularly for locking a door or window in a building, suitable for implementing the method according to the present invention, said system comprising a plywood and an electromagnetic suction cup incorporating an electromagnet provided with connection means enabling it to be electrically connected to a supply supplying a given supply voltage, said electromagnet being designed to operate efficiently, optimally or at maximum under a nominal voltage by exerting, in said lock mode, system, when a current is traversed at said nominal voltage, a force of attraction and nominal retention on the counter plate.

• à commander l'électroaimant pour mettre ledit système dans l'un des deux modes de verrouillage, le cas échéant trois modes de verrouillage, à savoir le mode veille ou le mode travail ou, le cas échéant le mode accélération, tels que définis dans ledit procédé,
• à permettre l'assujettissement, tel que défini dans ledit procédé, de la commande de l'électroaimant.

Such a system is essentially characterized in that the electromagnetic lock incorporates electronic processing and control means and opening stress detection means, connected to said processing and control means, making it possible to detect and measure the stress of opening as defined in the method according to the present invention, in that, optionally, it comprises or is associated with means for transmitting the control signal as defined in said method and in that said means for processing and order are fit:

• controlling the electromagnet to put said system in one of the two locking modes, if necessary three locking modes, namely the standby mode or the working mode or, if appropriate the acceleration mode, as defined in said process,
• to allow the subjection, as defined in said method, of the control of the electromagnet.

According to the present invention, the processing and control means are able to generate the switching and consumption reduction signal as defined in the method according to the present invention and to control the electromagnet by adjusting the switching duty cycle and reducing consumption of said signal according to said method.

Thus, thanks to the method according to the present invention and to the system allowing its implementation, the supply voltage is directly cut off, without the intermediary of voltage regulators, as is the case, for example, for a device such as the one described in the document US 2010/325967 of the aforementioned prior art, which ensures maximum energy efficiency. In addition, such a system makes it possible to respond to a sudden solicitation of the suction cup corresponding, for example, to a shock on the locked door and to a progressive increase in the thrust on the door.

In an additional feature of the system according to the present invention, the electromagnetic lock can furthermore incorporate voltage detection means enabling the system to detect and measure the supply voltage of the power supply connected to the latter and the means for electronic processing and control can be furthermore able, on the one hand, to generate the voltage switching and adaptation signal as defined in the additional characteristic of the method according to the present invention and to compare the detected supply voltage with the reference voltage defined in said additional characteristic and, secondly, to adjust the duty cycle switching and voltage matching in accordance with said additional characteristic and its preferred form.

• la figure 1 montre une vue en coupe transversale schématique d'une ventouse électromagnétique d'un système de ventouse électromagnétique selon la présente invention,
• la figure 2 montre un schéma bloc du système de ventouse électromagnétique selon la présente invention, avec les unités fonctionnelles permettant au système d'être mis en mode veille ou en mode travail en vue de réduire sa consommation électrique,
• la figure 3 montre un schéma-bloc du système de ventouse électromagnétique avec les unités fonctionnelles permettant en outre au système de ventouse électromagnétique de s'adapter automatiquement et électroniquement à la tension d'alimentation,
• la figure 4 montre le circuit de traitement et de commande intégré dans la ventouse du système représenté sur la figure 1 ainsi que les moyens de détection de tension,
• la figure 5 montre un graphique représentant le fonctionnement du système par deux graphiques temporels, l'un concernant la détection d'une contrainte d'ouverture et l'autre concernant le niveau du rapport cyclique en fonction de ladite contrainte.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic pad of an electromagnetic pad system according to the present invention,
• the figure 2 shows a block diagram of the electromagnetic lock system according to the present invention, with the functional units allowing the system to be put in standby mode or in working mode in order to reduce its power consumption,
• the figure 3 shows a block diagram of the electromagnetic suction cup system with the functional units allowing furthermore the electromagnetic suction cup system to adapt automatically and electronically to the supply voltage,
• the figure 4 shows the processing circuit and control integrated in the suction cup of the system shown on the figure 1 as well as the voltage detection means,
• the figure 5 shows a graph representing the operation of the system by two temporal graphs, one concerning the detection of an opening constraint and the other concerning the level of the duty cycle according to said constraint.

The figures show an electromagnetic suction pad system, according to the present invention, intended more particularly for locking a door or a window in a building, said system being suitable for implementing the method according to the present invention and comprising a counterplate 1 and an electromagnetic suction cup 2 incorporating an electromagnet 2 'provided with connection means, not shown, for its electrical connection to a supply 3 delivering a given supply voltage, said electromagnet 2' being designed to operate efficiently, optimally or at a nominal voltage by applying a nominal attraction and holding force F to the counterplate 1 when it is traversed by a rated current at the rated voltage.

The system according to the present invention will be referred to hereafter as the system.

• à commander électroniquement l'électroaimant 2' pour mettre le système dans l'un des deux modes de verrouillage suivants :
  • un premier mode de verrouillage ou mode travail où l'électroaimant 2' est commandé de manière à établir dans ce dernier soit un courant nominal ou sensiblement nominal provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue F nominale ou sensiblement nominale, ce pour mettre ledit système en mode travail maximal soit, éventuellement, un courant intermédiaire provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue F intermédiaire inférieure à la force d'attraction et de retenue F nominale ou sensiblement nominale, pour mettre le système en mode travail intermédiaire,
  • un deuxième mode de verrouillage ou mode veille où l'électroaimant 2' est commandé de manière à établir dans ce dernier un courant réduit provoquant une force d'attraction et de retenue F réduite inférieure à la force d'attraction et de retenue F nominale ou, le cas échéant, inférieure à la force d'attraction et de retenue F intermédiaire
• à assujettir la commande de l'électroaimant 2' soit à la détection, commandant le mode travail, ou à la non détection, commandant le mode veille, de la contrainte d'ouverture, soit, éventuellement, à un signal de commande.

The electromagnetic pad 2 of such a system integrates opening stress detection means 10, 11, electrically connected to the processing and control means 5, 6, for detecting and measuring a door opening stress. or the window corresponding to a significant solicitation of its opening and the processing and control means 5, 6 are suitable:

• electronically controlling the electromagnet 2 'to put the system in one of two following locking modes:
  • a first mode of locking or working mode where the electromagnet 2 'is controlled so as to establish in the latter a nominal or substantially nominal current causing a force of attraction and retention F nominal or substantially nominal, to put said system in maximum working mode is optionally an intermediate current causing an attraction and retention force F intermediate lower than the attraction and retention force F nominal or substantially nominal, to put the system in intermediate work mode,
  • a second mode of locking or standby mode where the electromagnet 2 'is controlled so as to establish in the latter a reduced current causing a reduced attraction and retention force F less than the attraction and retention force F nominal or , where appropriate, less than the intermediate force of attraction and retention F
• to subject the control of the electromagnet 2 'to the detection, controlling the working mode, or to the non-detection, controlling the standby mode, of the opening constraint, or possibly to a control signal.

The detection or the non-detection of the opening constraint is carried out thanks to the opening constraint detection means 10, 11.

Significant solicitation of the opening of the door or the window concerned constraint due to an external force forcing the opening of the door or window, not shown, especially the opening of the latter. An external force forcing the opening of the door or the window will be understood, in particular, as a force capable of separating the counterplate 1 of the electromagnet 2 'with which it is in contact in the locking mode of the system.

It will be understood that, apart from the standby mode, the system can be conventionally set in unlocking mode, in which the electromagnet 2 'will not be supplied with current so as to eliminate the magnetic attraction and holding force F generated by the latter and allow the opening of the door or window.

Preferably, when the system is associated with transmission means of the control signal located outside said system, said transmitting means can be integrated, for example, in an access control center. When the system comprises such transmitting means located inside the latter, said transmitting means can be integrated, for example, in a control and transmission unit integrated in the electromagnetic lock 2. The control signal can have the effect of controlling the passage of the electromagnetic suction pad system 2 in the standby mode, during a certain period of the day when the door or the window will not be subjected to constraint of opening likely to cause their opening, in particular of forced way. The control signal may take, for example, a logic state "0" or "1" to control the transition to standby mode or work mode.

• à commander l'électroaimant 2' en commutant périodiquement la tension d'alimentation aux bornes de ce dernier, ce à partir d'un signal périodique carré ou rectangulaire ou signal de commutation et de réduction de consommation S (figure 2), de rapport cyclique variable ou rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation, et de fréquence variable ou non,
• à commander l'électroaimant 2' pour réaliser les passages du mode veille au mode travail ou réciproquement en réglant le rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation de sorte que celui-ci vérifie l'équation de proportionnalité suivante : V * k = RI où le paramètre k est le rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation et le paramètre R la valeur de la résistance électrique globale ou moyenne de l'électroaimant 2' et à attribuer, d'une part, au paramètre V la valeur de la tension d'alimentation et, d'autre part, au paramètre I une valeur prédéterminée du courant à établir dans l'électroaimant 2' en fonction du mode veille ou du mode travail à commander,
• à régler le rapport cyclique de commutation et de réduction de consommation de manière discrète ou, éventuellement, de manière continue.

According to the present invention, the processing and control means 5, 6 are capable of:

• controlling the electromagnet 2 'by periodically switching the supply voltage across the latter, from a square or rectangular periodic signal or switching signal and consumption reduction S ( figure 2 ), variable duty cycle or duty cycle switching and consumption reduction, and variable frequency or not,
• to control the electromagnet 2 'to perform the transition from standby mode to working mode or vice versa by adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction so that it verifies the following equation of proportionality: V * k = RI where the parameter k is the duty cycle and consumption reduction ratio and the parameter R the value of the overall or average electrical resistance of the electromagnet 2 'and to assign, on the one hand, to the parameter V the value of the supply voltage and, on the other hand, at parameter I a predetermined value of the current to be established in the electromagnet 2 'according to the standby mode or the working mode to be controlled,
• to adjust the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction discretely or, optionally, continuously.

The continuous adjustment may consist of a progressive variation of the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction until it reaches a value substantially satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I as a function of the standby mode or work mode.

The discrete setting may consist of choosing from a set of predetermined values of said switching duty cycle and reducing the consumption, the predetermined value satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter 1 according to the standby mode or the working mode to be controlled, and, secondly, adjusting the duty cycle k to said predetermined value chosen.

The aforementioned predetermined values can be stored in electronic storage means of the type comprising one or more electronic memory (s) that can be integrated into the processing and control means 5, 6.

• instantanément ou quasi instantanément, le passage du mode veille au mode travail, lorsque la contrainte d'ouverture détectée est supérieure ou égale à une contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute pour la mise en mode travail maximal, le cas échéant à une contrainte d'ouverture seuil basse, inférieure à ladite contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute, pour la mise en travail intermédiaire,
• le passage du mode travail, maximal ou intermédiaire, en mode veille, lorsque la contrainte d'ouverture n'est plus détectée, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'elle est inférieure ou égale à la contrainte d'ouverture seuil haute, le cas échéant à la contrainte d'ouverture seuil basse.

More particularly, in a first embodiment, the processing and control means 5, 6 may be able to control the electromagnet 2 'by discretely adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction to trigger

• instantaneously or almost instantly, switching from standby mode to work mode, when the detected opening constraint is greater than or equal to a high threshold opening constraint for setting the maximum working mode, if necessary to an opening constraint lower threshold, lower than said high threshold opening constraint, for the intermediate work setting,
• the passage of the working mode, maximum or intermediate, in standby mode, when the opening constraint is no longer detected, that is to say when it is less than or equal to the high threshold opening constraint, the if necessary to the low threshold opening constraint.

Still in this first embodiment of the system, the representative force of the threshold opening constraint may preferably be smaller than the reduced force of attraction and retention F.

Still in this first embodiment the processing and control means 5, 6 may be able to control the electromagnet 2 'to put the system in a third mode of locking or acceleration mode where the electromagnet 2' is controlled so temporarily establishing in the latter a current of value greater than that of the nominal current, this temporarily increasing the value of the duty cycle (k) beyond the value of the duty cycle (k) controlling the setting of said system in the working mode and to increase the rate of rise of the attraction force and nominal restraint (F).

More particularly, the processing and control means 5, 6 may be provided to be able to increase substantially the value of the duty cycle k, for example so that it is equal to twice the cyclic ratio k in working mode, for the instantaneous transition from standby mode to acceleration mode, prior to switching to work mode.

Such an acceleration mode, temporarily providing the transition from standby mode to work mode, for which the average electric current in the electromagnet 2 'is then temporarily increased beyond the current controlling the working mode, can significantly improve the speed of rise of the attraction and retention force F of the electromagnetic plunger 2. The acceleration mode may be provided preferentially in the case where the system comprises means for detecting opening stress, in particular for detecting a stress of abrupt and sudden opening. The control in acceleration mode thus allows the system to be able to react even more quickly and not to be "speeding" especially in the case of a sudden shock, sudden and / or sudden on the door or window equipped system that would not allow the system time to go into work mode and then open the door or window ( figure 5 ).

Of course, as can be seen also on the figure 5 , the transition to acceleration mode can also take place in the case of a progressive constraint such as a push or a progressive pull on the door or window to achieve its opening, in order to meet the practical realities of the ground.

• le passage du mode veille en mode travail, maximal ou intermédiaire, ce en fonction de l'accroissement progressif de la contrainte d'ouverture détectée,
• le passage du mode travail, maximal ou intermédiaire, en mode veille, ce en fonction de la diminution progressive de la contrainte d'ouverture détectée.

In a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the processing and control means 5, 6 may be able to control the electromagnet 2 'by continuously varying the duty cycle switching and reduction ratio. consumption to achieve gradually:

• the transition from standby mode to working mode, maximum or intermediate, as a function of the progressive increase of the detected opening constraint,
• the transition from the working mode, maximum or intermediate, to standby mode, as a function of the progressive decrease of the detected opening constraint.

In a preferred embodiment of the strain detecting means 10, 11, these can consist of a capacitive sensor 10, 11 integrated in said system and the processing and processing means. control 5, 6 may be able to measure the variation of electrical capacitance of said sensor and to control the electromagnet 2 'as a function of said measurement, said variation of electrical capacitance depending on the displacement of the concerned part of said system, more particularly of the electromagnet 2 ', due to the opening constraint.

Furthermore, the present invention can provide for associating the capacitive sensor 10, 11 with an oscillator, not shown, capable of generating a processed square or rectangular logic frequency signal whose frequency decreases continuously when the opening constraint increases. in order to enslave the progressive variation of the cyclic ratio of switching and consumption reduction to the frequency signal. The latter can be processed by the processing and control means 5, 6 in order to control the electromagnet 2 'by continuously varying said duty cycle to gradually bring the system into work mode or standby according to the increase or decrease in the opening constraint.

Furthermore, the present invention can provide for associating the capacitive sensor 10, 11 with an oscillator, not shown, capable of generating a processed square or rectangular logic frequency signal whose frequency decreases continuously when the opening constraint increases. in order to enslave the progressive variation of the cyclic ratio of switching and consumption reduction to the frequency signal. The latter can be processed by the processing and control means 5, 6 in order to control the electromagnet 2 'by continuously varying said duty cycle to gradually bring the system into work mode or standby according to the increase or decrease in the opening constraint.

Preferably, the electronic oscillator can be made from an integrable multivibrator astable NE555 type or other circuit capable of providing a square or rectangular logic signal whose frequency depends on the capacitance of the measuring capacitor.

The period, and therefore the frequency, of said logic signal generated by the electronic oscillator can then be evaluated by the processing and control means by counting the clock periods between two rising edges, the number of clock periods thus counted. being representative of the value of the capacitance of the measuring capacitor and thus of said opening constraint.

In another variant of the capacitance sensor capacity variation measurement, this can be directly assigned to the processing and control means, for example by evaluating the charging time of the latter when it is subjected to a current constant charge or simply known.

Preferably, the capacitive sensor may comprise a capacitor provided essentially with two armatures 10 and 11 separated by an air gap 13, namely a first armature 10 secured to the support 12 to which is fixed the electromagnet 2 'and a second armature 11 secured to this last. In addition, the electromagnet 2 'can be fixed on its support 12 by means of connecting means 14 associated with elastic return means 15 allowing a displacement of the electromagnet 2', from a position of equilibrium, under the effect of an opening constraint exerting traction on said electromagnet 2 ', with elastic return of said electromagnet 2' to its equilibrium position upon the disappearance of said stress, said displacement then having the effect of modifying the gap 13 between said frames 10 and 11 and, therefore, its capacity ( figure 1 ).

The support 12 may have a housing shape comprising an inner wall or bottom 12 'extending substantially perpendicular to the tensile force that can be exerted on the electromagnet 2' and the first armature 10 can be fixed on said bottom 12 ', facing the electromagnet 2' while the second armature 11 can be fixed on one side of the electromagnet 2 'or fixing face, facing the first armature 10.

The electromagnet 2 'can be fixed on the bottom 12' of the housing-shaped support 12 by means of at least one screw 14 freely passing through the bottom 12 'and, where appropriate, the first armature 10, coming from screw into the fixing face of the electromagnet 2 '. In addition, the head 14 'of the or each screw 14 may be axially movable in a housing 16 formed said bottom 12' so as to allow the displacement of the electromagnet 2 'and its spacing from said bottom 12' when a constraint opening on the latter. Furthermore, the or each housing 16 may comprise an abutment face 16 'limiting the stroke of the head 14' of the corresponding screw 14 and therefore the traction displacement of the electromagnet 2 'under the effect of a stress of 'opening. Furthermore, the or each screw 14 may comprise an elastic member 15 for recalling elastically, upon the disappearance of the opening stress, the electromagnet 2 'to its equilibrium position.

The or each elastic member 15 may be an elastic washer that can be provided to surround the body of the corresponding screw 14 between its head 14 'and the corresponding abutment face 16' of the support 12 in the form of a housing.

• à détecter et à mesurer la tension d'alimentation délivrée par l'alimentation 3 connectée audit système,
• à commander l'électroaimant 2' en commutant périodiquement la tension d'alimentation aux bornes de ce dernier, ce à partir d'un signal périodique carré ou rectangulaire ou signal de commutation et d'adaptation de tension S' (figure 3), de fréquence variable ou non et de rapport cyclique variable ou rapport cyclique de commutation et d'adaptation de tension,
• à comparer la tension d'alimentation avec une tension de référence, de préférence égale à la tension nominale, et, à défaut d'égalité entre lesdites tensions d'alimentation détectée et de référence, à régler le rapport cyclique de commutation et de d'adaptation de tension de sorte que celui-ci vérifie l'équation de proportionnalité suivante : V * k = RI où le paramètre k est ledit rapport cyclique, avec 0 <= k <= 1, et le paramètre R la valeur de la résistance électrique globale ou moyenne de l'électroaimant et, d'une part, à attribuer au paramètre V la tension d'alimentation détectée et mesurée et, d'autre part, au paramètre I une valeur prédéterminée du courant, proportionnelle au courant nominal, à établir dans l'électroaimant,
• à effectuer le réglage du rapport cyclique de commutation et d'adaptation de tension de manière discrète ou, éventuellement continue.

In an additional feature of the system according to the present invention, the electromagnetic pad 2 may furthermore integrate voltage detection means 4 making it possible to detect the supply voltage delivered by the power supply 3 connected to said pad and the means for processing and electronic control 5, 6 are furthermore capable of:

• detecting and measuring the supply voltage delivered by the power supply 3 connected to said system,
• controlling the electromagnet 2 'by periodically switching the supply voltage across the latter, from a square or rectangular periodic signal or switching signal and voltage adaptation S' ( figure 3 ), variable frequency or not and variable duty cycle or duty cycle switching and voltage adaptation,
• comparing the supply voltage with a reference voltage, preferably equal to the nominal voltage, and, in the absence of equality between said sensed and reference supply voltages, to adjust the duty cycle and switching ratio. voltage adaptation so that it verifies the following proportionality equation: V * k = RI where the parameter k is said duty cycle, with 0 <= k <= 1, and the parameter R the value of the electrical resistance overall or average of the electromagnet and, firstly, to assign to the parameter V the detected and measured supply voltage and, secondly, to the parameter I a predetermined value of the current, proportional to the nominal current, to be established in the electromagnet,
• adjusting the switching duty cycle and voltage matching in a discrete or possibly continuous manner.

This is to automatically and electronically adapt said system to the supply voltage of the power supply to which it is connected.

The continuous setting can consist of a gradual variation of the duty cycle of switching and voltage adaptation until it reaches a value substantially satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the parameter I as a function of the standby mode or the working mode.

The discrete setting may consist in choosing from a set of predetermined values of the duty cycle and voltage adaptation duty cycle, the predetermined value satisfying said proportionality equation, for a predetermined value of the I parameter according to the sleep mode or the mode. to control, and, secondly, to set the duty cycle k to said predetermined value chosen.

The aforementioned predetermined values can be stored in electronic storage means of the type comprising one or more electronic memory (s) that can be integrated into the processing and control means 5, 6.

It will be recalled that the winding of an electromagnet 2 'can be modeled by a resistor R in series on an inductance L and that if V (t) is called the voltage applied to the electromagnet 2', its coil or winding or its electrical equivalent consisting of at least two coils or windings, and I (t) the current flowing therethrough, the differential equation which connects the voltage V (t) to the current I (t) is written: V ( t) = RI (t) + LdI (t) / dt where dI (t) is the derivative of the current I (t) with respect to time.

We will not take into account the possible parasitic capacitance whose effects at the frequencies which occupy us are negligible.

It will also be recalled that the variation in time of the current in response to a voltage slot is described by a decreasing exponential function ΔI = I _o (1-e ^{-t / τ} ) and that the time constant of the coil τ = L / R varies according to the electromagnets existing on the market, but remains of the order of a few microseconds.

Finally, it should be noted that the average current which passes through the electromagnet 2 'and which causes the effect of magnetic attraction and retention of the counterplate 1 by the electromagnet 2' consists of an active component corresponding to the energy actually supplied by the power supply 3 and a reactive component corresponding to the electromagnetic energy stored and exchanged alternately between the electromagnet 2 'and the processing and control means 5, 6. Such a mean current I _m is proportional to the supply voltage according to the following equation I _m = kV / R where R is the dead resistance of the electromagnet 2 ', k is the duty cycle and V is the supply voltage. The power supply 3 thus only sees the active component of this current which is therefore, especially for the intermediate values of the duty ratio k, less than the total current.

According to the present invention, the switching frequencies of the switching signal (S) may, for example, be of the order of 15 kHz, and therefore of period T = 67us. It will be noted that the time constant τ of the coil is therefore much greater than the duration T of a complete alternation of cutting as defined preferentially according to the present invention. The possible relative variations of the current are therefore very small, for example, less than about 2%, and it is thus possible as a first approximation to consider that the current variations in time intervals of the order of the switching period are of the form ΔI = I _o t / τ. Since t / τ is always small, it is possible to consider that the current is substantially constant.

In a preferred embodiment of the electronic processing and control means 5, 6, these can essentially comprise an electronic processing and control circuit 5 connected to the power supply 3. The latter is particularly suitable for processing all information from the respectively voltage detection means 4 and, where appropriate, opening constraint detecting means 10, 11 and for generating, according to said information, the consumption switching and consumption reduction signal S and / or, if necessary, the switching signal and voltage adaptation S 'for the control of the electromagnet 2'. The processing and control means 5, 6 can also comprise an electronic control switch 6 that can be adapted to be controlled by said signal S or S 'to open or close so as to switch directly and periodically across the terminals of the electromagnet 2 'the supply voltage delivered by the power supply 3 connected to the electromagnetic lock 2 ( figure 4 ).

Preferably, the electronic processing and control circuit 5 may consist of a microcontroller 5 powered by a clean voltage by means of a voltage regulator 7, integrated or not in said microcontroller 5, connected to the power supply 3 of the suction cup . In addition, the switch 6 may consist of a switching transistor, for example a n-channel MOSFET transistor or enriched p-channel. Such a transistor may be interposed, for example in the case a n-channel transistor between the negative pole of the power supply 3 and the negative pole of the electromagnet 2 'or, if appropriate, for example in the case of a p-channel transistor, between the positive pole of the power supply 3 and the positive pole the electromagnet 2 '.

It will be noted that, if appropriate, the means for storing the predetermined values of the corresponding duty cycle can be integrated in the electronic processing and control circuit 5 of the processing and control means 5, 6 and more particularly in the microcontroller 5 .

The voltage detection means 4 may consist essentially of a divider bridge, preferably associated with a filtering capacitor 8 and a Zener diode 9, said diode 9 being intended to protect, if necessary, the microcontroller from possible overshoots. voltage beyond its maximum voltage.

Thus, the two functions of reducing the power consumption of the system and, if necessary, adapting the latter to at least one supply voltage, can use the same control principle of the state of the electromagnet. 2 'by variation of the corresponding cyclic ratios and the integration of the means for the implementation of these two functions in the electromagnetic pad 2 provides a very compact system from the point of view of electronic circuits.

• le mode de fonctionnement du système (mode veille ou mode travail,
• la tension d'alimentation (12 V ou 24V) de l'alimentation 3 connectée audit système et plus particulièrement à l'électroaimant 2' de la ventouse électromagnétique 2.

If we retain the two nominal power supply voltages of 12 V and 24 V, such a system according to the present invention, adapted to perform the two functions respectively of reducing the power consumption and, where appropriate, of adaptation voltage, can then take four distinct states, determined by the combination of two parameters which are:

• the operating mode of the system (standby mode or work mode,
• the supply voltage (12 V or 24 V) of the power supply 3 connected to said system and more particularly to the electromagnet 2 'of the electromagnet 2.

• mode travail, 12 V k = 1
• mode travail, 24 V k < 1, par exemple k = 0,5
• mode veille, 12 V k < 1, par exemple k = 0, 35
• mode veille, 24 V k < 0, 5 (mode travail, 24 V), par exemple k = 0,2.

As a result of these parameters, in the particular example of an adaptation of the system according to the present invention to two supply voltages (12 V and 24 V), four possible values of the corresponding duty cycle controlling the switching of the electromagnet 2 ' having one or more windings. Thus, the present invention can provide, for example, preferentially, the following values of the duty cycle for each mode of operation of the system and for each aforementioned supply voltage:

• work mode, 12 V k = 1
• working mode, 24 V k <1, for example k = 0.5
• standby mode, 12 V k <1, for example k = 0, 35
• sleep mode, 24 V k <0, 5 (working mode, 24 V), for example k = 0.2.

The numerical values of the corresponding duty cycle are given for information only, but must be adjusted according to the response curve of the attraction and retention force F as a function of the average current flowing through the electromagnet 2 'which does not is not linear because of the saturation effect by strong currents.

The voltage detection means 4, the processing and control means 5, 6 and, if appropriate, the means for detecting an opening constraint 10, 11 may be electrically powered preferably by the power supply 3 connected to the power supply. electromagnetic lock 2.

Furthermore, the present invention can provide that the electromagnet 2 comprises a control connection means 17, separate connection means ensuring its electrical connection to a power supply 3. The connecting means 17 allows to electrically connect the electromagnet 2 ' a fire panel, not shown, which activates or deactivates the electromagnet 2, regardless of the state of the power supply 3 to which it is connected. Furthermore, the present invention can provide that the disconnection of said connection means 17 deactivates the electromagnet 2 ', whatever the state of said supply 3. Such a possibility allows independent control of the electromagnetic suction cup system 2, according to the present invention. invention, by a fire station, low power, and dissociated from the power supply 3 connected thereto, which can then remain permanent.

The electronic implementation of such a control by a fire panel may be based on the electronic control of the switching transistors or ballast, not shown, which are, in known manner, in series on the winding or windings of the electromagnet 2 '. The control, as a priority, blocks said transistors, thereby interrupting the current in the electromagnet 2 '.

Thus thanks to the system according to the present invention does not require more than one supply line, coming directly from the continuous supply with adjustment of the duty cycle k by means of the processing and control means 5, 6, to control the 2 'electromagnet according to the method of the present invention, that is to say to control at least one coil, preferably a single coil, the electromagnet 2'. The supply voltage is thus directly cut, without the intermediary of voltage regulators as is the case for systems of the prior art such as that which is the subject of the document. US 2010/325967 . The number of members or constituent elements necessary for the system according to the present invention is therefore very small and guarantees a great compactness and a great simplicity of the system as well as an increased reliability and a modest cost.

The DC supply voltage supplied by the external power source activating the suction cup is used such that, preferably in a voltage range which may range, for example, from 10V to 30V, or more, and with such a method and such a system suitable for its implementation, the efficiency is close to 100% because the only energy consumption, which is not that of the coil or coils of the electromagnet 2 ', is due to the electronic part of control and more particularly, in the preferred embodiment, the electronic control circuit built around the microcontroller and the switching transistor, preferably MOSFET type, operating as a switch.

Finally, the opening constraint detection means implemented in the system according to the present invention, and more particularly the capacitive stress sensor, the armatures of the capacitor of said sensor are directly integral respectively with the fixed part (cradle of the fixed suction cup). its substrate) and the moving part (magnetic circuit in contact with the counterplate), guarantee an instantaneous or instantaneous conversion of the opening constraint detected and applied more particularly in variation of electrical capacitance of said sensor. In addition, such a capacitive sensor is read directly by the processing and control means and more particularly by the microcontroller, without intermediary.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (21)

A method of controlling an electromagnetic sucker system for more particularly for locking a door or a window, said system comprising a plywood (1) and an electromagnetic plunger (2) incorporating an electromagnet (2 ') provided with means connecting device for its electrical connection to a power supply (3) delivering a supply voltage of a given value, said electromagnet (2 ') being designed to operate efficiently, optimally or at a maximum nominal voltage by exerting, in lock mode, when traversed by a rated current at the rated voltage, a nominal attraction and retention force (F) on the plywood (1), characterized in that it consists of a vacuum system electromagnetic fit, in lock mode: - Electronically controlling the electromagnet (2 ') to put the system in one of two following locking modes: . a first mode of locking or working mode where the electromagnet (2 ') is controlled so as to establish in the latter a nominal or substantially nominal current causing a force of attraction and retention (F) nominal or substantially nominal, this to put said system in maximum working mode or, optionally, an intermediate current causing an attraction and retention force (F) intermediate lower than the nominal or substantially nominal attraction and retention force (F), for putting said system in intermediate work mode, . a second mode of locking or standby mode, to reduce the power consumption of said system, wherein the electromagnet (2 ') is controlled so as to establish in the latter a reduced current causing a force of attraction and restraint (F) reduced less than the nominal attraction and holding force (F) or, where applicable, the intermediate force of attraction and retention (F), - to subject the control of the electromagnet (2 ') either to the detection, controlling the working mode, or to the non-detection, controlling the standby mode, of a constraint of opening of the door or the window corresponding to a significant solicitation of its opening, either at a control signal from inside or outside said system, and that it consists of: - to control the electromagnet (2 ') by periodically switching the supply voltage to the terminals thereof, this from a square or rectangular periodic signal or switching signal and consumption reduction (S), report variable cyclic or cyclic ratio of switching and reduction of consumption, and variable frequency or not, - To control the electromagnet (2 ') to perform the transition from standby mode to work mode or vice versa by adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction so that it verifies the following equation of proportionality: V * k = RI where the parameter k is the cyclic ratio and the parameter R is the value of the overall or average electrical resistance of the electromagnet (2 ') and to assign, on the one hand, to the parameter V the value of the voltage d supply and, on the other hand, parameter I a predetermined value of the current to be established in the electromagnet (2 ') according to the standby mode or the working mode to be controlled, - Set the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction discreetly or, optionally, continuously. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that it consists in discretely adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction ratio to trigger: - instantaneously or almost instantaneously, the transition from standby mode to work mode, when the detected opening constraint is greater than or equal to a high threshold opening constraint for setting maximum working mode, if necessary to a constraint of low threshold opening less than said high threshold opening constraint for the intermediate work setting, the transition from the working mode to the standby mode, when the opening constraint is no longer detected, that is to say when it is less than or equal to the high threshold opening constraint, as the case may be to the low threshold opening constraint,
and in that the force representative of the high threshold opening stress, where appropriate the intermediate opening stress, is smaller than the reduced force of attraction and restraint. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it consists, in lock mode, of electronically controlling the electromagnet (2 ') to put the system in a third mode of locking or acceleration mode where the electromagnet (2') is controlled to temporarily establish in the latter a current of value greater than that of the nominal current, this temporarily increasing the value of the duty cycle (k) beyond the value of the duty cycle (k) controlling the setting of said system in the work mode and to increase the rise speed of the attraction force and nominal restraint (F). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in continuously adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction ratio by continuously varying it to progressively achieve: the transition from standby mode to work mode as a function of the progressive increase of the detected opening constraint, - the transition from working mode to standby mode as a function of the progressive decrease of the detected opening constraint. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection of the opening stress is performed by detecting a displacement of a part of said system and more particularly a displacement of the electromagnet (2 ') . Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the detection of the opening stress is achieved by measuring a variation of electrical capacitance depending on the displacement of the concerned part of said system, more particularly of the electromagnet (2 ' ). Method according to any one of claims 5 to 6, each taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that it consists in controlling the variation of the cyclic ratio of switching and consumption reduction to a frequency signal whose frequency is an increasing continuous function of said opening constraint. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises: detecting and measuring the supply voltage delivered by the power supply (3) connected to said suction cup (2), - controlling the electromagnet (2 ') by periodically switching the supply voltage across the latter, from a square or rectangular periodic signal or voltage switching and adaptation signal (S'), of variable or non-variable frequency and of variable duty ratio or duty cycle of commutation and voltage adaptation, comparing the supply voltage with a reference voltage, preferably equal to the nominal voltage, and, in the absence of equality between said detected and reference supply voltages, setting the switching duty cycle and voltage adaptation so that it verifies the following proportionality equation: V * k = RI where the parameter k is said duty cycle, with 0 <= k <= 1, and the parameter R the value of the electrical resistance overall or average of the electromagnet (2 ') and, firstly, to assign to the parameter V the detected and measured supply voltage and, secondly, to the parameter I a predetermined value of the current, proportional to the current nominal, to be established in the electromagnet (2 '), - to adjust the switching ratio and voltage adaptation in a discrete manner or, optionally, continuously,
this to automatically and electronically adapt said system to the supply voltage of the power supply (3) to which it is connected. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that it allows automatic and electronic adaptation of said system to two DC supply voltages, where appropriate three DC supply voltages, respectively delivered by three separate power supplies, namely: on the one hand, a first supply voltage V1, preferably equal to the nominal voltage of said electromagnetic pad, and, on the other hand, a second supply voltage V2 greater than said first supply voltage V1, if applicable a third supply voltage V3 greater than said second supply voltage V2
and in that it consists in adjusting the duty cycle and voltage adaptation ratio, to adapt said system to one or other of said supply voltages V1, V2, V3, by attributing to said duty cycle a first value k1 or high value, when said system is connected to the first power supply and a second value k2, lower than said first value k1, when said system is connected to the second power supply, if necessary, a third value k3, lower than the second value k2, when said system is connected to the third power supply. Electromagnetic suction pad system, more particularly for locking a door or window in a building, said system comprising a counterplate (1) and an electromagnetic pad (2) incorporating an electromagnet (2 ') provided with connection means allowing its electrical connection to a supply (3) supplying a supply voltage, said electromagnet (2 ') being designed to operate efficiently, optimally or at a maximum nominal voltage by exerting, in lock mode of said system, when is traversed by a nominal current at said nominal voltage, a force of attraction and nominal retention on the counterplate (1),
characterized in that : the electromagnetic pad (2) incorporates electronic processing and control means (5, 6) and opening constraint detecting means (10, 11) connected to said processing and control means (5, 6); , for detecting and measuring the opening stress as defined in claim 1, said processing and control means are able, on the one hand, to generate the switching and consumption reduction signal (S) defined in claim 1 and to control the electromagnet (2 '), to put said system in one of the two locking modes, if necessary three locking modes, namely the standby mode or the working mode or, where appropriate the acceleration mode, as defined in claim 1 or, where appropriate, in claim 3, adjusting the duty cycle switching and consumption reduction of said signal according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and, secondly, to allow the subjection of the control of the electromagnet (2 ') as defined in claim 1, and in that , optionally, said system comprises or is associated with means for transmitting the control signal as defined in claim 1. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the opening constraint detection means (10, 11) consist of means for detecting the movement of at least one element of the system caused by the opening constraint and more particularly the displacement of the electromagnet (2 '), as defined in any one of claims 4 to 5, said electromagnet (2') being fixed on the door or the window by means of a support (12). ) of fixation. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the stress detection means (10, 11) consist of a capacitive sensor (10, 11) for carrying out the method according to claim 6 and being integrated in said system and in that the processing and control means (5, 6) are able to measure the variation of electrical capacitance of said sensor and to control the electromagnet (2 ') as a function of said measurement, said variation of electrical capacitance depending on the displacement the relevant part of said system, more particularly the electromagnet (2 '), due to the opening constraint. System according to Claim 12, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (10, 11) is associated with an oscillator capable of generating the frequency signal, as defined in Claim 7, in a logical, square or rectangular form, the Frequency decreases continuously as the opening constraint increases, so as to enslave the progressive variation of the cyclic ratio of switching and consumption reduction to said frequency signal. System according to any one of Claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the capacitive sensor comprises a capacitor essentially provided with two armatures (10) and (11) separated by an air gap (13), namely a first armature (10). ) secured to the support (12) on which is fixed the electromagnet (2 ') and a second armature (11) integral with the latter and in that the electromagnet (2') is fixed on its support (12) by the intermediate means (14) associated with elastic return means (15) allowing a displacement of the electromagnet (2 ') from an equilibrium position, under the effect of an opening constraint exerting traction on said electromagnet (2 '), with elastic return of said electromagnet (2') to its equilibrium position upon the disappearance of said stress, said displacement then having the effect of modifying the gap (13) between said reinforcements (10) and (11) and hence its capacity. System according to claim 14, characterized in that the support (12) has a housing shape comprising an inner wall or bottom (12 ') extending substantially perpendicular to the tensile force that can be exerted on the electromagnet (2 ') and in that the first armature (10) is fixed on said bottom (12'), facing the electromagnet (2 ') and the second armature (11) is fixed on one side of the electromagnet (2 ') or fixing face, facing the first frame (10). System according to claim 15, characterized in that the electromagnet (2 ') is fixed on the bottom (12') of the housing-shaped support (12) via at least one screw (14) passing through freely said bottom (12 ') and, where appropriate, the first armature (10), coming to screw into the attachment face of the electromagnet (2') and in that the head (14 ') of the each screw (14) is axially movable in a recess (16) formed in said bottom (12 ') so as to allow the electromagnet (2') to move and to move away from said bottom (12 ') when a constraint of opening is exerted on the latter, the or each housing (16) having an abutment face (16 ') limiting the stroke of the head (14') of the corresponding screw (14) and in that the or each screw (14) comprises an elastic member (15) for resiliently returning, upon the disappearance of the opening stress, the electromagnet (2 ') to its equilibrium position. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the or each elastic member (15) is an elastic washer surrounding the body of the corresponding screw (14) between its head (14 ') and the corresponding abutment face (16') housing-shaped support (2). System according to one of Claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the electromagnetic pad (2) additionally incorporates voltage detection means (4) for detecting and measuring the supply voltage of the power supply (3) connected to said system and in that the electronic processing and control means (5, 6) are furthermore capable, on the one hand, of generating the voltage switching and adaptation signal (S ') such as defined in claim 8 and to compare the detected supply voltage with the reference voltage defined in claim 8 and, on the other hand, to adjust the duty cycle for switching and voltage matching according to the method according to the invention. any of claims 7 to 8. System according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the processing and control means (5, 6) essentially comprise, on the one hand, an electronic circuit (5) connected to the power supply (3). ) and being adapted to generate the switching and consumption reduction signal (S) and / or, if appropriate, the voltage switching and adaptation signal (S ') and, on the other hand, a electronic control (6) able to be controlled in opening or closing by said signal (S) or (S ') so as to switch directly and periodically across the terminals of the electromagnet (2') the supply voltage delivered by the power supply (3) connected to the suction cup. System according to Claim 19, characterized in that the electronic circuit (5) consists of a microcontroller (5) powered by a natural voltage by means of a voltage regulator (7), integrated or not in said microcontroller (5), connected to the power supply (3) of the electromagnet (2) and in that the control switch (6) consists of a switching transistor, for example a n-channel MOSFET transistor or an enriched p-channel transistor, transistor being interposed, for example in the case of a n-channel transistor, between the negative pole of the power supply (3) and the negative pole of the electromagnet (2 ') or, if appropriate, for example in the case a p-channel transistor between the positive pole of the power supply (3) and the positive pole the electromagnet (2 '). System according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the voltage detection means (4) consist essentially of a divider bridge, preferably associated with a filter capacitor (4 ') and a Zener diode. (4 "), said diode being intended to protect, if necessary, the microcontroller (5) of possible overshoots beyond its maximum operating voltage.

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