EP3028289A1

EP3028289A1 - Electromagnetic actuator for a heat engine starter

Info

Publication number: EP3028289A1
Application number: EP14790163.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicolas Labbe
Original assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
Priority date: 2013-08-02
Filing date: 2014-07-31
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-31
Also published as: FR3009425A1; FR3009425B1; EP3028289B1; WO2015015124A1

Abstract

The electromagnetic actuator for a heat engine starter comprises at least one winding (24; 25) for creating a magnetic field and a magnetic circuit cooperating with the winding in order to cause a magnetic flux to circulate therein. The magnetic circuit comprises a yoke (322, 323) and a mobile core (321) that can be moved from an initial position to an end position. The magnetic field of the winding creates a magnetic force that acts on the mobile core in order to move it from the initial position to the end position. The yoke and the mobile core each have at least one protrusion, that of the yoke forming an opening. The protrusion of the mobile core, in the initial position, is outside the opening, then penetrates the opening when it moves from the initial position to the end position, remaining in this penetration position when the mobile core is in the end position. This means that the magnetic force is maximised before the end position, which limits the size of the shock.

Description

ELECTROMAGNETIC STARTER ACTUATOR FOR

THERMAL MOTOR

The present invention relates to a starter for a combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to an electromagnetic contactor for such a starter and more particularly to an electromagnetic actuator for such a contactor.

Starters for a motor vehicle are well known. A starter marketed by the applicant under the reference CED5 is illustrated in FIG. 1. This starter 1 comprises an electromagnetic contactor 10 and an electric motor 40 coupled to a launcher 50 slidably mounted on an output shaft 52. When powered, the contactor 10 causes the launcher 50 to slide to engage a pinion 51 thereof with a ring gear 53 (shown partially) coupled to the heat engine (not shown) and the power supply of the electric motor 40. Thus, the rotation of the electric motor 40 is transmitted to the engine to start it.

The contactor 10 causes the power supply of the electric motor 40 through a normally open electric power contact K which is formed by two fixed terminals 13, 14 and a contact plate 12 forming a moving contact. The contact plate 12 is carried by a control rod 13. A spring 15, called the contact return spring, resiliently urges the contact plate 12 away from the terminals 13, 14.

The contactor 10 comprises an electromagnetic actuator 20. The actuator 20 comprises two concentric electrical coils, namely a call coil 25 and a holding coil 24. These are placed in a breech made of ferromagnetic material in the form of a tank. in two parts, namely a circumferential portion 22 and a fixed core 23 constituting the bottom of the tank. The actuator 20 comprises a movable core 21 shown in the rest position, that is to say when the coils 24, 25 are not powered. The circumferential portion 22 comprises a wall extending radially towards the axis of the yoke in which is formed a passage opening for the movable core 21. The movable core 21 is made of ferromagnetic material. The movable core 21 dips through this opening into the yoke and inside the coils 24, 25, along the common axis of the yoke and the coils, under the effect of their magnetic field when they are fed. The guide of the movable core 22 is made by a bearing 30 held in place in the yoke, the bearing 30 bearing the coils 24, 25. When it plunges into the yoke, the movable core 21 slidably drives an actuating rod 28 which tilts a pivoting lever 60 which urges the launcher 50 to engage its pinion 51 with the crown 53.

The mobile core 20 then pushes a control rod 11 which carries the contact plate 12, which has the effect of bringing the latter into contact with the two fixed terminals 13, 14, thereby closing the electrical contact K of the contactor 20 through which the electric motor 40 is powered. The rotation of the electric motor 40 is then transmitted to the engine by means of the launcher 50 and its pinion 51 which is already partially meshing with the ring gear 53 when the electrical contact of the contactor 20 is closed, except in the case, to which we will return below, where a tooth of the pinion 51 abuts against the lateral edge of a tooth of the crown 53.

The contact plate 12 is coupled to the control rod 11 by a spring 16, called the contact crush spring which has a higher stiffness than the contact spring 15. The spring 16 allows the control rod 11 to slide through the contact plate 12 when the latter has come into contact, and therefore abuts, on the fixed terminals 13, 14. Therefore, the mobile core 21 can continue to to plunge into the cylinder head despite the fact that the contact plate 12 has come into abutment on the fixed terminals 13, 14. The mobile core 21 is stopped when it abuts on the fixed core 23, which corresponds to the magnetic bonding of the movable core 21 on the fixed core 23. The fixed terminals 13, 14 and the contact plate 12 are housed in a cover 17 of insulating material which is fixed on the cylinder head.

The dive of the movable core 21 in the cylinder head is against a return spring 26 mounted between the yoke and a resilient ring 27 mounted at the rear end of the movable core 21. The movable core return spring 26 pushes the movable core 21 from its position in abutment against the fixed core 23 to and to the rest position (the one shown) when the magnetic force ceases to be exerted on the movable core 21. The contact spring 15 and the contact crushing spring 16 also contributes to pushing the movable core 21 towards the rest position over part of its path from the abutting position.

The actuating rod 28 is coupled to the movable core 21 by a spring 29, called a tooth against tooth spring, which has a higher stiffness than that of the movable core return spring 26. This spring allows the movable core 21 to continue to plunge into the cylinder head, and thereby actuate closing the electrical power contact K, in the case where a tooth of the pinion 51 would strike the lateral edge of a tooth of the ring 51, thereby preventing their meshing engagement. The subsequent starting of the electric motor 40 by closing the electrical contact power K then allows meshing engagement of the pinion 51 with the ring 53 due to the rotation of the pinion 51 that it causes and the fact that the pinion 51 is simultaneously urged in sliding towards the ring 53 by the core mobile 21 and the tooth spring against tooth 29.

In case the pinion 51 remains stuck in the ring 53, a cut-off game

61 is provided to allow the effective return of the movable core 21 in the rest position. This cutting game 61 consists in the fact that the pivot axis of the lever 60 is free to slide parallel to the axes of movement of the launcher 50 and the movable core 21 to a suitable distance to allow the movable core 21 of return to the rest position while the pinion 51 has remained engaged in the ring 53.

Figure 2 illustrates the electrical diagram of the starter 1 in a rest situation. The contact S symbolizes the contact operated by the ignition key of the motor vehicle or by any other device of the motor vehicle for energizing the starter 1, while the positive pole of the battery of the motor vehicle is referenced by '+ ΒΑΤΤ' . The battery typically supplies DC 12V in the case of cars for which the CED5 reference starter is provided. Alternatively, the battery voltage is usually 24 V for starters for trucks or other heavier vehicles.

The detailed operation of the starter 1 is as follows.

Closing the contact S, for example when the user actuates the ignition key of the vehicle, causes the power supply of the electric circuit of the starter 1. In other words, the currents are established in the coils 24, 25. The current s It is established in the call coil 25 through the electric motor 40, but the latter does not start rotating because the voltage across its terminals is insufficient because of the call coil 25 in series with it. The ampere-turns generated by the coils 24, 25 have their contributions to the magnetic flux which are added (in absolute value) and the latter flows in the magnetic circuit defined by the cylinder head - that is to say the part 22 and the fixed core 23 and possibly the pad according to its material -, the movable core 21 and the gap between the front portion of the movable core 22 and the fixed core 23. This results in a magnetic force exerted on the movable core 21 which tends to move it to reduce the air gap, in other words this force urges the movable core 21 towards the fixed core 23. As soon as this magnetic force is sufficient to overcome the preload of the return spring 26 of the movable core and the adhesion forces mobile core 21, the latter begins to move.

At first, the movable core 21 catches the cutoff clearance 61 while compressing the movable core return spring 26. When he has finished catching the game cutoff 61, the movable core 21 drives the lever 60 pivotally which pushes the launcher 50 towards the ring 53. In fact, the launcher 50 is driven both by an axial displacement towards the ring 53 and by a rotation that the launcher 50 is mounted helically - not shown - on the output shaft 52, which facilitates the engagement of the pinion 51 with the ring 53.

When the pinion 51 arrives at the level of the ring 53, two situations can arise.

In a first situation which is favorable, a tooth of the pinion 51 coincides with a tooth of the crown 53: the pinion then enters the ring 53, the launcher 50 continuing to be pushed by the movable core 21 which continues its movement towards the fixed core 23. In its movement, the movable core 21 causes the closing of the power contact K, which has the effect of supplying the electric motor 40 by the battery of the vehicle which engine starts to rotate. The rotation of the electric motor 40 causes the pinion 51 to move to an abutment ring 54 which is fixed on the output shaft 52, due to a screwing phenomenon resulting from the rotation of the output shaft 52 with which the launcher 50 is in helical connection while the launcher 50 is braked in rotation by the ring 53 coupled to the heat engine which is still at a standstill. When the pinion 51 comes into abutment against the stop ring 54, the launcher 50 transmits the rotation of the electric motor 40 to the ring gear 53 which therefore drives the heat engine until it starts.

In a second less favorable situation, a tooth of the pinion 51 meets the lateral edge of a tooth of the ring 53: the axial displacement of the launcher 50 is then stopped. The mobile core 21, however, continues its movement towards the fixed core 23 thanks to the spring 29 of tooth against tooth which is compressed and will close the power contact K, which causes the power supply of the electric motor 40 by the vehicle battery which engine so begins to turn. The rotation of the electric motor 40 rotates the launcher 50, which will allow the pinion 51 to come into meshing engagement with the ring 53 when a tooth of the pinion 51 passes in front of a tooth of the crown 53 The pinion 51 meshes with the ring gear 53 under the combined effect of the push of the tooth-to-tooth spring 29 and the reaction of the helical connection between the starter 51 and the output shaft 52.

After closing the power contact K, only the holding coil 24 is still powered. Indeed, the call coil 25 is short-circuited by the power contact K as the contact S is closed. It is therefore only the holding coil 24 that provides the magnetic field and therefore the magnetic displacement force exerted on the movable core 21. The magnetic force remains however sufficient to move the movable core 21 to the stop on the fixed core 23 after compressing the spring 16 of contact crushing. The mobile core 21 is then in magnetic bonding on the movable core 23.

Once the ring 53 rotated by the electric motor 40, the engine starts after a few compressions. When the engine has started or during its compressions, it drives the pinion 51 at a speed greater than the rotational speed of the output shaft 52 which is driven by the electric motor 40. This is made possible because the launcher 50 is designed to operate freewheel relative to the output shaft 52 in the case where it is the ring 53 which drives the pinion 51 instead of the reverse.

At the opening of the contact S, for example the release of the ignition key, the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24 are then connected in series and powered by the battery via the power contact K The call coil 25 is therefore traversed by the same current as the holding coil 24, but in the opposite direction. Because of this, and because the number of turns of the two coils are identical, their magnetic fields cancel each other out, as well as the magnetic forces that they exert on the mobile core 21. As a result, the mobile core 21 moves back towards the position of resting under the combined action of the movable core return spring 26, the contact spring 15 and the contact crush spring 16. The power contact K opens under the action of the contact spring 15, thus cutting off the power of the electric motor 40 which stops. As indicated, the movable core 21 retreats even if the pinion 51 remains locked in the ring 53 by the clearance clearance 61, a situation which corresponds to the case where the heat engine would not have started. On the other hand, if the engine has started, the pinion 51 is disengaged from the ring gear 53, in particular by the reaction effect of the helical link between the launcher 50 and the output shaft 52.

The development of such a starter is nevertheless delicate because it must satisfy strong constraints such as:

- Limited space, including outer diameter of the cylinder head often less than or equal to 54 mm;

- very large temperature operating range: the ambient temperature can be between -30 ° C and + 40 ° C, being reminded that at low temperatures, the viscosity of the lubricant of the launcher increases substantially, which increases the resistance efforts the movement of it;

- proximity of the starter with the engine and the exhaust of the motor vehicle, which can bring the temperature of the starter up to 120 ° C, or 140 ° C, and thus substantially change the resistance of the call coils 25 and 24, thus reducing the current passing through them and therefore correlatively the magnetic force of displacement of the movable core 21;

- Need to limit the current density in the call coils 25 and 24 maintenance to avoid excessive heating.

The design of the electromagnetic starter actuators according to the example of the actuator 20 is considered to be particularly advantageous because it provides a magnetic force for moving the movable core 21 which increases as it moves towards the fixed core while at the same time. along his displacement. This is easily understood in view of Figure 3 which is a simplified diagram of the magnetic circuit of the actuator 20, the movable core 21 being shown in a position remote from its final position: the magnetic field lines channeled by the magnetic circuit y are represented and referenced by LC while the magnetic displacement force of the mobile core is symbolized by two arrows referenced F. This effect is in keeping with the fact that the antagonistic mechanical forces exerted on the mobile core 21 also grow with the displacement of the movable core 21 since it must overcome the tension of the return spring 26 of the movable core to which is added successively if applicable that of the spring 29 of tooth against tooth and those of the spring 15 of contact return and spring 16 crush contact.

This situation is illustrated by the curves of FIG. 4 in which the curve 'a' schematizes the force opposed by the springs to the displacement of the movable core 21 towards the fixed core 23 as a function of the position of the movable core on its path of travel. rest position (initial position) to the position in abutment against the fixed core 23 (end position). The abscissa axis gives the position of the movable core 21 by indicating the length in millimeters of the gap separating the movable core 21 from the fixed core 23 and the ordinate axis indicates the force expressed in Newton. The curve 'a' has several portions as follows:

- portion Ί ': opposite force by the return spring 26 of mobile core;

- portion '2': opposite force together by the spring 26 of movable core return and the spring 29 tooth against tooth;

- portion '3': opposite force together by the spring 26 of the movable core return, the spring 29 against tooth and the spring 15 contact return;

- portion '4': opposite force together by the spring 26 of the movable core return, the spring 15 of the contact spring and the spring 16 of contact crush. Just a little before the transition of the portion '3' and the portion '4' occurs the conjunction, that is to say the closure of the power contact K which then allows to overcome the situation of tooth against tooth of the pinion 51 against the ring 53 due to the rotation of the electric motor 40, which is why the spring 29 of tooth against tooth does not contribute to the forces to be overcome by the movable core 21 on the portion '4' of the curve 'a'.

The curve 'b' is a theoretical curve deduced from the curve 'a' by applying a safety multiplier coefficient (1,1 in our example) to represent the desired minimum value for the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 21. any point of its displacement from the rest position to its abutment on the fixed core 23.

The curve 'c' schematizes the magnetic displacement force exerted on the movable core 21 as a function of the position of the movable core 21 in its path from the rest position (initial position) to the position in abutment with the core (position final) when the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24 are both energized so that their ampere-turns are added (in absolute value), it being specified that this is in this case a characteristic curve of the constant current actuator, namely a current of 30.5 A through these two coils supplied with direct current. As illustrated, the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 21 increases as the air gap decreases and is always above the 'b' curve. This increase becomes particularly strong when the air gap becomes weak.

On the portion '4' which is the last part of the displacement of the movable core 21 towards the fixed core 23, the call coil 25 is short-circuited: it is the holding coil 24 which generates the magnetic field alone and therefore the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 21. The curve diagrammatically shows the magnetic displacement force exerted by the magnetic field of the only holding coil 24 as a function of the gap between the mobile core 21 and the fixed core 23, it being specified that this is also a characteristic curve of the constant current actuator, namely 10 A passing through the single DC supply coil 24. As can be seen, this magnetic displacement force is sufficient to overcome the antagonistic forces on the '4' portion of the displacement of the mobile core 21, all the more so as it grows very rapidly over this portion. In addition, the high level reached by the magnetic force ensures excellent bonding of the movable core 21 to the fixed core 23 and thus an excellent maintenance in closing of the power contact K of the electromagnetic contactor 10. As indicated, the curves 'c' and 'd' are characteristic curves of the actuator each time for a given constant current. In other words, these curves are extracted from the set of characteristic curves of the actuator each representing the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 21 as a function of its position each time for another operating current of the actuator. For the good understanding, it is recalled that to compare the antagonistic force of the springs of such constant constant current curves makes sense, although the real phenomenon is based on a powering of the actuator which causes a current transient regime, settling from zero to a certain regime as a function of time, thus passing through different curves of the set of characteristic curves of the actuator each representing the magnetic force acting on the movable core 21 for a given current, and for a position of the mobile core 21 also variable in time. From this point of view, the curve 'cl' is the homologous curve of the curve 'c', but for a constant current of 42a passing through both the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24. In this case, the current of 42 A is the maximum current distributed in the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24 when they are supplied with 12 V DC and placed at a temperature of 120 ° C, for a starter. reference CED5 (in other words, it is the current imposed by the only resistances of the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24 at this temperature). The curve 'cl' thus gives the maximum magnetic force that can act on the movable core 21 to move it as a function of the position of the movable core 21 in its path under operating conditions at 120 ° C. As can be seen, the curve 'c1' is noticeably above the curve 'b' representing the opposing forces of the springs, which ensures that the actuator will work properly in any event up to this temperature of 120 ° vs. It will be understood that at ambient temperature, the curve 'c' is not representative of the maximum magnetic force that can be exerted on the mobile core 21, but that the curve representative of the latter would actually be located above of the curve 'cl' since the maximum current that can pass through the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24 at room temperature is greater than 42 A since the resistance of these coils is lower than ambient temperature compared to the case of the temperature at 120 ° C.

The starter electromagnetic contactors according to the previously described design, however, have disadvantages or difficulties of development, in particular related to the iron-on-iron shock when the mobile core 21 abuts against the fixed core 23.

Thus, from the electrical point of view, the impact of the movable core 21 against the fixed core 23 can cause the contact plate 12 of the power contact K to jump on the fixed terminals 13, 14. However, it is crossed by the current absorbed by the electric motor 40 which is high, generally between 300 and 500 A, its inrush current of up to 1000 A. To limit the erosion of power contact K, it is desirable to prevent the contact plate 12 jumps or at least it jumps during the current draw phase of the electric motor 40. Moreover, given the large current through the contact of power K, when the contact plate 12 jumps on the fixed terminals 13, 14, this results in electrical disturbances in the motor vehicle that may affect the car radio, the on-board computer, etc ...

From the mechanical point of view, the repetition of the shocks of the movable core 21 against the fixed core 23 can also eventually lead to a mechanical degradation of the movable core 21 and the fixed core 23. Furthermore, it is desirable to ensure that the pinion 51 is moved a sufficient distance to at least slightly meshing engagement with the ring 53 before the power contact K is closed (when it is not in the case of tooth against tooth of the pinion 51 with the ring 53), in order to prevent the pinion 51, driven by the electric motor 40, from "milling" the ring 53, which would destroy these parts. This coordination is difficult to develop because it is usual for the chain of transmission of the movement of the movable core 21 to the pinion 51 has a certain flexibility provided in particular by the spring 29 tooth against tooth and the helical connection between the launcher 50 and the output shaft 52 usually made with splines, which is usually voluntarily increased for example by making the lever 60 of plastic material. This flexibility makes it possible to limit the initial magnetic force of displacement of the mobile core 21 necessary to overcome the inertia of the mechanism, and thus makes it possible to use smaller call and hold coils 24. On the other hand, this flexibility causes a delay in displacement of the pinion 51 relative to that of the mobile core 21, given the significant acceleration thereof, which creates a risk of closing the power contact K before the pinion 51 has come into meshing engagement with the crown 53. In an attempt to ensure this coordination, it is known to FR 2 710 695 A1 to resort to means for limiting the initial acceleration of the mobile core when it is put under control. voltage of the electromagnetic contactor, in particular by conferring on the mobile core a cross section with a variable area along its axis. For the same purpose, it has also been proposed to control the current flowing through the coil as described, for example, in EP 1 108 139 A1. However, these documents do not deal with the problem related to iron-on-iron shock, and with second, the implementation of the proposed measures are costly.

These drawbacks and difficulties of development are somewhat attenuated in the prior art, on the one hand, by stopping feeding the call coil 25 on the portion '4' of displacement of the movable core 21 (on closure of the power contact K), which is in the sense of a limitation of the importance of the impact iron-iron, and, secondly, by the shape in conical cap of the fixed core 23 and the corresponding recessed shape of the front portion of the movable core 21, which has the effect of limiting to a certain extent the magnetic displacement force acting on the movable core 21 on a part of the displacement, as well as its speed of growth, which allows to limit somewhat the acceleration of the movable core 21 on the '4' part of the displacement.

But these measures are very insufficient in the case where, in keeping with the contemporary trend, motor vehicles are equipped with a function commonly known as "Stop & Start", that is to say that ensures the automatic stop and restart. of the engine as soon as the vehicle no longer moves during the journey, even for a short period of time, in order to save fuel and reduce pollution. In this case, the aforementioned drawbacks or difficulties are notably increased because the starter must be designed for a lifetime of at least 300,000 starts, or even 400,000, whereas it is ten times lower for the traditional start-up application only at the beginning. path. In addition, the electrical disturbances affecting the electrical devices on board the vehicle such as the car radio, the on-board computer or the dashboard during the journey are poorly tolerated by the vehicle users.

The object of the invention is to overcome or at least limit the aforementioned drawbacks and difficulties and to provide for this purpose a solution that is simple and inexpensive to implement.

To this end, the present invention proposes an electromagnetic actuator for a thermal engine starter, preferably for a motor vehicle, comprising:

at least one coil for creating a magnetic field when electrically powered; and

a magnetic circuit for circulating therethrough a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field created by the coil, which magnetic circuit comprises:

o a cylinder head; and

a mobile core from an initial position to a final position;

in which : the magnetic field of the coil creates a magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the final position, and

the yoke and the movable core each have at least one salience, the saliency of the yoke forming an opening,

and wherein:

the saliency of the mobile core in the initial position is outside the opening,

the saliency of the movable core enters the opening as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position, and the saliency of the movable core remains in the penetrating position in the opening when the movable core is in the final position .

The yoke and the movable core are preferably each made of a ferromagnetic material, preferably soft iron. Conventionally, the cylinder head may have a first opening, the movable core moving from the initial position to the final position by diving into the cylinder head by the first opening. The displacement of the movable core from the initial position to the final position is preferably rectilinear. The yoke preferably has a symmetry of revolution, the rectilinear displacement of the movable core being along the axis of the symmetry of revolution of the yoke. The axis of the coil or coils is preferably coincident with the axis of the symmetry of revolution of the cylinder head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cylinder head has a second opening, the movable core moving from the initial position to the final position by dipping into the cylinder head through the first opening to the second opening; and the movable core has a front portion forming a so-called saliency of the movable core. The front portion of the movable core in the initial position is outside the second opening. The front portion of the movable core penetrates into the second opening as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position, and the front portion of the movable core remains in the penetrating position in the second opening when the movable core is in position. final position. The second opening may advantageously have a section greater than or equal to the section of the front portion of the movable core so that the yoke is free of iron in front of the front portion of the movable core when the movable core moves towards the second opening. The outer surface of the portion of the movable core penetrating the bolt as it moves from the initial position to the final position may simply form a cylinder of revolution. Moreover, the actuator may also comprise a magnetically neutral abutment arranged in the second opening of the cylinder head to stop the movable core in the final position corresponding to a partial penetration of the movable core in the second opening. The stop may advantageously be able to damp the impact of the movable core against it.

According to another preferred embodiment, a so-called saliency of the movable core is arranged projecting with respect to the envelope surface of the mobile core which is contiguous to it on the side towards the front part of the mobile core. Said saliency of the movable core in the initial position is outside the first opening. Said saliency of the movable core penetrates into the first opening as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position, and said saliency of the movable core remains in the penetrating position in the first opening when the movable core is in the final position .

Furthermore, the movable core may advantageously have a shoulder of ferromagnetic material at the rear part of the movable core which shoulder is outside the cylinder head and faces an iron portion of the cylinder head around the first opening at least on a final portion of the displacement of the movable core when it plunges into the cylinder head. The first opening may advantageously have a frustoconical section narrowing in the direction from the outside to the inside of the cylinder head.

The actuator can also advantageously include:

elastic return means for elastically biasing the movable core towards the initial position;

an actuating rod intended to cooperate with a coupling device of the starter for coupling the electric motor of the starter with the heat engine,

elastic connecting means for elastically connecting the actuating rod to the movable core;

wherein the elastic return means has a stiffness lower than that of the elastic connection means. The return means is preferably a helical compression spring whose end is housed in a recess arranged in the front portion of the movable core, the other end of the spring bearing on a fixed portion of the actuator. According to a preferred implementation, an end of the actuating rod is housed in a recess arranged in the rear part of the movable core, the elastic means being a helical compression spring housed in the recess which spring bears on one end on the stem and at another end on the movable core. According to another aspect, the invention proposes an electromagnetic contactor for a thermal engine starter, comprising:

an electromagnetic actuator according to the invention; and

an electrical power contact for supplying the electric motor of the starter;

wherein the movable core of the actuator actuates the electrical power contact as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position.

According to one embodiment, the electrical power contact is normally open and comprises two fixed terminals and a movable contact contact plate. The movable core of the actuator actuates closing the electrical power contact by pressing the contact plate against the two fixed terminals when the movable core moves from the initial position to the final position. It is advantageous to provide an elastic element that solicits the electrical power contact towards the open position. It can also be provided with an elastic element allowing displacement of the movable core in the closing direction of the electrical contact after the contact plate is placed on the two fixed terminals, which is particularly advantageous, especially in the case where the direction closing the electrical power contact corresponds to the moving direction of the movable core from the initial position to the end position. The electrical power contact may advantageously comprise a control rod on which the contact plate is mounted, the movable core of the actuator actuating the control rod to close the electrical power contact when the movable core moves from the initial position. towards the final position. In this case, it can be provided an elastic element coupling the contact plate to the control rod to allow movement of the control rod in the closing direction of the electrical power contact after pressing the contact plate on the two fixed terminals, which is particularly advantageous especially in the case where the closing direction of the electrical power contact corresponds to the moving direction of the movable core from the initial position to the final position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises two coils, the contactor being arranged so that, when it is turned on, the two coils are fed simultaneously so that the ampere-turns generated by them have their contributions. to the magnetic flux flowing in the magnetic circuit that is added as long as the power contact is open while only one of the coils remains energized after closing the power contact. According to yet another aspect, the invention proposes a starter for a motor vehicle engine, comprising:

an electromagnetic contactor according to the invention;

an electric motor; and

a coupling device that can be actuated mechanically to couple the electric motor to the heat engine when it is mechanically actuated;

wherein the movable core of the electromagnetic contactor actuator mechanically actuates the coupling device as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position.

The coupling device preferably comprises a sliding launcher for engagement with a ring gear coupled to the engine, the starter further comprising:

elastic return means for elastically biasing the movable core of the actuator towards the initial position; and

resilient means for allowing the movable core of the actuator to continue to move to the final position in the event that the sliding launcher abuts against a tooth of the ring gear.

Preferably, the movable core slides the launcher by means of a pivoting lever. It can advantageously be provided that the movable core of the actuator of the electromagnetic contactor is stopped in the final position by balancing the magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it with the antagonistic forces urging the movable core to the initial position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the axis of rotation of the electric motor coincides with the sliding axis of the sliding launcher and that the displacement of the movable core from the initial position to the final position is rectilinear in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the electric motor, which advantageously contributes to the compactness of the starter.

For the sake of understanding, it is specified that the mobile core is considered as being limited to the part or the assembly of parts which all participate, with respect to the magnetic material of each, to the definition of the magnetic circuit and constitutes the moving part . The constituent part or parts of the mobile core are preferably made of a ferromagnetic material, as is the cylinder head. Is therefore not part of the mobile core any other part mounted on the movable part of the magnetic circuit since it does not participate significantly in the definition of the magnetic circuit with respect to their material, this part can therefore be considered as being magnetically neutral vis-à-vis the magnetic circuit. he may be pieces of diamagnetic or paramagnetic material which will have a negligible influence from the magnetic point of view on the operation of the actuator, for example the actuating rod cooperating with the coupling device of the starter to couple its electric motor to the engine.

It is also specified that the front portion and the rear portion of the movable core are defined with respect to the moving direction of the movable core from its initial position to its final position, it being understood that the initial position of the movable core corresponds to its position of rest when the actuator is not powered, that is to say when its coil - or none of them if it comprises more - is powered, and the final position of the movable core is its extreme position to the opposite the initial position that the mobile core reaches when the actuator is powered.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a section of a starter of the prior art;

Figure 2 is the electrical diagram of the starter of Figure 1, but is also applicable to that of Figures 8 and 9;

FIG. 3 diagrammatically represents the magnetic circuit of an electromagnetic actuator according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows, as a function of the displacement of the moving core of the starter actuator, the curves of the magnetic displacement forces acting on the moving core, as well as the opposing forces that they must overcome, both for the starter of Figure 1 than that of Figures 8 and 9;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 schematically represent the magnetic circuit of an electromagnetic actuator according to a respective embodiment of the invention, representing it in each case in three different positions of the mobile core; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a starter whose electromagnetic contactor, and more particularly its actuator, is according to the embodiment of FIG. 7.

As already mentioned, the electromagnetic actuator according to the invention is intended for a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle. It comprises at least one coil for creating a magnetic field when it is electrically powered and a magnetic circuit for circulating therethrough a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field created by the coil. The circuit magnetic comprises a cylinder head and a movable core. The latter is mobile from an initial position to a final position.

The one or more coils and the magnetic circuit are arranged so that the magnetic field of the coil or coils create a magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the final position.

Moreover, the yoke and the movable core each have at least one saliency which cooperate as explained below. More particularly, the saliency of the cylinder head forms an opening so that the saliency of the movable core in the initial position is outside the opening formed by the salience of the cylinder head and that the saliency of the movable core penetrates into this opening. when the movable core moves from the initial position to the final position, the saliency of the movable core remaining in the penetrating position in this opening when the movable core is in the final position. This measure is in the sense of maximizing the magnetic force of displacement of the moving core before it reaches the end position. Maximizing the magnetic force of displacement of the movable core before it reaches its final position is advantageous because, in a starter, the opposing forces acting on the mobile core also reach their maximum before the latter reaches the end position while they are smaller on the final portion of the displacement of the movable core, as illustrated by the curve 'a' of Figure 4 relating to the prior art. The arrangement of the magnetic circuit thus makes it possible to overcome the antagonistic forces exerted on the mobile core while avoiding increasing the magnetic displacement force of the mobile core on the last portion of the displacement of the movable core towards the final position. This results in a twofold advantage: on the one hand, the force of the possible impact of the mobile core on its limit stop is more limited compared to the case of the prior art and, on the other hand, the acceleration of the core. moving on the last part of the displacement of the movable core is less than in the prior art, which facilitates if necessary the coordination of meshing engagement of the starter sliding gear of the starter with the ring coupled to the engine.

Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the stop stop of the mobile core in the end position is no longer constituted by the iron of the cylinder head as was the case in the prior art (see the fixed core 23 of Figure 1), but with a plastic or other material may advantageously have mechanical damping properties to absorb the impact of the movable core against it. According to a further preferred embodiment, the stopping stop of the mobile core in the end position is simply omitted, the movable core being stopped by balancing the force. magnetic displacement of the movable core with the opposing forces, which advantageously eliminates any shock.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the magnetic circuit of an actuator according to a preferred embodiment, represented in three positions of its mobile core referenced 121 with respect to its cylinder head referenced C and each illustrating the magnetic field lines. For convenience, the representations show only the upper half of the circuit which is above the X-X axis, it being specified that the mobile core 121 and the cylinder head C have a symmetry of revolution with respect to the X-X axis. Representation (a) corresponds to a position of the movable core close to the initial position and distant from the final position, the representation (b) a position of the movable core closer to the final position and the representation (c) is a theoretical position. beyond the final position. The arrow D indicates the direction of movement of the movable core 121 in the direction of the initial position to the final position under the action of the magnetic displacement force acting on it.

The mobile core 121 has the particularity, in this embodiment, that its outer shell is that of a cylinder of revolution. Its representation is simplified insofar as its mechanical means for interacting with the starter's launcher and those for interacting with the power contact K of the electromagnetic contactor are not represented. These means can be made in any appropriate manner, for example as in the prior art of Figure 1 in which case it will have the same axial recess for housing the actuating rod 28 and the spring 28 tooth against tooth.

The representation of the cylinder head C is simplified in that it is shown as being formed in one piece while it can be made by assembling several parts. The coil or coils used to create the magnetic field and thus the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 121, are housed in the yoke at the location indicated by the arrow B. The cylinder head C has a first opening 01 through which the core penetrates. mobile 121 in the cylinder head C and a second opening 02 to which the movable core 121 moves when it moves from the initial position to its final position under the action of the magnetic displacement force. As in the case of the prior art of Figure 1, the displacement of the movable core 121 from the initial position to the final position may be rectilinear along its axis of revolution. The coil or coils are preferably annular and arranged coaxially with the axis of the cylinder head C and the openings 01 and 02, as well as the axis of revolution of the mobile core 121. In this embodiment, the opening 02 of the cylinder head C has a section greater than or equal to the section of the front portion 121a of the movable core 121, which allows the mobile core 121 to enter the opening 02 of the cylinder head C as shown in (c). As can be seen, because of the opening 02, the cylinder head C is entirely free of iron in front of the front portion 121a of the movable core 121, unlike the prior art illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. helps to prevent the magnetic displacement force from increasing monotonically during displacement of the movable core 121a from the initial position to the final position. In addition, it advantageously eliminates the iron-iron impact that existed in the prior art.

On the other hand, the movable core 121 has a saliency Snm which is in this case the wedge (seen in axial section as shown) connecting the front surface of the movable core 121 to its circumferential outer circumferential surface while the cylinder head C has a salient Se which is in this case the corner (seen in axial section as shown) defined by the edge of the opening 02 on the inward side of the cylinder head C.

The passage of the salinity Snm before the saliency Se during the displacement of the movable core 121 has the effect of varying the permeance of the magnetic circuit defined by the cylinder head C and the movable core 121. This variation of the permeance during the passage of the Snm saliency in front of the saliency Se has the effect of maximizing the derivative of the permeance with respect to the position of the movable core on its path at that time. More specifically, the derivative of the permeance reaches its maximum value when the salience Snm is facing obliquely with the saliency Se, or in other words, in the corner-to-corner position, or in other words still when the frontal surface of the mobile nucleus 121 is flush with the surface of the inner wall of the cylinder head around the opening 02. This position is that of the representation (b). It is therefore in this position of the mobile core 121 that the magnetic circuit maximizes the magnetic displacement force of the mobile core 121.

When the movable core 121 continues its displacement beyond this position, that is to say penetrates into the opening 02 of the cylinder head C, the value of the derivative of the permeance with respect to the position of the mobile core decreases. gradually. The latter becomes zero when the mobile core reaches the magnetic conjunction position represented in the representation (c). In this position, the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 121 is zero. As a result, when the actuator of FIG. 5 is implemented in an electromagnetic contactor incorporated in a heat engine starter, the mobile core 121 will not occupy this position since it will have to balance the opposing forces of the springs acting on the movable core 121. The final position occupied by the movable core 121 is therefore an intermediate position between that of the representation (b) and that of the representation (c). The final position of the movable core 121 is then defined by the balance of the magnetic displacement force acting on it and the opposing forces. But it is possible to provide a stop limiting the depth of penetration of the movable core 121 in the opening 02, which amounts to imposing the final position on the movable core 121.

In the example shown, the length of the movable core 121 corresponds to the length of the cylinder head C, but it may be longer.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the magnetic circuit of an actuator according to another preferred embodiment, also represented in three positions of its mobile core referenced 221 with respect to its cylinder head referenced C and each illustrating the magnetic field lines. Here too, the representations show only the upper half of the circuit which is above the X-X axis, the movable core 221 and the cylinder head C also having a symmetry of revolution with respect to the X-X axis. The entire description of the embodiment of Figure 5 is applicable to that of Figure 6, but with the following differences which relate only to the movable core, the cylinder head being identical.

As in the case of Figure 5, the movable core 221 has a salience in the front portion 221a which is referenced in this case Snml which cooperates with a salinity Sal of the cylinder head C which is the inner edge of the opening 02, otherwise Said projections Snml and Salt cooperate in the same manner as described for the saliency Snm and Se of FIG. 5 to vary the permeance of the magnetic circuit.

But unlike the embodiment of Figure 5, the circumferential envelope surface of the movable core 221 has a circumferential groove G thus defining a circumferential portion protruding from the rear portion 221b of the movable core 221 relative to the bottom of this throat. This circumferential protruding part thus defines a Snm2 saliency. It cooperates with a saliency Sc2 of the cylinder head C, in this case the wedge (seen in axial section as shown) defined by the edge of the opening 01 on the outward side of the cylinder head C, to vary the permeance of the magnetic circuit in the same way as the pair of projections Snml and Salt. In this case, the axial distance from the salness Snm2 to the salience Sc2 is equal to the distance from the salience Snml to the salience Sel. This is achieved by appropriately positioning the circumferential groove of the movable core 221. Because of this equality of distance, the two pairs of projections Snml, Salt and Snm2, Sc2 synergistically maximize the derivative of the permeability with respect to the position of the movable core 221. This advantageously makes it possible to increase the maximum magnetic displacement force acting on the moving core. This is reached in the position of the movable core 221 of the representation (b). When the movable core 221 exceeds this position, the derivative of the permeance with respect to the position of the movable core 221 decreases, and thus the magnetic displacement force, as in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the magnetic circuit of an actuator according to another preferred embodiment, also represented in three positions of its mobile core referenced 321 with respect to its cylinder head referenced C and each illustrating the magnetic field lines. Here too, the representations show only the upper half of the magnetic circuit which is above the X-X axis, the magnetic circuit also having a symmetry of revolution with respect to the X-X axis. This embodiment is based on that of FIG. 5. The overall description of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is thus applicable to that of FIG. 7, but with a difference concerning the mobile core, the cylinder head being identical.

As in the case of Figure 5, the movable core 321 has in part before the Snm saliency which cooperates with a saliency Se of the cylinder head C to vary the magnetic permeance of the circuit as described in connection with Figure 5.

The movable core 321 differs from that of FIG. 5 only in that it additionally has a shoulder 321c at its rear portion 321b. The shoulder 321c is outside the cylinder head C and faces an iron part of the cylinder head C around the first opening 01. This shoulder is preferably made of material with the rest of the mobile core 321 and is therefore ferromagnetic material. The shoulder may extend radially around the circumference of the movable core and have a constant outside diameter. Therefore, it is defined an air gap between the shoulder 321c and the part of the cylinder head C around the opening 01 which faces it. This gap is traversed by a flux of magnetic field all the more important that the shoulder 321c is close to the cylinder head C. This has the effect of increasing the magnetic displacement force of the mobile core on the final portion of displacement of the core. Mobile 321. This measure is advantageous in the case where the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 121 of Figure 5 became too weak compared to the opposing forces, for example if it did not reliably ensure the closure of the contact. of power K or its holding in the closed state.

On the other hand, the dimensioning of the shoulder 321c is chosen so that the magnetic force acting on the movable core 321 in the final position is less than its maximum value reached during the passage of the salm Snm of the movable core 321 before the salience Se of the cylinder head C.

Furthermore, the actuator may be designed to prevent the shock of the shoulder 321c of the movable core 321 against the cylinder head C for example by a stop imposing the final position on the movable core 321 at a position where the shoulder 321c is out mechanical contact with the cylinder head C, this stop may be advantageously provided to dampen the impact of the movable core against it. Alternatively, the final position of the movable core 321 is obtained by balancing the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 with the opposing forces as already mentioned, in which case the absence of impact of the shoulder 321c with the cylinder head C is obtained by the fact that this shoulder remains remote from the cylinder head C in the final position of the movable core 321.

It will be noted that in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 121, 221 is provided substantially only by the electromagnetic stresses tangential to the envelope surface of the moving core, regardless of the position of the movable core on its path from the initial position to the final position, it being specified that there are in practice some lines of magnetic field leaks creating normal stresses to the envelope surface of the mobile core which are negligible. In the case of the embodiment of Figure 7, the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 is provided mainly by the tangential stresses to the envelope surface of the movable core, regardless of the position of the mobile core in its path of travel. the initial position to the end position, although there are in this case normal stresses contributing in a significant way to the magnetic displacement force at least on a final part of the path because of the shoulder 321c at the rear of the mobile core 321.

Figures 8 and 9 show an embodiment of a starter 300 for a heat engine according to the invention. Figure 8 shows it at rest, the movable core being in its initial position while Figure 9 shows it in the active state, the movable core being in its final position. With the exception of its electromagnetic contactor 310, the starter 300 is identical to that of the prior art described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the identical elements bearing the same reference numbers.

The power contact K, the contact spring 15 and the cover 17 of the contactor 310 are identical to those of the contactor 10 of the prior art described in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the contactor 310 comprises an actuator 320 according to the embodiment of FIG. 7.

The cylinder head C is made in two parts, a circumferential portion 322 and a bottom portion 323. The circumferential portion 322 comprises a wall 322a extending radially towards the axis of the cylinder head C. The opening 01 is formed in this wall radial 322a. The bottom portion 323 is attached to the circumferential portion 322. The opening 02 is formed in the bottom portion 323.

The movable core 321 is slidably guided by a bearing 30 carrying the coils 24, 25 as in the case of the prior art described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

A piece 324 for closing the opening 02 is fixed on the cylinder head C which serves as a separating partition between the power contact K and the inside of the cylinder head C. The piece 324 is made of a magnetically neutral material, for example a plastic material; it is therefore not part of the cylinder head C which is made of ferromagnetic material to channel the magnetic field of the coils. Furthermore, the piece 324 serves as an abutment to the movable core 321: it thus defines the final position of the movable core 321. The part 324 advantageously carries pads 325 capable of damping the impact of the movable core 321 against them. As can be seen, the stop allows partial penetration of the movable core 321 in the opening 02.

The electromagnetic contactor 310 comprises springs exerting the same functions as those of the contactor 10 of the prior art and therefore have the same references, namely a movable core return spring 26, a spring 29 of tooth against tooth, a contact return spring and a spring 16 of contact crushing.

However, unlike the prior art of FIG. 1, the movable core return spring 26 is placed between the front part of the movable core 321 and the part 324 for closing the opening 02, which makes it possible to release the rear circumferential portion of the movable core 321 at which the shoulder 321c magnetically cooperates with the cylinder head C as described in connection with Figure 7. The return spring 26 of the movable core preferably bears against the bottom of a recess formed in the frontal part of the mobile core 321.

Furthermore, the spring 16 of contact crushing bears on the piece 324 closing the opening 02, the other end of the spring 16 bearing on the contact plate 12 which is slidably mounted on the control rod 11 The control rod 11 passes through the closing piece 324 of the opening 02, which allows the movable core 321 to actuate it as it moves towards its final position. Finally, the spring 29 of tooth against tooth cooperates with the actuating rod 28 which is partially housed in a recess in the rear portion of the movable core 321 as in the case of the actuator 20 of the prior art. The spring 29 is supported on the movable core 321 by means of an elastic ring 326, which allows the introduction of the spring 29 in the recess by the rear portion of the movable core 321.

The circuit diagram of Figure 2 is similarly applicable to the starter

300.

All the description of the operation of the starter 1 of the prior art with reference to Figures 1 and 2 is applicable to the starter 300, except for the operation specific to the magnetic circuit of the actuator 320 which has been explained above.

As indicated, the actuator 320 comprises two coils, a call coil 25 and a holding coil 24, as in the case of the starter 1 of the prior art. This illustrates that the contribution to the invention can be combined with existing measures already in the prior art which have the effect of limiting the difficulties of coordinating the movement of the launcher 50 and the closure of the power contact K.

The curve 'e' of FIG. 4 is a characteristic curve of the constant current actuator, namely a current of 21 A distributing across the two coils 24, 25 and supplied with direct current so that the amperes -Tours generated by them have their contributions to the magnetic flux that add up (in absolute value). The curve 'e' therefore represents the magnetic force of displacement of the movable core 321 as a function of its position during its displacement from the initial position to the final position. The position at the abscissa 0 corresponds to the final position of the movable core 321 which is shown in FIG. 9. As is visible on the curve 'e', the magnetic displacement force of the movable core reaches the maximum force F _MAX I on the portion '3' of displacement of the movable core, then remains below, unlike the case of the actuator of the prior art of Figure 1 for which the curve 'c' shows that this force increases continuously up to at the final position of the mobile core.

For comparison, the curve 'el' is the homologous curve of the curve 'e', but for a constant current of 28 A distributed through the call coil 25 and the holding coil 24. In this case, this current of 28 A is the maximum current that can be distributed between the call coil 25 and the hold coil 24 when supplied with 12 V DC and placed at a temperature of 120 ° C. The curve of FIG. 4 represents the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 as a function of its position as it moves from the initial position to the final position when only the holding coil 24 is energized.

It is recalled that on the portions T and '2' and on a large part of the portion '3' (that is to say until the closing of the power contact K), the two coils 24, 25 are fed, and so the 'e' curve is applicable. On the contrary, on a final part of the portion '3' (after closure of the power contact K) and on the portion '4', it is the curve 'f which is applicable.

Note for the curve 'e', that when the movable core 321 has exceeded the position where the magnetic displacement force is maximum, the magnetic force decreases, then increases again to the final position of the mobile core while remaining less than the maximum (noted F _MAX I for the curve 'e'). This increase is the consequence of the magnetic cooperation between the shoulder 321c of the movable core 321 with the cylinder head C as explained above. This effect is further increased in this embodiment by the fact that the first opening 01 has a frustoconical section 322b narrowing in the direction from the outside to the inside of the cylinder head C. For the curve 'f, observe a similar phenomenon, that is to say that the magnetic force increases to a certain level (which corresponds to the position of the movable core 321 for which the curve 'e' reaches the maximum F _MAX I), then decreases and finally increases again on the last portion of the path and is maximum at the final position. The maximum value reached by the curve 'f in the final position remains however less than the maximum value F _MAX I reached by the curve' e '. In other words, the maximum value reached by the magnetic force acting on the movable core 321 is reached before the movable core 321 reaches the end position. The shape of the curve 'f resembles that of the curve' e ', but without deducing by homothety due to saturation effects of the magnetic circuit and leakage flows. The magnetic circuit and the coil or coils are defined so that the curve for the desired operating current of the moving magnetic force of the moving core relative to its position on its path from the initial position to the final position is wedged to be above that of the opposing forces acting on the moving core.

It is preferable that the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 reaches its maximum value - F _MAX I in our example - for a position of the movable core 321 on its path from the initial position to the final position, which corresponds to the position in which the antagonistic forces acting on the mobile core 321 are maximum. Nevertheless, this position is somewhat variable from one start-up cycle to the other since the antagonistic efforts are maximum in the situation of tooth against tooth pinion 51 with the ring 53 shortly after closing the power contact K, just before the rotation of the electric motor 40 allows the engagement of the pinion 51 in the ring 53 since the latter has the effect of suppressing the antagonistic effect of the spring 29 from tooth to tooth. Generally, the antagonistic forces reach their maximum for a position of the movable core lying between its position where it causes the closing of the power contact K (position marked by 'P _K ' in FIG. 4) and a position of the movable core (identified by 'P _M ' in Figure 4) which is located beyond the previous one at a distance (marked 'Di _{/ 2} ' in Figure 4) equal to half - even only a third or a quarter - of the distance ( marked 'D' in Figure 4) separating the position 'P _F ' of the final position of the movable core. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 reaches its maximum value F _MAX I in the position 'P _M ' OR possibly between the position 'P _M ' and position 'P _K ' (as is illustrated in Figure 4).

However, the curve of the magnetic force displacing the mobile core as a function of its position is not generally deduced by a simple translation or homothety with respect to the curve of the antagonistic force exerted on the mobile core, but may have a substantially different pace as can be seen in FIG. 4. As a result, it may be advantageous for the magnetic displacement force of the movable core 321 to reach its maximum value F _MAX I before the position 'P _K ' (as illustrated in Figure 4). This is particularly the case when the curve of the moving magnetic force of the moving core has less significant variations than the curve of the opposing forces on the portion from the initial position to the 'Ρκ' position. In fact, this makes it possible to position the characteristic curve of the magnetic force of displacement of the mobile core as a function of its position (the curve 'e' in our example) above the curve of the antagonistic force exerted on it. (the curve 'a' in our example) by adopting a constant nominal current corresponding to this curve which is lower than that which would be necessary for this purpose if the maximum magnetic force was reached at the position 'P _M ' OR at the position 'Ρκ', the movable core 321. In addition, this helps to limit the impact and the speed of the movable core 321 on the portion '4' of its displacement insofar as the magnetic force displacement of the mobile core has already decreased to the end of the '3' portion.

In summary, it is therefore preferable that the magnetic displacement force of the movable core reaches its maximum value at a position of the movable core which is before the position 'P _M ', or even before the position 'Ρκ', during its journey from the initial position towards the final position. This same consideration is applicable mutadis mutandis as regards the position of the movable core for which the derivative of the permeance of the magnetic circuit with respect to the position of the movable core reaches its maximum value insofar as it is the same position.

According to a particularly remarkable and preferred aspect of the invention, the actuator can be implemented with an iron-free yoke in front of the front part of the movable core, as has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9: cf. . the second opening 02. This goes against the conventional approach of the skilled person in the design of electromagnetic actuators for starter contactor and the technical prejudice according to which the cylinder head must include such a part of iron (see fixed core 23 of the prior art of Figure 1) opposite the front portion of the movable core to provide a sufficient magnetic force level. This technical bias was all the more entrenched that the constraints on the design of a motor vehicle engine starter are important as we mentioned at the beginning of the description, particularly in terms of size. However, the Applicant has determined that an actuator according to this aspect of the invention can effectively be implemented in the same size as that used in the prior art and therefore used to replace the latter in the same starter. In particular, an actuator according to this aspect of the invention may be implemented with a cylinder head having an outside diameter less than or equal to 54 mm, which is the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 which is based on the prior art of FIG. 1 by substituting its actuator 20 by an actuator 320 according to the invention. Moreover, it is particularly remarkable that the invention not only makes it possible to respect the same bulk as in the case of the prior art, but also allows it to be done with a lower current for the operation of the actuator: cf. FIG. 4, in particular the curve e) according to the invention, which is at 21 A with respect to curve c) according to the prior art which is at 30.5 A.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and to the embodiment described and shown, but it is capable of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art. For example, the movable core return spring 26 and the tooth-to-tooth spring 29 may be arranged in different places. They may not even be part of the actuator, and therefore be arranged in another place of the starter to act on other parts of it while providing the same effect: they can for example act directly on the lever 60 and the launcher 50. The breaking clearance 61 can also be implemented elsewhere in the starter than at the pivot of the lever 28. More generally, the actuator according to the invention and the electromagnetic contactor which incorporates it can be implemented in starters having a structure different from that illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. They can be implemented in any type of starter with sliding starter or other starter technologies.

Finally, it will be understood from the foregoing description that, according to a particularly advantageous aspect, the invention proposes an electromagnetic contactor for a heat engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:

an electromagnetic actuator; and

an electrical power contact intended to supply the electric motor of the starter;

the actuator comprising:

at least one coil for creating a magnetic field when electrically powered; and

o a cylinder head; and

a core movable from an initial position to a final position, the movable core actuating the electrical power contact as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position;

wherein, when the contactor is powered to its operating voltage, the magnetic field of the at least one coil creates a magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the end position, said force reaching a maximum value for a position of the movable core which is located between the initial position and the final position while said force is lower than said maximum value when the movable core is in the final position.

As indicated above, it is advantageous for said force to reach its maximum value at a position of the movable core which is before the position 'P _M ', or even before the position 'Ρκ', during its journey from the initial position to the position final position. Furthermore, the invention also proposes a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a contactor as defined above.

It will also be understood that, according to another particularly interesting aspect, the invention proposes an electromagnetic actuator for a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one coil for creating a magnetic field when electrically powered; and

o a cylinder head; and

a mobile core from an initial position to a final position;

in which :

the magnetic field of the coil creates a magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the final position,

the cylinder head has a first opening and a second opening, the movable core moving from the initial position to the final position by dipping into the cylinder head through the first opening to the second opening; and

the second opening has a section greater than or equal to the section of the front portion of the movable core so that the cylinder head is free of iron in front of the front portion of the movable core when the movable core moves to the second opening.

It will be further understood that, according to another particularly interesting aspect, the invention proposes an electromagnetic actuator for a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:

at least one coil for creating a magnetic field when electrically powered; and

o a cylinder head; and

a mobile core from an initial position to a final position;

in which :

the magnetic field of the coil creates a magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the final position, and

the magnetic circuit is arranged so that the magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it from the initial position to the position final, is provided at more than 50% - and more preferably at more than 75% and even more advantageously at more than 90% - by the tangential electromagnetic constraints on the surface of the mobile core, whatever the position of the mobile core on its path from initial position to end position.

Of course, the invention also relates to an electromagnetic contactor for a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator according to these aspects of the invention, as well as a thermal engine starter, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a such contactor. According to preferred embodiments, they may have all or some of the features mentioned in the general description or in the description of the embodiments described with reference to the figures.

Claims

An electromagnetic actuator for a thermal engine starter, comprising:

at least one coil (24; 25) for creating a magnetic field when electrically energized; and

a cylinder head (C); and

a movable core (121; 221; 321) from an initial position to a final position;

in which :

the yoke and the movable core each have at least one saliency (Se, Snm, Salt, Snml, Sc2, Snm2), the saliency of the cylinder head forming an opening,

and wherein:

the saliency of the mobile core in the initial position is outside the opening,

2. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the yoke has a first opening (01), the movable core moving from the initial position to the final position by dipping into the cylinder head by the first opening.

Actuator according to claim 2, wherein:

the cylinder head has a second opening (02), the movable core moving from the initial position to the final position by dipping into the cylinder head through the first opening (01) to the second opening; and the mobile core has a front part forming a so-called saliency (Snml) of the mobile core, in which :

the front part of the mobile core in the initial position is outside the second opening (02),

the front part of the movable core enters the second opening (02) when the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position, and

the front portion of the movable core remains in the penetrating position in the second opening (02) when the movable core is in the final position.

4. An actuator according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (02) has a section greater than or equal to the section of the front portion of the movable core so that the yoke is free of iron opposite the front portion of the movable core when the moving core moves to the second opening.

5. An actuator according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a stop (324; 325) magnetically neutral arranged in the second opening (02) of the yoke (C) to stop the movable core in the final position corresponding to a partial penetration of the core mobile in the second opening (02).

6. Actuator according to claim 7, wherein the stop is capable of damping the impact of the movable core against it.

7. Actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a said saliency (Snm2) of the movable core is arranged projecting relative to the envelope surface of the movable core which is contiguous to the side towards the front mobile core, wherein:

said saliency of the mobile core in initial position is outside the first opening (01),

said saliency of the movable core enters the first opening (01) when the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position, and

said saliency of the movable core remains in the penetrating position in the first opening (01) when the movable core is in the final position.

8. An actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the movable core has a shoulder (321c) of ferromagnetic material to the rear portion of the movable core (321) which shoulder is outside the cylinder head (C ) and faces an iron part of the cylinder head around the first opening (01) at least on a final portion of the displacement of the movable core when it plunges into the cylinder head.

9. An actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first opening (01) has a frustoconical section (322a) narrowing in the direction from the outside to the inside of the cylinder head.

10. Actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: resilient return means (26) for elastically biasing the movable core towards the initial position;

an actuating rod (28) for cooperating with a coupling device (50) of the starter for coupling the electric motor (40) of the starter with the heat engine,

elastic connection means (29) for elastically connecting the actuating rod to the movable core;

wherein the elastic return means (26) has a lower stiffness than the elastic connection means (29).

An electromagnetic contactor (310) for a thermal engine starter, comprising:

an electromagnetic actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and

an electrical power contact (K) for supplying the starter motor (40);

12. Starter (300) for a motor vehicle engine, comprising:

an electromagnetic contactor according to claim 11;

an electric motor (40); and

a coupling device (50) operable mechanically to couple the electric motor to the engine when mechanically actuated; wherein the movable core (321) of the electromagnetic contactor actuator (320) (310) mechanically actuates the coupling device (50) as the movable core moves from the initial position to the end position.

The starter according to claim 12, wherein the coupling device comprises a slider (50) for engaging a ring gear (53) coupled to the engine, the starter further comprising:

elastic return means (26) for elastically biasing the movable core of the actuator towards the initial position; and

resilient means (29) for allowing the movable core of the actuator to continue to move to the final position in the event that the slider (50) abuts against a tooth of the ring gear (53).

14. A starter according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the movable core of the actuator of the electromagnetic contactor is stopped in the final position by balancing the magnetic force acting on the movable core to move it with the opposing forces seeking the mobile core to the initial position.