WO2013186799A1

WO2013186799A1 - Improved relay

Info

Publication number: WO2013186799A1
Application number: PCT/IT2013/000169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrizio Promutico; Andrea Saccocci
Original assignee: Bitron S.P.A.
Priority date: 2012-06-15
Filing date: 2013-06-13
Publication date: 2013-12-19
Also published as: EP2862193A1; ES2579336T3; EP2862193B1; ITRM20120279A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a Relay (1) comprising a containment enclosure (20), at least one electromagnet (30), arranged within said containment enclosure (20) and electrically powered, for varying its polarity, at least one lamellar spring (53a, 53b), having a first and a second end (53a', 53b', 53a", 53b"), said first end (53a', 53b') being fixed to said containment enclosure (20 ), at least one fixed electrical contact (51), fixed to said containment enclosure (20) and at least one movable contact (52), arranged on said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) and in correspondence with said fixed electrical contact (51), said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) being able to assume a first operating position, in which said movable contact (51) is not in contact with said fixed electrical contact (51 ), and a second operating position, in which said movable contact (52) is in contact with said fixed electrical contact (51), said relay (1) being characterized in that it comprises a control group (40) comprising a support element (41 ), pivoted about said containment enclosure (20), so as to be able to rotate around a first axis (Y), and provided with at least one seat (45), in which said at least one lamellar spring (53a, 53b) is constrained, and having a housing (42'), in which a magnetic unit (43) is arranged, capable of interacting with said electromagnet (30), and in that the plane defined by electrical contacts (51, 52) is orthogonal to said first axis (Y), so that, in case of variation of said polarity, said control group (40) rotates with respect to said containment enclosure (20), said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) passing from said first position to said second operating position and vice versa.

Description

IMPROVED RELAY

*_****

The present invention relates to an improved relay.

More specifically, the invention concerns a relay for the simultaneous opening and the closing of an electrical circuit on the phase and neutral, designed and realized in particular to have reduced size and, at the same time, high reliability.

In the following, the description will be directed to a double contact relay, but it is clear that the same should not be considered limited to this specific use.

As it is well known, a relay is an electromechanical switch, which is actuated by an electromagnet.

Currently there are a large number of relay devices, also quite complicated. Among these it is possible to cite the patent GB2383469B, the European patent application EP2009665A2, the Chinese utility model CN201229905Y, the Chinese utility model CN201408711Y, and the Chinese utility model CN201435353Y.

The indicated documents and the different commercially available products generally comprise an electromagnet, comprising a coil and a core, a movable element, typically pivoted on a pin, having a permanent magnet and the armature, lamellar springs, capable to flex, on which mobile electrodes are fixed, such that following the movement of said lamellar springs, said mobile electrodes can open or close an electrical contact, and a slider engaged with said movable element, such that varying the polarity of the coil, the polarity of the electromagnet that moves the movable element varies, usually by turning it. In this way, the slider moves longitudinally, interacting and flexing or not flexing the lamellar spring, so closing or opening accordingly the contacts between the mobile and fixed electrodes.

The main technical problem of the relay according to the prior art is given by the dimensions, which greatly increases in case, in particular, of a two-pole relay.

Moreover, the relay as described are really subject to failures in case of shocks and mechanical stresses.

In light of the above, it is, therefore, object of the present invention proposing a small size relay, but at the same time highly reliable and resistant to stress.

It is therefore specific object of the present invention a relay comprising a containment enclosure, at least one electromagnet, arranged within said containment enclosure and electrically powered, for varying its polarity, at least one lamellar spring, having a first and a second end, said first end being fixed to said containment enclosure, at least one fixed electrical contact, fixed to said containment enclosure and at least one movable contact, arranged on said lamellar spring and in correspondence with said fixed electrical contact, said lamellar spring being able to assume a first operating position, in which said movable contact is not in contact with said fixed electrical contact, and a second operating position, in which said movable contact is in contact with said fixed electrical contact, said relay being characterized in that it comprises a control group comprising a support element, pivoted about said containment enclosure, so as to be able to rotate around a first axis, and provided with at least one seat, in which said at least one lamellar spring is constrained, and having a housing, in which a magnetic unit is arranged, capable of interacting with said electromagnet, and in that the plane defined by electrical contacts is orthogonal to said first axis, so that, in case of variation of said polarity, said control group rotates with respect to said containment enclosure, said lamellar spring passing from said first position to said second operating position and vice versa.

Always according to the invention, comprising two lamellar springs and said support element could have two seats.

Always according to the invention, said electromagnet could have a coil, a core of said coil, and a skirt, coupled with said core, so as to realize two air gaps of the electromagnet, and said magnetic unit could comprise a pair of switching armatures and a permanent magnet, said switching armatures being arranged so that each one is inserted in one of said air gaps.

Advantageously according to the invention, said core could be oriented along a second axis, perpendicular to said first axis.

Further according to the invention, said support element could provide a recess in which said electromagnet is placed.

Always according to the invention, said housing could be arranged at one end of said support element.

Still according to the invention, said electromagnet could comprise a pair of coils, wrapped on a support of amagnetic material, between which is interposed a further housing, said electromagnet comprising a core which form an air gap, said core being constituted by a first portion and a second portion, each of which is partially inserted in one respective of said coils, so that said further housing is in said air gap, and in that said magnetic unit comprises a pair of switching armatures and a permanent magnet, said switching armatures being placed in said further housing.

Advantageously according to the invention, the axis of said coils could lie on a second axis, perpendicular to said first axis.

Further according to the invention, said housing could be arranged substantially centrally to said control group.

Preferably according to the invention, said lamellar springs could be engaged with the respective seat (45) in correspondence or close to said second end.

Always according to the invention, said lamellar springs could be parallel to one another, overlapped to one another and oriented in the opposite direction relative to one another.

Still according to the invention, said lamellar springs could be arranged adjacent to said support element.

Advantageously according to the invention, said containment enclosure inside could comprise a support, and said support element could comprise two pivots rotatably coupled with said support.

Further according to the invention, said support element could comprise at least one pivot integrally hinged with said containment enclosure, so that said support element rotates around said first axis.

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of the relay according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows an exploded view of the relay according to figure 1 ; figure 3 shows a first longitudinal section of the relay according to figure 1 ;

figure 4 shows a second longitudinal section of the relay according to figure 1 ;

figure 5 shows an exploded view of a control group of the relay according to the present invention;

figure 6 shows an exploded view of a lamellar spring of the relay according to the present invention; figure 7 shows a first section of the relay in a first operating configuration;

figure 8 shows a second section of the relay in a first operating configuration;

figure 9 shows a first section of the relay in a second operating configuration;

figure 10 shows a second section of the relay in a second operating configuration;

figure 1 1 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention;

figure 12 shows an exploded view of a control group of the relay according to figure 11 ;

figure 13 shows a first section of the relay in a first operating configuration;

figure 14 shows a second section of the relay in a first operating configuration;

figure 15 shows a first section of the relay in a second operating configuration; and

figure 16 shows a second section of the relay in a second operating configuration.

In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numbers.

Referring to figures 1-6, it is observed a relay 1 according to the present invention. Said relay 1 comprises a containment enclosure 20, in which an electromagnet 30, a control group 40, a group of contacts 50, associated to said control group 40, and appropriate electrical connections, are placed.

The containment enclosure 20 comprises a base 21 , a cover 22 for covering, a screen 23 and a support 24, inserted between said base 21 and said cover 22.

The electromagnet 30 has a coil 31 , a core 32 around which said coil 31 is wrapped, along which, for reference, the X-axis shown in figure 4 passes, and a skirt 33, coupled with said core 32. In this way, two air gaps T of the electromagnet 30 are realized.

The control group 40 comprises a support element 41 , provided, preferably at one end, a housing 42', in which a magnetic unit 43 is placed. Said magnetic unit 43 comprises (see in particular figure 5) a pair of switching armatures 43' and a permanent magnet 43. Said switching armatures 43' are arranged in such way that each one is inserted in one of said air gaps T. The support element 41 also comprises the pivots 44, adapted to pivot said support element 41 to the support 24 of said containment enclosure 20, so that it rotates around the axis Y (see for example figure 3).

The support element 42 provides a recess 42', wherein said electromagnet 30 is placed. This arrangement allows to obtain a reduced overall size.

Said support element 41 has, on one side and at the ends, even seats 45, which operation will be better clarified in the following. Said electromagnet 30 is arranged whithin said supporting element 41, thus allowing a considerable reduction of space.

The contact group 50 also includes a pair of fixed contacts 51 and a pair of movable contacts 52. The contact group 50 also comprises a pair of lamellar springs 53a and 53b, each of which is composed of a plurality of plates and comprises one of said movable contacts 52 (see figure 6). Each lamellar spring 53a and 53b comprises a first end 53a' and 53b', fixed, preferably with rivets or self-tapping screws, to said support 24, and a second end 53a" and 53b".

Each lamellar spring 53, in particular the portion close to the second end 53a" and 53b" or directly the plate 54 of each spring lamellar 53a and 53b, is inserted also in a respective seat 45, so as to be constrained to said support element 41.

The lamellar springs 53a and 53b are arranged parallel to the X axis, overlapped each other and oriented in the opposite direction relative to one another, i.e. so that (referring for example to figure 3) the first end 53a' of the first lamellar spring 53a is at the left, while the first end 53a" of the second lamellar spring 53a is at the right.

Therefore, with the adopted solution the plane identified by the contacts 51 and 52 is orthogonal to the Y axis.

The operation of the relay 1 described above is as follows.

Referring to figures 7 and 8, two longitudinal sections of the relay 1 can be observed, which respectively show the position of the contact group 50, in a first opening operating position (open circuit), and of the support element 41 when the two switching armatures 43' are in contact with the core 32 and with the lower portion of the skirt 33. This configuration is achieved as a result of a first polarization of the coil 31 of the electromagnet 30.

When the coil 31 is powered with a second polarization, inverse to the first polarization, the magnetic flux of the coil 31 is reversed and, referring to figures 9 and 10, the electromagnet 30 changes polarity accordingly. In this way, the magnetic unit 43, which has a fixed magnetic polarization, as it comprises a permanent magnet 43", is attracted by the electromagnet 30 in the opposite direction. Thus the control group 40 rotates in the direction of arrow A, such that said support element 41 assumes a second operating position, in which the second end 53a" and 53b" of respectively the lamellar springs 53a and 53b, is moved and follows the rotation of said support element 41.

In this way, relay 1 switches, because each of the movable contacts 52, due to the bending of the lamellar springs 53a and 53b, comes into contact with the respective fixed contact 51 , closing the electric circuits and thus passing in a second operating position. Every time a switch is carried out, i.e. every time that said support element 41 and said movable contacts 52 pass from the first to the second position and vice versa, relay 1 remains in this position due to magnetic attraction between the switching armatures 43' and the core 32/skirt 33. In order to determine a new switching of the relay 1 , reversing the polarity of the driving coil 31 and giving a new control impulse is sufficient.

Among other things, in order to have a reliable fixing of the fixed contacts 51 on the support 24, as anticipated, self-tapping screws and blind hole rivets are provided. This solution avoids the use of adhesives, which are currently used in most of the relays on the market, ensuring advantages on assembly times and the cleaning within the piece, using technologies borrowed from consolidated processes.

The relay 1 according to the invention has the advantage of directly moving the lamellar springs 53a and 53b without the need to use intermediate plastic or metal components, making the device less subject to malfunction and shock resistant.

Figures 11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the relay 1 according to the present invention, in which the electromagnet 30 provides for two coils 31' and 31", wrapped around a plastic support or nonmagnetic material in general, between which a further housing 34 is interposed. The core of said electromagnet 30 is substantially "C" shaped, forming an air gap T, and it is constituted by a first portion 32' and a second portion 32", each of which is partially inserted into a respective coil 31' and 31", so that said further housing 34 is located in said air gap T.

The control group 40 comprises a support element 41 having the housing 42', in which the magnetic unit 43 is placed, substantially centrally arranged. Said magnetic unit 43 comprises the pair of switching armatures 43' and a permanent magnet 43. Housing 42' of said control group, and then said magnetic unit 43, is placed in said further housing 34 and, therefore, arranged in the air gap T of said core.

The support element 41 also comprises the pivots 44, adapted to pivot said support element 41 to the support 24 of said containment enclosure 20, so that it rotates around Y axis (see for example figure 12).

The support element 41 of the present embodiment also presents, on one side and at the ends, seats 45, to which a group of contacts 50 is coupled, completely analogous to that of the previous embodiment.

Also the operation is entirely analogous to that of the previous embodiment. In particular, referring to figures 13 and 14, two longitudinal sections of the relay 1 are observed, which respectively show the position of the group of contacts 50 in a first opening operating position (open circuit), and of the support element 41 when the first of said switching armatures 43' is in contact with said first portion 32' of said core, and the second of said switching armatures 43" is in contact with said second portion 32" of said core.

This configuration is achieved as a result of a first polarization of the coil 31 of the electromagnet 30.

When the coils 31' and 31" are powered with a second polarization, inverse to the first polarization, the magnetic flux in the core is reversed and, referring to figures 15 and 16, the electromagnet 30 changes polarity accordingly. In this way, the magnetic unit 43 is attracted by the electromagnet 30 in the opposite direction. Thus the control group 40 rotates in the direction of arrow A, so that said support element 41 assumes a second operating position, in which the first of said switching armatures 43' is in contact with said second portion 32" of said core, and the second of said switching armatures 43" is in contact with said first portion 32' of said core, so that the second end 53a" and 53b" respectively of the lamellar springs 53a and 53b, is moved and follows the rotation of said support element 41. In this way, relay 1 switches, because each of the movable contacts 52, due to the bending of the lamellar springs 53a and 53b, comes into contact with the respective fixed contact 51 , closing the electric circuits and so passing in a second operating position.

A further advantage of the present invention is given by the fact that the magnetic unit 43 is guided on the seats present on two walls orthogonal to the base of the support forming part of the same component.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Relay (1) comprising

a containment enclosure (20),

at least one electromagnet (30), arranged within said containment enclosure (20) and electrically powered, for varying its polarity,

at least one lamellar spring (53a, 53b), having a first and a second end (53a', 53b', 53a", 53b"), said first end (53a', 53b') being fixed to said containment enclosure (20 ),

at least one fixed electrical contact (51), fixed to said containment enclosure (20) and

at least one movable contact (52), arranged on said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) and in correspondence with said fixed electrical contact (51), said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) being able to assume a first operating position, in which said movable contact (51) is not in contact with said fixed electrical contact (51), and a second operating position, in which said movable contact (52) is in contact with said fixed electrical contact (51),

said relay (1) being characterized

in that it comprises a control group (40) comprising a support element (41), pivoted about said containment enclosure (20), so as to be able to rotate around a first axis (Y), and provided with at least one seat (45), in which said at least one lamellar spring (53a, 53b) is constrained, and having a housing (42'), in which a magnetic unit (43) is arranged, capable of interacting with said electromagnet (30), and

in that the plane defined by electrical contacts (51 , 52) is orthogonal to said first axis (Y),

so that, in case of variation of said polarity, said control group (40) rotates with respect to said containment enclosure (20), said lamellar spring (53a, 53b) passing from said first position to said second operating position and vice versa.

2. Relay (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises two lamellar springs (53a, 53b) and said support element (41) has two seats (45).

3. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized

in that said electromagnet (30) has a coil (31), a core (32) of said coil (31), and a skirt (33), coupled with said core (32), so as to realize two air gaps (T) of the electromagnet (30), and

in that said magnetic unit (43) comprises a pair of switching armatures (43') and a permanent magnet (43"), said switching armatures (43') being arranged so that each one is inserted in one of said air gaps (T).

4. Relay (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said core (32) is oriented along a second axis (X), perpendicular to said first axis (Y).

5. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support element (42) provides a recess (42") in which said electromagnet (30) is placed.

6. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said housing (42') is arranged at one end of said support element (41).

7. Relay (1) according to anyone of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said electromagnet (30) comprises a pair of coils (31', 31"), wrapped around a support of amagnetic material, between which is interposed a further housing (34), said electromagnet (30) comprising a core which form an air gap (T), said core being constituted by a first portion (32') and a second portion (32"), each one of which is partially inserted in one respective of said coils (31', 31"), so that said further housing (34) is in said air gap (T), and

in that said magnetic unit (43) comprises a pair of switching armatures (43') and a permanent magnet (43"), said switching armatures (43') being placed in said further housing (34).

8. Relay (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the axis of said coils (31', 31") lies on a second axis (X), perpendicular to said first axis (Y).

9. Relay (1) according to anyone of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that said housing (42') is arranged substantially centrally to said control group (40).

10. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lamellar springs (53a, 53b) are engaged with the respective seat (45) in correspondence or close to said second end (53a", 53b").

11. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lamellar springs (53a, 53b) are parallel to one another, overlapped to one another and oriented in the opposite direction relative to one another.

12. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lamellar springs (53a, 53b) are arranged adjacent to said support element (41).

13. Relay (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized

in that said containment enclosure (20) inside comprises a support (24), and

in that said support element (41) comprises two pivots (44) rotatably coupled with said support (24).

14. Relay (1 ) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support element (41 ) comprises at least one pivot (44) integrally hinged with said containment enclosure (20), so that said support element (41 ) rotates around said first axis (Y).