EP0246131B1 - Electrical bistable commutating device - Google Patents

Electrical bistable commutating device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0246131B1
EP0246131B1 EP87400965A EP87400965A EP0246131B1 EP 0246131 B1 EP0246131 B1 EP 0246131B1 EP 87400965 A EP87400965 A EP 87400965A EP 87400965 A EP87400965 A EP 87400965A EP 0246131 B1 EP0246131 B1 EP 0246131B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
movable contact
fixed
actuating
contact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87400965A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0246131A1 (en
Inventor
Francis Deckert
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Hager Electro SAS
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Hager Electro SAS
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Publication date
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Priority to AT87400965T priority Critical patent/ATE65344T1/en
Publication of EP0246131A1 publication Critical patent/EP0246131A1/en
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Publication of EP0246131B1 publication Critical patent/EP0246131B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H51/00—Electromagnetic relays
    • H01H51/02—Non-polarised relays
    • H01H51/04—Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
    • H01H51/06—Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
    • H01H51/08—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet
    • H01H51/082—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism
    • H01H51/086—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements
    • H01H51/088—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements moved alternately in opposite directions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5833—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals comprising an articulating, sliding or rolling contact between movable contact and terminal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bistable electrical switching device.
  • bistable switching mechanism Electrical devices having a bistable switching mechanism have well-known advantages. These devices generally have two fixed contacts and a movable contact capable of being applied alternately against the fixed contacts by means of a bistable actuation mechanism driven by an electromagnetic motor member generally comprising a coil and a plunger core for actuating the mechanism. .
  • an electromagnetic motor member generally comprising a coil and a plunger core for actuating the mechanism.
  • the bistable nature of the mechanism allows the desired contact position to be maintained by the action of the elastic means of the bistable mechanism, even in the absence of electrical excitation of the coil, this excitation being only necessary to ensure the passage from one of the two contact positions to the other.
  • bistable mechanisms are relatively complicated and expensive, in because of the high degree of reliability sought for a very large number of operations. This also results in a large footprint which opposes the current trend of miniaturization, while in addition we are increasingly seeking to insert electronic components or circuits inside the housings of this kind of device.
  • a bistable electrical switching device comprising, in an appropriate housing, at least a first fixed contact and at least a second fixed contact, movable contact means intended to be applied alternately against one or other of the fixed contacts, an elastic means for maintaining a mobile contact applied against the fixed contact to which it has been directed, a mechanism for bringing the mobile contact means from a contact position to the other and comprising a movable contact actuating part returned by an elastic return means, which part is driven by a driving means actuating the mechanism, said actuating part being capable of assuming both a movement of translation and rotation but having a tendency, in the absence of a lateral stress with respect to this translation movement, to move only in translation, appears it in which the movable contact actuation means are pivotally mounted about an axis and have an arm inclined in one direction or the other relative to the path of displacement in translation of said actuation part, while said actuating part is provided with a relief which, when it comes into contact with said arm of the
  • This device is intended to open or close two contacts simultaneously and comprises, for this purpose, a tilting means pushing, in one position, the movable contacts away from the fixed contacts and allowing, in another position, the movable contacts to reapply against the fixed contacts.
  • a tilting means pushing, in one position, the movable contacts away from the fixed contacts and allowing, in another position, the movable contacts to reapply against the fixed contacts.
  • Such a device requires an intermediate pivoting part carrying two cams to rotate the part. It requires the presence of a friction means to approximately maintain the contact opening position and cannot guarantee a stable position in the event of wear of the friction means. It therefore requires significant efforts to open or close the contacts. In addition, it does not make it possible to cause extremely sudden movements of the mobile contacts.
  • the present invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a bistable electrical switching device in which the bistable mechanism comprises a very small number of parts and ensures a high contact pressure while requiring little effort during the passage from one contact position to the other, which makes it possible to undersize the electromagnetic motor means.
  • Another objective of the invention is to produce such a device which has high operating reliability.
  • Yet another objective of the invention is to produce such a device in which the relative movements of the contacts are carried out with great precision.
  • the invention relates to a bistable electrical switching device comprising, in a suitable housing, at least a first fixed contact and at least a second fixed contact, mobile contact means intended to be applied alternately against one or the other of the fixed contacts, an elastic means for maintaining a movable contact applied against the fixed contact to which it has been directed, a mechanism for bringing the movable contact means from one contact position to the other and comprising a piece of movable contact actuation recalled by an elastic return means, which part is driven by a drive means actuating the mechanism, said actuating part being capable of assuming both a translational and rotational movement but having a tendency , in the absence of a lateral stress with respect to this translational movement, to be moved only in translation, said mobil contact means es being pivotally mounted about an axis and having an arm inclined in one direction or the other relative to the path of movement in translation of said actuating part, while said actuating part is provided with '' a relief which, when it comes into contact with said arm of the
  • the elastic return means of the actuating part may be the same as the elastic means keeping the contact arm in its inclined position to apply the movable contact against the fixed contact, but it is preferably possible in order to '' avoid adjustment very delicate such a unique elastic means, use separate elastic means, one for the movable contact, the other to cause the return to the initial position of the elongated piece for actuating the movable contact.
  • Said actuating part of the movable contact can advantageously be guided in its movement by means of an elongated slide cooperating with a guide pin, the elastic return means of the actuating part being axially aligned with said slide and the force of the means drive such as, for example, an electromagnetic motor member also exerted in alignment so as to cause a displacement in translation of the actuating part as long as the latter is not deflected in rotation by the presence of the arm of mobile contact.
  • the stud can be carried by the actuating part and, in this case, the slide is provided either in a metal piece attached to the housing, or directly in a wall of the housing.
  • the two fixed ramps inclined on either side of the translation path of the actuating part could be made directly in the housing.
  • bistable device which, at the level of the mechanism, comprises only three parts, namely the actuating part, the above-mentioned fixed part, as well as the elastic member for returning the actuating part, the others moving parts, namely the movable contact with its spring and the drive means, for example the electromagnetic member, being necessary anyway.
  • the arm of the movable contact intended to serve as a ramp for deflecting the corresponding relief of the actuating part, preferably extends beyond the pivot point of the movable contact to initiate the deflection movement in rotation of the actuating part. actuation before it reaches the pivot point of the movable contact.
  • the angle of inclination of the movable contact arm relative to the direction of movement in translation of the actuating part is preferably of the order of 10 ° to 30 ° or even 45 ° and, similarly, the angle of inclination in the opposite direction of the ramps bringing the actuating member towards its central position is of the order of 10 ° to 30 °, these values making it possible to obtain both the precision and the components of effort required .
  • the above-mentioned ramps can continue, in the direction of return to the position of the actuating part, by ramps in opposite directions forcing the actuating member to return to its initial central position even in the case where, for some reason, it would tend to stay a bit rotated in the rest position.
  • a remote control switch comprising an insulating plastic housing 1 provided, at its lower part, with the usual quick fastening means 2 on a rail and having two fixed contact terminals 3 , 4 and, opposite, a terminal 5 for movable contact.
  • terminals 6, 7 for the control circuit.
  • an electronic circuit 8 allowing electronic management of the switching, for example of the type limiting the duration of excitation of the electromagnetic coil and allowing the undersizing of this coil.
  • the two fixed contacts 14, 15, electrically integral with their respective terminals 3, 4, are arranged on either side of the median plane of symmetry of the device, as can be seen in FIG. 3, being inclined with respect to this plan.
  • the movable contact 16, which has two opposite faces intended to cooperate, one with the fixed contact 14, the other with the fixed contact 15, is carried by an arm 17 in the form of a stirrup, as seen on the Figure 1, this arm 17 being pivotally mounted about a vertical axis, that is to say perpendicular to the lower bottom of the housing 1, to allow the movement of the movable contact 16 between its two extreme positions of contact with the fixed contacts 14 and 15 respectively.
  • the mechanism comprises a fixed metal piece 18, elongated and extending parallel to the bottom.
  • This part 18 extends, at the rear, to form an extension 19, penetrating into terminal 5 to ensure the electrical connection with it after tightening.
  • This part 18 has a tab 20 folded down and provided with a notch 21. It has, towards its front part oriented towards the terminals 3, 4, a tab 22 folded upwards, also provided with a notch 23 arranged in the median plane of the housing and at the same level as a hole 24 made in the arm 17 of the movable contact.
  • the front end 25 of the piece 18 is folded at a right angle upwards, forming a front plate provided with a central notch 26 aligned with the notch 23 and the hole 24, the central part of the upper edge 25 of the notch 26 being bent backwards at 27, as seen in FIG. 3, to form a step in which a bevelled end part 28 of the upper branch of the stirrup 17 is applied.
  • the end 25 has a similar shape cooperating with a corresponding end 29 of the lower branch of the stirrup 17, the latter being thus permanently mounted so as to pivot around the vertical axis disposed in the median plane of the housing and s extending between the beveled ends 29 and 28.
  • the movable contact 16 carried by the bracket 17 can pivot between the two contact positions with the fixed contacts 14, 15 around the vertical axis thus materialized.
  • the arm 17 has, on its lower branch, a beveled extension 31 which is therefore arranged backwards beyond the vertical axis pivoting arm or stirrup 17.
  • a metal or plastic actuator part 32 is slidably mounted under the fixed metal part 18.
  • This part has, at its rear end, a guide and pivot pin 33 and an upper tab 34 provided with a transverse notch through which the rod of the end 13 of the moving element or core 12 passes, the rod having a diameter less than the width of the notch to allow a certain clearance, and the edge of the end 13 oriented towards the lug 34 having a rounded shape of a ball joint, the connection between the crew or core 12 and the lug 34 therefore allowing a certain play both in the direction of horizontal translation in the median plane of the housing and in pivoting in a horizontal plane in particular.
  • the stud 33 of circular cylindrical shape, can move in a slide formed by an oblong hole 35 formed in the bottom of the housing 1 which thus ensures the guidance of the stud 33, and therefore of the actuating part 32, in translation in the median plane of the housing but allows rotation in the horizontal plane around the vertical axis formed by the stud 33.
  • the part 32 also has a rectangular window 36 to allow passage of the tab 20 without this tab 20 being able to hinder the translational and rotational movements of the part 32.
  • the part 32 has, before a window 37, a central cylindrical stud 38, this time oriented upwards.
  • the part 32 has an eyelet 39 serving as an anchor point for the return spring 40 of said actuating part, the other end of which is fixed in the notch 21 of the lug 20 carried by the fixed metal part 18.
  • the front end 41 of the actuating part 32 is bevelled towards the front with a point rounded sliding on a relief 42 of the bottom of the housing.
  • This end 41 also has a stud 43, of cylindrical shape, which is oriented upwards and it can be seen that the three studs 33, 38 and 43 are aligned in the median plane of the housing which contains the horizontal direction of sliding of the actuator 32.
  • the fixed conductive part 18, which carries the movable contact has a first central opening 44 above the window 37, this opening, the dimension of which is greater than that of the window.
  • 37 having two elongated lateral edges 45 and 46 converging towards the front and forming ramps inclined at 15 ° relative to the median plane, these ramps 45 and 46 continuing rearward by two more inclined ramps 47, 48 converging this backwards.
  • the front end of the part 18 also has a central window 49 allowing the passage of the stud 43.
  • the plunger core 12 rapidly penetrates the coil in the direction of the arrow and, by doing so, its end 13 drives, by means of the tab 34, the part 32 for actuation towards the front.
  • the movement of the actuating part remains essentially a translational movement due to the posterior guide of the stud 33 in the oblong slide 35 and the action of the spring 40 which tends to keep the part 32 in the centered position.
  • the actuating part 32 therefore quickly arrives at the position shown in FIG. 4 in which the front stud 43 comes into contact with the beveled end 31, laterally pivoted, of the arm 17 of the movable contact 16 which remains firmly held in its position by the action of the spring 30.
  • the arm 17, with its bevelled end 31, therefore forms an inclined ramp which, by cooperating with the front stud 43, rotates the actuating part 32 around the rear stud 33 clockwise , seen in Figure 4.
  • the return component, exerted by the spring 40 has the sole effect of increasing the pressure of the movable contact on the fixed contact 14. However, this clockwise rotation movement soon brings the intermediate stud 38 in contact with the ramp 45 presented by the edge of the opening 44. This phase occurs when the anterior stud 43, continuing its course forward and to the right, has exceeded the level of the vertical axis l pivoting arm 17.
  • the relatively weak return spring 40 of the part 32 will pull it back towards its starting position, causing, due to the contact between the stud 43 and the arm 17 , a new rotation, this time clockwise, of the part 32.
  • the transverse component that the return spring 40 exerts on the stud 43 being much less than the transverse component of the contact spring 30 which firmly applies the movable contact 16 against the fixed contact 15.
  • the return spring 40 tends, while continuing the recoil, to rotate the actuating part 32 counterclockwise to align it with the direction of translation parallel to the median plane of the housing, this arrangement being anyway obtained at the end of the recoil when the actuating part 32 returns to its initial position shown in FIG. 3 in which the central stud 38 is held at the bottom of the convergence zone of the posterior ramps 47, 48.
  • the parts could be modified so that the same nipple plays the simultaneous role of the nipples 38 and 43.
  • the relative arrangement of the parts and their shapes can be modified according to environmental constraints.
  • the drive means of the device can also be different.
  • it could be driven manually, for example using a manual drive means, such as a pusher or lever.
  • the bistable function in the case of a non-manual drive, can be, for example, controlled by an electronic circuit 8 suitable for operation as a timer, remote control switch, relay, time relay or the like.

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  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
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Abstract

The bistable mechanism comprises a sliding part (32) guided by a posterior pin (33) so as to be able to slide and rotate about the said pin (33). The part carries an anterior pin (43) which can be laterally offset when it contacts the end of the arm (17) of the moving contact (16) in order to cause rotation, and an intermediate pin (38) which cooperates with pads (45, 46) which bring the part into reverse rotation when it continues to advance in order to cause the triggering of the arm (17) of the moving contact. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention a trait à un appareil bistable de commutation électrique.The present invention relates to a bistable electrical switching device.

Les appareils électriques possédant un mécanisme de commutation bistable présentent des avantages bien connus. Ces appareils possèdent, généralement, deux contacts fixes et un contact mobile susceptible de s'appliquer alternativement contre les contacts fixes grâce à un mécanisme d'actionnement bistable mû par un organe moteur électromagnétique comportant généralement un bobinage et un noyau plongeur d'actionnement du mécanisme. Le caractère bistable du mécanisme permet à la position de contact souhaitée d'être maintenue grâce à l'action des moyens élastiques du mécanisme bistable, même en l'absence d'excitation électrique de la bobine, cette excitation n'étant nécessaire que pour assurer le passage de l'une des deux positions de contact à l'autre.Electrical devices having a bistable switching mechanism have well-known advantages. These devices generally have two fixed contacts and a movable contact capable of being applied alternately against the fixed contacts by means of a bistable actuation mechanism driven by an electromagnetic motor member generally comprising a coil and a plunger core for actuating the mechanism. . The bistable nature of the mechanism allows the desired contact position to be maintained by the action of the elastic means of the bistable mechanism, even in the absence of electrical excitation of the coil, this excitation being only necessary to ensure the passage from one of the two contact positions to the other.

L'inconvénient des mécanismes bistables connus est d'être relativement compliqués et coûteux, en raison du degré élevé de fiabilité recherché pour un très grand nombre de fonctionnements. Il en résulte également un grand encombrement qui s'oppose à la tendance actuelle de miniaturisation, alors qu'en outre on cherche de plus en plus à insérer des composants ou circuits électroniques à l'intérieur des boîtiers de ce genre d'appareils.The disadvantage of known bistable mechanisms is that they are relatively complicated and expensive, in because of the high degree of reliability sought for a very large number of operations. This also results in a large footprint which opposes the current trend of miniaturization, while in addition we are increasingly seeking to insert electronic components or circuits inside the housings of this kind of device.

Un autre inconvénient des mécanismes connus provient des efforts importants qui sont demandés aux moyens moteurs pour assurer le passage d'une position à l'autre afin de vaincre les moyens élastiques qui assurent la pression élevée de contact nécessaire. Il faut donc donner à la bobine électromagnétique des dimensions importantes afin d'appliquer l'effort nécessaire.Another drawback of the known mechanisms comes from the significant efforts which are required of the drive means to ensure the passage from one position to the other in order to overcome the elastic means which ensure the high contact pressure required. It is therefore necessary to give the electromagnetic coil large dimensions in order to apply the necessary force.

On connaît déjà, par le brevet US-A-4 386 338, un appareil bistable de commutation électrique comprenant, dans un boîtier approprié, au moins un premier contact fixe et au moins un second contact fixe, des moyens de contact mobiles destinés à être appliqués alternativement contre l'un ou l'autre des contacts fixes, un moyen élastique pour maintenir un contact mobile appliqué contre le contact fixe vers lequel il a été dirigé, un mécanisme pour amener les moyens de contact mobiles d'une position de contact à l'autre et comportant une pièce d'actionnement de contact mobile rappelée par un moyen de rappel élastique, laquelle pièce est entraînée par un moyen d'entraînement actionnant le mécanisme, ladite pièce d'actionnement étant susceptible d'assumer à la fois un mouvement de translation et de rotation mais en ayant tendance, en l'absence d'une sollicitation latérale par rapport à ce mouvement de translation, à se déplacer uniquement en translation, appareil dans lequel les moyens d'actionnement de contact mobiles sont montés de façon pivotante autour d'un axe et présentent un bras incliné dans un sens ou dans l'autre par rapport à la trajectoire de déplacement en translation de ladite pièce d'actionnement, alors que ladite pièce d'actionnement est muni d'un relief qui, lorsqu'il vient au contact dudit bras des moyens d'actionnement de contact mobiles, dévie ladite pièce d'actionnement sous l'effet de rampe provoqué par la présence dudit bras restant initialement dans sa position inclinée. Ce dispositif est destiné à ouvrir ou refermer simultanément deux contacts et comporte, à cet effet, un moyen basculant repoussant, dans une position, les contacts mobiles loin des contacts fixes et autorisant, dans une autre position, les contacts mobiles à se réappliquer contre les contacts fixes. Un tel dispositif nécessite, une pièce pivotante intermédiaire portant deux cames pour faire pivoter la pièce. Il demande la présence d'un moyen de friction pour conserver approximativement la position d'ouverture de contact et ne peut pas garantir une position stable en cas d'usure du moyen de friction. Il demande, en conséquence, des efforts importants pour l'ouverture ou la fermeture des contacts. De plus il ne permet pas de provoquer des mouvements extrêmement brusques des contacts mobiles.Already known from US-A-4 386 338, a bistable electrical switching device comprising, in an appropriate housing, at least a first fixed contact and at least a second fixed contact, movable contact means intended to be applied alternately against one or other of the fixed contacts, an elastic means for maintaining a mobile contact applied against the fixed contact to which it has been directed, a mechanism for bringing the mobile contact means from a contact position to the other and comprising a movable contact actuating part returned by an elastic return means, which part is driven by a driving means actuating the mechanism, said actuating part being capable of assuming both a movement of translation and rotation but having a tendency, in the absence of a lateral stress with respect to this translation movement, to move only in translation, appears it in which the movable contact actuation means are pivotally mounted about an axis and have an arm inclined in one direction or the other relative to the path of displacement in translation of said actuation part, while said actuating part is provided with a relief which, when it comes into contact with said arm of the moving contact actuating means, deflects said actuating part under the ramp effect caused by the presence of said arm initially remaining in its tilted position. This device is intended to open or close two contacts simultaneously and comprises, for this purpose, a tilting means pushing, in one position, the movable contacts away from the fixed contacts and allowing, in another position, the movable contacts to reapply against the fixed contacts. Such a device requires an intermediate pivoting part carrying two cams to rotate the part. It requires the presence of a friction means to approximately maintain the contact opening position and cannot guarantee a stable position in the event of wear of the friction means. It therefore requires significant efforts to open or close the contacts. In addition, it does not make it possible to cause extremely sudden movements of the mobile contacts.

La présente invention se propose de remédier à ces inconvénients et de fournir un appareil bistable de commutation électrique dans lequel le mécanisme bistable comporte un nombre de pièces très réduit et assure une grande pression de contact tout en n'exigeant que peu d'effort lors du passage d'une position de contact à l'autre, ce qui permet de sous-dimensionner les moyens moteurs électromagnétiques.The present invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a bistable electrical switching device in which the bistable mechanism comprises a very small number of parts and ensures a high contact pressure while requiring little effort during the passage from one contact position to the other, which makes it possible to undersize the electromagnetic motor means.

Un autre objectif de l'invention est de réaliser un tel dispositif qui présente une grande fiabilité de fonctionnement.Another objective of the invention is to produce such a device which has high operating reliability.

Un autre objectif encore de l'invention est de réaliser un tel dispositif dans lequel les mouvements relatifs des contacts s'effectuent avec une grande précision.Yet another objective of the invention is to produce such a device in which the relative movements of the contacts are carried out with great precision.

L'invention a pour objet un appareil bistable de commutation électrique comprenant, dans un boîtier approprié, au moins un premier contact fixe et au moins un second contact fixe, des moyens de contact mobiles destinés à être appliqués alternativement contre l'un ou l'autre des contacts fixes, un moyen élastique pour maintenir un contact mobile appliqué contre le contact fixe vers lequel il a été dirigé, un mécanisme pour amener les moyens de contact mobiles d'une position de contact à l'autre et comportant une pièce d'actionnement de contact mobile rappelée par un moyen de rappel élastique, laquelle pièce est entraînée par un moyen d'entraînement actionnant le mécanisme, ladite pièce d'actionnement étant susceptible d'assumer à la fois un mouvement de translation et de rotation mais en ayant tendance, en l'absence d'une sollicitation latérale par rapport à ce mouvement de translation, à se déplacer uniquement en translation, lesdits moyens de contact mobiles étant montés de façon pivotante autour d'un axe et présentant un bras incliné dans un sens ou dans l'autre par rapport à la trajectoire de déplacement en translation de ladite pièce d'actionnement, alors que ladite pièce d'actionnement est munie d'un relief qui, lorsqu'il vient au contact dudit bras des moyens de contact mobiles, dévie ladite pièce d'actionnement sous l'effet de rampe provoqué par la présence dudit bras restant initialement dans sa position inclinée, et comprenant des premières rampes fixes par rapport au boîtier et symétriques de part et d'autre de la trajectoire de translation de ladite pièce d'actionnement, pour coopérer avec un relief de cette dernière caractérisé en ce que ledit bras porte les contacts mobiles et est incliné suivant celui des contacts fixes contre lequel les moyens de contact mobiles sont appliqués et en ce que les premières rampes coopèrent avec le relief de manière à provoquer, pendant l'avance de ladite pièce d'actionnement sa rotation en sens contraire à celle provoquée par ledit bras des moyens de contact mobile et finalement, entraîner le basculement dudit bras lorsque le relief de la pièce d'actionnement associée audit bras a dépassé l'axe de pivotement dudit bras.The invention relates to a bistable electrical switching device comprising, in a suitable housing, at least a first fixed contact and at least a second fixed contact, mobile contact means intended to be applied alternately against one or the other of the fixed contacts, an elastic means for maintaining a movable contact applied against the fixed contact to which it has been directed, a mechanism for bringing the movable contact means from one contact position to the other and comprising a piece of movable contact actuation recalled by an elastic return means, which part is driven by a drive means actuating the mechanism, said actuating part being capable of assuming both a translational and rotational movement but having a tendency , in the absence of a lateral stress with respect to this translational movement, to be moved only in translation, said mobil contact means es being pivotally mounted about an axis and having an arm inclined in one direction or the other relative to the path of movement in translation of said actuating part, while said actuating part is provided with '' a relief which, when it comes into contact with said arm of the movable contact means, deflects said actuation part under the ramp effect caused by the presence of said arm initially remaining in its inclined position, and comprising first fixed ramps relative to the housing and symmetrical on either side of the translation path of said actuating part, to cooperate with a relief of the latter characterized in that said arm carries the movable contacts and is inclined along that of the fixed contacts against which the movable contact means are applied and in that the first ramps cooperate with the relief so as to cause, during the advance of said part actuation its rotation in opposite direction to that caused by said arm of the movable contact means and finally, cause the tilting of said arm when the relief of the actuating part associated with said arm has exceeded the pivot axis of said arm.

Le cas échéant, le moyen de rappel élastique de la pièce d'actionnement peut être le même que le moyen élastique maintenant le bras de contact dans sa position inclinée pour appliquer le contact mobile contre le contact fixe mais on peut, de préférence, afin d'éviter un réglage très délicat d'un tel moyen élastique unique, utiliser des moyens élastiques séparés, l'un pour le contact mobile, l'autre pour provoquer le rappel en position initiale de la pièce allongée d'actionnement du contact mobile.If necessary, the elastic return means of the actuating part may be the same as the elastic means keeping the contact arm in its inclined position to apply the movable contact against the fixed contact, but it is preferably possible in order to '' avoid adjustment very delicate such a unique elastic means, use separate elastic means, one for the movable contact, the other to cause the return to the initial position of the elongated piece for actuating the movable contact.

Ladite pièce d'actionnement du contact mobile peut être avantageusement guidée dans son déplacement grâce à une glissière allongée coopérant avec un téton de guidage, le moyen de rappel élastique de la pièce d'actionnement étant axialement aligné avec ladite glissière et l'effort du moyen d'entraînement tel que, par exemple, organe électromagnétique moteur s'exerçant également en alignement de façon à provoquer un déplacement en translation de la pièce d'actionnement tant que celle-ci n'est pas déviée en rotation par la présence du bras de contact mobile. Le téton peut être porté par la pièce d'actionnement et, dans ce cas, la glissière est prévue soit dans une pièce métallique rapportée dans le boîtier, soit directement dans une paroi du boîtier.Said actuating part of the movable contact can advantageously be guided in its movement by means of an elongated slide cooperating with a guide pin, the elastic return means of the actuating part being axially aligned with said slide and the force of the means drive such as, for example, an electromagnetic motor member also exerted in alignment so as to cause a displacement in translation of the actuating part as long as the latter is not deflected in rotation by the presence of the arm of mobile contact. The stud can be carried by the actuating part and, in this case, the slide is provided either in a metal piece attached to the housing, or directly in a wall of the housing.

De même, les deux rampes fixes inclinées de part et d'autre de la trajectoire de translation de la pièce d'actionnement pourraient être pratiquées directement dans le boîtier. On préfère cependant les réaliser dans une pièce rapportée, par exemple sous forme d'une fenêtre à bords inclinés convergents pratiquée dans ladite pièce, cette dernière pouvant alors simultanément servir de portée de pivotement pour le contact mobile et également, si on le souhaite, de point d'ancrage des moyens élastiques de la pièce d'actionnement et du contact mobile, cette pièce fixe pouvant, en outre, être reliée à la borne de contact mobile pour assurer la liaison électrique entre le contact mobile et ladite borne.Similarly, the two fixed ramps inclined on either side of the translation path of the actuating part could be made directly in the housing. However, it is preferable to make them in an added part, for example in the form of a window with converging inclined edges made in said part, the latter then being able simultaneously to serve as a pivoting range for the mobile contact and also, if desired, to anchoring point of the elastic means of the actuating part and of the movable contact, this fixed part being able, in addition, to be connected to the movable contact terminal to ensure the electrical connection between the movable contact and said terminal.

On peut ainsi réaliser un appareil bistable qui, au niveau du mécanisme, ne comporte que trois pièces, à savoir la pièce d'actionnement, la pièce fixe précitée, ainsi que l'organe élastique de rappel de la pièce d'actionnement, les autres pièces mobiles, à savoir le contact mobile avec son ressort et le moyen d'entrainement, par exemple l'organe électro-magnétique, étant de toute façon nécessaires.It is thus possible to produce a bistable device which, at the level of the mechanism, comprises only three parts, namely the actuating part, the above-mentioned fixed part, as well as the elastic member for returning the actuating part, the others moving parts, namely the movable contact with its spring and the drive means, for example the electromagnetic member, being necessary anyway.

Le bras du contact mobile, destiné à servir de rampe pour dévier le relief correspondant de la pièce d'actionnement, se prolonge de préférence au-delà du point de pivotement du contact mobile pour amorcer le mouvement de déviation en rotation de la pièce d'actionnement avant que celle-ci ne parvienne au niveau du point de pivotement du contact mobile.The arm of the movable contact, intended to serve as a ramp for deflecting the corresponding relief of the actuating part, preferably extends beyond the pivot point of the movable contact to initiate the deflection movement in rotation of the actuating part. actuation before it reaches the pivot point of the movable contact.

L'angle d'inclinaison du bras de contact mobile par rapport à la direction de déplacement en translation de la pièce d'actionnement est de préférence de l'ordre de 10° à 30° ou même 45° et, de même, l'angle d'inclinaison en sens contraire des rampes ramenant l'organe d'actionnement vers sa position centrale est de l'ordre de 10° à 30°, ces valeurs permettant d'obtenir à la fois la précision et les composantes d'effort nécessaires.The angle of inclination of the movable contact arm relative to the direction of movement in translation of the actuating part is preferably of the order of 10 ° to 30 ° or even 45 ° and, similarly, the angle of inclination in the opposite direction of the ramps bringing the actuating member towards its central position is of the order of 10 ° to 30 °, these values making it possible to obtain both the precision and the components of effort required .

De façon avantageuse, les rampes précitées peuvent se poursuivre, dans le sens de retour en position de la pièce d'actionnement, par des rampes en sens opposé forçant l'organe d'actionnement à reprendre sa position centrale initiale même dans le cas où, pour une raison quelconque, il aurait tendance à rester un peu décalé en rotation dans la position de repos.Advantageously, the above-mentioned ramps can continue, in the direction of return to the position of the actuating part, by ramps in opposite directions forcing the actuating member to return to its initial central position even in the case where, for some reason, it would tend to stay a bit rotated in the rest position.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante, faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif et se référant au dessin annexé dans lequel:

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un télérupteur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue de bout de ce télérupteur,
  • les figures 3 à 6 représentent des vues de dessus, en coupe, du télérupteur au niveau du mécanisme et des contacts dans les différentes positions correspondant au fonctionnement.
Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example and referring to the appended drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a view in longitudinal section of a remote control switch according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents an end view of this remote control switch,
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 represent top views, in section, of the remote control switch at the level of the mechanism and of the contacts in the different positions corresponding to the operation.

En se référant tout d'abord aux figures 1 et 2, on voit un télérupteur comportant un boîtier en matière plastique isolante 1 muni, à sa partie inférieure, de moyens rapides de fixation usuels 2 sur un rail et présentant deux bornes de contacts fixes 3, 4 et, à l'opposé, une borne 5 pour de contact mobile. On voit également, à un niveau intermédiaire, des bornes 6, 7 pour le circuit de commande. Dans la partie supérieure du boîtier est logé un circuit électronique 8 permettant une gestion électronique de la commutation, par exemple du type limitant la durée d'excitation de la bobine électro-magnétique et permettant le sous-dimensionnement de cette bobine.Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a remote control switch comprising an insulating plastic housing 1 provided, at its lower part, with the usual quick fastening means 2 on a rail and having two fixed contact terminals 3 , 4 and, opposite, a terminal 5 for movable contact. We also see, at an intermediate level, terminals 6, 7 for the control circuit. In the upper part of the housing is housed an electronic circuit 8 allowing electronic management of the switching, for example of the type limiting the duration of excitation of the electromagnetic coil and allowing the undersizing of this coil.

Cette bobine électro-magnétique 9, de construction usuelle mais sous-dimensionnée par rapport aux dimensions qu'elle devrait présenter si elle était parcourue constamment par le courant d'excitation, est montée sur un support de bobine usuel 10 et isolée de la partie inférieure du boîtier par un cache isolant usuel 11. La bobine 9, dont l'axe s'étend parallèlement au fond du boîtier 1, est susceptible d'attirer, vers la gauche dans le sens de la flèche, un noyau plongeur 12 se terminant par une extrémité d'entraînement 13.This electromagnetic coil 9, of usual construction but undersized compared to the dimensions which it should have if it were constantly traversed by the excitation current, is mounted on a usual coil support 10 and isolated from the lower part. of the housing by a usual insulating cover 11. The coil 9, whose axis extends parallel to the bottom of the housing 1, is capable of attracting, to the left in the direction of the arrow, a plunger core 12 ending in a drive end 13.

Les deux contacts fixes 14, 15, électriquement solidaires de leurs bornes respectives 3, 4, sont disposés de part et d'autre du plan médian de symétrie du dispositif, comme on le voit sur la figure 3, en étant inclinés par rapport à ce plan. Le contact mobile 16, qui présente deux faces opposées destinées à coopérer, l'une avec le contact fixe 14, l'autre avec le contact fixe 15, est porté par un bras 17 en forme d'étrier, comme on le voit sur la figure 1, ce bras 17 étant monté pivotant autour d'un axe vertical, c'est-à-dire perpendiculaire au fond inférieur du boîtier 1, pour permettre le débattement du contact mobile 16 entre ses deux positions extrêmes de contact avec les contacts fixes 14 et 15 respectivement.The two fixed contacts 14, 15, electrically integral with their respective terminals 3, 4, are arranged on either side of the median plane of symmetry of the device, as can be seen in FIG. 3, being inclined with respect to this plan. The movable contact 16, which has two opposite faces intended to cooperate, one with the fixed contact 14, the other with the fixed contact 15, is carried by an arm 17 in the form of a stirrup, as seen on the Figure 1, this arm 17 being pivotally mounted about a vertical axis, that is to say perpendicular to the lower bottom of the housing 1, to allow the movement of the movable contact 16 between its two extreme positions of contact with the fixed contacts 14 and 15 respectively.

Le mécanisme comporte une pièce métallique fixe 18, allongée et s'étendant parallèlement au fond. Cette pièce 18 s'étend, à l'arrière, pour former un prolongement 19, pénétrant dans la borne 5 pour assurer la liaison électrique avec celle-ci après serrage. Cette pièce 18 présente une patte 20 rabattue vers le bas et munie d'une encoche 21. Elle présente, vers sa partie antérieure orientée vers les bornes 3, 4, une patte 22 rabattue vers le haut, munie également d'une encoche 23 disposée dans le plan médian du boîtier et au même niveau qu'un trou 24 pratiqué dans le bras 17 du contact mobile. Enfin l'extrémité antérieure 25 de la pièce 18 est rabattue à angle droit vers le haut, formant une plaque frontale munie d'une échancrure centrale 26 alignée avec l'encoche 23 et le trou 24, la partie centrale du bord supérieur 25 de l'échancrure 26 étant coudée en arrière en 27, comme on le voit sur la figure 3, pour former un redan dans lequel vient s'appliquer une partie d'extrémité biseautée 28 de la branche supérieure de l'étrier 17. A la partie inférieure, l'extrémité 25 présente une forme similaire coopérant avec une extrémité correspondante 29 de la branche inférieure de l'étrier 17, ce dernier étant ainsi monté à demeure de façon pivotante autour de l'axe vertical disposé dans le plan médian du boîtier et s'étendant entre les extrémités biseautées 29 et 28.The mechanism comprises a fixed metal piece 18, elongated and extending parallel to the bottom. This part 18 extends, at the rear, to form an extension 19, penetrating into terminal 5 to ensure the electrical connection with it after tightening. This part 18 has a tab 20 folded down and provided with a notch 21. It has, towards its front part oriented towards the terminals 3, 4, a tab 22 folded upwards, also provided with a notch 23 arranged in the median plane of the housing and at the same level as a hole 24 made in the arm 17 of the movable contact. Finally the front end 25 of the piece 18 is folded at a right angle upwards, forming a front plate provided with a central notch 26 aligned with the notch 23 and the hole 24, the central part of the upper edge 25 of the notch 26 being bent backwards at 27, as seen in FIG. 3, to form a step in which a bevelled end part 28 of the upper branch of the stirrup 17 is applied. At the lower part , the end 25 has a similar shape cooperating with a corresponding end 29 of the lower branch of the stirrup 17, the latter being thus permanently mounted so as to pivot around the vertical axis disposed in the median plane of the housing and s extending between the beveled ends 29 and 28.

On conçoit donc que le contact mobile 16 porté par l'étrier 17 peut pivoter entre les deux positions de contact avec les contacts fixes 14, 15 autour de l'axe vertical ainsi matérialisé. Un ressort de maintien 30, fixé d'une part dans l'encoche 23 et d'autre part dans le trou 24, a tendance à maintenir le contact mobile 16 dans sa position appliquée contre l'un des contacts fixes avec la composante de force résultant de l'effort de traction du ressort et de l'angle entre l'axe du ressort et la direction du bras 17. On voit encore que le bras 17 présente, sur sa branche inférieure, un prolongement biseauté 31 qui se trouve donc disposé vers l'arrière au-delà de l'axe vertical de pivotement du bras ou étrier 17.It is therefore understandable that the movable contact 16 carried by the bracket 17 can pivot between the two contact positions with the fixed contacts 14, 15 around the vertical axis thus materialized. A retaining spring 30, fixed on the one hand in the notch 23 and on the other hand in the hole 24, tends to maintain the movable contact 16 in its position applied against one of the fixed contacts with the force component resulting from the tensile force of the spring and the angle between the axis of the spring and the direction of the arm 17. It can also be seen that the arm 17 has, on its lower branch, a beveled extension 31 which is therefore arranged backwards beyond the vertical axis pivoting arm or stirrup 17.

Une pièce d'actionnenent métallique ou en matière plastique 32 est montée, de façon coulissante, sous la pièce métallique fixe 18. Cette pièce présente, à son extrémité postérieure, un téton de guidage et de pivotement 33 et une patte supérieure 34 munie d'une échancrure transversale à travers laquelle passe la tige de l'extrémité 13 de l'équipage ou noyau mobile 12, la tige ayant un diamètre inférieur à la largeur de l'échancrure pour permettre un certain jeu, et le bord de l'extrémité 13 orienté vers la patte 34 présentant une forme arrondie de rotule, la liaison entre l'équipage ou noyau 12 et la patte 34 permettant donc un certain jeu aussi bien selon la direction de translation horizontale dans le plan médian du boîtier qu'en pivotement dans un plan horizontal notamment.A metal or plastic actuator part 32 is slidably mounted under the fixed metal part 18. This part has, at its rear end, a guide and pivot pin 33 and an upper tab 34 provided with a transverse notch through which the rod of the end 13 of the moving element or core 12 passes, the rod having a diameter less than the width of the notch to allow a certain clearance, and the edge of the end 13 oriented towards the lug 34 having a rounded shape of a ball joint, the connection between the crew or core 12 and the lug 34 therefore allowing a certain play both in the direction of horizontal translation in the median plane of the housing and in pivoting in a horizontal plane in particular.

Le téton 33, de forme cylindrique circulaire, peut se déplacer dans une glissière formée par un trou oblong 35 pratiqué dans le fond du boîtier 1 qui assure ainsi le guidage du téton 33, et donc de la pièce d'actionnement 32, en translation dans le plan médian du boîtier mais autorise une rotation dans le plan horizontal autour de l'axe vertical formé par le téton 33.The stud 33, of circular cylindrical shape, can move in a slide formed by an oblong hole 35 formed in the bottom of the housing 1 which thus ensures the guidance of the stud 33, and therefore of the actuating part 32, in translation in the median plane of the housing but allows rotation in the horizontal plane around the vertical axis formed by the stud 33.

La pièce 32 possède, par ailleurs, une fenêtre rectangulaire 36 pour autoriser le passage de la patte 20 sans que cette patte 20 puisse gêner les mouvements de translation et de rotation de la pièce 32.The part 32 also has a rectangular window 36 to allow passage of the tab 20 without this tab 20 being able to hinder the translational and rotational movements of the part 32.

Plus en avant, la pièce 32 présente, avant une fenêtre 37, un téton cylindrique cental 38, orienté cette fois-ci vers le haut.Further forward, the part 32 has, before a window 37, a central cylindrical stud 38, this time oriented upwards.

A l'extrémité antérieure de la fenêtre 37 et sous celle-ci la pièce 32 présente un oeillet 39 servant de point d'ancrage au ressort de rappel 40 de ladite pièce d'actionnement dont l'autre extrémité vient se fixer dans l'encoche 21 de la patte 20 portée par la pièce métallique fixe 18.At the front end of the window 37 and under it the part 32 has an eyelet 39 serving as an anchor point for the return spring 40 of said actuating part, the other end of which is fixed in the notch 21 of the lug 20 carried by the fixed metal part 18.

L'extrémité antérieure 41 de la pièce d'actionnement 32 est biseautée vers l'avant avec une pointe arrondie coulissant sur un relief 42 du fond du boîtier. Cette extrémité 41 présente également un téton 43, de forme cylindrique, qui est orienté vers le haut et l'on voit que les trois tétons 33, 38 et 43 sont alignés dans le plan médian du boîtier qui contient la direction horizontale de coulissement de la pièce d'actionnement 32.The front end 41 of the actuating part 32 is bevelled towards the front with a point rounded sliding on a relief 42 of the bottom of the housing. This end 41 also has a stud 43, of cylindrical shape, which is oriented upwards and it can be seen that the three studs 33, 38 and 43 are aligned in the median plane of the housing which contains the horizontal direction of sliding of the actuator 32.

Afin de coopérer avec la pièce d'actionnement 32, la pièce fixe conductrice 18, qui porte le contact mobile, présente une première ouverture centrale 44 au-dessus de la fenêtre 37, cette ouverture, dont la dimension est supérieure à celle de la fenêtre 37, présentant deux bords latéraux allongés 45 et 46 convergeant vers l'avant et formant des rampes inclinées à 15° par rapport au plan médian, ces rampes 45 et 46 se poursuivant vers l'arrière par deux rampes plus inclinées 47, 48 convergeant cette fois-ci vers l'arrière.In order to cooperate with the actuating part 32, the fixed conductive part 18, which carries the movable contact, has a first central opening 44 above the window 37, this opening, the dimension of which is greater than that of the window. 37, having two elongated lateral edges 45 and 46 converging towards the front and forming ramps inclined at 15 ° relative to the median plane, these ramps 45 and 46 continuing rearward by two more inclined ramps 47, 48 converging this backwards.

Par ailleurs, l'extrémité antérieure de la pièce 18 présente également une fenêtre centrale 49 permettant le passage du téton 43.Furthermore, the front end of the part 18 also has a central window 49 allowing the passage of the stud 43.

Le fonctionnement est alors le suivant:The operation is as follows:

Dans la position initiale de repos représentée sur les figures 1 et 3, le noyau 12 est en position émergée hors de la bobine et la pièce d'actionnement 32 se trouve en position arrière centrée parallèle au plan médian, dans laquelle elle est maintenue par le ressort de rappel 40, d'une part, du fait que le téton 33 empêche tout déplacement latéral de l'extrémité postérieure et, d'autre part, du fait que le téton intermédiaire 38 est venu se centrer au fond de l'ouverture 44 entre les deux rampes 47, 48. Dans cette position, le téton antérieur 43 de la pièce d'actionnement est éloigné de l'extrémité dépassante biseautée 31 de la branche inférieure de l'étrier 17 portant le contact mobile 16 qui se trouve appliqué contre le contact fixe 14, le bras ou étrier 17 étant donc incliné par rapport au plan médian du boîtier, comme on le voit sur la figure 3.In the initial rest position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the core 12 is in the emerged position outside the coil and the actuating part 32 is in the rear centered position parallel to the median plane, in which it is held by the return spring 40, on the one hand, because the stud 33 prevents any lateral displacement of the posterior end and, on the other hand, because the intermediate stud 38 has come to center at the bottom of the opening 44 between the two ramps 47, 48. In this position, the front stud 43 of the actuating part is spaced from the projecting beveled end 31 of the lower branch of the stirrup 17 carrying the movable contact 16 which is applied against the fixed contact 14, the arm or stirrup 17 therefore being inclined relative to the median plane of the housing, as seen in FIG. 3.

Si maintenant l'on excite la bobine 9, le noyau plongeur 12 pénètre rapidement dans la bobine dans le sens de la flèche et, ce faisant, son extrémité 13 entraîne, par le biais de la patte 34, la pièce 32 d'actionnement vers l'avant. Le mouvement de la pièce d'actionnement reste pour l'essentiel, un mouvement de translation en raison du guidage postérieur du téton 33 dans la glissière oblongue 35 et de l'action du ressort 40 qui tend à maintenir la pièce 32 en position centrée.If the coil 9 is now excited, the plunger core 12 rapidly penetrates the coil in the direction of the arrow and, by doing so, its end 13 drives, by means of the tab 34, the part 32 for actuation towards the front. The movement of the actuating part remains essentially a translational movement due to the posterior guide of the stud 33 in the oblong slide 35 and the action of the spring 40 which tends to keep the part 32 in the centered position.

La pièce d'actionnement 32 arrive donc rapidement à la position représentée sur la figure 4 dans laquelle le téton antérieur 43 vient au contact de l'extrémité biseautée 31, latéralement pivotée, du bras 17 du contact mobile 16 qui reste fermement maintenu dans sa position par l'action du ressort 30. Le bras 17, avec son extrémité biseautée 31, forme donc une rampe inclinée qui, en coopérant avec le téton antérieur 43, fait pivoter la pièce d'actionnement 32 autour du téton arrière 33 dans le sens horaire, vu sur la figure 4. La composante de rappel, exercée par le ressort 40, a pour seul effet d'augmenter la pression du contact mobile sur le contact fixe 14. Cependant, ce mouvement de rotation en sens horaire amène bientôt le téton intermédiaire 38 au contact de la rampe 45 présentée par le bord de l'ouverture 44. Cette phase se produit au moment où le téton antérieur 43, poursuivant sa course en avant et à droite, a dépassé le niveau de l'axe vertical de pivotement du bras 17.The actuating part 32 therefore quickly arrives at the position shown in FIG. 4 in which the front stud 43 comes into contact with the beveled end 31, laterally pivoted, of the arm 17 of the movable contact 16 which remains firmly held in its position by the action of the spring 30. The arm 17, with its bevelled end 31, therefore forms an inclined ramp which, by cooperating with the front stud 43, rotates the actuating part 32 around the rear stud 33 clockwise , seen in Figure 4. The return component, exerted by the spring 40, has the sole effect of increasing the pressure of the movable contact on the fixed contact 14. However, this clockwise rotation movement soon brings the intermediate stud 38 in contact with the ramp 45 presented by the edge of the opening 44. This phase occurs when the anterior stud 43, continuing its course forward and to the right, has exceeded the level of the vertical axis l pivoting arm 17.

La poursuite du mouvement en avant de la pièce d'actionnement 32 s'accompagne alors, malgré la résistance exercée par le ressort 30 du bras 17, d'une rotation en sens anti-horaire de la pièce d'actionnement 32, cette rotation étant imposée par la rampe 45 qui converge vers l'avant. Au moment où la pièce 32 atteint la position représentée sur la figure 5, le bras 17 se trouve donc contraint de basculer, contre la 4 résistance opposée par son ressort 30, la poursuite de ce mouvement de basculement étant imposée par l'avance du téton antérieur 43 qui continue, sous l'influence de la rampe 45 coopérant avec le téton 38, à se rapprocher du plan médian dans un mouvement anti-horaire de la pièce d'actionnement 32 autour de son téton arrière 33. En outre, très rapidement, le ressort 30, en raison de la modification de position, va maintenant exercer son effort dans le sens tendant à appliquer le contact mobile 16 contre le contact fixe 15.The continuation of the movement forward of the actuating part 32 is then accompanied, despite the resistance exerted by the spring 30 of the arm 17, by a counterclockwise rotation of the actuating part 32, this rotation being imposed by the ramp 45 which converges forward. When the part 32 reaches the position shown in FIG. 5, the arm 17 is therefore forced to tilt, against the 4 resistance opposed by its spring 30, the continuation of this tilting movement being imposed by the advance of the stud prior 43 which continues, under the influence of the ramp 45 cooperating with the stud 38, to approach the median plane in a counterclockwise movement of the actuating part 32 around its rear stud 33. Furthermore, very quickly, the spring 30, due to the change in position, will now exert its force in the direction tending to apply the movable contact 16 against the fixed contact 15.

Lorsqu'on arrive à l'extrémité de la course antérieure du noyau 12, et donc de la pièce d'actionnement 32, comme représenté sur la figure 6, le bras 17 a basculé et la nouvelle position stable du contact mobile a été obtenue.When we reach the end of the anterior stroke of the core 12, and therefore of the actuating part 32, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 17 has tilted and the new stable position of the movable contact has been obtained.

L'excitation électro-magnétique étant maintenant supprimée, le ressort de rappel 40, relativement faible, de la pièce 32 va tirer celle-ci en arrière vers sa position de départ, provoquant, en raison du contact entre le téton 43 et le bras 17, une nouvelle rotation, cette fois-ci en sens horaire, de la pièce 32. Lorsque celle-ci parvient, lors de son recul, au niveau de l'extrémité biseautée dépassante 31 du bras 17, elle est cependant incapable de provoquer un nouveau basculement du bras 17, la composante transversale que le ressort de rappel 40 exerce sur le téton 43 étant bien inférieure à la composante transversale du ressort de contact 30 qui applique fermement le contact mobile 16 contre le contact fixe 15.The electro-magnetic excitation is now removed, the relatively weak return spring 40 of the part 32 will pull it back towards its starting position, causing, due to the contact between the stud 43 and the arm 17 , a new rotation, this time clockwise, of the part 32. When the latter reaches, during its retraction, at the level of the projecting beveled end 31 of the arm 17, it is however incapable of causing a new tilting of the arm 17, the transverse component that the return spring 40 exerts on the stud 43 being much less than the transverse component of the contact spring 30 which firmly applies the movable contact 16 against the fixed contact 15.

Une fois que le mouvement de recul a été suffisant pour que le téton 43 dépasse l'extrémité biseautée 31, le ressort de rappel 40 a tendance, tout en poursuivant le recul, à faire tourner la pièce d'actionnement 32 en sens anti-horaire pour l'aligner avec la direction de translation parallèle au plan médian du boîtier, cette disposition étant, de toute façon, obtenue à la fin du recul lorsque la pièce d'actionnement 32 revient à sa position initiale représentée sur la figure 3 dans laquelle le téton central 38 est maintenu au fond de la zone de convergence des rampes postérieures 47, 48.Once the recoil movement has been sufficient for the stud 43 to exceed the beveled end 31, the return spring 40 tends, while continuing the recoil, to rotate the actuating part 32 counterclockwise to align it with the direction of translation parallel to the median plane of the housing, this arrangement being anyway obtained at the end of the recoil when the actuating part 32 returns to its initial position shown in FIG. 3 in which the central stud 38 is held at the bottom of the convergence zone of the posterior ramps 47, 48.

On comprend que l'on a ainsi réalisé un mécanisme extrêmement simple composé de deux pièces dont l'une, à savoir la pièce fixe porte-contact mobile 18, peut être obtenue par une opération classique d'estampage-pliage et dont l'autre, à savoir la pièce d'actionnement 32, peut facilement être moulée. La fiabilité est très importante et le basculement est obtenu à coup sûr et ceci avec un minimum d'effort.It is understood that an extremely simple mechanism has thus been made up consisting of two parts, one of which, namely the fixed movable contact carrier part 18, can be obtained by a conventional stamping-folding operation and the other of which , namely the actuating part 32, can easily be molded. Reliability is very important and tilting is achieved for sure with a minimum of effort.

Bien entendu, l'invention pourrait faire l'objet de différentes variantes.Of course, the invention could be the subject of different variants.

Ainsi, les pièces pourraient être modifiées afin qu'un même téton joue le rôle simultané des tétons 38 et 43. De même, la disposition relative des pièces et leurs formes peuvent être modifiées en fonction des contraites d'environnement.Thus, the parts could be modified so that the same nipple plays the simultaneous role of the nipples 38 and 43. Similarly, the relative arrangement of the parts and their shapes can be modified according to environmental constraints.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite à propos d'une forme de réalisation particulière, il est bien entendu qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'on peut lui apporter diverses modifications de formes et de matériau.Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it is understood that it is in no way limited thereto and that it can be made various modifications of shape and material.

Le moyen d'entraînement du dispositif peut aussi être différent. Ainsi, par exemple, au lieu d'entraîner la pièce d'actionnement par une bobine électromagnétique ou autre organe moteur électrique, on pourrait l'entraîner manuellement, par exemple à l'aide d'un moyen d'entrainement manuel, tel qu'un poussoir ou un levier.The drive means of the device can also be different. Thus, for example, instead of driving the actuating part by an electromagnetic coil or other electric motor member, it could be driven manually, for example using a manual drive means, such as a pusher or lever.

La fonction bistable, en cas d'entraînement non manuel, peut être, par exemple, commandée par un circuit électronique 8 adapté à un fonctionnement en minuterie, télérupteur, relais, relais temporisé ou autre.The bistable function, in the case of a non-manual drive, can be, for example, controlled by an electronic circuit 8 suitable for operation as a timer, remote control switch, relay, time relay or the like.

Claims (12)

1. An electrical bistable commutating device comprising, in a suitable casing (1) at least one first fixed contact (14) and at least one second fixed contact (15), movable contact means (16) adapted to be applied alternately against one or the other of the fixed contacts, a resilient means (30) for maintaining a movable contact (16) applied against the fixed contact towards which it has been directed, a mechanism for bringing the movable contact means (16) from one contact position to the other and comprising an actuating member for the movable contact (32) which is returned by a flexible restoring means (40), the said member (32) being entrained by drive means (9) for actuating the mechanism, the said actuating means (32) being capable of assuming both a translatory movement and a rotatory movement but tending, in the absence of any lateral biasing in respect of this translatory movement, to move solely in a translatory sense, the said movable contact means being mounted to pivot about an axis (28-29) and having an arm (17) inclined in one direction or the other in relation to the path of translatory movement of the said actuating means (32), while the said actuating means (32) is provided with a relief member (43) which, when it comes in contact with the said arm (17) of the movable contact means (16) diverts the said actuating member (32) under the ramp effect caused by the presence of the said arm (17) which remains initially in its inclined position and comprising first ramps (45, 46) which are fixed in relation to the casing (1) and which are symmetrical in their disposition on either side of the translatory path of the said actuating means (32) in order to cooperate with a relief member on this latter (38), characterised in that the said arm (17) carries movable contacts (16) and is inclined towards that of the fixed contacts (14, 15) against which the movable contact means are applied and in that the first ramps (45, 46) cooperate with the relief member (38) in such a way that, during the forward movement of the said actuating means (32), they cause it to rotate in a direction opposite that caused by the said arm (17) of the movable contact means and so that they can finally produce a tilting of the said arm (17) when the relief member (43) on the actuating member associated with the said arm (17) has passed beyond the pivot axis (28, 29) of the said arm.
2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a fixed member (18) having a window (44) of which two converging edges form ramps (45, 46).
3. A device according to Claim 2, characterised in that the said fixed member is conductive and carries the pivoting arm (17) of the movable contact (16).
4. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the angle of inclination of the first ramps (45, 46) in relation to the direction of translatory movement of the actuating member (32) is of the order of 10° to 45°.
5. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the arm (17) of the movable contact (16) has an extension (31) extending beyond its pivoting axis, the said extension producing the commencement of the rotary movement of the actuating member (32) when the relief member (43) on the said member comes in contact with said extension.
6. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the angle of inclination of the arm (17) of the movable contact in relation to the direction of translatory movement of the actuating member (32) is of the order of 10° to 45°.
7. A device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the arm (17) of the movable contact (16) is stirrup-shaped, having two arms which end in pivot bearings (28, 29), the said arm having a hole (24) for hooked engagement of the arm restoring spring (30), the other end of the said spring being fixed to a lug (22) provided on the said fixed member (18).
8. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the actuating member (32) has at its end opposite that which carries the relief member (43) cooperating with the arm (17) of the movable contact a rear nipple (33) which is adapted for displacement in a slide (35) fixed in relation to the casing and serving for the translatory and rotatingly pivoting guidance of the actuating member (32).
9. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the actuating member is entrained by an immersion core (12) provided with an end (13) cooperating with a lug (34) on the actuating member (32) with a translatory and rotary clearance.
10. A device according to Claims 2 and 8, characterised in that the actuating member (32) comprises on one of its faces the rear nipple (33) for guidance in a slide and on the other face an intermediate nipple (38) penetrating the window (44) in the fixed member (18), the two edges of which form first ramps (45, 46) and a front nipple (43) forming the relief member cooperating with the arm (17) of the contact, the said member (32) having a passage (36) through which can pass a lug (20) on the fixed member (18) for hooking engagement of one end of a spring (40) for returning the actuating member (32), the other end of said spring being fixed in an eye (39) in the said member.
11. A device according to Claim 10, characterised in that the window (44) the edges of which provide the two first ramps (45, 46) likewise comprises two rear edges in the form of second ramps (47, 48) for recentring the intermediate nipple (38) of the actuating member upon its return to the starting position.
12. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the entraining means (9) is an electromagnetic coil.
EP87400965A 1986-05-15 1987-04-27 Electrical bistable commutating device Expired - Lifetime EP0246131B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87400965T ATE65344T1 (en) 1986-05-15 1987-04-27 ELECTRICAL, BISTABLE SWITCHING DEVICE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8606974A FR2598849B1 (en) 1986-05-15 1986-05-15 BISTABLE ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS
FR8606974 1986-05-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0246131A1 EP0246131A1 (en) 1987-11-19
EP0246131B1 true EP0246131B1 (en) 1991-07-17

Family

ID=9335260

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87400965A Expired - Lifetime EP0246131B1 (en) 1986-05-15 1987-04-27 Electrical bistable commutating device

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0246131B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE65344T1 (en)
DE (1) DE3771388D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2022904B3 (en)
FR (1) FR2598849B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2676590B1 (en) * 1991-05-16 1994-06-17 Merlin Gerin TILT SWITCH WITH TILTING CONTACT.
FR2753000B1 (en) * 1996-09-02 1998-10-02 Schneider Electric Sa DEVICE FOR ACTUATING ELECTRICAL CONTACTS

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1293664A (en) * 1961-04-07 1962-05-18 Arnould Ets Improvement in the operation of remote switches
DE2626752C2 (en) * 1976-06-15 1986-01-02 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Small bistable, electromagnetic power switching element
US4386338A (en) * 1980-11-17 1983-05-31 Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. Remote control system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2598849A1 (en) 1987-11-20
DE3771388D1 (en) 1991-08-22
ES2022904B3 (en) 1991-12-16
ATE65344T1 (en) 1991-08-15
FR2598849B1 (en) 1988-08-12
EP0246131A1 (en) 1987-11-19

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