EP3855470B1 - Electromagnetic actuator, electric switching apparatus including such an electromagnetic actuator - Google Patents

Electromagnetic actuator, electric switching apparatus including such an electromagnetic actuator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3855470B1
EP3855470B1 EP21152887.2A EP21152887A EP3855470B1 EP 3855470 B1 EP3855470 B1 EP 3855470B1 EP 21152887 A EP21152887 A EP 21152887A EP 3855470 B1 EP3855470 B1 EP 3855470B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit
auxiliary
actuator
magnetic
coil
Prior art date
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Application number
EP21152887.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3855470A1 (en
Inventor
Remy Orban
Cédric BRICQUET
Régis Perrocheau
Stéphane FOLLIC
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Publication of EP3855470A1 publication Critical patent/EP3855470A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/081—Magnetic constructions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
    • H01H50/36—Stationary parts of magnetic circuit, e.g. yoke
    • H01H50/42—Auxiliary magnetic circuits, e.g. for maintaining armature in, or returning armature to, position of rest, for damping or accelerating movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/28—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using electromagnet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
    • H01H50/18—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/16—Magnetic circuit arrangements
    • H01H50/18—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature
    • H01H50/20—Movable parts of magnetic circuits, e.g. armature movable inside coil and substantially lengthwise with respect to axis thereof; movable coaxially with respect to coil

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator.
  • the invention also relates to an electrical switching device comprising such an actuator.
  • Electromagnetic actuators generally comprise a fixed armature which carries at least one coil capable of generating a magnetic field, and a movable part which moves in translation under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil, thanks to a magnetic circuit which is used to channel the magnetic flux.
  • Such actuators are often encountered in electrical switching devices, such as contactors, or relays, or remote-controlled switches.
  • the moving part is generally mechanically coupled to electrical contacts or a switching mechanism, to selectively open or close an electrical circuit.
  • a drawback is that, in this case, the electric currents induced by the magnetic field can no longer flow in the stacking direction of the plates, because of poor electrical conductivity at the interfaces between the plates.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit allows induced currents to flow in the actuator when a magnetic field is generated, whereas these induced currents cannot flow in other portions of the actuator, such as the circuit magnetic, which are formed by assemblies of laminated ferromagnetic plates.
  • the induced currents cause a phase shift between the magnetic flux and the electrical control current used to power the coil, which generates a visible electromotive force on the voltage across the coil.
  • This electromotive force can be used to implement methods for diagnosing and/or detecting the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator.
  • the induced currents circulating in the auxiliary magnetic circuit nevertheless remain low enough not to degrade the performance of the actuator, in particular not to generate excessive energy losses.
  • an electrical switching device comprises an electromagnetic actuator as defined above.
  • the figure 1 And 2 represent an electromagnetic actuator 2 according to embodiments.
  • the actuator 2 comprises an armature 4 carrying at least one coil 6, a moving part 8 and a ferromagnetic yoke 10 configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil 6.
  • Said at least one coil 6 is configured to generate a magnetic field along a longitudinal axis X2, which here corresponds to a direction of movement of the moving part 8.
  • two coils 6 are mounted on the armature 4 one beside the other and are jointly controlled. In practice, several coils 6 can be used together to generate the magnetic field. Alternatively, however, only one coil 6 can be used.
  • Each coil 6 here has the shape of a cylinder having the axis X2 as its central axis.
  • Coil(s) 6 are configured to be electrically powered by a control circuit, not shown, which may be external to actuator 2.
  • the armature 4 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a polymer material, for example polyamide, or any suitable material.
  • the mobile part 8 is arranged to move relative to the armature 4 under the action of the magnetic field created by the coil or coils 6.
  • the movable part 8 is configured to move reversibly and selectively in translation between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the armature 4. In the example illustrated, this movement is achieved by translation in the direction X2.
  • the mobile part 8 cooperates with the yoke 10 to form a magnetic circuit capable of channeling the magnetic flux created by the coil or coils 6.
  • the moving part 8 and the yoke 10 are both made of a ferromagnetic material.
  • the cylinder head 10 is at least partly formed by assembling rolled metal plates, or even completely formed by an assembly of rolled metal plates.
  • the movable part 8 is also at least partly formed by assembly of laminated metal plates, or even completely formed by an assembly of laminated metal plates.
  • the metal plates, or sheets are superimposed within the assembly along a direction perpendicular to the axis X2.
  • the moving part 8 and the yoke 10 have complementary shapes which allow looping back of the magnetic flux created by the coil or coils 6.
  • the mobile part 8 has a “T” shape and comprises an elongated central portion 12 in the form of a bar, which extends along the axis X2.
  • the central portion 12 here has a cross section of rectangular shape, this cross section being defined in a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis X2.
  • the mobile part 8 also comprises arms 14, for example two arms 14, arranged at the distal end of the central portion 12 and extending perpendicularly to the central portion 12.
  • the armature 4 here comprises a central orifice 16 which extends along the axis X2 and which is surrounded by the coil or coils 6.
  • a flux corresponding magnet circulates along the central part 12.
  • the central part 12 is received inside the central orifice 16 and slides along the central orifice 16 when the movable part 8 moves in translation.
  • the yoke 10 has for its part a closed shape with a C-shaped profile, the upper and lower faces of which are here parallel to the axis X2.
  • the yoke 10 which delimits a central cavity inside which the armature 4 is housed.
  • the distal ends of the upper and lower faces of the yoke 10 here include spreaders 18, which are in the form of folded edges of the upper and lower faces of the yoke 10.
  • the spreaders 18 are arranged opposite the arms 14 of the mobile part 8.
  • the spreaders 18 facilitate the looping back of the magnetic flux between the yoke 10 and the mobile part 8.
  • the arms 14 are respectively in contact with the spreaders 18 or, on the contrary, away from the spreaders 18.
  • the arms 14 facilitate the looping back of the magnetic flux between the mobile part 8 and the yoke 10 in the magnetic circuit, even when the spreaders 18 are omitted.
  • the actuator 2 can be used in an electrical switching device, such as a contactor, or a relay, or a remote-controlled switch, or an electrical protection device, or equivalent.
  • an electrical switching device such as a contactor, or a relay, or a remote-controlled switch, or an electrical protection device, or equivalent.
  • an electrical switchgear has one or more separable electrical contacts that are movable between open and closed states to selectively interrupt or allow the flow of electrical current.
  • the actuator 2 can be coupled to the moving contacts of the switching device, for example to move them directly, or be coupled to a switching mechanism associated with the switching device configured to move the contacts when it is triggered by the actuator.
  • the movable part 8 is coupled to an actuation lever of the switching mechanism.
  • electrical devices of a different nature can incorporate such an actuator 2.
  • a diagnostic method, and/or a method for estimating the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator is implemented by a diagnostic device associated with such an electrical device or actuator 2.
  • Other diagnostic and/or monitoring methods can be used as a variant.
  • the actuator 2 further comprises an auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 made of electrically conductive material.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 is configured to allow the circulation of induced currents within it when a magnetic field is created by the coil 6.
  • the induced currents are for example eddy currents.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 has the shape of a ring, or more generally a shape of closed contour, which surrounds at least part of the magnetic flux generated by the coil or coils 6 and circulating in the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the mobile part 8 and the cylinder head 10.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 is therefore arranged so as to surround at least a part of the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the movable part 8 and the yoke 10.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 surrounds a cross section of at least a part of said magnetic circuit.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 directly surrounds the central part 12 of the movable part 8, or surrounds the central orifice 16 of the armature 4 (and in fact surrounds the central part 12, at least partially).
  • ring-shaped here denotes a closed contour delimited by the auxiliary circuit 20 which may have a circular shape, or essentially circular, or elliptical, or square, or rectangular, or polygonal, or any shape suitable for the circulation and looping of an induced electric current loop when a magnetic field is generated by the coil or coils 6 when placed around the magnetic flux generated by the coil or coils 6.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 delimits a closed contour in a geometric plane perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the axis X2, or more generally, in a geometric plane perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux flowing in the magnetic circuit formed by the moving part 8 and by the cylinder head 10.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises a metal part, such as a hollow metal plate, mounted on the armature 4, for example mounted on a front face 22 of the armature 4.
  • This hollow plate thus has the shape of a ring.
  • the metal part may be an electrical conductor folded back on itself, such as a wire or a metal strip folded back on itself or a short-circuited coil.
  • the metal part is separate from the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the moving part 8 and the yoke 10.
  • the metal part can be placed on a portion of the frame 4 separating two coils 6, or inside the frame 4 under one of the coils 6, an electrically insulating element can then be inserted between the coil 6 and said metal part.
  • the metal plate forming the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises a central orifice 24 intended to be aligned with the central orifice 16 of the armature 4.
  • Said metal part can be fixed to the frame 4 by means of dedicated fixing elements, or by gluing, or by welding, or by any suitable means.
  • openings 26 are made at several locations in the metal part. Each opening 26 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding fixing stud 28 formed on the armature.
  • the front face 22 of the armature 4 may include a recess, or groove, forming a housing to receive the metal part forming the auxiliary circuit 20, and in which the fixing studs 28 are provided.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 allows the induced currents to flow in the actuator when a magnetic field is generated by the coil 6, whereas these induced currents cannot flow in other portions of the actuator, like the magnetic circuit, which are formed by assemblies of laminated ferromagnetic plates.
  • the induced currents generate a phase shift between the magnetic flux generated by the coil 6 and the electrical control current used to supply the coil 6, which generates a visible electromotive force on the voltage across the terminals of the coil 6.
  • This electromotive force can be used to implement methods for diagnosing and/or detecting the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator, for example those described by the patent application EP 2584575 B1 , or with other methods that can be used as an alternative.
  • the induced currents circulating in the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 nevertheless remain low enough not to degrade the performance of the actuator 2, in particular not to generate excessive energy losses.
  • the invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an electromagnetic actuator that is robust and inexpensive to manufacture, and which is compatible with diagnostic and/or monitoring and/or state detection methods.
  • the material forming the auxiliary circuit 20 is a non-magnetic metallic material, such as copper, or aluminum, or any suitable material or alloy, preferably a metallic material having a low resistivity.
  • a metallic material will preferably be chosen for which the coefficient of thermal variation of the electrical resistivity is less than or equal to 0.005 K ⁇ 1 .
  • Such a diagnostic and/or monitoring and/or state detection method is therefore easier to implement and gives more reliable results than in the case where induced currents flow in a solid magnetic material.
  • the conductive material forming the auxiliary circuit 20 may be a magnetic metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 can be placed elsewhere than on the armature 4, while nevertheless being placed so as to surround at least part of the magnetic flux generated by the coil 6.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 can also be produced other than by means of an added magnetic part.
  • an electromagnetic actuator 2' comprises an auxiliary magnetic circuit 20' which comprises a layer of an electrically conductive material formed on the surface of the armature by a process for treating surface, such as electroless or electrochemical deposition of a metal such as nickel or tin.
  • this layer is here formed on face 22.
  • auxiliary circuit 20' has a closed contour shape surrounding the magnetic flux generated by coil 6.
  • the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises at least one metal part surrounding one of the end arms 14 of the movable part 8.
  • the metal part is for example as described previously with reference to the actuator 2.
  • the closed contour of the auxiliary circuit does not extend around the axis X2, since the arm 14 (and therefore the magnetic flux channeled by the magnetic circuit) is here perpendicular to the axis X2.
  • two such metal parts are used, each surrounding one of the two arms 14 of the mobile part 8, to form two auxiliary circuits.
  • the moving part 8 is made of solid magnetic material and the yoke 10 is entirely formed by assembling laminated metal plates.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the mobile part 8, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since this mobile part 8 is then made of solid ferromagnetic material.
  • the yoke 10 is made of solid ferromagnetic material and the moving part 8 is entirely formed by assembling laminated metal plates.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the yoke 10, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since it is then made of solid ferromagnetic material.
  • the spreaders 18 of the yoke 10 are made of solid magnetic material, the rest of the yoke 10 being formed by assembling laminated metal plates.
  • the auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the spreaders 18, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since the spreaders 18 are made of solid ferromagnetic material.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnets (AREA)
  • Reciprocating, Oscillating Or Vibrating Motors (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un actionneur électromagnétique.The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator.

L'invention concerne également un appareil de commutation électrique comportant un tel actionneur.The invention also relates to an electrical switching device comprising such an actuator.

Des actionneurs électromagnétiques comportent généralement une armature fixe qui porte au moins une bobine apte à générer un champ magnétique, et une partie mobile qui se déplace en translation sous l'action du champ magnétique généré par la bobine, grâce à un circuit magnétique qui sert à canaliser le flux magnétique.Electromagnetic actuators generally comprise a fixed armature which carries at least one coil capable of generating a magnetic field, and a movable part which moves in translation under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil, thanks to a magnetic circuit which is used to channel the magnetic flux.

De tels actionneurs sont souvent rencontrés dans des appareils de commutation électrique, tels que des contacteurs, ou des relais, ou des interrupteurs télécommandés. La partie mobile est généralement couplée mécaniquement à des contacts électriques ou à un mécanisme de commutation, pour sélectivement ouvrir ou fermer un circuit électrique.Such actuators are often encountered in electrical switching devices, such as contactors, or relays, or remote-controlled switches. The moving part is generally mechanically coupled to electrical contacts or a switching mechanism, to selectively open or close an electrical circuit.

Des méthodes et des dispositifs de diagnostic ont été développées pour estimer l'état d'usure et l'état de fonctionnement de tels actionneurs, comme illustré par la demande de brevet EP2584575B1 .Diagnostic methods and devices have been developed to estimate the state of wear and the state of operation of such actuators, as illustrated by the patent application EP2584575B1 .

Un autre exemple est décrit par le document DE 10 2013 0079898 A1 .Another example is described by the document DE 10 2013 0079898 A1 .

Le document EP 2 779 191 A1 décrit un actionneur électromagnétique selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The document EP 2 779 191 A1 describes an electromagnetic actuator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Par ailleurs, dans le souci d'améliorer les performances et/ou de réduire les coûts de fabrication de ces actionneurs, il est parfois souhaitable de remplacer les matériaux ferromagnétiques utilisés par des assemblages de plaques ferromagnétiques laminées.Furthermore, with a view to improving the performance and/or reducing the manufacturing costs of these actuators, it is sometimes desirable to replace the ferromagnetic materials used by assemblies of laminated ferromagnetic plates.

Un inconvénient est que, dans ce cas, les courants électriques induits par le champ magnétique ne peuvent plus circuler dans la direction d'empilement des plaques, à cause d'une mauvaise conductivité électrique au niveau des interfaces entre les plaques.A drawback is that, in this case, the electric currents induced by the magnetic field can no longer flow in the stacking direction of the plates, because of poor electrical conductivity at the interfaces between the plates.

De ce fait, les méthodes de diagnostic évoquées ci-dessus deviennent impossibles à mettre en oeuvre.As a result, the diagnostic methods mentioned above become impossible to implement.

Il existe donc un besoin pour un actionneur électromagnétique permettant de remédier aux inconvénients décrits ci-dessus.There is therefore a need for an electromagnetic actuator making it possible to remedy the drawbacks described above.

A cet effet, un aspect de l'invention concerne un actionneur électromagnétique, notamment pour un appareil de commutation électrique, cet actionneur électromagnétique comportant :

  • une armature portant au moins une bobine ;
  • une culasse ferromagnétique configurée pour canaliser un flux magnétique créé par la bobine ;
  • une partie mobile ferromagnétique qui coopère avec la culasse pour former un circuit magnétique, le circuit magnétique étant au moins en partie formé par un assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées, la partie mobile étant configurée pour se déplacer par rapport à l'armature sous l'action du champ magnétique généré par la bobine ;
dans lequel l'actionneur comporte en outre un circuit magnétique auxiliaire réalisé en matériau électriquement conducteur, pour autoriser la circulation de courants induits dans le circuit magnétique auxiliaire lorsqu'un champ magnétique est généré par la bobine.To this end, one aspect of the invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator, in particular for an electrical switching device, this electromagnetic actuator comprising:
  • an armature carrying at least one coil;
  • a ferromagnetic yoke configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil;
  • a ferromagnetic movable part which cooperates with the yoke to form a magnetic circuit, the magnetic circuit being at least partly formed by an assembly laminated metal plates, the movable part being configured to move relative to the armature under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil;
wherein the actuator further comprises an auxiliary magnetic circuit made of electrically conductive material, to allow the flow of induced currents in the auxiliary magnetic circuit when a magnetic field is generated by the coil.

Grâce à l'invention, le circuit magnétique auxiliaire permet aux courants induits de circuler dans l'actionneur lorsqu'un champ magnétique est généré, alors que ces courants induits ne peuvent pas circuler dans d'autres portions de l'actionneur, comme le circuit magnétique, qui sont formées par des assemblages de plaques ferromagnétiques laminées.Thanks to the invention, the auxiliary magnetic circuit allows induced currents to flow in the actuator when a magnetic field is generated, whereas these induced currents cannot flow in other portions of the actuator, such as the circuit magnetic, which are formed by assemblies of laminated ferromagnetic plates.

Les courants induits engendrent un déphasage entre le flux magnétique et le courant électrique de commande utilisé pour alimenter la bobine, ce qui génère une force électromotrice visible sur la tension aux bornes de la bobine.The induced currents cause a phase shift between the magnetic flux and the electrical control current used to power the coil, which generates a visible electromotive force on the voltage across the coil.

Cette force électromotrice peut être utilisée pour mettre en oeuvre des méthodes de diagnostic et/ou de détection de l'état d'usure ou de l'état de fonctionnement de l'actionneur.This electromotive force can be used to implement methods for diagnosing and/or detecting the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator.

Les courants induits circulant dans le circuit magnétique auxiliaire restent néanmoins suffisamment faibles pour ne pas dégrader les performances de l'actionneur, notamment pour ne pas engendrer de pertes énergétiques trop importantes.The induced currents circulating in the auxiliary magnetic circuit nevertheless remain low enough not to degrade the performance of the actuator, in particular not to generate excessive energy losses.

Selon des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires, un tel actionneur électromagnétique peut incorporer une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou suivant toute combinaison techniquement admissible :

  • Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire est en matériau métallique et présente une forme de contour fermé dans un plan géométrique perpendiculaire à une direction de circulation, dans le circuit magnétique, du flux magnétique généré par la bobine.
  • Le circuit auxiliaire comporte une pièce métallique rapportée sur l'armature de l'actionneur et entourant la direction de circulation, dans le circuit magnétique, du flux magnétique généré par la bobine.
  • La pièce métallique est en matériau non magnétique.
  • Le circuit auxiliaire comporte une couche de matériau électriquement conducteur formée en surface de l'armature de l'actionneur par un procédé de traitement de surface, le circuit auxiliaire présentant une forme de contour fermé entourant au moins une partie du circuit magnétique.
  • La culasse ferromagnétique comporte des épanouisseurs réalisés en matériau magnétique massif, le circuit magnétique auxiliaire étant formé par les épanouisseurs.
  • La partie mobile est réalisée en matériau ferromagnétique massif et la culasse ferromagnétique est entièrement formée par assemblage de tôles métalliques laminées, le circuit magnétique auxiliaire étant formé par la partie mobile.
  • Le circuit auxiliaire comporte au moins une pièce métallique entourant un bras formé sur une extrémité de la partie mobile.
  • Le circuit auxiliaire comporte une pièce métallique entourant chacun des bras d'extrémité de la partie mobile.
According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects, such an electromagnetic actuator can incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically permissible combination:
  • The auxiliary magnetic circuit is made of metallic material and has the shape of a closed contour in a geometric plane perpendicular to a direction of circulation, in the magnetic circuit, of the magnetic flux generated by the coil.
  • The auxiliary circuit comprises a metal part attached to the armature of the actuator and surrounding the direction of circulation, in the magnetic circuit, of the magnetic flux generated by the coil.
  • The metal part is made of non-magnetic material.
  • The auxiliary circuit comprises a layer of electrically conductive material formed on the surface of the armature of the actuator by a surface treatment process, the auxiliary circuit having the shape of a closed contour surrounding at least part of the magnetic circuit.
  • The ferromagnetic yoke comprises spreaders made of solid magnetic material, the auxiliary magnetic circuit being formed by the spreaders.
  • The moving part is made of solid ferromagnetic material and the ferromagnetic yoke is entirely formed by assembling laminated metal sheets, the auxiliary magnetic circuit being formed by the moving part.
  • The auxiliary circuit comprises at least one metal part surrounding an arm formed on one end of the moving part.
  • The auxiliary circuit comprises a metal part surrounding each of the end arms of the moving part.

Selon un autre aspect, un appareil de commutation électrique comporte un actionneur électromagnétique tel que défini précédemment.According to another aspect, an electrical switching device comprises an electromagnetic actuator as defined above.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lumière de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation d'un actionneur électromagnétique donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • [Fig 1] la figure 1 représente schématiquement, selon une vue en perspective, un actionneur électromagnétique conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • [Fig 2] la figure 2 représente schématiquement, selon une vue éclatée, l'actionneur électromagnétique de la figure 1 ;
  • [Fig 3] la figure 3 représente schématiquement, selon une vue en perspective, une partie d'un actionneur électromagnétique conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of an electromagnetic actuator given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 schematically shows, in a perspective view, an electromagnetic actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 schematically represents, according to an exploded view, the electromagnetic actuator of the figure 1 ;
  • [ Fig.3 ] there picture 3 schematically represents, in a perspective view, part of an electromagnetic actuator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent un actionneur électromagnétique 2 conforme à des modes de réalisation.THE figure 1 And 2 represent an electromagnetic actuator 2 according to embodiments.

Comme cela est plus particulièrement visible sur la figure 2, l'actionneur 2 comporte une armature 4 portant au moins une bobine 6, une partie mobile 8 et une culasse ferromagnétique 10 configurée pour canaliser un flux magnétique créé par la bobine 6.As is more particularly visible on the picture 2 , the actuator 2 comprises an armature 4 carrying at least one coil 6, a moving part 8 and a ferromagnetic yoke 10 configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil 6.

Ladite au moins une bobine 6 est configurée pour générer un champ magnétique le long d'un axe longitudinal X2, qui correspond ici à une direction de déplacement de la partie mobile 8.Said at least one coil 6 is configured to generate a magnetic field along a longitudinal axis X2, which here corresponds to a direction of movement of the moving part 8.

Dans l'exemple illustré, deux bobines 6 sont montées sur l'armature 4 l'une à côté de l'autre et sont commandées conjointement. En pratique, plusieurs bobines 6 peuvent être utilisées conjointement pour générer le champ magnétique. En variante, cependant, seule une bobine 6 peut être utilisée.In the example illustrated, two coils 6 are mounted on the armature 4 one beside the other and are jointly controlled. In practice, several coils 6 can be used together to generate the magnetic field. Alternatively, however, only one coil 6 can be used.

Chaque bobine 6 présente ici une forme de cylindre ayant pour axe central l'axe X2.Each coil 6 here has the shape of a cylinder having the axis X2 as its central axis.

La ou les bobines 6 sont configurées pour être alimentées électriquement par un circuit de commande, non illustré, qui peut être extérieur à l'actionneur 2.Coil(s) 6 are configured to be electrically powered by a control circuit, not shown, which may be external to actuator 2.

Selon des exemples d'implémentation, l'armature 4 est réalisée en un matériau électriquement isolant, tel qu'un matériau polymère, par exemple du polyamide, ou tout matériau approprié.According to implementation examples, the armature 4 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a polymer material, for example polyamide, or any suitable material.

La partie mobile 8 est agencée pour se déplacer par rapport à l'armature 4 sous l'action du champ magnétique créé par la ou les bobines 6.The mobile part 8 is arranged to move relative to the armature 4 under the action of the magnetic field created by the coil or coils 6.

Notamment, la partie mobile 8 est configurée pour se déplacer réversiblement et sélectivement en translation entre une position rétractée et une position déployée par rapport à l'armature 4. Dans l'exemple illustré, ce déplacement est réalisé par translation selon la direction X2.In particular, the movable part 8 is configured to move reversibly and selectively in translation between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the armature 4. In the example illustrated, this movement is achieved by translation in the direction X2.

La partie mobile 8 coopère avec la culasse 10 pour former un circuit magnétique apte à canaliser le flux magnétique créé par la ou les bobines 6.The mobile part 8 cooperates with the yoke 10 to form a magnetic circuit capable of channeling the magnetic flux created by the coil or coils 6.

Selon l'invention, la partie mobile 8 et la culasse 10 sont toutes deux réalisées en un matériau ferromagnétique.According to the invention, the moving part 8 and the yoke 10 are both made of a ferromagnetic material.

Notamment, la culasse 10 est au moins en partie formée par assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées, voire totalement formée par un assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées. De préférence, la partie mobile 8 est également au moins en partie formée par assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées, voire totalement formée par un assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées.In particular, the cylinder head 10 is at least partly formed by assembling rolled metal plates, or even completely formed by an assembly of rolled metal plates. Preferably, the movable part 8 is also at least partly formed by assembly of laminated metal plates, or even completely formed by an assembly of laminated metal plates.

Par exemple, comme illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, les plaques métalliques, ou tôles, sont superposées au sein de l'assemblage le long d'une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe X2.For example, as shown in the figure 1 And 2 , the metal plates, or sheets, are superimposed within the assembly along a direction perpendicular to the axis X2.

De plus, la partie mobile 8 et la culasse 10 présentent des formes complémentaires qui permettent un rebouclage du flux magnétique créé par la ou les bobines 6.In addition, the moving part 8 and the yoke 10 have complementary shapes which allow looping back of the magnetic flux created by the coil or coils 6.

Par exemple, la partie mobile 8 présente une forme en « T » et comprend une portion centrale 12 allongée en forme de barreau, qui s'étend le long de l'axe X2. La portion centrale 12 présente ici une section transversale de forme rectangulaire, cette section transversale étant définie dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à l'axe X2.For example, the mobile part 8 has a “T” shape and comprises an elongated central portion 12 in the form of a bar, which extends along the axis X2. The central portion 12 here has a cross section of rectangular shape, this cross section being defined in a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis X2.

La partie mobile 8 comprend également des bras 14, par exemple deux bras 14, disposés à l'extrémité distale de la portion centrale 12 et s'étendant perpendiculairement à la portion centrale 12.The mobile part 8 also comprises arms 14, for example two arms 14, arranged at the distal end of the central portion 12 and extending perpendicularly to the central portion 12.

L'armature 4 comprend ici un orifice central 16 qui s'étend le long de l'axe X2 et qui est entouré par la ou les bobines 6. Ainsi, lorsqu'un champ magnétique est généré par la ou les bobines 6, un flux magnétique correspondant circule le long de la partie centrale 12.The armature 4 here comprises a central orifice 16 which extends along the axis X2 and which is surrounded by the coil or coils 6. Thus, when a magnetic field is generated by the coil or coils 6, a flux corresponding magnet circulates along the central part 12.

La partie centrale 12 est reçue à l'intérieur de l'orifice central 16 et coulisse le long de l'orifice central 16 lorsque la partie mobile 8 se déplace en translation.The central part 12 is received inside the central orifice 16 and slides along the central orifice 16 when the movable part 8 moves in translation.

La culasse 10 présente quant à elle une forme refermée avec un profil en forme de C, dont des faces supérieure et inférieure sont ici parallèles à l'axe X2. La culasse 10 qui délimite une cavité centrale à l'intérieur de laquelle l'armature 4 est logée.The yoke 10 has for its part a closed shape with a C-shaped profile, the upper and lower faces of which are here parallel to the axis X2. The yoke 10 which delimits a central cavity inside which the armature 4 is housed.

Les extrémités distales des faces supérieure et inférieure de la culasse 10 comportent ici des épanouisseurs 18, qui se présentent sous la forme de bords repliés des faces supérieure et inférieure de la culasse 10.The distal ends of the upper and lower faces of the yoke 10 here include spreaders 18, which are in the form of folded edges of the upper and lower faces of the yoke 10.

Lorsque l'actionneur 2 est dans une configuration assemblée, comme c'est le cas sur la figure 1, les épanouisseurs 18 sont disposés en face des bras 14 de la partie mobile 8. Les épanouisseurs 18 facilitent le rebouclage du flux magnétique entre la culasse 10 et la partie mobile 8.When actuator 2 is in an assembled configuration, as shown in the figure 1 , the spreaders 18 are arranged opposite the arms 14 of the mobile part 8. The spreaders 18 facilitate the looping back of the magnetic flux between the yoke 10 and the mobile part 8.

Selon que la partie mobile 8 est dans sa position rétractée ou déployée, les bras 14 sont respectivement en contact avec les épanouisseurs 18 ou, au contraire, éloignés des épanouisseurs 18.Depending on whether the mobile part 8 is in its retracted or deployed position, the arms 14 are respectively in contact with the spreaders 18 or, on the contrary, away from the spreaders 18.

Les bras 14 facilitent le rebouclage du flux magnétique entre la partie mobile 8 et la culasse 10 dans le circuit magnétique, même lorsque les épanouisseurs 18 sont omis.The arms 14 facilitate the looping back of the magnetic flux between the mobile part 8 and the yoke 10 in the magnetic circuit, even when the spreaders 18 are omitted.

Le fonctionnement de tels actionneurs électromagnétiques est connu et n'est pas décrit plus en détail.The operation of such electromagnetic actuators is known and is not described in more detail.

De façon générale, l'actionneur 2 peut être utilisé dans un appareil de commutation électrique, tel qu'un contacteur, ou un relais, ou un interrupteur télécommandé, ou un appareil de protection électrique, ou équivalent.In general, the actuator 2 can be used in an electrical switching device, such as a contactor, or a relay, or a remote-controlled switch, or an electrical protection device, or equivalent.

Par exemple, un appareil de commutation électrique comporte un ou plusieurs contacts électriques séparables qui sont déplaçables entre des états ouvert et fermé pour sélectivement interrompre ou autoriser le passage d'un courant électrique.For example, an electrical switchgear has one or more separable electrical contacts that are movable between open and closed states to selectively interrupt or allow the flow of electrical current.

Dans ce cas, l'actionneur 2 peut être couplé aux contacts mobiles de l'appareil de commutation, par exemple pour les déplacer directement, ou être couplé à un mécanisme de commutation associé à l'appareil de commutation configuré pour déplacer les contacts lorsqu'il est déclenché par l'actionneur. Par exemple, la partie mobile 8 est couplée à un levier d'actionnement du mécanisme de commutation.In this case, the actuator 2 can be coupled to the moving contacts of the switching device, for example to move them directly, or be coupled to a switching mechanism associated with the switching device configured to move the contacts when it is triggered by the actuator. For example, the movable part 8 is coupled to an actuation lever of the switching mechanism.

En variante, des appareils électriques de nature différente peuvent incorporer un tel actionneur 2.As a variant, electrical devices of a different nature can incorporate such an actuator 2.

Avantageusement, un procédé de diagnostic, et/ou un procédé pour estimer l'état d'usure ou l'état de fonctionnement de l'actionneur, par exemple tel que décrit dans la demande de brevet EP2584575 B1 , est mis en oeuvre par un dispositif de diagnostic associé à un tel appareil électrique ou actionneur 2. D'autres méthodes de diagnostic et/ou de surveillance peuvent être utilisées en variante.Advantageously, a diagnostic method, and/or a method for estimating the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator, for example as described in the patent application EP2584575 B1 , is implemented by a diagnostic device associated with such an electrical device or actuator 2. Other diagnostic and/or monitoring methods can be used as a variant.

Conformément à de nombreux modes de réalisation de l'invention, l'actionneur 2 comporte en outre un circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 réalisé en matériau électriquement conducteur.In accordance with many embodiments of the invention, the actuator 2 further comprises an auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 made of electrically conductive material.

Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 est configuré pour autoriser la circulation de courants induits en son sein lorsqu'un champ magnétique est créé par la bobine 6.The auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 is configured to allow the circulation of induced currents within it when a magnetic field is created by the coil 6.

Les courants induits sont par exemple des courants de Foucault.The induced currents are for example eddy currents.

Dans de nombreux exemples, le circuit auxiliaire 20 présente une forme d'anneau, ou plus généralement une forme de contour refermé, qui entoure au moins une partie du flux magnétique généré par la ou les bobines 6 et circulant dans le circuit magnétique formé par l'association de la partie mobile 8 et de la culasse 10.In many examples, the auxiliary circuit 20 has the shape of a ring, or more generally a shape of closed contour, which surrounds at least part of the magnetic flux generated by the coil or coils 6 and circulating in the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the mobile part 8 and the cylinder head 10.

En pratique, le circuit auxiliaire 20 est donc disposé de façon à entourer au moins une partie du circuit magnétique formé par l'association de la partie mobile 8 et de la culasse 10. Par exemple, le circuit auxiliaire 20 entoure une section transversale d'au moins une partie dudit circuit magnétique.In practice, the auxiliary circuit 20 is therefore arranged so as to surround at least a part of the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the movable part 8 and the yoke 10. For example, the auxiliary circuit 20 surrounds a cross section of at least a part of said magnetic circuit.

Par exemple, le circuit auxiliaire 20 entoure directement la partie centrale 12 de la partie mobile 8, ou entoure l'orifice central 16 de l'armature 4 (et entoure de fait la partie centrale 12, au moins partiellement).For example, the auxiliary circuit 20 directly surrounds the central part 12 of the movable part 8, or surrounds the central orifice 16 of the armature 4 (and in fact surrounds the central part 12, at least partially).

Par exemple, par « en forme d'anneau », on désigne ici un contour fermé délimité par le circuit auxiliaire 20 qui peut avoir une forme circulaire, ou essentiellement circulaire, ou elliptique, ou carrée, ou rectangulaire, ou polygonale, ou toute forme appropriée permettant la circulation et le rebouclage d'une boucle de courant électrique induit lorsqu'un champ magnétique est généré par la ou les bobines 6 lorsque disposée autour du flux magnétique généré par la ou les bobines 6.For example, the term "ring-shaped" here denotes a closed contour delimited by the auxiliary circuit 20 which may have a circular shape, or essentially circular, or elliptical, or square, or rectangular, or polygonal, or any shape suitable for the circulation and looping of an induced electric current loop when a magnetic field is generated by the coil or coils 6 when placed around the magnetic flux generated by the coil or coils 6.

Par exemple, le circuit auxiliaire 20 délimite un contour fermé dans un plan géométrique perpendiculaire ou essentiellement perpendiculaire à l'axe X2, ou plus généralement, dans un plan géométrique perpendiculaire ou essentiellement perpendiculaire à la direction du flux magnétique circulant dans le circuit magnétique formé par la pièce mobile 8 et par la culasse 10.For example, the auxiliary circuit 20 delimits a closed contour in a geometric plane perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the axis X2, or more generally, in a geometric plane perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux flowing in the magnetic circuit formed by the moving part 8 and by the cylinder head 10.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, dont un exemple d'implémentation est illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, le circuit auxiliaire 20 comprend une pièce métallique, telle qu'une plaque métallique évidée, montée sur l'armature 4, par exemple montée sur une face avant 22 de l'armature 4.According to a preferred embodiment, an implementation example of which is illustrated in the figure 1 And 2 , the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises a metal part, such as a hollow metal plate, mounted on the armature 4, for example mounted on a front face 22 of the armature 4.

Cette plaque évidée présente ainsi une forme d'anneau. En variante, la pièce métallique peut être un conducteur électrique replié sur lui-même, tel qu'un fil ou un ruban métallique replié sur lui-même ou une bobine en court-circuit.This hollow plate thus has the shape of a ring. Alternatively, the metal part may be an electrical conductor folded back on itself, such as a wire or a metal strip folded back on itself or a short-circuited coil.

En d'autres termes, la pièce métallique est distincte du circuit magnétique formé par l'association de la partie mobile 8 et de la culasse 10.In other words, the metal part is separate from the magnetic circuit formed by the association of the moving part 8 and the yoke 10.

D'autres emplacements sont néanmoins possibles pour fixer ladite pièce métallique sur l'armature 4, comme par exemple sur une face arrière, ou sur le pourtour périphérique d'une partie centrale de l'armature 4. Dans ce dernier cas, la pièce métallique peut être placée sur une portion de l'armature 4 séparant deux bobines 6, ou à l'intérieur de l'armature 4 sous une des bobines 6, un élément électriquement isolant pouvant alors être intercalé entre la bobine 6 et ladite pièce métallique.Other locations are nevertheless possible for attaching said metal part to the frame 4, such as for example on a rear face, or on the peripheral periphery of a central part of the frame 4. In the latter case, the metal part can be placed on a portion of the frame 4 separating two coils 6, or inside the frame 4 under one of the coils 6, an electrically insulating element can then be inserted between the coil 6 and said metal part.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la plaque métallique formant le circuit auxiliaire 20 comprend un orifice central 24 destiné à être aligné avec l'orifice central 16 de l'armature 4.In the example illustrated, the metal plate forming the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises a central orifice 24 intended to be aligned with the central orifice 16 of the armature 4.

Ladite pièce métallique peut être fixée sur l'armature 4 par le biais d'éléments de fixation dédiés, ou par collage, ou par soudage, ou par tout moyen approprié.Said metal part can be fixed to the frame 4 by means of dedicated fixing elements, or by gluing, or by welding, or by any suitable means.

Par exemple, des ouvertures 26 sont ménagées à plusieurs emplacements de la pièce métallique. Chaque ouverture 26 est configurée pour coopérer avec un plot de fixation 28 correspondant formé sur l'armature.For example, openings 26 are made at several locations in the metal part. Each opening 26 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding fixing stud 28 formed on the armature.

De façon optionnelle, comme dans l'exemple visible sur la figure 2, la face avant 22 de l'armature 4 peut comporter un évidement, ou gorge, formant un logement pour recevoir la pièce métallique formant le circuit auxiliaire 20, et dans lequel sont ménagés les plots de fixation 28.Optionally, as in the example visible on the figure 2 , the front face 22 of the armature 4 may include a recess, or groove, forming a housing to receive the metal part forming the auxiliary circuit 20, and in which the fixing studs 28 are provided.

Grâce à l'invention, le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 permet aux courants induits de circuler dans l'actionneur lorsqu'un champ magnétique est généré par la bobine 6, alors que ces courants induits ne peuvent pas circuler dans d'autres portions de l'actionneur, comme le circuit magnétique, qui sont formées par des assemblages de plaques ferromagnétiques laminées.Thanks to the invention, the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 allows the induced currents to flow in the actuator when a magnetic field is generated by the coil 6, whereas these induced currents cannot flow in other portions of the actuator, like the magnetic circuit, which are formed by assemblies of laminated ferromagnetic plates.

Les courants induits engendrent un déphasage entre le flux magnétique généré par la bobine 6 et le courant électrique de commande utilisé pour alimenter la bobine 6, ce qui génère une force électromotrice visible sur la tension aux bornes de la bobine 6.The induced currents generate a phase shift between the magnetic flux generated by the coil 6 and the electrical control current used to supply the coil 6, which generates a visible electromotive force on the voltage across the terminals of the coil 6.

Cette force électromotrice peut être utilisée pour mettre en oeuvre des méthodes de diagnostic et/ou de détection de l'état d'usure ou de l'état de fonctionnement de l'actionneur, par exemple celles décrites par la demande de brevet EP 2584575 B1 , ou avec d'autres méthodes pouvant être utilisées en variante.This electromotive force can be used to implement methods for diagnosing and/or detecting the state of wear or the operating state of the actuator, for example those described by the patent application EP 2584575 B1 , or with other methods that can be used as an alternative.

Les courants induits circulant dans le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 restent néanmoins suffisamment faibles pour ne pas dégrader les performances de l'actionneur 2, notamment pour ne pas engendrer de pertes énergétiques trop importantes.The induced currents circulating in the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 nevertheless remain low enough not to degrade the performance of the actuator 2, in particular not to generate excessive energy losses.

L'invention permet donc d'obtenir un actionneur électromagnétique robuste et peu coûteux à fabriquer, et qui est compatible avec des méthodes de diagnostic et/ou de surveillance et/ou de détection d'état.The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an electromagnetic actuator that is robust and inexpensive to manufacture, and which is compatible with diagnostic and/or monitoring and/or state detection methods.

Avantageusement, le matériau formant le circuit auxiliaire 20 est un matériau métallique non magnétique, tel que du cuivre, ou de l'aluminium, ou tout matériau ou alliage approprié, de préférence un matériau métallique présentant une faible résistivité.Advantageously, the material forming the auxiliary circuit 20 is a non-magnetic metallic material, such as copper, or aluminum, or any suitable material or alloy, preferably a metallic material having a low resistivity.

Par exemple, on choisira de préférence un matériau métallique dont le coefficient de variation thermique de la résistivité électrique est inférieur ou égal à 0.005 K-1.For example, a metallic material will preferably be chosen for which the coefficient of thermal variation of the electrical resistivity is less than or equal to 0.005 K −1 .

L'emploi d'un matériau non magnétique permet de réduire les variations d'épaisseur de peau lorsque des courants induits sont générés et circulent dans le circuit auxiliaire 20, ce qui permet in fine de réduire ou même éliminer les variations de résistance équivalente du circuit auxiliaire 20.The use of a non-magnetic material makes it possible to reduce the variations in skin thickness when induced currents are generated and circulate in the auxiliary circuit 20, which ultimately makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate the variations in equivalent resistance of the circuit auxiliary 20.

Ainsi, lorsque des méthodes de diagnostic ou de surveillance ou de détection d'état basées sur la mesure de la force électromotrice générée aux bornes de la bobine 6 grâce à de tels courants induits, telles que les méthodes évoquées ci-dessus, les résultats sont plus faciles à interpréter, car la composante de cette force électromotrice liée à la résistance équivalente du circuit auxiliaire 20 reste constante pour les échelles de temps considérées.Thus, when diagnostic or monitoring or state detection methods based on measuring the electromotive force generated at the terminals of the coil 6 thanks to such induced currents, such as the methods mentioned above, the results are easier to interpret, because the component of this electromotive force linked to the equivalent resistance of the auxiliary circuit 20 remains constant for the time scales considered.

Une telle méthode de diagnostic et/ou de surveillance et/ou de détection d'état est donc plus aisée à mettre en oeuvre et donne des résultats plus fiables que dans le cas où des courants induits circulent dans un matériau magnétique massif.Such a diagnostic and/or monitoring and/or state detection method is therefore easier to implement and gives more reliable results than in the case where induced currents flow in a solid magnetic material.

En variante, toutefois, le matériau conducteur formant le circuit auxiliaire 20 peut être un métal magnétique, tel qu'un métal ferromagnétique.Alternatively, however, the conductive material forming the auxiliary circuit 20 may be a magnetic metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal.

De nombreux autres modes de réalisation sont possibles, dont quelques exemples vont à présent être décrits.Many other embodiments are possible, some examples of which will now be described.

On comprendra que chacun des modes de réalisation décrits ci-après peut différer des modes de réalisation de l'actionneur 2 décrits ci-dessus par la façon dont le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 est implémenté, mais que le rôle et le fonctionnement général du circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20, ainsi que la nature des matériaux utilisés pour former le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20, sont similaires à ceux précédemment décrits en référence à l'actionneur 2.It will be understood that each of the embodiments described below may differ from the embodiments of the actuator 2 described above by the way in which the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 is implemented, but that the role and general operation of the magnetic circuit auxiliary 20, as well as the nature of the materials used to form the auxiliary magnetic circuit 20, are similar to those previously described with reference to the actuator 2.

Ainsi, selon des modes de réalisation alternatifs, non illustrés, le circuit auxiliaire 20 peut être placé ailleurs que sur l'armature 4, tout en étant néanmoins placé de façon à entourer au moins une partie du flux magnétique généré par la bobine 6.Thus, according to alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the auxiliary circuit 20 can be placed elsewhere than on the armature 4, while nevertheless being placed so as to surround at least part of the magnetic flux generated by the coil 6.

Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20 peut également être réalisé autrement qu'au moyen d'une pièce magnétique rapportée.The auxiliary magnetic circuit 20 can also be produced other than by means of an added magnetic part.

Selon un premier exemple, notamment illustré en référence à la figure 3, un actionneur électromagnétique 2', dont le fonctionnement est analogue à l'actionneur 2 précédemment décrit, comprend un circuit magnétique auxiliaire 20' qui comporte une couche d'un matériau électriquement conducteur formée en surface de l'armature par un procédé de traitement de surface, tel qu'un dépôt autocatalytique ou électrochimique d'un métal tel que du nickel ou de l'étain. Par exemple, cette couche et ici formée sur la face 22.According to a first example, particularly illustrated with reference to the picture 3 , an electromagnetic actuator 2', the operation of which is similar to the actuator 2 previously described, comprises an auxiliary magnetic circuit 20' which comprises a layer of an electrically conductive material formed on the surface of the armature by a process for treating surface, such as electroless or electrochemical deposition of a metal such as nickel or tin. For example, this layer is here formed on face 22.

Comme précédemment, le circuit auxiliaire 20' présente une forme de contour fermé entourant le flux magnétique généré par la bobine 6.As before, auxiliary circuit 20' has a closed contour shape surrounding the magnetic flux generated by coil 6.

Selon un deuxième exemple, non illustré, le circuit auxiliaire 20 comporte au moins une pièce métallique entourant un des bras 14 d'extrémité de la partie mobile 8. La pièce métallique est par exemple telle que décrite précédemment en référence à l'actionneur 2.According to a second example, not illustrated, the auxiliary circuit 20 comprises at least one metal part surrounding one of the end arms 14 of the movable part 8. The metal part is for example as described previously with reference to the actuator 2.

Dans ce deuxième exemple, le contour fermé du circuit auxiliaire ne s'étend pas autour de l'axe X2, puisque le bras 14 (et donc le flux magnétique canalisé par le circuit magnétique) est ici perpendiculaire à l'axe X2.In this second example, the closed contour of the auxiliary circuit does not extend around the axis X2, since the arm 14 (and therefore the magnetic flux channeled by the magnetic circuit) is here perpendicular to the axis X2.

De préférence, dans ce deuxième exemple, deux telles pièces métalliques sont utilisées, chacune entourant l'un des deux bras 14 de la partie mobile 8, pour former deux circuits auxiliaires.Preferably, in this second example, two such metal parts are used, each surrounding one of the two arms 14 of the mobile part 8, to form two auxiliary circuits.

En effet, au niveau des bras 14, le flux magnétique est divisé en deux, la moitié du flux magnétique passant dans chacun des deux bras 14. En plaçant un circuit auxiliaire autour de chaque bras 14, on obtient néanmoins pour l'actionneur entier 2 un déphasage qui est similaire au cas où un seul circuit auxiliaire serait placé autour de la partie centrale 12.Indeed, at the level of the arms 14, the magnetic flux is divided in two, half of the magnetic flux passing through each of the two arms 14. By placing an auxiliary circuit around each arm 14, one nevertheless obtains for the entire actuator 2 a phase shift which is similar to the case where a single auxiliary circuit is placed around the central part 12.

D'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être mis en oeuvre lorsque au moins une partie de la culasse 10 ou de la partie mobile 8 ne sont pas totalement réalisées par assemblage de plaques ferromagnétiques laminées, par exemple lorsqu'au moins l'une ou l'autre d'elles est réalisée au moins partiellement en matériau ferromagnétique massif.Other embodiments can be implemented when at least part of the yoke 10 or of the movable part 8 are not completely produced by assembling laminated ferromagnetic plates, for example when at least one or another of them is made at least partially of solid ferromagnetic material.

Dans un exemple non illustré, la partie mobile 8 est réalisée en matériau magnétique massif et la culasse 10 est entièrement formée par assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées. Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire est alors formé par la partie mobile 8, dans laquelle les courants induits peuvent circuler librement, puisque cette partie mobile 8 est alors réalisée en matériau ferromagnétique massif.In an example not illustrated, the moving part 8 is made of solid magnetic material and the yoke 10 is entirely formed by assembling laminated metal plates. The auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the mobile part 8, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since this mobile part 8 is then made of solid ferromagnetic material.

Selon un autre exemple, non illustré, la culasse 10 est réalisée en matériau ferromagnétique massif et la partie mobile 8 est entièrement formée par assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées. Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire est alors formé par la culasse 10, dans laquelle les courants induits peuvent circuler librement, puisqu'elle est alors réalisée en matériau ferromagnétique massif.According to another example, not illustrated, the yoke 10 is made of solid ferromagnetic material and the moving part 8 is entirely formed by assembling laminated metal plates. The auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the yoke 10, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since it is then made of solid ferromagnetic material.

Selon encore un autre exemple, les épanouisseurs 18 de la culasse 10 sont réalisés en matériau magnétique massif, le reste de la culasse 10 étant formée par assemblage de plaques métalliques laminées.According to yet another example, the spreaders 18 of the yoke 10 are made of solid magnetic material, the rest of the yoke 10 being formed by assembling laminated metal plates.

Le circuit magnétique auxiliaire est alors formé par les épanouisseurs 18, dans lesquels les courants induits peuvent circuler librement, puisque les épanouisseurs 18 sont en matériau ferromagnétique massif.The auxiliary magnetic circuit is then formed by the spreaders 18, in which the induced currents can circulate freely, since the spreaders 18 are made of solid ferromagnetic material.

Toute caractéristique de l'un des modes de réalisation ou variante décrite ci-dessus, peut être mise en oeuvre dans les autres modes de réalisation et variantes décrits.Any characteristic of one of the embodiments or variants described above can be implemented in the other embodiments and variants described.

Claims (10)

  1. An electromagnetic actuator (2; 2'), in particular for an electrical switching device, said electromagnetic actuator comprising:
    - an armature (4) carrying at least one coil (6);
    - a ferromagnetic yoke (10) configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil;
    - a ferromagnetic moving part (8) which cooperates with the yoke (10) to form a magnetic circuit, the moving part (8) being configured to move relative to the armature (4) under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil (6);
    the actuator (2; 2') further comprising an auxiliary magnetic circuit (20; 20') made of electrically conductive material, to allow the circulation of induced currents in the auxiliary magnetic circuit (20; 20') when a magnetic field is generated by the coil;
    characterised in that the magnetic circuit is at least partly formed by an assembly of laminated metal plates.
  2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary magnetic circuit is made of metallic material and has a closed contour shape in a geometric plane perpendicular to a direction of flow, in the magnetic circuit, of the magnetic flux generated by the coil.
  3. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, in which the auxiliary circuit (20) comprises a metal part attached to the armature (4) of the actuator (2) and surrounding the direction of flow, in the magnetic circuit, of the magnetic flux generated by the coil.
  4. The actuator according to the preceding claim, wherein the metal part is of non-magnetic material.
  5. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary circuit (20') comprises a layer of electrically conductive material formed on the surface of the armature (4) of the actuator (2') by a surface treatment method, the auxiliary circuit (20') having a closed contour shape surrounding at least part of the magnetic circuit.
  6. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the yoke (10) comprises spreaders (18) made of solid magnetic material, the auxiliary magnetic circuit being formed by the spreaders.
  7. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving part (8) is made of solid ferromagnetic material and the yoke (10) is formed entirely by assembling rolled metal sheets, the auxiliary magnetic circuit being formed by the moving part.
  8. The actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary circuit comprises at least one metal part surrounding an arm (14) formed on one end of the moving part (8).
  9. The actuator according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary circuit comprises a metal part surrounding each of the end arms (14) of the moving part (8).
  10. An electrical switching device, characterised in that it comprises an electromagnetic actuator (20; 20') in accordance with any of the preceding claims.
EP21152887.2A 2020-01-24 2021-01-22 Electromagnetic actuator, electric switching apparatus including such an electromagnetic actuator Active EP3855470B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2000703A FR3106694B1 (en) 2020-01-24 2020-01-24 Electromagnetic actuator, electrical switching device comprising such an electromagnetic actuator

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3855470A1 EP3855470A1 (en) 2021-07-28
EP3855470B1 true EP3855470B1 (en) 2023-03-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21152887.2A Active EP3855470B1 (en) 2020-01-24 2021-01-22 Electromagnetic actuator, electric switching apparatus including such an electromagnetic actuator

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US11631563B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3855470B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2021118183A (en)
CN (1) CN113178301A (en)
FR (1) FR3106694B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3492228B2 (en) * 1999-02-09 2004-02-03 株式会社テクノ高槻 Iron core and electromagnetic drive mechanism using the iron core
KR200451951Y1 (en) * 2008-12-31 2011-01-25 엘에스산전 주식회사 Monostable permenent magnetic actuator using laminated steel core
JP4947107B2 (en) * 2009-08-20 2012-06-06 富士電機機器制御株式会社 Magnetic contactor
FR2981787B1 (en) 2011-10-21 2014-08-01 Schneider Electric Ind Sas METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AN OPERATING STATE OF A CONTACTOR AND CONTACTOR FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD
KR101410780B1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-06-23 엘에스산전 주식회사 Trip actuator of switch for electric power circuit
DE102013007989A1 (en) * 2013-04-30 2014-10-30 Euchner Gmbh + Co. Kg Solenoid, in particular locking magnet of a safety switch, and safety switch with such a solenoid
JP6300157B2 (en) * 2013-08-02 2018-03-28 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Electromagnetic relay
JP6235374B2 (en) * 2014-02-27 2017-11-22 株式会社東芝 Switch operating mechanism
DE102014208014B4 (en) * 2014-04-29 2020-03-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Electrical switch with electromagnetic actuator
JP6558571B2 (en) * 2015-07-01 2019-08-14 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Electromagnetic relay
WO2019181359A1 (en) * 2018-03-23 2019-09-26 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Electromagnetic relay

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN113178301A (en) 2021-07-27
US11631563B2 (en) 2023-04-18
JP2021118183A (en) 2021-08-10
US20210233730A1 (en) 2021-07-29
EP3855470A1 (en) 2021-07-28
FR3106694B1 (en) 2022-02-18
FR3106694A1 (en) 2021-07-30

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