EP1556873A1

EP1556873A1 - Electrical switching device, relay and electrical apparatus comprising same

Info

Publication number: EP1556873A1
Application number: EP03778439A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre Batteux
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2002-10-28
Filing date: 2003-10-22
Publication date: 2005-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-22
Also published as: DE60306409T2; US7233220B2; EP1556873B1; ES2264017T3; FR2846470A1; CN1708818A; FR2846470B1; AU2003285438B2; ATE331290T1; DE60306409D1; US20060145794A1; CN100341083C; AU2003285438A1; WO2004040607A1

Abstract

The electrical switching device comprises at least a first part comprising at least a first magnetizable element and a first contact zone associated with said first magnetizable element, and at least a second movable part comprising at least a second magnetic element and a second contact zone associated with said second magnetic element. The first or second magnetic element comprises at least one permanent magnetization part to keep the first electrical contact closed and to exert a contact pressure between the first and second contact zones when the movable part is in a first stable position. The electromagnetic relay and/or electrical apparatus comprise electrical contact inputs and control inputs connected to a switching device comprising electromagnetic control coils.

Description

ELECTRIC SWITCHING DEVICE, RELAY, AND ELECTRIC APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE.

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an electrical switching device comprising at least one electrical contact which can be maintained in a stable position by magnetic means. The invention also relates to an electromagnetic relay with at least two stable states comprising at least a first and a second electrical contact input, control inputs, and at least one such switching device. The invention also relates to an electrical device comprising at least a first and a second electrical contact input, and at least one such switching device.

STATE OF THE ART

Known switching devices, integrated in particular in relays and electrical cut-off devices such as switches, include electrical contacts controlled in particular by a manual control member or an electromagnetic coil. Generally, the electrical contacts comprise a fixed part and a mobile part for opening or closing an electrical circuit. Maintaining the electrical contacts in an open or closed position is ensured in some devices by a mechanism. In bistable relays, electromagnets are associated with magnets to maintain the contacts in stable positions.

FIG. 1 shows a bistable relay comprising a contact block 1 with a fixed part 2 having one or more electrical contact pads 3, and a movable portion 4 comprising a flexible blade 5 carrying at least one electrical contact pad 6. The contact block of fig 1 is an inverter with two electrical contacts connected to connection terminals 7. The contact block 1 is actuated on its mobile part by a bistable electromagnetic device 8 comprising a fixed part 9 and a mobile part 10 mechanically connected audit contact block. The electromagnetic device 8 comprises a magnetic circuit 11 formed in the fixed part 9 by a magnetic material 12 and a permanent magnet 13, and in the movable part 10 by a pallet held by a spring 14. An electromagnetic coil 15 wound on the magnetic material of the fixed part actuates the displacement of the movable part 10. If a current flows in a first direction in the coil 15 the movable part is drawn to the fixed part and the magnetic circuit closes, the permanent magnet 13 then keeps the magnetic circuit closed even if the current in the coil is interrupted. If a current pulse is injected in a second direction opposite to the first, the action of the magnet is canceled by a reverse magnetic field generated by the coil, the pallet is then recalled by the spring 14 in a position of open magnetic circuit . The force of the magnet 13 is not sufficient to attract the pallet retained by the spring in the open circuit position. A bistable relay of this type is described in particular in patent EP0686989B1.

FIG. 2 shows a bistable relay comprising a contact block 1 similar to that of FIG. 1 actuated by an electromagnetic device 16 having a movable part 17 with permanent magnet 18. The fixed part generally comprises a first or a second magnetic circuit 19 and 20 controlled by electromagnetic coils 21 and 22 making it possible to move the magnet towards the first or the second magnetic circuit. When the magnet is in contact with one of the magnetic circuits, the magnetic induction of said magnet keeps the moving part in a stable state. Thus, the magnetic circuit which retains the movable part with the magnet becomes a closed magnetic circuit and the other magnetic circuit is open. Some devices of this type have a single electromagnetic control coil and different arrangements of the fixed part. Bistable devices for moving a movable part carrying the magnet are described in particular in patents EP0272164B1 and FR2358006.

Known switching devices, integrated in particular in bistable relays, make it possible to switch or cut low electric currents under good conditions. When the currents to be switched are high, for example of several amperes, the known devices are generally bulky. In addition, the contact blocks have significant heating and the magnetic circuits must exert significant forces to move the moving parts. Such switching devices are hardly can be integrated into small electrical devices that can be operated manually.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is an electrical switching device allowing good conduction of electric current, good switching or interruption of the electrical circuit and / or having reduced dimensions or volume. The invention also aims a relay and an electrical device comprising such a device.

A switching device according to the invention comprises:

at least a first part comprising at least a first magnetizable element and a first contact zone associated with said first magnetizable element,

- At least a second movable part comprising at least a second magnetic element and a second contact zone associated with said second magnetic element, said second movable part having at least a first stable position for maintaining a first closed electrical contact between the first and the second contact zones and a second stable position for keeping said first electrical contact open, and

- electromagnetic actuation means acting on the second movable part to make it change position and comprising at least a first electromagnetic coil wound on at least one first magnetizable element of the first part to act as attraction or repulsion on at least one second magnetic element of the second mobile part and to effect a stable change of state of said second mobile part, the first or second magnetic element comprising at least one part with permanent magnetization to keep the first electrical contact closed and exert a pressure of contact between the first and second contact zones by a magnetic attraction exerted between the first and the second magnetic elements when the movable part is in its first stable position.

Advantageously, the electromagnetic actuation means comprise at least a second electromagnetic coil wound on at least a third magnetizable element of the first part to act as attraction or repulsion on at least one second element magnetic of the second movable part and to effect a stable change of state of said second movable part.

Advantageously, the first and second electromagnetic coils are intended to be controlled by electric pulses to generate reverse magnetic fields effecting repulsion and attraction and causing the stable position of the second movable part to be changed between a first and a second stable position closing at minus an electrical contact between a contact zone of the first part and a contact zone of the second movable part.

Advantageously, the first and second electromagnetic coils are intended to be controlled by electrical pulses to generate magnetic fields of the same direction carrying out two repulsions and to position the second movable part in a third stable position where the contact areas of the second part mobile are not in electrical contact with the contact areas of the first part.

Advantageously, the first part comprises a third magnetizable element to maintain the second movable part in the second stable position.

In a preferred embodiment, the second movable part comprises at least one permanent magnet disposed near a contact area.

Advantageously, the second movable part is composed of a material comprising a part predominantly with permanent magnetization.

Preferably, the part with permanent magnetization or the permanent magnet have a magnetic induction greater than 1 teslas.

Advantageously, the second mobile part has an elongated shape which can pivot and comprises at least one contact zone and a magnetic attraction zone towards at least one end. Preferably, the second movable part has at least one contact zone and a permanent magnet at a first end and at a second end. In a particular embodiment, the second movable part has a flexible constitution which can be fixed by a point situated in a central zone, and comprises at least one contact zone and a magnet towards at least one end. Preferably, the second movable part has at least one opening towards a central area.

In a preferred embodiment:

- The first part comprises the first magnetizable element associated with a first contact zone and a third magnetizable element associated with a third contact zone, and - the second movable part comprises a second contact zone towards a first end intended to be in contact with the first contact zone of the first part, and a fourth contact zone towards a second end intended to be in contact with the third contact zone of the first part, in a first stable position of the movable part, the first and the second contact areas are maintained to form a closed contact and the third and fourth contact areas form an open contact, and in a second stable position of the movable part, the third and fourth contact areas are maintained to form a closed contact and the first and second contact zones form an open contact.

Preferably, the first, the second, the third and the fourth contact zones are electrically connected to electrical connection means.

Advantageously, the second movable part comprises a first permanent magnet towards the first end to cooperate with the first magnetizable element of the first part and a second permanent magnet towards the second end to cooperate with the third magnetizable element of the first part.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching device comprises holding means for maintaining the second movable part in a third stable position in which the contact formed by the first and the second contact zones and the contact formed by the third and the fourth contact areas are open. Preferably, the holding means comprise a support member in the form of a flat disposed on the first part to receive a first side of the second movable part and pressure means to maintain a central zone of the second movable part against said element of support. For example, the pressure means are constituted by a spring.

Preferably, the pressure means consist of a third permanent magnet and a fourth magnetizable element arranged on the support element and on the central zone of the movable part.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching device comprises manual or mechanical actuation means acting on the second movable part to cause it to change stable state.

In a particular embodiment, the second movable part has a flexible constitution which can be fixed by a point located in a central zone, and comprises at least one contact zone and a magnet at two ends to form two contacts with contact zones magnetizable elements of the first part, said two contacts being able to be closed simultaneously.

Advantageously, at least one magnetic or magnetizable element makes it possible to conduct, through the material which constitutes it, an electric current intended to flow in at least one electric contact.

An electromagnetic relay according to the invention with at least two stable states comprising at least first and second electrical contact inputs, control inputs, and at least one switching device as defined above, the first contact input electric being connected to the second movable part, the second electric contact input being connected to a first contact area of the first part, and the control inputs being connected to at least a first electromagnetic coil disposed on at least a first magnetizable element from the first part. In a preferred embodiment, the relay comprises at least a second electromagnetic coil connected to the control inputs and disposed on at least a third magnetizable element of the first part.

In another embodiment, the relay has at least three stable states and includes a third contact area connected to a third contact input and means for maintaining the second movable part in a third stable position where the electrical contacts between the first , the second and third contact zones are open, the first and second electromagnetic coils being intended to be controlled by attraction and repulsion to establish an electrical contact and by double repulsion to open the contacts.

An electrical device according to the invention, comprising at least a first and a second electrical contact input, comprises: - at least one switching device as defined above at at least two stable positions, the first electrical contact input being connected to the second movable part, the second electrical contact input being connected to a first contact area of the first part, and

- A control circuit connected to at least a first electromagnetic coil disposed on a first magnetizable element of the first part.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching device comprises at least a second electromagnetic coil connected to the control circuit and disposed on at least a third magnetizable element of the first part.

Advantageously, the switching device has three stable states and comprises a third contact zone connected to a third contact input and means for maintaining the second movable part in a third stable position where the electrical contacts between the first, the second and the third contact zones are open, the first and second electromagnetic coils being intended to be controlled in attraction and repulsion to establish at least one electrical contact and in double repulsion to open the contacts. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical device comprises manual or mechanical actuation means acting on the second movable part to cause it to change stable state.

Advantageously, the control circuit comprises at least one control input capable of receiving control signals.

Advantageously, the control signals applied to the input can be polarization signals, pulse duration signals and / or pulse number signals.

Advantageously, the control circuit comprises at least one remote control input per communication bus for receiving control signals.

Advantageously, the control circuit includes remote control reception means for receiving control signals.

Advantageously, the control circuit includes processing means for processing control signals and controlling the electromagnetic coils as a function of said signals. Preferably, the processing means perform functions of remote control switch, timer and / or controlled switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and represented in the appended drawings in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show known switching devices of bistable relays of the prior art;

- Figure 3 shows a switching device according to a first embodiment of the invention with two stable positions; - Figure 4 shows a switching device according to a variant of the embodiment of Figure 3;

- Figure 5 shows a switching device according to a second embodiment of the invention with three stable positions; - Figure 6 shows a switching device according to a third embodiment of the invention with three stable positions;

- Figure 7 shows a switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with three stable positions;

- Figures 8, 9 and 10 show three positions of a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention with three stable positions;

- Figure 11 shows a switching device according to the invention intended to be part of an electrical appliance;

- Figure 12 shows an electrical device comprising a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention which can be controlled by manual control or electromagnetic control coils;

- Figure 13 shows a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention with two or three stable positions intended to be mounted in particular on a printed circuit or be part of an electrical device such as a relay;

- Figures 14, and 15 show views of a relay according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a switching device according to Figure 13;

- Figure 16 shows diagram of an electrical appliance comprising a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention and a control circuit;

- Figure 17 shows a diagram of the control of a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention; - Figure 18 shows a diagram of an electrical appliance comprising a switching device with three stable positions according to an embodiment of the invention and a control circuit;

- Figure 19 shows a diagram of a control circuit;

- Figures 20 A, 20B, 20C, 21 and 23 show control signals that can be used by control circuits of switching devices according to embodiments of the invention; - Figure 23 shows a first particular embodiment of a movable part of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 24 shows a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a movable part according to Figure 23; - Figure 25 shows a second particular embodiment of a movable part of a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a device according to an embodiment of the invention represented in FIG. 3, a first part 30, preferably fixed, comprises a first magnetizable element 31 and a first contact area 32 associated with said first magnetizable element 31, and a second movable part 33 comprises a second magnetic element 34 and a second contact zone 35 associated with said second magnetic element 34. Said second movable part 33 has at least a first stable position for maintaining a first electrical contact 36 closed between the first and the second contact zone. contact 32 and 35 and a second stable position for keeping said first electrical contact open. Actuating means 37 which can be electromagnetic and possibly manual or mechanical make it possible to act on the second movable part to cause it to change position. The first or second magnetic element comprises at least one part with permanent magnetization to maintain the first contact closed and to exert a contact pressure between the first and the second contact zones. The contact pressure is exerted by a magnetic attraction between the first and the second magnetic elements when the movable part is in its first stable position where the first contact 36 is closed. For example, the second magnetic element can be a magnet 38 disposed on the movable part 33, the first magnetizable element 31 can be made of magnetizable material, for example of soft iron. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation means comprise a first electromagnetic coil 53 for acting on the magnet 38 of the second magnetic element of the movable part.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first part 30 includes a third magnetizable element 39 to hold the second movable part 33 in the second stable position. A second magnet 40 disposed on the movable part maintains it in the second stable position by a magnetic attraction exerted with the third magnetizable element 39. The switching device can comprise a second electrical contact 41 comprising a third contact zone 42 associated with the third element magnetizable 39 and a fourth contact area 43 on the movable part 33. In this case, the actuation means comprise a second electromagnetic coil 54 to act on the magnet 40 of the second magnetic element of the movable part.

Advantageously, the permanent magnets are arranged near the contact zones to ensure good contact pressure. Preferably, the part with permanent magnetization or the permanent magnet have a magnetic induction greater than 1 tesla with a volume less than 1 cubic millimeter (mm) for a nominal current in the contacts of the order of 1 ampere. In this case, a device capable of operating at 10 amps may have a magnet less than 10 mm. With induction magnets greater than 3 Teslas per mm, a switching device will have a magnet of the order of 3 mm ³ for 10 amps.

Preferably, the movable part 33 has an elongated shape which can pivot and comprises a contact zone and a permanent magnet at each end.

For example, to constitute a reversing switch with two contacts, in a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention, the first part 30 comprises the first magnetizable element 31 associated with a first contact zone 32, and a third element magnetizable 39 associated with a third contact zone 42, and the second movable part 33 comprises a second contact zone 35, towards a first end, intended to be in contact with the first contact zone 32 of the first part, and a fourth contact zone 43, towards a second end, intended to be in contact with the third contact zone 42 of the first part. In a first stable position of the movable part, the first and second contact areas 32 and 35 are held to form a closed contact and the third and fourth contact areas 42 and 43 form an open contact, and in a second position the movable part is stable, the third and fourth contact zones 42 and 43 are held to form a closed contact and the first and second contact zones 32 and 35 form an open contact. The first, the second, the third and the fourth contact zones are electrically connected to electrical connection terminals through electrical conductors and / or the material of the magnetizable elements. The use of magnetic or magnetizable elements associated with an electrical conduction function makes it possible to reduce the volume of the switching device. For example, the magnetic or magnetizable elements can be associated with electrical conductors in the same element or be used themselves as conductors. Thus, a magnetic element can have two types of function, advantageously, magnetic type functions for maintaining in a stable position and for exerting contact pressure, and electric type functions for electrical contact with the movable part and for electrical conduction between connection terminals and said contact.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the first part comprises a first electrical conductor 45 A associated with a first magnetizable element 31. To improve the switching of the switch and ensure a second stable position, the first part comprises a third magnetizable element 39 and a second conductor 45B. The embodiment of FIG. 4 shows a manual actuation device 50 for actuating the movable part 33 and causing it to change its stable position independently of the electromagnetic actuations operated by the coils 53 and 54 acting on the magnets 40 and 38.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the second movable part 33 comprises a first permanent magnet 51 towards the first end to cooperate with the first magnetizable element 31 of the first part and a second permanent magnet 52 towards the second end to cooperate with the third magnetizable element 39 of the first part.

The device of FIG. 5 comprises electromagnetic actuation means comprising a first electromagnetic coil 53 wound on the first magnetizable element 31 of the first part to act as attraction or repulsion on the second magnetic element of the second movable part 33 and perform a stable change of state of said movable part. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuation means comprise a second electromagnetic coil 54 wound on the third magnetizable element 39 of the first part to act in attraction or in repulsion on at least one second magnetic element of the second mobile part and to cause it to change its stable state said second mobile part. Thus, the coil 53 and the magnetizable element 31 cooperate with the magnet 51 and the coil 54 and the magnetizable element 39 cooperate with the magnet 52 to change the state of the movable part 33. In a first position the contact zones 32 and 35 form a closed contact while in a second position the contact zones 32 and 35 form an open contact and contact zones 42 and 43 form a closed contact.

For example, the first and second electromagnetic coils 53 and 54 are controlled by electrical pulses to generate reverse magnetic fields effecting repulsion and attraction and causing the stable position of the second movable part to change between a first and a second stable position .

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the switching device also comprises holding means 55 for maintaining the movable part 33 in a third stable position in which the contact 36 formed by the first and the second contact zones 32 and 35 and the contact 41 formed by the third and fourth contact zones 42 and 43 are open.

Advantageously, the holding means comprise a support element 56 in the form of a flat or abutment arranged on the first part to receive a first side 57 of the second movable part 33 and pressure means 58 to maintain a central area 59 of the second part movable against the support element. For example in Figure 5, the pressure means are constituted by a spring.

In Figure 6, the pressure means are constituted by a third peπnanent magnet 60 disposed on the central part of the movable part and a fourth magnetizable element 61 disposed on the support element. To activate the second mobile part and put it in its third stable position where the two contacts are open, the first and second electromagnetic coils are controlled by electric pulses generating magnetic fields in the same direction carrying out two repulsions. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, manual or mechanical actuation means 50 act on the second mobile part to cause it to change stable state. When in its third position, the magnet 60 cooperates with the fourth magnetizable element 61 preferably comprising a flat to hold the movable part. In this stable position, the contact zones 35 and 43 of the second movable part are not in electrical contact with the contact zones 32 and 42 of the first part.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a switching device comprising an actuation by electromagnetic coils and a manual actuation element 50. Thus two actuation means allow the position of the movable part 33 to be changed. In FIG. 8, the movable part is in its third stable position where the contacts 36 and 41 are open.

In FIG. 9, the first contact 36 is open and the second contact 41 is closed by an action on the manual actuating element 50 or by electrical pulses on the electromagnetic coils. In this case, the coil 53 has been controlled to act in repulsion on the magnet 51, and the coil 54 is controlled to act in attraction on the magnet 52.

In FIG. 10, the first contact 36 is closed and the second contact 41 is opened by an action on the manual actuating element 50 or by electrical pulses on the electromagnetic coils. In this case, the coil 54 has been controlled to act in repulsion on the magnet 52, and the coil 53 is controlled to act in attraction on the magnet 51.

FIG. 11 represents a switching device according to the invention intended in particular to form part of an electrical appliance of small dimensions. The first magnetizable element 31 and directly connect to a connection terminal 44 and it receives over its length the electromagnetic control coil 53, the first contact area 32 at the end of the magnetizable element 31 protrudes from the coil 53. The magnetizable element 31 also serves as a conductor between the contact area and the connection terminal. In this arrangement, the magnetizable element 31 has magnetic functions for controlling the movable part in being the core of the coil 53 and of holding the movable part by cooperating with the magnet 51, and functions of fixed contact part by having a contact zone 32 and of electrical conductor by connecting the zone 32 to the terminal 44 Such an embodiment makes it possible to considerably reduce the size of the switching device. The third magnetizable element 39 and the coil 54 are produced and arranged in the same way as the element 31 and the coil 53. The fourth magnetizable element 61 can be produced in the same way as the first and third magnetizable elements 39. It has a contact zone which is in contact with the mobile part 33 and cooperates with a magnet 60 in the central part of the mobile part to ensure contact pressure and the pivoting of the mobile part as well as its maintenance in position. The movable part 33 can be made of a conductive material such as copper with surface treatments suitable for the electrical contact areas. Permanent magnets 51, 52, and 60 arranged towards the ends and the central zone of the movable part 33 are preferably glued or crimped onto the conductive material.

The connections of the coils 53 and 54 and of the contact conductors 45 can also be made by output pins or tabs 62 which can be soldered on a printed circuit or receive electrical wires soldered or connected by lugs.

In FIG. 12, a switching device according to FIG. 11 is integrated into an electrical cut-off or switching device. This electrical device comprises a base 63 made of insulating materials for receiving and maintaining the various elements of the switching device. In this figure, it also includes a manual actuating member or 50 for manually acting on the mobile part. The manual actuator 50 may also be a mechanical actuator actuated in particular by a movement of an object, by a machine or a mechanism.

FIG. 13 represents a switching device with two or three stable positions intended to be mounted in particular on a printed circuit or to be part of an electrical device such as a relay. Contact conductors 45 and the coil connections are terminated by pins or connection tabs 62. The conductors 45 are directly crimped onto the magnetizable elements of the first part. The fourth magnetizable element 61 also has the function of support element 56 for supporting the central part of the fixed part, in particular in its third stable position where the contacts are open, and a function of electrical conductor 45.

In the case of a relay installation, inputs 62A correspond to electrical contact inputs and inputs 62B correspond to control inputs. A first electrical contact input 62A is connected to the second movable part through the fourth magnetizable element 61, a second electrical contact input 62 A is connected to a first contact area 32 of the first part through the first magnetizable element 31 , a third electrical contact input 62A is connected to a third contact zone 42 of the first part through the third magnetizable element 39, and the control inputs 62B are connected to the first and to the second electromagnetic coils 53 and 54 arranged on the first and third magnetizable elements 31 and 39 of the first part.

Figures 14, and 15 show views of a relay according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a switching device according to Figure 13. The relay comprises a support 64, for example in the form of a housing, and a cover 65 closing said support. Passages arranged in the housing make it possible to pass electrical connection inputs 62. FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the elements of the switching device. The mounted relay is shown in the view of Figure 15 where the elements are in place. This view shows advantages of the invention, in particular the reduction in space and volume allowed by such an arrangement. The grouping of electrical and magnetic functions in a single element makes it possible to achieve these advantages.

The relay of FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 can be a relay with two stable positions or with three positions according to the mode of control of the coils 53 and 54. The first and the second coils are controlled in attraction and repulsion to establish an electrical contact and double repulsion to open the two contacts.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an electrical appliance comprising a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention and a control circuit 70. The electrical appliance comprises a first electrical contact input 71 connected to the second movable part 33, and a second electrical contact input 72 connected to a first contact area 32 of the first part through the first magnetizable element 3, and a third electrical contact input 73 connected to a third contact zone 42 of the first part through the third magnetizable element. The control circuit 70 is connected to a first and a second electromagnetic coils 53 and 54 disposed respectively on the first and the third magnetizable element 31 and 39 of the first part. In the embodiment of Figure 16, the coils 53 and 54 are connected in series to control the movement of the movable part in attraction and repulsion. The movable part 33 may include magnets in the material that composes it. Manual or mechanical actuating means 50 can also act on the second movable surface to cause it to change stable state. The control circuit 70 has control inputs 74 which can receive control signals.

The control signals applied to the control inputs 70 can in particular be polarization signals, pulse duration signals and / or pulse number signals.

In the diagram in FIG. 17, the coils 53 and 54 are connected with the control circuit to the inputs 74. In this diagram, the device then receives control signals in the form of electrical pulses supplied by a connected push button 75 between the inputs 74 and a source of the electrical supply 76, for example an electrical distribution network. The control circuit can act on the coils in simple commands of a switch or of a remote-controlled switch or, for example in more complex functions such as functions of remote control switch, retarder, or electric timer.

FIG. 18 represents a diagram of an electrical appliance comprising a switching device with three stable positions such as that which is described for FIGS. 8 to 10 and a control circuit 70. The coils 53 and 54 are connected to the control circuit to be able to be controlled in attraction and repulsion to establish at least one electrical contact 36 or 41 and in double repulsion to open said electrical contacts. A magnet 60 and a fourth magnetizable element 61 making it possible to maintain the movable part in the position of open contacts.

In FIG. 19, a diagram of a control circuit shows different possibilities for receiving control signals. The control circuit 70 comprises a supply circuit connected between supply inputs 78 and a processing circuit 79. The processing circuit 70 controls the coils 53 and 54 as a function of control signals received in particular on control inputs 74.

The processing circuit 70 may also include a remote control circuit connected to the processing circuit and receiving control signals supplied through a communication bus 81 and / or a remote control receiver.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 21 and 23 show control signals which can be used by control circuits of switching devices according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 20A, a signal 90 of negative polarity can control the control circuit 70 to position the switching device in a first stable position where a first contact 36 is established. In Figure 20B a signal

91 of positive polarity can control the control circuit 70 to position the switching device in a second stable position or a second contact 41 is established. In FIG. 20C a signal 92 having negative and positive polarities can command the control circuit 70 to position the switching device in a third stable position where the contacts 36 and 41 are opened in particular by double repulsion commands on the coils 53 and 54. Figure 21 shows control signals 93 with pulse duration, and Figure 22 shows control signals 94 by number of pulses.

FIG. 23 represents a particular embodiment of a second movable part 33 having a flexible constitution which can be fixed by a point 100 situated in a central zone, and comprises at the ends a contact zone 35 and / or 43 and a magnet 51 and / or 52 towards at least one end. The second mobile part has one or two openings to a central area to improve flexibility and movement between positions stable. The body of the movable part can advantageously be made of a material such as brass or steel.

FIG. 24 represents a switching device comprising a second movable part according to FIG. 23. The point 100 of the central zone is fixed directly on the support element 56. In this embodiment, the flexible constitution of the second movable part also allows the two contacts 36 and 41 to be closed simultaneously. Thus, the contacts can be opened or closed independently, in particular by electromagnetic controls.

In FIG. 25, a second movable part 33 is made of a material comprising a part with predominantly permanent magnetization, for example a longitudinal magnet 103 comprising contact pads at each end.

In the embodiments described above, the electrical contact zones can be produced by depositing suitable metal or by adding thin contact pads. The magnets can have various shapes and be fixed on fixed or mobile parts of the magnetic elements. The magnetic or magnetizable elements can also be covered with material depending on the intensity of the current which must pass through the contacts. The current can reach several amperes in a small volume.

The electrical devices which may include a switching device according to the invention can be very diverse, for example, low or high power switches, circuit breakers, auxiliary contacts, contacts controlled by mechanisms or manually.

Claims

1. Electrical switching device comprising at least one electrical contact which can be maintained in a stable position by magnetic means, characterized in that it comprises:

- at least a first part (30) comprising at least a first magnetizable element (31) and a first contact zone (32) associated with said first magnetizable element,

- at least a second mobile part (33) comprising at least a second magnetic element (34) and a second contact zone (35) associated with said second magnetic element, said second mobile part (33) having at least a first stable position for maintaining a first closed electrical contact (36) between the first and second contact areas (32, 35) and a second stable position for keeping said first electrical contact open, and - electromagnetic actuation means (53, 54) acting on the second movable part to change its position and comprising at least a first electromagnetic coil (53) wound on at least one first magnetizable element (31) of the first part to act as an attraction or repulsion on at least a second element magnetic (51) of the second movable part (33) and to effect a stable change of state of said second movable part, the first or the second magnetic element having at least one permanently magnetized part (38, 51, 103) for keeping the first electrical contact (36) closed and exerting contact pressure between the first and second contact areas (32, 35) by a magnetic attraction exerted between the first and the second magnetic elements (31, 34, 38, 51, 103) when the movable part is in its first stable position.

2. Switching device according to claim 1 characterized in that the electromagnetic actuation means comprise at least a second electromagnetic coil (54) wound on at least a third magnetizable element (39) of the first part to act as attraction or by repulsion on at least a second magnetic element (52) of the second mobile part (33) and to effect a stable change of state of said second mobile part.

3. Switching device according to claim 2 characterized in that the first and second electromagnetic coils (53, 54) are intended to be controlled by electrical pulses to generate inverted magnetic fields effecting repulsion and attraction and causing the stable position of the second movable part (33) between a first a second stable position closing at least one electrical contact (36) between a contact zone (32) of the first part and a contact zone (35) of the second part mobile (33).

4. Switching device according to one of claims 2 or 3 characterized in that the first and second electromagnetic coils (53, 54) are intended to be controlled by electrical pulses to generate magnetic fields of the same direction carrying out two repulsions and to position the second movable part (33) in a third stable position where the contact zones (35, 43) of the second movable part (33) are not in electrical contact with the contact zones (32, 42) of the first part (30).

5. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first part comprises a third magnetizable element (39) to maintain the second part (33) movable in the second stable position.

6. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the second movable part (33) comprises at least one permanent magnet (51, 52, 103, 104) disposed near an area (35 , 43) contact.

7. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the second movable part is made of a material (103, 104) comprising a part predominantly with permanent magnetization.

8. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the part with permanent magnetization or the permanent magnet (38, 51, 52, 103) have a magnetic induction greater than 1 teslas.

9. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the second movable part (33) has an elongated shape which can pivot and comprises at least one contact zone (35, 43) and a zone of magnetic attraction to at least one end.

10. Switching device according to claim 9 characterized in that the second movable paddle (33) comprises at least one contact zone (35, 43) and a permanent magnet (51, 52) at a first end and at a second end .

11. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the second movable part (33) has a flexible constitution which can be fixed by a point (100) located in a central area, and comprises at least one a contact area (35, 43) and a magnet (51, 52) toward at least one end.

12. Switching device according to claim 11 characterized in that the second movable part (33) has at least one opening (102) towards a central area.

13. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that:

the first part (30) comprises the first magnetizable element (31) associated with a first contact zone (32) and a third magnetizable element (39) associated with a third contact zone (42), and

- the second movable part (33) has a second contact zone (35) towards a first end intended to be in contact with the first contact zone (32) of the first part, and a fourth contact zone (43) towards a second end intended to be in contact with the third contact zone (42) of the first part, in a first stable position of the movable part, the first and the second contact zones (32, 35) are held to form a closed contact and the third and fourth contact areas (42, 43) form an open contact, and in a second stable position of the movable part, the third and fourth contact areas (42, 43) are held to forming a closed contact and the first and second contact areas (32, 35) form an open contact.

14. Switching device according to claim 13 characterized in that the first, the second, the third and the fourth contact zones (32, 35, 42, 43) are electrically connected to electrical connection means (44, 62, 62A, 62B, 71, 72, 73).

15. Switching device according to one of claims 13 or 14 characterized in that the second movable part (33) comprises a first permanent magnet (51) towards the first end to cooperate with the first magnetizable element (31) of the first part and a second permanent magnet (52) towards the second end to cooperate with the third magnetizable element (39) of the first part.

16. Switching device according to any one of claims 13 to 15 characterized in that it comprises holding means (55) for holding the second movable part (33) in a third stable position in which the contact (36) formed by the first and second contact areas (32, 35) and the contact (41) formed by the third and fourth contact areas (42, 43) are open.

17. Switching device according to claim 16 characterized in that the holding means comprise a support element (56) in the form of a flat disposed on the first part to receive a first side (57) of the second movable part and means pressure (58) to maintain a central area (59) of the second movable part against said support member.

18. Switching device according to claim 17 characterized in that the pressure means (58) consist of a spring.

19. Switching device according to claim 17 characterized in that the pressure means (58) consist of a third permanent magnet (60) and a fourth magnetizable element (61) arranged on the support element and on the central zone of the moving part.

20. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that it comprises manual or mechanical actuation means (50) acting on the second movable part (33) to cause it to change stable state .

21. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 characterized in that the second movable part (33) has a flexible constitution which can be fixed by a point (100) located in a central area, and comprises at least one contact zone (35, 43) and a magnet (51, 52) at two ends to form two contacts (36, 41) with contact zones (32, 42) of magnetizable elements of the first part, said two contacts can be closed simultaneously.

22. Switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 characterized in that at least one magnetic or magnetizable element (31, 39, 61) makes it possible to conduct through the material which constitutes it an electric current intended to circulate - in (36, 41) at least one electrical contact (36, 41).

23. Electromagnetic relay with at least two stable states comprising at least first and second electrical contact inputs (62A) and control inputs (62B), characterized in that it comprises at least one switching device according to one of claims 1 to 22, the first electrical contact input being connected to the second movable part (33), the second electrical contact input being connected to a first contact area (32) of the first part, and the inputs of control (62B) being connected to at least a first electromagnetic coil (53) disposed on at least a first magnetizable element (31) of the first part.

24. Relay according to claim 23 characterized in that it comprises at least a second electromagnetic coil (54) connected to the control inputs (62B) and disposed on at least a third magnetizable element (39) of the first part.

25. Relay according to one of claims 23 or 24 characterized in that it has at least three stable states and comprises a third contact zone (42) connected to a third contact input and means (60, 61) for maintaining the second movable part (33) in a third stable position where the electrical contacts between the first, the second and the third contact zones (32, 35, 42) are open, the first and the second electromagnetic coils (53, 54 ) being intended to be ordered in attraction and repulsion to establish an electrical contact and in double repulsion to open the contacts.

26. An electrical appliance comprising at least a first and a second electrical contact input (71, 72), characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one switching device according to one of claims 1 to 22 at at least two stable positions, the first electrical contact input (71) being connected to the second movable part (33), the second electrical contact input ( 72) being connected to a first contact area (32) of the first part, and - a control circuit (70) connected to at least one first electromagnetic coil (53) disposed on a first magnetizable element (31) of the first part.

27. An electrical appliance according to claim 26 characterized in that the switching device comprises at least a second electromagnetic coil (54) connected to the control circuit (70) and disposed on at least a third magnetizable element (39) of the first part .

28. Electric apparatus according to one of claims 26 or 27 characterized in that the switching device has three stable states and comprises a third contact area (42) connected to a third contact input (73) and means for maintaining the second movable part (33) in a third stable position where the electrical contacts between the first, the second and the third contact zones are open, the first and the second electromagnetic coils (52, 53) being intended to be controlled by attraction and repulsion to establish at least one electrical contact and double repulsion to open the contacts.

29. Electrical device according to any one of claims 26 to 28 characterized in that it comprises manual or mechanical actuating means (50) acting on the second movable part (33) to cause it to change stable state.

30. An electrical appliance according to any one of claims 26 to 29 characterized in that the control circuit (70) comprises at least one control input (74) capable of receiving control signals.

31. Electrical device according to claim 30 characterized in that the control signals applied to the input can be polarization signals (90, 91, 92), pulse duration signals (93) and / or signals number of pulses (94).

32. Electrical device according to any one of claims 26 to 31 characterized in that the control circuit (70) comprises at least one remote control input (81) per communication bus for receiving control signals.

33. An electrical appliance according to any one of claims 26 to 32 characterized in that the control circuit comprises reception means (80, 82) of remote control for receiving remote control signals.

34. An electrical device according to any one of claims 26 to 33 characterized in that the control circuit includes processing means (79) for processing control signals and controlling the electromagnetic coils as a function of said signals.

35. Electrical device according to claim 34 characterized in that the processing means (79) perform functions of remote control switch, timer and / or controlled switch.