Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
  • H01H36/0006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches
  • H01H36/0013—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches characterised by the co-operation between reed switch and permanent magnet; Magnetic circuits
  • H01H36/0026—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches characterised by the co-operation between reed switch and permanent magnet; Magnetic circuits comprising a biasing, helping or polarising magnet
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
  • H01H2036/0093—Micromechanical switches actuated by a change of the magnetic field
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
  • H01H36/0006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches
  • H01H36/006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches comprising a plurality of reed switches, e.g. selectors or joystick-operated

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for switching an electrical circuit comprising a movable actuating member, acting by magnetic effect on a switch for switching the electrical circuit.
• the invention relates more particularly to a switching device which can be used as a push button, position detector, sliding button or rotary button.
• US Pat. No. 3,921,108 discloses a push button type assembly comprising an actuator movable in translation between a rest position and a working position and capable of setting in motion a permanent magnet housed in the button. pusher.
• the permanent magnet is rotatably mounted on a domed leaf spring on which the actuator acts. At rest, the permanent magnet is inclined relative to the axis of the assembly and is able to follow a rotational movement when the actuating member acts on the spring.
• the permanent magnet is able to control by magnetic effect a "reed" type switch to switch an electrical circuit. The position of the permanent magnet relative to the switch allows to close or open the electrical circuit.
• a switching device able to be used in a sea rescue system.
• This device notably comprises a "reed" type switch which includes two flexible blades which can be brought together under the influence a magnetic field to close an electrical circuit.
• the device also comprises a permanent permanent magnet with axial magnetization, the magnetic field of which forces the two flexible blades to move together, and a mobile permanent magnet also with axial magnetization and in the same direction as that of the fixed permanent magnet which, when is approached requires the opening of the switch.
• the movement of the movable permanent magnet is achieved by the level of water present in a cavity of the device.
• the operating principle described in this document is not suitable for use in a push button, position detector or sliding button.
• the object of the invention is to provide a device for switching an electrical circuit suitable for switching miniature switches and having a simple structure and operation.
• a device for switching an electrical circuit comprising a body, an actuating member movable in the body between at least two positions and capable of acting by magnetic effect on a movable element of at least one electrical switch. , to switch the electrical circuit between two positions, an open position of the electrical circuit and a closed position of said electrical circuit, characterized in that:
• the device comprises at least two permanent magnets in opposition to create between them a magnetic repulsion effect, the two permanent magnets comprising at least one fixed permanent magnet and a mobile permanent magnet secured to the actuating member,
• the change of position of the actuating member causes a change of direction of the magnetic field lines created by said permanent magnets in the vicinity of the movable element, causing the switching of the electrical circuit.
• the electrical contact closed by magnetic effect makes it possible to make the ohmic contact resistance independent of the force exerted by the operator. This resistance is therefore perfectly reproducible at each manipulation.
• the operation of the device is perfectly constant over time, the actuating member being stressed in movement not by a mechanical spring but by the magnetic repulsion effect exerted between the two magnets in opposition.
• the magnetic repulsion effect gives the user a particular tactile effect when the actuator is pressed.
• the two permanent magnets participate together to achieve contactless switching of the electrical circuit and to allow the actuator to return to the initial position.
• the movable permanent magnet is movable in translation between at least two positions in a main plane parallel to a substrate on which the movable element is mounted.
• the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction perpendicular to the main plane and oriented in the same direction, the two magnets being in opposition by their edges.
• the movable permanent magnet is automatically returned to its initial position by magnetic repulsion with the fixed permanent magnet, thus also causing the actuating member to its initial position, for example a rest position.
• the mobile permanent magnet when the mobile permanent magnet is in a position distant from the fixed permanent magnet, the mobile element is maintained in a position imposed by the curvature of the field lines of the magnetic field created by the magnet permanent mobile.
• the switch is therefore placed under the movable permanent magnet.
• the movable permanent magnet when the movable permanent magnet is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is maintained in a position by reversing the curvature of the field lines caused by the preponderant influence of the magnetic field created by the fixed permanent magnet.
• the switch is placed under the fixed permanent magnet.
• the device comprises a plurality of switches and the movable permanent magnet can take several distinct positions to, in each of these positions, switch one or more of the switches.
• the actuating member is for example a control lever or a directional button.
• the fixed permanent magnet can have a toroidal shape, and encircle the mobile permanent magnet.
• the switches are then distributed circularly along the toroidal shape of the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet is multidirectional between a central equilibrium position and close positions of each of the switches in order to be able to switch each of them.
• each switch can also be associated with a fixed permanent magnet.
• the fixed permanent magnets are distributed, for example circularly, around the mobile permanent magnet.
• the movable permanent magnet is multidirectional and can take a middle position, for example central, relative to the fixed permanent magnets and a close position of each of the fixed permanent magnets to switch the switch associated with them.
• the device according to this first embodiment may also include a magnetic retaining device requiring minimal effort to be exerted on the actuating member to start its movement.
• This retaining device comprises for example a ferromagnetic part mounted on the body of the device against which the movable permanent magnet bears when the actuating member is in one of its positions.
• the mobile permanent magnet is therefore in magnetic interaction both with the fixed permanent magnet for the return to the initial position but also with the ferromagnetic part of the retaining device.
• the particular tactile sensation felt by the user when the actuating member is pressed therefore results from the combination of the magnetic repelling effect exerted between the movable permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet and the magnetic attraction effect exerted between the mobile permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic part of the retaining device. This tactile sensation is not likely to deteriorate over time since it is achieved simply by the combination of these different magnetic effects.
• the movable permanent magnet is rotatable between at least two positions around an axis perpendicular to a main plane parallel to a substrate on which the movable element is mounted.
• the mobile permanent magnet can take a so-called distant position in which its distal end is rotated, for example by 180 ° relative to the fixed permanent magnet so that the magnetic field created by the mobile permanent magnet has little or even influence. zero on the switch and a so-called close position in which the distal end of the movable permanent magnet is adjacent to the movable permanent magnet for switching the switch.
• the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction perpendicular to the main plane and oriented in the same direction.
• the device comprises a plurality of switches and the mobile permanent magnet can take several distinct angular positions so as to, in each of its positions, switch one or more of these switches.
• the fixed permanent magnet can have a toroidal shape, encircling the mobile permanent magnet.
• the switches are then distributed circularly along the toroidal shape of the fixed permanent magnet.
• the movable permanent magnet can rotate in several different angular positions in each of which its distal end is adjacent to one of the switches.
• each switch can also be associated with a fixed permanent magnet, the fixed permanent magnets being distributed, for example circularly, around the mobile permanent magnet.
• the movable permanent magnet can then assume in rotation several distinct angular positions in each of which its distal end is adjacent to one of the switches.
• the switch or switches can be enclosed in a hermetic and watertight case, for example, in order to avoid any penetration of dust which could disturb the operation of the device.
• An actuation mechanism of the switch or switches, comprising the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet, is then for example located outside the housing to control the switch or switches.
• the mobile permanent magnet and the fixed permanent magnet are superimposed and the mobile permanent magnet is movable in translation between two positions along a main axis perpendicular to a substrate on which is mounted the movable element.
• the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet have magnetizations of direction parallel to the main axis and oriented in opposite directions.
• the opposition of the two permanent magnets is thus achieved by their two main faces facing each other.
• the movable permanent magnet is thus automatically returned to its initial position by magnetic repulsion with the fixed permanent magnet, thus driving the actuating member to its initial position, for example a position rest.
• the use of a specific device to return the actuating member to its initial position is therefore not necessary.
• the movable member is disposed between the two permanent magnets.
• the mobile permanent magnet when the mobile permanent magnet is in a position distant from the fixed permanent magnet, the mobile element is maintained in a position imposed by the curvature of the field lines of the first magnetic field.
• the movable permanent magnet when the movable permanent magnet is in a position close to the fixed permanent magnet, the movable element is maintained in a position by inversion of the field lines caused by the preponderant influence of the second magnetic field .
• the fixed permanent magnet and the mobile permanent magnet are arranged symmetrically in the device relative to the main axis and the mobile element is offset with respect to the main axis.
• the device according to this third embodiment comprises several switches offset with respect to the main axis.
• the switches are for example arranged symmetrically with respect to the main axis.
• the actuating member may include an abruptly transforming elastic structure or membrane. This structure can make it possible to impart a tactile sensation to the user of the device.
• the device according to this third embodiment may include a magnetic retaining device for the actuating member requiring minimal effort to be exerted on the actuating member to start its movement.
• the magnetic retaining device comprises at least one fixed ferromagnetic part mounted on the body and in magnetic attraction with the movable permanent magnet when the actuating member is in one of its positions, for example its rest position.
• the retaining device can also comprise two ferromagnetic parts in magnetic attraction when the actuating member is in one of its positions, a first part being mounted on the actuating member and a second part being mounted on the body.
• the mobile element is for example a pivoting membrane mounted on a substrate and carrying at one of its ends an electrical contact establishing the electrical junction between two fixed contacts disposed on the substrate when the membrane is in the position closing the electrical circuit.
• the device can include a magnetic shielding device. This shielding device makes it possible, for example, to protect the switches from external magnetic influences.
• FIG. 1A to 3B show in axial section different configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a sliding actuator.
• FIGS 4A and 4B schematically show a top view of two configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a sliding actuating member.
• FIGS. 5A to 6 show in axial section different configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a rotating actuating member.
• FIG. 7A and 7B schematically show a top view of two configurations of a switching device according to the invention comprising a rotating actuating member.
• - Figure 8 schematically shows the switching device according to the invention comprising a push-type actuating member.
• the actuator On the left part (G) of Figure 8, the actuator is shown at rest while on the right part (D) the actuator is shown pressed.
• - Figures 9A and 9B show the position of the permanent magnets in the switching device of Figure 8 when the actuator is, respectively, at rest or pressed and the influence of the magnetic field created by each of the magnets of the device of commutation.
• FIG. 10 represents an example of the stroke / force diagram obtained with the switching device shown in FIG. 8.
• FIG. 11 represents a switch according to the invention, the membrane of which is at rest.
• Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the positions taken by the membrane under the influence of a magnetic field.
• an axis is defined, called the main axis (A), passing through the switching device in a vertical direction.
• the terms “top”, “bottom”, “bottom”, “top” must be understood by taking as a reference the main axis (A).
• the principle of the invention is based on the use of at least two permanent magnets (5, 6, 50, 60, 500, 600) in a switching device (1, 10, 100) of an electric circuit such that '' a push button, a position switch or detector, a sliding button or a rotary button.
• the switching device (1, 10, 100) comprises a movable permanent magnet (6, 60, 600) integral with an actuating member (3, 30, 300) of the device and at least one fixed permanent magnet (5, 50, 500).
• the actuator (3, 60, 600) is integral with an actuating member (3, 30, 300) of the device and at least one fixed permanent magnet (5, 50, 500).
• the actuator (3, 60, 600) is integral with an actuating member (3, 30, 300) of the device and at least one fixed permanent magnet (5, 50, 500).
• the switching device (1, 10, 100) can also be used as a position detector using a push-type, sliding or rotary actuating member.
• the movement of the actuating member (3, 30, 300) acts by magnetic effect on one or more switches 2 sensitive to magnetic fields.
• a switch 2 ( Figure 11) has a movable element which can take two positions, one of which corresponds to the closing of an electrical circuit (Figure 12B) and the other corresponding to the opening of this circuit ( Figure 12A ).
• the mobile element is for example constituted by a miniature ferromagnetic membrane 20 mounted on a substrate 24 perpendicular to the main axis (A) and provided with a part made of ferromagnetic material.
• the switch 2 can be produced in planar MEMS type technology (in English "Micro ElectroMechanical System") or in laminating technology of PCB type ("Printed Circuit Board") or "flex"("Flexible printed circuit board”).
• the membrane 20 carries a movable contact 21 capable of coming to electrically connect two fixed contacts 25, 26 disposed on the substrate 24 when it is in a low position for closing the electrical circuit.
• the membrane 20 of the switch 2 can be controlled by magnetic effect to pivot around an axis of rotation (R) perpendicular to the main axis (A) and parallel to the substrate 24 between a high position for opening the electrical circuit. ( Figure 12A) and its low position for closing the electrical circuit ( Figure 12B). It is connected to an anchoring stud 23 for example by means of two arms 22a, 22b subjected to bending.
• R axis of rotation
• Figure 12B and its low position for closing the electrical circuit
• It is connected to an anchoring stud 23 for example by means of two arms 22a, 22b subjected to bending.
• the numerical references used above to describe the switch 2 are kept in the description of all the embodiments of the device according to the invention.
• the switching device 10 is used as a sliding button or a position detector using a sliding actuating member.
• the device 10 comprises a body consisting of a closed housing 40 provided in particular with an upper wall 41 perpendicular to the main axis (A) and a circular side wall 42 and walls surmounting the housing 40 and receiving an actuation mechanism.
• L movable permanent magnet 60 and the fixed permanent magnet 50 are for example identical, of circular section, symmetrical with respect to their respective axis of revolution and arranged flat on the upper wall 41 of the housing 40. Other forms of magnet can be considered.
• the actuation mechanism includes: - the fixed permanent magnet 50 housed in the cavity,
• This assembly is slidably mounted on the upper wall 41 of the housing 40, in the slide 43 of the mechanism.
• a stud protruding through the opening 44 is formed on the actuating member 30 to manipulate the actuating member 30 and slide it into the slide 43 in the company of the movable permanent magnet 60.
• the movable permanent magnet 60 is able to move in a direction perpendicular to the main axis (A) and to the axis of rotation (R) of the membrane 20, and to take two positions, a so-called distant position from the permanent magnet 50
• the two permanent magnets 50, 60 have a direction magnetization parallel to the main axis (A) and therefore perpendicular to the upper wall 41 of the housing.
• the magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet (s) and by the mobile permanent magnet are symbolized respectively by the vector (s) M10 and by the vector M20 in FIGS. 1 A to 4B and their respective field lines are referenced L10 and L20 .
• the actuation mechanism may include a magnetic retaining device composed for example of a ferromagnetic part 70 against which the movable permanent magnet 60 rests when it is in position distant from the fixed permanent magnet 50.
• the ferromagnetic part 70 and the mobile permanent magnet 60 define between them a variable air gap.
• the magnetic attraction effect generated between the movable permanent magnet 60 and the ferromagnetic part 70 makes it possible to generate a resistance to detachment of the actuating member 30.
• a minimum force exerted on the actuating member 30 is therefore necessary to initiate its translational movement, thus giving the user a particular tactile effect during its manipulation.
• a switch 2 is placed under the movable permanent magnet 60 and under the influence of the magnetic field M20 generated by the movable permanent magnet 60.
• the movable permanent magnet 60 moves relative to the switch 2 and depending on whether it is in a distant or close position relative to the fixed permanent magnet 50, the membrane 20 of the switch 2 is located on one side or the other of the axis of revolution of the movable permanent magnet 60.
• the membrane 20 When the mobile permanent magnet 60 is in a position remote from the fixed permanent magnet 50, the membrane 20 is under the influence of the magnetic field M20 created by the mobile permanent magnet 60, including field lines L20, oriented towards the inside of the device 10, have a curvature inducing a magnetic component in the membrane 20.
• the magnetic couple existing between the magnetic component created in the membrane 20 and the magnetic field M20 of the movable permanent magnet 60 then imposes on the membrane 20 to take one of its positions, for example an open position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 1A).
• the approximation of the movable permanent magnet 60 relative to the fixed permanent magnet 50 has the effect of verticalizing the lines L10, L20 of the magnetic fields M10, M20 formed in the vicinity of the adjacent ends of the two magnets 50, 60.
• the magnetic torque existing between the magnetic field M10 created by the fixed permanent magnet 50 and the magnetic component generated requires the membrane 20 to take one of its positions, for example the open position of the electrical circuit ( Figure 2A).
• the approximation of the movable permanent magnet 60 with respect to the fixed permanent magnet 50 has the effect of verticalizing the field lines formed around the adjacent ends of the two magnets 50, 60.
• the curvature of the field lines L15 seen by the membrane 20 is reversed.
• the new magnetic component generated in the membrane 20 is opposed to the previous one.
• the new magnetic couple thus forces the membrane 20 to switch to its other position, that is to say the closed position of the electrical circuit (FIG. 2B).
• an actuating mechanism comprising an actuating member at at least three positions.
• the actuation mechanism comprises two identical permanent permanent magnets 50a, 50b, each housed in a cavity of the body of the device 10.
• a switch 2 is associated with each of these magnets permanent fixes 50a, 50b.
• Each switch 2 is for example part of a separate electrical circuit and is housed in the housing 40, under a fixed permanent magnet 50a, 50b, offset towards the inside of the device 10 relative to the axis of revolution of the magnet fixed permanent with which it is associated.
• the slide 43 of the actuating mechanism is formed so that the actuating member 30 accompanied by the movable permanent magnet 60 can take three distinct positions.
• the fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b are located on either side of the movable permanent magnet 60.
• the movable permanent magnet 60 In a central axial position of the member actuation 30 in the slide 43, the movable permanent magnet 60 is equidistant from the two fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b.
• This middle position corresponds to a position remote from each of the fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b.
• This middle position of the actuating member 30 is maintained by the respective repulsion exerted on the movable permanent magnet 60 by each of the two fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b.
• the actuating member 30 can take two other positions in each of which it is close to one of the fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b to switch the corresponding switch 2.
• the membranes 20 of each switch are under the influence of the magnetic field M10 of their respective permanent permanent magnet 50a, 50b.
• the curvature of the lines L10 of the magnetic fields M10 of each of these fixed permanent magnets 50a, 50b forces the membrane 20 of the switch 2 which is associated with it to take one of its positions.
• the new magnetic couple formed forces the membrane 20 to tilt to its other position.
• This principle can also be extended to the use of several fixed permanent magnets 50 distributed circularly around the mobile permanent magnet 60 (FIG. 4A).
• a switch 2 is placed under each of the fixed permanent magnets 50 encircling the mobile permanent magnet 60, offset towards the inside of the device 10 relative to the axis of revolution of the fixed permanent magnet 50 with which it is associated.
• the plurality of fixed permanent magnets distributed circularly can even be replaced by a single fixed permanent magnet 51 of toroidal shape encircling the mobile permanent magnet 60 and along which switches 2 are distributed (FIG. 4B).
• the actuating member 30 used is multidirectional between a central position and positions close to each of the switches 2 distributed around it under a fixed permanent magnet 50 or under a portion of the torus formed by the fixed permanent magnet 51.
• the actuating member 30 can for example be embodied by a control lever (not shown).
• the operating principle is identical to that described above for the second configuration.
• the movement of the actuating member 30 to a position close to one of the switches 2 therefore allows its switching.
• the actuating member 60 is maintained in a central position by the repulsion exerted on the movable permanent magnet 60 by the fixed permanent magnets 50 distributed or by the permanent toric fixed magnet 51.
• the switching device 100 is used as a rotary button or position detector with a rotary actuating member.
• the device according to this second embodiment comprises a housing 400 structurally identical to the housing 40 used in the device according to the first embodiment.
• the actuation mechanism differs in that the actuator 300 is no longer slippery but rotatable.
• the actuating member 300 accompanied by the movable permanent magnet 600 are rotatable about an axis of rotation (R2) parallel to the main axis (A) in a recess 430 formed in the walls surmounting the housing 400.
• FIGS. 5A to 7B the magnetic fields generated by the fixed permanent magnet (s) and by the mobile permanent magnet are symbolized by the vector (s) M100 and by the vector M200 and their respective field lines are referenced L100 and L200.
• the mobile permanent magnet 600 when the device comprises a single fixed permanent magnet 500 associated with a switch, the mobile permanent magnet 600, by rotating, can take for example two distinct angular positions, a distant position in which the distal end relative to at its axis of rotation is distant from the fixed permanent magnet 500 ( Figure 5A) and a close position in which this distal end is close and adjacent to the fixed permanent magnet 500 ( Figure 5B).
• the membrane of the switch 2 when the distal end of the movable permanent magnet is distant from the fixed permanent magnet 500, the membrane of the switch 2 is under the influence of the magnetic field M100 generated by the fixed permanent magnet 500. magnetic component generated in the membrane 20 requires said membrane 20 to take a position, for example an open position of the electrical circuit (Figure 5A).
• the distal end of the movable permanent magnet 600 becomes adjacent to the fixed permanent magnet 500, which has the effect of reverse the curvature of the field lines L150 seen by the membrane 20 and therefore cause the membrane 20 to tilt to its other position, for example the closed position of the electrical circuit (FIG. 5B).
• two or more fixed permanent magnets 500, 500a, 500b each associated with a switch 2 can be distributed circularly around the mobile permanent magnet 600 (FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B).
• the rotating actuating member 300 is for example a multi-position selector, which can take several distinct angular positions in each of which it switches a switch 2 by angularly positioning the distal end of the movable permanent magnet 600 in front of the one of the fixed permanent magnets distributed 500, 500a, 500b or, if a fixed permanent magnet of toroidal shape 501 is used, by angularly positioning this distal end in front of one of the switches 2 distributed under the fixed permanent magnet 501 along its toroidal shape to reverse the curvature of the field lines L150 seen by the membrane 20.
• the actuation mechanism may require a particular mechanical device to position the actuating member 300 rotating.
• This mechanical device is not the subject of the present invention, it is therefore not described.
• a magnetic shielding device can be used. This magnetic shielding is in particular produced to protect the switch or switches 2 housed in the housing 40 from a possible external magnetic field which could disturb their proper functioning.
• the switch or switches 2 used can be configured, according to their orientation, normally open or normally closed. This means that when the movable permanent magnet 60, 600 is in the remote position, the membrane 20 can be in the closed position or in the open position of the electrical circuit.
• a combination of normally open and normally closed switches distributed around the actuating member 30, 300 when the latter is at at least three positions, can be envisaged for certain applications.
• the housing 40 in which the switch (s) 2 are housed can be completely closed, the actuation mechanism being external to the housing. This allows in particular to give the device a good seal and hermeticity and not to expose the electrical switch or switches to external aggressions.
• the switching device 1 is a push button or position detector comprising a body 4, for example cylindrical, introduced into an opening formed through a wall P.
• L ' actuating member 3 is mounted movable in translation along the main axis (A) in said body 4.
• the actuating member 3 can take a rest position (FIG. 8, left part G) and a working position ( Figure 8, right part D) in which it is pressed into the body 4.
• the switch 2 for switching the electrical circuit is fixed on a support 11 secured to the body 10. Electrodes 12 of the electrical circuit to be switched, secured to the support 11, extend towards the bottom of the device 1.
• the fixed permanent magnet 5, for example in the form of a thin disc, is placed under the support 11 carrying the switch 2.
• the movable permanent magnet 6, for example in the form of a thin disc, is mounted integral with the member. actuation 3.
• the two permanent magnets 5, 6 are mounted symmetrically and perpendicularly to the main axis (A).
• the two permanent magnets 5, 6 are placed in opposition, that is to say that their disc faces of the same pole (N for North and S for South) are placed opposite one another (for example North-North opposition in Figure 1), each having a direction of magnetization parallel to the main axis (A).
• the vector M1, M2 of the magnetic field created by each of the magnets 5, 6 follows the direction of magnetization and is oriented conventionally in the South-North direction.
• the magnetic field produced by each magnet is designated by M1 or M2.
• a retaining device makes it possible to retain the actuating member 3 in its rest position.
• This retaining device consists for example of two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8, a first ferromagnetic part 7 being integral with the actuating member 3 and a second ferromagnetic part 8 being integral with the body 4 of the device 1. These two parts 7 , 8 define between them a variable air gap as a function of the position of the actuating member 3 in the body 4.
• the first ferromagnetic part 7 secured to the actuating member 3 may be composed for example of a plate disc shape.
• the second ferromagnetic part 8 has for example a cylindrical shape covering the lateral internal wall of the body 4 and provided with a re-entrant collar at its upper edge.
• the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 and a third ferromagnetic part 9 placed in the bottom of the body 4 provide the magnetic shielding of the device for:
• switch 2 protects switch 2 from a possible external magnetic field which could disturb the proper functioning of switch 2.
• the magnetic shielding is produced by the body 4 and the actuating member 3 which are then manufactured from ferromagnetic materials.
• the tactile effect imparted by the retaining device can be characterized by a stroke / effort diagram (see FIG. 10) which shows the force or the force exerted on the actuating member 3 as a function of the stroke thereof. .
• a stroke / effort diagram see FIG. 10
• This tactile effect can be modified by varying different parameters such as:
• the switch 2 is disposed between the two permanent magnets 5, 6 offset from the main axis (A) so that the magnetic fields M1, M2 of the two permanent magnets 5, 6 have a influence to maintain the membrane 20 in one or other of its positions.
• the ferromagnetic membrane 20 When the actuator 3 is at rest (FIG. 9A), the ferromagnetic membrane 20 is under the preponderant influence of the magnetic field M1 created by the fixed permanent magnet 5.
• the first magnetic field M1 created by the permanent magnet fixed 5 has lines L1 whose curvature creates a magnetic component in the membrane. The magnetic torque existing between this component and the magnetic field M1 forces the membrane 20 to be in a position, for example in the high position (FIG. 9A).
• the new magnetic couple forces the membrane 20 to switch to its other position, to its lower position.
• the membrane 20 under the influence of the magnetic field M2, the membrane 20 therefore switches over to its low position corresponding, for example, to the closing of the electrical circuit.
• the return of the actuating member 3 to its rest position is achieved by the repulsion force exerted between the two permanent magnets 5, 6 in opposition as well as by the force of attraction exerted between the two ferromagnetic parts 7, 8 as and when the actuator 3 rises.
• the orientation of the switch 2 with respect to the magnetic fields created by the two permanent magnets 5, 6, makes it possible to configure it "normally open” or "normally closed”. This means that when the actuating member is in its rest position, according to its orientation relative to the magnetic fields, the membrane 20 can be in the high position (FIG. 12A) or in the low position (FIG. 12B).
• the mobile permanent magnet 6 and the first ferromagnetic part 7 consist of one and the same permanent magnet, for example in the form of a disc.
• the radial symmetry of the permanent magnets 7, 8 allows a circular distribution of several switches 2 in the same device.
• the switches can therefore be actuated by the same actuating member 3.
• the retaining device can be replaced or supplemented by an elastic prestressed structure forming a blistering effect when the actuator.
• the elastic structure undergoes a sudden transformation rapidly causing the actuating member at the end of the stroke when a determined force is exerted on the actuating member. During the sudden transformation, the force felt by the user decreases sharply. The abrupt transformation gives the user a special tactile impression and guarantees the exercise of minimal force to switch the electrical circuit.
• the elastic structure can act as a spring to bring the actuating member back to its rest position as well as the role of a waterproof membrane.

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• Push-Button Switches (AREA)
• Slide Switches (AREA)
• Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
• Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)
• Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
• Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
• Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-06-06 WO PCT/EP2006/062936 patent/WO2006131520A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2006-06-06 DE DE602006011918T patent/DE602006011918D1/de active Active
  • 2006-06-06 ES ES06763534T patent/ES2336248T3/es active Active
  • 2006-06-06 AT AT06763534T patent/ATE456149T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2006-06-06 EP EP06763534A patent/EP1925008B1/de not_active Not-in-force

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