EP2288805B1 - Starter for a combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

• un lanceur agencé pour démarrer le moteur à combustion interne, notamment par l'intermédiaire d'une couronne,
• un moteur électrique agencé pour entraîner en rotation le lanceur,
• un contacteur présentant un axe longitudinal et comportant des premier et deuxième éléments de contact électrique agencés pour commander l'alimentation électrique du moteur électrique permettant à celui-ci de fonctionner successivement dans une première phase de pré-rotation et une deuxième phase de plein régime, chacun des premier et deuxième éléments de contact étant notamment mobile suivant l'axe longitudinal entre un état ouvert et un état fermé.

The invention relates in particular to a starting device for an internal combustion engine, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a launcher arranged to start the internal combustion engine, in particular by means of a crown,
• an electric motor arranged to drive the launcher in rotation,
• a contactor having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second electrical contact elements arranged to control the electrical power supply of the electric motor allowing it to operate successively in a first phase of pre-rotation and a second phase of full speed, each of the first and second contact elements being in particular movable along the longitudinal axis between an open state and a closed state.

The invention also relates to a rotating electrical machine, including a starter or a reversible alternator of a motor vehicle, comprising such a device.

State of the art

We have shown on the figure 1 , which is an axial sectional view, a starting device 1 for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle mounted in a starter of the type described in the document WO 03/006824 which will be referred to for more details.

This device 1 comprises an electric motor M having, on the one hand, a rotor 2, also called an armature, rotatable about an axis X-X, and on the other hand, a stator 3, also called inductor, around the rotor 2.

This stator 3 comprises a metal yoke 31 on which are fixed in one embodiment several permanent magnets for forming an inductor. In a variant, this yoke carries a core 4, such as a sheet metal package provided with notches for setting up an inductor winding 5.

The rotor 2 comprises a rotor body 7, here in the form of a sheet-metal pack with notches, and an armature winding 8 wound in the notches of the rotor body 7.

This armature winding 8 forms, on either side of the rotor body 7, a front bun and a rear bun.

The rotor body 7 is carried by an armature shaft not referenced to the figure 1 . The axis of this tree coincides with the axis XX.

The rotor 2 is provided, at the rear, with a collector 12 with a plastic body carrying in known manner a plurality of contact pieces, here electrically conductive blades, electrically connected to the conductive elements, formed in the example considered by son alternatively by pins, the armature coil 8. The collector 12 is carried by the armature shaft of the electric motor and is in this embodiment of the front type. As a variant, the collector is of the radial type as visible in the document JP 04 094 459 and also in the documents WO 03/006824 aforementioned and WO 02/5081 .

At least one group of brushes, one of which is visible at 13, is provided for the power supply of the armature winding 8, one of the brushes being connected to the ground of the device 1, and another of the brushes 13 being connected via a cable 13 'to a terminal 29' contactor 17. The brushes are for example four in number, as in the document WO 02/50981 , or more than four.

The brushes rub on the collector 12 when the rotor 2 is rotating.

The starting device 1 further comprises a launcher 19 slidably mounted via complementary helically shaped grooves, on a drive shaft 18 driven in rotation about the axis XX by the rotor 2 when the motor M is electrically powered via the aforementioned brushes.

In one embodiment, the shaft 18, which constitutes the output shaft of the starting device 1, coincides with the armature shaft of the electric motor M.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. figure 1 , a speed reducer assembly 9 is interposed between the armature shaft of the rotor 2 and the drive shaft 18, in a manner known per se.

The launcher 19 comprises a gear 21 intended to engage on a drive member 33 of the combustion engine, that is to say to come into engagement with the drive member 33. This drive member is for example a toothed start crown 33 secured to a plate rigidly connected or via a torsion damper to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The launcher 19 further comprises a driver 22 and a free wheel 10, here with rollers, interposed between a rear extension of the pinion 21 and a front extension of the driver 22 secured to the outer periphery of a radial flange that includes the coach 22 carrying a washer 23 in the back.

This washer 23 defines with the radial flange of the driver 22 a groove 24 to receive the end 25 of fingers of a fork 27.

This fork 27 is made for example by molding a plastic material.

The fork 27 is shaped to be actuated by the switch 17 to move the launcher 19 relative to the drive shaft 18, along the X-X axis, between a first working position in which the launcher 19 drives the motor. internal combustion of the motor vehicle through the pinion 21 meshing with the ring gear 33, and a second rest position in which the launcher 19 is disengaged from the ring gear 33.

The contactor 17 comprises a terminal 29 connected, via an electrical connection element, in particular a cable 130, and a switch 45, to a power supply of the vehicle, in particular to the positive terminal of a battery 26 of the vehicle.

More specifically, the contactor 17 is in this embodiment an electromagnetic contactor implanted above the electric motor M.

The metal yoke 31 of the electric motor M is interposed between a metal front bearing 14, for example made of aluminum, and a metal rear bearing supporting the rear end of the armature shaft of the electric motor M.

The yoke 31 and the front and rear bearings belong to a housing intended to be fixed, here via the front bearing 14 on a fixed metal part of the motor vehicle. This casing is therefore connected to the mass of the motor vehicle. The front bearing 14 is notched for the passage of the crown C and carries the front end of the shaft 18.

The contactor has a tank of ferromagnetic material (not referenced) closed at the front by a cover of electrically insulating material, here plastic. This hood carries electrically insulated terminals 29, 29 '

The tank of the contactor comprises a transverse bottom intended to be fixed on the front bearing 14 with screws.

Specifically, as described in the document FR 2,725,758 to which reference will be made, the gearbox 9 comprises a base plate 90 interposed at its outer periphery between the bottom of the tank of the contactor and the front bearing 14 and at its inner periphery between the yoke 31 and the front bearing 14. Screws ( not referenced) serve to fix the bottom of the tank of the switch 17 to the front bearing 14 and to the cylinder head with intercalation of the base plate 90 sandwiched.

This plate 90 carries an intermediate hinge support for the fork 27, made for example by molding a plastic material, comprising at its inner periphery 25 two fingers engaged in the groove 24 and at its outer periphery a hinge, here provided with an axis, for its connection with the end of a rod 62 mounted inside a movable core 65 that includes the switch 17. The base plate 90 and the bottom of the contactor tank are perforated for the passage of the movable core 65. A spring 64, said spring tooth against tooth, is housed in a blind hole of the movable core 65 and is mounted around the rod 62 also mounted in the blind hole of the movable core 65. The rod is provided with an unreferenced head.

The contactor 17 also comprises a stationary core 72, of annular shape, made of ferromagnetic material.

The fixed core 72 is shouldered and has a cylindrical centering surface delimited by the shoulder for mounting a guide sleeve 2d. This sleeve 2d is thus centered at the rear by the fixed core 72 and at the front by the central opening of the bottom of the tank of the contactor 17.

Thus the movable core 65, of cylindrical shape, is in intimate contact at its outer periphery with the inner periphery of the sleeve 2d. This sleeve 2d is, on the one hand, at its front end in intimate contact at its outer periphery with the outer periphery of the central opening of the bottom of the contactor tank and on the other hand at its rear end in intimate contact with its inner periphery with the outer periphery of the centering surface, here cylindrical, of the fixed core 72 of annular shape.

The sleeve 2d is interposed axially between the bottom of the contactor bowl and the fixed core 72. This sleeve 2d carries at its outer periphery an annular support 2c, here made of plastic, shaped to form a receiving groove of at least one coil 2a surrounded by the tank of the contactor 17 and intended to be connected to the terminal 29 and to the ground to generate a magnetic field. When the switch 45, controlled for example by the ignition key is closed, the coil coil 2a is electrically energized so that a magnetic field is generated and the movable core moves axially towards the fixed core 72.

During this movement, after catching an axial play following a first axial stroke, the head of the rod 62 comes into contact with a pusher 68 guided by a central bore, unreferenced, that has the fixed core 72. This pusher 68, here plastic, axially sliding door a movable contact, not referenced, in the form of a rectangular metal plate. After a second retraction of an axial clearance and a second axial stroke, the movable contact comes into contact with the heads of the terminals 29, 29 'forming fixed contacts so that the electric motor is electrically powered notably via the cable 13' and the aforementioned brooms. The movable core continues its axial stroke which ends after a third axial stroke by coming into abutment of the movable core 65 with the fixed core 72 having for this purpose a frustoconical central portion having the central bore for the pusher 68. This part central is delimited at its outer periphery by the centering surface for the sleeve 2d and the coil holder 2c. It will be noted that the rear part of the movable core has a chamfer of shape complementary to that of the frustoconical central part of the fixed core 72.

The pusher 68, also called control rod, is stepped for mounting a spring (not referenced), said contact pressure spring, axially implanted between the movable contact and said shoulder to allow during the third stroke, an axial displacement the pusher 68 relative to the movable contact when it is in contact with the heads of the terminals 29, 29 '.

This pressure spring is mounted around the pusher 68. It is the same for a second return spring implanted between the movable contact and the bottom of the cover of the contactor. This spring is less stiff than the contact pressure spring and exerts a force that recalls the moving contact in the direction of the fixed contact when the power supply of the coil or coils 2a is cut off. There is also a first return spring (not referenced) implanted axially between the front face of the bottom of the tank of the switch 17 and a shoulder of the movable core 68 to return the movable core in its initial rest position.

The contactor 17, via its movable core 65, thus allows, on the one hand, a pivoting of the fork 27 and therefore a displacement of the pinion 21 in the direction of the ring gear 33 and on the other hand electrically powering the electric motor M .

Note that the tooth against tooth spring 64 allows axial displacement of the movable core 68 when the pinion 21 abuts against the ring gear 33 without meshing therewith.

It will be noted that the pusher 68 forms a moving element with the movable contact 3 in the form of a plate.

We know by the patent FR 2 174 421 also an electromagnetic contactor for a motor vehicle electric starter. This contactor comprises a mobile unit composed of a plunger core on which is fixed a rod carrying at one of its ends a sliding mounted contact plate. This plate is initially supported, in particular by the action of springs, on contacts of an electrical circuit comprising a winding resistor so that, in a first startup phase, the starter rotates at a low speed. In a second start-up phase, this same contact plate closes an electrical circuit allowing the starter to deliver its maximum torque.

The patent FR 2 827 341 describes an electromagnetic contactor with a power resistor to allow pre-rotation of the launcher.

The request for FR 2 881 479 describes a control device of a starter with an electric motor. This comprises an inductor winding with four windings forming two groups in parallel each of two windings in series. A deferred electromagnetic switch is provided to allow, in a first phase, the activation of only one of the groups of windings and, in a second phase, the activation of the two groups of windings.

Moreover, recent developments on diesel engines having a high cold-resistant torque require starters that can produce a high peak torque to start this type of engine.

However, the higher the peak torque, the greater the risk of milling between a starter starter and the drive ring of the combustion engine is high.

• un lanceur agencé pour démarrer le moteur à combustion, notamment par l'intermédiaire d'une couronne,
• un moteur électrique agencé pour entraîner en rotation le lanceur,
• un contacteur présentant un axe longitudinal et comportant des premier et deuxième éléments de contact électrique agencés pour commander l'alimentation électrique du moteur électrique permettant à celui-ci de fonctionner successivement dans une première phase de pré-rotation et une deuxième phase de plein régime, chacun des premier et deuxième éléments de contact étant notamment mobile suivant l'axe longitudinal entre un état ouvert et un état fermé.

To solve this problem it has been proposed in the document WO 03/00684 , cited above and in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, a starting device for a combustion engine, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a launcher arranged to start the combustion engine, in particular by means of a crown,
• an electric motor arranged to drive the launcher in rotation,
• a contactor having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second electrical contact elements arranged to control the electrical power supply of the electric motor allowing it to operate successively in a first phase of pre-rotation and a second phase of full speed, each of the first and second contact elements being in particular movable along the longitudinal axis between an open state and a closed state.

This provision is satisfactory nevertheless it requires modifying the structure of the contactor. It is the same in the document US 2004/017931 A1

Object of the invention

The invention aims in particular to solve the aforementioned drawback in a simple manner.

The invention thus relates to a starting device for a combustion engine, especially a motor vehicle, of the aforementioned type characterized by the characterizing part of claim 1.

Thanks to the invention, the first and second electrical contact elements can be easily arranged, if desired, in a single housing, which makes it possible to avoid having two contactor housings as described in particular in the application for FR 2 881 479 .

It will be appreciated that the contactor is not substantially modified and that the maximum number of parts of a conventional electromagnetic contactor is retained.

The first and second electrical contact elements may, if desired, be controlled as a function of displacements of elements of the device, independently of predetermined time constants.

In the first phase of pre-rotation, the torque developed by the electric motor is lower than that developed in the second phase of full speed.

Optionally, from the ignition of the ignition key of the vehicle and before the first phase of pre-rotation, the electric motor can already be at least partially supplied with an electric current for a contact winding of the contactor. This can, if necessary, result in a small rotation of the electric motor.

The contactor is advantageously arranged in such a way that, in the first pre-rotation phase, the first electrical contact element is in the closed state and the second electrical contact element is in the open state, and in the second phase at full speed, the first and second contact elements are in a closed state.

Preferably, the contactor comprises a movable assembly arranged to move the launcher by means of a pivoting fork, the moving assembly comprising an actuating element arranged to cause the closing of the second electrical contact element.

The contactor according to the invention can thus have a small footprint.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the mobile assembly of the contactor may comprise a movable core, the actuating element being movably mounted relative to this movable core against the force exerted by a elastic return element, in particular a spring.

The second electrical contact element may be integral, in particular with the possibility of sliding, of a control rod and the actuating element of the moving assembly may be arranged to be applied against the control rod so as to being able to push the latter to cause the passage of the second electrical contact element from the open state to the closed state.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the contactor comprises a fixed core, and an elastic return element, in particular a spring, is interposed between the second contact element and the movable support of the first electrical contact element so as to to allow, at least when the first contact element is activated and before the activation of the second contact element, to apply the second electrical contact element against the fixed core of the contactor.

Preferably, the device comprises a first electrical terminal connected to an energy storage source, in particular a battery, a second intermediate power terminal and a third full power terminal.

Advantageously, in the first pre-rotation phase, the first contact element comes into contact with the first electrical terminal and the second terminal intermediate power and in the second phase of full speed, the second electrical contact element comes into contact with the first and third electrical terminals.

If necessary, the first terminal connected to a source of energy storage can be staggered so as to allow the first and second contact elements to simultaneously bear on this first terminal, in particular at different heights of said terminal.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device comprises a stator, or inductor, comprising an inductor winding, said inductor coil comprising at least first and second windings, and the contactor can be arranged to control, in the first pre-rotation phase, a power supply only of the first winding of the inductor winding, and in the second phase of full speed, a power supply of both the first and second windings of the inductor winding.

As a variant, the device comprises at least one power resistor arranged in such a way that, in the first pre-rotation phase, the induction coil is electrically powered through the power resistor, in particular so as to limit the current peak in the electric motor and, in the second phase of full speed, the inductor coil is electrically powered by short-circuiting the power resistance.

Preferably the contactor is arranged so that the second electrical contact element is in the open state as long as the launcher is in the tooth against tooth position on the drive ring of the combustion engine.

The invention makes it possible in particular to reduce the torque peak as long as the launcher is in the tooth against tooth position on the ring gear, and thus to eliminate the risk of milling.

The invention may also make it possible to eliminate re-openings by return of the movable core which may appear in the case of a tooth against tooth position at the time of the conjunction (in which case a voltage drop due to the peak current of the motor electrical and a short circuit of a contact winding of this contactor can induce insufficient strength to allow the movable core to come to magnetic bonding).

In the first phase, the peak current is limited in the electric motor, which reduces the electrical wear of brushes present in the electric motor. The limitation of the torque peak makes it possible to reduce the mechanical wear of the pinion against the ring gear.

At least one of the first and second electrical contact elements may comprise an electrically conductive wafer.

• un stator, ou encore appelé inducteur, comportant un bobinage inducteur, ledit bobinage inducteur comprenant au moins des premier, deuxième et troisième enroulements tous mis électriquement en parallèle,
• un rotor, encore appelé induit, associé audit stator, et présentant un axe longitudinal,
• le contacteur étant agencé pour commander, dans la première phase de pré-rotation, une alimentation électrique seulement du premier enroulement du bobinage inducteur, et dans la deuxième phase de plein régime succédant à la première phase, une alimentation électrique des premier, deuxième et troisième enroulements du bobinage inducteur.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device comprises:

• a stator, or else called an inductor, comprising an inductor winding, said inductor winding comprising at least first, second and third windings all electrically connected in parallel,
• a rotor, also called an armature, associated with said stator, and having a longitudinal axis,
• the contactor being arranged to control, in the first phase of pre-rotation, a power supply only of the first winding of the inductor winding, and in the second phase of full power following the first phase, a power supply of the first, second and third windings of the inductor winding.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the inductor comprises a winding with four windings in parallel, corresponding to four inductor channels, which allows cutting current peaks and torque significantly.

The invention also relates to a rotating electrical machine, including a starter or a reversible alternator of a motor vehicle, comprising a device as described above.

• dans une première phase de pré-rotation, commander le fonctionnement du moteur électrique avec une puissance électrique limitée,
• puis dans une deuxième phase de plein régime débutant seulement lorsque le lanceur est engagé dans la couronne dentée au-delà de la position dent contre dent, commander le fonctionnement du moteur électrique en plein régime.

The invention also relates to a method for starting a combustion engine, particularly a motor vehicle, with the aid of a starting device provided with an electric motor whose power supply is controlled by first and second elements of electrical contact, the starting device further comprising a launcher adapted to engage a ring gear integral with the combustion engine, the method comprising the following steps:

• in a first pre-rotation phase, controlling the operation of the electric motor with a limited electric power,
• then in a second phase of full speed starting only when the launcher is engaged in the ring gear beyond the tooth against tooth position, control the operation of the electric motor at full speed.

• un stator, ou inducteur, comportant un bobinage inducteur, ledit bobinage inducteur comprenant au moins des premier, deuxième et troisième enroulements tous mis électriquement en parallèle,
• un rotor associé audit stator, et présentant un axe longitudinal,
• un lanceur pouvant être entraîné en rotation par le rotor,
• un contacteur agencé pour commander, dans une première phase de pré-rotation, une alimentation électrique seulement du premier enroulement du bobinage inducteur, et dans une deuxième phase de plein régime succédant à la première phase, une alimentation électrique des premier, deuxième et troisième enroulements du bobinage inducteur.

The invention also relates to a starting device for a combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a stator, or inductor, comprising an inductor winding, said inductor winding comprising at least first, second and third windings all electrically connected in parallel,
• a rotor associated with said stator, and having a longitudinal axis,
• a launcher rotatable by the rotor,
• a contactor arranged to control, in a first pre-rotation phase, a power supply only of the first winding of the inductor winding, and in a second full-power phase succeeding the first phase, a power supply of the first, second and third windings inductor winding.

The control of the windings of the inductor winding can, if desired, be provided by switches, including electronic switches of the contactor. These switches comprise for example at least one transistor or thyristor.

As a variant, the control of the windings of the inductor winding can be ensured by the displacement of moving elements of the contactor.

According to an example of the invention, in the pre-rotation phase, only part of the windings of the inductor winding is energized, for example the half or a quarter of the inductor coil, while in the second phase of full speed, all the windings of the inductor winding are fed.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the inductor winding may comprise four windings forming two groups in parallel each of two series windings.

• un stator, ou inducteur, comportant un bobinage inducteur, ledit bobinage inducteur comprenant une pluralité d'enroulements, notamment tous mis électriquement en parallèle,
• un rotor associé audit stator, et présentant un axe longitudinal,
• un lanceur pouvant être entraîné en rotation par le rotor,
• un contacteur agencé pour commander, dans une première phase de pré-rotation, une alimentation électrique seulement d'une partie des enroulements du bobinage inducteur, et dans une deuxième phase de plein régime succédant à la première phase, une alimentation électrique de la totalité des enroulements du bobinage inducteur, le nombre d'enroulements activés dans la deuxième phase étant strictement plus grand ou plus petit que le double du nombre d'enroulements activés dans la première phase.

The invention also relates to a starting device for a combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a stator, or inductor, comprising an inductor winding, said inductor winding comprising a plurality of windings, in particular all electrically connected in parallel,
• a rotor associated with said stator, and having a longitudinal axis,
• a launcher rotatable by the rotor,
• a contactor arranged to control, in a first phase of pre-rotation, a power supply only of a part of the windings of the inductor winding, and in a second phase of full power following the first phase, a power supply of all the windings of the inductor winding, the number of windings activated in the second phase being strictly greater or smaller than twice the number of windings activated in the first phase.

For example, it is possible to activate a single winding in the first phase and six windings in the second.

Alternatively, it is possible to activate four windings in the first phase and six in the second.

• un stator, ou inducteur, comportant un bobinage inducteur, ledit bobinage inducteur comprenant plus de quatre d'enroulements, notamment tous mis électriquement en parallèle,
• un rotor associé audit stator, et présentant un axe longitudinal,
• un lanceur pouvant être entraîné en rotation par le rotor,
• un contacteur agencé pour commander, dans une première phase de pré-rotation, une alimentation électrique seulement d'une partie des enroulements du bobinage inducteur, et dans une deuxième phase de plein régime succédant à la première phase, une alimentation électrique de la totalité des enroulements du bobinage inducteur, le nombre d'enroulements activés dans la deuxième phase étant égal au double du nombre d'enroulements activés dans la première phase.

The invention also relates to a starting device for a combustion engine, especially a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a stator, or inductor, comprising an inductor winding, said inductor winding comprising more than four windings, in particular all electrically connected in parallel,
• a rotor associated with said stator, and having a longitudinal axis,
• a launcher rotatable by the rotor,
• a contactor arranged to control, in a first phase of pre-rotation, a power supply only of a part of the windings of the inductor winding, and in a second phase of full power following the first phase, a power supply of all the windings of the inductor winding, the number of windings activated in the second phase being equal to twice the number of windings activated in the first phase.

For example, it is possible to activate three windings in the first phase and six in the second.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and the examination of the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

• the figure 1 represents, in axial section, a starting device according to the prior art,
• the Figures 2 to 4 represent, schematically and partially, three examples of an electric motor inductor winding of a starting device of the type of that of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 5 schematically illustrates the evolution of torque and current as a function of time during operation of the electric motor of the figure 3 ,
• the figure 6 represents, schematically and partially, an electric starter motor according to another embodiment of the invention, and
• the Figures 7 to 13 illustrate, schematically and partially, different stages of operation of an electric motor contactor according to an exemplary implementation of the invention;
• the Figures 14 and 15 are front views respectively showing the rear face of the moving contact turned away from the movable core of the contactor and the front face of the movable contact facing the movable core of the contactor,
• the figure 16 is a view of the face of the rear face of the movable contact equipped with the support carrying the two electrical contact elements that comprises the contactor according to the invention without the third return spring;
• the figure 17 is a perspective view corresponding to the figure 16 with only the first contact element and its return springs and maintains contact pressure;
• the figure 18 is a perspective view corresponding to the figure 14 ;
• the figure 19 is in perspective view analogous to the figure 17 with the two contact elements.

Descriptions of embodiments

In the figures, identical or similar elements will be assigned the same reference signs.

It should be noted that in Figures 7 to 11 90 ° positions have been shown in favor of inserts in order to better see the contact elements described below.

Various embodiments of the inductor winding 5 according to the invention will now be described.

In the example shown in figure 2 , the inductor coil 5 comprises four windings 40 to 43 forming two groups in parallel each of two windings 40, 41 and 42, 43 in series.

The switch 17 comprises two switches 45 and 46.

The first switch 45 is connected in series with the two groups of windings 40, 41 and 42, 43, and the second switch 46 is connected in series with the windings 40, 41 and in parallel with the windings 42, 43.

The contactor 17 is arranged so that, in a pre-rotation phase, the switch 45 is closed and the switch 46 is open in order to allow the electric supply by the battery 26 only windings 42, 43.

In other words only half of the inductor coil 5 is activated.

The invention makes it possible to reduce the torque peak as long as the launcher 19 is in the tooth against tooth position on the ring gear 33, and thus to eliminate the risk of milling, as explained below.

When the launcher 19 is engaged in the ring gear 33 in a second phase of full speed, beyond the tooth against tooth position, the switch 17 controls the power supply of all the windings 40 to 43 of the inductor coil 5 to cause the start of the combustion engine.

In this second phase of full speed, the two switches 45 and 46 are in the closed state.

In another example of implementation of the invention described with reference to the figure 3 , the windings 40 to 43 are all arranged in parallel forming four parallel paths.

The switch 46 is arranged in series with the group of three windings 41 to 42 in parallel.

Thus, in the first phase of pre-rotation, only the winding 43 is activated while, in the second phase of full speed, the four windings 40 to 43 are all activated.

The parallel four-way inductor winding 5 serves to reduce, in addition to the peak torque, also the current peak, as illustrated schematically in FIG. figure 5 .

In particular, with respect to a starter operating with a single power contact, the peak current can be divided by a factor of between 1 and 3, in particular by a factor of about 2.

In the examples described with reference to figures 2 and 3 the switch 17 comprises switches 45 and 46 of the electromechanical or mechanical type.

In a variant, the switches 45 and 46 may be of electronic type, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

For example, the switches 45 and 46 comprise transistors or thyristors, controlled by an electronic control module 47, for example a processor or a microcontroller.

In the examples which have just been described, the pre-rotation phase is controlled by a time-shifted operation of different windings of the inductor winding 5.

Alternatively, as illustrated on the figure 6 , the inductor coil 5 comprises a single winding supplied by the battery 26 via switches 45 and 46.

The inductor coil 5 is connected in series with a power resistor 50.

The switch 45 is placed between the positive terminal 29 of the contactor 17 connected to the battery 26 and an intermediate power terminal 51 connected, in this case, to the power resistor 50.

When several parallel channels 40 to 43 are used, the terminal 51 is connected to the channels that are activated in the first pre-rotation.

The switch 46 is placed, in parallel with the switch 45, between the terminal 29 connected to the battery 26 and a full power terminal 52 to be able, in this case, to bypass the power resistance 50.

The power resistor 50 is disposed between the intermediate power terminals 51 and full power 52.

In the first pre-rotation phase, the switch 45 is closed and the switch 46 is open for supplying the induction coil 5 through the power resistor 50 so as to reduce the peak torque.

In the second phase of full speed, also called full power phase, the two switches 45 and 46 are closed and the power resistor 50 is short-circuited, which allows to supply the inductor coil 5 at full power.

We will now describe in more detail, with reference to Figures 7 to 13 an example of contactor 17 in accordance with the invention, which can be associated, for example, with the induction winding 5, examples of implementation of the figures 2 , 3 or 6 .

In these figures it is shown that the elements necessary for the understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the tank and the cover of the contactor 17 as well as the guide sleeve of the mobile core 65 and the coil or coils and the support of the coil or coils have not been shown.

Similarly, the starter housing is not shown. The shape of this case depends on the applications.

The switch 17 comprises a mobile core 65 and a fixed core 72 as at figure 1 . We keep the terminal 29.

The contactor 17 comprises first and second electrical contact elements 58 and 59, here in the form of rectangular metal plates, intended to define respectively the first and second switches 45 and 46.

The switch 17 further comprises a movable assembly 60, which as at figure 1 is arranged to move the launcher 19 through the pivoting fork 27, the movable assembly 60 comprising an actuating element 61 arranged to cause the closing of the second electrical contact element 59, as will be better explained later.

The actuating element 61 is provided with a rod 62 fixed at one end to the fork 27 and having at its opposite end a head 63.

The movable assembly 60 of the contactor 17 comprises a movable core 65, the actuating element 61 being mounted therein, displaceable with respect to this movable core 65 against the force exerted by a spring 64 with turns.

This spring 64 corresponds to the spring tooth against tooth of the figure 1 .

This spring 64 is mounted, as in figure 1 around the rod 62 of the actuating element 61 and is applied at one end against the head 63 thereof.

The mobile core 65 is movable in the contactor 17 by the action of a magnetic field generated by a coil, here not shown and visible in 2a at the figure 1 contactor 17. This coil may comprise, if desired, a call winding and a holding winding as in the document US 4,418,289 or, alternatively, a single winding.

It will be noted that the structure of the moving assembly 60 is preserved, the moving assembly 60 being different from that of the figure 1 by the upper end of the fork 27 and in that the bottom of the blind hole of the movable core 65 is constituted by a washer. It all depends on the applications. In a variant, the assembly 60 is identical to that of figure 1 .

Note that the tank of the contactor 17 can be kept.

The second electrical contact element 59 is integral with a sliding possibility, a control rod 68, for example a plastic material, and the actuating element 61 of the mobile assembly 60 is arranged to be applied against the control rod 68 so as to push it to cause the passage of the second electrical contact element 59 from the open state to the closed state.

Note that the control rod 68 corresponds globally to the pusher of the figure 1 and that the second electrical contact element 59 is in an embodiment identical to that of the figure 1 . This second contact element 59 here consists of a wafer of rectangular shape.

Note that the fixed core 72 here has a shape identical to that of the figure 1 .

The first contact element 58 is here of the same type as the second movable contact element and here consists of a metal plate of rectangular shape oriented at 90 ° with respect to the second contact 59 as visible in particular in the Figures 7 to 13 .

In one embodiment the size of the element 58 is different from the size of the element 59. In another embodiment, the elements 58 and 59 are of identical size. Advantageously, the elements 58 and 59 are identical for better standardization.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the first contact element 58 is carried, with a sliding possibility, by a mobile support 70 and the second contact element 59 is guided in displacement in this support 70 of the first contact element 58 .

This arrangement makes it possible not to profoundly modify the contactor 17 and to keep the maximum number of parts of a standard contactor. The solution according to the invention is therefore economical.

In particular, the spring structure of the contact pressure spring and the second return spring of the figure 1 . We also keep the first spring of the figure 1 .

According to one characteristic, this structure is duplicated at the level of the first contact element.

Thus two springs 78 and 79 are provided on either side of the first contact element 58 in a conventional manner. The spring 79 is a second contact pressure spring and the spring 78 a third return spring.

The stiffness of these springs depends on the applications.

In general, the stiffness of the contact pressure springs is greater than that of the corresponding return springs.

The support 70 comprises two guide branches 170 extending on either side of the second contact element 59, which, as in the embodiment of FIG. figure 1 bears against the fixed core in the rest position of the contactor.

The switch 17 has as in the figure 1 as previously mentioned, a fixed core 72, and a coil spring 73, also called a crushing spring, is interposed between the second contact element 59 and the mobile support 70 of the first electrical contact element 58 so as to allow, at least when the first contact element is activated and before the activation of the second contact element, to apply the second electrical contact element 59 against the fixed core 72 of the contactor 17.

A second coil spring 74 is provided between the second contact element 59 and a shoulder 75 of the control element 68 to maintain, if appropriate, the second contact element 59 in the closed state.

The springs 73 and 74 are respectively the second return spring and the first contact pressure spring.

The stiffness of the springs 73, 74, 78, 79 depends on the applications. The stiffness of the return springs 73 and 78 may be equal or different. It is the same with that of the contact pressure springs 74, 79.

In one embodiment the springs 73, 78 are identical, as are the springs 74, 79.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the second return spring 73 has a stiffness lower than that of the third return spring 78 and of course the contact pressure springs 74, 79.

These coil springs are also called coil spring.

The number of fixed contacts is also duplicated.

Thus each element 58, 59 is associated two fixed contacts.
In its closed state or state of rest, the first contact element 58 is applied against the terminal heads 29 and 51 forming fixed contacts.

In its closed state, the second contact element 59 is applied against an electrical contact face 81 constituting a fixed contact, connected to the terminal 29, and against the head of a terminal 52 constituting another fixed contact.

The heads of the terminals 29, 51 are offset axially and circumferentially at 90 ° with respect to the head of the terminal 52 and to the face 81 as visible in FIGS. Figures 9 to 13 .

The switch 17 is arranged such that the second electrical contact element 59 is in the open state as long as the launcher 19 is in the tooth against tooth position on the drive ring gear 33 of the combustion engine.

The terminal 29 connected to the battery 26 is staggered so as to allow the first and second contact elements 58 and 59 to bear simultaneously on this terminal 29.

In the example considered, the terminal 29 has a structure staggered by the presence of a lug 80 having an electrical contact face 81 (see in particular figure 8 ) at the same height as the full power terminal 52.

The terminals 29, 51, 52 and the lug 80 face 81 are carried by the cover, here not visible, the contactor.

This plastic hood of the type of that of the figure 1 is consistent accordingly. It is easily obtained by molding, the contactor tank being able to be preserved in the aforementioned manner.
Alternatively, the stepped structure can be obtained by machining terminal 29.

The first and second electrical contact elements 58 and 59 each comprise an electrically conductive wafer.

If necessary, the winding of the coil of the contactor 17 is short-circuited once the first and second contact elements 58 and 59 are in the closed state, in particular to ensure the failure to reopen the mobile nucleus 65.

We will now describe in more detail, with reference to Figures 7 to 13 , the operation of the contactor 17.

Rest phase (Figure 7)

The contact elements 58 and 59 are in the open state, corresponding to the open state of the switches 45 and 46.

Games catch-up phase (Figure 8)

The moving assembly 60 moves back slightly toward the fixed core 72 under the effect of the magnetic field exerted by the coil or coils of the contactor.

The lower finger-shaped end 25 of the fork 27 is pressed against the radial flange of the driver 22.

Dent to Tooth Position (Figure 9)

The pinion 21 of the launcher 19 bears against tooth against tooth on the ring gear 33.

Closing phase of the first electrical contact element (FIG. 10)

The gear 21 of the launcher 19 remains in the tooth against tooth position on the ring gear 33.

The movable core 65 moves back against the support 70 of the first electrical contact element 58, which support 70 is moved backwards. This rearward movement causes the closing of the first contact element 58 which bears on the heads of the terminals 29 and 51. It will be noted that the terminal 51 is in an embodiment identical to the terminal 29 'of the figure 1 .

The second contact element 59 remains pressed against the fixed core 72 by the action of the return spring 73.

It will be noted that the support 70, advantageously made of plastic, comprises two branches 170 passing through the fixed core 72 as visible in the Figures 7 to 13 .

More specifically, referring to the insert of the figure 8 , the fixed core 72 has as in the figure 1 a frustoconical central portion 173 provided with a bore (not referenced) for guiding the pusher 68.

A shoulder 174, transversely oriented relative to the axis of axial symmetry YY of the switch 17, connects the central portion 173 to the cylindrical bearing surface 172 of the sleeve referenced at 2d to the figure 1 . The bearing 172 is axially oriented with respect to the axis YY and extends axially between the shoulder 174 and the outer peripheral shoulder 175 oriented transversely to the axis YY. This shoulder 175 serves as aforesaid axial wedging support 2b of the coil 2a of the figure 1 .

The arms 170 pass axially through the fixed core 72 each with the aid of a passage made in the strip of material delimited by the shoulder 174 and the centering surface 172.

The branches 170 are therefore intended to penetrate inside the sleeve 2d of the figure 1 .

The fixed core 72 therefore differs from that of the figure 1 at these openings.

The mobile core 65 cooperates in the figure 10 with the free end of these branches 170 to axially move the support 70.

As in figure 1 this core 72 has a housing 176 for mounting the extra thickness of the pusher 68 defining a shoulder a shoulder for the spring 74.

This housing 176 also serves for the housing of the spring 74 surrounding the pusher 68.

Maiquetiaue bonding position (Figure 11)

The gear 21 of the launcher 19 remains in the tooth against tooth position with the ring gear 33.

The support 70 continues to move back, that is to say to move axially, relative to the fixed core 72.

The mobile core 65 moves back and comes into contact with the fixed core 72.

The second contact element 59 remains pressed against the fixed core 72.

Closing phase of the second electrical contact element (Figure 12)

The pinion 21 of the launcher 19 engages in the ring gear 33 and the actuating element 61 moves back relative to the movable core 65.

By retreating, the actuating element 61 pushes the control element 68 of the second contact element 59, which comes into contact with the terminal 52 and the terminal 80 of the terminal 29.

The switch 46 is then closed.

End position (Figure 13)

The actuating element 61 and the control rod 68 move back to an end position.

The spring 73 is further compressed.

The Figures 7 to 19 show that the support 70 has a U-shape with two branches 170, diametrically opposed, and a bottom 180.

On both sides this background 180 presents ( figure 7 ) a first cylindrical boss 181 extending between the legs 170 for mounting and centering the spring 73 and a second boss 182 stepped in diameter for mounting and centering the springs 79 and 78 ( figure 7 ).

The shoulder formed by the change in diameter of this second boss 182 serves, as best seen in the Figures 16.17 , 19 , in the axial setting in a direction of a washer 190 held in place by a pin 191 passing through the free end of the boss 182. Thus, the washer 190 limits the axial displacement of the contact element 58 so as not to compress the spring 78 This element 58, in this embodiment, is identical to the second element 59 as better visible in the figures 16 and 19 . These two elements are shifted circumferentially 90 °, that is to say perpendicular to each other. As shown in the figures, the elements 58, 59 are arranged on either side of the bottom 180.

The spring 79 and the element 58 are thus implanted between the bottom 180 and the washer 190. An axial movement of the boss 182 relative to the element 58 is possible and this against the force exerted by the spring 79 when the element 58 bears against the heads of the terminals 29, 51.

In the rest position, the free end of the pusher 68 bears on the boss 181.

Of course in the same way the axial displacement of the element 59 is limited towards the fixed contacts 52, 80 by a washer referenced at 290 to the figure 7 and not referenced to the figure 1 , similarly to the washer 190. This washer is immobilized by a pin passing through the free end of the pusher 68.

In the Figures 14, 15 , 18 we see in 200 the openings made in the fixed core 72 for passage branches 170 of the support 70 of plastic.

270 is also seen deep notches made in the fixed core 72, more precisely in the peripheral disk that has the fixed core 72 at its outer periphery.

These notches 270, diametrically opposed, serve to pass the ends of the or the coils and the ends of the assemblies of the windings 40 to 43 implanted radially above the coil or reels in favor of the free space between the coil or the coil of the contactor as visible at the figure 1 .

Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

For example, the support 70 may have a cylindrical shape of revolution, coaxial with the control rod 68 which can slide inside this cylinder.

In another variant, the rod 68 is hollow and the support 70 can be arranged to engage in this rod 68.

The tank of the contactor 17 may be in one piece as in the figure 1 or in several parts as described in the document WO 2004/088126 .

That's why we see in the Figures 14 to 19 two other diametrically opposed notches 370 also made from the peripheral disk of the fixed core 72. These notches are offset by 90 ° with respect to the notches 370 and are shallower.

These notches 370 are cavities in which engage the notches of the casing of the tank as described in this document WO 2004/088126 .

Of course instead of using washers 190, 290 can be used to mount bayonet type as described in document FR 2,895,143 , the free end of the pusher 68 and the boss 182 being shaped accordingly.

All this is made possible thanks to the invention which retains the maximum of parts of a conventional contactor.

It will be noted that the spacing between the branches 170 depends on the width of the element 59 of rectangular shape. This is the reason why the elements 58, 59 are offset by 90 ° as well as the associated fixed contacts.

The starting device 1 can be mounted in an outgoing starter as described in the document JP 04 094 459 supra.

The switch 17 is alternatively deported by being implanted at the rear of the starter as described in the document FR 2 843 427 with a return rod interposed between a first lever of the fork type 27 and a second lever associated with the movable core of the contactor.

The freewheel of the launcher is a variant of the conical clutch type as in the document WO 03/006824 (Figures 25 to 28).

In a variant, the starter housing is of the type described in the document WO 03/006824 .

Claims (16)

1. Starter device (1) for a combustion engine, notably a motor vehicle combustion engine, comprising:

   - a starter drive (19) designed to start the combustion engine, notably by means of a ring gear (33),

   - an electric motor (2, 3) designed to drive the rotation of the starter drive,

   - a contactor (17) having a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and comprising a control rod (68), a fixed core (72), first and second electrical-contact elements (58, 59) designed to control the supply of electrical power to the electric motor to allow the latter to operate successively in a first phase of pre-rotation and a second phase of full speed, each of the first and second contact elements (58, 59) being mobile along the longitudinal axis between an open state and a closed state, the second electrical contact element (59) being secured, notably with the possibility of sliding, to the control rod (68), characterized in that the first contact element (58) is borne, notably with a possibility of sliding, by a mobile support (70), in that a spring (79) is interposed between the first contact element (58) and the mobile support (70), in that the second contact element (59) is guided in its movement in the mobile support (70) of the first contact element (58) and in that an elastic return element (73), notably a spring, is interposed between the second contact element (59) and the mobile support (70) of the first contact element (58) so as to apply the second electrical contact element (59) against the fixed core (72) of the contactor when the two contact elements (58, 59) are in the open state.
2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the contractor (17) is arranged in such a way that in the first phase of pre-rotation, the first electrical contact element (58) is in the closed state and the second electrical contact element (59) in the open state, and in that, in the second phase of full speed, the first (58) and second (59) contact elements are in the closed state.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor (17) comprises a mobile assembly (60) designed to move the starter drive (19) by means of a pivoting fork (27) and to move the support (70) of the first electrical-contact element (58) so as to cause the first electrical-contact element (58) to close, and in that the mobile assembly (60) comprises an actuating element (61) designed to move the control rod (68) so as to cause the second electrical-contact element (59) to close.
4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mobile assembly (60) of the contactor comprises a mobile core (65), the actuating element (61) being mounted with the ability to move with respect to this mobile core (65) against the action of the force exerted by an elastic return element (64), notably a spring, and in that the mobile core (65) of the mobile assembly (60) is intended to collaborate with the support (70) passing through the fixed core (72).
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the support (70) comprises two branches (170) passing through the fixed core (72), in that the mobile core (65) of the mobile assembly (60) is intended to collaborate with the free ends of the branches (170) passing through the fixed core (72), and in that the arms (170) extend on each side of the second electrical-contact element (59).
6. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (61) of the mobile assembly (60) is designed to press against the control rod (68) so as to be able to push the latter to cause the second electrical-contact element (59) to pass from the open state to the closed state.
7. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the support (70) is U-shaped comprising a bottom (180) and two branches (170) passing through the fixed core (72), in that the bottom (180) of the support (70) has a first boss (181) extending between the branches (170) for mounting and centring the elastic return element (73), notably a spring, and in that the elastic return element (73), notably a spring, is interposed between the second contact element (59) and the bottom (180) of the mobile support (70) of the first electrical-contact element (58) so as to allow, at least when the first contact element (58) is activated and before the second contact element (59) is activated, the second electrical-contact element (59) to be pressed against the fixed core (72) of the contactor.
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the spring (79) interposed between the mobile support (70) and the first contact element (58) acts between the bottom (180) of the mobile support (70) and the first contact element (58), in that the bottom (180) of the mobile support (70) has a second boss (182) for mounting and centring the spring (79) acting between the bottom (180) and the first contact element (58), and in that the first (181) and second boss extend on either side of the bottom (180).
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first electrical terminal (29) which is stepped and connected to a source of stored energy, notably a battery, a second, intermediate power, terminal (51) and a third, full-power, terminal (52), in that, in the first phase of pre-rotation, the first contact element (58) comes into contact with the first electrical terminal (29) and the second, intermediate-power, terminal (51), and in that, in the second phase of full speed, the second electrical-contact element (59) comes into contact with the first (29) and third (52) electrical terminals.
10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first terminal (29) connected to a source of stored energy is stacked through the presence of a terminal lug (80) offering an electrical-contact face (81) at the same height as the full-power terminal (52) so as to allow the first (58) and second (59) contact elements to press simultaneously against this first terminal (29).
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stator (3), or inductor, comprising an induction coil (5), the said induction coil comprising at least first (40) and second (42) windings, and in that the contactor is designed to command, in the first phase of pre-rotation, a supply of electrical power only to the first winding of the induction coil, and, in the second phase of full speed, a supply of electrical power both to the first and to the second windings of the induction coil.
12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

    - a stator (3), or inductor, comprising an induction coil (5), the said induction coil comprising at least first (43), second (41) and third (42) windings all placed electrically parallel,

    - a rotor associated with the said stator and having a longitudinal axis,

    - a starter drive (19) that can be driven in rotation by the rotor,

    - a contactor (17) designed to command, in a first phase of pre-rotation, a supply of electrical power to only the first winding (43) of the induction coil, and in a second phase of full speed following on from the first phase, the supply of electrical power to the first, second and third windings (41, 42) of the induction coil.
13. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising a stator (3), or inductor, comprising an induction coil (5), characterized in that the device comprises a power resistor arranged in such a way that, in the first phase of pre-rotation, the induction coil is electrically powered through the power resistor (50), notably in such a way as to limit the current spike in the electric motor, and in that, in the second phase of full speed, the induction coil is electrically powered, bypassing the power resistor.
14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the starter drive (19) comprises a pinion (21) for starting the combustion engine via a driving ring gear (33) and in that the contactor is arranged in such a way that the second electrical-contact element (59) is in the open state as long as the pinion (21) of the starter drive (19) is in tooth-to-tooth contact with the driving ring gear (33) of the combustion engine.
15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (58) and second (59) electrical-contact elements comprise a plate, in that the plates are perpendicular to one another, in that the support (70) is in the shape of a U comprising a bottom (180) and two branches (170) passing through the fixed core (72) and in that the plates of the first (58) and of the second (59) contact elements are arranged on either side of the bottom (180).
16. Rotary electric machine, notably a motor vehicle starter or reversible alternator, comprising a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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