阅读说明：本技术 包括密封装置的起动器开关及包括该开关的起动器 (Starter switch comprising a sealing device and starter comprising such a switch ) 是由 R.圭格诺特 N.雷纳德 J.S.米特拉尔 C.博拉德 于 2018-05-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种起动器开关(2)包括：壳体(3),其沿轴线(X)延伸,界定至少一个内部空间(4)；至少一个线圈(5),其容纳在该内部空间(4)中；至少一个固定芯(10),沿轴线(X)的方向可平移移动的轴(6)穿过该固定芯(10)；以及至少一个腔(12),其包括电连接区域,所述腔通过固定芯(10)与内部空间(4)分开。起动器(1)开关(2)包括至少一个密封装置(22),其在起动器(1)开关(2)的内部空间(4)与包括连接区域的腔(12)之间提供密封。(A starter switch (2) comprising: a casing (3) extending along an axis (X) and delimiting at least one internal space (4); at least one coil (5) accommodated in the inner space (4); at least one fixed core (10) through which passes a shaft (6) that is movable in translation in the direction of the axis (X); and at least one cavity (12) comprising an electrical connection zone, said cavity being separated from the inner space (4) by a fixed core (10). The starter (1) switch (2) comprises at least one sealing means (22) which provides a seal between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) switch (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area.)

1. Starter (1) contactor (2) comprising: a casing (3) extending along an axis (X) and delimiting at least one internal space (4); at least one coil (5) accommodated in the inner space (4); at least one fixed core (10), through which (10) passes a shaft (6) that is movable in translation in the direction of an axis (X); and at least one cavity (12) comprising an electrical connection zone, said cavity being separated from the internal space (4) by a fixed core (10), characterized in that said starter (1) contactor (2) comprises at least one sealing means (22) ensuring the seal between the internal space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection zone.

2. Contactor (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein a housing (25) for integrating sealing means (22) ensuring the seal between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area is arranged on the stationary core (10).

3. Contactor (2) according to claim 1, wherein a receptacle (29) for integrating a sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area is arranged on the movable shaft (6).

4. Contactor (2) according to claim 2, wherein the sealing means (22) of the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area are integral with an integrated housing (25) arranged in the stationary core (10), the sealing means (22) being in sliding contact with the movable shaft (6).

5. Contactor (2) according to claim 3, wherein the sealing means (22) of the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area are integral with an integrated housing (29) arranged in the movable shaft (6), the sealing means (22) being in sliding contact with the stationary core (10).

6. Contactor (2) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area is held in place in the integrated housing (25, 29) by means of a support gasket (28).

7. Contactor (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the movable shaft (6) has at least a first stop (26) against which the support washer (28) is placed.

8. Contactor (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area are placed in said cavity (12) containing the connection area.

9. Contactor (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area is a lip seal.

10. Contactor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area are self-lubricating seals.

11. Contactor (2) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing means (22) ensuring the sealing between the inner space (4) of the starter (1) contactor (2) and the cavity (12) comprising the connection area comprises a seal and a sealing ring.

12. Contactor according to the preceding claim, wherein said sealing ring is placed between the seal and the stationary core.

13. The contactor of claim 6 and any of claims 11 and 12, wherein the support gasket is in contact with only the sealing ring.

14. Starter (1) for a heat engine, comprising at least one contactor (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Technical Field

Background

According to a known design, the contactor of the starter of a heat engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprises a cylindrical housing in which a toroidal coil is placed which, under the action of an electric current passing through it, generates a magnetic field. Depending on the polarization of the coil, the magnetic field thus generated exerts a force on the cylindrical and at least partially magnetic movable core. The movable core is fitted in an internal space defined by the cylindrical housing so as to be able to slide therein according to the axial translation, so as to drive the movable shaft with it to close or open an electric circuit connected to a power supply circuit of the electric motor of the starter. This opening/closing of the circuit is carried out in a connection area contained in a cavity of the contactor, which is separated from the inner space by a fixed core.

A disadvantage of these contactors is that their components are easily damaged when faced with external environmental insults, particularly when faced with moisture. Thus, water or water jets seeking to penetrate into the contactor may cause electrical contact between one of the electrical terminals arranged in the cavity including the connection area and the housing of the contactor. The electrical contact may then cause a short circuit of the battery to which the electrical terminal is electrically connected, which can cause heat incidence.

This drawback is particularly noticeable for starter contactors used in wet geographical areas that may damage the road infrastructure, and for starter contactors of off-road vehicles that are often used in harsh, particularly wet, environments. In order to improve the operation of these contactors, it is known to place means for sealing between the starter contactor and the environment outside the contactor.

It is therefore known to place sealing means between the connection zone and the environment outside the contactor to ensure sealing between this external environment and the starter contactor.

However, when the movable core emerges from the housing, the translational movement of the movable core generates a piston effect, which causes air to be sucked in from the external and internal environment of the starter contactor, which is therefore accompanied by dust and water. This dust and water can therefore penetrate into the interior space of the contactor and can reach the cavity containing the connection area during the subsequent activation of the contactor. The water can then migrate and reach the connection area and eventually cause the same difficulties as described above. Therefore, the sealing means placed at present are not sufficient.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is in this case aimed at proposing a device which makes it possible to ensure a seal between the internal space of the contactor and the cavity of the contactor containing the connection zone.

The subject of the invention is therefore a starter contactor comprising: a housing extending along an axis and defining at least one interior space; at least one coil accommodated in the inner space; at least one stationary core through which passes a shaft that is movable in translation in the direction of the axis; and at least one cavity comprising an electrical connection region, the cavity being separated from the interior space by a stationary core. The starter contactor comprises at least one sealing device which ensures a seal between the inner space of the starter contactor and the cavity comprising the connection area.

This sealing means, which ensures the sealing between the inner space of the starter contactor and the cavity comprising the connection region, is referred to as "first sealing means" in the following.

The assembly of elements of the contactor is therefore contained in a housing closed by a cover having at least two holes through which at least two electrical terminals pass.

The contact may have at least one second sealing means ensuring the seal between the electrical terminals of the connection area and the cover closing the housing. The second sealing means may for example be placed around the electrical terminal at the hole through which the electrical terminal passes through the cover.

Advantageously, the contactor may have two sealing means, one placed on the periphery of each of the two electrical terminals, at each hole through which these electrical terminals pass through the cover.

Optionally, the contactor may further comprise a third sealing means ensuring a seal between the housing and the cover of the contactor. The third sealing means may for example be placed on the periphery of the lid.

Optionally, the contactor may further comprise fourth sealing means ensuring sealing between the inner space of the starter contactor and the cavity comprising the connection area. This fourth sealing means may for example be placed between the stationary core and the housing.

According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the second, third and fourth sealing means may be O-ring seals.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the second, third and fourth sealing means may be shaped seals, for example rectangular or oblong.

According to a variant embodiment, the third and fourth sealing means are formed by a single sealing means ensuring the seal between the fixed core and the cover. The sealing means may thus insulate the cavity comprising the connection area from the inner space of the contactor and the external environment. The sealing means may be an O-ring seal or a shaped seal, for example rectangular or oblong. The device may be housed in an axial recess in the cover and it may be pressed against an axial normal flat surface of the stationary core. The axial depth of the recess is selected to hold the device in place when the contactor is not in the assembled state. In particular, the device is inserted in the assembled state into the recess over at least 50% of its axial length.

It should be understood here that the cavity containing the connection region is thus completely sealed against the air surrounding it, whether this region is outside the contactor or is present in a housing in which the coils of the contactor extend.

According to an embodiment, the first sealing means may be placed in the cavity containing the connection area.

According to a first embodiment, the contactor has a receptacle for integrating a first sealing device arranged on the stationary core.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the contactor has a receptacle for integrating a first sealing device arranged on the movable shaft.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means, which is in sliding contact with the movable shaft, is integral with an integrated housing arranged in the stationary core. In this case, the first sealing means is fixed relative to the housing when the movable shaft is translated.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means is integral with an integrated housing arranged in the movable core, the first sealing means being in sliding contact with the fixed core. In another case, the first sealing means moves simultaneously with the movable shaft when the movable shaft translates in the stationary core.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means is held in place in the integrated housing by a support gasket. The support washer may, for example, have a conical cross-section, viewed in a cross-section formed on a plane through its central axis.

The movable shaft of the contactor according to the invention may have at least one first stop against which the back-up washer is placed. The first stop may be integral with the movable shaft. The stationary core of the contactor according to the invention may itself have at least one second stop against which the support washer is placed.

According to a feature of the invention, the first sealing means is placed in the cavity containing the connection zone.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means may be a lip seal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means may be a self-lubricating seal.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first sealing means may be an O-ring seal.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the sealing means ensuring the sealing between the inner space of the starter contactor and the cavity comprising the connection area may comprise a seal and a sealing ring.

A seal ring may be placed between the seal and the movable shaft.

The seal may be an O-ring seal. The seal may be made of peroxide EPDM or a material selected from EPDM, NBR, FKM, ACM.

The seal ring may be a dynamic seal ring. The ring may be made of PTFE. In addition to PTFE, the ring may comprise bronze and/or carbon (bronze-filled PTFE or carbon-filled PTFE). The seal ring makes it possible to prevent wear due to peeling, which is observed during the reciprocating motion of the movable shaft when the seal is in direct contact with the movable shaft. The wear from flaking may cause the system to not seal for a period of time.

The seal ring may have a cylindrical surface in sliding contact with the movable shaft. Facing the movable shaft, the ring may have a cavity which may establish a pressure of the seal on the movable shaft, which pressure differs depending on its direction of movement.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the sealing means comprises a seal and a sealing ring and a support gasket, the support gasket may be in contact with only the sealing ring. The seal is not axially clamped in the receptacle of the stationary core. The support gasket may have a flat surface facing the sealing means.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second stop against which the support washer abuts may be a notch in the stationary core. The second stop may be located radially outside the sealing device.

According to another aspect of the invention, the seal ring may be thinner or thicker. According to the present application, a ring is thinner if its radial dimension is at least two times smaller than the radial dimension of the O-ring seal in the compressed state (i.e., position in the contactor). It is thicker if its radial dimension is substantially equal to that of the seal in its compressed state.

The sealing ring may include an axial edge to hold the seal in place.

The invention also relates to a starter for a heat engine comprising at least one contactor according to the invention.

Drawings

Other features, details and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which is provided by way of indication, in connection with the different embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

figure 1 is a schematic view of an axial cross-section of a starter and of an electric motor comprising a contactor according to the invention;

figure 2 is an axial cross-section of a portion of a starter contactor according to the invention;

figure 3 is an enlarged view of the first sealing area of the contactor according to the invention shown in figure 2;

figure 4 is a schematic view of an axial cross-section of a first sealing area of a contactor according to a second embodiment of the invention;

figure 5 is a schematic view in axial cross-section of a fourth sealing zone of the contactor according to the invention shown in figure 2;

fig. 6 is a view in axial cross-section of a portion of another example of a starter contactor according to the invention;

figure 7 is an enlarged view of the first sealing area of the contactor according to the invention shown in figure 6; and

figure 8 shows different variants of the sealing means of the contactor in figures 6 and 7.

Detailed Description

In the following description, the terms "axial", "radial", "external" and "internal" refer to the axis X, which passes through the starter contactor according to the invention at its centre. The axial direction corresponds to an axis X passing through the centers of the movable core, the fixed core, the movable shaft, the housing, and the coil, and the radial direction corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the axis X. With respect to the radial direction, the terms "outer" or "inner" are understood with respect to the same axis X, wherein the term "inner" corresponds to an element oriented towards the axis X or closer to the axis X than a second element, while the term "outer" refers to a radial spacing from the axis X.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a starter 1 of a heat engine of a motor vehicle comprising a contactor 2 according to the invention.

The starter contactor 2 has a housing 3, which housing 3 extends along an axis X and defines an internal space 4, for example having a cylindrical shape, in which a toroidal coil 5 and a shaft 6 movable in translation along the axis X are housed.

The housing 3 has: a first axial end 7 through which the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6, which is held by the movable core 8, passes; and a second axial end 9 through which the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6 passes, the second portion 6b itself being retained by the fixed core 10. As shown in fig. 1, the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6 and the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6 are in contact with each other.

The first axial end 7 has an entity, not shown, through which the movable core 8 can slide so as to drive the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6 with it, while the second axial end 9 is closed by a cover 11. Thus, the movable shaft 6 passes through the centers of the holes in the stationary core 10, the movable core 8 and the first axial end 7 of the housing 3, and in that order.

The stationary core 10 may for example have the general shape of a disc and it is supported on the inner face of the housing 3, at a shoulder of the housing 3 and on the cover 11.

As shown in fig. 1, the second axial end 9 has a cavity 12, which cavity 12 is delimited radially towards the outside by a cover 11 and is delimited axially on one side by the fixed core 10 and on the other side by the cover 11. The cavity 12 accommodates at least one connection plate 13 and an electrical connection area in which two electrical terminals 14 extend. The terminals 14 extend on the inner face of the cover 11 and pass through it through two distinct holes.

The starter 1 further comprises an electric motor 15 electrically connected to the contactor 2 through one of the terminals 14 of the contactor 2. The electric motor 15 also has a pinion 16 which is movable in translation in a direction parallel to the axis X, of the type designed to engage on the engine flywheel of a heat engine.

The first electrical terminals 14 are connected to a battery 30, which battery 30 supplies current, for example at a voltage of 12V or 24V. The second electrical terminals 14 are themselves connected to the electric motor 15 of the starter. The electric terminals 14 thus participate in the power supply circuit of the starter 1, and when the electric connection plate 13 comes into contact with the electric terminals 14, the power supply circuit of the starter 1 is closed and an electric current can flow, thus allowing the starting of the heat engine as described below.

The coil 5 generates a magnetic field under the action of a current flowing through it. Depending on the polarization of this coil 5, the magnetic field thus generated exerts an attractive or repulsive force on the movable core 8, which can slide in the housing 3 depending on the axial translation. When this movable core 8 penetrates into the housing 3, it exerts a translational force on the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6, which in turn drives the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6, bringing the electrical connection plate 13 into contact with the electrical terminals 14. Once the electrical connection plate 13 is in contact with the terminals 14, the power supply circuit of the electric motor 15 is closed.

The first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6 controls a fork 17, which fork 17 makes it possible to place the pinion 16 of the electric motor 15 in a suitable position on the engine flywheel, not shown here. When the connection plates 13 are brought into contact by the translational movement of the movable shaft 6, the power supply circuit of the electric motor 15 is closed, which allows the electric motor 15 to operate, thus rotating the pinion 16. This rotation of the pinion 16 in turn makes it possible to start the engine flywheel and thus the heat engine of the vehicle.

The movable shaft 6 is described here in two parts 6a and 6b, but it should be understood that it can be integral with the fork 17 up to the connection plate 13.

At least a first return spring, for example of the helical type, is designed to push back the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6, the second portion 6b in turn simultaneously pushing the movable core 8 and the first portion 6a when no power is supplied to the coil 5.

When the coil 5 is supplied with power, the movable shaft 6, and in particular the first portion 6a thereof, compresses the return spring by means of the translational movement along the axis X as previously described. When the coil 5 is no longer supplied with power, the first return spring pushes the movable core 8 back from the inner space 4, thereby restoring the movable core to its original position. Thus, the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6 can regain its original position, as can the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6, the movable shaft 6 also being pushed back by the second return spring shown in fig. 2 to 4.

By regaining its position, the first portion 6a of the movable shaft 6 drives the pinion 16 of the electric motor 15 via the fork 17, whereby this pinion 16 is disengaged from the engine flywheel.

In addition, by regaining its initial position, the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6 drives the electrical connection plate 13. Then, the electrical connection plate 13 is no longer in contact with the electrical terminals 14, so that the power supply circuit of the electric motor 15 is open, which prevents the passage of current and causes the stopping of the electric motor 15.

It should be noted that the stationary core 10 forms a translation bearing with respect to the movable shaft 6, in particular the second portion 6b thereof. In fact, the fixed core 10 is pierced by a hole in its centre which allows the sliding of the movable shaft 6. Which forms a passage between the inner space 4 and the cavity 12.

Fig. 2 is a view according to an axial cross section of a portion of the contact 2, at the second axial end 9 of the contact 2. The figure shows in particular the chamber 12 with the connecting area and the inner space 4 of the starter contactor 2. Fig. 2 also shows the stationary core 10, the movable shaft 6, more specifically the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6, and the housing 3 containing the coil 5. As previously mentioned, the housing 2 is axially closed by a cover 11, in which two holes are provided through which each of the electric terminals 14 passes. The figure also shows a second return spring 18 which allows the movable shaft 6, and in particular the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6, to regain its initial position, as previously described.

The contactor 2 has a plurality of sealing areas 19, 20, 21, 31. A first sealing area 19 is provided between the inner space 4 and the chamber 12 with the electrical connection area. The second sealing area 20 and the third sealing area 21 are themselves arranged between the environment outside the contactor 2 and the chamber 12 with the electrical connection areas. A fourth sealing area 31 is arranged between the inner space 4 and the chamber 12 with electrical connection areas, at a different location than the first sealing area 19. It will thus be understood that the first sealing area 19 and the fourth sealing area 31 are formed between the spaces inside the contactor according to the invention, while the second sealing area 20 and the third sealing area 21 are formed between the environment outside the contactor and the space inside the contactor (in this case the cavity 12).

The sealing area at this cavity 12 thus makes it possible to improve the service life of the starter contactor.

Thus, a first seal area 19 is formed at the junction between the movable shaft 6 and the stationary core 10, as shown in fig. 3.

This first sealing area 19 has first sealing means 22 placed between the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6 and the stationary core 10 and can ensure sealing between the cavity 12 containing the electrical connection area and the inner space 4. In addition, the first sealing means 22 may ensure a continuous insulation between the cavity 12 and the inner space 4, i.e. the two areas are sealed from each other, irrespective of the position of the movable shaft 6.

Preferably, the first sealing means 22 is placed in the cavity 12 housing the electrical connection area. In other words, the first sealing means 22 is placed between the second portion 6b of the movable shaft 6 and the stationary core 10 on the cavity 12 side rather than the inner space 4 side. This position of the first sealing means 22 makes it possible not to influence the attraction or repulsion force exerted by the coil 5 on the movable core 8. In fact, the form of the fixed core 10 arranged on the side of the internal space 4 for receiving the sealing means may destroy the magnetic field generated by the coil 5, the coil 5 being wound back via the fixed core 10.

The first sealing means 22 according to the invention must be chosen so that it is possible to ensure a seal between the two parts that are translated with respect to each other, in this case the movable shaft 6 and the fixed core 10 of the contactor. According to the embodiment of the invention shown here, the first sealing means 22 may thus be, for example, a lip seal.

A second sealing area 20 is provided at least between one of the electrical terminals 14 and the cover 11 of the housing 3, advantageously between each electrical terminal 14 and the cover 11 of the housing 3.

Thus, in fig. 2, two second sealing areas 20 are shown, each comprising a second sealing device 23 placed between one of the electrical terminals 14 and the cover 11 of the housing 3 of the contactor 2 in each hole in the cover 11 through which these electrical terminals 14 pass.

These second sealing means 23 are formed, for example, by O-ring seals extending around the entire perimeter of each electrical terminal 14, or, according to a variant embodiment, by shape seals, for example rectangular or oblong.

The third sealing area 21 itself comprises third sealing means 24, which are placed at the junction between the housing 3 and the cover 11 of this housing 3. According to a variant of the invention, this third sealing means 24 can also be formed by a seal of a shape, for example rectangular or oblong, extending around the entire periphery of the lid 11.

These second and third sealing means 20, 21 thus make it possible to ensure a seal between the environment outside the contactor 2 and the cavity 12 in the contactor 2.

The fourth sealing area 31 itself comprises fourth sealing means 32, which are placed at the junction between the housing 3 and the stationary core 10. This fourth sealing means 32 can be formed by an O-ring seal or, according to a variant of the invention, by a seal of shape, for example rectangular or oblong, extending around the entire periphery of the fixed core 10.

According to a variant embodiment shown in fig. 5, the third sealing means 24 and the fourth sealing means 32 can be combined in a single sealing means 33 interposed between the fixed core 10 and the cover 11. The sealing means 33 thus make it possible to insulate the chamber 12, which comprises the connection zone against the internal space of the contactor and the external environment. This sealing means 33 may be formed by an O-ring seal or, according to a variant of the invention, by a seal of a shape such as rectangular or oblong extending on the inner face of the cover 11.

Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of the first sealing area 19. It can be seen that the first sealing area 19 comprises a first sealing means 22.

As shown in fig. 3, a receptacle 25 for the integrated first sealing device 22 is arranged on the stationary core 10. The first sealing means 22 is formed, for example, by a lip seal.

According to the present invention, the integrated accommodating part 25 is formed in the inner wall of the stationary core 10, i.e., the wall of the stationary core 10 facing the movable shaft 6. As shown in fig. 3, a lip seal is made integral with the integrated housing 25 and the lip is in sliding contact with the movable shaft 6, ensuring sealing while allowing axial translational movement of the movable shaft 6 relative to the stationary core 10.

According to another embodiment of the invention, not shown here, the first sealing means may be formed by a self-lubricating seal.

The movable shaft 6 and the stationary core 10 may also have first and second stops 26, 27, respectively. These two stops 26, 27 are formed in opposite directions to each other and are configured to be inserted into a support gasket 28 supported on the first sealing means 22, so as to ensure that this first sealing means 22 is retained in the integrated housing 25 arranged in the stationary core 10.

This gasket 28 is an additional component, thus allowing the first sealing means 22 to be fitted in the integrated housing 25, wherein this component also blocks the first sealing means 22 so that it does not move during the translation of the movable shaft 6. The gasket 28 also specifically blocks the lip of the lip seal forming the embodiment of the first sealing device 22.

Regardless of the shape of the support washer 28, the first and second stops 26, 27 have a slope that is complementary to the shape of the support washer 28.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in fig. 3, the support washer 28 may have a conical cross-section, seen in a cross-section formed according to a plane passing through its central axis. When the support washer 28 has a conical shape, the first and second stoppers 26, 27 have conical slopes.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a second embodiment of the invention. According to this second exemplary embodiment, a receptacle 29 for the integrated first sealing device 22 is arranged on the movable shaft 6, in particular on its outer circumferential wall.

According to this second embodiment, the first sealing means 22 is also a lip seal. The lip seal is thus housed in an integrated housing 29 arranged on the movable shaft 6 and is placed so that its lip rubs on the stationary core 10, thus ensuring sealing despite the translational movement of the movable shaft 6 with respect to the stationary core 10.

Although not shown in this fig. 4, this second embodiment may also include an additional support gasket to ensure that the first sealing device 22 is effectively retained. As for the first embodiment, the movable shaft and the stationary core then have respectively a first and a second stop with a shape complementary to the shape of the support washer, as previously described.

Fig. 6 and 7 show another example of the starter contactor 2 according to the present invention.

The example in fig. 6 differs from the example in fig. 2, in particular at the third and fourth sealing means and the shape of the sealing means 22.

In the example concerned, in the manner of fig. 5, the contactor 2 comprises a single sealing device 33 forming a third and a fourth sealing device to ensure the seal between the fixed core 10 and the cover 11.

In the example concerned, the sealing means 33 are housed in an axial recess 40 in the cover 11 and are pressed against an axial normal flat surface 41 of the stationary core. In this case, the sealing means 33 is a seal having an oblong cross-section, but it may also be formed as a shape seal, for example, rectangular or annular.

In the example concerned, with reference to fig. 7, the sealing device 22 ensuring the seal between the inner space of the starter contactor and the cavity comprising the connection region comprises a seal 44 and a sealing ring 45. The sealing ring 45 is in this case a dynamic sealing ring which is placed between the seal 44 and the movable shaft 6. The seal may be an O-ring seal in a free state.

The sealing ring may have a cylindrical surface in sliding contact with the movable shaft 6.

In the example concerned, the sealing means 22 is integral with an integrated housing 29 arranged in the stationary core and is retained in this housing by a support gasket 28. In this case, the support washer 28 is in contact with the sealing ring 45 only. The seal 44 is not axially clamped in the housing 29 of the stationary core. The support gasket 28 has a flat surface facing the sealing device 22. The contact between the support washer 28 and the sealing ring 45 is flat.

The support washer 28 is integral with the stationary core 10 and the washer is, for example, crimped onto the stationary core. The support washer does not rub 6 on the movable shaft.

Finally, fig. 8 shows two variants of the sealing device 22 shown with reference to fig. 6 and 7, and which correspond to the middle diagram. The device is shown in a free state, i.e. uncompressed.

In a first variant, the sealing ring 45 has a cavity 47 facing the movable shaft 6, so that a pressure of the seal 44 can be built up on the movable shaft, which pressure differs depending on its direction of movement.

In a third variant, the sealing ring 45 is thin. Its radial dimension is at least two times smaller than the radial dimension of the O-ring seal in its compressed state (i.e., position in the contactor). In a second variant, i.e. fig. 6 and 7, the sealing ring 45 is thicker. The radial dimension of which is substantially equal to the radial dimension of the seal 44 in the compressed state.

In a third variant, the sealing ring 45 comprises an axial edge 48 for holding the seal 44 in position.

The invention thus makes it possible to ensure a seal between the internal space of the contactor and the cavity of the contactor having the electrical connection zone, thanks to the sealing means placed between the movable shaft and the stationary core. Thus, the electrical connection area is protected from dust and water that may penetrate into the cavity. Since this connection region is protected, the service life of the starter contactor according to the invention is improved.

The invention is not, however, limited to the arrangements and configurations described and shown herein, and extends to all equivalent arrangements or configurations, and any technical combinations for use of such arrangements. In particular, the sealing means and the sealing area in which they are located can be modified without prejudice to the invention, as long as they fulfil the same function as described in this document.