Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

An electromagnetic relay suppresses retriggering of an arc generated at contacts. The electromagnetic relay has a housing, a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a first magnet, a gas flow path, and a partition member. The housing includes a housing space and a side wall that covers the housing space from a first direction. The housing space includes a first space and a second space. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact disposed in the first space. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact disposed in the second space. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact. The first magnet elongates a first arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact in the first direction. The gas flow path is disposed between the side wall and the movable contact piece. The gas flow path includes a flow inlet that communicates with the first space and a flow outlet that communicates with the second space. The partition member is disposed between the movable contact piece and the gas flow path and partitions the first space and the second space from the gas flow path.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electromagnetic relay. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electromagnetic relay generates an arc at a contact at the time of current interruption. If the temperature of the contact rises due to the arc, the contact sometimes melts to generate a high-temperature gas including metal vapor. If the high-temperature gas remains in the vicinity of the contact, the insulation performance between the contacts decreases, and it is possible that the arc is retriggered. In order to prevent the retriggering of the arc, the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is provided with an arc-extinguishing space that extinguishes the arc, a gas inflow space that is independent of the arc-extinguishing space, and a gas passage that releases the high-temperature gas from the arc-extinguishing space to the gas inflow space.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-24864

[0004] In the electromagnetic relay of Patent Literature 1, the inlet and the outlet of the gas passage are disposed in the vicinity of the contact. Therefore, the high-temperature gas easily returns to the contact through the gas passage. If the load capacity becomes large, the amount of the high-temperature gas that returns to the vicinity of the contact also becomes large, and thus there is a concern that the arc is retriggered. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present application is to suppress the retriggering of an arc generated at a contact in an electromagnetic relay.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay of one embodiment of the present application includes a housing, a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a first magnet, a gas flow path, and a partition member. The housing includes a housing space and a side wall that covers the housing space from a first direction. The housing space includes a first space and a second space. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact disposed in the first space and a first external connection portion that protrudes from the side wall toward the first direction. The second fixed terminal is disposed separately from the first fixed terminal. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact disposed in the second space and a second external connection portion that protrudes from the side wall toward the first direction. The movable contact piece is disposed throughout the first space and the second space. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact that opposes the first fixed contact and a second movable contact that opposes the second fixed contact. The first magnet elongates a first arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact in the first direction. The gas flow path is disposed between the side wall and the movable contact piece. The gas flow path includes a flow inlet that communicates with the first space and a flow outlet that communicates with the second space. The partition member is disposed between the movable contact piece and the gas flow path and partitions the first space and the second space from the gas flow path.

[0007] In the electromagnetic relay, the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc is released from the first space to the second space through the gas flow path provided between the side wall and the movable contact piece, and thus the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc is prevented from remaining in the first space. In addition, since the flow outlet of the gas flow path communicates with the second space, the flow outlet is provided at a position away from the first fixed contact. Therefore, the high-temperature gas flowing from the first space to the second space through the gas flow path is difficult to return to the first space. Thus, the retriggering of the first electric arc is prevented.

[0008] The electromagnetic relay can further include a second magnet configured to elongate a second electric arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In this case, the second electric arc is elongated in a direction away from the flow outlet, and thus the retriggering of the second electric arc is prevented.

[0009] The electromagnetic relay can further include a driving device configured to move the movable contact piece in a moving direction including a direction in which the first movable contact approaches the first fixed contact and a direction in which the first movable contact is away from the first fixed contact, more in the second direction than the first space and the second space. In this case, in the electromagnetic relay in which the driving device is configured to be more in the second direction than the first space and the second space, the retriggering of the first electric arc is prevented.

[0010] The second space can communicate with a space in which the driving device is provided. In this case, the high-temperature gas generated by the second electric arc is released to the space in which the driving device is provided.

[0011] The first magnet can be configured to elongate the first electric arc in a direction approaching the first magnet as the first electric arc is elongated in the first direction. The housing can include an arc abutting surface provided between the first magnet and the movable contact piece for the first electric arc to abut. The flow inlet of the gas flow path can be opposed to the arc abutting surface. In this case, the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc is efficiently guided to the gas flow path.

[0012] The flow inlet of the gas flow path can include a tapered portion that widens toward the arc abutting surface. In this case, the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc is further efficiently guided to the gas flow path.

[0013] The partition member can include a tapered surface that inclines toward the side wall in a direction approaching the arc abutting surface. In this case, the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc is more efficiently guided to the gas flow path.

[0014] The partition member can further include a protrusion configured to protrude toward a second direction opposite to the first direction toward the movable contact piece farther than the tapered surface from the arc contact surface. In this case, the high-temperature gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the gas flow path can be suppressed from returning to the vicinity of the first movable contact point by the protrusion.

[0015] The partition member can be independent of the side wall of the housing. In this case, the partition member can be formed of a material having excellent arc extinguishing performance.

[0016] The electromagnetic relay can further include a flow path member constituting the gas flow path, the flow path member being independent of the side wall of the housing and being disposed between the side wall and the partition member. In this case, the flow path member can be formed of a material having excellent arc extinguishing performance.

[0017] According to the present application, in an electromagnetic relay, retriggering of an arc generated at a contact is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay in a state where a cover is removed.

[0020] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay taken at a plane orthogonal to the up-down direction.

[0021] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay taken at a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction.

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a partition member.

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a partition member of a modification.

[0024] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0025] 1... electromagnetic relay; 2... housing; 4... driving device; 11... first fixed terminal; 11a... first fixed contact; 12... second fixed terminal; 12a... second fixed contact; 13... movable contact piece; 13a... first movable contact; 13b... second movable contact; 23... side wall; 24... accommodation space; 24a... first space; 24b... second space; 25a... arc contact surface; 50... magnet (example of first magnet); 51... magnet (example of second magnet); 60... gas flow path; 61a... tapered portion; 70... partition member; 70d... tapered surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An electromagnetic relay 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electromagnetic relay 1 includes a housing 2, a contact device 3, and a driving device 4.

[0027] In the following description, the direction in which the contact device 3 and the driving device 4 are arranged with respect to a base 21 of the housing 2 will be referred to as the upward direction (an example of the second direction), and the opposite direction will be referred to as the downward direction (an example of the first direction). The direction in which the contact device 3 is arranged with respect to the driving device 4 will be referred to as the front direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear direction. The left-right direction of the paper will be referred to as the left-right direction. Note that the above directions are defined for ease of description and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. Figure 3

[0028] The housing 2 is formed in a box shape. The housing 2, which is formed of an insulating material such as resin, includes the base 21 and a cover 22. The base 21 supports the contact device 3 and the driving device 4. The base 21 includes a bottom portion 21a, outer walls 21b to 21e, and an inner wall 21f. The bottom portion 21a extends in a direction orthogonal to the upward-downward direction. The outer wall 21b extends upward from the front edge of the bottom portion 21a. The outer wall 21c extends upward from the rear edge of the bottom portion 21a. The outer wall 21d extends upward from the left edge of the bottom portion 21a. The outer wall 21e extends upward from the right edge of the bottom portion 21a. The inner wall 21f extends upward from the bottom portion 21a. The inner wall 21f extends in the left-right direction between the outer wall 21d and the outer wall 21e. The inner wall 21f is arranged in the front-rear direction between the contact device 3 and the driving device 4.

[0029] The cover 22 is open toward the downward direction and is attached to the outer walls 21b to 21e of the base 21 so as to cover the bottom portion 21a of the base 21 from above. The contact device 3 and the driving device 4 are housed in the housing 2.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3 , the contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, and a movable contact piece 13. In the following description, the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 will sometimes be referred to as fixed terminals 11 and 12.

[0031] The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are formed of a material having electrical conductivity such as copper. The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are plate-shaped terminals that extend in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are supported by the bottom portion 21a of the base 21. In the present embodiment, the fixed terminals 11 and 12 are press-fitted to the bottom portion 21a of the base 21.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 ​As shown, the first fixed terminal 11 includes a first fixed contact 11a and a first external connection portion 11b. The first fixed contact 11a is disposed on the front surface of the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact 11a is rivet-fixed to the first fixed terminal 11. Alternatively, the first fixed contact 11a can be integrated with the first fixed terminal 11. The first external connection portion 11b protrudes downward from the bottom portion 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device (not shown).

[0033] The second fixed terminal 12 is disposed apart from the first fixed terminal 11 in the left direction. The second fixed terminal 12 has a shape that is left-right symmetrical to the first fixed terminal 11. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second fixed contact 12a and a second external connection portion 12b. The second fixed contact 12a is disposed on the front surface of the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact 12a is rivet-fixed to the second fixed terminal 12. Alternatively, the second fixed contact 12a can be integrated with the second fixed terminal 12. The second external connection portion 12b protrudes downward from the bottom portion 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device (not shown).

[0034] The movable contact piece 13 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contact piece 13 is disposed in front of the fixed terminals 11, 12. The movable contact piece 13 has a substantially T-shaped shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. The movable contact piece 13 includes a first movable contact 13a, a second movable contact 13b, an up-down extension portion 13c, and a left-right extension portion 13d.

[0035] The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are rivet-fixed to the movable contact piece 13. The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are disposed on the rear surface of the left-right extension portion 13d. The first movable contact 13a opposes the first fixed contact 11a in the front-rear direction. The first movable contact 13a is capable of contacting the first fixed contact 11a. The second movable contact 13b is disposed apart from the first movable contact 13a in the left direction. The second movable contact 13b opposes the second fixed contact 12a in the front-rear direction. The second movable contact 13b is capable of contacting the second fixed contact 12a. Alternatively, the first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b can be integrated with the movable contact piece 13.

[0036] The up-down extension portion 13c extends in the up-down direction, and the upper portion is connected to the drive device 4. The left-right extension portion 13d extends in the left-right direction from the lower portion of the up-down extension portion 13c.

[0037] The driving device 4 is disposed more upward than the contact device 3. The driving device 4 is disposed more upward than the first space 24a and the second space 24b described below. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the first movable contact 13a approaches the first fixed contact 11a and a direction in which the first movable contact 13a is away from the first fixed contact 11a. Also, the driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the second movable contact 13b approaches the second fixed contact 12a and a direction in which the second movable contact 13b is away from the second fixed contact 12a. In the present embodiment, the driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the front-rear direction.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the driving device 4 includes a bobbin 41, a coil 42, a yoke 43, a movable iron piece 44, a resin member 45, a return spring 46, and a fixed core 47. Figure 2 Figure 4 The bobbin 41 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The coil 42 is wound around the outer periphery of the bobbin 41. The coil 42 is disposed more upward than the fixed terminals 11 and 12. The yoke 43 has a shape bent in an L-letter shape. The yoke 43 includes a linking portion 43a and an extending portion 43b. The linking portion 43a is disposed in the rear of the bobbin 41 and is linked with the fixed core 47. The extending portion 43b extends forward from the upper end of the linking portion 43a in a manner to cover the upper side of the coil 42.

[0039] The movable iron piece 44 is disposed in the front of the fixed core 47. The movable iron piece 44 is rotatably supported by the yoke 43 at the front end of the extending portion 43b. The resin member 45 insulates the movable iron piece 44 from the movable contact piece 13. The resin member 45 links the movable iron piece 44 with the movable contact piece 13. Specifically, the movable iron piece 44 and the movable contact piece 13 are insert-molded in the resin member 45. Thus, the resin member 45 and the movable contact piece 13 integrally rotate with the movable iron piece 44 in accordance with the rotation of the movable iron piece 44.

[0040] The return spring 46 is a coil spring and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the return spring 46 is connected to the movable iron piece 44, and the rear end thereof is connected to the yoke 43. The return spring 46 applies a force to the movable contact piece 13 in the forward direction via the movable iron piece 44 and the resin member 45. That is, the return spring 46 applies a force to the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the first movable contact 13a is away from the first fixed contact 11a and a direction in which the second movable contact 13b is away from the second fixed contact 12a. The fixed core 47 is disposed on the inner side of the bobbin 41 and penetrates the bobbin 41 in the front-rear direction. The fixed core 47 is disposed more upward than the fixed terminals 11 and 12.

[0041] The return spring 46 is a coil spring and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the return spring 46 is connected to the movable iron piece 44, and the rear end thereof is connected to the yoke 43. The return spring 46 applies a force to the movable contact piece 13 in the forward direction via the movable iron piece 44 and the resin member 45. That is, the return spring 46 applies a force to the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the first movable contact 13a is away from the first fixed contact 11a and a direction in which the second movable contact 13b is away from the second fixed contact 12a. The fixed core 47 is disposed on the inner side of the bobbin 41 and penetrates the bobbin 41 in the front-rear direction. The fixed core 47 is disposed more upward than the fixed terminals 11 and 12.

[0042] ​Next, the operation of electromagnetic relay 1 will be explained. In the state where no voltage is applied to coil 42, as... Figure 3 As shown, due to the elastic force of the return spring 46, the first movable contact 13a is in a state of being separated from the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b is in a state of being separated from the second fixed contact 12a. If a voltage is applied to the coil 42 to energize it, the movable iron piece 44 is attracted to the fixed iron core 47 by electromagnetic force, thereby the movable iron piece 44 rotates against the elastic force of the return spring 46. As a result, the movable contact piece 13 moves backward, the first movable contact 13a contacts the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b contacts the second fixed contact 12a. If the voltage applied to the coil 42 is stopped, the movable iron piece 44 rotates due to the elastic force of the return spring 46. As a result, the movable contact piece 13 moves forward, the first movable contact 13a separates from the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b separates from the second fixed contact 12a.

[0043] Here, the housing 2 includes a side wall 23, a storage space 24, and magnet storage portions 25 and 26. In this embodiment, the side wall 23 is formed by the bottom 21a of the base 21. The side wall 23 covers the storage space 24 from below.

[0044] Storage space 24 is located between base 21 and cover 22. Storage space 24 is located between magnet storage part 25 and magnet storage part 26 in the left-right direction. Storage space 24 is located between outer wall 21b and inner wall 21f in the front-back direction. First fixed contact 11a, second fixed contact 12a and movable contact piece 13 are stored in storage space 24.

[0045] The storage space 24 includes a first space 24a and a second space 24b. The first space 24a is the space where the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a are arranged. The second space 24b is the space where the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b are arranged. The second space 24b communicates with the first space 24a. The boundary B between the first space 24a and the second space 24b is, for example, the center of the movable contact piece 13 in the left-right direction. The upper parts of the first space 24a and the second space 24b communicate with the space 30 where the drive device 4 is arranged. The drive device 4 is arranged in the housing 2 at a higher position than the first space 24a and the second space 24b. The movable contact piece 13 is arranged throughout the first space 24a and the second space 24b.

[0046] The magnet housing 25 is integrally formed with the base 21. The magnet housing 25 is a recessed portion that opens downwards and protrudes upwards from the side wall 23. The magnet housing 25 is disposed to the right of the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The magnet housing 25 includes an arc abutment surface 25a. The arc abutment surface 25a is disposed in the left-right direction between the magnet 50 and the movable contact piece 13 described below. The arc abutment surface 25a extends in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. The arc abutment surface 25a is abutted by an electric arc A1 (an example of a first electric arc) generated between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a.

[0047] The magnet storage part 26 is symmetrical to the magnet storage part 25 and is located to the left of the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b.

[0048] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes magnets 50 and 51, a gas flow path 60, and a dividing member 70. Magnet 50 is an example of a first magnet. Magnet 51 is an example of a second magnet. Magnets 50 and 51 are, for example, rectangular permanent magnets. Magnet 50 is disposed to the right of the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. Magnet 50 is housed in a magnet housing 25. Magnet 50 is inserted into the magnet housing 25 from below, and is prevented from falling out of the magnet housing 25 by a support member 54 supporting magnet 50 from below.

[0049] Magnet 50 is configured such that magnetic flux flows to the right near the first fixed contact 11a. For example... Figure 4 As shown, magnet 50 causes arc A1 to extend downwards. Specifically, for example, when current flows from the first movable contact 13a towards the first fixed contact 11a, a Lorentz force in the downward direction acts on arc A1, causing arc A1 to extend downwards. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the electric arc A1 extends downwards and then extends towards the direction of the arc contact surface 25a.

[0050] Magnet 51 is disposed to the left of the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. Magnet 51 is housed in magnet housing 26. Magnet 51 is inserted into magnet housing 26 from below, and is prevented from falling out of magnet housing 26 by support member 55 supporting magnet 51 from below.

[0051] The magnet 51 is arranged so that the magnetic flux flows in the right direction in the vicinity of the second fixed contact 12a. The magnet 51 is arranged so as to be in a state of being in opposite poles to the magnet 50. The magnet 51 elongates the electric arc A2 (an example of a second electric arc) generated between the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b in the upward direction. In detail, for example, in a case where the current flows from the second fixed contact 12a toward the second movable contact 13b, the electric arc A2 is subjected to the Lorentz force in the upward direction, and thus the electric arc A2 is elongated in the upward direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the electric arc A2 is elongated in the direction close to the magnet 51 as it is elongated in the upward direction. Figure 4

[0052] The gas flow path 60 is arranged in the accommodation space 24. The gas flow path 60 is a flow path for releasing the high-temperature gas generated by the first electric arc from the first space 24a to the second space 24b. The gas flow path 60 is arranged below the first space 24a and the second space 24b. The gas flow path 60 is arranged between the movable contact piece 13 and the side wall 23 in the up-down direction. The gas flow path 60 is arranged between the magnet accommodation portion 25 and the magnet accommodation portion 26 in the left-right direction. The gas flow path 60 extends in the left-right direction. The gas flow path 60 is constituted by the side wall 23, the partition member 70, the outer wall 21b, and the inner wall 21f.

[0053] The gas flow path 60 includes a flow inlet 61 and a flow outlet 62. The flow inlet 61 communicates with the first space 24a. The flow inlet 61 opposes the electric arc abutting surface 25a. The flow inlet 61 includes a tapered portion 61a that widens toward the electric arc abutting surface 25a. The flow inlet 61 is closer to the electric arc abutting surface 25a than the center of the first fixed contact 11a and the center of the first movable contact 13a in the left-right direction.

[0054] The flow outlet 62 communicates with the second space 24b. The flow outlet 62 opposes the magnet accommodation portion 26. The flow outlet 62 includes a tapered portion 62a that widens toward the magnet accommodation portion 26. The flow outlet 62 is closer to the magnet accommodation portion 26 than the center of the second fixed contact 12a and the center of the second movable contact 13b in the left-right direction.

[0055] The partition member 70 is independent of the base 21. The partition member 70 is formed of a material, for example, that has superior arc extinguishing performance to the base 21. Further, the partition member 70 can also be formed of the same material as the base 21. The partition member 70 is fixed to the base 21.

[0056] ​The partition member 70 is disposed in the accommodation space 24. The partition member 70 is disposed between the movable contact piece 13 and the gas flow path 60. The partition member 70 partitions the first space 24a and the second space 24b from the gas flow path 60. The partition member 70 extends in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. The side surface of the partition member 70 in the front-rear direction is in contact with the outer wall 21b and the inner wall 21f. The side surface of the partition member 70 in the left-right direction is separated from the magnet accommodation portions 25, 26. The lower surface of the partition member 70 is separated from the side wall 23.

[0057] The partition member 70 includes a recessed portion 70a, protruding portions 70b, 70c, and tapered surfaces 70d, 70e. The recessed portion 70a is formed in the lower surface of the partition member 70. The recessed portion 70a is formed in the center in the left-right direction of the partition member 70. The recessed portion 70a is open downward.

[0058] The partition member 70 is supported by the support portions 21g, 21h of the base 21. Specifically, the recessed portion 70a of the partition member 70 is supported by the support portions 21g, 21h. The support portion 21g has a shape that protrudes from the outer wall 21b toward the accommodation space 24. The support portion 21g is connected to the side wall 23. The support portion 21h has a shape that protrudes from the inner wall 21f toward the accommodation space 24. The support portion 21h is connected to the side wall 23. The support portion 21g and the support portion 21h are separated in the front-rear direction.

[0059] The protruding portions 70b, 70c are formed in the upper surface of the partition member 70. The protruding portions 70b, 70c protrude upward toward the movable contact piece 13. The protruding portions 70b, 70c are disposed farther from the arc abutting surface 25a in the left-right direction than the tapered surface 70d. The protruding portion 70b is disposed in the first space 24a. The protruding portion 70b is disposed farther left within the first space 24a than the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The protruding portion 70c is disposed in the second space 24b. The protruding portion 70c is disposed farther right within the second space 24b than the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b.

[0060] The tapered surfaces 70d, 70e are formed in the upper surface of the partition member 70. The tapered surface 70d is disposed below the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The tapered surface 70d is inclined toward the side wall 23 in a direction approaching the arc abutting surface 25a. The tapered surface 70e is disposed below the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. The tapered surface 70e is inclined toward the magnet accommodation portion 26 in a direction approaching the side wall 23.

[0061] In the electromagnetic relay 1 described above, the high-temperature gas generated by the arc Al is released from the first space 24a to the second space 24b through the gas flow path 60 provided between the side wall 23 of the housing 2 and the movable contact piece 13, and thus the high-temperature gas generated by the arc Al is prevented from remaining in the first space 24a. Specifically, as shown by the double-dot chain line, Figure 4 The high-temperature gas generated by the arc Al flows from the first space 24a to the second space 24b through the gas flow path 60, as shown by the double-dot chain line. In addition, since the flow outlet 62 of the gas flow path 60 communicates with the second space 24b, the flow outlet 62 is disposed at a position away from the first fixed contact 11a. Therefore, the high-temperature gas flowing from the first space 24a to the second space 24b through the gas flow path 60 is difficult to return to the first space 24a. Thus, the retriggering of the arc Al is prevented.

[0062] The above describes one embodiment of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0063] The structures of the contact device 3 and the driving device 4 can also be modified. The driving device 4 can also be of a plunger type. The structure of the housing 2 can also be modified. The disposition and shape of the magnets 50, 51 can also be modified.

[0064] The shape of the partition member 70 can also be modified. The partition member 70 can be of a shape that divides the first space 24a and the second space 24b from the gas flow path 60. For example, at least one of the protrusions 70b, 70c can be omitted, or a protrusion can be formed at the boundary B between the first space 24a and the second space 24b.

[0065] Figure 6 A sectional view of the periphery of the partition member 70, which is a modification, is shown. The electromagnetic relay 1 can also be provided with a flow path member 80. The flow path member 80 is separate from the housing 2. The flow path member 80 is disposed between the side wall 23 and the partition member 70. Here, the gas flow path 60 is constituted by the flow path member 80, the partition member 70, the outer wall 21b, and the inner wall 21f. The flow path member 80 is fixed to the side wall 23. The flow path member 80 can also be formed of a material having superior arc extinguishing performance to that of the base 21, for example. The partition member 70 and the flow path member 80 can be integrated.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, have: A housing includes a storage space and a sidewall covering the storage space from a first direction, wherein the storage space includes a first space and a second space; The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact disposed in the first space and a first external connecting portion protruding from the side wall in the first direction; The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact disposed in the second space and a second external connecting portion protruding from the side wall in the first direction, and is disposed separately from the first fixed terminal; A movable contact piece includes a first movable contact opposite to the first fixed contact and a second movable contact opposite to the second fixed contact, and is arranged throughout the first space and the second space; A first magnet causes a first electric arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact to extend in the first direction. A gas flow path, comprising an inlet communicating with the first space and an outlet communicating with the second space, and disposed between the sidewall and the movable contact piece; and A dividing component is disposed between the movable contact piece and the gas flow path to separate the first space and the second space from the gas flow path; The outlet is positioned closer to the second movable contact than the center between the first movable contact and the second movable contact.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second magnet that causes the second electric arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact to extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a driving device, which is configured within the housing to be further in a second direction than the first space and the second space, so as to move the movable contact piece along a moving direction, which includes the direction in which the first movable contact approaches the first fixed contact and the direction in which the first movable contact moves away from the first fixed contact.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second space is connected to the space where the drive device is configured.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first magnet is configured such that, as the first electric arc extends in a first direction, the first electric arc also extends in a direction closer to the first magnet. The housing includes an arc-contact surface disposed between the first magnet and the movable contact piece, for the first arc to abut against. The inlet of the gas flow path faces the contact surface of the electric arc.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet of the gas flow path includes a tapered portion that expands toward the arc contact surface.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that, The dividing component includes a tapered surface that is inclined toward the direction of the arc contact surface and toward the sidewall.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7, characterized in that, The dividing component further includes a protrusion configured to be further away from the arc contact surface than the tapered surface and protruding toward the movable contact piece in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The dividing component is independent of the sidewall of the housing.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a flow path component that forms the gas flow path, the flow path component being independent of the side wall of the housing and disposed between the side wall and the dividing component.

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