Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

An electromagnetic relay includes a contact device and a drive device. The contact device includes a plurality of contact groups, each of which includes a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact; a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact separated from the first fixed contact in the first direction; and a movable contact piece. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact point opposed to the first fixed contact point and a second movable contact point opposed to the second fixed contact point. The drive device moves the movable contact piece. The first fixed terminal comprises a first conductive part, a second conductive part and a third conductive part. The first conductive portion includes a first fixed contact. The second conductive portion is connected to the first conductive portion, and at least a portion of the second conductive portion is disposed laterally of the movable contact piece in the first direction. The third conductive portion is connected to the second conductive portion and extends in a direction from the first movable contact to the second movable contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay including: a contact device including a plurality of contact groups, each contact group being composed of a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact piece including a pair of movable contacts; and a drive device that moves the movable contact piece. The plurality of contact groups are arranged with respect to a base in the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-012956

[0005] When using a device equipped with an electromagnetic relay having a contact device including a plurality of contact groups, in the case where a large current caused by a short circuit is generated, the current flows through the contact device to generate an electromagnetic repulsive force between the contacts, and there is a possibility that the contacts are separated. For example, in the case of suppressing the separation of the contacts by increasing the electromagnetic force of the drive device, the drive device becomes large-sized, resulting in the large-sizing of the electromagnetic relay.

[0006] The problem of the present invention is to suppress the large-sizing of an electromagnetic relay and suppress the separation of contacts caused by electromagnetic repulsive force in an electromagnetic relay having a contact device including a plurality of contact groups, the contact group being composed of a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact piece including a pair of movable contacts. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a contact device and a drive device. The contact device includes a plurality of contact groups, each contact group being composed of a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact, and a movable contact piece. The second fixed contact is separated from the first fixed contact in a first direction. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact opposed to the first fixed contact in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and a second movable contact opposed to the second fixed contact in the second direction. The plurality of contact groups are arranged in the second direction. The drive device moves the movable contact piece of each of the plurality of contact groups in the second direction. The first fixed terminal includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion. The first conductive portion includes the first fixed contact. The second conductive portion is connected to the first conductive portion and at least a part thereof is disposed on a side in the first direction of the movable contact piece. The third conductive portion is connected to the second conductive portion and extends in a direction from the first movable contact toward the second movable contact.

[0008] In this electromagnetic relay, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the second conductive portion of the first fixed terminal acts on the current flowing through the movable contact piece, generating a first Lorentz force. The first Lorentz force acts on the first movable contact in the contact direction in which the movable contact piece approaches the first fixed contact. And the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal acts on the current flowing through the movable contact piece, generating a second Lorentz force. The second Lorentz force acts on the movable contact piece in the contact direction. The first Lorentz force and the second Lorentz force act in a direction opposite to the electromagnetic repulsive force between the contacts of the first fixed terminal and the first movable contact. Therefore, as a result, the electromagnetic repulsive force can be suppressed. Thus, for example, compared with the case of increasing the electromagnetic force of the driving device to suppress the separation of the contacts, the enlargement of the electromagnetic relay can be suppressed.

[0009] The electromagnetic relay may also include a base for positioning the first fixed terminal. The first fixed terminal may also include a fourth conductive portion. The fourth conductive portion may extend from the third conductive portion in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction and project from the base in the third direction. In this case, the first fixed terminal can be positioned by the base. In addition, since the fourth conductive portion extends from the third conductive portion in the third direction and projects from the base, the enlargement of the electromagnetic relay in the second direction can be suppressed.

[0010] The third conductive portion may overlap the first fixed contact when viewed from the second direction. In this case, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the third conductive portion effectively acts on the current flowing through the movable contact piece, so the second Lorentz force becomes larger.

[0011] The second conductive portion may overlap the center of the first movable contact in a state where the first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact. In this case, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the second conductive portion effectively acts on the current flowing through the movable contact piece, so the first Lorentz force becomes larger.

[0012] The electromagnetic relay may also include a first insulating wall disposed between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion. In this case, the insulation performance between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion is improved.

[0013] In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the interval between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion may be smaller than the interval between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion. In this case, the insulation between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion can be ensured by the first insulating wall, and the enlargement of the electromagnetic relay in the first direction can be suppressed.

[0014] The electromagnetic relay may also include a second insulating wall disposed between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion. In this case, the insulation performance between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion is improved.

[0015] In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion may also be smaller than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion. In this case, the insulation between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion can be ensured by the third insulating wall, and the electromagnetic relay can be prevented from becoming large in the second direction.

[0016] The second insulating wall may also restrict the movement of the movable contact piece in the direction in which the first movable contact separates from the first fixed contact. In this case, the second insulating wall can also function as a stopper that restricts the movement of the movable contact piece.

[0017] The electromagnetic relay may also include a third insulating wall. The plurality of contact groups may include a first contact group and a second contact group adjacent to the first contact group. The third insulating wall may be disposed between the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group. In this case, the insulation performance between the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group is improved.

[0018] One of the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third insulating wall may include a first protrusion that abuts against the other of the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third insulating wall. In this case, the insulation performance between the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group is improved. In addition, the first conductive portion can be positioned by the first protrusion.

[0019] One of the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group and the third insulating wall may include a second protrusion that abuts against the other of the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group and the third insulating wall. In this case, the insulation performance between the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group is improved. In addition, the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group can be positioned by the second protrusion.

[0020] In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion may be larger than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion. In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion may be larger than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion. In this case, the insulation between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion, and the insulation between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion can be ensured.

[0021] The third conductive part may also not overlap with the first fixed contact when viewed from the second direction. In this case, it is possible to easily rivet and fix the first fixed contact to the third conductive part.

[0022] According to the present invention, in an electromagnetic relay including a contact device having a plurality of contact groups, the electromagnetic relay can be prevented from being enlarged, and separation of the contacts caused by electromagnetic repulsion can be suppressed. The contact groups are composed of a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact piece including a pair of movable contacts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay.

[0024] Figure 2 is a view of the contact device as viewed from above.

[0025] Figure 3 is a view of the contact device as viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first contact group.

[0027] Figure 5 is a view of the first contact group as viewed from above.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the base.

[0029] Figure 7 is a view of a part of the contact device as viewed from above.

[0030] Figure 8 is a view for explaining a modification example of the first fixed terminal.

[0031] Figure 9 is a view of a part of the modified first contact group as viewed from above.

[0032] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0033] 1... electromagnetic relay; 6... first fixed terminal; 7... second fixed terminal; 8... movable contact piece; 8a... first movable contact; 8b... second movable contact; 10... plurality of contact groups; 10a... first contact group; 10b... second contact group; 21... first conductive part; 21a... first fixed contact; 22... second conductive part; 23... third conductive part; 24... fourth conductive part; 61... first insulating wall; 62... second insulating wall; 63... third insulating wall; 71... first protrusion; 72, 73... second protrusions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electromagnetic relay 1 according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the direction indicated by X (an example of the second direction) will be described as the left - right direction, the direction indicated by Y (an example of the first direction) will be described as the front - back direction, and the direction indicated by Z (an example of the third direction) will be described as the up - down direction. In addition, the direction indicated by X1 will be described as the right side, the direction indicated by X2 will be described as the left side, the direction indicated by Y1 will be described as the front side, the direction indicated by Y2 will be described as the back side, the direction indicated by Z1 will be described as the upper side, and the direction indicated by Z2 will be described as the lower side. These directions are defined for the convenience of description and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0035] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a base 2, a partition member 3, a contact device 4, and a drive device 5.

[0036] The base 2 and the partition member 3 are formed of an insulating material such as resin, for example. The base 2 extends in the left - right direction and the front - back direction. The partition member 3 is disposed above the base 2. The partition member 3 is disposed between the contact device 4 and the drive device 5. The partition member 3 divides a space for disposing the contact device 4 and a space for disposing the drive device 5 in the electromagnetic relay 1. The upper part of the partition member 3 is covered by a housing (not shown).

[0037] The contact device 4 is housed in the internal space formed by the base 2 and the partition member 3. The contact device 4 includes a plurality of contact groups 10, and each contact group 10 is composed of a first fixed terminal 6, a second fixed terminal 7, a movable contact piece 8, and a contact spring 9. The plurality of contact groups 10 are arranged and disposed in the left - right direction. The plurality of contact groups 10 are separated from each other in the left - right direction.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the plurality of contact groups 10 include four contact groups 10a - 10d. Specifically, the plurality of contact groups 10 include a first contact group 10a, a second contact group 10b, a third contact group 10c, and a fourth contact group 10d. The first contact group 10a - the fourth contact group 10d are arranged in the order of the first contact group 10a, the second contact group 10b, the third contact group 10c, and the fourth contact group 10d from right to left.

[0039] The first contact group 10a - the fourth contact group 10d have the same structure as each other. That is, the first contact group 10a - the fourth contact group 10d each include a first fixed terminal 6, a second fixed terminal 7, a movable contact piece 8, and a contact spring 9. Here, only the details of the first fixed terminal 6, the second fixed terminal 7, the movable contact piece 8, and the contact spring 9 of the first contact group 10a among the plurality of contact groups 10 will be described.

[0040] The first fixed terminal 6 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material. The first fixed terminal 6 is supported by the base 2. The first fixed terminal 6 is press-fitted and fixed to the base 2, for example. The first fixed terminal 6 is disposed at a position behind the center of the movable contact piece 8 in the front-rear direction.

[0041] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first fixed terminal 6 includes a first conductive portion 21, a second conductive portion 22, a third conductive portion 23, and a fourth conductive portion 24. The first conductive portion 21 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. The first conductive portion 21 is disposed to the left of the movable contact piece 8. The first conductive portion 21 includes a first fixed contact 21a. The first fixed contact 21a is disposed on the right surface of the first conductive portion 21. The first fixed contact 21a is riveted and fixed to the first conductive portion 21. In addition, the first fixed contact 21a may also be integral with the first conductive portion 21.

[0042] The second conductive portion 22 extends in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. The second conductive portion 22 is connected to the first conductive portion 21. At least a part of the second conductive portion 22 is disposed on the side in the front-rear direction of the movable contact piece 8. At least a part of the second conductive portion 22 is disposed on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the movable contact piece 8. The second conductive portion 22 extends from the rear end of the first conductive portion 21 toward the right. The second conductive portion 22 bends toward the right from the rear end of the first conductive portion 21. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the second conductive portion 22 overlaps the first fixed contact 21a and the movable contact piece 8. In a state where the first movable contact 8a described later contacts the first fixed contact 21a, the second conductive portion 22 overlaps the center of the first movable contact 8a.

[0043] The third conductive portion 23 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. The third conductive portion 23 is connected to the second conductive portion 22. The third conductive portion 23 extends along the direction from the first movable contact 8a toward the second movable contact 8b described later. The third conductive portion 23 extends from the right end of the second conductive portion 22 toward the front. The third conductive portion 23 bends toward the front from the right end of the second conductive portion 22. The third conductive portion 23 is disposed to the right of the movable contact piece 8. The third conductive portion 23 overlaps the first fixed contact 21a and the first movable contact 8a when viewed from the left-right direction. The third conductive portion 23 extends longer in the front-rear direction than the first conductive portion 21.

[0044] The fourth conductive portion 24 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. The fourth conductive portion 24 is connected to the third conductive portion 23. The fourth conductive portion 24 projects from the base 2 in the up-down direction. The fourth conductive portion 24 extends downward from the third conductive portion 23 and projects downward from the base 2. The fourth conductive portion 24 is connected to an external terminal (not shown) such as a bus bar.

[0045] The second fixed terminal 7 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material. The second fixed terminal 7 is supported by the base 2. The second fixed terminal 7 is press-fitted and fixed to the base 2, for example. The second fixed terminal 7 is disposed in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the movable contact piece 8. The second fixed terminal 7 is separated from the first fixed terminal 6 in the front-rear direction. The second fixed terminal 7 is disposed in front of the first fixed terminal 6.

[0046] The second fixed terminal 7 and the first fixed terminal 6 are symmetrically disposed. The second fixed terminal 7 has a shape that is front-rear symmetric with the first fixed terminal 6. Therefore, the second fixed terminal 7 will be briefly described.

[0047] The second fixed terminal 7 includes a first conductive portion 31, a second conductive portion 32, a third conductive portion 33, and a fourth conductive portion 34. The first conductive portion 31 is disposed to the left of the movable contact piece 8. The first conductive portion 31 includes a second fixed contact 31a. The second fixed contact 31a is disposed on the right surface of the first conductive portion 31.

[0048] The second conductive portion 32 extends rightward from the front end of the first conductive portion 31. At least a part of the second conductive portion 32 is disposed on the front side of the movable contact piece 8. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the second conductive portion 32 overlaps the second fixed contact 31a and the movable contact piece 8.

[0049] The third conductive portion 33 extends rearward from the right end of the second conductive portion 32. The third conductive portion 33 is disposed to the right of the movable contact piece 8. The third conductive portion 33 overlaps the second fixed contact 31a and the second movable contact 8b when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0050] The fourth conductive portion 34 extends downward from the third conductive portion 33 and protrudes downward from the base 2. The fourth conductive portion 34 is connected to an external terminal (not shown) such as a bus bar.

[0051] The movable contact piece 8 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material. The movable contact piece 8 extends in the front-rear direction. The movable contact piece 8 has a shape that is convex leftward near the center in the front-rear direction.

[0052] The movable contact piece 8 includes a first movable contact 8a and a second movable contact 8b. The first movable contact 8a and the second movable contact 8b are disposed on the left surface of the movable contact piece 8. The first movable contact 8a is opposed to the first fixed contact 21a in the left-right direction. The second movable contact 8b is opposed to the second fixed contact 31a in the left-right direction. The first movable contact 8a and the second movable contact 8b are riveted and fixed to the movable contact piece 8. The first movable contact 8a and the second movable contact 8b may also be integral with the movable contact piece 8.

[0053] The movable contact piece 8 is configured to be movable in the left - right direction. Specifically, the movable contact piece 8 is configured to be movable in the contact direction in which the first movable contact 8a approaches the first fixed contact 21a and in the separation direction in which the first movable contact 8a separates from the first fixed contact 21a. The movable contact piece 8 can be in Figure 2 and Figure 3 the open position shown and Figure 4 and Figure 5 the closed position shown. In the open position, the first movable contact 8a separates from the first fixed contact 21a, and the second movable contact 8b separates from the second fixed contact 31a. In the closed position, the first movable contact 8a contacts the first fixed contact 21a, and the second movable contact 8b contacts the second fixed contact 31a.

[0054] When the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the distance between the movable contact piece 8 and the second conductive part 22 is larger than the distance between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive part 21 and the first movable contact 8a. When the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the distance between the movable contact piece 8 and the third conductive part 23 is larger than the distance between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive part 21 and the first movable contact 8a.

[0055] The contact spring 9 biases the movable contact piece 8 toward the first fixed contact 21a and the second fixed contact 31a. In the present embodiment, the contact spring 9 is disposed on the right surface of the movable contact piece 8 and biases the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction. The contact spring 9 is supported, for example, by a support projection (not shown) provided on the right surface of the movable contact piece 8.

[0056] The drive device 5 is disposed in the internal space formed by the partition member 3 and the housing. The drive device 5 is disposed above the contact device 4. The drive device 5 moves the movable contact piece 8 of each of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d in the left - right direction. The drive device 5 moves the movable contact piece 8 of each of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d from the open position to the closed position by electromagnetic force.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the drive device 5 includes a coil 51, a bobbin 52, a fixed iron core 53, a yoke 54, a movable iron piece 55, a hinge spring 56, a card 57, and a return spring 58. The coil 51 is wound around the bobbin 52. The axis of the bobbin 52 extends in the left - right direction. The fixed iron core 53 is disposed inside the bobbin 52. In the present embodiment, the fixed iron core 53 is formed by laminating a plurality of plates. The yoke 54 has an L - shaped bent shape. The yoke 54 is disposed above the coil 51 and to the left of the bobbin 52. The yoke 54 is connected to the left end of the fixed iron core 53.

[0058] The movable iron piece 55 is connected to the right end of the yoke 54. The movable iron piece 55 is rotatably supported by the yoke 54 via a hinge spring 56. The movable iron piece 55 rotates with the right end of the yoke 54 as a fulcrum. The movable iron piece 55 is disposed to the right of the fixed iron core 53. The lower end of the movable iron piece 55 is connected to the card 57. The hinge spring 56 applies a force to the movable iron piece 55 in a direction away from the fixed iron core 53.

[0059] The card 57 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The card 57 is pressed by the movable iron piece 55 as the movable iron piece 55 rotates and moves in the left - right direction. The card 57 is placed on the base 2 and is guided in its left - right movement by the guiding groove 2a of the base 2 as shown by Figure 6 The guiding groove 2a extends in the left - right direction.

[0060] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the card 57 includes a card body 57a, a cover portion 57b, and an insertion hole 57c. As Figure 3 shown, the card body 57a is formed with four spaces for respectively accommodating the movable contact pieces 8 and the contact springs 9 of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d. The four spaces are arranged in the left - right direction. As Figure 2 shown, the cover portion 57b is fixed to the upper part of the card body 57a to close the upper part of the four spaces. The insertion hole 57c is formed in the upper right end of the cover portion 57b. The insertion hole 57c opens upward for a part of the movable iron piece 55 to be inserted.

[0061] The return spring 58 is disposed at the left end of the card 57 and applies a force to the card 57 in the separating direction.

[0062] In a state where no voltage is applied to the coil 51, the card 57 is pressed in the separating direction by the elastic forces of the hinge spring 56 and the return spring 58, and the movable contact pieces 8 of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d are located at the open positions. If a voltage is applied to the coil 51 to excite the driving device 5, the movable iron piece 55 is attracted by the fixed iron core 53 and rotates, and the card 57 is pressed in the contacting direction. Thus, the card 57 moves in the contacting direction against the elastic force of the return spring 58. Along with the movement of the card 57 in the contacting direction, the movable contact pieces 8 of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d move to the closed positions. Thus, in each of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d, the first movable contact 8a contacts the first fixed contact 21a, and the second movable contact 8b contacts the second fixed contact 31a. If the voltage application to the coil 51 is stopped, the card 57 moves in the separating direction by the elastic forces of the hinge spring 56 and the return spring 58. Thus, the movable contact pieces 8 of the first contact group 10a to the fourth contact group 10d return to the open positions.

[0063] As Figure 6 andFigure 7 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a first insulating wall 61, a second insulating wall 62, and a third insulating wall 63. In the present embodiment, the first insulating wall 61, the second insulating wall 62, and the third insulating wall 63 are integrally formed with the base 2, but the first insulating wall 61, the second insulating wall 62, and the third insulating wall 63 may also be separate from the base 2.

[0064] The first insulating wall 61 is disposed between the movable contact piece 8 and the second conductive portion 22 of the first fixed terminal 6. The first insulating wall 61 extends in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. The first insulating wall 61 extends upward from the bottom 2b of the base 2. The first insulating wall 61 extends upward longer than the second conductive portion 22. The first insulating wall 61 extends along the second conductive portion 22. The first insulating wall 61 is parallel to the second conductive portion 22. The first insulating wall 61 is disposed so as to cover the front of the second conductive portion 22. The first insulating wall 61 is disposed at the rear side of the movable contact piece 8.

[0065] The second insulating wall 62 is disposed between the movable contact piece 8 and the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6. The second insulating wall 62 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. The second insulating wall 62 extends upward from the bottom 2b of the base 2. The second insulating wall 62 extends upward longer than the third conductive portion 23. The second insulating wall 62 extends along the third conductive portion 23. The second insulating wall 62 is parallel to the third conductive portion 23. The second insulating wall 62 is connected to the first insulating wall 61. When viewed from above, the second insulating wall 62 extends forward from the right end of the first insulating wall 61. The second insulating wall 62 is disposed so as to cover the left side of the third conductive portion 23. The second insulating wall 62 is disposed at the right side of the movable contact piece 8.

[0066] The second insulating wall 62 restricts the movement of the movable contact piece 8 in the separating direction. Specifically, when the movable contact piece 8 returns from the closed position to the open position, the second insulating wall 62 functions as a stopper that stops the movable contact piece 8 at the open position. The second insulating wall 62 may also contact the movable contact piece 8 when the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position. That is, the second insulating wall 62 may also be a structure that positions the open position of the movable contact piece 8.

[0067] The third insulating wall 63 is disposed between the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a and the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b. The third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b and the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a are arranged in the left-right direction. The third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b and the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a are opposed to each other in the left-right direction.

[0068] The third insulating wall 63 extends in a direction intersecting the left - right direction. The third insulating wall 63 extends upward from the bottom 2b of the base 2. The third insulating wall 63 extends upward longer than the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a and the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b.

[0069] The electromagnetic relay 1 further includes a fourth insulating wall 64, a fifth insulating wall 65, and a sixth insulating wall 66. The fourth insulating wall 64 is disposed between the movable contact piece 8 and the second conductive portion 32 of the second fixed terminal 7. The fourth insulating wall 64 is separated from the first insulating wall 61 in the front - rear direction. The fourth insulating wall 64 has a shape that is front - rear symmetric with the first insulating wall 61. Details of the fourth insulating wall 64 are omitted.

[0070] The fifth insulating wall 65 is disposed between the movable contact piece 8 and the third conductive portion 33 of the second fixed terminal 7. The fifth insulating wall 65 is separated from the second insulating wall 62 in the front - rear direction. The fifth insulating wall 65 has a shape that is front - rear symmetric with the second insulating wall 62. Details of the fifth insulating wall 65 are omitted.

[0071] The sixth insulating wall 66 is disposed between the first conductive portion 31 of the second fixed terminal 7 of the first contact group 10a and the third conductive portion 33 of the second fixed terminal 7 of the second contact group 10b. The sixth insulating wall 66 is separated from the third insulating wall 63 in the front - rear direction. The sixth insulating wall 66 has a shape that is front - rear symmetric with the third insulating wall 63. Therefore, details of the sixth insulating wall 66 are omitted.

[0072] One of the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a and the third insulating wall 63 includes a first protrusion 71 that abuts against the other of the first conductive portion 31 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a and the third insulating wall 63. In the present embodiment, the third insulating wall 63 includes the first protrusion 71.

[0073] The first protrusion 71 is disposed on the right surface of the third insulating wall 63. The first protrusion 71 abuts against the left surface of the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a. The first protrusion 71 extends upward from the bottom 2b of the base 2. The upper end of the first protrusion 71 is inclined downward toward the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a. The first protrusion 71 is disposed at a position avoiding the riveting portion of the first fixed contact 21a of the first contact group 10a. The first protrusion 71 is disposed at a position behind the first fixed contact 21a of the first contact group 10a. When viewed from the left - right direction, at least a part of the first protrusion 71 does not overlap with the first fixed contact 21a of the first contact group 10a. The first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a is positioned by the first protrusion 71.

[0074] One of the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b and the third insulating wall 63 includes second protrusions 72 and 73 that abut against the other of the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b and the third insulating wall 63. In the present embodiment, the third insulating wall 63 includes second protrusions 72 and 73.

[0075] The second protrusions 72 and 73 are disposed on the left surface of the third insulating wall 63. The second protrusions 72 and 73 abut against the right surface of the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b. The second protrusions 72 and 73 extend upward from the bottom 2b of the base 2. The upper ends of the second protrusions 72 and 73 are inclined downward toward the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b. The second protrusion 72 is separated from the second protrusion 73 in the left-right direction. The second protrusion 72 overlaps the first protrusion 71 when viewed from the left-right direction. The third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b is positioned by the second protrusions 72 and 73.

[0076] The sixth insulating wall 66 includes a third protrusion 74 and fourth protrusions 75 and 76. The third protrusion 74 has a shape that is symmetric with the first protrusion 71 in the front-rear direction. The fourth protrusions 75 and 76 have shapes that are symmetric with the second protrusions 72 and 73 in the front-rear direction.

[0077] As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown, structures similar to the first insulating wall 61, the second insulating wall 62, the fourth insulating wall 64, and the fifth insulating wall 65 are respectively provided in the space for accommodating the second contact group 10b, the space for accommodating the third contact group 10c, and the space for accommodating the fourth contact group 10d. As Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown, structures similar to the third insulating wall 63 and the sixth insulating wall 66 are respectively provided between the second contact group 10b and the third contact group 10c, and between the third contact group 10c and the fourth contact group 10d.

[0078] In Figure 4 and Figure 5In the figure, an example of the path of the current flowing through the first fixed terminal 6, the second fixed terminal 7, and the movable contact piece 8 when energized is schematically shown by a dotted arrow. Here, the current flows in the order of the first fixed terminal 6, the movable contact piece 8, and the second fixed terminal 7. In the first fixed terminal 6, the current flows in the order of the fourth conductive portion 24, the third conductive portion 23, the second conductive portion 22, and the first conductive portion 21. In the movable contact piece 8, the current flows in the direction from the first movable contact 8a toward the second movable contact 8b. In the second fixed terminal 7, the current flows in the order of the first conductive portion 31, the second conductive portion 32, the third conductive portion 33, and the fourth conductive portion 34.

[0079] As Figure 5 shown, the magnetic field generated by the current C1 flowing through the second conductive portion 22 of the first fixed terminal 6 acts on the current C2 flowing through the movable contact piece 8, thereby generating a first Lorentz force F1. The first Lorentz force F1 acts on the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction. Also, the magnetic field generated by the current C3 flowing through the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 acts on the current C2 flowing through the movable contact piece 8, thereby generating a second Lorentz force F2. The second Lorentz force F2 acts on the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction. The first Lorentz force F1 and the second Lorentz force F2 act in a direction opposite to the electromagnetic repulsive force between the first fixed contact 21a and the first movable contact 8a. As a result, the electromagnetic repulsive force can be suppressed. Thus, for example, compared with the case of increasing the electromagnetic force of the drive device 5 to suppress the separation between the first fixed contact 21a and the first movable contact 8a, the enlargement of the electromagnetic relay 1 can be suppressed.

[0080] In addition, the magnetic field generated by the current C4 flowing through the second conductive portion 32 of the second fixed terminal 7 and the magnetic field generated by the current C5 flowing through the third conductive portion 33 act on the current C2 flowing through the movable contact piece 8, generating a third Lorentz force F3 and a fourth Lorentz force F4 that act in a direction opposite to the electromagnetic repulsive force between the second fixed contact 31a and the second movable contact 8b. The first Lorentz force F1 and the second Lorentz force F2 act in a direction opposite to the electromagnetic repulsive force between the second fixed contact 31a and the second movable contact 8b. As a result, the electromagnetic repulsive force can be suppressed.

[0081] Above, an embodiment of the electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0082] The number of the plurality of contact groups 10 can also be changed. The plurality of contact groups 10 only need to include two or more contact groups. The movable contact piece 8 can also extend along a straight line. The thickness of the first fixed terminal 6 can also be uneven. For example, hemming processing can also be performed on the third conductive portion 23 and the fourth conductive portion 24. The first conductive portion 21 to the fourth conductive portion 24 are formed by bending a single plate-shaped terminal, but the first conductive portion 21 to the fourth conductive portion 24 can also be the second conductive portion 22 formed by other components and then joined. It can also be an R shape.

[0083] The first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a can also include a first protrusion 71. That is, the first protrusion 71 can also be provided on the first conductive portion 21 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the first contact group 10a. The second protrusions 72 and 73 can also include the second protrusions 72 and 73 of the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b. That is, the second protrusions 72 and 73 can also be provided on the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 of the second contact group 10b. One of the second protrusion 72 and the second protrusion 73 can also be omitted.

[0084] The third conductive portions 23 and 33 can also have a notch shape. As Figure 8 shown, the third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 may not overlap with the first fixed contact 21a when viewed from the left-right direction. The third conductive portion 23 of the first fixed terminal 6 may not overlap with the first conductive portion 21 when viewed from the left-right direction. Similarly, the third conductive portion 33 of the second fixed terminal 7 may not overlap with the second fixed contact 31a when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0085] As Figure 9 shown, when the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the interval between the movable contact piece 8 and the second conductive portion 22 can also be equal to or less than the interval between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive portion 21 and the first movable contact 8a. When the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the interval between the movable contact piece 8 and the second conductive portion 22 can also be smaller than the interval between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive portion 21 and the first movable contact 8a. When the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the interval between the movable contact piece 8 and the third conductive portion 23 can also be equal to or less than the interval between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive portion 21 and the first movable contact 8a. When the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the interval between the movable contact piece 8 and the third conductive portion 23 can also be smaller than the interval between the first fixed contact 21a of the first conductive portion 21 and the first movable contact 8a.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, it includes a contact device and a driving device, the contact device includes a plurality of contact groups, and each contact group includes: a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact; a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact separated from the first fixed contact in a first direction; and a movable contact piece including a first movable contact opposed to the first fixed contact in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and a second movable contact opposed to the second fixed contact in the second direction, and the plurality of contact groups are arranged in the second direction, the driving device moves the movable contacts of the respective plurality of contact groups along the second direction, the first fixed terminal includes: a first conductive portion including the first fixed contact; a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion, with at least a part disposed on a side of the movable contact piece in the first direction; and a third conductive portion connected to the second conductive portion and extending in a direction from the first movable contact toward the second movable contact.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a base for positioning the first fixed terminal, the first fixed terminal further includes a fourth conductive portion, and the fourth conductive portion extends from the third conductive portion in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction and protrudes from the base in the third direction.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, when observed from the second direction, the third conductive portion overlaps with the first fixed contact.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a state where the first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact, the second conductive portion overlaps with the center of the first movable contact.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a first insulating wall disposed between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that, in a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion is equal to or less than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a second insulating wall disposed between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7, characterized in that, in a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion is equal to or less than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, the second insulating wall restricts the movement of the movable contact piece in a direction in which the first movable contact moves away from the first fixed contact.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a third insulating wall, The plurality of contact groups includes a first contact group and a second contact group adjacent to the first contact group. The third insulating wall is disposed between the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group.

11. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 10, wherein One of the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third insulating wall includes a first protrusion that abuts against the other of the first conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the first contact group and the third insulating wall.

12. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 10 or 11, wherein One of the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group and the third insulating wall includes a second protrusion that abuts against the other of the third conductive portion of the first fixed terminal of the second contact group and the third insulating wall.

13. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the second conductive portion is larger than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion. In a state where the first movable contact is separated from the first conductive portion, the distance between the movable contact piece and the third conductive portion is larger than the distance between the first movable contact and the first conductive portion.

14. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein When viewed from the second direction, the third conductive portion does not overlap with the first fixed contact.

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