Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay that can become fail-safe (switch to the safe side) in the event of an abnormality where voltage is applied to multiple coils simultaneously. [Solution] The electromagnetic relay 100 includes a first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is ON, a second coil C2 that operates when the reverse position is ON, and an armature 20 that switches between the normal position and the reverse position. When both are ON, the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 generate a magnetic field that weakens each other's effects, and the armature 20 is set to a neutral state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay for performing an operation of switching between a normal position side and an opposite position side.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as an electromagnetic relay, there is known one that realizes a three-position state (normal position, opposite position, neutral) by two coils and a permanent magnet (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above Patent Document 1, when voltages are applied to both coils, for example, it is not always possible to set it to a neutral state (safe side).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can be made fail-safe (become a safe side) when an abnormality occurs in which voltages are applied to a plurality of coils.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electromagnetic relay for achieving the above object includes a first coil that operates when the normal position is turned on, a second coil that operates when the opposite position is turned on, and an armature that switches between the normal position side and the opposite position side, and when both are turned on, the first coil and the second coil generate magnetic fields so as to weaken each other's actions, and set the armature to a neutral state.

[0007] In the electromagnetic relay described above, when both coils are on, the first and second coils generate magnetic fields that weaken each other's effects, thereby neutralizing the armature. As a result, the electromagnetic relay becomes fail-safe when both coils are on, by neutralizing the armature through the operation of the two coils.

[0008] In a specific aspect of the present invention, the first coil has a main first coil section and a sub first coil section, and the second coil has a main second coil section and a sub second coil section. The main first coil section generates a magnetic field in the direction that attracts the armature and moves it to the normal position, the main second coil section generates a magnetic field in the direction that attracts the armature and moves it to the reverse position, the sub first coil section generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main second coil section, and the sub second coil section generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main first coil section. In this case, when both are on, for the normal position side, the main first coil section operates to attract the armature and move it to the normal position, while the sub second coil section of the second coil operates in the opposite direction to the main first coil section. Conversely, for the reverse position side, the main second coil section operates to attract the armature and move it to the reverse position, while the sub first coil section operates in the opposite direction to the main second coil section. In this case, the orthogonal and anti-orthogonal sides each generate magnetic fields that weaken each other's effects, and as a result, the armature is maintained in a neutral state.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the main first coil generates a larger magnetic field than the sub second coil, and the main second coil generates a larger magnetic field than the sub first coil. This makes it possible to neutralize the armature when the magnetic fields are generated in a way that weakens each other's effects.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a normal-position electromagnet provided on the normal-position side and equipped with a main first coil section and a sub second coil section, and a reverse-position electromagnet provided on the reverse-position side and equipped with a main second coil section and a sub first coil section. In this case, the function of the electromagnetic relay is maintained by operating the normal-position electromagnet and the reverse-position electromagnet by energizing each coil.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, when both are on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning electromagnet on the positioning side is less than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the reverse electromagnet on the reverse side is less than the operating level of the armature. When the positioning is on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning electromagnet on the positioning side is greater than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the reverse electromagnet on the reverse side is less than the operating level of the armature. In this case, it is possible to maintain the armature in a neutral state when both are on, while maintaining a state in which normal operation can be performed accurately.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a permanent magnet is positioned to influence the magnetic field generated by the first and second coils, wherein the magnetic force of the entire normal-position side, including the permanent magnet, when both are on is smaller than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the entire reverse-position side, including the permanent magnet, is also smaller than the operating level of the armature. In this case, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet can be utilized.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present invention, when the positioning is turned on, the magnetic force of the main first coil and the permanent magnet as a whole on the positioning side is greater than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the sub first coil and the permanent magnet as a whole on the positioning side is less than the operating level of the armature. In this case, it is possible to increase the magnetic force while maintaining the above-described series of operations accurately.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an adjustment member is provided to adjust the armature to the normal position when the normal position is ON, to the reverse position when the reverse position is ON, and to maintain the armature in a neutral state when both are OFF and both are ON. In this case, the operation of the armature can be made precise by adjusting the degree of adjustment of the adjustment member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] (A) is a perspective view illustrating an electromagnetic relay according to one embodiment, and (B) is a plan view. [Figure 2] This is a side view illustrating an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 3] (A) and (B) are conceptual side diagrams illustrating the operation of an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 4] (A) to (C) are conceptual diagrams showing the operation of the electromagnetic relay under normal conditions, and (D) is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the electromagnetic relay under abnormal conditions. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing one example of a configuration of a normal position coil and a reverse position coil using the first and second coils. [Figure 6] (A) is a conceptual diagram illustrating the magnetic field generation in the main first coil section and sub-first coil section that constitute the first coil, and (B) is a conceptual diagram illustrating the magnetic field generation in the main second coil section and sub-second coil section that constitute the second coil. [Figure 7] (A) is a conceptual diagram showing the magnetic field generated in the normal position coil during an abnormal situation where both coils are turned on, and (B) is a conceptual diagram showing the magnetic field generated in the reverse position coil. [Figure 8] (A) to (C) are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of the magnitude of the force that attracts the armature to the orienting coil and the reversing coil, which are generated by the on / off switching of the first and second coils. [Figure 9](A) and (B) are block diagrams for explaining an example of a configuration in which an abnormal signal output is made to an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 10] (A) to (C) are conceptual diagrams for explaining the outline of an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 11] It is a conceptual diagram for explaining a comparative example of an electromagnetic relay.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1 and the like, details of an electromagnetic relay which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1(A) is a conceptual perspective view for explaining an electromagnetic relay 100 of an embodiment, FIG. 1(B) is a plan view, and FIG. 2 is a side view.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1(A) and the like, the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment includes an electromagnet device 10, a permanent magnet PM, an armature 20, and a contact device 30. Here, for the electromagnetic relay 100, for example, with respect to the electromagnet device 10, it has a pair configuration (constituted by two electromagnets) provided with a normal position coil COα related to the on / off operation of the normal position side and a reverse position coil COβ related to the on / off operation of the reverse position side. Along with this, the permanent magnet PM is constituted by two permanent magnets PMα and PMβ. Further, for the armature 20 that switches between the normal position side and the reverse position side, a mechanism for performing on / off switching on the normal position side and the reverse position side is provided. Also, the contact device 30 is provided on the normal position side and the reverse position side respectively. The electromagnetic relay 100 has the above-described configuration and thus operates as a relay. The electromagnetic relay 100 can be applied, for example, as a device for transmitting a signal indicating whether to set to the normal position or the reverse position in a railway switch.

[0018] Among the electromagnetic relays 100, the electromagnet device 10 is of a pair type, being composed of a stationary-side electromagnet 10A constituting the stationary side and a reverse-side electromagnet 10B constituting the reverse side. Each of the electromagnets 10A, 10B is formed, for example, by winding a plurality of coils around a bobbin into which an iron core is inserted.

[0019] Also, as described above, the permanent magnet PM is composed of two permanent magnets PMα, PMβ. The permanent magnet PMα is attached to the stationary-side electromagnet 10A, and the permanent magnet PMβ is attached to the reverse-side electromagnet 10B.

[0020] Note that a yoke YK is provided so as to cover the entire electromagnet device 10 and the permanent magnet PM.

[0021] The armature 20 is made of a magnetic material such as iron. Here, it is composed of a stationary-side armature 20A and a reverse-side armature 20B corresponding to the stationary-side electromagnet 10A and the reverse-side electromagnet 10B, respectively. The stationary-side armature 20A operates by being attracted to the stationary-side electromagnet 10A according to the energization state of the stationary coil COα provided as the coil of the stationary-side electromagnet 10A. That is, the stationary-side armature 20A operates along with the operation of the stationary-side electromagnet 10A. Similarly, the reverse-side armature 20B operates along with the operation (energization state of the reverse coil COβ) of the reverse-side electromagnet 10B.

[0022] The contact device 30 is composed of a stationary-side contact device 30A and a reverse-side contact device 30B corresponding to the stationary-side electromagnet 10A and the reverse-side electromagnet 10B, respectively. Among these, the stationary-side contact device 30A has a stationary-side movable contact portion 31A, a stationary-side fixed contact portion 32A, a stationary-side contact driver 33A, and a stationary-side return spring RSA. Similarly, the reverse-side contact device 30B has a reverse-side movable contact portion 31B, a reverse-side fixed contact portion 32B, a reverse-side contact driver 33B, and a reverse-side return spring RSB.

[0023] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the movable contact sections 31A and 31B have movable contacts MCA and MCB that operate in conjunction with the operation of the electromagnets 10A and 10B. The fixed contact sections 32A and 32B have fixed contacts FCA and FCB that are positioned opposite the movable contacts MCA and MCB. The contact drive units 33A and 33B have a shape with holes or notches provided in a flat plate, and are in contact with the armatures 20A and 20B, sliding in conjunction with the operation of the armatures 20A and 20B. In addition, the contact drive units 33A and 33B are connected to the contact springs and return springs RSA and RSB of the flexible movable contact sections 31A and 31B, and displace these in conjunction with the sliding movement.

[0024] The return springs RSA and RSB are plate-shaped spring members and, as previously described, are flexible. As a result, when the return springs RSA and RSB are displaced by the sliding movement of the contact drive bodies 33A and 33B, a force (returning force) is generated that pushes back in the opposite direction to the direction of movement (displacement). Thus, the return springs RSA and RSB work together with other members to function as adjustment members AM that adjust the armature 20 to maintain a neutral state in both the normal position and reverse position when both are off and both are on. Furthermore, the normal position return spring RSA, as an adjustment member AM, sets the armature 20 to the normal position side (normal position armature 20A to the ON side) when the normal position is ON, and the reverse position return spring RSB, in cooperation with other members, also functions as an adjustment member AM that sets the armature 20 to the reverse position side (reverse position armature 20B to the ON side) when the reverse position is ON.

[0025] The following describes an example of the operation of the contact device 30 in conjunction with the operation of the armature 20, as part of the operation of the electromagnetic relay 100, with reference to the conceptual diagram (schematic diagram) shown as Figure 3. Here, the operation of the normal-position electromagnet 10A, normal-position armature 20A, and normal-position contact device 30A, which constitute the normal-position side, will be described, and the explanation for the reverse-position side will be omitted as it is similar.

[0026] Figure 3(A) shows the case when the localization side is in the OFF state, and Figure 3(B) shows the case when the localization side is in the ON state. That is, when the localization side switches from OFF to ON, it transitions from the state shown in Figure 3(A) to the state shown in Figure 3(B), and when it switches from ON to OFF, it transitions from the state shown in Figure 3(B) to the state shown in Figure 3(A).

[0027] In each figure, first, in Figure 3(A), the normal-position armature 20A has a V-shape in side view and rotates (oscillates) with the bent portion as a fulcrum (pivot axis). Of the two sides forming the normal-position armature 20A, the end EGa forming the side on the normal-position electromagnet 10A side is shown to be separated from the normal-position electromagnet 10A, and the end EGb forming the side on the normal-position electromagnet 10A side is shown to be pressed by the normal-position contact drive body 33A of the normal-position contact device 30A. In this case, the movable contact MCA of the normal-position movable contact part 31A is maintained separated from the fixed contact FCA of the normal-position fixed contact part 32A. That is, the normal-position side is in an OFF state.

[0028] On the other hand, Figure 3(B) shows that the magnetic force generated by the normal-position electromagnet 10A attracts the end EGa of the normal-position armature 20A, causing the end EGb to push back the contact drive unit 33A, resulting in a state in which the normal-position movable contact part 31A and the normal-position return spring RSA are deflected. In other words, with respect to the normal-position contact device 30A, the tip of the normal-position movable contact part 31A and the normal-position return spring RSA connected to the normal-position contact drive unit 33A is displaced from the position shown by the dashed line to the position shown by the solid line. On the other hand, the normal-position fixed contact part 32A, which is not connected to the contact drive unit 33A, does not displace. As a result, the movable contact MCA of the normal-position movable contact part 31A contacts the fixed contact FCA of the normal-position fixed contact part 32A. In other words, the normal-position side is in the ON state.

[0029] Regarding the above-described operation, the normal operation of the electromagnetic relay 100 should be one of the following: as shown in Figure 4(A), both the normal and reverse sides should be off (neutral); as shown in Figure 4(B), the normal side should be on and the reverse side off; or as shown in Figure 4(C), the normal side should be off and the reverse side on. It is necessary to avoid abnormal conditions such as both the normal and reverse sides being on, as shown in Figure 4(D).

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the electromagnets 10A and 10B are operating, even if a command signal is transmitted that turns on both the normal position side and the reverse position side, the two coils, the normal position coil COα and the reverse position coil COβ, are configured to generate a magnetic field that weakens each other's effects, thereby maintaining the armature 20 in a neutral state and ensuring fail-safe operation.

[0031] The following describes an example configuration of the first coil C1 and the second coil C2, which constitute the normal position coil COα and the reverse position coil COβ, with reference to Figure 5, etc. In Figure 5, the state where both are off is shown with solid lines, and the state where they are on is shown with dashed lines.

[0032] First, the first coil C1 has a main first coil section C1m, a sub-first coil section C1s, and a first switch SW1. The first switch SW1 is connected when the normal position is ON (dashed line in the figure) and disconnected when it is OFF. In other words, the first coil C1 operates when the normal position is ON. The current E1 that flows through the first coil C1 when the first switch SW1 is ON is assumed to flow from the main first coil section C1m to the sub-first coil section C1s, as shown in the figure.

[0033] Here, of the first coil C1, the main first coil section C1m constitutes the normal-position electromagnet 10A side, that is, it constitutes the normal-position coil COα, and generates a magnetic field in the direction that attracts the normal-position armature 20A (see Figure 3, etc.) and positions it towards the normal position. In contrast, the sub-first coil section C1s constitutes the reverse-position electromagnet 10B side. That is, the sub-first coil section C1s constitutes the reverse-position coil COβ, not the normal-position coil COα. Furthermore, the main first coil section C1m has more turns than the sub-first coil section C1s, and generates a larger magnetic field.

[0034] On the other hand, the second coil C2 has a main second coil section C2m, a sub-second coil section C2s, and a second switch SW2. The second switch SW2 is connected when the reverse side is ON (dashed line in the figure) and disconnected when it is OFF. In other words, the second coil C2 operates when the reverse side is ON. The current E2 that flows through the second coil C2 when the second switch SW2 is ON is assumed to flow from the main second coil section C2m to the sub-second coil section C2s, as shown in the figure.

[0035] Here, the main second coil section C2m of the second coil C2 constitutes the reversal side electromagnet 10B, that is, it constitutes the reversal coil COβ, and generates a magnetic field in the direction that attracts the reversal side armature 20B (see Figure 3, etc.) and turns it to the reversal side. In contrast, the sub-second coil section C2s constitutes the normal side electromagnet 10A, that is, the sub-second coil section C2s constitutes the normal coil COα, not the reversal coil COβ. Furthermore, the main second coil section C2m has more turns than the sub-second coil section C2s, and generates a larger magnetic field.

[0036] To summarize the above for the normal and reversed sides, the normal coil COα is composed of a main first coil section C1m and a sub second coil section C2s, while the reversed coil COβ is composed of a main second coil section C2m and a sub first coil section C1s.

[0037] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the winding direction of the main first coil section C1m on the normal position side and the sub first coil section C1s on the reverse position side are opposite to that of the main first coil section C1m on the bobbin 11A of the normal position electromagnet 10A and the sub first coil section C1s on the bobbin 11B of the reverse position electromagnet 10B. In other words, one is right-handed and the other is left-handed.

[0038] In contrast, the winding direction of the main first coil section C1m on the normal position side and the main second coil section C2m on the reverse position side are aligned.

[0039] Furthermore, for the main second coil section C2m on the reverse side and the sub-second coil section C2s on the normal side, the winding direction of the sub-second coil section C2s on the bobbin 11A of the normal-side electromagnet 10A and the winding direction of the main second coil section C2m on the bobbin 11B of the reverse-side electromagnet 10B are opposite to each other.

[0040] Furthermore, the winding directions of the sub-first coil section C1s and the sub-second coil section C2s are aligned.

[0041] In the above case, as a result, in the localized coil COα, the magnetic field generated by the current E1 flowing through the main first coil section C1m and the magnetic field generated by the current E2 flowing through the sub-second coil section C2s are in opposite directions. That is, the sub-second coil section C2s generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main first coil section C1m, and this weakens the magnetic fields. Similarly, in the reversed coil COβ, the magnetic fields generated in the main second coil section C2m and the sub-first coil section C1s are also such that the sub-first coil section C1s generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main second coil section C2m, and they weaken each other.

[0042] However, the main first coil section C1m generates a larger magnetic field than the sub second coil section C2s, and the main second coil section C2m generates a larger magnetic field than the sub first coil section C1s.

[0043] Furthermore, regarding the above configuration, if we consider the normal-position electromagnet 10A provided on the normal-position side and the reverse-position electromagnet 10B provided on the reverse-position side, the normal-position electromagnet 10A is equipped with a main first coil section C1m and a sub second coil section C2s, while the reverse-position electromagnet 10B is equipped with a main second coil section C2m and a sub first coil section C1s.

[0044] The generation of magnetic fields in the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 will be explained below with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(A) is a conceptual diagram illustrating the generation of magnetic fields in the main first coil section C1m and the sub-first coil section C1s that constitute the first coil C1, and Figure 6(B) is a conceptual diagram illustrating the generation of magnetic fields in the main second coil section C2m and the sub-second coil section C2s that constitute the second coil C2.

[0045] First, in the first coil C1 shown in Figure 6(A), only the first switch SW1 is ON (the second switch SW2 on the reverse side, shown by the dashed line, is OFF). In other words, this shows the case where only current E1 is flowing. In this case, among the components of the positioning coil COα, the main first coil section C1m generates a magnetic field H1α due to the current E1, while the sub second coil section C2s does not generate a magnetic field. In other words, on the positioning side, the magnetic field generated by the positioning coil COα as a whole is only the magnetic field H1α. Therefore, by making the force that attracts the positioning side armature 20A by the magnetic field H1α sufficiently large compared to the force pushed back by the contact spring of the movable contact section 31A and the positioning side return spring RSA, as illustrated in Figure 3(B), the positioning side can be maintained in the ON state.

[0046] On the other hand, in the case shown in Figure 6(A), among the components constituting the reverse coil COβ, a magnetic field H1β is generated in the sub-first coil section C1s due to the current E1, while no magnetic field is generated in the main second coil section C2m. In other words, on the reverse side, the only magnetic field generated by the reverse coil COβ as a whole is the magnetic field H1β. Therefore, by making the force that attracts the normal-side armature 20A by the magnetic field H1β sufficiently small compared to the force pushed back by the contact spring of the movable contact section 31B and the reverse-side return spring RSB, as illustrated in Figure 3(A), the reverse side can be maintained in an off state.

[0047] As a result of the above, when the state shown in Figure 4(B) is reached, i.e., when the first switch SW1 is turned ON (the second switch SW2 is turned OFF), it is possible to maintain a state in which the normal position side is ON and the reverse position side is OFF accordingly.

[0048] Similarly, when the second switch SW2 shown in Figure 6(B) is turned ON (the first switch SW1 is turned OFF), the magnetic field H2β generated by the main second coil section C2m of the reverse coil COβ due to the current E2 is made sufficiently large compared to the force pushed back by the reverse side return spring RSB, etc., as exemplified in Figure 3(B), and the magnetic field H2α generated by the sub second coil section C2s of the normal coil COα is made sufficiently small compared to the force pushed back by the normal side return spring RSA, etc., as exemplified in Figure 3(A). This makes it possible to maintain the state shown in Figure 4(C), that is, the reverse side is ON and the normal side is OFF.

[0049] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figure 7, when both switches are on in an abnormal state, i.e., when both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are on, the attractive force generated by the magnetic fields in both the normal position coil COα and the reverse position coil COβ can be made sufficiently small compared to the force pushed back by the return springs RSA and RSB exemplified in Figure 3(A), thereby maintaining a neutral state that is neither normal nor reverse. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7(A), the magnetic field generated in the normal position coil COα is the sum of the magnetic field H1α generated by the main first coil section C1m and the magnetic field H2α generated by the sub second coil section C2s. Here, as shown in the figure, the directions of the magnetic fields H1α and H2α are opposite, so they weaken each other. In other words, in this case, the generated magnetic field can be made smaller than in the case of only the magnetic field H1α exemplified in Figure 6(A), so as a result, the force attracting the normal position armature 20A can be weakened to the necessary extent. In other words, the normal position can be maintained in an off state. Similarly, as shown in Figure 7(B), for the reversal coil COβ, the magnetic field H2β generated by the main second coil section C2m and the magnetic field H1β generated by the sub-first coil section C1s have opposite directions, so the reversal side can also be kept in the off state. As a result, the state shown in Figure 4(D) can be avoided, that is, both the normal side and the reversal side can not be turned on at the same time.

[0050] The following diagrams, Figures 8(A) to 8(C), illustrate an example of how magnetic force is generated to achieve the above configuration. In each diagram, priority is given to showing the relationship between the direction in which magnetomotive force is generated in the normal position and the reverse position, respectively, using the up and down directions of the arrows.

[0051] In this example, the magnitude of the magnetomotive force generated by the main first coil section C1m and the main second coil section C2m is set to 500A (amperes), and the magnitude of the magnetomotive force generated by the sub first coil section C1s and the sub second coil section C2s is set to 220A (amperes). These values ​​are adjusted by the currents E1 and E2, the number of turns in each coil section C1m, C2m, C1s, and C2s, the selection of the iron core, etc. Furthermore, the magnitude of the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnets PMα and PMβ (permanent magnet magnetomotive force) is set to 10A (amperes). Based on this, the minimum magnetomotive force required to maintain the ON state by attracting the ON state of the ON state armature 20A on the ON side (minimum magnetomotive force of the ON coil) is set to 350A (amperes). Similarly, the minimum magnetomotive force required to maintain the ON state by attracting the ON state of the OFF state armature 20B on the OFF side (minimum magnetomotive force of the OFF coil) is also set to 350A. These values ​​can be set, for example, by adjusting the force that pushes back the armatures 20A and 20B in the return springs RSA, RSB, etc. (see Figure 3, etc.), which function as adjustment members AM that adjust to maintain a neutral state.

[0052] With the above adjustments in place, for example, if a command signal is given to turn on only the normal position side, then, as shown in Figure 8(A), the first switch SW1 will turn on (the second switch SW2 will be off), and only the first coil C1 will be energized and voltage applied. In this case, the magnetomotive force generated by the entire normal position coil COα (normal position coil magnetomotive force) will be the magnetomotive force of the main first coil section C1m (500A). In other words, Positioning coil magnetomotive force = magnetomotive force of main coil section C1m (500A) In this case, the localization side also takes into account the magnetomotive force (10A) of the permanent magnet PMα. Main coil section C1m magnetomotive force (500A) - Permanent magnetomotive force (10A) > Minimum magnetomotive force of the positioning coil (350A) Therefore, when the local position is ON, the magnetic force generated by the local position electromagnet 10A on the local position side is greater than the operating level of the local position armature 20A (see Figure 3, etc.), and the local position coil COα attracts the local position armature 20A, causing it to operate in an ON state.

[0053] On the other hand, in this case, on the reverse side, only the first coil C1 is energized and voltage is applied, so the magnetomotive force generated by the entire reverse coil COβ (reverse coil magnetomotive force) becomes the magnetomotive force of the sub-first coil section C1s (220A). In other words, Reverse coil magnetomotive force = Magnetomotive force of sub-coil section C1s (220A) In this case, the reverse side also takes into account the magnetomotive force (10A) of the permanent magnet PMβ. Magnetomotive force of sub-coil section C1s (220A) + permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) < minimum magnetomotive force of reverse coil (350A) Therefore, the magnetic force generated by the reversal electromagnet 10B on the reversal side is smaller than the operating level of the reversal armature 20B, and the reversal coil COβ does not attract the reversal armature 20B, so it operates in a way that maintains the off state.

[0054] Next, when a command signal is given to turn on only the reverse side, the second switch SW2 turns on (the first switch SW1 turns off), as shown in Figure 8(B), and only the second coil C2 is energized and voltage is applied. In this case, the magnetomotive force generated by the entire reverse coil COβ (reverse coil magnetomotive force) becomes the magnetomotive force of the main second coil section C2m (500A). In other words, Reverse coil magnetomotive force = magnetomotive force of main second coil section C2m (500A) Therefore, in this case, the opposing side is, Main second coil section C2m magnetomotive force (500A) - Permanent magnetomotive force (10A) > Reverse coil minimum magnetomotive force (350A) As a result, the system operates to maintain the ON state. On the other hand, the localization side, The magnetomotive force of the sub-second coil section C2s (220A) + the magnetomotive force of the permanent magnet (10A) < the minimum magnetomotive force of the positioning coil (350A) As a result, the system is operated to maintain the off state.

[0055] When a command signal is issued to turn on both the normal and reverse sides, both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 turn on accordingly, as shown in Figure 8(C), and both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are energized and voltage is applied. In this case, the normal side is, Magnetomotive force of main coil section C1m (500A) - Permanent magnetomotive force (10A) - Magnetomotive force of sub-coil section C2s (220A) < Minimum magnetomotive force of positioning coil (350A) As a result, the operation is performed to maintain the off state. Similarly, the reverse side, Magnetomotive force of main coil section C2m (500A) - Permanent magnetomotive force (10A) - Magnetomotive force of sub-coil section C1s (220A) < Minimum magnetomotive force of reverse coil (350A) As a result, this also operates to maintain the OFF state. That is, in the situation shown in Figure 8(C), when both are ON, the magnetic force generated by the normal-side electromagnet 10A on the normal-side is smaller than the operating level of the normal-side armature 20A, and the magnetic force generated by the reverse-side electromagnet 10B on the reverse-side is smaller than the operating level of the reverse-side armature 20B, and the neutral state is maintained.

[0056] As described above, in the example above, as explained with reference to Figure 8(C), the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ) are positioned in a location that can influence the magnetic field generated by the first coil C1 and the second coil C2. However, when both are ON, the magnetic force of the entire normal position side, including the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ), is smaller than the operating level of the armature 20 (20A, 20B), and the magnetic force of the entire reverse position side, including the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ), is also smaller than the operating level of the armature 20 (20A, 20B).

[0057] On the other hand, as explained with reference to Figure 8(A), when the positioning is ON, the overall magnetic force on the positioning side, consisting of the main first coil section C1m and the permanent magnet PMα, is greater than the operating level of the positioning side armature 20A, while the overall magnetic force on the positioning side, consisting of the sub first coil section C1s and the permanent magnet PMα, is less than the operating level of the reverse side armature 20B.

[0058] Below, with reference to the block diagram shown in Figure 9, an example of a configuration in which a command signal is output that turns on both the normal and reverse sides, i.e., an abnormal signal output as described above.

[0059] Normally, the command source is adjusted so that either the normal position or the reverse position is output, or neither is output. However, as in one comparative example shown in Figure 9(A), if the command source is composed of two electronic units EC1 and EC2, and each electronic unit EC1 and EC2 independently outputs the normal coil output and the reverse coil output, then a malfunction or setting error in one or both of the systems may result in the output of a contradictory command signal that turns on both the normal and reverse positions. In contrast, as in the electromagnetic relay 100X of one comparative example shown in Figure 9(A), if the normal coil COα is operated based on the normal coil output from electronic unit EC1 and the reverse coil COβ is operated based on the reverse coil output from electronic unit EC2, then the contradictory command signal will be output directly to the contacts. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9(B), the normal position coil output from the electronic unit EC1 is received by the first coil C1, and the reverse position coil output from the electronic unit EC2 is received by the second coil C2. A combination of a part of the first coil C1 and a part of the second coil C2 constitutes a normal position coil COα to handle the contact output on the normal position side, and a combination of the remaining part of the first coil C1 and the remaining part of the second coil C2 constitutes a reverse position coil COβ to handle the contact output on the reverse side. This makes it possible to take appropriate action even if an abnormal signal output is generated from the command source.

[0060] The following describes the general outline of the electromagnetic relay 100 in this embodiment with reference to the conceptual diagrams shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(C). As previously described, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is ON, a second coil C2 that operates when the reverse position is ON, and an armature 20 that switches between the normal position and the reverse position. In the example shown in Figure 10(A), etc., the first coil C1 is shown with a dashed line and the second coil C2 is shown with a solid line.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure and as previously described, the positioning coil COα is composed of a main first coil section C1m, which is part of the first coil C1, and a sub second coil section C2s, which is part of the second coil C2. On the other hand, the reverse coil COβ is composed of a sub first coil section C1s, which is another part of the first coil C1, and a main second coil section C2m, which is another part of the second coil C2.

[0062] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the armature 20 has a V-shape in side view and rotates (oscillates) with the bent portion as a fulcrum (pivot axis). One end EDα, which forms one side of the V-shape, is attracted to the normal position side, and the other end EDβ is attracted to the reverse position side. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, it is assumed that a spring member or the like is provided so that when the armature is not energized, the armature 20 is in a neutral state without being biased towards either the normal or reverse position.

[0063] In the electromagnetic relay 100 configured as described above, as shown in Figure 10(A), when only the first coil C1 is energized and a magnetomotive force Fm1 is generated by the main first coil section C1m and a magnetomotive force Fs1 is generated by the sub-first coil section C1s, by keeping the magnetomotive force Fs1 smaller than the magnetomotive force Fm1, the armature 20 can be attracted to the normal position. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(B), when only the second coil C2 is energized, by keeping the magnetomotive force Fs2 generated by the sub-second coil section C2s smaller than the magnetomotive force Fm2 generated by the main second coil section C2m, the armature 20 can be attracted to the reverse position. Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Figure 10(C), when both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are energized and all magnetomotive forces Fm1, Fs1, Fm2, and Fs2 are generated, the normal side and the reverse side will attract each other to an equal degree, and as a result, the armature 20 can be kept in a neutral state without being attracted to either side. In other words, in Figure 10(C), when both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are turned on, they generate magnetic fields that weaken each other's effects, thereby putting the armature 20 into a neutral state.

[0064] In contrast, in the electromagnetic relay 100Y, a comparative example shown in Figure 11, unlike this embodiment, one coil constitutes the normal position coil COα, and the other coil constitutes the reverse position coil COβ. In this case, for example, if one end EDα of the armature 20 is first attracted to the normal position coil COα side, resulting in the state shown in Figure 11, the other end EDβ will move away from the reverse position coil COβ, creating a gap. Generally, the attractive force due to magnetomotive force weakens with increasing distance. Therefore, for example, if the normal position side is energized first and the state shown in the figure is maintained by the magnetomotive force of the normal position coil COα side, even if the reverse position side is also energized and a magnetomotive force is generated on the reverse position coil COβ side, the difference in attractive force due to the difference in distance will result in no change from the state shown. In other words, in this case, even though an abnormality has occurred, it will not return to the safe side (neutral state), and the current state will be maintained. In contrast, in this embodiment, by using the above-described configuration, namely a magnetic verification circuit composed of a double-wound coil and a permanent magnet, when both are ON, a magnetic field is generated that weakens the effect of the other on each other. For example, it is possible to weaken the magnetomotive force of one while generating a magnetomotive force on the other, thereby neutralizing the armature 20 and avoiding such a situation.

[0065] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 100 of this embodiment includes a first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is ON, a second coil C2 that operates when the reverse position is ON, and an armature 20 that switches between the normal position and the reverse position. When both are ON, the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 generate a magnetic field that weakens each other's effects, putting the armature 20 into a neutral state. In this case, the electromagnetic relay 100 becomes fail-safe when both are ON abnormally, by putting the armature 20 into a neutral state through the operation of the two coils C1 and C2.

[0066] 〔others〕 This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0067] First, in the above embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 100 is applicable to railway switches, but it is not limited to this and can be applied to various devices such as traffic signals.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the winding method and number of turns of the first coil C1 and the second coil C2, as well as the current value and magnetic force, are merely examples and are not limited to these; various other configurations are possible.

[0069] Furthermore, the shape and configuration of components such as the armature and return spring can also be varied. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10...Electromagnet device, 10A...Normal-position electromagnet, 10B...Reverse-position electromagnet, 11A,11B...Bobbin, 20...Armature, 20A...Normal-position armature, 20B...Reverse-position armature, 30...Contact device, 30A...Normal-position contact device, 30B...Reverse-position contact device, 31A...Normal-position movable contact part, 31B...Reverse-position movable contact part, 32A...Normal-position fixed contact part, 32B...Reverse-position fixed contact part, 33A...Normal-position contact drive unit, 33B...Reverse-position contact drive unit, 100...Electromagnetic relay, 100X,100Y...Electromagnetic relay, AM...Adjustment member, C1...First coil, C1m...Me In: First coil section, C1s… Sub-first coil section, C2… Second coil, C2m… Main second coil section, C2s… Sub-second coil section, COα… Positioning coil, COβ… Reverse coil, E1, E2… Current, EC1, EC2… Electronic section, EDα… One end, EDβ… Other end, EGa, EGb… End, FCA, FCB… Fixed contact, Fm1, Fs1, Fm2, Fs2… Magnetomotive force, H1α, H1β, H2α, H2β… Magnetic field, MCA, MCB… Movable contact, PM, PMα, PMβ… Permanent magnet, SW1… First switch, SW2… Second switch, YK… Yoke

Claims

1. A first coil that operates when the localization is turned on, A second coil that operates when the reverse position is ON, Amateurs who switch between the normal side and the reverse side Equipped with, An electromagnetic relay in which, when both are turned on, the first coil and the second coil generate magnetic fields that weaken each other's effects, thereby neutralizing the armature.

2. The first coil has a main first coil section and a sub-first coil section. The second coil has a main second coil section and a sub second coil section. The main first coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature and directs it toward the local position. The main second coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature and turns it in the opposite direction. The sub-first coil section generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main second coil section. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the sub-second coil section generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main first coil section.

3. The main first coil section generates a larger magnetic field than the sub second coil section. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, wherein the main second coil section generates a larger magnetic field than the sub-first coil section.

4. A positioning side electromagnet is provided on the positioning side, and the main first coil section and the sub second coil section are attached to it, A reverse-side electromagnet is provided on the reverse side, and the main second coil section and the sub-first coil section are attached to it. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, comprising:

5. When both are ON, the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet on the normal position side is less than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet on the reverse position side is less than the operating level of the armature. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, wherein, when the normal position is ON, the magnetic force generated by the normal position electromagnet on the normal position side is greater than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the reverse position electromagnet on the reverse position side is less than the operating level of the armature.

6. The system includes permanent magnets positioned in locations that can influence the magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil, The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic force of the entire normal position side, including the permanent magnet, when both are ON is less than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the entire reverse position side, including the permanent magnet, is less than the operating level of the armature.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 6, wherein, when the positioning is ON, the magnetic force of the main first coil section and the permanent magnet as a whole on the positioning side is greater than the operating level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the sub first coil section and the permanent magnet as a whole on the positioning side is less than the operating level of the armature.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment member for adjusting the armature to be in the normal position when the normal position is ON, to be in the reverse position when the reverse position is ON, and to maintain the armature in a neutral state when both are OFF and both are ON.

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