Relay

Abstract

In the relay, a first magnet (51) and a second magnet (52) are arranged in a manner that the same poles face each other. A movable contact piece (7) is arranged between the first magnet (51) and the second magnet (52) in the width direction of the movable contact piece (7). A third magnet (53) is arranged so that the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece (7) increases at a position between the first fixed contact (11) and the first movable contact (13). A fourth magnet (54) is arranged so that the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece (7) increases at a position between the second fixed contact (12) and the second movable contact (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay Background Art

[0002] Among relays, there are relays that have magnets for extinguishing arcs generated at contacts (see Patent Document 1). For example, two permanent magnets are arranged in a mutually opposed manner, and a movable contact piece is arranged between the two permanent magnets. If an arc is generated between the contacts, the Lorentz force acts on the arc due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnets. As a result, the arc is stretched and quickly extinguished.

[0003] For example, in Fig. 8A In the embodiment, the two magnets 100 and 101 are arranged in the width direction of the movable contact piece ( Fig. 8A The magnets 100 and 101 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction), and the magnets 100 and 101 are arranged to face each other with different poles. In this case, a magnetic flux is generated in the direction from the magnet 100 toward the magnet 101. In this case, the arc is stretched in the longitudinal direction (in the vertical direction) of the movable contact piece 102 according to the current flow direction at the contact point. Fig. 8A For example, when the current flows in a certain direction in the movable contact piece 102, the Lorentz force acts on the outside of the movable contact piece 102 as shown by arrows F100 and F101. In addition, when the current flows in the reverse direction, the Lorentz force acts on the inside of the movable contact piece 102 as shown by arrows F102 and F103. Therefore, the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc differ depending on the direction of the current flow at the contact point.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-204480 Summary of the invention

[0005] On the other hand, Figure 8B In the embodiment, two permanent magnets 200 and 201 are arranged in a manner that they are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 202, and these magnets 200 and 201 are arranged in a manner that they are opposed to each other with different poles. Figure 8B As shown, a magnetic flux is generated at the contact point along the length direction of the movable contact piece 202. Therefore, the stretching direction of the arc becomes the width direction of the movable contact piece 102. For example, when the current flows in a certain direction in the movable contact piece 202, as shown by arrows F200 and F201, a Lorentz force acts in the width direction of the movable contact piece 102. In addition, when the current flows in the reverse direction, as shown by arrows F202 and F203, a Lorentz force acts in the width direction of the movable contact piece 102. In this case, the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc is small.

[0006] However, in the relay, the movable contact piece is held by a contact piece holding part. The contact piece holding part includes, for example, a drive shaft connected to the movable contact piece. The contact piece holding part is driven by a driving device to move the movable contact piece. Therefore, wear debris may be generated due to wear between the movable contact piece and the contact piece holding part or between components of the contact piece holding part.

[0007] In such Figure 8B When the magnet is arranged in this way, if the wear debris generated in the contact piece holding portion is attracted by the magnet, the wear debris moves toward the contact point. Therefore, there is a situation where the wear debris is sandwiched between the contacts. In this case, the contact resistance between the contacts becomes large, and the current carrying performance may be reduced.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to suppress the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc-extinguishing characteristics of the arc and to suppress the reduction in current-carrying performance due to wear debris.

[0009] A relay according to one embodiment includes a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, a movable contact piece, a contact piece holding portion, a first magnet, a second magnet, a third magnet, and a fourth magnet. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact that are separated from each other in the length direction. The movable contact piece is configured to be able to move in a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact contact and the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact and in a direction away from each other. The contact piece holding portion holds the movable contact piece at a position between the first movable contact and the second movable contact in the length direction of the movable contact piece.

[0010] The first magnet is arranged on one side of the movable contact piece in a width direction of the movable contact piece intersecting with the length direction of the movable contact piece. The second magnet is arranged on the other side of the movable contact piece in the width direction of the movable contact piece. The third magnet is arranged separately from the first fixed contact and the first movable contact in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. The fourth magnet is arranged separately from the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

[0011] The first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in a manner that the same poles face each other. The movable contact piece is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet in the width direction of the movable contact piece. The third magnet is arranged to increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. The fourth magnet is arranged to increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

[0012] In the relay of this mode, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in a manner that the same poles face each other, and the movable contact piece is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet in the width direction of the movable contact piece. Therefore, a magnetic flux is generated along the length direction of the movable contact piece at the contact point. Therefore, the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc is suppressed.

[0013] In addition, the movable contact piece is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet in the width direction of the movable contact piece. Therefore, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion is attracted by the first magnet or the second magnet, it moves in a direction different from the contact point. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wear debris from being sandwiched between the contacts, and it is possible to prevent the reduction in the current carrying performance caused by the wear debris.

[0014] Furthermore, the third magnet is configured to increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. The fourth magnet is configured to increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact. Thus, the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc can be improved. In addition, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion is attracted by the third magnet or the fourth magnet, it moves in a direction different from the contact. Therefore, the wear debris can be prevented from being sandwiched between the contacts, and the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris can be prevented.

[0015] The relay may also include a housing. The housing may also include a first storage portion and a second storage portion. The first storage portion may also store a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact and a movable contact piece. The second storage portion may also be divided from the first storage portion. At least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet may also be arranged in the second storage portion. In this case, wear debris can be prevented from adhering to the third magnet and / or the fourth magnet.

[0016] The relay may further include a first partition wall disposed between the first fixed contact and the third magnet. In this case, the first partition wall can suppress adhesion of wear debris to the third magnet.

[0017] The relay may further include a second partition wall disposed between the second fixed contact and the fourth magnet. In this case, the second partition wall can suppress adhesion of wear debris to the fourth magnet.

[0018] The first fixed contact may also be arranged between the first movable contact and the third magnet in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the third magnet can be arranged in such a way that the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at the position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact is increased. In addition, since the first fixed contact does not move, the third magnet can be arranged close to the first fixed contact.

[0019] The second fixed contact may also be arranged between the second movable contact and the fourth magnet in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the fourth magnet can be arranged in such a way that the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at the position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact is increased. In addition, since the second fixed contact does not move, the fourth magnet can be arranged close to the second fixed contact.

[0020] The movable contact piece may be arranged between the first fixed contact and the third magnet in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the third magnet may be arranged to increase the magnetic flux in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece at the position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact.

[0021] The movable contact piece may be arranged between the second fixed contact and the fourth magnet in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the fourth magnet may be arranged to increase the magnetic flux in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece at the position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

[0022] At least a portion of the third magnet may overlap with the first fixed contact or the first movable contact when viewed from the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the third magnet can effectively increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact.

[0023] When viewed from the moving direction of the movable contact piece, at least a portion of the fourth magnet may overlap with the second fixed contact or the second movable contact. In this case, the fourth magnet can effectively increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

[0024] The length of the first magnet in the length direction of the movable contact piece may also be smaller than the distance between the first movable contact and the second movable contact in the length direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion is attracted by the first magnet, the wear debris can be prevented from approaching the first movable contact or the second movable contact. Thus, the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris can be suppressed.

[0025] The length of the second magnet in the length direction of the movable contact piece may also be smaller than the distance between the first movable contact and the second movable contact in the length direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion is attracted by the second magnet, the wear debris can be prevented from approaching the first movable contact or the second movable contact. Thus, the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris can be suppressed.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc, and to suppress the reduction in current-carrying performance due to wear debris. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing a relay according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is a diagram showing the operation of the movable contact piece.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the first housing portion of the relay.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the relay.

[0031] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of .

[0032] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the third magnet and the fourth magnet according to the first modification example.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the third magnet and the fourth magnet according to the second modification.

[0034] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of contacts and magnets in the related art.

[0035] Explanation of symbols: 2…housing; 7…movable contact piece; 11…first fixed contact; 12…second fixed contact; 13…first movable contact; 14…second movable contact; 18a…first partition wall; 18b…second partition wall; 51…first magnet; 52…second magnet; 53…third magnet; 54…fourth magnet; S1…first storage section; S2…second storage section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, a relay 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a relay 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay 1 includes a housing 2, a contact device 3, and a drive device 4. In the following description, the directions of up, down, left, and right refer to Figure 1 The up, down, left, and right directions in the text. In addition, the front-back direction refers to the Figure 1 However, the definitions of these directions do not limit the arrangement direction of the relay 1.

[0037] The housing 2 accommodates the contact device 3 and the drive device 4. The housing 2 is formed of an insulating resin. The housing 2 includes a housing body 2a and a cover 2b. The contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are arranged in the housing body 2a. The cover 2b is separate from the housing body 2a. The cover 2b is mounted on the housing body 2a. The housing body 2a includes a contact housing 18 and a shell 19. The contact housing 18 divides the interior of the housing 2 into a first storage portion S1 and a second storage portion S2. The contact device 3 is arranged in the first storage portion S1. The drive device 4 is arranged in the second storage portion S2. The shell 19 accommodates the contact housing 18 inside.

[0038] The contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 5, a second fixed terminal 6, a movable contact piece 7 and a contact piece holding portion 8. The first fixed terminal 5, the second fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 7 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. The first fixed terminal 5 includes a first fixed contact 11. The second fixed terminal 6 includes a second fixed contact 12. The first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 are arranged separately in the left-right direction.

[0039] The movable contact piece 7 extends in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the length direction of the movable contact piece 7 is consistent with the left-right direction. The movable contact piece 7 includes a first movable contact 13 and a second movable contact 14. The first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 are arranged separately in the left-right direction. The first movable contact 13 is arranged opposite to the first fixed contact 11. The second movable contact 14 is arranged opposite to the second fixed contact 12.

[0040] The movable contact piece 7 includes a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The first end 7a is one end of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. The second end 7b is the other end of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the first end 7a is the left end of the movable contact piece 7. The second end 7b is the right end of the movable contact piece 7. The first movable contact 13 is arranged between the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction and the first end 7a. The second movable contact 14 is arranged between the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction and the second end 7b.

[0041] The movable contact piece 7 is configured to be movable in the up-down direction. Specifically, the movable contact piece 7 is configured to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The contact direction Z1 is the direction in which the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 contact the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 ( Figure 1 The separation direction Z2 is the direction in which the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 move away from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 ( Figure 1 ).

[0042] The contact piece holding portion 8 holds the movable contact piece 7. The contact piece holding portion 8 holds the movable contact piece 7 at the left-right center of the movable contact piece 7. Therefore, the contact piece holding portion 8 holds the movable contact piece 7 at a position between the first movable contact point 13 and the second movable contact point 14 in the left-right direction.

[0043] The contact piece holding portion 8 includes a drive shaft 15, a bracket 16, and a contact spring 17. The drive shaft 15, the bracket 16, and the contact spring 17 are made of metal such as stainless steel. However, the drive shaft 15, the bracket 16, and the contact spring 17 may be made of metal other than stainless steel. Alternatively, a part of the contact piece holding portion 8 may be made of a material other than metal such as resin.

[0044] The drive shaft 15 extends in the up-down direction. The drive shaft 15 is configured to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The bracket 16 is connected to the movable contact piece 7 to hold the movable contact piece 7. The contact spring 17 is arranged between the drive shaft 15 and the bracket 16. The drive shaft 15 is connected to the bracket 16 via the contact spring 17.

[0045] The first fixed terminal 5 includes a first contact support portion 21 and a first external connection portion 24. The first contact support portion 21 supports the first fixed contact 11 in the housing 2. The first external connection portion 24 is connected to the first contact support portion 21. The first external connection portion 24 protrudes to the outside of the housing 2. The first external connection portion 24 may also be formed integrally with the first contact support portion 21. Alternatively, the first external connection portion 24 may also be separate from the first contact support portion 21.

[0046] The second fixed terminal 6 includes a second contact support portion 31 and a second external connection portion 34. The second contact support portion 31 supports the second fixed contact 12 in the housing 2. The second external connection portion 34 is connected to the second contact support portion 31. The second external connection portion 34 protrudes to the outside of the housing 2. The second external connection portion 34 may also be formed integrally with the second contact support portion 31. Alternatively, the second external connection portion 34 may also be separate from the second contact support portion 31.

[0047] The drive device 4 generates a driving force to move the movable contact piece 7. The drive device 4 moves the movable contact piece 7 by electromagnetic force. The drive device 4 is arranged below the movable contact piece 7. The drive device 4 includes a coil 41, a bobbin 42, an iron core 43, a return spring 44, and a yoke 45.

[0048] The coil 41 is wound around the bobbin 42. The coil 41 and the bobbin 42 are arranged coaxially with the drive shaft 15. The bobbin 42 includes a hole 42a that penetrates in the axial direction of the bobbin 42. The iron core 43 and the return spring 44 are inserted into the hole 42a of the bobbin 42. The yoke 45 is connected to the iron core 43.

[0049] The yoke 45 includes a first yoke 45a and a second yoke 45b. The first yoke 45a is arranged between the contact device 3 and the winding frame 42. The second yoke 45b is connected to the first yoke 45a. The second yoke 45b has a U-shaped shape. The second yoke 45b is arranged on both sides of the coil 41 and on the side opposite to the first yoke 45a relative to the coil 41.

[0050] The iron core 43 includes a fixed iron core 43a, a movable iron core 43b and an annular iron core 43c. The fixed iron core 43a is fixed to the second magnetic yoke 45b. The annular iron core 43c contacts the first magnetic yoke 45a. The movable iron core 43b is separate from the fixed iron core 43a and the annular iron core 43c. The movable iron core 43b is configured to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The movable iron core 43b moves in the annular iron core 43c. The movable iron core 43b is connected to the drive shaft 15. The return spring 44 is configured between the movable iron core 43b and the fixed iron core 43a. The return spring 44 applies force to the movable iron core 43b in the separation direction Z2.

[0051] Next, the operation of the relay 1 will be described. Figure 2A and Figure 2B 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the movable contact piece 7. When the current does not flow through the coil 41 and the coil 41 is not excited, the drive shaft 15 and the movable iron core 43b are pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 44. Therefore, the movable contact piece 7 is also pressed in the separation direction Z2, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 are in an OFF state separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 .

[0052] If current flows through the coil 41 and the coil 41 is excited, the movable iron core 43b overcomes the elastic force of the return spring 44 and moves in the contact direction Z1 due to the electromagnetic force of the coil 41. Figure 2B As shown, the drive shaft 15 , the bracket 16 and the movable contact piece 7 move together in the contact direction Z1 , and the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 contact the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 .

[0053] When the current to the coil 41 stops and the coil 41 is demagnetized, the drive shaft 15 and the movable iron core 43b are pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 44. Therefore, the movable contact piece 7 is also pressed in the separation direction Z2, so that Figure 2A As shown, the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 return to the disconnected state.

[0054] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1. Figure 3In FIG. 1 , the positions of the movable contact piece 7 and the contact piece holding portion 8 are indicated by two-dot chain lines. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a portion of the relay 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the relay 1 includes a first magnet 51, a second magnet 52, a third magnet 53 and a fourth magnet 54. The first to fourth magnets 51-54 are permanent magnets for extinguishing arcs generated between contacts. Figure 3 As shown, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged to be separated from each other in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction coincides with the width direction of the movable contact piece 7 intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 7 .

[0055] The first magnet 51 is arranged on one side in the front-to-back direction relative to the movable contact piece 7. The second magnet 52 is arranged on the other side in the front-to-back direction relative to the movable contact piece 7. In other words, the movable contact piece 7 is arranged between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 in the front-to-back direction. The length of the first magnet 51 in the left-to-right direction is smaller than the distance between the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 in the left-to-right direction. The length of the second magnet 52 in the left-to-right direction is smaller than the distance between the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 in the left-to-right direction.

[0056] The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged in a manner that the same poles face each other. In detail, the first magnet 51 includes a first surface 51N opposite to the movable contact piece 7 and a second surface 51S on the opposite side of the first surface 51N. The second magnet 52 includes a first surface 52N opposite to the movable contact piece 7 and a second surface 52S on the opposite side of the first surface 52N. The first surface 51N of the first magnet 51 and the first surface 52N of the second magnet 52 are both N poles. The second surface 51S of the first magnet 51 and the second surface 52S of the second magnet 52 are both S poles.

[0057] The relay 1 includes a first yoke 55 and a second yoke 56. The first yoke 55 and the second yoke 56 surround the movable contact piece 7 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction when viewed from the axial direction of the drive shaft 15, that is, the vertical direction. This can improve the strength of the resin contact housing 18.

[0058] In detail, the first yoke 55 includes a first portion 61, a second portion 62, and a third portion 63. The first yoke 55 has a shape that is bent between the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 and between the second portion 62 and the third portion 63. The first portion 61 and the third portion 63 extend in the left-right direction. The second portion 62 extends in the front-back direction. The first portion 61 is opposite to the second surface 51S of the first magnet 51. The second portion 62 is opposite to the first end portion 7a of the movable contact piece 7. The third portion 63 is opposite to the second surface 52S of the second magnet 52.

[0059] The second yoke 56 includes a fourth portion 64, a fifth portion 65, and a sixth portion 66. The second yoke 56 has a shape that is bent between the fourth portion 64 and the fifth portion 65 and between the fifth portion 65 and the sixth portion 66. The fourth portion 64 and the sixth portion 66 extend in the left-right direction. The fifth portion 65 extends in the front-back direction. The fourth portion 64 is opposed to the second surface 51S of the first magnet 51. The fifth portion 65 is opposed to the second end portion 7b of the movable contact piece 7.

[0060] The sixth portion 66 faces the second surface 52S of the second magnet 52 .

[0061] By configuring the magnets 51 and 52 as described above, Figure 3 As shown, magnetic fluxes B1 and B2 in the left-right direction are generated between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. In addition, magnetic fluxes B3 and B4 in the left-right direction are generated between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52. In detail, magnetic fluxes B1 and B2 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the first end 7a are generated between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. Magnetic fluxes B3 and B4 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the second end 7b are generated between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the third magnet 53 is arranged separately from the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 in the up-down direction. The fourth magnet 54 is arranged separately from the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 in the up-down direction. In detail, the third magnet 53 is arranged separately from the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 downward. The fourth magnet 54 is arranged separately from the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 downward. In other words, the first fixed contact 11 is arranged between the first movable contact 13 and the third magnet 53 in the up-down direction. The second fixed contact 12 is arranged between the second movable contact 14 and the fourth magnet 54 in the up-down direction.

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified image of Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the top and bottom, at least a portion of the third magnet 53 overlaps the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. When viewed from the top and bottom, at least a portion of the fourth magnet 54 overlaps the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 are arranged in the second storage portion S2. The contact housing 18 includes a first partition wall 18a and a second partition wall 18b. The first partition wall 18a is arranged between the first fixed contact 11 and the third magnet 53. The first fixed contact 11 is arranged between the first movable contact 13 and the first partition wall 18a. The first partition wall 18a supports the first contact support portion 21. The second partition wall 18b is arranged between the second fixed contact 12 and the fourth magnet 54. The second fixed contact 12 is arranged between the second movable contact 14 and the second partition wall 18b. The second partition wall 18b supports the second contact support portion 31.

[0065] The third magnet 53 is arranged to generate a magnetic flux B5 in the same direction as the magnetic fluxes B1 and B2 generated by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 at a position between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. That is, the third magnet 53 is arranged to generate a magnetic flux B5 in the left-right direction at a position between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. Therefore, by cooperating with the magnetic fluxes B1 and B2 generated by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52, the third magnet 53 increases the magnetic flux in the left-right direction at a position between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13.

[0066] The fourth magnet 54 is configured to generate a magnetic flux B6 in the same direction as the magnetic fluxes B3 and B4 generated by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14. That is, the fourth magnet 54 is configured to generate a magnetic flux B6 in the left-right direction at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14. Therefore, by cooperating with the magnetic fluxes B3 and B4 generated by the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52, the fourth magnet 54 increases the magnetic flux in the left-right direction at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14.

[0067] In detail, the third magnet 53 includes a first surface 53S and a second surface 53N. The first surface 53S and the second surface 53N are end surfaces of the third magnet 53 in the up-down direction. The first surface 53S is arranged toward the first fixed contact 11 side. The second surface 53N is arranged toward the opposite side of the first fixed contact 11. The fourth magnet 54 includes a first surface 54S and a second surface 54N. The first surface 54S and the second surface 54N are end surfaces of the fourth magnet 54 in the up-down direction. The first surface 54S is arranged toward the second fixed contact 12 side. The second surface 54N is arranged toward the opposite side of the second fixed contact 12. The first surface 53S of the third magnet 53 and the first surface 54S of the fourth magnet 54 are both S poles. The second surface 53N of the third magnet 53 and the second surface 54N of the fourth magnet 54 are both N poles.

[0068] By configuring the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 as described above, Figure 4 As shown, between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13, the magnetic flux B5 in the left-right direction is generated by the third magnet 53. Between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14, the magnetic flux B6 in the left-right direction is generated by the fourth magnet 54. In detail, in the movable contact piece 7, the magnetic flux B5 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the first end 7a is generated by the third magnet 53 between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. In the movable contact piece 7, the magnetic flux B6 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the second end 7b is generated by the fourth magnet 54 between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14.

[0069] In the relay 1 of the present embodiment described above, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged in a manner that the same poles face each other, and the movable contact piece 7 is arranged between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, magnetic fluxes B1 and B2 are generated along the left-right direction between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. In addition, magnetic fluxes B3 and B4 are generated along the left-right direction between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14. Therefore, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown by arrows F1 and F2, the Lorentz force acts in the front-rear direction. Figure 3 As shown by arrows F3 and F4, the Lorentz force acts in the front-rear direction, thereby suppressing the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc extinguishing characteristics.

[0070] In addition, the movable contact piece 7 is arranged between the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion 8 is attracted by the first magnet 51 or the second magnet 52, it moves in a direction different from the contact points 11 to 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wear debris from being sandwiched between the contacts 11 to 14, and to prevent the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris.

[0071] Furthermore, the third magnet 53 is arranged in such a manner that the magnetic flux in the left-right direction is increased at a position between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. The fourth magnet 54 is arranged in such a manner that the magnetic flux in the left-right direction is increased at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14. Thus, the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc can be improved. In addition, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion 8 is attracted by the third magnet 53 or the fourth magnet 54, it moves in a direction different from the contacts 11-14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the wear debris from being sandwiched between the contacts 11-14, and to suppress the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris.

[0072] The third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 are arranged in the second storage portion S2. The first partition wall 18a is arranged between the first fixed contact 11 and the third magnet 53. In addition, the second partition wall 18b is arranged between the second fixed contact 12 and the fourth magnet 54. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the attachment of wear debris to the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54.

[0073] The first fixed contact 11 is disposed in the vertical direction between the first movable contact 13 and the third magnet 53. Since the first fixed contact 11 does not move, the third magnet 53 can be disposed close to the first fixed contact 11. In addition, the second fixed contact 12 is disposed in the vertical direction between the second movable contact 14 and the fourth magnet 54. Since the second fixed contact 12 does not move, the fourth magnet 54 can be disposed close to the second fixed contact 12.

[0074] The length of the first magnet 51 in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance between the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 in the left-right direction. Therefore, both ends of the first magnet 51 in the left-right direction can be arranged separately from the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14. Therefore, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion 8 is attracted by the first magnet 51, it is possible to prevent the wear debris from approaching the first movable contact 13 or the second movable contact 14. Thus, it is possible to prevent the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris.

[0075] The length of the second magnet 52 in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance between the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 in the left-right direction. Therefore, both ends of the second magnet 52 in the left-right direction can be arranged separately from the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14. Therefore, even if the wear debris generated from the contact piece holding portion 8 is attracted by the second magnet 52, it is possible to prevent the wear debris from approaching the first movable contact 13 or the second movable contact 14. Thus, it is possible to prevent the reduction in the current-carrying performance caused by the wear debris.

[0076] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the main purpose of the invention. For example, the structure of the drive device 4 can be changed. The shape or configuration of the coil 41, the winding frame 42, the iron core 43, the return spring 44, or the yoke 45 can also be changed. The shape or configuration of the housing 2 can also be changed.

[0077] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the driving device 4 pulls the driving shaft 15 into the coil 41 side, so that the movable contact piece 7 moves in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the driving device 4 pushes the driving shaft 15 out of the coil 41 side, so that the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the driving device 4 pulls the driving shaft 15 into the coil 41 side, so that the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. The driving device 4 pushes the driving shaft 15 out of the coil 41 side, so that the movable contact piece 7 moves in the contact direction Z1. That is, the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 may also be opposite to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0078] The shapes or arrangements of the first fixed terminal 5, the second fixed terminal 6, and the movable contact piece 7 may also be changed. For example, the first fixed terminal 5 may be bent from the first contact support portion 21 toward the coil 41. The second fixed terminal 6 may be bent from the second contact support portion 31 toward the coil 41.

[0079] The first fixed contact 11 can be separated from the first fixed terminal 5, or can be integrated. The second fixed contact 12 can be separated from the second fixed terminal 6, or can be integrated. The first movable contact 13 can be separated from the movable contact piece 7, or can be integrated. The second movable contact 14 can be separated from the movable contact piece 7, or can be integrated.

[0080] The polarity arrangement of the first to fourth magnets 51 to 54 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be changed. For example, Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 according to the first modification. Figure 6 As shown, the third magnet 53 includes a first surface 53S and a second surface 53N. The first surface 53S and the second surface 53N are end surfaces of the third magnet 53 in the left-right direction. The first surface 53S is the left end surface of the third magnet 53. The second surface 53N is the right end surface of the third magnet 53. The fourth magnet 54 includes a first surface 54S and a second surface 54N. The first surface 54S and the second surface 54N are end surfaces of the fourth magnet 54 in the left-right direction. The first surface 54S is the right end surface of the fourth magnet 54. The second surface 54N is the left end surface of the fourth magnet 54. The first surface 53S of the third magnet 53 and the first surface 54S of the fourth magnet 54 are both S poles. The second surface 53N of the third magnet 53 and the second surface 54N of the fourth magnet 54 are both N poles.

[0081] In the arrangement of the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 involved in the first modification, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the magnetic flux in the direction from the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction toward the first end 7a is generated between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 by the third magnet 53. In addition, the magnetic flux in the direction from the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction toward the second end 7b is generated between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 by the fourth magnet 54.

[0082] The arrangement of the first to fourth magnets 51 to 54 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 may be arranged in the first storage portion S1. Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 according to the second modification. Figure 7 As shown, the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 may also be arranged above the movable contact piece 7. In other words, the movable contact piece 7 may also be arranged between the first fixed contact 11 and the third magnet 53 in the vertical direction. The movable contact piece 7 may also be arranged between the second fixed contact 12 and the fourth magnet 54 in the vertical direction.

[0083] Alternatively, one of the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 may be disposed on the movable contact piece 7 , and the other of the third magnet 53 and the fourth magnet 54 may be disposed below the first fixed contact 11 or the second fixed contact 12 .

[0084] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the influence of the current-carrying direction on the arc extinguishing characteristics of the arc, and to suppress the reduction in current-carrying performance due to wear debris.

Claims

1. A relay, characterized in that: have: a first fixed contact; a second fixed contact; A movable contact piece, comprising a first movable contact and a second movable contact arranged to be separated from each other in a length direction, wherein the movable contact piece is configured to be movable in a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with and away from the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact; a contact piece holding portion that holds the movable contact piece at a position between the first movable contact point and the second movable contact point in a length direction of the movable contact piece; a first magnet disposed on one side of the movable contact piece in a width direction of the movable contact piece intersecting with a length direction of the movable contact piece; a second magnet disposed on the other side of the movable contact piece in the width direction of the movable contact piece; a third magnet disposed separately from the first fixed contact and the first movable contact in the moving direction of the movable contact piece; as well as a fourth magnet disposed apart from the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in the moving direction of the movable contact piece, The first magnet and the second magnet are arranged with the same poles facing each other. The movable contact piece is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet in the width direction of the movable contact piece. The third magnet is configured to increase the magnetic flux in the length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. The fourth magnet is configured to increase a magnetic flux in a length direction of the movable contact piece at a position between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

2. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises a housing including a first housing portion for housing the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece, and a second housing portion divided from the first housing portion. At least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet is disposed in the second housing portion.

3. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The invention further includes a first partition wall disposed between the first fixed contact and the third magnet.

4. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The invention further includes a second partition wall disposed between the second fixed contact and the fourth magnet.

5. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first fixed contact is arranged between the first movable contact and the third magnet in a moving direction of the movable contact piece.

6. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second fixed contact is arranged between the second movable contact and the fourth magnet in the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

7. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable contact piece is arranged between the first fixed contact and the third magnet in a moving direction of the movable contact piece.

8. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable contact piece is arranged between the second fixed contact and the fourth magnet in a moving direction of the movable contact piece.

9. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the third magnet overlaps with the first fixed contact or the first movable contact when viewed from the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

10. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the fourth magnet overlaps with the second fixed contact or the second movable contact when viewed from the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

11. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A length of the first magnet in a longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece is smaller than a distance between the first movable contact point and the second movable contact point in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece.

12. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A length of the second magnet in a longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece is smaller than a distance between the first movable contact point and the second movable contact point in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece.

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