Relay

Abstract

In the relay of the present invention, the wall portion (60) is arranged on the inner side of the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12) in the length direction. At least a part of the wall portion (60) is arranged at a position beyond the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12) to the movable contact piece (7) side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece (7). The movable contact piece (7) has a shape that avoids the wall portion (60) when the first movable contact (13) and the second movable contact (14) are in contact with the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to relays. Background Art

[0002] Among relays, there are relays that have a structure for extinguishing arcs generated at contacts. For example, in Patent Document 1, a wall portion is arranged inside a fixed contact portion. The fixed contact portion includes a fixed contact contact portion and a fixed contact base portion to which the fixed contact contact portion is fixed. The height of the wall portion is higher than the fixed contact base portion and lower than the height of the fixed contact contact portion.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the creepage distance of the arc current is increased by the wall portion, so that the arc current is less likely to short-circuit. In addition, by making the wall portion as high as described above, it is possible to prevent the movement of the movable contact portion from being hindered.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-214034 Summary of the invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the wall portion cannot be raised in order to avoid interference with the movable contact portion. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the arc interruption performance by the wall portion.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve arc interruption performance in a relay while avoiding obstruction of the movement of a movable contact piece.

[0007] A relay according to one embodiment includes a movable contact piece, a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a drive device, and a wall portion. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact that are separated from each other in the length direction of the movable contact piece. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact that is arranged opposite to the first movable contact. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact that is arranged opposite to the second movable contact. The drive device moves the movable contact piece in the direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact contact and in the direction in which they leave the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. The wall portion is arranged on the inner side of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact in the length direction. At least a portion of the wall portion is arranged in a position that passes over the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact to the movable contact piece side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. The movable contact piece has a shape that avoids the wall portion when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact.

[0008] In the relay involved in this mode, at least a part of the wall portion is arranged at a position beyond the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact to the movable contact piece side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. Therefore, when the arc is stretched toward the inner side of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, it is easy to hit the wall portion. As a result, the arc can be quickly extinguished. In addition, the movable contact piece has a shape that avoids the wall portion when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. Therefore, even if the wall portion is arranged as described above, interference between the movable contact piece and the wall portion can be avoided.

[0009] The wall portion may also be formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. In this case, the arc can be extinguished more quickly by generating arc-extinguishing gas from the wall portion.

[0010] The movable contact piece may also have a shape that is recessed in a direction away from the wall portion. In this case, the recessed shape of the movable contact piece can avoid interference with the wall portion.

[0011] The movable contact piece may also include a curved portion that curves in a direction away from the wall portion. In this case, the shape of the curved portion of the movable contact piece can avoid interference with the wall portion. In addition, the starting point of the arc can be limited to the curved portion.

[0012] The curved portion may be disposed opposite to the wall portion. In this case, the arc drawn from the curved portion is likely to hit the wall portion, thereby enabling the arc to be extinguished more quickly.

[0013] The movable contact piece may include a hole disposed opposite to the wall portion. In this case, when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, interference with the wall portion can be avoided by disposing the wall portion in the hole.

[0014] The movable contact piece may include a recessed portion disposed opposite to the wall portion. In this case, when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, interference with the wall portion can be avoided by disposing the wall portion in the recessed portion.

[0015] The movable contact piece may also include a first contact support portion and a second contact support portion. The first contact support portion may also support the first movable contact. The second contact support portion may also support the second movable contact. Alternatively, in the length direction of the movable contact piece, the inner end portion of the first contact support portion and the inner end portion of the second contact support portion may be arranged to be separated from each other. The wall portion may also be arranged relative to the space between the inner end portion of the first contact support portion and the inner end portion of the second contact support portion. In this case, when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, interference with the wall portion can be avoided by arranging the wall portion between the inner end portion of the first contact support portion and the inner end portion of the second contact support portion.

[0016] When the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, the wall portion may overlap with the first movable contact and the first fixed contact when viewed from the length direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the arc easily hits the wall portion. Thus, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

[0017] The first fixed terminal may also include a contact support portion and an intermediate portion. The contact support portion may also support the first fixed contact and extend outward from the first fixed contact in the length direction. The intermediate portion may also extend from the contact support portion in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the Lorentz force in the direction toward the inner side of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact is easily applied to the arc by the current flowing in the intermediate portion. However, even if the arc is stretched toward the inner side of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, the arc can be quickly extinguished by the wall portion.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in a relay, it is possible to improve arc interruption performance while avoiding obstruction of the movement of a movable contact piece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a side cross-sectional view showing the relay according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 It is an enlarged side sectional view of the contact device and the wall portion.

[0024] Figure 5It is an enlarged side sectional view of the contact device and the wall portion.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 VI-VI section view in.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a top view and a side view which show the structure inside the contact housing of the relay which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a top view and a side view which show the structure inside the contact case of the relay which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

[0030] Fig.11 It is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the sixth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay according to the seventh embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 4: Driving device;

[0034] 7: Movable contact piece;

[0035] 8: contact piece holding portion;

[0036] 11: 1st fixed contact;

[0037] 12: Second fixed contact;

[0038] 13: 1st movable contact;

[0039] 14: 2nd movable contact;

[0040] 60: wall;

[0041] 71: first contact support portion;

[0042] 73: middle part;

[0043] 74: 1st bending part;

[0044] 81: Hole 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, a relay according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a relay 1a according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay 1a 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 1a.

[0046] The housing 2 accommodates a contact device 3 and a 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The movable contact piece 7 extends in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the length direction of the movable contact piece 7 coincides 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.

[0049] 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 point 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 point 14 is arranged between the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction and the second end 7b.

[0050] 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 are separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 ( Figure 1 ).

[0051] 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 center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. 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.

[0052] The contact piece holding portion 8 includes a drive shaft 15, a bracket 16, and a contact spring 17. The drive shaft 15 extends in the up-down direction. The drive shaft 15 connects the movable contact piece 7 to the drive device 4. 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 and holds the movable contact piece 7. The contact spring 17 is configured between the drive shaft 15 and the bracket 16. The drive shaft 15 is connected to the bracket 16 via the contact spring 17.

[0053] The first fixed terminal 5 includes a first contact support portion 21, a first intermediate portion 22, 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 contact support portion 21 extends outward from the first fixed contact 11 in the left-right direction. In addition, the outer side in the left-right direction refers to a direction away from the central axis of the drive shaft 15 in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the inner side refers to a direction close to the central axis of the drive shaft 15 in the left-right direction.

[0054] The first intermediate portion 22 is located between the first contact support portion 21 and the first external connection portion 24. The first intermediate portion 22 extends from the first contact support portion 21 in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable contact piece 7, that is, in the up-down direction. Specifically, the first intermediate portion 22 extends upward from the first contact support portion 21. The first external connection portion 24 extends leftward from the first intermediate portion 22. The first external connection portion 24 protrudes to the outside of the housing 2.

[0055] The first fixed terminal 5 has a shape that is bent between the first contact support portion 21 and the first intermediate portion 22 and between the first intermediate portion 22 and the first external connection portion 24. The first contact support portion 21, the first intermediate portion 22, and the first external connection portion 24 may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the first contact support portion 21, the first intermediate portion 22, and the first external connection portion 24 may be separate from each other and connected to each other by fixing means such as welding.

[0056] The second fixed terminal 6 includes a second contact support portion 31, a second intermediate portion 32, 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 fixed terminal 6 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical with the first fixed terminal 5. The second contact support portion 31, the second intermediate portion 32, and the second external connection portion 34 correspond to the first contact support portion 21, the first intermediate portion 22, and the first external connection portion 24, respectively. Therefore, a detailed description of the second fixed terminal 6 is omitted.

[0057] The driving device 4 generates a driving force to move the movable contact piece 7. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 7 by electromagnetic force. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 7 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The driving device 4 is arranged below the movable contact piece 7. The driving device 4 includes a coil 41, a winding frame 42, an iron core 43, a return spring 44 and a yoke 45.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 with respect to the coil 41.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Next, the operation of the relay 1a is described. When the coil 41 is not excited and no current flows, 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. Figure 1 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 .

[0062] When a 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. As a result, the drive shaft 15, the bracket 16 and the movable contact piece 7 all move in the contact direction Z1, and the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 are in a closed state in contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0063] When the current in 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, and the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 return to the open state.

[0064] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1a. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the positions of the movable contact piece 7 and the drive shaft 15 are indicated by double-dotted lines. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the relay 1a includes a first magnet 51, a second magnet 52, and a third magnet 53. The first magnet 51, the second magnet 52, and the third magnet 53 are permanent magnets for extinguishing an arc generated between contacts.

[0065] The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged to be separated from each other in the left-right direction. The first magnet 51 is arranged on one side of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. The second magnet 52 is arranged on one side of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the first magnet 51 is arranged on the left side of the movable contact piece 7. The second magnet 52 is arranged on the right side of the movable contact piece 7.

[0066] The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged so that the same poles face each other. Specifically, the first magnet 51 includes an S pole surface 51S facing the movable contact piece 7 and an N pole surface 51N on the opposite side of the S pole surface 51S. The second magnet 52 includes an S pole surface 52S facing the movable contact piece 7 and an N pole surface 52N on the opposite side of the S pole surface 52S.

[0067] The third magnet 53 is arranged opposite to the movable contact piece 7 in the front-to-back direction. In the present embodiment, the front-to-back direction coincides with the width direction of the movable contact piece 7, and the width direction of the movable contact piece 7 intersects with the length direction of the movable contact piece 7. The third magnet 53 includes an N pole surface 53N facing the movable contact piece 7 and an S pole surface 53S on the opposite side of the N pole surface 53N.

[0068] The relay 1a also includes a yoke 47. The yoke 47 connects the first magnet 51, the second magnet 52, and the third magnet 53. Specifically, the yoke 47 connects the N pole surface 51N of the first magnet 51, the N pole surface 52N of the second magnet 52, and the S pole surface 53S of the third magnet 53.

[0069] By configuring the first magnet 51, the second magnet 52 and the third magnet 53 as described above, Figure 2 As shown, a magnetic flux B1 is generated toward the left-right outer side at a position between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 (hereinafter referred to as "first contact position P1"). In addition, a magnetic flux B2 is generated toward the left-right outer side at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 (hereinafter referred to as "second contact position P2"). Specifically, the magnetic flux B1 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the first end 7a is generated between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. The magnetic flux B2 in the direction from the center in the left-right direction toward the second end 7b is generated between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14.

[0070] Therefore, when the current flows from left to right in the movable contact piece 7, Figure 2 As shown by arrows F1 and F2, the Lorentz force acts in the front-rear direction. Figure 2 As shown by arrows F3 and F4, the Lorentz force acts in the front-rear direction. As a result, the arc is stretched in the direction shown by arrows F1-F4, and the arc can be extinguished quickly.

[0071] However, if Figure 3 As shown, there is a case where the Lorentz force generated by the magnetic field of the first fixed terminal 5 and the second fixed terminal 6 acts on the arc. For example, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, at the first contact point position P1, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the first intermediate portion 22 causes the Lorentz force F5 to act on the arc inward in the left-right direction. In this case, the resultant force F1' of the Lorentz forces F1 and F5 acts on the arc, thereby stretching the arc in the direction of the resultant force F1' of the Lorentz forces.

[0072] Similarly, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, at the second contact point position P2, the Lorentz force F6 inward in the left-right direction acts on the arc by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the second intermediate portion 32. In this case, the resultant force F2' of the Lorentz forces F2 and F6 acts on the arc, thereby stretching the arc in the direction of the resultant force F2' of the Lorentz forces.

[0073] The relay 1a of the present embodiment includes a wall portion 60, and the wall portion 60 is used to extinguish the arc stretched inward as described above. The wall portion 60 is arranged on the inner side of the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 in the left-right direction. The wall portion 60 includes a first wall portion 61 and a second wall portion 62. The first wall portion 61 is arranged between the first contact position P1 and the drive shaft 15 in the left-right direction. The first wall portion 61 extends in the front-to-back direction. The second wall portion 62 is arranged between the second contact position P2 and the drive shaft 15 in the left-to-right direction. The second wall portion 62 extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0074] The first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. The first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 may be formed of a thermosetting resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or a melamine resin, for example. Alternatively, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyacetal resin. Alternatively, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 may be formed of other arc-extinguishing materials.

[0075] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 It is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the contact device 3 and the wall portion 60 . Figure 4 The position of the movable contact piece 7 in the OFF state is shown. Figure 5 Indicates the position of the movable contact piece 7 in the closed state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 extend in the up-down direction. The first wall portion 61 is opposite to the first fixed contact 11. The second wall portion 62 is opposite to the second fixed contact 12. The first wall portion 61 is arranged at a position beyond the first fixed contact 11 to the movable contact piece 7 side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece 7. That is, the upper end 610 of the first wall portion 61 is arranged at a position above the first fixed contact 11. The first wall portion 61 is arranged from a position below the first fixed contact 11 to a position above the first fixed contact 11.

[0076] The second wall portion 62 is opposite to the second fixed contact 12. The second wall portion 62 is arranged at a position beyond the second fixed contact 12 to the movable contact piece 7 side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece 7. That is, the upper end 620 of the second wall portion 62 is arranged at a position above the second fixed contact 12. The second wall portion 62 is arranged from a position below the second fixed contact 12 to a position above the second fixed contact 12.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, in the closed state, the first wall portion 61 is arranged to face the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. In the closed state, the upper end 610 of the first wall portion 61 is located above the lower end of the first movable contact 13. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 VI-VI section view in. Figure 6 As shown, in the closed state, the first wall portion 61 overlaps the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 11 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 7 .

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, in the closed state, the second wall portion 62 is opposite to the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14. In the closed state, the upper end 620 of the second wall portion 62 is located above the lower end of the second movable contact 14. Although not shown in the figure, similarly to the first wall portion 61, in the closed state, the second wall portion 62 overlaps with the second movable contact 14 and the second fixed contact 12 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 7.

[0079] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable contact piece 7 has a shape that avoids interference with the wall portion 60. The movable contact piece 7 has a shape that is recessed in a direction away from the wall portion 60. That is, the movable contact piece 7 has a shape that is convexly curved upward. In detail, the movable contact piece 7 includes a first contact support portion 71, a second contact support portion 72, an intermediate portion 73, a first curved portion 74, and a second curved portion 75.

[0080] The first contact support portion 71 supports the first movable contact 13. The first contact support portion 71 includes the first end portion 7a described above. The second contact support portion 72 supports the second movable contact 14. The second contact support portion 72 includes the second end portion 7b described above. The intermediate portion 73 is located at the center of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. The contact piece holding portion 8 is mounted on the intermediate portion 73. The drive shaft 15 is mounted on the intermediate portion 73. The intermediate portion 73 is located above the first contact support portion 71 and the second contact support portion 72.

[0081] The first curved portion 74 is located between the first contact support portion 71 and the intermediate portion 73. The first curved portion 74 has a shape that curves away from the first wall portion 61. That is, the first curved portion 74 has a shape that curves upward from the first contact support portion 71. The first curved portion 74 is disposed opposite to the first wall portion 61.

[0082] The second curved portion 75 is located between the second contact support portion 72 and the intermediate portion 73. The second curved portion 75 has a shape that curves away from the second wall portion 62. That is, the second curved portion 75 has a shape that curves upward from the second contact support portion 72. The second curved portion 75 is disposed opposite to the second wall portion 62.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, in the closed state, the upper end 610 of the first wall portion 61 is located above the bottom surface of the first contact support portion 71. In the closed state, the upper end 620 of the second wall portion 62 is located above the bottom surface of the second contact support portion 72. The connection point 76 between the first bent portion 74 and the first contact support portion 71 is located outside the first wall portion 61. The connection point 77 between the second bent portion 75 and the second contact support portion 72 is located outside the second wall portion 62. In the closed state, the connection point 76 between the first bent portion 74 and the first contact support portion 71 is located below the upper end 610 of the first wall portion 61. In the closed state, the connection point 77 between the second bent portion 75 and the second contact support portion 72 is located below the upper end 620 of the second wall portion 62.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the wall portion 60 further includes a third wall portion 63 and a fourth wall portion 64. The third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64 are arranged to be separated from each other in the front-rear direction. The contact piece support portion 8 is arranged between the third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64. In detail, the bracket 16 is arranged between the third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64. The bracket 16 is stopped by the third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64.

[0085] In the relay 1a of the first embodiment described above, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are arranged at positions beyond the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 to the movable contact piece 7 in the moving direction of the movable contact piece 7. Therefore, when the arc is stretched toward the inner side of the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12, the arc easily hits the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62. As a result, the arc can be quickly extinguished.

[0086] In addition, in the closed state, the movable contact piece 7 has a shape bent so as not to interfere with the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62. Therefore, even if the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are arranged as described above, interference between the movable contact piece 7 and the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 can be avoided.

[0087] The movable contact piece 7 includes a first curved portion 74 and a second curved portion 75. By such a shape of the movable contact piece 7, interference with the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 can be avoided. In addition, the starting point of the arc can be limited to the first curved portion 74 and the second curved portion 75. As a result, the arc extending from the first curved portion 74 easily hits the first wall portion 61. In addition, the arc extending from the second curved portion 75 easily hits the second wall portion 62. As a result, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

[0088] In the closed state, the first wall portion 61 overlaps with the first movable contact 13 when viewed from the length direction of the movable contact piece 7. In addition, in the closed state, the second wall portion 62 overlaps with the second movable contact 14 when viewed from the length direction of the movable contact piece 7. Therefore, the arc easily hits the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62. As a result, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

[0089] The relay 1a of the first embodiment has been described above, but the arrangement or polarity of the first to third magnets 51 to 53 is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be changed. Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1b according to the second embodiment.

[0090] In the relay 1b of the second embodiment, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged in a manner that the poles are opposite to each other. The S pole surface 51S of the first magnet 51 is arranged opposite to the movable contact piece 7, and the N pole surface 52N of the second magnet 52 is arranged opposite to the movable contact piece 7. In the relay 1b of the second embodiment, the third magnet 53 of the first embodiment is omitted. The other structures of the relay 1b of the second embodiment are the same as those of the relay 1a of the first embodiment.

[0091] In the relay 1b of the second embodiment, a magnetic flux B11 is generated toward the left at the first contact position P1 and the second contact position P2. Therefore, when a current flows from left to right in the movable contact piece 7, Lorentz force acts in the front-rear direction as indicated by arrows F11 and F12.

[0092] In addition, there is a case where the Lorentz force generated by the magnetic field of the first fixed terminal 5 and the second fixed terminal 6 acts on the arc. For example, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, at the first contact point position P1, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the first intermediate portion 22 causes the Lorentz force F15 to act on the arc inward in the left-right direction. In this case, the resultant force F11' of the Lorentz forces F11 and F15 acts on the arc, thereby stretching the arc in the direction of the resultant force F11' of the Lorentz forces.

[0093] Similarly, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, at the second contact position P2, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the second intermediate portion 32 causes the Lorentz force F16 to act on the arc inward in the left-right direction. In this case, the resultant force F12' of the Lorentz forces F12 and F16 acts on the arc, thereby stretching the arc in the direction of the resultant force F12' of the Lorentz forces. Even in such a case, in the relay 1b of the second embodiment, the arc can be quickly extinguished by the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62, as in the relay 1a of the first embodiment.

[0094] Figure 8 1 is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1c of the third embodiment. In the relay 1c of the third embodiment, the first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged separately in the front-to-back direction. The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged in a manner that the opposite poles face each other. In detail, the S pole surface 51S of the first magnet 51 is arranged opposite to the movable contact piece 7, and the N pole surface 52N of the second magnet 52 is arranged opposite to the movable contact piece 7. The other structures of the relay 1c of the third embodiment are the same as those of the relay 1a of the first embodiment.

[0095] In the relay 1c of the third embodiment, a magnetic flux B21 is generated along the front-to-back direction at the first contact position P1 and the second contact position P2. Therefore, when the current flows from the left to the right in the movable contact piece 7, as shown by the arrows F21 and F22, a Lorentz force acts inward in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the relay 1c of the third embodiment, even if the Lorentz force caused by the self-magnetic field of the first fixed terminal 5 and the second fixed terminal 6 is not generated, the arc is stretched inward. Therefore, even if there is no first intermediate portion 22 and second intermediate portion 32, the arc is stretched inward. Even in such a case, in the relay 1c of the third embodiment, the arc can be quickly extinguished by the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62, as in the relay 1a of the first embodiment.

[0096] The relays 1a to 1c of the first to third embodiments have been described above, but the shape and arrangement of the movable contact piece 7 are not limited to the above embodiments and may be changed. Fig. 9 A is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1d according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 B is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1d according to the fourth embodiment.

[0097] like Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1B , the movable contact piece 7 includes a first hole 81 and a second hole 82. The first hole 81 and the second hole 82 penetrate the movable contact piece 7 in the up-down direction. The first hole 81 is disposed opposite to the first wall portion 61 in the up-down direction. The second hole 82 is disposed opposite to the second wall portion 62 in the up-down direction. Specifically, the first hole 81 is disposed above the first wall portion 61. The second hole 82 is disposed above the second wall portion 62. The first hole 81 has a size that the first wall portion 61 can be inserted into. The second hole 82 has a size that the second wall portion 62 can be inserted into.

[0098] In the relay 1d of the fourth embodiment, at least in the closed state, the first wall portion 61 is arranged in the first hole 81, and the second wall portion 62 is arranged in the second hole 82. Thus, it is possible to avoid interference between the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 and the movable contact piece 7. In addition, not only in the closed state, but also in the open state, the first wall portion 61 may be arranged in the first hole 81, and the second wall portion 62 may be arranged in the second hole 82.

[0099] Fig.10 A is a plan view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1e according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.10 B is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1e according to the fifth embodiment.

[0100] like Fig.10 A and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1B , the movable contact piece 7 includes a first recess 83 and a second recess 84. The first recess 83 and the second recess 84 have a shape that is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the movable contact piece 7. The first recess 83 is disposed opposite to the first wall portion 61 in the up-down direction. The second recess 84 is disposed opposite to the second wall portion 62 in the up-down direction. In detail, the first recess 83 is disposed above the first wall portion 61. The second recess 84 is disposed above the second wall portion 62. The first recess 83 has a size that the upper end 610 of the first wall portion 61 can be inserted. The second recess 84 has a size that the upper end 620 of the second wall portion 62 can be inserted.

[0101] In the relay 1e of the fifth embodiment, at least in the closed state, the first wall portion 61 is arranged in the first recess 83, and the second wall portion 62 is arranged in the second recess 84. Thus, it is possible to avoid interference between the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 and the movable contact piece 7. In addition, not only in the closed state, but also in the open state, the first wall portion 61 may be arranged in the first recess 83, and the second wall portion 62 may be arranged in the second recess 84.

[0102] Fig.11 1 is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1f according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the movable contact piece 7 includes a first contact support portion 91, a second contact support portion 92, an intermediate portion 93, a first bent portion 94, and a second bent portion 95. The first contact support portion 91 supports the first movable contact 13. The second contact support portion 92 supports the second movable contact 14. The first bent portion 94 has a shape that is bent upward from the first contact support portion 91. The first bent portion 94 is located outside the first contact support portion 91 in the left-right direction. The second bent portion 95 has a shape that is bent upward from the second contact support portion 92. The second bent portion 95 is located outside the second contact support portion 92 in the left-right direction. The intermediate portion 93 is located between the first bent portion 94 and the second bent portion 95. The intermediate portion 93 is located above the first contact support portion 91 and the second contact support portion 92.

[0103] In the relay 1f of the sixth embodiment, the inner end 910 of the first contact support portion 91 and the inner end 920 of the second contact support portion 92 are arranged to be separated from each other. The first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are arranged to face the space between the inner end 910 of the first contact support portion 91 and the inner end 920 of the second contact support portion 92. At least in the closed state, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are arranged between the inner end 910 of the first contact support portion 91 and the inner end 920 of the second contact support portion 92. Thus, the interference between the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 and the movable contact piece 7 can be avoided. In addition, not only in the closed state, but also in the open state, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 may be arranged between the inner end 910 of the first contact support portion 91 and the inner end 920 of the second contact support portion 92.

[0104] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the driving device 4 pulls in the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, whereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the driving shaft 15 is pushed out from the coil 41 side by the driving device 4, whereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the movement direction of the driving shaft 15 for connecting and disconnecting the contacts may be opposite to that in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, it may be that the driving device 4 pulls in the driving shaft 15 to the coil 41 side, whereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. It may also be that the driving device 4 pushes out the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, whereby 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 those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0105] For example, Fig.12 1 is a side view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1g according to the seventh embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, in the relay 1g of the seventh embodiment, the movable contact piece 7 is arranged below the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12. When the movable contact piece 7 moves upward, that is, in the contact direction Z1, the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 come into contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12. When the movable contact piece 7 moves downward, that is, in the separation direction Z2, the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 separate from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0106] In the relay 1g of the seventh embodiment, the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are also arranged similarly to the relay 1a of the first embodiment. In the relay 1g of the seventh embodiment, the lower end 611 of the first wall portion 61 and the lower end 621 of the second wall portion 62 are opposed to the movable contact piece 7. In addition, the movable contact piece 7 has a shape bent in a manner to avoid interference with the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62. In addition, the movable contact piece 7 may also have the same shape as the movable contact piece 7 of the relays 1d-1f of the fourth to sixth embodiments.

[0107] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, 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.

[0108] 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 external connection portion 24 and the second external connection portion 34 may protrude upward from the housing 2. Alternatively, the first external connection portion 24 and the second external connection portion 34 may protrude from the housing 2 in the front-rear direction.

[0109] The first fixed contact 11 may be separate from the first fixed terminal 5 or may be integrated. The second fixed contact 12 may be separate from the second fixed terminal 6 or may be integrated. The first movable contact 13 may be separate from the movable contact piece 7 or may be integrated. The second movable contact 14 may be separate from the movable contact piece 7 or may be integrated.

[0110] The shape or arrangement of the wall portion 60 may be changed. For example, the shape or arrangement of the first to fourth wall portions 61 to 64 may be changed. The third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64 may be omitted.

[0111] Industrial Applicability

[0112] According to the present invention, in a relay, it is possible to improve arc interruption performance while avoiding obstruction of the movement of a movable contact piece.

Claims

1. A relay, characterized in that: have: A movable contact piece including a first movable contact point and a second movable contact point which are arranged to be separated from each other in a length direction; a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact arranged opposite to the first movable contact; a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact disposed opposite to the second movable contact; a driving device for moving the movable contact piece in a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact come into contact with and leave the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact; a wall portion disposed inside the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact in the length direction; as well as A contact piece holding portion holds the movable contact piece, wherein: At least a portion of the wall portion is arranged at a position beyond the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact to the movable contact piece side in the moving direction of the movable contact piece, and overlaps with the contact piece holding portion when viewed from the length direction when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and is arranged between the first fixed contact and the contact piece holding portion, The movable contact piece has a shape avoiding the wall portion when the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact.

2. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wall portion is formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by heat of the arc.

3. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable contact piece has a shape that is recessed in a direction away from the wall portion.

4. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable contact piece includes a bent portion bent in a direction away from the wall portion.

5. The relay according to claim 4, characterized in that: The curved portion is arranged to face the wall portion.

6. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable contact piece includes a hole arranged to face the wall portion.

7. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable contact piece includes a recessed portion disposed opposite to the wall portion.

8. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable contact piece includes a first contact support portion supporting the first movable contact and a second contact support portion supporting the second movable contact. In the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece, the inner end of the first contact support portion and the inner end of the second contact support portion are arranged to be separated from each other. The wall portion is disposed so as to face a space between an inner end portion of the first contact support portion and an inner end portion of the second contact support portion.

9. The relay according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 to 8, characterized in that: When the first movable contact and the second movable contact are in contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, the wall portion overlaps with the first movable contact and the first fixed contact when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece.

10. The relay according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 to 8, characterized in that: The first fixed terminal includes: a contact support portion supporting the first fixed contact and extending outward from the first fixed contact in the longitudinal direction, and An intermediate portion extends from the contact point support portion in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

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