Relay

Abstract

In the relay, the wall portion (61) includes a first wall surface (71) and a second wall surface (72). The first wall surface (71) is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space (A1) and is arranged opposite to the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (11) in a first extension direction (F1). The second wall surface (72) is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space (A1) and is arranged in a second extension direction (F5) relative to the first wall surface (71). The distance from the movable contact piece (7) to the second wall surface (72) is different from the distance from the movable contact piece (7) to the first wall surface (71).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Among relays, there are relays that have magnets for extinguishing arcs generated at contacts. For example, in Patent Document 1, two magnets are arranged in a mutually opposed manner in the width direction of a movable contact piece. The movable contact piece is arranged between the two magnets. When an arc is generated between the contacts, the Lorentz force acts on the arc through the magnetic force of the magnet. As a result, the arc is stretched to the space on the side of the movable contact piece, and the arc is extinguished.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-98051 Summary of the invention

[0004] On the other hand, in a relay, the behavior of the arc is affected by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the fixed terminals. For example, Fig.15 A is a top view of a contact device of a related art relay. In this relay, as shown by arrow B10, a magnetic flux is generated at the contact position P10 by the magnet 300 toward the outside of the length direction of the movable contact piece 100. Therefore, at the contact position P10, if the current I10 is in the same direction as Fig.15 If the electric arc flows in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of A, a Lorentz force acts on the arc in the width direction of the movable contact piece 100 as shown by arrow F10. As a result, the arc is pulled toward the space on the side of the movable contact piece 100.

[0005] However, in Fig.15 In the relay shown in A, a portion 201 of the fixed terminal 200 is arranged outside the contact position P10. Fig.15 A extends in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Therefore, if the current I20 flows through the portion 201, a magnetic flux in the width direction of the movable contact piece 100 is generated at the contact position P10 as shown by the arrow B20. Through this magnetic flux, a Lorentz force F20 is generated on the arc toward the inner side in the length direction of the movable contact piece 100. Therefore, a resultant force F30 of the Lorentz force F10 generated by the magnetic force of the magnet 300 and the Lorentz force F20 generated by the current flowing in the fixed terminal 200 acts on the arc. Therefore, the arc is stretched in the direction of the resultant force F30 and extinguished.

[0006] Here, in order to properly extinguish the arc, it is important to properly set the distance between the starting point of the arc and the wall portion arranged on the side of the movable contact piece. For example, when the distance between the starting point of the arc and the wall portion is small, the space for stretching the arc becomes narrower. Therefore, it is difficult to fully stretch the arc. In addition, when the distance between the starting point of the arc and the wall portion is large, the force that pushes the arc against the wall portion becomes weaker. Therefore, it is difficult to fully extinguish the arc. Therefore, by properly setting the distance between the starting point of the arc and the wall portion in the direction in which the arc is stretched, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0007] However, as described above, when the behavior of the arc is affected by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the fixed terminal, the magnitude of the Lorentz force F20 toward the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 100 changes according to the magnitude of the current. Therefore, the direction of the resultant force F30 of the Lorentz force changes, and the direction in which the arc is stretched changes.

[0008] For example, Fig.15 As shown in B, the direction of the resultant force F30 of the Lorentz force when the current value is 100A is different from the direction of the resultant force F30' of the Lorentz force when the current value is 3000A. Therefore, when the current value is 100A and when it is 3000A, the arc is stretched in different directions. Fig.15 As shown in B, when the distance between the movable contact piece 100 and the wall portion 400 is constant, it is difficult to appropriately extinguish the arc according to the magnitude of the current.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to appropriately ensure arc extinguishing capability in a relay according to the magnitude of a current flowing through a contact point.

[0010] A relay according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a movable contact piece, a fixed contact, a driving device, a magnet for arc extinguishing, a fixed terminal and a wall portion. The movable contact piece includes a movable contact. The fixed contact and the movable contact are arranged relative to each other. The driving device moves the movable contact piece in a direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and in a direction in which the movable contact leaves the fixed contact. The magnet for arc extinguishing is arranged so that the Lorentz force acts on the arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a first extension direction. The fixed terminal includes a contact support portion and an intermediate portion. A fixed contact is provided on the contact support portion. The intermediate portion causes the Lorentz force to act on the arc in a second extension direction different from the first extension direction by passing a current through the intermediate portion. The wall portion is arranged in the first extension direction with the movable contact piece separated by an arc extinguishing space.

[0011] The wall portion includes a first wall surface and a second wall surface. The first wall surface is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space and is arranged opposite to the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first extension direction. The second wall surface is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space and is arranged in the second extension direction relative to the first wall surface. The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is different from the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface.

[0012] In the relay involved in this method, when the current flowing through the contacts is small, the arc is stretched toward the first wall surface. In addition, when the current flowing through the contacts is large, the arc is stretched toward the second wall surface. In addition, the distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is different from the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. Therefore, by appropriately setting the distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface and the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface according to the size of the current, the arc can be properly extinguished. Therefore, in the relay of this method, the arc extinguishing ability can be appropriately ensured according to the size of the current flowing through the contacts.

[0013] The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface may be greater than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. In this case, when the current is large, a sufficiently wide space for stretching the arc can be ensured between the second wall surface and the movable contact piece.

[0014] The wall portion may also include a connecting wall surface disposed between the first wall surface and the second wall surface. The distance from the movable contact piece to the connecting wall surface may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface, or may be larger than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. In this case, when the arc is stretched between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0015] The connecting wall surface may be inclined so that the distance from the movable contact piece increases toward the second extension direction. In this case, when the arc is extended between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, the arc can be appropriately extinguished.

[0016] The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. In this case, when the current is large but the voltage is small, the stretched arc can be pressed against the second wall surface with sufficient force. Thus, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0017] The wall portion may also include a connecting wall disposed between the first wall and the second wall. The distance from the movable contact piece to the connecting wall may be greater than the distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall, or may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall. In this case, when the arc is stretched between the first wall and the second wall, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0018] The connecting wall surface may be inclined so that the distance from the movable contact piece decreases toward the second extension direction. In this case, when the arc is extended between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, the arc can be appropriately extinguished.

[0019] The first movable contact and the second movable contact may also be configured to be separated from each other in the length direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet may also be configured to generate a magnetic flux in the direction toward the outside of the movable contact piece in the length direction between the movable contact and the fixed contact. The middle portion may be configured on the outside of the fixed contact in the length direction and extend in the moving direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, the combined force of the Lorentz force in the width direction of the movable contact piece that intersects the length direction of the movable contact piece and the Lorentz force in the direction toward the inside of the movable contact piece in the length direction acts on the arc. Moreover, the greater the current, the more the direction in which the arc is stretched changes toward the inside of the movable contact piece in the length direction.

[0020] The first extension direction may also be the width direction of the movable contact piece intersecting the length direction of the movable contact piece. The second extension direction may also be the direction toward the inner side of the movable contact piece in the length direction. In this case, the combined force of the Lorentz force in the width direction of the movable contact piece intersecting the length direction of the movable contact piece and the Lorentz force in the direction toward the inner side of the movable contact piece in the length direction acts on the arc. Moreover, the larger the current, the more the direction in which the arc is stretched changes toward the inner side of the movable contact piece in the length direction.

[0021] The relay may further include a contact housing for accommodating the movable contact piece and the fixed contact. The wall portion may also be separate from the contact housing. In this case, the wall portion can be easily formed.

[0022] The wall portion may 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 appropriately.

[0023] According to the present invention, in the relay, the arc extinguishing capability can be appropriately ensured according to the magnitude of the current flowing through the contacts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a side cross-sectional view showing the relay according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing of the relay.

[0028] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the inner housing and the contact housing.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inner casing as viewed from below.

[0030] Figure 7 It is an enlarged plan view showing the structure around the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0031] Figure 8 It is an enlarged plan view showing the structure around the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is an enlarged view of the first wall portion and its surroundings.

[0033] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first wall portion of the first modification example.

[0034] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram showing the first wall portion of the second modification example.

[0035] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing the first wall portion of the third modified example.

[0036] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing the first wall portion of the fourth modification example.

[0037] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing the first wall portion of the fifth modification example.

[0038] Fig.15 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a relay in the related art.

[0039] Explanation of symbols

[0040] 4…driving device; 5…first fixed terminal; 7…movable contact piece; 11…first fixed contact; 13…first movable contact; 18…contact housing; 21…first contact support portion; 22…first intermediate portion; 51…first magnet; 61…first wall portion; 71…first wall surface; 72…second wall surface; 81…first connecting wall surface; A1…arc extinguishing space; F1…first extension direction; F5…second extension direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, a relay according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the relay 1 of the first 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 up, down, left, and right directions refer to Figure 1 In addition, the front-back direction refers to the Figure 1 However, the definitions of these directions do not limit the configuration direction of the relay 1.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The housing body 2a includes a contact housing 18, an outer housing 19, and an inner housing 20. 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 outer housing 19 accommodates the contact housing 18 inside. The inner housing 20 is mounted on the contact housing 18. The inner housing 20 will be described in detail later.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The movable contact piece 7 includes a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The first end 7a is an end of one side of the movable contact piece 7 in the left-right direction. The second end 7b is an end of the other side 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.

[0047] 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 ).

[0048] 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. 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.

[0049] 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 fixed contact 11 is provided on the first contact support portion 21. 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. The inner side in the left-right direction refers to a direction close to the central axis of the drive shaft 15 in the left-right direction.

[0050] 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 is arranged outside the first fixed contact 11 in the length direction of the movable contact piece 7. 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. In detail, the first intermediate portion 22 extends upward from the first contact support portion 21. The first external connection portion 24 extends to the left from the first intermediate portion 22. The first external connection portion 24 protrudes to the outside of the housing 2.

[0051] 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 also 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 a fixing method such as welding.

[0052] 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 fixed contact 12 is provided at the second contact support portion 31. 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Next, the operation of the relay 1 is described. 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 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 .

[0058] When 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 by the electromagnetic force of the coil 41. As a result, 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 are in a closed state in contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0059] 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, and the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 return to the open state.

[0060] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view showing the structure inside the contact housing 18 of the relay 1. 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 1 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The third magnet 53 is disposed 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 intersecting the length direction of the movable contact piece 7. The third magnet 53 includes an N pole surface 53N opposite to the movable contact piece 7 and an S pole surface 53S on the opposite side of the N pole surface 53N.

[0064] Relay 1 also includes yoke 47 . Yoke 47 connects first magnet 51 , second magnet 52 , and third magnet 53 . Specifically, yoke 47 connects N pole surface 51N of first magnet 51 , N pole surface 52N of second magnet 52 , and S pole surface 53S of third magnet 53 .

[0065] By configuring the first magnet 51, the second magnet 52 and the third magnet 53 as described above, Figure 3 As shown, a magnetic flux B1 is generated toward the left and right outer sides 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 and right outer sides at a position between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 (hereinafter referred to as "second contact position P2"). Specifically, a magnetic flux B1 is generated between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13 in a direction from the center in the left and right direction toward the first end 7a. A magnetic flux B2 is generated between the second fixed contact 12 and the second movable contact 14 in a direction from the center in the left and right direction toward the second end 7b.

[0066] Therefore, in the movable contact piece 7, the current flows from the first movable contact 13 to the second movable contact 14 ( Figure 3 When the current flows from the second movable contact 14 to the first movable contact 13 (from left to right in the figure), the Lorentz force indicated by the arrow F1 acts on the first contact position P1. In addition, the Lorentz force indicated by the arrow F2 acts on the second contact position P2. In the movable contact piece 7, the current flows from the second movable contact 14 to the first movable contact 13 ( Figure 3 When the liquid flows from right to left in the liquid, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F3 acts on the first contact point P1. In addition, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F4 acts on the second contact point P2.

[0067] As described above, the Lorentz forces F1, F2 or the Lorentz forces F3, F4 act on the arc, whereby the arc is stretched in the direction indicated by the arrows F1-F4. As a result, the arc is quickly extinguished. Hereinafter, the direction of the Lorentz forces (F1-F4) acting on the arc through the magnetic forces of the first to third magnets 51-53 is referred to as the "first extension direction (F1-F4)". In the present embodiment, the first extension direction (F1-F4) is the width direction of the movable contact piece, i.e., the front-to-back direction.

[0068] In detail, the first extension direction (F1) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the first contact position P1 through the magnetic field of the first to third magnets 51-53 when the current flows from the first movable contact 13 to the second movable contact 14 in the movable contact piece 7. The first extension direction (F2) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the second contact position P2 through the magnetic field of the first to third magnets 51-53 when the current flows from the first movable contact 13 to the second movable contact 14 in the movable contact piece 7.

[0069] The first extension direction (F3) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the first contact position P1 through the magnetic field of the first to third magnets 51-53 when the current flows from the second movable contact 14 to the first movable contact 13 in the movable contact piece 7. The first extension direction (F4) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the second contact position P2 through the magnetic field of the first to third magnets 51-53 when the current flows from the second movable contact 14 to the first movable contact 13 in the movable contact piece 7.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, at the first contact position P1, the Lorentz force F5 generated by the self-magnetic field of the first fixed terminal 5 acts on the arc. In detail, since the current flows in the first intermediate portion 22, at the first contact position P1, the Lorentz force F5 acts on the arc in a direction different from the first extension direction (F1-F4).

[0071] For example, when the current flows from the first movable contact 13 to the second movable contact 14 in the movable contact piece 7, at the first contact position P1, the Lorentz force F5 inward in the left-right direction acts on the arc due to the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the first intermediate portion 22. In this case, the resultant force F1' of the Lorentz forces F1 and F5 acts on the arc. Therefore, the arc is stretched in the direction of the resultant force F1' of the Lorentz forces.

[0072] In addition, at the second contact position P2, the current flows in the second intermediate portion 32, and thus, at the second contact position P2, the Lorentz force F6 acts on the arc inward in the left-right direction. Therefore, the resultant force F2' of the Lorentz forces F2 and F6 acts on the arc. Therefore, the arc is stretched in the direction of the resultant force F2' of the Lorentz forces.

[0073] Hereinafter, the directions of the Lorentz forces F5 and F6 acting on the arc due to the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the first intermediate portion 22 are referred to as second extension directions (F5 and F6). In the present embodiment, the second extension directions (F5 and F6) are the directions toward the inside in the length direction of the movable contact piece.

[0074] Specifically, the second extension direction (F5) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the first contact position P1 by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the first middle portion 22. The second extension direction (F6) is the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc at the second contact position P2 by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the second middle portion 32.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the relay 1 includes a first wall 61 , a second wall 62 , a third wall 63 , and a fourth wall 64 for extinguishing the arc extended as described above. The first to fourth walls 61 - 64 are provided in the inner case 20 . Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the inner housing 20 and the contact housing 18 . Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inner case 20 as viewed from below.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner housing 20 is separated from the contact housing 18. The inner housing 20 is formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. The inner housing 20 can also be formed of a thermosetting resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin or a melamine resin. Alternatively, the inner housing 20 can also be formed of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyacetal resin. Alternatively, the inner housing 20 can also be formed of other arc-extinguishing materials.

[0077] The inner housing 20 includes a top surface 26, a first side wall 27, and a second side wall 28. The top surface 26 covers the first storage portion S1 in the contact housing 18 from above. The first side wall 27 and the second side wall 28 are arranged to be separated from each other in the front-to-back direction. The first side wall 27 and the second side wall 28 extend downward from the top surface 26. The first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62 are provided on the inner surface of the first side wall 27. The third wall portion 63 and the fourth wall portion 64 are provided on the inner surface of the second side wall 28.

[0078] Figure 7 61 and 62 are enlarged plan views showing the structure around the first wall portion 61 and the second wall portion 62. Figure 7 As shown, the first wall portion 61 is arranged in the first extension direction (F1) with the arc extinguishing space A1 between the movable contact piece 7. The first wall portion 61 is arranged in the first extension direction (F1) at a position opposite to the first contact position P1. The first wall portion 61 includes a first wall surface 71, a second wall surface 72 and a first connecting wall surface 81.

[0079] The first wall surface 71 is disposed facing the arc extinguishing space A1. The first wall surface 71 is disposed opposite to the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 11 in the first extension direction (F1). That is, when viewed from the front-back direction, the first wall surface 71 overlaps with the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 11. The first wall surface 71 has a flat shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0080] The second wall surface 72 is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space A1. The second wall surface 72 is arranged in the second extension direction (F5) relative to the first wall surface 71. The second wall surface 72 is arranged opposite to the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 11 in the first extension direction (F1). That is, when viewed from the front-back direction, the second wall surface 72 overlaps with the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 11.

[0081] The second wall surface 72 has a flat shape extending in the left-right direction. The second wall surface 72 is arranged to be farther from the movable contact piece 7 than the first wall surface 71 in the first extension direction (F1). Therefore, in the first extension direction (F1), the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72 is greater than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71.

[0082] The first connecting wall surface 81 is disposed between the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72. The first connecting wall surface 81 connects the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72. The first connecting wall surface 81 extends in the front-rear direction, that is, the first extension direction (F1). The first wall portion 61 has a stepped shape on the first connecting wall surface 81.

[0083] The second wall portion 62 has a shape that is symmetrical with the first wall portion 61 in the left-right direction. The second wall portion 62 is arranged with the arc extinguishing space A2 between it and the movable contact piece 7 in the first extension direction (F2). The second wall portion 62 is arranged at a position opposite to the second contact position P2 in the first extension direction (F2). The second wall portion 62 includes a third wall surface 73, a fourth wall surface 74, and a second connecting wall surface 82. The fourth wall surface 74 is arranged to be farther away from the movable contact piece 7 than the third wall surface 73 in the first extension direction (F2). The third wall surface 73, the fourth wall surface 74, and the second connecting wall surface 82 are symmetrical with the first wall surface 71, the second wall surface 72, and the first connecting wall surface 81 in the left-right direction, respectively, so detailed description is omitted.

[0084] Figure 8 63 and the fourth wall portion 64. The third wall portion 63 has a shape symmetrical to the first wall portion 61 in the front-rear direction. Figure 8 As shown, the third wall portion 63 is arranged with the movable contact piece 7 separated by the arc extinguishing space A3 in the first extension direction (F3). The third wall portion 63 includes a fifth wall surface 75, a sixth wall surface 76, and a third connecting wall surface 83. The sixth wall surface 76 is arranged to be farther away from the movable contact piece 7 than the fifth wall surface 75 in the first extension direction (F3). The fifth wall surface 75, the sixth wall surface 76, and the third connecting wall surface 83 are symmetrical with the first wall surface 71, the second wall surface 72, and the first connecting wall surface 81 in the front-to-back direction, respectively, so detailed description is omitted.

[0085] The fourth wall portion 64 has a shape that is symmetrical with the third wall portion 63 in the left-right direction. The fourth wall portion 64 is arranged with the arc extinguishing space A4 between it and the movable contact piece 7 in the first extension direction (F4). The fourth wall portion 64 includes a seventh wall surface 77, an eighth wall surface 78, and a fourth connecting wall surface 84. The eighth wall surface 78 is arranged to be farther away from the movable contact piece 7 than the seventh wall surface 77 in the first extension direction (F4). The seventh wall surface 77, the eighth wall surface 78, and the fourth connecting wall surface 84 are symmetrical with the fifth wall surface 75, the sixth wall surface 76, and the third connecting wall surface 83 in the left-right direction, respectively, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0086] In the relay 1 according to the first embodiment described above, when the current flowing through the contacts is small, the arc is drawn toward the first wall surface 71 . On the other hand, when the current flowing through the contacts is large, the arc is drawn toward the second wall surface 72 . Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the first wall 61. For example, when the current flowing through the contact is 100A, the Lorentz force F5 in the second extension direction (F5) is smaller than the Lorentz force F1 in the first extension direction (F1). Fig. 9 The arc is pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow C1 . As a result, the arc is pulled toward the first wall surface 71 .

[0087] in addition, Fig. 9 The starting point O1 of the arc is shown to be the center of the contact portion between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13. However, the starting point O1 of the arc is not limited to the center of the contact portion between the first fixed contact 11 and the first movable contact 13, but may be other positions.

[0088] For example, when the current flowing through the contact is 3000A, the Lorentz force F5 in the second extension direction (F5) is greater than when the current is 100A. Therefore, the arc is extended from the starting point O1 of the arc to the Fig. 9 The arc is pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow C2. As a result, the arc is pulled toward the second wall surface 72.

[0089] Here, the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72 is greater than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71. Therefore, when the current is large, a sufficiently wide space for extending the arc can be ensured between the second wall surface 72 and the movable contact piece 7.

[0090] In other words, the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71 is smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72. Therefore, even if the current is small, the stretched arc can be pushed to the first wall surface 71 with sufficient force. Thus, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0091] As described above, in the relay 1 of this embodiment, by appropriately setting the positions of the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72 of the first wall portion 61 relative to the movable contact piece 7, the arc can be appropriately extinguished according to the magnitude of the current flowing through the contact point.

[0092] The first wall portion 61 is provided in the inner housing 20 which is a separate body from the contact housing 18. Therefore, the first wall portion 61 can be easily formed.

[0093] The first wall portion 61 is formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. Therefore, the arc is pushed against the first wall portion 61 with sufficient force, and the arc can be further appropriately extinguished.

[0094] In addition, the second to fourth wall portions 62 to 64 can also obtain the same effects as those of the above-described first wall portion 61 .

[0095] 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.

[0096] The shape or arrangement 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 also protrude upward from the housing 2. Alternatively, the first external connection portion 24 and the second external connection portion 34 may also protrude in the front-rear direction from the housing 2. The arrangement or polarity of the first to third magnets 51-53 is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment, and may also be changed.

[0097] 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.

[0098] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the driving device 4 pulls in the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, thereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the driving device 4 pushes out the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, thereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the movement direction of the driving shaft 15 for opening and closing the contacts may be opposite to that in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, it is also possible that the driving device 4 pulls in the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, thereby the movable contact piece 7 moves in the separation direction Z2. It is also possible that the driving device 4 pushes out the driving shaft 15 from the coil 41 side, thereby 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.

[0099] The shape or configuration of the first to fourth wall portions 61-64 may also be changed. The shape or configuration of the first to eighth wall surfaces 71-78 may also be changed. The shape or configuration of the first to fourth connecting wall surfaces 81-84 may also be changed. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first to fourth wall portions 61-64 are integrally provided in the inner shell 20. However, the first to fourth wall portions 61-64 may also be separated from each other. The first to fourth wall portions 61-64 may also be provided separately from the inner shell 20. A portion of the first to fourth wall portions 61-64 may also be omitted.

[0100] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the first wall portion 61 of the first modified example. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first connecting wall surface 81 may also be inclined in such a manner that the distance from the movable contact piece 7 increases as it moves toward the second extension direction (F5). Fig.10 As shown by the middle arrow C3 , even when the arc is extended between the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72 , the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0101] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the first wall portion 61 of the second modified example. Fig.11 As shown, the first connecting wall surface 81 may extend in the second extension direction (F5) similarly to the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72. The first connecting wall surface 81 may be arranged between the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72 in the first extension direction (F1).

[0102] The first wall portion 61 may also have a plurality of stepped shapes through the first wall surface 71, the first connecting wall surface 81, and the second wall surface 72. For the first connecting wall surface 81, the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first connecting wall surface 81 may be greater than the distance from the first movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71, and may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72. In this case, as shown by arrow C3, when the arc is stretched between the first wall surface 71 and the second wall surface 72, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0103] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the first wall portion 61 of the third modified example. Fig.12 As shown, the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72 may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71. That is, in the first extension direction (F1), the second wall surface 72 may be arranged closer to the movable contact piece 7 than the first wall surface 71.

[0104] In this case, when the current is large but the voltage is small, the stretched arc can be pushed against the second wall surface 72 with sufficient force. For example, when the current of 800V and 400A flows through the contact, the Lorentz force F5 in the second stretching direction is smaller than the Lorentz force F1 in the first stretching direction. Therefore, the arc is stretched from the starting point O1 of the arc to the second wall surface 72. Fig.12 As a result, the arc is drawn toward the first wall surface 71 .

[0105] For example, when the contact is 400V and the current of 3500A flows, the Lorentz force F5 in the second extension direction is greater than when the current is 400A. Therefore, the arc is stretched from the starting point O1 of the arc to Fig.12 The arc is stretched toward the second wall surface 72. However, in the first extension direction, the second wall surface 72 is arranged at a position closer to the movable contact piece 7 than the first wall surface 71. Therefore, even if the voltage is small, the stretched arc can be pushed against the second wall surface 72 with sufficient force. As a result, the arc can be properly extinguished.

[0106] Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the first wall portion 61 of the fourth modified example. Fig.13 As shown, the first connecting wall surface 81 may be inclined so that the distance from the movable contact piece 7 decreases toward the second extension direction ( F5 ).

[0107] Fig.14 Schematic diagram of the first wall portion 61 of the fifth modified example. Fig.14 As shown, the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first connecting wall surface 81 is larger than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the second wall surface 72 , or may be smaller than the distance from the movable contact piece 7 to the first wall surface 71 .

[0108] In the above, the modification example of the first wall portion 61 has been described, but the second to fourth wall portions 62 to 64 may also be modified in the same manner as the above-described modification example.

[0109] According to the present invention, in the relay, the arc extinguishing capability can be appropriately ensured according to the magnitude of the current flowing through the contact points.

Claims

1. A relay, characterized in that: have: A movable contact piece including a movable contact point; A fixed contact, which is arranged opposite to the movable contact; A driving device that moves the movable contact piece in a direction in which the movable contact point contacts the fixed contact point and in a direction away from the fixed contact point; a magnet for arc extinguishing, arranged in such a way that a Lorentz force acts on an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a first extension direction; a fixed terminal including a contact support portion provided with the fixed contact, and an intermediate portion through which a current flows so that a Lorentz force acts on the arc in a second extension direction different from the first extension direction; as well as a wall portion, which is configured to be separated from the movable contact piece by an arc extinguishing space in the first extension direction, The wall portion comprises: a first wall surface, which is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space and is arranged opposite to the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first extension direction, and A second wall surface is disposed facing the arc extinguishing space and is disposed in the second extension direction relative to the first wall surface, The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is different from the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is greater than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. The first extension direction is a width direction of the movable contact piece that intersects with the length direction of the movable contact piece. The second extension direction is a direction toward the inner side of the movable contact piece in the length direction of the movable contact piece.

2. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that The wall portion includes a connecting wall surface arranged between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, A distance from the movable contact piece to the connection wall surface is smaller than a distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface, and is larger than a distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface.

3. A relay, characterized in that: have: A movable contact piece including a movable contact point; A fixed contact, which is arranged opposite to the movable contact; A driving device that moves the movable contact piece in a direction in which the movable contact point contacts the fixed contact point and in a direction away from the fixed contact point; a magnet for arc extinguishing, arranged in such a way that a Lorentz force acts on an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a first extension direction; a fixed terminal including a contact support portion provided with the fixed contact, and an intermediate portion through which a current flows so that a Lorentz force acts on the arc in a second extension direction different from the first extension direction; as well as a wall portion, which is configured to be separated from the movable contact piece by an arc extinguishing space in the first extension direction, The wall portion comprises: a first wall surface, which is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space and is arranged opposite to the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first extension direction, and A second wall surface is disposed facing the arc extinguishing space and is disposed in the second extension direction relative to the first wall surface, The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is different from the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is greater than the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. The wall portion includes a connecting wall surface arranged between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, The connecting wall surface is inclined so that a distance from the movable contact piece increases toward the second extension direction.

4. A relay, characterized in that: have: A movable contact piece including a movable contact point; A fixed contact, which is arranged opposite to the movable contact; A driving device that moves the movable contact piece in a direction in which the movable contact point contacts the fixed contact point and in a direction away from the fixed contact point; a magnet for arc extinguishing, arranged in such a way that a Lorentz force acts on an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a first extension direction; a fixed terminal including a contact support portion provided with the fixed contact, and an intermediate portion through which a current flows so that a Lorentz force acts on the arc in a second extension direction different from the first extension direction; as well as a wall portion, which is configured to have an arc extinguishing space between it and the movable contact piece in the first extension direction, The wall portion comprises: a first wall surface, which is arranged facing the arc extinguishing space and is arranged opposite to the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first extension direction, and A second wall surface is disposed facing the arc extinguishing space and is disposed in the second extension direction relative to the first wall surface, The distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is different from the distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface. A distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface is smaller than a distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface.

5. The relay according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wall portion includes a connecting wall surface arranged between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, A distance from the movable contact piece to the connection wall surface is greater than a distance from the movable contact piece to the second wall surface, and is smaller than a distance from the movable contact piece to the first wall surface.

6. The relay according to claim 4, characterized in that The wall portion includes a connecting wall surface arranged between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, The connecting wall surface is inclined so that a distance from the movable contact piece decreases toward the second extension direction.

7. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first movable contact and the second movable contact are arranged to be separated from each other in the length direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet is arranged between the movable contact and the fixed contact so as to generate a magnetic flux in a direction toward the outside of the movable contact piece in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate portion is arranged outside the fixed contact in the longitudinal direction and extends along the moving direction of the movable contact piece.

8. The relay according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first extension direction is a width direction of the movable contact piece that intersects with the length direction of the movable contact piece. The second extension direction is a direction toward the inner side of the movable contact piece in the length direction of the movable contact piece.

9. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A contact housing for accommodating the movable contact piece and the fixed contact is also provided. The wall portion is separate from the contact housing.

10. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The wall portion is formed of an arc-extinguishing material that generates arc-extinguishing gas by heat of the arc.

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