Contact device

Abstract

The contact device includes a fixed contact, a movable contact, a housing, and an arc extinguishing component. The movable contact moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact. The housing accommodates the fixed contact and the movable contact. The arc extinguishing component is movably arranged in the housing to release arc extinguishing gas. When the movable contact is in the open position, the arc extinguishing component is arranged opposite to the gap between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a contact device. Background Art

[0002] The contact device has a fixed contact and a movable contact. The movable contact moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact. When the movable contact leaves the fixed contact, an arc is generated between the contacts. In the past, for example, as in the contact device of Patent Document 1, an arc extinguishing component was arranged in the storage space of the contact in order to quickly extinguish the arc. The arc extinguishing component releases arc extinguishing gas by the heat of the arc. The arc is extinguished by the arc extinguishing gas. As a result, the interruption performance of the contact device can be improved.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-49939 Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to improve the arc extinguishing performance brought by the arc extinguishing gas, it is preferred that the arc extinguishing member is arranged close to the gap between the fixed contact and the movable contact. However, since the arc extinguishing member is arranged close to the gap between the contacts, if the space between the arc extinguishing member and the contacts becomes narrow, it is difficult for the arc to pass through the space and it is retained. Therefore, it is difficult to quickly extinguish the arc.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the arc extinguishing performance using arc extinguishing gas.

[0006] A contact device according to one embodiment includes a fixed contact, a movable contact, a housing, and an arc-extinguishing component. The movable contact moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact. The housing accommodates the fixed contact and the movable contact. The arc-extinguishing component is movably arranged in the housing to release arc-extinguishing gas. When the movable contact is in the open position, the arc-extinguishing component is arranged opposite to the gap between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0007] In the contact device of this mode, the arc-extinguishing component is movably arranged in the housing. Therefore, when the arc-extinguishing gas is generated, the arc-extinguishing component moves due to the increase in the pressure of the arc-extinguishing gas. Therefore, even if the arc-extinguishing component is arranged close to the gap, the space between the contact and the arc-extinguishing component can be largely ensured. As a result, the arc-extinguishing gas can be generated near the gap of the contact, and the arc can easily pass through the space between the contact and the arc-extinguishing component. As a result, the arc is easily stretched, so that the arc can be extinguished quickly. Therefore, the arc-extinguishing performance of the arc-extinguishing gas can be improved.

[0008] The arc-extinguishing component may also be movably arranged at least in the direction in which the arc-extinguishing component is away from the fixed contact. In this case, the arc-extinguishing component can be moved in the direction away from the fixed contact due to the pressure increase generated by the arc-extinguishing gas. Therefore, even if the arc-extinguishing component is arranged close to the gap, a large space between the fixed contact and the arc-extinguishing component can be ensured.

[0009] The arc-extinguishing component may also be arranged to be movable at least in the direction in which the arc-extinguishing component is away from the movable contact. In this case, the arc-extinguishing component can be moved in the direction away from the movable contact due to the pressure increase generated by the arc-extinguishing gas. Therefore, even if the arc-extinguishing component is arranged close to the gap, a large space between the movable contact and the arc-extinguishing component can be ensured.

[0010] The arc-extinguishing component may also include a shape in which the front end tapers toward the gap. In this case, even if the arc-extinguishing component is arranged close to the gap, a larger space between the contact and the arc-extinguishing component can be ensured. Thus, the arc-extinguishing performance of the arc-extinguishing gas can be further improved.

[0011] The contact device may also include a support member for movably supporting the arc extinguishing member. The support member may also have elasticity. In this case, the arc extinguishing member can be movably supported by the elasticity of the support member. The support member may also be a coil spring. The support member may also be a leaf spring.

[0012] At least a part of the arc-extinguishing member may also have elasticity. In this case, the arc-extinguishing member can be movably provided by the elasticity of the arc-extinguishing member.

[0013] In the direction from the arc extinguishing component toward the gap, the distance between the front end of the arc extinguishing component and the fixed contact may also be smaller than the distance from the housing to the front end of the arc extinguishing component. In this case, the front end of the arc extinguishing component and the fixed contact can be arranged close to each other. Thus, the arc extinguishing performance can be improved.

[0014] In the direction from the arc extinguishing component toward the gap, the distance between the front end of the arc extinguishing component and the movable contact can also be smaller than the distance from the housing to the front end of the arc extinguishing component. In this case, the front end of the arc extinguishing component and the movable contact can be arranged close to each other. Thereby, the arc extinguishing performance can be improved.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the arc extinguishing performance by the arc extinguishing gas can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a side cross-sectional view of the relay in the OFF state according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view of the relay in the closed state.

[0019] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view of the first arc-extinguishing component, the first supporting component and their surroundings.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the first arc extinguishing component.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the first fixed contact, the first movable contact, and the first arc-extinguishing member as viewed from a direction in which the first arc-extinguishing member is opposed to the first gap.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a side cross-sectional view of a relay according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing a contact device according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing a contact device according to a second modified example of the embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 IX-IX section view in.

[0026] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the arc extinguishing component.

[0027] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the support member.

[0028] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the arc extinguishing component.

[0029] Explanation of symbols

[0030] 3: Shell;

[0031] 14: Fixed contact;

[0032] 16: movable contact;

[0033] 51: arc extinguishing components;

[0034] 61: front end;

[0035] 71: supporting member;

[0036] G1: Gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, a relay 1 a according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a relay 1a according to an embodiment. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay 1a includes a contact device 2, a housing 3, and a drive device 4. In the following description, the directions of up, down, left, and right refer to Figure 1 In detail, the direction from the drive device 4 toward the contact device 2 is defined as the upper direction. In addition, the direction from the contact device 2 toward the drive device 4 is defined as the lower direction. Figure 1 In the , the direction intersecting the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction. In addition, the direction intersecting the up-down direction and the left-right direction is defined as the front-back direction. Figure 1 However, these directions are defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement directions of the relay 1a.

[0038] The contact device 2 includes a movable mechanism 10, a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, a movable contact piece 13, a first movable contact 16, and a second movable contact 17. The first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. A first fixed contact 14 is provided at the first fixed terminal 11. A second fixed contact 15 is provided at the second fixed terminal 12. The first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 are arranged separately in the left-right direction.

[0039] The first fixed terminal 11 includes a first contact support portion 21 and a first external terminal portion 22. The first fixed contact 14 is connected to the first contact support portion 21. The first external terminal portion 22 is connected to the first contact support portion 21. The first external terminal portion 22 protrudes outward from the housing 3. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second contact support portion 23 and a second external terminal portion 24. The second fixed contact 15 is connected to the second contact support portion 23. The second external terminal portion 24 is connected to the second contact support portion 23. The second external terminal portion 24 protrudes outward from the housing 3.

[0040] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 protrude upward from the housing 3. However, the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 are not limited to the up-down direction, and may protrude from the housing 3 in other directions such as the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0041] The movable contact piece 13 is formed of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contact piece 13 extends in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the length direction of the movable contact piece 13 coincides with the left-right direction. The movable contact piece 13 is disposed opposite to the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 in the up-down direction.

[0042] The movable contact piece 13 is configured to be movable in a contact direction Z1 and a separation direction Z2. The contact direction Z1 is a direction in which the movable contact piece 13 approaches the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 ( Figure 1 The separation direction Z2 is the direction in which the movable contact piece 13 moves away from the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 ( Figure 1 ).

[0043] The first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are supported by the movable contact piece 13. The first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are arranged to be separated in the left-right direction. The first movable contact 16 is opposed to the first fixed contact 14 in the vertical direction. The second movable contact 17 is opposed to the second fixed contact 15 in the vertical direction.

[0044] The movable mechanism 10 is configured so as to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 together with the movable contact piece 13. The movable mechanism 10 includes a drive shaft 19, a bracket 26, and a contact spring 27. The drive shaft 19 extends in the up-down direction. The drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13. The drive shaft 19 extends downward from the movable contact piece 13. The drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13 via the bracket 26 and the contact spring 27. The bracket 26 is mounted on the movable contact piece 13 to hold the movable contact piece 13. The contact spring 27 is configured between the bracket 26 and the movable contact piece 13. When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in contact with the fixed contacts 14 and 15, the contact spring 27 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1.

[0045] The housing 3 accommodates the contact device 2 and the drive device 4. The housing 3 includes a first housing 3a and a second housing 3b. The first housing 3a includes a first storage portion S1. The second housing 3b includes a second storage portion S2. The first storage portion S1 and the second storage portion S2 are divided by a partition wall 46. The fixed contacts 14 and 15, the movable contact piece 13, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 are arranged in the first storage portion S1. The drive device 4 is arranged in the second storage portion S2.

[0046] The first housing 3a includes a top surface 41, a first side surface 42, and a second side surface 43. The top surface 41 is opposite to the movable contact piece 13 in the moving direction of the movable mechanism 10. The top surface 41 is arranged above the movable contact piece 13. The first side surface 42 and the second side surface 43 are arranged at intervals from each other in the left-right direction. The first side surface 42 and the second side surface 43 are opposite to the movable contact piece 13 in the direction intersecting the moving direction of the movable mechanism 10. That is, the first side surface 42 and the second side surface 43 are opposite to the movable contact piece 13 in the left-right direction. The first side surface 42 and the second side surface 43 extend in the moving direction of the movable mechanism 10. The movable contact piece 13 is arranged between the first side surface 42 and the second side surface 43 in the left-right direction.

[0047] The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 by electromagnetic force. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The driving device 4 is arranged below the housing 3. The driving device 4 includes a winding frame 30, a movable iron core 31, a coil 32, a fixed iron core 33, a yoke 34 and a return spring 35.

[0048] The bobbin 30 includes a hole 301 that passes through the bobbin 30 in the up-down direction. The movable iron core 31 is arranged in the hole 301 of the bobbin 30. The movable iron core 31 is separate from the fixed iron core 33. The movable iron core 31 is connected to the drive shaft 19. The movable iron core 31 is configured to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The coil 32 is wound on the bobbin 30. The coil 32 generates an electromagnetic force that moves the movable iron core 31 in the contact direction Z1 by energizing.

[0049] The fixed iron core 33 is disposed in the hole 301 of the bobbin 30. The fixed iron core 33 is disposed opposite to the movable iron core 31. The return spring 35 is disposed between the movable iron core 31 and the fixed iron core 33. The return spring 35 urges the movable iron core 31 in the separation direction Z2.

[0050] The yoke 34 is arranged so as to surround the coil 32. The yoke 34 is arranged on the magnetic path formed by the coil 32. The yoke 34 is arranged above the coil 32, on the side of the coil 32, and below the coil 32.

[0051] Next, the operation of the relay 1a is described. When the coil 32 is not energized, the drive device 4 is not excited. In this case, the drive shaft 19 and the movable iron core 31 are pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 35. Therefore, the movable contact piece 13 is also pressed in the separation direction Z2, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 are located at Figure 1 When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the disconnected position, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are separated from the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 .

[0052] When the coil 32 is energized, the drive device 4 is excited. In this case, the electromagnetic force of the coil 32 causes the movable iron core 31 to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 35 and move in the contact direction Z1. As a result, the drive shaft 19 and the movable contact piece 13 move in the contact direction Z1 together, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 move in the contact direction Z1. Figure 2 When the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the closed position, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are in contact with the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15, respectively.

[0053] When the current to the coil 32 stops and the coil 32 is demagnetized, the movable iron core 31 is pressed in the separation direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 35. As a result, the drive shaft 19 and the movable contact piece 13 move in the separation direction Z2 together, and the movable contacts 16 and 17 return to the original position. Figure 1 Disconnected position shown.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact device 2 includes a first arc-extinguishing component 51, a second arc-extinguishing component 52, a first support component 71 and a second support component 72. The first arc-extinguishing component 51 and the second arc-extinguishing component 52 are arranged in the first storage portion S1. The first and second arc-extinguishing components 51 and 52 are formed of a material that releases arc-extinguishing gas based on the heat of the arc. The arc-extinguishing gas is, for example, a gas with hydrogen or nitrogen as a main component, which can extinguish the arc. Alternatively, the arc-extinguishing gas is not limited to a gas with hydrogen or nitrogen as a main component, and can also be a gas with other elements as a main component.

[0055] The first and second arc-extinguishing components 51 and 52 may be formed of materials such as phenolic resin, hydrogen storage metal, or titanium hydride. Alternatively, the first and second arc-extinguishing components 51 and 52 may be formed of thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester resin and melamine resin. Alternatively, the first and second arc-extinguishing components 51 and 52 may be formed of thermoplastic resins such as polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, and polyacetal resin. Alternatively, the first and second arc-extinguishing components 51 and 52 may be formed of other materials.

[0056] The first arc-extinguishing component 51 is disposed opposite to the gap G1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first gap G1") between the first fixed contact 14 and the first movable contact 16 when the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the disconnected position. The first arc-extinguishing component 51 includes a shape that tapers toward the first gap G1. The second arc-extinguishing component 52 is disposed opposite to the gap G2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second gap G2") between the second fixed contact 15 and the second movable contact 17 when the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in the disconnected position. The second arc-extinguishing component 52 includes a shape that tapers toward the second gap G2.

[0057] The first arc extinguishing member 51 is connected to the first side surface 42 via the first supporting member 71. The second arc extinguishing member 52 is connected to the second side surface 43 via the second supporting member 72. The first arc extinguishing member 51 protrudes from the first side surface 42 toward the first gap G1. The second arc extinguishing member 52 protrudes from the second side surface 43 toward the second gap G2.

[0058] The first supporting member 71 movably supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51. The first supporting member 71 is connected to the first housing 3a and the first arc-extinguishing member 51. In detail, the first supporting member 71 is connected to the first side surface 42 and the first arc-extinguishing member 51. The second supporting member 72 movably supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52. The second supporting member 72 is connected to the first housing 3a and the second arc-extinguishing member 52. In detail, the second supporting member 72 is connected to the second side surface 43 and the second arc-extinguishing member 52. The first supporting member 71 is a coil spring and has elasticity. The second supporting member 72 is a coil spring and has elasticity.

[0059] The first supporting member 71 supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51 so that the front end of the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can move away from the first fixed contact 14 at least in the vertical direction. The first supporting member 71 supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51 so that the front end of the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can move away from the first movable contact 16 at least in the vertical direction. The second supporting member 72 supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52 so that the front end of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move away from the second fixed contact 15 at least in the vertical direction. The second supporting member 72 supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52 so that the front end of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move away from the second movable contact 17 at least in the vertical direction.

[0060] In detail, the first support member 71 supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51 in such a manner that the front end of the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can move in the up-down direction. The first support member 71 supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51 in such a manner that the front end of the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can move in the left-right direction. The first support member 71 supports the first arc-extinguishing member 51 in such a manner that the front end of the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can move in the front-back direction.

[0061] The second supporting member 72 supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52 in such a manner that the front end of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move in the up-down direction. The second supporting member 72 supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52 in such a manner that the front end of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move in the left-right direction. The second supporting member 72 supports the second arc-extinguishing member 52 in such a manner that the front end of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move in the front-back direction. However, the directions in which the first arc-extinguishing member 51 and the second arc-extinguishing member 52 can move are not limited to the above directions, and can also be changed.

[0062] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view showing the first arc-extinguishing member 51, the first supporting member 71 and their surroundings. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram of the first arc-extinguishing component 51. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first arc-extinguishing component 51 includes a trapezoidal shape. In detail, the first arc-extinguishing component 51 includes a front end portion 61, a base end portion 62, and a tapered portion 63. The front end portion 61 is opposite to the first gap G1. The front end portion 61 has a flat shape. However, the front end portion 61 may also be a curved shape. The tapered portion 63 is disposed between the front end portion 61 and the base end portion 62. The tapered portion 63 has a shape in which the front end becomes thinner from the base end portion 62 toward the front end portion 61.

[0063] The base end portion 62 has a larger outer shape than the front end portion 61. Specifically, when viewed from the first arc-extinguishing component 51 in a direction opposite to the first gap G1, the base end portion 62 has a larger area than the front end portion 61. In other words, when viewed from the first arc-extinguishing component 51 in a direction opposite to the first gap G1, the front end portion 61 has a smaller area than the base end portion 62. The size of the base end portion 62 in the up-down direction is larger than the size of the front end portion 61 in the up-down direction. In other words, the size of the front end portion 61 in the up-down direction is smaller than the size of the base end portion 62 in the up-down direction.

[0064] The first arc-extinguishing component 51 is arranged close to the first gap G1. Specifically, in the direction from the first arc-extinguishing component 51 toward the first gap G1, the distance D1 between the front end of the first arc-extinguishing component 51 and the first fixed contact 14 is smaller than the distance D2 from the first housing 3a (first side surface 42) to the front end of the first arc-extinguishing component 51. In the direction from the first arc-extinguishing component 51 toward the first gap G1, the distance D3 between the front end of the first arc-extinguishing component 51 and the first movable contact 16 is smaller than the distance D2 from the first housing 3a (first side surface 42) to the front end of the first arc-extinguishing component 51.

[0065] The conical portion 63 includes a first conical surface 64 and a second conical surface 65. The first conical surface 64 and the second conical surface 65 are inclined in such a manner that the distance between the first conical surface 64 and the second conical surface 65 decreases toward the first gap G1. The first conical surface 64 is opposite to the first fixed contact 14. The second conical surface 65 is opposite to the first movable contact 16. At least a portion of the front end portion 61 is located between the lower end of the first fixed contact 14 and the upper end of the first movable contact 16.

[0066] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the first fixed contact 14, the first movable contact 16, and the first arc-extinguishing member 51 as viewed from the left and right directions. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the first fixed contact 14, the first movable contact 16, and the first arc-extinguishing member 51 as viewed from a direction in which the first arc-extinguishing member 51 is opposed to the first gap G1. Figure 5As shown, the first tapered surface 64 overlaps the first fixed contact 14 when viewed from the direction in which the first arc extinguishing member 51 faces the first gap G1. The second tapered surface 65 overlaps the first movable contact 16 when viewed from the direction in which the first arc extinguishing member 51 faces the first gap G1.

[0067] The second arc-extinguishing member 52 has the same structure as the first arc-extinguishing member 51 except that the second arc-extinguishing member 52 is provided substantially bilaterally symmetrically with the first arc-extinguishing member 51. Therefore, a detailed description of the second arc-extinguishing member 52 will be omitted.

[0068] In the contact device 2 of the present embodiment described above, the first arc-extinguishing member 51 is movably supported by the first supporting member 71. Therefore, when arc-extinguishing gas is generated, the first arc-extinguishing member 51 moves due to the increase in pressure based on the arc-extinguishing gas. Therefore, even if the first arc-extinguishing member 51 is arranged close to the first gap G1, a large space between the first fixed contact 14 and the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can be ensured. Alternatively, a large space between the first movable contact 16 and the first arc-extinguishing member 51 can be ensured. As a result, arc-extinguishing gas can be generated near the first gap G1, and the arc can easily pass through the space between the first fixed contact 14 and the first arc-extinguishing member 51, or the space between the first movable contact 16 and the first arc-extinguishing member 51. As a result, the arc is easily stretched, so that the arc can be extinguished quickly. Therefore, the arc extinguishing performance of the arc-extinguishing gas can be improved.

[0069] In addition, when arc-extinguishing gas is generated, the first support member 71 is elastically deformed by the instantaneous pressure rise, thereby moving the first arc-extinguishing member 51. However, after the instantaneous pressure rise ends, the elastic deformation of the first support member 71 is released, and the first arc-extinguishing member 51 returns to its original position.

[0070] The first arc-extinguishing component 51 includes a shape that tapers toward the first gap G1. Therefore, even if the first arc-extinguishing component 51 is arranged close to the first gap G1, a larger space can be ensured between the first fixed contact 14 and the first arc-extinguishing component 51. Alternatively, a larger space can be ensured between the first movable contact 16 and the first arc-extinguishing component 51. As a result, the arc-extinguishing performance of the arc-extinguishing gas can be further improved. With respect to the second arc-extinguishing component 52 and the second supporting component 72, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned first arc-extinguishing component 51 and the first supporting component 71 can be obtained.

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the contact device is not limited to a relay, and can also be used in a circuit breaker or a switch.

[0072] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the drive device 4 pushes out the drive shaft 19 from the drive device 4 side, thereby the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the drive shaft 19 is pulled into the drive device 4 side by the drive device 4, and the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the movement direction of the drive shaft 19 for connecting and disconnecting the contacts may be opposite to that in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, it is also possible that the drive device 4 pulls the drive shaft 19 into the drive device 4 side, thereby the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1. It is also possible that the drive shaft 19 is pushed out from the drive device 4 side by the drive device 4, and the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separation direction Z2. That is, the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 may also be opposite to those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0073] The relay 1a is a so-called plunger-type relay, but the present invention is not limited to the plunger-type relay and can also be applied to other types of relays. Figure 6 As shown, the present invention can also be applied to a hinged relay 1b. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote structures corresponding to those in the above-described embodiment. Figure 6 In the hinge-type relay 1b shown, when the coil 32 is excited, the armature 36 is attracted to the iron core 39 by the magnetic force of the coil 32 and swings. The armature 36 is connected to the card 37. According to the swing of the armature 36, the card 37 presses the movable contact piece 13, thereby the movable contact piece 13 and the movable contact point 16 move in the contact direction Z1. As a result, the movable contact point 16 contacts the fixed contact point 14.

[0074] If the coil 32 is demagnetized, the armature 36 swings in the opposite direction due to the elastic force of the hinge spring 38. As a result, the card 37, the movable contact piece 13 and the movable contact 16 move in the separation direction Z2, and the movable contact 16 separates from the fixed contact 14. The arc extinguishing member 51 is arranged opposite to the gap G1 between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 14. The arc extinguishing member 51 includes a shape that tapers toward the gap G1. The arc extinguishing member 51 is movably supported by the support member 71. In such a hinge-type relay 1b, the same effect as the relay 1a of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be obtained.

[0075] The shapes or configurations of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, and the movable contact piece 13 may be changed. The shapes or configurations of the coil 32, the bobbin 30, or the yoke 34 may be changed. The shapes or configurations of the first fixed contact 14, the second fixed contact 15, the first movable contact 16, and the second movable contact 17 may be changed.

[0076] The first fixed contact 14 may be separate from the first fixed terminal 11, or may be integrated. The second fixed contact 15 may be separate from the second fixed terminal 12, or may be integrated. The first movable contact 16 may be separate from the movable contact piece 13, or may be integrated. The second movable contact 17 may be separate from the movable contact piece 13, or may be integrated.

[0077] The shape and / or configuration of the arc extinguishing component is not limited to the above-mentioned shape and / or configuration, and may also be changed. For example, the arc extinguishing component is not limited to the side surfaces 42 and 43 of the housing 3, and may be connected to the top surface 41 via a supporting component. Alternatively, the arc extinguishing component may also be connected to the partition wall 46 via a supporting component.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first arc extinguishing member 51 is opposite to the first gap G1 in the left-right direction. The second arc extinguishing member 52 is opposite to the second gap G2 in the left-right direction. However, the direction in which the arc extinguishing member and the gap are opposite is not limited to the left-right direction, that is, the length direction of the movable contact piece 13. For example, Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a top view showing a contact device 2 according to a first modified example. Figure 7 As shown, the arc extinguishing members 51 and 52 may be opposed to the gaps G1 and G2 in the front-rear direction. That is, the arc extinguishing members 51 and 52 may be opposed to the gaps G1 and G2 in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 13.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the first arc extinguishing component 51 and the second arc extinguishing component 52 are provided. However, the number of arc extinguishing components is not limited to 2, and may be less than 2 or more than 2. For example, one of the first arc extinguishing component 51 and the second arc extinguishing component 52 may be omitted. Or, Figure 8 It is a plan view showing a contact device 2 according to a second modified example. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 IX-IX section view in Figure 1. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the first gap G1 may be sandwiched in the middle, and two arc-extinguishing components 51 and 53 may be arranged opposite to the first gap G1. The arc-extinguishing components 51 and 53 may also be supported by the first housing 3a via support components 71 and 73, respectively. The second gap G2 may be sandwiched in the middle, and two arc-extinguishing components 52 and 54 may be arranged opposite to the second gap G2. The arc-extinguishing components 52 and 54 may also be supported by the first housing 3a via support components 72 and 74, respectively.

[0080] The arc-extinguishing component is not limited to a trapezoidal shape, and may also include other shapes. For example, the arc-extinguishing component may also include a pyramidal shape, a truncated pyramidal shape, a cone shape, or a truncated pyramidal shape. Or, as Fig.10As shown, the first arc-extinguishing member 51 may also be in a shape different from the tapered shape. The other arc-extinguishing members mentioned above may also be in a shape different from the tapered shape.

[0081] The supporting member is not limited to the coil spring, and may also be in other shapes. Fig.11 As shown, the first support member 71 may be a leaf spring. The other support members mentioned above may also be leaf springs. Alternatively, the support member may be a structure other than a spring as long as it is a structure that movably supports the arc extinguishing member.

[0082] The first arc-extinguishing member 51 may also be movably arranged without relying on the supporting member. Fig.12 As shown, the first arc-extinguishing component 51 may also include an elastic portion 66. The first arc-extinguishing component 51 may also be movably arranged by the elastic portion 66. As for the other arc-extinguishing components mentioned above, similarly, they may also be movably arranged without relying on a supporting component.

[0083] Industrial Applicability

[0084] According to the present invention, the arc extinguishing performance of the arc extinguishing gas can be improved.

Claims

1. A contact device, characterized in that: have: Fixed contacts; a movable contact that moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact; a housing accommodating the fixed contact and the movable contact; as well as, An arc-extinguishing component is movably arranged in the housing and releases arc-extinguishing gas. It moves in a direction away from the fixed contact or the movable contact due to the pressure increase generated by the arc-extinguishing gas. When the movable contact is in the disconnected position, it is arranged opposite to the gap between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arc extinguishing member has a shape whose front end becomes narrower toward the gap.

3. The contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a supporting member for movably supporting the arc extinguishing member, The supporting member has elasticity.

4. The contact device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member is a coil spring.

5. The contact device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The supporting member is a leaf spring.

6. The contact device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the arc-extinguishing component has elasticity.

7. The contact device according to claim 3, characterized in that: In a direction from the arc extinguishing member toward the gap, a distance between a front end of the arc extinguishing member and the fixed contact is smaller than a distance from the housing to the front end of the arc extinguishing member.

8. The contact device according to claim 3, characterized in that: In a direction from the arc extinguishing member toward the gap, a distance between a front end of the arc extinguishing member and the movable contact is smaller than a distance from the housing to the front end of the arc extinguishing member.

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