Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The electromagnetic relay comprises a pair of fixed terminals, a movable contact piece, a receiving portion and a magnet portion. The pair of fixed terminals comprises a fixed contact. The movable contact piece comprises a movable contact arranged relative to the fixed contact. The movable contact piece can move in a first direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and in a second direction in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact. The receiving portion comprises a receiving space for receiving the fixed contact and the movable contact piece. The magnet portion comprises a pair of magnets arranged around the receiving portion in a manner opposite to each other in the length direction of the movable contact piece and extending further in the second direction than the receiving space. The magnet portion generates a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the length direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. Background Art

[0002] In the past, it is known that there is an electromagnetic relay that uses the magnetic force of a magnet to extend and extinguish the arc generated at the contact. For example, in Patent Document 1, a pair of magnets are arranged in a manner that opposite poles are opposed to each other in the length direction of a movable contact piece, and magnetic flux flows in the length direction of the movable contact piece relative to the contact. The Lorentz force generated by the magnetic force of the pair of magnets acts on the arc generated at the contact, so that the arc extends toward the arc extinguishing space.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-110094

[0004] Fig.11 1 is a diagram schematically showing the magnetic flux flowing between a pair of magnets. Specifically, it is a diagram schematically showing the pair of magnets 101 and 102 being arranged in the longitudinal direction ( Fig.11 A diagram of the magnetic flux flowing between a pair of magnets 101 and 102 when the magnets 101 and 102 are arranged with opposite poles facing each other in the left-right direction. Fig.11 The short side direction of the movable contact piece 103 is in the same direction as Fig.11 The direction perpendicular to the paper. Fig.11 As shown, the magnetic flux flowing between the pair of magnets 101 and 102 flows in a direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 103 near the center of the magnets 101 and 102, that is, near the contacts 104 and 105. On the other hand, at a position away from the contacts 104 and 105 in the up-down direction (the up-down direction of FIG. 15), the magnetic flux between the pair of magnets 101 and 102 is bent in a manner extending in the up-down direction. Therefore, when the arc is extended in the up-down direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc changes. Therefore, at a position separated from the contacts 104 and 105 in the up-down direction, it is difficult to control the extension direction of the arc to a desired direction.

[0005] Furthermore, near the ends of the magnets, the magnetic field is strong and the direction of the magnetic flux changes. Therefore, even when the space for extending the arc is close to the ends of the magnets, it is difficult to control the arc extension direction to a desired direction. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to easily control the extension direction of an arc in an electromagnetic relay.

[0007] An electromagnetic relay according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of fixed terminals, a movable contact piece, a receiving portion and a magnet portion. The pair of fixed terminals comprises a fixed contact. The movable contact piece comprises a movable contact arranged relative to the fixed contact, and is capable of moving in a first direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and in a second direction in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact. The receiving portion comprises a receiving space for receiving the fixed contact and the movable contact piece. The magnet portion comprises a pair of magnets arranged around the receiving portion in a manner opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece and extending further in the second direction than the receiving space. The magnet portion generates a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0008] In the electromagnetic relay, since a pair of magnets extend further in the second direction than the receiving space, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece in the receiving space widens in the second direction. Thus, for example, even at a position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact in the second direction, it is possible to suppress a significant change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc. Therefore, for example, when the arc is extended in the second direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc will not change significantly, so it is easy to control the extension direction of the arc. In addition, since the end of the magnet can be arranged at a position away from the receiving space in the second direction, it is possible to suppress the change in the direction of the magnetic flux and the change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.

[0009] Preferably, the accommodation space includes an arc extension space, at least a portion of which is arranged on the second direction side of the movable contact piece, for extending the arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. In the arc extension space, the angle between the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field at the position farthest from the movable contact piece in the second direction and the straight line parallel to the length direction is within 45°. In this case, even at a position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact in the second direction, a large change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc can be effectively suppressed.

[0010] Preferably, the size of the pair of magnets in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece is larger than the size of the accommodation space in the short-side direction. In this case, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the accommodation space in a direction parallel to the long-side direction becomes wider in the short-side direction, so even at a position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact to the outside in the short-side direction, it is possible to suppress a significant change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.

[0011] Preferably, the magnet portion further includes a pair of second magnets disposed around the receiving portion in a manner opposed to each other in the short side direction of the movable contact piece and extending in the second direction relative to the receiving space. In this case, when the pair of second magnets are disposed, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece in the receiving space can be expanded in the second direction.

[0012] Preferably, the pair of magnets and the pair of second magnets extend further in the first direction than the accommodation space. In this case, in the accommodation space, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece is widened in the first direction, so when the arc is extended in the first direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc can be suppressed from changing significantly. In addition, since the end of the magnet can be arranged at a position separated from the accommodation space in the first direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc can be suppressed from changing due to the change in the direction of the magnetic flux.

[0013] An electromagnetic relay according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of fixed terminals, a movable contact piece, a receiving portion and a magnet portion. The pair of fixed terminals comprises a fixed contact. The movable contact piece comprises a movable contact arranged relative to the fixed contact, and the movable contact can move in a first direction in contact with the fixed contact and in a second direction in which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact. The receiving portion comprises a receiving space for receiving the fixed contact and the movable contact piece. The magnet portion comprises a pair of magnets arranged around the receiving portion in a manner opposite to each other in the short side direction of the movable contact piece and extending further in the second direction than the receiving space. The magnet portion generates a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the short side direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0014] In the electromagnetic relay, since a pair of magnets extend further in the second direction than the accommodation space, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the short side direction of the movable contact piece in the accommodation space is widened in the second direction. Thus, for example, even at a position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact in the second direction, it is possible to suppress a significant change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc. Therefore, for example, when the arc is extended in the second direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc will not change significantly, so it is easy to control the extension direction of the arc. In addition, since the end of the magnet can be arranged at a position separated from the accommodation space in the second direction, it is possible to suppress the change in the direction of the magnetic flux and the change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.

[0015] Preferably, the accommodation space includes an arc extension space, at least a portion of which is arranged on the second direction side of the movable contact piece, for extending the arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact, and in the arc extension space, the angle between the magnetic flux line of the magnetic field at the position farthest away from the movable contact piece in the second direction and the straight line parallel to the short side direction is within 45°. In this case, even at the position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact in the second direction, it is possible to effectively suppress the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc from changing significantly.

[0016] Preferably, the size of the pair of magnets in the length direction of the movable contact piece is larger than the size of the accommodation space in the length direction. In this case, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the short side direction in the accommodation space becomes wider in the short side direction, so even at a position separated from the fixed contact and the movable contact to the outside in the short side direction, it is possible to suppress a significant change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.

[0017] Preferably, the pair of magnets extend further in the first direction than the receiving space. In this case, when the arc extends in the first direction, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc does not change significantly, so it is easy to control the extension direction of the arc. In addition, since the end of the magnet can be arranged at a position separated from the receiving space in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc due to the change in the direction of the magnetic flux.

[0018] Preferably, the pair of fixed terminals are plate-shaped terminals extending in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. In this case, in the electromagnetic relay using the plate-shaped fixed terminals, the extension direction of the arc can be easily controlled.

[0019] According to the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay, it becomes easy to control the extension direction of the arc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electromagnetic relay.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the magnet part and the receiving part.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the housing portion as viewed from the rear.

[0023] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram schematically showing the flow of magnetic flux in the housing space.

[0024] Figure 4 (B) is Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of (A).

[0025] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electromagnetic relay.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the magnet portion.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing a second modification example of the magnet portion.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a second modification example of the magnet portion.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing a third modification example of the magnet portion.

[0030] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing a third modification example of the magnet portion.

[0031] Fig.11 This is a diagram schematically showing the flow of magnetic flux between a pair of magnets.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 6…magnet part;

[0034] 6a…first magnet;

[0035] 6b…second magnet;

[0036] 11…Containment Department;

[0037] 12…containment space;

[0038] 12a, 12b…arc extension space;

[0039] 14…a first fixed terminal;

[0040] 14a: a first fixed contact (an example of a fixed contact);

[0041] 15…second fixed terminal;

[0042] 15a: a second fixed contact (an example of a fixed contact);

[0043] 16… movable contact piece;

[0044] 16a: a first movable contact (an example of a movable contact);

[0045] 16b: a second movable contact (an example of a movable contact);

[0046] 40a ... a third magnet;

[0047] 40b ... a fourth magnet;

[0048] 100…Electromagnetic relay. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electromagnetic relay 100. Figure 1 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a housing 2 , a contact device 3 , a drive shaft 4 , an electromagnetic drive device 5 , and a magnet portion 6 .

[0050] In addition, when referring to the drawings, in order to facilitate the understanding of the description, Figure 1 In the description, the upper side is set as "up", the lower side is set as "down", the left side is set as "left", and the right side is set as "right". Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface is described as the front-back direction. In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 1 The upper side of the diagram is the contact direction Z1. Figure 1 The lower side in the middle is the separation direction Z2. The details of the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 will be described later.

[0051] The housing 2 is a substantially rectangular box-shaped body, and is formed of an insulating material. The housing 2 contains a contact device 3 , a drive shaft 4 , an electromagnetic drive device 5 , and a magnet portion 6 .

[0052] The housing 2 includes a housing portion 11. The housing portion 11 is constituted by, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box member disposed in the housing 2. The housing portion 11 is formed of a material having insulating properties.

[0053] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the magnet portion 6 and the receiving portion 11, and is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the receiving portion 11 observed from above. The receiving portion 11 includes a first inner wall surface 11a, a second inner wall surface 11b, a third inner wall surface 11c, and a fourth inner wall surface 11d. The first to fourth inner wall surfaces 11a to 11d are respectively the inner side surfaces of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the receiving portion 11. The first inner wall surface 11a and the second inner wall surface 11b extend in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The first inner wall surface 11a and the second inner wall surface 11b are arranged opposite to each other in the front-to-back direction. The third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d extend in the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. The third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d are arranged opposite to each other in the left-to-right direction. The left-to-right dimensions of the first inner wall surface 11a and the second inner wall surface 11b are longer than the up-to-down dimensions of the third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d.

[0054] The housing portion 11 includes a housing space 12 for housing the contact device 3. In the present embodiment, the housing space 12 is formed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space isolated from the outside. The sides of the housing space 12 are surrounded by first to fourth inner wall surfaces 11a to 11d.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 14, a second fixed terminal 15, a movable contact piece 16, and a contact piece holding portion 17. The first fixed terminal 14, the second fixed terminal 15, and the movable contact piece 16 are formed of a conductive material.

[0056] The first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 are cylindrical terminals extending in the vertical direction. The first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 are fixed to the upper part of the housing 2 at intervals in the left-right direction. The first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 are an example of a pair of fixed terminals.

[0057] The first fixed terminal 14 includes a first fixed contact 14a and a first external connection portion 14b. The first fixed contact 14a is disposed in the receiving space 12. The first external connection portion 14b protrudes upward from the housing 2 and is exposed to the outside. The second fixed terminal 15 includes a second fixed contact 15a and a second external connection portion 15b. The second fixed contact 15a is disposed in the receiving space 12. The second external connection portion 15b protrudes upward from the housing 2 and is exposed to the outside.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the movable contact piece 16 is a plate-shaped member that is long in one direction and extends in the left-right direction in the accommodation space 12. The movable contact piece 16 is arranged in the accommodation space 12 at intervals from the first inner wall surface 11a and the second inner wall surface 11b in the front-to-back direction. Arc extension spaces 12a and 12b for extending the arc are provided between the movable contact piece 16 and the first inner wall surface 11a, and between the movable contact piece 16 and the second inner wall surface 11b. The arc extension spaces 12a and 12b are arranged at positions close to the first fixed contact 14a and the first movable contact 16a described later, or at positions close to the second fixed contact 15a and the second movable contact 16b described later. At least a portion of the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b is arranged at a position closer to the separation direction Z2 side than the movable contact piece 16.

[0059] The movable contact piece 16 is arranged in the accommodation space 12 at a distance from the third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d in the left-right direction. The movable contact piece 16 is arranged below the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15. In addition, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16 is consistent with the left-right direction. In addition, the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16 is consistent with the front-back direction.

[0060] The movable contact piece 16 includes a first movable contact 16a and a second movable contact 16b. The first movable contact 16a is arranged opposite to the first fixed contact 14a and can contact the first fixed contact 14a. The second movable contact 16b is arranged at a distance from the first movable contact 16a in the left-right direction. The second movable contact 16b is arranged opposite to the second fixed contact 15a and can contact the second fixed contact 15a.

[0061] The movable contact piece 16 can move in a contact direction Z1 for contacting the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a and a separation direction Z2 for separating from the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a. The contact direction Z1 is an example of a first direction, and the separation direction Z2 is an example of a second direction.

[0062] The contact direction Z1 is the direction in which the first movable contact 16a and the second movable contact 16b contact the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a ( Figure 1 The separation direction Z2 is the direction in which the first movable contact 16a and the second movable contact 16b separate from the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a ( Figure 1 ).

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the contact piece holding portion 17 holds the movable contact piece 16 via the drive shaft 4. The contact piece holding portion 17 connects the movable contact piece 16 to the drive shaft 4. The contact piece holding portion 17 includes a bracket 24 and a contact spring 25. The contact spring 25 urges the drive shaft 4 and the movable contact piece 16 toward the contact direction Z1.

[0064] The drive shaft 4 extends along the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The drive shaft 4 is movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 together with the movable contact piece 16.

[0065] The electromagnetic drive device 5 drives the contact device 3. The electromagnetic drive device 5 moves the movable contact piece 16 together with the drive shaft 4 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 by electromagnetic force. The electromagnetic drive device 5 is arranged below the accommodating portion 11 in the housing 2.

[0066] The electromagnetic drive device 5 includes a movable iron core 31, a fixed iron core 32, and a yoke 33. The electromagnetic drive device 5 also includes a coil, a bobbin, and a coil spring (not shown). The electromagnetic drive device 5 has the same structure as in the past, so detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0067] Next, the operation of electromagnetic relay 100 will be described. Note that the operation of electromagnetic relay 100 is the same as that of the related art, and thus will be briefly described.

[0068] Figure 1 Indicates the state of applying voltage to the coil. If voltage is applied to the coil, the movable iron core 31 overcomes the elastic force of the coil spring and moves in the contact direction Z1. As the movable iron core 31 moves in the contact direction Z1, the drive shaft 4 and the movable contact piece 16 move in the contact direction Z1, and the first movable contact 16a and the second movable contact 16b contact the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a. If the application of voltage to the coil is stopped, the movable iron core 31 moves in the separation direction Z2 together with the movable contact piece 16 due to the elastic force of the coil spring. As a result, the first movable contact 16a and the second movable contact 16b are separated from the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a. When the first movable contact 16a and the second movable contact 16b are separated from the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 15a, arcs are generated between the first movable contact 16a and the first fixed contact 14a and between the second movable contact 16b and the second fixed contact 15a.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the storage portion 11 viewed from the rear. Figure 3 , the flow of the magnetic flux M in the accommodation space 12 is schematically shown. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the structure of the contact piece holding portion 17 is omitted and shown.

[0070] The magnet portion 6 generates a magnetic field in the housing space 12. Specifically, the magnet portion 6 generates a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16 between the first fixed contact 14a and the first movable contact 16a and between the second fixed contact 15a and the second movable contact 16b.

[0071] The magnet portion 6 includes a first magnet 6a and a second magnet 6b. The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are an example of a pair of magnets. The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are permanent magnets. The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b extend in the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction. The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are arranged around the receiving portion 11 in a manner opposite to each other in the length direction of the movable contact piece 16. The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are arranged in a manner opposite to each other with opposite poles. In detail, the first magnet 6a is arranged on the left side of the receiving portion 11, and the N pole faces the receiving portion 11. The second magnet 6b is arranged on the right side of the receiving portion 11, and the S pole faces the receiving portion 11. In the present embodiment, the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are fixed to the outer periphery of the receiving portion 11.

[0072] The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b extend further in the separation direction Z2 than the receiving space 12. Figure 3 As shown, the end 36a on the separation direction Z2 side of the first magnet 6a and the end 37a on the separation direction Z2 side of the second magnet 6b are located closer to the separation direction Z2 side than the accommodation space 12. As a result, in the accommodation space 12, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 is widened in the separation direction Z2.

[0073] In detail, Figure 3 As shown, in the receiving space 12, the magnetic flux M flowing from the first magnet 6a to the second magnet 6b flows in a direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 even at a position separated from the movable contact piece 16 in the separation direction Z2. Therefore, when the arc is extended in the separation direction Z2, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc does not change significantly, so it is easy to control the extension direction of the arc. In addition, since the end 36a of the first magnet 6a and the end 37a of the second magnet 6b can be arranged at a position separated from the receiving space 12 in the separation direction Z2, when the arc is extended in the separation direction Z2, the change in the direction of the magnetic flux and the change in the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b extend further in the contact direction Z1 than the accommodation space 12. Specifically, the end 36b on the contact direction Z1 side of the first magnet 6a and the end 37b on the contact direction Z1 side of the second magnet 6b are located closer to the contact direction Z1 side than the accommodation space 12. Therefore, in the accommodation space 12, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16 is also widened in the contact direction Z1. Therefore, even when the arc is extended in the contact direction Z1, the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can be obtained.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, it is preferable that the size D1 of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 is larger than the size D2 of the accommodation space 12 in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16. Specifically, both ends of the first magnet 6a in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation space 12. In the present embodiment, both ends of the first magnet 6a in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation portion 11. Similarly, both ends of the second magnet 6b in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation space 12. In the present embodiment, both ends of the second magnet 6b in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation portion 11.

[0076] Thus, the range of the magnetic flux flowing in the accommodating space 12 in the direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 can be expanded. Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic flux M flowing from the first magnet 6a to the second magnet 6b flows in a direction parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 even in the range close to the first inner wall surface 11a and the second inner wall surface 11b. Therefore, when the arc extends toward the first inner wall surface 11a or the second inner wall surface 11b, before the arc hits the first inner wall surface 11a or the second inner wall surface 11b, the Lorentz force acts in a direction parallel to the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16, so the extension direction of the arc can be easily controlled.

[0077] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram schematically showing the flow of magnetic flux in the accommodation space 12 when the accommodation space 12 is viewed from the front-rear direction. Figure 4 (A) is a schematic diagram of the flow of magnetic flux near the center of the magnet portion 6a and the magnet 6b in the front-rear direction as viewed from the front-rear direction. Figure 4 (B) is Figure 4 The partial enlarged view of (A) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the angle between the magnetic flux lines flowing in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b and the straight line parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16. The angle between the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b and the straight line parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 is preferably within 45°. More specifically, in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b, the angle between the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field at the position farthest from the movable contact piece 16 along the separation direction Z2 and the straight line parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 is preferably within 45°.

[0078] Specifically, if Figure 4As shown in (B), in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b, the acute angle θ formed by the straight line (X-axis) parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 and the tangent of the magnetic flux line is preferably within 45°. In other words, the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b are preferably arranged within a range where the acute angle θ formed by the straight line (X-axis) parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 and the tangent of the magnetic flux line is within 45°. In more detail, the angle θ formed by the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field flowing at the bottom of the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b and the straight line (X-axis) parallel to the length direction of the movable contact piece 16 is preferably within 45°. As a result, when the arc is extended in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b, the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc can be suppressed from changing significantly, so the extension direction of the arc can be easily controlled.

[0079] The above is a description of an embodiment of an electromagnetic relay according to one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made within the scope of the main purpose of the invention. For example, the shape or configuration of the housing 2, the contact device 3, the electromagnetic drive device 5 or the accommodating portion 11 can also be changed.

[0080] For example, the magnet part 6 may generate a magnetic field in the housing space 12 in such a manner that the arc strikes the first inner wall surface 11a or the second inner wall surface 11b, and the arc does not contact the third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d. Specifically, the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b may also be configured to have a size that generates a magnetic field in the housing space 11e in such a manner that the arc strikes the first inner wall surface 11a or the second inner wall surface 11b, and the arc does not strike the third inner wall surface 11c and the fourth inner wall surface 11d.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 are cylindrical terminals, but Figure 5 As shown, the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 may also be plate-shaped terminals extending in the length direction of the movable contact piece 16. In this case, the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 may also be bent into a substantially L-shaped shape in the housing 2. In addition, the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15 may be arranged below the movable contact piece 16, and the electromagnetic drive device 5 may be operated in a manner of pulling the movable contact piece 16 toward the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 15.

[0082] Figure 61 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the magnet portion 6, and is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the receiving portion 11 observed from above. The magnet portion 6 also includes a yoke 40 connected to at least one of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b. In detail, the yoke 40 includes a first yoke 41 and a second yoke 42. The first yoke 41 and the second yoke 42 are connected to the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b.

[0083] The first yoke 41 extends in the vertical direction and extends in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16 in front of the accommodation space 11e. The lengths of the first yoke 41 and the second yoke 42 in the vertical direction are the same as the lengths of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b in the vertical direction. In addition, the lengths of the first yoke 41 and the second yoke 42 in the vertical direction may be greater than the lengths of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b in the vertical direction. One end of the first yoke 41 is connected to the first magnet 6a, and the other end is connected to the second magnet 6b. Both ends of the first yoke 41 extend in the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16 in a manner of surrounding the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b from the outside. The second yoke 42 is a shape symmetrical to the first yoke 4 in the front-to-back direction, one end is connected to the first magnet 6a, and the other end is connected to the second magnet 6b. In addition, the shape or configuration of the yoke 40 may also be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b.

[0084] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a second modification of the magnet portion 6 . Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the housing portion 11 as viewed from the rear. Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the housing portion 11 as viewed from above.

[0085] The magnet portion 6 involved in the second modified example generates a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16 between the first fixed contact 14a and the first movable contact 16a, and between the second fixed contact 15a and the second movable contact 16b. In detail, the first magnet portion 6a and the second magnet 6b are arranged around the receiving portion 11 in a manner that the opposite poles are opposed to each other in the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16, and extend further in the second direction than the receiving space 12. The first magnet 6a is arranged on the front side of the receiving portion 11. The second magnet 6b is arranged on the rear side of the receiving portion 11.

[0086] In addition, if Figure 8As shown, it is preferred that the size D3 of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b in the long side direction of the movable contact piece 16 is larger than the size D4 of the accommodation space 12 in the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16. In detail, both ends of the first magnet 6a in the long side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the long side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation space 12. Both ends of the second magnet 6b in the long side direction of the movable contact piece 16 extend further outward in the long side direction of the movable contact piece 16 than the accommodation space 12. In addition, in the second modified example, the angle formed by the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b and the straight line parallel to the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16 is preferably within 45°. In more detail, in the arc extension spaces 12a and 12b, the angle formed by the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field at the position farthest from the movable contact piece 16 in the separation direction Z2 and the straight line parallel to the short side direction of the movable contact piece 16 is preferably within 45°.

[0087] Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the magnet portion 6 . Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the housing portion 11 as viewed from the rear. Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the periphery of the housing portion 11 as viewed from above.

[0088] The magnet portion 6 of the third modified example further includes a third magnet 40a and a fourth magnet 40b. The third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b are an example of a pair of second magnets. Fig.10 As shown, the third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b are arranged around the receiving portion 11 in a manner that the same poles (here, N poles) face each other in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece 16. Fig. 9 As shown, the third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b extend further in the separation direction Z2 than the accommodation space 12. In addition, the third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b extend further in the contact direction Z1 than the accommodation space 12. The third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b are arranged near the center in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16. The left-right dimensions of the third magnet 40a and the fourth magnet 40b are smaller than the left-right dimensions of the movable contact piece 16.

[0089] The first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b are arranged around the housing portion 11 so that the same poles (here, S poles) face each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16. The dimensions of the first magnet 6a and the second magnet 6b in the front-to-back direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the housing space 12 in the front-to-back direction.

[0090] By means of the first to fourth magnets 6a, 6b, 40a, 40b arranged as described above, between the first fixed contact 14a and the first movable contact 16a, and between the second fixed contact 15a and the second movable contact 16b, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the magnetic flux M flows in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 16 .

[0091] Industrial Applicability

[0092] According to the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay, it becomes easy to control the extension direction of the arc.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that: have: a pair of fixed terminals including fixed contacts; a movable contact piece, comprising a movable contact arranged opposite to the fixed contact, and capable of moving in a first direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and in a second direction in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact; a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a receiving space, the receiving space receiving the fixed contact and the movable contact piece; and a magnet portion including a pair of magnets arranged around the housing portion in a manner opposing each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece and extending further in the second direction than the housing space, and generating a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact, The receiving space includes an arc extension space, at least a portion of which is arranged on the second direction side of the movable contact piece, and is used to extend the arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. In the arc extension space, an angle formed between magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field at a position farthest from the movable contact piece in the second direction and a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction is within 45°.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the pair of magnets in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece is larger than the size of the accommodation space in the short-side direction.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnet portion further includes a pair of second magnets which are arranged around the housing portion so as to face each other in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece and extend in the second direction beyond the housing space.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pair of magnets and the pair of second magnets extend further in the first direction than the accommodation space.

5. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that: have: a pair of fixed terminals including fixed contacts; a movable contact piece, comprising a movable contact arranged opposite to the fixed contact, and capable of moving in a first direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and in a second direction in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact; a receiving portion, the receiving portion comprising a receiving space, the receiving space receiving the fixed contact and the movable contact piece; and a magnet portion including a pair of magnets arranged around the housing portion so as to face each other in the short-side direction of the movable contact piece and extending further in the second direction than the housing space, and generating a magnetic flux flowing in a direction parallel to the short-side direction between the fixed contact and the movable contact, The receiving space includes an arc extension space, at least a portion of which is arranged on the second direction side of the movable contact piece, and is used to extend the arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. In the arc extension space, an angle formed between magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field at a position farthest from the movable contact piece in the second direction and a straight line parallel to the short side direction is within 45°.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that: A dimension of the pair of magnets in a longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece is larger than a dimension of the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The pair of magnets extends further in the first direction than the accommodation space.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The pair of fixed terminals are plate-shaped terminals extending in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece.

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