Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The present invention provides an electromagnetic relay capable of easily controlling the elongation direction of an arc. The electromagnetic relay includes a base, a housing, an arc elongation space, a contact device, and a magnet. The arc elongation space is formed between the base and the housing. The contact device includes a fixed terminal supported by the base, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, and a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and opposed to the fixed contact. The magnet generates a magnetic field for elongating an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact within the arc elongation space. The magnet includes a first magnet portion facing the contact device and a second magnet portion arranged adjacent to the first magnet portion and facing the arc elongation space. The distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc elongation space to the base. The distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, there is known an electromagnetic relay including: an arc elongation space for elongating an arc generated when a contact opens and closes; and a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field for guiding the arc to the arc elongation space (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 6365684

[0004] In the conventional electromagnetic relay, a magnetic field for guiding the arc to the arc elongation space is generated by a permanent magnet. However, in the arc elongation space, the direction of the magnetic flux flow is drawn into the direction of the permanent magnet. Therefore, it is difficult to control the elongation direction of the arc, and there is room for improvement in order to effectively use the arc elongation space. In addition, when the contact portion including the fixed contact and the movable contact is disposed at a position away from the center of the permanent magnet, and when the rectangular permanent magnet is disposed facing the contact portion and the arc elongation space, the direction of the magnetic flux flowing near the contact portion becomes the direction drawn into the permanent magnet, and it is difficult to control the elongation direction of the arc to the desired direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable easy control of the elongation direction of an arc in an electromagnetic relay.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, an arc elongation space, a contact device, and a magnet. The housing includes a base and a case mounted on the base. The arc elongation space is formed between the base and the case. The contact device includes a fixed terminal supported by the base, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, and a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and opposed to the fixed contact. The magnet generates a magnetic field for elongating an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact in the arc elongation space. The magnet includes a first magnet portion facing the contact device and a second magnet portion disposed adjacent to the first magnet portion and facing the arc elongation space. The distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc elongation space to the base. The distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base.

[0007] In this electromagnetic relay, in a configuration where the distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc elongation space to the base, the distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base. Thus, for example, the first magnet portion can be arranged such that the center of the first magnet portion is near the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact, and the second magnet portion can be arranged such that the center of the second magnet portion is near the center of the arc elongation space. As a result, near the contact, the magnetic flux of the first magnet portion flows in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the first magnet portion and the contact device overlap. And near the center of the arc elongation space, the magnetic flux flows in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the second magnet portion and the arc elongation space overlap. Therefore, compared with the case where the magnetic flux acting on the arc is drawn into the direction of the permanent magnet, the control of the elongation direction of the arc becomes easier. As a result, the arc can be easily guided into the arc elongation space, and the arc can be effectively elongated within the arc elongation space.

[0008] The midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact may also be closer to the base than the center of the arc elongation space. The center of the first magnet portion may also be closer to the base than the center of the second magnet portion. In this case, since the center of the first magnet portion is located at a position close to the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact, the arc can be more easily guided into the arc elongation space.

[0009] The center of the arc elongation space may also be farther from the base than the fixed terminal. In this case, the arc can be more effectively elongated within the arc elongation space.

[0010] When viewed from the direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap, the magnet may also include a straight portion and an inclined portion, where the straight portion extends parallel to the base, and the inclined portion is at a position away from the straight portion and inclines in a direction away from the base as it approaches the arc elongation space from the contact device. In this case, the distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base and the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base can be made different distances with a simple structure.

[0011] When viewed from the direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap, the magnet may also be arranged inclined with respect to the base. In this case, the distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base and the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base can be made different distances with a simple structure.

[0012] When viewed from the direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap, the magnet may also be polygonal.

[0013] The first magnet portion may also be independent of the second magnet portion. In this case, the degree of freedom in design is increased.

[0014] When viewed in the direction in which the contact device overlaps with the first magnet portion, the area of the second magnet portion may also be larger than the area of the first magnet portion. In this case, the arc can be more effectively elongated within the arc elongation space.

[0015] The center of the first magnet portion may also be the center of gravity of the first magnet portion, or the center of the cross-section of the first magnet portion that is cut along the plane passing through the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact and parallel to the first direction and the second direction, where the first direction is the direction orthogonal to the base, and the second direction is the direction in which the contact device overlaps with the first magnet portion. The center of the second magnet portion may also be the center of gravity of the second magnet portion, or the center of the cross-section of the second magnet portion that is cut along the plane passing through the center of the arc elongation space and parallel to the first direction and the second direction. In this case, the control of the elongation direction of the arc also becomes easier.

[0016] The dimension of the second magnet portion in the first direction orthogonal to the base may also be larger than the dimension of the first magnet portion in the first direction. In this case, the arc can be more effectively elongated within the arc elongation space.

[0017] The magnet may also be a plastic magnet. In this case, the degree of freedom in design becomes higher.

[0018] According to the present invention, in an electromagnetic relay, the control of the elongation direction of the arc can be easily performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the contact device viewed from above.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the contact device viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay cut along a plane parallel to the base.

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic view for explaining the arrangement of the magnets.

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic view for explaining the arrangement of the magnets.

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic view for explaining the arrangement of the magnets in another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of magnets in other embodiments.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of magnets in other embodiments.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of magnets in other embodiments.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of magnets in other embodiments.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals

[0032] 1... electromagnetic relay; 2... housing; 2a... base; 2b... housing; 11... first fixed terminal; 21... first fixed contact; 31... first movable contact piece; 41... first movable contact; 70... arc elongation space; 80... magnet; 80a... first magnet portion; 80b... second magnet portion; 80c... straight portion; 80d... inclined portion. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a housing 2, a contact device 3, and a drive device 4.

[0034] In addition, in the following description, the direction in which the contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are arranged with respect to the following base 2a of the housing 2 is defined as upward, the opposite direction is defined as downward, the direction in which the contact device 3 is arranged with respect to the drive device 4 is defined as forward, the opposite direction is defined as backward, and the direction intersecting the up-down direction (an example of the first direction) and the front-back direction is defined as the left-right direction (an example of the second direction) for explanation. However, the above directions are defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0035] The housing 2 is formed in a box shape. The housing 2 includes a base 2a and a housing 2b. The base 2a supports the contact device 3 and the drive device 4. The housing 2b is open downward and is mounted on the base 2a so as to cover the base 2a from above. The contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are housed in the housing 2.

[0036] Figure 3It is a schematic diagram when observing the contact device 3 from above the base 2a in a state where the housing 2b of the housing 2 is omitted. The contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, a third fixed terminal 13, a fourth fixed terminal 14, a first fixed contact 21, a second fixed contact 22, a third fixed contact 23, a fourth fixed contact 24, a first movable contact piece 31, a second movable contact piece 32, a first movable contact 41, a second movable contact 42, a third movable contact 43, and a fourth movable contact 44. In addition, hereinafter, the first movable contact piece 31 and the second movable contact piece 32 may sometimes be referred to as the movable contact pieces 31, 32.

[0037] The first fixed terminal 11 to the fourth fixed terminal 14 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. The first fixed terminal 11 to the fourth fixed terminal 14 are plate-shaped terminals that extend in the vertical direction. The first fixed terminal 11 to the fourth fixed terminal 14 are supported by the base 2a. The first fixed terminal 11 to the fourth fixed terminal 14 are arranged separately from each other in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, in the base 2a, the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, the third fixed terminal 13, and the fourth fixed terminal 14 are arranged in order from left to right. The first fixed terminal 11 to the fourth fixed terminal 14 each include an external connection portion 11a to 14a that protrudes downward from the base 2a. The external connection portions 11a to 14a protrude downward from the base 2a and are electrically connected to an external device (not shown).

[0038] The first fixed contact 21 is connected to the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact 21 is disposed on the front surface of the first fixed terminal 11. The second fixed contact 22 is connected to the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact 22 is disposed on the front surface of the second fixed terminal 12. The third fixed contact 23 is connected to the third fixed terminal 13. The third fixed contact 23 is disposed on the front surface of the third fixed terminal 13. The fourth fixed contact 24 is connected to the fourth fixed terminal 14. The fourth fixed contact 24 is disposed on the front surface of the fourth fixed terminal 14.

[0039] The first movable contact piece 31 and the second movable contact piece 32 are plate-shaped terminals formed of a conductive material such as copper. The first movable contact piece 31 is disposed in front of the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12. The first movable contact piece 31 is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction, and includes an up-down extending portion 31a and a left-right extending portion 31b. The up-down extending portion 31a extends in the up-down direction, and the upper portion is connected to the driving device 4. The left-right extending portion 31b extends in the left-right direction from the lower portion of the up-down extending portion 31a.

[0040] The second movable contact piece 32 is arranged at a position away from the first movable contact piece 31 in the left - right direction. In the present embodiment, the second movable contact piece 32 is arranged to the right of the first movable contact piece 31. The second movable contact piece 32 is arranged in front of the third fixed terminal 13 and the fourth fixed terminal 14. The second movable contact piece 32 has the same shape as the first movable contact piece 31. The second movable contact piece 32 includes an up - down extending portion 32a and a left - right extending portion 32b.

[0041] The first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. The first movable contact 41 and the second movable contact 42 are connected to the first movable contact piece 31. The first movable contact 41 and the second movable contact 42 are arranged on the left - right extending portion 31b.

[0042] The first movable contact 41 is opposed to the first fixed contact 21 in the front - rear direction. The first movable contact 41 can contact the first fixed contact 21. The second movable contact 42 is arranged at a position away from the first movable contact 41 in the left - right direction. The second movable contact 42 is opposed to the second fixed contact 22 in the front - rear direction. The second movable contact 42 can contact the second fixed contact 22.

[0043] The third movable contact 43 and the fourth movable contact 44 are connected to the second movable contact piece 32. The third movable contact 43 and the fourth movable contact 44 are arranged on the left - right extending portion 32b. The third movable contact 43 is opposed to the third fixed contact 23 in the front - rear direction. The third movable contact 43 can contact the third fixed contact 23. The fourth movable contact 44 is arranged at a position away from the third movable contact 43 in the left - right direction. The fourth movable contact 44 is opposed to the fourth fixed contact 24 in the front - rear direction. The fourth movable contact 44 can contact the fourth fixed contact 24.

[0044] The driving device 4 moves the movable contact pieces 31, 32 in the direction in which the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 approach the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24, and in the direction in which the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 move away from the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24. Specifically, the driving device 4 moves the movable contact pieces 31, 32 to Figure 3 the open position shown and Figure 4 the closed position shown. When the movable contact pieces 31, 32 are in the closed position, the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 are respectively in contact with the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24. When the movable contact pieces 31, 32 are in the open position, the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 are respectively away from the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24.

[0045] The drive device 4 has the same structure as the prior art, and includes a bobbin 51, a coil (not shown), a fixed iron core (not shown), a yoke 52, a movable iron piece 53, and a return spring 54. The bobbin 51 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The coil is wound around the outer periphery of the bobbin 51. The fixed iron core is disposed inside the bobbin 51 and penetrates the bobbin 51 in the front-rear direction. The yoke 52 has an L-shaped bent shape. The yoke 52 includes a connecting portion 52a and an extending portion 52b. The connecting portion 52a is disposed behind the bobbin 51 and is connected to the fixed iron core. The extending portion 52b extends forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 52a so as to cover the upper side of the coil.

[0046] The movable iron piece 53 is disposed in front of the fixed iron core. The movable iron piece 53 is supported by the yoke 52 in a rotatable manner at the front end of the extending portion 52b of the yoke 52. The movable iron piece 53 moves integrally with the movable contact pieces 31 and 32. Specifically, the movable iron piece 53 and the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 are integrally formed by insert molding in a resin member 60 that insulates the movable iron piece 53 from the movable contact pieces 31 and 32. Therefore, the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 and the resin member 60 rotate integrally with the movable iron piece 53 according to the rotation of the movable iron piece 53.

[0047] The return spring 54 is a helical spring and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the return spring 54 is connected to the movable iron piece 53, and the rear end is connected to the yoke 52. The return spring 54 applies a force to the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 via the movable iron piece 53 and the resin member 60 toward the open position. That is, the return spring 54 applies a force to the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 in a direction away from the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24.

[0048] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 1 taken along a plane parallel to the base 2a. The electromagnetic relay 1 includes arc elongation spaces 70 and 71 and magnets 80 and 81. The arc elongation spaces 70 and 71 are formed between the base 2a and the housing 2b. The arc elongation spaces 70 and 71 are defined by the base 2a, the housing 2b, partition walls 62 and 63 protruding upward from the base 2a. The partition walls 62 and 63 are substantially L-shaped when viewed from above. The partition walls 62 and 63 are disposed on the left and right sides of the drive device 4. The partition wall 62 is disposed behind the first fixed terminal 11. The partition wall 63 is disposed behind the fourth fixed terminal 14. The arc elongation space 70 is formed between the first fixed terminal 11 and the partition wall 62.

[0049] The magnets 80 and 81 are, for example, plate-shaped permanent magnets. The magnets 80 and 81 are supported by the base 2a. The magnets 80 and 81 may also be supported by the housing 2b. The magnet 80 generates a magnetic field for elongating the arc generated between the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 within the arc elongation space 70. The magnet 80 is disposed to the right of the contact device 3 and the arc elongation space 70. The magnet 80 is arranged such that the N pole faces the contact device 3 and the arc elongation space 70. The magnet 81 has the same shape as the magnet 80. The magnet 81 is disposed to the left of the contact device 3 and the arc elongation space 70. The magnet 81 is arranged such that the N pole faces the contact device 3 and the arc elongation space 71. The magnets 80 and 81 are inclined in such a manner that the front end is positioned below the rear end in the upper portion. The magnets 80 and 81 are trapezoidal when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0050] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship among the first fixed contact 21, the first movable contact 41, the arc elongation space 70, and the magnet 80. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the first fixed contact 21 as viewed from the left side of the electromagnetic relay 1. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the magnet 80 includes a first magnet portion 80a and a second magnet portion 80b. The first magnet portion 80a faces the contact device 3. The first magnet portion 80a overlaps the contact device 3 in the left-right direction. The first magnet portion 80a generates a magnetic field for guiding the arc generated between the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 toward the arc elongation space 70. The magnet 80 includes a straight portion 80c and an inclined portion 80d. When viewed from the left-right direction, the straight portion 80c extends parallel to the base 2a. The straight portion 80c is formed at the lower end of the magnet 80. The inclined portion 80d is positioned away from the straight portion 80c and inclines in a direction away from the base 2a as it approaches the arc elongation space 70 from the contact device 3. The inclined portion 80d is formed at the upper end of the magnet 80.

[0051] The second magnet portion 80b is integral with the first magnet portion 80a and is disposed adjacent to the first magnet portion 80a. The second magnet portion 80b is disposed behind the first magnet portion 80a. The dimension of the second magnet portion 80b in the up-down direction is larger than the dimension of the first magnet portion 80a in the up-down direction. The second magnet portion 80b protrudes more upward than the first magnet portion 80a. When viewed from the left-right direction, the area of the second magnet portion 80b is larger than the area of the first magnet portion 80a. The second magnet portion 80b faces the arc elongation space 70. The second magnet portion 80b overlaps the arc elongation space 70 in the left-right direction. The second magnet portion 80b generates a magnetic field for elongating the arc guided toward the arc elongation space 70 within the arc elongation space 70.

[0052] As Figure 6As shown, the distance D1 from the midpoint P of the straight line L1 connecting the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 to the base 2a is different from the distance D2 from the center 70A of the arc extension space 70 to the base 2a. In the present embodiment, the distance D1 is smaller than the distance D2. That is, the midpoint P of the straight line L1 is closer to the base 2a than the center 70A of the arc extension space 70. The straight line L1 is closer to the base 2a than the straight line L2 extending through the center 70A of the arc extension space 70 and parallel to the base 2a. The center 80A of the first magnet part 80a is closer to the base 2a than the center 80B of the second magnet part 80b. The center 70A of the arc extension space 70 is farther from the base 2a than the first fixed terminal 11.

[0053] In addition, when the first movable contact piece 31 is in the closed position and the first fixed contact 21 is in contact with the first movable contact 41, the contact point between the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 corresponds to the midpoint P of the straight line L1. Figure 6 , the center of gravity position of the first magnet portion 80a is indicated as the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a, and the center of gravity position of the second magnet portion 80b is indicated as the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b. However, the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a may also be the center of a cross section cut at a plane passing through the midpoint P of the straight line L and parallel to the up-down direction and the left-right direction in the first magnet portion 80a. Similarly, the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b may also be the center of a cross section cut at a plane passing through the center 70A of the arc extension space 70 and parallel to the up-down direction and the left-right direction in the second magnet portion 80b. In this case, the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a and the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b become Figure 7 Position shown.

[0054] The positional relationship among the fourth fixed contact 24 , the fourth movable contact 44 , the arc extension space 71 , and the magnet 81 is the same as the positional relationship among the first fixed contact 21 , the first movable contact 41 , the arc extension space 70 , and the magnet 80 , and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0055] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 will be described. In a state where no voltage is applied to the coil, the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 are in the open position by the elastic force of the return spring 54, and the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 are respectively away from the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24. When the coil is excited by applying a voltage, the movable iron piece 53 is attracted to the fixed iron core by the electromagnetic force, so that the movable iron piece 53 rotates against the elastic force of the return spring 54. As a result, the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 move from the open position to the closed position, and the first movable contact 41 to the fourth movable contact 44 come into contact with the first fixed contact 21 to the fourth fixed contact 24 respectively. When the voltage application to the coil is stopped, the movable iron piece 53 rotates by the elastic force of the return spring 54, and the movable contact pieces 31 and 32 move toward the open position.

[0056] For example, when the first movable contact piece 31 moves from the closed position to the open position and the first movable contact 41 separates from the state of contacting the first fixed contact 21, an arc is generated between the contact points of the first movable contact 41 and the first fixed contact 21.

[0057] In the above-described electromagnetic relay 1, in a structure where the distance D1 from the midpoint P of the straight line L1 connecting the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 to the base 2a is different from the distance D2 from the center 70A of the arc elongation space 70 to the base 2a, the distance from the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a to the base 2a is different from the distance from the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b to the base 2a. Therefore, for example, the first magnet portion 80a can be arranged such that the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a is near the midpoint P of the straight line L1, and the second magnet portion 80b can be arranged such that the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b is near the center 70A of the arc elongation space 70. As a result, near the contact point, the magnetic flux of the first magnet portion 80a flows in a direction substantially parallel to the left-right direction. And near the center 70A of the arc elongation space 70, the magnetic flux of the second magnet portion 80b flows in a direction substantially parallel to the left-right direction. Thus, the control of the elongation direction of the arc generated between the contact points of the first movable contact 41 and the first fixed contact 21 becomes easy, so that the arc can be easily guided to the arc elongation space 70, and the arc can be effectively elongated within the arc elongation space 70.

[0058] Specifically, the arc generated between the first fixed contact 21 and the first movable contact 41 extends upward through the first magnet portion 80a and then extends obliquely rearward toward the arc extension space 70. Then, within the arc extension space 70, the magnetic flux of the second magnet portion 80b further causes the arc to extend upward. In addition, the arc generated between the fourth fixed contact 24 and the fourth movable contact 44 can be guided to the arc extension space 71 by the first magnet portion 81a and can be effectively extended within the arc extension space 71 by the second magnet portion 81b.

[0059] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the arc extension spaces 70 and 71 are defined by the base 2a, the housing 2b, and the partition walls 62 and 63, but the arc extension spaces 70 and 71 can also be defined by other components. Moreover, the components forming the arc extension spaces 70 and 71 do not necessarily have to be resin, and can also be formed of ceramics or metal.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a plurality of fixed contacts 21 to 24 and a plurality of movable contacts 41 to 44, but the present invention can also be applied to an electromagnetic relay having only one fixed contact and one movable contact.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the magnets 80 and 81 are permanent magnets, but the magnets 80 and 81 can also be plastic magnets, and can also be formed in combination with a magnetic yoke to form the magnets 80 and 81.

[0063] It is also possible to Figures 8 to 12 as shown, change the shapes of the magnets 80 and 81. For example, as Figure 8 shown, the magnets 80 and 81 are arranged inclined with respect to the base 2a when viewed from the left - right direction. In addition, Figures 8 to 12 the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a in Figures 8 to 11 represents the center of the cross - section of the first magnet portion 80a cut by a plane passing through the mid - point P of the straight line L and parallel to the up - down direction and the left - right direction. And

[0064] It is also possible to Figures 10 to 12 as shown, the magnets 80 and 81 are polygonal when viewed from the left - right direction. Specifically, as Figure 10 shown, the first magnet portion 80a and the second magnet portion 80b are formed in a rectangular shape. It is also possible to Figure 11As shown, the upper part of the second magnet portion 80b includes a straight portion and an inclined portion. As Figure 12 shown, the lower ends of the first magnet portion 80a and the second magnet portion 80b may be at different heights from the base 2a, and when viewed from the left - right direction, the second magnet portion 80b may also extend more upward than the arc elongation space 70.

[0065] In the above - described embodiment, the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a is located near the mid - point P of the straight line L1, but the first magnet portion 80a may be arranged such that the center 80A of the first magnet portion 80a overlaps with the mid - point P of the straight line L1 when viewed from the left - right direction. The second magnet portion 80b may be arranged such that the center 80B of the second magnet portion 80b overlaps with the center 70A of the arc elongation space 70 when viewed from the left - right direction.

[0066] In the above - described embodiment, the first magnet portion 80a and the second magnet portion 80b are integral, but as Figure 12 shown, the first magnet portion 80a and the second magnet portion 80b are independent. That is, the magnet 80 may also be composed of a plurality of magnets that are independent of each other.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, which includes a base and a housing body mounted on the base; An arc elongation space, which is formed between the base and the housing body; A contact device, which includes a fixed terminal supported by the base, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, and a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and opposed to the fixed contact; And A magnet, which includes a first magnet portion facing the contact device in such a manner that the center thereof is located between the fixed terminal and the movable contact piece when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the direction of contact separation between the fixed contact and the movable contact, and a second magnet portion disposed adjacent to the first magnet portion in the direction of contact separation between the fixed contact and the movable contact and facing the arc elongation space, and the magnet generates a magnetic field for elongating an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact, The distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc elongation space to the base, The distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base.

2. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, which includes a base and a housing body mounted on the base; An arc elongation space, which is formed between the base and the housing body; A contact device, which includes a fixed terminal supported by the base, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, and a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and opposed to the fixed contact; And A magnet, which includes a first magnet portion facing the contact device and a second magnet portion disposed adjacent to the first magnet portion and facing the arc elongation space, and the magnet generates a magnetic field for elongating an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact, The distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc elongation space to the base, The distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base, When viewed from the direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap, the magnet includes a straight portion and an inclined portion, wherein the straight portion extends parallel to the base, and the inclined portion is located at a position away from the straight portion and inclines in a direction away from the base as it approaches the arc elongation space from the contact device.

3. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, which includes a base and a housing body mounted on the base; An arc elongation space, which is formed between the base and the housing body; A contact device, which includes a fixed terminal supported by the base, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, and a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and opposed to the fixed contact; And A magnet, which includes a first magnet portion facing the contact device and a second magnet portion disposed adjacent to the first magnet portion and facing the arc elongation space, and the magnet generates a magnetic field for elongating an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact, The distance from the midpoint of the straight line connecting the fixed contact and the movable contact to the base is different from the distance from the center of the arc extension space to the base, The distance from the center of the first magnet portion to the base is different from the distance from the center of the second magnet portion to the base. The magnet has a substantially rectangular shape in which the first magnet portion overlaps the contact device when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact and separate from each other, and is arranged to be inclined with respect to the base.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first magnet portion is independent of the second magnet portion.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The midpoint is closer to the base than the center of the arc extension space, The center of the first magnet portion is closer to the base than the center of the second magnet portion.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that: The center of the arc extension space is farther from the base than the fixed terminal.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The magnet has a polygonal shape when viewed from a direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When viewed from a direction in which the contact device and the first magnet portion overlap, the area of ​​the second magnet portion is larger than the area of ​​the first magnet portion.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The center of the first magnet portion is the center of gravity of the first magnet portion, or the center of a cross section of the first magnet portion cut at a plane passing through the midpoint and parallel to a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is a direction orthogonal to the base, and the second direction is a direction in which the contact device overlaps the first magnet portion. The center of the second magnet portion is the center of gravity of the second magnet portion, or the center of a cross section of the second magnet portion cut along a plane passing through the center of the arc extension space and parallel to the first direction and the second direction.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A dimension of the second magnet portion in a first direction orthogonal to the base is larger than a dimension of the first magnet portion in the first direction.

11. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The magnet is a plastic magnet.

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