Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The first arc guide extends from the contact support. The first arc guide projects outward from the housing. The first arc guide is configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contact within the housing. The second arc guide extends from the contact support. The second arc guide projects outward from the housing. The second arc guide is configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contact within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In an electromagnetic relay, an arc sometimes occurs between contacts. In this case, the mechanical life of the electromagnetic relay is reduced due to the arc. Therefore, for example, the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an arc guide (arc runner). The arc guide is connected to a movable contact piece and extends in a direction away from a fixed terminal. The arc generated between the contacts elongates along the arc guide, and thus is quickly extinguished.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-256451 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the above-described electromagnetic relay, the use of the arc guide is only for the elongation of the arc. On the other hand, in an electromagnetic relay, when a high-capacity current flows, the terminal sometimes becomes hot and reaches a high temperature. In this case, the substrate or the electromagnetic relay itself may be damaged by the heat from the terminal. An object of the present invention is to quickly extinguish an arc and reduce heat generation at a terminal in an electromagnetic relay.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a fixed contact, a fixed terminal, and a movable contact. The fixed contact is disposed in the housing. The movable contact is disposed in the housing and faces the fixed contact. The fixed contact is connected to the fixed terminal. The fixed terminal includes a contact support portion, a first arc guide, and a second arc guide. The contact support portion supports the fixed contact. The first arc guide extends from the contact support portion. The first arc guide includes a front end protruding outward from the housing. The first arc guide is configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contact in the housing. The second arc guide extends from the contact support portion. The second arc guide includes a front end protruding outward from the housing. The second arc guide is configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contact in the housing.

[0010] In the electromagnetic relay of this mode, the arc generated at the contact extends along the first arc guide or the second arc guide. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished quickly. Also, the front ends of the first arc guide and the second arc guide protrude from the housing to the outside and are used as external terminals. Therefore, the current flows separately to the first arc guide and the second arc guide. Thereby, the heat generation of each of the first arc guide and the second arc guide can be reduced. Also, the heat generated at the contact can be transferred to the outside of the electromagnetic relay through multiple paths.

[0011] The electromagnetic relay may also include a magnet. The magnet may be arranged to move the starting point of the arc generated at the fixed contact at least in a predetermined direction by magnetic force. The first arc guide may be connected to the contact support at a position located in the predetermined direction with respect to the fixed contact. The second arc guide may be connected to the contact support at a position located in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the fixed contact. In this case, the arc can be effectively extended by the first arc guide or the second arc guide.

[0012] The starting point of the arc generated at the fixed contact may also be moved at least in a predetermined direction by the self-magnetic field generated from the current flowing through the fixed contact. The first arc guide may be connected to the contact support at a position located in the predetermined direction with respect to the fixed contact. The second arc guide may be connected to the contact support at a position located in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the fixed contact. In this case, the arc can be effectively extended by the first arc guide or the second arc guide.

[0013] The fixed terminal may also have a shape that is bent between the first arc guide and the contact support. The fixed terminal may also have a shape that is bent between the second arc guide and the contact support.

[0014] The fixed contact may also be joined to the contact support by welding. In this case, even if the first arc guide and the second arc guide are provided near the contact, the fixed contact can be easily joined to the contact support. Alternatively, the fixed contact may be joined to the contact support by riveting.

[0015] The first arc guide and the second arc guide may be joined to each other at least outside the housing. In this case, the electromagnetic relay can be easily mounted on an external electronic circuit such as a substrate, and the first arc guide and the second arc guide can be easily mounted.

[0016] The first arc guide and the second arc guide may be inclined so that the distance between them increases in a direction away from the fixed contact. In this case, the movement of the starting point of the arc can be controlled by the inclination of the first arc guide and the second arc guide.

[0017] The first arc guide and the second arc guide can also be inclined such that the distance between them decreases in a direction away from the fixed contact. In this case, the movement of the starting point of the arc can be controlled by the inclination of the first arc guide and the second arc guide.

[0018] The first arc guide may also include a stepped portion disposed within the housing. In this case, the movement of the starting point of the arc can be restricted by the stepped portion. Thereby, leakage of the arc along the first arc guide to the outside of the housing can be prevented.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] In the electromagnetic relay of the present disclosure, the arc can be quickly extinguished, and heat generation at the terminals can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in

[0023] Figure 3 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece.

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the first modification.

[0025] Figure 5 is a top view of the contact device of the second modification.

[0026] Figure 6 is a top view of the contact device of the third modification.

[0027] Figure 7 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the fourth modification.

[0028] Figure 8 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the fifth modification.

[0029] Figure 9 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the sixth modification.

[0030] Figure 10 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the seventh modification.

[0031] Figure 11 is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the eighth modification.

[0032] Figure 12 It is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the ninth modified example.

[0033] Figure 13 It is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the tenth modified example.

[0034] Figure 14 It is a side view of the first fixed terminal and the movable contact piece of the eleventh modified example.

[0035] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the first fixed terminal of the twelfth modified example.

[0036] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the first fixed terminal of the thirteenth modified example.

[0037] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of a part of the electromagnetic relay of the fourteenth modified example.

[0038] Figure 18 It is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of the electromagnetic relay of the fifteenth modified example.

[0039] Figure 19 It is a front view showing a part of the electromagnetic relay of the sixteenth modified example.

[0040] Figure 20 It is a top view of the contact device of the seventeenth modified example.

[0041] Figure 21 It is a top view of the contact device of the eighteenth modified example. Detailed implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electromagnetic relay 1 of one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 It is a front cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 1. As Figure 1 shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a housing 2, a contact device 3, and a driving device 4.

[0043] Among them, when referring to the drawings, for easy understanding of the description, the Figure 1 upper side in is set as "upper", the lower side is set as "lower", the left side is set as "left", and the right side is set as "right" for description. And, the Figure 1 near side of the paper surface in is set as "front", and the back side is set as "rear" for description. However, the above directions are defined for convenience of description and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0044] The housing 2 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. However, the housing 2 may also be made of other materials such as ceramics. The contact device 3 is housed in the housing 2.

[0045] The contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 6, a second fixed terminal 7, a movable contact piece 8, and a movable mechanism 9. The first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 extend along the moving direction of the movable contact piece 8. The first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 are arranged at intervals in the left - right direction. A first fixed contact 10 is connected to the first fixed terminal 6. A second fixed contact 11 is connected to the second fixed terminal 7. The first fixed contact 10 and the second fixed contact 11 are arranged inside the housing 2.

[0046] The movable contact piece 8 extends in the left - right direction. The movable contact piece 8 is arranged inside the housing 2. A first movable contact 12 and a second movable contact 13 are connected to the movable contact piece 8. The first movable contact 12 faces the first fixed contact 10. The second movable contact 13 faces the second fixed contact 11. The first movable contact 12 and the second movable contact 13 are arranged at intervals in the left - right direction.

[0047] The movable contact piece 8 can move in the contact direction and the separation direction. The contact direction is the direction in which the movable contacts 12, 13 approach the fixed contacts 10, 11. The separation direction is the direction in which the movable contacts 12, 13 move away from the fixed contacts 10, 11. In the present embodiment, the movable contact piece 8 can move in the up - down direction.

[0048] The movable mechanism 9 supports the movable contact piece 8. The movable mechanism 9 is configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position. When the movable mechanism 9 is in the closed position, the fixed contacts 10, 11 and the movable contacts 12, 13 are in contact with each other. When the movable mechanism 9 is in the open position, the fixed contacts 10, 11 and the movable contacts 12, 13 are separated from each other. The movable mechanism 9 includes a drive shaft 15 and a contact spring 16. The drive shaft 15 is connected to the movable contact piece 8. The drive shaft 15 extends in the up - down direction and penetrates the movable contact piece 8 in the up - down direction. The drive shaft 15 is configured to be movable in the up - down direction. The contact spring 16 applies a force to the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction.

[0049] The drive device 4 includes a coil 21, a bobbin 22, a movable iron core 23, a fixed iron core 24, a yoke 25, and a return spring 26. The drive device 4 uses electromagnetic force to move the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction and the separation direction via the movable mechanism 9. The coil 21 is wound around the bobbin 22. The movable iron core 23 and the fixed iron core 24 are arranged inside the bobbin 22. The movable iron core 23 is connected to the drive shaft 15. The movable iron core 23 can move in the up - down direction. The fixed iron core 24 is arranged opposite to the movable iron core 23. The return spring 26 applies a force to the movable iron core 23 in the separation direction.

[0050] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present embodiment, when the coil 21 is energized, the movable iron core 23 is attracted to the fixed iron core 24 by the magnetic force of the magnetic field generated by the coil 21. Thus, the movable iron core 23 and the drive shaft 15 move in the contact direction against the acting force of the return spring 26. Further, the movable contact piece 8 and the movable contacts 12, 13 move in the contact direction, and the movable contacts 12, 13 come into contact with the fixed contacts 10, 11. In addition, after the movable contacts 12, 13 come into contact with the fixed contacts 10, 11, the drive shaft 15 further moves in the contact direction, whereby the contact spring 16 is compressed.

[0051] When the energization of the coil 21 is cut off, the movable iron core 23 and the drive shaft 15 move in the separation direction by the acting force of the return spring 26. Thus, the movable contact piece 8 and the movable contacts 12, 13 move in the separation direction, and the movable contacts 12, 13 are separated from the fixed contacts 10, 11.

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes magnets 27, 28. The magnets 27, 28 are permanent magnets. However, one of the magnets 27, 28 may be a magnetic yoke. The magnets 27, 28 are arranged around the housing 2. The magnets 27, 28 are arranged so as to move the starting point of the arc generated at the contacts 10 to 13 in at least a predetermined direction by magnetic force. Figure 2 is Figure 1 the II-II cross-sectional view in.

[0053] As Figure 2 shown, the magnets 27, 28 generate a magnetic field in the housing 2. In Figure 2 , the arrow of the double-dashed line shows the direction of the magnetic field. Thus, a Lorentz force acts on the arc generated at the contacts 10 to 13, and the starting point of the arc moves in the direction of the Lorentz force. And the arc extends in the direction of the Lorentz force.

[0054] In Figure 2 , the solid arrows F1, F1' show the direction of the Lorentz force (hereinafter referred to as "first Lorentz force") when the current flows in the positive direction. The positive direction means the flow of the current from the first fixed terminal 6 through the movable contact piece 8 toward the second fixed terminal 7. In Figure 2 , the dashed arrows F2, F2' show the direction of the Lorentz force (hereinafter referred to as "second Lorentz force") when the current flows in the reverse direction. The reverse direction means the flow of the current from the second fixed terminal 7 through the movable contact piece 8 toward the first fixed terminal 6.

[0055] Figure 3 is the side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8. As Figure 3As shown, the first fixed terminal 6 includes a contact support portion 31, a first arc guide 32, and a second arc guide 33. The contact support portion 31 has a plate-like shape. The contact support portion 31 supports the first fixed contact 10. The first fixed contact 10 is joined to the contact support portion 31 by deposition. For example, the first fixed contact 10 is fixed to the contact support portion 31 by brazing. Alternatively, the first fixed contact 10 may be fixed to the contact support portion 31 by welding. Alternatively, the first fixed contact 10 may be fixed to the contact support portion 31 by ultrasonic bonding.

[0056] The first arc guide 32 has a plate-like shape. The first arc guide 32 extends upward from the contact support portion 31. The first arc guide 32 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position that is in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1 with respect to the first fixed contact 10. As Figure 2 shown, in the present embodiment, the first Lorentz force F1 is directed forward. Accordingly, the first arc guide 32 is connected to the front portion of the contact support portion 31. When the current flows in the positive direction, the starting point of the arc generated at the first fixed contact 10 moves in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1 and moves along the first arc guide 32. Therefore, the first arc guide 32 is configured to elongate the arc generated by the first fixed contact 10 within the housing 2. In addition, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to the portion that controls the starting point of the arc. For example, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to the end portion of the first arc guide 32 within the housing 2. Alternatively, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to a position below the end portion of the first arc guide 32 within the housing 2.

[0057] The second arc guide 33 has a plate-like shape. The second arc guide 33 extends upward from the contact support portion 31. The second arc guide 33 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position that is in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2 with respect to the first fixed contact 10. As Figure 2 shown, in the present embodiment, the second Lorentz force F2 is directed backward. Accordingly, the second arc guide 33 is connected to the rear portion of the contact support portion 31. When the current flows in the reverse direction, the starting point of the arc generated at the first fixed contact 10 moves in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2 and moves along the second arc guide 33. Therefore, the second arc guide 33 is configured to elongate the arc generated by the first fixed contact 10 within the housing 2. In addition, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to the portion that controls the starting point of the arc. For example, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to the end portion of the second arc guide 33 within the housing 2. Alternatively, the magnet 28 may be configured to apply magnetic flux to a position below the end portion of the second arc guide 33 within the housing 2.

[0058] The first fixed terminal 6 has a shape that is bent between the first arc guide 32 and the contact support portion 31. The first fixed terminal 6 has a shape that is bent between the second arc guide 33 and the contact support portion 31. Therefore, the first fixed terminal 6 has a shape bent into a "U" shape.

[0059] The front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 protrudes outward from the housing 2. The front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 protrudes outward from the housing 2. The front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 are used as external terminals. That is, the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 are electrically connected to an external electronic circuit. For example, the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 are connected to a substrate. Alternatively, the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 may also be connected to a wire or a bus bar.

[0060] The second fixed terminal 7 has the same shape as the first fixed terminal 6. As Figure 2 shown, the second fixed terminal 7 includes a contact support portion 36, a first arc guide 37, and a second arc guide 38. The contact support portion 36, the first arc guide 37, and the second arc guide 38 of the second fixed terminal 7 are respectively the same as the contact support portion 31, the first arc guide 32, and the second arc guide 33 of the first fixed terminal 6.

[0061] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present embodiment described above, the arc generated at the fixed contact 10 extends along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33. Thereby, the arc can be quickly extinguished. Also, the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 protrude from the housing 2 to the outside and are used as external terminals. Therefore, the current flows separately to the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33. Thereby, the heat generation of each of the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can be reduced. And, the heat generated by the fixed contact 10 can be transferred to the outside of the electromagnetic relay via multiple paths.

[0062] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, 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. The structure of the contact device is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment and can also be changed.

[0063] For example, the shape of the movable contact piece 8 can also be changed. The first movable contact 12 and the second movable contact 13 can also be integrated with the movable contact piece 8. The first fixed contact 10 can also be integrated with the first fixed terminal 6. The second fixed contact 11 can also be integrated with the second fixed terminal 7. The number of movable contacts is not limited to two, and can also be more than two. The number of fixed contacts is not limited to two, and can also be more than two. The structure of the movable mechanism 9 is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiment, and can also be changed. The structure of the drive device 4 is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiment, and can also be changed.

[0064] Figure 4 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the first modified example. As Figure 4 shown, the movable contact piece 8 can also include a contact piece main body 41 and arc guides 42, 43. The arc guide 42 is connected to the contact piece main body 41 at a position in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1 with respect to the first movable contact 12. The arc guide 43 is connected to the contact piece main body 41 at a position in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2 with respect to the first movable contact 12.

[0065] The arrangement of the magnets 27, 28 or the arrangement of the magnetic field formed by the magnets 27, 28 can also be changed. For example, Figure 5 is a top view of the contact device 3 of the second modified example. In Figure 5 it, the double-dashed arrow indicates the direction of the magnetic field. As Figure 5 shown, the magnets 27, 28 can also be arranged such that the magnetic field extends radially from the magnets 27, 28. In this case, the directions of the first Lorentz forces F1, F1' and the second Lorentz forces F2, F2' can also be directions inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. In this case, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can also be connected to the front part and the rear part of the contact support portion 31, respectively.

[0066] Alternatively, the arrangement of the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can also be changed. For example, Figure 6 is a top view of the contact device 3 of the third modified example. As Figure 6 shown, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can also be connected to the left and right side portions of the contact support portion 31, respectively.

[0067] The shapes of the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can also be changed. The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 can also include stepped portions arranged in the housing 2. For example, Figure 7 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the fourth modified example. As Figure 7As shown, the first arc guide 32 includes a first stepped portion 44. The first stepped portion 44 is provided on the surface of the first arc guide 32 in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1. The second arc guide 33 includes a second stepped portion 45. The second stepped portion 45 is provided on the surface of the second arc guide 33 in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2. In the fourth modification, the first stepped portion 44 and the second stepped portion 45 are recesses.

[0068] Figure 8 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the fifth modification. As Figure 8 shown, the first stepped portion 44 and the second stepped portion 45 may also be protrusions. Alternatively, the first stepped portion 44 and the second stepped portion 45 may also be holes. By using the first stepped portion 44 and the second stepped portion 45, the movement of the arc starting point along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33 can be restricted.

[0069] The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 may also be arranged inclined with respect to the vertical direction. For example, Figure 9 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the sixth modification. As Figure 9 shown, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are inclined in such a way that the distance between them becomes larger in the direction away from the first fixed contact 10. That is, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are inclined in such a way that the distance between them becomes larger in the direction of arc elongation. Thereby, the movement of the arc starting point along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33 can be controlled.

[0070] Figure 10 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the seventh modification. As Figure 10 shown, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are inclined in such a way that the distance between them becomes smaller in the direction away from the first fixed contact 10. That is, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are inclined in such a way that the distance between them becomes smaller in the direction of arc elongation. Thereby, the movement of the arc starting point along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33 can be controlled.

[0071] The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 may also include bent portions. For example, Figure 11 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the eighth modification. As Figure 11As shown, the first arc guide 32 includes a first bent portion 46. The second arc guide 33 includes a second bent portion 47. The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are bent such that the distance therebetween increases in a direction away from the first fixed contact 10. Thus, the movement of the starting point of the arc along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33 can be controlled.

[0072] Figure 12 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the ninth modification. As Figure 12 shown, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are bent such that the distance therebetween decreases in a direction away from the first fixed contact 10. Thus, the movement of the starting point of the arc along the first arc guide 32 or the second arc guide 33 can be controlled.

[0073] The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 may also be joined to each other at least outside the housing 2. Figure 13 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the tenth modification. As Figure 13 shown, the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32 and the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33 are joined to each other. The first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 are bent such that the distance therebetween decreases in a direction away from the first fixed contact 10. The first arc guide 32 includes a first engaging portion 48. The first engaging portion 48 includes the front end 34 of the first arc guide 32. The first engaging portion 48 is located on the front end side with respect to the first bent portion 46. The second arc guide 33 includes a second engaging portion 49. The second engaging portion 49 includes the front end 35 of the second arc guide 33. The second engaging portion 49 is located on the front end side with respect to the second bent portion 47. The first engaging portion 48 and the second engaging portion 49 are joined to each other. Thus, the connection between the first fixed terminal 6 and an external electronic device becomes easy.

[0074] Figure 14 is a side view of the first fixed terminal 6 and the movable contact piece 8 of the eleventh modification. As Figure 14 shown, the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 may also have a gently curved shape. Thus, the starting point of the arc can be prevented from getting stuck at the corner of the first fixed terminal 6.

[0075] The number of arc guides of the first fixed terminal 6 is not limited to two. The number of arc guides of the first fixed terminal 6 may be one, or may be more than two. For example, Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first fixed terminal 6 of the twelfth modification. It may also be as Figure 15As shown, the number of arc guides of the first fixed terminal 6 is three. That is, the first fixed terminal 6 may also include a first arc guide 32, a second arc guide 33, and a third arc guide 39. In this case, two of the first to third arc guides 32, 33, 39 may also have the functions of elongating the arc and conducting electricity. The remaining one of the first to third arc guides 32, 33, 39 may have the function of assisting in conducting electricity. Alternatively, the number of arc guides of the first fixed terminal 6 may also be more than three.

[0076] The width of the arc guide may also be different from the width of the contact support portion 31. In addition, the width refers to the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the starting point of the arc moves in the first fixed terminal 6. For example, Figure 16 is a perspective view of the first fixed terminal 6 of the thirteenth modification. As Figure 16 shown, the width W2 of the first arc guide 32 is larger than the width W1 of the contact support portion 31. The width W3 of the second arc guide 33 is larger than the width W1 of the contact support portion 31. Thereby, the thermal conductivity of the first arc guide 32 and the second arc guide 33 is improved.

[0077] The electromagnetic relay 1 of the above-described embodiment is a so-called plunger type electromagnetic relay. However, the electromagnetic relay 1 may also be other types of electromagnetic relays. For example, Figure 17 is a perspective view of a part of the electromagnetic relay 1 of the fourteenth modification. The electromagnetic relay 1 of the fourteenth modification is a so-called hinge type electromagnetic relay. In the hinge type electromagnetic relay 1, by pressing the movable contact piece 8 with a driving device (not shown), the movable contact piece 8 is elastically deformed so that the movable contact 12 approaches the fixed contact 10. Thereby, the movable contact 12 comes into contact with the fixed contact 10. And by releasing the pressing of the driving device, the movable contact piece 8 returns to its original position. Thereby, the movable contact 12 is separated from the fixed contact 10.

[0078] The above-described magnets 27 and 28 may also be omitted. In this case, the starting point of the arc generated at the first fixed contact 10 moves by the self-magnetic field generated from the current flowing through the first fixed contact 10. For example, Figure 18 is a front view showing a part of the electromagnetic relay 1 of the fifteenth modification. The electromagnetic relay 1 of the fifteenth modification is a plunger type electromagnetic relay and does not include the magnets 27 and 28. As Figure 18 shown, in the space inside the first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7, the magnetic flux density is high. In the space outside the first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7, the magnetic flux density is low. Therefore, the starting point of the arc moves outward in the left and right directions.

[0079] In the fifteenth modification, the first arc guide 32 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position outside the first fixed contact 10 in the left - right direction. The second arc guide 33 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position inside the first fixed contact 10 in the left - right direction. Therefore, the first arc guide 32 has both the function of elongating the arc and the function of conducting electricity. The second arc guide 33 has the function of conducting electricity.

[0080] Figure 19 is a front view showing a part of the electromagnetic relay 1 of the sixteenth modification. The electromagnetic relay 1 of the sixteenth modification is a hinge - type electromagnetic relay and does not have magnets 27, 28. As Figure 19 shown, in the space inside the movable contact piece 8 and the fixed terminal 6, the magnetic flux density is relatively high. In the space outside the movable contact piece 8 and the fixed terminal 6, the magnetic flux density is relatively low. Therefore, the starting point of the arc moves upward.

[0081] In the sixteenth modification, the first arc guide 32 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position above the fixed contact 10. The second arc guide 33 is connected to the contact support portion 31 at a position below the fixed contact 10. Therefore, the first arc guide 32 has both the function of elongating the arc and the function of conducting electricity. The second arc guide 33 has the function of conducting electricity.

[0082] In the above - described embodiments, the magnets 27, 28 are arranged in the left - right direction with respect to the contacts 10 - 13. However, as Figure 20 shown in the seventeenth modification, the magnets 27, 28 may be arranged in the front - rear direction with respect to the contacts 10 - 13. Or, as Figure 21 shown in the eighteenth modification, the magnet 28 may be arranged only in one of the front - rear directions with respect to the contacts 10 - 13.

[0083] Industrial Applicability

[0084] In the electromagnetic relay of the present invention, the arc can be quickly extinguished, and heat generation at the terminals can be reduced.

[0085] Reference Signs

[0086] 2: housing; 6: first fixed terminal; 10: first fixed contact; 12: first movable contact; 28: magnet; 31: contact support portion; 32: first arc guide; 33: second arc guide; 44: first step portion.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing; Fixed contacts, which are arranged within the housing; Movable contacts, which are arranged within the housing and oppose the fixed contacts; And Fixed terminals, which are connected to the fixed contacts, The fixed terminals comprising: Contact support portions, which support the fixed contacts; First arc guides, which extend from the contact support portions and are configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contacts within the housing and include front ends protruding outward from the housing; and Second arc guides, which extend from the contact support portions and are configured to elongate an arc generated by the fixed contacts within the housing and include front ends protruding outward from the housing, The first arc guides and the second arc guides are joined to each other at least outside the housing.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that It further comprises a magnet, which is configured to move at least the starting point of an arc generated at the fixed contacts in a predetermined direction by magnetic force, The first arc guide is connected to the contact support portion at a position with respect to the fixed contacts located in the predetermined direction, The second arc guide is connected to the contact support portion at a position with respect to the fixed contacts located in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that The starting point of an arc generated at the fixed contacts is moved at least in a predetermined direction by a self-magnetic field generated from the current flowing through the fixed contacts, The first arc guide is connected to the contact support portion at a position with respect to the fixed contacts located in the predetermined direction, The second arc guide is connected to the contact support portion at a position with respect to the fixed contacts located in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The fixed terminals have a shape bent between the first arc guides and the contact support portions.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The fixed terminals have a shape bent between the second arc guides and the contact support portions.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The fixed contacts are joined to the contact support portions by welding.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first arc guides and the second arc guides are inclined and arranged such that the distance between them increases in a direction away from the fixed contacts.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first arc guides and the second arc guides are inclined and arranged such that the distance between them decreases in a direction away from the fixed contacts.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first arc guides include stepped portions arranged within the housing.

Images