Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

An electromagnetic relay suppresses the re-triggering of an arc generated at a contact. The electromagnetic relay comprises a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a housing, a magnet, and a gas flow path. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact and is configured separately from the first fixed terminal. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact opposite to the first fixed contact and a second movable contact opposite to the second fixed contact. The housing comprises: a storage space for accommodating the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece; a gas inflow space different from the storage space; and a side wall covering the storage space and the gas inflow space from a first direction. The magnet is configured between the storage space and the gas inflow space to extend the arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. The gas flow path is provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet to connect the storage space with the gas inflow space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] When the current of an electromagnetic relay is cut off, an arc is generated at the contact. If the temperature of the contact rises due to the arc, the contact may melt and generate high-temperature gas including metal vapor. If the high-temperature gas is retained near the contact, the insulation performance between the contacts is reduced, and the arc may be re-triggered. In order to prevent the re-triggering of the arc, the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with an arc extinguishing space for extinguishing the arc, a gas inflow space independent of the arc extinguishing space, and a gas passage for releasing the high-temperature gas from the arc extinguishing space to the gas inflow space in the housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-24864

[0004] In the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, the inlet and outlet of the gas passage are arranged near the contacts. Therefore, the high-temperature gas easily returns to the contacts through the gas passage. If the load capacity increases, the amount of high-temperature gas returning to the vicinity of the contacts also increases, so there is a concern that the arc will restrike. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress the restriking of an arc generated at a contact point in an electromagnetic relay.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a housing, a magnet and a gas flow path. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact and is configured separately from the first fixed terminal. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact opposite to the first fixed contact and a second movable contact opposite to the second fixed contact. The housing includes a storage space, a gas inflow space different from the storage space, and a side wall covering the storage space and the gas inflow space from a first direction, wherein the storage space stores the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact and the movable contact piece. The magnet is configured between the storage space and the gas inflow space to extend the arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. The gas flow path is provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet to connect the storage space with the gas inflow space.

[0007] In the electromagnetic relay, since a gas flow path is provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet to connect the storage space with the gas inflow space, the high-temperature gas generated by the arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact can be released from the storage space to the gas inflow space. In addition, since the magnet is arranged between the storage space and the gas inflow space, the gas inflow space is located on the back side of the magnet. Therefore, it is difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space to the vicinity of the contact. Thus, the re-triggering of the arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact can be suppressed.

[0008] The magnet may extend the arc toward the first direction. In this case, since the arc extends toward the direction approaching the gas flow path, the high-temperature gas generated by the arc can be quickly released from the storage space to the gas inflow space.

[0009] The housing may also include a magnet housing portion that is disposed separately from the side wall in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The gas flow path may also be provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet housing portion. In this case, by disposing the magnet in the magnet housing portion, it is possible to suppress the magnet from being affected by the arc.

[0010] The electromagnetic relay may further include a support member for supporting the magnet. The gas flow path may be formed in the support member. In this case, the magnet can be supported by the support member, and the support member can also serve as the gas flow path.

[0011] The magnet receiving portion may also include an arc contact surface for contacting the power supply arc, and may be independent of the side wall of the housing. In this case, since the magnet receiving portion can be formed of a material having better arc extinguishing performance than the side wall of the housing, the arc contact surface can be used to quickly extinguish the arc.

[0012] The magnet housing portion may also be integrated with the support member. In this case, the magnet housing portion and the support member can be formed of a material having excellent arc extinguishing performance.

[0013] The magnet may be inserted into the magnet receiving portion from the first direction. In this case, the magnet can be easily assembled.

[0014] The magnet storage portion may also include an insertion port opening toward the first direction. The side wall of the housing may also include a through hole extending in the first direction. The magnet may also be stored in the magnet storage portion via the insertion port and the through hole. The support component may also include a first cover portion for blocking the insertion port and a second cover portion for blocking the through hole. The gas flow path may also be provided between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. In this case, the support component can be used to suppress the magnet from being affected by the arc, and the support component can also serve as a gas flow path.

[0015] The magnet housing portion may be divided into a housing space and a gas inflow space. In this case, since the space in the housing can be used efficiently, the electromagnetic relay can be made small.

[0016] The magnet housing portion may extend further in the second direction relative to the side wall of the housing than the first fixed contact. In this case, it is further difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space to the vicinity of the contact.

[0017] The electromagnetic relay may also include a drive device, which includes a coil and moves the movable contact piece. The gas inflow space may also be connected to the space where the drive device is configured. In this case, it is further difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space to the vicinity of the contact.

[0018] According to the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay, restriking of the arc generated at the contact point is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an electromagnetic relay.

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

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay cut along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a magnet housing portion according to a modified example.

[0024] Explanation of symbols

[0025] 1…electromagnetic relay; 2…housing; 4…driving device; 11…first fixed terminal; 11a…first fixed contact; 12…second fixed terminal; 12a…second fixed contact; 23…side wall; 24…storage space; 25…magnet storage portion; 25b…arc contact surface; 27…gas inflow space; 50…magnet; 60…support member; 70…gas flow path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an electromagnetic relay 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a housing 2 , a contact device 3 , and a drive device 4 .

[0027] In the following description, the direction in which the contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are arranged relative to the base 21 described below of the housing 2 is referred to as the upper direction (an example of the second direction), the opposite direction thereof is referred to as the lower direction (an example of the first direction), the direction in which the contact device 3 is arranged relative to the drive device 4 is referred to as the front direction, the opposite direction thereof is referred to as the rear direction, and Figure 3 The left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is described as the left-right direction. In addition, the above directions are defined for convenience of description and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0028] The housing 2 is formed into a box shape. The housing 2, which is formed of an insulating material such as resin, includes a base 21 and a cover 22. The base 21 supports the contact device 3 and the drive device 4. The base 21 includes a bottom 21a and outer walls 21b to 21e. The bottom 21a extends in a direction perpendicular to the up and down direction. The outer wall 21b extends upward from the front edge of the bottom 21a. The outer wall 21c extends upward from the rear edge of the bottom 21a. The outer wall 21d extends upward from the left edge of the bottom 21a. The outer wall 21e extends upward from the right edge of the bottom 21a. The cover 22 opens downward and is mounted on the outer walls 21b to 21e of the base 21 in a manner that covers the bottom 21a of the base 21 from above. The contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are accommodated in the housing 2.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, and a movable contact piece 13. In the following description, the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 are sometimes referred to as fixed terminals 11, 12.

[0030] The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are plate-shaped terminals extending in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The fixed terminals 11 and 12 are supported by the bottom 21a of the base 21. In the present embodiment, the fixed terminals 11 and 12 are press-fitted and fixed to the bottom 21a of the base 21.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first fixed terminal 11 includes a first fixed contact 11a and a first external connection portion 11b. The first fixed contact 11a is disposed on the front surface of the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact 11a is fixed to the first fixed terminal 11 by riveting. In addition, the first fixed contact 11a may also be integrated with the first fixed terminal 11. The first external connection portion 11b protrudes downward from the bottom 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device not shown.

[0032] The second fixed terminal 12 is configured to be separated from the first fixed terminal 11 in the left direction. The second fixed terminal 12 is symmetrical with the first fixed terminal 11. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second fixed contact 12a and a second external connection portion 12b. The second fixed contact 12a is configured on the front surface of the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact 12a is riveted and fixed to the second fixed terminal 12. In addition, the second fixed contact 12a can also be integrated with the second fixed terminal 12. The second external connection portion 12b protrudes downward from the bottom 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device not shown.

[0033] The movable contact piece 13 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contact piece 13 is arranged in front of the fixed terminals 11 and 12. The movable contact piece 13 is generally T-shaped when viewed from the front and rear directions. The movable contact piece 13 includes a first movable contact point 13a, a second movable contact point 13b, an upper and lower extension portion 13c, and a left and right extension portion 13d.

[0034] The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are fixed to the movable contact piece 13 by riveting. The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are arranged on the rear surface of the left and right extension parts 13d. The first movable contact 13a and the first fixed contact 11a are opposite in the front-to-back direction. The first movable contact 13a can contact with the first fixed contact 11a. The second movable contact 13b is arranged to be separated from the first movable contact 13a in the left direction. The second movable contact 13b and the second fixed contact 12a are opposite in the front-to-back direction. The second movable contact 13b can contact with the second fixed contact 12a. In addition, the first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b can also be integrated with the movable contact piece 13.

[0035] The vertical extension portion 13c extends in the vertical direction, and the upper portion is connected to the drive device 4. The horizontal extension portion 13d extends in the horizontal direction from the lower portion of the vertical extension portion 13c.

[0036] The drive device 4 is arranged above the contact device 3. The drive device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the first movable contact 13a approaches the first fixed contact 11a, and in a direction in which the first movable contact 13a moves away from the first fixed contact 11a. In addition, the drive device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in a direction in which the second movable contact 13b approaches the second fixed contact 12a, and in a direction in which the second movable contact 13b moves away from the second fixed contact 12a. In the present embodiment, the drive device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The driving device 4 includes a winding drum 41, a coil 42, a yoke 43, a movable iron sheet 44, a resin component 45, a return spring 46, and a fixed iron core not shown. The winding drum 41 is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-back direction. The coil 42 is wound around the outer periphery of the winding drum 41. The yoke 43 has an L-shaped curved shape. The yoke 43 includes a connecting portion 43a and an extending portion 43b. The connecting portion 43a is arranged at the rear of the winding drum 41 and is connected to the fixed iron core. The extending portion 43b extends forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 43a in a manner covering the upper side of the coil 42.

[0038] The movable iron piece 44 is arranged in front of the fixed iron core. The movable iron piece 44 is supported by the yoke 43 in a rotatable manner at the front end of the extension portion 43b. The resin component 45 insulates the movable iron piece 44 from the movable contact piece 13. The resin component 45 connects the movable iron piece 44 to the movable contact piece 13. In detail, the movable iron piece 44 and the movable contact piece 13 are insert-molded in the resin component 45. As a result, the resin component 45 and the movable contact piece 13 rotate integrally with the movable iron piece 44 according to the rotation of the movable iron piece 44.

[0039] The return spring 46 is a coil spring extending in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the return spring 46 is connected to the movable iron piece 44, and the rear end is connected to the yoke 43. The return spring 46 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the forward direction via the movable iron piece 44 and the resin component 45. That is, the return spring 46 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the direction in which the first movable contact 13a is away from the first fixed contact 11a, and in the direction in which the second movable contact 13b is away from the second fixed contact 12a. The fixed iron core is arranged on the inner side of the winding drum 41, and penetrates the winding drum 41 in the front-to-back direction.

[0040] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 will be described. When no voltage is applied to the coil 42, Figure 3 As shown, by the elastic force of the return spring 46, the first movable contact 13a is in a state of being separated from the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b is in a state of being separated from the second fixed contact 12a. If a voltage is applied to the coil 42 to excite it, the movable iron sheet 44 is adsorbed to the fixed iron core by the electromagnetic force, so that the movable iron sheet 44 overcomes the elastic force of the return spring 46 and rotates. As a result, the movable contact piece 13 moves backward, the first movable contact 13a contacts the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b contacts the second fixed contact 12a. If the application of voltage to the coil 42 is stopped, the movable iron sheet 44 rotates by the elastic force of the return spring 46. As a result, the movable contact piece 13 moves forward, the first movable contact 13a separates from the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b separates from the second fixed contact 12a.

[0041] Here, the housing 2 further includes a side wall 23, a storage space 24, magnet storage portions 25, 26, and gas inflow spaces 27, 28. In the present embodiment, the side wall 23 is formed by the bottom 21a of the base 21. The side wall 23 covers the storage space 24 and the gas inflow spaces 27, 28 from below. The side wall 23 includes through holes 23a, 23b. The through holes 23a, 23b are holes that penetrate the side wall 23 in the up-down direction. The through hole 23a is formed below the magnet storage portion 25. The through hole 23b is formed below the magnet storage portion 26.

[0042] The storage space 24 is provided between the base 21 and the cover 22. The storage space 24 is provided between the magnet storage portion 25 and the magnet storage portion 26 in the left-right direction. The first fixed contact 11a, the second fixed contact 12a, and the movable contact piece 13 are stored in the storage space 24.

[0043] The magnet housing portion 25 is formed integrally with the base 21. The magnet housing portion 25 extends from the outer wall 21b of the base 21 to the rear and in the up-down direction. The magnet housing portion 25 is arranged to be separated from the bottom 21a of the base 21 in the upward direction. The magnet housing portion 25 is arranged on the right side of the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The magnet housing portion 25 is arranged between the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 27. The magnet housing portion 25 divides the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 27 in the left-right direction. The magnet housing portion 25 extends upward relative to the bottom 21a of the base 21 more than the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The magnet housing portion 25 extends upward relative to the bottom 21a of the base 21 more than the first fixed terminal 11.

[0044] The magnet housing portion 25 includes an insertion port 25a and an arc contact surface 25b. The insertion port 25a is formed at the lower end of the magnet housing portion 25 and is open downward. The insertion port 25a is configured to be higher than the bottom 21a of the base 21. When viewed from the top and bottom directions, the insertion port 25a overlaps with the through hole 23a. The arc contact surface 25b extends in a direction orthogonal to the left and right directions. The arc contact surface 25b is provided for contact with the arc generated between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a.

[0045] The magnet housing portion 26 is symmetrical with the magnet housing portion 25, so it is briefly described. The magnet housing portion 26 is arranged on the left side of the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. The magnet housing portion 26 is arranged between the housing space 24 and the gas inflow space 27. The magnet housing portion 26 divides the housing space 24 and the gas inflow space 27 in the left-right direction. The magnet housing portion 25 includes an insertion port 26a and an arc contact surface 26b.

[0046] The gas inflow spaces 27 and 28 are provided between the base 21 and the cover 22. The gas inflow spaces 27 and 28 are different from the storage space 24. The upper portions of the gas inflow spaces 27 and 28 communicate with a space 30 in which the drive device 4 is arranged.

[0047] The gas inflow space 27 is disposed on the right side of the housing space 24. The gas inflow space 27 is provided between the magnet housing portion 25 and the outer wall 21e of the base 21 in the left-right direction.

[0048] The gas inflow space 28 is disposed on the left side of the housing space 24. The gas inflow space 28 is provided between the magnet housing portion 26 and the outer wall 21d of the base 21 in the left-right direction.

[0049] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes magnets 50, 51, support members 60, 61, and gas flow paths 70, 71. The magnets 50, 51 are, for example, rectangular permanent magnets. The magnet 50 is arranged between the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 27. The magnet 50 is arranged on the right side of the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a. The magnet 50 is accommodated in the magnet accommodation portion 25. The magnet 50 is inserted into the magnet accommodation portion 25 from the bottom. The magnet 50 is inserted into the magnet accommodation portion 25 via the through hole 23a of the side wall 23 and the insertion port 25a of the magnet accommodation portion 25. The magnet 50 is pressed and fixed to the magnet accommodation portion 25. The magnet 50 is connected to the yoke 53 arranged on the right side of the magnet 50 in the magnet accommodation portion 25. The outer side surface of the magnet 50 is covered by the magnet accommodation portion 25 and the support member 60.

[0050] The magnet 50 is configured so that the magnetic flux flows in the right direction near the first fixed contact 11a. The magnet 50 causes the arc A1 generated between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a to extend downward. Specifically, for example, when the current flows from the first movable contact 13a to the first fixed contact 11a, the Lorentz force in the downward direction acts on the arc A1, so that the arc A1 extends downward. In addition, Figure 4 As shown, the arc A1 extends in a direction approaching the arc contact surface 25b as it extends downward.

[0051] The magnet 51 is arranged between the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 28. The magnet 51 is arranged on the left side of the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. The magnet 51 is accommodated in the magnet accommodation portion 26. The magnet 51 is inserted into the magnet accommodation portion 26 via the through hole 23b of the side wall 23 and the insertion port 26a of the magnet accommodation portion 26. The magnet 50 is connected to a yoke 54 arranged on the left side of the magnet 51 in the magnet accommodation portion 26.

[0052] The magnet 51 is configured so that the magnetic flux flows in the right direction near the second fixed contact 12a. The magnet 51 is configured to be opposite to the magnet 50 in the opposite pole. The magnet 51 causes the arc A2 generated between the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b to extend upward. Specifically, for example, when the current flows from the second fixed contact 12a to the second movable contact 13b, the upward Lorentz force acts on the arc A2, so that the arc A2 extends upward. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, the arc A2 extends in a direction approaching the arc contact surface 25b as it extends upward.

[0053] The support member 60 is independent of the base 21. The support member 60 is, for example, press-fitted and fixed to the bottom 21a of the base 21. The support member 60 supports the magnet 50 from below. The support member 60 positions the magnet 50 in the up-down direction. The support member 60 prevents the magnet 50 from falling off from the magnet storage portion 25.

[0054] The support member 60 includes a first cover portion 60a, a second cover portion 60b, a pair of connection portions 60c, and a through hole 60d.

[0055] The first cover portion 60a blocks the insertion port 25a of the magnet storage portion 25. The second cover portion 60b is arranged separately from the first cover portion 60a downward. The second cover portion 60b blocks the through hole 23a of the side wall 23. A pair of connecting portions 60c connects the first cover portion 60a and the second cover portion 60b. The pair of connecting portions 60c extends in a direction orthogonal to the front-to-back direction. The connecting portion 60c extends from both ends of the first cover portion 60a in the front-to-back direction toward the second cover portion 60b. The through hole 60d is a hole that penetrates in the left-right direction and is formed between the first cover portion 60a and the second cover portion 60b in the up-down direction. The through hole 60d is formed on the inner side of the connecting portion 60c.

[0056] The support member 61 supports the magnet 51 from below. The support member 61 includes a first cover portion 61a, a second cover portion 61b, a pair of connection portions 61c, and a through hole 61d. The structure of the support member 61 is the same as that of the support member 60, so detailed description is omitted.

[0057] The gas flow path 70 is provided between the side wall 23 of the housing 2 and the magnet 50. The gas flow path 70 extends in the left-right direction, connecting the storage space 24 with the gas inflow space 27. When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the gas flow path 70 overlaps with the magnet 50. The gas flow path 70 is provided below the magnet 50. The gas flow path 70 is provided in the support member 60. The gas flow path 70 is provided between the first cover portion 60a and the second cover portion 60b of the support member 60. In the present embodiment, the gas flow path 70 is composed of a through hole 70a that passes between the magnet storage portion 25 and the side wall 23 in the left-right direction, and a through hole 60d of the support member 60. The through hole 70a is formed to be connected to the through hole 60d of the support member 60 in the left-right direction.

[0058] The gas flow path 71 is provided between the side wall 23 of the housing 2 and the magnet 51. The gas flow path 71 extends in the left-right direction, connecting the storage space 24 with the gas inflow space 28. When viewed from the top and bottom directions, the gas flow path 71 overlaps with the magnet 51. The gas flow path 71 is arranged below the magnet 51. The gas flow path 71 is provided on the support member 61. In the present embodiment, the gas flow path 71 is composed of a through hole 71a that penetrates between the magnet storage portion 26 and the side wall 23 in the left-right direction, and a through hole 61d of the support member 61. The through hole 71a is arranged to be connected to the through hole 61d of the support member 61 in the left-right direction.

[0059] In the electromagnetic relay 1 described above, since the gas flow path 70 that connects the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 27 is provided between the side wall 23 of the housing 2 and the magnet 50, the high-temperature gas generated by the arc A1 can be released from the storage space 24 to the gas inflow space 27. In addition, since the magnet 50 is disposed between the storage space 24 and the gas inflow space 27, the gas inflow space 27 is located on the back side of the magnet 50. Therefore, it is difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space 27 to the vicinity of the contact. As a result, the restriking of the arc A1 generated between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, since the arc A1 extends in a direction approaching the gas flow path 70 , high-temperature gas can be rapidly released from the housing space 24 to the gas inflow space 27 .

[0061] Since the magnet 50 is covered by the magnet housing portion 25 and the first cover portion 60 a of the support member 61 , it is possible to suppress the magnet 50 from being affected by the arc A1 .

[0062] Since the magnet housing portion 25 is divided into the housing space 24 and the gas inflow space 27 and extends upward relative to the side wall 23 of the housing 2 more than the first fixed contact 11a, it is further difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space 27 to the vicinity of the contact. In addition, since the gas inflow space 27 is connected to the space 30 where the drive device 4 is arranged, it is further difficult for the high-temperature gas to return from the gas inflow space 27 to the vicinity of the contact.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, when current flows from the second movable contact 13 b toward the second fixed contact 12 a , the arc A2 extends downward, so that high-temperature gas generated by the arc A2 can be released from the housing space 24 to the gas inflow space 27 through the gas flow path 71 .

[0064] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0065] The structures of the contact device 3 and the drive device 4 may also be changed. For example, the first external connection portion 11b of the first fixed terminal 11 may protrude from the outer wall 21e of the base 21. The drive device 4 may also be a plunger-type structure.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the magnet receiving portion 25 is integrated with the base 21, but it may also be Figure 5 As shown, the magnet housing portion 25 is independent from the base 21. That is, the magnet housing portion 25 may also be independent from the side wall 23. In addition, the magnet housing portion 25 and the support member 60 may also be integrally formed of a material different from that of the base 21. For example, the magnet housing portion 25 and the support member 60 may also be integrally formed of a material having an arc extinguishing performance superior to that of the base 21.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that: have: A first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact; a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact and configured separately from the first fixed terminal; a movable contact piece, comprising a first movable contact point opposite to the first fixed contact point and a second movable contact point opposite to the second fixed contact point; a housing, comprising a storage space, a gas inflow space different from the storage space, and a side wall covering the storage space and the gas inflow space from a first direction, wherein the storage space stores the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece; a magnet disposed between the housing space and the gas inflow space to extend an arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact; and a gas flow path provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet, connecting the storage space with the gas inflow space; a driving device including a coil and causing the movable contact piece to move, The gas inflow space is communicated with a space where the driving device is arranged.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnet causes the arc to extend toward the first direction.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing further includes a magnet housing portion disposed apart from the side wall in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The gas flow path is provided between the side wall of the housing and the magnet housing portion.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a supporting member for supporting the magnet, The gas flow path is provided on the supporting member.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnet housing portion includes an arc contact surface for the arc to contact, and is independent of the side wall of the housing.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, characterized in that: The magnet housing portion is integrated with the supporting member.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnet is inserted into the magnet receiving portion from the first direction.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7, characterized in that: The magnet storage portion includes an insertion opening opening toward the first direction, The side wall of the housing includes a through hole extending along the first direction. The magnet is received in the magnet receiving portion via the through hole and the insertion port. The supporting member includes a first cover portion that blocks the insertion port and a second cover portion that blocks the through hole. The gas flow path is provided between the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The magnet housing portion defines the housing space and the gas inflow space.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The magnet housing portion extends further in the second direction than the first fixed contact relative to the side wall of the housing.

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