Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

An electromagnetic relay rapidly cuts off an arc short-circuited between a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal. The electromagnetic relay is provided with the first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, the second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact, a movable contact piece, a housing, and a magnet. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact. A driving device includes a coil to move the movable contact piece. The housing includes an accommodation space that accommodates the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece. The magnet is arranged to overlap the coil and the accommodation space in a third direction orthogonal to a length direction and a moving direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet elongates a first arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact and a second arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in the length direction of the movable contact piece. The housing includes a first arc elongation space in which at least a portion of the first arc is arranged between the coil and the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. Background Technology

[0002] In an electromagnetic relay, an electric arc is generated at the contacts when the current is cut off. For example, in the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1, an arc-extinguishing component is arranged in the space where the contacts are arranged in order to quickly extinguish the arc.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-049938

[0004] In the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a magnet is placed near the contact to generate a magnetic field in the width direction of the movable contact piece, the extension direction of the arc generated by the contact changes outward and inward in the length direction of the movable contact piece depending on the energizing direction. When the arc extends inward in the length direction of the movable contact piece, a short circuit occurs between the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal, making it difficult to quickly cut off the arc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to rapidly interrupt the arc of a short circuit between a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal in an electromagnetic relay.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact, a drive device, a housing, and a magnet. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact. The second fixed terminal is separately configured from the first fixed terminal. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact. The movable contact includes a first movable contact opposite the first fixed contact and a second movable contact opposite the second fixed contact. The drive device includes a coil disposed relative to the movable contact in a first direction from the first movable contact toward the first fixed contact. The drive device moves the movable contact in a movement direction, the movement direction including the first direction and a second direction in which the first movable contact moves away from the first fixed contact. The housing includes a receiving space for receiving the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact. The magnet is configured to overlap the coil and the receiving space in a third direction orthogonal to the length direction and the movement direction of the movable contact. The magnet causes a first electric arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, and a second electric arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact, to extend along the length direction of the movable contact. The housing includes a first arc elongation space that extends from the storage space in a first direction and is at least partially disposed between the coil and the magnet.

[0007] In this electromagnetic relay, a magnet causes the first and second electric arcs to extend along the length of the movable contact piece. That is, the magnet generates a magnetic field along a third direction between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, and between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact. In this case, depending on the energizing direction, the first and second electric arcs extend inward or outward along the length of the movable contact piece. That is, depending on the energizing direction, the first and second electric arcs extend in a direction closer to each other or in a direction further away from each other. For example, if the first and second electric arcs extend in a direction closer to each other, the first and second electric arcs short-circuit between the first and second fixed terminals. The arc short-circuited between the first and second fixed terminals extends within the arc extension space disposed between the coil and the magnet due to the magnetic field generated by the magnet. Therefore, the arc short-circuited between the first and second fixed terminals can be quickly interrupted.

[0008] The housing may also include a base disposed below the coil. The first fixed terminal may also include a first external connection portion protruding downward from the base. The second fixed terminal may also include a second external connection portion protruding downward from the base. A first arc extension space of the housing may also be disposed between the base and the coil. In this case, the space below the coil can be effectively utilized to quickly cut off the arc of a short circuit between the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal.

[0009] The magnet may also include a narrower portion and a wider portion. The narrower portion may be positioned between the first external connecting portion and the second external connecting portion, and overlaps with the storage space in the third direction. The wider portion may extend to a position further outward in the length direction of the movable contact piece than the first and second external connecting portions, and overlaps with the coil in the third direction. In this case, the arc that short-circuits between the first and second fixed terminals can be extended to the back side of the first and second fixed terminals, thus enabling compaction of the first arc extension space in the first direction.

[0010] The housing may also include a second arc elongation space disposed in a second direction relative to the movable contact piece. The magnet may also be configured to overlap with the second arc elongation space in a third direction. In this case, when the first and second arcs extend outward in the length direction of the movable contact piece, the first and second arcs can be rapidly cut off within the second arc elongation space.

[0011] The first fixed terminal may also include a first extension opposite to the movable contact piece in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The first extension may also be configured to extend throughout the receiving space and the second arc extension space. In this case, when the first arc extends outward in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece, the first arc can be easily moved to the second arc extension space through the first extension.

[0012] The housing may also include a second arc extension space, which is disposed adjacent to and separated from the first arc extension space in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet may also be configured to overlap with the second arc extension space in the third direction. In this case, when the first and second arcs extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece, the space below the coil can be effectively utilized to cut off the first and second arcs.

[0013] The first fixed terminal may also include a first contact support portion and a first bent portion. The first contact support portion may also extend along the length direction of the movable contact piece, be disposed in the storage space, and support the first fixed contact. The first bent portion may also bend from the inner end of the first contact support portion along the length direction of the movable contact piece toward the first arc elongation space. In this case, the Lorentz force generated by the current flowing to the first bent portion can be used to rapidly move the arc short-circuited between the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal to the first arc elongation space.

[0014] The housing may also include a cover component disposed between the first arc elongation space and the coil, covering the first arc elongation space. In this case, the coil can be protected from the effects of the arc elongating within the first arc elongation space.

[0015] According to the present invention, in an electromagnetic relay, an electric arc that causes a short circuit between a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal can be quickly interrupted. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of an electromagnetic relay.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the electromagnetic relay after the cover has been removed.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the base and contact device as viewed from above.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of an electromagnetic relay.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay taken from a plane orthogonal to the front and rear directions.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the driving of the first and second electric arcs.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the driving of the first and second electric arcs.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the contact device of the first modified example, as viewed from above.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the electromagnetic relay of the second variation.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the electromagnetic relay of the third variation.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the base of the fourth variation.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the electromagnetic relay of the fourth variation.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a bottom view of the electromagnetic relay of the fifth variation.

[0029] Symbol Explanation

[0030] 1…Electromagnetic relay; 2…Housing; 4…Driver; 11…First fixed terminal; 11a…First fixed contact; 11c…First extension; 11d…First external connection; 11e…First bend; 12…Second fixed terminal; 12a…Second fixed contact; 12d…Second external connection; 13…Modible contact piece; 13a…First movable contact; 13b…Second movable contact; 21…Base; 23…Storage space; 24…First arc extension space; 25…Cover component; 26…Second arc extension space; 42…Coil; 50…Magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the 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.

[0032] Furthermore, in the following description, the direction in which the contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are arranged relative to the base 21 of the housing 2 is taken as the upward direction, and the opposite direction is taken as the downward direction; the direction in which the contact device 3 is arranged relative to the drive device 4 is taken as the forward direction (an example of the second direction), and the opposite direction is taken as the rearward direction (an example of the first direction). Figure 3 The left and right directions on the paper are used as the left and right directions for explanation. In addition, the above directions are defined for ease of explanation and do not limit the configuration direction of electromagnetic relay 1.

[0033] The housing 2 is box-shaped. The housing 2, 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 orthogonal to the vertical direction. The outer walls 21b extend upward from the front edge of the bottom 21a. The outer walls 21c extend upward from the rear edge of the bottom 21a. The outer walls 21d extend upward from the left edge of the bottom 21a. The outer walls 21e extend upward from the right edge of the bottom 21a.

[0034] The cover 22 opens downwards and is mounted on the outer walls 21b-21e of the base 21 so as to cover the bottom 21a of the base 21 from above. The contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are housed in the housing 2.

[0035] 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. Furthermore, in the following description, the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 may sometimes be referred to as fixed terminals 11 and 12.

[0036] The fixing terminals 11 and 12 are formed of a conductive material such as copper. The fixing terminals 11 and 12 are plate-shaped terminals with a bent shape. When viewed from above, the fixing terminals 11 and 12 are approximately L-shaped. The fixing terminals 11 and 12 are supported by the bottom 21a of the base 21. In this embodiment, the fixing terminals 11 and 12 are pressed and fixed to the bottom 21a of the base 21.

[0037] The first fixed terminal 11 includes a first fixed contact 11a, a first contact support portion 11b, a first extension portion 11c, and a first external connection portion 11d.

[0038] The first fixed contact 11a is disposed on the front surface of the first contact support portion 11b. The first fixed contact 11a is riveted and fixed to the first contact support portion 11b. Alternatively, the first fixed contact 11a may be integral with the first contact support portion 11b. The first contact support portion 11b extends in a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction. The first contact support portion 11b supports the first fixed contact 11a.

[0039] The first extension 11c extends forward from the right end of the first contact support 11b. The first extension 11c is disposed to the right of the first movable contact 13a. The front end of the first extension 11c is positioned further forward than the movable contact piece 13. The first external connection 11d extends downward from the lower end of the first extension 11c. The first external connection 11d protrudes downward from the bottom 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device (not shown).

[0040] The second fixed terminal 12 is disposed separately from the first fixed terminal 11 to the left. The second fixed terminal 12 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first fixed terminal 11. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second fixed contact 12a, a second contact support portion 12b, a second extension portion 12c, and a second external connection portion 12d.

[0041] The second fixed contact 12a is disposed on the front surface of the second contact support portion 12b. The second fixed contact 12a is riveted and fixed to the second contact support portion 12b. Alternatively, the second fixed contact 12a may be integral with the second contact support portion 12b. The second contact support portion 12b extends in a direction orthogonal to the front-back direction. The second contact support portion 12b supports the second fixed contact 12a.

[0042] The second extension 12c extends forward from the left end of the second contact support 12b. The second extension 12c is positioned to the left of the second movable contact 13b. The front end of the second extension 12c is positioned further forward than the movable contact piece 13. The second external connection 12d extends downward from the lower end of the second extension 12c. The second external connection 12d protrudes downward from the bottom 21a of the base 21 and is electrically connected to an external device (not shown).

[0043] The movable contact 13 is a plate-shaped terminal formed of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contact 13 is positioned in front of the fixed terminals 11 and 12. The movable contact 13 is located between the first extension 11c and the second extension 12c. In this embodiment, the length direction of the movable contact 13 is consistent with the left-right direction. The movable contact 13 is approximately T-shaped when viewed from the front-back direction. The movable contact 13 includes a first movable contact 13a, a second movable contact 13b, an upper and lower extension 13c, and a left-right extension 13d.

[0044] The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are riveted and fixed to the movable contact piece 13. The first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b are disposed on the rear surface of the left and right extensions 13d. The first movable contact 13a is opposite to the first fixed contact 11a in the front-rear direction. The first movable contact 13a can contact the first fixed contact 11a. The second movable contact 13b is disposed separately from the first movable contact 13a in the left direction. The second movable contact 13b is opposite to the second fixed contact 12a in the front-rear direction. The second movable contact 13b can contact the second fixed contact 12a. Alternatively, the first movable contact 13a and the second movable contact 13b can also be integrated with the movable contact piece 13.

[0045] The vertical extension 13c extends in the vertical direction and is connected to the drive device 4 at its upper part. The horizontal extension 13d extends from the lower part of the vertical extension 13c in the horizontal direction.

[0046] Here, the housing 2 includes a storage space 23, a first arc extension space 24, and a cover component 25 (see reference). Figure 5 ) and the second arc elongation space 26.

[0047] A storage space 23 is disposed between the base 21 and the cover 22. The storage space 23 is located between the first arc extension space 24 and the second arc extension space 26 in the front-to-back direction. The bottom 21a of the base 21 covers the storage space 23 from below. The storage space 23 is disposed between the outer wall 21d and the outer wall 21e in the left-to-right direction. A first fixed contact 11a, a first contact support 11b, a first extension 11c, a second fixed contact 12a, a second contact support 12b, and a second extension 12c are disposed within the storage space 23.

[0048] The first arc extension space 24 is connected to the storage space 23. The first arc extension space 24 is disposed adjacent to the storage space 23 and extends rearward from the storage space 23. The first arc extension space 24 extends rearward between the first contact support portion 11b and the second contact support portion 12b. A portion of the first arc extension space 24 may also be disposed at the rear of the first contact support portion 11b and the rear of the second contact support portion 12b.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the first arc extension space 24 is disposed vertically between the drive device 4 and the bottom 21a of the base 21. The bottom 21a of the base 21 covers the first arc extension space 24 from below. The outer wall 21c covers the first arc extension space 24 from the rear. The first arc extension space 24 is disposed horizontally between a pair of inner walls 21f and 21g formed on the base 21. The pair of inner walls 21f and 21g extend in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction. The inner wall 21f is disposed behind the first contact support portion 11b, and the inner wall 21g is disposed behind the second contact support portion 12b.

[0050] The cover component 25 protects the coil 42 from the influence of the arc A3 extending within the first arc elongation space 24. The cover component 25 is disposed between the first arc elongation space 24 and the coil 42. The cover component 25 covers the first arc elongation space 24 from above. The cover component 25 is disposed on the upper part of a pair of inner walls 21f, 21g and is supported by the pair of inner walls 21f, 21g. In this embodiment, the cover component 25 is independent of the base 21, but the cover component 25 may also be integral with the base 21.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the second arc extension space 26 is disposed between the movable contact piece 13 and the outer wall 21b in the front-back direction. The second arc extension space 26 is disposed on the front side of the left and right extensions 13d of the movable contact piece 13. The second arc extension space 26 communicates with the storage space 23. The second arc extension space 26 is disposed adjacent to the storage space 23 and extends forward from the storage space 23. The first extension 11c and the second extension 12c are disposed throughout the storage space 23 and the second arc extension space 26.

[0052] The driving device 4 is positioned higher than the contact device 3. The driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 towards the first movable contact 13a, approaching the first fixed contact 11a, and away from the first fixed contact 11a. Furthermore, the driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 towards the second movable contact 13b, approaching the second fixed contact 12a, and away from the second fixed contact 12a. In this embodiment, the driving device 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the back-and-forth direction.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive device 4 includes a spool 41, a coil 42, a magnetic yoke 43, a movable iron plate 44, a resin component 45, a return spring 46, and a fixed iron core 47. The spool 41 is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0054] Coil 42 is wound around the outer periphery of spool 41. Coil 42 is positioned above the fixed terminals 11 and 12. Coil 42 is positioned rearward relative to the fixed terminals 11 and 12, the movable contact piece 13, and the storage space 23. Coil 42 is positioned above the cover member 25. Coil 42 overlaps with the first arc extension space 24 in the vertical direction. Coil 42 is positioned above the first arc extension space 24. The first arc extension space 24 extends to a position further rearward than the center of coil 42 in the front-rear direction.

[0055] The yoke 43 has an L-shaped bend. The yoke 43 includes a connecting portion 43a and an extension portion 43b. The connecting portion 43a is located behind the winding spool 41 and is connected to the fixed iron core 47. The extension portion 43b extends forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 43a in a manner that covers the top of the coil 42.

[0056] A movable iron plate 44 is positioned in front of the fixed iron core 47. The movable iron plate 44 is rotatably supported by a magnetic yoke 43 at the front end of the extension 43b. A resin component 45 insulates the movable iron plate 44 from the movable contact piece 13. The resin component 45 connects the movable iron plate 44 and the movable contact piece 13. Specifically, the movable iron plate 44 and the movable contact piece 13 are embedded in the resin component 45. Thus, the resin component 45 and the movable contact piece 13 rotate integrally with the movable iron plate 44 as the movable iron plate 44 rotates.

[0057] The return spring 46 is a helical spring extending in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the return spring 46 is connected to the movable iron plate 44, and the rear end is connected to the magnetic yoke 43. The return spring 46 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the forward direction via the movable iron plate 44 and the resin component 45. That is, the return spring 46 applies force to the movable contact piece 13 in the direction away from the first fixed contact 11a towards the first movable contact 13a, and in the direction away from the second fixed contact 12a towards the second movable contact 13b. The fixed iron core 47 is a stacked iron core disposed inside the winding drum 41. The fixed iron core 47 extends through the winding drum 41 in the front-to-back direction. The fixed iron core 47 is positioned higher than the fixed terminals 11 and 12.

[0058] Next, the operation of electromagnetic relay 1 will be explained. In the state where no voltage is applied to coil 42, as... Figure 3 As shown, due to 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 energize it, the movable iron piece 44 is attracted to the fixed iron core 47 by electromagnetic force, thereby the movable iron piece 44 rotates against the elastic force of the return spring 46. 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 voltage applied to the coil 42 is stopped, the movable iron piece 44 rotates due to 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.

[0059] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a magnet 50. The magnet 50 is, for example, a rectangular permanent magnet. The magnet 50 is disposed on the bottom 21a of the base 21. In this embodiment, the magnet 50 is mounted on the outer surface of the bottom 21a of the base 21.

[0060] Magnet 50 is configured to overlap with coil 42 and storage space 23 in the vertical direction (an example of the third direction). Magnet 50 is positioned below storage space 23 and coil 42. Magnet 50 is positioned between first external connection portion 11d and second external connection portion 12d. Magnet 50 overlaps with first fixed contact 11a, second fixed contact 12a, and movable contact piece 13 in the vertical direction. Compared to movable contact piece 13, magnet 50 extends further in the horizontal direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the front end of magnet 50 is positioned further forward than movable contact piece 13. In this embodiment, movable contact piece 13 overlaps with magnet 50 entirely in the vertical direction. Magnet 50 extends to a position further rearward than the center of coil 42 in the front-rear direction. The two ends of magnet 50 in the horizontal direction are positioned further outward than the two ends of coil 42 in the horizontal direction. Magnet 50 overlaps with first arc elongation space 24 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the first arc elongation space 24 is disposed between the coil 42 and the magnet 50. In this embodiment, the entire first arc elongation space 24 is disposed between the coil 42 and the magnet 50.

[0061] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the magnet 50 causes the first electric arc A1 generated between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a, and the second electric arc A2 generated between the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b, to extend along the length direction (here, the left-right direction) of the movable contact piece 13. Depending on the direction of energization, the magnet 50 causes the first electric arc A1 and the second electric arc A2 to extend inward or outward along the length direction of the movable contact piece 13. "Inward" along the length direction of the movable contact piece 13 refers to a direction approaching the center of the movable contact piece 13 along its length. "Outward" along the length direction of the movable contact piece 13 refers to a direction moving away from the center of the movable contact piece along its length. That is, depending on the direction of energization, the magnet 50 causes the first electric arc A1 and the second electric arc A2 to extend in a direction approaching or moving away from each other.

[0062] Magnet 50 generates a vertical magnetic field between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a, and between the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. In this embodiment, magnet 50 is magnetized such that its upper surface becomes the N pole and its lower surface becomes the S pole. Therefore, magnet 50 generates an upward magnetic field between the first fixed contact 11a and the first movable contact 13a, and between the second fixed contact 12a and the second movable contact 13b. Furthermore, magnet 50 generates an upward magnetic field within the first arc extension space 24 and the second arc extension space 26.

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, when current flows from the first fixed contact 11a towards the first movable contact 13a, a left-direction Lorentz force F1 is applied to the first arc A1, and a right-direction Lorentz force F2 is applied to the second arc A2. As a result, the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 extend in a direction closer to each other, short-circuiting the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12. Then, a rear-direction Lorentz force F3 is applied to the arc A3 short-circuited between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12, causing the arc A3 short-circuited between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 to extend within the first arc extension space 24.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, when current flows from the first movable contact 13a towards the first fixed contact 11a, a right-hand Lorentz force F4 is applied to the first arc A1. As a result, the first arc A1 moves from the first contact support 11b of the first fixed terminal 11 towards the first extension 11c, and extends within the second arc elongation space 26. Furthermore, a left-hand Lorentz force F5 is applied to the second arc A2. As a result, the second arc A2 moves from the second contact support 12b of the second fixed terminal 12 towards the second extension 12c, and extends within the second arc elongation space 26.

[0065] In the electromagnetic relay 1 described above, the magnet 50 causes the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 to extend along the length of the movable contact piece 13. When current flows from the first fixed contact 11a toward the first movable contact 13a, the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 extend toward each other, short-circuiting between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12. The arc A3, which is short-circuited between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12, extends within the first arc extension space 24 located between the coil 42 and the magnet 50 due to the magnetic field generated by the magnet 50. Thus, the arc A3, which is short-circuited between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12, can be quickly cut off.

[0066] Furthermore, since the first arc elongation space 24 is located below the coil 42, the space below the coil 42 can be effectively utilized to quickly cut off the arc A3.

[0067] Furthermore, when current flows from the first movable contact 13a toward the first fixed contact 11a, the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 can be quickly cut off within the second arc extension space 26. In this embodiment, the first extension 11c and the second extension 12c extend into the second arc extension space 26, thus enabling the first arc A1 and the second arc A2 to move rapidly into the second arc extension space 26.

[0068] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0069] The structures of the contact device 3 and the drive device 4 can also be modified. The drive device 4 can also be a plunger type. The structure of the housing 2 can also be modified.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the base 21 is composed of a single component, but the base 21 may also be composed of multiple components, such as a first component for mounting the contact device 3 and a second component for mounting the drive device 4. For example, the first component may be provided with a storage space 23, a first arc extension space 24, and a second arc extension space 26, and the second component may cover the top of the first arc extension space 24. In this case, the second component also functions as a cover component 25.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, the first fixed terminal 11 may also include a first bent portion 11e. The first bent portion 11e has a shape that bends from the inner end (here, the left end) of the first contact support portion 11b toward the first arc elongation space 24. The first bent portion 11e has a shape that bends away from the movable contact piece 13. The first bent portion 11e is inclined toward the first arc elongation space 24 towards the second fixed terminal 12. Furthermore, the inner end of the first contact support portion 11b is the end of the first contact support portion 11b that is closer to the second fixed terminal 12 among the two ends of the movable contact piece 13 along its length. Similarly, the second fixed terminal 12 may also include a second bent portion 12e. The second bent portion 12e has a shape that bends from the inner end (here, the right end) of the second contact support portion 12b toward the first arc elongation space 24. The second bent portion 12e is inclined toward the first arc elongation space 24 towards the first fixed terminal 11.

[0072] The configuration and shape of magnet 50 can also be changed. For example... Figure 9As shown, the magnet 50 may also include a narrower portion 50a and a wider portion 50b. The narrower portion 50a is disposed between the first external connecting portion 11d and the second external connecting portion 12d. The narrower portion 50a is disposed below the storage space 23. Compared to the narrower portion 50a, the wider portion 50b extends further in the left-right direction. The wider portion 50b is disposed below the coil 42 and the first arc extension space 24, and overlaps with the coil 42 and the first arc extension space 24 in the vertical direction. The wider portion 50b extends to a position further outward in the length direction of the movable contact piece 13 than the first external connecting portion 11d and the second external connecting portion 12d. The left end of the wider portion 50b is disposed further to the left than the first external connecting portion 11d. The right end of the wider portion 50b is disposed further to the right than the second external connecting portion 12d.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, the first fixed terminal 11 can also be a shape in which the first contact support portion 11b and the first external connecting portion 11d overlap in the vertical direction. That is, the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 can also be plate-shaped terminals that extend linearly in the vertical direction. In this case, the magnet 50 can also have a shape that avoids the first external connecting portion 11d and the second external connecting portion 12d.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the second arc extension space 26 is disposed between the movable contact piece 13 and the outer wall 21b in the front-rear direction, but the configuration of the second arc extension space 26 can be changed. For example, it can also be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the second arc extension space 26 and the first arc extension space 24 are arranged in the left-right direction. The second arc extension space 26 and the first arc extension space 24 are arranged adjacent to each other outside the length direction of the movable contact piece. The first arc extension space 24 and the second arc extension space 26 are divided in the left-right direction by a pair of inner walls 21f and 21g. The second arc extension space 26 is located below the coil 42. Alternatively, the second arc extension space 26 may not overlap with the coil 42 in the vertical direction. The second arc extension space 26 is located between the inner wall 21f and the outer wall 21e, and between the inner wall 21g and the outer wall 21d. Alternatively, the pair of inner walls 21f and 21g may be omitted, and the second arc extension space 26 may be connected to the first arc extension space 24.

[0075] exist Figure 11In the structure shown, the first extension 11c of the first fixed terminal 11 extends forward from the lower end of the first contact support 11b. The first external connecting portion 11d extends downward from the front end of the first extension 11c. The first external connecting portion 11d protrudes downward from the bottom 21a near the outer wall 21b. The second fixed terminal 12 also has the same shape as the first fixed terminal 11. In this case, it is also possible to... Figure 12 As shown, the magnet 50 is not shaped to avoid the first external connecting portion 11d and the second external connecting portion 12d. Furthermore, when the first fixing terminal 11 and the second fixing terminal 12 are plate-shaped terminals extending linearly in the vertical direction, it is also possible to... Figure 13 As shown, the magnet 50 has a shape that avoids the space behind the first external connecting portion 11d and the second external connecting portion 12d.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, have: 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; A movable contact piece, comprising a first movable contact opposite to the first fixed contact and a second movable contact opposite to the second fixed contact; A driving device includes a coil disposed relative to the movable contact piece in a first direction from the first movable contact toward the first fixed contact, and moves the movable contact piece in a moving direction including the first direction and a second direction in which the first movable contact moves away from the first fixed contact. The housing includes a storage space for accommodating the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece; as well as A magnet is configured to overlap the coil and the storage space in a third direction orthogonal to the length direction and the direction of movement of the movable contact piece, such that a first electric arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, and a second electric arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact, extend along the length direction of the movable contact piece. The housing includes a first arc elongation space that extends from the storage space in the first direction and is at least partially disposed between the coil and the magnet.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a base disposed below the coil. The first fixed terminal includes a first external connecting portion protruding downward from the base. The second fixed terminal includes a second external connecting portion protruding downward from the base. The first arc elongation space of the housing is disposed between the base and the coil.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnet includes: The narrower portion is positioned between the first external connecting portion and the second external connecting portion, and overlaps with the storage space in the third direction; and The wider portion extends to a position further outward in the length direction of the movable contact piece than the first and second external connecting portions, and overlaps with the coil in the third direction.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing includes a second arc elongation space disposed in the second direction relative to the movable contact piece. The magnet is configured to overlap with the second arc elongation space in the third direction.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first fixed terminal includes a first extension portion that is opposite to the movable contact piece in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The first extension extends throughout the storage space and the second arc elongation space.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a second arc extension space, which is disposed adjacent to and separated from the first arc extension space in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet is configured to overlap with the second arc elongation space in the third direction.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixed terminal also includes: A first contact support portion, extending along the length of the movable contact piece, is disposed in the storage space and supports the first fixed contact; and The first curved portion bends from the inner end of the first contact support portion along the length direction of the movable contact piece toward the first arc elongation space.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a cover component disposed between the first arc elongation space and the coil, covering the first arc elongation space.

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