Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The present application can inhibit the increase of manufacturing cost, and expand the space for arc extinguishing in electromagnetic relay. The electromagnetic relay is provided with a base, a fixed terminal, a fixed contact, a movable piece, a movable contact, a magnet, a base support and a shell. The fixed terminal is supported by the base. The fixed contact is connected with the fixed terminal. The movable piece is supported by the base. The movable contact is connected with the movable piece and opposite to the fixed contact. The magnet acts Lorentz force on the arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The base support is independent of the base. The base support is installed on the base. The base support is arranged at least in the direction of the Lorentz force. The shell is installed on the base support.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact and a movable contact. Current flows between the movable and fixed contacts by bringing the movable contact into contact with the fixed contact. Power is cut off between the movable and fixed contacts by moving the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The fixed contact is connected to a fixed terminal. The movable contact is connected to a movable piece. The fixed terminal and the movable piece are supported by a base. A housing is mounted on the base.

[0003] On the other hand, some electromagnetic relays include those equipped with magnets for extinguishing electric arcs. The magnetic field from the magnet applies a Lorentz force to the arc generated between the fixed and movable contacts. The arc is elongated by the Lorentz force, thus extinguishing it rapidly.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-175603 Summary of the Invention

[0005] To extinguish the electric arc quickly, a large space around the contacts is desirable. Therefore, for example, this is achieved by increasing the size of the base to provide more space around the contacts. However, the base, which defines the positional relationships between the fixed terminals, fixed contacts, movable parts, and movable contacts, requires high dimensional accuracy. Therefore, redesigning the base is not easy. Furthermore, changing the shape of the base necessitates redesigning the electromagnetic relay production line, increasing manufacturing costs. The object of this invention is to suppress the increase in manufacturing costs and expand the space within the electromagnetic relay for extinguishing the electric arc.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base, a fixed terminal, a fixed contact, a movable piece, a movable contact, a magnet, a base support, and a housing. The fixed terminal is supported by the base. The fixed contact is connected to the fixed terminal. The movable piece is supported by the base. The movable contact is connected to the movable piece and is opposite to the fixed contact. The magnet exerts a Lorentz force on the electric arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The base support is independent of the base. The base support is mounted on the base. The base support is positioned relative to the base at least in the direction in which the Lorentz force acts. The housing is mounted on the base support.

[0007] In this electromagnetic relay, the base support is positioned relative to the base at least in the direction of the Lorentz force. Therefore, within the housing, the space for extinguishing the arc is expanded in the direction of the Lorentz force. Furthermore, the base support is independent of the base. Thus, the space for extinguishing the arc is expanded without changing the shape of the base. This allows for the suppression of increased manufacturing costs and the expansion of the space for extinguishing the arc.

[0008] Magnets can also be positioned above both the fixed and movable contacts. In this case, the magnets can exert a Lorentz force on the electric arc without interfering with the movement of the movable contact.

[0009] The movable contact can also make contact with or separate from the fixed contact by moving in the back-and-forth direction. The Lorentz force can also act in the left-right direction. The base support can also be configured in at least the left-right direction of the base. In this case, the space within the housing for extinguishing the arc expands in the left-right direction where the Lorentz force acts.

[0010] The direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact is defined as forward. The direction in which the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact is defined as rearward. The base bracket may also include a front bracket portion, a rear bracket portion, a left bracket portion, and a right bracket portion. The front bracket portion may also be located at the front of the base. The rear bracket portion may also be located at the rear of the base. The left bracket portion may also be located on the left side of the base. The right bracket portion may also be located on the right side of the base. In this case, the base brackets are arranged at the front, rear, left, and right sides of the base. Therefore, the base brackets are securely mounted to the base.

[0011] The base support may also include an opening. The base may also be configured within the opening. In this case, it is easy to install the base support onto the base.

[0012] The base support may also include a support frame and a protrusion. The support frame may also include an opening. The protrusion may also project from the support frame into the opening. The protrusion may also contact the base from above. In this case, the protrusion is used to prevent the base from detaching upwards. Thus, the base support is stably mounted on the base.

[0013] The base support may also include protrusions. These protrusions may project from the support frame into the opening. The protrusions may also support the base from below. In this case, the protrusions prevent the base from detaching downwards. Thus, the base support is stably mounted on the base.

[0014] The base support may also include a stepped portion that supports the housing from below. In this case, the housing is stably supported by the base support.

[0015] The housing may also include a magnet storage section. The magnet storage section may also be positioned above the fixed and movable contacts. The magnet storage section may also be separated from the space within the housing. The magnet may also be stored within the magnet storage section. In this case, the magnet can be easily positioned near the fixed and movable contacts.

[0016] The housing may also include a cover made of a soft magnetic material that seals off the magnet housing. In this case, the cover functions as a magnetic yoke, concentrating the magnetic flux of the magnet around the contacts. Furthermore, the magnetic flux of the magnet is less likely to leak outside the electromagnetic relay.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing costs and expand the space within the electromagnetic relay for extinguishing electric arcs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of the electromagnetic relay in the off state.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of an electromagnetic relay in its closed state.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an enlarged side view of an electromagnetic relay.

[0021] Figure 4 This is the front view of an electromagnetic relay.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a 3D view of the base and the base support.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the base and the base support.

[0024] Figure 7 It is an exploded 3D view of the base and the base support.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the base support.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the base support.

[0027] Symbol Explanation

[0028] 2…base; 3…base support; 4…housing; 5…fixed terminal; 6…fixed contact; 7…movable piece; 8…movable contact; 25…magnet; 36…magnet storage part; 51…support frame; 52…opening; 53…step part; 54…front support part; 55…rear support part; 56…left support part; 57…right support part; 71…protrusion; 74…protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a side view of the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the embodiment. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a base 2, a base support 3, a housing 4, a fixed terminal 5, a fixed contact 6, a movable piece 7, a movable contact 8, and a drive device 9. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction in which the contacts 6 and 8 are arranged relative to the base 2 is defined as upward, and the opposite direction is defined as downward. The direction from the movable contact 8 towards the fixed contact 6 is defined as forward, and the opposite direction is defined as rearward. Also, the left side in this forward-facing state is defined as left, and the opposite direction is defined as right. However, the above definitions of direction are for ease of explanation and do not limit the arrangement direction of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0030] The base 2 supports the fixed terminal 5, the movable contact 7, and the drive device 9. The base bracket 3 is mounted on the base 2. The base 2 and base bracket 3 are made of, for example, resin. The base 2 and base bracket 3 will be described in detail below. The housing 4 is mounted on the base bracket 3. The housing 4 covers the base 2, base bracket 3, movable contact 8, fixed contact 6, and drive device 9.

[0031] Fixed terminal 5 extends upward from base 2. Fixed contact 6 is connected to fixed terminal 5. Fixed terminal 5 protrudes downward from base 2. Movable piece 7 extends upward from base 2. Movable contact 8 is connected to movable piece 7. Movable contact 8 and fixed contact 6 are opposite each other in the front-rear direction. Movable piece 7 protrudes downward from base 2.

[0032] The drive mechanism 9 moves the movable contact 7 in both the contact direction and the departure direction. The contact direction is the direction in which the movable contact 8 contacts the fixed contact 6. The departure direction is the direction in which the movable contact 8 leaves the fixed contact 6. The drive mechanism 9 includes a coil assembly 11, a yoke 12, an armature 13, a hinge spring 14, and a card 15. The coil assembly 11 includes a coil 16, a spool 17, and an iron core 18. The coil 16 is wound on the spool 17. The spool 17 is supported by a base 2. The coil 16 generates a magnetic force that moves the movable contact 7 when energized. The coil 16 is connected to a coil terminal 19. The coil terminal 19 is supported by the base 2. The coil terminal 19 protrudes downward from the base 2.

[0033] The iron core 18 is disposed within the winding drum 17. The iron core 18 extends along the axial direction of the coil 16. The magnetic yoke 12 is supported by the base 2. The magnetic yoke 12 includes a first magnetic yoke 21 and a second magnetic yoke 22. The magnetic yoke 12 has a curved shape between the first magnetic yoke 21 and the second magnetic yoke 22. The first magnetic yoke 21 is disposed in front of the coil 16. The first magnetic yoke 21 extends in a vertical direction. The second magnetic yoke 22 extends in a front-back direction. The second magnetic yoke 22 is connected to the lower end of the iron core 18.

[0034] The armature 13 is supported by the yoke 12 in a swingable manner. The armature 13 includes a first part 23 and a second part 24. The armature 13 has a curved shape between the first part 23 and the second part 24. The first part 23 is opposite to the upper end of the iron core 18. The second part 24 is connected to the insert 15. The insert 15 is opposite to the movable piece 7. The insert 15 presses the movable piece 7 in the contact direction. The hinge spring 14 is connected to the armature 13. The hinge spring 14 applies force to the armature 13 in the contact direction.

[0035] Figure 1 The electromagnetic relay 1 is shown in the off state. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when no current flows to coil 16, the movable contact 8 is held away from the fixed contact 6 by the elastic force of the movable piece 7. If current flows to coil 16, the first part 23 of armature 13 is attracted by the iron core 18 by the magnetic force of coil 16. As a result, armature 13 overcomes the elastic force of movable piece 7 and swings in the contact direction, thereby moving the second part 24 in the contact direction. Then, insert 15 moves in the contact direction and presses movable piece 7 in the contact direction. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, the movable piece 7 elastically deforms, and the movable contact 8 contacts the fixed contact 6. As a result, the electromagnetic relay 1 becomes... Figure 2 The closed state is shown.

[0036] If the current flowing to coil 16 is cut off, the attraction of iron core 18 to armature 13 stops. Therefore, due to the spring force of movable piece 7, armature 13 swings in the disengaging direction. As a result, first part 23 moves away from iron core 18, and insert 15 moves in the disengaging direction. Furthermore, due to the spring force of movable piece 7, movable contact 8 moves away from fixed contact 6. Thus, electromagnetic relay 1 returns to its original position. Figure 1 The disconnected state is shown.

[0037] When the movable contact 8 separates from the fixed contact 6, an electric arc may sometimes occur between contacts 6 and 8. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a magnet 25 for extinguishing an electric arc. The magnet 25 is positioned above the fixed contact 6 and the movable contact 8. Figure 3 This is an enlarged side view of electromagnetic relay 1. Figure 4 This is the front view of electromagnetic relay 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the diagram, arrow A1 indicates the direction of the magnetic field of magnet 25. (As shown...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, magnet 25 is configured to generate a vertical magnetic field between fixed contact 6 and movable contact 8. For example, magnet 25 generates a downward magnetic field between fixed contact 6 and movable contact 8. Alternatively, magnet 25 may also generate an upward magnetic field between fixed contact 6 and movable contact 8.

[0038] Magnet 25 exerts a Lorentz force on the electric arc generated between the fixed contact 6 and the movable contact 8. The Lorentz force under the condition that magnet 25 generates a downward magnetic field between the fixed contact 6 and the movable contact 8 will be explained below. Figure 4 In the diagram, solid arrow F1 indicates the direction of the Lorentz force (hereinafter referred to as the "first Lorentz force") when current flows from movable contact 8 towards fixed contact 6. Dashed arrow F2 indicates the direction of the Lorentz force (hereinafter referred to as the "second Lorentz force") when current flows from fixed contact 6 towards movable contact 8. Lorentz forces F1 and F2 act on the electric arc in the left-right direction.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 4 includes a first side surface 31, a second side surface 32, a front surface 33, a rear surface 34, and a top surface 35. The first side surface 31 and the second side surface 32 are arranged separately from each other in the left-right direction. The first side surface 31 is located to the left of the contacts 6 and 8. The second side surface 32 is located to the right of the contacts 6 and 8.

[0040] When current flows from the movable contact 8 to the fixed contact 6, a first Lorentz force F1 acts on the arc to the left. This causes the arc to be stretched to the space S1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first space") between contacts 6 and 8 and the first side surface 31, thus extinguishing it. When current flows from the fixed contact 6 to the movable contact 8, a second Lorentz force F2 acts on the arc to the right. This causes the arc to be stretched to the space S2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second space") between contacts 6 and 8 and the second side surface 32, thus extinguishing it. Furthermore, when the magnet 25 generates an upward magnetic field between the fixed contact 6 and the movable contact 8, the Lorentz force acts in the opposite direction to that described above.

[0041] A front surface 33 is disposed in front of contacts 6 and 8. A rear surface 34 is disposed behind the drive unit 9. An upper surface 35 is disposed above contacts 6 and 8 and the drive unit 9. The housing 4 includes a magnet storage portion 36. The magnet storage portion 36 is disposed above contacts 6 and 8. The magnet storage portion 36 has a shape that is recessed downward from the upper surface 35. A magnet 25 is disposed in the magnet storage portion 36. The magnet storage portion 36 is separated from the space inside the housing 4. The magnet storage portion 36 is sealed by a cover 37. The cover 37 is made of a soft magnetic material. By making the cover 37 of a soft magnetic material, the magnetic flux of the magnet 25 is concentrated around the contacts 6 and 8. Furthermore, the magnetic flux of the magnet 25 is less likely to leak outside the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0042] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of base 2 and base support 3. Figure 7This is an exploded perspective view of base 2 and base support 3. (See diagram below.) Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the base 2 includes a first support portion 41 and a second support portion 42. The first support portion 41 supports the fixed terminal 5. The first support portion 41 includes a first hole 43 that penetrates the base 2 in the vertical direction. The fixed terminal 5 passes through the first hole 43. The second support portion 42 supports the movable piece 7. The second support portion 42 includes a second hole 44 that penetrates the base 2 in the vertical direction. The movable piece 7 passes through the second hole 44.

[0043] The base 2 includes a yoke support 45 and a coil support 46. The yoke support 45 extends upward from the upper surface 35 of the base 2. The yoke support 45 supports the yoke 12. The coil support 46 supports the coil assembly 11. The base 2 includes a leading edge 47 and a trailing edge 48. The leading edge 47 is located in front of the first support 41. The trailing edge 48 is located behind the coil support 46.

[0044] The base support 3 is independent of the base 2. The base support 3 is disposed at the front, rear, left, and right sides of the base 2. Specifically, the base support 3 includes a support frame 51. The support frame 51 includes an opening 52. The base 2 is disposed within the opening 52. The support frame 51 includes a stepped portion 53. The stepped portion 53 is provided along the outer edge of the support frame 51. The stepped portion 53 supports the housing 4 from below.

[0045] The support frame 51 includes a front support portion 54, a rear support portion 55, a left support portion 56, and a right support portion 57. The front support portion 54 is located in front of the base 2 and extends in the left-right direction. The rear support portion 55 is located behind the base 2 and extends in the left-right direction. The left support portion 56 is located on the left side of the base 2 and extends in the front-back direction. The left support portion 56 is connected to the front support portion 54 and the rear support portion 55. The right support portion 57 is located on the right side of the base 2 and extends in the front-back direction. The right support portion 57 is connected to the front support portion 54 and the rear support portion 55.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the left support portion 56 is positioned relative to the base 2 in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1. The first Lorentz force F1 extends the electric arc to the first space S1 above the left support portion 56. The right support portion 57 is positioned relative to the base 2 in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2. The second Lorentz force F2 extends the electric arc to the second space S2 above the right support portion 57.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the base support 3. Figure 9 This is a bottom view of base support 3. (Example) Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the base support 3 includes multiple legs 61-64. The multiple legs 61-64 protrude downwards from the bottom surface 58 of the support frame 51. The multiple legs 61-64 include a first leg 61, a second leg 62, a third leg 63, and a fourth leg 64. The first leg 61 to the fourth leg 64 are respectively disposed at the four corners of the bottom surface 58 of the support frame 51.

[0048] The base support 3 includes a plurality of recesses 65-68. The plurality of recesses 65-68 are recessed upwards from the bottom surface 58 of the support frame 51. The plurality of recesses 65-68 include a first recess 65, a second recess 66, a third recess 67, and a fourth recess 68. The first recess 65 and the second recess 66 are located on the bottom surface of the left support portion 56. The first recess 65 and the second recess 66 extend in the front-rear direction. The third recess 67 and the fourth recess 68 are located on the bottom surface of the right support portion 57. The third recess 67 and the fourth recess 68 extend in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the plurality of recesses 65-68 may be omitted.

[0049] The base support 3 includes a plurality of protrusions 71 to 73. The plurality of protrusions 71 to 73 protrude from the support frame 51 into the opening 52. The plurality of protrusions 71 to 73 contact the base 2 from above. The plurality of protrusions 71 to 73 include a first protrusion 71, a second protrusion 72, and a third protrusion 73. The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 are disposed at the corners of the opening 52. The first protrusion 71 is disposed at the corner between the front support portion 54 and the left support portion 56. The second protrusion 72 is disposed at the corner between the front support portion 54 and the right support portion 57. The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 are disposed above the front edge 47 of the base 2. The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 contact the front edge 47 of the base 2 from above. The third protrusion 73 protrudes forward from the rear support portion 55. The third protrusion 73 is disposed above the rear edge 48 of the base 2. The third protrusion 73 contact the rear edge 48 of the base 2 from above.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the base support 3 includes a plurality of protrusions 74 and 75. The plurality of protrusions 74 and 75 protrude from the support frame 51 into the opening 52. The plurality of protrusions 74 and 75 support the base 2 from below. The plurality of protrusions 74 and 75 include a first protrusion 74 and a second protrusion 75. The first protrusion 74 protrudes from the left support portion 56 into the opening 52. The second protrusion 75 protrudes from the right support portion 57 into the opening 52. The first protrusion 74 and the second protrusion 75 are disposed below the base 2. The base 2 is inserted into the opening 52 from below the base support 3 by pressing, and is disposed between the plurality of protrusions 71-73 and the plurality of protrusions 74 and 75. The base 2 is held in the base support 3 by being clamped by the plurality of protrusions 71-73 and the plurality of protrusions 74 and 75.

[0051] The base bracket 3 includes multiple locking portions 76 and 77. These locking portions 76 and 77 are locked to the housing 4. Thus, the housing 4 is mounted on the base bracket 3. The multiple locking portions 76 and 77 include a first locking portion 76 and a second locking portion 77. The first locking portion 76 protrudes from the left bracket portion 56 and is locked to the first side surface 31 of the housing 4. The second locking portion 77 protrudes from the right bracket portion 57 and is locked to the second side surface 32 of the housing 4.

[0052] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment described above, the base support 3 is positioned relative to the base 2 at least in the direction of the Lorentz force. Therefore, within the housing 4, the spaces S1 and S2 for extinguishing the electric arc are expanded in the direction of the Lorentz forces F1 and F2. Furthermore, the base support 3 is independent of the base 2. Thus, the spaces S1 and S2 for extinguishing the electric arc are expanded without changing the shape of the base 2. This allows for the suppression of increased manufacturing costs and the expansion of the spaces S1 and S2 for extinguishing the electric arc.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The construction of the fixed contact 6 and the fixed terminal 5 is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified. For example, the fixed contact 6 and the fixed terminal 5 are not limited to being independent of each other and can be integrated. The construction of the movable contact 8 and the movable piece 7 is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified. For example, the movable contact 8 and the movable piece 7 are not limited to being independent of each other and can be integrated.

[0055] The structure of the drive device 9 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified. For example, the shape of the plug 15 can also be modified. The shape of the armature 13 can also be modified.

[0056] The structure of the base 2 and the base support 3 is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified. For example, the rear support portion 55 or the front support portion 54 can be omitted. Only one of the left support portion 56 and the right support portion 57 can be provided. For example, if the Lorentz force acts only to the left of the contacts 6 and 8, the right support portion 57 can be omitted. Alternatively, if the Lorentz force acts only to the right of the contacts 6 and 8, the left support portion 56 can be omitted.

[0057] The construction of the protrusions is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified. For example, the arrangement of the protrusions can also be changed. The number of protrusions is not limited to three; it can be more than three or less than three. The arrangement of the protrusions can also be changed. The number of protrusions is not limited to two; it can be one or more than two.

[0058] Industrial availability

[0059] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing costs and expand the space within the electromagnetic relay for extinguishing electric arcs.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay, characterized in that, have: Base; A fixed terminal, which is supported by the base; A fixed contact, which is connected to the fixed terminal; The movable piece is supported by the base; A movable contact, which is connected to the movable piece and is opposite to the fixed contact, can make contact with or move away from the fixed contact by moving in the back-and-forth direction; A magnet exerts a Lorentz force on the electric arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact, the Lorentz force acting in the left-right direction. A base support, which is independent of the base, is installed on the base, and is positioned relative to the base at least in the direction in which the Lorentz force is applied, i.e. at least in the left-right direction of the base; as well as A housing, which is mounted on the base support; The direction in which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact is defined as forward. The direction in which the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact is defined as rearward. The base support includes: A front support portion, which is disposed in front of the base; The rear support portion is located behind the base; The left support portion is disposed to the left of the base; and The right support portion is located on the right side of the base.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnet is positioned above the fixed contact and the movable contact.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base support includes an opening. The base is disposed within the opening.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base support includes: The support frame includes the opening; and A protrusion that protrudes from the support frame into the opening and contacts the base from above.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base support includes: The support frame includes the opening; and A protrusion that extends from the support frame into the opening and supports the base from below.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base support includes a stepped portion that supports the housing from below.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a magnet storage section disposed above the fixed contact and the movable contact. The magnet storage section is separated from the space inside the housing. The magnet is housed within the magnet housing.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing also includes a cover made of soft magnetic material that seals the magnet storage portion.

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