Contact device

Abstract

The invention provides a contact device. The contact device reduces the possibility that a fixed contact and a movable contact are fixed. A contact device is provided with a fixed contact (F1), a movable contact (M1), and a movable contact (13). The movable contact (M1) is in contact with or separated from the fixed contact (F1) in the vertical direction. The movable contact (13) is made of metal, and the movable contact point (M1) is provided on the movable contact (13) so as to be adjacent to a first end portion (131) of the movable contact (13). The movable contact (M1) has a first predetermined end (M11) closest to the first end (131) of the movable contact (13) in plan view. In a closed state in which the fixed contact (F1) and the movable contact (M1) are in contact, the first predetermined end (M11) is positioned between the first end (131) of the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (F1) in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a contact device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a contact device including a contact portion provided at an end of a metal member. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay.

[0003] The electromagnetic relay of patent document 1 comprises a fixed contact holding member, a fixed contact, a movable leaf spring, a movable contact, an electromagnetic coil, a fixed iron core and a movable iron sheet. The fixed contact holding member is plate-shaped. The fixed contact is configured to protrude from one surface of the fixed contact holding member. The movable leaf spring is plate-shaped. The movable contact is configured to protrude from one surface of the movable leaf spring. The movable contact is opposite to the fixed contact arranged on the fixed contact holding member. The electromagnetic coil generates an electromagnetic force by energizing. The movable iron sheet is arranged at a position opposite to the fixed iron core, and is attracted to the fixed iron core side when the coil is energized.

[0004] In an electromagnetic relay, when the electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic force draws the movable iron piece toward the fixed core, causing the movable contact to come into contact with the fixed contact and the circuit to close. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic coil is deenergized, the elastic force of the movable leaf spring causes the movable contact to separate from the fixed contact and the circuit to open.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-157904 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the fixed contact and the movable contact may become stuck due to the influence of an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the possibility of the fixed contacts and the movable contacts sticking.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] A contact device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixed contact, a movable contact and a movable member. The movable contact contacts or separates from the fixed contact in the up-down direction. The movable member is made of metal, and the movable contact is disposed adjacent to the first end of the movable member. The movable contact has a first predetermined end closest to the first end of the movable member when viewed from above. When viewed from above in a closed state in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact, the first predetermined end is located between the first end of the movable member and the fixed contact.

[0013] A contact device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixed contact, a movable contact and a fixed terminal. The movable contact contacts or separates from the fixed contact in the vertical direction. The fixed terminal is made of metal, and the fixed contact is provided adjacent to the first end of the fixed terminal. The fixed contact has a predetermined end closest to the first end of the fixed terminal when viewed from above. When viewed from above in a closed state in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact, the predetermined end of the fixed contact is located between the first end of the fixed terminal and the movable contact.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that the possibility of the fixed contact and the movable contact being stuck can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay including the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an electromagnetic relay including the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the electromagnetic relay including the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a side view of a main part of the electromagnetic relay including the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 An electromagnetic relay including the contact device of the first embodiment, Figure 1 Sectional view taken along line VV.

[0021] Figure 6 An electromagnetic relay including the contact device of the first embodiment, Figure 1 Sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a contact portion included in the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a bottom view of the movable contactor and the movable contact included in the contact device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the positional relationship among the movable contact, the movable contact, and the fixed contact included in the contact device according to the first embodiment, as viewed from below.

[0025] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to a second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.11 This is an exploded perspective view of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Fig.12 This is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to a second embodiment.

[0028] Fig.13 It is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay provided with the contact device according to the second embodiment in the OFF state.

[0029] Fig.14 The electromagnetic relay having the contact device of the second embodiment is in the OFF state. Fig.10 Cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV.

[0030] Fig.15 It is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay provided with the contact device according to the second embodiment in the closed state.

[0031] Fig.16 This is a front view of a main part of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to a second embodiment in a closed state.

[0032] Fig.17 The electromagnetic relay having the contact device of the second embodiment is in a closed state. Fig.10 Cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII.

[0033] Fig.18 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an arc generated in an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Fig.19 This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the positional relationship among the movable spring, the movable contact, and the fixed contact included in the contact device according to the second embodiment, as viewed from below.

[0035] Fig. 20 It is an explanatory diagram for showing the positional relationship among the fixed terminals, the fixed contacts, and the movable contacts included in the contact device according to the first modification.

[0036] Fig.21A It is a perspective view of a contact portion included in a contact device according to a modified example.

[0037] Fig.21B It is a side view of a contact portion included in the contact device according to the above-mentioned modified example.

[0038] Fig. 21C It is a front view of a contact portion included in the contact device according to the above-mentioned modified example.

[0039] Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 10. Contact device (main contact device); 11. Fixed terminal; 115. First end; 13. Movable contact (movable component); 131. First end; 15. Movable spring (movable component); 155. First end; F1. Fixed contact; F11. End; F101. Predetermined end; F2. Second fixed contact; M1. Movable contact; M11. First predetermined end; M12. Second predetermined end; M2. Second movable contact; G1. Center of gravity; G2. Center of gravity; G3. Center of gravity; G4. Center of gravity; L1. Distance (First distance); L2. Distance (Second distance); L3. Distance (Third distance); L10. Distance; L20. Distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The contact device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings. The drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the size and thickness ratios of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0042] (1) Implementation Method 1

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The contact device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0044] (1.1) Overall structure

[0045] The contact device 10 is a device that is inserted into an electric circuit to open and close the circuit. The electric circuit may be a direct current circuit through which direct current flows, or an alternating current circuit through which alternating current flows.

[0046] like Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the contact device 10 of the present embodiment includes a fixed contact F1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first fixed contact F1"), a movable contact M1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first movable contact M1"), a fixed terminal 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first fixed terminal 11") and a movable contact 13 (movable component).

[0047] The first movable contact M1 is opposite to the first fixed contact F1 in one direction. The first movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the first fixed contact F1 in the above-mentioned one direction. In the following, for the convenience of explanation, the side where the first movable contact M1 is located relative to the first fixed contact F1 is also referred to as "upper", and the opposite side is also referred to as "lower", and the direction in which the first movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the first fixed contact F1 is also referred to as "upper and lower directions". That is, the movable contact (first movable contact) M1 contacts or separates from the fixed contact (first fixed contact) F1 in the upper and lower directions. The movable contact M1 is located above the fixed contact F1 and contacts the fixed contact F1 from above. In addition, "top view" in the present disclosure refers to the situation of observing by looking through each component (selecting the outline of each component) along the direction (upper and lower directions) in which the fixed contact (first fixed contact) F1 and the movable contact (first movable contact) M1 contact or separate.

[0048] like Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the first fixed contact F1 is provided at the first fixed terminal 11. The first movable contact M1 is provided at the movable contact 13. The movable contact 13 is movable in the vertical direction. When the movable contact 13 moves in the vertical direction relative to the first fixed terminal 11, the first movable contact M1 and the first fixed contact F1 are in contact or separated.

[0049] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the contact device 10 further includes a second fixed contact F2 , a second movable contact M2 , and a second fixed terminal 12 .

[0050] The second movable contact M2 is provided on the movable contact 13. The second fixed contact F2 is provided on the second fixed terminal 12. The second movable contact M2 is opposite to the second fixed contact F2 in the up-down direction. The second movable contact M2 contacts or separates from the second fixed contact F2 in the up-down direction. The second fixed terminal 12 is arranged with the first fixed terminal 11 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 are arranged is also referred to as the "left-right direction", and the side on which the first fixed terminal 11 is located relative to the second fixed terminal 12 is also referred to as the "left", and the opposite side is also referred to as the "right". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is also referred to as the "front-back direction". As Figure 3 As shown, the first fixed contact F1 is provided at the rear end of the first fixed terminal 11. In the drawings referred to in the description of the embodiments, imaginary arrows are used to indicate the directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right, but these directions are simply used for convenience in describing the positional relationship between the components and do not limit the directions when the contact device 10 is used.

[0051] The contact device 10 of the present embodiment constitutes at least a part of the electromagnetic relay 100. The electromagnetic relay 100 is a device that restores and closes the electrical contacts through electrical control in order to open and close the circuit. The electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment is a hinged relay. The electromagnetic relay 100 is used, for example, in solar photovoltaic power generation systems, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), inverters, vehicles, etc. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the elements constituting the contact device 10 and the elements constituting the parts of the electromagnetic relay 100 other than the contact device 10 are described separately, but part or all of the elements constituting the parts of the electromagnetic relay 100 other than the contact device 10 may also be included in the contact device 10.

[0052] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes an electromagnet device 20 , an auxiliary contact device 30 , and a housing 9 in addition to a contact device (main contact device) 10 .

[0053] (1.2) Electromagnetic device

[0054] like Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the electromagnet device 20 includes a coil 21 , an armature 22 , a bobbin 23 , an iron core 24 , a yoke 25 , and a pair of coil terminals 26 .

[0055] The coil frame 23 is made of resin, for example. Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the coil frame 23 has a cylindrical portion 230 (see Figure 6 ), the first flange portion 231 and the second flange portion 232.

[0056] The cylinder portion 230 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder extending in the front-rear direction.

[0057] The first flange 231 is a rectangular plate extending vertically and horizontally from the rear end edge of the cylinder 230. A first support base 233 is provided on the left side of the upper end of the first flange 231, and a second support base 234 is provided on the right side of the upper end of the first flange 231.

[0058] The second flange 232 is a rectangular plate extending vertically and horizontally from the front end edge of the cylinder 230. A pair of holding grooves 235 for holding a pair of coil terminals 26 are provided on both left and right sides of the upper end of the second flange 232.

[0059] The coil 21 is formed by winding a conductive wire around the barrel 230 of the coil frame 23. The first end of the coil 21 is connected to one of a pair of coil terminals 26, and the second end of the coil 21 is connected to the other of the pair of coil terminals 26. Each coil terminal 26 integrally includes a terminal piece 260 and a connection piece 261 connected to the coil 21.

[0060] The iron core 24 is formed of a magnetic material and is cylindrical and long in the front-rear direction. The iron core 24 is inserted into the space in the cylinder 230 of the coil bobbin 23. A flange 241 is provided at the rear end of the iron core 24.

[0061] The yoke 25 is formed of a magnetic material. The yoke 25 integrally includes a first yoke 251 and a second yoke 252. The first yoke 251 is plate-shaped, located on the front surface of the second flange portion 232 of the coil frame 23, and fixed to the front end portion of the iron core 24. The second yoke 252 is plate-shaped and extends from the lower end of the first yoke 251 toward the rear, and covers the lower side surface of the coil 21 from the lower side.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, projections 253 are formed at both left and right ends of the rear end edge of the second yoke 252. A U-shaped recess 254 is formed between the left and right projections 253.

[0063] The armature 22 is formed of a magnetic material. The armature 22 integrally includes a first portion 221 and a second portion 222. The first portion 221 is plate-shaped. The second portion 222 is plate-shaped. The first portion 221 and the second portion 222 intersect at a predetermined angle (obtuse angle). The armature 22 is formed into a substantially letter L shape by the first portion 221 and the second portion 222. The armature 22 is configured such that the front surface of the first portion 221 is opposite to the rear surface of the flange portion 241 of the core 24, and the upper surface of the second portion 222 is located on the lower side of the second yoke 252.

[0064] Concave portions 223 are formed at the left and right edges of the lower end portion of the first portion 221. The armature 22 is positioned relative to the yoke 25 by positioning the two protrusions 253 of the yoke 25 in the two concave portions 223.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the portion connecting the two recesses 223 in the front surface of the first portion 221 of the armature 22 contacts the rear end of the recess 254 of the yoke 25. The armature 22 can rotate with the contact portion with the yoke 25 as a rotation axis (fulcrum). The armature 22 can be in a first posture in which the first portion 221 is away from the iron core 24 and a second posture in which the first portion 221 is close to the iron core 24 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 , Figure 5 ) between them.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, in the armature 22, a through hole 229 is formed at a portion connecting the first portion 221 and the second portion 222. A return spring 27 in the form of an L-shaped leaf spring is disposed in the through hole 229. The return spring 27 applies elastic force to the armature 22 in a direction in which the armature 22 assumes the first posture.

[0067] When the coil 21 is not energized, the armature 22 takes the first posture in which the first part 221 is separated from the iron core 24 by the elastic force of the return spring 27. When the coil 21 is energized and excited by applying a voltage between a pair of coil terminals 26, the armature 22 rotates around the rotation axis in such a way that the first part 221 is attracted to the iron core 24 and the first part 221 moves forward. As a result, the armature 22 takes the second posture. In this way, the armature 22 is displaced between the first posture and the second posture according to the connection / disconnection of the power to the coil 21.

[0068] (1.3) Contact device

[0069] As described above, the contact device 10 includes the first fixed terminal 11 , the second fixed terminal 12 , and the movable contactor 13 .

[0070] like Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the first fixed terminal 11 is a plate-shaped device with its thickness direction along the up-down direction. The first fixed terminal 11 extends in the front-back direction. The first fixed terminal 11 integrally includes a rectangular plate-shaped fixing piece 111 and a terminal piece 110 protruding forward from the front edge of the fixing piece 111.

[0071] The second fixed terminal 12 is in the shape of a plate with its thickness direction along the up-down direction. The second fixed terminal 12 extends in the front-back direction. The second fixed terminal 12 integrally includes a rectangular plate-shaped fixing piece 121 and a terminal piece 120 protruding forward from the front edge of the fixing piece 121. The second fixed terminal 12 has a shape that is symmetrical with the first fixed terminal 11. The second fixed terminal 12 is arranged on the right side of the first fixed terminal 11.

[0072] The movable contact 13 is in the shape of a plate with its thickness direction along the up-down direction and long in the left-right direction. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the left end portion of the movable contact 13 faces the right rear end portion of the first fixed terminal 11. The right end portion of the movable contact 13 faces the left rear end portion of the second fixed terminal 12.

[0073] The first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12 and the movable contact 13 are respectively made of metal. Preferably, the materials of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12 and the movable contact 13 have high conductivity. The materials of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12 and the movable contact 13 are, for example, copper or a copper alloy. Examples of copper alloys as the material of the first fixed terminal 11 include phosphor bronze, Corson copper, tin-containing copper, brass, beryllium copper, magnesium copper, zirconium oxide copper, titanium copper and the like. The materials of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12 and the movable contact 13 are the same as each other in the present embodiment, but are not limited thereto and may be different.

[0074] like Figure 3 to Figure 6As shown, the contact device 10 further includes a connecting body 141 , a supporting body 142 , and a connecting spring 143 .

[0075] The connecting body 141 is a block-like shape that is long in the left-right direction and is connected to the armature 22 in such a way that the front end portion of the second portion 222 of the armature 22 enters the rear surface of the connecting body 141 .

[0076] The support body 142 is in the shape of a plate that is long in the front-rear direction. The thickness direction of the support body is along the up-down direction. The support body 142 is held by the connection body 141 by embedding the rear end thereof into the front surface of the connection body 141 .

[0077] The connecting spring 143 is a leaf spring that is long in the front-to-back direction and has a thickness direction along the up-down direction. The connecting spring 143 is arranged on the upper side of the support body 142 (the side where the movable contact 13 is located relative to the first fixed terminal 11) in such a way that the rear side portion of the connecting spring 143 overlaps with the support body 142. The rear end of the connecting spring 143 is fixed to the support body 142. The movable contact 13 is fixed to the front end of the connecting spring 143.

[0078] The movable contact 13 is connected to the armature 22 via the connecting body 141, the supporting body 142 and the connecting spring 143, and moves up and down according to the displacement of the armature 22. The movable contact 13 is relatively located above when the armature 22 is in the first posture, and is relatively located above when the armature 22 is in the second posture (see Figure 4 , Figure 5 ) is relatively located below.

[0079] like Figure 3 to Figure 6 As shown, the contact device 10 further includes a first fixed contact member 16 , a first movable contact member 17 , a second fixed contact member 18 , and a second movable contact member 19 .

[0080] The first fixed contact member 16 is held (fixed) to the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact member 16 is fixed to the right rear end of the fixed piece 111 of the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact member 16 is fixed to a portion of the first fixed terminal 11 that faces the movable contact 13.

[0081] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the first fixed contact member 16 includes a head portion 161 and a main body portion 162 .

[0082] The head portion 161 is a portion of the first fixed contact member 16 that is exposed upward from the first fixed terminal 11. The head portion 161 is disk-shaped.

[0083] The main body 162 is a portion extending downward from the head 161. The main body 162 is cylindrical. The material of the main body 162 is, for example, copper. The main body 162 is inserted into the through hole of the fixing piece 111 provided in the first fixed terminal 11. The first fixed contact member 16 is fixed to the fixing piece 111 of the first fixed terminal 11 by riveting in a state where the main body 162 passes through the through hole. Thus, the first fixed contact member 16 is electrically connected to the first fixed terminal 11.

[0084] The head portion 161 of the first fixed contact member 16 functions as the above-mentioned first fixed contact F1 .

[0085] The first movable contact member 17 is held (fixed) to the movable contact 13. The first movable contact member 17 is fixed to the left end portion of the movable contact 13. The first movable contact member 17 is fixed to a portion of the movable contact 13 that faces the first fixed terminal 11.

[0086] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the first movable contact member 17 includes a head portion 171 and a body portion 172 .

[0087] The head portion 171 is a portion of the first movable contact member 17 that is exposed downward from the movable contact 13. The head portion 171 is disk-shaped.

[0088] The main body 172 is a portion extending upward from the head 171. The main body 172 is cylindrical. The material of the main body 172 is, for example, copper. The main body 172 is inserted into a through hole provided at the left end of the movable contact 13. The first movable contact member 17 is fixed to the movable contact 13 by riveting in a state where the main body 172 passes through the through hole. Thus, the first movable contact member 17 is electrically connected to the movable contact 13.

[0089] The head portion 171 of the first movable contact member 17 is opposed to the head portion 161 of the first fixed contact member 16 in the up-down direction. The head portion 171 of the first movable contact member 17 functions as the first movable contact M1 described above.

[0090] like Figure 8As shown, the first movable contact M1 is provided on the movable contact 13 adjacent to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13. In the present disclosure, “the first movable contact M1 is provided on the movable contact 13 adjacent to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13” means that the first movable contact M1 is provided on the movable contact 13 in such a manner that the ratio of the predetermined distance L0 to the first distance L1 is within a predetermined range. The predetermined distance L0 is the distance between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1. The first distance L1 is the distance between the first predetermined end M11 and the second predetermined end M12 of the first movable contact M1. The first predetermined end M11 is the end of the first movable contact M1 that is closest to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 when viewed from above. The second predetermined end M12 is the end of the first movable contact M1 that is farthest from the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 when viewed from above. For example, when the first movable contact M1 is disc-shaped, the first distance L1 is the diameter of the first movable contact M1. The upper limit of the predetermined range is, for example, 1 / 2, 1 / 3, or 1 / 5. The lower limit of the predetermined range is, for example, 1 / 100, 1 / 50, or 1 / 20.

[0091] The second fixed contact member 18 is held (fixed) by the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact member 18 is fixed to the left rear end of the fixing piece 121 of the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact member 18 is fixed to a portion of the second fixed terminal 12 that faces the movable contact 13.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, the second fixed contact member 18 includes a head portion 181 and a main body portion 182 .

[0093] The head portion 181 is a portion of the second fixed contact member 18 that is exposed upward from the second fixed terminal 12. The head portion 181 is disk-shaped.

[0094] The main body 182 is a portion extending downward from the head 181. The main body 182 is cylindrical. The material of the main body 182 is, for example, copper. The main body 182 is inserted into the through hole of the fixing piece 121 provided in the second fixed terminal 12. The second fixed contact member 18 is fixed to the second fixed terminal 12 by riveting in a state where the main body 182 passes through the through hole. Thus, the second fixed contact member 18 is electrically connected to the second fixed terminal 12.

[0095] The head portion 181 of the second fixed contact member 18 functions as the above-mentioned second fixed contact F2.

[0096] The second movable contact member 19 is held (fixed) to the movable contact 13. The second movable contact member 19 is fixed to the right end portion of the movable contact 13. The second movable contact member 19 is fixed to a portion of the movable contact 13 that faces the second fixed terminal 12.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, the second movable contact member 19 includes a head portion 191 and a main body portion 192 .

[0098] The head portion 191 is a portion of the second movable contact member 19 that is exposed downward from the movable contact 13. The head portion 191 is disk-shaped.

[0099] The main body 192 is a portion extending upward from the head 191. The main body 192 is cylindrical. The material of the main body 192 is, for example, copper. The main body 192 is inserted into a through hole provided at the right end of the movable contact 13. The second movable contact member 19 is fixed to the movable contact 13 by riveting in a state where the main body 192 passes through the through hole. Thus, the second movable contact member 19 is electrically connected to the movable contact 13.

[0100] The head portion 191 of the second movable contact member 19 is opposed to the head portion 181 of the second fixed contact member 18 in the up-down direction. The head portion 191 of the second movable contact member 19 functions as the second movable contact M2 described above.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, the second movable contact M2 is provided on the movable contact 13 adjacent to the second end 132 of the movable contact 13. In the present disclosure, "the second movable contact M2 is provided on the movable contact 13 adjacent to the second end 132 of the movable contact 13" means that the second movable contact M2 and the second end 132 are in the same positional relationship as the first movable contact M1 and the first end 131.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are each disc-shaped, and the diameter of the first movable contact M1 is smaller than the diameter of the first fixed contact F1. In addition, the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 are each disc-shaped, and the diameter of the second movable contact M2 is smaller than the diameter of the second fixed contact F2.

[0103] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, without specifically distinguishing the first fixed contact F1, the first movable contact M1, the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 (i.e., the head 161 of the first fixed contact member 16, the head 171 of the first movable contact member 17, the head 181 of the second fixed contact member 18 and the head 191 of the second movable contact member 19), they are also referred to as the "contact portion C1".

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, the contact portion C1 includes a base member 101 , a surface member 102 , and a plated portion 103 .

[0105] The base member 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The material of the base member 101 is, for example, copper. The base member 101 may be formed integrally with the main body portion 162 (172, 182, 192), for example.

[0106] The surface member 102 is formed in a dome shape. The surface member 102 covers the entire surface 1011 (upper surface or lower surface) of the base member 101 on the side opposite to the corresponding other contact portion. "Corresponding other contact portion" refers to the contact portion opposite to the contact portion C1 of interest in the up-down direction. For example, if the contact portion C1 of interest is the first fixed contact F1, then the "corresponding other contact portion" refers to the first movable contact M1. If the contact portion C1 of interest is the first movable contact M1, then the "corresponding other contact portion" refers to the first fixed contact F1. Alternatively, the surface member 102 also covers part or all of the side surface 1012 of the base member 101. The material of the surface member 102 is, for example, silver, silver alloy, gold or gold alloy. Preferably, the material of the surface member 102 is a material that is less likely to be welded than the material of the base member 101.

[0107] The plated portion 103 is a plated layer covering the exposed surface 1021 of the surface member 102. Alternatively, the plated portion 103 covers the entire exposed surface 1021 of the surface member 102. Alternatively, the plated portion 103 also covers part or all of the side surface 1012 of the base member 101. The material of the plated portion 103 is, for example, silver or gold. Preferably, the material of the plated portion 103 is a material that is less likely to be welded than the material of the base member 101.

[0108] The contact portion C1 (each of the first fixed contact F1, the first movable contact M1, the second fixed contact F2, and the second movable contact M2) contacts the corresponding other contact portions using the plating portion 103 or the surface member 102 (mainly the plating portion 103). In the contact portion C1, the material of the portion (plating portion 103 or surface member 102) that contacts the corresponding other contact portions is different from the material of the metal member (first fixed terminal 11 or second fixed terminal 12 or movable contact 13) that fixes the contact portion C1 of interest. Specifically, the material of the portion (plating portion 103 or surface member 102) that contacts the first fixed contact F1 in the first movable contact M1 is different from the material of the movable contact 13. In addition, the material of the portion (plating portion 103 or surface member 102) that contacts the first movable contact M1 in the first fixed contact F1 is different from the material of the first fixed terminal 11. The same applies to the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2. Preferably, the material of the portion of the contact portion C1 that contacts the corresponding other contact portion is a material that is less likely to be welded than the material of the metal member to which the contact portion C1 is fixed.

[0109] (1.4) Auxiliary contact device

[0110] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary contact device 30 includes a card 31 , an auxiliary fixed contact member 32 , an auxiliary movable contact member 33 , an auxiliary fixed terminal 34 , an auxiliary movable terminal 35 , and an auxiliary movable spring 36 .

[0111] The plug 31 is made of resin, for example. The plug 31 is fixed to the first portion 221 of the armature 22. The plug 31 moves in the front-rear direction together with the first portion 221 of the armature 22 according to the displacement of the armature 22. The plug 31 is relatively located at the rear when the armature 22 is in the first posture, and is relatively located at the rear when the armature 22 is in the second posture (see FIG. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ) is relatively located in the front.

[0112] The insert 31 integrally includes a fixing portion 311 and a protrusion 312 .

[0113] The fixing portion 311 is a portion of the plug 31 that is fixed to the armature 22. The fixing portion 311 is in the shape of a letter U, and has claws at the front ends of the arms on both sides of the letter U. The plug 31 is fixed to the armature 22 by hooking the claws of the fixing portion 311 on the front surface of the first portion 221.

[0114] The protrusion 312 protrudes upward from the fixing portion 311. Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 312 protrudes upward from the upper end of the armature 22 .

[0115] The auxiliary fixed terminal 34 is made of conductive metal. The auxiliary fixed terminal 34 is a plate-shaped substantially L-shaped plate. The auxiliary fixed terminal 34 integrally includes a first piece 341, a second piece 342, and a terminal piece 340. The first piece 341 is a plate-shaped plate that is longer in the left-right direction, and an auxiliary fixed contact member 32 is provided at its left end. The second piece 342 is a plate-shaped plate that extends forward from the right end of the first piece 341. The terminal piece 340 extends forward from the front end of the second piece 342.

[0116] The auxiliary movable terminal 35 integrally includes a connection piece 351 and a terminal piece 350. The connection piece 351 is a plate-like shape that is long in the front-rear direction. The terminal piece 350 extends forward from the front end of the connection piece 351.

[0117] The auxiliary movable spring 36 is a plate-shaped structure that is long in the left-right direction. The left end of the auxiliary movable spring 36 is fixed to the rear end of the connecting piece 351 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35. The auxiliary movable contact member 33 is provided at the right end of the auxiliary movable spring 36. The auxiliary movable contact member 33 is opposite to the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 in the front-back direction. Figure 2 As shown, the protrusion 312 of the insert 31 is located on the front side of the auxiliary movable spring 36 .

[0118] (1.5) Housing

[0119] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the housing 9 includes a base 90 and a cover 99 .

[0120] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the cover 99 is box-shaped, more specifically, a hollow rectangular box with one surface (front surface) open. The cover 99 is made of resin, for example. In the cover 99, two (a total of four) rectangular engagement holes 991 are respectively provided at one end (front end) of the upper side wall and the lower side wall.

[0121] The base body 90 is made of, for example, resin and holds the contact device 10 , the electromagnet device 20 , and the auxiliary contact device 30 .

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown, the base body 90 integrally includes a bottom wall portion 91 , a peripheral wall portion 92 , and a partition wall portion 93 .

[0123] The bottom wall portion 91 is in the shape of a rectangular plate with its thickness direction extending along the front-rear direction.

[0124] The peripheral wall portion 92 is in the shape of a rectangular frame that protrudes rearward from the outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall portion 91 .

[0125] The partition wall portion 93 is in a plate shape that is roughly in the shape of a letter U when viewed from the front. The partition wall portion 93 integrally includes a first wall portion 931 that is in a plate shape and has a thickness direction along the up-down direction, two second wall portions 932 that extend upward from both left and right ends of the first wall portion 931, and two third wall portions 933 that extend from the upper ends of the two second wall portions 932 toward the peripheral wall portion 92 along the left-right direction. The partition wall portion 93 divides the space behind the bottom wall portion 91 into a first space on the upper side and a second space on the lower side. The coil 21 of the electromagnet device 20 is arranged in the first space. The contact device 10 is arranged in the second space. The coil 21 and the contact device 10 are spatially separated by the partition wall portion 93.

[0126] The base 90 has two (four in total) engagement protrusions 921 on the upper and lower sides of the peripheral wall 92. The four engagement protrusions 921 of the base 90 are inserted into the four engagement holes 991 of the cover 99, respectively, so that the cover 99 and the base 90 are connected.

[0127] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the terminal piece 110 of the first fixed terminal 11, the terminal piece 120 of the second fixed terminal 12, the terminal piece 260 of the pair of coil terminals 26, the terminal piece 340 of the auxiliary fixed terminal 34, and the terminal piece 350 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35 protrude forward from the front surface of the base 90. The above-mentioned terminal pieces 110, 120, 260, 260, 340, 350 function as terminals connected to an external circuit.

[0128] (1.6) Operation of electromagnetic relay

[0129] In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment, when the coil 21 is not energized, the armature 22 is brought into the first posture in which the first part 221 is separated from the iron core 24 by the spring force of the return spring 27. At this time, in the contact device 10, the movable contact 13 is relatively located above, the first movable contact M1 is separated from the first fixed contact F1, and the second movable contact M2 is separated from the second fixed contact F2 (the disconnected state of the contact device 10). Therefore, the circuit (main circuit) between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 is cut off. On the other hand, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the protrusion 312 of the plug 31 contacts the front surface of the auxiliary movable spring 36, pushing the auxiliary movable spring 36 backward. As a result, the auxiliary movable contact member 33 contacts the auxiliary fixed contact member 32. Therefore, a circuit (auxiliary circuit) is formed between the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and the auxiliary movable terminal 35.

[0130] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the coil 21 is energized and excited, the first portion 221 of the armature 22 is pulled toward the core 24 by the magnetic force. As a result, the armature 22 is in a second posture (see FIG. 1 ) in which the first portion 221 of the armature 22 is close to the core 24. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ) displacement. At this time, in the contact device 10, the movable contact 13 moves downward, the first movable contact M1 contacts the first fixed contact F1, and the second movable contact M2 contacts the second fixed contact F2 (the closed state of the contact device 10). Thus, a circuit (main circuit) is formed between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12. At this time, since the movable contact 13 is pushed downward by the spring force of the connecting spring 143, the contact pressure of the first movable contact M1 and the second movable contact M2 relative to the first fixed contact F1 and the second fixed contact F2 is increased. On the other hand, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the protrusion 312 of the plug-in 31 is displaced forward and separated from the auxiliary movable spring 36. In the auxiliary movable spring 36, the right end of the auxiliary movable spring 36 is displaced forward due to the spring force of the auxiliary movable spring 36. As a result, the auxiliary movable contact member 33 is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 , and the circuit (auxiliary circuit) between the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and the auxiliary movable terminal 35 is disconnected.

[0131] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the power supply to the coil 21 is stopped, the iron core 24 is demagnetized, and the armature 22 is displaced from the second posture to the first posture by the spring force of the return spring 27. At this time, in the contact device 10, the movable contact 13 moves upward, the first movable contact M1 separates from the first fixed contact F1, and the second movable contact M2 separates from the second fixed contact F2 (the disconnected state of the contact device 10). In addition, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the protrusion 312 of the plug 31 is displaced backward to push the front surface of the auxiliary movable spring 36 from the front to the rear, so that the auxiliary movable contact member 33 is in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact member 32.

[0132] (1.7) Details of contact device (main contact device)

[0133] As described above, in the electromagnetic relay 100, a circuit (main circuit) is formed between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 in the closed state of the contact device 10. When a voltage is applied between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 in the closed state, current flows in the main circuit.

[0134] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the power supply to the coil 21 is cut off while the main circuit current is flowing, and the first movable contact M1 is separated from the first fixed contact F1, an arc is generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1. In addition, in the electromagnetic relay 100, when the power supply to the coil 21 is cut off while the main circuit current is flowing, and the second movable contact M2 is separated from the second fixed contact F2, an arc is generated between the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2.

[0135] The first place where an arc is generated on the surface of the contact portion C1 is basically the part that contacts the corresponding contact portion last when the contact portion moves from the closed state to the open state. This may vary depending on the shape of the contact portion surface, etc., and therefore cannot be determined in general. However, once an arc is generated, the Lorentz force caused by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the main circuit acts on the generated arc. Therefore, the arc moves along the surface of the contact portion C1 in the direction in which the Lorentz force acts. For example, in the case of Fig. 9 When the current I1 flows from the first fixed terminal 11 through the movable contact 13 toward the second fixed terminal 12, the arc (upward current) generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is acted on by the leftward Lorentz force caused by the forward magnetic field generated by the rightward current I11 flowing through the movable contact 13. In addition, when the current in the opposite direction to the current I1 flows through the movable contact 13, the arc (downward current) generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is also acted on by the leftward Lorentz force caused by the backward magnetic field generated by the leftward current flowing through the movable contact 13. Therefore, the arc moves leftward on the surface of the first fixed contact F1 and the surface of the first movable contact M1, and reaches the left end of the first fixed contact F1 and the left end of the first movable contact M1. Since the arc has the characteristic of staying at the edge portion, the arc between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 continues to be generated mainly between the left end portion of the first fixed contact F1 and the left end portion of the first movable contact M1. Therefore, the left end portion of the first fixed contact F1 and the left end portion of the first movable contact M1 are easily melted by the arc, and adhesion caused by melting of the contact portion is easily generated between the left end portion of the first fixed contact F1 and the left end portion of the first movable contact M1.

[0136] In addition, when the arc passes over the end of the first movable contact M1 and reaches the movable contact 13, the movable contact 13 may melt. In addition, when the arc passes over the end of the first fixed contact F1 and reaches the first fixed terminal 11, the first fixed terminal 11 may melt. The metal material of the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11 melted by the arc can adhere to the surface of the first movable contact M1 and / or the first fixed contact F1. And, the metal material adhered to the surface of the first movable contact M1 and / or the first fixed contact F1 can cause adhesion between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1. In particular, when the arc reaches the end of the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11 (for example, the first end 131 of the movable contact 13), the arc will continue to act on the edge portion of the boundary between the main surface and the side surface of the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11, so that the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11 is likely to melt. Therefore, when the arc reaches the end of the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11, the movable contact 13 or the first fixed terminal 11 is likely to melt, and the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are likely to be fixed. In addition, the "fixation" in the present disclosure refers to a state in which the contact parts are fixed together in contact due to the welding of the contact material or other materials (for example, the movable contact 13, the fixed terminal 11, etc.) between the contact parts.

[0137] Therefore, in contact device 10 of the present embodiment, the following structure is adopted to reduce the possibility of occurrence of sticking between first fixed contact F1 and first movable contact M1.

[0138] Specifically, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first movable contact M1 is provided on the movable contact 13 in a manner adjacent to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 (movable member). In addition, the first movable contact M1 has a first predetermined end M11 closest to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 when viewed from above. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the closed state, the first predetermined end M11 is located between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1 when viewed from above. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the lower side of the first fixed contact F1 is indicated by an imaginary line ( Fig. 9More specifically, in the closed state, the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1 is located between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the end F11 closest to the first predetermined end M11 in the first fixed contact F1 when viewed from above. In other words, when viewed from above, the portion where the arc mainly stays in the first movable contact M1 (the portion where the arc continues to act; near the first predetermined end M11) is offset from the portion in the first movable contact M1 that contacts the first fixed contact F1 (the portion that overlaps with the first fixed contact F1). Thus, even if an arc is generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1, since the arc does not contact the first fixed contact F1 near the first predetermined end M11 where the arc mainly stays (continues to act) in the first movable contact M1, the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are not easily welded, and thus the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are not easily adhered. In addition, in the present disclosure, "the first element is located between the second element and the third element when viewed from above" means that the first element is located between the second element and the third element in the direction connecting the second element and the third element when viewed from above, and it may also be that the first element is offset from the second element and the third element in the direction orthogonal to the direction connecting the second element and the third element when viewed from above.

[0139] In addition, as described above, when changing from the closed state to the open state, the arc generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 can move toward the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 on the surface of the first movable contact M1, and can reach the movable contact 13 by passing over the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1. However, the first fixed contact F1 (the end F11 of the first fixed contact F1) is separated from the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 by a distance greater than the second distance L2. The second distance L2 is the distance between the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1 and the end F11 of the first fixed contact F1 when viewed from above in the closed state. Therefore, even if the arc passes over the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1 and reaches the first end 131 of the movable contact 13, and the movable contact 13 melts, the molten metal material is unlikely to reach the first fixed contact F1. Thus, although the first movable contact M1 is provided adjacent to the first end portion 131 of the movable contactor 13 , adhesion between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is less likely to occur.

[0140] To explain from another point of view, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, the movable contact 13 is formed long in one direction (left-right direction), and the first movable contact M1 is provided adjacent to the end (first end 131) of the movable contact 13 in the extension direction. And, when viewed from above in the closed state, the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1, which is closest to the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 in the plan view, is located between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1. That is, in the contact device 10, the positional relationship between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is offset in the left-right direction so that the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1 (the top end of the first movable contact M1 in the extension direction of the movable contact 13) is located between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1 in the plan view in the closed state. This makes it difficult for the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 to stick to each other.

[0141] In addition, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, a part of the arc generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 can reach the movable contact 13 and melt the movable contact 13. Therefore, after repeatedly changing from the closed state to the open state, the surface of the part of the first end 131 of the first movable contact M1 that is closest to the movable contact 13 (near the first predetermined end M11) is covered with the same material as the movable contact 13. When changing from the closed state to the open state in a state where a large current of a predetermined value or more is flowing, melting of the movable contact 13 can occur even if the change is made once. Therefore, in the present disclosure, "repeatedly changing from the closed state to the open state" means changing from the closed state to the open state at least once.

[0142] From the viewpoint of reducing the possibility of the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 being stuck, the second distance L2 may be in the range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the first distance L1. In the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, in particular, the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are each disc-shaped. Furthermore, the second distance L2 is in the range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the diameter of the first movable contact M1. Thus, the possibility of the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 being stuck can be further reduced.

[0143] like Fig. 9As shown, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from above in the closed state, the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the first movable contact M1 is located between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the first fixed contact F1 and the first end 131 of the movable contact 13. As a result, the possibility of the occurrence of the fixation of the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 can be further reduced. In addition, in the present disclosure, the "center of gravity of the surface of the predetermined member when viewed from above" refers to the center of gravity of the figure defined by the outline of the predetermined member when viewed from above, and coincides with the center of the surface of the predetermined member when the predetermined member is disc-shaped.

[0144] In the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, the third distance L3 is in the range of 1 / 20 to 1 / 2 of the first distance L1. The third distance L3 is the distance between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the first fixed contact F1 and the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the first movable contact M1 when viewed from above in the closed state (see FIG. Fig. 9 ). In the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, in particular, the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 are respectively disc-shaped, and the third distance L3 is in the range of not less than 1 / 20 and not more than 1 / 2 of the diameter of the first movable contact M1. Thus, the possibility of the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 being stuck can be further reduced.

[0145] In the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, the arc generated between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is acted on by a leftward Lorentz force caused by a magnetic field generated by a current (e.g., rightward current I11) flowing through the movable contact 13, and also by a backward Lorentz force caused by a magnetic field generated by a current (e.g., backward current I12) flowing through the first fixed terminal 11. Therefore, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, as Figure 8 , Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the first movable contact M1 is provided adjacent to one end (rear end 133) of the movable contact 13 in the extension direction of the first fixed terminal 11 formed long in one direction (front-rear direction). Furthermore, when viewed from above in the closed state, the end M13 of the first movable contact M1 that is closest to the one end (rear end 133) of the movable contact 13 when viewed from above is located between the one end (rear end 133) of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1. That is, in the contact device 10, the positional relationship between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 is also offset in the front-rear direction in such a manner that the rear end M13 of the first movable contact M1 (the top end of the first movable contact M1 in the extension direction of the first fixed terminal 11) is located between the rear end 133 of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1 when viewed from above in the closed state. This makes it more difficult for the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 to stick to each other.

[0146] In addition, if Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, similarly to the positional relationship between the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1, the positional relationship between the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 is also set in consideration of the arc generated between the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2. Specifically, considering the rightward Lorentz force caused by the current (e.g., current I11) flowing through the movable contact 13 acting on the arc generated between the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2, when viewed from above in the closed state, the end M21 of the second movable contact M2 that is closest to the second end 132 of the movable contact 13 in the view from above is located between the second end 132 of the movable contact 13 and the second fixed contact F2. In addition, considering the backward Lorentz force caused by the current (for example, the forward current I13) flowing through the second fixed terminal 12 acting on the above-mentioned arc, the positional relationship between the second movable contact M2 and the second fixed contact F2 is offset in the front-to-back direction in such a manner that the rear end M23 of the second movable contact M2 (the top end of the second movable contact M2 in the extending direction of the second fixed terminal 12) is located between the rear end 134 of the movable contact 13 and the second fixed contact F2 when viewed from above in the closed state. As a result, the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 are less likely to be stuck.

[0147] In addition, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, Figure 8 , Fig. 9As shown, the distance L10 between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the first fixed contact F1 and the center of gravity G3 of the surface of the second fixed contact F2 is smaller than the distance L20 between the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the first movable contact M1 and the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the second movable contact M2. As a result, the first predetermined end M11 of the first movable contact M1 can be located between the first end 131 of the movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact F1, and the end M21 of the second movable contact M2 can be located between the second end 132 of the movable contact 13 and the second fixed contact F2. Furthermore, the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 and the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 are less likely to stick.

[0148] (2) Implementation Method 2

[0149] Reference Figures 10 to 18 The contact device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the contact device 10 according to the present embodiment, the same components as those of the contact device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be appropriately omitted.

[0150] (2.1) Overall structure

[0151] like Figure 10 to Figure 14 As shown, the contact device 10 of the present embodiment includes a fixed contact F1, a movable contact M1, a fixed terminal 11, and a movable spring 15 (movable member).

[0152] The movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the fixed contact F1 in the up-down direction. The movable contact M1 contacts the fixed contact F1 from above.

[0153] like Figure 10 to Figure 14 As shown, the fixed contact F1 is provided at the fixed terminal 11. In addition, the movable contact M1 is provided at the movable spring 15. The movable spring 15 has a movable portion 151 movable in the vertical direction. When the movable portion 151 is displaced in the vertical direction relative to the fixed terminal 11, the movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the fixed contact F1.

[0154] The contact device 10 of this embodiment also constitutes at least a part of the electromagnetic relay 100. Figure 10 to Figure 14 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes an electromagnet device 20 , an auxiliary contact device 30 , and a housing 9 in addition to a contact device (main contact device) 10 .

[0155] (2.2) Electromagnetic device

[0156] like Figure 11 to Figure 14 As shown, the electromagnet device 20 includes a coil 21 , an armature 22 , a bobbin 23 , an iron core 24 , a yoke 25 , a pair of coil terminals 26 , and an insulating member 28 .

[0157] The bobbin 23 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 230 , a first flange portion 231 , and a second flange portion 232 .

[0158] The cylinder portion 230 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder extending in the up-down direction.

[0159] The first flange portion 231 is a rectangular plate extending from the upper edge of the tube portion 230 in the front, rear, and left and right directions. Wall portions 236 protruding upward are provided on the right, left, and rear edges of the upper surface of the first flange portion 231. In addition, protruding ribs 237 extending forward and backward are formed on the upper surfaces of the left and right wall portions 236, respectively.

[0160] The second flange portion 232 is connected to the lower end edge of the tube portion 230. The second flange portion 232 is formed in a hollow rectangular box shape with an open front side surface.

[0161] The coil 21 is formed by winding a conductive wire around the cylindrical portion 230 of the coil bobbin 23. The first end of the coil 21 is connected to one of the pair of coil terminals 26, and the second end of the coil 21 is connected to the other of the pair of coil terminals 26. The pair of coil terminals 26 are respectively held by the second flange portion 232 of the coil bobbin 23.

[0162] The iron core 24 is inserted into the space in the cylindrical portion 230 of the coil bobbin 23. The iron core 24 has a flange portion 241 at its upper end and a thin-diameter portion 242 at its lower end.

[0163] The yoke 25 integrally includes a first yoke 251 and a second yoke 252. The first yoke 251 is plate-shaped, located on the lower surface of the second flange portion 232 of the coil bobbin 23, and fixed to the thin-diameter portion 242 of the core 24. The second yoke 252 is plate-shaped and extends upward from the front end of the first yoke 251.

[0164] The insulating member 28 is formed of a resin material and is disposed between the coil bobbin 23 and the yoke 25 .

[0165] like Fig.14 As shown, the insulating member 28 integrally includes a main body 281 located between the front side surface of the coil 21 and the second yoke 252 in the front-to-back direction, a first covering portion 282 covering the front end portion of the first flange portion 231 of the coil frame 23 from the upper side, and a second covering portion 283 covering the first yoke 251 from the upper side. The second covering portion 283 is inserted into the space in the second flange portion 232 of the coil frame 23 together with the first yoke 251.

[0166] The armature 22 is plate-shaped and has a protrusion 225 protruding forward at its front end.

[0167] The armature 22 is arranged to face the upper surface of the flange portion 241 of the iron core 24. The armature 22 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15. Fig.14 As shown, the armature 22 contacts the upper edge of the second yoke 252 using a portion of the lower surface.

[0168] When the coil 21 is not energized, the armature 22 is in a first posture separated from the iron core 24 by the elastic force of the movable spring 15 (see Fig.13 When the coil 21 is energized and excited by applying a voltage between the pair of coil terminals 26, the armature 22 is attracted by the core 24 and rotates around the contact portion with the second yoke 252. As a result, the armature 22 is in the second posture close to the core 24 (see Fig.15 The armature 22 is displaced between the first posture and the second posture according to the switching on / off of the energization to the coil 21 .

[0169] (2.3) Contact device (main contact device)

[0170] As described above, the contact device 10 includes the fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15 .

[0171] like Figure 11 to Figure 13 , Fig.16 As shown, the fixed terminal 11 integrally includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 111 with a thickness direction along the up-down direction, a central piece 112 extending downward from the rear end of the fixing piece 111 , and a pair of terminal pieces 110 extending downward from the lower end of the central piece 112 .

[0172] In the fixed terminal 11, a through hole 113 ( Fig.16 ).

[0173] like Figure 11 to Figure 13 As shown, the movable spring 15 integrally includes a plate-shaped movable portion 151 that is long in the front-rear direction, a plate-shaped extending portion 152 that extends downward from the front end of the movable portion 151 , and a pair of terminal pieces 150 that extend downward from the lower end of the extending portion 152 .

[0174] like Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, the armature 22 is fixed to the lower surface of the movable portion 151, and the movable portion 151 is displaced together with the armature 22. In addition, the rear end portion of the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15 is opposite to the upper surface of the fixed piece 111 of the fixed terminal 11. In addition, the extension portion 152 is fixed to the front surface of the second yoke 252.

[0175] In the movable spring 15 , a through hole 153 is formed at the center of a joint portion between the movable portion 151 and the extending portion 152 .

[0176] The fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15 are each made of metal. The material of each of the first fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15 is, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

[0177] like Figure 11 to Figure 14 As shown, the contact device 10 further includes a fixed contact member 16 and a movable contact member 17 .

[0178] The fixed contact member 16 is held (fixed) to the fixed terminal 11. The fixed contact member 16 is fixed to the fixed piece 111 of the fixed terminal 11. The fixed contact member 16 is fixed to a portion of the fixed terminal 11 that faces the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15.

[0179] The movable contact member 17 is held (fixed) by the movable spring 15. The movable contact member 17 is fixed to the rear end of the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15. The movable contact member 17 is fixed to a portion of the movable portion 151 that faces the fixed terminal 11.

[0180] In the present embodiment, the head 161 of the fixed contact member 16 constituting the fixed contact F1 and the head 171 of the movable contact member 17 constituting the movable contact M1 are both disc-shaped. Fig.13 , Fig.15 As shown, the diameter of the movable contact M1 is larger than the diameter of the fixed contact F1. Thus, compared with the case where the diameter of the movable contact M1 is the same as the diameter of the fixed contact F1 and the case where the diameter of the fixed contact F1 is larger than the diameter of the movable contact M1, the displacement amount of the fixed contact member 16 to the inner side (front side) can be reduced relative to the movable contact member 17.

[0181] Since the structures and materials of the fixed contact member 16 and the movable contact member 17 are respectively the same as those of the first fixed contact member 16 and the first movable contact member 17 of the contact device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] (2.4) Auxiliary contact device

[0183] like Figure 11 to Figure 14 , Fig.17 As shown, the auxiliary contact device 30 includes a card 31 , an auxiliary fixed contact member 32 , an auxiliary movable contact member 33 , an auxiliary fixed terminal 34 , an auxiliary movable terminal 35 , and an auxiliary movable spring 36 .

[0184] The insert 31 is fixed to the protrusion 225 of the armature 22. The insert 31 moves in the up-down direction according to the displacement of the armature 22. The insert 31 moves in the up-down direction when the armature 22 is in the first posture (see Fig.13 ) is relatively located below, and when the armature 22 is in the second posture (refer to Fig.15) is relatively located at the top.

[0185] The insert 31 integrally includes a fixing portion 311 , a protrusion 312 , and an insert wall portion 313 .

[0186] The fixing portion 311 is a portion of the insert 31 that is fixed to the protrusion 225 of the armature 22. The fixing portion 311 is a cylindrical shape with an open rear surface. The insert 31 is fixed to the armature 22 by pressing the protrusion 225 into the fixing portion 311.

[0187] The insert wall portion 313 is in a rectangular plate shape and is formed at the front end of the fixing portion 311 in a rectangular flange shape.

[0188] The protrusion 312 protrudes forward from the front surface of the insertion wall portion 313 .

[0189] The auxiliary fixed terminal 34 integrally includes a first piece 341, a second piece 342, and a terminal piece 340. The first piece 341 is a plate-shaped plate with a thickness direction along the up-down direction, and is provided with an auxiliary fixed contact member 32. The second piece 342 is a plate-shaped plate extending downward in the shape of a letter L from the right end of the first piece 341. The terminal piece 340 extends downward from the left end of the second piece 342.

[0190] The auxiliary movable terminal 35 integrally includes a connection piece 351 and a terminal piece 350. The connection piece 351 is a plate-like shape that is long in the vertical direction. The terminal piece 350 extends downward from the lower end of the connection piece 351.

[0191] The auxiliary movable spring 36 is a plate-shaped structure that is long in the left-right direction. The right end of the auxiliary movable spring 36 is fixed to the upper end of the connecting piece 351 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35. The auxiliary movable contact member 33 is provided at the left end of the auxiliary movable spring 36. The auxiliary movable contact member 33 is opposite to the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 in the vertical direction. Fig.11 As shown, the protrusion 312 of the plug 31 is located at the lower side of the auxiliary movable spring 36. In order to make the contact point P1 (refer to Fig.17 ) and the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 are spaced apart, and the auxiliary movable spring 36 is provided with a protrusion 361 protruding downward.

[0192] (2.5) Housing

[0193] The housing 9 includes a first holding base 94 , a second holding base 95 , and a cover 99 .

[0194] like Fig.12As shown, the first holding base 94 is a box-shaped body with an open front surface. The first holding base 94 holds the fixed terminal 11. The fixed terminal 11 is held on the first holding base 94 in such a manner that the fixed piece 111 is located on the upper surface of the first holding base 94 and the central piece 112 is along the rear surface of the first holding base 94.

[0195] The first holding base 94 is connected to the coil frame 23 in such a manner that the rear end of the coil frame 23 is accommodated by utilizing the front surface of the opening. Fig.14 As shown, the first holding base 94 is coupled to the coil bobbin 23 by engaging the engaging claw 238 provided at the rear end of the lower surface of the second flange portion 232 of the coil bobbin 23 with the engaging hole 941 provided at the front end of the lower side wall of the first holding base 94 .

[0196] like Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown, the second holding base 95 is a box-shaped body with an open rear surface. The second holding base 95 holds the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and the auxiliary movable terminal 35. In detail, the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 is held on the second holding base 95 by inserting the second piece 342 of the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 into the first holding groove 951 formed on the front surface of the second holding base 95. In addition, the auxiliary movable terminal 35 is held on the second holding base 95 by inserting the connecting piece 351 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35 into the second holding groove 952 formed on the front surface of the second holding base 95. As shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, the second holding base 95 has a wall portion 953 for increasing the spatial distance between the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 and the contact point P1 where the auxiliary movable spring 36 and the protrusion 312 of the card 31 come into contact.

[0197] By making a pair of protrusions 284 (see Fig.12 ) is engaged with the engaging holes 954 provided at the left and right ends of the rear end of the lower wall portion of the second holding base 95, thereby combining the second holding base 95 with the insulating member 28.

[0198] The first holding base 94, the second holding base 95, the coil bobbin 23, and the insulating member 28 are combined together by a resin member 96 (see Fig.11 , Fig.13) are fixed. The resin member 96 is, for example, an adhesive. The first holding base 94, the second holding base 95, the coil frame 23, the insulating member 28 and the resin member 96 constitute a base 90 for holding the contact device 10, the electromagnet device 20 and the auxiliary contact device 30. A pair of terminal pieces 110 of the fixed terminal 11, a pair of terminal pieces 150 of the movable spring 15, a pair of terminal pieces 260 of the coil terminal 26, a terminal piece 340 of the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and a terminal piece 350 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35 protrude forward from the front surface of the base 90.

[0199] like Fig.10 , Fig.11 As shown, the cover 99 is a hollow box-shaped cover with an open bottom surface. The cover 99 is attached to the base 90 so as to cover the contact device 10 , the electromagnet device 20 , and the auxiliary contact device 30 .

[0200] like Fig.14 As shown, a cover wall portion 992 is provided on the lower surface of the upper wall of the cover 99. The cover wall portion 992 can be used to separate the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 and the auxiliary movable contact member 33 from the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1, and the spatial distance (English: spatial distance) and the extended surface distance (English: total distance) between the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 (or the auxiliary movable contact member 33) and the fixed contact F1 (or the movable contact M1) can be increased.

[0201] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, a first rib 993 , a second rib 994 , and a third rib 995 are provided on the upper surface of the front end portion of the cover 99 , which connect the rear surface of the front wall of the cover 99 and the front surface of the cover wall portion 992 .

[0202] The first rib 993 is provided between the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 and the contact point P1 where the auxiliary movable spring 36 and the protrusion 312 of the card 31 come into contact. The first rib 993 faces the wall portion 953 of the second holding base 95 in the up-down direction.

[0203] The second rib 994 and the third rib 995 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper end (the portion to which the auxiliary movable spring 36 is fixed) of the connection piece 351 of the auxiliary movable terminal 35 , respectively.

[0204] For example, when the electromagnetic relay 100 falls on the ground with the upper side or the lower side facing vertically downward, there is a possibility that the auxiliary movable spring 36 is bent and deformed in the vertical direction due to the impact of the fall. In contrast, in the electromagnetic relay 100, by providing the first rib 993 and the second rib 994 on the cover 99, when the auxiliary movable spring 36 bends upward, at least one of the first rib 993 and the second rib 994 contacts the auxiliary movable spring 36, thereby preventing the auxiliary movable spring 36 from excessively bending upward. Thus, the deformation of the auxiliary movable spring 36 can be suppressed. In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing the deformation of the auxiliary movable spring 36 when the electromagnetic relay 100 falls, the electromagnetic relay 100 only needs to have at least one of the first rib 993 and the second rib 994.

[0205] In addition, when the electromagnetic relay 100 falls on the ground with the right surface side or the left surface side facing vertically downward, there is a possibility that the auxiliary movable terminal 35 is bent and deformed in the left-right direction due to the impact of the fall. In contrast, in the electromagnetic relay 100, the second rib 994 and the third rib 995 are provided on the cover 99, so that when the auxiliary movable terminal 35 attempts to bend in the left-right direction, the second rib 994 or the third rib 995 contacts the auxiliary movable terminal 35, thereby preventing the auxiliary movable terminal 35 from bending. Thus, the deformation of the auxiliary movable terminal 35 is suppressed.

[0206] Furthermore, although the third rib 995 is formed integrally with the right side wall of the cover 99 , a gap may be present between the third rib 995 and the right side wall of the cover 99 .

[0207] (2.6) Operation of electromagnetic relay

[0208] In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment, when the coil 21 is not energized, the armature 22 is brought into the first posture (see FIG. 1 ) separated from the iron core 24 by the spring force of the movable spring 15. Fig.13 ). At this time, in the contact device 10, the movable contact M1 is separated from the fixed contact F1 (the contact device 10 is in the disconnected state). Therefore, the circuit (main circuit) between the fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15 is cut off. On the other hand, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the auxiliary movable contact member 33 is relatively located below by the spring force of the auxiliary movable spring 36, and the auxiliary movable contact member 33 is in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact member 32. Therefore, a circuit (auxiliary circuit) is formed between the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and the auxiliary movable terminal 35.

[0209] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the coil 21 is energized and excited, the armature 22 is pulled toward the core 24 by the magnetic force. As a result, the armature 22 is moved toward the second posture (see FIG. 1 ) close to the core 24. Fig.15 ) is displaced. At this time, in the contact device 10, the rear end of the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15 moves downward, and the movable contact M1 contacts the fixed contact F1 (the closed state of the contact device 10). As a result, a circuit (main circuit) is formed between the fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15. On the other hand, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the protrusion 312 of the plug-in 31 is displaced upward and contacts the auxiliary movable spring 36 from below, pushing the auxiliary movable spring 36 upward. As a result, the auxiliary movable contact member 33 provided at the left end of the auxiliary movable spring 36 is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact member 32, and the circuit (auxiliary circuit) between the auxiliary fixed terminal 34 and the auxiliary movable terminal 35 is cut off.

[0210] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the power supply to the coil 21 is stopped, the iron core 24 is demagnetized, and the armature 22 is displaced from the second posture to the first posture by the spring force of the movable spring 15. At this time, in the contact device 10, the rear end of the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15 moves upward, and the movable contact M1 is separated from the fixed contact F1 (the disconnected state of the contact device 10). In addition, in the auxiliary contact device 30, the protrusion 312 of the plug 31 is displaced downward and separated from the auxiliary movable spring 36, and the auxiliary movable contact member 33 is brought into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact member 32 from above by the spring force of the auxiliary movable spring 36.

[0211] like Figure 11 to Figure 14 As shown, the electromagnetic relay 100 further includes an auxiliary member 98. The auxiliary member 98 is a plate-shaped substantially L-shaped member and is held on the first holding base 94. A dummy member D1 is provided on the lower surface of the auxiliary member 98 so that the movable contact member 17 is located between the dummy member D1 and the fixed contact member 16. The dummy member D1 contacts the upper surface of the movable contact member 17 when the armature 22 is displaced from the second posture to the first posture and the movable contact M1 is separated from the fixed contact F1, thereby preventing the movable contact member 17 from further moving upward. Thus, the dummy member D1 defines the disconnection position as the position farthest from the fixed contact F1 within the moving range of the movable contact M1.

[0212] (2.7) Details of contact device (main contact device)

[0213] In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment, when the current is cut off from the coil 21 and the movable contact M1 is separated from the fixed contact F1, an arc A1 is generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 (see Fig.18 ).

[0214] In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present embodiment, for example, Fig.15As shown, when a current I2 flows from the fixed terminal 11 through the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 toward the movable spring 15, a backward Lorentz force is applied to the arc A1 (upward current) generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 due to the leftward magnetic field generated by the upward current I21 flowing through the central plate 112 of the fixed terminal 11, and a backward Lorentz force is applied to the arc A1 (downward current) generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 due to the leftward magnetic field generated by the forward current I22 flowing through the movable portion 151 of the movable spring 15. In addition, when a current in the opposite direction to the current I2 flows through the fixed terminal 11 and the movable spring 15, a backward Lorentz force is also applied to the arc A1 (downward current) generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1. Therefore, as Fig.18 As shown, arc A1 continues to be generated between fixed contact F1 and movable contact M1 , mainly between the rear end portion of fixed contact F1 and the rear end portion of movable contact M1 .

[0215] Therefore, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the movable contact M1 is provided on the movable spring 15 in a manner adjacent to the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 (movable member). Furthermore, when viewed from above in the closed state, the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1, which is closest to the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 when viewed from above, is located between the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 and the fixed contact F1. Thus, even if an arc A1 is generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1, since the vicinity of the first predetermined end M11 where the arc A1 mainly stays (continues to act) in the movable contact M1 does not contact the fixed contact F1, the movable contact M1 and the fixed contact F1 are not easily welded, and the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are not easily adhered. In addition, in Fig.19 In FIG. 1 , an imaginary line is used to indicate the lower side of the fixed contact F1 ( Fig.19 The fixed terminal 11 is on the front side of the paper.

[0216] In addition, since the arc has a characteristic of staying at the edge portion, and the movable contact M1 is located at the outer side (rear side) than the fixed contact F1, the arc A1 stays in a state where the end (rear end) of the fixed contact F1 is connected to the movable contact M1. That is, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, by making the end of the movable contact M1 offset to the outer side (rear) than the end of the fixed contact F1, the arc A1 is not easy to move to the movable spring 15. As a result, the movable spring 15 is not easy to melt, and the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are not easy to stick.

[0217] In addition, there is a case where the arc A1 generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 when changing from the closed state to the open state moves toward the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 on the surface of the movable contact M1, and reaches the movable spring 15 over the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1. However, the fixed contact F1 is separated from the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 by a distance greater than the second distance L2. The second distance L2 is the distance between the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 and the end F11 of the fixed contact F1 closest to the first predetermined end M11 when viewed from above in the closed state (see Fig.19 ). Therefore, even if the arc A1 passes over the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 and reaches the first end 155 of the movable spring 155, causing the movable spring 15 to melt, the molten metal material is unlikely to reach the fixed contact F1. Thus, although the movable contact M1 is disposed adjacent to the first end 155 of the movable spring 15, adhesion between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 is unlikely to occur.

[0218] From the viewpoint of reducing the possibility of adhesion between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1, the second distance L2 may be in a range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the first distance L1. The first distance L1 is the distance between the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 and the second predetermined end M12 of the movable contact M1 which is farthest from the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 when viewed from above (see Fig.19 ).

[0219] In addition, when viewed from above in the closed state, it is preferred that the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 is located between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 and the first end 155 of the movable spring 15. In addition, it is preferred that the third distance L3 is in a range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the first distance L1. The third distance L3 is the distance between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 and the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 when viewed from above in the closed state.

[0220] In the contact device 10 of the present embodiment as well, a part of the arc A1 generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 can reach the movable spring 15 and melt the movable spring 15. Therefore, after repeatedly changing from the closed state to the open state, the part of the movable contact M1 that is closest to the first end 155 of the movable spring 15 (near the first predetermined end M11) is covered with the same material as the movable spring 15.

[0221] Furthermore, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, a fixed contact F1 is provided at the center of the fixed plate 111 in the left-right direction, and a through hole 113 is formed in the fixed terminal 11. Therefore, a current flowing through a portion of the fixed plate 111 on the left side of the fixed contact F1, for example, to the right, and a current flowing through a portion of the fixed plate 111 on the right side of the fixed contact F1, for example, to the left, flow through the fixed plate 111. Therefore, the Lorentz force acting on the arc A1 caused by the current flowing through the fixed plate 111 is offset by a component based on the current flowing through a portion of the fixed plate 111 on the right side of the fixed contact F1 and a component based on the current flowing through a portion of the fixed plate 111 on the left side of the fixed contact F1. Therefore, in the contact device 10 of the present embodiment, as Fig.16 As shown, movable contact M1 and fixed contact F1 are aligned with each other's centers without being misaligned in positional relationship in the left-right direction.

[0222] (3) Modification

[0223] The above-mentioned embodiment is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-mentioned embodiment can be variously modified according to the design, etc. as long as the purpose of the present disclosure can be achieved. The following lists the modified examples of the embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples described below can be appropriately combined for application.

[0224] (3.1) Modification 1

[0225] Reference Fig. 20 A contact device 10 according to this modification will be described. In the contact device 10 according to this modification, description of the same configuration as that of the contact device 10 according to the first embodiment described above may be appropriately omitted.

[0226] In the contact device 10 of this modified example, the movable contact 13 is located at the lower side of the fixed terminal 11, and the movable contact M1 contacts the fixed contact F1 from the lower side. In addition, the fixed contact F1 is provided on the fixed terminal 11 adjacent to the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11. The fixed contact F1 has a predetermined end F101 that is closest to the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11 when viewed from above. Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from above in the closed state where the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are in contact, the predetermined end F101 is located between the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1. Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , the lower side of the movable contact M1 is indicated by an imaginary line ( Fig. 20 The movable contact 13 is on the front side of the paper.

[0227] In other words, in the contact device 10 of the present modified example, the fixed terminal 11 is formed to be long in one direction (front-back direction), and the fixed contact F1 is provided adjacent to the end (first end 155) in the extension direction of the fixed terminal 11. Furthermore, when viewed from above in the closed state, the predetermined end F101 of the fixed contact F1 which is closest to the first end 155 of the fixed terminal 11 when viewed from above is located between the first end 155 of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1. That is, in the contact device 10, the positional relationship between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 is offset in the front-back direction so that the predetermined end F101 of the fixed contact F1 (the top end of the fixed contact F1 in the extension direction of the fixed terminal 11) is located between the first end 155 of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1 when viewed from above in the closed state. As a result, the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are less likely to be stuck.

[0228] In addition, if Fig. 20 As shown, when viewed from above in the closed state, the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 is located between the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 and the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11 .

[0229] In the contact device 10 of the present modified example, the fixed contact F1 is provided adjacent to one end (left end 116) of the fixed terminal 11 in the extending direction of the movable contact 13 formed long in one direction (left-right direction). And, when viewed from above in the closed state, the end F102 of the fixed contact F1 closest to the above-mentioned one end (left end 116) of the fixed terminal 11 in the plan view is located between the above-mentioned one end (left end 116) of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1. That is, in the contact device 10, the positional relationship between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 is also offset in the left-right direction so that the left end F102 of the fixed contact F1 (the top end of the fixed contact F1 in the extending direction of the movable contact 13) is located between the left end 116 of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1 when viewed from above in the closed state. This makes it more difficult for fixed contact F1 and movable contact M1 to stick to each other.

[0230] In summary, it is preferred that the contact device 10 has the following structure. That is, the contact device 10 includes a first contact portion (one of the fixed contact F1 or the movable contact M1), a second contact portion (the other of the fixed contact F1 or the movable contact M1), and a first member made of metal (the movable contact 13 or the movable spring 15 or the fixed terminal 11). The second contact portion contacts or separates from the first contact portion in the up-down direction. In the first member, the second contact portion is provided adjacent to the first end portion (131 or 151 or 116) of the first member. The second contact portion has a first predetermined end portion (M11 or F101) that is closest to the first end portion of the first member when viewed from above. When viewed from above in a closed state where the first contact portion and the second contact portion are in contact, the first predetermined end portion of the second contact portion is located between the first end portion of the first member and the first contact portion.

[0231] (3.2) Other variations

[0232] In a modified example, the diameter of the movable contact M1 may be larger than the diameter of the fixed contact F1 so that the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 is located between the first end 131 or the first end 155 of the movable member (movable contact 13 or movable spring 15) and the fixed contact F1 when viewed from above in the closed state. In this case, the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 may overlap (align) with the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 when viewed from above in the closed state.

[0233] In a modified example, the contact portion C1 (fixed contacts F1, F2, movable contacts M1, M2) is not limited to a disc shape, but may be other shapes. Figures 21A to 21C The plate-like shape shown in the figure is rectangular in plan view, and has a flat lower surface 105 and a plate-like shape with a thickness decreasing toward left and right (or front and back) ends 107 and 108 and an upper surface 106 approaching the lower surface 105. In this case as well, the contact portion C1 can include a base member 101, a surface member 102, and a plated portion 103.

[0234] In a modified example, each of the first fixed contact F1 , the first movable contact M1 , the second fixed contact F2 , and the second movable contact M2 may not necessarily include both the surface member 102 and the plated portion 103 , but may include only one of the two.

[0235] In a modification, the structure of the electromagnetic relay 100 including the contact device 10 is not limited to the structures of the first and second embodiments, and an appropriate structure of the electromagnetic relay 100 can be adopted.

[0236] (4) Method

[0237] As is clear from the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0238] The contact device 10 of the first embodiment includes a fixed contact F1, a movable contact M1, and a movable member (a movable contact 13, a movable spring 15). The movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the fixed contact F1 in the up-down direction. The movable member is made of metal, and the movable contact M1 is provided adjacent to the first end 131, 155 of the movable member. The movable contact M1 has a first predetermined end M11 which is closest to the first end 131, 155 of the movable member when viewed from above. When viewed from above in a closed state where the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are in contact with each other, the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 is located between the first end 131, 155 of the movable member and the fixed contact F1.

[0239] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be reduced.

[0240] The contact device 10 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the material of the portion of the movable contact M1 that contacts the fixed contact F1 and the material of the movable member (the movable contact 13 and the movable spring 15 ) are different.

[0241] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0242] In the contact device 10 of the third embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the arc generated between the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 when changing from the closed state to the open state moves on the surface of the movable contact M1 toward the first end 131, 155. The open state is a state in which the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are separated from each other.

[0243] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0244] For the contact device 10 of the fourth mode, based on any one of the first to third modes, when viewed from above in the closed state, the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 is located between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 and the first end 131, 155 of the movable member (movable contact 13, movable spring 15).

[0245] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0246] In the contact device 10 of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the fourth embodiment, the movable contact M1 has a second predetermined end M12 which is farthest from the first end 131, 155 of the movable member (movable contact 13, movable spring 15) when viewed from above. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance (third distance L3) between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the fixed contact F1 and the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the movable contact M1 is within a range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the distance (first distance L1) between the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 and the second predetermined end M12 of the movable contact M1.

[0247] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0248] In the contact device 10 of the sixth embodiment, in addition to the fifth embodiment, the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are each disc-shaped. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance (third distance L3) between the center of the surface of the fixed contact F1 and the center of the surface of the movable contact M1 is in the range of not less than 1 / 20 and not more than 1 / 2 of the diameter of the movable contact M1.

[0249] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0250] In the contact device 10 of the seventh aspect, in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the movable contact M1 has a second predetermined end M12 which is farthest from the first end 131, 155 of the movable member (movable contact 13, movable spring 15) when viewed from above. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance (second distance L2) between the end F11 of the fixed contact F1 closest to the first predetermined end and the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 is within a range of 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 2 or less of the distance (first distance L1) between the first predetermined end M11 and the second predetermined end M12 of the movable contact M1.

[0251] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0252] In the contact device 10 of the eighth embodiment, in addition to the seventh embodiment, the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are each disc-shaped. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance (second distance L2) between the first predetermined end M11 of the movable contact M1 and the end F11 of the fixed contact F1 closest to the first predetermined end M11 is in the range of not less than 1 / 20 and not more than 1 / 2 of the diameter of the movable contact M1.

[0253] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0254] In the contact device 10 of the ninth aspect, in addition to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are each disc-shaped, and the diameter of the movable contact M1 is larger than that of the fixed contact F1.

[0255] According to this method, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being fixed can be further reduced. In addition, compared with the case where the diameter of the movable contact M1 is the same as the diameter of the fixed contact F1, and the case where the diameter of the fixed contact F1 is larger than the diameter of the movable contact M1, the displacement amount of the fixed contact member 16 to the inside can be reduced.

[0256] The contact device 10 of the tenth embodiment is provided with a second fixed contact F2 and a second movable contact M2 in addition to any one of the first to ninth embodiments. The second fixed contact F2 is arranged in parallel with the first fixed contact F1. The second movable contact M2 contacts or separates from the second fixed contact F2 in the vertical direction. The second movable contact M2 is arranged on the movable member adjacent to the second end of the movable member (movable contact 13) on the opposite side to the first end 131, 155. The distance L10 between the center of gravity G1 of the surface of the first fixed contact F1 and the center of gravity G3 of the surface of the second fixed contact F2 is smaller than the distance L20 between the center of gravity G2 of the surface of the first movable contact M1 and the center of gravity G4 of the surface of the second movable contact M2.

[0257] According to this aspect, the possibility of occurrence of the sticking of the first fixed contact F1 and the first movable contact M1 and the sticking of the second fixed contact F2 and the second movable contact M2 can be reduced.

[0258] In the contact device 10 of the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the first to tenth embodiments, a portion of the movable contact M1 closest to the first end 131 , 155 is covered with the same material as the movable member (movable contact 13 , movable spring 15 ).

[0259] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be further reduced.

[0260] The contact device 10 of the twelfth embodiment includes a fixed contact F1, a movable contact M1, and a fixed terminal 11. The movable contact M1 contacts or separates from the fixed contact F1 in the vertical direction. The fixed terminal 11 is made of metal, and the fixed contact F1 is provided adjacent to the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11. The fixed contact F1 has a predetermined end F101 that is closest to the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11 when viewed from above. When viewed from above in a closed state in which the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 are in contact, the predetermined end F101 of the fixed contact F1 is located between the first end 115 of the fixed terminal 11 and the movable contact M1.

[0261] According to this aspect, the possibility of the fixed contact F1 and the movable contact M1 being stuck to each other can be reduced.

Claims

1. A contact device, wherein: The contact device has: 1st fixed contact; a first movable contact that contacts or separates from the first fixed contact in a vertical direction; and The movable member is made of metal, and the first movable contact is provided on the movable member adjacent to the first end of the movable member. The first movable contact has a first predetermined end portion which is closest to the first end portion of the movable member in a plan view. When viewed from above in a closed state in which the first fixed contact and the first movable contact are in contact with each other, the first predetermined end of the first movable contact is located between the first end of the movable member and the first fixed contact.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the first movable contact in contact with the first fixed contact is made of a material different from a material of the movable member.

3. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the closed state changes to the open state in which the first fixed contact and the first movable contact are separated from each other, an arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact moves on the surface of the first movable contact toward the first end of the movable member.

4. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When viewed from above in the closed state, the center of gravity of the surface of the first movable contact is located between the center of gravity of the surface of the first fixed contact and the first end of the movable member.

5. The contact device according to claim 4, wherein: The first movable contact has a second predetermined end portion which is farthest from the first end portion of the movable member in a plan view. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance between the center of gravity of the surface of the first fixed contact and the center of gravity of the surface of the first movable contact is in a range of greater than 1 / 20 and less than 1 / 2 of the distance between the first predetermined end of the first movable contact and the second predetermined end of the first movable contact.

6. The contact device according to claim 5, wherein: The first fixed contact and the first movable contact are respectively in the shape of a disk, When viewed from above in the closed state, a distance between a center of a surface of the first fixed contact and a center of a surface of the first movable contact is within a range of not less than 1 / 20 and not more than 1 / 2 of a diameter of the first movable contact.

7. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first movable contact has a second predetermined end portion which is farthest from the first end portion of the movable member in a plan view. When viewed from above in the closed state, the distance between the end of the first fixed contact closest to the first predetermined end and the first predetermined end of the first movable contact is in a range of greater than 1 / 20 and less than 1 / 2 of the distance between the first predetermined end and the second predetermined end of the first movable contact.

8. The contact device according to claim 7, wherein: The first fixed contact and the first movable contact are respectively in the shape of a disk, When viewed from above in the closed state, a distance between the first predetermined end of the first movable contact and the end of the first fixed contact closest to the first predetermined end is in a range of not less than 1 / 20 and not more than 1 / 2 of a diameter of the first movable contact.

9. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first fixed contact and the first movable contact are respectively in the shape of a disk, The diameter of the first movable contact is larger than the diameter of the first fixed contact.

10. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The contact device further comprises: a second fixed contact disposed in parallel with the first fixed contact; and a second movable contact that contacts or separates from the second fixed contact in the up-down direction; The second movable contact is provided on the movable member adjacent to a second end portion of the movable member on the opposite side to the first end portion. A distance between the center of gravity of the surface of the first fixed contact and the center of gravity of the surface of the second fixed contact is smaller than a distance between the center of gravity of the surface of the first movable contact and the center of gravity of the surface of the second movable contact.

11. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: A portion of the first movable contact that is closest to the first end portion of the movable member is covered with the same material as that of the movable member.

12. A contact device, wherein: The contact device has: Fixed contacts; a movable contact that contacts or separates from the fixed contact in an up-down direction; and The fixed terminal is made of metal, and the fixed contact is provided on the fixed terminal adjacent to the first end of the fixed terminal. The fixed contact has a predetermined end portion closest to the first end portion of the fixed terminal in a plan view, When viewed from above in a closed state in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact, the predetermined end of the fixed contact is located between the first end of the fixed terminal and the movable contact.

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