Electronic contactor

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electronic contactor. According to one aspect of the utility model, the electronic contactor comprises a housing in which a housing space is formed; an energizing part that is connected to an external power source or load so as to be energized and that is coupled to the housing such that at least a portion of the energizing part is exposed outside the housing; and a temperature sensing device coupled to the housing such that at least a portion of the temperature sensing device is exposed outside the housing, the temperature sensing device being disposed adjacent to and spaced from the energizing portion and sensing heat generated by the energizing portion, the temperature sensing device including: a support member coupled to the housing and housed in the housing space; a temperature sensing member coupled to the support member and sensing the heat; and a temperature sensing terminal coupled to the support member and electrically connected to the temperature sensing member, at least a portion of the temperature sensing terminal being exposed outside the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an electronic contactor, and more specifically, to an electronic contactor capable of accurately sensing the temperature of the energized part without affecting the energized state with the outside. Background Art

[0002] A direct current relay is a device that transmits mechanical drive or current signals using the principle of an electromagnet. A direct current relay is also called a magnetic switch and is generally classified as a circuit switching device.

[0003] The direct current relay includes a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact is electrically connected to an external power supply and load. The fixed contact and the movable contact can be in contact with each other or separated from each other.

[0004] According to the contact and separation of the fixed contact and the movable contact, energization through the direct current relay is allowed or blocked. The movement is achieved by a driving unit that applies a driving force to the movable contact.

[0005] The fixed contact and the movable contact are made of electrically conductive materials. As the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact and are energized, heat is generated at the fixed contact. At this time, when overheating occurs, the contact part of the fixed contact and the movable contact may melt or be damaged, so there is a concern that the contact reliability of the fixed contact and the movable contact may decrease.

[0006] Therefore, a solution is needed that can sense the heat generated at the fixed contact (accurately, the temperature of the fixed contact) in real time and take appropriate measures such as blocking energization when the fixed contact overheats.

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2269380 discloses a temperature measuring instrument for an electronic contactor and a temperature monitoring system using the temperature measuring instrument. Specifically, a temperature measuring instrument for an electronic contactor, etc. are disclosed. By using a separate temperature measuring instrument for an electronic contactor, the temperatures of the supply side connection end and the load side connection end of the electronic contactor are measured, and the measured values are used to determine whether an abnormal temperature occurs, etc.

[0008] However, the temperature measuring instrument for an electronic contactor, etc. disclosed in the above prior art document is premised on being separately provided from the electronic contactor. That is, the above prior art document cannot provide a solution for directly disposing a device for sensing the contact temperature on the electronic contactor.

[0009] Japanese Patent Document No. 6005490 discloses a method for evaluating the temperature of an electronic contactor and a contactor for implementing the method. Specifically, a method for predicting the temperature of a magnetic core using a measured current value is disclosed, which has a device for measuring the current applied to the operating magnetic core of the contactor without the need for an additional sensor.

[0010] However, the method for evaluating the temperature of the electronic contactor disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document and the contactor using the method cannot provide a solution for directly measuring the contact temperature. In addition, the temperature evaluation method disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document is a method of predicting the temperature using the current value applied to the magnetic core. Therefore, if the measured current value is interfered by various factors, there is a concern that the accuracy of the measured temperature will decrease.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned prior art document cannot provide a solution for accurately sensing the contact temperature without affecting the performance of the electronic contactor.

[0012] Patent Document

[0013] Korean Patent Document No. 10-2269380 (June 21, 2021)

[0014] Japanese Patent Document No. 6005490 (September 16, 2016) Summary of the Utility Model

[0015] Problems to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0016] The present utility model is proposed to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure that can accurately measure the contact temperature.

[0017] Another object of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure in which the structure provided for measuring the temperature does not affect the energized state.

[0018] Still another object of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure that can measure the temperature of the contact using various methods.

[0019] Still another object of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure in which the structure provided for measuring the temperature is not exposed to the outside.

[0020] Still another object of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure in which the structure provided for measuring the temperature can be easily electrically connected.

[0021] Still another object of the present utility model is to provide an electronic contactor with a structure that can measure the temperature of the contact without excessive structural changes.

[0022] The technical problems of the present utility model are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. Those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present utility model pertains can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0023] Means for solving the problems

[0024] According to one aspect of the present utility model, there is provided an electronic contactor, which includes: a housing having a housing space formed therein; a power-on part capable of being powered on and connected to an external power source or load, and being combined with the housing in such a manner that at least a part of the power-on part is exposed outside the housing; and a temperature sensing device combined with the housing in such a manner that at least a part of the temperature sensing device is exposed outside the housing, the temperature sensing device being adjacent to and spaced apart from the power-on part to sense heat generated by the power-on part. The temperature sensing device includes: a support member combined with the housing and accommodated in the housing space; a temperature sensing member combined with the support member to sense the heat; and a temperature sensing terminal combined with the support member and electrically connectable to the temperature sensing member, with at least a part of the temperature sensing terminal exposed outside the housing.

[0025] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the housing of the electronic contactor includes: a support step portion supporting the support member on one side in the height direction; a molding space surrounded by the support step portion, where the temperature sensing member is located; and a communication opening portion recessed in a part of the support step portion and extending between the molding space and the power-on part to form a channel for heat transfer.

[0026] In addition, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the communication opening portion of the electronic contactor is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the communication opening portion decreases in the direction from the power-on part toward the temperature sensing member.

[0027] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the housing of the electronic contactor includes: a support member accommodation space recessed in the inner surface of the housing, located on one side in the height direction of the support step portion, and accommodating the support member.

[0028] In addition, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the support step portion of the electronic contactor is configured to surround and extend from the outer side in the horizontal direction of the support member accommodation space and support a part of the support member adjacent to the outer periphery of the support member.

[0029] Alternatively, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein the housing of the electronic contactor includes a support protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the housing surrounding the support member receiving space and supports the support member on the outer side in the horizontal direction.

[0030] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein a plurality of the support protrusions are provided on the electronic contactor, and the plurality of support protrusions are arranged at intervals from each other in the one direction and in another direction perpendicular to the one direction to support the support member at a plurality of positions.

[0031] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein the housing of the electronic contactor includes: a molding post located in the support member receiving space and extending in a direction opposite to the inner surface of the housing, which undergoes a phase change due to heat or pressure; and the support member includes: a support through-hole formed through the interior of the support member, and the molding post passes through the support through-hole.

[0032] Alternatively, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein in the electronic contactor, a molding middle hole for inserting a tip for applying the heat or the pressure is recessed in the interior of the molding post.

[0033] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein the temperature sensing device of the electronic contactor is located at a position offset to one side in the length direction of the housing, and the housing includes: a terminal receiving groove recessed in the inner surface of the one side for receiving the temperature sensing terminal; and a pair of terminal support portions configured to protrude from the inner surface of the one side, extend in the height direction of the housing, and face each other across the terminal receiving groove in the width direction of the housing to support the temperature sensing terminal.

[0034] Alternatively, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein the support member of the electronic contactor includes: a terminal through-hole formed through the interior of the support member; and a circuit pattern extending between the temperature sensing member and the terminal through-hole, and the temperature sensing terminal is inserted into the terminal through-hole to be electrically connected to the circuit pattern.

[0035] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, wherein the temperature sensing terminal of the electronic contactor includes: a terminal body coupled to the housing and extending in the height direction of the housing; a terminal head continuous with one end portion in the height direction of the terminal body and extending in the length direction of the housing to support the support member; and a support member coupling portion continuous with the terminal head and extending in the height direction of the housing to be inserted into the terminal through-hole.

[0036] Alternatively, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the temperature sensing terminal of the electronic contactor includes: a terminal tail, which is continuous with the other end in the height direction of the terminal body and extends in the length direction of the housing, and at least a part of the terminal tail is exposed outside the housing.

[0037] At this time, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the energizing part of the electronic contactor includes: an energizing terminal, at least a part of which is exposed on one side outside the housing to be connected to the outside in an energizable manner.

[0038] Alternatively, an electronic contactor can be provided, and the temperature sensing terminal of the electronic contactor includes: a terminal tail, which extends in the length direction of the housing, and at least a part of the terminal tail is exposed on the one side outside the housing.

[0039] Utility model effects

[0040] With the above configuration, the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model can accurately measure the temperature of the contact.

[0041] Alternatively, with the above configuration, in the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model, the components provided for measuring the temperature do not affect the energized state.

[0042] Alternatively, with the above configuration, the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model can use various methods to measure the temperature of the contact.

[0043] Alternatively, with the above configuration, in the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model, the components provided for measuring the temperature are not exposed outside.

[0044] Alternatively, with the above configuration, in the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model, the components provided for measuring the temperature can easily achieve electrical connection.

[0045] Alternatively, with the above configuration, the electronic contactor according to the embodiment of the present utility model can measure the temperature of the contact without excessive structural changes.

[0046] The effects of the present utility model are not limited to the above effects, and should be understood to include all effects derivable from the configuration of the utility model described in the detailed description of the present utility model or the appended claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an electronic contactor according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0048] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Side view of an electronic contactor.

[0049] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the structure of an electronic contactor.

[0050] Figure 4 Shows the setting on Figure 1 Perspective view of the housing of an electronic contactor.

[0051] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Top view of the housing.

[0052] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 Side view of the housing.

[0053] Figure 7 Shows Figure 4 Bottom view of the housing.

[0054] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A of the housing.

[0055] Figure 9 Shows Figure 4 Cross-sectional view taken along line D - D of the housing.

[0056] Figure 10 Shows the setting on Figure 1 Perspective view of the frame and energizing part of an electronic contactor.

[0057] Figure 11 Shows the setting on Figure 1 Perspective view of the arc guiding part of an electronic contactor.

[0058] Figure 12 Shows the setting on Figure 1 Perspective view of the temperature sensing device of an electronic contactor.

[0059] Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 Top view of the temperature sensing device.

[0060] Figure 14 Shows Figure 12 Exploded perspective view of the structure of the temperature sensing device.

[0061] Figure 15 Shows Figure 12 The state where the temperature sensing device is combined with Figure 4 Side view of the housing.

[0062] Figure 16 Shows Figure 15 Cross-sectional view taken along line C - C of the state.

[0063] Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along line A-A showing the Figure 15 state.

[0064] Figure 18 is a sectional view taken along line B-B showing the Figure 1 electrical contactor.

[0065] Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along line A-A showing the Figure 1 electrical contactor.

[0066] Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 10: Electrical contactor; 100: Housing; 110: Housing main body; 120: Power receiving part; 120a: First power receiving part; 120b: Second power receiving part; 121: Power conduction through-hole; 121a: First power conduction through-hole; 121b: Second power conduction through-hole; 122: Insulating partition wall; 130: Temperature sensing accommodation part; 131: Temperature sensing protrusion; 132: Support step part; 133: Support member accommodation space; 134: Molding space; 135: Communication opening; 136: Molding column; 136a: Molding middle hole; 137: Support protrusion; 138: Terminal support part; 139: Terminal accommodation groove; 140: Housing space; 150: Terminal cover; 200: Frame; 210: Frame main body; 220: Terminal protection member; 230: Arc chamber; 300: Power conduction part; 300a: First power conduction part; 300b: Second power conduction part; 310: Power conduction main body; 320: Power conduction outer periphery; 330: Power conduction middle hole; 340: Power conduction terminal; 340a: First power conduction terminal; 340b: Second power conduction terminal; 400: Arc guiding part; 410: Arc guiding frame; 420: Magnet member; 430: Arc guiding space; 500: Temperature sensing device; 510: Support member; 511: Support through-hole; 512: Terminal through-hole; 513: Circuit pattern; 520: Temperature sensing member; 530: Temperature sensing terminal; 530a: First temperature sensing terminal; 530b: Second temperature sensing terminal; 531: Terminal main body; 532: Terminal head; 533: Terminal tail; 534: Support member bonding part Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement it. The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly illustrate the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and throughout the specification, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals.

[0069] The words and terms used in this specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, for the purpose of best describing the utility model of the inventor, they should be interpreted in accordance with the principle that the inventor can define terms and concepts, and be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the utility model.

[0070] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the utility model, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the utility model. Thus, there can be various equivalents and variations that can replace the corresponding structures from the perspective of the application of the utility model.

[0071] In the following description, for the sake of clarity of the features of the utility model, the description of some components may be omitted.

[0072] The term "communicate" used in the following description means that more than one component can be connected to each other in a fluidly communicating manner. In one embodiment, communication can be formed by components such as conduits, tubes, pipes, etc. In the following description, "communicate" can be used in the same meaning as "fluidly connect" between one or more components.

[0073] The term "energize" used in the following description means that more than one component can be connected to each other to transmit current or electrical signals. In one embodiment, energization can be formed in a wired form relying on wire components, etc., or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), etc. In one embodiment, energization can include the meaning of "communication".

[0074] The term "fluid" used in the following description refers to any form of substance that flows by external force and whose shape, volume, etc. can be changed. In one embodiment, the fluid can be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0075] The terms "upper side", "lower side", "left side", "right side", "front side", and "rear side" used in the following description should be understood with reference to the coordinate system shown in the overall drawings.

[0076] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown. The electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model is respectively energizably connected to an external power source (not shown) and a load (not shown). The electronic contactor 10 can allow or block the electrical connection between the external power source (not shown) and the load (not shown). For this purpose, the electronic contactor 10 includes an energization unit 300 to be described later.

[0077] The electronic contactor 10 is electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown). The electronic contactor 10 operates by means of a control current applied by an external control unit (not shown) and can permit or block the electrical connection between an external power supply (not shown) and a load (not shown). To this end, the electronic contactor 10 may include a fixed magnetic core (not labeled) and a movable magnetic core (not shown) provided on a frame 200 to be described later.

[0078] The process of applying a control current to the electronic contactor 10 to form or block the energized state between an external power supply (not shown) and a load (not shown) is a well-known technique, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0079] In addition, the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model can directly measure the temperature of an energized part 300 (a component that is electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) or a load (not shown)). That is, the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model is configured to directly sense the heat generated by the energized part 300 and measure the temperature, rather than predicting the temperature by means of other parameters such as the applied current value. Therefore, the temperature of the energized part 300 can be accurately measured.

[0080] Meanwhile, in the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model, the component provided for measuring the temperature of the energized part 300 (i.e., the temperature sensing device 500 to be described later) can be located adjacent to the energized part 300. Therefore, the temperature of the energized part 300 can be sensed in real time.

[0081] Moreover, in the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model, the component (i.e., the temperature sensing device 500 to be described later) is accommodated inside, and the structural change of the component (i.e., the housing 100 to be described later) that accommodates this component can be minimized.

[0082] In Figures 1 to 3 the embodiment shown, the electronic contactor 10 includes a housing 100, a frame 200, an energized part 300, an arc guiding part 400, and a temperature sensing device 500.

[0083] The housing 100 forms a part of the outer shape of the electronic contactor 10. In the shown embodiment, the housing 100 forms one side (i.e., the upper side) in the height direction of the electronic contactor 10. The housing 100 is the part of the electronic contactor 10 that is exposed to the outside.

[0084] A space is formed inside the housing 100. Some components of the electronic contactor 10 can be accommodated in the space. As will be described later, the energized part 300, the arc guiding part 400, and the temperature sensing device 500 are accommodated in the housing 100.

[0085] The housing 100 can be made of insulating material. This is to prevent any situation where the components housed in the space are energized externally. In addition, the housing 100 is the part of the electronic contactor 10 that is exposed externally, and is used to prevent safety accidents such as electric shock.

[0086] The housing 100 is coupled to the frame 200. In one embodiment, the housing 100 can be detachably coupled to the frame 200. The space formed inside the housing 100 communicates with the space formed inside the frame 200.

[0087] The housing 100 houses the energizing unit 300 and the arc guiding unit 400. At this time, a part of the energizing unit 300 is exposed outside the housing 100 to be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) and a load (not shown) respectively.

[0088] The housing 100 houses the temperature sensing device 500. In addition, the housing 100 supports the temperature sensing device 500.

[0089] The housing 100 is coupled to the frame 200 and can be of any shape that can accommodate the energizing unit 300, the arc guiding unit 400, and the temperature sensing device 500.

[0090] In Figures 4 to 9 the embodiment shown, the housing 100 includes a housing body 110, a power receiving unit 120, a temperature sensing housing unit 130, a housing space 140, and a terminal cover 150.

[0091] The housing body 110 constitutes the outer shape of the housing 100. The housing body 110 is the part of the housing 100 that is exposed externally. Other components of the housing 100 are formed or coupled to the housing body 110.

[0092] Specifically, the power receiving unit 120 and the temperature sensing housing unit 130 are formed on one side (the upper side in the shown embodiment) in the height direction of the housing body 110. A part of the temperature sensing housing unit 130 is formed inside the housing body 110. The housing body 110 surrounds the housing space 140. One side in the length direction of the housing body 110 (the right side in the shown embodiment) is coupled to the terminal cover 150.

[0093] The housing body 110 constitutes the outer shape of the housing 100 and can be of any shape that allows other components of the housing 100 to be formed or coupled. In the shown embodiment, the housing body 110 is a three-dimensional shape with a length in the left-right direction longer than the width in the front-rear direction and having a height in the up-down direction.

[0094] The power receiving unit 120 is coupled to the energizing unit 300. The power receiving unit 120 houses and supports the energizing unit 300. The energizing unit 300 can be housed in the power receiving unit 120 in such a way that at least a part of it is exposed outside the housing body 110.

[0095] The power receiving part 120 is formed on the housing main body 110. The power receiving part 120 is formed on one side in the height direction (the upper side in the illustrated embodiment) of the housing main body 110.

[0096] A plurality of power receiving parts 120 may be formed. The plurality of power receiving parts 120 may be respectively combined with a plurality of power supply parts 300. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of power receiving parts 120 may be provided, including a first power receiving part 120a located on one side in the length direction (i.e., the left side) and a second power receiving part 120b located on the other side in the length direction (i.e., the right side).

[0097] At this time, at least a part of the power receiving part 120 may be formed to protrude on the upper side of the housing main body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the power receiving part 120 is formed to bulge in the form of a boss. Therefore, the part of the power receiving part 120 exposed to the outside protrudes more than other parts of the housing main body 110, making it easy to identify the position of the power supply part 300 combined with the power receiving part 120.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the power receiving part 120 includes a power supply through hole 121 and an insulating partition wall 122.

[0099] The power supply through hole 121 is a part where the power receiving part 120 is combined with the power supply part 300. The power supply through hole 121 is formed to penetrate one surface in the height direction (the upper surface in the illustrated embodiment) of the housing main body 110. The power supply through hole 121 communicates the housing space 140 with the outside.

[0100] The power supply part 300 penetrates and is combined with the power supply through hole 121. At this time, the power supply part 300 may penetrate and be combined with the power supply through hole 121 in such a way that at least a part thereof is exposed outside the housing main body 110.

[0101] The power supply through hole 121 may be any shape that allows the power supply part 300 to penetrate and be combined. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply through hole 121 is formed as a disk-shaped space having a circular cross-section and a thickness in the up-down direction. Both end portions in the thickness direction (the upper end portion and the lower end portion in the illustrated embodiment) of the power supply through hole 121 are respectively formed to be open.

[0102] A plurality of power supply through holes 121 may be provided. The plurality of power supply through holes 121 may be arranged at intervals and respectively combined with a plurality of power supply parts 300. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of power supply through holes 121 are provided, including a first power supply through hole 121a and a second power supply through hole 121b. The first power supply through hole 121a and the second power supply through hole 121b are arranged at intervals in the length direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the housing main body 110.

[0103] The first power - conducting through - hole 121a and the second power - conducting through - hole 121b are arranged to face each other with an insulating partition wall 122 therebetween. Accordingly, the first power - conducting part 300a coupled to the first power - conducting through - hole 121a and the second power - conducting part 300b coupled to the second power - conducting through - hole 121b can be electrically isolated.

[0104] The insulating partition wall 122 electrically isolates the first power - conducting part 300a from the second power - conducting part 300b. The insulating partition wall 122 is located between the first and second power - conducting through - holes 121a and 121b in the length direction of the housing main body 110 (the left - right direction in the illustrated embodiment).

[0105] The insulating partition wall 122 is coupled to the housing main body 110. The insulating partition wall 122 is located on one side in the height direction of the housing main body 110 (the upper side in the illustrated embodiment).

[0106] The insulating partition wall 122 is located between the first and second power - conducting parts 300a and 300b and can be of any shape capable of electrically isolating them. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating partition wall 122 can be formed in a plate shape having a length in the front - rear direction, a height in the up - down direction, and a thickness in the left - right direction.

[0107] The temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 accommodates the temperature - sensing device 500. In addition, the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 supports the temperature - sensing device 500. Parts of the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 are respectively formed outside and inside the housing main body 110.

[0108] The temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 can be located adjacent to any one of the plurality of power - conducting through - holes 121a and 121b. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 is disposed adjacent to the second power - conducting through - hole 121b located on the right side and the second power - conducting part 300b coupled thereto.

[0109] The temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 is located in the housing space 140. If a part of the temperature - sensing device 500 that can be electrically connected to the temperature - sensing terminal 530 (i.e., the terminal tail 533 to be described later) is removed from the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130, it will not be exposed outside the housing main body 110.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 can be provided singly. Alternatively, the temperature - sensing accommodating part 130 can be provided in a pair corresponding to the number of power - conducting parts 300 and arranged adjacent to the first and second power - conducting through - holes 121a and 121b respectively.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensing accommodation part 130 includes a temperature sensing protrusion part 131, a support step part 132, a support member accommodation space 133, a molding space 134, a communication opening part 135, a molding post 136, a support protrusion part 137, a terminal support part 138, and a terminal accommodation groove 139.

[0112] The temperature sensing protrusion part 131 is formed on the outer side of the housing main body 110. The temperature sensing protrusion part 131 is located on one side in the height direction of the housing main body 110 (the upper side surface in the illustrated embodiment). The temperature sensing protrusion part 131 is formed in a boss-like form, similar to the power receiving part 120. The temperature sensing protrusion part 131 is continuous with the second power receiving part 120b.

[0113] Therefore, the part where the temperature sensing device 500 is located protrudes more than other parts of the housing main body 110, making it easy to identify the position of the temperature sensing device 500 coupled thereto.

[0114] The support step part 132 supports the support member 510 provided on the temperature sensing device 500. The support step part 132 can support the support member 510 in the height direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the support step part 132 can support the support member 510 in the direction toward the temperature sensing protrusion part 131 (the upper side in the illustrated embodiment).

[0115] The support step part 132 is formed on the inner surface of the housing main body 110. The support step part 132 faces the temperature sensing protrusion part 131 across one side in the height direction of the housing main body 110 (the upper side surface in the illustrated embodiment). The support step part 132 protrudes and is formed on the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110.

[0116] The space located below the support step part 132 is defined as the support member accommodation space 133. The support member 510 is accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133, and one side in its height direction (the upper side direction in the illustrated embodiment) can be supported by the support step part 132.

[0117] The support step part 132 can surround and extend along the molding space 134. At this time, the support step part 132 can partially surround and extend along the molding space 134. As Figure 8 clearly shown, the support step part 132 entirely surrounds the molding space 134 in the width direction of the housing main body 110 (i.e., the front side and the rear side).

[0118] One side in the length direction of the support step portion 132 (the left side in the illustrated embodiment) partially surrounds a part of the molding space 134. A communication opening portion 135 is formed by recessing the left side portion of the support step portion 132. Therefore, the left side portion of the support step portion 132 can be divided into a part located on the front side and another part located on the rear side. The part and the other part are separated in the front-rear direction, and the communication opening portion 135 is located therebetween.

[0119] The other side in the length direction of the support step portion 132 (the right side portion in the illustrated embodiment) can be adjacent to the vicinity of the terminal support portion 138. In one embodiment, the end portion of the other side in the length direction of the support step portion 132 can be continuous with the terminal support portion 138.

[0120] Therefore, the molding space 134 can communicate with the second energization through hole 121b through the communication opening portion 135.

[0121] The support step portion 132 can be formed corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the support member 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the support step portion 132 as a whole has a shape with a rectangular outer periphery that is open on the right side, and a communication opening portion 135 is formed on its left side.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, a support protrusion 132a is provided adjacent to the support step portion 132.

[0123] The support protrusion 132a supports the support member 510 provided on the support step portion 132. The support protrusion 132a can support the support member 510 in the width direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the support protrusion 132a can support the support member 510 on the front side and the rear side.

[0124] The support protrusion 132a is adjacent to the vicinity of the support step portion 132. Specifically, the support protrusion 132a surrounds the support member accommodation space 133 in the width direction (i.e., the front side and the rear side), and protrudes and is formed on the surface that is continuous with the support step portion 132 in the width direction. At this time, the protruding length of the support protrusion 132a can be formed shorter than the length in the width direction (i.e., the length in the front-rear direction) of the support step portion 132.

[0125] A plurality of support protrusions 132a can be provided. The plurality of support protrusions 132a can be arranged at intervals from each other in the width direction or the length direction of the housing 100 so that the support member 510 can be supported at mutually different positions.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, there are a total of two pairs of support protrusions 132a. Any one pair of support protrusions 132a is located on one side in the width direction of the housing 100 and is spaced apart in the width direction (i.e., the left - right direction) of the housing 100. The other pair of support protrusions 132a is located on the other side in the width direction of the housing 100 and is spaced apart in the width direction (i.e., the left - right direction) of the housing 100.

[0127] Any one pair of support protrusions 132a and the other pair of support protrusions 132b are arranged to face each other across the molding space 134 in the width direction (i.e., the front - back direction) of the housing 100.

[0128] Therefore, the support member 510 can be received in the support member receiving space 133 through the guidance of the support protrusions 132a and be installed on the support step portion 132. Thus, the support member 510 can be accurately arranged at a preset position.

[0129] In addition, after the support member 510 is installed on the support step portion 132, the height direction of the support member 510 can be supported by the support step portion 132, and each side in the width direction of the support member 510 can be supported by the support protrusions 132a. Therefore, any shaking of the support member 510 is prevented, and thus the combined state of the support member 510 and the temperature sensing receiving portion 130 can be stably maintained.

[0130] The space formed on the lower side of the support step portion 132 can be defined as the support member receiving space 133.

[0131] The support member receiving space 133 receives the support member 510. The support member receiving space 133 can be defined as being surrounded by the support step portion 132. In the illustrated embodiment, one side in the height direction (i.e., the upper side) of the support member receiving space 133 is surrounded by the support step portion 132. The other side in the height direction (the lower side in the illustrated embodiment) of the support member receiving space 133 is open to communicate with the housing space 140.

[0132] The support member receiving space 133 can be a shape corresponding to the shape of the support member 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member receiving space 133 can be formed as a three - dimensional space having a rectangular cross - section and a height in the up - down direction.

[0133] The support member receiving space 133 communicates with the molding space 134. At this time, the support member 510 received in the support member receiving space 133 closes the molding space 134 on one side in the height direction (the lower side in the illustrated embodiment). Therefore, the molding material formed by melting the molding post 136 is received in the molding space 134 to bond the support member 510 to the housing main body 110 and prevent it from flowing to the outside of the molding space 134.

[0134] At this time, the support member accommodation space 133 can be formed to have a height corresponding to the height of the support member 510. Therefore, the support member 510 accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133 does not protrude into the housing space 140.

[0135] The molding space 134 accommodates the molding liquid formed by melting the molding column 136. The molding liquid accommodated in the molding space 134 bonds the support member 510 and the housing main body 110.

[0136] The molding space 134 can be defined as being surrounded by the support step portion 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side and the rear side of the molding space 134 are surrounded by the support step portion 132. One side in the longitudinal direction of the molding space 134 (the left side in the illustrated embodiment) is in communication with the communication opening 135 formed in the support step portion 132. The other side in the longitudinal direction of the molding space 134 (the right side in the illustrated embodiment) is surrounded by the right inner surface of the housing main body 110 and the terminal support portion 138.

[0137] The molding space 134 can be covered by the support member 510. The support member 510 covers the molding space 134 from below and can be accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133. The molding liquid accommodated in the molding space 134 can be bonded to the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110, the support step portion 132, and the support member 510, respectively.

[0138] The temperature sensing member 520 is accommodated in the molding space 134. As described later, the temperature sensing member 520 is located on one side (the left side in the illustrated embodiment) of the adjacent communication opening 135 among the respective sides of the molding space 134. The temperature sensing member 520 can sense the heat transmitted through the communication opening 135.

[0139] The molding space 134 can be any shape capable of accommodating the molding liquid for bonding the support member 510 and the housing main body 110 and the temperature sensing member 520. In the illustrated embodiment, the molding space 134 can be formed as a three-dimensional space having a rectangular cross-section and a height in the up-down direction.

[0140] The communication opening 135 communicates the housing space 140 with the molding space 134. The heat generated by the energizing unit 300 accommodated in the housing space 140 can be transmitted to the molding space 134 through the communication opening 135. The communication opening 135 constitutes a path for the heat generated by the energizing unit 300 to be transmitted to the temperature sensing member 520. At this time, the heat generated by the energizing unit 300 can be transmitted along the communication opening 135 in the form of convection or radiation.

[0141] The communication opening 135 extends between the power - through hole 121 and the molding space 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication opening 135 extends between the second power - through hole 121b on the right side and the molding space 134. The communication opening 135 is in communication with the power - through hole 121 and the molding space 134 respectively. The communication opening 135 is recessed and formed on the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110 and the support step portion 132 respectively.

[0142] The communication opening 135 can be of any shape that can form a path for the heat generated by the power - supply unit 300 to be transferred to the temperature - sensing member 520 accommodated in the molding space 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the width of the communication opening 135 (i.e., the length in the front - to - back direction) is formed to be constant along its extending direction (i.e., the left - to - right direction).

[0143] Alternatively, the cross - sectional area of the communication opening 135 on the side facing the power - through hole 121 can be formed larger than the cross - sectional area on the side facing the molding space 134. In the said embodiment, the cross - sectional area of the communication opening 135 can decrease along the direction from the second power - through hole 121b to the molding space 134. In the said embodiment, the heat generated by the power - supply unit 300 can be concentrated on the temperature - sensing member 520 accommodated in the molding space 134.

[0144] The molding post 136 can form a molding liquid that binds the support member 510 and the housing main body 110. The molding post 136 can be heated or pressurized by an external tip or the like, so that it undergoes a phase change into a fluid state and then flows into the molding space 134. The molding liquid formed by the phase change of the molding post 136 fills the molding space 134 and then re - solidifies to bind the support member 510 and the housing main body 110.

[0145] The molding post 136 can be made of any material that can undergo a phase change due to heat and re - undergo a phase change upon cooling. In one embodiment, the molding post 136 can be made of a resin material.

[0146] The molding post 136 is located in the molding space 134. The molding post 136 is surrounded by the support step portion 132 and can be located at a position spaced apart from the support step portion 132. The molding post 136 can extend from the surface that surrounds the molding space 134 on the upper side (i.e., the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110) to the lower side.

[0147] The molding post 136 is continuous with the support protrusion 137. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side, the rear side, and the left side of the outer periphery of the molding post 136 are continuous with the support protrusion 137.

[0148] In addition, before the phase change of the forming column 136, the forming column 136 can be combined with the support member 510. The forming column 136 penetrates through the support through-hole 511, and after the support member 510 is maintained at a preset position, it can be heated or pressurized by an external welding nozzle or the like.

[0149] The forming column 136 can be of any shape that can be combined with the support member 510 and can be heated or pressurized by an external welding nozzle or the like to undergo a phase change. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming column 136 can have an annular cross-section with a forming middle hole 136a formed therein and have a height in the vertical direction. The external welding nozzle can be inserted into the forming middle hole 136a to apply heat or pressure to the forming column 136.

[0150] The forming middle hole 136a can be of any shape that can accommodate an external welding nozzle. In the illustrated embodiment, the forming middle hole 136a is formed as a cylindrical space having a circular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0151] It should be understood that when the combination of the temperature sensing device 500 and the housing 100 is completed, the above-mentioned forming column 136 will disappear. That is, the forming column 136 becomes the forming liquid accommodated in the forming space 134.

[0152] The support protrusion 137 supports the support member 510 accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133. The support protrusion 137 can protrude from the surface that surrounds the forming space 134 on the upper side (i.e., the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110). The support protrusion 137 is continuous with the outer periphery of the forming column 136.

[0153] The support protrusion 137 can support the support member 510 before the phase change of the forming column 136. That is, the outer part of the support member 510 accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133 is supported by the support step portion 132, and the inner part of the support member 510 is supported by the support protrusion 137.

[0154] Therefore, the support member 510 combined with the forming column 136 can be accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133 in a horizontal state.

[0155] A plurality of support protrusions 137 can be provided. The plurality of support protrusions 137 can be respectively continuous with different parts of the forming column 136. In the illustrated embodiment, three support protrusions 137 are provided, which are respectively continuous with the front side, the rear side, and the left side of the forming column 136.

[0156] In one embodiment, the support protrusion 137 is made of the same material as the forming column 136 and can undergo a phase change due to the heat or pressure applied by an external welding nozzle. In the said embodiment, the support protrusion 137 after the phase change can still combine the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110 and the support member 510.

[0157] The terminal support part 138 supports the temperature sensing terminal 530 provided in the temperature sensing device 500. Due to the terminal support part 138, the temperature sensing terminal 530 can maintain the combined state with the housing 100 without shaking.

[0158] The terminal support part 138 is formed on the housing main body 110. Specifically, the terminal support part 138 is formed on one side in the length direction of the housing main body 110 (the right inner surface in the illustrated embodiment). The terminal support part 138 and the communication opening part 135 are arranged facing each other across the molding space 134.

[0159] The terminal support part 138 is located in the molding space 134. The terminal support part 138 can surround the molding space 134 together with the support step part 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal support part 138 surrounds the molding space 134 in the right part.

[0160] The terminal support part 138 can protrude inward on the right inner surface of the housing main body 110. The terminal support part 138 extends in the height direction of the housing main body 110 (the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment). A plurality of terminal support parts 138 can be formed. The plurality of terminal support parts 138 are spaced apart from each other so as to be able to support a plurality of temperature sensing terminals 530 at different positions respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two terminal support parts 138 are provided and are arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The number and arrangement mode of the terminal support parts 138 can be changed according to the number and arrangement mode of the temperature sensing terminals 530.

[0161] Each pair of terminal support parts 138 can be respectively composed of a pair of parts. Each part can be arranged spaced apart in the width direction of the housing main body 110 (the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment). The space formed by the separation of the respective parts is defined as the terminal accommodation groove 139.

[0162] The terminal accommodation groove 139 accommodates the temperature sensing terminal 530. The temperature sensing terminal 530 is accommodated in the terminal accommodation groove 139 and can be supported by the terminal support part 138 and the housing main body 110.

[0163] The terminal accommodation groove 139 is located between a pair of parts constituting the terminal support part 138. The terminal accommodation groove 139 is defined by the pair of spaced-apart parts constituting the terminal support part 138. A part of the terminal accommodation groove 139 can be recessed and formed on the right inner surface of the housing main body 110. The terminal accommodation groove 139 communicates with the housing space 140.

[0164] The terminal accommodation groove 139 can be a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal support part 138 or the temperature sensing terminal 530. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal accommodation groove 139 has a rectangular cross section and extends in the up-down direction.

[0165] The housing space 140 is a space formed inside the housing body 110. The housing space 140 is defined as being surrounded by each side of the housing body 110. One side in the height direction of the housing space 140 (the lower side in the illustrated embodiment) is open and communicates with the space of the frame 200.

[0166] The housing space 140 houses other components of the electronic contactor 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space 140 houses the energization unit 300, the arc guiding unit 400, and the temperature sensing device 500.

[0167] The housing space 140 communicates with the outside. At least a part of the energization unit 300 passing through the energization through hole 121 can be exposed to the arc chamber 230 housed in the housing space 140.

[0168] The housing space 140 may be a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space 140 is formed to have a length in the left - right direction longer than the width in the front - rear direction and have a height in the up - down direction.

[0169] The terminal cover 150 covers the energization terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 exposed to the outside of the housing 100. The terminal cover 150 at least surrounds a part of the parts of the energization terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 that are exposed to the outside of the housing 100. An external connector (not shown) can be easily combined with the energization terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 by relying on the terminal cover 150.

[0170] The terminal cover 150 is coupled to the housing body 110. The terminal cover 150 is continuous with one side in the length direction of the housing body 110 (the right side in the illustrated embodiment). The terminal cover 150 is configured to cover the energization terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 from the upper side.

[0171] The frame 200 and the housing 100 together form the outer shape of the electronic contactor 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 200 forms the other side in the height direction (i.e., the lower side) of the electronic contactor 10. The frame 200 is the part of the electronic contactor 10 that is exposed to the outside.

[0172] A space is formed inside the frame 200. Other components of the electronic contactor 10 can be housed in the space. For example, the frame 200 can house a fixed magnetic core, a movable magnetic core, a bobbin, a shaft, a coil, etc. which are not given reference numerals.

[0173] The frame 200 can be made of an insulating material. This is to prevent the components housed in the space from being energized arbitrarily with the outside. In addition, the frame 200 is the part of the electronic contactor 10 that is exposed to the outside, and is used to prevent safety accidents such as electric shock.

[0174] The frame 200 is coupled to the housing 100. In one embodiment, the frame 200 may be detachably coupled to the housing 100. The space formed inside the frame 200 communicates with the space formed inside the housing 100.

[0175] The frame 200 is coupled to the housing 100 and may be of any shape capable of accommodating other components of the electronic contactor 10.

[0176] In Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 200 includes a frame body 210, a terminal protection member 220, and an arc chamber 230. At this time, it should be understood that the arc chamber 230 is accommodated in the housing space 140 and may also be regarded as a component of the housing 100.

[0177] The frame body 210 constitutes the outer shape of the frame 200. The frame body 210 is the part of the frame 200 that is exposed to the outside. Other components of the frame 200 are formed or coupled to the frame body 210.

[0178] Specifically, the terminal protection member 220 is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the frame body 210 (the right side in the illustrated embodiment). A fixed core, a movable core, a bobbin, a shaft, a coil, etc. may be accommodated in the space formed inside the frame body 210.

[0179] The frame body 210 constitutes the outer shape of the frame 200 and may be of any shape to which other components of the frame 200 can be formed or coupled. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame body 210 is a three-dimensional shape with a length in the left-right direction longer than the width in the front-rear direction and having a height in the up-down direction.

[0180] The terminal protection member 220 covers the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530. The terminal protection member 220 at least surrounds a part of the portions of the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530 that are exposed to the outside of the housing 100. An external connector (not shown) can be easily coupled to the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530 by relying on the terminal protection member 220.

[0181] The terminal protection member 220 faces the terminal cover 150 with the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal protection member 220 surrounds the lower sides of the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530 and faces the terminal cover 150 that surrounds the upper sides of the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530.

[0182] The terminal protection member 220 is coupled to the frame body 210. The terminal protection member 220 is continuous with one side in the longitudinal direction of the frame body 210 (the right side in the illustrated embodiment). The terminal protection member 220 surrounds the power terminals 340 and the temperature sensing terminals 530 at the lower side.

[0183] The positions and shapes of the above-mentioned terminal cover 150 and terminal protection member 220 can be changed according to the positions and shapes of the energized terminal 340 and temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0184] The arc chamber 230 houses a part of the energizing portion 300 and a moving contact (not labeled in the drawings). The arc chamber 230 prevents the outflow of any arc generated by the separation of the energizing portion 300 from the moving contact (not labeled in the drawings). After the generated arc is sufficiently extinguished, it can flow out to the outside of the arc chamber 230.

[0185] The arc chamber 230 is located in the housing space 140. A space is formed inside the arc chamber 230 to house a part (i.e., the lower side) in the longitudinal direction of the energizing portion 300 and a moving contact (not labeled in the drawings). The moving contact (not labeled in the drawings) can be located inside the arc chamber 230 in a vertically movable manner.

[0186] The arc chamber 230 is surrounded by the arc guiding portion 400. The arc guiding portion 400 can guide the arc generated inside the arc chamber 230 in a preset direction.

[0187] The arc chamber 230 houses at least a part of the energizing portion 300 and a moving contact (not labeled in the drawings), and can be of any shape that can discharge after extinguishing the generated arc. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc chamber 230 is a three-dimensional shape with a length in the left-right direction longer than the width in the front-back direction and having a height in the up-down direction.

[0188] The energizing portion 300 is a component that enables the electronic contactor 10 to be energizably connected to an external power source (not shown) and load (not shown). A plurality of energizing portions 300 can be provided. Any one of the plurality of energizing portions 300 can be energizably connected to an external power source (not shown). Another one of the plurality of energizing portions 300 can be energizably connected to an external load (not shown).

[0189] In Figure 10 the illustrated embodiment, a pair of energizing portions 300 including a first energizing portion 300a and a second energizing portion 300b can be provided.

[0190] The energizing portion 300 is combined with the housing 100. The energizing portion 300 is penetrated and combined with the energizing through hole 121, and a part of it is exposed to the outside of the housing 100. Another part of the energizing portion 300 is located inside the arc chamber 230 provided in the housing space 140 to contact or separate from the moving contact (not labeled in the drawings).

[0191] At this time, the energizing portion 300 can be fixedly combined with the housing 100. Therefore, it should be understood that the energizing portion 300 can be defined as a fixed contact.

[0192] In Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the energizing unit 300 includes an energizing body 310, an energizing outer periphery 320, an energizing middle hole 330, and an energizing terminal 340.

[0193] The energizing body 310 constitutes the outer shape of the energizing unit 300. The energizing body 310 is penetrated and coupled to the energizing through hole 121, and a part of it is exposed to the outside of the housing 100. At least a part of another part of the energizing body 310 is exposed to the inner space of the arc chamber 230 so as to be able to contact or separate from a moving contact (not given a reference numeral).

[0194] The energizing body 310 may be a shape corresponding to the energizing through hole 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the energizing body 310 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0195] The energizing outer periphery 320 is defined as the outer peripheral surface of the energizing body 310. In the embodiment where the energizing body 310 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the energizing outer periphery 320 may be defined as the side surface of the energizing body 310.

[0196] The heat generated when the energizing unit 300 contacts the moving contact (not given a reference numeral) can be dissipated through the energizing outer periphery 320. At this time, the heat generated by the energizing outer periphery 320 can be transferred to the temperature sensing member 520 through the communication opening 135 adjacent to the energizing through hole 121.

[0197] As described above, the heat generated by the energizing unit 300 can be transferred to the temperature sensing member 520 in the form of convection or radiation. Therefore, although not shown, a shape that maximizes the convection effect may be formed on the energizing outer periphery 320. For example, a corrugated shape may be formed on the energizing outer periphery 320 by engraving.

[0198] The energizing middle hole 330 is a space formed inside the energizing body 310. A cable (not shown) connected to an external power source (not shown) and a load (not shown) is inserted into the energizing middle hole 330. Therefore, the external power source (not shown) and the load (not shown) can be energizably connected to the energizing body 310.

[0199] The energizing middle hole 330 extends in the height direction of the energizing body 310 (the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment). One side in the extending direction of the energizing middle hole 330 (the upper side in the illustrated embodiment) is open for the insertion of the cable (not shown). The other side in the extending direction of the energizing middle hole 330 (the lower side in the illustrated embodiment) is closed to limit the insertion length of the cable (not shown).

[0200] The energizing terminal 340 is electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown). The energizing terminal 340 is electrically connected to a coil (i.e., a coil housed inside the frame 200) without an attached reference numeral. Therefore, the coil (without an attached reference numeral) forms a magnetic field by the control power applied by the external control unit (not shown), and can magnetize a fixed magnetic core (without an attached reference numeral).

[0201] The energizing terminal 340 is coupled to the frame 200. The energizing terminal 340 is exposed to the outside of the frame 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the energizing terminal 340 is exposed to the upper side of one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction of the frame 200. Therefore, it should be understood that the energizing terminal 340 can also be interpreted as a component of the frame 200.

[0202] The energizing terminal 340 is adjacent to the terminal tail 533 of the temperature sensing terminal 530. Therefore, the energizing terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 can be electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown) respectively through a single connector.

[0203] A plurality of energizing terminals 340 can be provided. The plurality of energizing terminals 340 can be electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown) and a coil (without an attached reference numeral) respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two energizing terminals 340 including a first energizing terminal 340a and a second energizing terminal 340b are provided.

[0204] At this time, the first and second energizing terminals 340a, 340b can face each other across a pair of temperature sensing terminals 530a, 530b.

[0205] The arc guiding portion 400 guides the arc generated in the arc chamber 230 in a preset direction. The arc guiding portion 400 is configured to surround the arc chamber 230 and can form a magnetic field inside the arc chamber 230.

[0206] The arc guiding portion 400 is housed in the housing space 140. The arc guiding portion 400 is located between the housing main body 110 and the arc chamber 230.

[0207] In Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment, the arc guiding portion 400 includes an arc guiding frame 410, a magnet member 420, and an arc guiding space 430.

[0208] The arc guiding frame 410 constitutes the main body of the arc guiding portion 400. The arc guiding frame 410 is coupled to the magnet member 420 and surrounds the arc guiding space 430.

[0209] The arc guiding frame 410 can be divided into multiple parts. Any one of the multiple parts can be coupled to one side in the longitudinal direction of the magnet member 420, and another one of the multiple parts can be coupled to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the magnet member 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc guiding frame 410 is composed of a pair of parts to be respectively coupled to the left and right sides of the magnet member 420.

[0210] The magnet member 420 forms a magnetic field inside the arc chamber 230. Since the generated arc is a flow of electrons, an electromagnetic force can be generated by the formed magnetic field. Therefore, the generated arc can be guided in a preset direction.

[0211] The magnet member 420 is coupled to the arc guiding frame 410. The magnet member 420 and the arc guiding frame 410 together surround the arc guiding space 430 and the arc chamber 230 accommodated inside the arc guiding space 430.

[0212] A plurality of magnet members 420 may be provided. The plurality of magnet members 420 are arranged at intervals from each other and can be respectively coupled to the arc guiding frame 410. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of magnet members 420 are provided to be arranged at intervals in the front - rear direction. The left and right portions of the pair of magnet members 420 can be respectively coupled to the pair of parts of the arc guiding frame 410.

[0213] The arc guiding space 430 is a space for accommodating the arc chamber 230. The arc guiding space 430 is defined as being surrounded by the arc guiding frame 410 and the magnet member 420. The magnetic field formed by the magnet member 420 can be located in the arc guiding space 430.

[0214] The arc guiding space 430 can be a shape corresponding to the shape of the arc chamber 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc guiding space 430 is formed by a three - dimensional shaped space whose length in the left - right direction is longer than the width in the front - rear direction and has a height in the up - down direction.

[0215] Referring back to Figures 1 to 3 , the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes a temperature sensing device 500.

[0216] The temperature sensing device 500 is configured to sense the heat generated by the electronic contactor 10. Since the component that generates the most heat in the electronic contactor 10 is the energized body 310 (i.e., the fixed contact), the temperature sensing device 500 is configured to be adjacent to the vicinity of the energized body 310 to sense the heat generated by the energized body 310.

[0217] At this time, the temperature sensing device 500 is configured to be adjacent to but not in contact with the energized body 310. Therefore, the heat generated by the energized body 310 is not transferred to the temperature sensing device 500 in a conductive form. Therefore, damage to the temperature sensing device 500 caused by heat can be prevented.

[0218] In addition, a decrease in the performance of the energized body 310 caused by contact with other components can also be prevented. That is, since the temperature sensing device 500 is disposed at a distance from the energized body 310, components for bringing the temperature sensing device 500 into contact with the energized body 310, such as screw members or adhesives, are no longer required. As described above, the temperature sensing device 500 is coupled to the housing 100.

[0219] Therefore, while maintaining the performance of the energizing unit 300, the temperature sensing device 500 can be easily disposed and coupled.

[0220] In addition, the temperature sensing device 500 is accommodated inside the housing 100. In the configuration of the temperature sensing device 500, only the terminal tail 533 that can be energized and connected to an external control unit (not shown) is exposed outside the housing 100. Therefore, damage to the temperature sensing device 500 caused by the external environment can be prevented, and the heat generated by the energized body 310 can be accurately sensed.

[0221] The temperature sensing device 500 is located in the temperature sensing accommodation portion 130. The temperature sensing device 500 can be coupled to the housing body 110 by a molding liquid formed by the phase change of the molding posts 136.

[0222] The temperature sensing device 500 is adjacent to the energizing unit 300. In the illustrated embodiment, one temperature sensing device 500 is provided, adjacent to the second energizing unit 300b located on the right. Alternatively, as described above, a plurality of temperature sensing devices 500 can be provided, adjacent to the first and second energizing units 300a and 300b, respectively.

[0223] In Figures 12 to 15 the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensing device 500 includes a support member 510, a temperature sensing member 520, and a temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0224] The support member 510 supports the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530. In addition, the support member 510 is the part where the temperature sensing device 500 is fixedly coupled to the housing 100. The support member 510 is accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133 provided in the temperature sensing accommodation portion 130 and is supported by the support step portion 132. The support member 510 covers the molding space 134 on the lower side and can be accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133.

[0225] The support member 510 can be of any shape capable of supporting the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 510 is formed in a plate shape having a rectangular cross-section and a thickness in the vertical direction. The shape of the support member 510 can be changed corresponding to the shape of the support step portion 132 or the support member accommodation space 133.

[0226] With the provision of the support member 510, the temperature sensing member 520 having a minute size can be accurately disposed at a preset position in the molding space 134. That is, in the case where only the temperature sensing member 520 is provided, it is difficult to accurately determine the position of the temperature sensing member 520 during the process in which the fluid molding liquid changes into a solid state.

[0227] Therefore, the temperature sensing device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the support member 510 that supports the temperature sensing member 520, so that the temperature sensing device 500 can be easily and accurately positioned in the housing 100.

[0228] The support member 510 can be provided in any form capable of supporting the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530. In one embodiment, the support member 510 can be provided in the form of a PCB board. In the above embodiment, while supporting the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530, the support member 510 can electrically connect the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 510 includes a support through hole 511, a terminal through hole 512, and a circuit pattern 513.

[0230] The support through hole 511 is formed through the inside of the support member 510. The molding post 136 is inserted and coupled to the support through hole 511. As described above, the support member 510 can maintain its position through the molding post 136.

[0231] The support through hole 511 can be a shape corresponding to the shape of the molding post 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the support through hole 511 is formed in a space in the shape of a circular plate having a circular cross-section and a thickness in the vertical direction.

[0232] The support through hole 511 can be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the molding post 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the support through hole 511 is located at a position biased toward the rear side of the support member 510.

[0233] The terminal through hole 512 is formed outside the support through hole 511.

[0234] The terminal through-hole 512 is formed through the interior of the support member 510. The support member coupling portion 534 of the temperature sensing terminal 530 is coupled through the terminal through-hole 512. The support member coupling portion 534 coupled to the terminal through-hole 512 can be fixed by the phase-change forming post 136 or additional forming liquid.

[0235] The terminal through-hole 512 can be of any shape capable of coupling with the support member coupling portion 534. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal through-hole 512 is formed as a disk-shaped space having a circular cross-section and a thickness in the up-and-down direction.

[0236] A plurality of terminal through-holes 512 can be provided. The plurality of terminal through-holes 512 can be respectively coupled to the plurality of support member coupling portions 534. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of terminal through-holes 512 is provided. One pair of terminal through-holes 512 is located on one side in the width direction of the support member 510 (the front side in the illustrated embodiment), and the other pair of terminal through-holes 512 is located on the other side in the width direction (the rear side in the illustrated embodiment).

[0237] Each pair of terminal through-holes 512 is spaced apart in the length direction of the support member 510 (the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment). The number and arrangement of the terminal through-holes 512 can be changed according to the number and arrangement of the support member coupling portions 534.

[0238] The circuit pattern 513 electrically connects the temperature sensing terminal 530 coupled to the terminal through-hole 512 and the temperature sensing member 520. Information sensed by the temperature sensing member 520 can be transmitted to an external control unit (not shown) through the circuit pattern 513 and the temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0239] The circuit pattern 513 is formed on the surface of the support member 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit pattern 513 is formed at a part of the upper side surface of the support member 510.

[0240] The circuit pattern 513 extends between the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit pattern 513 extends between a pair of terminal through-holes 512 located on the relatively left side (i.e., the terminal through-holes 512 penetrated by the support member coupling portion 534) and the temperature sensing member 520 located on the left side of the support member 510.

[0241] In one embodiment, the circuit pattern 513 can be formed to surround the pair of terminal through-holes 512 penetrated by the support member coupling portion 534. In any case, as long as the circuit pattern 513 can electrically connect the temperature sensing member 520 and the temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0242] The temperature sensing member 520 is configured to sense the heat generated by the energized body 310. Information about the heat or temperature sensed by the temperature sensing member 520 can be transmitted to an external control unit (not shown) through the circuit pattern 513 and the temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0243] The temperature sensing member 520 is coupled to the support member 510. The temperature sensing member 520 is located at a position offset to one side (the left side in the illustrated embodiment) in the longitudinal direction of the support member 510. It should be understood that the direction is the direction toward the energized body 310 or the communication opening 135.

[0244] The temperature sensing member 520 is electrically connected to the circuit pattern 513 in an energizable manner. The temperature sensing member 520 can be electrically connected to the temperature sensing terminal 530 through the circuit pattern 513 in an energizable manner. In addition, the power required for the operation of the temperature sensing member 520 can be transmitted to the temperature sensing member 520 through the temperature sensing terminal 530 and the circuit pattern 513.

[0245] The temperature sensing member 520 can be arranged in any form that can receive the heat generated by the energized body 310 in the form of convection or radiation and can sense it. In one embodiment, the temperature sensing member 520 can be arranged as a thermistor, an infrared thermometer, etc.

[0246] The temperature sensing terminal 530 electrically connects the temperature sensing member 520 to an external control unit (not shown). The temperature sensing terminal 530 can be electrically connected to the temperature sensing member 520 through the circuit pattern 513. In an embodiment where the support member 510 is made of a common plate rather than a PCB board, the temperature sensing terminal 530 can be directly electrically connected to the temperature sensing member 520.

[0247] The temperature sensing terminal 530 is coupled to the support member 510. The temperature sensing terminal 530 is coupled to the terminal through-hole 512 to be electrically connected to the circuit pattern 513.

[0248] The temperature sensing terminal 530 is coupled to the housing 100. The temperature sensing terminal 530 is received in the terminal receiving groove 139 formed in the housing 100 and is supported by the terminal support portion 138.

[0249] At least a part of the temperature sensing terminal 530 is exposed outside the housing 100. The part of the temperature sensing terminal 530 that is exposed outside the housing 100 is coupled to an external connector to be electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown).

[0250] At this time, the temperature sensing terminal 530 may be exposed outside the housing 100 at the same position as the energization terminal 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensing terminal 530 is exposed outside through the right side of the housing 100. Therefore, as described above, the energization terminal 340 and the temperature sensing terminal 530 can be simultaneously energized and connected to an external control unit (not shown) by only one connector.

[0251] A plurality of temperature sensing terminals 530 may be provided. The plurality of temperature sensing terminals 530 may be respectively coupled to the housing 100 and the support member 510. In the illustrated embodiment, two temperature sensing terminals 530 including a first temperature sensing terminal 530a and a second temperature sensing terminal 530b may be provided. The first and second temperature sensing terminals 530a, 530b may be spaced apart and disposed in the width direction of the support member 510 (the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment).

[0252] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensing terminal 530 includes a terminal body 531, a terminal head 532, a terminal tail 533, and a support member coupling portion 534.

[0253] The terminal body 531 constitutes the main body of the temperature sensing terminal 530. The terminal body 531 is a portion where the temperature sensing terminal 530 is coupled to the housing 100. Specifically, the terminal body 531 is received in the terminal receiving groove 139 to be supported by the terminal support portion 138.

[0254] The terminal body 531 may be any shape that can extend between the support member 510 received in the support member receiving space 133 and the outside of the housing 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 531 is provided in a plate shape having a length in the up-down direction and a thickness in the front-rear direction.

[0255] The terminal body 531 is continuous with the terminal head 532. In the illustrated embodiment, one end portion (i.e., the upper end portion) in the extending direction of the terminal body 531 is continuous with the terminal head 532. At this time, the terminal body 531 and the terminal head 532 may be continuous at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the predetermined angle may be a right angle.

[0256] The terminal body 531 is continuous with the terminal tail 533. In the illustrated embodiment, the other end portion (i.e., the lower end portion) in the extending direction of the terminal body 531 is continuous with the terminal tail 533. At this time, the terminal body 531 and the terminal tail 533 may be continuous at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the predetermined angle may be a right angle.

[0257] The terminal head 532 can connect the terminal body 531 and the support member joint portion 534. The terminal head 532 is continuous with the terminal body 531 and the support member joint portion 534 respectively. The terminal head 532 supports the support member 510 on the lower side.

[0258] The terminal head 532 can be of any shape that is continuous with the terminal body 531 and the support member joint portion 534 and can support the support member 510. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal head 532 is provided in a plate shape having a length in the left - right direction and a thickness in the front - rear direction.

[0259] The terminal head 532 is continuous with the terminal body 531. In the illustrated embodiment, one end portion (i.e., the right - hand end portion) in the extending direction of the terminal head 532 is continuous with the terminal body 531.

[0260] The terminal head 532 is continuous with the support member joint portion 534. In the illustrated embodiment, one side (i.e., the upper side) in the height direction of the terminal head 532 is continuous with the support member joint portion 534.

[0261] The terminal tail 533 is the part where the temperature - sensing terminal 530 is electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown). At least a part of the terminal tail 533 is exposed outside the housing 100.

[0262] The terminal tail 533 can extend in the same direction as the terminal head 532. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal tail 533 is provided in a rod shape extending in the left - right direction.

[0263] The terminal tail 533 is continuous with the terminal body 531. In the illustrated embodiment, one end portion (i.e., the left - hand end portion) in the extending direction of the terminal tail 533 is continuous with the other end portion (i.e., the lower - hand end portion) in the extending direction of the terminal body 531.

[0264] At this time, the terminal tails 533 of the first and second temperature - sensing terminals 530a, 530b can be arranged to face each other with a pair of power - conducting terminals 340 therebetween.

[0265] The support member joint portion 534 is the part where the temperature - sensing terminal 530 is combined with the support member 510 and is electrically connected to the temperature - sensing member 520. The support member joint portion 534 is penetrated and combined with the terminal through - hole 512 to be electrically connected to the circuit pattern 513.

[0266] The support member joint portion 534 is continuous with the terminal head 532. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member joint portion 534 is continuous with the upper - hand end portion of the terminal head 532.

[0267] The support member coupling portion 534 can be of any shape that penetrates the terminal through-hole 512 and can be electrically connected to the circuit pattern 513. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member coupling portion 534 is provided in a plate shape having a length and a thickness in the same direction as the terminal body 531 (i.e., extending in the up-and-down direction and having a thickness in the front-and-back direction), but its cross-sectional area decreases in the direction toward the support member 510.

[0268] Therefore, the support member coupling portion 534 can easily penetrate the terminal through-hole 512.

[0269] A plurality of support member coupling portions 534 can be provided. The plurality of support member coupling portions 534 are arranged at intervals from each other to be respectively coupled to the plurality of terminal through-holes 512. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second temperature sensing terminals 530a, 530b is provided with a pair of support member coupling portions 534, which are arranged at intervals in the left-and-right direction.

[0270] The number and arrangement of the support member coupling portions 534 can be changed according to the number and arrangement of the terminal through-holes 512.

[0271] Referring to Figures 15 to 19 , the coupling relationship of the housing 100, the energizing portion 300, and the temperature sensing device 500 provided in the electronic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0272] As described above, the terminal tail 533 is exposed to the outside through the right side of the housing 100. It should be understood that the direction is the same as the direction in which the energizing terminal 340 is exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

[0273] First, the temperature sensing device 500 is configured such that the molding post 136 penetrates the support through-hole 511, and the support member 510 is mounted on the support step portion 132 and the support protrusion 137 and is accommodated in the support member accommodation space 133. Therefore, the support member 510 can cover the molding space 134 and is arranged in the housing 100.

[0274] At the same time, the temperature sensing device 500 is configured such that the temperature sensing terminal 530 is accommodated in the terminal accommodation groove 139. Therefore, the temperature sensing terminal 530 can be supported by the terminal support portion 138.

[0275] The above process can be performed in a state where the housing 100 is inverted in the up-and-down direction (i.e., a state where the housing space 140 is exposed through the upper side).

[0276] After that, as the external soldering tip is inserted into the molding middle hole 136a and heat or pressure is applied, the molding post 136 changes into a fluid state and flows into the molding space 134. After a predetermined time, the fluid molding liquid changes back into a solid state, and the support member 510 can be combined with the upper inner surface of the housing main body 110.

[0277] At this time, the temperature sensing member 520 is separated from the energized body 310 and is located on the side adjacent to the communication opening 135 (the left side in the illustrated embodiment). The heat generated by the energized body 310 provided in the second energizing portion 300b is dissipated through the energized outer periphery 320 and is transmitted to the temperature sensing member 520 through the communication opening 135.

[0278] The temperature sensing member 520 senses information about the transferred heat and can transmit it to an external control unit (not shown) through the circuit pattern 513 and the temperature sensing terminal 530.

[0279] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the idea of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the idea of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same idea, but this should be within the scope of the idea of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic contactor, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, within which a housing space is formed; A power supply part, which can be electrically connected to an external power supply or load, and is combined with the housing in such a way that at least a part of the power supply part is exposed outside the housing; and A temperature sensing device, which is combined with the housing in such a way that at least a part of the temperature sensing device is exposed outside the housing, is adjacent to and spaced apart from the power supply part, and senses the heat generated by the power supply part; The temperature sensing device includes: A support member, which is combined with the housing and is accommodated in the housing space; A temperature sensing member, which is combined with the support member and senses the heat; and A temperature sensing terminal, which is combined with the support member and can be electrically connected to the temperature sensing member, and at least a part of the temperature sensing terminal is exposed outside the housing.

2. The electronic contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes: A support step part, which supports the support member on one side in the height direction; A forming space, which is surrounded by the support step part, and the temperature sensing member is located in the forming space; and A communication opening part, which is recessed in a part of the support step part and extends between the forming space and the power supply part to form a channel for heat transfer.

3. The electronic contactor according to claim 2, wherein: The communication opening part is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the communication opening part decreases in the direction from the power supply part towards the temperature sensing member.

4. The electronic contactor according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes: A support member accommodation space, which is recessed in the inner surface of the housing, is located on one side in the height direction of the support step part, and accommodates the support member.

5. The electronic contactor according to claim 4, wherein: The support step part is configured to surround and extend from the outside in the horizontal direction the support member accommodation space, and support the part of the support member adjacent to the outer periphery of the support member.

6. The electronic contactor according to claim 4, wherein: The housing includes: A support protrusion, which is protruded on the inner surface of the housing surrounding the support member accommodation space and supports the support member on the outside in the horizontal direction.

7. The electronic contactor according to claim 6, wherein: A plurality of the support protrusions are provided, and the plurality of support protrusions are spaced apart from each other in one direction and another direction perpendicular to the one direction to support the support member at multiple positions.

8. The electronic contactor according to claim 4, wherein: The housing includes: A forming post, which is located in the support member accommodation space and extends in a direction opposite to the inner surface of the housing, and undergoes a phase change due to heat or pressure; The support member includes: A support through hole, which is formed through the inside of the support member, and the forming post penetrates through the support through hole.

9. The electronic contactor according to claim 8, wherein: A forming middle hole for inserting a nozzle for applying the heat or the pressure is recessed inside the forming post.

10. The electronic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing device is located at a position offset to one side in the length direction of the housing, the housing includes: a terminal receiving groove, recessed in the inner surface of the one side to receive the temperature sensing terminal, and a pair of terminal support portions, configured to protrude from the inner surface of the one side, extend along the height direction of the housing, and face each other across the terminal receiving groove in the width direction of the housing to support the temperature sensing terminal.

11. The electronic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes: a terminal through hole, formed through the inside of the support member, and a circuit pattern, extending between the temperature sensing member and the terminal through hole; the temperature sensing terminal is inserted into the terminal through hole to be electrically connected to the circuit pattern.

12. The electronic contactor according to claim 11, wherein the temperature sensing terminal includes: a terminal body, coupled to the housing and extending in the height direction of the housing, a terminal head, continuous with one end portion in the height direction of the terminal body and extending in the length direction of the housing to support the support member, and a support member coupling portion, continuous with the terminal head and extending in the height direction of the housing to be inserted into the terminal through hole.

13. The electronic contactor according to claim 12, wherein the temperature sensing terminal includes: a terminal tail, continuous with the other end portion in the height direction of the terminal body and extending in the length direction of the housing, at least a part of the terminal tail being exposed outside the housing.

14. The electronic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the power supply portion includes: a power supply terminal, at least a part of which is exposed outside one side of the housing to be electrically connected to the outside.

15. The electronic contactor according to claim 14, wherein the temperature sensing terminal includes: a terminal tail, extending in the length direction of the housing, at least a part of the terminal tail being exposed on the one side outside the housing.

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