Relay

Abstract

Relay (1), comprising: a first established contact (11); a second fixed contact (12); a movable contact part (7) having a first movable contact (13) facing the first fixed contact (11) and a second movable contact (14) facing the second fixed contact (12), wherein the movable contact part (7) is arranged such that it is movable in a contact direction in which the first movable contact (13) and the second movable contact (14) come into contact with the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12) and in a separation direction in which the first movable contact (13) and the second movable contact (14) are separated from the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12); a drive device (4) which is arranged in the direction of contact with respect to the movable contact part (7) and is configured to generate a drive force for moving the movable contact part (7); a drive shaft (15) extending in a direction of movement of the movable contact part (7) and having an end section (15c) that protrudes in the separation direction from the movable contact part (7) and is configured to transmit the driving force to the movable contact part (7), and a first housing (2c) designed to accommodate the first fixed contact (11), the second fixed contact (12) and the movable contact part (7), wherein the first housing (2c) has a test hole (61) which is arranged in a position facing an end section of the drive shaft (15) in the separation direction and passes through the first housing (2c).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2018-068873, filed with the Japanese Patent Office on March 30, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. AREA

[0002] The present invention relates to a relay. BACKGROUND

[0003] A relay consists of a movable contact element, which contains a movable contact, and a fixed contact element, which also contains a fixed contact. The movable contact element is connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is driven by a drive device, such as a coil. This actuates the movable contact element, causing the movable contact to either engage or disengage from the fixed contact, thus opening and closing the contacts.

[0004] For example, in the unexamined Japanese patent publication JP 2014-99373A, a movable contact element and a stationary contact are housed in a casing. A drive shaft extends from the casing to a drive device, and the drive shaft is drawn from the drive device to the drive device, thereby bringing a movable contact into contact with a stationary contact.

[0005] At the time of relay assembly, it is necessary to verify relay characteristics, such as the stroke of the movable contact element. However, in the unexamined Japanese patent publication JP 2014-99373A, access to the movable contact element is not straightforward, as it is enclosed within the housing. Furthermore, if the housing is opened and a characteristic test is performed, there is a possibility that foreign objects could enter and adhere to the contacts. In this case, a contact failure could occur.

[0006] However, if the drive shaft protrudes from the housing towards the side of the drive device, the movable contact part can be moved by pulling the drive shaft from the side of the drive device. In this case, however, a locking mechanism must be provided for pulling the drive shaft. This complicates the structure. Additionally, it is difficult to precisely adjust the characteristics. Further prior art is represented by US 2009 / 0 066 450 A1, EP 2 648 204 A1, and US 2007 / 0 241 847 A1. SUMMARY

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a relay that is able to confirm features in a simple manner while preventing the occurrence of a contact fault of contacts.

[0008] A relay according to one aspect comprises a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, a movable contact element, a drive device, a drive shaft, and a first housing. The movable contact element comprises a first movable contact and a second movable contact. The first movable contact faces the first fixed contact. The second movable contact faces the second fixed contact. The movable contact element is movably arranged in a contact direction and a disconnect direction. The contact direction is the direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact come into contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact.The separation direction is a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact are separated from the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact.

[0009] The drive device is arranged in the direction of contact with respect to the movable contact part. The drive device generates a driving force to move the movable contact part. The drive shaft extends in the direction of movement of the movable contact part. The drive shaft includes an end section that projects from the movable contact part in a separation direction. The drive shaft transmits the driving force to the movable contact part. The first housing accommodates a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and the movable contact part. The first housing contains a test hole that penetrates the first housing. The test hole is positioned facing the end section of the drive shaft in the separation direction.

[0010] In the relay described above, a drive device is arranged relative to a movable contact element in a contact direction. Additionally, a test hole is provided in the first housing in a position facing the end section of the drive shaft in the separation direction. Thus, although the first housing is attached to the relay, it is possible to easily access the drive shaft from the side opposite the drive device through the test hole. For example, by inserting a clamping device into the test hole and sliding the drive shaft, characteristics such as the stroke of the movable contact element can be easily verified. Therefore, it is possible to easily verify the characteristics while preventing the occurrence of contact faults.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring may be included to pre-tension the movable contact part in the separation direction. In this case, by accessing the drive shaft through the test hole, it is possible to easily verify characteristics such as the spring's compressive force.

[0012] The relay can also include a second housing that covers the first housing. In this case, the second housing can improve the relay's sealing.

[0013] The second housing may contain a sealing section that closes the test hole. In this case, sealing the test hole with the sealing section can improve the tightness of the relay.

[0014] The sealing section can be a projection extending from the inner surface of the second housing. In this case, the test hole can be easily sealed by covering the second housing with the first housing.

[0015] The projection may contain a guide hole into which the drive shaft is inserted. In this case, the projection can also serve as a guide to prevent the drive shaft from tilting, thus closing the inspection hole.

[0016] The relay may also contain an elastic element positioned between the second and first housings. This elastic element can seal the test hole. In this case, the test hole may be sealed by the elastic element under normal operating conditions. Furthermore, if the pressure in the first housing increases due to an arc generated when the load is switched on or off, the pressure from the test hole may be released to the outside through the gap between the elastic element and the first housing.

[0017] The elastic element can be leaf-shaped. In this case, it is possible to adjust the sealing of the test hole and the release of pressure to the outside through the leaf-shaped elastic element.

[0018] The drive shaft can be inserted into the test hole. In this case, the test hole can also serve as a guide to prevent the drive shaft from tilting.

[0019] The first housing can contain a tubular guide section extending in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The test hole can penetrate the guide section. In this case, the guide section can prevent the drive shaft from tilting.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm features in a relay while preventing the occurrence of a contact fault of contacts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a relay according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a contact part holding section; Fig. Figures 3A to 3C are illustrations that depict the opening and closing processes of contacts; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the first inner cover and the second outer cover; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the relay in a state where the second outer cover has been removed; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the first inner cover and the second outer cover according to a first modified example; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the first inner cover and the second outer cover according to a second modified example; and Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the first inner cover and the second outer cover according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] A relay 1 according to one embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating relay 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the relay 1 contains a housing 2, a contact device 3 and a drive device 4.

[0022] The housing 2 contains the contact device 3 and the drive device 4. The housing 2 is made of a resin with insulating properties. The contact device 3 and the drive device 4 are arranged inside the housing 2.

[0023] The contact device 3 comprises a first fixed terminal 5, a second fixed terminal 6, a movable contact part 7, and a contact part retaining section 8. The first fixed terminal 5, the second fixed terminal 6, and the movable contact part 7 are made of a conductive material. The first fixed terminal 5 comprises a first fixed contact 11. The second fixed terminal 6 comprises a second fixed contact 12. The first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12 are separated from each other in a longitudinal direction of the movable contact part 7 (a right-left direction). Fig. 1) ordered.

[0024] The movable contact element 7 comprises a first movable contact 13 and a second movable contact 14. The first movable contact 13 faces the first fixed contact 11. The second movable contact 14 faces the second fixed contact 12. The movable contact element 7 is movably arranged in a contact direction Z1 and a separation direction Z2.

[0025] The contact direction Z1 is one direction (downwards) Fig. 1), in which the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 come into contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12. The separation direction Z2 is a direction (upwards in Fig. 1), in which the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 are separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0026] The contact element retaining section 8 holds the movable contact element 7. The contact element retaining section 8 includes a drive shaft 15, a bracket 16, and a contact spring 17. The drive shaft 15 extends in one direction of movement (Z1, Z2) of the movable contact element 7. The drive shaft 15 is movably arranged in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The bracket 16 is connected to and holds the movable contact element 7. The contact spring 17 is arranged between the drive shaft 15 and the bracket 16. The drive shaft 15 is connected to the bracket 16 via a contact spring 17. The structure of the contact element retaining section 8 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The first fixed terminal 5 comprises a first contact carrier 21 and a first external connection 24. The first contact carrier 21 carries the first fixed contact 11 in the housing 2. The first external connection 24 is connected to the first contact carrier 21. The first external connection 24 projects outwards from the housing 2. The first external connection 24 can be integrally formed with the first contact carrier 21. Alternatively, the first external connection 24 can be separate from the first contact carrier 21.

[0028] The second fixed terminal 6 includes a second contact carrier 31 and a second external connection 34. The second contact carrier 31 carries the second fixed contact 12 in the housing 2. The second external connection 34 is connected to the second contact carrier 31. The second external connection 34 projects outwards from the housing 2. The second external connection 34 can be formed integrally with the second contact carrier 31. Alternatively, the second external connection 34 can be separate from the second contact carrier 31.

[0029] The drive device 4 generates a driving force to operate the movable contact part 7. The drive device 4 operates the movable contact part 7 by means of an electromagnetic force. The drive device 4 is arranged in the contact direction Z1 with respect to the movable contact part 7. The drive device 4 comprises a coil 41, a coil former 42, a core 43, a return spring 44, and a yoke 45.

[0030] The coil 41 is wound around the coil former 42. The coil 41 and the coil former 42 are arranged coaxially with the drive shaft 15. The coil former 42 has a hole 42a that penetrates the coil former 42 in an axial direction. The iron core 43 and the return spring 44 are inserted into a hole 42a in the coil former 42. The yoke 45 is connected to the iron core 43.

[0031] The yoke 45 comprises a first yoke 45a and a second yoke 45b. The first yoke 45a is arranged between the contact device 3 and the coil former 42. The second yoke 45b is connected to the first yoke 45a. The second yoke 45b is U-shaped. The second yoke 45b is located on each side of the coil 41 and on the side opposite the first yoke 45a with respect to the coil 41. The first yoke 45a is connected to one end of the iron core 43. The second yoke 45b is connected to the other end of the iron core 43.

[0032] The iron core 43 comprises a stationary iron core 43a and a movable iron core 43b. The stationary iron core 43a is fixed to the second yoke 45b. The movable iron core 43b is separate from the stationary iron core 43a. The movable iron core 43b is movably arranged in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The movable iron core 43b is connected to the drive shaft 15. The return spring 44 is arranged between the movable iron core 43b and the stationary iron core 43a. The return spring 44 forces the movable iron core 43b in the separation direction Z2.

[0033] Next, the contact section 8 will be described in detail. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the contact part holding section 8. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the drive shaft 15 includes a flange section 15a projecting in the radial direction. The flange section 15a is arranged in the contact direction Z1 with respect to the movable contact part 7. The drive shaft 15 includes a guide shaft section 15b projecting in the separation direction Z2 from the flange section 15a. The guide shaft section 15b is inserted into a hole 7a provided in the movable contact part 7. The guide shaft section 15b is arranged so that it is movable in the axial direction of the drive shaft 15 with respect to the movable contact part 7. The guide shaft section 15b includes an end section 15c projecting in the separation direction Z2 from the movable contact part 7.

[0034] The holder 16 comprises a base 51, a first side surface 52, a second side surface 53, a first contact surface 54, and a second contact surface 55. The base 51 faces the movable contact part 7. The base 51 is provided with a hole 51a through which the drive shaft 15 may pass. The flange section 15a is arranged between the movable contact part 7 and the base 51 in the direction of movement (Z1, Z2) of the movable contact part 7. The contact spring 17 is arranged between the flange section 15a and the base 51.

[0035] The first side surface 52 and the second side surface 53 extend from the base 51 to the movable contact part 7. Part of the drive shaft 15 and the contact spring 17 are arranged between the first side surface 52 and the second side surface 53.

[0036] The first pressure surface 54 extends from the first side surface 52 along the surface of the movable contact part 7. The second pressure surface 55 extends from the second side surface 53 along the surface of the movable contact part 7. The first pressure surface 54 and the second pressure surface 55 come into contact with the movable contact part 7 in order to press the movable contact part 7 against it.

[0037] Next, the operation of relay 1 is described. When no voltage is applied to coil 41, the drive shaft 15, together with the movable iron core 43b, is pressed into the disconnection direction Z2 by an elastic force of the return spring 44. Consequently, the movable contact element 7 is also pressed into the disconnection direction Z2, and as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 are in an open state, separated from the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0038] It should be noted that the contact spring 17 is arranged in a pre-compressed state between the flange section 15a and the base 51. Accordingly, the contact spring 17 presses in the Fig. Figure 3A illustrates the open state, showing the bracket 16 and the flange section 15a in one direction, whereby the movable contact part 7 is compressed. The first contact surface 54 and the second contact surface 55 of the bracket 16 are thereby held in contact with the movable contact part 7.

[0039] When a voltage is applied to the coil 41 and it is energized, the movable iron core 43b moves in the contact direction Z1 due to an electromagnetic force of the coil 41 against the elastic force of the return spring 44. Thus, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3B, the drive shaft 15, the bracket 16 and the movable contact part 7 move together in the contact direction Z1 and the first movable contact 13 and the second movable contact 14 come into contact with the first fixed contact 11 and the second fixed contact 12.

[0040] In this state, the movement of the movable contact part 7 and the holder 16 in the contact direction Z1 is restricted by the first fixed terminal 5 and the second fixed terminal 6; however, the drive shaft 15 is movable relative to the movable contact part 7. Therefore, if the movable iron core 43b moves further in the contact direction Z1 due to the electromagnetic force of the coil 41, the drive shaft 15 also moves further in the contact direction Z1. Consequently, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3C, the contact spring 17 contracts because it is pushed by the flange section 15a. In this state, the contact spring 17 forces the holder 16 in the contact direction Z1 due to the elastic force. Then the first contact surface 54 and the second contact surface 55 of the holder 16 come into contact with the movable contact part 7 and push the movable contact part 7 in the contact direction Z1.

[0041] Next, the structure of housing 2 will be described in detail. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the housing 2 contains a first inner housing 2c and a second inner housing 2d. The first inner housing 2c and the second inner housing 2d accommodate the movable contact part 7, the first fixed terminal 5, and the second fixed terminal 6. The first inner housing 2c is attached to the second inner housing 2d and covers the movable contact part 7 from the separation direction Z2. The second inner housing 2d covers the side of the movable contact part 7. The second inner housing 2d also covers the movable contact part 7 from the contact direction Z1. The second inner housing 2d separates the drive device 4 and the movable contact part 7.

[0042] Housing 2 contains a first outer housing 2a and a second outer housing 2b. The first outer housing 2a and the second outer housing 2b contain the first inner housing 2c and the second inner housing 2d. The second outer housing 2b is attached to the first outer housing 2a and covers the first inner housing 2c from the separation direction Z2.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the first inner housing 2c and the second outer housing 2b. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the first inner housing 2c contains a test hole 61 that penetrates the first inner housing 2c. The test hole 61 penetrates in the direction of movement (Z1, Z2) of the movable contact part 7. The test hole 61 is arranged concentrically to the drive shaft 15. The test hole 61 is positioned facing the end section 15c of the drive shaft 15 in the separation direction Z2. The test hole 61 overlaps the end section 15c of the drive shaft 15 when viewed in the separation direction Z2. The inner diameter of the test hole 61 is larger than the outer diameter of the end section 15c of the drive shaft 15. However, the inner diameter of the test hole 61 can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the end section 15c.

[0044] The second outer housing 2b contains a sealing section 62. The sealing section 62 is a projection that extends from the inner surface of the second outer housing 2b. The sealing section 62 extends from the inner surface of the second outer housing 2b in the contact direction Z1. As the second outer housing 2b is attached to the first outer housing 2a, the sealing section 62 is inserted into the test hole 61 and seals the test hole 61.

[0045] In the relay 1 according to the present embodiment, the drive device 4 is arranged in the contact direction Z1 with respect to the movable contact part 7. Additionally, the first inner housing 2c is provided with the test hole 61 in a position facing the end section 15c of the drive shaft 15 in the separation direction Z2.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating relay 1 with the second outer casing 2b removed. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, removing the second outer housing 2b from the relay 1 allows easy access to the drive shaft 15 from the side opposite the drive device 4 through the test hole 61, with the first inner housing 2c attached.

[0047] Accordingly, for example, by pressing the end section 15c of the drive shaft 15 with a clamping device having a load cell, it is possible to measure the relationship between a stroke of the movable contact part 7 and an elastic force of the return spring 44 or the contact spring 17. Consequently, it is possible to easily verify the characteristics of the relay 1 when the first inner housing 2c is installed. It is therefore possible to easily verify the characteristics while preventing contact failures due to the ingress of foreign matter.

[0048] The first inner housing 2c and the second inner housing 2d are housed within the first outer housing 2a and the second outer housing 2b. Therefore, even if the test hole 61 is provided in the first inner housing 2c, the sealing in relay 1 can be improved.

[0049] The second outer housing 2b contains a sealing section 62 that closes the test hole 61. It is therefore possible to improve the sealing in the relay 1 when the second outer housing 2b is installed.

[0050] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described previously, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within its scope without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of the drive device 4 can be changed. The shape or placement of the coil 41, the coil former 42, the iron core 43, the return spring 44, or the yoke 45 can be changed. The shape or placement of the housing 2 can be changed.

[0051] The shape or placement of the first fixed terminal 5, the second fixed terminal 6, and the movable contact part 7 can be changed. For example, the placement of the first fixed terminal 5 and the second fixed terminal 6 is not limited to that of the previously described embodiment and can be interchanged. The shape or placement of the contact part retaining section 8 can also be changed. For example, the shape of the retainer 16 can be changed.

[0052] The shape of housing 2 can be changed. For example, Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 2 according to a first modified example. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the drive shaft 15 can be inserted into the test hole 61. Specifically, the first inner housing 2c can contain a tubular guide section 63 extending in the axial direction of the drive shaft 15. The test hole 61 can penetrate the guide section 63. In this case, the test hole 61 can also serve as a guide to prevent the drive shaft 15 from tilting. In the first modified example, the overlapping section of the guide section 63 and the drive shaft 15 is preferably longer than the stroke of the drive shaft 15. This prevents the drive shaft 15 from disengaging from the guide section 63 when the drive shaft 15 moves.

[0053] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating housing 2 according to a second modified example. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the locking section 62 of the second outer housing 2b can contain a guide hole 64 into which the drive shaft 15 is inserted. In this case, the locking section 62 can also serve as a guide to prevent the drive shaft 15 from tilting.

[0054] Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a housing according to a third modified example. As in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 8, an elastic element 65 can be arranged between the second outer casing 2b and the first inner casing 2c. The elastic element 65 has a leaf shape. The elastic element 65 closes the test hole 61 by sealing a gap between the second outer casing 2b and the first inner casing 2c. In this case, the test hole 61 can be closed by the elastic element 65 under normal conditions. If the pressure in the first inner casing 2c and the second inner casing 2d increases due to an arc generated when the load is switched on and off, the pressure from the test hole 61 can be released to the outside through the gap between the elastic element 65 and the first inner casing 2c. It should be noted that the elastic element 65 is not limited to a leaf shape and can have a different shape.

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm features in a relay while preventing the occurrence of a contact fault of contacts.

Claims

[1] Relay (1), comprising: a first established contact (11); a second fixed contact (12); a movable contact part (7) having a first movable contact (13) facing the first fixed contact (11) and a second movable contact (14) facing the second fixed contact (12), wherein the movable contact part (7) is arranged such that it is movable in a contact direction in which the first movable contact (13) and the second movable contact (14) come into contact with the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12) and in a separation direction in which the first movable contact (13) and the second movable contact (14) are separated from the first fixed contact (11) and the second fixed contact (12); a drive device (4) which is arranged in the direction of contact with respect to the movable contact part (7) and is configured to generate a drive force for moving the movable contact part (7); a drive shaft (15) extending in a direction of movement of the movable contact part (7) and having an end section (15c) that protrudes in the separation direction from the movable contact part (7) and is configured to transmit the driving force to the movable contact part (7), and a first housing (2c) designed to accommodate the first fixed contact (11), the second fixed contact (12) and the movable contact part (7), wherein the first housing (2c) has a test hole (61) which is arranged in a position facing an end section of the drive shaft (15) in the separation direction and passes through the first housing (2c). [2] Relay (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a spring (44) which is designed to push the movable contact part (7) in the separation direction. [3] Relay (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second enclosure (2b) designed to cover the first enclosure (2c). [4] Relay (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second housing (2b) has a closure section (62) configured to close the test hole (61). [5] Relay (1) according to claim 4, wherein the locking section (62) is a projection extending from an inner surface of the second housing (2b). [6] Relay (1) according to claim 5, wherein the projection has a guide hole (64) into which the drive shaft (15) is inserted. [7] Relay (1) according to claim 3, further comprising: an elastic element (65) arranged between the second housing (2b) and the first housing (2c) and configured to close the test hole (61). [8] Relay (1) according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element (65) has a leaf shape. [9] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive shaft (15) is inserted into the test hole (61). [10] Relay (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first housing (2c) has a guide section (63) which has a tubular shape and extends in an axial direction of the drive shaft (15) and the test hole (61) penetrates the guide section (63).

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