Relay

Abstract

Relays, comprehensive: a first fixed connection (13); a first fixed contact (21), connected to the first fixed terminal (13); a second fixed connection (14); a second fixed contact (22), connected to the second fixed terminal (14); a movable contact piece (15); a first movable contact (31) connected to the movable contact piece (15); a second movable contact (32) connected to the movable contact piece (15); a movable element (17) designed to move between a closed position and an open position; a base (11) that supports the movable element (17) in a support direction (Z1, Z2) perpendicular to a direction of movement (Y1, Y2) of the movable element (17); a winding (61); a movable iron core (63) connected to the movable element (17), wherein the movable iron core (63) is designed to move by means of a magnetic force generated by the winding (61); where the first movable contact (31) is in contact with the first fixed contact (21) and the second movable contact (32) is in contact with the second fixed contact (22) when the movable element (17) is in the closed position, the first movable contact (31) is separated from the first fixed contact (21) and the second movable contact (32) is separated from the second fixed contact (22) when the movable element (17) is in the open position, the movable element (17) includes a support part (25) which holds the movable contact piece (15), the base (11) contains: a floor area (55), and a first wall section (56) extending from the floor surface (55) in the load-bearing direction (Z1, Z2), wherein the first wall section (56) is opposite the movable element (17) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2), and the first wall section (56) overlaps at least partially with the movable iron core (63), as seen from the direction of movement (Y1, Y2).

Description

Area

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay. background

[0002] A relay consists of a pair of fixed terminals, a movable contact piece, and a movable element (see, for example, JP2002-042626A). A fixed contact is connected to the fixed terminal. A movable contact is connected to the movable contact piece. The movable element supports the movable contact piece. By moving the movable contact piece together with the movable element, the movable contact and the fixed contact are opened and closed. Summary

[0003] In the relay as described above, the movable contact and the fixed contact can be stably opened and closed by stably moving the movable element. However, when the movable contact piece becomes heavy, it is difficult to stably move the movable element. An object of the present invention is to improve the stability of operation of a relay by stably moving a movable element. Other examples of relays can be found in JP 2012-199126 A, in which the movable element is connected to a base via a contact spring, and in DE 11 2017 006 556 T5, in which the movable element is connected to the base via a configuration including a guide mechanism and elastic support members. However, none of these documents adequately meets the requirements of users.

[0004] A relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first fixed terminal, a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal, a second fixed contact, a movable contact piece, a first movable contact, a movable element, a base, a winding, and a movable iron core. The first fixed contact is connected to the first fixed terminal. The second fixed contact is connected to the second fixed terminal. The first movable contact is connected to the movable contact piece. The second movable contact is connected to the movable contact piece. The movable element is connected to the movable contact piece. The movable element is configured to move between a closed position and an open position.When the movable element is in the closed position, the first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is in contact with the second fixed contact. When the movable element is in the open position, the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact. The base supports the movable element in a support direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the movable element. The movable iron core is connected to the movable element and configured to move by the magnetic force generated by the winding.

[0005] The movable element includes a support portion that holds the movable contact piece. The base includes a bottom surface and a first wall portion. The first wall portion extends from the bottom surface in the support direction and faces the support portion in the direction of movement. Viewed from the direction of movement, the first wall portion at least partially overlaps with the movable iron core.

[0006] In the relay according to the present aspect, the support portion of the movable element is stably supported by the base. Furthermore, the first wall portion extends to a position overlapping the movable iron core, as viewed from the moving direction. Therefore, tilting of the support portion is suppressed by the first wall portion. This allows the movable element to be moved stably.

[0007] The first wall portion can extend at least to a height of a central position of the support portion in the support direction. In this case, the movable element can be moved more stably.

[0008] The first wall portion can extend beyond the movable contact piece in the support direction. In this case, the movable element can be moved more stably.

[0009] The support part may include an inspection hole positioned so as to face the movable contact piece in the direction of movement. The first wall part may include an opening positioned so as to face the inspection hole of the support part in the direction of movement. In this case, an inspection probe can reach the movable contact piece through the opening of the first wall part and the inspection hole of the support part.

[0010] The opening may have a shape cut out from one end of the first wall portion. In this case, the opening is easy to form.

[0011] The opening can be larger than the inspection hole, as seen in the direction of movement. In this case, an inspection probe can easily reach the moving contact piece.

[0012] The base may include a second wall portion extending from the bottom surface in the support direction. The second wall portion may be arranged separately from the first wall portion in the direction of movement. The support portion may be arranged between the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the direction of movement. In this case, the first wall portion and the second wall portion prevent the support portion from tilting. This allows the movable element to move more stably.

[0013] The first wall section can be higher in the load-bearing direction than the second wall section. In this case, the first wall section can more effectively prevent the supporting section from tilting.

[0014] The movable element may further include a connecting part and a connecting part. The connecting part may be connected to the movable iron core. The connecting part may connect the support part and the connecting part. The second wall part may overlap the connecting part, viewed from the support direction. In this case, the second wall part can prevent the support part from tilting while avoiding interference between the movable element and the second wall part. Short description of the drawing Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a relay according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the relay. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the relay. Fig. Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of the relay. Fig. Figure 5 is a plan view of the relay when a movable element is in an open position. Fig. Figure 6 is a plan view of the relay when the movable element is in a closed position. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a base. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the base. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the movable element and its surroundings. Fig. 10 is a drawing of the relay, seen from the direction of movement. Detailed description

[0015] In the following, a relay 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the relay 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are exploded perspective views of Relay 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of Relay 1. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are top views of relay 1.

[0016] The relay 1 includes a contact block 2, a housing 3, a coil block 4, a first fixed terminal 13, and a second fixed terminal 14. The contact block 2 and the coil block 4 are arranged in the housing 3. The housing 3 includes a base 11 and a box 12. The base 11 and the box 12 are made of plastic, for example. The box 12 is in Fig. 1 omitted. The base 11 carries the first fixed terminal 13, the second fixed terminal 14, the contact block 2, and the coil block 4.

[0017] In the present embodiment, a moving direction (Y1, Y2), a supporting direction (Z1, Z2), and a lateral direction (X1, X2) are defined as follows. The moving direction (Y1, Y2) is a direction in which the contact block 2 and the coil block 4 are aligned with each other. The moving direction (Y1, Y2) includes a first moving direction (Y1) and a second moving direction (Y2). The first moving direction (Y1) is a direction from the contact block 2 to the coil block 4. The second moving direction (Y2) is the opposite direction to the first moving direction (Y1). The second moving direction (Y2) is a direction from the coil block 4 to the contact block 2.

[0018] The support direction (Z1, Z2) is a direction perpendicular to the movement direction (Y1, Y2). The support direction (Z1, Z2) is a direction in which the base 11 and the contact block 2 are aligned with each other. The support direction (Z1, Z2) includes a first support direction (Z1) and a second support direction (Z2). The first support direction (Z1) is a direction from the contact block 2 to the base 11. The second support direction (Z2) is the opposite direction to the first support direction (Z1). The second support direction (Z2) is a direction from the base 11 to the contact block 2. Alternatively, the support direction (Z1, Z2) can be a direction in which the base 11 and the coil block 4 are aligned with each other.

[0019] The lateral direction (X1, X2) is a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (Y1, Y2) and the support direction (Z1, Z2). The lateral direction (X1, X2) includes a first lateral direction (X1) and a second lateral direction (X2). The second lateral direction (X2) is the direction opposite to the first lateral direction (X1).

[0020] The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as copper. Each of the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 extends in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 are arranged separately from each other in the lateral direction (X1, X2).

[0021] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views of the base 11. The base 11 includes a first mounting hole 71 and a second mounting hole 72. The first mounting hole 71 and the second mounting hole 72 penetrate the base 11 in the first support direction (Z1). The first fixed terminal 13 is inserted into the first mounting hole 71. This fixes the first fixed terminal 13 to the base 11. The tip of the first fixed terminal 13 protrudes outward from the base 11. The second fixed terminal 14 is inserted into the second mounting hole 72. This fixes the second fixed terminal 14 to the base 11. The tip of the second fixed terminal 14 protrudes outward from the base 11.

[0022] A first fixed contact 21 and a third fixed contact 23 are connected to the first fixed terminal 13. The first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23 are arranged on the first fixed terminal 13, separated from each other in the supporting direction (Z1, Z2). A second fixed contact 22 and a fourth fixed contact 24 are connected to the second fixed terminal 14. The second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24 are arranged on the second fixed terminal 14, separated from each other in the supporting direction (Z1, Z2). The first to fourth fixed contacts 21 to 24 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as silver or copper.

[0023] The contact block 2 includes a first movable contact piece 15, a second movable contact piece 16, and a movable element 17. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 extend in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are separate parts. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are arranged separately from each other in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The first movable contact piece 15 is arranged between the second movable contact piece 16 and the base 11 in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as copper.

[0024] A first movable contact 31 and a second movable contact 32 are connected to the first movable contact piece 15. The first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are arranged separately from each other in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The first movable contact 31 is arranged to face the first fixed contact 21. The second movable contact 32 is arranged to face the second fixed contact 22.

[0025] A third movable contact 33 and a fourth movable contact 34 are connected to the second movable contact piece 16. The third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are arranged separately from each other in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The third movable contact 33 is arranged to oppose the third fixed contact 23. The fourth movable contact 34 is arranged to oppose the fourth fixed contact 24. The first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 are formed of an electrically conductive material such as silver or copper.

[0026] The movable element 17 is connected to the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16. The movable element 17 is made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The movable element 17 is designed to move between a closed position and an open position. Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the movable element 17 is in the open position. When the movable element 17 is in the open position, the movable contacts 31 to 34 are separated from the fixed contacts 21 to 24, respectively. Fig. 6, the movable element 17 is in the closed position. When the movable element 17 is in the closed position, the movable contacts 31 to 34 are in contact with the fixed contacts 21 to 24, respectively.

[0027] The coil block 4 moves the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 by electromagnetic force. The coil block 4 moves the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 in the first moving direction (Y1) and the second moving direction (Y2). The first moving direction (Y1) is a direction in which the movable contacts 31 to 34 contact the fixed contacts 21 to 24 in the moving directions (Y1, Y2). The second moving direction (Y2) is a direction in which the movable contacts 31 to 34 move away from the fixed contacts 21 to 24 in the moving directions (Y1, Y2). The coil block 4 includes a winding 61, a coil bobbin 62, a movable iron core 63, a fixed iron core 64, and a yoke 65.

[0028] The winding 61 is wound around the coil body 62. The axis of the winding 61 extends in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The winding 61 is connected to the winding terminals 66 and 67. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the winding terminals 66 and 67 protrude from the coil block 4 in the first support direction (Z1). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the base 11 includes mounting holes 68 and 69. The mounting holes 68 and 69 penetrate the base 11 in the first support direction (Z1). The winding terminals 66 and 67 are inserted into the mounting holes 68 and 69, respectively.

[0029] As in Fig. 4, the coil former 62 includes a hole 621 extending in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). At least a portion of the movable iron core 63 is disposed in the hole 621 of the coil former 62. The movable iron core 63 is configured to move in the first moving direction (Y1) and the second moving direction (Y2). The fixed iron core 64 is disposed in the hole 621 of the coil former 62. The fixed iron core 64 is disposed so as to oppose the movable iron core 63 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). When current flows through the winding 61, it generates an electromagnetic force that moves the movable iron core 63 in the first moving direction (Y1).

[0030] The movable iron core 63 is connected to the movable element 17. The first movable contact piece 15 and the movable iron core 63 are electrically insulated by the movable element 17. The second movable contact piece 16 and the movable iron core 63 are electrically insulated by the movable element 17. The movable iron core 63 moves integrally with the movable element 17 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The movable iron core 63 moves in the first moving direction (Y1) according to the magnetic force generated by the winding 61. With the movement of the movable iron core 63, the movable element 17 moves to the closed position. With the movement of the movable element 17, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 move in the first moving direction (Y1) or the second moving direction (Y2).

[0031] The yoke 65 is arranged to surround the winding 61. The yoke 65 is arranged in a magnetic circuit formed by the winding 61. The yoke 65 includes a first yoke 73, a second yoke 74, a third yoke 75, and a fourth yoke 76. The first yoke 73 and the second yoke 74 extend in the lateral direction (X1, X2) and the support direction (Z1, Z2). The first yoke 73 and the second yoke 74 oppose the winding 61 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The winding 61 is located between the first yoke 73 and the second yoke 74 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The first yoke 73 opposes the movable element 17 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The second yoke 74 is connected to the fixed iron core 64.

[0032] The third yoke 75 and the fourth yoke 76 extend in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2) and the support direction (Z1, Z2). The third yoke 75 and the fourth yoke 76 face the winding 61 in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The winding 61 is located between the third yoke 75 and the fourth yoke 76 in the lateral direction (X1, X2).

[0033] As in Fig. 3, the coil block 4 includes a plurality of protrusions 81 to 84. The plurality of protrusions 81 to 84 protrude from the coil block 4 in the first support direction (Z1). More specifically, the yoke 65 includes a plurality of protrusions 81 to 84. The plurality of protrusions 81 to 84 include first to fourth protrusions 81 to 84. The first protrusion 81 protrudes from the first yoke 73 in the first support direction (Z1). The second protrusion 82 protrudes from the second yoke 74 in the first support direction (Z1). The third protrusion 83 protrudes from the third yoke 75 in the first support direction (Z1). The fourth protrusion 84 protrudes from the fourth yoke 76 in the first support direction (Z1).

[0034] As in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the base 11 includes a plurality of mounting holes 85 to 88. The plurality of mounting holes 85 to 88 penetrate the base 11 in the first support direction (Z1). The plurality of mounting holes 85 to 88 are arranged at the positions corresponding to the plurality of projections 81 to 84. The plurality of projections 81 to 84 are respectively inserted into the plurality of mounting holes 85 to 88. More specifically, the plurality of mounting holes 85 to 88 include first to fourth mounting holes 85 to 88. The first projection 81 is inserted into the first mounting hole 85. The second projection 82 is inserted into the second mounting hole 86. The third projection 83 is inserted into the third mounting hole 87. The fourth projection 84 is inserted into the fourth mounting hole 88. Thus, the coil block 4 is fixed to the base 11.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the movable member 17 and its surroundings. The movable member 17 includes a support part 25, a connecting part 26, and a connecting part 27. The support part 25 supports the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16. The connecting part 26 is connected to the movable iron core 63. The connecting part 27 is located between the support part 25 and the connecting part 26. The connecting part 27 connects the support part 25 and the connecting part 26. The connecting part 27 extends in the moving direction (Y1, Y2).

[0036] The support part 25 extends in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The support part 25 extends from the first movable contact piece 15 to the base 11 in the first support direction (Z1). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the support portion 25 extends from the second movable contact piece 16 toward the upper surface 121 of the box 12 in the second supporting direction (Z2). The support portion 25 includes a first holding hole 28, a second holding hole 29, and a partition wall 30. The first movable contact piece 15 is disposed in the first holding hole 28. The first movable contact piece 15 is held by the support portion 25 between the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32. The first movable contact piece 15 extends from the support portion 25 in the first lateral direction (X1) and the second lateral direction (X2).

[0037] The second movable contact piece 16 is arranged in the second holding hole 29. The second movable contact piece 16 is held by the support part 25 between the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34. The second movable contact piece 16 extends from the support part 25 in the first lateral direction (X1) and the second lateral direction (X2). The partition wall 30 separates the first holding hole 28 and the second holding hole 29 from each other. The partition wall 30 is arranged between the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16.

[0038] The movable member 17 includes a first member 17a and a second member 17b. The first member 17a and the second member 17b are separate parts. The first member 17a includes the binding part 27, a portion of the support part 25, and the connecting part 26. The second member 17b includes a portion of the support part 25. The first retaining hole 28 and the second retaining hole 29 are provided between the first member 17a and the second member 17b.

[0039] The support part 25 includes a first end part 35 and a second end part 36. The first end part 35 is an end part of the support part 25 in the first support direction (Z1). The second end part 36 is an end part of the support part 25 in the second support direction (Z2). The first end part 35 is arranged on the base 11. The second end part 36 is arranged near the upper surface 121 of the box 12. The support part 25 is supported by the base 11 in the support direction (Z1, Z2).

[0040] The contact block 2 includes a first contact spring 51 and a second contact spring 52. The first contact spring 51 is arranged between the first movable contact piece 15 and the first support part 25. The first contact spring 51 is arranged in the first holding hole 28. In a state where the first movable contact 31 is in contact with the first fixed contact 21 and the second movable contact 32 is in contact with the second fixed contact 22, the first contact spring 51 urges the first movable contact piece 15 toward the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14. The first contact spring 51 is a coil spring and is at its natural length when the movable member 17 is in the open position. The first movable contact piece 15 is connected to the movable member 17 via the first contact spring 51.

[0041] The second contact spring 52 is arranged between the second movable contact piece 16 and the second support part 25. The second contact spring 52 is arranged in the second holding hole 29. In a state where the third movable contact 33 is in contact with the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth movable contact 34 is in contact with the fourth fixed contact 24, the second contact spring 52 urges the second movable contact piece 16 toward the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14. The second contact spring 52 is a coil spring and is in its natural length when the movable element 17 is in the open position. The second movable contact piece 16 is connected to the movable element 17 via the second contact spring 52.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a drawing of Relay 1, seen from the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). As in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the support portion 25 includes a first inspection hole 41 and a second inspection hole 42. The first inspection hole 41 and the second inspection hole 42 extend in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The first inspection hole 41 is positioned so as to face the first movable contact piece 15 as viewed in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The first inspection hole 41 is positioned so as to face the hole of the first contact spring 51 as viewed in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). A part of the first movable contact piece 15 is visible through the first inspection hole 41. The second inspection hole 42 is positioned so as to face the second movable contact piece 16 as viewed in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). The second inspection hole 42 is positioned so as to face the hole of the second contact spring 52 as viewed in the moving direction (Y1, Y2).A part of the second movable contact piece 16 is visible through the second inspection hole 42.

[0043] The connecting part 26 extends in the lateral direction (X1, X2). As shown in Fig. 9, the connecting part 26 includes a core connecting part 37, a first attachment part 38 and a second attachment part 39. The core connecting part 37 is located between the first attachment part 38 and the second attachment part 39. The core connecting part 37 is connected to the binding part 27. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 9, the core connecting part 37 includes a hole 43 and a groove 44. The hole 43 is open in the first support direction (Z1). The groove 44 communicates with the hole 43 and extends in the second support direction (Z2). The width of the groove 44 is smaller than the width of the hole 43. The movable iron core 63 includes a shaft part 77 and a head part 78. The shaft part 77 and the head part 78 protrude from the coil block 4 in the second moving direction (Y2). The width of the head part 78 is larger than the width of the shaft part 77. The width of the head part 78 is larger than the width of the groove 44. The shaft part 77 is arranged in the groove 44. The head part 78 is arranged in the hole 43. As a result, the movable element 17 is held against the movable iron core 63 in the moving direction (Y1, Y2).

[0044] The first attachment part 38 extends from the core connecting part 37 in the first lateral direction (X1). The first attachment part 38 includes a first protrusion 45. The first protrusion 45 projects from the first attachment part 38 toward the coil block 4. The second attachment part 39 extends from the core connecting part 37 in the second lateral direction (X2). The second attachment part 39 includes a first protrusion 46. The second protrusion 46 projects from the second attachment part 39 toward the coil block 4.

[0045] The relay 1 includes a first return spring 53 and a second return spring 54. The first return spring 53 and the second return spring 54 are arranged between the movable member 17 and the coil block 4. The first return spring 53 is located in the first lateral direction (X1) with respect to the connecting part 26. The second return spring 54 is located in the second lateral direction (X2) with respect to the connecting part 26. In other words, the connecting part 26 is located between the first return spring 53 and the second return spring 54 in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The first return spring 53 and the second return spring 54 urge the movable member 17 in the second moving direction (Y2). The first return spring 53 is attached to the first projection 45. The second return spring 54 is attached to the second projection 46.

[0046] As in Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the base 11 includes a bottom surface 55, a first wall portion 56, a second wall portion 57, a third wall portion 58, and a fourth wall portion 59. The bottom surface 55 supports the contact block 2 and the coil block 4 in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The bottom surface 55 is located in the first support direction (Z1) with respect to the contact block 2 and the coil block 4. The first wall portion 56, the second wall portion 57, the third wall portion 58, and the fourth wall portion 59 extend from the bottom surface 55 in the second support direction (Z2).

[0047] The first wall part 56 and the second wall part 57 are arranged separately from one another in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The first wall part 56 and the second wall part 57 face the support part 25 of the movable element 17 in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The support part 25 is located between the first wall part 56 and the second wall part 57 in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The first wall part 56 and the second wall part 57 extend in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The first wall part 56 overlaps the support part 25, as seen in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The first wall part 56 is located in the second direction of movement (Y2) relative to the support part 25. The first wall part 56 extends in the second support direction (Z2) at least to the height of the middle position of the support part 25.The first wall portion 56 extends in the second support direction (Z2) to a position between the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16. The first wall portion 56 overlaps the partition wall 30, as viewed in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The first wall portion 56 at least partially overlaps the movable iron core 63, as viewed in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2).

[0048] The first wall portion 56 includes a first guide portion 91 and a second guide portion 92. The first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92 extend in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92 protrude from the first wall portion 56 in the first movement direction (Y1). The first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92 are arranged separately from each other in the lateral direction (X1, X2). When the movable element 17 is in the open position, the support portion 25 is located between the first guide portion 91 and the second guide portion 92.

[0049] The first wall portion 56 contains an opening 99. The opening 99 penetrates the first wall portion 56, as viewed in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The opening 99 is arranged so that it faces the first inspection hole 41 of the support portion 25, as viewed in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The first inspection hole 41 is visible through the opening 99. The opening 99 has a shape that is cut out from the end region of the first wall portion 56 in the first support direction (Z1).

[0050] The first wall portion 56 extends to a position between the first inspection hole 41 and the second inspection hole 42 in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The opening 99 is larger in the lateral direction (X1, X2) than the first inspection hole 41, as viewed from the movement direction (Y1, Y2). Viewed from the movement direction (Y1, Y2), the opening 99 is smaller than the support portion 25 in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The opening 99 is larger than the first inspection hole 41 in the support direction (Z1, Z2), as viewed from the movement direction (Y1, Y2).

[0051] The second wall part 57 overlaps the support part 25, viewed in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). The second wall part 57 is located in the first direction of movement (Y1) with respect to the support part 25. The second wall part 57 is lower in the support direction (Z1, Z2) than the first wall part 56. The second wall part 57 overlaps the binding part 27, viewed from the support direction (Z1, Z2). The second wall part 57 contains a third guide part 93 and a fourth guide part 94. The third guide part 93 and the fourth guide part 94 extend in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The third guide part 93 and the fourth guide part 94 protrude from the second wall part 57 in the second direction of movement (Y2). The third guide part 93 and the fourth guide part 94 are arranged separately from one another in the lateral direction (X1, X2).When the movable element 17 is in the closed position, the support part 25 is located between the third guide part 93 and the fourth guide part 94.

[0052] The third wall part 58 and the fourth wall part 59 face the support part 25 in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The support part 25 is located between the third wall part 58 and the fourth wall part 59 in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The third wall part 58 and the fourth wall part 59 extend in the movement direction (Y1, Y2). The third wall part 58 and the fourth wall part 59 are lower in the support direction (Z1, Z2) than the first wall part 56 and the second wall part 57. The third wall part 58 and the fourth wall part 59 overlap the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16, viewed in the support direction (Z1, Z2). The third wall part 58 overlaps the support part 25, viewed in the lateral direction (X1, X2). The third wall part 58 is located in the first lateral direction (X1) with respect to the support part 25. The fourth wall part 59 overlaps the support part 25, seen in the lateral direction (X1, X2).The fourth wall part 59 is located in the second lateral direction (X2) with respect to the support part 25.

[0053] The base 11 includes a first recess 95 and a second recess 96. The first recess 95 and the second recess 96 have a recessed shape in the first support direction (Z1). The first recess 95 is located in the first support direction (Z1) with respect to the first movable contact 31. The first recess 95 overlaps the first movable contact 31 and the third movable contact 33, as viewed from the support direction (Z1, Z2). The second recess 96 is located in the support direction (Z1) with respect to the second movable contact 32. The second recess 96 overlaps the second movable contact 32 and the fourth movable contact 34, as viewed from the support direction (Z1, Z2).

[0054] The base 11 includes a third recess 97 and a fourth recess 98. The third recess 97 and the fourth recess 98 have a recessed shape in the first support direction (Z1). The third recess 97 is located in the first support direction (Z1) with respect to the first fixed contact 21. The third recess 97 overlaps the first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23, as viewed from the support direction (Z1, Z2). The fourth recess 98 is located in the first support direction (Z1) with respect to the second fixed contact 22. The fourth recess 98 overlaps the second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24, as viewed from the support direction (Z1, Z2).

[0055] Next, the operation of relay 1 is described. When the winding 61 is not energized, the coil block 4 is not energized. In this case, the movable element 17, together with the movable iron core 63, is pressed in the second movement direction (Y2) by the elastic force of the return springs 53 and 54, and the movable element 17 is located at the position shown in Fig. 5. In this state, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are also pressed in the second moving direction (Y2) via the movable element 17. Therefore, when the movable element 17 is in the open position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are separated from the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22. Similarly, when the movable element 17 is in the open position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are separated from the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24.

[0056] When current flows through the winding 61, the coil block 4 is energized. In this case, the electromagnetic force of the winding 61 causes the movable iron core 63 to move in the first movement direction (Y1) against the elastic forces of the return springs 53 and 54. As a result, the movable element 17, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 all move in the first movement direction (Y1). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, the movable element 17 moves to the closed position. As a result, when the movable element 17 is in the closed position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 come into contact with the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22, respectively. Similarly, when the movable element 17 is in the closed position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 come into contact with the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24, respectively. Thereby, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are electrically connected to the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14.

[0057] When the current in the winding 61 is interrupted and the winding is demagnetized, the movable iron core 63 is pressed in the second movement direction (Y2) by the elastic force of the return springs 53 and 54. As a result, the movable element 17, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 all move in the second movement direction (Y2). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, the movable element 17 moves to the open position. As a result, when the movable element 17 is in the open position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are separated from the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22. Similarly, when the movable element 17 is in the open position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are separated from the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24.

[0058] In the relay 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the support part 25 of the movable element 17 is stably supported by the base 11. Further, the first wall part 56 extends to a position where it overlaps with the movable iron core 63 as viewed in the moving direction (Y1, Y2). Therefore, the tilting of the movable element 17 is suppressed by the first wall part 56. This allows the movable element 17 to be moved stably. Further, the inspection probe can reach the first movable contact piece 15 through the opening 99 of the first wall part 56 and the first inspection hole 41 of the support part 25. This allows the energization state of the first movable contact piece 15 to be inspected with the contact block 2 attached to the base 11. Further, the inspection probe can reach the second movable contact piece 16 through the second inspection hole 42.This allows the excitation state of the second movable contact piece 16 to be inspected with the contact block 2 attached to the base 11.

[0059] Although an embodiment of the present invention is described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the coil block 4 pushes the movable member 17 in the second moving direction (Y2) so that the movable contacts 31 to 34 are separated from the fixed contacts 21 to 24. Further, the coil block 4 pulls the movable member 17 in the first moving direction (Y1) so that the movable contacts 31 to 34 come into contact with the fixed contacts 21 to 24. However, the operating direction of the movable member 17 for opening and closing the contacts may be opposite to that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the movable contacts 31 to 34 can come into contact with the fixed contacts 21 to 24 by the coil block 4 pushing the movable member 17 in the second moving direction (Y2). The movable contacts 31 to 34 can be separated from the fixed contacts 21 to 24 by the coil block 4 pulling the movable element 17 in the first direction of movement (Y1).

[0061] The shape or arrangement of the first fixed terminal 13, the second fixed terminal 14, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 can be changed. For example, the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 may protrude from the base 11 in a different direction than that of the above embodiment. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 may be integrally formed. That is, the first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 may be connected to the movable contact piece that is integral. Alternatively, the second movable contact piece 16, the third and fourth movable contacts 33 and 34, and the third and fourth fixed contacts 23 and 24 may be omitted.

[0062] The shape or arrangement of the winding 61, the coil body 62, the movable iron core 63, the fixed iron core 64, and the yoke 65 can be changed. The shape or arrangement of the first to fourth fixed contacts 21 to 24 can be changed. The shape or arrangement of the first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 can be changed.

[0063] The first fixed contact 21 and / or the third fixed contact 23 may be integral with the first fixed terminal 13. The first fixed contact 21 and / or the third fixed contact 23 may be part of the first fixed terminal 13 and flush with another part of the first fixed terminal 13. The second fixed contact 22 and / or the fourth fixed contact 24 may be integral with the second fixed terminal 14. The second fixed contact 22 and / or the fourth fixed contact 24 may be part of the second fixed terminal 14 and flush with the other part of the second fixed terminal 14.

[0064] The first movable contact 31 and / or the second movable contact 32 may be integral with the first movable contact piece 15. The first movable contact 31 and / or the second movable contact 32 may be part of the first movable contact piece 15 and flush with another part of the first movable contact piece 15. The third movable contact 33 and / or the fourth movable contact 34 may be integral with the second movable contact piece 16. The third movable contact 33 and / or the fourth movable contact 34 may be part of the second movable contact piece 16 and flush with another part of the second movable contact piece 16.

[0065] The shape or arrangement of the movable element 17 can be changed. For example, the movable element 17 may include a shaft member that connects the movable contact pieces 15 and 16 to the movable iron core 63. The movable element 17 may be made of an electrically conductive material. The movable element 17 may be made of metal. In the above embodiment, the movable element 17 includes a first element 17a and a second element 17b, which are separate parts. However, the movable element 17 may be integrally formed. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 may be directly connected to the movable element 17.

[0066] The shape of the base 11 can be changed. For example, the opening 99 of the first wall part is not limited to the cutout shape described above and may have another shape, such as a hole. The opening 99 of the first wall part may be omitted.

Claims

[1] Relay, comprising: a first fixed connection (13); a first fixed contact (21) connected to the first fixed terminal (13); a second fixed connection (14); a second fixed contact (22) connected to the second fixed terminal (14); a movable contact piece (15); a first movable contact (31) connected to the movable contact piece (15); a second movable contact (32) connected to the movable contact piece (15); a movable member (17) adapted to move between a closed position and an open position; a base (11) supporting the movable element (17) in a supporting direction (Z1, Z2) perpendicular to a moving direction (Y1, Y2) of the movable element (17); a winding (61); a movable iron core (63) connected to the movable element (17), the movable iron core (63) being adapted to move by a magnetic force generated by the winding (61); where the first movable contact (31) is in contact with the first fixed contact (21) and the second movable contact (32) is in contact with the second fixed contact (22) when the movable element (17) is in the closed position, the first movable contact (31) is separated from the first fixed contact (21) and the second movable contact (32) is separated from the second fixed contact (22) when the movable element (17) is in the open position, the movable element (17) includes a support part (25) which holds the movable contact piece (15), the base (11) contains: a floor surface (55), and a first wall part (56) extending from the bottom surface (55) in the support direction (Z1, Z2), the first wall part (56) being opposite the movable element (17) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2), and the first wall part (56) at least partially overlaps with the movable iron core (63), seen from the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). [2] Relay according to claim 1, wherein the first wall part (56) extends at least to a height of a middle position of the support part (25) in the support direction (Z1, Z2). [3] Relay according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wall part (56) extends to a position beyond the movable contact piece (15) in the support direction (Z1, Z2). [4] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support part (25) contains an inspection hole (41) arranged so that it faces the movable contact piece (15) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2), and the first wall part (56) contains an opening (99) arranged so that it faces the inspection hole (41) of the support part (25) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). [5] The relay of claim 4, wherein the opening (99) has a shape cut out from one end of the first wall portion (56). [6] Relay according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the opening (99) is larger than the inspection hole (41) as seen from the moving direction (Y1, Y2). [7] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (11) contains a second wall part (57) which extends from the bottom surface (55) in the support direction (Z1, Z2), the second wall part (57) is arranged separately from the first wall part (56) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2), and the support part (25) is arranged between the first wall part (56) and the second wall part (57) in the direction of movement (Y1, Y2). [8] Relay according to claim 7, wherein the first wall part (56) is higher in the support direction (Z1, Z2) than the second wall part (57). [9] Relay according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the movable element (17) further contains: a connecting part (26) connected to the movable iron core (63), and a binding part (27) connecting the support part (25) and the connecting part (26), the second wall part (57) overlaps the binding part (27), seen from the supporting direction (Z1, Z2).

Images