Relay

Abstract

Relay (1), comprising: a movable contact terminal (21); a contact piece (22) which is attached to the movable contact terminal (21) and which includes a first split piece (35) and a second split piece (36) which extend longitudinally and are separated from each other; a first movable contact (23) which is attached to the first divided piece (35); a second movable contact (24) which is attached to the second split piece (36); a fixed contact terminal (25) which is arranged in a position facing the contact piece (22); a first fixed contact (26) which is attached to the fixed contact terminal (25) and is arranged in a position facing the first movable contact (23); a second fixed contact (27) which is attached to the fixed contact terminal (25) and arranged in a position facing the second movable contact (24); and a connecting element (6) that is able to press the contact piece (22) together, wherein at the time of contact between the contacts, the first movable contact (23) comes into contact with the first fixed contact (26) before the second movable contact (24) comes into contact with the second fixed contact (27), the first movable contact (23) is located on a front end face of the contact piece (22) in relation to the second movable contact (24), the first divided piece (35) contains: a body (611) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a process (621) that projects from the body (611) in the width direction of the first divided piece (35), the extension (621) contains a first contact section (412) which is pressed against by the connecting element (6), the second split piece (36) contains a second contact section (413) which is pressed against by the connecting element (6), and the first contact section (412) is located on the front face in relation to the second contact section (413).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A relay is known that includes several movable contacts and several fixed contacts. For example, a contact element of a relay disclosed in patent document 1 includes a first split element and a second split element. A movable normally open / closed contact is attached to the first split element, while a movable excitation contact is attached to the second split element. A fixed normally open / closed contact and a fixed excitation contact are attached to a fixed contact terminal.

[0003] According to the relay described above, the height of the movable open / close contact from the contact piece is greater than the height of the movable excitation contact from the contact piece. Therefore, when switching from a reset state to a setting state of the relay, the movable excitation contact and the fixed excitation contact come into contact with each other, after the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact have already come into contact. Conversely, when switching from the setting state to the reset state of the relay, the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact are separated from each other to interrupt a load, after the movable excitation contact and the fixed excitation contact have already been separated.

[0004] According to the relay described above, the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact achieve the opening or closing of a load, while the movable excitation contact and the fixed excitation contact do not achieve the opening or closing of a load, but only excitation. This configuration reduces the generation of an arc between the movable excitation contact and the fixed excitation contact, even at the time an arc is generated between the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact. Further prior art documents are EP 2 822 011 A1, JP-S58-71 918 U, and JP 2005-183 097 A. DOCUMENT ACCORDING TO THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent document 1: JP 2015- 127 996 A Brief description of the invention problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] If an arc is created between the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact, the movable open / close contact can be welded to the fixed open / close contact. In this case, a connecting element intended for actuating the contact piece presses the first split piece to release the movable open / close contact from the fixed open / close contact. It is preferred to increase this release force to improve the operational stability of the relay.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to increase the release force required to detach a movable open / close contact from a fixed open / close contact at the point of welding between the movable open / close contact and the fixed open / close contact, in order to improve the operational stability of a relay. This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims, aspects of which are explained below.

[0008] A relay according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a movable contact terminal, a contact piece, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, a fixed contact terminal, a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and a connecting element. The contact piece is attached to the movable contact terminal and comprises a first split piece and a second split piece. The first split piece and the second split piece each extend longitudinally and are separated from each other. The first movable contact is attached to the first split piece. The second movable contact is attached to the second split piece. The fixed contact terminal is arranged in a position facing the contact piece. The first fixed contact is attached to the fixed contact terminal and arranged in a position facing the first movable contact.The second fixed contact is attached to the fixed contact terminal and positioned facing the second movable contact. The connecting element can press the contact piece against it.

[0009] At the moment of contact between the contacts, the first movable contact comes into contact with the first fixed contact before contact is established between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. The first movable contact is located on a front end face of the contact piece relative to the second movable contact. The first split piece comprises a body and a projection. The body extends longitudinally. The projection extends from the body in the width direction of the first split piece. The projection contains a contact section that is pressed against it by the connecting element.

[0010] In this relay configuration, the first movable contact acts as a normally open / normally closed contact, while the second movable contact acts as a movable excitation contact. The first movable contact is located on a front face of the contact element relative to the second movable contact. In this configuration, the first movable contact can be displaced significantly when the connecting element presses the contact element against it. Therefore, a release force can be increased to detach the first movable contact from the first fixed contact.

[0011] Furthermore, the contact section is provided on the extension that projects from the body in the width direction of the first split piece. In this case, the distance between the contact section and the first movable contact can be increased. Therefore, the release force exerted on the first movable contact by pressing the connecting element against the contact section can be increased, thus increasing the release force.

[0012] The contact section can be positioned at a location that differs in width from the first movable contact. In this case, the release force can be further increased by twisting deformation of the first split piece.

[0013] The contact section can be located on a section of the first split piece at a front end face with respect to at least part of the first movable contact. In this case, the release force can be further increased by a large displacement of the first movable contact.

[0014] The contact section can be located at the front end of the first split piece. In this section, the release force can be further increased by a large displacement of the first movable contact.

[0015] The second split piece can contain a recess positioned towards the extension. This configuration reduces the increase in the width of the contact piece.

[0016] The relay may also include a wall. The wall projects from a surface of the fixed contact terminal and is positioned between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. In this case, the wall reduces the adhesion of stray currents from the first movable contact and first fixed contact to the second movable contact and second fixed contact when an arc is generated between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. Therefore, contact stability between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact can be improved.

[0017] The height of the wall from the surface of the fixed contact terminal can be greater than the height of the first fixed contact or the height of the second fixed contact. This configuration further reduces the adhesion of scattering to the second movable contact and the second fixed contact.

[0018] The wall height can be less than the distance between the contact piece and the fixed contact terminal in a contact state between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact. This configuration reduces interference between the wall and the contact piece.

[0019] The wall can contain a curved section bent in such a way that it surrounds the second fixed contact. This configuration ensures ample space for an arc-generating area around the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. Therefore, electrical durability between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact is improved.

[0020] A virtual line connecting the center point of the first fixed contact and the center point of the second fixed contact can overlap with the curved section when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixed contact terminal. In this case, the curved section lies between the center point of the first fixed contact and the center point of the second fixed contact. Therefore, a wide clearance can be maintained around the first fixed contact and the first movable contact.

[0021] The wall can project from a surface of the contact piece and be positioned between the first moving contact and the second moving contact. In this case, the wall reduces the adhesion of scattering from the first moving contact and the first fixed contact to the second moving contact and the second fixed contact when an arc is generated between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact. Therefore, contact stability between the second moving contact and the second fixed contact can be improved.

[0022] The height of the first movable contact from the contact piece can be greater than the height of the second movable contact from the contact piece. This configuration brings the second movable contact into contact with the second fixed contact after contact has been established between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact.

[0023] The height of the first fixed contact from the fixed contact terminal can be greater than the height of the second fixed contact from the fixed contact terminal. This configuration brings the second movable contact into contact with the second fixed contact after contact has been established between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0024] According to the present invention, the operational stability of a relay can be improved by increasing the release force for releasing a movable opening / closing contact from a fixed opening / closing contact at the time of welding between the movable opening / closing contact and the fixed opening / closing contact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a relay according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the relay in a reset state. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the relay in a setting state. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of a contact unit according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the contact piece unit. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the contact piece unit. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the contact unit broken down into individual parts. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the contact unit. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of the contact piece unit. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fixed contact unit. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the fixed contact unit, broken down into individual parts. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the fixed contact unit. Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the fixed contact unit and the contact piece unit. Fig. Figure 14 is a side view of a contact unit according to another embodiment. METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The following describes a relay according to one embodiment with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a relay 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of relay 1 in a reset state. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of relay 1 in a setting state. Relay 1 comprises a base 2, a drive unit 3, a movable unit 4, a support element 5, a connecting element 6, a contact unit 7, and a fixed contact unit 8. The support element 5 is in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 not shown.

[0026] The base 2 houses the drive unit 3, the movable unit 4, the connecting element 6, the contact unit 7 and the fixed contact unit 8. A cover element (not shown) is attached to the base 2.

[0027] The drive unit 3 drives the movable unit 4. The drive unit 3 generates an electromagnetic force to rotate the movable unit 4. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 3 contains a winding 11, a coil 12, a first yoke 13, and a second yoke 14. The winding 11 is wound around the coil 12. A winding terminal 15 is attached to the winding 11 so that the winding 11 can be energized via the winding terminal 15. An iron core (not shown) is inserted into the coil 12. The first yoke 13 is connected to one end of the iron core, while the second yoke 14 is connected to the other end of the iron core.

[0028] The movable unit 4 is rotatably mounted relative to the base 2. The movable unit 4 is arranged between the first yoke 13 and the second yoke 14. The movable unit 4 comprises a first armature 16, a second armature 17, a permanent magnet 18, and a movable body 19. The first armature 16, the second armature 17, and the permanent magnet 18 are attached to the movable body 19. The movable body 19 is rotatably mounted on the base 2 about a rotating shaft 191. The movable body 19 includes an arm 192. The arm 192 extends to the connecting element 6.

[0029] The first anchor 16 comprises a first end 161 and a second end 162. The second anchor 17 comprises a third end 171 and a fourth end 172. The first end 161 and the third end 171 project in the same direction from the movable body 19. The second end 162 and the fourth end 172 project in the opposite direction to the direction of projection of the first end 161 and the third end 171 from the movable body 19.

[0030] The connecting element 6 connects the movable body 19 and the contact unit 7. The connecting element 6 is arranged such that it crosses a movable contact terminal 21 of the contact unit 7, which will be described below, in a top view. One end of the connecting element 6 is connected to the movable body 19. The other end of the connecting element 6 is connected to the contact unit 7. In particular, the connecting element 6 includes a connecting hole 601. A front end of the arm 192 of the movable body 19 is arranged in the connecting hole 601. This configuration locks the arm 192 to the connecting element 6 during the actuation of the connecting element 6 by the movable body 19. The connecting element 6 further includes a press section 602. The press section 602 is arranged such that it surrounds a front end of a contact 22 of the contact unit 7, which will be described below.This configuration locks the press section 602 at the front end of the contact piece 22 during the drive of the connecting element 6 by the moving body 19.

[0031] The contact unit 7 comprises a movable contact terminal 21, a contact piece 22, and movable contacts 23 and 24. The contact piece 22 is connected to the movable contact terminal 21. The contact piece 22 is positioned facing the movable contact terminal 21. The movable contacts 23 and 24 are attached to the contact piece 22. The connecting element 6 described above is capable of pressing the contact piece 22 into place. The contact unit 7 is described in detail below.

[0032] The fixed contact unit 8 comprises a fixed contact terminal 25 and fixed contacts 26 and 27. The fixed contact terminal 25 is positioned facing the contact piece 22. The fixed contacts 26 and 27 are attached to the fixed contact terminal 25. The fixed contacts 26 and 27 are positioned facing the movable contact 23 and 24, respectively. The fixed contact unit 8 is described in detail below.

[0033] The operation of relay 1 is then described. In the reset state, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first end 161 of the first armature 16 contacts the first yoke 13, while the second end 162 is separated from the second yoke 14. The fourth end 172 of the second armature 17 contacts the second yoke 14, while the third end 171 is separated from the first yoke 13. The movable contacts 23 and 24 separate from the fixed contacts 26 and 27, respectively.

[0034] When winding 11 is excited in a predetermined direction, an electromagnetic force is generated to move the movable unit 4 in a predetermined forward direction (clockwise). Fig. 2) to rotate. The movable unit 4 therefore rotates in the forward direction. The connecting element 6 moves in the leftward direction. Fig. 2 in accordance with the rotation of the movable unit 4 in the forward direction. In this case, a front end of the contact piece 22 moves in the left direction. Fig. 2 and therefore the movable contacts 23 and 24 move towards the fixed contacts 26 and 27. The movable contacts 23 and 24 thus come into contact with the fixed contacts 26 and 27. As a result, the reset state of relay 1, which is in Fig. 2 is shown, switched to the setting state which is in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0035] In the setting state, the first end 161 of the first anchor 16 separates from the first yoke 13, while the second end 162 contacts the second yoke 14, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the fourth end 172 of the second armature 17 separates from the second yoke 14, while the third end 171 contacts the first yoke 13. The setting state is maintained by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 18 even if the winding 11 is de-energized.

[0036] If the winding 11 is subsequently excited in the direction opposite to the preceding predetermined direction, an electromagnetic force is generated to rotate the movable unit 4 in the direction opposite to the preceding forward direction (counterclockwise). Fig. 3) As a result, the movable unit 4 rotates in the opposite direction. The connecting element 6 moves in the direction to the right. Fig. 3 in accordance with the rotation of the movable unit 4 in the opposite direction. In this case, the front end of the contact piece unit 7 moves in the direction to the right. Fig. 3 and therefore the movable contacts 23 and 24 move away from the fixed contact 26 and 27, respectively. The movable contacts 23 and 24 therefore separate from the fixed contact 26 and 27, respectively. As a result, the Fig. 3. The setting state of relay 1 shown has been switched to the reset state, which is in Fig. Figure 2 is shown. The reset state is maintained even if the winding is no longer excited by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 18.

[0037] The contact unit 7 is then described. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of the contact unit 7. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the contact piece unit 7. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the contact unit 7, broken down into its individual parts. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the contact unit 7, viewed from the side of the movable contact terminal 21. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of the contact piece unit 7, viewed from the side of the contact piece 22.

[0038] As in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the movable contact terminal 21 has an elongated plate shape. The movable contact terminal 21 comprises a front end section 31 and a proximal end section 32. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the front end section 31 of the movable contact terminal 21 is arranged such that it projects towards the outside of the base 2. The proximal end section 32 of the movable contact terminal 21 is arranged inside the base 2.

[0039] According to the embodiment, a direction parallel to a direction extending from the proximal end section 32 to the front end section 31 is referred to as the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to an upward / downward direction in Fig. 4. A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the plate thickness direction of the movable contact connection 21 is referred to as the width direction. The plate thickness direction of the movable contact connection 21 corresponds to a right / left direction in Fig. 4. The latitude direction is a direction perpendicular to the leaf. Fig. 4 and corresponds to a right / left direction in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0040] The movable contacts 23 and 24 comprise the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24, respectively. The first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 are separated from each other longitudinally along the contact piece 22. In particular, the first movable contact 23 is located at the front end face of the contact piece 22 with respect to the second movable contact 24. The diameter of the first movable contact 23 is larger than the diameter of the second movable contact 24. The height of the first movable contact 23 from the contact piece 22 is greater than the height of the second movable contact 24 from the contact piece 22. The number of movable contacts is not limited to two, but can be greater than two.

[0041] The contact piece 22 is connected to the proximal end section 32 of the movable contact terminal 21. The contact piece 22 has a plate-like shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact terminal 21. The contact piece 22 has a proximal end section 33 and a front end section 34. The proximal end section 33 of the contact piece 22 is connected to the movable contact terminal 21. The front end section 34 of the contact piece 22 is a free end located on the side opposite the proximal end section 33. Therefore, the proximal end section 33 of the contact piece 22 is held on the movable contact terminal 21 in the manner of a cantilever.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the contact piece 22 comprises a first split piece 35 and a second split piece 36. The contact piece 22 includes a slot 37 located between the first split piece 35 and the second split piece 36. The first split piece 35 and the second split piece 36 are separated from each other by the slot 37. The slot 37 extends lengthwise from the front end section 34 of the contact piece 22 to the proximal end section 33. The slot 37 does not reach the proximal end section 33. The first split piece 35 and the second split piece 36 are therefore connected to each other at the proximal end face of the slot 37. The first movable contact 23 is attached to the first split piece 35. The second movable contact 24 is attached to the second split piece 36.

[0043] The first split piece 35 contains a slot 38. The slot 38 is formed between the first movable contact 23 and a section connected to the movable contact terminal 21. The width of the first split piece 35 is greater than the width of the second split piece 36.

[0044] A front end of the first split piece 35 is located at a front end face of the movable contact terminal 21 in relation to a front end of the second split piece 36.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first split piece 35 contains a first contact section 412. The first contact section 412 is provided at a front end section of the first split piece 35. The first contact section 412 is located on a surface on the side of the fixed contact terminal 25 of the first split piece 35.

[0046] In particular, the first divided piece 35 comprises a first body 611 and a projection 621. The first body 611 extends longitudinally. The first movable contact 23 is attached to the first body 611. The projection 621 extends laterally from the first body 611. The projection 621 extends laterally from the first divided piece 35 towards the second divided piece 36. The first contact section 412 is provided on the projection 621.

[0047] The first contact section 412 is located on a section of the first split piece 35 at a front end face with respect to the first movable contact 23. The first contact section 412 is provided at a corner of the front end of the first split piece 35. The first contact section 412 differs in width from the position of the first movable contact 23.

[0048] The first divided piece 35 contains a first slot 461. The first slot 461 is arranged around the first movable contact 23. The first slot 461 has a shape that is curved along the first movable contact 23. The first slot 461 is arranged on one side opposite the extension 621 with respect to the first movable contact 23.

[0049] The second divided piece 36 comprises a second body 631 and a tapered section 641. The second body 631 extends longitudinally. The second movable contact 24 is attached to the second body 631. The tapered section 641 is located at a front end face of the second body 631. The tapered section 641 is shaped such that its width increases with proximity to the front end.

[0050] The second split piece 36 contains a recess 651 on a section that includes the tapered section 641. The recess 651 is located in a position facing the extension 621 of the first split piece 35. The recess 651 has a recessed shape to prevent overlap with the extension 621. The recess 651 is located in a position facing the first movable contact 23 in the width direction. The second movable contact 24 is located on a section of the second split piece 36 at a proximal end face with respect to the recess 651.

[0051] The second split piece 36 contains a second contact section 413. The second contact section 413 is located on a surface on the side of the fixed contact terminal 25 of the second split piece 36. The second contact section 413 is positioned facing the extension 621 in the width direction. The second contact section 413 is located at a front end of the second split piece 36. In other words, the second contact section 413 is located at a front end of the tapered section 641. The first split piece 35 is longer in the longitudinal direction than the second split piece 36. Therefore, the first contact section 412 is located at the front end face with respect to the second contact section 413.

[0052] The connecting element 6 presses the first contact section 412 and the second contact section 413 together to move the movable contacts 23 and 24 away from the fixed contacts 26 and 27, thereby separating the movable contacts 23 and 24 from the fixed contacts 26 and 27. As a result, the setting state of relay 1 is switched to the reset state.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first split piece 35 contains a third contact section 422. The third contact section 422 is located at the front end of the first split piece 35. The third contact section 422 is located on a surface on the side of the movable contact terminal 21 of the first split piece 35. The second split piece 36 contains a fourth contact section 423. The fourth contact section 423 is located at a front end of the second split piece 362. The fourth contact section 423 is located on a surface on the side of the movable contact terminal 21 of the second split piece 362.

[0054] The connecting element 6 presses the third contact section 422 and the fourth contact section 423 together to move the movable contacts 23 and 24 to the fixed contacts 26 and 27 respectively, and to bring the movable contacts 23 and 24 into contact with the fixed contacts 26 and 27. As a result, the reset state of relay 1 is switched to the setting state.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the contact piece 22 includes an extended section 39. The extended section 39 has a curved shape in a direction away from the movable contact terminal 21. The extended section 39 projects from the movable contacts 23 and 24 to the fixed contacts 26 and 27. The extended section 39 extends in the width direction of the contact piece 22. The extended section 39 is located between the proximal end section 33 of the contact piece 22 and the movable contacts 23 and 24 in the longitudinal direction of the contact piece 22.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the contact unit 7 contains several leaf springs 41 to 43. The several leaf springs 41 to 43 are laminated together. In particular, the contact unit 7 contains the first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42, and the third leaf spring 43. In the several leaf springs 41 to 43, the first leaf spring 41 is arranged in a position furthest from the movable contact terminal 21. In the several leaf springs 41 to 43, the second leaf spring 42 is arranged in a position closest to the movable contact terminal 21. The third leaf spring 43 is arranged between the first leaf spring 41 and the second leaf spring 42.

[0057] The number of leaf springs is not limited to three; it can be fewer than three. Alternatively, the number of leaf springs can be greater than three.

[0058] The first leaf spring 41 has connecting holes 411. The second leaf spring 42 has connecting holes 421. The third leaf spring 43 has connecting holes 431. The movable contact terminal 21 has a connecting extension 211. The connecting extension 211 is inserted into the connecting holes 411, 421 and 431 of the first to third leaf springs 41 to 43 to connect the first to third leaf springs 41 to 43 and the movable contact terminal 21 in one piece.

[0059] The first leaf spring 41 contains a first split piece 351 and a second split piece 361. The second leaf spring 42 contains a first split piece 352 and a second split piece 362. The third leaf spring 43 contains a first split piece 353 and a second split piece 363. The multiple first split pieces 351 to 353 are laminated together to form the first split piece 35 of the contact piece 22 described above. The multiple second split pieces 361 to 363 are laminated together to form the second split piece 36 of the contact piece 22 described above.

[0060] The first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42, and the third leaf spring 43 each contain first contact mounting sections 441, 442, and 443, respectively. The first contact mounting sections 441 to 443 are mounting holes formed in the first to third leaf springs 41 to 43 and arranged to overlap. The first movable contact 23 is attached to the first contact mounting sections 441 to 443.

[0061] The first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42, and the third leaf spring 43 each contain a second contact mounting section 451, 452, and 453, respectively. The second contact mounting sections 451 to 453 are mounting holes formed in the first to third leaf springs 41 to 43 and arranged to overlap. The second movable contact 24 is attached to the second contact mounting sections 451 to 453.

[0062] The first leaf spring 41 contains the first slot 461 described above. The first slot 461 is formed around the first contact fastening section 441. The first slot 461 has a shape that is curved along a portion of the first contact fastening section 441. The second leaf spring 42 contains a second slot 462. The second slot 462 is formed around the first contact fastening section 442. The second slot 462 has a shape that is curved along a portion of the first contact fastening section 442. The third leaf spring 43 contains a third slot 463. The third slot 463 has a similar shape to the first slot 461.

[0063] The first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42, and the third leaf spring 43 each contain slots 371 to 373. The slots 371 to 373 are arranged to overlap and form the slot 37 described above. The first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42, and the third leaf spring 43 each contain slots 381 to 383. The slots 381 to 383 are arranged to overlap and form the slot 38 described above.

[0064] The first leaf spring 41, the second leaf spring 42 and the third leaf spring 43 contain extended sections 391 to 393. The extended sections 391 to 393 are arranged so that they overlap and form the extended section 39 described above.

[0065] The first leaf spring 41 contains the extension 621 described above. The first leaf spring 41 contains the tapered section 641 described above. The first leaf spring 41 contains the first contact section 412 and the second contact section 413 described above.

[0066] The second leaf spring 42 includes the third contact section 422 and fourth contact section 423 described above. The second leaf spring 42 includes a tapered section 642 with a shape similar to the tapered section 641 of the first leaf spring 41. The fourth contact section 423 is located at a front end of the tapered section 642 of the second leaf spring 42.

[0067] The second leaf spring 42 includes a projection 622 with a different shape than the projection 621 of the first leaf spring 41. The projection 622 of the second leaf spring 42 extends longitudinally. The projection 622 of the second leaf spring 42 overlaps the first leaf spring 41 in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the contact piece 22. The third contact section 422 is provided at a front end of the projection 622 of the second leaf spring 42.

[0068] A front end section of the second leaf spring 42 is bent towards the movable contact terminal 21. This configuration stabilizes the contact pressure of the contacts in the setting state of relay 1.

[0069] The third leaf spring 43 includes a projection 623 with a shape similar to the shape of the projection 621 of the first leaf spring 41. The third leaf spring 43 includes a tapered section 643 with a shape similar to the shape of the tapered section 641 of the first leaf spring 41. A rib 432 is provided on the third leaf spring 43. The rib 432 is provided on an edge of the second split section 363 of the third leaf spring 43 and extends longitudinally along the contact piece 22. The rib 432 has a shape that is curved towards the movable contact terminal 21.

[0070] The movable contact connection 21 comprises a connecting section 51, a body 52, a recess 53, and a distal end section 54. The connecting section 51 comprises the proximal end section 32 of the movable contact connection 21. The connecting section 51 comprises the connecting sections 211 described above. The proximal end section 33 of the contact piece 22 is connected to the connecting extensions 211.

[0071] The body 52 extends longitudinally from the connecting section 51 along the contact piece 22. As in Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the body 52 faces the extended section 39 of the contact piece 22. The body 52 contains a curved section 521 with a bent shape. A proximal end face of the body 52 with respect to the curved section 521 is inclined towards the contact piece 22, close to the proximal end section 32.

[0072] The recess 53 overlaps with a section of the contact piece 22 on a front face with respect to the first movable contact 23. The recess 53 is located between the body 52 and the distal end section 54. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting element 6 is arranged so that it passes through the recess 53.

[0073] The distal end section 54 is located on an anterior end face of the recess 53. The distal end section 54 contains the anterior end section 31 of the movable contact connection 21. The distal end section 54 is formed by the movable contact connection 21 projecting a portion towards the outside of the base 2.

[0074] The fixed contact unit 8 is then described. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the fixed contact unit 8. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the fixed contact unit 8, broken down into individual parts. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the fixed contact unit 8. Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the contact unit 7 and the fixed contact unit 8.

[0075] As in Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the fixed contacts 26 and 27 comprise the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27, respectively. The first fixed contact 26 is attached to the fixed contact terminal 25 and is positioned facing the first movable contact 23. The second fixed contact 27 is attached to the fixed contact terminal 25 and is positioned facing the second movable contact 24. The first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27 are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the contact piece 22, similar to the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24. The first fixed contact 26 is located on a front end face of the contact piece 22 with respect to the second fixed contact 27.

[0076] The diameter of the first fixed contact 26 is larger than the diameter of the second fixed contact 27. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the height of the first fixed contact 26 from the fixed contact terminal 25 is greater than the height of the second fixed contact 27 from the fixed contact terminal 25. As described above, the height of the first movable contact 23 from the contact piece 22 is greater than the height of the second movable contact 24 from the contact piece 22.

[0077] Therefore, at the moment of contact between the contacts, the first movable contact 23 comes into contact with the first fixed contact 26 before contact is established between the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27. At the moment of separation between the contacts, the first movable contact 23 separates from the first fixed contact 26 after the second movable contact 24 has separated from the second fixed contact 27. Therefore, an electrical load generated at the moment of contact or separation between the contacts is predominantly applied to the first movable contact 23. Each of the first movable contact 23 and the first fixed contact 26 thus acts as an opening / closing contact. Conversely, each of the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27 acts as an excitation contact.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the fixed contact unit 8 includes a wall element 71. The wall element 71 is a component that is separate from and attached to the fixed contact terminal 25. The wall element 71 comprises a wall 72 and a mounting section 73. The wall 72 is designed to project from the mounting section 73. The mounting section 73 is plate-shaped. The mounting section 73 is attached to a surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 on the side opposite a surface facing the contact piece 22.

[0079] The fixed contact terminal 25 includes a slot 251. The wall 72 is positioned such that it passes through the slot 251. The wall 72 projects from the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 towards the contact piece 22. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the wall 72 is arranged between the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27. The wall 72 comprises a curved section 721, a first linear section 722, and a second linear section 723.

[0080] The curved section 721 is curved in such a way that it surrounds the second fixed contact 27. A virtual line L connecting a midpoint of the first fixed contact 26 and a midpoint of the second fixed contact 27 overlaps the curved section 721 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25. The distance between the first fixed contact 26 and the wall 72 is greater than the distance between the second fixed contact 27 and the wall 72. In particular, the distance between the first fixed contact 26 and the wall 72 is greater than the distance between the second fixed contact 27 and the wall 72 along the virtual line L.

[0081] The first linear section 722 extends longitudinally from the curved section 721. The first linear section 722 is located between the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27 in the width direction. The second linear section 723 extends laterally from the curved section 721. The second linear section 723 is located longitudinally between the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the height of the wall 72 from the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 is greater than the height of the first fixed contact 26. The height of the wall 72 from the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 is greater than the height of the second fixed contact 27. The height of the wall 72 from the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 is less than the distance between the contact piece 22 and the fixed contact terminal 25 in the setting state.

[0082] According to the relay described above in the embodiment, the first movable contact 23 serves as a movable open / close contact, while the second movable contact 24 serves as a movable excitation contact. The first movable contact 23 is located on a front end face of the contact piece 22 relative to the second movable contact 24. In this case, the first movable contact 23 can be displaced significantly when pressed by the connecting element 6. Therefore, the release force required to release the first movable contact 23 from the first fixed contact 26 can be increased.

[0083] Furthermore, the first contact section 412 is provided on the extension 621, which projects in the width direction from the first body 611. In this case, the distance between the first contact section 412 and the first movable contact 23 can be increased. Therefore, the force exerted on the first movable contact 23 by pressing the connecting element 6 against the first contact section 412 can be increased, thereby increasing the release force.

[0084] The positions of the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 differ from each other longitudinally. In this case, compared to a configuration in which the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 are in a straight line in the width direction, the size of the contact piece 22 can be reduced in width while maintaining a distance between the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24. Therefore, the size of the relay 1 can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, the long distance remaining between the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 reduces the adhesion of scattering from the first movable contact 23 and the first fixed contact 26 to the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27 at the time an arc is generated between the first movable contact 23 and the first fixed contact 26. Therefore, the contact stability between the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27 can be improved.

[0086] The deviation between the positions of the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 in the longitudinal direction allows visual detection of the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 in the lateral direction of the contact piece 22 in a state in which the contact piece unit 7 and the fixed contact unit 8 are received in the base 2, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27, which are also visually identifiable in the state recorded inside the base 2. Therefore, gaps between the corresponding contacts are easily measurable.

[0087] The first contact section 412 is provided at a front end of the first split piece 35. Therefore, the release force can be increased by a large displacement of the first movable contact 23.

[0088] The first contact section 412 deviates in the width direction from the position of the first movable contact 23. Therefore, the release force can be increased by twisting deformation of the first split piece 35.

[0089] The extension 621 is arranged in a position facing the recess 651 of the second divided piece 36. Therefore, the width of the contact piece 22 is not increased even in the presence of the extension 621 on the first divided piece 35.

[0090] The wall 72 is positioned between the first fixed contact 26 and the second fixed contact 27. Therefore, the wall 72 further reduces the adhesion of scattering to the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27 itself when an arc is generated between the first movable contact 23 and the first fixed contact 26. Therefore, contact stability between the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27 can be improved.

[0091] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the wall 72 covers the second fixed contact 27 from the side of the base 2 in the width direction, but does not cover the second fixed contact 27 from the side opposite the base 2. In this case, the second fixed contact 27 is not blocked by the wall 72 and is visually identifiable in the state in which the contact unit 7 and the fixed contact unit 8 are received in the base 2. Therefore, the presence of the wall 72 does not impede the measurement of gaps between the contacts.

[0092] The height of the wall 72 from the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25 is greater than the height of the first fixed contact 26 and the height of the second fixed contact 27. This configuration effectively reduces the adhesion of scattering to the second movable contact 24 and the second fixed contact 27.

[0093] The height of the wall 72 is less than the distance between the contact piece 22 and the fixed contact terminal 25 in the setting state. This configuration reduces interference between the wall 72 and the contact piece 22.

[0094] The wall 72 contains the curved section 721, which is curved in such a way that it surrounds the second fixed contact 27. This configuration ensures ample space for an arc-generating area around the first fixed contact 26 and the first movable contact 23. Therefore, the electrical durability between the first fixed contact 26 and the first movable contact 23 can be improved.

[0095] The virtual line connecting the center point of the first fixed contact 26 and the center point of the second fixed contact 27 overlaps with the curved section 721 when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixed contact terminal 25. In this case, the curved section 721 lies between the center point of the first fixed contact 26 and the center point of the second fixed contact 27. Therefore, ample space around the first fixed contact 26 and the first movable contact 23 can be ensured.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein as a specific embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications can be made without altering the scope of the invention.

[0097] The configuration of the contact unit 7 may differ from that described above in the embodiment. For example, the shape of the contact piece 22 may be modified. The shapes or positions of the first to fourth contact sections 412, 413, 422 and 423 may be modified. The shapes or positions of the movable contacts 23 and 24 may be modified.

[0098] The configuration of the fixed contact unit 8 can be modified from the configuration described above in the embodiment. For example, the shapes or positions of the fixed contacts 26 and 27 can be modified. The shape or position of the wall 72 can be modified. The wall 72 can be formed integrally with the fixed contact terminal 25.

[0099] The wall 72 can be provided on the contact piece unit 7, as shown in Fig. Figure 14 shows that in this case, the wall 72 can project from the surface of the contact piece 22 and be located between the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24. The height of the wall 72 from the surface of the contact piece 22 can be greater than the height of the first movable contact 23, similar to the wall 72 shown in Fig. Figure 13 shows that the height of the wall 72 from the surface of the contact piece 22 can be greater than the height of the second movable contact 24. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0100] According to the present invention, the operational stability of a relay can be increased by increasing the release force for releasing a movable opening / closing contact from a fixed opening / closing contact at the time of welding between the movable opening / closing contact and the fixed opening / closing contact. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 movable contact connection 22 contact piece 35 first divided piece 36 second divided piece 23 first moving contact 24 second movable contact 25 fixed contact connection 26 first fixed contact 27 second fixed contact 6 Connecting element 611 first body 621 continuation 412 first contact section 651 In-depth study 72 Wall 721 curved section

Claims

[1] Relay (1), comprising: a movable contact terminal (21); a contact piece (22) which is attached to the movable contact terminal (21) and which includes a first split piece (35) and a second split piece (36) which extend longitudinally and are separated from each other; a first movable contact (23) which is attached to the first divided piece (35); a second movable contact (24) which is attached to the second split piece (36); a fixed contact terminal (25) which is arranged in a position facing the contact piece (22); a first fixed contact (26) which is attached to the fixed contact terminal (25) and is arranged in a position facing the first movable contact (23); a second fixed contact (27) which is attached to the fixed contact terminal (25) and arranged in a position facing the second movable contact (24); and a connecting element (6) that is able to press the contact piece (22) together, wherein at the time of contact between the contacts, the first movable contact (23) comes into contact with the first fixed contact (26) before the second movable contact (24) comes into contact with the second fixed contact (27), the first movable contact (23) is located on a front end face of the contact piece (22) in relation to the second movable contact (24), the first divided piece (35) contains: a body (611) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a process (621) that projects from the body (611) in the width direction of the first divided piece (35), the extension (621) contains a first contact section (412) which is pressed against by the connecting element (6), the second split piece (36) contains a second contact section (413) which is pressed against by the connecting element (6), and the first contact section (412) is located on the front face in relation to the second contact section (413). [2] Relay (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first contact section (412) is arranged in a position which differs in width from the first movable contact (23). [3] Relay (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first contact section (412) is located on a section of the first split piece (35) at a front end face in relation to at least a part of the first movable contact (23). [4] Relay (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first contact section (412) is provided at a front end of the first split piece (35). [5] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second divided piece (36) includes a recess (651) which is provided at a position facing the extension (621). [6] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a wall (72) which projects from a surface of the fixed contact terminal (25) and is arranged between the first fixed contact (26) and the second fixed contact (27). [7] Relay (1) according to claim 6, wherein a height of the wall (72) from the surface of the fixed contact terminal (25) is greater than a height of the first fixed contact (26) or a height of the second fixed contact (27). [8] Relay (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the height of the wall (72) is less than a distance between the contact piece (22) and the fixed contact terminal (25) in a contact state between the first movable contact (23) and the first fixed contact (26). [9] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the wall (72) contains a curved section (721) which is curved in such a way that it surrounds the second fixed contact (27). [10] Relay (1) according to claim 9, wherein a virtual line connecting a midpoint of the first fixed contact (26) and a midpoint of the second fixed contact (27) overlaps with the curved section (721) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixed contact terminal (25). [11] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a wall (72) which projects from a surface of the contact piece (22) and is arranged between the first movable contact (23) and the second movable contact (24). [12] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the height of the first movable contact (23) from the contact piece (22) is greater than the height of the second movable contact (24) from the contact piece (22). [13] Relay (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the height of the first fixed contact (26) from the fixed contact terminal (25) is greater than the height of the second fixed contact (27) from the fixed contact terminal (25).

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