Contact mechanism and electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To effectively suppress an electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a fixed element in a current flowing state. A contact mechanism (1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first fixed element (10), a second fixed element (20), and a movable element (30). The first fixed element (10) includes an excitation part (12), and the excitation part (12) includes an angular annular structure in which a first conductive member (13), a second conductive member (14), a third conductive member (15), and a fourth conductive member (16) are connected in this order. The first conductive member (13) and the third conductive member (15) are configured so as to overlap the movable element (30) in a plan view. When the contact mechanism (1) is brought into a current flowing state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable element (30) in such a direction that the movable element (30) maintains the current flowing state by a magnetic field generated in the excitation part (12); an attractive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member (13) and the movable element (30); and a repulsive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member (15) and the movable element (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact mechanism and an electromagnetic relay.Background Art

[0002] Electromagnetic relays are widely used in fields such as communication equipment, electric components of automobiles, and electric products. Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to a contact mechanism capable of, when a current is flowing therethrough, suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force acting in the direction of opening a movable element. Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology related to a contact mechanism with which it is possible to reduce the height of a contact device while suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force generated between a movable element and a fixed element.Citation List Patent Literature

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-028252 [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-243584 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0004] An electromagnetic relay switches an electrical connection between terminals by displacing a movable element using an electromagnet and thereby switching connection / non-connection between the movable element and a fixed element. Note that in the current flowing state in which the movable element and the fixed element are connected to each other, an electromagnetic repulsive force may be generated in the direction of opening the movable element. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology for efficiently suppressing such an electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a fixed element.

[0005] In view of the above-described problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a contact mechanism capable of effectively suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a fixed element in a current flowing state, and provide an electromagnetic relay using such a contact mechanism.Solution to Problem

[0006] A contact mechanism according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a movable element including a conductive plate extending in a first direction, a first movable contact and a second movable contact respectively disposed on both ends of a first surface of the conductive plate in the first direction; a first fixed element including a first fixed contact disposed so as to be connectable to the first movable contact; and a second fixed element including a second fixed contact disposed so as to be connectable to the second movable contact. The contact mechanism is configured so that when the movable element is displaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and hence the first movable contact is connected to the first fixed contact, and the second movable contact is connected to the second fixed contact, the first and second fixed elements are brought into a current flowing state through the movable element, the first fixed element is configured so as to be capable of generating a magnetic field in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and includes an excitation part overlapping the movable element as viewed in the third direction, the excitation part includes an angular annular structure in which a first conductive member and a third conductive member extending in the first direction, and a second conductive member and a fourth conductive member extending in the second direction are connected in the order of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member, the first and third conductive members overlap the movable element as viewed in the second direction, and when the contact mechanism is brought into the current flowing state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable element in such a direction that the movable element maintains the current flowing state by a magnetic field generated in the excitation part; an attractive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member and the movable element; and a repulsive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member and the movable element.

[0007] An electromagnetic relay according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the above-described contact mechanism; and an electromagnetic mechanism capable of displacing the movable element in the second direction, in which the electromagnetic relay is configured so as to be able to switch, by using the electromagnetic mechanism, connection / non-connection between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, and connection / non-connection between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a contact mechanism capable of effectively suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a fixed element in a current flowing state, and provide an electromagnetic relay using such a contact mechanism.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment; Fig. 1B is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the first embodiment; Fig. 1C is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the first embodiment; Fig. 1D is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows the direction of a current flowing through the contact mechanism according to the first embodiment and the direction of a magnetic field; Fig. 3A is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment; Fig. 3B is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the second embodiment; Fig. 3C is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the second embodiment; Fig. 3D is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the second embodiment; Fig. 4A is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment; Fig. 4B is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the third embodiment; Fig. 4C is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the third embodiment; Fig. 4D is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the third embodiment; Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 5B is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 5C is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 5D is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. 6B is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. 6C is a front view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. 6D is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. 6E is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a cutting line VI-VI shown in Fig. 6C; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to a sixth embodiment; Fig. 8A is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to the sixth -embodiment (in a current non-flowing state); Fig. 8B is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to the sixth embodiment (in a current flowing state); and Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to the sixth embodiment. Description of Embodiments <First Embodiment>

[0010] Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figs. 1A to 1D are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1A to 1D, the contact mechanism 1 according to this embodiment includes a first fixed element 10, a second fixed element 20, and a movable element 30.

[0012] The movable element 30 includes a conductive plate 31 extending in the x-axis direction (first direction), and a first movable contact 32 and a second movable contact 33 respectively disposed on both ends of a first surface (surface on the z-axis direction negative side) of the conductive plate 31 in the x-axis direction. The first and second movable contacts 32 and 33 of the movable element 30 are formed by providing convex members at both ends of the first surface of the conductive plate 31 in the x-axis direction. Each of the members constituting the movable element 30 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material.

[0013] The first fixed element 10 includes a first fixed contact 11 disposed so as to be connectable to the first movable contact 32 of the movable element 30, and an excitation part 12. The first fixed contact 11 of the first fixed element 10 is formed by providing a convex member on a surface of a conductive member 17 on the z-axis direction positive side. Each of the members constituting the first fixed element 10 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material.

[0014] The second fixed element 20 includes a second fixed contact 21 disposed so as to be connectable to the second movable contact 33 of the movable element 30. The second fixed contact 21 of the second fixed element 20 is formed by providing a convex member on a surface of a conductive plate 22 on the z-axis direction positive side. Each of the members constituting the second fixed element 20 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material. Note that the first fixed element 10 and the second fixed element 20 are also collectively referred to as fixed elements 10 and 20.

[0015] In the contact mechanism 1 according to this embodiment, its state is switched between a current flowing state and a current non-flowing state by displaying (i.e., moving) the movable element 30 in the z-axis direction (second direction). Specifically, when the movable element 30 is displaced to the z-axis direction positive side, the first movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 are brought into a non-connected state, and the second movable contact 33 and the second fixed contact 21 are also brought into a non-connected state, so that the first and second fixed elements 10 and 20 are brought into a current non-flowing state. On the other hand, when the movable element 30 is displaced to the z-axis direction negative side, the first movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 are connected to each other, and the second movable contact 33 and the second fixed contact 21 are also connected to each other, so that the first and second fixed elements 10 and 20 are brought into a current flowing state through the movable element 30 (i.e., a state where a current is flowing between the first and second fixed elements 10 and 20 through the movable element 30). Note that Figs. 1A to 1D show the case where the contact mechanism 1 is in the current flowing state.

[0016] The excitation part 12 of the first fixed element 10 is configured to generate a magnetic field in the y-axis direction when the contact mechanism 1 is brought into the current flowing state (see Fig. 2). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1C, the excitation part 12 includes an angular annular structure in which a first conductive member 13 and a third conductive member 15 extending in the x-axis direction, and a second conductive member 14 and a fourth conductive member 16 extending in the z-axis direction are connected in the order of the first conductive member 13, the second conductive member 14, the third conductive member 15, and the fourth conductive member 16. Further, the fourth conductive member 16 is connected to the conductive member (fifth conductive member) 17, and the first fixed contact 11 is provided on the surface of the conductive member 17 on the z-axis direction positive side. That is, the first fixed contact 11 is provided, among the first to fourth conductive members 13 to 16 constituting the excitation part 12, on the fourth conductive member 16 side (i.e., in the vicinity of the fourth conductive member 16). Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1 is brought into the current flowing state, and hence a current flows through the excitation part 12, the current flows through the first conductive member 13, the second conductive member 14, the third conductive member 15, and the fourth conductive member 16 in this order (see Fig. 2).

[0017] Then, when the contact mechanism 1 is brought into the current flowing state, and hence a current flows through the excitation part 12, a magnetic field toward the y-axis direction positive side is generated inside the excitation part 12 as shown in Fig. 2. Further, as shown in Fig. 1 C, the excitation part 12 is provided at such a position that it overlaps the movable element 30 (conductive plate 31) as viewed in the y-axis direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, when the contact mechanism 1 is brought into the current flowing state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable element 30 (conductive plate 31) in such a direction that the movable element 30 maintains the current flowing state by the magnetic field generated in the excitation part 12 (i.e., a Lorentz force is generated in a direction toward the z-axis direction negative side). Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force acting between the movable element 30 and the fixed elements 10 and 20 (i.e., the force acting toward the z-axis direction positive side) in the current flowing state by using the Lorentz force acting toward the z-axis direction negative side.

[0018] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1B and 1D, the first and third conductive members 13 and 15 are configured to overlap the movable element 30 (conductive plate 31) as viewed in the z-axis direction. In other words, as shown in Fig. 1D, the excitation part 12 is formed in a U-shape in cross section as viewed in the x-axis direction.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, when the contact mechanism 1 is in the current flowing state, the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30 and the direction of the current flowing through the first conductive member 13 are the same as each other, and the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30 and the direction of the current flowing through the third conductive member 15 are opposite to each other. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1 is brought into the current flowing state, an attractive force by a Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member 13 and the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30. Further, a repulsive force by a Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member 15 and the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30. Therefore, since the Lorentz force acts on the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30 in the direction toward the z-axis direction negative side in the current flowing state, the electromagnetic repulsive force (the force acting toward the z-axis direction positive side) acting between the movable element 30 and the fixed elements 10 and 20 can be effectively suppressed.

[0020] According to the present disclosure described above, it is possible to provide a contact mechanism capable of effectively suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a fixed element in a current flowing state.

[0021] Note that in this embodiment, similar effects can be obtained even when the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1 is opposite to the direction of the current shown in Fig. 2. That is, similar effects can be obtained even when: the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 31 of the movable element 30 is the direction toward the x-axis direction positive side; the direction of the current flowing through the fourth conductive member 16 is the direction toward the z-axis direction positive side; the direction of the current flowing through the third conductive member 15 is the direction toward the x-axis direction negative side; the direction of the current flowing through the second conductive member 14 is the direction toward the z-axis direction negative side; and the direction of the current flowing through the first conductive member 13 is the direction toward the x-axis direction positive side.<Second Embodiment>

[0022] Next, a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0023] Figs. 3A to 3D are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figs. 3A to 3D, the contact mechanism 1a according to this embodiment includes a first fixed element 10a, a second fixed element 20a, and a movable element 30a.

[0024] The first fixed element 10a includes a first fixed contact 11a, an excitation part 12a, and a conductive member 17a. The excitation part 12a includes a first conductive member 13a, a second conductive member 14a, a third conductive member 15a, and a fourth conductive member 16a. The second fixed element 20a includes a second fixed contact 21a and a conductive plate 22a. The movable element 30a includes a conductive plate 31a, a first movable contact 32a, and a second movable contact 33a.

[0025] In this specification, components corresponding to each other are indicated by the same reference numerals. For example, the "first fixed element 10" shown in Fig. 1A and the "first fixed element 10a" shown in Fig. 3A have the same reference numeral "10", indicating that they are components corresponding to each other. Further, in this specification, it is indicated that the "first fixed element 10a" is the first movable element of the contact mechanism 1a shown in Fig. 3A by adding "a" to the reference numeral 10. That is, the "first fixed element 10a" according to the second embodiment corresponds to the "first fixed element 10" according to the first embodiment, and the redundant description thereof is omitted in this specification. The same applies to each component described hereinafter.

[0026] The contact mechanism 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is configured so that the distance between the first conductive member 13a and the movable element 30a (conductive plate 31a) is shorter than the distance between the conductive member 17a and the movable element 30a (conductive plate 31a). The rest of the configuration is similar to that of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore the redundant description is omitted.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3C, in this embodiment, the position of the first conductive member 13a is shifted to the z-axis direction positive side compared to the position of the first conductive member 13 of the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1C). Further, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3C, the fourth conductive member 16a is extended to the z-axis direction negative side, so that the position of the first fixed contact 11a (the position of the conductive member 17a) is shifted to the z-axis direction negative side compared to the position of the first fixed contact 11 (the position of the conductive member 17) of the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1C). Further, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3C, the position of the second fixed contact 21a of the second fixed element 20a is shifted to the z-axis direction negative side compared to the position of the second fixed contact 21 of the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1C).

[0028] In this embodiment, by adopting the above-described configuration, the position of the movable element 30a in the current flowing state is shifted to the z-axis direction negative side compared to the position of the movable element 30 of the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1C). Further, the position of the first conductive member 13a is shifted to the z-axis direction positive side compared to the position of the first conductive member 13 of the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1C). Therefore, in the contact mechanism 1a according to this embodiment, as compared to the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the distance between the first conductive member 13a and the movable element 30a (conductive plate 31a) can be made shorter than the distance between the conductive member 17a and the movable element 30a (conductive plate 31a). Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1a is brought into the current flowing state, the attractive force by the Lorentz force generated between the first conductive member 13a and the movable element 30a can be further increased.<Third Embodiment>

[0029] Next, a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0030] Figs. 4A to 4D are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figs. 4A to 4D, the contact mechanism 1b according to this embodiment includes a first fixed element 10b, a second fixed element 20b, and a movable element 30b.

[0031] The first fixed element 10b includes a first fixed contact 11b, an excitation part 12b, and a conductive member 17b. The excitation part 12b includes a first conductive member 13b, a second conductive member 14b, a third conductive member 15b, and a fourth conductive member 16b. The second fixed element 20b includes a second fixed contact 21b and a conductive plate 22b. The movable element 30b includes a conductive plate 31b, a first movable contact 32b, and a second movable contact 33b.

[0032] The contact mechanism 1b according to the third embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes arc-suppression permanent magnets 41 and 42. The rest of the configuration is similar to that of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore the redundant description is omitted.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 4A to 4D, the arc-suppression permanent magnet 41 is provided on the outer side of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the x-axis direction positive side). Further, the arc-suppression permanent magnet 42 is provided on the outer side of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the x-axis direction negative side).

[0034] Further, the permanent magnets 41 and 42 are configured so that their magnetic fields extend in the x-axis direction. For example, the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the x-axis direction negative side becomes the N-pole, and the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the x-axis direction positive side becomes the S-pole. Further, for example, the surface of the permanent magnet 42 on the x-axis direction negative side becomes the S-pole, and the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the x-axis direction positive side becomes the N-pole. Note that the N-pole and the S-pole may be reversed.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, a magnetic field in the x-axis direction is generated in the vicinity of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b by providing the permanent magnet 41. Similarly, in this embodiment, a magnetic field in the x-axis direction is generated in the vicinity of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b by providing the permanent magnet 42. Therefore, it is possible suppress both the arc that is generated when the state of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b changes from the connected state to the non-connected state, and the arc that is generated when the state of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b changes from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0036] That is, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4B, the arc generated in the vicinity of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b can be stretched in the y-axis direction (indicated by arrows drawn by broken lines) and thereby demagnetized by using the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 41. Further, the arc generated in the vicinity of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b can be stretched in the y-axis direction (indicated by arrows drawn by broken lines) and thereby demagnetized by using the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 42. Note that the direction in which the arc extends is either toward the positive side or the negative side in the y-axis direction, and the direction in which the arc extends is determined according to the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1b and the directions of the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 41 and 42.

[0037] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4C, the excitation part 12b is disposed between the positions of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b and the positions of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b in the x-axis direction as viewed in the y-axis direction (or in the z-axis direction). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4B, it is possible to, when the arc is stretched in the y-axis direction, prevent the arc and the excitation part 12 (in particular, the second conductive member 14b and the fourth conductive member 16b) from interfering with each other. In particular, when the above-described configuration is adopted, even when the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1b is reversed, the arc can be effectively suppressed by using the permanent magnets 41 and 42.

[0038] That is, even in the case where the contact mechanism 1b is designed so that the arc extends in the direction toward the y-axis direction positive side in the contact mechanism 1b as shown in Fig. 4B, the arc extends in the direction toward the y-axis direction negative side when the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1b is reversed. In this embodiment, the excitation part 12 is disposed between the positions of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b and the positions of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b in the x-axis direction. Therefore, even when the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1b is reversed and the arc extends in the direction toward the y-axis direction negative side, the arc and the excitation part 12 are prevented from interfering with each other.<Fourth Embodiment>

[0039] Next, a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0040] Figs. 5A to 5D are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the contact mechanism 1c according to this embodiment includes a first fixed element 10c, a second fixed element 20c, and a movable element 30c.

[0041] The first fixed element 10c includes a first fixed contact 11c, an excitation part 12c, and a conductive member 17c. The excitation part 12c includes a first conductive member 13c, a second conductive member 14c, a third conductive member 15c, and a fourth conductive member 16c. The second fixed element 20c includes a second fixed contact 21c and a conductive plate 22c. The movable element 30c includes a conductive plate 31c, a first movable contact 32c, and a second movable contact 33c.

[0042] The contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a movable plate 50. The rest of the configuration is similar to that of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore the redundant description is omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the movable plate 50 includes a plate-like member 51 and a plate-like member 52. As shown in Fig. 5D, the plate-like member 51 is connected to a second surface (surface on the z-axis direction positive side) of the conductive plate 31c of the movable element 30c. The plate-like member 51 is disposed so as to extend in the direction opposite to the side on which the excitation part 12c is provided (i.e., to the y-axis direction positive side). In other words, the plate-like member 51 is disposed so as to extend from the opening of the excitation part 12c having a U-shape in cross section to the y-axis direction positive side. The end of the plate-like member 51 on the y-axis direction positive side is connected to the plate-like member 52. The plate-like member 52 is disposed so as to extend in the z-axis direction positive side. The movable plate 50 may be made of a metal material. Note that the plate-like members 51 and 52, which constitute the movable plate 50, may be formed integrally with each other. That is, the movable plate 50 may be formed by bending one metal plate into an L-shape.

[0044] In the contact mechanism 1c according to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5D, the movable plate 50 is provided so as to extend in the direction opposite to the side on which the excitation part 12c is provided (i.e., to the y-axis direction positive side). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movable plate 50 and the excitation part 12c from interfering with each other when the movable element 30c is displaced. Note that although the case where the movable plate 50 having an L-shape in cross section is shown as an example in Figs. 5A to 5D, the cross-sectional shape of the movable plate 50 may be a shape other than the L-shape in this embodiment. Further, although the configuration in which the plate-like member 51 is connected to the second surface (surface on the z-axis direction positive side) of the conductive plate 31c of the movable element 30c is shown as an example in Figs. 5A to 5D, the plate-like member 51 may be connected to a first surface (surface on the z-axis direction negative side) of the conductive plate 31c of the movable element 30c in this embodiment.<Fifth Embodiment>

[0045] Next, a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figs. 6A to 6E are a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in Figs. 6A to 6E, the contact mechanism 1d according to this embodiment includes a first fixed element 10d, a second fixed element 20d, and a movable element 30d.

[0047] The first fixed element 10d includes a first fixed contact 11d, an excitation part 12d, and a conductive member 17d. The excitation part 12d includes a first conductive member 13d, a second conductive member 14d, a third conductive member 15d, and a fourth conductive member 16d. The second fixed element 20d includes a second fixed contact 21d and a conductive plate 22d. The movable element 30d includes a conductive plate 31d, a first movable contact 32d, and a second movable contact 33d. Further, the contact mechanism 1d according to this embodiment includes permanent magnets 41 and 42, a movable plate 50, and yokes 61 and 62.

[0048] The contact mechanism 1d according to this embodiment has a configuration obtained by combining the contact mechanism 1b according to the third embodiment and the contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment, and further includes the yokes 61 and 62. Note that the components / structures other than the yokes 61 and 62 are similar to those of the contact mechanisms 1b and 1c described in the third and fourth embodiments, and therefore their redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 6A to 6E, the yokes 61 and 62 for increasing the arc-suppression magnetic field are provided in the permanent magnets 41 and 42, respectively. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6C, the yoke 61 has an L-shape in which a plate-like member extending in the z-axis direction and a plate-like member extending in the x-axis direction are connected to each other at right angles. The permanent magnet 41 is attached to the plate-like member of the yoke 61 extending in the z-axis direction. Similarly, the yoke 62 has an L-shape in which a plate-like member extending in the z-axis direction and a plate-like member extending in the x-axis direction are connected to each other at right angles. The permanent magnet 42 is attached to the plate-like member of the yoke 62 extending in the z-axis direction. As shown in Figs. 6B and 6C, the yokes 61 and 62 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the yz-plane. Note that each of the yokes 61 and 62 may be formed by bending a one metal plate into an L-shape.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 6C, regulating structures 63 and 64 for regulating the displacement of the movable element 30d in the z-axis direction when the contact mechanism 1d is in the current non-flowing state (open state) are provided in the yokes 61 and 62, respectively. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 6B and 6C, the regulating structure 63 extending toward the z-axis direction negative side is provided in the plate-like member extending in the x-axis direction, which is one of the members constituting the yoke 61.

[0051] Fig. 6E is a cross-sectional diagram taken along a cutting line VI-VI shown in Fig. 6C. As shown in Figs. 6C and 6E, the regulating structure 63 is configured so that its tip abuts against the movable element 30d when the movable element 30d is in the open state (see circles drawn by broken lines in Figs. 6C and 6E). Further, as shown in Figs. 6E, the tip of the regulating structure 63 is bent into an L-shape. By adopting the above-described configuration, it is possible to make the tip of the regulating structure 63 abut against the second surface of the movable element 30d in a surface-to-surface contact.

[0052] Similarly, the regulating structure 64 extending toward the z-axis direction negative side is provided in the plate-like member extending in the x-axis direction, which is one of the members constituting the yoke 62. The regulating structure 64 is configured so that its tip abuts against the movable element 30d when the movable element 30d is in the open state (see circles drawn by broken lines in Figs. 6C). Note that the tip of the regulating structure 64 is also bent into an L-shape in a similar manner. The regulating structures 63 and 64 may be integrally formed with the yokes 61 and 62, respectively, by using the metal material of which the yokes 61 and 62 are made.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the regulating structures 63 and 64 are formed by using the yokes 61 and 62. Therefore, there is no need to add a new dedicated component, so that the number of components of the contact mechanism can be reduced. Note that although the case where the yokes 61 and 62 each having an L-shape in cross section is shown as an example in Figs. 6A to 6E, the cross-sectional shape of each of the yokes 61 and 62 may be a shape other than the L-shape in this embodiment.<Sixth Embodiment>

[0054] Next, an electromagnetic relay according to a sixth embodiment will be described.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment. Fig. 8A is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment (current non-flowing state). Fig. 8B is a side view showing the example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment (current flowing state). The electromagnetic relay shown in Figs. 7 and Figs. 8A and 8B is an example of an electromagnetic relay which is formed by using the contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 7 and Figs. 8A and 8B, the electromagnetic relay 100 according to this embodiment includes a contact mechanism 1c, an electromagnetic mechanism (coil) 80, a yoke 81, and a movable iron piece 82. As shown in Fig. 7, a plate-like member 52 of a movable plate 50 is fixed to the movable iron piece 82. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, as the movable iron piece 82 is displaced, the movable plate 50 is displaced, and the movable element 30c is thereby displaced in the z-axis direction.

[0057] Specifically, when the electromagnetic mechanism 80 is in an Off-state, as shown in Fig. 8 A, the movable iron piece 82 is not attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism 80, so that the movable element 30c is at a standstill at the position on the z-axis direction positive side. In this state, the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c are in the non-connected state, and the second movable contact 33c (not shown) and the second fixed contact 21c (not shown) are also in the non-connected state, so that the first fixed element 10c and the second fixed element 20c are in the current non-flowing state.

[0058] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic mechanism 80 is in an On-state, as shown in Fig. 8B, the movable iron piece 82 is attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism 80, so that the movable element 30c is displaced to the z-axis direction negative side. In this state, the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c are connected to each other, and the second movable contact 33c (not shown) and the second fixed contact 21c (not shown) are also connected to each other, so that the first fixed element 10c and the second fixed element 20c are brought into the current flowing state through the movable element 30c.

[0059] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 100 according to this embodiment includes the electromagnetic mechanism 80 which can displace the movable element 30c in the z-axis direction. Further, the connection / non-connection between the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c, and the connection / non-connection between the second movable contact 33c and the second fixed contact 21c are switched by using the electromagnetic mechanism 80. Therefore, it is possible to switch the conduction / non-conduction between the first fixed element 10c and the second fixed element 20c.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment, and shows a state in which the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 shown in Fig. 7 are housed in a case 90. As shown in Fig. 9, the first fixed element 10c and the second fixed element 20c are exposed from the upper parts of the sides of the case 90 of the electromagnetic relay 100. By housing the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 in the case 90, the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 can be protected from the external environment.

[0061] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and they may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Further, the embodiments may be combined with one another.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described by using the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments. Needless to say, the present invention includes various modifications, corrections, and combinations that can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0063] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2023-86703, filed on May 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.Reference Signs List

[0064] 1CONTACT MECHANISM 10FIRST FIXED ELEMENT 11FIRST FIXED CONTACT 12EXCITATION PART 13FIRST CONDUCTIVE MEMBER 14SECOND CONDUCTIVE MEMBER 15THIRD CONDUCTIVE MEMBER 16FOURTH CONDUCTIVE MEMBER 17CONDUCTIVE PLATE 20SECOND FIXED ELEMENT 21SECOND FIXED CONTACT 22CONDUCTIVE PLATE 30MOVABLE ELEMENT 31CONDUCTIVE PLATE 32FIRST MOVABLE CONTACT 33SECOND MOVABLE CONTACT 41, 42PERMANENT MAGNET 50MOVABLE PLATE 51, 52PLATE-LIKE MEMBER 61, 62YOKE 63,64REGULATING STRUCTURE 80ELECTROMAGNETIC MECHANISM 81YOKE 82MOVABLE IRON PIECE 90CASE 100ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY

Claims

1. A contact mechanism comprising: a movable element including a conductive plate extending in a first direction, a first movable contact and a second movable contact respectively disposed on both ends of a first surface of the conductive plate in the first direction; a first fixed element including a first fixed contact disposed so as to be connectable to the first movable contact; and a second fixed element including a second fixed contact disposed so as to be connectable to the second movable contact, wherein the contact mechanism is configured so that when the movable element is displaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and hence the first movable contact is connected to the first fixed contact, and the second movable contact is connected to the second fixed contact, the first and second fixed elements are brought into a current flowing state through the movable element, the first fixed element is configured so as to be capable of generating a magnetic field in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and includes an excitation part overlapping the movable element as viewed in the third direction, the excitation part includes an angular annular structure in which a first conductive member and a third conductive member extending in the first direction, and a second conductive member and a fourth conductive member extending in the second direction are connected in the order of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member, the first and third conductive members overlap the movable element as viewed in the second direction, and when the contact mechanism is brought into the current flowing state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable element in such a direction that the movable element maintains the current flowing state by a magnetic field generated in the excitation part; an attractive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member and the movable element; and a repulsive force by the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member and the movable element.

2. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the contact mechanism is in the current flowing state, a direction of a current flowing through the movable element and a direction of a current flowing through the first conductive member are the same as each other, and a direction of a current flowing through the movable element and a direction of a current flowing through the third conductive member are opposite to each other.

3. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed contact is provided, among the first to the fourth conductive members constituting the excitation part, on the fourth conductive member side.

4. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed contact is provided in a fifth conductive member connected to the fourth conductive member, and a distance between the first conductive member and the movable element is shorter than a distance between the fifth conductive member and the movable element.

5. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein arc-suppression permanent magnets are provided on an outer side of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact in the first direction, and on an outer side of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact in the first direction, respectively.

6. The contact mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the excitation part is disposed between positions of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact and positions of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact in the first direction as viewed in the second direction.

7. The contact mechanism according to claim 5, wherein a yoke for increasing an arc-suppression magnetic field is provided in the permanent magnet, and a regulating structure for regulating, when the contact mechanism is in a current non-flowing state, a displacement of the movable element in the second direction is provided in the yoke.

8. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a movable plate for displacing the movable element in the second direction is connected to the first surface of the conductive plate of the movable element or a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the movable plate is provided so as to extend in a direction opposite to a side on which the excitation part is provided as viewed in the first direction.

9. An electromagnetic relay comprising: a contact mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and an electromagnetic mechanism capable of displacing the movable element in the second direction, wherein the electromagnetic relay is configured so as to be able to switch, by using the electromagnetic mechanism, connection / nonconnection between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, and connection / non-connection between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact.

Images