Electromagnetic contactor

Abstract

An electromagnetic contactor is disclosed. An electromagnetic contactor according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a contact point part; a housing which is coupled to the contact point part and at least partially accommodates the contact point part; and a terminal member coupled to each of the housing and the contact point part and conductively connected to the contact point part so as to monitor an electrically conductive state of the contact point part, wherein the contact point part includes a fixation contact point which is coupled to the housing such that a part thereof is exposed outside the housing and the other part thereof is accommodated in the housing, the fixation contact point being formed of an electrically conductive material; and a part of the terminal member is coupled to the part of the fixation contact point so as to be conductive to the fixation contact point, and the other part of the terminal member is exposed outside of the housing to be spaced apart from the fixation contact point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic contactor, and more particularly, to an electromagnetic contactor having a structure that can achieve structural simplicity while including a state monitoring function.Background Art

[0002] An electromagnetic contactor is a general term for a device that operates a contact using magnetic attraction to open and close a circuit. The electromagnetic contactor is widely used to remotely control an operation of any device by controlling magnetic attraction.

[0003] The electromagnetic contactor is generally configured to include a fixed contact and a movable contact that are electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively. The movable contact is connected to a movable core by any member. A fixed core is located adjacent to the movable core, and a fixed core is surrounded by a coil.

[0004] When a control current is applied to the coil, the fixed core is magnetized by a magnetic field formed by the coil, which applies an attractive force to the movable core. Accordingly, the movable core and the movable contact connected thereto are moved so as to allow the movable contact and the fixed contact to be brought into contact with each other, and as a result, the external power source and load connected to the electromagnetic contactor are electrically connected, respectively.

[0005] Recently, interest in electric vehicles (EVs) that use electricity as a power source instead of fossil fuels has increased, and cases of electric vehicles including electromagnetic contactors are increasing. In the case of electric vehicles, unlike conventional devices, reliable control of electromagnetic contactors is becoming important as they are directly related to the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

[0006] To this end, technologies have been introduced to monitor an operating state of an electromagnetic contactor in real time and control the electromagnetic contactor in real time by reflecting the monitored state.

[0007] Korean Patent No. 10-2513352 discloses a built-in electromagnetic switch having a status indication function. Specifically, a built-in electromagnetic switch is disclosed, which has an indicator element on an enclosure so as to allow the state of the electromagnetic switch to be displayed.

[0008] However, the built-in electromagnetic switch disclosed in the prior art document has a limitation in that its operating state is provided only to the indication element provided in the enclosure. That is, it is difficult for an operator located remotely to easily recognize the operating state of the built-in electromagnetic switch.

[0009] Korean Patent No. 10-1228807 discloses an electromagnetic contactor control method and an electromagnetic contactor using the same. Specifically, an electromagnetic contactor control method that can receive state information of an electromagnetic contactor and control the on / off of the electromagnetic contactor based thereon, and an electromagnetic contactor using the same is disclosed.

[0010] However, the electromagnetic contactor control method disclosed in the prior art document and the electromagnetic contactor using the same have limitations in that their implementation method is limited to the flow of information. That is, the prior art document does not provide a specific arrangement structure for implementing the flow of information and the resultant electromagnetic contactor control method.

[0011] Furthermore, the prior art documents do not provide a method for simply configuring an arrangement structure and assembly structure of the electromagnetic contactor while providing a configuration for state monitoring, and preventing an increase in the size of the electromagnetic contactor.

[0012] Korean Patent No. 10-2513352 (March 23, 2023)

[0013] Korean Patent No. 10-1228807 (January 31, 2013)Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[0014] The present disclosure is intended to solve the foregoing problems, and an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure capable of implementing a state monitoring function.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure that can be easily installed to implement a state monitoring function.

[0016] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure that can prevent damage to an existing configuration when installing a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function.

[0017] Yet still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure in which a coupling state of a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function can be stably maintained.

[0018] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure in which a state of electrical connection and coupling state in a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function and a configuration for electrical connection can be stably maintained.

[0019] Yet still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic contactor having a structure that can be modified and applied in various forms.

[0020] The problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems that are not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.Solution to Problem

[0021] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electromagnetic contactor including a contact part; a housing coupled to the contact part to at least partially receive the contact part; and a terminal member coupled to the housing and the contact part, respectively, and electrically connected to the contact part to monitor an electrical connection state of the contact part, wherein the contact part includes a fixed contact formed of an electrically conductive material that is coupled to the housing so as to allow a part thereof to be exposed to an outside of the housing and another part thereof to be received in the housing, a part of the terminal member is coupled to the part of the fixed contact to be electrically connected to the fixed contact, and another part thereof is exposed to the outside of the housing to be spaced apart from the fixed contact.

[0022] In this case, the fixed contact can include a fixed contact head exposed to the outside of the housing; a fixed contact body connected to the fixed contact head and received inside the housing; and a fixed contact boss arranged to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the fixed contact head and arranged to protrude from one surface of the fixed contact head.

[0023] In addition, the terminal member can include a terminal body mounted on the fixed contact head to be electrically in contact with the fixed contact head; and a fixed contact receiving space arranged to pass through an inside of the terminal body to receive the fixed contact boss.

[0024] In this case, the fixed contact head and the fixed contact boss can have a circular cross-section, and a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact head can be larger than or equal to that of the cross-section of the fixed contact boss, wherein the terminal body and the fixed contact receiving space have a circular cross-section, an outer diameter of the terminal body is less than or equal to a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact head, and a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact receiving space is greater than or equal to that of the cross-section of the fixed contact boss and less than or equal to the outer diameter of the terminal body.

[0025] In addition, the fixed contact can include a terminal receiving groove located on the one surface of the fixed contact head to radially outwardly surround the fixed contact boss, wherein the terminal body is received in the terminal receiving groove to be in contact with and electrically connected to the one surface of the fixed contact head.

[0026] In this case, the terminal member can include a terminal body coupled to the fixed contact to be electrically in contact with the fixed contact; a fixed contact receiving space located radially inwardly of the terminal body and arranged to pass therethrough in a height direction of the terminal body to receive a portion of the fixed contact; and a terminal extension part connected to one side of the terminal body and at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0027] In addition, the terminal body can be arranged in a ring shape to radially outwardly surround the portion of the fixed contact.

[0028] In this case, the terminal extension part can include a first terminal extension part that is continuous with the terminal body and exposed to the outside of the housing; a second terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle from the first terminal extension part to be received inside the housing; a third terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle with the second terminal extension part to be received inside the housing; and a fourth terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle from the third terminal extension part to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0029] In addition, the housing can include a contact through-hole arranged to pass through one surface thereof to receive the fixed contact, the terminal body and the first terminal extension part; and a terminal through-hole located to be spaced apart from the contact through-hole along one direction and arranged to pass through the one surface so as to allow the fourth terminal extension part to pass therethrough.

[0030] In this case, the housing can include a terminal insulating partition located between the contact through-hole and the terminal through-hole along the one direction to electrically insulate the fixed contact and the fourth terminal extension part.

[0031] In addition, the terminal insulating partition can include a first insulating extension part located between the contact through-hole and the terminal through-hole to extend in the other direction; and a second insulating extension part that is continuous with an end of the first insulating extension part to extend in the one direction, wherein the fourth terminal extension part is at least partially surrounded by the first insulating extension part and the second insulating extension part.

[0032] In this case, the housing can include a support boss that supports at least one of the second terminal extension part and the third terminal extension part in one direction and the other direction.

[0033] In addition, the support boss can include a terminal cover part located to face the fixed contact with the second terminal extension part having a first length therebetween so as to support the second terminal extension part in one direction; and a terminal support part located to face the second terminal extension part with the terminal cover part therebetween so as to support the third terminal extension part in a height direction.

[0034] In this case, a spot can be arranged on the terminal body to be fixedly coupled to the fixed contact.

[0035] In addition, a main spot can be arranged in a portion of the terminal body facing the terminal extension part, and a sub spot can be arranged in another portion of the terminal body.

[0036] In this case, the sub spot can be arranged in plurality, and the main spot and the plurality of sub spots can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the terminal body.

[0037] In addition, the spot can be formed by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0038] According to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can implement a state monitoring function.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be easily installed with a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function.

[0040] In addition, according to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent damage to an existing configuration when installing a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function.

[0041] Moreover, according to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can stably maintain a coupling state of a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function.

[0042] Besides, according to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can stably maintain a state of electrical connection and coupling state in a configuration for implementing a state monitoring function and a configuration for electrical connection.

[0043] In addition, according to the above configuration, an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be modified and applied in various forms.

[0044] It is to be understood that the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing effects, and include all effects that can be deduced from the features described in the detailed description or claims of the present disclosure.Brief Description of Drawings

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electromagnetic contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first housing provided in the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view from another angle showing the first housing of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first housing of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a B-B cross-sectional view showing the first housing of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a second housing provided in the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a contact part provided in the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a C-C cross-sectional view showing the contact part of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration and coupling sequence of the contact part of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fixed contact provided in the contact part of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a fixed contact (a) of FIG. 12 and a fixed contact (b) according to a modified example. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a terminal member provided in the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a terminal member (a) of FIG. 14 and a terminal member (b) according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the terminal member (a) of FIG. 14 and the terminal member (b) according to a modified example. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing various examples of portions where the terminal member of FIG. 14 is coupled to the fixed contact of FIG. 12. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration and coupling sequence of the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is an A-A cross-sectional view showing the electromagnetic contactor of FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 19. FIGS. 21 and 22 are enlarged views of portion A of an electromagnetic contactor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Mode for the Invention

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to allow those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains to easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to an embodiment described herein. In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, portions that are not related to the description are omitted from the drawings, and the same reference numerals are designated to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0047] Words and terms used in this specification and claims are not interpreted as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure in accordance with the principle by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to explain his or her invention in the best way.

[0048] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and do not represent all of the technical concepts of the present disclosure, and thus the corresponding configuration can have various equivalents and modified examples to replace it at the time of filing the present disclosure.

[0049] In the following description, descriptions of some elements can be omitted to clarify the features of the present disclosure.

[0050] The term "communication" used in the following description means that one or more members are connected in fluid communication with one another. In one embodiment, the communication can be implemented by a member such as a conduit, pipe, or piping. In the following description, the term "communication" can be used to mean that one or more members are " fluidically connected" to one another.

[0051] The term "electrical connection" used in the following description means that one or more members are connected to one another so as to allow a current or electrical signal to be transmitted. In one embodiment, the electrical connection can be implemented in a wired form using a conductor member, or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID. In one embodiment, the electrical connection can include the meaning of "communication."

[0052] The term "fluid" used in the following description refers to any form of material that flows by external force and whose shape or volume can be changed. In one embodiment, the fluid can be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0053] The terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "front side," and "rear side" used in the following description will be understood with reference to the coordinate system shown throughout the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an electromagnetic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed.

[0055] The electromagnetic contactor 10 is electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively. The electromagnetic contactor 10 can selectively allow electrical connection to the external power source and the load. Specifically, some components of the electromagnetic contactor 10 are electrically connected to an external power source, and other components of the electromagnetic contactor 10 are electrically connected to an external load.

[0056] The some components and the other components are electrically in contact with or separated from each other by control power applied thereto. Accordingly, an external power source and load can be electrically connected to each other or electrical connection therebetween can be blocked.

[0057] The electromagnetic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be remotely controlled. Accordingly, the electromagnetic contactor 10 can allow an external power source and load to be electrically connected or block electrical connection therebetween even when an operator is not located nearby.

[0058] A process of allowing an external power source and load to be electrically connected or blocking electrical connection therebetween by the electromagnetic contactor 10 is a well-known technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] In addition, the electromagnetic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes another component for monitoring a contact state of the some components and the other components. The another configuration can monitor any information related to the contact state of the some components and the other components. For example, the another component can be configured to monitor information such as a current value or voltage value of electricity electrically connected to the some components and the other components.

[0060] In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electromagnetic contactor 10 includes a first housing 100, a second housing 200, a contact part 300, and a terminal member 400.

[0061] The first housing 100 constitutes a part of an outer shape of the electromagnetic contactor 10. In the shown embodiment, the first housing 100 constitutes one side, that is, an upper side, in a height direction of the electromagnetic contactor 10.

[0062] The first housing 100 is coupled to the second housing 200. One side in a height direction of the first housing 100, a lower side in the shown embodiment, is coupled to the second housing 200. A space is arranged inside the first housing 100, and the space communicates with a space arranged inside the second housing 200. When the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are coupled to each other, the space can be blocked from any communication with the outside.

[0063] The first housing 100 is coupled to the contact part 300. Specifically, the first housing 100 receives some components of the contact part 300 in the space. In this case, the first housing 100 can receive the some components of the contact part 300 so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside. In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact 310 provided in the contact part 300 is coupled to the first housing 100 so as to be exposed on one side, that is, an upper side, in the height direction of the first housing 100.

[0064] The first housing 100 is coupled to the terminal member 400. The first housing 100 can be coupled to the terminal member 400 so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside. In the shown embodiment, the terminal member 400 is coupled to the first housing 100 so as to be exposed on the one side, that is, the upper side, in the height direction of the first housing 100.

[0065] The first housing 100 can be formed of an electrically insulating material and a thermally insulating material. In addition, the first housing 100 can be formed of a high strength material. This is to prevent arbitrary electrical connection of a current applied to the contact part 300 and to prevent damage caused by an arc that can occur during the operation of the contact part 300. In one embodiment, the first housing 100 can be formed of a synthetic resin material such as reinforced plastic.

[0066] The first housing 100 can have any shape that can be coupled to the second housing 200, the contact part 300, and the terminal member 400 to support them. In the shown embodiment, the first housing 100 has a polygonal column shape having a rectangular cross-section in which a width in a left-right direction is longer than a length in a front-rear direction, and having a height in an up-down direction.

[0067] In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the first housing 100 includes a first housing body 110, a support boss 120, a contact through-hole 130, a contact insulating partition 140, a terminal insulating partition 150, a terminal through-hole 160, and a magnet member 170.

[0068] In addition, in a modified example shown in FIG. 21, the first housing 100 can further include a support protrusion p.

[0069] The first housing body 110 constitutes an outer shape of the first housing 100. The first housing body 110 has a shape corresponding to that of the first housing 100, that is, a polygonal column shape having a width in a left-right direction that is longer than a length in a front-rear direction and having a height in an up-down direction.

[0070] The first housing body 110 is coupled to the second housing body 210. Specifically, one side in a height direction of the first housing body 110, a lower side in the shown embodiment, can be coupled to one side in a height direction of the second housing body 210, an upper side in the shown embodiment.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first housing body 110 and the second housing body 210 can be hook-fitted to each other. To this end, a protrusion can be arranged on one of the first housing body 110 and the second housing body 210, and a groove can be arranged on the other of the first housing body 110 and the second housing body 210.

[0072] The first housing body 110 is coupled to the contact part 300. Specifically, the first housing body 110 supports the fixed contact 310 so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside.

[0073] The first housing body 110 is coupled to the terminal member 400. Specifically, the first housing body 110 support the terminal member 400 coupled to the fixed contact 310 so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside.

[0074] In the shown embodiment, the first housing body 110 includes a first housing upper surface 111, a first housing side surface 112, and a first housing space 113.

[0075] The first housing upper surface 111 constitutes a part of an outer surface of the first housing body 110. In the shown embodiment, the first housing upper surface 111 constitutes one side in the height direction of the first housing body 110, the upper side in the shown embodiment. The first housing upper surface 111 surrounds the first housing space 113 arranged inside the first housing body 110 from the upper side.

[0076] The support boss 120 is located on the first housing upper surface 111. In addition, the contact through-hole 130 is arranged to pass through the first housing upper surface 111 and the support boss 120. Furthermore, the terminal insulating partition 150 is arranged to protrude from the first housing upper surface 111, and the terminal through-hole 160 is arranged to pass therethrough.

[0077] The first housing upper surface 111 is continuous with the first housing side surface 112. Specifically, each end in a horizontal direction of the first housing upper surface 111, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side edges in the shown embodiment are each continuous with a plurality of first housing side surfaces 112.

[0078] The first housing side surface 112 constitutes another part of the outer surface of the first housing body 110. In the shown embodiment, the first housing side surface 112 constitutes each horizontal side of the first housing body 110. The first housing side surface 112 can be provided in plurality, and respectively constitute a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side of the first housing body 110.

[0079] Each end in an extension direction of the plurality of first housing side surfaces 112 can be continuous with each end of an extension direction of the other first housing side surfaces 112. The plurality of first housing side surfaces 112 horizontally surround the first housing space 113 arranged inside the first housing body 110.

[0080] The magnet member 170 is located on an inner side of the first housing side surface 112. The inner side of the first housing side surface 112 can support the magnet member 170. To this end, a space for receiving the magnet member 170 and a rib surrounding the space can be arranged on an inner side of the first housing side surface 112.

[0081] In the shown embodiment, the first housing side surface 112 includes a first housing coupling member 112a.

[0082] The first housing coupling member 112a is a portion where the first housing body 110 is coupled to the second housing body 210. The first housing coupling member 112a is located at the other end in a height direction of the first housing side surface 112, a lower end in the shown embodiment. The first housing coupling member 112a is arranged to protrude in a thickness direction of the first housing side surface 112 (best shown in FIG. 7).

[0083] The first housing coupling member 112a is inserted into a second housing coupling groove 212. In this case, the first housing coupling member 112a can be hook-fitted to the second housing coupling groove 212. To this end, the first housing coupling member 112a includes a first portion extending horizontally and a second portion that is continuous with the first portion and extends obliquely downward.

[0084] In the embodiment, the first housing coupling member 112a can be easily inserted into the second housing coupling groove 212 simply by applying a downward force. In addition, the first housing coupling member 112a inserted into the second housing coupling groove 212 can be withdrawn from the second housing coupling groove 212 only when a downward force and a horizontal force are applied simultaneously.

[0085] Accordingly, a coupling state between the first housing body 110 and the second housing body 210 can be stably maintained.

[0086] The first housing space 113 is a space arranged inside the first housing body 110. The first housing space 113 is defined by being surrounded by the first housing upper surface 111 and the first housing side surface 112.

[0087] In the shown embodiment, one side, that is, an upper side, in a height direction of the first housing space 113, is surrounded by the first housing upper surface 111. Each side, that is, a front side, a rear side, a left side, or a right side, in a horizontal direction of the first housing space 113, is surrounded by the first housing side surface 112.

[0088] In this case, the other side, that is, a lower side, in the height direction of the first housing space 113, is arranged to be open. The first housing space 113 communicates with a second housing space 213 through the other side thereof.

[0089] The first housing space 113 communicates with the contact through-hole 130. The fixed contact 310 received in the first housing space 113 can be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 through the contact through-hole 130.

[0090] The first housing space 113 communicates with the terminal through-hole 160. The terminal member 400 received in the first housing space 113 can be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 through the terminal through-hole 160.

[0091] The first housing space 113 receives some components of the contact part 300. In the shown embodiment, the first housing space 113 receives some components that are located relatively above the components of the contact part 300, that is, a fixed contact 310, a contact insulating member 320, an arc chamber 330, and a movable contact 360.

[0092] The first housing space 113 at least partially receives the terminal member 400. As will be described later, the first housing space 113 receives the remaining portion of the terminal member 400 except for the first terminal extension part 431 and the fourth terminal extension part 434 that are exposed to an outside of the first housing body 110.

[0093] The first housing space 113 can have a shape corresponding to that of the first housing body 110. In the shown embodiment, the first housing space 113 is defined as a three-dimensional space having a width in a left-right direction longer than a length in a front-rear direction and a height in an up-down direction.

[0094] The support boss 120 supports the fixed contact 310 coupled to the first housing 100 in a radial direction. In addition, the support boss 120 can expose the fixed contact 310 at a relatively high location compared to the first housing upper surface 111, thereby easily making electrical connection between the fixed contact 310 and an external power source and load.

[0095] The support boss 120 is arranged on the first housing upper surface 111. The support boss 120 is arranged to protrude from an upper side in a height direction of the first housing upper surface 111 in the shown embodiment.

[0096] The support boss 120 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of support bosses 120 can be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the first housing body 110 and arranged to face each other with a contact insulating partition 140 therebetween. In the shown embodiment, the support boss 120 includes a first support boss 120a located on the left side and a second support boss 120b located on the right side.

[0097] In the shown embodiment, the support boss 120 includes a terminal support part 121 and a terminal cover part 122.

[0098] The terminal support part 121 supports the terminal member 400 coupled to the fixed contact 310 in a height direction. In the shown embodiment, the terminal support part 121 is configured to support the terminal member 400 from a lower side thereof. The terminal support part 121 can support a third terminal extension part 433 from a lower side thereof. The terminal support part 121 is located on an outside of the terminal cover part 122 along a length direction.

[0099] By the terminal support part 121, a distance by which the terminal member 400 moves downward or a length by which the terminal member 400 is deformed in shape when pressed by an external force can be limited.

[0100] In addition, in an embodiment in which a support protrusion p is further arranged on the first housing 100, the terminal support part 121 can be arranged to have a lower height than the support protrusion p. In the embodiment, the third terminal extension part 433 is supported by the support protrusion p, but when pressed by an external force, the terminal support part 121 can limit a movement distance or shape deformation degree of the third terminal extension part 433 (see FIG. 21).

[0101] The terminal cover part 122 supports the terminal member 400 coupled to the fixed contact 310 in a horizontal direction. In the shown embodiment, the terminal cover part 122 is configured to support the terminal member 400 in a length direction, that is, a front-rear direction. The terminal cover part 122 can support a second terminal extension part 432 from an inner side in a length direction. The terminal cover part 122 is located on the outside in a length direction of the second terminal extension part 432 along the length direction.

[0102] By the terminal cover part 122, a distance by which the terminal member 400 moves in a horizontal direction or a length by which the terminal member 400 is deformed in shape when pressed by an external force can be limited.

[0103] Therefore, as the support boss 120 supports the terminal member 400 in horizontal and vertical directions, excessive shape deformation or excessive movement of the terminal member 400 can be prevented.

[0104] The contact through-hole 130 is arranged inside the support boss 120.

[0105] The contact through-hole 130 is a space where the fixed contact 310 is exposed. The fixed contact 310 can be at least partially exposed to the outside through the contact through-hole 130. In the shown embodiment, a fixed contact head 311, a fixed contact boss 313, a part of a fixed contact hollow 314 and a terminal receiving groove 315 arranged on an upper side of the fixed contact 310 are exposed to the outside through the contact through-hole 130.

[0106] In addition, a terminal body 410 of the terminal member 400 received in the terminal receiving groove 315 can also be received in the contact through-hole 130 and exposed to an outside of the first housing body 110.

[0107] The contact through-hole 130 is located inside the support boss 120. Specifically, the contact through-hole 130 is located radially inwardly of the support boss 120. The contact through-hole 130 is arranged in a height direction of the first housing body 110, in an up-down direction in the shown embodiment, to pass therethrough. The contact through-hole 130 is arranged to pass through the support boss 120 and the first housing upper surface 111, thereby communicating the first housing space 113 with the outside.

[0108] The contact through-hole 130 can have a shape corresponding to that of the fixed contact 310 or the terminal body 410. In the shown embodiment, the contact through-hole 130 is arranged as a cylindrical space having a circular cross-section and having a height in an up-down direction.

[0109] The contact through-holes 130 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of contact through-holes 130 can be spaced apart in a width direction with the contact insulating partition 140 therebetween and arranged to face each other. In the shown embodiment, the contact through-hole 130 includes a first contact through-hole 130a located on the left side and a second contact through-hole 130b located on the right side.

[0110] The first contact through-hole 130a is arranged in the first support boss 120a to receive a first fixed contact 310a and a first terminal member 400a. The second contact through-hole 130b is arranged in the second support boss 120b to receive a second fixed contact 310b and a second terminal member 400b.

[0111] The contact through-hole 130 can be divided into a plurality of portions. A part of the plurality of portions receives the fixed contact 310. Another part of the plurality of portions receives the terminal member 400.

[0112] In the shown embodiment, the contact through-hole 130 includes a contact receiving hole 131 and a terminal receiving hole 132.

[0113] The contact receiving hole 131 receives the fixed contact 310. The contact receiving hole 131 is located on an inner side of the terminal receiving hole 132. The contact receiving hole 131 can have a shape corresponding to that of the fixed contact 310. In the shown embodiment, the contact receiving hole 131 is arranged as a cylindrical space having a circular cross-section and having a height in an up-down direction. In the embodiment, a diameter of a cross-section of the contact receiving hole 131 can be greater than or equal to that of a cross-section of the fixed contact head 311 of the fixed contact 310.

[0114] The contact receiving hole 131 communicates with the terminal receiving hole 132.

[0115] The terminal receiving hole 132 receives the first terminal extension part 431 of the terminal member 400. The terminal receiving hole 132 is located on an outside of the contact receiving hole 131. The terminal receiving hole 132 can have a shape corresponding to that of the first terminal extension part 431. In the shown embodiment, the terminal receiving hole 132 is arranged as a column-shaped space extending in a width direction, that is, a left-right direction, of the first housing body 110. The terminal receiving hole 132 is located between the terminal insulating partition 150 and the contact receiving hole 131 along a length direction, that is, a front-rear direction, of the first housing body 110.

[0116] The contact insulating partition 140 electrically insulates between the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 along a width direction. In addition, the contact insulating partition 140 electrically insulates between the first and second terminal members 400a, 400b exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 along a width direction.

[0117] In the shown embodiment, the contact insulating partition 140 is located between the first and second contact through-holes 130a, 130b along a width direction, that is, a left-right direction, of the first housing body 110. The contact insulating partition 140 extends in length and height directions, that is, in front-rear and up-down directions, of the first housing body 110, and is arranged to overlap the first and second contact through-holes 130a, 130b along the width direction.

[0118] The terminal insulating partition 150 electrically insulates between the first and second terminal members 400a, 400b exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 from other components. Specifically, the terminal insulating partition 150 electrically insulates between the fourth terminal extension part 434 exposed to the outside through the terminal through-hole 160 from other components.

[0119] The terminal insulating partition 150 is located between the terminal through-hole 160 and the contact through-hole 130 along the length direction of the first housing body 110, in the front-rear direction in the shown embodiment. Accordingly, the terminal insulating partition 150 can electrically insulate the fixed contact 310 exposed to the outside through the contact through-hole 130 from the fourth terminal extension part 434 exposed to the outside through the terminal through-hole 160 .

[0120] The terminal insulating partition 150 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of terminal insulating partitions 150 are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the first housing body 110 so as to at least partially surround the plurality of fourth terminal extension parts 434.

[0121] In the shown embodiment, the terminal insulating partition 150 is provided in a pair including a first terminal insulating partition 150a and a second terminal insulating partition 150b. The first and second terminal insulating partitions 150a, 150b are arranged to face each other along a width direction of the first housing body 110, that is, a left-right direction in the shown embodiment, with the contact insulating partition 140 therebetween.

[0122] Accordingly, the fourth terminal extension part 434 of the first terminal member 400a exposed to the outside through the first terminal through-hole 160a can be electrically insulated from the fourth terminal extension part 434 of the second terminal member 400b exposed to the outside through the second terminal through-hole 160b along the width direction of the first housing body 110.

[0123] In the shown embodiment, the terminal insulating partition 150 includes a first insulating extension part 151, a second insulating extension part 152, and a terminal receiving space 153.

[0124] The first insulating extension part 151 constitutes a part of the terminal insulating partition 150. The first insulating extension part 151 electrically insulates the fourth terminal extension part 434 from the fixed contact 310. In the shown embodiment, the first insulating extension part 151 is located between the contact through-hole 130 and the terminal through-hole 160 along the length direction, that is, the front-rear direction, of the first housing body 110.

[0125] The first insulating extension part 151 can have any shape that can electrically insulate between the fixed contact 310 and the fourth terminal extension part 434. In the shown embodiment, the first insulating extension part 151 is provided in a plate shape having a width in a left-right direction, a thickness in a front-rear direction, and a height in an up-down direction.

[0126] The first insulating extension part 151 is continuous with the second insulating extension part 152. The first insulating extension part 151 partially surrounds the terminal receiving space 153.

[0127] The second insulating extension part 152 constitutes another part of the terminal insulating partition 150. The second insulating extension part 152 electrically insulates the fourth terminal extension part 434 provided on one terminal member 400 from the fixed contact 310 from the fourth terminal extension part 434 provided on the other terminal member 400, and the outside. In the shown embodiment, the second insulating extension part 152 is located to surround the terminal through-hole 160 along the width direction, that is, the left-right direction, of the first housing body 110.

[0128] The second insulating extension part 152 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of second insulating extension parts 152 can be arranged to be continuous with the first insulating extension part 151, but spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the first housing body 110. In the shown embodiment, a pair of second insulating extension parts 152 are provided, and arranged to face each other in a left-right direction with the terminal through-hole 160 therebetween.

[0129] The second insulating extension part 152 can have any shape that can electrically insulate the fourth terminal extension part 434 provided on one terminal member 400 from the fixed contact 310, the fourth terminal extension part 434 provided on the other terminal member 400, and the outside. In the shown embodiment, the second insulating extension part 152 is provided in a plate shape having a thickness in a left-right direction, a length in a front-rear direction, and a height in an up-down direction.

[0130] The second insulating extension part 152 at least partially surrounds the terminal receiving space 153 together with the first insulating extension part 151.

[0131] The terminal receiving space 153 receives the fourth terminal extension part 434 that is exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 through the terminal through-hole 160. The terminal receiving space 153 at least partially surrounds the terminal through-hole 160 and the fourth terminal extension part 434.

[0132] The terminal receiving space 153 can be defined by being surrounded by the first insulating extension part 151 and the second insulating extension part 152. In the shown embodiment, each side of the terminal receiving space 153 in a width direction is surrounded by a pair of second insulating extension parts 152. One side of the terminal receiving space 153 facing the contact through-hole 130 in a length direction, a rear side in the shown embodiment the rear side, is surrounded by the first insulating extension part 151.

[0133] In this case, the other side opposite to the contact through-hole 130 of the terminal receiving space 153 in a width direction, a front side in the shown embodiment, is arranged to be open. Accordingly, a device (not shown) for monitoring a state of an external inverter and battery can be easily electrically connected to the fourth terminal extension part 434 through the other side.

[0134] The terminal through-hole 160 constitutes a passage through which the fourth terminal extension part 434 of the terminal member 400 is exposed to the outside of the first housing body 110. The terminal through-hole 160 is arranged to pass through the first housing upper surface 111, thereby communicating the first housing space 113 with the outside.

[0135] The terminal through-hole 160 is located in the terminal receiving space 153. The terminal through-hole 160 is at least partially surrounded by the first and second insulating extension parts 151, 152.

[0136] The terminal through-hole 160 can have a shape corresponding to that of the fourth terminal extension part 434. In the shown embodiment, the terminal through-hole 160 is arranged to extend in a width direction, that is, a left-right direction, of the first housing body 110, and is arranged as a space arranged to pass therethrough in an up-down direction.

[0137] The terminal through-hole 160 can be arranged in plurality. The plurality of terminal through-holes 160 can be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the first housing body 110 and located in a plurality of terminal receiving spaces 153, respectively. In the shown embodiment, two terminal through-holes 160 are arranged, including the first terminal through-hole 160a located on the left side and the second terminal through-hole 160b located on the right side.

[0138] The fourth terminal extension part 434 of the first terminal member 400a passes through the first terminal through-hole 160a. The first terminal through-hole 160a is located in the terminal receiving space 153 provided in the first terminal insulating partition 150a.

[0139] The fourth terminal extension part 434 of the second terminal member 400b passes through the second terminal through-hole 160b. The second terminal through-hole 160b is located in the terminal receiving space 153 provided in the second terminal insulating partition 150b.

[0140] The magnet member 170 forms a magnetic field to induce an arc generated inside the arc chamber 330. The arc generated when the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360 are spaced apart from each other can be induced by an electromagnetic force formed by a current flowing through the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360 and a magnetic field formed, and extinguished while quickly moving away from the fixed contact 310.

[0141] The magnet member 170 is located on an inner side of the first housing side surface 112. The magnet member 170 is arranged to surround the arc chamber 330 received in the first housing space 113 from the outside in a horizontal direction.

[0142] The magnet member 170 can be located on at least one of the plurality of first housing side surfaces 112. In the shown embodiment, the magnet members 170 are located on the first housing side surfaces 112 located on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0143] The magnet member 170 can be provided in plurality. Each of the plurality of magnet members 170 can form a magnetic field inside the arc chamber 330. In the shown embodiment, a total of three magnet members 170 are arranged in parallel in a length direction, that is, in a front-rear direction, on an inner side of the first housing side surface 112 located on the left side.

[0144] A process of inducing and extinguishing an arc generated by a magnetic field formed by the magnet member 170 is a well-known technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0145] The second housing 200 constitutes another part of the outer shape of the electromagnetic contactor 10. In the shown embodiment, the second housing 200 constitutes the other side, that is, a lower side, in a height direction of the electromagnetic contactor 10.

[0146] The second housing 200 is coupled to the first housing 100. One side in a height direction of the second housing 200, an upper side in the shown embodiment, is coupled to the first housing 100. A space is arranged inside the second housing 200, and the space communicates with a space arranged inside the first housing 100. As described above, when the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are coupled to each other, the spaces are communicated with each other.

[0147] The second housing 200 receives the contact part 300. In this case, the second housing 200 receives the remaining portion of the contact part 300 except for a portion received in the first housing 100, that is, a lower portion in the shown embodiment.

[0148] The second housing 200 can be formed of an electrically insulating material and a thermally insulating material. In addition, the second housing 200 can be formed of a high strength material. In one embodiment, the second housing 200 can be formed of the same material as the first housing 100.

[0149] The second housing 200 can have any shape that can be coupled to the first housing 100 to at least partially receive the contact part 300. In the shown embodiment, the second housing 200 has a polygonal column shape having a rectangular cross-section in which a width in a left-right direction is longer than a length in a front-rear direction, and having a height in an up-down direction. The second housing 200 and the first housing 100 can be deformed to correspond to each other.

[0150] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the second housing 200 includes a second housing body 210 and an electrical opening 220.

[0151] The second housing body 210 constitutes an outer shape of the second housing 200. The second housing body 210 has a shape corresponding to that of the second housing 200, that is, a polygonal column shape having a width in a left-right direction that is longer than a length in a front-rear direction and having a height in an up-down direction.

[0152] The second housing body 210 is coupled to the first housing body 110. Specifically, one side in a height direction of the second housing body 210, an upper side in the shown embodiment, can be coupled to one side in a height direction of the first housing body 110, a lower side in the shown embodiment.

[0153] In one embodiment, the second housing body 210 can be hook-fitted to the first housing body 110 as described above.

[0154] The second housing body 210 receives the contact part 300. The second housing body 210 can receive the contact part 300 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0155] In the shown embodiment, the second housing body 210 includes a second housing side surface 211, a second housing coupling groove 212, and a second housing space 213.

[0156] The second housing side surface 211 constitutes a part of an outer surface of the second housing body 210. In the shown embodiment, the second housing side surface 211 constitutes each horizontal side of the second housing body 210. The second housing side surface 211 can be provided in plurality, and respectively constitute a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side of the second housing body 210.

[0157] Each end in an extension direction of the plurality of second housing side surfaces 211 can be continuous with each end of an extension direction of the other second housing side surfaces 211. The plurality of second housing side surfaces 211 horizontally surround the second housing space 213 arranged inside the second housing body 210.

[0158] A second housing coupling groove 212 is arranged on an inner side of the second housing side surface 211.

[0159] The second housing coupling groove 212 is a portion where the second housing body 210 is coupled to the first housing body 110. The second housing coupling groove 212 is arranged on one side in a height direction of the second housing side surface 211, on an upper end in the shown embodiment.

[0160] A first housing coupling member 112a is inserted into the second housing coupling groove 212 so as to be withdrawable. As described above, in an embodiment in which the first housing coupling member 112a is provided in a form of a hook, the second housing coupling groove 212 and the first housing coupling member 112a can be hook-fitted to each other.

[0161] The second housing coupling groove 212 can have any shape that can be coupled to the first housing coupling member 112a. In the shown embodiment, the second housing coupling groove 212 is arranged in a form of a through-hole passing in a thickness direction of the second housing side surface 211. In this case, the second housing coupling groove 212 can extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the second housing side surface 211.

[0162] The second housing coupling groove 212 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of second housing coupling grooves 212 can be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the second housing side surface 211 adjacent to an upper end of the second housing side surface 211. In the shown embodiment, a pair of second housing coupling grooves 212 are arranged on each of a pair of second housing side surfaces 211 located on front and rear sides. The second housing coupling grooves 212 of each pair are spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.

[0163] A shape and arrangement of the second housing coupling groove 212 can be changed depending on those of the first housing coupling member 112a.

[0164] The second housing space 213 is a space arranged inside the second housing body 210. The second housing space 213 is defined by being surrounded by the second housing side surface 211.

[0165] In the shown embodiment, each side, that is, a front side, a rear side, a left side, or a right side, in a horizontal direction of the second housing space 213, is surrounded by the second housing side surface 211. In addition, one side in a height direction of the second housing space 213, a lower side in the shown embodiment, is surrounded by a second housing lower surface (no reference numeral is given).

[0166] In this case, the other side, that is, an upper side, in the height direction of the second housing space 213, is arranged to be open. The second housing space 213 communicates with the first housing space 113 through the other side thereof.

[0167] The second housing space 213 communicates with the second housing coupling groove 212. The first housing coupling member 112a received in the second housing space 213 can enter the second housing coupling groove 212.

[0168] The second housing space 213 communicates with the electrical opening 220. Some components of the contact part 300 received in the second housing space 213 can be electrically connected to an external control power source (not shown) by a conductor member (not shown) that enters the second housing space 213 through the electrical opening 220.

[0169] The second housing space 213 receives some components of the contact part 300. In the shown embodiment, the second housing space 213 receives some components that are located relatively below the components of the contact part 300, that is, a contact frame 340, a coil member 350, a fixed core 370, a movable core 380, and a shaft 390.

[0170] The second housing space 213 can have a shape corresponding to that of the second housing body 210. In the shown embodiment, the second housing space 213 is defined as a three-dimensional space having a width in a left-right direction longer than a length in a front-rear direction and a height in an up-down direction.

[0171] The electrical opening 220 allows the second housing space 213 to communicate with the outside. An external control power source (not shown) can be electrically connected to the coil member 350 received in the second housing space 213 through the electrical opening 220.

[0172] The electrical opening 220 can have any shape allowing the second housing space 213 to communicate with the outside. In the shown embodiment, the electrical opening 220 is arranged to extend in an extension direction, that is, a left-right direction, of the second housing side surface 211 located on a front side, and is arranged in a thickness direction, that is, in a front-rear direction, of the second housing side surface 211 located on the front side to pass therethrough.

[0173] The electrical opening 220 can be arranged in plurality. The plurality of electrical openings 220 can be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the second housing side surface 211. In the shown embodiment, a pair of electrical openings 220 are provided and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.

[0174] A shape, number, and arrangement method of the electrical opening 220 can be changed to correspond to those of the coil member 350.

[0175] The contact part 300 actually performs the role of electrically connecting the electromagnetic contactor 10 to an external power source and load or blocking electrical connection therebetween. Some components of the contact part 300 can be electrically connected to the external power source and load, and other components of the contact part 300 can be electrically connected to or separated from the some components. Accordingly, the external power source and load connected to the electromagnetic contactor 10 can be electrically connected or disconnected.

[0176] The contact part 300 is coupled to the first housing 100. Some components of the contact part 300 are exposed to an outside of the first housing 100, and other components of the contact part 300 are received inside the first housing 100. In this case, the other components of the contact part 300 can be received inside the first housing 100 to move up and down.

[0177] The contact part 300 is coupled to the second housing 200. Another component of the contact part 300 can be received inside the second housing 200 to move up and down.

[0178] The contact part 300 is coupled to the terminal member 400. The some components of the contact part 300 can be electrically connected to the terminal member 400, thereby allowing electricity having a current and voltage such as electricity applied to the some components of the contact part 300 to be applied to the terminal member 400. Accordingly, the terminal member 400 can perform a function of monitoring an operating state of the electromagnetic contactor 10.

[0179] In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the contact part 300 includes a fixed contact 310, a contact insulating member 320, an arc chamber 330, a contact frame 340, a coil member 350, a movable contact 360, a fixed core 370, a movable core 380, and a shaft 390.

[0180] In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, each component of the contact part 300 can be sequentially coupled in an up-down direction.

[0181] That is, in a state where the contact frame 340, the coil member 350, the movable contact 360, the fixed core 370, the movable core 380 and the shaft 390 are coupled to one another, the arc chamber 330 (□ ), the contact insulating member 320 (□ ) and the fixed contact 310 (□ ) are sequentially lowered so as to allow the contact portion 300 to be assembled.

[0182] In addition, as will be described later, the terminal member 400 can also be moved in the same direction and coupled to the contact part 300 after the fixed contact 310 is lowered. Therefore, coupling between the terminal member 400 and the contact part 300 can be easily performed.

[0183] The fixed contact 310 is a component in which the contact part 300 is electrically connected to an external power source and load. The fixed contact 310 is formed of an electrically conductive material. The fixed contact 310 is coupled to the first housing 100. The fixed contact 310 passes through the contact through-hole 130 to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the first housing 100. The remaining portion of the fixed contact 310 is received in the first housing space 113.

[0184] The fixed contact 310 is at least partially received in the arc chamber 330. In the shown embodiment, one side, that is, a lower portion, in a height direction of the fixed contact 310 is located inside the arc chamber 330.

[0185] The fixed contact 310 is in contact with or separated from the movable contact 360. Accordingly, the fixed contact 310 can be electrically connected to the movable contact 360 or electrical connection therebetween can be blocked. As the name suggests, the fixed contact 310 is fixedly coupled to the first housing 100 so as not to move. Therefore, it will be understood that contact and separation between the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360 is achieved by moving the movable contact 360.

[0186] The fixed contact 310 is coupled to the terminal member 400. Some components of the fixed contact 310 are in contact with and electrically connected to the terminal body 410, and other components of the fixed contact 310 are inserted into the fixed contact receiving space 420. Accordingly, electricity of the same specification, that is, electricity with the same current and voltage values, can be applied to the fixed contact 310 and the terminal member 400.

[0187] The fixed contact 310 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of fixed contacts 310 can be electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively. In addition, the plurality of fixed contacts 310 can be simultaneously in contact with or separated from the movable contact 360. When the movable contact 360 is in contact therewith, the plurality of fixed contacts 310 are electrically connected to each other by the movable contact 360, and the external power source and load are also electrically connected to each other.

[0188] In the shown embodiment, two fixed contacts 310 are provided, including the first fixed contact 310a and the second fixed contact 310b. The first fixed contact 310a is exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 by passing through the first contact through-hole 130a located on the left side, and electrically connected to one of the external power source and load. The second fixed contact 310b is exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 by passing through the second contact through-hole 130b located on the right side, and electrically connected to the other one of the external power source and load.

[0189] The first fixed contact 310a and the second fixed contact 310b are arranged to face each other along a width direction of the first housing body 110, that is, a left-right direction in the shown embodiment, with the contact insulating partition 140 therebetween. The first fixed contact 310a and the second fixed contact 310b can be electrically insulated by the contact insulating partition 140.

[0190] The first fixed contact 310a is coupled to and electrically connected to the first terminal member 400a located on the left side. The first fixed contact 310a is arranged to face the fourth terminal extension part 434 of the first terminal member 400a with the terminal insulating partition 150 therebetween along a length direction of the first housing body 110, that is, a front-rear direction in the shown embodiment.

[0191] The second fixed contact 310b is coupled to and electrically connected to the second terminal member 400b located on the right side. The second fixed contact 310b is arranged to face the fourth terminal extension part 434 of the second terminal member 400b with the terminal insulating partition 150 therebetween along a length direction of the first housing body 110, that is, a front-rear direction in the shown embodiment.

[0192] In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact 310 includes a fixed contact head 311, a fixed contact body 312, a fixed contact boss 313, a fixed contact hollow 314, and a terminal receiving groove 315.

[0193] The fixed contact head 311 constitutes a part of the fixed contact 310. The fixed contact head 311 constitutes one side in a height direction of the fixed contact 310, an upper side in the shown embodiment.

[0194] The fixed contact head 311 is received in the contact through-hole 130. The fixed contact head 311 can be at least partially exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 through the contact through-hole 130.

[0195] The fixed contact head 311 can have any shape that can be received in the contact through-hole 130, and exposed to the outside of the first housing 100. In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact head 311 has a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section and having a height in an up-down direction. In the embodiment, a diameter of a cross-section of the fixed contact head 311 can be greater than or equal to that of a cross-section of the fixed contact body 312 and that of a cross-section of the fixed contact boss 313.

[0196] The fixed contact head 311 is continuous with the fixed contact body 312. One side of the fixed contact head 311 facing the arc chamber 330 in a height direction, a lower side in the shown embodiment, is continuous with an upper end of the fixed contact body 312.

[0197] The fixed contact head 311 is continuous with the fixed contact boss 313. The other side of the fixed contact head 311 facing the outside of the first housing 100 in a height direction, an upper side in the shown embodiment, is continuous with the fixed contact boss 313.

[0198] The fixed contact hollow 314 is arranged inside the fixed contact head 311. An external power source and load can be electrically connected to the fixed contact 310 by inserting a cable (not shown) that is electrically connected thereto into the fixed contact hollow 314.

[0199] The fixed contact head 311 at least partially surrounds the terminal receiving groove 315. In the shown embodiment, an outer peripheral portion of an upper surface of the fixed contact head 311 surrounds the terminal receiving groove 315 from a lower side thereof.

[0200] The fixed contact body 312 constitutes another part of the fixed contact 310. The fixed contact body 312 constitutes the other side in the height direction of the fixed contact 310, a lower side in the shown embodiment.

[0201] The fixed contact body 312 is located inside the arc chamber 330. The fixed contact body 312 can be at least partially exposed inside the arc chamber 330. The fixed contact body 312 is a portion where the fixed contact 310 is in contact with and electrically connected to the movable contact 360.

[0202] The fixed contact body 312 can have any shape that can be at least partially located inside the arc chamber 330 to be in contact with or spaced apart from the movable contact 360. In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact body 312 has a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section and having a height in an up-down direction. In the embodiment, a diameter of a cross-section of the fixed contact body 312 can be arranged to be less than or equal to that of a cross-section of the fixed contact head 311.

[0203] The fixed contact body 312 is continuous with the fixed contact head 311. One side of the fixed contact body 312 facing the outside of the first housing 100 in a height direction, an upper side in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a lower side of the fixed contact head 311.

[0204] The other side of the fixed contact body 312 facing the inside of the arc chamber 330 in a height direction, a lower side in the shown embodiment, is located in a space arranged inside the arc chamber 330 so as to be in contact with or separated from the movable contact 360.

[0205] The fixed contact boss 313 is a portion where the fixed contact 310 is coupled to the terminal member 400. The fixed contact boss 313 is received in the fixed contact receiving space 420 of the terminal member 400.

[0206] The fixed contact boss 313 is located in the contact through-hole 130. The fixed contact boss 313 is exposed to the outside of the first housing 100.

[0207] The fixed contact boss 313 is continuous with the fixed contact head 311. The fixed contact boss 313 is arranged to protrude from one side of the fixed contact head 311 facing the outside of the first housing 100, an upper side in the shown embodiment.

[0208] The fixed contact boss 313 can be arranged in a shape corresponding to that of the fixed contact receiving space 420. In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact boss 313 has a disc shape having a circular cross-section and having a thickness in an up-down direction. In the embodiment, a diameter of a cross-section of the fixed contact boss 313 can be arranged to be less than or equal to that of a cross-section of the fixed contact head 311 and greater than or equal to that of a cross-section of the fixed contact receiving space 420.

[0209] The fixed contact hollow 314 is arranged inside the fixed contact boss 313. The terminal receiving groove 315 is arranged radially outwardly of the fixed contact boss 313.

[0210] The fixed contact hollow 314 is a portion where a cable (not shown) coupled to an external power source and load is coupled to the fixed contact 310. The fixed contact hollow 314 is recessed inside the fixed contact head 311, the fixed contact body 312, and the fixed contact boss 313.

[0211] The fixed contact hollow 314 extends in a height direction of the fixed contact 310, an up-down direction in the shown embodiment. In this case, one side of an extension direction of the fixed contact hollow 314, an upper side in the shown embodiment, is arranged to be open so as to allow the cable (not shown) to be inserted thereinto. The other side of the extension direction of the fixed contact hollow 314, a lower side in the shown embodiment, can be closed so as to limit an insertion distance of the cable (not shown).

[0212] The terminal receiving groove 315 is a space that receives the terminal body 410 of the terminal member 400. The terminal receiving groove 315 communicates with the contact through-hole 130 to be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100.

[0213] The terminal receiving groove 315 can be defined by being at least partially surrounded by the fixed contact head 311 and the fixed contact boss 313. In the shown embodiment, the terminal receiving groove 315 is defined by being surrounded by an upper surface of the fixed contact head 311 and an outer peripheral surface of the fixed contact boss 313.

[0214] A shape of the terminal receiving groove 315 can be changed to correspond to that of the terminal body 410. In the shown embodiment, the terminal receiving groove 315 is arranged as a ring-shaped space extending along an outer periphery of the fixed contact boss 313.

[0215] In the embodiment, a thickness of the terminal receiving groove 315 can be changed in various forms to correspond to a width of the terminal body 410.

[0216] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 13, the terminal receiving groove 315 can be arranged to have a first thickness t1. In the embodiment, the terminal body 410 can be arranged in a ring shape having a first width w1.

[0217] In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 13, the terminal receiving groove 315 can be arranged to have a second thickness t2 that is greater than or equal to the first thickness t1. In the embodiment, the terminal body 410 can be arranged in a ring shape having a second width w2 greater than or equal to the first width w1.

[0218] As the thickness of the terminal receiving groove 315 and the width of the terminal body 410 increase, a coupling force between the fixed contact 310 and the terminal member 400 can increase.

[0219] The contact insulating member 320 is located between the fixed contact 310 and the arc chamber 330 to electrically insulate between the fixed contact 310 and the arc chamber 330. In addition, the contact insulating member 320 can partially absorb vibration generated from one of the fixed contact 310 and the arc chamber 330, thereby reducing an intensity of the vibration transmitted to the other one thereof.

[0220] The contact insulating member 320 is located between the fixed contact 310 and the arc chamber 330 along a height direction, that is, an up-down direction of the contact part 300. The contact insulating member 320 can support the fixed contact 310 from a lower side thereof and the arc chamber 330 from an upper side thereof.

[0221] The contact insulating member 320 can have any shape that can electrically insulate between the fixed contact 310 and the arc chamber 330, and damp vibration. In the shown embodiment, the contact insulating member 320 is arranged in a plate shape.

[0222] In addition, the contact insulating member 320 can be formed of an electrically insulating material and a material having a predetermined elasticity. In one embodiment, the contact insulating member 320 can be formed of rubber, silicone, or a synthetic resin material including them.

[0223] The arc chamber 330 receives the fixed contact body 312 of the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360. That is, the arc chamber 330 constitutes a space in which the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360 are electrically in contact with or separated from each other.

[0224] In addition, the arc chamber 330 prevents any leakage of arc generated due to a separation between the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360. The generated arc may be sufficiently extinguished and then released to the outside.

[0225] The arc chamber 330 can be formed of a high strength, high heat resistant, and electrically insulating material. This is to prevent damage caused by pressure and heat generated with an arc, and to prevent any leakage of current flowing through the fixed contact 310 and the movable contact 360. In one embodiment, the arc chamber 330 can be formed of a ceramic material.

[0226] The arc chamber 330 is received in the first housing space 113. A horizontal direction of the arc chamber 330 can be at least partially surrounded by the magnet member 170. As described above, the magnet member 170 forms a magnetic field inside the arc chamber 330.

[0227] The arc chamber 330 can have a shape corresponding to the first housing space 113. In the shown embodiment, the arc chamber 330 has a polygonal column shape having a width in a left-right direction longer than a length in a front-rear direction and a height in an up-down direction.

[0228] The contact frame 340 supports other components of the contact part 300, that is, the coil member 350, the fixed core 370, the movable core 380, and the shaft 390. In addition, the contact frame 340 supports the arc chamber 330 and the fixed contact 310 coupled thereto. In the shown embodiment, the contact frame 340 supports the arc chamber 330 from a lower side thereof.

[0229] The contact frame 340 is received in the second housing space 213. The contact frame 340 can have a shape corresponding to that of the second housing space 213. In the shown embodiment, the contact frame 340 has a polygonal column shape having a width in a left-right direction longer than a length in a front-rear direction and a height in an up-down direction.

[0230] The coil member 350 is located inside the contact frame 340.

[0231] The coil member 350 is electrically connected to an external control power source (not shown) to receive a control current. The coil member 350 forms a magnetic field by the received control current. The formed magnetic field can magnetize the fixed core 370 to move the movable core 380.

[0232] The coil member 350 is coupled to the contact frame 340 and received in the second housing space 213. In this case, the coil member 350 can be located adjacent to the electrical opening 220 and electrically connected to an external control power source (not shown) by a conductor member (not shown) or the like.

[0233] A hollow is arranged inside the coil member 350. The hollow receives the fixed core 370, the movable core 380, and the shaft 390. Accordingly, the coil member 350 radially outwardly surrounds the fixed core 370, the movable core 380 and the shaft 390.

[0234] The movable contact 360 is in contact with or separated from the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b. The movable contact 360 can be simultaneously in contact with or separated from the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b so as to be electrically connected to or disconnected from them simultaneously. The movable contact 360 is formed of an electrically conductive material.

[0235] When the movable contact 360 is in contact with the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b, the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b are electrically connected to each other, and an external power source and load electrically connected thereto can also be electrically connected.

[0236] The movable contact 360 can have any shape that can be simultaneously in contact with or separated from the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b. In the shown embodiment, the movable contact 360 has a polygonal column shape having a length in a left-right direction, a width in a front-rear direction, and a height in an up-down direction. In this case, a length of the movable contact 360 can be greater than or equal to a separation distance between the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b.

[0237] The movable contact 360 is coupled to the movable core 380 by the shaft 390. The movable contact 360 can move together with the movable core 380 and the shaft 390 coupled thereto. The movable contact 360 is received inside the arc chamber 330 to move up and down. The movable contact 360 can move up and down to be in contact with or separated from the first and second fixed contacts 310a, 310b.

[0238] The fixed core 370 is magnetized by a magnetic field generated by the coil member 350 to apply a magnetic attractive force to the movable core 380. Due to the magnetic attractive force applied by the fixed core 370, the movable core 380, the shaft 390 and the movable contact 360 coupled thereto can be moved toward the fixed contact 310.

[0239] In addition, when control power applied to the coil member 350 is cut off and the generated magnetic field disappears, the fixed core 370 returns to a non-magnetized state. Accordingly, the movable core 380, the shaft 390 and the movable contact 360 coupled thereto can be moved away from the fixed contact 310.

[0240] The fixed core 370 is located in a hollow arranged inside the coil member 350. As the name suggests, the fixed core 370 can be fixedly located at a specific location inside the coil member 350. In the shown embodiment, the fixed core 370 is located between the movable contact 360 and the movable core 380.

[0241] The movable core 380 is moved toward the fixed core 370 due to the magnetic attractive force applied by the fixed core 370. Due to the movement of the movable core 380, the shaft 390 coupled to the movable core 380 and the movable contact 360 coupled thereto can also be moved toward the fixed contact 310.

[0242] In addition, the ascending movable core 380 moves against the fixed core 370 by self-weight when the fixed core 370 does not apply a magnetic attractive force. By the movement of the movable core 380, the shaft 390 coupled to the movable core 380 and the movable contact 360 coupled thereto can also move against the fixed contact 310.

[0243] The movable core 380 is located to move up and down in a hollow arranged inside the coil member 350. The movable core 380 is located below the fixed core 370 along its direction of movement, that is, an up-down direction, and is arranged to face the movable contact 360 with the fixed core 370 therebetween.

[0244] The shaft 390 is coupled to the movable core 380 and the movable contact 360, respectively. The shaft 390 transmits a movement of the movable core 380 to the movable contact 360. The shaft 390 extends between the movable core 380 and the movable contact 360.

[0245] The shaft 390 is coupled to the fixed core 370 to move up and down. The shaft 390 passes through a hollow (no reference numeral is given) arranged inside the fixed core 370 to move up and down.

[0246] The terminal member 400 actually performs a function of monitoring information on the state of electricity electrically connected to the fixed contact 310. The terminal member 400 is electrically connected to an external inverter (not shown) and battery (not shown), respectively, so as to transmit electrical electricity. An external inverter (not shown) and battery (not shown) can monitor an operating state of the electromagnetic contactor 10 using a current value or voltage value of the transmitted electricity.

[0247] The terminal member 400 is coupled to the first housing 100. Some components of the terminal member 400 are received in the first housing space 113, and other components of the terminal member 400 are exposed to the outside of the first housing 100.

[0248] The terminal member 400 is coupled to the fixed contact 310. The terminal member 400 can be electrically connected to the fixed contact 310 so as to allow electricity in the same state as that applied to the fixed contact 310 to be applied to the terminal member 400.

[0249] The terminal member 400 can be formed of an electrically conductive material. In addition, the terminal member 400 can be formed of a high strength material. In one embodiment, the terminal member 400 can be formed of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), or an alloy material including them.

[0250] The terminal member 400 can be provided in plurality. The plurality of terminal members 400 can be spaced apart from each other to be coupled to and electrically connected to the plurality of fixed contacts 310a, 310b, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the terminal member 400 is provided in a pair including the first terminal member 400a and the second terminal member 400b.

[0251] The first terminal member 400a is located on one side, that is, a left side, in a width direction of the first housing 100, and is coupled to and electrically connected to the first fixed contact 310a. The second terminal member 400b is located on the other side, that is, on the right side, of the width direction of the first housing 100, and is coupled to and electrically connected to the second fixed contact 310b.

[0252] In this case, the first terminal member 400a and the second terminal member 400b are arranged to face each other with the contact insulating partition 140 therebetween along the width direction, that is, the left-right direction, of the first housing 100. Accordingly, the first terminal member 400a and the second terminal member 400b can be electrically insulated from each other.

[0253] In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the terminal member 400 includes a terminal body 410, a fixed contact receiving space 420, a terminal extension part 430, and a housing receiving space 440.

[0254] The terminal body 410 constitutes a portion of the terminal member 400. The terminal body 410 is a portion where the terminal member 400 is coupled to and electrically connected to the fixed contact 310.

[0255] The terminal body 410 is received in the terminal receiving groove 315. The terminal body 410 is mounted on an upper surface of the fixed contact head 311, and radially outwardly surrounds the fixed contact boss 313. In one embodiment, an inner periphery of the terminal body 410 can be in contact with an outer periphery of the fixed contact boss 313.

[0256] The terminal body 410 can have a shape corresponding to that of the terminal receiving groove 315. In the shown embodiment, the terminal body 410 has a circular cross-section and a thickness in an up-down direction, and is arranged in a form of an annular plate with the fixed contact receiving space 420 to pass therethrough therein.

[0257] In the embodiment, a width of the terminal body 410 can be changed in various forms to correspond to a thickness of the terminal receiving groove 315.

[0258] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 15, the terminal body 410 can be arranged in a ring shape having a first width w1. In the embodiment, the terminal receiving groove 315 can be arranged to have a first thickness t1.

[0259] In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15, the terminal body 410 can be arranged in a ring shape having a second width w2 greater than or equal to the first width w1. In the embodiment, the terminal receiving groove 315 can be arranged to have a second thickness t2 that is greater than or equal to the first thickness t1.

[0260] As described above, as the width of the terminal body 410 and the thickness of the terminal receiving groove 315 increase, a coupling force between the fixed contact 310 and the terminal member 400 can increase.

[0261] In addition, in the embodiment, a diameter of a cross-section of the fixed contact receiving space 420 and a diameter of a cross-section of the fixed contact boss 313 can also be changed to correspond to a width of the terminal body 410 and a thickness of the terminal receiving groove 315.

[0262] The fixed contact receiving space 420 is a space arranged inside the terminal body 410. The fixed contact receiving space 420 receives the fixed contact boss 313. The fixed contact receiving space 420 is located radially inwardly of an outer periphery of the terminal body 410.

[0263] The fixed contact receiving space 420 can have a shape corresponding to that of the fixed contact boss 313. In the shown embodiment, the fixed contact receiving space 420 is arranged as a disk-shaped space having a circular cross-section and a thickness in an up-down direction.

[0264] The terminal extension part 430 is a portion where the terminal member 400 is coupled to the first housing 100. The terminal extension part 430 is continuous with and electrically connected to the terminal body 410. In addition, some components of the terminal extension part 430 are located in the first housing space 113, and other components of the terminal extension part 430 are exposed to the outside of the first housing body 110.

[0265] In the shown embodiment, the terminal extension part 430 includes a first terminal extension part 431, a second terminal extension part 432, a third terminal extension part 433, and a fourth terminal extension part 434.

[0266] The first terminal extension part 431 is a portion where the terminal extension part 430 is continuous with the terminal body 410. The first terminal extension part 431 is continuous with one side of the outer periphery of the terminal body 410, a front side outer periphery in the shown embodiment.

[0267] The first terminal extension part 431 is roundly curved and extended so as to be convex in a direction opposite to the terminal body 410. In the shown embodiment, the first terminal extension part 431 is extended roundly so as to be convex toward an upper front side thereof.

[0268] The first terminal extension part 431 is continuous with the second terminal extension part 432.

[0269] The second terminal extension part 432 constitutes another portion of the terminal extension part 430. The second terminal extension part 432 is continuous with an end of the first terminal extension part 431 and an end of the third terminal extension part 433, respectively.

[0270] The second terminal extension part 432 extends in a thickness direction of the terminal body 410, an up-down direction in the shown embodiment. One side of an extension direction of the second terminal extension part 432, an upper end in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a font end of the first terminal extension part 431. The other side of the extension direction of the second terminal extension part 432, a lower end in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a rear end of the third terminal extension part 433.

[0271] The third terminal extension part 433 constitutes still another portion of the terminal extension part 430. The third terminal extension part 433 is continuous with an end of the second terminal extension part 432 and an end of the fourth terminal extension part 434, respectively.

[0272] The third terminal extension part 433 extends in a width direction of the first housing body 110, a front-rear direction in the shown embodiment. One end of an extension direction of the third terminal extension part 433, a rear end in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a lower end of the second terminal extension part 432. The other end of the extension direction of the third terminal extension part 433, a front end in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a lower end of the fourth terminal extension part 434.

[0273] In this case, the first terminal extension part 431 is exposed to the outside of the first housing 100 through the contact through-hole 130. In addition, the second terminal extension part 432 and the third terminal extension part 433 are received in the first housing space 113 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0274] The fourth terminal extension part 434 constitutes the remaining portion of the terminal extension part 430. The fourth terminal extension part 434 is a portion where the terminal extension part 430 is exposed to the outside so as to be electrically connected to an external inverter (not shown) or battery (not shown). The fourth terminal extension part 434 is continuous with the end of the third terminal extension part 433.

[0275] The fourth terminal extension part 434 extends in a height direction of the first housing body 110, in an up-down direction in the shown embodiment. One side of an extension direction of the fourth terminal extension part 434, a lower end in the shown embodiment, is continuous with a front end of the third terminal extension part 433. The other side of the extension direction of the fourth terminal extension part 434, an upper end in the shown embodiment, passes through the terminal through-hole 160 to be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100.

[0276] In this case, the other side, that is, an upper end, of the fourth terminal extension part 434 is received in the terminal receiving space 153, and located so as to be surrounded by the first and second insulating extension parts 151, 152.

[0277] As the terminal extension part 430 is arranged, the terminal member 400, the first housing 100, and the fixed contact 310 can be easily coupled to one another.

[0278] The housing receiving space 440 is a space in which the terminal member 400 partially receives the first housing 100. In the shown embodiment, the housing receiving space 440 partially receives the support boss 120. The support boss 120 received in the housing receiving space 440 can be located adjacent to the terminal extension part 430 in length and height directions, so as to limit a movement distance and shape deformation degree of the terminal extension part 430.

[0279] The housing receiving space 440 can be defined as being at least partially surrounded by the terminal extension part 430. In the shown embodiment, one side, that is, a rear side, in a length direction of the housing receiving space 440 is surrounded by the second terminal extension part 432, and the other side, that is, a front side, in the length direction thereof is surrounded by the fourth terminal extension part 434. One side, that is, a lower side, in a height direction of the housing receiving space 440, is surrounded by the third terminal extension part 433. The other side, that is, an upper side, in the height direction of the housing receiving space 440, is arranged to be open so as to partially receive the first housing 100.

[0280] Meanwhile, the terminal member 400 has a structure that can be changed into various forms corresponding to that of the first housing 100.

[0281] That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 16, the second terminal extension part 432 can be arranged to have a first length h1. In the embodiment, the third terminal extension part 433 is spaced apart from the terminal support part 121 and the arc chamber 330 in an up-down direction.

[0282] In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 16, the second terminal extension part 432 can be arranged to have a second length h2 that is greater than or equal to the first length h1. In the embodiment, the third terminal extension part 433 can be spaced apart from the terminal support part 121 in an up-down direction, but can be supported by being mounted on the contact insulating member 320 or the arc chamber 330.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 17, various embodiments are shown in which the terminal member 400 is coupled to the fixed contact 310. The terminal member 400 can be coupled to the fixed contact 310 in any manner. In one embodiment, the terminal member 400 can be coupled to the fixed contact 310 by means of laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0284] In this case, since no vibration is generated in the case of laser welding, there is an advantage in that physical damage to the arc chamber 330 coupled to the fixed contact 310 is prevented. In addition, since no heat is generated in the case of ultrasonic welding, there is an advantage in that thermal deformation of the fixed contact 310 or the terminal member 400 coupled to the fixed contact 310 is prevented.

[0285] Referring to FIG. 17, the terminal member 400 can be coupled to the fixed contact 310 at a plurality of points. In this case, a portion of the terminal body 410 facing the first terminal extension part 431 can be necessarily coupled to the fixed contact 310, and another portion thereof can be coupled to the fixed contact 310 at one or more points.

[0286] The portion of the terminal body 410 can be coupled to an upper surface of the fixed contact head 311. A portion where the portion of the terminal body 410 is coupled to the upper surface of the fixed contact head 311 can be defined as a main spot ms.

[0287] That is, the portion of the terminal body 410 is continuous with the first to fourth terminal extension parts 431, 432, 433, 434 that are spaced apart from the fixed contact 310. Therefore, in order to ensure a stable coupling between the terminal member 400 and the fixed contact 310, the portion of the terminal body 410 is preferably coupled to the fixed contact 310 at least at one point.

[0288] In the shown embodiment, a single main spot ms is arranged. Alternatively, the main spot ms can be arranged in plurality, so as to allow the portion of the terminal body 410 to be coupled to the fixed contact 310 at a plurality of points.

[0289] In addition, another portion of the terminal body 410 can also be coupled to the upper surface of the fixed contact head 311. A portion where another portion of the terminal body 410 is coupled to the upper surface of the fixed contact head 311 can be defined as a sub spot ss.

[0290] As described above, the terminal body 410 is received in the terminal receiving groove 315 so as to be mounted on the upper surface of the fixed contact head 311.

[0291] In this case, when only the main spot ms is arranged, there is a possibility that the other portion of the terminal body 410, that is, a rear side in the shown embodiment, can be arbitrarily detached from the terminal receiving groove 315. Therefore, in order to stably maintain the terminal body 410 that is received in the terminal receiving groove 315, the other portion of the terminal body 410 is also preferably coupled to the fixed contact 310 at at least one point.

[0292] In an embodiment where a plurality of sub spots sss are arranged, the plurality of sub spots sss can be arranged to form a predetermined angle with respect to the center C of the terminal body 410.

[0293] That is, in an embodiment shown in (a) of FIG. 17, a total of three sub spots sss are arranged. The three sub spots sss are arranged perpendicular to the center C. In this case, the main spot ms can also be arranged to be perpendicular to the sub spot ss adjacent to the center C.

[0294] In addition, in an embodiment shown in (b) of FIG. 17, a total of two sub spots sss are arranged. The two sub spots sss are arranged at an angle of 120° with respect to the center C. In this case, the main spot ms can also be arranged at an angle of 120° respect to the center C from the sub spot ss adjacent thereto.

[0295] The main spot ms and sub spot ss can be arranged in any form including at least one main spot ms.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 18, a process of assembling the electromagnetic contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as an example.

[0297] First, the arc chamber 330 is moved downward and coupled to the contact frame 340 to receive the movable contact 360 (□ ). Next, the contact insulating member 320 is moved downward and mounted on the arc chamber 330 (□ ).

[0298] In addition, the fixed contact 310 moves downward to pass through the contact insulating member 320 and the arc chamber 330 (□ ). The terminal member 400 is also moved downward and coupled to the fixed contact 310 (□ ). Finally, the first housing 100 is moved downward to at least partially receive the contact portion 300 and terminal member 400 so as to be coupled to the second housing 200 (□ ).

[0299] In the shown embodiment, the second housing 200 is in a state of being coupled to the contact frame 340, the coil member 350, the movable contact 360, the fixed core 370, the movable core 380, and the shaft 390 of the contact part 300. It will be understood that the components of the contact part 300 can also be moved downward and received in the second housing 200.

[0300] Therefore, each component of the electromagnetic contactor 10 can be moved in the same direction, that is, downward, so as to allow the electromagnetic contactor 10 to be assembled. Accordingly, an assembly convenience and efficiency of the electromagnetic contactor 10 can be improved.

[0301] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, a state in which the terminal member 400 of the electromagnetic contactor 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is coupled to the first housing 100 and the contact part 300 is shown.

[0302] Referring to FIG. 20, a state in which the terminal member 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the first housing 100 and the fixed contact 310 is shown.

[0303] The terminal body 410 is received in the terminal receiving groove 315, and the fixed contact boss 313 is received in the fixed contact receiving space 420. The second terminal extension part 432 is supported in a length direction, that is, a front-rear direction, by the terminal cover part 122. The third terminal extension part 433 is arranged on the lower side of the terminal support part 121 so as to be spaced apart from the arc chamber 330.

[0304] The fourth terminal extension part 434 passes through the terminal through-hole 160 to be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100. In this case, the fourth terminal extension part 434 is located in the terminal receiving space 153, and surrounded by the first insulating extension part 151 and the second insulating extension part 152, so as to be electrically insulated from the fixed contact 310.

[0305] Referring to FIG. 21, a state in which the terminal member 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the first housing 100 and the fixed contact 310 is shown. In this embodiment, the first housing 100 is further provided with a support protrusion p.

[0306] The terminal body 410 is received in the terminal receiving groove 315, and the fixed contact boss 313 is received in the fixed contact receiving space 420. The second terminal extension part 432 is supported in a length direction, that is, a front-rear direction, by the terminal cover part 122. The third terminal extension part 433 is located below the terminal support part 121 so as to be supported by the support protrusion p.

[0307] The fourth terminal extension part 434 passes through the terminal through-hole 160 to be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100. In this case, the fourth terminal extension part 434 is located in the terminal receiving space 153, and surrounded by the first insulating extension part 151 and the second insulating extension part 152, so as to be electrically insulated from the fixed contact 310.

[0308] Referring to FIG. 22, a state in which the terminal member 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the first housing 100 and the fixed contact 310 is shown. In this embodiment, the second terminal extension part 432 of the terminal member 400 is arranged to have a second length h2 that is greater than a first length h1.

[0309] The terminal body 410 is received in the terminal receiving groove 315, and the fixed contact boss 313 is received in the fixed contact receiving space 420. The second terminal extension part 432 is supported in a length direction, that is, a front-rear direction, by the terminal cover part 122. The third terminal extension part 433 is mounted and supported on the contact insulating member 320 or the arc chamber 330 supporting the contact insulating member 320 below the terminal support part 121.

[0310] The fourth terminal extension part 434 passes through the terminal through-hole 160 to be exposed to the outside of the first housing 100. In this case, the fourth terminal extension part 434 is located in the terminal receiving space 153, and surrounded by the first insulating extension part 151 and the second insulating extension part 152, so as to be electrically insulated from the fixed contact 310.

[0311] Although an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiment presented in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the concept of the present disclosure will be able to easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or supplementing elements within the scope of the same concept, but this will also be considered to fall within the concept of the present disclosure. 10: Electromagnetic contactor 100: First housing 110: First housing body 111: First housing upper surface 112: First housing side surface 112a: First housing coupling member 113: First housing space 120: Support boss 120a: First support boss 120b: Second support boss 121: Terminal support part 122: Terminal cover part 130: Contact through-hole 130a: First contact through-hole 130b: Second contact through-hole 131: Contact receiving hole 132: Terminal receiving hole 140: Contact insulating partition 150: Terminal insulating partition 150a: First terminal insulating partition 150b: Second terminal insulating partition 151: First insulating extension part 152: Second insulating extension part 153: Terminal receiving space 160: Terminal through-hole 160a: First terminal through-hole 160b: Second terminal through-hole 170: Magnet member 200: Second housing 210: Second housing body 211: Second housing side surface 212: Second housing coupling groove 213: Second housing space 220: Electrical opening 300: Contact part 310: Fixed contact 310a: First fixed contact 310b: Second fixed contact 311: Fixed contact head 312: Fixed contact body 313: Fixed contact boss 314: Fixed contact hollow 315: Terminal receiving groove 320: Contact insulating member 330: Arc chamber 340: Contact frame 350: Coil member 360: Movable contact 370: Fixed core 380: Movable core 390: Shaft 400: Terminal member 400a: First terminal member 400b: Second terminal member 410: Terminal body 420: Fixed contact receiving space 430: Terminal extension part 431: First terminal extension part 432: Second terminal extension part 433: Third terminal extension part 434: Fourth terminal extension part 440: Housing receiving space t1: First thickness t2: Second thickness w1: First width w2: Second width h1: First length h2: Second length ms: Main spot ss: Sub spot C: Center p: Support protrusion

Claims

1. An electromagnetic contactor comprising: a contact part; a housing coupled to the contact part to at least partially receive the contact part; and a terminal member coupled to the housing and the contact part, respectively, and electrically connected to the contact part to monitor an electrical connection state of the contact part, wherein the contact part comprises a fixed contact formed of an electrically conductive material that is coupled to the housing so as to allow a part thereof to be exposed to an outside of the housing and another part thereof to be received in the housing, and wherein a part of the terminal member is coupled to the part of the fixed contact to be electrically connected to the fixed contact, and another part thereof is exposed to the outside of the housing to be spaced apart from the fixed contact.

2. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 1, wherein the fixed contact comprises: a fixed contact head exposed to the outside of the housing; a fixed contact body connected to the fixed contact head and received inside the housing; and a fixed contact boss arranged to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the fixed contact head and arranged to protrude from one surface of the fixed contact head.

3. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 2, wherein the terminal member comprises: a terminal body mounted on the fixed contact head to be electrically in contact with the fixed contact head; and a fixed contact receiving space arranged to pass through an inside of the terminal body to receive the fixed contact boss.

4. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 3, wherein the fixed contact head and the fixed contact boss have a circular cross-section, and a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact head is larger than or equal to that of the cross-section of the fixed contact boss, wherein the terminal body and the fixed contact receiving space have a circular cross-section, and an outer diameter of the terminal body is less than or equal to a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact head, and wherein a diameter of the cross-section of the fixed contact receiving space is greater than or equal to that of the cross-section of the fixed contact boss and less than or equal to the outer diameter of the terminal body.

5. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 3, wherein the fixed contact comprises a terminal receiving groove located on the one surface of the fixed contact head to radially outwardly surround the fixed contact boss, and wherein the terminal body is received in the terminal receiving groove to be in contact with and electrically connected to the one surface of the fixed contact head.

6. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 1, wherein the terminal member comprises: a terminal body coupled to the fixed contact to be electrically in contact with the fixed contact; a fixed contact receiving space located radially inwardly of the terminal body and arranged to pass therethrough in a height direction of the terminal body to receive a portion of the fixed contact; and a terminal extension part connected to one side of the terminal body and at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing.

7. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 6, wherein the terminal body is arranged in a ring shape to radially outwardly surround the portion of the fixed contact.

8. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 6, wherein the terminal extension part comprises: a first terminal extension part that is continuous with the terminal body and exposed to the outside of the housing; a second terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle from the first terminal extension part to be received inside the housing; a third terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle with the second terminal extension part to be received inside the housing; and a fourth terminal extension part extending at a predetermined angle from the third terminal extension part to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing.

9. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises: a contact through-hole arranged to pass through one surface thereof to receive the fixed contact, the terminal body and the first terminal extension part; and a terminal through-hole located to be spaced apart from the contact through-hole along one direction and arranged to pass through the one surface so as to allow the fourth terminal extension part to pass therethrough.

10. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a terminal insulating partition located between the contact through-hole and the terminal through-hole along the one direction to electrically insulate the fixed contact and the fourth terminal extension part.

11. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 10, wherein the terminal insulating partition comprises: a first insulating extension part located between the contact through-hole and the terminal through-hole to extend in the other direction; and a second insulating extension part that is continuous with an end of the first insulating extension part to extend in the one direction, and wherein the fourth terminal extension part is at least partially surrounded by the first insulating extension part and the second insulating extension part.

12. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a support boss that supports at least one of the second terminal extension part and the third terminal extension part in one direction and the other direction.

13. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 12, wherein the support boss comprises: a terminal cover part located to face the fixed contact with the second terminal extension part having a first length therebetween so as to support the second terminal extension part in one direction; and a terminal support part located to face the second terminal extension part with the terminal cover part therebetween so as to support the third terminal extension part in a height direction.

14. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 6, wherein a spot is arranged on the terminal body to be fixedly coupled to the fixed contact.

15. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 14, wherein a main spot is arranged in a portion of the terminal body facing the terminal extension part, and wherein a sub spot is arranged in another portion of the terminal body.

16. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 15, wherein the sub spot is arranged in plurality, and the main spot and the plurality of sub spots are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the terminal body.

17. The electromagnetic contactor of claim 14, wherein the spot is formed by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

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