Relay Unit

Abstract

To provide a relay and the like that can simplify a structure while making it possible to independently switch an energization state of a plurality of current paths.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay 100 includes three fixed terminals 60, a first movable terminal 71, a second movable terminal 72, and an electromagnetic actuator 20. The three fixed terminals 60 are electrically connected to different current paths. The first movable terminal 71 contacts with and separates from a first fixed terminal 61 and a shared fixed terminal 63 out of the three fixed terminals 60. The second movable terminal 72 contacts with and separates from a second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 out of the three fixed terminals 60. The electromagnetic actuator 20 displaces the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal individually. As a result, permission and cut-off of current flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63, and permission and cut-off of current flow between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 are switched independently.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to relays and relay units. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay capable of switching a plurality of current paths. This electromagnetic relay includes two contact devices and one electromagnet device. Each contact device has a pair of fixed terminals and a movable contactor that short-circuits the fixed terminals. The electromagnet device moves the movable contactor between an open position away from the fixed terminals and a closed position in contact with the fixed terminals. The electromagnet device displaces the movable contactors provided on the two contact devices together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-139885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, one electromagnet device is shared by two contact devices, simplifying the configuration of the electromagnetic relay. However, the movable contacts of the two contact devices can only be displaced together. Therefore, it is impossible to independently switch the energization state of multiple current paths.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a relay and a relay unit that can simplify the structure while enabling the current-carrying states of multiple current paths to be switched independently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one disclosed embodiment is a relay comprising three connection fixed terminals (60) electrically connected to different current paths, a first movable terminal (71) that contacts and separates with a first fixed terminal (61) and a shared fixed terminal (63) among the three connection fixed terminals, a second movable terminal (72) that contacts and separates with a second fixed terminal (62) and a shared fixed terminal (63) among the three connection fixed terminals, and a drive unit (20) that individually displaces the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and independently switches between allowing and cutting off current flow between the first fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal and allowing and cutting off current flow between the second fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal.

[0007] Also, one disclosed embodiment includes a battery connection line (15p, 15n) electrically connected to an electricity storage device (ES), an inverter connection line (16p, 16n) electrically connected to an inverter (7), a charging line (17p, 17n) to which power for charging the electricity storage device is supplied, and a relay (100) that switches a plurality of current paths including the battery connection line, the inverter connection line, and the charging line, and the relay has three connection fixed terminals (60) electrically connected to any one of the three current paths, and a relay (100) that switches a plurality of current paths including the battery connection line, the inverter connection line, and the charging line. The relay unit has a first movable terminal (71) that contacts and separates with a first fixed terminal (61) and a shared fixed terminal (63) among the terminals, a second movable terminal (72) that contacts and separates with a second fixed terminal (62) and a shared fixed terminal among the three connection fixed terminals, and a drive unit (20) that individually displaces the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and independently switches between allowing and cutting off current flow between the first fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal and allowing and cutting off current flow between the second fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal.

[0008] In these embodiments, the displacement of each of the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal is individually controlled by the drive unit. Therefore, the current between the first fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal and the current between the second fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal can be switched between being allowed and being blocked independently of each other. In addition, one of the fixed terminals contacts both the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal as a shared fixed terminal. By sharing the fixed terminal in this way, the current-carrying state of a plurality of current paths can be switched independently while the structure is simplified.

[0009] In addition, the reference numbers in parentheses in the above and claims are merely examples of the correspondence with specific configurations in the embodiments described below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way. In addition, claims that are not explicitly stated in the claims can be combined together if there is no particular problem with the combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the high-voltage junction box according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of an electromagnetic relay with a 2-in-1 structure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a drive mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a regenerative mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a DC charging mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a high-voltage junction box according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a drive mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a regenerative mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining details of a current path and arc interruption in a DC charging mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of an electromagnetic relay according to Modification 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, by assigning the same reference numerals to corresponding components in each embodiment, duplicated descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of the other embodiment described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to the combination of configurations explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment, configurations of multiple embodiments can be partially combined together even if not explicitly stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0012] First embodiment A high-voltage junction box (hereinafter, high-voltage J / B) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 1 is used in an electric vehicle such as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The high-voltage J / B 10 is mounted on the electric vehicle together with a battery ES, an inverter 7, a charging inlet 9, etc. The high-voltage J / B 10 is electrically connected to the battery ES, the inverter 7, the charging inlet 9, etc.

[0013] The battery ES is a power storage device that stores power for propelling an electric vehicle. The battery ES includes a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The inverter 7 is electrically connected to a motor generator 8 for propelling the vehicle. The motor generator 8 is a permanent magnet type or a wound field type synchronous motor, an induction motor, or the like. The inverter 7 controls the rotation speed and torque of the motor generator 8. A smoothing capacitor 6 is connected in parallel to the inverter 7. The smoothing capacitor 6 smoothes the current from the battery ES that is supplied to the inverter 7 through a high-voltage J / B 10. A charging cable of a charging station provided outside the vehicle is connected to the charging inlet 9. DC power for rapid charging the battery ES is applied to the charging inlet 9. The charging inlet 9 supplies the DC power input from the charging station to the high-voltage J / B 10.

[0014] The high voltage J / B 10 includes a power control circuit 10a and a J / B case 19 (see FIG. 2) that protects the power control circuit 10a. The power control circuit 10a includes a plurality of current paths. The power control circuit 10a switches between the plurality of current paths. The power control circuit 10a includes a pair of battery terminals 11p, 11n, inverter terminals 12p, 12n, charging terminals 13p, 13n, battery connection lines 15p, 15n, inverter connection lines 16p, 16n, and charging lines 17p, 17n. In addition, the power control circuit 10a includes a current sensor 3, a damping resistor 4, a battery fuse 5, three system main relays 1p, 1n, 1d, and two DC charging relays 2p, 2n. Elements with a "p" in the symbol are components on the positive side. Elements with a "n" in the symbol are components on the negative side (ground side).

[0015] Battery terminals 11p, 11n are terminal portions used for electrically connecting the high voltage J / B 10 and battery ES. Battery terminal 11p is connected to the positive electrode side of battery ES. Battery terminal 11n is connected to the negative electrode side of battery ES. Inverter terminals 12p, 12n are terminal portions used for electrically connecting the high voltage J / B 10 and inverter 7. Inverter terminal 12p is connected to the positive electrode side of inverter 7. Inverter terminal 12n is connected to the negative electrode side of inverter 7. Charging terminals 13p, 13n are terminal portions used for electrically connecting the high voltage J / B 10 and charging inlet 9. Charging terminal 13p is connected to the positive electrode side of charging inlet 9. Charging terminal 13n is connected to the negative electrode side of charging inlet 9.

[0016] The battery connection lines 15p, 15n, the inverter connection lines 16p, 16n, and the charging lines 17p, 17n are formed of copper plate members such as bus bars. The battery connection lines 15p, 15n, the inverter connection lines 16p, 16n, and the charging lines 17p, 17n are capable of passing a large current and form a plurality of current paths in the power control circuit 10a. The battery connection lines 15p, 15n are electrically connected to the battery ES by being connected to the battery terminals 11p, 11n. The inverter connection lines 16p, 16n are electrically connected to the inverter 7 by being connected to the inverter terminals 12p, 12n. The charging lines 17p, 17n are electrically connected to the charging inlet 9 by being connected to the charging terminals 13p, 13n. The charging lines 17p, 17n are supplied with power for charging the battery ES.

[0017] The current sensor 3 is provided on the battery connection line 15n. The current sensor 3 has a magnetic core and a Hall element. The magnetic core is formed in a ring shape and is arranged so as to surround the battery connection line 15n to be measured. The Hall element detects magnetic flux generated in the magnetic core by the current flowing through the battery connection line 15n. The current sensor 3 measures the current flowing through the battery connection line 15n by detecting a change in the output voltage of the Hall element.

[0018] The attenuation resistor 4 is connected in series with the system main relay 1d. The attenuation resistor 4 and the system main relay 1d form a current path between the battery connection line 15n and the inverter connection line 16n that bypasses the system main relay 1n. The attenuation resistor 4 reduces the charging current (inrush current) that flows through the smoothing capacitor 6 when the system main relay 1d is switched to a conducting state (on state).

[0019] The battery fuse 5 is provided in the battery connection line 15p. The battery fuse 5 automatically breaks when an abnormally large current occurs in the battery connection line 15p. The battery fuse 5 cuts off the connection with the battery ES, thereby protecting the other components of the power control circuit 10a and the inverter 7, etc., from an overcurrent.

[0020] The system main relay 1p is located between the battery connection line 15p and the inverter connection line 16p. The system main relay 1n is located between the battery connection line 15n and the inverter connection line 16n. The system main relay 1d is connected in parallel to the system main relay 1n. The system main relays 1p, 1n, and 1d switch the state of the current path between the battery ES and the inverter 7 between a conducting state (ON) and a non-conducting state (OFF).

[0021] The DC charging relay 2p is located between the system main relay 1p and the charging line 17p. The DC charging relay 2p is connected in series to the system main relay 1p. The DC charging relay 2n is located between the system main relay 1n and the charging line 17n. The DC charging relay 2p is connected in series to the system main relay 1n. The DC charging relays 2p, 2n switch the state of the current path between the battery ES and the charging inlet 9 between a conducting state (ON) and a non-conducting state (OFF).

[0022] The operation of each of the system main relays 1p, 1n, 1d and the DC charging relays 2p, 2n is individually controlled by a control device mounted on the vehicle. The control device is an on-board ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device has an arithmetic processing circuit including a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), storage, etc. The control device outputs control signals that control on / off switching to each of the system main relays 1p, 1n, 1d and the DC charging relays 2p, 2n.

[0023] The power control circuit 10a described so far is a DCR series circuit in which DC charging relays 2p, 2n are connected in series to system main relays 1p, 1n. Two electromagnetic relays 100 are used in the power control circuit 10a. One electromagnetic relay 100 is configured by integrating the positive-side system main relay 1p and the DC charging relay 2p. The other electromagnetic relay 100 is configured by integrating the negative-side system main relay 1n and the DC charging relay 2n. The electromagnetic relay 100 switches the current paths, which are multiple current paths including battery connection lines 15p, 15n, inverter connection lines 16p, 16n, and charging lines 17p, 17n and through which a large DC current of tens to hundreds of amperes flows, according to a control signal obtained from a control device.

[0024] [Configuration of electromagnetic relay] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the electromagnetic relay 100 will be described based on FIGS. 2 to 6 and with reference to FIG.

[0025] The electromagnetic relay 100 is composed of an electromagnetic actuator 20, a relay body 40, a magnet set 80, a relay housing 90, etc. In the following description, the Z direction is defined along the reciprocating direction of the electromagnetic actuator 20. An XY plane is defined so as to be perpendicular to the axis along the Z direction. The X direction is defined along the short side direction of the relay body 40, and the Y direction is defined along the long side direction of the relay body 40.

[0026] The electromagnetic actuator 20 is aligned with the relay body 40 in the Z direction. For convenience, the side of the relay body 40 relative to the electromagnetic actuator 20 is defined as the upward direction (+Z direction), and the side of the electromagnetic actuator 20 relative to the relay body 40 is defined as the downward direction (-Z direction). The electromagnetic actuator 20 is mechanically connected to the relay body 40. The electromagnetic actuator 20 supplies a driving force for switching operation to the relay body 40.

[0027] The electromagnetic actuator 20 has two actuator parts 20a and 20b that function as linear actuators. The first actuator part 20a and the second actuator part 20b can operate independently of each other. The electromagnetic actuator 20 is composed of a fixed core 21, a movable core 26, a rod 29, an excitation coil 30, a coil housing 32, a return spring 33, a damper sheet 35, a housing cylinder 36, and the like. Of these components, the movable core 26, the rod 29, the excitation coil 30, the coil housing 32, the return spring 33, the damper sheet 35, and the housing cylinder 36 are provided in each of the actuator parts 20a and 20b, one each.

[0028] The fixed core 21 is made of a magnetic material such as iron. The fixed core 21 has a base portion 22 and two cylinder portions 23. The base portion 22 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction. The fixed core 21 is arranged in a position facing the relay body 40 with the plate surface direction of the base portion 22 aligned along the XY plane. Each cylinder portion 23 protrudes downward from the base portion 22. The cylinder portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The two cylinder portions 23 are arranged in the Y direction with a gap between them. The cylinder portion 23 is provided with a spring accommodating hole 23a and a first opposing surface 24. The spring accommodating hole 23a is formed by the inner circumferential wall surface of the cylinder portion 23. The first opposing surface 24 is formed by the lower end surface of the cylinder portion 23 facing downward.

[0029] The movable core 26 is formed into a cylindrical shape from a magnetic material such as iron. The outer diameter of the movable core 26 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder portion 23. The movable core 26 is disposed below the cylinder portion 23 so as to be substantially coaxial with the cylinder portion 23. The movable core 26 is provided with a rod holding hole 27 and a second opposing surface 28. The rod holding hole 27 is formed by the inner peripheral wall surface of the movable core 26. The second opposing surface 28 is formed by the upper end surface of the movable core 26 facing upward. A magnetic gap 25 is defined between the second opposing surface 28 and the first opposing surface 24. The fixed core 21 and the movable core 26 face each other via the magnetic gap 25.

[0030] The rod 29 is formed in a long and thin cylindrical shape from a non-magnetic metal material or the like. The rod 29 is inserted into a through hole of the fixed core 21, including the spring accommodating hole 23a, with its axial direction aligned along the Z direction. A lower portion of the rod 29 is fitted into the rod holding hole 27. The rod 29 moves back and forth along the Z direction together with the movable core 26. An upper portion of the rod 29 passes through the spring accommodating hole 23a and protrudes upward from the base portion 22. An upper portion of the rod 29 is housed in the relay body 40.

[0031] The excitation coil 30 is formed by winding a thin wire material such as copper around a coil bobbin 31. The coil bobbin 31 is formed in a cylindrical or rectangular tube shape from a resin material. The excitation coil 30 is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the cylinder portion 23 and the movable core 26. The excitation coil 30 is energized in accordance with a control signal output from a control device. The excitation coil 30 is energized to be in an excited state, and generates a magnetic flux along the Z direction on the inner periphery side.

[0032] The coil housing 32 is made of a magnetic material such as stainless steel having ferromagnetic properties and is formed into a bottomed container shape. The two coil housings 32 are lined up along the Y direction. The coil housings 32 are disposed below the base portion 22. The upper edge of the coil housings 32 is in contact with the outer edge of the base portion 22. The two coil housings 32 may be in direct contact with each other, or may have a non-magnetic material or the like sandwiched between them. The excitation coil 30 is accommodated inside the coil housings 32.

[0033] The return spring 33 is formed by winding a metal wire in a spiral shape. The return spring 33 is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the rod 29. The return spring 33 is accommodated in the spring accommodating hole 23a in a state in which it is compressed in the axial direction between the cylinder portion 23 and the movable core 26. The return spring 33 urges the movable core 26 in a direction away from the cylinder portion 23 (-Z direction) by the restoring force of the wire.

[0034] The damper sheet 35 is formed into a thin disk shape using a rubber material, a resin material, or the like. The damper sheet 35 is disposed below the movable core 26. The damper sheet 35 comes into contact with the lower end surface of the movable core 26 facing downward, and restricts the movement of the movable core 26 in a direction away from the cylinder portion 23.

[0035] The accommodating cylinder 36 is made of a metal material and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The accommodating cylinder 36 accommodates the movable core 26 and the damper sheet 35. The upper edge of the peripheral wall of the accommodating cylinder 36 is airtightly fitted onto the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylinder portion 23. The accommodating cylinder 36 defines a part of the arc chamber 50a described below. The inner peripheral wall surface of the accommodating cylinder 36 slidably supports the outer peripheral wall surface of the movable core 26. The movable core 26 can reciprocate within the accommodating cylinder 36 along the axial direction.

[0036] The above-described electromagnetic actuator 20 is provided with two magnetic circuits 39. Each magnetic circuit 39 allows the magnetic flux generated by each exciting coil 30 to pass efficiently. One magnetic circuit 39 is formed by the fixed core 21, the movable core 26, the coil housing 32, and the accommodation cylinder 36 so as to circulate around the exciting coil 30. When the exciting coil 30 is energized and magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic circuit 39, the movable core 26 is attracted to the fixed core 21 by the magnetic force and moves upward so as to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic gap 25. When the energization of the exciting coil 30 is stopped and the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic circuit 39 disappears, the movable core 26 moves downward by the biasing force of the return spring 33. By providing the two magnetically independent magnetic circuits 39 and exciting coils 30 in the electromagnetic actuator 20, the first actuator unit 20a and the second actuator unit 20b can individually reciprocate.

[0037] The relay main body 40 has two relay units 40a, 40b that switch between allowing and blocking current flow between terminals. For convenience, the relay unit mechanically connected to the first actuator unit 20a is referred to as the first relay unit 40a. Also, the relay unit mechanically connected to the second actuator unit 20b is referred to as the second relay unit 40b. The first relay unit 40a and the second relay unit 40b can switch between allowing and blocking current flow independently of each other. Specifically, even if the first relay unit 40a allows current flow, the second relay unit 40b can block current flow. Similarly, even if the first relay unit 40a blocks current flow, the second relay unit 40b can allow current flow.

[0038] The relay body 40 is composed of a pressure spring 45, a pressure plate 46, a spring holder 47, a movable terminal stopper 48, a sealed case 50, a joint member 59, a fixed terminal 60, and a movable terminal 70. Of these components, the pressure spring 45, the pressure plate 46, the spring holder 47, and the movable terminal 48 are provided for each of the relay parts 40a and 40b. The pressure spring 45, the pressure plate 46, the spring holder 47, and the movable terminal stopper 48 are attached to the upper part of each rod 29 protruding from the electromagnetic actuator 20.

[0039] The pressing spring 45 is formed by winding a metal wire in a spiral shape. The spring constant of the pressing spring 45 is greater than the spring constant of the return spring 33. The pressing spring 45 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rod 29. The pressing spring 45 is disposed between a pressing plate 46 and a spring holder 47. The pressing spring 45 is compressed between the pressing plate 46 and the spring holder 47 due to the upward displacement of the rod 29. The restoring force of the pressing spring 45 becomes a biasing force that presses the movable terminal 70 against the fixed terminal 60.

[0040] The pressing plate 46 is formed into a plate shape from a metal material or the like. The pressing plate 46 is disposed between the pressing spring 45 and the movable terminal 70. The pressing plate 46 is freely displaceable in the up and down direction relative to the rod 29. The pressing plate 46 transmits the upward driving force of the actuator parts 20a, 20b and the upward biasing force of the pressing spring 45 to the movable terminal 70.

[0041] The spring holder 47 is made of a metal material or the like and is formed into a flat cylindrical shape with a bottom. The spring holder 47 is fitted onto the rod 29 and held by the rod 29. The spring holder 47 moves back and forth together with the rod 29 in the Z direction. The spring holder 47 houses the downward end of the pressure spring 45. When the rod 29 is displaced upward, the spring holder 47 compresses the pressure spring 45 in the axial direction.

[0042] The mover stopper 48 is made of a metal material or a hard resin material and is formed into a cylindrical shape with a flange. The spring holder 47 is fitted onto the rod 29 above the pressing plate 46 and is held by the rod 29. The flange portion of the mover stopper 48 is located above the movable terminal 70. The mover stopper 48 moves back and forth along the Z direction together with the rod 29. When the rod 29 is displaced downward (returning direction), the mover stopper 48 comes into contact with the movable terminal 70 and presses the movable terminal 70 downward.

[0043] The sealed case 50 is made of a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide or zirconia (see also FIG. 4). The sealed case 50 has a bottomed container shape. The sealed case 50 is disposed above the electromagnetic actuator 20 with its opening facing downward. The sealed case 50 has a top wall 51, four side walls 52, a rod stopper 57, and a shielding wall 58.

[0044] The upper wall 51 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction. Three terminal accommodating holes 54-56 are formed in the upper wall 51. The terminal accommodating holes 54-56 are through holes that penetrate the upper wall 51 in the plate thickness direction. The terminal accommodating holes 54-56 are formed at intervals from each other in the Y direction. The terminal accommodating holes 54, 56 are circular openings. The terminal accommodating hole 55 is an oval opening.

[0045] Each side wall 52 extends downward from each of the four outer edges of the upper wall 51. Each side wall 52 is formed in a rectangular tube shape surrounding the two relay units 40a, 40b. Of the four side walls 52, a pair along the YZ plane is defined as long side surfaces 52a. The two long side surfaces 52a face each other in the X direction. Of the four side walls 52, the other pair along the ZX plane is defined as short side surfaces 52b. The two short side surfaces 52b face each other in the Y direction.

[0046] The rod stopper 57 is formed in a plate shape from a metal material or a hard resin material. The rod stopper 57 is held by the long side surface 52a, the relay housing 90, or the like. The rod stopper 57 is located above the upper end 29a of the rod 29 and faces the upper end 29a in the Z direction. The rod stopper 57 restricts the upward movement of the rod 29 by contacting the upper end 29a.

[0047] The shielding wall 58 is formed in a thick plate shape. The shielding wall 58 is integrated with the long side surface 52a. The shielding wall 58 is positioned between the two movable terminals 70 in a posture along the ZX plane. The upper end surface of the shielding wall 58 is in contact with the bottom wall surface of the common fixed terminal 63 described later, or faces the bottom wall surface with a very small gap. The lower end surface of the shielding wall 58 faces the upper edges of the two accommodating cylinders 36 in the Z direction. The lower end surface of the shielding wall 58 is located below the movable range of the movable terminal 70. The shielding wall 58 shields between the inner movable contact 71b provided on the first movable terminal 71 and the inner movable contact 72b provided on the second movable terminal 72.

[0048] The joining member 59 is formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal material such as iron. An upper edge portion of the joining member 59 is airtightly joined to the end surface of each side wall 52. A lower surface of the joining member 59 is airtightly joined to the outer edge portion of the base portion 22. The joining member 59, the sealed case 50, the fixed core 21, the two housing cylinders 36, and the three fixed terminals 60 define an arc chamber 50a.

[0049] The arc chamber 50a is an airtight space partitioned inside the electromagnetic relay 100. Hydrogen or a gas mainly composed of hydrogen (hereinafter, arc-extinguishing gas) is sealed in the arc chamber 50a. The arc-extinguishing gas is filled in the arc chamber 50a at atmospheric pressure or higher (for example, about 2 atm).

[0050] The fixed terminal 60 is made of a metal material having excellent conductivity, such as copper. The fixed terminal 60 is electrically connected to one of the current paths formed in the power control circuit 10a. The fixed terminal 60 is provided with a connection hole 65 and a fixed contact 67. The connection hole 65 is formed in a cylindrical hole shape. The connection hole 65 is used to fix a conductive member such as a bus bar forming a current path to the fixed terminal 60. A female screw portion may be formed in the connection hole 65. The fixed contact 67 is formed on a bottom wall surface of the fixed terminal 60 facing downward (-Z direction). The fixed contact 67 faces the movable terminal 70 in the Z direction. The fixed contact 67 comes into contact with the movable terminal 70 displaced upward.

[0051] The fixed terminals 60 include a first fixed terminal 61, a second fixed terminal 62, and a shared fixed terminal 63 (see also FIG. 5). These three fixed terminals 60 are electrically connected to different current paths. The three fixed terminals 60 are accommodated in the terminal accommodating holes 54 to 56, respectively, and are arranged at intervals from each other along the Y direction. The first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62 are located on both sides of the shared fixed terminal 63 in the Y direction. The Y direction is the arrangement direction in which the three fixed terminals 60 are arranged.

[0052] The first fixed terminal 61 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The first fixed terminal 61 is a fixed terminal 60 included in the first relay unit 40a. The first fixed terminal 61 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating hole 54. The first fixed terminal 61 is held by the upper wall 51 by being fitted into the terminal accommodating hole 54. A bus bar or the like forming at least a part of the battery connection lines 15p, 15n is fixed to the first fixed terminal 61. The bus bar or the like is held by each fixed terminal 60 by a fastening member such as a screw that is screwed into the connection hole 65.

[0053] The second fixed terminal 62 is a fixed terminal 60 having the same shape as the first fixed terminal 61. The second fixed terminal 62 is a fixed terminal 60 included in the second relay unit 40b. The second fixed terminal 62 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating hole 56. The second fixed terminal 62 is held by the upper wall 51 by being fitted into the terminal accommodating hole 56. A bus bar forming at least a part of the charging lines 17p, 17n is fixed to the second fixed terminal 62.

[0054] The shared fixed terminal 63 is generally formed in an elliptical column shape, and has two flat side surfaces and two semi-cylindrical surfaces. The shared fixed terminal 63 is a fixed terminal 60 larger than the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62. The shared fixed terminal 63 is a fixed terminal 60 shared by the first relay unit 40a and the second relay unit 40b. The shared fixed terminal 63 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating hole 55. The shared fixed terminal 63 is held by the upper wall 51 by being fitted into the terminal accommodating hole 55. A bus bar forming at least a part of the inverter connection lines 16p, 16n is fixed to the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0055] Two fixed contacts 67 are formed on the bottom wall surface of the shared fixed terminal 63. By having the two fixed contacts 67, the conductive area of ​​the shared fixed terminal 63 is larger than the conductive area of ​​each of the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62. The conductive area is the area of ​​the portion that contacts the conductive object, and specifically, is the sum of the areas of the two fixed contacts 67 provided on the shared fixed terminal 63. One of the two fixed contacts 67 that is close to the first fixed terminal 61 is the first shared contact 67a. The first shared contact 67a is the fixed contact 67 included in the first relay unit 40a. The other of the two fixed contacts 67 that is close to the second fixed terminal 62 is the second shared contact 67b. The second shared contact 67b is the fixed contact 67 included in the second relay unit 40b. The first shared contact 67a and the second shared contact 67b are located on both sides of the upper end surface of the shielding wall 58.

[0056] The movable terminal 70 is formed in a rectangular thick plate shape from a metal material with excellent conductivity such as copper. The movable terminal 70 is provided with a rod insertion hole 74. The rod insertion hole 74 is a through hole that penetrates the movable terminal 70 in the plate thickness direction. The rod 29 is inserted into the rod insertion hole 74. The movable terminal 70 is attached to the rod 29 in a position in which the plate surface direction is aligned with the XY plane. The movable terminal 70 is allowed to displace in the vertical direction between the pressing plate 46 and the movable core stopper 48.

[0057] The movable terminal 70 includes a first movable terminal 71 and a second movable terminal 72. The first movable terminal 71 is a movable terminal 70 included in the first relay unit 40a. The first movable terminal 71 is connected to the rod 29 of the first actuator unit 20a. The first movable terminal 71 is driven by the first actuator unit 20a. The first movable terminal 71 comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 among the three fixed terminals 60. The first movable terminal 71 is pressed almost evenly against both the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 by the biasing force of the pressure spring 45. The first movable terminal 71 has an outer movable contact 71a and an inner movable contact 71b.

[0058] The outer movable contact 71a is formed in an area of ​​the upper surface of the upwardly facing first movable terminal 71 that faces the bottom wall surface of the first fixed terminal 61. When the first movable terminal 71 is displaced upward, the outer movable contact 71a is brought into a closed state with respect to the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61. When the first movable terminal 71 is displaced downward, the outer movable contact 71a is brought into an open state with respect to the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61.

[0059] The inner movable contact 71b is formed in an area of ​​the upper surface of the first movable terminal 71 facing upward, which faces the bottom wall surface of the shared fixed terminal 63. When the first movable terminal 71 is displaced upward, the inner movable contact 71b is brought into a closed state with respect to the first shared contact 67a of the shared fixed terminal 63. When the first movable terminal 71 is displaced downward, the inner movable contact 71b is brought into an open state with respect to the first shared contact 67a.

[0060] When the outer movable contact 71a and the inner movable contact 71b come into contact with the fixed contact 67 and the first shared contact 67a, the first relay unit 40a is in a closed state (ON state). On the other hand, when the outer movable contact 71a and the inner movable contact 71b move away from the fixed contact 67 and the first shared contact 67a, the first relay unit 40a is in an open state (OFF state).

[0061] The second movable terminal 72 is a movable terminal 70 included in the second relay unit 40b. The second movable terminal 72 is connected to the rod 29 of the second actuator unit 20b. The second movable terminal 72 is driven by the second actuator unit 20b. The second movable terminal 72 comes into contact with and separates from the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 of the three fixed terminals 60. The second movable terminal 72 is pressed almost evenly against both the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 by the biasing force of the pressure spring 45. The second movable terminal 72 has an outer movable contact 72a and an inner movable contact 72b.

[0062] The outer movable contact 72a is formed in an area of ​​the upper surface of the upwardly facing second movable terminal 72 that faces the bottom wall surface of the second fixed terminal 62. The outer movable contact 72a is brought into a closed state with respect to the fixed contact 67 of the second fixed terminal 62 due to the upward displacement of the second movable terminal 72. The outer movable contact 72a is brought into an open state with respect to the fixed contact 67 of the second fixed terminal 62 due to the downward displacement of the second movable terminal 72.

[0063] The inner movable contact 72b is formed in an area of ​​the upper surface of the upwardly facing second movable terminal 72 that faces the bottom wall surface of the shared fixed terminal 63. When the second movable terminal 72 is displaced upward, the inner movable contact 72b is brought into a closed state with respect to the second shared contact 67b of the shared fixed terminal 63. When the second movable terminal 72 is displaced downward, the inner movable contact 72b is brought into an open state with respect to the second shared contact 67b.

[0064] When the outer movable contact 72a and the inner movable contact 72b come into contact with the fixed contact 67 and the second shared contact 67b, the second relay unit 40b is in a closed state (ON state). On the other hand, when the outer movable contact 72a and the inner movable contact 72b move away from the fixed contact 67 and the second shared contact 67b, the second relay unit 40b is in an open state (OFF state).

[0065] The first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72 are individually displaced by driving the first actuator portion 20a and the second actuator portion 20b. This makes it possible to independently switch between allowing and blocking current flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 and allowing and blocking current flow between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0066] The magnet set 80 generates a magnetic field for arc extinguishing around the fixed terminal 60 and the movable terminal 70. The magnet set 80 has four magnet bodies 80a and a magnet housing 85. The magnet bodies 80a are permanent magnets formed in a plate shape. At least one magnet body 80a is disposed on each of the four side walls 52 surrounding the periphery of the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72. The magnet body 80a includes a pair of first magnets 81 and a pair of second magnets 82.

[0067] The first magnets 81 are two of the four magnet bodies 80a that face each other in the X direction. The first magnets 81 are arranged on the outside of the two long side surfaces 52a that are aligned with the arrangement direction of the three fixed terminals 60, with the plate surface direction aligned with the YZ plane. The first magnets 81 are arranged in the center of the long side surfaces 52a in the Y direction. Each first magnet 81 is positioned equidistant from each second magnet 82. The length of the first magnets 81 in the Y direction is greater than the length (width) of the shared fixed terminal 63 in the Y direction. The area of ​​the first magnets 81 is greater than the area of ​​the second magnets 82. The pair of first magnets 81 have the same magnetic pole facing inward.

[0068] The second magnets 82 are two of the four magnet bodies 80a that face each other in the Y direction (arrangement direction). The second magnets 82 are arranged outside the two short side surfaces 52b that face each other in the Y direction with the plate surface direction aligned with the ZX plane. The length of the second magnets 82 in the X direction is greater than the length (width) of the fixed terminal 60 in the X direction. The pair of second magnets 82 have the same magnetic poles facing inward.

[0069] The magnetic pole facing inward of each first magnet 81 is different from the magnetic pole facing inward of each second magnet 82. As an example, the first magnet 81 has its N pole facing inward. On the other hand, the second magnet 82 has its S pole facing inward. Due to this magnetic pole arrangement, a magnetic flux JS is formed inside the sealed case 50, flowing from each first magnet 81 to each second magnet 82 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0070] The magnet housing 85 is formed of a plate material made of a metal material. The magnet housing 85 is formed in a box shape to accommodate the magnet body 80a. The magnet housing 85 holds each magnet body 80a against each side wall 52.

[0071] The relay housing 90 is a case body that houses the electromagnetic actuator 20, the relay main body 40, and the magnet set 80. The relay housing 90 is formed into a box shape as a whole from a resin material or the like. The relay housing 90 has a connector portion 91, a shielding plate 93, and an attachment portion 94.

[0072] The connector portion 91 is provided on one side surface of the relay housing 90 along the ZX plane. A harness is connected to the connector portion 91. The connector portion 91 is electrically connected to a control device via the harness. A first signal terminal 92a, a second signal terminal 92b, and a ground terminal 92c are provided inside the connector portion 91.

[0073] A first control signal for controlling the driving of the first actuator section 20a is input to the first signal terminal 92a. The first control signal is a control signal for controlling the displacement of the first movable terminal 71. The first signal terminal 92a supplies the first control signal to the excitation coil 30 of the first actuator section 20a. Based on the first control signal, the excitation coil 30 of the first actuator section 20a is energized.

[0074] A second control signal for controlling the driving of the second actuator unit 20b is input to the second signal terminal 92b. The second control signal is a control signal for controlling the displacement of the second movable terminal 72. The second signal terminal 92b supplies the second control signal to the excitation coil 30 of the second actuator unit 20b. Based on the second control signal, the excitation coil 30 of the second actuator unit 20b is energized.

[0075] A ground potential is applied to the ground terminal 92c. The ground terminal 92c supplies the ground potential to the exciting coils 30 of the actuator sections 20a and 20b. The ground terminal 92c is shared by the two actuator sections 20a and 20b.

[0076] The shielding plate 93 is formed in a thin plate shape. The shielding plate 93 is provided with its plate surface direction aligned with the ZX plane, one between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63, and one between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63. The shielding plate 93 suppresses the occurrence of an arc between adjacent fixed terminals 60 or bus bars.

[0077] The mounting portion 94 is provided on each of two side surfaces of the relay housing 90 along the ZX plane. The mounting portion 94 is configured to mount the electromagnetic relay 100 to the J / B case 19. The two mounting portions 94 may be provided at positions offset from each other in the Z direction.

[0078] [Arc interruption details] In the power control circuit 10a described above, the first actuator unit 20a and the first relay unit 40a of the electromagnetic relay 100 are used as system main relays 1p, 1n. The second actuator unit 20b and the second relay unit 40b are used as DC charging relays 2p, 2n. The current paths of the electromagnetic relay 100 in the drive mode, regeneration mode, and DC charging mode, and details of the arc interruption that functions in each mode will be described below in order based on Figures 6 to 8 and with reference to Figures 1 and 3.

[0079] <Drive mode> In the drive mode shown in Fig. 6, the first actuator unit 20a has the first relay unit 40a in a closed state (on state). This allows current to flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 in the first relay unit 40a. As a result, a drive current ID flows from the battery connection line 15p and the first fixed terminal 61 to the shared fixed terminal 63 and the inverter connection line 16p (see the upper part of Fig. 6). On the other hand, the second actuator unit 20b has the second relay unit 40b in an open state (off state). This blocks current flow between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 in the second relay unit 40b.

[0080] When the first actuator unit 20a starts to cut off the current of the first relay unit 40a, an arc is generated between the contacts 71a, 71b of the first movable terminal 71 that are opened and the contacts 67, 67a of the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63. In addition, when an excessively large drive current ID flows from the battery connection line 15p to the inverter connection line 16p, a force in a repulsive direction is generated between the contacts. As a result, the first relay unit 40a forcibly cuts off the current. In this case, an arc is generated between the contacts 71a, 71b of the first movable terminal 71 that are forcibly opened and the contacts 67, 67a of the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0081] In the above drive mode, the arc generated between each contact when current is cut off is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF directed toward the outer side wall 52 from the magnetic flux JS (magnetic field) generated by the magnet set 80. Specifically, the arc generated between the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61 and the outer movable contact 71a is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in the +X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 6). In addition, the arc generated between the inner movable contact 71b and the first shared contact 67a is subjected to an oblique electromagnetic force EF directed toward the -Y direction as it moves toward the -X direction. As a result, the arc generated between each contact in the drive mode is cut off in a very short time (for example, about 1 millisecond) due to the outward stretching effect of the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect of the arc-extinguishing gas.

[0082] <Regenerative mode> In the regeneration mode shown in FIG. 7, the first actuator unit 20a sets the first relay unit 40a in a closed state (on state), similar to the above-described drive mode. As a result, in the first relay unit 40a, energization between the first fixed terminal 61 and the common fixed terminal 63 is permitted. Consequently, a regeneration current IR flows from the inverter connection line 16p and the second fixed terminal 62 to the first fixed terminal 61 and the battery connection line 15p (see the upper part of FIG. 7). On the other hand, in the second relay unit 40b, energization between the second fixed terminal 62 and the common fixed terminal 63 is interrupted due to the separation of the second movable terminal 72.

[0083] When the first actuator unit 20a starts interrupting the energization of the first relay unit 40a, even in the regeneration mode, an arc is generated between each contact 71a, 71b of the separating first movable terminal 71 and each contact 67, 67a of the first fixed terminal 61 and the common fixed terminal 63. In addition, when an excessive regeneration current IR flows from the inverter connection line 16p to the battery connection line 15p, a force in a direction repulsive to each other is generated between the contacts. As a result, forced interruption of energization is performed in the first relay unit 40a. Also in this case, an arc is generated between each contact 71a, 71b of the first movable terminal 71 that is forcibly separated and each contact 67, 67a of the first fixed terminal 61 and the common fixed terminal 63.

[0084] At the time of interruption of energization in the above regeneration mode, the arc generated between the first common contact 67a and the inner movable contact 71b receives an electromagnetic force EF in an oblique direction that goes in the -Y direction as it goes in the -X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 7). Also, the arc generated between the outer movable contact 71a and the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61 receives an electromagnetic force EF in the -X direction. As a result, the arc generated between the contacts in the regeneration mode is interrupted in a very short time due to the effect of stretching outward by the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect by the arc extinguishing gas.

[0085] <DC charging mode> In the DC charging mode shown in Fig. 8, the first actuator unit 20a closes the first relay unit 40a (ON state). In addition, the second actuator unit 20b closes the second relay unit 40b. As a result, current is permitted to flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63, and between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63. As a result, a charging current IC flows from the charging line 17p and the second fixed terminal 62 through the shared fixed terminal 63 to the first fixed terminal 61 and the battery connection line 15p (see the upper part of Fig. 8).

[0086] When each actuator unit 20a, 20b starts to cut off the current of each relay unit 40a, 40b, an arc occurs between the contacts as described above. In addition, when an excessive charging current IC flows from the charging line 17p to the battery connection line 15p, each relay unit 40a, 40b performs a forced current cutoff. In this case, an arc also occurs between the contacts of each relay unit 40a, 40b.

[0087] When the current is interrupted in the DC charging mode, the arc generated between the fixed contact 67 of the second fixed terminal 62 and the outer movable contact 72a is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in the -X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 8). The arc generated between the inner movable contact 72b and the second shared contact 67b is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in a diagonal direction toward the +Y direction as it moves toward the +X direction. Similarly, the arc generated between the first shared contact 67a and the inner movable contact 71b is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in a diagonal direction toward the +Y direction as it moves toward the +X direction. Furthermore, the arc generated between the outer movable contact 71a and the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61 is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in the -X direction. As described above, the arc generated between each contact in the charging mode is interrupted in a very short time due to the outward stretching effect of the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect of the arc-extinguishing gas.

[0088] (Summary of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment described so far, the displacement of each of the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72 is individually controlled by the electromagnetic actuator 20. Therefore, it is possible to switch between allowing and blocking the current flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 and between allowing and blocking the current flow between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 independently of each other. In addition, one of the fixed terminals 60 contacts both the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72 as the shared fixed terminal 63. By sharing the fixed terminal 60 in this way, it is possible to independently switch the current flow state of a plurality of current paths while simplifying the structure.

[0089] In addition, in a configuration in which two electromagnetic relays, each including an actuator unit and a relay unit, are provided and the two electromagnetic relays are used as a main relay and a DC charging relay, a certain gap is inevitably generated between the two electromagnetic relays. As a result, the miniaturization of the high-voltage J / B is hindered. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 100 having a 2-in-1 structure including two actuator units 20a, 20b and two relay units 40a, 40b is adopted in the power control circuit 10a. As a result, the miniaturization of the system main relays 1p, 1n and the DC charging relays 2p, 2n, and therefore the miniaturization of the high-voltage J / B 10 can be realized.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the conductive area of ​​the shared fixed terminal 63 is larger than the conductive area of ​​each of the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the shared fixed terminal 63 contacts both the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72, it is possible to reliably pass a large current through the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0091] Furthermore, in the magnet set 80 of the first embodiment, at least one magnet body 80a is disposed on each of the four side walls 52 surrounding the periphery of the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72. The four magnet bodies 80a form a magnetic flux JS for arc extinguishing. The magnetic field generated by the magnet set 80 described above applies an electromagnetic force EF to the arc generated between each contact of the fixed terminal 60 and the movable terminal 70. As a result, the arc can be reliably extinguished by extending the arc.

[0092] In addition, the magnet set 80 of the first embodiment includes a first magnet 81 and a second magnet 82 as a magnet body 80a. The first magnet 81 is arranged on two long side surfaces 52a along the arrangement direction (Y direction) of the fixed terminal 60. The second magnet 82 is arranged on two short side surfaces 52b facing each other in the arrangement direction. The magnetic poles of the first magnets 81 facing inward are different from the magnetic poles of the second magnets 82 facing inward. According to the above configuration, a magnetic flux JS from one of the first magnets 81 and the second magnets 82 to the other is formed around each contact point (see FIG. 6, etc.). Therefore, an electromagnetic force EF facing outward acts on the arc generated between each contact point. As a result, the arc extinguishing effect of extending the arc and extinguishing it in a short time can be more reliably achieved.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the shielding wall 58 is located between the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72. The shielding wall 58 shields the inner movable contact 71b of the first movable terminal 71 and the inner movable contact 72b of the second movable terminal 72. As a result, even in a configuration in which two movable terminals 70 are in contact with one shared fixed terminal 63, the creepage distance between the two inner movable contacts 71b, 72b can be ensured. As a result, the generation of an arc between the first movable terminal 71 and the second movable terminal 72 can be suppressed.

[0094] Furthermore, the connector portion 91 of the first embodiment includes a first signal terminal 92a, a second signal terminal 92b, and a ground terminal 92c. Therefore, even if the electromagnetic actuator 20 is provided with two actuator portions 20a, 20b, a control signal and a ground potential can be supplied to each of the actuator portions 20a, 20b by the single connector portion 91. As described above, by further sharing the connector portion 91 in addition to the fixed terminal 60, the structure of the electromagnetic relay 100 can be further simplified.

[0095] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the three fixed terminals 60 of the electromagnetic relay 100 are electrically connected to any one of the battery connection lines 15p, 15n, the inverter connection lines 16p, 16n, and the charging lines 17p, 17n. With such connections, the electromagnetic relay 100 can appropriately switch the current path in each of the drive, regeneration, and DC charging modes of the power control circuit 10a.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the battery ES corresponds to the "energy storage device", the high voltage J / B 10 corresponds to the "relay unit", the electromagnetic actuator 20 corresponds to the "drive section", the long side surface 52a and the short side surface 52b correspond to the "side surface", and the shielding wall 58 corresponds to the "shielding section". In addition, the fixed terminal 60 corresponds to the "fixed connection terminal", the inner movable contact 71b corresponds to the "first movable contact", the inner movable contact 72b corresponds to the "second movable contact", the magnet set 80 corresponds to the "magnetic flux generating section", and the electromagnetic relay 100 corresponds to the "relay".

[0097] Second Embodiment The second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figs. 9 to 12 is a modified example of the first embodiment. In the high voltage J / B 10 of the second embodiment, the configuration of the power control circuit 10b is different from that of the first embodiment. The power control circuit 10b is a DCR parallel circuit. In the DCR parallel circuit, the DC charging relays 2p, 2n are connected in parallel to the system main relays 1p, 1n. Therefore, in the power control circuit 10b, the connection mode between each electromagnetic relay 100 and each current path is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the DC charging relay 2p is located between the battery connection line 15p and the charging line 17p. The DC charging relay 2n is located between the battery connection line 15n and the charging line 17n.

[0098] As in the first embodiment, the power control circuit 10b uses two electromagnetic relays 100. The positive side electromagnetic relay 100 is connected to an inverter connection line 16p, a battery connection line 15p, and a charging line 17n. The negative side electromagnetic relay 100 is connected to an inverter connection line 16n, a battery connection line 15n, and a charging line 17n.

[0099] A bus bar forming at least a part of the inverter connection lines 16p, 16n is fixed to the first fixed terminal 61 of the electromagnetic relay 100. A bus bar forming at least a part of the battery connection lines 15p, 15n is fixed to the shared fixed terminal 63. Note that a bus bar forming at least a part of the charging lines 17p, 17n is fixed to the second fixed terminal 62, as in the first embodiment.

[0100] Hereinafter, the current paths of the electromagnetic relay 100 in each mode of the second embodiment and the details of the arc interruption functioning in each mode will be described in order based on FIGS. 10 to 12 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 9. FIG.

[0101] <Drive mode> In the drive mode shown in Fig. 10, the first actuator unit 20a has the first relay unit 40a in a closed state (on state). This allows current to flow between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 in the first relay unit 40a. As a result, a drive current ID flows from the battery connection line 15p and the shared fixed terminal 63 to the first fixed terminal 61 and the inverter connection line 16p (see the upper part of Fig. 10). On the other hand, the second actuator unit 20b has the second relay unit 40b in an open state (off state). This blocks current flow between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 in the second relay unit 40b.

[0102] When current is interrupted in the drive mode described above, the arc generated between the first shared contact 67a and the inner movable contact 71b is subjected to an oblique electromagnetic force EF in the +Y direction as it moves in the +X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 10). Also, the arc generated between the outer movable contact 71a and the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61 is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in the -X direction. As a result, the arc generated between each contact in the drive mode is interrupted in a very short time due to the outward stretching effect of the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect of the arc-extinguishing gas.

[0103] <Regenerative mode> In the regeneration mode shown in FIG. 11, the first actuator unit 20a sets the first relay unit 40a in a closed state (on state), similar to the above-described drive mode. As a result, in the first relay unit 40a, energization between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 is permitted. Consequently, a regeneration current IR flows from the inverter connection line 16p and the first fixed terminal 61 to the shared fixed terminal 63 and the battery connection line 15p (see the upper part of FIG. 11). On the other hand, the second relay unit 40b is set in an open state (off state), blocking energization between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0104] When interrupting energization in the above regeneration mode, the arc generated between the fixed contact 67 of the first fixed terminal 61 and the outer movable contact 71a receives an electromagnetic force EF in the +X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 11). Also, the arc generated between the inner movable contact 71b and the first shared contact 67a receives an electromagnetic force EF in an oblique direction that heads in the -Y direction as it heads in the -X direction. As a result, the arcs generated between the respective contacts in the regeneration mode are interrupted in a very short time due to the effect of stretching outward by the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect by the arc-extinguishing gas.

[0105] <DC charging mode> In the DC charging mode shown in FIG. 12, the first actuator unit 20a sets the first relay unit 40a in an open state (off state). As a result, in the first relay unit 40a, energization between the first fixed terminal 61 and the shared fixed terminal 63 is blocked. On the other hand, the second actuator unit 20b sets the second relay unit 40b in a closed state (on state). As a result, in the second relay unit 40b, energization between the second fixed terminal 62 and the shared fixed terminal 63 is permitted. Consequently, a charging current IC flows from the charging line 17p and the second fixed terminal 62 to the shared fixed terminal 63 and the battery connection line 15p (see the upper part of FIG. 12).

[0106] When current is interrupted in the DC charging mode, the arc generated between the fixed contact 67 of the second fixed terminal 62 and the outer movable contact 72a is subjected to an electromagnetic force EF in the -X direction (see the lower part of FIG. 12). The arc generated between the inner movable contact 72b and the second shared contact 67b is subjected to an oblique electromagnetic force EF in the +Y direction as it moves in the +X direction. As a result, the arc generated between the contacts in the DC charging mode is interrupted in a very short time due to the outward stretching effect of the electromagnetic force EF and the cooling effect of the arc-extinguishing gas.

[0107] (Summary of the second embodiment) In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the second embodiment described above, the first relay unit 40a and the second relay unit 40b can be switched between open and closed states independently of each other. In addition, one of the fixed terminals 60 is shared by the first relay unit 40a and the second relay unit 40b as a shared fixed terminal 63. As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved, and the structure can be simplified while making it possible to independently switch the energization states of multiple current paths.

[0108] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0109] In the first modification of the above embodiment, each first magnet 81 has its south pole facing inward. Also, each second magnet 82 has its north pole facing inward. This arrangement of magnetic poles also creates a magnetic flux JS that flows from each second magnet 82 to each first magnet 81. As a result, even in the first modification, it is possible to extinguish the arc that occurs between the contacts.

[0110] In the second modification of the above embodiment, two first magnets 81 are arranged in the Y direction on the outside of the long side surface 52a. In the third modification, each second magnet 82 arranged on the outside of the short side surface 52b is divided into two in the X direction. The arrangement of these magnet bodies 80a also forms a magnetic field around each contact point. As a result, in the second and third modifications, it is possible to extinguish the arc that occurs between each contact point. As described above, the number and arrangement of the magnet bodies 80a arranged around the sealed case 50 may be changed as appropriate.

[0111] The shielding wall 58 in the above embodiment is configured to be integrated with the sealed case 50. In contrast, in the fourth modification of the above embodiment, the shielding wall 58 is provided as a separate body from the sealed case 50. Even with the shielding wall 58 configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the generation of an arc by being disposed between the two movable terminals 70 and blocking the contacts.

[0112] In the fifth modification of the above embodiment, two connector parts are provided. One connector part includes a first signal terminal 92a and a ground terminal 92c, and is electrically connected to the first actuator part 20a. The other connector part includes a second signal terminal 92b and a ground terminal 92c, and is electrically connected to the second actuator part 20b. These connector parts 91 are disposed on the upper surface of the relay housing 90 facing the +X direction. As in the fifth modification, the number and arrangement of the connector parts may be changed as appropriate.

[0113] The power control circuits 10a and 10b in the above embodiment use two electromagnetic relays 100. In contrast, in the sixth modification of the above embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 100 serving as the positive-side system main relay 1p and the DC charging relay 2p is connected to the battery connection line 15p, the inverter connection line 16p, and the charging line 17p. On the other hand, the negative-side system main relay 1n and the DC charging relay 2n are configured by individual electromagnetic relays.

[0114] In the seventh modification of the above embodiment, an electromagnetic relay 100 that also serves as the negative side system main relay 1n and DC charging relay 2n is connected to a battery connection line 15n, an inverter connection line 16n, and a charging line 17n. On the other hand, the positive side system main relay 1p and DC charging relay 2p are configured as separate electromagnetic relays. As in the sixth and seventh modifications, the number of electromagnetic relays 100 employed in the relay unit may be one. Furthermore, the relay unit may be configured to be divided into a positive side electric circuit and a negative side electric circuit.

[0115] In the eighth modification of the above embodiment, the arrangement of the three fixed terminals 60 is different from that of the above embodiment. In the electromagnetic relay 100 of the eighth modification shown in FIG. 13, the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The shared fixed terminal 63 is arranged in the +X direction of the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62 with its major axis aligned in the Y direction. A T-shaped integrated shielding plate 93 is formed between the three fixed terminals 60. As in the eighth modification, the arrangement of the three fixed terminals 60 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the first fixed terminal 61 may be arranged in the +X direction of the shared fixed terminal 63, and the second fixed terminal 62 may be arranged in the +Y direction of the shared fixed terminal 63.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 100 of the present disclosure is adopted in the high-voltage J / B 10 that is mounted on an electric vehicle and switches between multiple current paths. However, the electromagnetic relay 100 can also be adopted in a power control circuit that is used for purposes other than electric vehicles. For example, the electromagnetic relay 100 and relay unit according to the present disclosure may be mounted on various moving objects such as railroad cars, trams, drones, and electric aircraft such as eVTOL.

[0117] Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay 100 may be used in a power control circuit combined with a fixed power storage device. In addition, the current paths connected to the three fixed terminals 60 are not limited to the battery connection line, inverter connection line, and charging line described above. The current paths connected to each fixed terminal may be changed as appropriate depending on the application of the electromagnetic relay and the relay unit.

[0118] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple dependent claims. Some of the claims may be described in a multiple dependent form, where the subsequent claim alternatively refers to the preceding claim. Furthermore, some of the claims may be described in a multiple dependent form, where the subsequent claim alternatively refers to the preceding claim. The claims described in these multiple dependent forms define multiple technical ideas.

[0119] (Technical thought 1) Three fixed connection terminals (60) electrically connected to different current paths; a first movable terminal (71) that comes into contact with and separates from a first fixed terminal (61) and a common fixed terminal (63) among the three connection fixed terminals; a second movable terminal (72) that comes into contact with and separates from a second fixed terminal (62) and the common fixed terminal (63) among the three connection fixed terminals; a drive unit (20) that individually displaces the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and independently switches between allowing and blocking current flow between the first fixed terminal and the common fixed terminal and allowing and blocking current flow between the second fixed terminal and the common fixed terminal; A relay equipped with: (Technical thought 2) The relay according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the conductive area of ​​the shared fixed terminal is larger than the conductive area of ​​each of the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal. (Technical Thought 3) The relay according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, further comprising a magnetic flux forming portion (80) including at least one magnetic body (80a) arranged on each of four side surfaces (52a, 52b) surrounding the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal, and forming a magnetic flux (JS) for extinguishing arcs between the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and each of the fixed connection terminals. (Technical Thought 4) the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal are located on both sides of the shared fixed terminal, If the direction in which the three fixed connection terminals are arranged is defined as the arrangement direction, the magnetic flux generating portion includes, as the magnetic bodies, a pair of first magnets (81) arranged on the two side surfaces along the arrangement direction, and a pair of second magnets (82) arranged on the two side surfaces facing each other in the arrangement direction; A relay as described in technical idea 3, in which the magnetic pole facing inward of each of the first magnets is different from the magnetic pole facing inward of the second magnets. (Technical Thought 5) A relay as described in any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, further comprising a shielding portion (58) located between the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal, providing shielding between a first movable contact (71b) of the first movable terminal that contacts the shared fixed terminal and a second movable contact (72b) of the second movable terminal that contacts the shared fixed terminal. (Technical Thought 6) The relay according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 5, further comprising a connector portion (91) including a first signal terminal (92a) that supplies a first control signal to the drive portion that controls the displacement of the first movable terminal, a second signal terminal (92b) that supplies a second control signal to the drive portion that controls the displacement of the second movable terminal, and a ground terminal (92c) that supplies a ground potential to the drive portion. (Technical Thought 7) A relay as described in any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein the three fixed connection terminals are electrically connected to any one of a battery connection line (15p, 15n) electrically connected to an energy storage device (ES), an inverter connection line (16p, 16n) electrically connected to an inverter (7), and a charging line (17p, 17n) to which power is supplied for charging the energy storage device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] JS magnetic flux, ES battery (energy storage device), 7 inverter, 10 high voltage J / B (relay unit), 15p, 15n battery connection line, 16p, 16n inverter connection line, 17p, 17n charging line, 20 electromagnetic actuator (drive section), 52a long side surface (side surface), 52b short side surface (side surface), 58 shielding wall (shielding section), 60 fixed terminal (connection fixed terminal), 61 first fixed terminal, 62 second fixed terminal, 63 shared fixed terminal, 71 first movable terminal, 71b inner movable contact (first movable contact), 72 second movable terminal, 72b inner movable contact (second movable contact), 80 magnet set (magnetic flux forming section), 80a magnet body, 81 first magnet, 82 second magnet, 91 connector section, 92a first signal terminal, 92b second signal terminal, 92c Ground terminal, 100 electromagnetic relay (relay)

Claims

1. A battery connection line (15p, 15n) electrically connected to an electricity storage device (ES), inverter connection lines (16p, 16n) electrically connected to the inverter (7); a charging line (17p, 17n) through which power for charging the power storage device is supplied; a relay (100) for switching a plurality of current paths including the battery connection line, the inverter connection line, and the charging line; The relay is Three connection fixed terminals (60) electrically connected to any one of the three current paths; a first movable terminal (71) that comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed terminal (61) and the common fixed terminal (63) among the three connection fixed terminals; a second movable terminal (72) that comes into contact with and separates from a second fixed terminal (62) among the three connection fixed terminals and the common fixed terminal; a drive unit (20) that individually displaces the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and independently switches between allowing and blocking current flow between the first fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal and allowing and blocking current flow between the second fixed terminal and the shared fixed terminal; A relay unit having:

2. The relay unit according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive area of the shared fixed terminal is larger than the conductive area of each of the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal.

3. The relay comprises: a magnetic flux forming section (80) including at least one magnetic body (80a) arranged on each of four side surfaces (52a, 52b) surrounding the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal, and forming a magnetic flux (JS) for arc extinguishing between the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal and each of the fixed connection terminals; 10. The relay unit of claim 1 further comprising:

4. the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal are located on both sides of the shared fixed terminal, If the direction in which the three fixed connection terminals are arranged is defined as the arrangement direction, The magnetic flux generating unit includes, as the magnetic bodies, a pair of first magnets (81) arranged on the two side surfaces along the arrangement direction, and a pair of second magnets (82) arranged on the two side surfaces facing each other in the arrangement direction, 4. The relay unit of claim 3, wherein the inwardly facing magnetic pole of each of the first magnets is different from the inwardly facing magnetic pole of each of the second magnets.

5. The relay comprises: a shielding portion (58) positioned between the first movable terminal and the second movable terminal, for shielding between a first movable contact (71 b) of the first movable terminal in contact with the shared fixed terminal and a second movable contact (72 b) of the second movable terminal in contact with the shared fixed terminal; 10. The relay unit of claim 1 further comprising:

6. The relay comprises: a connector portion (91) including a first signal terminal (92a) that supplies a first control signal to the drive portion to control the displacement of the first movable terminal, a second signal terminal (92b) that supplies a second control signal to the drive portion to control the displacement of the second movable terminal, and a ground terminal (92c) that supplies a ground potential to the drive portion; 10. The relay unit of claim 1 further comprising:

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