Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To reduce the weight of an electromagnetic relay.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed terminal 5, a common terminal 6, a coil terminal 7, and a body. The fixed terminal 5 includes a first connection portion 51 connected to the outside. The common terminal 6 includes a second connection portion 61 connected to the outside. The coil terminal 7 includes a third connection portion 71 connected to the outside. At least one connection portion 8 of the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 extends from the body along a first direction D1. The at least one connection portion 8 includes a plate-shaped first plate portion 81 and a plate-shaped second plate portion 82 in contact with the first plate portion 81. The first plate portion 81 includes a first protrusion portion 815 protruding in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 on a surface opposite to the surface in contact with the second plate portion 82. The second plate portion 82 includes a second protrusion portion 825 protruding in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the first plate portion 81.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic relays and, more particularly, to electromagnetic relays with terminals extending from a body. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay. The electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1 includes a relay body, a case, and a connection terminal. The relay body has a fixed contact, a movable contact, and an electromagnetic device that moves the movable contact toward and away from the fixed contact. The case has an accommodation space that accommodates the relay body. The connection terminal is provided on the relay body. The connection terminal protrudes from the case to the outside. The connection terminal is a metal terminal. The connection terminal is connected to a blade receiving part as an external electrical connection part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-155240 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, a metal plate having a uniform thickness approximately equal to the width of the insertion hole of the blade receiving part is used as the connection terminal, which results in a large weight of the connection terminal in the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the weight of an electromagnetic relay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a coil, a coil bobbin, an iron core, a yoke, an armature, a movable spring, a fixed terminal, a common terminal, a coil terminal, and a body. The coil bobbin has a cylindrical portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion, and the coil is wound around the coil bobbin. The iron core is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the coil bobbin, and an upper end portion protrudes from the coil bobbin. The yoke has a fixed portion fixed to the upper end portion of the iron core, and a leg portion extending downward from the fixed portion. The armature faces a lower surface of the iron core, and moves toward or away from the iron core depending on the excitation of the coil. The movable spring is located below the armature and is fixed to the armature. The movable spring has a movable contact at one end. The fixed terminal has a fixed contact facing the movable contact and a first connection portion connected to the outside. The common terminal has a second connection portion connected to the outside and is fixed to the yoke. The coil terminal has a third connection portion connected to the outside and is connected to the coil. The body holds the fixed terminal, the common terminal, and the coil terminal. At least one connection portion among the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion extends from the body along a first direction. The at least one connection portion has a plate-shaped first plate portion and a plate-shaped second plate portion in contact with the first plate portion. The first plate portion has a first protrusion protruding in a thickness direction of the first plate portion on a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the second plate portion. The second plate portion has a second protrusion protruding in a thickness direction of the second plate portion on a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the first plate portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the weight of the electromagnetic relay. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay from the right front with a cover case removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay from the left front with a cover case removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay with a cover case removed. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a fixed terminal included in the electromagnetic relay as viewed from the front left, Fig. 5B is a front view of the fixed terminal as viewed from the rear right, and Fig. 5C is a perspective view of the fixed terminal as viewed from the rear right. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay shown in FIG. 1 with the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact and the case removed. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a fixed terminal included in an electromagnetic relay of Modification 1, as viewed from the front left, Fig. 7B is a front view of the fixed terminal, and Fig. 7C is a perspective view of the fixed terminal as viewed from the rear right. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a fixed terminal included in an electromagnetic relay of Modification 2, as viewed from the front left, Fig. 8B is a front view of the fixed terminal, and Fig. 8C is a perspective view of the fixed terminal as viewed from the rear right. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the third modification example, seen from the lower right front with the cover case removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover case removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a fixed terminal provided in an electromagnetic relay according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The electromagnetic relay according to the embodiment and the modified example of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings described in the following embodiment and the modified example are schematic drawings, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the drawings does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0010] (1) Implementation form As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, an electromagnetic relay 1 according to an embodiment includes an electromagnet block 2, a contact block 3, a body 4 (case), a fixed terminal 5, a common terminal 6, and a pair of coil terminals 7. The electromagnetic relay 1 is a hinge-type electromagnetic relay. The electromagnetic relay 1 is a so-called plug-in relay, and is used in vehicles such as automobiles or motorcycles. The use of the electromagnetic relay 1 is not limited to vehicles, and may be for other purposes.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electromagnet block 2 includes a coil 21, a coil bobbin 22, an iron core 23, a yoke 24, and an armature 25.

[0012] 4, the coil bobbin 22 has a tubular portion 221. The tubular portion 221 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. The tubular portion 221 has a through hole 224 that penetrates in the axial direction. Hereinafter, for convenience, the axial direction of the tubular portion 221 will also be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0013] 2 to 4, the coil bobbin 22 further has an upper flange 222 and a lower flange 223. The upper flange 222 and the lower flange 223 are formed at both axial ends, i.e., the upper end and the lower end, of the cylindrical portion 221. The cylindrical portion 221, the upper flange 222, and the lower flange 223 are integrally formed from an insulating material such as resin.

[0014] The upper flange 222 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular plate shape. A recess 226 is formed in the upper surface of the upper flange 222. The lower flange 223 is formed, for example, in a substantially hollow rectangular box shape. The lower surface of the lower flange 223 is open, and an accommodation space 227 for accommodating the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 is formed below the lower flange 223.

[0015] The coil 21 is wound around the coil bobbin 22. More specifically, the winding of the coil 21 is wound around the cylindrical portion 221 between an upper flange portion 222 and a lower flange portion 223.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 4, iron core 23 has shaft portion 231 and flange portion 232. Shaft portion 231 is formed in a columnar shape, more specifically, in a long cylindrical shape. Flange portion 232 is provided at the lower end of shaft portion 231. Shaft portion 231 and flange portion 232 are integrally formed from a magnetic material.

[0017] 4, the iron core 23 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 221 of the coil bobbin 22. The shaft portion 231 of the iron core 23 is inserted into the through hole 224 of the cylindrical portion 221. The shaft portion 231 of the iron core 23 has a main body portion 233 and an upper end portion 234. The main body portion 233 is located inside the through hole 224. The upper end portion 234 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 221. In other words, the upper end portion 234 of the iron core 23 protrudes from the coil bobbin 22.

[0018] 2 to 4, the yoke 24 includes a fixed portion 241 and a leg portion 242. The yoke 24 is formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front by the fixed portion 241 and the leg portion 242. The fixed portion 241 and the leg portion 242 are integrally formed from a magnetic material.

[0019] The fixed portion 241 has a generally rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. The fixed portion 241 is located above the upper flange portion 222. The fixed portion 241 is disposed in a recess 226 of the upper flange portion 222. The fixed portion 241 has an insertion hole 243. The upper end portion 234 of the iron core 23 is inserted into the insertion hole 243. The fixed portion 241 is fixed to the upper end portion 234 of the iron core 23.

[0020] The leg portion 242 extends downward from the fixed portion 241. The leg portion 242 extends along the axial direction of the tube portion 221 of the coil bobbin 22. The leg portion 242 extends from one end of the fixed portion 241. Hereinafter, the side on which the leg portion 242 is located with respect to the fixed portion 241 will also be referred to as the "right", and the opposite side will also be referred to as the "left". That is, the leg portion 242 extends downward from the right end of the fixed portion 241. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction will also be referred to as the front-rear direction.

[0021] 2, the leg portion 242 has a terminal portion 244, a first support portion 245, and a second support portion 246. The terminal portion 244, the first support portion 245, and the second support portion 246 each extend downward from the fixed portion 241. The terminal portion 244 is located between the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the first support portion 245 is located in front of the terminal portion 244, and the second support portion 246 is located in rear of the terminal portion 244.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the armature 25 is made of a magnetic material and formed into a long flat plate shape. As shown in Fig. 4, the armature 25 is disposed so as to face the lower surface 235 of the core 23. One end (right end) of the armature 25 contacts a lower end 247 (see Fig. 3) of a first support portion 245 of the yoke 24 and a lower end 248 (see Fig. 4) of a second support portion 246. The armature 25 is fixed to a movable portion 34 of a movable spring 33 described later, and displaces integrally with the movable portion 34. The armature 25 is rotatable about a contact portion with the yoke 24 as a fulcrum. When the coil 21 is energized and excited, the armature 25 is attracted to the core 23 by a magnetic force. When the energization of the coil 21 is stopped, the armature 25 is separated from the core 23 by the spring force of the movable spring 33. That is, the armature 25 moves toward or away from the iron core 23 in response to the excitation of the coil 21 .

[0023] The contact block 3 includes a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, and a movable spring 33, as shown in FIGS.

[0024] 4, the fixed contact 31 is provided on the fixed terminal 5. The fixed contact 31 is formed integrally with the fixed terminal 5 from the same material as the fixed terminal 5, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed separately from the fixed terminal 5 and fixed to the fixed terminal 5.

[0025] 4, the movable contact 32 is provided on the movable spring 33. The movable contact 32 is formed separately from the movable spring 33 and fixed to the movable spring 33, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed integrally with the movable spring 33 from the same material as the movable spring 33. The movable contact 32 is provided at a position facing the fixed contact 31.

[0026] The movable spring 33 is made of a conductive material such as copper. As shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the movable spring 33 has a movable portion 34 and an extension portion 35. The movable spring 33 is formed in a substantially L-shape by the movable portion 34 and the extension portion 35 when viewed from the front.

[0027] The movable part 34 is plate-shaped (leaf spring-shaped). The movable part 34 is located below the armature 25. The movable part 34 is fixed to the armature 25. The movable part 34 has a movable contact 32 at a first end (left end). That is, the movable spring 33 is located below the armature 25, is fixed to the armature 25, and has the movable contact 32 at one end (left end).

[0028] The extension portion 35 is plate-shaped. The extension portion 35 extends upward from the second end (right end) of the movable portion 34. The extension portion 35 is fixed to the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24. The extension portion 35 is fixed to a first support portion 245 and a second support portion 246 of the leg portion 242 by, for example, caulking.

[0029] When the coil 21 is energized, the movable part 34 is displaced integrally with the armature 25, and the movable contact 32 comes into contact with the fixed contact 31. When the energization of the coil 21 is stopped, the movable part 34 is displaced by the spring force of the movable spring 33, and the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. That is, in the electromagnetic relay 1, the movable contact 32 moves between a closed position (see FIG. 6) in which it comes into contact with the fixed contact 31, and an open position (see FIG. 4) in which it is separated from the fixed contact 31. A plate-shaped restricting part 29 is arranged in the accommodation space 227 below the lower flange part 223 of the coil bobbin 22, which restricts the movable range of the movable spring 33 to determine the open position of the movable contact 32.

[0030] The body 4 includes a substantially rectangular flat base 41 (see Figs. 2 to 4) and a substantially rectangular box-shaped cover 42 (see Fig. 1). The base 41 has an insertion hole 411 into which the fixed terminal 5 is inserted, an insertion hole 412 into which the common terminal 6 is inserted, and a pair of insertion holes 413 into which the pair of coil terminals 7 are respectively inserted. The cover 42 has one surface (lower surface) open, and is attached to the base 41 so as to cover the base 41 from above. The body 4 houses the electromagnet block 2 (excluding a lower portion of the terminal portion 244 of the yoke 24) and the contact block 3. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the extension direction (vertical direction) of the coil 21 and the iron core 23 intersects (here, perpendicular to) the surface of the base 41.

[0031] The fixed terminal 5 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The fixed terminal 5 has a fixed contact 31. The fixed terminal 5 is held by the body 4. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present embodiment, the fixed terminal 5 is held by the lower flange portion 223 of the coil bobbin 22, and thereby held by the body 4.

[0032] 4 to 5C, the fixed terminal 5 has a base portion 50 and a first connecting portion 51. The base portion 50 and the first connecting portion 51 are integrally formed.

[0033] The base 50 is a portion of the fixed terminal 5 that is held by the body 4. The base 50 is in the form of a plate that is generally L-shaped when viewed from the front. The fixed contact 31 is provided at a first end (left end) of the base 50. The second end (lower end) of the base 50 is connected to the first connection portion 51. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, a through hole 501 is formed at the center of the base 50 in which the movable portion 34 of the movable spring 33 and the armature 25 are disposed.

[0034] The first connection portion 51 is a portion of the fixed terminal 5 that is connected to the outside (an external connection member). The connection member is, for example, a socket for a plug-in relay. The first connection portion 51 is exposed from the body 4 and protrudes downward. The first connection portion 51 is connected to the connection member by, for example, being inserted into the connection member from above.

[0035] The common terminal 6 is made of a conductive material. The common terminal 6 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32. The common terminal 6 is fixed to the yoke 24. In this embodiment, the yoke 24 and the common terminal 6 are integral. At least a part of the terminal portion 244 of the yoke 24, for example, the entire terminal portion 244, is the common terminal 6. The common terminal 6 is made of a magnetic material. Since the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33 is fixed to the yoke 24, the common terminal 6 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32 via the yoke 24 and the movable spring 33.

[0036] The common terminal 6 is held by the body 4. The common terminal 6 is inserted into an insertion hole 412 of the base 41 and is held by the base 41.

[0037] 4, the common terminal 6 has a base portion 60 and a second connection portion 61. The base portion 60 and the second connection portion 61 are integrally formed.

[0038] The base 60 is a portion of the common terminal 6 that is held by the body 4. The base 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 412 of the base 41. The base 60 is connected to the yoke 24.

[0039] The second connection portion 61 is a portion of the common terminal 6 that is connected to the outside (connection member). The second connection portion 61 is connected to the lower end of the base portion 60. The second connection portion 61 is exposed from the body 4 and protrudes downward. The second connection portion 61 is connected to the connection member, for example, by being inserted into the connection member from above.

[0040] The coil terminal 7 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The coil terminal 7 is connected to the coil 21. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the coil terminal 7 has a winding portion 72. The tip of the coil 21 is wound around the winding portion 72, and the winding portion 72 and the coil 21 are connected by solder or the like. A first coil terminal 701 of the pair of coil terminals 7 is connected to a first end of the coil 21, and a second coil terminal 702 of the pair of coil terminals 7 is connected to a second end of the coil 21. The coil terminal 7 is held by the body 4. The coil terminal 7 is inserted into an insertion hole 413 of the base 41 and held by the base 41.

[0041] 4, the coil terminal 7 has a base portion 70 and a third connection portion 71 in addition to the above-mentioned entangled portion 72. The base portion 70, the third connection portion 71, and the entangled portion 72 are integrally formed.

[0042] The base portion 70 is a portion of the coil terminal 7 that is held by the body 4. The base portion 70 is inserted into the insertion hole 413 of the base 41. A tangling portion 72 is connected to the upper end of the base portion 70.

[0043] The third connection portion 71 is a portion of the coil terminal 7 that is connected to the outside (connection member). The third connection portion 71 is connected to the lower end of the base portion 70. The third connection portion 71 is exposed from the body 4 and protrudes downward. The third connection portion 71 is connected to the connection member, for example, by being inserted into the connection member from above.

[0044] At least one of the connection parts 8 among the first connection part 51, the second connection part 61, and the third connection part 71 extends from the body 4 along a first direction D1. In this embodiment, the extension directions of the first connection part 51, the second connection part 61, and the third connection part 71 are the same, and all of them extend along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the up-down direction. In other words, the first direction D1 is a direction along the extension direction of the iron core 23.

[0045] 5A to 5C, at least one of the connection portions 8 (in this embodiment, the first connection portion 51) among the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 has a plate-shaped first plate portion 81 and a plate-shaped second plate portion 82 in contact with the first plate portion 81. In the first connection portion 51 of the fixed terminal 5, an upper end of the first plate portion 81 is connected to the base portion 50 of the fixed terminal 5.

[0046] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are configured from one plate-shaped member. The second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from one end 810 of the first plate portion 81 so as to overlap with the first plate portion 81. More specifically, the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from a lower end 811 of the first plate portion 81 upward so as to overlap with the first plate portion 81. That is, the one end 810 (the end of the first plate portion 81 from which the second plate portion 82 is bent) is the end (lower end 811) of the first plate portion 81 in the first direction D1. The lower end 811 of the first plate portion 81 and the lower end 821 of the second plate portion 82 are connected. Also, the second plate portion 82 extends from the end (lower end 811) of the first plate portion 81 in the first direction D1 toward the body 4.

[0047] The first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are disposed so as to overlap each other so that their thickness directions coincide with each other. In this embodiment, the second plate portion 82 is located on the right side of the first plate portion 81. The right surface of the first plate portion 81 and the left surface of the second plate portion 82 face each other.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the first plate portion 81 has a first protrusion 815 protruding in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 on a surface (left surface) opposite to a surface (right surface) in contact with the second plate portion 82. The first protrusion 815 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 (viewed from the left side). In the first plate portion 81, the first protrusion 815 protrudes in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 more than a remaining portion 819 of the first plate portion 81. The first protrusion 815 has a flat surface 816 on the tip side in the protruding direction. The first protrusion 815 also has an inclined surface 817 on the periphery of the flat surface 816.

[0049] The first plate portion 81 is made of a plate material having a uniform thickness. As shown in Fig. 4, the first protrusion portion 815 is formed by pushing up a part of the plate material constituting the first plate portion 81 in the thickness direction of the plate material, so as to protrude from the remaining portion 819. In the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81, a first recess 818 is formed on the back side of the first protrusion portion 815.

[0050] The first protrusion 815 is provided at the center in the width direction of the first plate portion 81. The first protrusion 815 is provided up to the lower end 811 of the first plate portion 81, which is the tip when inserted into the connecting member.

[0051] 5B and 5C, the second plate portion 82 has a second protrusion 825 protruding in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 on a surface (right surface) opposite to a surface (left surface) in contact with the first plate portion 81. The second protrusion 825 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 (when viewed from the right side). In the second plate portion 82, the second protrusion 825 protrudes in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 beyond a remaining portion 829 of the second plate portion 82. The second protrusion 825 has a flat surface 826 on the tip side in the protruding direction. The second protrusion 825 also has an inclined surface 827 on the periphery of the flat surface 826.

[0052] The second plate portion 82 is made of a plate material having a uniform thickness. The second protrusion portion 825 is formed by pushing up a part of the plate material constituting the second plate portion 82 in the thickness direction of the plate material, so as to protrude from the remaining portion 829, as shown in Fig. 4. In the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82, a second recess 828 is formed on the back side of the second protrusion portion 825.

[0053] The second protrusion 825 is provided at the center in the width direction of the second plate portion 82. The second protrusion 825 is provided up to the lower end 821 of the second plate portion 82, which is the tip when inserted into the connecting member.

[0054] The first protrusion 815 and the second protrusion 825 protrude in opposite directions to each other. The first protrusion 815 and the second protrusion 825 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the boundary where the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 contact each other.

[0055] In each of the first connecting portion 51, the second connecting portion 61, and the third connecting portion 71, an inclined surface is formed at the tip portion so that the dimension in the thickness direction gradually decreases toward the tip (lower end). Also, in each of the first connecting portion 51, the second connecting portion 61, and the third connecting portion 71, an inclined surface is formed at the tip portion so that the dimension in the width direction gradually decreases toward the tip (lower end).

[0056] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] Before the coil 21 is energized, as shown in FIG. 4, the armature 25 is separated from the iron core 23 by the spring force of the movable spring 33, and the movable contact 32 is separated from the fixed contact 31 (the open position of the movable contact 32).

[0058] When the coil 21 is energized, the iron core 23 is magnetized, and the armature 25 is attracted to the flange 232 of the iron core 23. As a result, the tip (first end) of the movable part 34 to which the armature 25 is fixed is displaced upward, and the movable contact 32 comes into contact with the fixed contact 31 (see FIG. 6: closed position of the movable contact 32). As a result, electrical continuity is established between the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact 31.

[0059] When the current to the coil 21 is cut off, the iron core 23 is demagnetized, and the spring force of the movable spring 33 moves the armature 25 away from the flange 232 of the iron core 23. This causes the tip (first end) of the movable part 34 of the movable spring 33 to be displaced downward, and the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact 31 are electrically disconnected.

[0060] According to the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the thickness of the first connection portion 51 is the sum of the thickness of the first plate portion 81 and the thickness of the second plate portion 82. As a result, the entire fixed terminal 5 including the base portion 50 can be formed of a thin metal plate with low material cost, while the first connection portion 51 connected to the external connection member can be made thicker. As a result, the weight of the fixed terminal 5 and the electromagnetic relay 1 can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In particular, since the first plate portion 81 has the first protrusion portion 815 and the second plate portion 82 has the second protrusion portion 825, the thickness of the first connection portion 51 is the sum of the thickness of the remaining portion 819 of the first plate portion 81 plus the protruding dimension of the first protrusion portion 815 and the thickness of the remaining portion 829 of the second plate portion 82 plus the protruding dimension of the second protrusion portion 825. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the thickness of the metal plate constituting the fixed terminal 5, and it is possible to further reduce the weight of the fixed terminal 5 and the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0061] Moreover, by forming the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 by bending a single plate-like member, it is possible to reduce the number of parts compared to, for example, a case in which the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are formed from separate members and fixed to each other. Also, a process such as adhesion or welding for fixing is not required, which makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0062] The second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from a lower end 811 (the tip in the extending direction from the body 4) of the first plate portion 81. The second plate portion 82 extends from an end (lower end 811) of the first plate portion 81 in the first direction D1 toward the body 4. This makes it difficult for the second plate portion 82 to separate from the first plate portion 81 at the lower end of the connection portion 8, as compared to a case in which the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from a front end 812 (see FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) or a rear end 813 (see FIG. 5C) of the first plate portion 81. As a result, the connection work when inserting the connection portion 8 into an external connection member is facilitated.

[0063] (2) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Below, the modified examples of the embodiment are listed. The above embodiment and the modified examples described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0064] (2.1) Variation 1 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, as shown in Figures 7A to 7C, in the first connection portion 51 of the fixed terminal 5 extending in the first direction D1, the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from the rear end 813 of the first plate portion 81 so as to overlap with the first plate portion 81.

[0065] That is, in this modification, the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are composed of one plate-like member, and the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending one end 810 of the first plate portion 81 so as to overlap with the first plate portion 81. The one end 810 (the end of the first plate portion 81 from which the second plate portion 82 is bent) is the end (rear end 813) of the first plate portion 81 in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 (extension direction of the first connection portion 51). The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81. As shown in FIG. 7C, the rear end 813 of the first plate portion 81 and the rear end 823 of the second plate portion 82 are connected to each other.

[0066] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the first connection portion 51 has a first plate portion 81 and a second plate portion 82, so that the weight of the fixed terminal 5 and the electromagnetic relay 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending from the rear end 813 of the first plate portion 81, so that, for example, the boundary where the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are bent is along the long side of the first plate portion 81. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the bending process of the second plate portion 82 (the accuracy of how the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 overlap) compared to the case where the second plate portion 82 is bent along the short side (for example, the lower end 811) of the first plate portion 81.

[0068] (2.2) Variation 2 8A to 8C, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the second plate portion 82 is configured from a member separate from the first plate portion 81 and is fixed to the first plate portion 81. The second plate portion 82 is fixed to the first plate portion 81 by, for example, adhesion or welding.

[0069] According to the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the second plate portion 82 is constructed from a material separate from the first plate portion 81, which makes it possible to improve the accuracy of alignment of the second plate portion 82 with respect to the first plate portion 81, compared to, for example, a case in which the second plate portion 82 is formed by bending.

[0070] (2.3) Variation 3 9 and 10, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the extension direction (vertical direction) of the coil 21 and the iron core 23 is a direction along the surface of the base 41. A first direction D1 in which the connection part 8 (first connection part 51) having the first plate part 81 and the second plate part 82 extends from the body 4 intersects (here, perpendicularly) with the extension direction of the iron core 23. In addition to the leg part 242 extending downward from the fixed part 241, the yoke 24 further has a terminal part 244 (common terminal 6) connected to the fixed part 241 and extending from the body 4 along the first direction D1.

[0071] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the first connection portion 51 has a first plate portion 81 and a second plate portion 82, so that the weight of the fixed terminal 5 and the electromagnetic relay 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0072] (2.4) Other Modifications 11 , in the first plate portion 81, the thickness of the portion of the first protrusion portion 815 may be made thicker than the thickness of the portion of the remaining portion 819, so that the first protrusion portion 815 protrudes from the remaining portion 819. In addition, in the second plate portion 82, the thickness of the portion of the second protrusion portion 825 may be made thicker than the thickness of the portion of the remaining portion 829, so that the second protrusion portion 825 protrudes from the remaining portion 829. The first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 may be in contact with each other through their faces.

[0073] In one modified example, the second plate portion 82 may be folded back from the first plate portion 81 in the opposite direction. For example, the second plate portion 82 may be formed by being folded leftward from the lower end 811 or the rear end 813 of the first plate portion 81. In this case, the first protrusion 815 may protrude to the right beyond the remaining portion 819, and the second protrusion 825 may protrude to the left beyond the remaining portion 829.

[0074] In one modified example, the shapes of the first protrusion 815 and the second protrusion 825 are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, circular.

[0075] In one modified example, the first protrusion 815 and the second protrusion 825 do not have to overlap entirely, may overlap partially, or may not overlap at all. For example, in the connection portion 8 of the electromagnetic relay 1 of the embodiment, the first protrusion 815 may be provided only in the upper half region of the first plate portion 81, and the second protrusion 825 may be provided only in the lower half region of the second plate portion 82.

[0076] In one modified example, the first plate portion 81 may include a plurality of first protrusions 815, and the second plate portion 82 may include a plurality of second protrusions 825.

[0077] In one modified example, the second connection portion 61 and / or the third connection portion 71 may have a first plate portion 81 and a second plate portion 82. In that case, the first connection portion 51 does not have to have the first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82. In short, it is sufficient that at least one connection portion 8 among the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 extends from the body 4 along the first direction D1 and has the plate-shaped first plate portion 81 and the plate-shaped second plate portion 82 in contact with the first plate portion 81.

[0078] In one modified example, the common terminal 6 does not have to be integral with the yoke 24, and may be formed, for example, from a member separate from the yoke 24 and fixed to the yoke 24. For example, in the yoke 24 of one modified example, the lower end of the terminal portion 244 may be located at the same position as the lower ends of the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246. Then, the common terminal 6, which is a member separate from the yoke 24, may be fixed to this terminal portion 244.

[0079] In one variant, at least one of the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 may extend in a direction (e.g., a second direction D2) other than the extension direction (first direction D1) of the connection portion 8.

[0080] (3) Description As can be seen from the above embodiment and modifications, the following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0081] The electromagnetic relay (1) of the first embodiment includes a coil (21), a coil bobbin (22), an iron core (23), a yoke (24), an armature (25), a movable spring (33), a fixed terminal (5), a common terminal (6), a coil terminal (7), and a body (4). The coil bobbin (22) has a cylindrical portion (221), an upper flange portion (222), and a lower flange portion (223), and the coil (21) is wound around the coil bobbin (22). The iron core (23) is inserted into the cylindrical portion (221) of the coil bobbin (22), and an upper end portion (234) protrudes from the coil bobbin (22). The yoke (24) has a fixed portion (241) fixed to the upper end portion (234) of the core (23) and a leg portion (242) extending downward from the fixed portion (241). The armature (25) faces the lower surface (235) of the core (23) and moves toward or away from the core (23) in response to excitation of the coil (21). The movable spring (33) is located below the armature (25) and is fixed to the armature (25). The movable spring (33) has a movable contact (32) at one end. The fixed terminal (5) has a fixed contact (31) facing the movable contact (32) and a first connection portion (51) connected to the outside. The common terminal (6) has a second connection portion (61) connected to the outside and is fixed to the yoke (24). The coil terminal (7) has a third connection portion (71) that is connected to the outside and is connected to the coil (21). The body (4) holds the fixed terminal (5), the common terminal (6), and the coil terminal (7). At least one connection portion (8) of the first connection portion (51), the second connection portion (61), and the third connection portion (71) extends from the body (4) along a first direction (D1). The at least one connection portion (8) has a plate-shaped first plate portion (81) and a plate-shaped second plate portion (82) that contacts the first plate portion (81). The first plate portion (81) has a first protrusion portion (815) that protrudes in the thickness direction of the first plate portion (81) on a surface opposite to the surface that contacts the second plate portion (82). The second plate (82) has, on a surface opposite to the surface in contact with the first plate (81), a second protrusion (825) protruding in the thickness direction of the second plate (82).

[0082] According to this embodiment, the weight of the electromagnetic relay (1) can be reduced, and the cost can also be reduced.

[0083] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the second aspect, the first plate portion (81) and the second plate portion (82) are formed from a single plate-like member. The second plate portion (82) is formed by bending one end (810) of the first plate portion (81) so as to overlap with the first plate portion (81).

[0084] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the manufacturing process.

[0085] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the one end (810) is an end of the first plate portion (81) in the first direction (D1).

[0086] According to this embodiment, the connecting operation of inserting the connecting portion (8) into an external connecting member becomes easier.

[0087] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the second plate portion (82) extends from the end of the first plate portion (81) in the first direction (D1) toward the body (4).

[0088] According to this embodiment, the connecting operation of inserting the connecting portion (8) into an external connecting member becomes easier.

[0089] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fifth aspect, in the second aspect, the one end (810) is an end of the first plate portion (81) in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1).

[0090] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the bending process of the second plate portion (82).

[0091] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the second plate portion (82) is made of a member separate from the first plate portion (81) and is fixed to the first plate portion (81).

[0092] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of aligning the second plate portion (82) with respect to the first plate portion (81).

[0093] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first direction (D1) is a direction along the extension direction of the iron core (23).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the weight of the electromagnetic relay (1) can be reduced, and the cost can also be reduced.

[0095] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the yoke (24) and the common terminal (6) are integral with each other.

[0096] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Electromagnetic relay 21 Coil 22 Coil bobbin 221 Cylinder part 222 Upper flange 223 Lower Tsuba 23 Iron Core 234 Upper end 235 Bottom surface 24 Yoke 241 Fixed part 242 Legs 25 Armature 31 Fixed contacts 32 Movable contact 33 Movable Spring 4. Body 5 Fixed terminal 51 First connection part 6 Common terminal 61 Second connection part 7 Coil terminal 71 Third connection part 8 Connections 81 1st plate part 810 one end 815 1st protrusion 82 2nd plate part 825 2nd protrusion D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A coil and a coil bobbin having a cylindrical portion, an upper flange portion, and a lower flange portion, and around which the coil is wound; an iron core inserted into the cylindrical portion of the coil bobbin and having an upper end protruding from the coil bobbin; a yoke having a fixed portion fixed to the upper end portion of the iron core and a leg portion extending downward from the fixed portion; an armature that faces a bottom surface of the iron core and moves toward or away from the iron core in response to excitation of the coil; a movable spring located below the armature, fixed to the armature, and having a movable contact at one end; a fixed terminal having a fixed contact facing the movable contact and a first connection portion to be connected to an external device; a common terminal having a second connection portion connected to an external device and fixed to the yoke; a coil terminal having a third connection portion connected to an outside and connected to the coil; a body that holds the fixed terminal, the common terminal, and the coil terminal; At least one of the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion extends from the body along a first direction, The at least one connection portion is A plate-shaped first plate portion; A plate-shaped second plate portion in contact with the first plate portion, The first plate portion has a first protrusion protruding in a thickness direction of the first plate portion on a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the second plate portion, The second plate portion has a second protrusion portion protruding in a thickness direction of the second plate portion on a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the first plate portion. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The first plate portion and the second plate portion are formed of a single plate-shaped member, The second plate portion is formed by bending one end of the first plate portion so as to overlap with the first plate portion.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

3. The one end is an end of the first plate portion in the first direction.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

4. The second plate portion extends from an end of the first plate portion in the first direction toward the body.

4. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The one end is an end of the first plate portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

6. The second plate portion is formed of a member separate from the first plate portion and is fixed to the first plate portion.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

7. The first direction is a direction along an extension direction of the iron core.

7. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

8. The yoke and the common terminal are integral with each other.

8. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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