Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To reduce the number of parts.SOLUTION: In an electromagnetic relay, an armature 25 faces the lower surface 235 of a core 23, and moves toward or away from the core 23 in response to the excitation of the coil 21. A movable spring 33 includes a movable portion 34 that is located below the armature 25, is fixed to the armature 25, and has a movable contact at a first end. A yoke 24 includes a fixed portion 241, a terminal portion 244, and a first support portion 245. The fixed portion 241 is located above the upper flange portion 222 of the coil bobbin 22, and is fixed to the upper end portion 234 of the core 23. The terminal portion 244 extends downward from the fixed portion 241 and is connected to the outside. The first support portion 245 extends downward from the fixed portion 241. A lower end 247 of the first support portion 245 contacts the armature 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic relays and, more particularly, to electromagnetic relays with a yoke. [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 electromagnetic device includes a coil, a bobbin, an iron core, a yoke, and an armature. 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 includes a fixed contact connection terminal, a movable contact connection terminal, and a pair of coil connection terminals. [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 an electromagnetic relay such as the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, it is sometimes desirable to reduce the number of parts constituting the electromagnetic relay.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a coil, a coil bobbin, an iron core, a yoke, an armature, a movable spring, and a fixed terminal. The coil bobbin has an upper flange, a lower flange, and a cylindrical 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 is fixed to the upper end portion of the iron core. 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 has a movable portion and an extension portion. The movable portion is located below the armature, is fixed to the armature, and has a movable contact at a first end portion. The extension portion extends upward from a second end portion of the movable portion. The fixed terminal has a fixed contact facing the movable contact, and is connected to the outside. The yoke has a fixed portion, a terminal portion, and a first support portion. The fixed portion is located above the upper flange portion and is fixed to the upper end portion of the iron core. The terminal portion extends downward from the fixed portion and is connected to the outside. The first support portion extends downward from the fixed portion. The lower end of the first support portion contacts the armature. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the number of parts. [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 with the cover removed, as viewed from the right front. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed, as viewed from the left front. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a movable spring and a movable contact included in the electromagnetic relay, as viewed from the left front. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fixed terminal included in the electromagnetic relay as viewed from below and in the front. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 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 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the first modification with the cover removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the second modification with the cover removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a yoke provided in the electromagnetic relay. 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 the embodiment includes an electromagnet block 2, a contact block 3, a body 4 (case), a fixed terminal 5, 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. Note that the use of the electromagnetic relay 1 is not limited to vehicles, and may be for other uses.

[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] The yoke 24 is fixed to the upper end 234 of the iron core 23. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the yoke 24 includes a fixed portion 241 and legs 242. The yoke 24 is formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front with the fixed portion 241 and the legs 242. The fixed portion 241 and the legs 242 are integrally formed from a magnetic material.

[0019] The fixed portion 241 has a generally rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. An upper surface 2410 of the fixed portion 241 is flat. 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] As shown in FIG. 2, the leg 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. That is, the yoke 24 has the terminal portion 244 and the first support portion 245 each extending downward from the fixed portion 241, and further has the second support portion 246 extending 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. The front-rear direction is the direction in which the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 are aligned. 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 the rear of the terminal portion 244. As shown in FIG. 5, a gap G1 is provided between the first support portion 245 and the terminal portion 244, and a gap G2 is provided between the terminal portion 244 and the second support portion 246 in the front-rear direction.

[0022] The first support portion 245 includes a curved portion 2451 that is connected to the fixed portion 241 and curves from the fixed portion 241 to the lower right. As shown in FIG. 5, a boundary line (first boundary line) L1 between the fixed portion 241 and the first support portion 245 is a boundary line between the flat upper surface 2410 of the fixed portion 241 and the curved upper surface of the curved portion 2451 included in the first support portion 245. Similarly, a boundary line (second boundary line) L2 between the fixed portion 241 and the second support portion 246 is a boundary line between the flat upper surface 2410 of the fixed portion 241 and the curved upper surface of the curved portion 2461 included in the second support portion 246. In addition, a boundary line (third boundary line) L3 between the fixed portion 241 and the terminal portion 244 is a boundary line between the flat upper surface 2410 of the fixed portion 241 and the curved upper surface of the curved portion 2441 included in the terminal portion 244.

[0023] 5, the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 start from the same position in the left-right direction and extend downward from the fixed portion 241. In other words, both the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2 are located on the virtual line L10 that connects the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2.

[0024] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the terminal portion 244 extends downward from the fixed portion 241 starting from a position different from the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 in the left-right direction, more specifically, starting from a position on the right side of each of the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246. In other words, the third boundary line L3 is located to the right of the imaginary line L10 connecting the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2. Therefore, the imaginary line L10 connecting the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2 is located between the third boundary line L3 and the iron core 23. This makes it easier to position the base portion 350 of the movable spring 33 described later between the first support portion 245 (or the second support portion 246) and the terminal portion 244 in the left-right direction.

[0025] As described above, the terminal portion 244 is made of a magnetic material. Therefore, the terminal portion 244 is conductive. The terminal portion 244 functions as a terminal that is connected to the outside (an external connection member). The connection member is, for example, a socket for a plug-in relay. For convenience, the terminal portion 244 of the yoke 24 may be referred to as the "common terminal 6" below. In other words, the electromagnetic relay 1 further includes a common terminal 6.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the width W3 of the terminal portion 244 is larger than the width W1 of the first support portion 245. The width W3 of the terminal portion 244 is also larger than the width W2 of the second support portion 246. This makes it possible to improve the conductivity of the terminal portion 244 that functions as the common terminal 6. The width W3 of the terminal portion 244 is the dimension of the terminal portion 244 in the width direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction and extension direction of the terminal portion 244. Similarly, the width W1 of the first support portion 245 is the dimension of the first support portion 245 in the width direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction and extension direction of the first support portion 245, and the width W2 of the second support portion 246 is the dimension of the second support portion 246 in the width direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction and extension direction of the second support portion 246.

[0027] 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. That is, the lower end 247 of the first support portion 245 contacts the armature 25. Also, the lower end 248 of the second support portion 246 contacts the armature 25. The armature 25 is fixed to a movable portion 34 of a movable spring 33 described later, and is displaced 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 current supply to the coil 21 is stopped, the armature 25 moves away from the iron core 23 due to the spring force of the movable spring 33. That is, the armature 25 moves toward or away from the iron core 23 depending on the excitation of the coil 21.

[0028] The contact block 3 includes a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, and a movable spring 33, as shown in FIGS.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 4 and 6, 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 to this 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.

[0031] The movable spring 33 is made of a conductive material such as copper. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 6, the movable spring 33 has a movable portion 34 and an extension portion 35. The movable spring 33 is formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front by the movable portion 34 and the extension portion 35.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the extension portion 35 has a base portion 350, a first arm portion 351, and a second arm portion 352. The base portion 350 is plate-shaped and is fixed to the first support portion 245. The first arm portion 351 extends downward from the base portion 350 and is connected to the movable portion 34. The second arm portion 352 extends downward from the base portion 350 and is connected to the movable portion 34. The base portion 350 is located between the movable contact 32 and the terminal portion 244, and the first support portion 245 is located between the movable contact 32 and the base portion 350. In other words, the base portion 350 is located outside (on the right side) of the first support portion 245 and inside (on the left side) of the terminal portion 244.

[0035] In addition, the base 350 is further fixed to the second support 246. The base 350 is located outside (to the right) of the second support 246, so that the second support 246 is located between the movable contact 32 and the base 350.

[0036] 4 and 7, the base 350 is spaced apart from the terminal portion 244. That is, the base 350 is fixed to and in contact with the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246, but is not in contact with the terminal portion 244. This makes it difficult for the base 350 to rub against the terminal portion 244, making it possible to suppress wear of the movable spring 33. In addition, the work of inserting the base 350 of the movable spring 33 from below into the gap between the terminal portion 244 and the first support portion 245 (and the second support portion 246) is facilitated, improving the ease of assembly when attaching the movable spring 33 to the yoke 24.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, each of the first arm 351 and the second arm 352 extends obliquely downward to the right from the lower end of the base 350. As a result, at least a part of the terminal 244 is located between the first arm 351 and the second arm 352, and the first arm 351 and the second arm 352 overlap at least a part of the terminal 244 in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction is the direction in which the first arm 351 and the second arm 352 are aligned. In this way, each of the first arm 351 and the second arm 352 extends obliquely downward to the right from the lower end of the base 350 so as to be away from the movable contact 32, so that the length of the movable part 34 is increased, and the springiness (spring force) of the movable spring 33 can be improved.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the movable spring 33 has a through hole 36 surrounded by the movable part 34, the base part 350, the first arm part 351, and the second arm part 352. Since the first arm part 351 and the second arm part 352 each extend diagonally downward to the right from the lower end of the base part 350, a part of the terminal part 244 enters the through hole 36 as shown in Figs. 2 and 7. As a result, the first arm part 351 and the terminal part 244 overlap when viewed in the front-rear direction. Also, the second arm part 352 and the terminal part 244 overlap when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0039] 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. 9) 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 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.

[0040] The body 4 includes a substantially rectangular flat base 41 (see Figs. 2 to 5 and 7) 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 terminal portion 244 (common terminal 6) of the yoke 24 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.

[0041] The fixed terminal 5 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The fixed terminal 5 has a fixed contact 31, and is connected to the outside (connecting member). The fixed terminal 5 is held by the body 4. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this 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.

[0042] 4 and 8, the fixed terminal 5 has a base portion 50 and a first connection portion 51. The base portion 50 and the first connection portion 51 are integrally formed.

[0043] 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 FIG. 8, 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.

[0044] The first connection portion 51 is a portion of the fixed terminal 5 that is connected to the outside (connection member). 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, for example, by being inserted into the connection member from above.

[0045] The first connection portion 51 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 and the second plate portion 82 are configured from a single plate-shaped member. The second plate portion 82 is formed by bending upward from a lower end 811 of the first plate portion 81 so as to overlap with the first plate portion 81. The lower end 811 of the first plate portion 81 and the lower end 821 of the second plate portion 82 are connected. The first plate portion 81 and the second plate portion 82 are arranged overlapping each other so that their thickness directions coincide with each other.

[0046] The first plate portion 81 has a first protrusion 815 that protrudes in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 on a surface (left surface) opposite to a surface (right surface) that contacts 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 (when viewed from the left side). In the first plate portion 81, the first protrusion 815 protrudes further than a remaining portion 819 of the first plate portion 81 in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81.

[0047] The second plate portion 82 has a second protrusion 825 that protrudes in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 on a surface (right surface) opposite to a surface (left surface) that contacts 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 further than the remaining portion 829 of the second plate portion 82 in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82.

[0048] The common terminal 6 (terminal portion 244 of the yoke 24) is made of a conductive material (magnetic material). The common terminal 6 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32. Since the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33 is fixed to the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 of the yoke 24, the common terminal 6 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32 via the yoke 24 and the movable spring 33.

[0049] The common terminal 6 (terminal portion 244) 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.

[0050] 4, the common terminal 6 (terminal portion 244) has a second connection portion 61 to be connected to the outside (connection member). 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 all extend downward from the body 4. That is, the extension direction of the connection portions (the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71) of the terminals (the fixed terminal 5, the common terminal 6, and the coil terminal 7) is the direction along which the iron core 23 extends.

[0056] 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).

[0057] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] 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).

[0059] When the coil 21 is energized, the iron core 23 is magnetized, and the armature 25 is attracted to the flange portion 232 of the iron core 23. As a result, the tip (first end portion) of the movable portion 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. 9: closed position of the movable contact 32). As a result, electrical continuity is established between the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact 31. In the state in which the movable contact 32 is in contact with the fixed contact 31, a current can flow through a path including the fixed terminal 5, the fixed contact 31, the movable contact 32, the movable spring 33, the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 of the yoke 24, and the terminal portion 244 (common terminal 6) of the yoke 24.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the yoke 24 has a terminal portion 244 that functions as a terminal (common terminal 6) that is connected to the outside (connecting member) when a current flows through the movable contact 32. In addition, the contact point of the yoke 24 with the armature 25 (the lower end 247 of the first support portion 245) can be used as a fulcrum of the hinge when the armature 25 rotates. In addition, the fixed portion 241 and the first support portion 245 of the yoke 24, together with the iron core 23 and the armature 25, can form a magnetic circuit for passing the magnetic field generated by the coil 21. In short, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the yoke 24 has the function of forming a magnetic circuit, the function of serving as a fulcrum of the hinge structure of the armature 25, and the function of serving as a terminal that is connected to the outside (connecting member). This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts compared to a case in which each function is realized by a different part.

[0062] Moreover, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the yoke 24 has a second support portion 246 in addition to the first support portion 245. As a result, the second support portion 246 forms a magnetic path parallel to the first support portion 245, making it possible to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit. In addition, both the lower end 247 of the first support portion 245 and the lower end 248 of the second support portion 246 can be used as fulcrums for the hinge of the armature 25, making it possible to improve the stability of support for the armature 25.

[0063] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33 has a base portion 350 fixed to the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246. This allows the current flowing between the terminal portion 244 and the movable contact 32 to flow via the movable portion 34 and the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33.

[0064] (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.

[0065] (2.1) Variation 1 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33 has a base portion 350, a first arm portion 351, and a second arm portion 352. The base portion 350 is fixed to the terminal portion 244. The first arm portion 351 extends downward from the base portion 350 and is connected to the movable portion 34. The second arm portion 352 extends downward from the base portion 350 and is connected to the movable portion 34. The movable spring 33 has a through hole 36 surrounded by the movable portion 34, the base portion 350, the first arm portion 351, and the second arm portion 352. The terminal portion 244 is inserted into the through hole 36 and is located between the movable contact 32 and the base portion 350. In other words, the base portion 350 of the movable spring 33 is located outside (on the right side) of the terminal portion 244.

[0066] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, it is possible to attach the base 350 of the movable spring 33 to the outside of the terminal portion 244, which makes it easier to attach the movable spring 33 to the yoke 24 compared to the electromagnetic relay 1 of the embodiment, and makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0067] Furthermore, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the base 350 of the movable spring 33 is located outside the terminal portion 244. This makes it possible to increase the distance between the part of the movable spring 33 that is the center of rotation of the movable portion 34 and the movable contact 32, and therefore makes it possible to increase the spring force of the movable spring 33 for pressing the movable contact 32 against the fixed contact 31.

[0068] (2.2) Variation 2 As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the curved portion 2451 of the first support portion 245, the curved portion 2441 of the terminal portion 244, and the curved portion 2461 of the second support portion 246 are connected in the front-rear direction. As a result, the terminal portion 244, the first support portion 245, and the second support portion 246 extend integrally downward from the fixed portion 241. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the upper surface 2410 of the fixed portion 241 is flat. The third boundary line L3 between the fixed portion 241 and the terminal portion 244 is located on the imaginary line L20 that connects the first boundary line L1 between the fixed portion 241 and the first support portion 245 and the second boundary line L2 between the fixed portion 241 and the second support portion 246.

[0069] 11, the base 350 of the extension 35 of the movable spring 33 is fixed to at least one of the terminal 244, the first support 245, and the second support 246, here, the first support 245 and the second support 246. The terminal 244 is inserted into the through hole 36 surrounded by the movable part 34, the base 350, the first arm 351, and the second arm 352, and is located between the movable contact 32 and the base 350. In other words, the base 350 of the movable spring 33 is located outside (to the right) of the terminal 244.

[0070] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the terminal portion 244, the first support portion 245, and the second support portion 246 extend integrally. This allows the shape of the yoke 24 to be simplified compared to the electromagnetic relay 1 of the modification 1, and allows the manufacturing process of the yoke 24 to be simplified.

[0071] In addition, the base portion 350 of the movable spring 33 is located outside the terminal portion 244. This makes it possible to increase the spring force of the movable spring 33 for pressing the movable contact 32 against the fixed contact 31.

[0072] In addition, the base 350 is fixed to the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246. This can improve the stability of holding the movable spring 33 by the yoke 24 compared to a case in which the base 350 is fixed to the terminal portion 244.

[0073] In addition, each of the first arm 351 and the second arm 352 extends diagonally downward to the right (away from the movable contact 32) from the lower end of the base 350. This increases the length of the movable part 34, and makes it possible to increase the spring force of the movable spring 33 for pressing the movable contact 32 against the fixed contact 31.

[0074] (2.3) Other Modifications In one modified example, the terminal portion 244 may be Y-shaped, and the first support portion 245 may be located in a hollow portion surrounded by the upper part of the Y shape of the terminal portion 244 .

[0075] In one modified example, the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2 may not be located on the same imaginary line, and may be located slightly offset in the left-right direction. In this case, the imaginary line L10 connecting the first boundary line L1 and the second boundary line L2 may be, for example, an imaginary line connecting the rear end of the first boundary line L1 (the end of the first boundary line L1 closer to the second boundary line L2) and the front end of the second boundary line L2 (the end of the second boundary line L2 closer to the first boundary line L1).

[0076] (3) Description As can be seen from the above embodiment and modifications, the following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0077] 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), and a fixed terminal (5). The coil bobbin (22) has an upper flange (222), a lower flange (223), and a cylindrical portion (221), 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) is fixed to the upper end portion (234) of the iron core (23). The armature (25) faces the lower surface (235) of the iron core (23) and moves toward or away from the iron core (23) in response to excitation of the coil (21). The movable spring (33) has a movable portion (34) and an extension portion (35). The movable portion (34) is located below the armature (25), is fixed to the armature (25), and has a movable contact (32) at a first end. The extension portion (35) extends upward from a second end of the movable portion (34). The fixed terminal (5) has a fixed contact (31) facing the movable contact (32) and is connected to the outside. The yoke (24) has a fixed portion (241), a terminal portion (244), and a first support portion (245). The fixed portion (241) is located above the upper flange portion (222) and is fixed to the upper end portion (234) of the core (23). The terminal portion (244) extends downward from the fixed portion (241) and is connected to the outside. The first support portion (245) extends downward from the fixed portion (241). A lower end (247) of the first support portion (245) contacts the armature (25).

[0078] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0079] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33) has a base portion (350), a first arm portion (351), and a second arm portion (352). The base portion (350) is fixed to the first support portion (245). The first arm portion (351) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The second arm portion (352) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The base portion (350) is located between the movable contact (32) and the terminal portion (244), and the first support portion (245) is located between the movable contact (32) and the base portion (350).

[0080] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0081] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the base portion (350) is spaced apart from the terminal portion (244).

[0082] According to this embodiment, wear of the movable spring (33) can be suppressed, and the ease of assembly when attaching the movable spring (33) to the yoke (24) is improved.

[0083] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33) has a base portion (350), a first arm portion (351), and a second arm portion (352). The base portion (350) is fixed to the terminal portion (244). The first arm portion (351) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The second arm portion (352) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The movable spring (33) has a through hole (36) surrounded by the movable portion (34), the base portion (350), the first arm portion (351), and the second arm portion (352). The terminal portion (244) is located between the movable contact (32) and the base portion (350). The terminal portion (244) is inserted into the through hole (36).

[0084] According to this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process of the electromagnetic relay (1) and to increase the spring force of the movable spring (33) for pressing the movable contact (32) against the fixed contact (31).

[0085] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, at least a portion of the terminal portion (244) is located between the first arm portion (351) and the second arm portion (352) and overlaps with the first arm portion (351) and the second arm portion (352) in the direction in which the first arm portion (351) and the second arm portion (352) are aligned.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the spring characteristic (spring force) of the movable spring (33) can be improved.

[0087] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the yoke (24) further includes a second support portion (246) extending downward from the fixed portion (241). The terminal portion (244) is located between the first support portion (245) and the second support portion (246). A lower end (248) of the second support portion (246) contacts the armature (25).

[0088] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit, and also to improve the stability of supporting the armature (25).

[0089] In the seventh aspect of the electromagnetic relay (1) of the sixth aspect, the upper surface (2410) of the fixed portion (241) is flat. An imaginary line (L10) connecting the first boundary line (L1) between the fixed portion (241) and the first support portion (245) and the second boundary line (L2) between the fixed portion (241) and the second support portion (246) is located between the third boundary line (L3) between the fixed portion (241) and the terminal portion (244) and the iron core (23).

[0090] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0091] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the eighth aspect, in the first aspect, the yoke (24) further includes a second support portion (246) extending downward from the fixed portion (241). The terminal portion (244) is located between the first support portion (245) and the second support portion (246). The terminal portion (244), the first support portion (245), and the second support portion (246) extend downward integrally from the fixed portion (241). A lower end (248) of the second support portion (246) contacts the armature (25). The extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33) includes a base portion (350), a first arm portion (351), and a second arm portion (352). The base portion (350) is fixed to at least one of the terminal portion (244), the first support portion (245), and the second support portion (246). The first arm portion (351) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The second arm portion (352) extends downward from the base portion (350) and is connected to the movable portion (34). The movable spring (33) has a through hole (36) surrounded by the movable portion (34), the base portion (350), the first arm portion (351), and the second arm portion (352). The terminal portion (244) is located between the movable contact (32) and the base portion (350). The terminal portion (244) is inserted into the through hole (36).

[0092] According to this embodiment, the manufacturing process of the yoke (24) can be simplified.

[0093] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the upper surface (2410) of the fixed portion (241) is flat. The third boundary line (L3) between the fixed portion (241) and the terminal portion (244) is located on an imaginary line (L20) connecting the first boundary line (L1) between the fixed portion (241) and the first support portion (245) and the second boundary line (L2) between the fixed portion (241) and the second support portion (246).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the manufacturing process of the yoke (24) can be simplified.

[0095] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the width of the terminal portion (244) is greater than the width of the first support portion (245).

[0096] According to this embodiment, the electrical conductivity of the terminal portion (244) can be improved. [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 2410 Top surface 244 Terminal section 245 1st support part 247 Bottom end 246 Second support part 248 Bottom end 25 Armature 31 Fixed contacts 32 Movable contact 33 Movable Spring 34 Moving parts 35 Stretching section 350 base 351 1st arm 352 2nd arm 36 Through hole 5 Fixed terminal L1 1st boundary line L2 2nd border L3 3rd border L10 Virtual Line L20 Virtual Line

Claims

1. A coil and a coil bobbin having an upper flange portion, a lower flange portion, and a cylindrical 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 fixed to the upper end of the core; 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 including: a movable portion located below the armature, fixed to the armature, and having a movable contact at a first end; and an extension portion extending upward from a second end of the movable portion; a fixed terminal having a fixed contact facing the movable contact and connected to an external device, The yoke is a fixing portion located above the upper flange portion and fixed to the upper end portion of the iron core; A terminal portion extending downward from the fixed portion and connected to an external device; A first support portion extending downward from the fixed portion, A lower end of the first support portion contacts the armature. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The extension portion of the movable spring is A base portion fixed to the first support portion; A first arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion; A second arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion, the base portion is located between the movable contact and the terminal portion, and the first support portion is located between the movable contact and the base portion; 2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

3. The base portion is spaced apart from the terminal portion.

3. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 2.

4. The extension portion of the movable spring is A base portion fixed to the terminal portion; A first arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion; A second arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion, the movable spring has a through hole surrounded by the movable portion, the base portion, the first arm portion, and the second arm portion, The terminal portion is located between the movable contact and the base portion, The terminal portion is inserted into the through hole.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

5. At least a portion of the terminal portion is Located between the first arm and the second arm, The first arm portion and the second arm portion overlap in a direction in which the first arm portion and the second arm portion are arranged.

5. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

6. The yoke further includes a second support portion extending downward from the fixed portion, the terminal portion is located between the first support portion and the second support portion, A lower end of the second support portion contacts the armature.

6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

7. The upper surface of the fixing portion is flat, a virtual line connecting a first boundary line between the fixed portion and the first support portion and a second boundary line between the fixed portion and the second support portion is located between a third boundary line between the fixed portion and the terminal portion and the iron core.

7. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 6.

8. The yoke further includes a second support portion extending downward from the fixed portion, the terminal portion is located between the first support portion and the second support portion, the terminal portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion extend downward from the fixed portion as a single unit, A lower end of the second support portion is in contact with the armature, The extension portion of the movable spring is a base portion fixed to at least one of the terminal portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion; A first arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion; A second arm portion extending downward from the base portion and connected to the movable portion, the movable spring has a through hole surrounded by the movable portion, the base portion, the first arm portion, and the second arm portion, The terminal portion is located between the movable contact and the base portion, The terminal portion is inserted into the through hole.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

9. The upper surface of the fixing portion is flat, a third boundary line between the fixed portion and the terminal portion is located on a virtual line connecting a first boundary line between the fixed portion and the first support portion and a second boundary line between the fixed portion and the second support portion.

9. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 8.

10. The width of the terminal portion is greater than the width of the first support portion.

10. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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