Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To reduce the number of parts.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay 1 includes a yoke 24, an armature 25, a movable spring 33, and a regulating portion 9. The yoke 24 includes a fixed portion 241 fixed to an upper end portion 234 of an iron core 23, and a leg portion 242 extending downward from the fixed portion 241. The armature 25 faces a 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 includes a movable portion 34 located below the armature 25, fixed to the armature 25, and having a movable contact 32 at a first end. The regulating portion 9 is provided on an outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 that is separated from the iron core 23. When the movable contact is in the closed position, the armature 25 is separated from the regulating portion 9. When the movable contact is in the open position, the armature 25 is in contact with the regulating portion 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an electromagnetic relay and, more particularly, to an electromagnetic relay including a yoke and an armature. [Background technology]

[0002] An electromagnetic relay is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1 includes an electromagnetic device, a fixed terminal, a movable spring, a backstop, and a fixed terminal holder.

[0003] The fixed terminal has two fixed contacts. The movable spring has two movable contacts that respectively contact and separate from the two fixed contacts, and is movable by driving an electromagnetic device. The tip of the movable spring is divided into two. Of these two movable split parts, the one located on the positive side of the Y direction is referred to as the first movable split part, and the one located on the negative side of the Y direction is referred to as the second movable split part. The first movable split part and the second movable split part each have movable contacts on a first surface.

[0004] The backstop is a restricting member for restricting displacement of the first movable divided part and the second movable divided part on which the movable contact is respectively installed. The backstop has a restricting portion. The restricting portion faces the second surface in the tip region of the first movable divided part and the second movable divided part in accordance with the position of the movable contact. That is, there are two restricting portions. The second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface in the first movable divided part and the second movable divided part. The restricting portion can abut against a part of the second surface opposite to the first surface on the contact abutment side when the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated from each other.

[0005] The fixed terminal holding portion holds the fixed terminal and the backstop. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-98181 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] 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.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] 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, and a regulating portion. 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 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 has 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 and fixed to the yoke. The fixed terminal has a fixed contact facing the movable contact. The movable contact moves in conjunction with movement of the armature between a closed position in which it contacts the fixed contact and an open position in which it is separated from the fixed contact. The restricting portion is provided on an outer surface of the leg away from the iron core. When the movable contact is in the closed position, the armature is separated from the restricting portion. When the movable contact is in the open position, the armature is in contact with the restricting portion. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the number of parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [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 lower front with the cover removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay from the upper front with the cover removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed when the movable contact is in an open position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed when the movable contact is in a closed position. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in an open position in the electromagnetic relay of Modification 1. Fig. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in a closed position in the electromagnetic relay of the above modification. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in an open position in an electromagnetic relay of Modification 2. Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in a closed position in the electromagnetic relay of the above modification. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in an open position in an electromagnetic relay of Modification 3. Fig. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in a closed position in the electromagnetic relay of the above modification 3. [Figure 10] Fig. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in an open position in an electromagnetic relay of Modification 4. Fig. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the yoke and the armature when the movable contact is in a closed position in the electromagnetic relay of the above modification 4. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the fifth modification example, seen from the lower front with the cover removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed when the movable contact is in an open position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the movable contact in a closed position and the cover removed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the sixth modification example, seen from the lower front with the cover removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed when the movable contact is in the open position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed when the movable contact is in the closed position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of the seventh modification example with the cover removed, as viewed from the right front. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 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.

[0013] (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 pair of coil terminals 7, and a regulating portion 9. 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.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the electromagnet block 2 includes a coil 21, a coil bobbin 22, an iron core 23, a yoke 24, and an armature 25.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 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 penetrating in the axial direction. Hereinafter, for convenience, the axial direction of the tubular portion 221 (the left-right direction on the paper surface of Fig. 4) will also be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0016] 2 to 5, 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.

[0017] The upper flange 222 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The lower flange 223 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular plate shape.

[0018] The coil bobbin 22 further has a housing portion 228. The housing portion 228 is connected to one edge of the lower flange portion 223. Hereinafter, the side where the housing portion 228 is located with respect to the lower flange portion 223 (the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 4) is also referred to as the "left", and the opposite side is also referred to as the "right". That is, the housing portion 228 is connected to the left edge of the lower flange portion 223. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is also referred to as the front-rear direction. The housing portion 228 is a rectangular box shape with one surface (right surface) open. The housing portion 228 has a housing space 227 formed therein for housing the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 2 to 5, the yoke 24 includes a fixed portion 241, legs 242, and a terminal portion 244. The fixed portion 241, the legs 242, and the terminal portion 244 are integrally formed from a magnetic material.

[0023] 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 on the upper surface 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.

[0024] The leg portion 242 extends downward from the fixed portion 241. The leg portion 242 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 221 of the coil bobbin 22. The leg portion 242 extends from one end of the fixed portion 241. The leg portion 242 extends downward from the right end of the fixed portion 241.

[0025] 4 and 5, the lower end of the leg 242 of the yoke 24 comes into contact with the armature 25 when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, which will be described later. That is, the yoke 24 has at least a contact portion 249 (the lower end of the leg 242) that comes into contact with the armature 25 when the movable contact 32 is in the open position. The lower end of the leg 242 of the yoke 24 also comes into contact with the armature 25 when the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, which will be described later (see FIG. 6). The portion of the yoke 24 that comes into contact with the armature 25 when the movable contact 32 is in the closed position is substantially the same as the portion of the yoke 24 (contact portion 249) that comes into contact with the armature 25 when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, but may be slightly different.

[0026] Terminal portion 244 extends from one end of fixed portion 241. Terminal portion 244 extends in a direction along the plate surface of fixed portion 241 (left-right direction) from an end (left end) of fixed portion 241 opposite to the end (right end) from which leg portion 242 extends.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The armature 25 is made of a magnetic material. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the armature 25 is disposed so as to face the lower surface 235 of the iron core 23. The armature 25 is fixed to a movable part 34 of a movable spring 33 described below, and displaces integrally with the movable part 34. The armature 25 is rotatable about a contact part with the yoke 24 as a fulcrum. When the coil 21 is energized and excited, the armature 25 is attracted to the iron core 23 by a magnetic force. When the coil 21 is deenergized, the armature 25 moves away from the iron 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 depending on the excitation of the coil 21.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the armature 25 has an armature body 250 , a first extension portion 251 and a second extension portion 252 .

[0030] The armature body 250 is plate-shaped. The armature body 250 faces the lower surface 235 of the iron core 23. The armature body 250 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped body with the left end portions of both front and rear sides cut out when viewed from below, and has protrusions that protrude forward and backward on both front and rear sides at the right end portion.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the armature body 250 has a contact portion 259 at one end (right end) of its upper surface (surface facing the iron core 23) that comes into contact with the contact portion 249 of the yoke 24 when the movable contact 32 is in an open position, which will be described later. The armature body 250 also comes into contact with the yoke 24 when the movable contact 32 is in a closed position (see Figure 6), which will be described later. The portion of the armature body 250 that comes into contact with the yoke 24 when the movable contact 32 is in the closed position is substantially the same as the portion of the armature body 250 (contact portion 259) that comes into contact with the yoke 24 when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, but may be slightly shifted. The armature 25 substantially rotates relative to the yoke 24 with this contact portion 259 as a fulcrum.

[0032] The first extension portion 251 extends from the armature body 250 toward the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242. The first extension portion 251 extends from the right surface of a protrusion provided on the front surface of the armature body 250. The second extension portion 252 extends from the armature body 250 toward the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242. The second extension portion 252 extends from the right surface of a protrusion provided on the rear surface of the armature body 250. The outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 is the side surface of the leg 242 that is farther from the iron core 23. The armature 25 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the front by the armature body 250 and the first extension portion 251 (or the second extension portion 252).

[0033] Each of the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 extends in a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) a plate surface 2500 of the armature body 250. Each of the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 extends from a contact portion 259 of the armature body 250 toward an outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24.

[0034] 2 and 3, the first extending portion 251 and the second extending portion 252 extend side by side. The first extending portion 251 and the second extending portion 252 are separated from each other in the front-rear direction with a space therebetween.

[0035] The contact block 3 includes a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, and a movable spring 33, as shown in FIGS.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 4, the movable contact 32 is provided on the movable spring 33. The movable contact 32 is formed integrally with the movable spring 33 from the same material as the movable spring 33, but is not limited to this, and may be formed separately from the movable spring 33 and fixed to the movable spring 33. The movable contact 32 is provided at a position facing the fixed contact 31.

[0038] The movable spring 33 is made of a conductive material such as copper. As shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 5, 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] The extension portion 35 is plate-shaped. The extension portion 35 extends upward from the second end portion (right end portion) of the movable portion 34. The extension portion 35 is fixed to the yoke 24. The extension portion 35 is fixed to the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24. The extension portion 35 is fixed to the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 by, for example, caulking. The extension portion 35 is located between the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 of the armature 25.

[0041] When the coil 21 is energized, the movable part 34 is displaced together 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 FIGS. 4 and 5) in which it is separated from the fixed contact 31, in conjunction with the movement of the armature 25. The open position of the movable contact 32 may be the position of the movable contact 32 that is farthest from the fixed contact 31 within the movable range of the movable contact 32.

[0042] The restricting portion 9 is an element that determines the open position of the movable contact 32. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 9 determines the open position of the movable contact 32 by contacting the armature 25 and restricting the movement of the armature 25. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, the restricting portion 9 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24. In this disclosure, "the restricting portion 9 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24" means that the restricting portion 9 is formed integrally with the leg 242 or a member fixed to the leg 242 (e.g., the movable spring 33, the protrusion 29 of the second modification, etc.). In this embodiment, the restricting portion 9 includes a part of the yoke 24, and more specifically, is a part of the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24.

[0043] When the movable spring 33 moves so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31, the restricting portion 9 comes into contact with the armature 25 and restricts further movement of the armature 25. In this way, the restricting portion 9 determines the open position of the movable contact 32. In more detail, when the coil 21 is energized and the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the armature 25 is separated from the restricting portion 9 as shown in FIG. 6. When the energization of the coil 21 is stopped, the movable portion 34 and the armature 25 are displaced together (rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 6), and the movable contact 32 moves from the closed position in a direction away from the fixed contact 31 (downward). During this movement, the restricting portion 9 comes into contact with a part of the armature 25 and restricts further movement of the armature 25 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In this way, the restricting portion 9 restricts the movable range of the armature 25, thereby restricting the movable range of the movable portion 34 of the movable spring 33, and thereby defines the open position of the movable contact 32. In other words, the armature 25 is separated from the restricting portion 9 when the movable contact 32 is located in the closed position. Moreover, the armature 25 is in contact with the restricting portion 9 when the movable contact 32 is located in the open position.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present embodiment, the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 and the tip 2521 of the second extension 252 of the armature 25 come into contact with the restricting portion 9. In this manner, when the movable contact 32 is located in the open position, the first extension 251 (and the second extension 252) of the armature 25 come into contact with the restricting portion 9 (the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242). More specifically, when the movable contact 32 is located in the open position, the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 (and the tip 2521 of the second extension 252) come into contact with the restricting portion 9. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when the movable contact 32 is located in the closed position, the first extension 251 (and the second extension 252) of the armature 25 are separated from the restricting portion 9. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the tip 2511 of the first extension portion 251 (and the tip 2521 of the second extension portion 252) is separated from the restricting portion 9.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, when the movable contact 32 is located at the closed position, the first extension portion 251 extends in the same direction as the leg portion 242. When the movable contact 32 is located at the closed position, the second extension portion 252 extends in the same direction as the leg portion 242. Here, when the movable contact 32 is located at the closed position, the extension direction D10 of the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 is parallel to the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242. In particular, when the movable contact 32 is located at the closed position, the first extension portion 251 extends parallel to the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 without contacting the outer surface 2420 (restriction portion 9) of the leg portion 242. When the movable contact 32 is located at the closed position, the second extension portion 252 extends parallel to the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 without contacting the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242. Here, "the first extension portion 251 extends in the same direction as (or is parallel to) the leg portion 242" is not limited to the case where the extension direction D10 of the first extension portion 251 and the extension direction of the leg portion 242 are strictly the same (parallel), but also includes the case where the angle between the extension direction D10 of the first extension portion 251 and the extension direction of the leg portion 242 in a front view is within a range of 15 degrees or less. The same applies to the second extension portion 252.

[0046] The body 4 includes a substantially rectangular flat base 41 (see Figs. 2 to 5) 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, and an insertion hole 412 into which the common terminal 6 (the terminal portion 244 of the yoke 24) is inserted. The base 41 also has an arrangement hole 413. The arrangement hole 413 is arranged with the accommodation portion 228 of the coil bobbin 22. Here, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the accommodation portion 228 has, in addition to the accommodation space 227 described above, a pair of insertion holes 229 into which the pair of coil terminals 7 are respectively inserted. The cover 42 has one surface (left surface) open, and is attached to the base 41 so as to cover the base 41 from the right side. The body 4 accommodates the electromagnet block 2 (excluding the 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 is along the surface of the base 41.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 4, 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.

[0049] The base 50 is a portion of the fixed terminal 5 that is held by the body 4. The base 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 411 of the base 41. The base 50 is in the form of a plate that is generally L-shaped when viewed from the front. A first end (lower end) of the base 50 passes through a through hole formed in the upper surface of the accommodation portion 228 and is positioned within the accommodation space 227. A fixed contact 31 is provided at the first end of the base 50. A second end (left end) of the base 50 is connected to the first connection portion 51.

[0050] 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 to the left. The first connection portion 51 is connected to the connection member by being inserted into the connection member from the right side, for example.

[0051] The common terminal 6 (terminal portion 244) is made of a conductive material (magnetic material). As described above, the common terminal 6 is a part of the yoke 24. 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. Therefore, the common terminal 6 is fixed to the yoke 24. 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 leg portion 242 of the yoke 24, the common terminal 6 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32 via the fixed portion 241 of the yoke 24, the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24, and the movable spring 33.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The base portion 60 is a portion of the common terminal 6 that is held by the body 4. The base portion 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 412 of the base 41.

[0055] 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 left end of the base portion 60. The second connection portion 61 is exposed from the body 4 and protrudes to the left. The second connection portion 61 is connected to the connection member by, for example, being inserted into the connection member from the right side.

[0056] 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 5, 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 held by the housing portion 228 held by the base 41, and is thereby held by the body 4. The coil terminal 7 is inserted into an insertion hole 229 of the housing portion 228 and is held by the housing portion 228.

[0057] 2 to 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.

[0058] The base portion 70 is a portion of the coil terminal 7 that is held in the housing portion 228. The base portion 70 is inserted into an insertion hole 229 of the housing portion 228. A tangling portion 72 is connected to the right end of the base portion 70.

[0059] 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 left end of the base portion 70. The third connection portion 71 is exposed from the body 4 and protrudes to the left. The third connection portion 71 is connected to the connection member by being inserted into the connection member from the right side, for example.

[0060] The first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 61, and the third connection portion 71 all extend leftward from the body 4. That is, the extension direction (left-right direction) of the connection portions (first connection portion 51, second connection portion 61, and third connection portion 71) of the terminals (fixed terminal 5, common terminal 6, and coil terminal 7) intersects (here, perpendicular to) the extension direction (up-down direction) of the iron core 23.

[0061] Each of the first connecting portion 51, the second connecting portion 61, and the third connecting portion 71 has a constant thickness. Meanwhile, each of the first connecting portion 51, the second connecting portion 61, and the third connecting portion 71 has an inclined surface formed at the tip portion so that the dimension in the width direction gradually decreases toward the tip (left end).

[0062] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 4 and 5, before the coil 21 is energized, 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 (open position of the movable contact 32). At this time, the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 and the tip 2521 of the second extension 252 of the armature 25 are in contact with the outer surface 2420 (regulating portion 9) of the leg 242 of the yoke 24.

[0064] 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. 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. In a 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 leg portion 242 of the yoke 24, the fixed portion 241 of the yoke 24, and the terminal portion 244 (common terminal 6) of the yoke 24. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, a tip 2511 of the first extension 251 and a tip 2521 of the second extension 252 of the armature 25 are spaced apart from the outer surface 2420 (the restriction portion 9) of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24.

[0065] 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 Figs. 4 and 5). As a result, the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact 31 are electrically disconnected. When the movable part 34 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31, the armature 25 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 4 around the contact part 249 due to the spring force of the movable spring 33. Then, when the tip 2511 of the first extension part 251 and the tip 2521 of the second extension part 252 of the armature 25 come into contact with the outer surface 2420 (restriction part 9) of the leg part 242 of the yoke 24, further rotation of the armature 25 is restricted. As a result, the movable contact 32 is maintained in the open position (the position farthest from the fixed contact 31).

[0066] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the open position of the movable contact 32 can be determined by the restricting portion 9 provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts, as compared to, for example, the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, which is provided with a dedicated backstop for determining the open position of the movable contact 32. Also, as compared to an electromagnetic relay of a comparative example that is not provided with the restricting portion 9 or the backstop, it is possible to increase the accuracy of the distance (contact gap) between the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact 31 when the movable contact 32 is in the open position.

[0067] Furthermore, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the regulating portion 9 includes a part of the yoke 24. This allows for simplification of the manufacturing process compared to, for example, a case in which a member other than the yoke 24 is attached to the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 to form the regulating portion 9. In particular, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 (the outer surface 2420 itself) is used as the regulating portion 9. This allows for simplification of the manufacturing process compared to, for example, a case in which a protruding portion is formed as the regulating portion 9 by processing a part of the leg 242 to protrude.

[0068] Moreover, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the armature 25 has a first extension portion 251 that comes into contact with the regulating portion 9. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, particularly when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the tip 2511 of the first extension portion 251 comes into contact with the regulating portion 9. Therefore, when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the armature 25 (the tip 2511 of the first extension portion 251) comes into line contact with the regulating portion 9. By making the armature 25 in line contact with the regulating portion 9, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the open position of the movable contact 32 and to improve the accuracy of the contact gap, compared to the case where the armature 25 comes into surface contact with the regulating portion 9. In other words, when the armature 25 comes into surface contact with the regulating portion 9, the open position of the movable contact 32 may vary depending on which part of the surface of the armature 25 that comes into contact with the regulating portion 9 comes into contact with the regulating portion 9 first. In contrast, when the armature 25 is in line contact with the restricting portion 9, the variation in the open position of the movable contact 32 is reduced, and the accuracy of the contact gap is improved.

[0069] Moreover, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the armature 25 has, in addition to the first extension portion 251, a second extension portion 252 that comes into contact with the regulating portion 9. This allows the armature 25 to come into contact with the regulating portion 9 at two points when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, making it possible to improve the accuracy of the contact gap. Moreover, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33 is located between the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252, and the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. This allows the armature 25 to come into contact with the regulating portion 9 at two points that are spaced apart from each other, making it possible to further improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0070] In addition, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, when the movable contact 32 is located in the closed position, the first extension portion 251 extends in the same direction as the leg portion 242. In the electromagnetic relay 1, when the movable contact 32 is located in the closed position, the tip 2511 of the first extension portion 251 is farthest from the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24. That is, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, when the tip 2511 of the first extension portion 251 is farthest from the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24, the extension direction of the first extension portion 251 is the same (parallel) as the extension direction of the leg portion 242. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the first extension portion 251 from the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242. As a result, it becomes possible to make the size of the electromagnetic relay 1 compact.

[0071] (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.

[0072] (2.1) Variation 1 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, a protrusion 271 is integrally provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24. The protrusion 271 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24 at a position where the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 comes into contact when the armature 25 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. As shown in Fig. 7A, the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 comes into contact with a surface 2710 of the protruding tip of the protrusion 271. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the protrusion 271 functions as the regulating portion 9. The protrusion 271 can be formed, for example, by pushing up the plate-shaped member constituting the leg 242 of the yoke 24 from the left surface side to the right.

[0073] As described above, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the restricting portion 9 includes a protrusion 271 provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242. When the movable contact 32 is in the open position (see Figs. 4 and 5), the first extension portion 251 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the protrusion 271 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in Fig. 7A. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position (see Fig. 6), the first extension portion 251 of the armature 25 is separated from the protrusion 271 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0074] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0075] Instead of or in addition to the protrusion 271, a protrusion may be provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 at a position where the tip 2521 of the second extension portion 252 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) comes into contact.

[0076] (2.2) Variation 2 8A and 8B, the protrusion as the regulating portion 9 provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24 does not have to be a part of the yoke 24, and may be formed separately from the yoke 24 and fixed to the yoke 24. That is, the regulating portion 9 may include a protrusion 29 formed separately from the yoke 24 and fixed to the yoke 24. The material of the protrusion 29 is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the material (magnetic material) of the yoke 24, or may be a different material (for example, a metal material, a resin material, etc.).

[0077] (2.3) Variation 3 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, a recess 272 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24. The recess 272 is provided at a position on the outer surface 2420 of the leg 242 of the yoke 24 into which the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 enters when the armature 25 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. As shown in Figure 9A, the tip 2511 of the first extension 251 comes into contact with the inner surface 2720 of the recess 272. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the recess 272 functions as a restricting portion 9.

[0078] As described above, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the restricting portion 9 includes a recess 272 provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242. When the movable contact 32 is in the open position (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the first extension portion 251 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the recess 272 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in FIG 9A. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position (see FIG 6), the first extension portion 251 of the armature 25 is separated from the recess 272 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in FIG 9B.

[0079] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0080] Instead of or in addition to the recess 272, a recess may be provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 at a position where the tip 2521 of the second extension portion 252 comes into contact.

[0081] (2.4) Variation 4 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the armature 25 does not have a first extension portion 251 and a second extension portion 252, but instead has a first protrusion portion 253 (see FIG. 11) extending from the end of the armature body 250 along the plate surface 2500 of the armature body 250.

[0082] Further, a protrusion 271 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24. The protrusion 271 of the yoke 24 is provided on the outer surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24 at a position where the first protrusion 253 comes into contact when the armature 25 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. As shown in Fig. 10A, the first protrusion 253 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the tip of the protrusion 271. In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the protrusion 271 functions as the regulating portion 9.

[0083] As described above, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the armature 25 has a plate-shaped armature body 250 facing the lower surface 235 of the iron core 23, and a protrusion (first protrusion 253) provided at an end of the armature body 250 and protruding from the end along a plate surface 2500 of the armature body 250. When the movable contact 32 is in the open position (see Figs. 4 and 5), the protrusion (first protrusion 253) of the armature 25 comes into contact with a protrusion 271 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in Fig. 10A. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position (see Fig. 6), the protrusion of the armature 25 is separated from the protrusion 271 serving as the restricting portion 9, as shown in Fig. 10B.

[0084] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts. Moreover, since the armature 25 does not have the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252, the first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 do not get in the way when the armature 25 is supplied to a manufacturing line in the manufacture of the electromagnetic relay 1. This makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0085] Instead of or in addition to the first protrusion 253, the armature 25 may have a second protrusion extending rightward from the right surface of a protrusion provided on the rear side surface of the armature body 250. And instead of or in addition to the protrusion 271, a protrusion may be provided on the outer side surface 2420 of the leg portion 242 at a position with which the second protrusion comes into contact.

[0086] (2.5) Variation 5 11 , in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the armature 25 does not have a first extension portion 251 and a second extension portion 252, but instead has a first protrusion portion 253 and a second protrusion portion 254. The first protrusion portion 253 extends rightward from the right surface of a protrusion portion provided on the front side surface of the armature body 250. The second protrusion portion 254 extends rightward from the right surface of a protrusion portion provided on the rear side surface of the armature body 250. In other words, the armature 25 has a plate-shaped armature body 250 facing the lower surface 235 of the iron core 23, and a protrusion portion (first protrusion portion 253 or second protrusion portion 254) provided at an end portion of the armature body 250 and protruding from the end portion along a plate surface 2500 of the armature body 250.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, the movable spring 33 has a bent portion 37. The bent portion 37 is provided in the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33. The bent portion 37 is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 35. The bent portion 37 is formed by bending a part of the metal plate constituting the movable spring 33 upward by approximately 90 degrees. The thickness direction of the bent portion 37 is along the up-down direction. The bent portion 37 extends from the lower end of the extension portion 35 in a direction intersecting (approximately perpendicular to) the extension direction of the extension portion 35.

[0088] The movable spring 33 has two bent portions 37. Hereinafter, the two bent portions 37 are also referred to as a first bent portion 371 and a second bent portion 372. The first bent portion 371 and the second bent portion 372 are arranged separately at both front and rear ends at the lower end of the extension portion 35. The first bent portion 371 and the second bent portion 372 are provided at positions where the first protrusion 253 and the second protrusion 254 come into contact when the armature 25 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. The first bent portion 371 and the second bent portion 372 face the first protrusion 253 and the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25, respectively. The lower surface of the first bent portion 371 faces the upper surface of the first protrusion 253, and the lower surface of the second bent portion 372 faces the upper surface of the second protrusion 254.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 12, when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the first protrusion 253 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the first bent portion 371 of the movable spring 33. When the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25 also comes into contact with the second bent portion 372 of the movable spring 33. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13, when the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the first protrusion 253 of the armature 25 is separated from the first bent portion 371 of the movable spring 33. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25 also comes into contact with the second bent portion 372 of the movable spring 33.

[0090] In short, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the regulating portion 9 includes a part of the movable spring 33, and more specifically includes the bent portion 37 (the first bent portion 371 and the second bent portion 372) of the movable spring 33. When the movable contact 32 is located in the closed position, the armature 25 is separated from the bent portion 37 of the movable spring 33 serving as the regulating portion 9. When the movable contact 32 is located in the open position, the armature 25 comes into contact with the bent portion 37 of the movable spring 33 serving as the regulating portion 9.

[0091] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and to improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0092] (2.6) Variation 6 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, as shown in Fig. 14, the movable spring 33 has a bent portion 38. The bent portion 38 is provided on the extension portion 35 of the movable spring 33. However, the bending direction of the bent portion 38 of this modified example is different from that of the bent portion 37 of the electromagnetic relay 1 of the modified example 5. The bent portion 38 is formed by bending a part of the metal plate constituting the movable spring 33 by approximately 90 degrees in the left-right direction. The thickness direction of the bent portion 38 is along the front-rear direction. The bent portion 38 is connected to the side of the extension portion 35, and extends along the extension direction of the extension portion 35 (up-down direction).

[0093] The movable spring 33 has two bent portions 38. Hereinafter, the two bent portions 38 are also referred to as a first bent portion 381 and a second bent portion 382. The first bent portion 381 and the second bent portion 382 are connected to the front side and the rear side of the extension portion 35, respectively. The first bent portion 381 and the second bent portion 382 are provided at positions where the first protrusion 253 and the second protrusion 254 come into contact when the armature 25 is displaced so that the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. The first bent portion 381 and the second bent portion 382 face the first protrusion 253 and the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25, respectively. The lower edge of the first bent portion 381 faces the upper surface of the first protrusion 253, and the lower edge of the second bent portion 382 faces the upper surface of the second protrusion 254.

[0094] 15, when the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the first protrusion 253 of the armature 25 comes into contact with a lower edge of the first bent portion 381 of the movable spring 33. When the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25 also comes into contact with a lower edge of the second bent portion 382 of the movable spring 33. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, when the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the first protrusion 253 of the armature 25 is separated from the first bent portion 381 of the movable spring 33. When the movable contact 32 is in the closed position, the second protrusion 254 of the armature 25 also comes into contact with the second bent portion 382 of the movable spring 33.

[0095] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and to improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0096] (2.7) Variation 7 In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modification, the vertical direction which is the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 221 of the coil bobbin 22 intersects with the surface of the base 41 (here, perpendicularly) as shown in FIG.

[0097] Furthermore, leg portion 242, which is a portion of yoke 24 extending downward from fixed portion 241, has terminal portion 244 that functions as common terminal 6. That is, terminal portion 244 in this modification is a part of leg portion 242, and extends downward along the extension direction of core 23 from the right end of fixed portion 241 fixed to upper end portion 234 of core 23.

[0098] 17, the leg portion 242 further has a first support portion 245 and a second support portion 246. The first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 each extend downward from the right end of 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.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 17, 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 plate-shaped. The base portion 350 is located outside (on the right side) the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 and inside (on the left side) the terminal portion 244. The base portion 350 is fixed to the first support portion 245 and the second support portion 246 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24 by, for example, caulking. 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.

[0100] The armature 25 contacts a lower end 247 (see FIG. 19) of the first support portion 245 and a lower end 248 (see FIG. 18) of the second support portion 246. That is, in this modification, the lower end 247 of the first support portion 245 and the lower end 248 of the second support portion 246 include a contact portion 249 that contacts the armature 25 at least when the movable contact 32 is in the open position. The armature 25 is rotatable about the contact portion with the yoke 24 as a fulcrum.

[0101] The armature body 250 is a generally rectangular plate-like shape with the left ends of both front and rear sides cut out when viewed from below. The first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 of the armature 25 extend upward from the front and rear ends, respectively, on the right end face of the armature body 250. The first extension portion 251 and the second extension portion 252 are located within the through hole 36 of the movable spring 33.

[0102] When the movable contact 32 is in the open position, the first extension portion 251 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the outer surface 2450 (regulating portion 9) of the first support portion 245 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24, and the second extension portion 252 of the armature 25 comes into contact with the outer surface 2460 (regulating portion 9) of the second support portion 246 of the leg portion 242 of the yoke 24.

[0103] The electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0104] 18, in the electromagnetic relay 1 of this modified example, the first connection portion 51 of the fixed terminal 5 has a plate-shaped first plate portion 81 and a plate-shaped second plate portion 82 that contacts the first plate portion 81. 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 a lower end 821 of the second plate portion 82 are connected to each other.

[0105] 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. In the first plate portion 81, the first protrusion 815 protrudes further in the thickness direction of the first plate portion 81 than a remaining portion 819 of the first plate portion 81. In addition, 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. In the second plate portion 82, the second protrusion 825 protrudes further in the thickness direction of the second plate portion 82 than a remaining portion 829 of the second plate portion 82.

[0106] (2.8) Other Modifications In one modified example, the protrusion 271 of the yoke 24 functioning as the regulating portion 9 may be formed by bending the lower end of the plate-shaped member constituting the leg portion 242 upward by approximately 90 degrees, or may be formed by scraping off the portions of the plate-shaped member constituting the leg portion 242 other than the protrusion 271.

[0107] In one modified example, the bending angle of the bent portion 37 of the movable spring 33 is not limited to approximately 90 degrees. The bending angle of the bent portion 37 may be an angle at which the lower surface of the first bent portion 371 faces the upper surface of the first protrusion 253 and the lower surface of the second bent portion 372 faces the upper surface of the second protrusion 254. Alternatively, the bent portion 37 may be formed by bending a part of the metal plate constituting the movable spring 33 by approximately 180 degrees, and the bent portion 37 and the extension portion 35 may overlap. In this case, the portion where the extension portion 35 and the bent portion 37 are connected (the lower end edge of the bent portion 37) may function as the restricting portion 9.

[0108] In one modified example, the bending angle of the bent portion 38 of the movable spring 33 is not limited to approximately 90 degrees. The bending angle of the bent portion 38 may be any angle at which the lower edge of the first bent portion 381 faces the upper surface of the first protrusion 253 and the lower edge of the second bent portion 382 faces the upper surface of the second protrusion 254, and may be, for example, such that the rear surface of the first bent portion 381 faces the front surface of the second bent portion 372. Alternatively, the bent portion 38 may be formed by bending a part of the metal plate constituting the movable spring 33 approximately 180 degrees, and the bent portion 38 and the extension portion 35 may overlap.

[0109] In one modified example, the restricting portion 9 may include both a protrusion 271 and a recess 272 provided on the yoke 24. In one specific example, the first extending portion 251 of the armature 25 may be configured to contact the protrusion 271 (the restricting portion 9), and the second extending portion 252 may be configured to contact the recess 272 (the restricting portion 9).

[0110] In one modified example, the restricting portion 9 may include both a part of the yoke 24 and a part of the movable spring 33 .

[0111] In one modified example, the common terminal 6 may be formed as a separate member from the yoke 24 and fixed to the yoke 24. In this case, the material of the common terminal 6 may be different from the material of the yoke 24.

[0112] (3) Description As can be seen from the above embodiment and modifications, the following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0113] 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), and a restricting portion (9). The coil bobbin (22) has an upper flange portion (222), a lower flange portion (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) has a fixed portion (241) fixed to the upper end portion (234) of the iron core (23) and a leg portion (242) extending downward from the fixed portion (241). 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 part (34) and an extension part (35). The movable part (34) is located below the armature (25) and is fixed to the armature (25), and has a movable contact (32) at a first end. The extension part (35) extends upward from a second end of the movable part (34) and is fixed to the yoke (24). The fixed terminal (5) has a fixed contact (31) facing the movable contact (32). The movable contact (32) moves in conjunction with the movement of the armature (25) between a closed position in which it contacts the fixed contact (31) and an open position in which it is separated from the fixed contact (31). The restricting portion (9) is provided on an outer surface (2420) of the leg portion (242) that is remote from the iron core (23). When the movable contact (32) is in the closed position, the armature (25) is separated from the restricting portion (9). When the movable contact (32) is in the open position, the armature (25) is in contact with the restricting portion (9).

[0114] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0115] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the restricting portion (9) includes a part of the yoke (24).

[0116] According to this embodiment, by using the yoke (24) as the restricting portion (9), it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0117] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the restriction portion (9) includes a protrusion (271) provided on the outer surface (2420) of the leg portion (242).

[0118] According to this embodiment, the projection (271) provided on the yoke (24) is used as the restricting portion (9), so that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0119] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the restriction portion (9) includes a recess (272) provided in the outer surface (2420) of the leg portion (242).

[0120] According to this embodiment, the recess (272) formed in the yoke (24) is used as the restricting portion (9), thereby making it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0121] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the regulating portion (9) includes a protrusion (271) formed from a material different from the yoke (24) and fixed to the yoke (24).

[0122] According to this embodiment, the projection (271) integrated with the yoke (24) is used as the restricting portion (9), thereby making it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0123] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the restricting portion (9) includes a part of the movable spring (33).

[0124] According to this embodiment, by using the movable spring (33) as the restricting portion (9), it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0125] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the movable spring (33) has bent portions (37, 38). The restricting portion (9) includes the bent portions (37, 38) of the movable spring (33). When the movable contact (32) is located in the closed position, the armature (25) is separated from the bent portions (37, 38) of the movable spring (33). When the movable contact (32) is located in the open position, the armature (25) is in contact with the bent portions (37, 38) of the movable spring (33).

[0126] According to this embodiment, the portion of the movable spring (33) that functions as the restricting portion (9) can be easily formed.

[0127] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the bent portions (37, 38) are provided on the extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33).

[0128] According to this embodiment, the bent portions (37, 38) provided on the extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33) are used as the restricting portion (9), thereby making it possible to reduce the number of parts.

[0129] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the armature (25) has an armature body (250) and a first extension portion (251). The armature body (250) is plate-shaped and faces the lower surface (235) of the core (23). The first extension portion (251) extends from the armature body (250) toward the outer surface (2420) of the leg portion (242). When the movable contact (32) is located in the closed position, the first extension portion (251) is separated from the restricting portion (9). When the movable contact (32) is located in the open position, the first extension portion (251) comes into contact with the restricting portion (9).

[0130] According to this embodiment, since the armature (25) has the first extension portion (251) that comes into contact with the restricting portion (9), it is possible to increase the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0131] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, when the movable contact (32) is in the open position, the tip (2511) of the first extension portion (251) comes into contact with the restricting portion (9).

[0132] According to this embodiment, it is possible to bring the first extension portion (251) of the armature (25) into line contact with the restriction portion (9) when the movable contact (32) is in the open position, thereby making it possible to improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0133] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the eleventh aspect, in the ninth or tenth aspect, the armature (25) further includes a second extension portion (252) extending parallel to the first extension portion (251). The extension portion (35) of the movable spring (33) is located between the first extension portion (251) and the second extension portion (252).

[0134] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the contact gap.

[0135] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the twelfth aspect, in any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, when the movable contact (32) is in the closed position, the first extension portion (251) extends in the same direction as the leg portion (242).

[0136] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the electromagnetic relay (1).

[0137] In the electromagnetic relay (1) of the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the armature (25) has an armature body (250) and a protrusion (first protrusion 253). The armature body (250) is plate-shaped and faces the lower surface (235) of the core (23). The protrusion is provided at an end of the armature body (250) and protrudes from the end along the plate surface (2500) of the armature body (250). When the movable contact (32) is located at the closed position, the protrusion of the armature (25) is separated from the restricting portion (9). When the movable contact (32) is located at the open position, the protrusion of the armature (25) comes into contact with the restricting portion (9).

[0138] According to this embodiment, since the armature (25) has the protrusion (first protrusion 253) that comes into contact with the restricting portion (9), it is possible to increase the accuracy of the contact gap. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 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 2420 External surface 25 Armature 250 Armature body 2500 board surface 251 1st extension section 2511 Tip 252 2nd extension section 253 Projection (1st projection) 271 Protrusion 272 Recess 31 Fixed contacts 32 Movable contact 33 Movable Spring 34 Moving parts 35 Stretching section 37 Bending section 38 Bending section 5 Fixed terminal 9. Regulatory Department

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 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 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 and fixed to the yoke; a fixed terminal having a fixed contact facing the movable contact; A regulating portion, the movable contact moves in conjunction with the movement of the armature between a closed position in which it comes into contact with the fixed contact and an open position in which it is separated from the fixed contact; The restricting portion is provided on an outer surface of the leg portion away from the iron core, When the movable contact is in the closed position, the armature is separated from the restricting portion, When the movable contact is in the open position, the armature comes into contact with the restricting portion. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The regulating portion includes a part of the yoke.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

3. The restricting portion includes a protrusion provided on the outer surface of the leg portion.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

4. The restricting portion includes a recess provided on the outer surface of the leg portion.

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

5. The regulating portion includes a protrusion formed separately from the yoke and fixed to the yoke.

5. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

6. The restricting portion includes a part of the movable spring.

6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

7. The movable spring has a bent portion, the restricting portion includes the bent portion of the movable spring, When the movable contact is located at the closed position, the armature is separated from the bent portion of the movable spring, When the movable contact is in the open position, the armature contacts the bent portion of the movable spring.

7. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 6.

8. The bent portion is provided on the extension portion of the movable spring.

8. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 7.

9. The armature is a plate-shaped armature body facing the lower surface of the iron core; a first extension portion extending from the armature body toward the outer surface of the leg portion, When the movable contact is located at the closed position, the first extension portion is separated from the restriction portion, When the movable contact is in the open position, the first extension portion comes into contact with the restriction portion.

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

10. When the movable contact is located at the open position, a tip end of the first extension portion comes into contact with the restricting portion.

10. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 9.

11. The armature further includes a second extension portion extending in parallel with the first extension portion, The extension portion of the movable spring is located between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

11. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 9 or 10.

12. When the movable contact is in the closed position, the first extension portion extends in the same direction as the leg portion.

12. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The armature is a plate-shaped armature body facing the lower surface of the iron core; a protrusion provided at an end of the armature body and protruding from the end along a plate surface of the armature body, When the movable contact is located at the closed position, the protrusion of the armature is separated from the restricting portion, When the movable contact is in the open position, the protrusion of the armature comes into contact with the restricting portion.

13. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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