Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay that can improve insulation loss characteristics.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay 1 includes a printed circuit board 3 and a first movable contact piece 6A. The printed circuit board 3 includes a first transmission line 24A, a second transmission line 25A, and a ground plate 23. The first movable contact piece 6A is connected to the first transmission line 24A. The first movable contact piece 6A extends from the first transmission line 24A toward the second transmission line 25A. The first movable contact piece 6A moves between a connected position and a disconnected position. At least a portion of the ground plate 23 is disposed along the first movable contact piece 6A in a direction from the first transmission line 24A toward the second transmission line 25A. The ground plate 23 is formed such that the distance between the ground plate 23 and the first movable contact piece 6A is substantially constant when the first movable contact piece 6A is located at the connected position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. [Background technology]

[0002] There are electromagnetic relays for opening and closing the transmission of high-frequency signals. For example, the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1 includes a movable contact piece, multiple fixed terminals, and a shield plate. When the electromagnet block is turned on and the movable contact piece is pressed by the electromagnet block, both ends of the movable contact piece come into contact with the multiple fixed terminals. This allows the transmission of high-frequency signals. On the other hand, when the electromagnet block is turned off and the movable contact piece is biased by the return spring, both ends of the movable contact piece leave the multiple fixed terminals and come into contact with the shield plate. This blocks the transmission of high-frequency signals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2003-51234A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional electromagnetic relays, the transmission of high frequency signals is opened and closed by bringing both ends of the movable contact piece into contact with the fixed terminal or by removing both ends of the movable contact piece from the fixed terminal. In this case, it is necessary to bring the entire movable contact piece close to the fixed terminal or remove the entire movable contact piece from the fixed terminal. In order to realize this configuration, there is a problem that the configuration of the electromagnetic relay becomes complicated. In addition, there is also a problem that the pressing force of the electromagnet block, i.e., the power of the electromagnet, is required to move the entire movable contact piece.

[0005] In order to solve this problem, attempts have been made to develop electromagnetic relays in which the movable contact piece is not entirely movable but is partially movable. This type of electromagnetic relay can be configured as follows: One end of the movable contact piece is connected to a fixed terminal of a first transmission line. In this state, the movable contact piece is pressed by a pressing member, and the other end of the movable contact piece comes into contact with a fixed terminal of a second transmission line. This allows the transmission of high-frequency signals.

[0006] In this state, when the pressing member is released from the movable contact piece, the other end of the movable contact piece separates from the fixed terminal of the second transmission line and comes into contact with the shield plate, thereby blocking the transmission of high-frequency signals.

[0007] In this type of electromagnetic relay, one end of the movable contact piece is connected to a fixed terminal of a first transmission line, and the other end of the movable contact piece is connected to or disconnected from a fixed terminal of a second transmission line. Here, when the other end of the movable contact piece is connected to the fixed terminal of the second transmission line, the other end of the movable contact piece is located above the one end of the movable contact piece.

[0008] Therefore, the distance from the ground plate of the substrate to the movable contact piece changes between one end of the movable contact piece and the other end of the movable contact piece. For example, this distance increases from the first transmission line to the second transmission line. As a result, the impedance of the movable contact piece changes between one end of the movable contact piece and the other end of the movable contact piece, and there is a risk that the insulation loss characteristics will decrease. An object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can improve the insulation loss characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base block and a movable contact piece. The base block includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a ground plate. The movable contact piece is connected to the first transmission line. The movable contact piece extends from the first transmission line toward the second transmission line. The movable contact piece moves between a connection position where the movable contact piece is connected to the second transmission line and a disconnection position where the movable contact piece is spaced upward from the second transmission line. At least a portion of the ground plate is disposed along the movable contact piece in a direction from the first transmission line toward the second transmission line. At least one of the ground plate and the movable contact piece is formed so that the distance between the ground plate and the movable contact piece is substantially constant when the movable contact piece is located at the connection position.

[0010] In the electromagnetic relay according to the present embodiment, at least one of the ground plate and the movable contact piece is formed so that the distance between the ground plate and the movable contact piece is substantially constant when the movable contact piece is in the connected position. With this configuration, the change in impedance of the movable contact piece can be stabilized when the movable contact piece is in the connected position, thereby improving the insulation loss characteristics.

[0011] The ground plate may have an inclined portion that is inclined so as to approach the movable contact piece in the above-mentioned direction when viewed from above the base block. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively stabilize the change in impedance of the movable contact piece with a simple configuration, and it is possible to effectively improve the insulation loss characteristics.

[0012] The movable contact piece may have an inclined portion that is inclined so as to approach the ground plate in the direction as viewed from above the base block. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively stabilize the change in impedance of the movable contact piece with a simple configuration, thereby effectively improving the insulation loss characteristics.

[0013] The inclined portion may include a pair of inclined portions. In this case, the pair of inclined portions is disposed along both side surfaces of the movable contact piece when viewed from above the base block. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably stabilize the change in impedance of the movable contact piece. In other words, it is possible to reliably improve the insulation loss characteristics.

[0014] The ground plate may have a standing portion extending upward from the surface of the base block. In this case, the standing portion is arranged parallel to the movable contact piece when viewed from above the base block. This configuration can reliably stabilize the change in impedance of the movable contact piece. In other words, the insulation loss characteristics can be reliably improved. Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the electromagnetic relay of the present invention, the insulation loss characteristics can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a top view of a printed circuit board, a first movable contact piece, a second movable contact piece, and a shield plate. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view (closed state) taken along line VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view (open state) taken along line VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of the base assembly and the stand as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base assembly as viewed from below. [Figure 10]FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay in an open state. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay in a closed state. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a top view of a printed circuit board, a first movable contact piece, and a second movable contact piece in another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a top view of a printed circuit board, a first movable contact piece, and a second movable contact piece in another embodiment. [Figure 15] 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view (closed state) taken along line VII in FIG. 6 in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The electromagnetic relay according to the present embodiment is used to switch between a high-frequency RF signal (an example of a high-frequency signal) and a low-frequency DC signal (an example of a low-frequency signal).

[0018] 1 and 2 are perspective views of an electromagnetic relay 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a case 2, a base block 3, a base assembly 4, and a stand 5. The base block 3 includes a printed circuit board, a ceramic board, a resin molded product, a metal molded product, a flexible board, and an MID (Molded Interconnect Device). In this embodiment, an example in which the base block 3 is a printed circuit board is shown. In the following, the base block is described using the term "printed circuit board 3". Note that the case 2 is omitted in FIG. 2. In the following description, the direction in which the base assembly 4 and the stand 5 are arranged with respect to the printed circuit board 3 is defined as the upper side, and the opposite direction is defined as the lower side.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the case 2 is attached to the printed circuit board 3. The case 2 covers the upper surface of the printed circuit board 3, the base assembly 4, and the stand 5. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a first movable contact piece 6A (an example of a movable contact piece), a second movable contact piece 6B (an example of a movable contact piece), and a shield plate 7. The first movable contact piece 6A, the second movable contact piece 6B, and the shield plate 7 are disposed on the printed circuit board 3.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the printed circuit board 3. Note that the shield plate 7 is omitted in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the printed circuit board 3 includes first to fourth conductor layers 11-14 and first to third dielectric layers 15-17. The first to fourth conductor layers 11-14 are made of an electrically conductive material such as copper. The first to third dielectric layers 15-17 are made of a dielectric material. The first to fourth conductor layers 11-14 and the first to third dielectric layers 15-17 are alternately stacked with each other.

[0021] The first conductor layer 11 is provided on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 3. Fig. 5 is a top view of the printed circuit board 3. Note that the shield plate 7 and the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are omitted in Fig. 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first conductor layer 11 is provided with a first RF line 21A, a second RF line 21B, a first DC line 22A, a second DC line 22B, a first ground plate 23 (an example of a ground plate), and a pair of second ground plates 123A1, 123A2.

[0022] The first RF line 21A and the second RF line 21B are transmission lines for transmitting an RF signal. The first RF line 21A includes a first transmission line 24A (an example of a first transmission line) and a second transmission line 25A (an example of a second transmission line). The first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are disposed apart from each other. The first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are electrically isolated from each other. The first transmission line 24A is connected to a first input terminal 26A. The second transmission line 25A is connected to a first RF terminal 27A. The first input terminal 26A and the first RF terminal 27A are through-hole terminals provided on the end surface of the printed circuit board 3, respectively.

[0023] The second RF line 21B includes a third transmission line 24B (an example of a first transmission line) and a fourth transmission line 25B (an example of a second transmission line). The third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are arranged apart from each other. The third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are electrically isolated from each other. The third transmission line 24B is connected to a second input terminal 26B. The fourth transmission line 25B is connected to a second RF terminal 27B. The second input terminal 26B and the second RF terminal 27B are through-hole terminals provided on the end surface of the printed circuit board 3, respectively.

[0024] The first DC line 22A and the second DC line 22B are transmission lines for passing a DC signal. The first DC line 22A is connected to the first transmission line 24A and the first ground plate 23. A first inductor 28A and a first capacitor 29A are disposed on the first DC line 22A. In the drawings, only a part of the first inductor 28A is labeled with the reference symbol 28A, and the reference symbols of the other first inductors 28A are omitted.

[0025] The first DC line 22A is connected to the first DC terminal 30A between the first inductor 28A and the first capacitor 29A. The first DC terminal 30A is a through-hole terminal provided on an end surface of the printed circuit board 3. The first DC line 22A, the first inductor 28A, and the first capacitor 29A function as a low-pass filter that passes DC signals but cuts RF signals. The first inductor 28A and the first capacitor 29A are set to cut high-frequency signals of, for example, 1 kHz or higher.

[0026] The second DC line 22B is connected to the third transmission line 24B and the first ground plate 23. A second inductor 28B and a second capacitor 29B are disposed on the second DC line 22B. Note that in the drawing, only a portion of the second inductor 28B is labeled with the reference symbol 28B, and the reference symbols of the remaining second inductors 28B are omitted.

[0027] The second DC line 22B is connected to the second DC terminal 30B between the second inductor 28B and the second capacitor 29B. The second DC terminal 30B is a through-hole terminal provided on an end surface of the printed circuit board 3. The second DC line 22B, the second inductor 28B, and the second capacitor 29B function as a low-pass filter that passes DC signals but cuts RF signals. The second inductor 28B and the second capacitor 29B are set to cut high-frequency signals of, for example, 1 kHz or higher.

[0028] 4 and 5, the first ground plate 23 has a ground line 23A and a pair of ground portions 23B1, 23B2. The ground line 23A extends between the first transmission line 24A and the third transmission line 24B and along the first transmission line 24A and the third transmission line 24B. The ground line 23A extends between the second transmission line 25A and the fourth transmission line 25B and along the second transmission line 25A and the fourth transmission line 25B.

[0029] The pair of ground parts 23B1, 23B2 are formed integrally with the ground line 23A. The pair of ground parts 23B1, 23B2 are arranged on both sides of the ground line 23A. The pair of ground parts 23B1, 23B2 are arranged on both sides of the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3.

[0030] The ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B1 are disposed along the first movable contact piece 6A in the longitudinal direction from the first transmission line 24A to the second transmission line 25A. The ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B1 are formed so that the distance between the ground line 23A and the first movable contact piece 6A and the ground portion 23B1 is substantially constant when the first movable contact piece 6A is in the connected position.

[0031] The ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B2 are disposed along the second movable contact piece 6B in the longitudinal direction from the third transmission line 24B to the fourth transmission line 25B. The ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B1 are formed so that the distance between the ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B2 and the second movable contact piece 6B is substantially constant when the second movable contact piece 6B is in the connected position.

[0032] 5 and 6, the ground line 23A has a first inclined portion 23A1 and a second inclined portion 23A2. The first inclined portion 23A1 and the second inclined portion 23A2 are provided between a pair of ground portions 23B1 and 23B2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In FIG. 5, black circles are drawn at the start and end points of the first inclined portion 23A1 and the second inclined portion 23A2.

[0033] The first inclined portion 23A1 is provided on the side of the ground line 23A on the ground portion 23B1 side. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the first inclined portion 23A1 extends along the first movable contact piece 6A. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the first inclined portion 23A1 inclines from the outside of the first movable contact piece 6A to approach the side of the first movable contact piece 6A in the longitudinal direction from the first transmission line 24A to the second transmission line 25A. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the first inclined portion 23A1 extends along the first movable contact piece 6A so as to intersect with the side of the first movable contact piece 6A. A part of the first inclined portion 23A1 is disposed below the first movable contact piece 6A.

[0034] In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the second inclined portion 23A2 extends along the second movable contact piece 6B. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the second inclined portion 23A2 inclines from the outside of the first movable contact piece 6A to approach the side surface of the first movable contact piece 6A in the longitudinal direction from the first transmission line 24A to the second transmission line 25A. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the second inclined portion 23A2 extends along the second movable contact piece 6B so as to intersect with the side surface of the second movable contact piece 6B. A part of the second inclined portion 23A2 is disposed below the second movable contact piece 6B.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the lower surfaces of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are in contact with the second transmission path 25A and the fourth transmission path 25B, the inclination angles of the first and second inclined portions 23A1, 23A2 are formed so that the impedance (√L / C) determined by the inductance component (L) and capacitance component (C) generated between them and the first ground plate 23 is constant.

[0036] The first and second inclined portions 23A1, 23A2 are formed in the longitudinal direction within a range from the first and second connecting portions 32A, 32B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B to the first and second contact portions 33A, 33B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B. In particular, the first and second inclined portions 23A1, 23A2 are preferably formed in the longitudinal direction within a range from the first and second connecting portions 32A, 32B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B to the base ends P1, P2 of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the ground portion 23B1 has a third inclined portion 23B11. The third inclined portion 23B11 is provided on a side surface of the ground portion 23B1 so as to face the first inclined portion 23A1. In Fig. 5, black circles are drawn at the start and end points of the third inclined portion 23B11. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the third inclined portion 23B11 extends along the first movable contact piece 6A. As shown in Fig. 5, in a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the third inclined portion 23B11 is formed symmetrically to the first inclined portion 23A1 with respect to the central axis X1 in the longitudinal direction of the first movable contact piece 6A.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the third inclined portion 23B11 is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the third transmission line 24B to the fourth transmission line 25B in a direction approaching the side surface of the second movable contact piece 6B from the outside of the second movable contact piece 6B in a top view of the printed circuit board 3. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the third inclined portion 23B11 extends along the first movable contact piece 6A so as to intersect with the side surface of the first movable contact piece 6A. A part of the third inclined portion 23B11 is disposed below the first movable contact piece 6A. The first inclined portion 23A1 and the third inclined portion 23B11 are disposed along both side surfaces of the first movable contact piece 6A in a top view of the printed circuit board 3.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the ground portion 23B2 has a fourth inclined portion 23B21. The fourth inclined portion 23B21 is provided on a side surface of the ground portion 23B2 so as to face the second inclined portion 23A2. In Fig. 5, black circles are marked at the start and end points of the fourth inclined portion 23B21. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the fourth inclined portion 23B21 extends along the second movable contact piece 6B. As shown in Fig. 5, in a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the fourth inclined portion 23B21 is formed symmetrically to the second inclined portion 23A2 with respect to the central axis X2 in the longitudinal direction of the second movable contact piece 6B.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the fourth inclined portion 23B21 is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the third transmission line 24B to the fourth transmission line 25B in a direction approaching the side surface of the second movable contact piece 6B from the outside of the second movable contact piece 6B in a top view of the printed circuit board 3. In a top view of the printed circuit board 3, the fourth inclined portion 23B21 extends along the second movable contact piece 6B so as to intersect with the side surface of the second movable contact piece 6B. A part of the fourth inclined portion 23B21 is disposed below the second movable contact piece 6B. The second inclined portion 23A2 and the fourth inclined portion 23B21 are disposed along both side surfaces of the second movable contact piece 6B in a top view of the printed circuit board 3.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the lower surfaces of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are in contact with the second transmission path 25A and the fourth transmission path 25B, the inclination angles of the third and fourth inclined portions 23B11, 23B21 are formed so that the impedance (√L / C) determined by the inductance component (L) and capacitance component (C) generated between them and the first ground plate 23 is constant.

[0041] The third and fourth inclined portions 23B11, 23B21 are formed in the longitudinal direction within the range from the first and second connection portions 32A, 32B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B to the first and second contact portions 33A, 33B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B. In detail, it is preferable that the third and fourth inclined portions 23B11, 23B21 are formed in the longitudinal direction within the range from the first and second connection portions 32A, 32B of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B to the base ends P1, P2 of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B.

[0042] Each of the pair of second ground plates 123A1, 123A2 is formed separately from the first ground plate 23. The pair of second ground plates 123A1, 123A2 are disposed on both sides of the second transmission line 25A and the fourth transmission line 25B. In other words, the second transmission line 25A is disposed between the ground line 23A and the second ground plate 123A1. The fourth transmission line 25B is disposed between the ground line 23A and the second ground plate 123A2. The pair of second ground plates 123A1, 123A2 are disposed on both sides of the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3.

[0043] The second to fourth conductor layers 12-14 shown in Fig. 4 are ground layers. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, a plurality of through-hole terminals 31 are provided on an end face of the printed circuit board 3. Note that in the drawings, only some of the through-hole terminals 31 are labeled with the reference numeral 31, and the reference numerals of the other through-hole terminals 31 are omitted. The through-hole terminals 31 connect the above-mentioned first ground plate 23 and the second to fourth conductor layers 12-14.

[0044] 4 and 6, the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B are disposed on the printed circuit board 3. The first movable contact piece 6A is disposed above the first RF line 21A. The first movable contact piece 6A extends from the first transmission line 24A toward the second transmission line 25A. The first movable contact piece 6A is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the first movable contact piece 6A includes a first connecting portion 32A, a first contact portion 33A, and a first intermediate portion 34A. The first connecting portion 32A is connected to the first transmission line 24A. The first contact portion 33A is disposed above the second transmission line 25A. The first intermediate portion 34A is located between the first connecting portion 32A and the first contact portion 33A.

[0046] 7A and 7B, the first movable contact piece 6A is movable between a connected position and a disconnected position (an example of a disconnected position). As shown in Fig. 7A, when the first movable contact piece 6A is located at the connected position, the first contact portion 33A contacts the second transmission line 25A. As a result, the first movable contact piece 6A connects the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 7B, when the first movable contact piece 6A is in the interrupting position, the first contact portion 33A is separated from the second transmission line 25A. As a result, the first movable contact piece 6A interrupts the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A. In this state, the first movable contact piece 6A contacts the shield plate 7 in the interrupting position. It is preferable that the first movable contact piece 6A contacts the shield plate 7 via an insulating layer 107 in the interrupting position. The insulating layer 107 is attached to the back surface of the shield plate 7.

[0048] 7A, in a side view of the first movable contact piece 6A, in the connection position of the first movable contact piece 6A, the first connection portion 32A of the first movable contact piece 6A is connected to the first transmission line 24A, and the first contact portion 33A of the first movable contact piece 6A is in contact with the second transmission line 25A. In this state, the base end portion P1 of the first contact portion 33A is disposed above the first connection portion 32A. The base end portion P1 of the first contact portion 33A may be interpreted as the connection portion of the first contact portion 33A and the first intermediate portion 34A.

[0049] When the first movable contact piece 6A is located at the connection position, the lower surface of the first movable contact piece 6A is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the first transmission line 24A to the second transmission line 25A. The distance between the first intermediate portion 34A and the first ground plate 23 gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from the first transmission line 24A to the second transmission line 25A.

[0050] 5 and 6, when viewed from above, the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A is disposed between the ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B1. In detail, when viewed from above, a part of the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A is disposed between the first inclined portion 23A1 of the ground line 23A and the third inclined portion 23B11 of the ground portion 23B1.

[0051] 4 and 6, the second movable contact piece 6B is disposed above the second RF line 21B. The second movable contact piece 6B extends from the third transmission line 24B toward the fourth transmission line 25B. The second movable contact piece 6B is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the second movable contact piece 6B includes a second connection portion 32B, a second contact portion 33B, and a second intermediate portion 34B. The second connection portion 32B is connected to the third transmission line 24B. The second contact portion 33B is disposed above the fourth transmission line 25B. The second intermediate portion 34B is located between the second connection portion 32B and the second contact portion 33B.

[0053] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, like the first movable contact piece 6A, the second movable contact piece 6B can move between a connection position and a disconnection position. As shown in Figure 7A, when the second movable contact piece 6B is located at the connection position, the second contact portion 33B contacts the fourth transmission line 25B. As a result, the second movable contact piece 6B connects the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7B, when the second movable contact piece 6B is in the interrupting position, the second contact portion 33B is separated from the fourth transmission line 25B. As a result, the second movable contact piece 6B interrupts the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B. In this state, the second movable contact piece 6B contacts the shield plate 7 in the interrupting position. It is preferable that the second movable contact piece 6B contacts the shield plate 7 via the insulating layer 107 in the interrupting position.

[0055] 7A, in a side view of the second movable contact piece 6B, in the connection position of the second movable contact piece 6B, the second connection portion 32B of the second movable contact piece 6B is connected to the third transmission line 24B, and the second contact portion 33B of the second movable contact piece 6B is in contact with the fourth transmission line 25B. In this state, the base end portion P2 of the second contact portion 33B is disposed above the second connection portion 32B. The base end portion P2 of the second contact portion 33B may be interpreted as the connection portion of the second contact portion 33B and the second intermediate portion 34B.

[0056] When the second movable contact piece 6B is located at the connection position, the lower surface of the second movable contact piece 6B is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the third transmission line 24B to the fourth transmission line 25B. The distance between the second intermediate portion 34B and the first ground plate 23 gradually increases in the longitudinal direction from the third transmission line 24B to the fourth transmission line 25B.

[0057] 5 and 6, when viewed from above of the second movable contact piece 6B, the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B is disposed between the second inclined portion 23A2 and the ground portion 23B2 of the ground line 23A. In detail, when viewed from above of the second movable contact piece 6B, a part of the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B is disposed between the second inclined portion 23A2 of the ground line 23A and the fourth inclined portion 23B21 of the ground portion 23B2.

[0058] As described above, the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are arranged relative to the first to fourth inclined portions 23A1, 23A2, 23B11, and 23B21, so that the distances between the ground line 23A and the ground portion 23B1 and the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are substantially constant. Note that the portions where the first to fourth inclined portions 23A1, 23A2, 23B11, and 23B21 are formed may be formed of a high dielectric material.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, the shield plate 7 is disposed on the printed circuit board 3. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the shield plate 7 is connected to the first ground plate 23. In detail, the shield plate 7 is connected to the first ground plate 23 and the pair of second ground plates 123A1, 123A2. The shield plate 7 is made of a conductive material.

[0060] 6, 7A, and 7B, the shield plate 7 is disposed above the first contact portion 33A and the second contact portion 33B. That is, the first contact portion 33A is disposed between the shield plate 7 and the second transmission line 25A. The second contact portion 33B is disposed between the shield plate 7 and the fourth transmission line 25B. The shield plate 7 improves the isolation characteristics between the first RF line 21A and the second RF line 21B.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the base assembly 4 and the stand 5 as viewed from below. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the base assembly 4 as viewed from below. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the base assembly 4. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 1. As shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the base assembly 4 includes a base 40, a coil block 41, and a movable block 42.

[0062] The coil block 41 includes a coil 43, a spool 44, and an iron core 45. The coil 43 is wound around the spool 44. The iron core 45 is disposed within the coil 43. The iron core 45 includes an intermediate portion 46, a first attraction portion 47, and a second attraction portion 48. The intermediate portion 46 is disposed within the coil 43 and extends in the axial direction of the coil 43. The first attraction portion 47 protrudes from the coil 43 in the axial direction of the coil 43. The first attraction portion 47 is disposed facing downward. The second attraction portion 48 protrudes from the coil 43 in the opposite direction to the first attraction portion 47 in the axial direction of the coil 43. The second attraction portion 48 is disposed facing downward.

[0063] The movable block 42 is operated by the electromagnetic force of the coil 43 to move the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B between a connection position and a disconnection position. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the movable block 42. As shown in Fig. 12, the movable block 42 includes an iron piece 50, a first hinge spring 51, a second hinge spring 52, a permanent magnet 53, a card 54, and a movable insulating base 55.

[0064] The iron piece 50 is supported by a movable insulating stand 55. The iron piece 50 includes a first end 56 and a second end 57. The first end 56 protrudes from the movable insulating stand 55 in the axial direction of the coil 43. The first end 56 is disposed below the first attraction portion 47 of the iron core 45 and faces the first attraction portion 47. The second end 57 protrudes from the movable insulating stand 55 in the opposite direction to the first end 56 in the axial direction of the coil 43. The second end 57 is disposed below the second attraction portion 48 of the iron core 45 and faces the second attraction portion 48.

[0065] The first hinge spring 51 is supported by the movable insulating base 55. The first hinge spring 51 protrudes from the movable insulating base 55 toward one side of the movable insulating base 55. The second hinge spring 52 is supported by the movable insulating base 55. The second hinge spring 52 protrudes from the movable insulating base 55 toward the other side of the movable insulating base 55. The permanent magnet 53 is attached to the upper surface of the movable insulating base 55.

[0066] The card 54 is supported by the movable insulating base 55. The card 54 protrudes downward from the movable insulating base 55. The card 54 is disposed above the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B. In detail, the card 54 is disposed above the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A and the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B. The card 54 is connected to the lower surface of the first end portion 56 of the iron piece 50. The card 54 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first end portion 56.

[0067] The movable insulating stand 55 is supported to be swingable relative to the base 40. As shown in FIG. 10, the base 40 includes support protrusions 58 and 59. As shown in FIG. 12, the movable insulating stand 55 includes support holes 60 and 61. The support protrusions 58 and 59 are disposed in the support holes 60 and 61, and support the movable insulating stand 55 to be swingable. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the base 40 includes a first support recess 62 and a second support recess 63. The first hinge spring 51 is disposed in the first support recess 62. The first hinge spring 51 is connected to the base 40 at the first support recess 62. The second hinge spring 52 is disposed in the second support recess 63. The second hinge spring 52 is connected to the base 40 at the second support recess 63. The movable insulating stand 55 is supported to be swingable relative to the base 40 around the first hinge spring 51 and the second hinge spring 52.

[0068] The stand 5 is disposed above the printed circuit board 3 and supports the base assembly 4. In detail, the stand 5 supports the base 40. The coil block 41 is supported by the stand 5 via the base 40. The movable block 42 is supported by the stand 5 via the base 40. The stand 5 includes a frame 70 and a plurality of legs 71-74. As shown in FIG. 8, the frame 70 has an opening 75 in the center. The movable block 42 is disposed in the opening 75 of the frame 70. The card 54 extends downward through the opening 75.

[0069] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 will be described. FIG. 11A shows the electromagnetic relay 1 in an open state. When no current flows through the coil 43, the coil 43 is not excited, and the iron piece 50 is not attracted to the iron core 45. Due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 53, the first end 56 of the iron piece 50 is attracted to the first attraction portion 47 of the iron core 45 and is in contact with the first attraction portion 47. Therefore, the card 54 is separated from the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B, and the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B are each located at the disconnection position. Therefore, in the first RF line 21A, the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are disconnected from each other. Also, in the second RF line 21B, the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are disconnected from each other.

[0070] When a current flows through the coil 43, the electromagnetic relay 1 is in a closed state as shown in FIG. 11B. When the electromagnetic relay 1 is in a closed state, the second end 57 of the iron piece 50 is attracted to the second attraction portion 48 of the iron core 45 by the electromagnetic force of the coil 43 and rises. This causes the iron piece 50 to swing and the first end 56 to fall. The card 54 falls together with the first end 56 and presses the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B, thereby moving the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B to their respective connection positions. This causes the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A to be connected to each other in the first RF line 21A. Also, the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B to be connected to each other in the second RF line 21B.

[0071] When the current to the coil 43 is interrupted, the iron piece 50 rotates in the opposite direction due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 53, the second end 57 descends and separates from the second attraction portion 48, and the first end 56 rises. The card 54 rises together with the first end 56 and separates from the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B. As a result, the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B return to their respective disconnected positions due to the elastic forces of the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B. As a result, in the first RF line 21A, the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are disconnected from each other. Also, in the second RF line 21B, the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are disconnected from each other.

[0072] For example, when an RF signal is input to the first input terminal 26A and the second input terminal 26B of the electromagnetic relay 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 is closed. In this case, the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are connected to each other, and the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are connected to each other. Therefore, the RF signal is output from the first input terminal 26A through the first RF line 21A to the first RF terminal 27A. Also, the RF signal is output from the second input terminal 26B through the second RF line 21B to the second RF terminal 27B. On the other hand, the RF signal is cut at the first DC line 22A and the second DC line 22B, respectively, and therefore the RF signal is prevented from being output from the first and second DC terminals 30B.

[0073] When a DC signal is input to the first input terminal 26A and the second input terminal 26B of the electromagnetic relay 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 is opened. In this case, the first transmission line 24A and the second transmission line 25A are disconnected from each other, and the third transmission line 24B and the fourth transmission line 25B are disconnected from each other. Therefore, the DC signal is output from the first input terminal 26A through the first DC line 22A without passing through the first RF line 21A, and from the first DC terminal 30A. The DC signal is output from the second input terminal 26B through the second DC line 22B without passing through the second RF line 21B, and from the second DC terminal 30B. This prevents the DC signal from flowing to the first movable contact piece 6A and the second movable contact piece 6B.

[0074] In the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the first ground plate 23 is formed so that the distance between the first ground plate 23 and the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B is substantially constant when the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are in the connected position. With this configuration, it is possible to stabilize the change in impedance of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B when the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B are in the connected position. This makes it possible to improve the insulation loss characteristics.

[0075] The first ground plate 23 may have a first inclined portion 23A1 and a third inclined portion 23B11 that are inclined so as to approach the first movable contact piece 6A in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3. The first ground plate 23 may have a second inclined portion 23A2 and a fourth inclined portion 23B21 that are inclined so as to approach the second movable contact piece 6B in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3.

[0076] This simple configuration can effectively stabilize the change in impedance of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A, 6B, thereby effectively improving the insulation loss characteristics.

[0077] The first inclined portion 23A1 and the third inclined portion 23B11 are disposed along both side surfaces of the first movable contact piece 6A when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3. The second inclined portion 23A2 and the fourth inclined portion 23B21 are disposed along both side surfaces of the second movable contact piece 6B when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3.

[0078] This configuration can reliably stabilize the change in impedance of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B, which means that the insulation loss characteristics can be reliably improved.

[0079] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. As shown in Fig. 13, the first movable contact piece 6A may have inclined portions 61A1 and 61A2 that are inclined so as to approach the first ground plate 23 as they move in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3. The inclined portions 61A1 and 61A2 are provided on both side surfaces of the first intermediate portion 34A. In Fig. 13, black circles are marked at the start and end points of the inclined portions 61A1 and 61A2.

[0080] The second movable contact piece 6B may have inclined portions 61B1 and 61B2 that are inclined toward the first ground plate 23 in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3. The inclined portions 61B1 and 61B2 are provided on both side surfaces of the second intermediate portion 34B. In Fig. 13, black circles are indicated at the start and end points of the inclined portions 61B1 and 61B2.

[0081] In this case, the first inclined portion 23A1 and the second inclined portion 23A2 are not formed in the ground line 23A, the third inclined portion 23B11 is not formed in the ground portion 23B1, and the fourth inclined portion 23B21 is not formed in the ground portion 23B2. That is, instead of the first inclined portion 23A1, the second inclined portion 23A2, the third inclined portion 23B11, and the fourth inclined portion 23B21, the inclined portions 61A1 and 61A2 are formed in the first movable contact piece 6A, and the inclined portions 61B1 and 61B2 are formed in the second movable contact piece 6B. The formation range of the inclined portions 61A1, 61A2, 61B1, and 61B2 can be changed according to the inclination angle α.

[0082] Even with this configuration, the same effects as those described above can be obtained. In addition, the change in impedance of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B can be effectively stabilized with a simple configuration. This makes it possible to effectively improve the insulation loss characteristics.

[0083] 14, the first ground plate 23 may further have erected portions 23C1, 23C2, 23C3, and 23C4 extending upward from the surface of the printed circuit board 3. In this case, the erected portions 23C1, 23C2, 23C3, and 23C4 are disposed parallel to the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B when viewed from above the printed circuit board 3.

[0084] In detail, the standing portions 23C1, 23C2 are arranged parallel to both side surfaces of the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A. The standing portions 23C1, 23C2 are arranged above the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A. The standing portions 23C1, 23C2 are arranged above the base end portion P1 of the first contact portion 33A of the first movable contact piece 6A. It is preferable that the standing portions 23C1, 23C2 are arranged above the first contact portion 33A of the first movable contact piece 6A.

[0085] The erected portions 23C3, 23C4 are arranged parallel to both side surfaces of the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B. The erected portions 23C3, 23C4 are arranged above the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B. The erected portions 23C3, 23C4 are arranged above the base end portion P2 of the second contact portion 33B of the second movable contact piece 6B. It is preferable that the erected portions 23C3, 23C4 are arranged above the second contact portion 33B of the second movable contact piece 6B.

[0086] This configuration can reliably stabilize the change in impedance of the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B, which means that the insulation loss characteristics can be reliably improved.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 15, a high-dielectric 23D1 made of a high-dielectric material or a metal body 23D2 may be disposed below the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B. In this case, it is preferable that the upper surface of the high-dielectric 23D1 or the upper surface of the metal body 23D2 is formed so as to be parallel to the lower surface of the first intermediate portion 34A of the first movable contact piece 6A and the lower surface of the second intermediate portion 34B of the second movable contact piece 6B when the first and second movable contact pieces 6A and 6B are in the connected position. This configuration can also improve the insulation loss characteristics.

[0088] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0089] The configuration of the printed circuit board 3 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. The configuration of the transmission lines of the printed circuit board 3 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the second RF line 21B and the second DC line 22B may be omitted. The configuration of the terminals of the printed circuit board 3 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the second input terminal 26B, the second RF terminal 27B, and the second DC terminal 30B may be omitted. The RF signal and the DC signal may be passed in the opposite direction to that of the above embodiment. The configuration of the base assembly 4 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the stand 5 is not limited to being separate from the base 40, and may be integrated with the base 40. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] In the electromagnetic relay of the present invention, the insulation loss characteristics can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2: case, 3: printed circuit board, 6A: first movable contact piece, 6B: second movable contact piece, 7: shield plate, 23: first ground plate, 23A: ground line, 23B1, 23B2: ground portion, 24A: first transmission line, 25A: second transmission line, 123A1, 123A2: second ground plate, 23A1; first inclined portion, 23A2; second inclined portion, 23B11; third inclined portion, 23B21; fourth inclined portion, 23C1, 23C2, 23C3, 23C4; standing portion, 23D1; high dielectric, 23D2; metal body

Claims

1. a base block including a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a ground plate; a movable contact piece connected to the first transmission line, extending from the first transmission line toward the second transmission line, and movable between a connection position connected to the second transmission line and a release position spaced upward from the second transmission line; Equipped with At least a portion of the ground plate is disposed along the movable contact piece in a direction from the first transmission line toward the second transmission line, At least one of the ground plate and the movable contact piece is formed so that the distance between the ground plate and the movable contact piece is substantially constant when the movable contact piece is located at the connection position. Electromagnetic relay.

2. the ground plate has an inclined portion that is inclined so as to approach the movable contact piece as it moves in the direction in which the base block is viewed from above; 2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

3. the movable contact piece has an inclined portion that is inclined so as to approach the ground plate as it moves in the direction in which the movable contact piece is positioned when viewed from above the base block, 2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

4. The inclined portion includes a pair of inclined portions, the pair of inclined portions are disposed along both side surfaces of the movable contact piece when viewed from above the base block; 4. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the ground plate has an upright portion extending upward from a surface of the base block, The upright portion is disposed parallel to the movable contact piece when viewed from above the base block.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

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