Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To obtain an electromagnetic relay capable of more reliably preventing a decrease in the contact reliability of an auxiliary contact.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay includes a main fixed contact, a main movable contact, an electromagnetic device, and a first auxiliary contact terminal. Here, the first auxiliary contact terminal includes a first auxiliary contact arranged above a coil, a first side piece electrically connected to the first auxiliary contact and arranged on the side of a coil bobbin, and a first press-fit piece inserted into a first opening of the coil bobbin. The first side piece of the first auxiliary contact terminal includes a first front surface facing the coil bobbin, a first back surface located on the opposite side of the first front surface, and a first side surface connecting the first front surface and the first back surface. The first press-fit piece protrudes from the first side surface of the first side piece toward the coil bobbin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic relays. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, an electromagnetic relay has been known which has a main fixed contact and a main movable contact which moves in and out of contact with the main fixed contact, and which is provided with a main contact portion which is disposed within an internal space formed in a housing, and which enables electrical continuity and non-conductivity between the main fixed contact portion and the main movable contact portion to be switched by moving the main fixed contact and the main movable contact in and out of contact with each other.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the electromagnetic relay further includes an auxiliary contact section that has an auxiliary fixed contact and an auxiliary movable contact that comes into contact with and separates from the auxiliary fixed contact, and that is disposed within an internal space formed in the housing. By bringing the auxiliary fixed contact and the auxiliary movable contact into and out of contact with each other, it is possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the auxiliary fixed contact section and the auxiliary movable contact section.

[0004] The auxiliary contact portion is provided with an auxiliary contact terminal having an auxiliary contact (an auxiliary fixed contact or an auxiliary movable contact), and this auxiliary contact terminal is fixed to the coil bobbin. In this case, the auxiliary contact terminal is generally fixed to the coil bobbin by, for example, resin crimping (thermocompression bonding) or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-115248 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In an electromagnetic relay equipped with such an auxiliary contact portion, it is preferable to be able to prevent the auxiliary contact terminal from coming loose from the coil bobbin or rotating when an external impact is applied.

[0007] In other words, it is preferable to suppress the occurrence of the auxiliary contact terminal coming off or rotating from the coil bobbin, thereby enabling the auxiliary fixed contact and the auxiliary movable contact to come into contact more reliably, thereby ensuring the contact reliability of the auxiliary contact portion.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can more reliably prevent the contact reliability of the auxiliary contact from decreasing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electromagnetic relay of the present disclosure comprises an electromagnetic device having a main fixed contact, a main movable contact that contacts or moves away from the main fixed contact, a coil that generates a magnetic force for contacting or moving away from the main fixed contact, and a coil bobbin having a first opening formed therein and around which the coil is wound, and a first auxiliary contact terminal having a first auxiliary contact arranged above the coil, a first side piece that is electrically connected to the first auxiliary contact and arranged to the side of the coil bobbin, and a first press-fit piece inserted into the first opening of the coil bobbin, wherein the first side piece of the first auxiliary contact terminal includes a first surface facing the coil bobbin, a first back surface located opposite the first surface, and a first side surface connecting the first surface and the first back surface, and the first press-fit piece protrudes from the first side surface of the first side piece toward the coil bobbin. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an electromagnetic relay that can more reliably prevent the contact reliability of the auxiliary contact from decreasing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, seen from another direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view seen from one direction in a state where a cover is removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view seen from another direction with the cover removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing members other than the cover of the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of members other than a cover of the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 7] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, showing members other than the cover, viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electromagnetic device provided in the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a moving member, a movable portion, and a main movable contact portion included in an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 10] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the moving member, the movable portion, and the main movable contact portion included in the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is an exploded perspective view of an auxiliary contact portion included in the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, as viewed from one direction. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing contact and separation between the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion according to the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion are in a second position. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing contact and separation between a main contact portion and an auxiliary contact portion according to the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion are in a first position. [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the contact and separation of the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion according to the first embodiment, in a state where the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion are in a second position. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing contact and separation between a main contact portion and an auxiliary contact portion according to the first embodiment, in which the main contact portion and the auxiliary contact portion are in a first position. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, in which the electromagnetic relay is cut at a position where an auxiliary contact is present by a vertical plane extending in the left-right direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay according to a modified example of the first embodiment, and is a rear view showing a state in which a position where an auxiliary contact of the electromagnetic relay is present is cut by a vertical plane extending in the left-right direction. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a position where an auxiliary drive unit of the electromagnetic relay is present is cut by a horizontal plane. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, and is a plan view illustrating a state in which the central portion in the up-down direction of the electromagnetic relay is cut by a horizontal plane. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which the electromagnetic relay is cut at a position where an extension portion of a second side wall is present, by a vertical plane extending in the front-rear direction. [Figure 23] 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary contact portion according to a first embodiment attached to a coil bobbin, as viewed from one direction. FIG. [Figure 24] 6 is a perspective view showing the auxiliary contact portion according to the first embodiment attached to the coil bobbin, as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the coil bobbin according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an upper press-fit portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion of an auxiliary contact is press-fitted into an upper press-fit portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a lower press-fit portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion of an auxiliary contact portion is press-fitted into a lower press-fit portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment with its cover removed, as viewed from one direction. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay according to the second embodiment with the cover removed, as viewed from another direction. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base according to a second embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the base according to the second embodiment, as viewed from another direction. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cover according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the cover according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment, being a rear view showing a state in which the electromagnetic relay is cut at a position where a protrusion of a cover is present, by a vertical plane extending in the left-right direction. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment, and is a plan view showing a state in which the electromagnetic relay is cut by a horizontal plane at a position where a protrusion portion of a cover is present. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an auxiliary contact portion according to a second embodiment attached to a coil bobbin, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 39] 13 is a perspective view showing the auxiliary contact portion according to the second embodiment attached to the coil bobbin, as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 40] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an auxiliary contact portion according to a second embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Diagram 41] 13 is a perspective view of the auxiliary contact portion according to the second embodiment, seen from another direction. FIG. [Diagram 42] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a coil bobbin according to a second embodiment, as viewed from above. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a coil bobbin according to a second embodiment, as viewed from below. [Diagram 44] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the coil bobbin according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a press-fit portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 46] 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion of an auxiliary contact is press-fitted into a press-fit portion according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a press-fit portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 48] 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion of an auxiliary contact portion is press-fitted into a press-fit portion according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the Z direction (axial direction) is used as the vertical direction in a state where the base is positioned below the case and the coil is arranged so that the axial direction extends in the vertical direction. Specifically, the Z direction (axial direction) is used as the vertical direction in a state where the base is positioned below the case with the base portion extending along a horizontal plane and the coil is arranged so that the axial direction extends in the vertical direction.

[0013] Also, the direction intersecting with the Z direction (axial direction) will be described as the X direction (first direction: front-rear direction: direction in which the main fixed contact and the main movable contact face each other). And the direction intersecting with the X direction and the Z direction will be described as the Y direction (second direction: width direction: longitudinal direction of the movable contact). Specifically, the Z direction is perpendicular to the X direction, and the Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction.

[0014] In addition, the upper and lower are defined with the base positioned below the case, and the side on which the main fixed contacts are located is defined as the front in the fore-and-aft direction, and the side on which the main movable contacts are located is defined as the rear in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0015] Note that the following embodiments include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0016] (First embodiment) As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10 formed of a resin material in a hollow box shape. In this embodiment, the housing 10 has a base 110 and a case 120 that covers the base 110, and has an outer surface that is substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped. In addition, when the case 120 is attached to the base 110, an internal space S1 is formed within the housing 10. Note that the shape of the outer surface of the case 10 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be any shape.

[0017] An electromagnet device (drive unit) 20 is disposed rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) within the internal space S1 of the housing 10, and a main contact unit 40 is disposed forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). Furthermore, an auxiliary contact unit 60 is disposed rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) within the internal space S1 of the housing 10 and upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction).

[0018] In this embodiment, the main contact unit 40 is a so-called normally closed contact unit whose contact is on in the initial state, and the auxiliary contact unit 60 is a so-called normally open contact unit whose contact is off in the initial state. It is also possible to make the main contact unit 40 a so-called normally open contact unit whose contact is off in the initial state, and the auxiliary contact unit 60 a so-called normally closed contact unit whose contact is on in the initial state.

[0019] The base 110 comprises a substantially rectangular plate-shaped base portion 111 extending along a substantially horizontal plane (a direction intersecting the Z direction: the XY plane), and a peripheral wall 112 connected to the periphery of the base portion 111 and extending in the Z direction (up and down direction) (see Figures 3 to 7).

[0020] A step is formed on the periphery of the opening on the upper end side of the peripheral wall 112, and the outer periphery is smaller than that on the lower end side. A pair of protrusions 112a are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on each of the front and rear faces of the peripheral wall 112 above the step.

[0021] On the other hand, the case 120 has a generally box-like shape that opens downward, and this case 120 is attached to the base 110 from above.

[0022] Case 120 includes a top wall 121 having a generally rectangular plate shape extending along a generally horizontal plane (a direction intersecting with the Z direction: the XY plane), and a peripheral wall 122 extending downward in the Z direction (up-down direction) from the periphery of top wall 121 (see Figures 3 to 5).

[0023] The peripheral wall 122 includes a front wall 1221 located forward in the X direction (front-rear direction) and extending in the Y direction (width direction) and Z direction (up-down direction), and a rear wall 1222 located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) and extending in the Y direction (width direction) and Z direction (up-down direction). The peripheral wall 122 also includes a pair of side walls 1223 that are connected to the front wall 1221 and the rear wall 1222 on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) and extend in the X direction (front-rear direction) and Z direction (up-down direction).

[0024] A pair of insertion holes 122a into which protrusions 112a of base 110 are inserted when case 120 is attached to base 110 are provided side by side in the left-right direction at the bottom of each of front wall 1221 and rear wall 1222.

[0025] In this embodiment, the base 110 includes a first side wall 131 that is connected to rise upward from the bottom surface 111a of the base portion 111 and extends in the Y direction (width direction). The base 110 also includes a pair of second side walls 132 that are connected to both ends of the first side wall 131 in the Y direction (width direction) toward the rear in the X direction (front-rear direction). The pair of second side walls 132 also extend to rise upward from the bottom surface 111a of the base portion 111. The first side wall 131 and the pair of second side walls 132 that extend to rise upward from the bottom surface 111a of the base portion 111 hold the yoke 240 of the electromagnetic device 20, and surround three sides (at least a part) of the side surface 210a of the coil 210.

[0026] In this manner, in this embodiment, the electromagnet device 20 is arranged behind the first side wall 131. The main contact portion 40 is arranged in front of the first side wall 131 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). That is, in this embodiment, the electromagnet device 20 and the main contact portion 40 are arranged in the internal space S1 while being partitioned in the X direction (front-rear direction) by the first side wall 131.

[0027] Further, a partition wall 113 is formed in front of the first side wall 131 of the base 110, and this partition wall 113 ensures a creepage distance between a pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 which will be described later.

[0028] In addition, the base 110 is formed with a raising member 114 for providing a gap between the base 110 and a printed circuit board when the electromagnetic relay 1 is disposed on the printed circuit board (not shown).

[0029] The electromagnetic device (drive unit) 20 is a device that generates electromagnetic force, and includes a coil 210 that generates a magnetic flux when current is applied, and a hollow cylindrical coil bobbin 220 around which the coil 210 is wound (see FIG. 8).

[0030] For example, a conductive wire can be used as the coil 210. In this embodiment, the coil 210 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 with the base 110 positioned below the case 120, such that the axial direction of the coil 210 extends in the Z direction (up-down direction).

[0031] The coil bobbin 220 is made of resin, which is an insulating material, and has a cylindrical tubular portion 221 extending in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil) formed in the center of the coil bobbin 220. A through hole 2211 is formed inside the tubular portion 221, penetrating in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil).

[0032] The coil bobbin 220 is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 221 around whose outer surface the coil 210 is wound, and is provided with a substantially rectangular upper flange portion (upper brim portion) 222 that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 221. The coil bobbin 220 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 221, and is provided with a substantially rectangular lower flange portion (lower brim portion) 223 that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 221.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper flange portion 222 includes a substantially rectangular upper flange main body 2221 protruding radially outward from the cylindrical portion 221, and a pair of extension portions 2222 continuously provided at the rear end portion in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the upper flange main body 2221 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction) and upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil). The pair of extension portions 2222 holds the auxiliary contact portion 60.

[0034] On the other hand, the lower flange portion 223 includes a substantially rectangular lower flange main body 2231 protruding radially outward from the cylindrical portion 221, and a pair of extension portions 2232 continuously provided on the rear end side in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the lower flange main body 2231 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction). The pair of extension portions 2232 hold the auxiliary contact portion 60.

[0035] The electromagnetic device 20 also includes an iron core 230 that is inserted into a through hole 2211 formed in the cylindrical portion 221 of the coil bobbin 220 and is magnetized (through which magnetic flux passes) by the energized coil 210. The iron core 230 is disposed inside the coil 210.

[0036] The iron core 230 includes a generally cylindrical shaft portion 231 extending in the Z direction (up-down direction), and a generally cylindrical head portion 232 formed with a larger diameter than the shaft portion 231 and connected to the upper end of the shaft portion 231 (see FIG. 8).

[0037] The electromagnetic device 20 also includes a yoke 240 arranged around the coil 210 wound around the cylindrical portion 221. In this embodiment, the yoke 240 is a substantially plate-like member made of a magnetic material and has a substantially L-shape in side view (as viewed along the Y direction). That is, the yoke 240 includes a vertical wall portion (standing portion) 241 arranged to extend along a substantially vertical plane in front of the coil 210 wound around the cylindrical portion 221, and a horizontal wall portion 242 extended from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 241 to extend rearward (see FIG. 8). Such a yoke 240 can be formed, for example, by bending a single plate.

[0038] As described above, the yoke 240 is supported by the first side wall 131 and a pair of second side walls 132 that extend upward from the bottom surface 111a of the base portion 111 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). A pair of protruding portions (extension portions) 2411 that protrude upward are formed on both ends in the Y direction (width direction) of the vertical wall portion (standing portion) 241 of the yoke 240, and the armature 310 is arranged between the pair of protruding portions (extension portions) 2411.

[0039] Furthermore, the electromagnetic device 20 includes a pair of coil terminals 250 to which both ends of the coil 210 are connected, respectively, and the electromagnetic device 20 is driven by passing electricity through the coil 210 via the pair of coil terminals 250. In this embodiment, the coil terminal 250 is fixed to the coil bobbin 220 with a tip (connection piece) 251 protruding downward (outward) in the up-down direction (Z direction) from the housing 10. Specifically, the coil terminal 250 is held in a pair of coil terminal holding grooves 223a formed in a pair of extension portions 2232, respectively (see FIG. 8).

[0040] By switching the driving state of the electromagnet device 20, the moving member 30 is caused to move.

[0041] In this embodiment, the moving member 30 includes an armature 310 disposed so as to face the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a hinge spring 320 attached across the armature 310 and the yoke 240.

[0042] The armature 310 is made of a conductive metal, and is arranged so as to be able to swing up and down (Z direction) relative to the head 232 of the iron core 230 depending on whether the coil 210 is excited or de-excited.

[0043] In this embodiment, the armature 310 includes a horizontal wall portion 311 facing the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the up-down direction (Z direction), and a vertical wall portion 312 extending downward from the front end of the horizontal wall portion 311 in the X direction (front-rear direction) (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0044] The horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 is attached to the upper end of the vertical wall portion 241 so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction (Z direction), allowing the armature 310 to rotate in the Z direction (vertical direction) around the portion supported by the yoke 240.

[0045] Specifically, a notch 3111 is formed at both ends in the Y direction (width direction) of the front end portion in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the horizontal wall portion 311. The armature 310 is supported by the yoke 240 by inserting the protruding portion (extension portion) 2411 of the yoke 240 into the notch 3111. In this manner, in this embodiment, the notch 3111 is the portion of the armature 310 that is supported by the yoke 240.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a through hole 313 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction) is formed at the front end of the armature 310 in the X direction (front-rear direction). A hinge spring 320 is attached across the armature 310 and the yoke 240 in a state where it is inserted into this through hole 313. At this time, the armature 310 is biased by the hinge spring 320 in a direction in which the horizontal wall portion 311 moves away from the head 232 of the iron core 230.

[0047] When a current is applied to the coil 210, the armature 320 is rotated so that the horizontal wall portion 311 approaches the head 232 of the iron core 230. Specifically, when a current is applied to the coil 210, the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 is attracted to the head 232 of the iron core 230, and the armature 310 is rotated so that the horizontal wall portion 311 approaches the head 232 of the iron core 230. In other words, when a current is applied to the coil 210 via the pair of coil terminals 250, the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 rotates downward in the Z direction (up-down direction). At this time, the vertical wall portion 312 connected to the horizontal wall portion 311 rotates forward in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0048] The swing range of this armature 310 is set between the position where the horizontal wall portion 311 is farthest from the head 232 of the iron core 230 and the position where the horizontal wall portion 311 is closest to the head 232 of the iron core 230 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the swing range of the armature 310 is set between an initial position in which the horizontal wall portion 311 is spaced a predetermined distance above the head 232 of the iron core 230, and a contact position in which the horizontal wall portion 311 abuts against the head 232 of the iron core 230.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, when current is applied to the coil 210, the armature 310 moves to a contact position where the horizontal wall portion 311 contacts the head 232 of the iron core 230, and when current is stopped from being applied to the coil 210, the armature returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 320.

[0051] In this manner, the armature 310 in this embodiment is disposed opposite the head 232 of the iron core 230 via a predetermined gap when the coil 210 is not energized, and oscillates so as to be attracted to the head 232 of the iron core 230 when the coil 210 is energized.

[0052] By switching the driving state of the electromagnet device 20 and swinging the armature 310, it is possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conductivity between the paired main fixed contact portion 410 and main movable contact portion 420 (which have main contacts that move towards and away from each other).

[0053] In this embodiment, a main contact portion 40 that opens and closes the main contact in response to the energization of the coil 210 is provided in front of the electromagnet device 20.

[0054] The main contact portion 40 includes a main fixed contact portion 410 and a main movable contact portion 420. The main fixed contact portion 410 includes a main fixed contact 411 and a body portion 412 having the main fixed contact 411. On the other hand, the main movable contact portion 420 includes a main movable contact 421 that moves relative to the main fixed contact 411 and can be brought into contact with and separated from the main fixed contact 411, and a movable contactor 422 that has the main movable contact 421.

[0055] In this embodiment, the main contact portion 40 includes only one pair of a main fixed contact portion 410 and a main movable contact portion 420 (having main contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other) (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0056] In this embodiment, a set of a main fixed contact portion 410 and a main movable contact portion 420 having main contacts that come into contact with or separate from each other is composed of a pair of main fixed contact portions 410 and one main movable contact portion 420.

[0057] Specifically, two main fixed contact parts 410 having shapes symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane are used as a pair of main fixed contact parts 410. The two paired main fixed contact parts 410 are fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) in a state separated from each other in the Y direction (width direction: axial direction and direction intersecting the first direction: second direction).

[0058] Each main fixed contact portion 410 includes a body portion 412 having one main fixed contact 411 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In this embodiment, a member to be the main fixed contact is inserted into an insertion hole 412a formed in the body portion 412 so as to penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and the body portion 412 is riveted to have the main fixed contact 411 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Thus, in this embodiment, the body portion 412 functions as a fixed-side main contact holder that holds the main fixed contact 411.

[0059] The main fixed contact 411 does not have to be formed on the main body 412 by riveting, and can be formed by various methods. For example, it is possible to make a protruding portion of the main body 412 function as the main fixed contact by performing dowel processing on the main body 412. Also, by making the main movable contact 421 contact with a part of the flat surface of the main body 412, it is possible to make a part of the flat surface of the main body 412 function as the main fixed contact.

[0060] In addition, the main fixed contact portion 410 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 412 and has a connection piece 413 that is fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) with its tip (connection portion) protruding downward (outward) from the base 110 (housing 10).

[0061] In this embodiment, the base 110 is formed with an insertion hole 115 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction). The tip (connection part: lower end) of the connection piece 413 is inserted into this insertion hole 115 from above. In this manner, the main fixed contact part 410 is fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) with the tip (connection part: lower end) of the connection piece 413 protruding downward (outward) from the base 110 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). The main fixed contact part 410 is fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) by adhesive or the like.

[0062] At this time, the main fixed contact portion 410 is fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) with the main fixed contact 411 facing backward in the X direction (front-rear direction). That is, the main fixed contact portion 410 is fixed to the base 110 (housing 10) with the surface of the body portion 412 on which the main fixed contact 411 is formed (rear surface: the surface facing the main movable contact 421) facing backward.

[0063] The main fixed contact 411, the body 412 and the connection piece 413 may be made of a conductive material such as a silver-based material or a copper-based material.

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, the two main fixed contacts 411 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, which is a direction perpendicular (intersecting) to the direction in which the main fixed contact 411 and the main movable contact 422 move relatively to each other. One of the two main bodies 412 has one main fixed contact 411, and the other body has the other main fixed contact 411.

[0065] On the other hand, one main movable contact portion 420 has one movable contactor 422, and this one movable contactor 422 has a pair of main movable contacts 421 arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction) (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0066] In this embodiment, a member to be a main movable contact is inserted into insertion holes 422a formed on both longitudinal sides of the approximately rectangular plate-shaped movable contactor 422 in the plate thickness direction, and riveted. In this manner, the main movable contactor 422 has the main movable contact 421 (see Figs. 14 and 15). Thus, in this embodiment, the movable contactor 422 functions as a movable-side main contact holder that holds the main movable contact 421.

[0067] The main movable contact 421 does not have to be formed on the movable contactor 422 by riveting, and can be formed by various methods. For example, it is possible to make the protruding portion of the movable contactor 422 function as the main movable contact by performing dowel processing on the movable contactor 422. Also, by making a configuration in which a part of the flat surface of the movable contactor 422 comes into contact with the main fixed contact 411, it is possible to make a part of the flat surface of the movable contactor 422 function as the main movable contact.

[0068] One main movable contact portion 420 is arranged so as to be located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) from the two paired main fixed contact portions 410, with the plate thickness direction approximately coinciding with the X direction (front-rear direction) and the longitudinal direction approximately coinciding with the Y direction (width direction). At this time, the main movable contact portion 420 is arranged so that the main movable contact 421 faces the main fixed contact 411 in the X direction (front-rear direction). Specifically, the movable contactor 422 is arranged so that the main movable contact 421 formed on one side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the main fixed contact 411 of the main fixed contact portion 410 arranged on one side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction). Similarly, the movable contactor 422 is arranged so that the main movable contact 421 formed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the main fixed contact 411 of the main fixed contact portion 410 arranged on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction). In this way, one main movable contact 421 comes into contact with and separates from one of the two main fixed contacts 411, and the other main movable contact 421 comes into contact with and separates from the other main fixed contact 411. Also, one movable contactor 422 has two main movable contacts 421.

[0069] The main movable contact 421 and the movable contactor 422 can also be made of a conductive material such as a silver-based material or a copper-based material.

[0070] A set consisting of a pair of main fixed contact portions 410 and one main movable contact portion 420 configured in this manner is housed in the internal space S1, forward of the first side wall 131 in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction) (see Figures 12 to 15).

[0071] Here, the main movable contact portion 420 is arranged so as to be able to swing relatively to the pair of main fixed contact portions 410 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0072] In this embodiment, the main contact portion 40 is connected to the armature 310 via the movable portion 50. The movable portion 50 is caused to swing in the X direction (front-rear direction) in conjunction with the swing of the armature 310, so that the main movable contact portion 420 swings in the X direction (front-rear direction) in conjunction with the operation of the movable portion 50. In other words, by holding the main movable contact portion 420 on the movable portion 50, the main movable contact portion 420 swings in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the pair of main fixed contact portions 410.

[0073] In this embodiment, the movable part 50 is made of an insulating resin material and includes a holder part 51 having an insertion hole 511 formed at its upper part into which the vertical wall part 312 of the armature 310 is inserted and held. The movable part 50 also includes a movable plate 52 connected to the lower part of the holder part 51, and a movable spring 53 connecting the movable plate 52 and the movable contactor 422.

[0074] In this embodiment, a through hole 521 penetrating in the plate thickness direction is formed in an upper portion in the Z direction (vertical direction) of the movable plate 52. Then, with the upper end of the movable plate 52 inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the lower end of the holder part 51, a protrusion formed in an insertion hole (not shown) of the holder part 51 is inserted into the through hole 521, so that the movable plate 52 is held by the holder part 51.

[0075] A protrusion 522 protruding rearward is formed in the center of the movable plate 52 in the Z direction (vertical direction), and an upper through-hole 531 penetrating in the plate thickness direction is formed in the upper part of the movable spring 53 in the Z direction (vertical direction). The protrusion 522 of the movable plate 52 is inserted into the upper through-hole 531 of the movable spring 53, so that the movable spring 53 is held by the movable plate 52.

[0076] Furthermore, a lower through-hole 532 penetrating in the plate thickness direction is formed in the lower part of the movable spring 53 in the Z direction (up-down direction), and a protrusion 422b protruding rearward is formed in the center part in the Y direction (width direction) of the movable contactor 422. Then, the protrusion 422b of the movable contactor 422 is inserted into the lower through-hole 532 of the movable spring 53, so that the movable contactor 422 is held by the movable spring 53.

[0077] In this manner, the main contact portion 40 is connected to the armature 310 via the movable portion 50 .

[0078] With this configuration, the main movable contact portion 420 swings in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the pair of main fixed contact portions 410 in accordance with the swing of the armature 310. Therefore, the main movable contact 421 swings in a circular arc centered on the upper end of the vertical wall portion 312.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an auxiliary contact section 60 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 separately from the main contact section 40. This auxiliary contact section 60 is disposed in the internal space S1 in a state in which the auxiliary contacts (auxiliary fixed contact 611 and auxiliary movable contact 621) are present at a position rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) and at the upper end side of the coil 210. Specifically, the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and auxiliary movable contact 621 of the auxiliary contact section 60 are disposed on the other side (rear side) of the axis of the coil 210 in the first direction (X direction), and are disposed on the upper end side of the axial direction (Z direction) of the coil 210 in a state in which the tip (connecting piece) 251 of the coil terminal 250 is positioned lower than the coil 210 while the coil 210 is disposed so that the axial direction (Z direction) extends in the up-down direction.

[0080] The auxiliary contact portion 60 includes an auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and an auxiliary movable contact portion 620. The auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 includes an auxiliary fixed contact 611, and a first auxiliary contact terminal 612 having the auxiliary fixed contact 611. On the other hand, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 includes an auxiliary movable contact 621 that moves relative to the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and can be brought into contact with and separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 611, and a second auxiliary contact terminal 622 having the auxiliary movable contact 621.

[0081] In this embodiment, the auxiliary contact portion 60 includes only one pair of an auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and an auxiliary movable contact portion 620 (having auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other) (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0082] In this embodiment, a set of an auxiliary fixed contact part 610 and an auxiliary movable contact part 620 having auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other is composed of one auxiliary fixed contact part 610 and one auxiliary movable contact part 620. One auxiliary fixed contact part 610 is formed with one auxiliary fixed contact 611, and one auxiliary movable contact part 620 is formed with only one auxiliary movable contact 621 that comes into contact with and separates from one auxiliary fixed contact 611.

[0083] In this embodiment, as described above, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 includes the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 having one auxiliary fixed contact 611.

[0084] Moreover, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 includes an upper piece 613 extending in the Y direction (width direction: axial direction and direction intersecting with the first direction: second direction) at the upper end side of the coil 210. The auxiliary fixed contact 611 is formed on this upper piece 613. In this embodiment, a member to be the auxiliary fixed contact is inserted into an insertion hole 613a formed so as to penetrate the upper piece 613 in the plate thickness direction, and the upper piece 613 has the auxiliary fixed contact 611 by performing riveting (see FIG. 11). Thus, in this embodiment, the upper piece 613 functions as a fixed side auxiliary contact holder that holds the auxiliary fixed contact 611.

[0085] The auxiliary fixed contact 611 does not have to be formed on the upper piece 613 by riveting, and can be formed by various methods. For example, it is possible to make a protruding portion of the upper piece 613 function as the auxiliary fixed contact by performing dowel processing on the upper piece 613. It is also possible to make a part of the flat surface of the upper piece 613 function as the auxiliary fixed contact by making the auxiliary movable contact 621 contact with a part of the flat surface of the upper piece 613. It is also possible to provide a plurality of auxiliary fixed contacts 611 on the upper piece 613 (first auxiliary contact terminal 612).

[0086] Moreover, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 is connected to the outer end of the upper piece 613 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), extends along the XZ plane, and includes a side piece 614 that is elongated in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction). In this embodiment, this side piece 614 is connected to the upper piece 613 so as to extend downward from the upper piece 613 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction), and is disposed to the side of the coil 210 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0087] The first auxiliary contact terminal 612 also includes a connection piece 615 extending so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the side piece 614. The connection piece 615 is formed so as to protrude downward (outward) from the base 110 in a state in which the side piece 614 is held by the coil bobbin 220 arranged on the base 110.

[0088] The side piece 614 includes a first side piece 6141 connected to the outer end of the upper piece 613 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and a connecting portion 6142 extending forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) from the lower end of the first side piece 6141. The side piece 614 includes a second side piece 6143 extending downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) from the lower front end of the connecting portion 6142. A connecting piece 615 is connected to the lower end of the second side piece 6143 so as to protrude downward (outward) from the housing 10. In this embodiment, a tip 6151 of the connecting piece 615 is located lower than the coil 210 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, the side piece 614 comprises a first side piece 6141 connected to the upper piece 613, a second side piece 6143 connected to the connecting piece 615 and positioned forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) relative to the first side piece 6141, and a connecting portion 6142 connecting the first side piece 6141 and the second side piece 6143, and has a crank-shaped bent shape when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0090] In this embodiment, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 is held by the coil bobbin 220.

[0091] In this embodiment, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 is held by the coil bobbin 220 with the auxiliary fixed contact 611 facing downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction). That is, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 is held by the coil bobbin 220 with the surface of the upper piece 613 on which the auxiliary fixed contact 611 is formed (lower surface: the surface facing the auxiliary movable contact 621) facing downward.

[0092] Furthermore, the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 can be made of a conductive material, such as a silver-based material or a copper-based material.

[0093] On the other hand, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 includes the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 having one auxiliary movable contact 621 as described above.

[0094] The second auxiliary contact terminal 622 includes an upper piece 623 extending in the Y direction (width direction: axial direction and direction intersecting the first direction: second direction) on the upper end side of the coil 210. The auxiliary movable contact 621 is formed on the upper piece 623.

[0095] In this embodiment, the upper piece 623 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body 6231 and a leaf spring 6232 that extends horizontally and is elongated in the Y direction (width direction). The leaf spring 6232 has the auxiliary movable contact 621.

[0096] In this embodiment, the leaf spring 6232 is bent in a crank shape so that the tip (the inner end in the Y direction) is located downward. A member to be an auxiliary movable contact is inserted into an insertion hole 6232a formed at the tip of the leaf spring 6232 so as to penetrate in the plate thickness direction, and the leaf spring 6232 is made to have the auxiliary movable contact 621 by riveting (see FIG. 11). Thus, in this embodiment, the leaf spring 6232 functions as a movable side auxiliary contact holder that holds the auxiliary movable contact 621.

[0097] The auxiliary movable contact 621 does not have to be formed on the leaf spring 6232 by riveting, and can be formed by various methods. For example, it is possible to make a protruding portion of the leaf spring 6232 function as an auxiliary movable contact by performing dowel processing on the leaf spring 6232. It is also possible to make a part of the flat surface of the leaf spring 6232 function as an auxiliary movable contact by making the auxiliary movable contact 621 contact with a part of the flat surface of the leaf spring 6232. It is also possible to provide a plurality of auxiliary movable contacts 621 on the leaf spring 6232 (upper piece 623: second auxiliary contact terminal 622).

[0098] Furthermore, the main body 6231 is connected to an outer end of the leaf spring 6232 in the Y direction (width direction). Specifically, a pair of insertion holes 6232b are formed in the outer end of the leaf spring 6232 in the Y direction (width direction) so as to be aligned in the X direction (front-rear direction), and the main body 6231 is formed with a pair of protrusions 6231a so as to be aligned in the X direction (front-rear direction). Then, the pair of protrusions 6231a are inserted into the pair of insertion holes 6232b, respectively, and riveted to connect the leaf spring 6232 to the main body 6231.

[0099] The second auxiliary contact terminal 622 is connected to an outer end of the main body 6231 (upper piece 623) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), extends along the XZ plane, and includes a side piece 624 that is elongated in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction). In this embodiment, the side piece 624 is connected to the main body 6231 (upper piece 623) so as to extend downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) from the main body 6231 (upper piece 623), and is disposed to the side of the coil 210 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0100] The second auxiliary contact terminal 622 also includes a connection piece 625 extending so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the side piece 624. The connection piece 625 is formed so as to protrude downward (outward) from the base 110 in a state in which the side piece 624 is held by the coil bobbin 220 arranged on the base 110.

[0101] The side piece 624 includes a first side piece 6241 connected to the outer end of the main body 6231 (upper piece 623) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and a connecting portion 6242 extending forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) from the lower end of the first side piece 6241. The side piece 624 includes a second side piece 6243 extending downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) from the lower front end of the connecting portion 6242. A connecting piece 625 is connected to the lower end of the second side piece 6243 so as to protrude downward (outward) from the housing 10. In this embodiment, a tip 6251 of the connecting piece 625 is located lower than the coil 210 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0102] Thus, in this embodiment, the side piece 624 comprises a first side piece 6241 connected to the main body portion 6231 (upper piece 623), a second side piece 6243 connected to the connecting piece 625 and positioned at a position shifted forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) relative to the first side piece 6241, and a connecting portion 6242 connecting the first side piece 6241 and the second side piece 6243, and has a crank-shaped shape when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 is held by the coil bobbin 220 .

[0104] In this embodiment, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 is held by the coil bobbin 220 with the auxiliary movable contact 621 facing upward in the Z direction (vertical direction). That is, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 is held by the coil bobbin 220 with the surface of the leaf spring 6232 on which the auxiliary movable contact 621 is formed (upper surface: the surface facing the auxiliary fixed contact 611) facing upward.

[0105] Moreover, the auxiliary movable contact 621 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be formed of a conductive material, for example, a silver-based material or a copper-based material.

[0106] A set consisting of one auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and one auxiliary movable contact portion 620 configured in this way is housed in the internal space S1 behind the first side wall 131 in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction) and at the upper end side of the coil 210 (see FIGS. 12 to 15). The auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the auxiliary movable contact 621 are disposed above the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the Z direction (up-down direction).

[0107] Here, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 is arranged so that the leaf spring 6232 can swing in the Z direction (up and down direction) relative to the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610. In this embodiment, the auxiliary driving portion 70 allows the leaf spring 6232 to swing in the Z direction (up and down direction) relative to the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610. That is, by switching the driving state of the electromagnet device 20 and swinging the auxiliary driving portion 70, it is possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 that are paired with each other (having auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other).

[0108] In this embodiment, the auxiliary driving part 70 is made of an insulating resin material, and is held by the horizontal wall part 311 of the armature 310. The auxiliary driving part 70 is adapted to swing in the Z direction (up and down direction) in association with the swinging of the armature 310. In this way, the leaf spring 6232 is adapted to swing in the Z direction (up and down direction) in association with the swinging of the auxiliary driving part 70 in the Z direction (up and down direction).

[0109] The auxiliary driving unit 70 includes a main body 71 and a fixing portion 72 that is connected to the main body 71 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction) and is held by the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310. The auxiliary driving unit 70 further includes a push-up portion 73 that is connected to the main body 71 so as to protrude rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) and pushes the leaf spring 6232 upward.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 72 includes an arm portion 721 that protrudes outward in the Y direction (width direction), and a hook portion 722 that is connected downward in the Z direction (up and down direction) from the outer end of the arm portion 721 in the Y direction (width direction).

[0111] A held portion 3112 for holding the auxiliary driving portion 70 is formed at the rear portion in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310. The auxiliary driving portion 70 is held by the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 by hooking the pair of hook portions 72 onto the held portion 3112.

[0112] In this manner, in this embodiment, the auxiliary drive unit 70 is swung in conjunction with the swinging of the armature 310, thereby making it possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the auxiliary fixed contact unit 610 and the auxiliary movable contact unit 620, which have auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other. In other words, one end of the armature 310 brings the main contact unit 40 into contact and separates, and the other end of the armature 310 brings the auxiliary contact unit 60 into contact and separates.

[0113] With this configuration, the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 swings in the Z direction (up and down direction) relative to the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 in accordance with the swing of the armature 310. At this time, the auxiliary movable contact 621 swings in an arc centered on the outer end portion of the leaf spring 6232 in the Y direction (width direction).

[0114] In this embodiment, the leaf spring 6232 is connected to the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 held by the coil bobbin 220 in a state in which the auxiliary movable contact 621 is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 611 in a natural state. When the supply of current to the coil 210 is stopped, the push-up portion 73 of the auxiliary drive unit 70 comes into contact with the leaf spring 6232 and is pushed upward, so that the auxiliary movable contact 621 comes into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 611.

[0115] On the other hand, when the coil 210 is energized, the rear end side of the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 rotates downward, and the auxiliary driving portion 70 moves downward in accordance with the downward rotation of the rear end side of the horizontal wall portion 311. When the auxiliary driving portion 70 moves downward, the leaf spring 6232 moves downward due to its elastic restoring force, and the auxiliary movable contact 621 moves away from the auxiliary fixed contact 611.

[0116] Alternatively, the auxiliary driving unit 70 may use another method to drive the leaf spring 6232. As another method for the auxiliary driving unit 70 to drive the leaf spring 6232, for example, when the auxiliary driving unit 70 is separated from the leaf spring 6232, the elastic restoring force of the leaf spring 6232 causes the auxiliary movable contact 621 to come into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 611 to be in a conductive state, and the auxiliary driving unit 70 presses down the leaf spring 6232, causing the auxiliary movable contact 621 to be separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 611 to be in a non-conductive state.

[0117] In this manner, in this embodiment, the auxiliary contact portion 60 is provided so that the ON and OFF states are opposite to those of the main contact portion 40 .

[0118] Next, an example of the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

[0119] First, when the coil 210 is not energized, the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 moves in a direction away from the head portion 232 of the iron core 230 due to the elastic force of the hinge spring 320. At this time, the vertical wall portion 312 of the armature 310 is located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction), and therefore the movable portion 50 is also located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction). That is, the main movable contact portion 420 held by the movable portion 50 is separated from the main fixed contact portion 410, and the main movable contact 421 is separated from the main fixed contact 411 (see FIGS. 12 and 14).

[0120] Meanwhile, the auxiliary driving part 70 also moves in a direction away from the head 232 of the iron core 230, so that the leaf spring 6232 is pushed up by the pushing-up part 73 of the auxiliary driving part 70, and the auxiliary movable contact 621 comes into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 611 (see Figures 12 and 14).

[0121] When the coil 210 is energized from this OFF state, the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 is attracted downward (toward the iron core 230) by electromagnetic force and moves toward the head portion 232 of the iron core 230 against the elastic force of the hinge spring 320. Then, as the horizontal wall portion 311 rotates downward (toward the iron core 230), the vertical wall portion 312 rotates forward, and as the vertical wall portion 312 rotates forward, the movable portion 50 rotates forward. As a result, the movable contactor 422 held by the movable portion 50 rotates forward toward the main fixed contact portion 410, and the main movable contact 421 of the movable contactor 422 comes into contact with the main fixed contact 411 of the main fixed contact portion 410. In this way, the pair of main fixed contact portions 410 are electrically connected by the main movable contact portion 420 (see FIGS. 13 and 15).

[0122] On the other hand, the auxiliary driving part 70 also moves in a direction approaching the head 232 of the iron core 230, so that the push-up part 73 of the auxiliary driving part 70 is lowered downward, and the auxiliary movable contact 621 is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 611. This causes the electrical connection between the auxiliary fixed contact part 610 and the auxiliary movable contact part 620 to be released (see FIGS. 13 and 15). (See FIGS. 12 and 14).

[0123] In this state, when the current to the coil 210 is stopped, the horizontal wall portion 311 of the armature 310 rotates upward (away from the iron core 230) due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 320, and returns to its initial position. In addition, the vertical wall portion 312 rotates backward in response to the upward rotation of the horizontal wall portion 311, and the movable portion 50 rotates backward in response to the backward rotation of the vertical wall portion 312. As a result, the movable contactor 422 held by the movable portion 50 rotates backward so as to move away from the main fixed contact portion 410, and the main movable contact 421 of the movable contactor 422 moves away from the main fixed contact 411 of the main fixed contact portion 410. In this way, the electrical connection between the pair of main fixed contact portions 410, 410 is released.

[0124] On the other hand, auxiliary driving part 70 also moves in a direction away from head 232 of iron core 230, so that leaf spring 6232 is pushed up by push-up part 73 of auxiliary driving part 70 and returns to its initial position. As a result, auxiliary movable contact 621 comes into contact with auxiliary fixed contact 611, and auxiliary fixed contact part 610 and auxiliary movable contact part 620 are electrically connected.

[0125] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the armature 310 is in the initial position, the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 are separated from each other, and the auxiliary movable contact 621 and the auxiliary fixed contact 611 are in contact with each other, which is the second position (see FIGS. 12 and 14). On the other hand, when the armature 310 is in the abutment position, the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 are in contact with each other, and the auxiliary movable contact 621 and the auxiliary fixed contact 611 are in the first position (see FIGS. 13 and 15).

[0126] Therefore, while the coil 210 is not energized, the pair of main fixed contact portions 410, 410 are insulated from each other, and while the coil 210 is energized, the pair of main fixed contact portions 410, 410 are conductive from each other. In this manner, in this embodiment, the main movable contact 421 is configured to be able to reciprocate (rotate) relative to the main fixed contact 411 in the first direction (X direction: front-rear direction) between the first position and the second position.

[0127] On the other hand, during a period when the coil 210 is not energized, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 are insulated, and during a period when the coil 210 is energized, the auxiliary fixed contact portion 610 and the auxiliary movable contact portion 620 are conductive. In this manner, in this embodiment, the auxiliary movable contact 621 is configured to be able to reciprocate (rotate) in the axial direction (Z direction: up and down direction) relative to the auxiliary fixed contact 611 between the first position and the second position.

[0128] Here, when the current to the coil 210 is stopped while the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 are in the first position where they are in contact, the main movable contact 421 starts to move away from the main fixed contact 411, thereby starting the opening process.

[0129] When this contact opening starts, an arc is generated between the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 in the initial stage of the contact opening, and this arc continues the flow of current.

[0130] Therefore, by extending the arc generated between the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 backward in the X direction (front-back direction), the arc generated between the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 is extinguished more reliably and more quickly.

[0131] At this time, the arc generated between the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 is stretched in the space formed between the second side wall 132 and the side wall 1223 of the case 120. Therefore, in this embodiment, the space formed between the second side wall 132 and the side wall 1223 of the case 120 serves as an arc extension space S4 in which the arc is stretched (see FIG. 5).

[0132] Incidentally, if the arc generated between the main movable contact 421 and the main fixed contact 411 is stretched rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction), it is possible to reduce the size of the electromagnetic relay 1. However, when the arc is stretched rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction), consumable powder and the like may scatter rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) together with the stretched arc. In this case, if the space S2 in which the main contact portion 40 is arranged and the space S3 in which the auxiliary contact portion 60 is arranged in the internal space S1 of the housing 10 are connected by a large passage, the auxiliary contact portion 60 may be affected by the consumable powder and the like.

[0133] In this manner, when the space S2 in which the main contact 40 is disposed and the space S3 in which the auxiliary contact 60 is disposed are in complete communication with each other, the auxiliary contact 60 may be affected by wear powder, etc. In particular, in an electromagnetic relay through which a large current flows, the auxiliary contact 60 is significantly affected by wear powder, etc.

[0134] Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when a large current flows through the main contact portion 40, it is possible to more reliably prevent the contact reliability of the auxiliary contact portion 60 from decreasing. Specifically, a partition wall 130 is formed to divide the internal space S1 into a main contact side space S2 in which the main contact portion 40 is present, and an auxiliary contact side space S3 in which the auxiliary contact portion 60 is present. In other words, the main contact side space S2 and the auxiliary contact side space S3 of the internal space S1 can be defined by a continuous portion of the partition wall 130.

[0135] The partition 130 allows the main contact side space S2 in which the main contact 40 is arranged and the auxiliary contact side space S3 in which the auxiliary contact 60 is arranged to communicate with each other via a narrower gap. In other words, the partition 130 prevents the contact side space S2 and the auxiliary contact side space S3 from communicating with each other via a relatively wide gap. This more reliably prevents worn powder and the like generated by the main contact 40 from entering the auxiliary contact side space S3 in which the auxiliary contact 60 is located.

[0136] In this embodiment, the partition 130 has a first side wall 131 that is connected to the base 110 and extends along the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction) on the front side (one side of the first direction intersecting the axial direction) of the coil 210 in the X direction (front-back direction).

[0137] In addition, the partition 130 has a pair of second side walls 132 arranged on both sides in the Y direction (width direction: a second direction intersecting the axial direction of the coil and the first direction) and connected to the base 110 so as to extend along the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction).

[0138] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first side wall 131 and the pair of second side walls 132 for supporting the yoke 240 also function as a partition wall 130 that divides the space into a main contact side space S2 in which the main contact portion 40 is located and an auxiliary contact side space S3 in which the auxiliary contact portion 60 is located.

[0139] In addition, the first side wall 131 is connected to the base 110 so that the main contact portion 40 and the movable portion 50 are located on the front side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) and the auxiliary contact portion 60 and the coil 210 are located on the rear side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) (the other side of the first direction intersecting the axial direction).

[0140] At least a portion of the side surface 210a of the coil 210 is surrounded by the first side wall 131 and the pair of second side walls 132.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition 130 has a pair of third side walls 133 arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and aligned along the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) and along the second side wall 132 (see Figures 16 and 17).

[0142] In this embodiment, the third side wall 133 is formed on the inside of the case 120. Specifically, the third side wall 133 extends from the inner surface of the top wall 121 along the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). The third side wall 133 is formed such that its rear end in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) comes into contact with the inner surface of the rear wall 1222.

[0143] When the case 120 is attached to the base 110, the lower end of the third side wall 133 is arranged outside the second side wall 132 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). At this time, almost no gap is formed between the lower end of the third side wall 133 and the second side wall 132 (see FIG. 18).

[0144] Thus, in this embodiment, the third side wall 133 is provided on the case 120 so as to overlap with the second side wall 132 when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0145] Here, the main contact side space S2 includes an internal space S1 facing the front side surface of the first side wall 131 in the X direction, an internal space S1 facing the outer side surfaces in the Y direction of the pair of second side walls 132, and an internal space S1 facing the outer side surface in the Y direction of the third side wall 133. On the other hand, the auxiliary contact side space S3 includes an internal space S1 facing the rear side surface of the first side wall 131 in the X direction, an internal space S1 facing the inner side surfaces in the Y direction of the pair of second side walls 132, and an internal space S1 facing the inner side surface in the Y direction of the third side wall 133. In addition, in the portion where the second side wall 132 and the third side wall 133 overlap, the internal space S1 facing the outer side surface in the Y direction of one of the second side wall 132 and the third side wall 133 is the main contact side space S2, and the internal space S1 facing the inner side surface in the Y direction of the other is the auxiliary contact side space S3.

[0146] Furthermore, the pair of third side walls 133 are provided at the same height as the contact periphery of the auxiliary contact portion 60 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) with the bottom surface 111a of the base 110 as a reference when the base 110 is positioned below the case 120 (see FIG. 18). That is, the pair of third side walls 133 overlap at least a part of the contact periphery of the auxiliary contact portion 60 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. In this embodiment, the contact periphery is composed of the auxiliary fixed contact 611, the terminal portion 612 (upper end of the upper piece 613 and the side piece 614) around the auxiliary fixed contact 611, the auxiliary movable contact 621 and the upper piece 623 (main body portion 6231 and the leaf spring 6232) movable within the movable range of the leaf spring 6232, and the upper end of the side piece portion 624.

[0147] The contact periphery of the auxiliary contact portion 60 is located at the upper end of the auxiliary contact portion 60. The pair of third side walls 133 are provided at the same height as at least one of the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the auxiliary movable contact 621 in the Z direction with the bottom surface 111a of the base 110 as the reference. The pair of third side walls 133 may be provided higher than the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the Z direction with the bottom surface 111a of the base 110 as the reference.

[0148] In this embodiment, when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction), the entire leaf spring 6232 on which the auxiliary movable contact 621 is provided and the entire upper piece 613 on which the auxiliary fixed contact 611 is provided (terminal portion 612 around the auxiliary fixed contact 611) are arranged to overlap with the third side wall 133. That is, the contact periphery of the auxiliary contact portion 60 (the entire leaf spring 6232 on which the auxiliary movable contact 621 is provided and the upper piece 613 on which the auxiliary fixed contact 611 is provided) is arranged between a pair of third side walls 133 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0149] In this way, the arc extension space S4 and the auxiliary contact side space S3 of the main contact side space S2 are divided by the third side wall 133. This third side wall 133 more reliably prevents consumable powder and the like generated in the main contact portion 40 from entering the auxiliary contact side space S3 through the arc extension space S4.

[0150] In this embodiment, the main contact side space S2 is located above the main contact portion 40 and has a substantially L-shaped space when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction). This space serves as an armature arrangement space S5 in which the armature 310 is arranged (see Figs. 14 and 15). Since the armature 310 is arranged in the armature arrangement space S5 in a state in which it is permitted to swing, a relatively large gap is formed between the armature 310 and the case 120 in the armature arrangement space S5. For this reason, there is a risk that the armature 310 may become misaligned when swinging, or that worn powder generated in the main contact portion 40 may enter the auxiliary contact side space S3 through the relatively large gap formed between the armature 310 and the case 120.

[0151] Therefore, in this embodiment, the partition wall 130 includes a fourth side wall 134 provided on the case 120 so as to protrude downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) with the base 110 positioned below the case 120. The fourth side wall 134 extends in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and faces the armature 310 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fourth side wall 134 is positioned forward (toward the main contact portion 40) in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) of the vertical wall portion (upright portion) 241 of the yoke 240, and has a pressing wall 1341 capable of pressing the armature 310.

[0153] The pressing wall 1341 has a protrusion 1341a formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and a pair of recesses 1341b formed at both ends of the protrusion 1341a in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see Figs. 16 and 17). Furthermore, the pressing wall 1341 has a pair of pressing-wall-side extensions 1341c formed on the outer sides of the pair of recesses 1341b in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). The pair of pressing-wall-side extensions 1341c are formed so that the outer sides in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) come into contact with the inner side surface of the side wall 1223.

[0154] Then, with the case 120 attached to the base 110, the lower end of the protrusion 1341a is inserted into the through hole 313 formed in the armature 310 (see FIG. 20). Furthermore, with the case 120 attached to the base 110, the pair of recesses 1341b face both sides in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) of the through hole 313 in the armature 310 in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). Furthermore, with the case 120 attached to the base 110, the armature 310 is disposed between the pair of pressing wall side extension portions 1341c in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0155] Providing the pressing wall 1341 having such a shape on the case 120 prevents the armature 310 from shifting position when it swings. Also, since the pressing wall 1341 divides the armature arrangement space S5 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), the pressing wall 1341 can more reliably prevent worn powder and the like generated in the main contact portion 40 from entering the auxiliary contact side space S3.

[0156] Furthermore, the fourth side wall 134 is positioned rearward (toward the auxiliary contact portion 60) in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) from the vertical wall portion (upright portion) 241 of the yoke 240, and has a partition wall 1342 capable of dividing the space S5 above the armature 310.

[0157] The main contact side space S2 includes an internal space S1 facing the front side surface in the X direction of the fourth side wall 134 (pressing wall 1341, partition wall 1342). On the other hand, the auxiliary contact side space S3 includes an internal space S1 facing the rear side surface in the X direction of the fourth side wall 134 (pressing wall 1341, partition wall 1342).

[0158] The partition wall 1342 has a recess 1342a formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and a pair of partition wall side extension parts 1342b formed on both ends of the recess 1342a in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The pair of partition wall side extension parts 1342b are formed so that their outer sides in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) are connected to the front end part of the third side wall 133.

[0159] Then, with the case 120 attached to the base 110, the lower end of the recess 1342a faces the armature 310 (the upper surface of the water wall portion 311) in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) (see Figs. 14 and 15). Furthermore, with the case 120 attached to the base 110, the armature 310 is disposed between the pair of partition wall side extension portions 1342b in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0160] Thus, in this embodiment, the partition wall 1342 has the partition wall side extension parts 1342b arranged on both sides of the armature 310 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). Also, in this embodiment, the partition wall side extension parts 1342b have a portion located outside the second side wall 132 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0161] By providing the partition wall 1342 having such a shape in the case 120, the partition wall 1342 can prevent consumable powder and the like that cannot be completely prevented by the retaining wall 1341 from entering the auxiliary contact side space S3.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition 130 has a fifth side wall 135 that extends in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) and is provided on the case 120 so as to be positioned outside the second side wall 134 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0163] In this embodiment, a thick portion 1223a is formed in the center of the side wall 1223 of the case 120 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). A fifth side wall 135 is extended from the center of the thick portion 1223a in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) to protrude inward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). The fifth side wall 135 is extended from the top wall 121 of the case 120 to protrude downward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). When the case 120 is attached to the base 110, the lower end of the fifth side wall 135 is located in the middle between the base portion 111 of the base 110 and the top wall 121 of the case 120.

[0164] The position of the lower end of the fifth side wall 135 may be between the base portion 111 of the base 110 and the top wall 121 of the case 120, and the amount of protrusion of the fifth side wall 135 from the top wall 121 can be set appropriately. However, it is preferable that the amount of protrusion of the fifth side wall 135 from the top wall 121 is set to an amount such that a space that linearly communicates from the main contact portion 40 to the auxiliary contact side space S3 is not formed in the arc extension space S4. In other words, it is preferable that the shortest route from the main contact portion 40 through the arc extension space S4 to the auxiliary contact side space S3 is a broken line when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction). In this way, in order for consumable powder generated in the main contact portion 40 to enter the auxiliary contact side space S3, it is necessary to change direction at least once. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the intrusion of consumable powder generated in the main contact portion 40 into the auxiliary contact side space S3.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fifth side wall 135 is integrally formed with the third side wall 133 and the partition wall side extension portion 1342b. Specifically, the fifth side wall 135, the third side wall 133, and the partition wall side extension portion 1342b are integrally formed.

[0166] By providing the fifth side wall 135 having such a shape, the arc extension space S4 is divided in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction), so that the fifth side wall 135 can more reliably prevent worn powder and the like generated in the main contact portion 40 from entering the auxiliary contact side space S3.

[0167] In this embodiment, the main contact side space S2 includes an internal space S1 facing the front side surface of the fifth side wall 135 in the X direction. On the other hand, the auxiliary contact side space S3 includes an internal space S1 facing the rear side surface of the fifth side wall 135 in the X direction.

[0168] In this embodiment, the second side wall 132 has an extension portion 1321 extending outward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). The extension portion 1321 is provided so as to extend from the rear end of the second side wall 132 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). In this embodiment, the extension portion 1321 is formed from the lower end to the upper end side (midway to the upper end) of the second side wall 132. That is, the extension portion 1321 is provided continuously with the second side wall 132 in a state in which the upper end of the second side wall 132 protrudes upward beyond the upper end of the extension portion 1321 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0169] In this embodiment, the lower end of the third side wall 133 is located near the upper end of the extending portion 1321. In this way, the third side wall 133 is provided on the case 120 so as to overlap with the second side wall 132 when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and to overlap with the extending portion 1321 of the second side wall 132 when viewed from the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction).

[0170] The fifth side wall 135 is provided on the case 120 so as to overlap the extending portion 1321 of the second side wall 132 when viewed from the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) (see FIG. 21).

[0171] Here, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the auxiliary contact terminals (the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622) coming off the coil bobbin 220 and rotation.

[0172] Specifically, a press-fit portion 224 is formed in the coil bobbin 220, and the side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fit and held by this press-fit portion 224 (see Figures 23 and 24).

[0173] In this embodiment, a pair of press-fit portions 224 are formed on both ends in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) on the rear side in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the coil bobbin 220. The side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 is press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 on one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 is press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 on the other side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0174] In this embodiment, each press-fit portion 224 has a groove portion 2241 into which the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is inserted. The groove portion 2241 has an opening 2241a into which the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is press-fitted, a restriction wall 2241b formed around the opening 2241a so as to face the side piece 614 or the side piece 624, and a pressure contact portion 2241c that sandwiches and presses the side piece 614 or the side piece 624.

[0175] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the pair of press-fit portions 224 includes an upper press-fit portion (first press-fit portion) 225 provided in the upper flange portion 222 of the coil bobbin 220, and a lower press-fit portion (second press-fit portion) 226 provided in the lower flange portion 223 of the coil bobbin 220. The side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 is press-fitted and held in the upper press-fit portion 225 and the lower press-fit portion 226 formed on one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 is press-fitted and held in the upper press-fit portion 225 and the lower press-fit portion 226 formed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0176] The upper press-fit portions 225 are formed in a pair of extension portions 2222 that are connected to the rear end portion in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the upper flange main body 2221 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction) and upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) (see FIGS. 23 and 24). A first side piece 6141 of the side piece 614 is press-fitted and held in one upper press-fit portion 225, and a first side piece 6241 of the side piece 624 is press-fitted and held in the other upper press-fit portion 225.

[0177] In this embodiment, a pair of upper grooves 2251 are formed in each of the pair of upper press-fitting portions 225 in a state of being spaced apart in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) (see FIG. 25). Each upper groove 2251 is formed so as to open only to the outside in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the opening of the upper groove 2251 that opens in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is the upper opening 2251a of the upper press-fitting portion 225. The first side piece 6141 and the first side piece 6241 are press-fitted from the opening (upper opening 2251a) that opens only to the outside in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) of the upper groove 2251.

[0178] Specifically, each upper groove portion 2251 has an upper opening 2251a, an upper regulating wall 2251b formed around the upper opening 2251a so as to face the side piece 614 or the side piece 624, and an upper pressure contact portion 2251c that clamps and presses against the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 (see Figures 25 and 26).

[0179] On the other hand, at both ends of the first side piece 6141 in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction), a press-in piece 6141a protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is provided, and at both ends of the first side piece 6241 in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction), a press-in piece 6241a protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is provided (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0180] Then, by pressing a pair of press-in pieces 6141a into a pair of upper groove portions 2251 formed in one of the upper press-in portions 225 from the upper openings 2251a, the first side piece 6141 of the side piece 614 is pressed and held in one of the upper press-in portions 225 (see Figure 27).

[0181] At this time, the press-fit piece 6141a is sandwiched and pressed by the upper press-fitting portion 2251c formed on the inner surface of the upper groove 2251. This restricts the relative movement of the side piece 614 (first auxiliary contact terminal 612) held by the upper press-fitting portion 225 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) with respect to the coil bobbin 220. Furthermore, the upper restricting wall 2251b formed around the upper groove 2251 restricts the rotation of the side piece 614 (first auxiliary contact terminal 612) with respect to the coil bobbin 220 and the movement in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0182] Similarly, a pair of press-in pieces 6241a are pressed into a pair of upper groove portions 2251 formed in the other upper press-in portion 225 from the upper openings 2251a, so that the first side piece 6241 of the side piece 624 is pressed and held in the other upper press-in portion 225.

[0183] At this time, the press-fit piece 6241a is sandwiched and pressed by the upper press-fitting portion 2251c formed on the inner surface of the upper groove 2251. This restricts the relative movement of the side piece 624 (second auxiliary contact terminal 622) held by the upper press-fitting portion 225 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) with respect to the coil bobbin 220. Furthermore, the upper restricting wall 2251b formed around the upper groove 2251 restricts the rotation of the side piece 624 (second auxiliary contact terminal 622) with respect to the coil bobbin 220 and the movement in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0184] In this embodiment, each upper opening 2251a has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction), and each upper groove 2251 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An upper regulating wall 2251b is formed so as to surround the periphery of the rectangular upper opening 2251a (rectangular parallelepiped upper groove 2251). Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper regulating wall 2251b has a vertical wall portion that faces the side piece 614 and the side piece 624 in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction), and a horizontal wall portion that faces the side piece 614 and the side piece 624 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0185] Meanwhile, the lower press-fit portions 226 are formed in a pair of extending portions 2232 that are connected to the rear end side in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) of the lower flange main body 2231 so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see FIGS. 23 and 24). The second side piece 6143 of the side piece 614 is press-fitted and held in one lower press-fit portion 226, and the second side piece 6243 of the side piece 624 is press-fitted and held in the other lower press-fit portion 226.

[0186] In this embodiment, one lower groove 2261 is formed in each of the pair of lower press-fitting portions 226 (see FIG. 25). Each lower groove 2261 is formed so as to open only to the outside in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the opening of this lower groove 2261 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is the lower opening 2261a of the lower press-fitting portion 226. The second side piece 6143 and the second side piece 6243 are press-fitted from the opening (lower opening 2261a) of the lower groove 2261 that opens only to the outside in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0187] Specifically, each lower groove portion 2261 has a lower opening 2261a, a lower regulating wall 2261b formed around the lower opening 2261a so as to face side piece 614 or side piece 624, and a lower pressure contact portion 2261c that clamps and presses against side piece 614 or side piece 624 (see Figures 25 and 28).

[0188] On the other hand, a press-in piece 6143a protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is provided at the lower end of the front end side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) of the second side piece 6143, and a press-in piece 6243a protruding inward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is provided at the lower end of the front end side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) of the second side piece 6243 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0189] Then, by pressing the press-in piece 6143a into the lower groove portion 2261 formed in one of the lower press-in portions 226 through the lower opening 2261a, the second side piece 6143 of the side piece 614 is pressed and held in one of the lower press-in portions 226 (see FIG. 29).

[0190] At this time, the press-fit piece 6143a is sandwiched and pressed by the lower press-fitting portion 2261c formed on the inner surface of the lower groove portion 2261. This restricts the relative movement of the side piece 614 (first auxiliary contact terminal 612) held by the lower press-fitting portion 226 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) with respect to the coil bobbin 220. Furthermore, the lower restricting wall 2261b formed around the lower groove portion 2261 restricts the rotation of the side piece 614 (first auxiliary contact terminal 612) with respect to the coil bobbin 220 and the movement in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0191] Similarly, by pressing the press-in piece 6243a into the lower groove portion 2261 formed in the other lower press-in portion 226 from the lower opening 2261a, the second side piece 6243 of the side piece 624 is pressed and held in the other lower press-in portion 226.

[0192] At this time, the press-fit piece 6243a is sandwiched and pressed by the lower press-fitting portion 2261c formed on the inner surface of the lower groove 2261. This restricts the relative movement of the side piece 624 (second auxiliary contact terminal 622) held by the lower press-fitting portion 226 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) with respect to the coil bobbin 220. Furthermore, the lower restricting wall 2261b formed around the lower groove 2261 restricts the rotation of the side piece 624 (second auxiliary contact terminal 622) with respect to the coil bobbin 220 and the movement in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0193] In this embodiment, each lower opening 2261a has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction), and each lower groove 2261 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A lower regulating wall 2261b is formed so as to surround the rectangular lower opening 2261a (rectangular parallelepiped lower groove 2261). Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower regulating wall 2261b has a vertical wall portion that faces the side piece 614 and the side piece 624 in the X direction (front-back direction), and a horizontal wall portion that faces the side piece 614 and the side piece 624 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0194] In this manner, in this embodiment, a pair of press-fit pieces 6141a formed on the first side piece 6141 are pressed into a pair of upper groove portions 2251 respectively, while one press-fit piece 6143a formed on the second side piece 6143 is pressed into the lower groove portion 2261 respectively, so that the side piece 614 is pressed and held in the press-fit portion 224 (upper press-fit portion 225 and lower press-fit portion 226).

[0195] Meanwhile, a pair of press-fit pieces 6241a formed on the first side piece 6241 are pressed into a pair of upper groove portions 2251 respectively, while one press-fit piece 6243a formed on the second side piece 6243 is pressed into the lower groove portion 2261 respectively, so that the side piece 624 is pressed and held in the press-fit portion 224 (upper press-fit portion 225 and lower press-fit portion 226).

[0196] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper opening 2251a and the lower opening 2261a form the opening 2241a, the upper restricting wall 2251b and the lower restricting wall 2261b form the restricting wall 2241b, and the upper press-contact portion 2251c and the lower press-contact portion 2261c form the press-contact portion 2241c. That is, the upper groove portion 2251 and the lower groove portion 2261 form the groove portion 2241, and the upper press-fit portion 225 and the lower press-fit portion 226 form the press-fit portion 224.

[0197] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side piece 614 and the side piece 624 are arranged so as to overlap with the second side wall 132 when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction). Specifically, the second side piece 6143 of the side piece 614 and the second side piece 6243 of the side piece 624 are arranged so as to overlap with the second side wall 132 when viewed from the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0198] In this manner, the amount of relative movement of the side piece 614 (terminal 612 for first auxiliary contact) and the side piece 624 (terminal 622 for second auxiliary contact) with respect to the coil bobbin 220 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) is regulated by the second side wall 132.

[0199] In this embodiment, a gap S6 is formed between the second side piece 6143 or the second side piece 6243 and the second side wall 132 (see FIG. 18). This makes it easier to place the coil bobbin 220, into which the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 or the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 is press-fitted and held, on the base 110.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 19, it is also possible to prevent the gap S6 from being formed between the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 and the second side wall 132.

[0201] Second embodiment As shown in Figs. 30 to 33, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0202] That is, the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment has a housing 10, a main fixed contact 411, and a main movable contact 421 that contacts and separates with the main fixed contact 411, and is equipped with a main contact portion 40 that is arranged in an internal space S1 formed within the housing 10.

[0203] The auxiliary contact section 60 is disposed in the internal space S1 and has an auxiliary fixed contact 611 and an auxiliary movable contact 621 that comes into contact with and separates from the auxiliary fixed contact 611. The auxiliary contact section 60 is provided with a first auxiliary contact terminal 612 on which the auxiliary fixed contact 611 is provided, and a second auxiliary contact terminal 622 on which the auxiliary movable contact 621 is provided.

[0204] Furthermore, it includes a coil 210 arranged in the internal space S1, a coil bobbin 220 around which the coil 210 is wound, and a coil terminal 250 arranged on one side (lower side) of the coil 210 in the axial direction (Z direction) and to which the coil 210 is connected.

[0205] Moreover, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment also includes a partition wall 130 that divides the internal space S1 into a main contact side space S2 in which the main contact portion 40 is located, and an auxiliary contact side space S3 in which the auxiliary contact portion 60 is located.

[0206] The partition 130 has a first side wall 131 that is connected to the base 110 and extends along the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction) on the front side (one side of the first direction intersecting the axial direction) of the coil 210 in the X direction (front-back direction).

[0207] In addition, the partition 130 has a pair of second side walls 132 arranged on both sides in the Y direction (width direction: a second direction intersecting the axial direction of the coil and the first direction) and connected to the base 110 so as to extend along the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction).

[0208] The first side wall 131 is connected to the base 110 so that the main contact portion 40 and the movable portion 50 are located on the front side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) and the auxiliary contact portion 60 and the coil 210 are located on the rear side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) (the other side of the first direction that intersects with the axial direction).

[0209] Moreover, the first side wall 131 and the pair of second side walls 132 surround at least a portion of the side surface 210a of the coil 210.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition 130 has a pair of third side walls 133 arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and aligned along the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) and along the second side walls 132.

[0211] In this embodiment as well, the third side wall 133 is formed on the inside of the case 120 (see FIGS. 34 and 35). Specifically, the third side wall 133 extends from the inner surface of the top wall 121 along the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). The third side wall 133 is formed such that its rear end in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) comes into contact with the inner surface of the rear wall 1222.

[0212] Furthermore, when the base 110 is positioned below the case 120, the pair of third side walls 133 are provided at the same height as the contact peripheral portion of the auxiliary contact portion 60 in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction) with the bottom surface 111a of the base 110 as the reference (see Figure 36).

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, the partition wall 130 includes a fourth side wall 134 provided on the case 120 so as to protrude downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) with the base 110 positioned below the case 120 (see FIGS. 34 and 35). The fourth side wall 134 extends in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and faces the armature 310 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0214] In addition, the fourth side wall 134 is positioned forward (toward the main contact portion 40) in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) of the vertical wall portion (upright portion) 241 of the yoke 240, and has a pressing wall 1341 capable of pressing the armature 310.

[0215] The pressing wall 1341 has a protrusion 1341a formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and a pair of recesses 1341b formed on both ends of the protrusion 1341a in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see Figs. 34 and 35). Furthermore, the pressing wall 1341 has a pair of pressing-wall-side extensions 1341c formed on the outer sides of the pair of recesses 1341b in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0216] In addition, the fourth side wall 134 is arranged rearward (toward the auxiliary contact portion 60) in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) from the vertical wall portion (upright portion) 241 of the yoke 240, and has a partition wall 1342 capable of dividing the space S5 above the armature 310.

[0217] This partition wall 1342 has a recess 1342a formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and a pair of partition wall side extension portions 1342b formed on both ends of the recess 1342a in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) (see Figures 34 and 35).

[0218] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition 130 also has a fifth side wall 135 that extends in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) and is provided on the case 120 so as to be positioned outside the second side wall 134 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0219] Also in this embodiment, the fifth side wall 135 extends so as to protrude downward in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction) from the top wall 121 of the case 120. Furthermore, also in this embodiment, the fifth side wall 135 is formed integrally with the third side wall 133 and the partition wall side extension portion 1342b.

[0220] Also in this embodiment, the second side wall 132 has an extending portion 1321 extending outward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction). This extending portion 1321 is provided so as to extend from the rear end of the second side wall 132 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction). The extending portion 1321 is formed from the lower end to the upper end side (halfway to the upper end) of the second side wall 132 (see FIGS. 32 and 33).

[0221] In this embodiment, an auxiliary terminal insertion wall 140 into which the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are inserted is formed at the rear end of the extension portion 1321 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) of the base 110 (see FIGS. 32 and 33). The auxiliary terminal insertion wall 140 includes an extension wall 141 that is connected to the rear end of the second side wall 132 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and extends rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), an opposing wall 142 that is disposed outside the extension wall 141 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and faces the extension wall 141 in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and a pair of connecting walls 143 that connect the extension wall 141 and the opposing wall. A space surrounded by the extension wall 141, the opposing wall, and the pair of connecting walls 143 serves as an insertion space 140a that opens in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction).

[0222] Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, a press-fit portion 224 is formed in the coil bobbin 220, and this press-fit portion 224 is adapted to press-fit and hold the side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 (see Figures 37 to 39).

[0223] In this embodiment as well, a pair of press-fit portions 224 are formed on both ends in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) on the rear side in the X direction (front-rear direction) of the coil bobbin 220. The side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 is press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 on one side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction), and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 is press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 on the other side in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0224] The press-fit portions 224 are formed in a pair of extended portions 2222 that are connected to the rear portion of the upper flange main body 2221 in the X direction (front-rear direction) so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) and upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) (see FIGS. 38 and 39). The side piece 614 is press-fitted and held in one of the press-fit portions 224, and the side piece 624 is press-fitted and held in the other press-fit portion 224.

[0225] A groove 2241 into which the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is inserted is formed in each of the pair of press-fitting portions 224. The groove 2241 includes an opening 2241a into which the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is press-fitted, a restriction wall 2241b formed around the opening 2241a so as to face the side piece 614 or the side piece 624, and a pressure contact portion 2241c that sandwiches and presses the side piece 614 or the side piece 624.

[0226] Here, in this embodiment, each groove 2241 is formed so as to open on both sides in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil), and the openings opening on both sides in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil) of this groove 2241 are openings 2241a provided in the press-fit portion 224. Then, the side pieces 614 and the side pieces 624 are inserted from the openings 2241a opening on the upper side in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil) of the groove 2241, and are press-fitted and held.

[0227] Specifically, the press-fit portion 224 includes a top wall 2242 and a bottom wall 2243 located below the top wall 2242 and facing the top wall 2242 in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil) (see FIGS. 42 and 43). The press-fit portion 224 also includes a front wall 2244 connected to the front ends of the top wall 2242 and the bottom wall 2243, a rear wall 2245 connected to the rear ends of the top wall 2242 and the bottom wall 2243, and a pair of side walls 2246 connected to the side ends of the top wall 2242 and the bottom wall 2243, respectively.

[0228] Then, inside this press-fitting portion 224, a groove portion 2241 is formed so as to penetrate in the Z direction (vertical direction: axial direction of the coil) (see FIG. 47). In this way, an upper opening 2242a is formed in the top wall 2242, and a lower opening 2243a is formed in the bottom wall 2243. The upper opening 2242a and the lower opening 2243a become the opening 2241a of the groove portion 2241.

[0229] In addition, a lower regulating wall 2243b is formed behind the lower opening 2243a in the bottom wall 2243 in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction), and when side piece 614 or side piece 624 is inserted from above in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil), this lower regulating wall 2243b regulates the downward movement of side piece 614 or side piece 624 in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) (see Figures 47 and 48).

[0230] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the press-fit portion 224 is provided at its rear end in the X-direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and includes a protruding wall 2247 that protrudes rearward in the X-direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and upward in the Z-direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) (see FIGS. 42 to 44).

[0231] A space is formed inside this protruding wall 2247, and this space is formed so as to be open in three directions by an upper opening 2247a, a side opening 2247b, and a lower opening 2247c. Furthermore, the side opening 2247b is formed so that its upper end is connected to the upper opening 2247a and its lower end is connected to an upper opening 2242a formed in the top wall 2242.

[0232] In this embodiment, the groove portion 2241 is formed so as to open also rearward (toward the rear wall 2245) in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). That is, a side opening 2245a is formed in the rear wall 2245 (see FIGS. 43 and 44). The front end of the lower opening 2247c of the protruding wall 2247 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) is formed so as to be continuous with the side opening 2245a formed in the rear wall 2245.

[0233] In this manner, in this embodiment, inside the protruding wall 2247, a space that is open on three sides and communicates with the groove portion 2241 is formed.

[0234] The space present behind the groove 2241 in the X-direction (front-rear direction: first direction) is an insertion assist space 2241d that assists the insertion of the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 (see FIG. 47). That is, in this embodiment, the press-fit portion 224 is provided with the groove 2241 into which the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is inserted and held by press-fitting, and an insertion assist space 2241d that communicates with the groove 2241 and assists the insertion of the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 into the groove 2241.

[0235] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the press-fitting portion 224 has an accommodating recess 2241e that communicates with the groove 2241 so as to protrude forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), and when the side piece 614 or the side piece 624 is press-fitted and held in the press-fitting portion 224, the tip 6142b of the connecting portion 6142 or the tip 6242b of the connecting portion 6242 is accommodated in this accommodating recess 2241e (see FIGS. 47 and 48). In this embodiment, the accommodating recess 2241e is formed so as to open only rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). That is, the accommodating recess 2241e is closed on both sides in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil), the front in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction), and both sides in the Y direction (width direction: second direction) by the top wall 2242, the bottom wall 2243, the front wall 2244, and the pair of side walls 2246.

[0236] The side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 having such a shape.

[0237] In this embodiment, the side piece 614 has a protrusion 6142a that is spaced apart from the upper piece 613 forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) and protrudes upward in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) beyond the press-fit portion 224 (see Figures 40 and 41).

[0238] This protruding portion 6142a is connected to a portion located forward of the first side piece 6141 of the connecting portion 6142 extending in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The upper end of the protruding portion 6142a is located above the upper piece 613 (the upper end of the first side piece 6141) (see FIG. 48).

[0239] In this way, by positioning the upper end of the protrusion 6142a above the upper piece 613 (the upper end of the first side piece 6141), it is possible to more easily hold and move the protrusion 6142a or press the upper end of the protrusion 6142a. In other words, by holding and moving the protrusion 6142a or pressing the upper end of the protrusion 6142a, the side piece 614 inserted into the press-fitting portion 224 can be relatively moved forward in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction). In this way, the side piece 614 can be press-fitted and held in the press-fitting portion 224 simply by holding and moving the protrusion 6142a or pressing the upper end of the protrusion 6142a.

[0240] In addition, the connecting portion 6142 of the side piece 614 is formed so that the tip portion 6142b protrudes forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction), and when the side piece 614 is pressed into and held in the press-in portion 224, this tip portion 6142b is accommodated in the accommodating recess 2241e (see Figures 40, 41 and 48).

[0241] Similarly, the side piece 624 also has a protrusion 6242a that is spaced forward in the X-direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) from the upper piece 623 and protrudes upward in the Z-direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) beyond the press-fit portion 224 (see Figures 40 and 41).

[0242] This protruding portion 6242a is also connected to a portion located forward of the first side piece 6241 of the connecting portion 6242 extending in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction). The upper end of the protruding portion 6242a is located above the upper piece 623 (the upper end of the first side piece 6241) (see FIG. 48).

[0243] In this way, by positioning the upper end of the protrusion 6242a above the upper piece 623 (the upper end of the first side piece 6241), it is possible to more easily hold and move the protrusion 6242a or to push the upper end of the protrusion 6242a. In other words, by holding and moving the protrusion 6242a or pushing the upper end of the protrusion 6242a, the side piece 624 inserted into the press-fitting portion 224 can be relatively moved forward in the X direction (front-back direction: first direction). In this way, it is possible to more easily press-fit and hold the side piece 624 in the press-fitting portion 224 by simply holding and moving the protrusion 6242a or pushing the upper end of the protrusion 6242a.

[0244] In addition, the connecting portion 6242 of the side piece 624 is formed so that the tip portion 6242b protrudes forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction), and when the side piece 624 is pressed into and held in the press-in portion 224, this tip portion 6242b is accommodated in the accommodating recess 2241e (see Figures 40, 41 and 48).

[0245] The side piece 614 of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the side piece 624 of the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be press-fitted and held in the press-fit portion 224 having such a shape by, for example, the following method.

[0246] First, the side pieces 614, 624 are inserted from above into the groove 2241 of the press-fitting portion 224 with the connecting pieces 615, 625 positioned downward. At this time, the rear sides of the side pieces 614, 624 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) are inserted into the insertion assistance space 2241d. In this way, the side pieces 614, 624 can be inserted into the groove 2241 without causing the tip ends 6142b, 6242b of the connecting portions 6142, 6242 to interfere with the top wall 2242.

[0247] Then, when the side pieces 614, 624 inserted from above into the groove 2241 of the press-fitting portion 224 are moved further downward, the portions (lower ends of the connecting portions 6142, 6242) of the side pieces 614, 624 facing the lower restriction wall 2243b in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) come into contact with the upper surface of the lower restriction wall 2243b. In this way, further downward movement of the side pieces 614, 624 is restricted by the lower restriction wall 2243b.

[0248] Next, the side pieces 614, 624 are moved forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction) by holding the protrusion 6242a, or the upper end of the protrusion 6242a is pressed to move the side pieces 614, 624 forward in the X direction (front-to-back direction: first direction).

[0249] As a result, the tip portions 6142b, 6242b of the connecting portions 6142, 6242 are accommodated in the accommodating recess 2241e, and the side pieces 614, 624 are press-fitted into the press-fit portion 224 and held therein.

[0250] At this time, the front parts of the connecting parts 6142, 6242 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) are sandwiched and pressed by the pressing parts 2241c formed on the inner surface of the groove part 2241. This restricts the relative movement of the side pieces 614, 624 held by the press-fitting part 224 in the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) with respect to the coil bobbin 220.

[0251] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restricting wall 2241b is formed to face the side pieces 614, 624 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and the Y direction (width direction: second direction). Therefore, the rotation of the side pieces 614, 624 relative to the coil bobbin 220 and the movement in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction (up-down direction: axial direction of the coil) are restricted by this restricting wall 2241b.

[0252] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has a protrusion 120a that protrudes in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) and faces the press-fit portion 224.

[0253] The protrusions 120a are formed on the inside of the case 120 (see FIGS. 34 and 35). Specifically, the protrusions 120a are formed so as to protrude forward in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) from the rear end of the top wall 121 to the upper end of the rear wall 1222, and a pair of the protrusions 120a are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction: second direction).

[0254] The pair of protrusions 120a are formed on the inside of the case 120 between the pair of press-fitting portions 224 so as to face the upper pieces 613, 623 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) when the case 120 is attached to the base 110 (see FIG. 36). By providing such protrusions 120a, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 in the X direction (front-rear direction: first direction) relative to the coil bobbin 220.

[0255] Such an electromagnetic relay 1 can achieve substantially the same functions and effects as the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0256] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the electromagnetic relays shown in the above embodiments and their modified examples, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0257] (1) The electromagnetic relay 1 shown in each of the above embodiments and the modified examples includes a housing 10, a main contact unit 40 having a main fixed contact 411 and a main movable contact 421 that comes into contact with and separates from the main fixed contact 411, and disposed in an internal space S1 formed in the housing 10. The electromagnetic relay 1 also includes an auxiliary contact unit 60 having an auxiliary fixed contact 611 and an auxiliary movable contact 621 that comes into contact with and separates from the auxiliary fixed contact 611, and disposed in the internal space S1, and a coil 210 disposed in the internal space S1. The electromagnetic relay 1 also includes a coil bobbin 220 around which the coil 210 is wound, and a coil terminal 250 that is disposed below (one side of) the coil 210 in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction) and to which the coil 210 is connected.

[0258] The auxiliary contact section 60 also includes a first auxiliary contact terminal 612 on which an auxiliary fixed contact 611 is provided, and a second auxiliary contact terminal 622 on which an auxiliary movable contact 621 is provided.

[0259] Here, the main fixed contact 411 and the main movable contact 421 of the main contact unit 40 are disposed on the front side (one side) of the axis of the coil 210 in a first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) that intersects with the axial direction.

[0260] On the other hand, the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the auxiliary movable contact 621 of the auxiliary contact unit 60 are disposed on the rear side (the other side) in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) of the axis of the coil 210. Furthermore, the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the auxiliary movable contact 621 are disposed on the upper end side in the axial direction of the coil 210 in a state in which the coil 210 is disposed so that the axial direction extends in the up-down direction.

[0261] At least one of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 includes an upper piece, a side piece, and a connection piece.

[0262] In the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in each of the above-described embodiments and the modified examples thereof, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 each include an upper piece, a side piece, and a connection piece.

[0263] That is, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 includes an upper piece 613 extending in a second direction (width direction: Y direction) intersecting the axial direction and the first direction at the upper end side of the coil 210, and having either one of the auxiliary fixed contact 611 and the auxiliary movable contact 621, a side piece 614 connected to the upper piece 613 so as to extend downward from the upper piece 613 in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction) and arranged to the side of the coil 210 in the second direction (width direction: Y direction), and a connection piece 615 connected to the side piece 614 and protruding downward (outward) from the housing 10.

[0264] On the other hand, the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 includes an upper piece 623 which extends in a second direction (width direction: Y direction) intersecting the axial direction and the first direction at the upper end side of the coil 210 and has either an auxiliary fixed contact 611 or an auxiliary movable contact 621, a side piece 624 which is connected to the upper piece 623 so as to extend downward from the upper piece 623 in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction) and is positioned to the side of the coil 210 in the second direction (width direction: Y direction), and a connection piece 625 which is connected to the side piece 624 and protrudes downward (outward) from the housing 10.

[0265] The side pieces 614, 624 are press-fitted into press-fit portions 224 formed in the coil bobbin 220, and the press-fit portion 224 has an opening 2241a into which the side pieces 614, 624 are press-fitted, and a regulating wall 2241b formed around the opening 2241a so as to face the side pieces 614, 624.

[0266] In this way, by press-fitting the side pieces 614, 624 into the press-fit portion 224, it is possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from coming off the coil bobbin 220. In other words, it is possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from being displaced in the press-fitting direction relative to the coil bobbin 220.

[0267] Furthermore, by providing the restricting wall 2241b in the press-fit portion 224, it becomes possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from rotating by the restricting wall 2241b. In other words, it becomes possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from shifting in position in a direction perpendicular to the press-fitting direction into the coil bobbin 220.

[0268] As a result, it becomes possible to maintain better contact between the auxiliary contacts (auxiliary fixed contact 611 and auxiliary movable contact 621), and it becomes possible to more reliably prevent a decrease in the contact reliability of the auxiliary contacts (auxiliary fixed contact 611 and auxiliary movable contact 621).

[0269] In this way, according to each of the above embodiments and their modified examples, an electromagnetic relay 1 can be obtained that can more reliably prevent the contact reliability of the auxiliary contacts (auxiliary fixed contact 611 and auxiliary movable contact 621) from decreasing.

[0270] (2) Furthermore, the opening 2241a may be open in the second direction (width direction: Y direction), and the regulating wall 2241b may face the side pieces 614, 624 in the first direction (front-back direction: X direction) and the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction).

[0271] In this way, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be moved relative to the coil bobbin 220 in the second direction (width direction: Y direction) and pressed into the press-fit portion 224, making it easier to press the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 into the press-fit portion 224.

[0272] (3) The press-fit portion 224 may also have a press-contact portion 2241c that sandwiches and presses the side pieces 614, 624 together.

[0273] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from coming off the coil bobbin 220 while simplifying the configuration.

[0274] (4) The side pieces 614, 624 may also include a first side piece 6141, 6241 connected to the upper pieces 613, 623, a second side piece 6143, 6243 connected to the connecting piece 615, 625 and positioned at a position offset in the first direction (front-to-back direction: X direction) from the first side piece 6141, 6241, and a connecting portion 6142, 6242 connecting the first side piece 6141, 6241 and the second side piece 6143, 6243.

[0275] In this way, the length of the straight portions of the side pieces 614, 624 can be made shorter than that of straight side pieces, so that deformation of the side pieces 614, 624 can be more reliably prevented when the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are pressed into the press-fit portion 224.

[0276] (5) The press-fit portion 244 may have an upper opening 2251a opening in the second direction (width direction: Y direction) and an upper regulating wall 2251b facing the side pieces 614, 624 in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) and the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction), and may include a first press-fit portion 225 provided in the upper flange portion (upper brim portion) 222 of the coil bobbin 220. The press-fit portion 224 may have a lower opening 2261a opening in the second direction (width direction: Y direction) and a lower regulating wall 2261b facing the side pieces 614, 624 in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) and the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction), and may include a second press-fit portion 226 provided in the lower flange portion (lower brim portion) 223 of the coil bobbin 220.

[0277] In this way, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be attached more firmly to the coil bobbin 220, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from coming off the coil bobbin 220. Furthermore, if the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fitted and fixed by the first press-fit portion 225 and the second press-fit portion 226, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from rotating.

[0278] (6) Furthermore, the opening 2241a may be open in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction), and the regulating wall 2241b may face the side pieces 614, 624 in the first direction (front-back direction: X direction) and the second direction (width direction: Y direction).

[0279] In this way, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be moved relative to the coil bobbin 220 in the axial direction (up and down direction: Z direction) and pressed into the press-fit portion 224, making it easier to press the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 into the press-fit portion 224.

[0280] (7) The press-fit portion 224 may also have a press-contact portion 2241c that sandwiches and presses the side pieces 614, 624 together.

[0281] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from coming off the coil bobbin 220 while simplifying the configuration.

[0282] (8) The press-fit portion 224 may also have a lower restriction wall 2243b that faces the side pieces 614, 624 in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction).

[0283] This makes it possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from being misaligned downward (to one side in the press-fitting direction) relative to the coil bobbin 220. Therefore, even if the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fitted into the press-fit portion 224 that penetrates in the vertical direction, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from moving downward and coming off the coil bobbin 220.

[0284] (9) The press-fit portion 224 may have a side opening 2245a that opens in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) and faces the side pieces 614, 624.

[0285] In this way, a gap can be formed on the first direction (front-back direction: X direction) side of the side pieces 614, 624 in the press-fitting portion 224. By forming such a gap, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 inserted into the press-fitting portion 224 can be moved in the first direction (front-back direction: X direction) relative to the coil bobbin 220 and press-fitted and fixed in the press-fitting portion 224. As a result, when the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 224, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be positioned in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction) with higher accuracy.

[0286] (10) The housing 10 may have a protrusion 120a that protrudes in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction) and faces the upper pieces 613,623.

[0287] In this way, it is possible to prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from being misaligned with respect to the coil bobbin 220.

[0288] (11) In addition, the side pieces 614, 624 may include a first side piece 6141, 6241 connected to the upper piece 613, 623, a second side piece 6143, 6243 connected to the connecting piece 615, 625 and positioned at a position offset in the first direction (front-to-back direction: X direction) from the first side piece 6141, 6241, and a connecting portion 6142, 6242 connecting the first side piece 6141, 6241 and the second side piece 6143, 6243.

[0289] In this way, the length of the straight portions of the side pieces 614, 624 can be made shorter than that of straight side pieces, so that deformation of the side pieces 614, 624 can be more reliably prevented when the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are pressed into the press-fit portion 224.

[0290] (12) Furthermore, the side pieces 614, 624 may have protrusions 6142a, 6242a that are spaced apart from the upper pieces 613, 623 and protrude from the press-fit portion 224 in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction).

[0291] In this way, by pressing the protruding portions 6142a, 6242a, the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 can be press-fitted into the press-fit portion 224. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of the upper pieces 613, 623 when the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are press-fitted into the press-fit portion 224. In other words, it is possible to press-fit the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 into the press-fit portion 224 while suppressing deformation of the upper pieces 613, 623.

[0292] (13) The housing 10 may also include a first side wall 131 and a second side wall 132 disposed in the internal space S1 and protruding in the axial direction (up-down direction: Z direction). The first side wall 131 may be disposed between the coil 210 and the main contact portion 40 so as to face the side surface 210a of the coil 210 in the first direction (front-rear direction: X direction). The second side wall 132 may be disposed so as to face the side surface 210a of the coil 210 in the second direction (width direction: Y direction). Furthermore, at least a part of the side surface 210a of the coil 210 may be surrounded by the first side wall 131 and the second side wall 132. The side pieces 614, 624 may be disposed so as to overlap the second side wall 132 when viewed from the second direction (width direction: Y direction).

[0293] In this way, it becomes possible to restrict misalignment of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 (reduce the amount of misalignment of the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 in the second direction) by the second side wall 132. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 from coming off the coil bobbin 220.

[0294] [others] Although the electromagnetic relay according to the present disclosure has been described above, it is not limited to the description, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0295] For example, it is possible to appropriately combine the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples.

[0296] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments and the modified examples, the auxiliary contact unit 60 is in the OFF state when the main contact unit 40 is in the ON state, but it is also possible for the auxiliary contact unit 60 to be in the ON state when the main contact unit 40 is in the ON state. In this case, the main contact unit 40 and the auxiliary contact unit 60 can be so-called normally closed contact units whose contacts are ON in the initial state, or the main contact unit 40 and the auxiliary contact unit 60 can be so-called normally open contact units whose contacts are OFF in the initial state.

[0297] In addition, in each of the above embodiments and their modified examples, both the first auxiliary contact terminal 612 and the second auxiliary contact terminal 622 are exemplified as having upper pieces 613, 623, side pieces 614, 624, and connecting pieces 615, 625, but it is also possible for only one of the terminals to have an upper piece, a side piece, and a connecting piece.

[0298] In addition, the coil bobbin, auxiliary contact terminals, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0299] 1 Electromagnetic relay 10. Housing 120a protrusion 131 First side wall 132 Second side wall 210 Coil 210a side 220 Coil bobbin 222 Upper flange portion (upper flange portion) 223 Lower flange part (lower flange part) 224 Press-fit part 2241a aperture 2241b Regulation Wall 2241c Pressure Welding Part 2242a Upper opening (opening) 2243a Lower opening (opening) 2243b Lower control wall (rear of lower opening) 2245a Side opening 225 Upper press-fit part (first press-fit part) 2251a Upper opening 2251b Upper control wall 2251c Upper pressure contact part (pressure contact part) 226 Lower press-fit part (second press-fit part) 2261a Lower opening 2261b Lower control wall 2261c Lower pressure contact (pressure contact) 250 Coil terminal 40 Main contact part 411 Main fixed contact 421 Main movable contact 60 Auxiliary contact section 611 Auxiliary fixed contact 612 1st auxiliary contact terminal 613 Upper piece 614 Side piece 6141 First side piece 6142 Connection section 6142a Protrusion 6143 Second side piece 615 Connection piece 620 Auxiliary movable contact section 621 Auxiliary movable contact 622 2nd auxiliary contact terminal 623 Upper piece 624 Side piece 6241 First side piece 6242 Connecting part 6242a Protrusion 6243 Second side piece 625 Connection piece S1 Internal space (space inside case 10) X Front-rear direction (direction intersecting with axial direction: 1st direction) Y Width direction (direction intersecting with axial direction and first direction: second direction) Z: Up / down direction (coil axial direction)

Claims

1. A main fixed contact; a main movable contact that is in contact with the main fixed contact or separated from the main fixed contact; an electromagnetic device including a coil that generates a magnetic force for contacting the main fixed contact or for separating the main fixed contact from the main fixed contact, and a coil bobbin having a first opening and around which the coil is wound; a first auxiliary contact terminal including a first auxiliary contact disposed above the coil, a first side piece electrically connected to the first auxiliary contact and disposed on a side of the coil bobbin, and a first press-fit piece inserted into the first opening of the coil bobbin; Equipped with The first side piece of the first auxiliary contact terminal is a first surface facing the coil bobbin; a first back surface located opposite the first front surface; a first side surface connecting the first front surface and the first back surface; Including, the first press-fit piece protrudes from the first side surface of the first side piece toward the coil bobbin; Electromagnetic relay.

2. the first side piece of the first auxiliary contact terminal further includes a second side surface located opposite to the first side surface and connecting the first front surface and the first back surface of the first side piece; the first auxiliary contact terminal further includes a second press-fit piece protruding from the second side surface of the first side piece toward the coil bobbin, The coil bobbin further has a second opening into which the second press-fit piece is inserted.

2. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1.

3. The first press-fit piece and the second press-fit piece face each other with the coil bobbin in between.

3. An electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 2.

4. The coil bobbin is a cylindrical portion around which the coil is wound; An upper flange portion provided above the cylindrical portion; A lower flange portion provided below the cylindrical portion; Further comprising: The coil is disposed between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, The first opening and the second opening are formed in the upper flange portion.

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

5. a second auxiliary contact terminal having a second auxiliary contact that is arranged above the coil and can be electrically connected to the first auxiliary contact; The second auxiliary contact terminal is a second side piece disposed on a side of the coil bobbin and having a second surface facing the coil bobbin, a second back surface located on the opposite side to the second surface, and a third side surface connecting the second surface and the second back surface; a third press-fit piece protruding from the third side surface of the second side piece toward the coil bobbin; having The coil bobbin further has a third opening into which the third press-fit piece is inserted. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the second side piece of the second auxiliary contact terminal further includes a fourth side surface located opposite the third side surface and connecting the second front surface and the second back surface of the second side piece, the second auxiliary contact terminal further includes a fourth press-fit piece protruding from the fourth side surface of the second side piece toward the coil bobbin, The coil bobbin further has a fourth opening into which the fourth press-fit piece is inserted.

6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 5.

7. The third press-fit piece and the fourth press-fit piece face each other with the coil bobbin in between.

7. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 6.

8. The coil bobbin is a cylindrical portion around which the coil is wound; An upper flange portion provided above the cylindrical portion; A lower flange portion provided below the cylindrical portion; Further comprising: The coil is disposed between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion, The first opening and the third opening are formed in the upper flange portion, The upper flange portion is disposed at a position between the first side piece and the second side piece.

6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 5.

9. the second auxiliary contact moves between a first position in which it contacts the first auxiliary contact and a second position in which it does not contact the first auxiliary contact, and is in electrical conduction with the first auxiliary contact when in the first position; The second auxiliary contact is moved by the magnetic force of the coil.

6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 5.

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