Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To improve a working property of an assembling operation of a hinge spring to an armature.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay comprises: an electric magnet 2; an armature 3; a fixing piece 40 that is fixed to the electric magnet 2; and a hinge spring 4 that includes a spring piece 41 positioned above the fixing piece 40 and a projection part 42 provided at the spring piece 41, and rotatably supports the armature 3. The armature 3 includes: a main part 30; an arm part 31; and an opening part 32 that penetrates a front surface of the armature 3 and a back surface of the armature 3. The spring piece 41 is inserted into the opening part 32 so as to be positioned at an inner side from the front surface of the armature 3 of the arm part 31, between a first inner peripheral surface formed in the arm part 31 of an inner peripheral surface 320 of the opening part 32 and a second inner peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface. The projection part 42 is positioned above the front surface of the armature 3 in the main part 30, and a tip end of the projection part 42 faces the main part 30. A projection amount of the projection part 42 is reduced as directed upward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to an electromagnetic relay having a hinge spring for supporting an armature. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional example is an electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1. The electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter, referred to as the conventional example) includes a contact device and an electromagnet device that opens and closes the contact device.

[0003] The conventional electromagnetic device includes an iron core, a bobbin surrounding the iron core, a coil wound around the bobbin, a yoke connected to the iron core, an armature, and a hinge spring.

[0004] The upper tip of the hinge spring is bent to the left so that its cross section is L-shaped. The hinge spring and yoke hold the armature so that the armature can rotate around the inside corner of the bent part of the armature as a fulcrum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-170257 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the assembly work of the electromagnetic device in the above-mentioned conventional example, the tip of the hinge spring is inserted into a hole provided in the bent portion of the armature. However, since the tip of the hinge spring is bent into an L-shape, it may be difficult to insert the tip of the hinge spring into the hole of the armature.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can improve the workability of assembling a hinge spring to an armature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electromagnet, an armature, and a hinge spring. The electromagnet has a coil, an iron core arranged inside the coil, and a yoke arranged outside the coil and magnetically coupled to the iron core. The armature is in contact with an upper end of the yoke and is configured to be rotatable by a magnetic force of the electromagnet. The hinge spring includes a fixed piece fixed to the electromagnet, a spring piece located above the fixed piece, and a protrusion provided on the spring piece, and rotatably supports the armature. The armature has a main portion located above the iron core, an arm portion protruding downward from the main portion, and an opening formed in the main portion and the arm portion and penetrating a front surface of the armature and a back surface of the armature. The spring piece is inserted into the opening between a first inner peripheral surface formed on the arm portion and a second inner peripheral surface facing the first inner peripheral surface, so as to be located inside the surface of the armature on the arm portion. The protrusion is located above the surface of the armature on the main portion, and a tip of the protrusion faces the main portion. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion decreases upward. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The electromagnetic relay of the present disclosure has an advantage in that it is possible to improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring to the armature. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a case removed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay with the case removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay in the off state with the case and body omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion including a hinge spring and an armature in the electromagnetic relay in the OFF state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of a main portion including a hinge spring and an armature in the electromagnetic relay in the OFF state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay in the on state with the case and body omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion including a hinge spring and an armature in the electromagnetic relay of the above embodiment in an ON state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the electromagnetic relay in the middle of assembling a hinge spring. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is a side view of a main part of a first modified hinge spring in the electromagnetic relay, and Fig. 9B is a front view of a main part of the first modified hinge spring. [Figure 10] Fig. 10A is a side view of a main part of a hinge spring according to a second modified example in the electromagnetic relay of Fig. 10B, and Fig. 10B is a front view of a main part of the hinge spring according to the second modified example. [Figure 11] Fig. 11A is a side view, Fig. 11B is a front view, and Fig. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the hinge spring of the electromagnetic relay according to the third modified example. [Figure 12] Fig. 12A is a front view of a main part of a fourth modified hinge spring in the electromagnetic relay of Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the fourth modified hinge spring. [Figure 13] Fig. 13A is a side view of a main part of a hinge spring of a fifth modified example in the electromagnetic relay, Fig. 13B is a front view of a main part of the hinge spring of the fifth modified example, and Fig. 13C is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the hinge spring of the fifth modified example. [Figure 14] Fig. 14A is a side view of a main part of a sixth modified hinge spring in the electromagnetic relay of the above embodiment, and Fig. 14B is a front view of a main part of the sixth modified hinge spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Note that the configuration described in the following embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (1) Overview of the electromagnetic relay according to the embodiment of the present disclosure An electromagnetic relay A1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electromagnet 2, an armature 3, and a hinge spring 4 (see FIG. 1). The armature 3 is configured to be rotatable by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 2. The hinge spring 4 supports the armature 3 for rotation.

[0013] The hinge spring 4 has a fixed piece 40 fixed to the electromagnet 2, a spring piece 41 that is elastically deformable relative to the fixed piece 40 and is located above the fixed piece 40, and a protrusion 42 provided on the spring piece 41 (see FIG. 3).

[0014] The armature 3 has an opening 32 penetrating from the front surface of the armature 3 to the back surface of the armature 3. A spring piece 41 is inserted into the opening 32. The protrusion 42 is located above the front surface of the armature 3 and faces the armature 3 (see FIG. 4). The protrusion 42 is formed in a shape such that the amount of protrusion from the spring piece 41 decreases as it approaches the tip of the spring piece 41.

[0015] With the hinge spring 4 inserted in the opening 32, the armature 3 is pressed against the electromagnet 2 by the spring force of the spring piece 41 and supported thereon. Since the protrusion 42 is formed in a shape such that the amount of protrusion from the spring piece 41 decreases as it approaches the tip of the spring piece 41, when the spring piece 41 is inserted into the opening 32, the protrusion 42 is pressed against the edge of the opening 32 and the spring piece 41 is elastically deformed. Then, when the spring piece 41 comes out of the opening 32, the force applied to the protrusion 42 is eliminated and the amount of elastic deformation of the spring piece 41 decreases.

[0016] Thus, in the electromagnetic relay A1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the spring piece 41 can be automatically deflected by being inserted into the opening 32, thereby improving the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3. Furthermore, after the assembling work is completed, the protrusion 42 is located above the surface of the armature 3 and faces the armature 3, so that the spring piece 41 can be prevented from coming out of the opening 32.

[0017] (2) Details of the electromagnetic relay according to the embodiment An electromagnetic relay A1 according to an embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated to electromagnetic relay A1) includes an electromagnet block 1, a contact block 5, and a card 6, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The electromagnetic relay A1 further includes a body 7 that supports the electromagnet block 1, the contact block 5, and the card 6. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions indicated by arrows in Fig. 1 are defined as the up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions of the electromagnetic relay A1. However, these directions are defined for the sake of convenience in the description, and do not define the directions when the electromagnetic relay A1 is actually used.

[0018] (2-1) Contact block The contact block 5 has a fixed contact plate 50, a fixed contact 51, a movable spring 52, a movable contact 53, a fixed contact terminal 54, and a movable contact terminal 55 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0019] The fixed contact plate 50 has a rectangular straight portion 500 and an arcuately curved curved portion 501. However, the straight portion 500 and the curved portion 501 are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate material.

[0020] The fixed contact 51 is formed into a shape similar to that of the curved portion 501 and is fixed to the surface of the curved portion 501 by, for example, a contact material containing silver as a main component.

[0021] The movable spring 52 has a central piece 520, a pair of side pieces 521, and leg pieces 522. One side piece 521 is disposed in front of and one behind the central piece 520 (see FIG. 2). That is, the central piece 520 and the pair of side pieces 521 are integrally formed into a W-shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The leg pieces 522 are integrally formed into a U-shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The upper end of the leg piece 522 is connected to the lower ends of the central piece 520 and the pair of side pieces 521. The central piece 520, the pair of side pieces 521, and the leg pieces 522 are integrally formed by processing a single metal plate.

[0022] The movable contact 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a curved contact surface from a contact material mainly composed of silver, for example. The movable contact 53 is attached to the center piece 520 of the movable spring 52 and is electrically connected to the movable spring 52.

[0023] The fixed contact terminal 54 has a flat mounting piece 540 and a rectangular column-shaped terminal piece 541 protruding downward from the lower end of the mounting piece 540 (see FIG. 3). The fixed contact terminal 54 is electrically connected to the fixed contact plate 50 by attaching the straight portion 500 of the fixed contact plate 50 to the left side surface of the mounting piece 540.

[0024] The movable contact terminal 55 has a U-shaped mounting piece 550 and a rectangular column-shaped terminal piece 551 protruding downward from the lower end of the mounting piece 550 (see FIG. 3). The movable contact terminal 55 is electrically connected to the movable spring 52 by attaching the leg piece 522 of the movable spring 52 to the left side surface of the mounting piece 550.

[0025] (2-2) Electromagnet block The electromagnet block 1 has an electromagnet 2 , an armature 3 , and a hinge spring 4 .

[0026] (2-2-1) Electromagnet The electromagnet 2 has an iron core 20, a coil bobbin 21, a coil 22, a yoke 23, and a permanent magnet 24.

[0027] The coil bobbin 21 has a cylindrical winding drum (not shown), a first flange 211 provided at the upper end of the winding drum, and a second flange 212 provided at the lower end of the winding drum (see FIG. 3). The winding drum, first flange 211, and second flange 212 are integrally formed as a molded body of electrically insulating synthetic resin.

[0028] The iron core 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a disk-shaped magnetic pole portion 200 at one axial end (upper end). The iron core 20 is attached to the coil bobbin 21 so as to be housed in the winding drum portion of the coil bobbin 21. However, the magnetic pole portion 200 is exposed from the upper surface of the first flange portion 211 of the coil bobbin 21 (see FIG. 3).

[0029] The coil 22 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the winding trunk of the coil bobbin 21. However, the coil 22 includes a set coil and a reset coil. One end of the set coil (not shown) and one end of the reset coil (not shown) are electrically connected, one by one, to a pair of coil terminals 25 supported by the second flange portion 212 of the coil bobbin 21. Furthermore, the other end (not shown) of each of the set coil and the reset coil is electrically connected to another coil terminal supported by the second flange portion 212 of the coil bobbin 21.

[0030] The yoke 23 has a first yoke 231 and a second yoke 232 (see FIG. 3). The first yoke 231 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the rear. The lower end portion of the iron core 20 is connected to one end portion (left end portion) of the first yoke 231. The other end portion (upper end portion) of the first yoke 231 is positioned at approximately the same height as the magnetic pole portion 200 of the iron core 20 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3). The second yoke 232 is disposed on the left side of the first yoke 231 so as to sandwich the permanent magnet 24 between its lower end portion and the first yoke 231.

[0031] The permanent magnet 24 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The permanent magnet 24 is magnetized in its thickness direction (left-right direction). For example, the permanent magnet 24 is magnetized so that the left side surface is the N pole and the right side surface is the S pole. However, the permanent magnet 24 may also be magnetized so that the left side surface is the S pole and the right side surface is the N pole.

[0032] (2-2-2) Armature The armature 3 has a plate-shaped main portion 30 whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction, and a plate-shaped arm portion 31 that protrudes downward from one longitudinal end (right end) of the main portion 30 (see Figs. 1 to 3). In other words, the armature 3 is formed in an inverted L-shape when viewed from behind.

[0033] The armature 3 is provided with an opening 32. The opening 32 penetrates the armature 3 in the thickness direction (up-down and left-right directions) from the center in the front-rear direction at the right end of the main portion 30 to near the center in the up-down direction of the arm portion 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0034] A cover 34 is attached to the arm 31 of the armature 3 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The cover 34 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material and is configured to cover the right side surface, both front and rear side surfaces, and the bottom surface of the arm 31. In addition, a protrusion 340 is provided on the right side surface of the cover 34 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The protrusion 340 protrudes to the right from the lower part of the center in the front-to-rear direction on the right side surface of the cover 34 (see Fig. 3).

[0035] The armature 3 is disposed so that the main portion 30 faces the magnetic pole portion 200 of the electromagnet 2 in the up-down direction, and the arm portion 31 faces the first yoke 231 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 3). Here, a corner portion 33 located at the boundary between the lower surface of the main portion 30 and the left side surface of the arm portion 31 is in contact with a right corner 233 of the upper end portion of the first yoke 231 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). That is, the armature 3 can rotate in both directions between the OFF position and the ON position around the corner 233 of the first yoke 231 as an axis. The OFF position is a position where the main portion 30 is separated from the magnetic pole portion 200, and the arm portion 31 is in contact with the right side surface of the first yoke 231 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, the ON position is a position where the main portion 30 is in contact with the magnetic pole portion 200, and the arm portion 31 is separated from the right side surface of the first yoke 231 (see FIG. 6).

[0036] (2-2-3) Hinge spring The hinge spring 4 has a fixed piece 40 and a spring piece 41 (see Figs. 3 and 4). The fixed piece 40 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The spring piece 41 is formed in a long rectangular flat plate shape. The spring piece 41 protrudes upward from the upper end of the fixed piece 40. The fixed piece 40 and the spring piece 41 are integrally formed from a metal plate material suitable for spring materials.

[0037] A protrusion 42 is provided at a tip 43 of the spring piece 41 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The protrusion 42 is formed by cutting and raising a part of the tip 43. However, at the tip 43, a portion closer to the tip of the spring piece 41 than the protrusion 42 is formed flat. In other words, when the protrusion 42 is cut and raised at the tip 43 of the spring piece 41 using a die, the flat portion close to the tip of the spring piece 41 can be supported.

[0038] The protrusion 42 is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a plan view. The upper end of the protrusion 42 is connected to the tip 43 of the spring piece 41. The protrusion 42 faces the area around the opening 32 on the upper surface of the main part 30 along the thickness direction (up-down direction) of the main part 30 (see FIG. 4). The protrusion 42 is formed in a shape such that the amount of protrusion from the spring piece 41 decreases as it approaches the tip (upper end) of the spring piece 41. In other words, the left side surface of the protrusion 42 is an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end of the protrusion 42 toward the upper end (tip 43 of the spring piece 41) of the spring piece 41.

[0039] The hinge spring 4 is in contact with the armature 3 at the left side surface of the spring piece 41, and is elastically deformed when pushed rightward by the armature 3. Therefore, the hinge spring 4 can rotatably support the armature 3 between itself and the first yoke 231 by applying a leftward elastic force (spring force) to the armature 3.

[0040] Furthermore, since the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4 faces the upper surface of the main part 30 in the vertical direction, even if the armature 3 moves upward, the upper surface of the main part 30 comes into contact with the protrusion 42, thereby suppressing the upward movement (floating) of the armature 3. Here, when the corner 33 of the armature 3 and the corner 233 of the first yoke 231 are in contact with each other, the lower end of the protrusion 42 and the upper surface of the main part 30 are not in contact with each other. The distance between the lower end of the protrusion 42 and the upper surface of the main part 30 is preferably about 10 to 15 μm. However, it is acceptable for the corner 33 of the armature 3 and the corner 233 of the first yoke 231 to be in contact with each other.

[0041] Moreover, the inclination angle α (see FIG. 4) of the protrusion 42 relative to the spring piece 41 is an acute angle, and is preferably an angle in the range of α0≦α≦50°, and in particular, α=45°. However, the lower limit α0 of the inclination angle α is equal to the inclination angle α when the lower edge of the right side of the protrusion 42 overlaps with the left side surface of the spring piece 41. In other words, when the thickness of the spring piece 41 is td and the vertical length of the right side surface of the protrusion 42 is Ld, α0 ≈ td / Ld [radian] = 180° × td / Ld [°].

[0042] Here, a recess 300 is provided on the upper surface of the main part 30 facing the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In other words, the protrusion 42 faces the bottom surface of the recess 300 along the thickness direction (up-down direction) of the main part 30.

[0043] Since the recess 300 is provided on the upper surface of the main part 30 facing the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4, the position of the tip (upper end) of the hinge spring 4 can be lowered compared to a case where the recess 300 is not provided. As a result, the height of the hinge spring 4 is reduced, and the electromagnet block 1 is made smaller.

[0044] Moreover, in a direction (front-rear direction) intersecting with the thickness direction (left-right direction) of the spring piece 41, the width of the recess 300 is narrower than the width of the opening 32 (see FIG. 5). By making the width of the recess 300 narrower than the width of the opening 32 in this manner, an increase in the magnetic resistance of the armature 3 due to the recess 300 can be suppressed.

[0045] (2-3) Cards The card 6 has a main body 60, a pair of first pressing portions 61, a second pressing portion 62, and a pair of shaft portions 63 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The main body 60 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The pair of first pressing portions 61 protrude rightward, one each from the front and rear ends of the upper end on the right side surface of the main body 60. The tip (right end) of each of the pair of first pressing portions 61 is formed in a cylindrical surface shape. The second pressing portion 62 protrudes leftward from the center in the up-down and front-rear directions on the left side surface of the main body 60. The pair of shaft portions 63 are provided on both the front and rear ends of the lower end of the main body 60, one each. Each of the pair of shaft portions 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0046] The card 6 is supported by the body 7 so as to be rotatable about a pair of shafts 63 as fulcrums.

[0047] (2-4) Body The body 7 includes a base member 70 and a seal member 71 (see FIG. 2).

[0048] The base member 70 has a first support portion 701 that supports the electromagnet block 1, a second support portion 702 that supports the contact block 5, and a pair of bearing portions 703 that support a pair of shaft portions 63 of the card 6. The first support portion 701, the second support portion 702, and the pair of bearing portions 703 are integrally formed as a molded body of a synthetic resin material.

[0049] The seal member 71 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The base member 70 is attached to the upper surface of the seal member 71. Although not shown in the figure, the body 7 is covered with a case. The case is formed in a rectangular box shape with an opening on the bottom. The seal member 71 is configured to close the opening on the bottom of the case that covers the body 7.

[0050] (3) Operation of electromagnetic relay (3-1) Off state A state in which the movable contact 53 is separated from the fixed contact 51 is called an OFF state of the electromagnetic relay A1 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0051] In the OFF state, the pair of side pieces 521 of the movable spring 52 presses the pair of first pressing parts 61 of the card 6 to the left. Therefore, the card 6 receives a force in a counterclockwise rotating direction in FIG. 3 and presses the cover 34 of the armature 3 to the left via the second pressing parts 62 (see FIG. 3).

[0052] In the OFF state, the electromagnet 2 does not generate a magnetic force. Therefore, the arm 31 of the armature 3 is attracted to the first yoke 231 by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet 24.

[0053] (3-2) Switching from OFF to ON The state in which the movable contact 53 is in contact with the fixed contact 51 is called the on state of the electromagnetic relay A1 (see FIG. 6).

[0054] In the electromagnetic relay A1 in the off state, when a coil current is passed through two coil terminals 25 connected to the set coil, the electromagnet 2 generates a forward magnetic force (electromagnetic force). The forward magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 2 attracts the main part 30 of the armature 3 to the magnetic pole part 200 of the iron core 20. As a result, the armature 3 rotates counterclockwise and the main part 30 is attracted to the magnetic pole part 200 (see FIG. 6). Note that once the main part 30 and the magnetic pole part 200 come into contact with each other, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 24 maintains the contact state between the main part 30 and the magnetic pole part 200 even if the coil current flowing through the set coil is stopped.

[0055] When the armature 3 rotates counterclockwise, the protrusion 340 of the cover 34 moves rightward, and the second pressing portion 62 in contact with the protrusion 340 is pressed rightward. The card 6 rotates clockwise as the second pressing portion 62 is pressed rightward. As the card 6 rotates clockwise, the pair of first pressing portions 61 press the pair of side pieces 521 of the movable spring 52 rightward. As a result, the movable spring 52 bends rightward, and the movable contact 53 provided on the center piece 520 comes into contact with the fixed contact 51 (see FIG. 6). In this way, the electromagnetic relay A1 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0056] Even in the on state, the hinge spring 4 can support the armature 3 between itself and the first yoke 231 by applying a leftward elastic force (spring force) to the armature 3 (see FIG. 7).

[0057] (3-3) Switching from on to off In the electromagnetic relay A1 in the on state, when a coil current flows through the two coil terminals 25 connected to the reset coil, the electromagnet 2 generates a magnetic force (electromagnetic force) in the opposite direction. Due to the magnetic force in the opposite direction generated by the electromagnet 2, the main part 30 of the armature 3 receives a repulsive force from the magnetic pole part 200 of the iron core 20. As a result, the armature 3 rotates clockwise and the main part 30 moves away from the magnetic pole part 200 (see FIG. 3). Meanwhile, an attractive force is generated between the arm part 31 of the armature 3 and the first yoke 231, so that the arm part 31 is attracted to the first yoke 231. When the arm part 31 comes into contact with the first yoke 231, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 24 maintains the contact state between the arm part 31 and the first yoke 231 even if the coil current flowing through the reset coil is stopped.

[0058] When the armature 3 rotates clockwise, the projection 340 of the cover 34 moves leftward, and the card 6, which receives the leftward spring force of the movable spring 52 on the pair of first pressing parts 61, rotates counterclockwise. When the card 6 rotates counterclockwise, the force with which the pair of first pressing parts 61 press the pair of side pieces 521 of the movable spring 52 to the right decreases. As a result, the rightward bending of the movable spring 52 decreases, and the movable contact 53 provided on the center piece 520 moves away from the fixed contact 51 (see FIG. 3). In this way, the electromagnetic relay A1 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0059] (4) Electromagnet block assembly work Next, among the steps of assembling the electromagnet block 1, the step of attaching the armature 3 to the electromagnet 2 will be described.

[0060] The worker performing the assembly work assembles the armature 3 with the cover 34 attached to the arm 31 to the electromagnet 2 with the hinge spring 4 attached to the first yoke 231. The worker inserts the tip portion 43 of the hinge spring 4 from bottom to top into the opening 32 of the armature 3 (see FIG. 8). At this time, the left side surface of the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4 may come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 320 of the opening 32 in the main portion 30 of the armature 3 (see FIG. 8).

[0061] However, the left side surface of the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4 is an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end to the upper end of the protrusion 42. Therefore, when the left side surface of the protrusion 42 hits the inner circumferential surface 320 of the opening 32, as the hinge spring 4 is inserted into the opening 32, the tip portion 43 (spring piece 41) receives a rightward force from the inner circumferential surface 320 and bends (elastically deforms) to the right.

[0062] Then, when the worker further inserts the tip portion 43 (spring piece 41) into the opening 32 and the tip (lower end) of the protrusion 42 overcomes the upper end of the inner surface 320 of the opening 32, the force applied to the protrusion 42 weakens, thereby reducing the amount of elastic deformation of the tip portion 43 (spring piece 41).

[0063] Finally, the worker hooks the corner 33 of the armature 3 onto the corner 233 of the first yoke 231, thereby completing the assembly work of the armature 3 to the electromagnet 2 (see FIG. 4).

[0064] Thus, in the electromagnetic relay A1, the spring piece 41 can be automatically deflected by inserting the tip portion 43 into the opening 32, thereby improving the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3. Furthermore, after the assembling work is completed, the protrusion 42 faces the area around the opening 32 on the surface of the main part 30 (the bottom surface of the recess 300) along the thickness direction (up and down direction) of the main part 30, so that the spring piece 41 can be prevented from coming out of the opening 32.

[0065] Here, an inclined surface 321 is formed on an inner peripheral surface 320 of the opening 32, inclining from the back surface (lower surface) of the main part 30 toward the front surface (upper surface) of the main part 30 in a direction approaching the spring piece 41 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, when the tip (upper end) of the spring piece 41 of the hinge spring 4 hits the inclined surface 321, the tip of the spring piece 41 is guided along the inclined surface 321 into the opening 32. As a result, the electromagnetic relay A1 can further improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3.

[0066] (5) Modification of hinge spring Next, several modified examples of the hinge spring 4 in the electromagnetic relay A1 will be described. The hinge spring 4 described below is characterized by the shape of the protrusion 42. The hinge spring 4 of each modified example has a common configuration with the hinge spring 4 in the embodiment except for the shape of the protrusion 42, so the common configuration with the hinge spring 4 in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and illustrations and descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] (5-1) Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 9, in the hinge spring 4 of the first modified example, a part of the tip portion 43 is cut and bent into a Z shape to form a protrusion 42.

[0068] In the protrusion 42 of the first modification, the left side surface of the upper part is an inclined surface that inclines from the lower end toward the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 9A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the first modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0069] (5-2) Variation 2 As shown in FIG. 10, in the hinge spring 4 of the second modification, a part of the tip portion 43 is cut and squeezed into a bridge shape, so that the protrusion 42 is formed in a bridge shape.

[0070] In the protrusion 42 of the second modification, the left side surface of the upper part is an inclined surface that inclines from the lower end toward the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 10A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the second modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0071] (5-3) Variation 3 In the hinge spring 4 of the third modified example, the protrusion 42 is formed in a louver shape (see FIG. 11).

[0072] In the protrusion 42 of the third modification, the left side surface of the upper part is an inclined surface that inclines from the lower end toward the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 11A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the third modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0073] Furthermore, in the hinge spring 4 of the third modification, the front and rear of the protrusion 42 are connected to the tip portion 43 (see FIG. 11C), so that the mechanical strength of the protrusion 42 can be improved compared to the hinge springs 4 of the embodiment and the first and second modifications.

[0074] (5-4) Variation 4 In the hinge spring 4 of the modified example 4, the protrusion 42 is formed in a louver shape similar to that of the modified example 3 (see FIG. 12B). However, the protrusion 42 in the modified example 4 is different from the protrusion 42 in the modified example 3 in that the protrusion 42 is formed in a triangular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 12A).

[0075] In the protrusion 42 of the fourth modification, the left side surface of the upper part is an inclined surface that inclines from the lower end toward the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 12A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the fourth modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0076] In addition, as with the hinge spring 4 of variant example 3, the front and rear of the protrusion 42 of the hinge spring 4 of variant example 4 are connected to the tip portion 43, and therefore the mechanical strength of the protrusion 42 can be improved compared to the hinge springs 4 of the embodiment and variant examples 1 and 2.

[0077] (5-5) Variation 5 In the hinge spring 4 of the fifth modified example, the protrusion 42 has a tip portion 43 formed by beading (see FIG. 13).

[0078] In the protrusion 42 of the fifth modification, the left side surface of the upper part is an inclined surface that inclines from the lower end toward the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 13A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the fifth modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0079] Furthermore, in the hinge spring 4 of variant 5, the protrusion 42 is connected to the tip portion 43 around its entire circumference (see FIG. 13C), so the mechanical strength of the protrusion 42 can be further improved compared to the hinge springs 4 of variants 3 and 4.

[0080] (5-6) Variation 6 In the hinge spring 4 of the sixth modified example, the protrusion 42 is formed by bending a tip portion 43 including a tip of the spring piece 41. More specifically, the protrusion 42 is formed by hinge bending the tip portion 43 (see FIG. 14).

[0081] The protrusion 42 of the sixth modification is formed into a cylindrical surface shape by hinge bending. In the protrusion 42 of the sixth modification, the upper left side surface is an inclined surface that slopes from the lower end to the upper end of the protrusion 42 (see FIG. 14A). Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 using the hinge spring 4 of the sixth modification can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring 4 to the armature 3, as in the embodiment, and can prevent the spring piece 41 from coming off the opening 32.

[0082] In addition, in the hinge spring 4 of Modification 6, since the protrusion 42 is connected to the tip portion 43 over the entire circumference, it is possible to further improve the mechanical strength of the protrusion 42 compared to the hinge springs 4 of Modifications 3 and 4. Furthermore, since the hinge spring 4 of Modification 6 does not require a flat portion at the tip of the protrusion 42, the length of the tip portion 43 can be shortened.

[0083] (6) Summary An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an electromagnet (2), an armature (3) configured to be rotatable by the magnetic force of the electromagnet (2), and a hinge spring (4) that rotatably supports the armature (3). The hinge spring (4) has a fixed piece (40) fixed to the electromagnet (2), a spring piece (41) that is elastically deformable with respect to the fixed piece (40) and is located above the fixed piece (40), and a protrusion (42) provided on the spring piece (41). The armature (3) has an opening (32) that penetrates from a front surface of the armature (3) to a back surface of the armature (3). The spring piece (41) is inserted into the opening (32). The protrusion (42) is located above the front surface of the armature (3) and faces the armature (3). The projection (42) is formed in a shape such that the amount by which it projects from the spring piece (41) decreases toward the tip of the spring piece (41).

[0084] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) of the first aspect, the spring piece (41) can be automatically deflected by inserting the spring piece (41) into the opening (32), thereby improving the workability of assembling the hinge spring (4) to the armature (3).

[0085] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a second aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining with the first aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the second aspect, it is preferable that a portion of the spring piece (41) closer to the tip of the spring piece (41) than the protrusion (42) is formed flat.

[0086] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the second aspect, when the protrusions (42) are formed on the spring pieces (41) using a die, the flat portions near the tips of the spring pieces (41) can be supported.

[0087] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion (42) is formed by cutting and raising a part of the spring piece (41).

[0088] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the third aspect, the protrusion (42) can be easily formed.

[0089] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the third aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion (42) is formed by cutting and bending a part of the spring piece (41) into a Z shape.

[0090] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the fourth aspect, the protrusion (42) can be easily formed.

[0091] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion (42) is formed in a bridge shape.

[0092] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the fifth aspect, the protrusion (42) can be easily formed.

[0093] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining with the second aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the protrusion (42) is preferably formed in a louver shape.

[0094] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the sixth aspect, the projections (42) can be easily formed, and the mechanical strength of the projections (42) can be improved.

[0095] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the second aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the seventh aspect, the protrusion (42) is preferably formed by beading the spring piece (41).

[0096] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the seventh aspect, the projections (42) can be easily formed, and the mechanical strength of the projections (42) can be improved.

[0097] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the eighth aspect, the protrusion (42) is preferably formed by bending the tip portion (43) of the spring piece (41).

[0098] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) of the eighth aspect, the protrusion (42) is formed by bending processing, so that a flat portion is not required at the end of the protrusion (42), and therefore the length of the spring piece (41) can be shortened.

[0099] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized in combination with the eighth aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion (42) has a tip portion (43) formed by hinge bending.

[0100] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the ninth aspect, the projections (42) can be easily formed, and the mechanical strength of the projections (42) can be improved.

[0101] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining with any one of the first to ninth aspects. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the tenth aspect, it is preferable that an inclined surface (321) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening (32), the inclined surface being inclined in a direction approaching the spring piece (41) from the rear surface of the armature (3) toward the front surface of the armature (3).

[0102] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the tenth aspect, when the tip of the spring piece (41) of the hinge spring (4) hits the inclined surface (321), the tip of the spring piece (41) is guided along the inclined surface (321) into the opening (32). As a result, the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the tenth aspect can further improve the ease of assembling the hinge spring (4) to the armature (3).

[0103] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining with any one of the first to tenth aspects. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the eleventh aspect, a recess (300) is preferably provided around the opening (32) on the surface of the armature (3). The protrusion (42) preferably faces a bottom surface of the recess (300) along the penetration direction (vertical direction) of the opening (32).

[0104] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) of the eleventh aspect, the position of the tip of the hinge spring (4) is lowered, thereby reducing the height of the hinge spring (4) and making it more compact, compared to a case in which the recess (300) is not provided.

[0105] An electromagnetic relay (A1) according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure can be realized by combining with the eleventh aspect. In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the twelfth aspect, it is preferable that the width of the recess (300) is narrower than the width of the opening (32) in a direction (front-rear direction) intersecting the penetration direction (up-down direction) of the opening (32).

[0106] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the twelfth aspect, the width of the recess (300) is made narrower than the width of the opening (32), thereby making it possible to suppress an increase in the magnetic resistance of the armature (3) caused by the recess (300).

[0107] The electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure preferably includes an electromagnet block (1), a contact block (5), and a card (6). The electromagnet block (1) has an electromagnet (2), an armature (3), and a hinge spring (4). The contact block (5) preferably has a movable spring (52), a movable contact (53) provided on the movable spring (52), and a fixed contact (51) with which the movable contact (53) can be brought into contact or separated. The card (6) is preferably configured to transmit the rotation of the armature (3) to the movable spring to selectively switch between a contact state and a non-contact state. The contact state is a state in which the movable contact (53) is brought into contact with the fixed contact (51). The non-contact state is a state in which the movable contact (53) is not brought into contact with the fixed contact (51).

[0108] The electromagnetic relay (A1) according to the thirteenth aspect can improve the workability of assembling the hinge spring (4) to the armature (3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] A1 Electromagnetic relay 2. Electromagnets 3 Armature 4 Hinge spring 20 Iron Core 22 Coil 23 Yoke 30 Main Section 31 Arm 32 Opening 40 Fixed piece 41 Spring piece 42 Protrusion 43 Tip (first part) 200 Magnetic pole part (magnetic pole) 320 Inner circumferential surface (first inner circumferential surface, second inner circumferential surface)

Claims

1. an electromagnet having a coil, an iron core disposed inside the coil, and a yoke disposed outside the coil and magnetically coupled to the iron core; an armature that is in contact with an upper end of the yoke and is configured to be rotatable by the magnetic force of the electromagnet; a hinge spring including a fixed piece fixed to the electromagnet, a spring piece located above the fixed piece, and a protrusion provided on the spring piece, the hinge spring rotatably supporting the armature; Equipped with The armature is A main portion located above the iron core; An arm portion protruding downward from the main portion; an opening formed in the main portion and the arm portion and penetrating a front surface of the armature and a rear surface of the armature; having the spring piece is inserted into the opening between a first inner circumferential surface formed on the arm portion and a second inner circumferential surface facing the first inner circumferential surface, so as to be positioned inside a surface of the armature on the arm portion, the protrusion is located above a surface of the armature on the main portion, and a tip of the protrusion faces the main portion, The amount of protrusion of the protrusion decreases toward the top. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The spring piece is A first portion provided with the protrusion; a bent portion located below the first portion and connected to the first portion; A second portion located below the bent portion and connected to the first portion via the bent portion; Including, the first portion is bent at the bent portion so as to be inclined toward the armature as it extends upward, the bent portion is located between a rear surface of the armature and a front surface of the armature in the arm portion.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. the bent portion is located below a surface of the armature in the main portion.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 2.

4. The bent portion is located above the upper end of the yoke.

4. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 3.

5. When viewed from above, the tip of the protrusion overlaps with the yoke, The spring piece is A first portion provided with the protrusion; a bent portion located below the first portion and connected to the first portion; A second portion located below the bent portion and connected to the first portion via the bent portion; Including, the first portion is bent at the bent portion toward the armature such that the main portion is disposed between the tip of the protrusion and the yoke; 2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

6. The protrusion is cut and raised at an acute angle from the spring piece in a direction in which a tip of the protrusion approaches the armature, The protrusion has a base portion connected to the spring piece, The base portion is located above the tip of the protrusion and below the upper end of the spring piece. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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