Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To provide a compact electromagnetic relay in which spatial distance and creepage distance are increased to provide electric insulation.SOLUTION: There is provided an electromagnetic relay including a bobbin assembly that includes a bobbin wound with an annular coil and a core insertable into the bobbin and a plurality of yolks. The electromagnetic relay further includes a plurality of contacts including at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, and also has a floating type pusher configured to transfer armature movement to the movable contact upon activation of the coil. The electromagnetic relay is integrally enclosed in a molded housing, and the molded housing provides electric isolation in the electromagnetic relay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electromagnetic relays, and more particularly to compact electromagnetic relays with increased clearance and creepage distances to provide electrical isolation. [Background technology]

[0002] To provide background information related to the field of the present disclosure, the following description of related art is provided. This section may include aspects of technology that may be relevant to various aspects of the present disclosure. However, it should be noted that this section should be used only to further the reader's understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should be assumed that any of the methods described in this section should not be considered prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

[0003] In today's industry, electromagnetic relays are widely used in a variety of applications and products, including home appliances, aviation, space, rail transportation, communications and control devices, electromechanical integration, and power electronics equipment. An electromagnetic relay is an electronic control component that uses an electromagnet to turn an operating circuit on and off. Electromagnetic relays have an insulating function and are considered an important control element that enables automatic adjustment and safety protection, and can be used in switch circuits and control circuits. Due to the needs of modern products and various industries, the requirements for high-voltage and low-voltage insulation distances of products are becoming increasingly higher. They must meet sufficient insulation distances and electrical clearances while maintaining the characteristics of small size and low coil power.

[0004] Existing electromagnetic relays mainly consist of a substrate, a winding, an iron core, and an armature. However, due to the structure of the armature, the distance between the armature and the connecting parts is often very short. Because the connecting parts and the armature can transmit electricity, if the distance between them is insufficient, the creepage distance and electrical clearance distance will be small, which will affect the safe use of the electromagnetic relay.

[0005] These problems arise because the human head is not held upright, and have not been adequately addressed to date. Current solutions require personal assistants to support muscular dystrophy patients, but personal assistants quickly become fatigued from constantly supporting the head and upper body. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay. The electromagnetic relay includes a bobbin assembly having a bobbin wound with an annular winding and a core insertable between the bobbin and a plurality of yokes, the coil configured to move an armature when activated by applying a voltage. The electromagnetic relay includes a plurality of contacts configured to open and close the electromagnetic relay, the plurality of contacts including at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. A floating pusher is configured to transfer movement of the armature to the movable contact upon activation of the winding. Thus, the electromagnetic relay is integrally encapsulated in a molded housing to form a single unit, the molded housing being configured to provide electrical isolation for the electromagnetic relay. A technical advantage of the integrally molded electromagnetic relay is the provision of clearance and creepage distances that provide better electrical isolation. Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay is stable during vibration, and the hermetically sealed bobbin assembly prevents corrosion of the coil.

[0007] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay has clearance and creepage distances of 10mm to 12mm to provide electrical isolation, and the isolation between the coil and contacts is greater than 8KV VAC (rms).

[0008] In another embodiment, the molded housing (40) is formed using at least one of plastic, polycarbonate, thermoplastic, or other non-conductive material.

[0009] In another embodiment, the plurality of yokes includes a first upper yoke and a second lower yoke.

[0010] In another embodiment, the housing is formed by insert molding so as to surround the bobbin assembly, the plurality of contacts, and the pusher, and some of the plurality of contacts are disposed outside the housing.

[0011] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay includes a flag indicator configured to indicate an internal characteristic. Additionally, the flag indicator may be used to indicate the mechanical on / off of normally open / normally closed contacts of the electromagnetic relay.

[0012] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay comprises at least one pin (50) mounted in a socket.

[0013] In another embodiment, the at least one pin comprises a printed circuit board pin mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB being straight (vertical) or bent at a 90 degree angle (horizontal).

[0014] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay includes at least one test button, the test button including at least one of a manual test button or a lockable push button.

[0015] In another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay includes a seal configured to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the electromagnetic relay. The seal may be an O-ring, a rubber gasket, an epoxy, or a similar seal. The seal is preferably located near the terminals of the electromagnetic relay. The seal allows the electromagnetic relay to be used in various applications, such as when the electromagnetic relay must be used in an enclosed environment, and the seal prevents flux vapors and other gases from entering the interior of the electromagnetic relay.

[0016] Therefore, in another embodiment, the electromagnetic relay further comprises a magnet that increases the DC rating of the electromagnetic relay.

[0017] In another embodiment, it can also be used as a remanence relay or a latching relay. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an electromagnetic relay according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1 and a partial housing in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bobbin assembly of the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates multiple contacts of the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the electromagnetic relay shown in FIG. 1 housed in a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In the embodiments, various features and advantageous details thereof will be described with reference to non-limiting embodiments. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments. The examples are provided only to facilitate understanding of the methods of the embodiments and to facilitate those skilled in the art in implementing the embodiments. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, however, the solutions disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay used in applications such as home appliances, aviation, space, rail transport, communication and control devices, electromechanical integration, and power electronics equipment. Industrial demands dictate the need to improve the clearance and creepage distances of electromagnetic relays to achieve better electrical isolation. Furthermore, it is important that electromagnetic relays be small in size so that they can be integrated into different components.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electromagnetic relay 100 includes a bobbin assembly 10, a plurality of contacts 20, and a floating pusher 30. The bobbin assembly 10 (see FIG. 3) includes a bobbin 12, typically made of a plastic material, and typically having a hollow center. The bobbin assembly 10 further includes a core 16 that can be inserted into the hollow center of the bobbin 12. The bobbin assembly 10 also includes a plurality of yokes 18 disposed adjacent to the bobbin 12. The bobbin 12 is further wound with an annular winding 14, typically a copper metal winding. In an embodiment of the present invention, the core 16 and the plurality of yokes 18 are made of soft magnetic iron. Therefore, the bobbin assembly 10 forms a magnetic circuit that can temporarily transform the core 16 and the plurality of yokes 18, i.e., soft magnetic iron components, into a magnet when power is supplied to the coil 14. The yoke 18 is typically disposed adjacent to the coil 14 so that magnetic flux can be transmitted between the coil and the yoke 18. Additionally, the bobbin assembly 10 is configured to move the armature 22 upon actuation by application of a voltage.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic relay 100 further includes a plurality of contacts 20. The plurality of contacts 20 are configured to open and close the electromagnetic relay 100. Accordingly, the contacts 20 include at least one fixed contact 20a, 20c and at least one movable contact 20b. The fixed contacts 20a, 20c and the movable contact 20b generally include extensions and are generally disposed in a holder. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed contacts 20a, 20c and the movable contact 20b face each other at a predetermined distance, and a contact mechanism 22 is provided at one end of the extension. The contact mechanism 22 may be riveted to the extension. The electromagnetic relay 100 further includes a floating pusher 30 configured to transmit the movement of the armature 22 to the movable contact 20b when the coil 14 is activated. The floating pusher can provide a high contact pressure compared to existing electromagnetic relays. The electromagnetic relay 100 may also include a manual pusher 32. The manual pusher 32 may be configured to contact the pusher 30 (see FIG. 1).

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an assembled electromagnetic relay 100 of the present invention without the housing 40. The electromagnetic relay 100 has a bobbin assembly 10, and a plurality of yokes, including a first upper yoke 18a and a second lower yoke 18b, are disposed adjacent to the bobbin assembly 10. Furthermore, an armature 22 is disposed adjacent to the first upper yoke 18a and the second lower yoke 18b. The electromagnetic relay 100 is configured so that a fixed contact 20a, a movable contact 20b, and a coil terminal (not shown) extend outward. Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay 100 has a pusher 30 assembled on the top surface of the electromagnetic relay 100. The pusher 30 is configured to make operating contact with the armature 22, the fixed contacts 20a and 20c, and the movable contact 20b.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 , the electromagnetic relay 100 is integrally encapsulated in a molded plastic housing 40 to form a single unit. The housing 40 is configured to provide electrical isolation for the electromagnetic relay 100. Accordingly, the housing 40 is insert-molded into the electromagnetic relay and includes the bobbin assembly 10, the plurality of contacts 20, and the pusher 30. The electromagnetic relay 100 is integrated into the housing 40 such that the height of the housing enclosing the plurality of contacts 20 is lower than the positions of the fixed contacts 20a, 20c, and the movable contact 20b. Therefore, the housing 40 does not impede the movement of the movable contact 20b toward the fixed contact 20a. The electromagnetic relay 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has clearance and creepage distances of 10 to 12 mm to achieve electrical isolation. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the electrical isolation between the coil and the contacts is greater than 8 KV VAC (rms), preferably in the range of 8 KV VAC (rms) to 12 KV VAC (rms). The above-mentioned advantages of the present invention are achieved by encasing the current-carrying elements in plastic, non-conductive material, or insulating material.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a flag indicator configured to indicate internal features within the electromagnetic relay 100. Additionally, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes at least one pin 50 mounted to a socket. The at least one pin 50 includes a plurality of PCB pins mounted to a PCB. Thus, the PCB pins may be straight or bent at 90 degrees depending on the requirements of the device in which the electromagnetic relay 100 is used. The pins 50 may be configured to complete a circuit and make a connection. Additionally, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes at least one test button, which may include at least one of a manual test button or a lockable push button.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a seal configured to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the electromagnetic relay 100. The seal may be provided on a housing substrate near the pin. The seal enables the electromagnetic relay 100 to be used in various applications, such as when the electromagnetic relay must be used in an enclosed environment and the seal prevents flux vapors and other gases from entering the interior of the electromagnetic relay. Accordingly, the seal 60 may be an O-ring, rubber gasket, epoxy, or other material that provides an airtight seal, and may also have insulating properties that are unaffected by the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic relay 100.

[0033] 5 shows an electromagnetic relay 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the electromagnetic relay 100 is disposed inside a housing 42 together with an enclosure. The housing 42 may be provided to further protect the electromagnetic relay from external interference, or the housing 42 may be designed based on the application and design requirements.

[0034] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments and examples thereof, it may be practiced in other embodiments and equivalents. While many features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with functional and procedural details, the disclosure is merely illustrative, and changes may be made in the details, particularly with respect to procedural steps, within the principles of the invention to the fullest extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms. Accordingly, various changes may be made in the systems and processes disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay (100) having a bobbin assembly (10), The bobbin assembly (10) a bobbin (12) wound with a circular winding (14); The coil (14) comprises a bobbin (12) and a core (16) that can be inserted into a plurality of yokes (18), and the coil (14) is configured to move an armature (22) by being actuated by applying a voltage thereto; The electromagnetic relay (100) further comprises: a plurality of contacts (20) configured to open and close the electromagnetic relay (100), the contacts comprising at least one fixed contact (20a) and at least one movable contact (20b); a floating pusher (30) configured to transmit movement of the armature (22) to the movable contact (20b) when the annular winding (14) is activated; An electromagnetic relay (100) is integrally enclosed in a molded housing (40) to form a single unit, the molded housing (40) being configured to provide electrical isolation for the electromagnetic relay (100).

2. 10. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic relay (100) has clearance and creepage distances of 10 mm to 12 mm to provide electrical isolation, and the isolation between the coil and the contacts is greater than 8 KV VAC (rms).

3. 10. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, wherein the molded housing (40) is formed using at least one of plastic, polycarbonate, thermoplastic, or other non-conductive material.

4. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of yokes (18) includes a first upper yoke (18a) and a second lower yoke (18b).

5. 2. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, wherein the housing (40) is formed by insert molding to surround the bobbin assembly (10), the plurality of contacts (20), and the pusher (30), and a portion (22 a, 24 a) of the plurality of contacts (20) is disposed outside the housing (40).

6. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, comprising a flag indicator configured to indicate an internal characteristic.

7. 10. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, comprising at least one pin (50) mounted in a socket.

8. 7. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 6, wherein the at least one pin (50) comprises a printed circuit board pin mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB), the printed circuit board being straight or bent at a 90 degree angle.

9. 10. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, having at least one test button comprising at least one of a manual test button or a lockable push button.

10. The electromagnetic relay (100) of claim 1, further comprising a seal member (60) configured to prevent ingress of foreign matter into the electromagnetic relay (100).

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