Electromagnetic contactor

Abstract

To improve the assembly of contact springs in an electromagnetic contactor.SOLUTION: A contact support 16 is formed with a receiving surface 71, an inclined convex portion 72, and a rear-side convex portion 73. The inclined convex portion 72 is located closer to the front of the receiving surface 71 in the insertion direction, is more convex than the receiving surface 71, and becomes taller as it goes further back in the insertion direction. The rear-side convex portion 73 is located further back than the receiving surface 71 in the insertion direction, is more convex than the receiving surface 71, and faces the radially outer side of a contact spring 18 inserted from the side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the electromagnetic contactor disclosed in Patent Document 1, a spring retainer is insert-molded into a contact support, and after a movable contactor is fitted into the spring retainer, a contact spring is interposed between the movable contactor and the contact support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-91238 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the contact spring is sandwiched between the movable contact and the contact support, the repulsive contact spring is unstable, leaving room for improvement in assembly. An object of the present invention is to improve the ease of assembly of a contact spring in an electromagnetic contactor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electromagnetic contactor according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a contact support, a frame, a movable contactor, and a contact spring. The contact support has a receiving surface formed thereon. The frame is fixed to the contact support. The movable contactor is fitted into the frame. The contact spring is interposed between the movable contactor and the receiving surface. The insertion direction is the direction in which the contact spring is inserted from the side between the movable contactor and the receiving surface. The contact support is formed with an inclined convex portion and a rear-side convex portion. The inclined convex portion is located in front of the receiving surface in the insertion direction, is more convex than the receiving surface, and becomes higher as it goes further back in the insertion direction. The rear-side convex portion is located further back than the receiving surface in the insertion direction, is more convex than the receiving surface, and faces the radially outer side of the contact spring inserted from the side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the contact spring is compressed in the axial direction by the inclined convex portion, and when it overcomes the inclined convex portion, it fits into the receiving surface, the inclined convex portion, and the rear-side convex portion. In other words, the contact spring, which has a repulsive force, is guided in a stable state, improving the ease of assembly of the contact spring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of an electromagnetic contactor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic contactor in a released state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic contactor in a closed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a view showing an outer yoke and a fixed guide. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows the contact support after assembly is complete. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows the contact support without the insert part. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows the contact support without the insert part. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contact support including the insert part. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a movable contact and a contact spring. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the contact support after assembly is complete. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows a contact support with a contact spring set therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows a contact support with a contact spring set therein. [Figure 14] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual product. Furthermore, the following embodiments exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the configuration to those described below. In other words, the technical concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0009] <<Embodiment>> "composition" In the following description, the three mutually orthogonal directions will be referred to as the vertical direction, the width direction, and the axial direction for convenience. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the electromagnetic contactor 11. As shown in FIG. Here, the electromagnetic contactor 11 is shown as viewed from one side in the vertical direction, one side in the width direction, and one side in the axial direction. The electromagnetic contactor 11 includes a case 12 and a cover 13. The case 12 is made of insulating resin and is formed in the shape of a deep container that is closed on both vertical sides, both width sides, and one axial side, and is open on the other axial side. The cover 13 is made of insulating resin and is formed in the shape of a shallow container that is closed on both longitudinal sides, both widthwise sides, and the other axial side, and is open on one axial side. The cover 13 is fitted to the other axial side of the case 12 and fastened with, for example, a bind tapping screw to seal the cover.

[0010] Pressurized barrier gases such as hydrogen and nitrogen are sealed inside the case 12 and cover 13. Therefore, the case 12 and cover 13 are fixed together with an epoxy adhesive, and the entire outer surface, including the bonded area, is gas-barrier coated with a laminated film of clay crystals. Specifically, the interlayer ions of purified smectite are replaced and bound together with an organic binder such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or water-soluble nylon, creating a labyrinth effect that prevents the permeation of gas molecules such as hydrogen and nitrogen. The laminated film is layered in the thickness direction, with a thickness of, for example, 2 μm. The gas-barrier coating is achieved, for example, by spraying a coating liquid into a mist and applying it to the case 12 and cover 13, followed by baking at a temperature of, for example, 150°C or higher, at which the interlayer ions are incorporated into the clay crystals.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic contactor 11 in the released state. Here, a cross section of the electromagnetic contactor 11, passing through the center in the width direction and along the vertical and axial directions, is shown as viewed from one side in the width direction. First, the basic structure of the electromagnetic contactor 11 will be described. The electromagnetic contactor 11 includes a pair of fixed contacts 14, a movable contactor 15, a contact support 16, and an electromagnet 17. The pair of fixed contacts 14 are made of a conductive metal, are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction, and are provided on one axial side of the case 12. The pair of fixed contacts 14 are aligned at a distance from each other in the vertical direction, penetrate from the inside to the outside of the case 12, and are integrated with the case 12 by insert molding. The end face of the fixed contact 14 facing the other axial side becomes the fixed contact point.

[0012] The surface of the fixed contact 14 is formed with micron-sized irregularities by chemical etching. This allows the molten resin to penetrate the irregularities during insert molding, and as the resin solidifies, the metal and resin are bonded at the interface, creating a complex bond through a labyrinth effect that prevents leakage of gas molecules such as hydrogen and nitrogen. An example of a metal surface treatment technology is "AMALPHA" (registered trademark) by MEC Co., Ltd. Note that similar surface treatments are also applied to all other metal components insert-molded into the case 12, such as the pipe used to evacuate and seal in the interrupter gas, and the coil terminal connected to the electromagnet 17.

[0013] The movable contactor 15 is made of a conductive metal, extends in the vertical direction, and is formed in a plate shape along the vertical and width directions, and is disposed on the other side of the pair of fixed contactors 14 in the axial direction. Both vertical ends of the end face of the movable contactor 15 facing one side in the axial direction become movable contacts that face the fixed contacts, and the contacts are opened and closed by displacement along the axial direction. The contact support 16 holds the movable contact 15 and a contact spring 18. The contact spring 18 is a compression coil spring that expands and contracts in the axial direction, and biases the movable contact 15 in one axial direction.

[0014] The electromagnet 17 is positioned on the other side of the contact support 16 in the axial direction, and includes a spool 21, a plunger 22, an outer yoke 23 (yoke), a bottom yoke 24, a permanent magnet 25, an auxiliary yoke 26, and a back spring 27. The spool 21 is made of insulating resin, and has a coil 32 wound around a cylindrical winding shaft 31 extending in the axial direction. A cylindrical plunger ring 33 is fitted inside the winding shaft 31 on one axial end, and a cylindrical sliding collar 34 is fitted on the other axial end. The plunger 22 is a cylindrical movable iron core extending in the axial direction, and is inserted into a plunger ring 33 and a sliding collar 34 in a state in which it can move axially back and forth. A shaft 35 is fitted into a threaded hole formed in one axial end of the plunger 22, and the shaft 35 is connected to the contact support 16. An armature 36 is connected to the other axial end of the plunger 22. The armature 36 is a disk-shaped yoke that extends in the vertical and width directions.

[0015] The outer yoke 23 is provided to cover both longitudinal sides and one axial side of the spool 21, and is a yoke formed in a generally U-shape that opens toward the other axial side when viewed in the width direction. A shaft 35 is inserted through a round hole that penetrates axially through the flat plates of the outer yoke 23 that are aligned in the longitudinal and width directions. The bottom yoke 24 is a flat yoke extending in the vertical and width directions, and is located on the other side of the axial direction from the winding shaft 31 of the spool 21, and is fixed to the other axial end of the outer yoke 23. The plunger 22 is inserted through the bottom yoke 24 via a circular hole that penetrates in the axial direction.

[0016] The permanent magnet 25 is a flat plate extending in the vertical and width directions, has a circular hole passing through in the axial direction, and is attached to the surface of the bottom yoke 24 facing the other axial direction. The auxiliary yoke 26 is a flat plate extending in the vertical and width directions, has a circular hole passing through it in the axial direction, and is attracted to the surface of the permanent magnet 25 facing the other axial direction. The armature 36 is disposed between the bottom yoke 24 and the auxiliary yoke 26. The back spring 27 is a compression coil spring that expands and contracts in the axial direction, and is interposed between the sliding collar 34 and the armature 36, and biases the plunger 22 in the other axial direction via the armature 36.

[0017] With the above configuration, when the coil 32 is not energized and is in a non-energized state, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 25 and the repulsive force of the back spring 27 displace the plunger 22 in the other axial direction. The magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 25 passes from one side of the permanent magnet 25 through the bottom yoke 24, outer yoke 23, plunger ring 33, plunger 22, armature 36, and auxiliary yoke 26 in this order to the other side of the permanent magnet 25. This closed-loop magnetic circuit attracts the armature 36 to one side of the auxiliary yoke 26. Thus, when the plunger 22 is displaced in the other axial direction, the contacts open via the contact support 16, resulting in a released state. At this time, the armature 36 is separated from the bottom yoke 24.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic contactor 11 in the closed state. This figure shows a cross section of the electromagnetic contactor 11, passing through the center of the width direction and taken along the vertical and axial directions, as viewed from one side in the width direction. When the coil 32 is energized and excited, the magnetic force of the coil 32 attracts the armature 36 to the other side of the bottom yoke 24. As a result, the plunger 22 is displaced to one side in the axial direction against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 25 and the repulsive force of the back spring 27. The magnetic flux of the coil 32 flows from the inner surface of the plunger ring 33, through the plunger 22, armature 36, bottom yoke 24, and outer yoke 23, and then to the outer surface of the plunger ring 33. This closed-loop magnetic circuit attracts the armature 36 to the other side of the bottom yoke 24. When the plunger 22 is displaced to one side in the axial direction, the contacts are closed via the contact support 16, resulting in a closed state. At this time, the armature 36 is separated from the auxiliary yoke 26.

[0019] Next, the structure for guiding the contact support 16 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the outer yoke 23 and the fixed guide 41. As shown in FIG. Here, the outer yoke 23 and fixed guide 41 are shown as viewed from one longitudinal direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. The fixed guide 41 is fixed by caulking to flat plates of the outer yoke 23 that extend along the longitudinal and width directions. The fixed guide 41 is formed by bending a single stainless steel plate with a uniform thickness, and includes a bottom plate 42, four fixed plates 43, and two fixed plates 44. The bottom plate 42 is a flat plate extending in the vertical and width directions, and has a circular hole formed in its center as viewed from the axial direction, penetrating it in the thickness direction. The circular hole has a diameter larger than that of the shaft 35.

[0020] The four fixing plates 43 are arranged at the four corners of the contact support 16 when viewed from the axial direction, protrude toward the contact support 16, and are parallel flat plates extending along the width direction and the axial direction. Specifically, the four fixing plates 43 are formed by bending along two parallel sides extending in the width direction, so that they face each other in the vertical direction on one side and the other side in the width direction. The two fixing plates 44 are arranged on two sides perpendicular to the fixing plate 43 when viewed from the axial direction, and are parallel flat plates that protrude toward the contact support 16. Specifically, by bending along the two parallel sides extending in the vertical direction, the two fixing plates 44 that face each other in the width direction at the center in the vertical direction are formed.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows the contact support 16 after assembly is complete. (a) in the figure shows the contact support 16 after assembly is complete, as viewed from one vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. (b) in the figure shows the contact support 16 after assembly is complete, as viewed from the other vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. A movable guide 51 and a cage 61 (frame body) are fixed to the contact support 16. As the movable guide 51 fits into the fixed guide 41, the contact support 16 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction, width direction, or around the axis, and is only allowed to move in the axial direction. A movable contactor 15 and a contact spring 18 are assembled to the contact support 16 and the cage 61.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the movable guide 51 and the cage 61. As shown in FIG. Here, the movable guide 51 and cage 61 are shown as viewed from one of the vertical directions, one of the width directions, and one of the axial directions. The movable guide 51 is formed by bending a single stainless steel plate with a uniform thickness, and includes a top plate 52, two movable plates 53, and two movable plates 54. The top plate 52 is a flat plate extending in the width and length directions and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the axial direction. The shaft 35 is connected to the top plate 52 by crimping at the center when viewed in the axial direction. The top plate 52 has through holes 56 formed on both sides in the width direction, penetrating through in the thickness direction. The through holes 56 allow the passage of molten resin during insert molding, and are filled with molten resin.

[0023] The two movable plates 53 are flat plates that protrude toward the electromagnet 17 and each face the inner circumferential surface of the fixed plate 43. Specifically, the two movable plates 53 are formed by bending along two parallel sides extending in the width direction, so that they face each other in the vertical direction. The two movable plates 53 face each other in the current-carrying direction of the movable contactor 15 when viewed from the axial direction. The outer dimensions of the movable plates 53 are slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the fixed plates 43. An opening 57 is formed at the corner where the top plate 52 and the movable plate 53 intersect, penetrating through in the thickness direction. The opening 57 allows molten resin to pass through and is filled with molten resin during insert molding. The two movable plates 54 are flat plates that protrude toward the electromagnet 17 and face the inner circumferential surface of the fixed plate 44. Specifically, the two movable plates 54 are formed by bending along two parallel sides extending in the vertical direction, so that the two movable plates 54 face each other in the width direction. The outer dimensions of the movable plates 54 are slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the fixed plates 44.

[0024] The cage 61 is formed by bending a single stainless steel plate of uniform thickness and includes a top plate 62 and two side plates 63. The top plate 62 is a flat plate extending in both the width and length directions and is rectangular when viewed axially. The two side plates 63 protrude toward the electromagnet 17 and have tips protruding on both sides in the length direction, forming a roughly T-shaped flat plate upside down when viewed widthwise. Specifically, the pair of side plates 63 facing each other in the width direction are formed by bending along two parallel sides extending in the length direction. Each side plate 63 has through holes 64 formed in the thickness direction at the tips protruding on both sides in the length direction. Four through holes 64 are formed along the length direction. The through holes 64 allow molten resin to pass through during insert molding and are filled with the molten resin.

[0025] Next, the contact support 16 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 shows the contact support 16 without the insert part. (a) in the figure shows the contact support 16 without the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from one vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. (b) in the figure shows the contact support 16 without the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from the other vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. The contact support 16 is made of insulating resin, and is formed with a receiving surface 71, an inclined convex portion 72, a rear convex portion 73, a groove surface 74, and a side wall 75.

[0026] The receiving surface 71 is formed in the center of the contact support 16 when viewed from one axial direction, and is a flat surface facing one axial direction and extending along the vertical and width directions. The contact spring 18 is inserted from the side between the movable contact 15 and the receiving surface 71. The insertion direction is from one longitudinal direction to the other. The inclined convex portion 72 is formed in the center of the width direction and before the receiving surface 71 in the insertion direction, and has an inclined surface that is more convex than the receiving surface 71 and becomes higher as it goes deeper in the insertion direction, and an end surface facing deeper in the insertion direction. The height of the inclined convex portion 72 is set to approximately the radius of the wire material that makes up the contact spring 18 (see FIG. 11(a)).

[0027] The rear-side convex portions 73 are formed on both sides in the width direction, further back than the receiving surface 71 in the insertion direction, and are more convex than the receiving surface 71. They have an end face facing forward in the insertion direction and an inclined surface that decreases in height as they extend further back in the insertion direction. The end face of the rear-side convex portion 73 facing forward in the insertion direction faces the radially outer side of the other end of the contact spring 18 in the axial direction. The height of the rear-side convex portion 73 is the same as the height of the inclined convex portion 72. The inclined surface of the rear-side convex portion 73 and the inclined surface of the inclined convex portion 72 are symmetrical about a straight line along the axial direction as viewed from the width direction. The groove surfaces 74 are formed between the rear side protrusions 73 and are flush with the receiving surfaces 71 . The side walls 75 are formed on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, i.e., on both sides in the width direction, and face each other when viewed from the axial direction. The height of the side walls 75 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the wire material that constitutes the contact spring 18 (see FIG. 11(b)).

[0028] FIG. 8 shows the contact support 16 without the insert part. Figure (a) shows the contact support 16 without the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from one axial direction. Figure (b) shows the contact support 16 without the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from the other vertical direction. When viewed from the axial direction, the rear convex portion 73 is formed in an arc shape along the outer diameter of the contact spring 18 on the front side in the insertion direction. When viewed from the axial direction, two straight lines parallel to the insertion direction are defined as parting lines Ls, and the rear convex portion 73 is formed outside the two parting lines Ls, while the inclined convex portion 72 is formed inside the two parting lines Ls.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contact support 16 including the insert part. In the figure, (a) shows the contact support 16 including the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from one vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. In the figure, (b) shows the contact support 16 including the movable guide 51 and cage 61 as viewed from the other vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. The movable contactor 15 and contact spring 18 are assembled to the contact support 16 in which the movable guide 51 and cage 61 are insert-molded. That is, first, the movable contactor 15 is fitted into the cage 61, and then the contact spring 18 is inserted between the movable contactor 15 and the receiving surface 71.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the movable contact 15 and the contact spring 18. As shown in FIG. The movable contactor 15 and contact spring 18 are shown here as viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction, one side in the width direction, and the other side in the axial direction. The movable contactor 15 has a pair of protrusions 81 formed on both side surfaces in the width direction. The pair of protrusions 81 are formed as ridges extending along the axial direction and are spaced apart vertically and aligned in the center of the longitudinal direction. A spring receiver 82 is fitted to the movable contactor 15. The spring receiver 82 is formed by bending a single stainless steel plate with a uniform thickness. The flat portion of the spring receiver 82 extending along the longitudinal and width directions has a circular protrusion 83 that protrudes toward the other side in the axial direction. The circular protrusion 83 is formed by doweling and is slightly smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the contact spring 18. The spring receiver 82 has two side plates 84. The side plates 84 are generally flat plates extending along the longitudinal and axial directions and protrude toward one side in the axial direction. A pair of flanges is formed on both sides of the longitudinal direction by bending the flanges outward in the width direction. The vertical position of the spring receiver 82 is determined by fitting the side plates 84 between the vertically aligned protrusions 81. The vertical position of the movable contactor 15 is determined by fitting the side plates 63 of the cage 61 between the vertically aligned flanges of the side plates 84 (see FIG. 5).

[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the contact support 16 after assembly is completed. 1A shows a cross section of the contact support 16 after assembly, taken along the longitudinal and axial directions and passing through the center of the width direction, as viewed from one side in the width direction. FIG. 1B shows a cross section of the contact support 16 after assembly, taken along the longitudinal and axial directions and passing through the center of the length direction, as viewed from one side in the vertical direction. The contact spring 18 is inserted into the contact support 16 according to the insertion direction. First, the contact spring 18 is compressed in the axial direction so that one end overlaps the circular protrusion 83 and the other end overlaps the inclined protrusion 72. At this time, the other axial end of the contact spring 18 is in contact with the receiving surface 71 at the rear side in the insertion direction, and the front side in the insertion direction contacts the inclined surface of the inclined protrusion 72. When the contact spring 18 is pushed in the insertion direction in this state, the front side in the insertion direction is pushed up by the inclined surface of the inclined protrusion 72, compressing the contact spring 18 in the axial direction. When the front side of the contact spring 18 in the insertion direction overcomes the inclined convex portion 72, the other axial end thereof engages with the receiving surface 71, the inclined convex portion 72, and the rear convex portion 73, and one axial end thereof engages with the circular convex portion 83 of the spring receiver 82.

[0032] FIG. 12 shows the contact support 16 with the contact spring 18 set therein. FIG. 1(a) shows the contact support 16 with the contact spring 18 set therein as viewed from one vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. FIG. 1(b) shows the contact support 16 with the contact spring 18 set therein as viewed from the other vertical direction, one width direction, and one axial direction. Note that the insert part and movable contactor 15 have been omitted to make the other axial end of the contact spring 18 easier to see. When the contact spring 18 rides over the inclined convex portion 72, the other axial end engages with the receiving surface 71, the inclined convex portion 72, and the rear convex portion 73. The contact spring 18 returns to its original state from its axially compressed state by the height of the inclined convex portion 72.

[0033] FIG. 13 shows the contact support 16 with the contact spring 18 set therein. Here, the contact support 16 with the contact spring 18 set therein is shown as viewed from one axial direction. Note that the insert part and movable contactor 15 have been omitted to make the other axial end of the contact spring 18 easier to see. The other axial end of the contact spring 18 is held by two rear-side protrusions 73 and one inclined protrusion 72. When viewed from the axial direction, the rear-side protrusion 73 is formed in an arc shape along the outer diameter of the contact spring 18 on the front side in the insertion direction, so that it faces the radially outer side of the other axial end of the contact spring 18. When the contact spring 18 is pushed in the insertion direction, it abuts against the two rear-side protrusions 73, thereby restricting its position in the insertion direction.

[0034] <<Action and Effect>> Next, the main effects of the embodiment will be described. The electromagnetic contactor 11 includes a contact support 16, a cage 61, a movable contactor 15, and a contact spring 18. The contact support 16 has a receiving surface 71 formed thereon. The cage 61 is fixed to the contact support 16. The movable contactor 15 fits into the cage 61. The contact spring 18 is interposed between the movable contactor 15 and the receiving surface 71. The insertion direction is the direction in which the contact spring 18 is inserted from the side between the movable contactor 15 and the receiving surface 71. The contact support 16 has an inclined convex portion 72 and a rear-side convex portion 73 formed thereon. The inclined convex portion 72 is located closer to the receiving surface 71 in the insertion direction, is more convex than the receiving surface 71, and becomes higher as it extends further back in the insertion direction. The rear-side convex portion 73 is located further back in the insertion direction than the receiving surface 71, is more convex than the receiving surface 71, and faces the radially outer side of the contact spring 18 inserted from the side. In this way, the contact spring 18 is compressed in the axial direction by the inclined convex portion 72, and when it overcomes the inclined convex portion 72, it fits into the receiving surface 71, the inclined convex portion 72, and the rear convex portion 73. In other words, the contact spring 18, which has a repulsive force, is guided in a stable state, improving the ease of assembly of the contact spring 18.

[0035] When the contact spring 18 rides over the inclined convex portion 72, it fits into the receiving surface 71, the inclined convex portion 72, and the rear convex portion 73. This allows the contact spring 18 to be positioned with a sense of moderation. The rear convex portions 73 are formed one on each side in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction when viewed from the axial direction of the contact spring 18. This allows the inserted contact spring 18 to be received in two places, improving the ease of assembly of the contact spring 18. The contact support 16 has a groove surface 74 formed between the rear convex portions 73, which is flush with the receiving surface 71. This allows the contact spring 18 to be easily removed by inserting a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver along the groove surface 74, between the receiving surface 71 and the contact spring 18, and lifting the other axial end of the contact spring 18. This also makes it easy to reassemble the contact spring 18.

[0036] The rear-side protrusion 73 is formed along the outer diameter of the contact spring 18 when viewed in the axial direction of the contact spring 18. This allows the contact spring 18 to make contact with the rear-side protrusion 73 along a line rather than a point, thereby stabilizing the position of the contact spring 18. When viewed from the axial direction of the contact spring 18, two straight lines parallel to the insertion direction are defined as parting lines Ls. The rear-side convex portion 73 is formed outside the two parting lines Ls, and the inclined convex portion 72 is formed inside the two parting lines Ls. This facilitates the design of a mold for resin molding the contact support 16. That is, the mold for the contact support 16 must be removed from the rear in the insertion direction to form the end face of the inclined convex portion 72 facing rearward in the insertion direction, and it must be removed from the front in the insertion direction to form the end face of the rear-side convex portion 73 facing forward in the insertion direction. Because the removal directions are different, arranging the contact support 16 on the outside and inside of the two parting lines Ls facilitates the design of the mold.

[0037] The contact support 16 is formed with a pair of side walls 75. The pair of side walls 75 are provided on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction when viewed from the axial direction of the contact spring 18, and face each other. This makes it possible to guide the contact spring 18 when it is inserted between the movable contactor 15 and the receiving surface 71 from the side. The rear projection 73 is inclined so that its height decreases as it goes further in the insertion direction, thereby allowing the contact spring 18 to be inserted in a direction opposite to the normal insertion direction.

[0038] Next, a comparative example will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a comparative example. Here, the contact support 91 is shown as viewed from one side in the vertical direction, one side in the width direction, and one side in the axial direction. A spring retainer 92 is insert-molded into the contact support 91, and a movable contactor 93 is fitted into the spring retainer 92, with a contact spring 94 interposed between the movable contactor 93 and the contact support 91. However, when the contact spring 94 is inserted between the movable contactor 93 and the contact support 91, the contact spring 94 has a repulsive force and is unstable, leaving room for improvement in ease of assembly.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 11...electromagnetic contactor, 12...case, 13...cover, 14...fixed contactor, 15...movable contactor, 16...contact support, 17...electromagnet, 18...contact spring, 21...spool, 22...plunger, 23...outer yoke, 24...bottom yoke, 25...permanent magnet, 26...auxiliary yoke, 27...back spring, 31...winding shaft, 32...coil, 33...plunger ring, 34...sliding collar, 35...shaft, 36...armature, 41...fixed guide, 42...bottom plate, 43...fixed plate, 44...fixed plate, 51...movable guide, 52...top plate, 53...movable plate, 54...movable plate, 56...through hole, 57...opening, 61...cage, 62...top plate, 63...side plate, 64...through hole, 71...receiving surface, 72...inclined convex portion, 73...rear convex portion, 74...groove surface, 75...side wall, 81...projection, 82...spring receiver, 83...circular convex portion, 84...side plate, 91...contact support, 92...spring retainer, 93...movable contactor, 94...contact spring

Claims

1. a contact support having a receiving surface formed thereon; a frame body fixed to the contact support; a movable contact that fits into the frame; a contact spring interposed between the movable contact and the receiving surface, a direction in which the contact spring is inserted from the side between the movable contact and the receiving surface is defined as an insertion direction; The contact support includes: an inclined convex portion located in front of the receiving surface in the insertion direction, convex from the receiving surface, and having a height that increases toward the back in the insertion direction; and a rear-side convex portion that is located further back in the insertion direction than the receiving surface, is more convex than the receiving surface, and faces the radially outer side of the contact spring inserted from the side.

2. 2. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the contact spring fits into the receiving surface, the inclined convex portion, and the rear-side convex portion when the contact spring rides over the inclined convex portion.

3. 2. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the rear convex portions are formed on both sides of the contact spring in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction when viewed from the axial direction of the contact spring.

4. The contact support includes:

4. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 3, wherein a groove surface is formed between the rear side protrusions, the groove surface being flush with the receiving surface.

5. 4. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 3, wherein the rear convex portion is formed along the outer diameter of the contact spring when viewed in the axial direction of the contact spring.

6. When viewed from the axial direction of the contact spring, two straight lines parallel to the insertion direction are used as dividing lines, the rear-side convex portion is formed outside the two parting lines, 4. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 3, wherein the inclined convex portions are formed inside the two dividing lines.

7. The contact support includes:

2. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1, wherein a pair of side walls facing each other are formed on both sides of the contact spring in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction when viewed in the axial direction of the contact spring.

8. 2. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1, wherein the rear-side convex portion is inclined so that its height decreases toward the rear in the insertion direction.

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