Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay in which an arc-extinguishing chamber is expanded.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay 1 comprises a contact part 2 and an electromagnetic unit 3. The contact part 2 includes a pair of stationary contacts 21, 22 and a movable contact 23. The contact part 2 partitions an arc-extinguishing chamber 5 through a partition member 6. The partition member 6 includes a capsule member 61 and a plate member 36 of the electromagnetic unit 3. The capsule member 61 is made of ceramic. The plate member 36 is made of iron. The electromagnetic relay 1 includes a permanent magnet 7. The permanent magnet 7 provides a drive magnetic field to extend electric-arcs AK1, AK2 in the arc-extinguishing chamber 5. The plate member 36 includes a recess 45. The recess 45 can accept the extended electric-arcs AK1, AK2. The recess 45 expands the arc-extinguishing chamber 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay. The electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a magnet that extends the arc generated between contacts. Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a member that defines an arc space that allows the arc to extend. The member that defines the arc space defines an enclosed space in which arc-extinguishing gas is sealed within the arc space. The contents of the prior art documents are incorporated by reference as explanations of the technical elements in this specification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-416 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The ability to extinguish an arc and / or prevent restrike of the arc depends on the size of the arc-extinguishing chamber. However, the cost of the components that define the arc-extinguishing chamber accounts for a relatively high proportion of the cost of the electromagnetic relay. In the above-mentioned respects and in other respects not mentioned, further improvements in electromagnetic relays are required.

[0005] One disclosed object is to provide an electromagnetic relay with an expanded arc extinguishing chamber.

[0006] Another disclosed object is to provide an electromagnetic relay in which the arc extinguishing chamber is expanded by a novel method.

[0007] Yet another disclosed object is to provide an electromagnetic relay in which a contact portion and an electromagnetic portion are arranged in a stacked manner, and an arc-extinguishing chamber is extended in the direction of the electromagnetic portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electromagnetic relay disclosed herein comprises a pair of fixed contacts (21, 22), a movable contact (23) that switches the pair of fixed contacts between an electrically connected state and an electrically disconnected state, a partition member (6) that partitions an arc extinguishing chamber (5) that houses the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact, and a permanent magnet (7) that supplies a driving magnetic field into the arc extinguishing chamber to stretch the arc (AK1, AK2) generated between the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact, the partition member comprising a ceramic capsule member (61) and a metal plate member (36), and the plate member has recesses (45, 251, 252, 351, 352) that are concave in the direction of expanding the arc extinguishing chamber and can accommodate the arc stretched by the driving magnetic field.

[0009] According to the disclosed electromagnetic relay, the plate member has a recess. The recess is concave in a direction that expands the arc-extinguishing chamber. The recess receives the arc stretched by the driving magnetic field. Thus, the arc is stretched long in the arc-extinguishing chamber. Moreover, the arc may be received in the recess. As a result, the arc is extinguished in the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0010] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The reference numerals in parentheses in the claims and in this section are intended to exemplify the correspondence with the following embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a plate member according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In several embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding and / or associated parts may be designated by the same reference numerals or reference numerals that differ in the hundredth or more digits. For corresponding and / or associated parts, reference may be made to the descriptions of other embodiments.

[0013] First embodiment In FIG. 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a contact section 2 and an electromagnetic section 3. The contact section 2 and the electromagnetic section 3 are arranged in a layered configuration in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the direction of movement of the movable contact of the electromagnetic section 3 is defined as the axial direction. The contact section 2 is also called a contact unit or a contact module. The electromagnetic section 3 is also called an electromagnetic unit or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0014] The contact portion 2 and the electromagnetic portion 3 are operatively connected by a shaft 4. The shaft 4 transmits the motion of the electromagnetic portion 3 to the contact portion 2. The shaft 4 provides a mechanical linkage.

[0015] The contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic unit 3 are accommodated in a housing. The housing is provided by an upper case 11 and a lower case 12. The housing has a pair of fixed contacts 21, 22. Parts of the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are exposed to the outside of the housing. The pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are connected to the power line that is switched by the contact unit 2. The pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are also called a pair of power terminals. Furthermore, the housing has a pair of control terminals for supplying current to the electromagnetic unit 3. The pair of control terminals are not shown in the figure.

[0016] The contact portion 2 includes a pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 and a movable contact 23. The pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged parallel to each other. The direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged, i.e., the left-right direction in FIG. 1, is also called the width direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The movable contact 23 extends over a range that includes the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22. The movable contact 23 is a rectangular conductive member. The movable contact 23 is movable between a state in contact with the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 and a state separated from the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22. The movable contact 23 switches the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 between an electrically connected state and an electrically disconnected state. The movable contact 23 is switchable between an ON state in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are electrically connected and an OFF state in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the movable contact 23 electrically connects and disconnects the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22. The movable contact 23 is operatively connected to the shaft 4 so as to move in conjunction with the movement of the shaft 4.

[0017] A movable coupling mechanism is provided between the movable contact 23 and the shaft 4 to allow adjustable movement of the movable contact 23. In this embodiment, the movable coupling mechanism is provided by a support member 24 and a bias spring 25. The support member 24 is fixedly supported with respect to the shaft 4. The bias spring 25 is a coil spring. The bias spring 25 is arranged in a compressed state between the support member 24 and the movable contact 23. The support member 24 and the bias spring 25 allow adjustable movement of the movable contact 23. The adjustable movement includes axial movement of the movable contact 23 relative to the shaft 4 and swinging of the movable contact 23 relative to the shaft 4. As a result, stable contact is achieved between the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 and the movable contact 23. The movable coupling mechanism is not limited to the example shown in this embodiment.

[0018] The electromagnetic unit 3 includes an electromagnetic coil 31, a stator core 32, a mover core 33, a yoke 34, and a bias spring 35. The electromagnetic coil 31 excites the stator core 32 and the mover core 33. The electromagnetic coil 31 includes a bobbin 31a made of an insulating material and a coil 31b wound around the bobbin 31a. The stator core 32, the mover core 33, and the yoke 34 are made of a magnetic material with soft magnetic properties. The stator core 32, the mover core 33, and the yoke 34 are made of metal, for example, iron. The stator core 32 has a small diameter portion 32a and a large diameter portion 32b. A step is formed between the small diameter portion 32a and the large diameter portion 32b.

[0019] The stator core 32 is fixedly supported in the electromagnetic section 3. The mover core 33 is supported in the electromagnetic section 3 so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the stator core 32. The mover core 33 is fixed to the shaft 4. The shaft 4 mechanically connects the mover core 33 and the movable contactor 23. The stator core 32 and the mover core 33 are arranged opposite each other in the moving direction of the shaft 4. The moving direction of the shaft 4 is also called the axial direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The bias spring 35 is a coil spring. The bias spring 35 is arranged in a compressed state between the stator core 32 and the mover core 33.

[0020] The yoke 34 is a member that provides a magnetic path. The yoke 34 provides an electromagnetic coupling member that supplies the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic coil 31 to the stator core 32 and the mover core 33. The yoke 34 includes a plate member 36, a back yoke member 37, and a magnetic flux guide member 38.

[0021] The plate member 36 is disposed between the contact portion 2 and the electromagnetic portion 3. The stator core 32 is fixed to the plate member 36. The plate member 36 extends in a plate shape on the contact portion 2 side of the electromagnetic portion 3 or the electromagnetic coil 31. The plate member 36 is fixedly connected to the stator core 32 at its radially inner end. The plate member 36 is a member that provides a reference for the position of the stator core 32. The plate member 36 is fixedly connected to a back yoke member 37 at its radially outer end.

[0022] The back yoke member 37 extends between the plate member 36 and the magnetic flux guide member 38, outside the electromagnetic coil 31. The magnetic flux guide member 38 is a cylindrical member. The magnetic flux guide member 38 is arranged radially outside the mover core 33. The mover core 33 and the magnetic flux guide member 38 face each other in the radial direction. The magnetic flux guide member 38 provides a path for magnetic flux by virtue of the radial facing relationship between the mover core 33 and the magnetic flux guide member 38. This facing relationship provides a necessary relationship, for example, an axial length, throughout the entire movable range of the mover core 33.

[0023] When the electromagnetic coil 31 is energized and excited, the mover core 33 is attracted toward the stator core 32 against the bias spring 35. As a result, the gap between the stator core 32 and the mover core 33 decreases. The mover core 33 drives the shaft 4 in the axial direction, i.e., upward in the figure. When the electromagnetic coil 31 is deenergized and de-energized, the mover core 33 is pushed by the bias spring 35 in a direction away from the stator core 32. As a result, the gap between the stator core 32 and the mover core 33 increases. The mover core 33 drives the shaft 4 in the axial direction, i.e., downward in the figure.

[0024] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes a partitioning member 6 that partitions the arc-extinguishing chamber 5. The arc-extinguishing chamber 5 is formed across the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic unit 3. The arc-extinguishing chamber 5 is a chamber filled with gas for extinguishing an arc that occurs in the contact unit 2. The partitioning member 6 includes some components of the contact unit 2 and some components of the electromagnetic unit 3. The arc-extinguishing chamber 5 houses movable members of the electromagnetic relay 1. In this embodiment, the movable members of the electromagnetic relay 1 include at least the shaft 4, the movable contact 23, the support member 24, the bias spring 25, the movable contact core 33, and the bias spring 35. The arc-extinguishing chamber 5 houses a pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 and the movable contact 23.

[0025] The partition member 6 includes a capsule member 61. The capsule member 61 supports a pair of fixed contacts 21, 22. The capsule member 61 is a member made of ceramics. The capsule member 61 is a cylindrical body with a closed bottom, and has a pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 at the bottom. The pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are fixed airtight to the capsule member 61. The pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 and the capsule member 61 are connected by a joint made by brazing or welding.

[0026] The partition member 6 includes a flange member 62. The flange member 62 is a metal plate-like member. The flange member 62 has a cylindrical portion extending along the axial direction and a flange portion that annularly expands radially outward from the tip of the cylindrical portion. The flange member 62 is airtightly fixed to the opening of the capsule member 61 at its base end. The flange portion of the flange member 62 is airtightly fixed to the plate member 36 at the other end, which is the flange portion. The flange portion of the flange member 62 is airtightly fixed to the edge plate portion 41 of the plate member 36. The airtight fixation is provided by a joint made by brazing or welding.

[0027] In this embodiment, the plate member 36 of the electromagnetic part 3 is also part of the partition member 6. The plate member 36 is hermetically fixed to the stator core 32. The hermetically fixed joint is provided by brazing or welding, for example, by laser welding.

[0028] The partition member 6 includes a sleeve 63. The sleeve 63 is a cylindrical member with an open end and a bottom. The sleeve 63 is made of a material that transmits magnetic flux, such as stainless steel. The sleeve 63 is disposed with the stator core 32 positioned at the open end. The sleeve 63 is hermetically fixed to the stator core 32. Again, the hermetic fixation is provided by a joint formed by brazing or welding, for example, laser welding.

[0029] The sleeve 63 accommodates the mover core 33. The sleeve 63 is disposed radially inside the magnetic flux guide member 38. The sleeve 63 positions the mover core 33 on the radial inside and the magnetic flux guide member 38 on the radial outside. The sleeve 63 is disposed between the mover core 33 and the magnetic flux guide member 38.

[0030] As a result, the arc-extinguishing chamber 5 is defined by the capsule member 61, the flange member 62, the plate member 36, the stator core 32, and the sleeve 63. The sleeve 63 may be airtightly fixed to the plate member 36. In this case, the arc-extinguishing chamber 5 is defined by the capsule member 61, the flange member 62, the plate member 36, and the sleeve 63.

[0031] The partition member 6 defines a partially convex arc extinguishing chamber 5 extending from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. This convex arc extinguishing chamber 5 is formed by the shape of the plate member 36. The plate member 36 has a shallow dish shape or a plate shape having a recess 45. The plate member 36 is concave on the side of the arc extinguishing chamber 5 and convex on the side opposite the arc extinguishing chamber 5. The plate member 36 is a plate-shaped member. The plate member 36 can be formed by pressing a flat base material. The recess 45 provides an opening in the plate member 36. The recess 45 may also be called the opening of the plate member 36. The recess 45 is concave in the direction that expands the arc extinguishing chamber 5.

[0032] The plate member 36 has an edge plate portion 41, a vertical cylinder portion 42, and a bottom plate portion 43. The edge plate portion 41 defines the outer shape of the plate member 36. The edge plate portion 41 has an opening that defines the edge of the recess 45. The edge plate portion 41 is an annular plate material. The bottom plate portion 43 provides a bottom wall that closes the end of the vertical cylinder portion 42 on the electromagnetic portion 3 side. The bottom plate portion 43 is a plate-shaped member. The bottom plate portion 43 provides the bottom of the recess 45 on the side opposite the arc extinguishing chamber 5. The vertical cylinder portion 42 is arranged to surround the recess 45. The vertical cylinder portion 42 connects the edge plate portion 41 and the bottom plate portion 43 in the vertical direction.

[0033] The joint between the plate member 36 and the flange member 62 extends along the plane of the edge plate portion 41. The plate member 36 includes a flat edge plate portion 41 that defines the outer shape of the plate member 36 and has an opening that defines the edge of the recess 45. The flange member 62 is fixed to the edge plate portion 41 so as to surround the opening. The recess 45 is located within the planar area surrounded by the joint. In the plate member 36, the recess 45 is not located in a position that provides an airtight fixation. The arrangement of the recess 45 makes it possible to avoid complications in the joining process.

[0034] The vertical cylinder portion 42 is a cylindrical plate material. The vertical cylinder portion 42 is provided by a wall extending from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. The vertical cylinder portion 42 is provided by a wall extending in the vertical direction, i.e., the axial direction. The vertical cylinder portion 42 may be provided by an inclined wall that is inclined so as to widen from the electromagnetic portion 3 toward the contact portion 2. One end of the vertical cylinder portion 42 is continuous with the edge plate portion 41. Therefore, the vertical cylinder portion 42 extends from the edge plate portion 41. The vertical cylinder portion 42 extends from the edge plate portion 41 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. The other end of the vertical cylinder portion 42 is continuous with the bottom plate portion 43. Therefore, the vertical cylinder portion 42 extends from the bottom plate portion 43 toward the contact portion 2. The bottom plate portion 43 extends from the other end of the vertical cylinder portion 42.

[0035] The plate member 36 has a through hole 44. At least the shaft 4 passes through the through hole 44. Furthermore, the through hole 44 also passes a portion of the stator core 32. The plate member 36 and the stator core 32 are hermetically connected at the through hole 44. The small diameter portion 32a of the stator core 32 has a diameter positioned radially inside the through hole 44. The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 are radially opposed at the small diameter portion 32a. The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 are axially opposed at an annular end surface formed by a step between the small diameter portion 32a and the large diameter portion 32b. The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 can be arranged to face each other radially and / or axially. This opposing relationship allows magnetic flux to pass through. Furthermore, the stator core 32 and the plate member 36 are in mechanical contact. Furthermore, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 are joined by brazing or welding, which results in a magnetic flux path being formed between the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 in both the radial and axial directions.

[0036] The plate member 36 defines a convex arc-extinguishing chamber 5 that protrudes from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. The plate member 36 has a recess 45 recessed from the edge plate portion 41 on the side facing the arc-extinguishing chamber 5. In order to form the recess 45, the plate member 36 is convex from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. The plate member 36 has a protrusion 46 protruding from the edge plate portion 41 on the side facing the electromagnetic portion 3.

[0037] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes a permanent magnet 7. The permanent magnet 7 provides a driving magnetic field that extends the arcs AK1 and AK2 within the arc extinguishing chamber 5. The driving magnetic field extends the arcs AK1 and AK2 within the arc extinguishing chamber 5. The driving magnetic field extends the arcs AK1 and AK2 in the axial direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The permanent magnet 7 axially extends and extinguishes the first arc AK1 generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23 and / or the second arc AK2 generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23. The permanent magnet 7 includes a first magnet 71 and a second magnet 72. The driving magnetic field provided by the first magnet 71 axially extends and extinguishes the first arc AK1 generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23. The driving magnetic field provided by the second magnet 72 axially extends and extinguishes the second arc AK2 generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23.

[0038] In the figure, examples of arcs AK1 and AK2 are shown by dashed lines. The arcs AK1 and AK2 are elongated in the axial direction by the driving magnetic field provided by the permanent magnet 7. The arcs AK1 and AK2 may reach into the recesses 45. The recesses 45 can accommodate the arcs AK1 and AK2 elongated by the driving magnetic field. The recesses 45 allow the arcs AK1 and AK2 to be elongated longer.

[0039] The recess 45 has a depth DP. The depth DP is the depth in the axial direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The depth DP is the depth along the height axis of the electromagnetic relay 1. The depth DP is the distance in the axial direction between the side surface 47 of the edge plate portion 41 and the side surface 48 of the bottom plate portion 43. The depth DP of the recess 45 enables the extended arcs AK1 and AK2 to be extended longer.

[0040] The recess 45 makes it possible to elongate the arcs AK1 and AK2 without changing the shapes of the capsule member 61 and the flange member 62. As a result, it is possible to improve the arc-extinguishing performance of the electromagnetic relay 1. Furthermore, there is no need to change the shapes of the capsule member 61 and the flange member 62, which are relatively expensive. As a result, it is possible to improve the arc-extinguishing performance of the electromagnetic relay 1 at a relatively low cost.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. The cross section of the flange member 62 is not shown in FIG. 2. The plate member 36 has a rectangular outer shape. The recess 45 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The through hole 44 opens within the bottom plate portion 43. The recess 45 is characterized by a longitudinal axis LX and a lateral axis SX. The longitudinal axis LX is also the width axis of the electromagnetic relay 1. The lateral axis SX is also the depth axis of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0042] The recess 45 has a longitudinal axis LX, and therefore includes both a first range where the first arc AK1 is likely to be generated and a second range where the second arc AK2 is likely to be generated. Moreover, the recess 45 has a lateral axis SX, and therefore is formed only in a range that can easily accommodate both arcs AK1 and AK2. The recess 45 is efficiently formed in the plate member 36.

[0043] In FIG. 2, a component region 31c for arranging an electromagnetic coil component is shown by a dashed line. The electromagnetic coil component may include a portion of the bobbin 31a. The electromagnetic coil component may include a portion of the coil 31b. The electromagnetic coil component may include a portion of a conductive member including an electrode that provides electrical connection to the coil 31b. As shown in the figure, the component region 31c and the recess 45 are positioned to overlap in a direction perpendicular to the shaft 4. In this case, the electromagnetic coil component and the vertical cylinder portion 42 that defines the recess 45 may be positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the shaft 4.

[0044] The plate member 36, in which the recess 45 is formed, is convex from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. The component area 31c can be positioned on both sides of the convex portion. In the drawing, the component area 31c is illustrated on both the upper and lower sides of the component area 31c. An arrangement is provided in which the electromagnetic coil component and the recess 45 (convex portion) of the plate member 36 overlap in the direction perpendicular to the shaft 4. This arrangement allows for efficient arrangement of the electromagnetic coil component. As a result, the recess 45 allows for expansion of the arc extinguishing chamber 5 while suppressing an increase in size of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0045] The longitudinal axis LX is parallel to the direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged. The direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged also corresponds to the width direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The longitudinal axis LX and the direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged coincide with each other at a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The recess 45 extends over a rectangular area having the longitudinal axis LX corresponding to the direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 21, 22 are arranged. The recess 45 extends over a length LG along the longitudinal axis LX. The recess 45 extends over a width WD along the lateral axis SX.

[0046] The longitudinal axis LG is also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movable contactor 23. The longitudinal axis LG and the direction in which the movable contactors 23 are arranged coincide with each other in the axial direction of the electromagnetic relay 1. The recess 45 extends over a rectangular range having a longitudinal axis LX corresponding to the rectangular movable contactor 23.

[0047] The recess 45 has a depth DP over a relatively long range along the longitudinal axis LX. The recess 45 also has a depth DP over a predetermined range along a lateral axis SX that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LX. The lateral axis SX is an axis parallel to the plane of the plate member 36. In this embodiment, the recess 45 has a depth DP over a width WD.

[0048] The recess 45 can accommodate at least one arc. This arc is elongated by the driving magnetic field. The recess 45 can accommodate, within a range of a depth DP, a first arc AK1 that is generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23 and is elongated. Similarly, the recess 45 can accommodate, within a range of a depth DP, a second arc AK2 that is generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23 and is elongated. The recess 45 includes a first range that can accommodate the first arc AK1 that is generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23, and a second range that can accommodate the second arc AK2 that is generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23. The first range and the second range are formed within a single continuous recess.

[0049] In this embodiment, one continuous recess 45 provides a first range capable of receiving a first arc AK1 generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23, and a second range capable of receiving a second arc AK2 generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23. As a result, the recess 45 can receive both the first arc AK1 caused by the fixed contact 21 and the second arc AK2 caused by the fixed contact 22.

[0050] According to the embodiment described above, the arc extinguishing chamber 5 is expanded in the axial direction from the contact portion 2 toward the electromagnetic portion 3. Moreover, the expansion of the arc extinguishing chamber 5 is achieved by the plate member 36, which provides part of the yoke 34 in the electromagnetic portion 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, an electromagnetic relay 1 can be provided in which the arc space, i.e., the arc extinguishing chamber 5, is expanded. Furthermore, the expansion of the arc extinguishing chamber 5 is achieved by a novel method of forming a recess 45 in the plate member 36. According to this embodiment, the arc extinguishing chamber 5 is expanded by processing the plate member 36, which is relatively inexpensive in the electromagnetic relay 1, so that an electromagnetic relay 1 in which the arc extinguishing chamber 5 is expanded can be provided at a relatively low cost.

[0051] Second embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In the previous embodiment, the recess 45 is formed as a continuous piece. Instead, in this embodiment, a first recess 251 and a second recess 252 are formed on both sides of the shaft 4. In this embodiment, the second recess 252 provides another recess.

[0052] 3, the plate member 36 has a plurality of recesses 45. The plurality of recesses 45 includes a first recess 251 and a second recess 252. The first recess 251 and the second recess 252 are independent of each other. The first recess 251 is arranged to receive an arc generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23. The second recess 252 is arranged to receive an arc generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23.

[0053] The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other in the radial direction at the small diameter portion 32a. The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other in the axial direction at a step between the small diameter portion 32a and the large diameter portion 32b. Furthermore, the stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other in the radial direction between the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 32b and the vertical cylinder portion 42. This facing relationship is provided by mechanical contact. Furthermore, this facing relationship may be achieved by joining by brazing or welding. As a result, between the stator core 32 and the plate member 36, in addition to the axial magnetic flux path at the large diameter portion 32b, a radial magnetic flux path is formed in both the small diameter portion 32a and the large diameter portion 32b.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a cross section taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. The first recess 251 and the second recess 252 are independent of each other in the plate member 36. In Fig. 4, the first recess 251 is provided by an opening provided in the edge plate portion 41, and the first recess 251 is surrounded by the edge plate portion 41. In Fig. 4, the second recess 252 is also provided by an opening provided in the edge plate portion 41, and the second recess 252 is surrounded by the edge plate portion 41.

[0055] The first recess 251 and the second recess 252 are embodied by an imaginary rectangular outline VL that encompasses both of them. The imaginary outline VL is also an envelope that encloses the first recess 251 and the second recess 252. The imaginary outline VL defines a longitudinal axis LX and a lateral axis SX. The imaginary outline VL extends over a length LG and a width WD.

[0056] In this embodiment, the multiple recesses 45 include a first recess 251 and a second recess 252. The multiple recesses 45 can accommodate at least one arc AK. This arc AK is an arc elongated by the drive magnetic field. The first recess 251 is capable of accommodating the elongated arc AK generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23 within a range of a depth DP. Similarly, the second recess 252 is capable of accommodating the elongated arc AK generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23 within a range of a depth DP. The first recess 251 and the second recess 252 provide a first range (first recess 251) that can accommodate the arc AK generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23, and a second range (second recess 252) that can accommodate the arc AK generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23. As a result, both the arc caused by the fixed contact 21 and the arc caused by the fixed contact 22 can be accommodated in the plurality of recesses 45 provided by the first recess 251 and the second recess 252 .

[0057] The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other at a facing portion 253, where the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 32b of the stator core 32 faces the vertical surface 242a of the vertical cylinder portion 42. The facing portion 253 is provided by the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32 and the flat surface of the vertical surface 242a. This facing portion 253 provides a path for magnetic flux.

[0058] This embodiment provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, a magnetic flux path is formed over a wide area between the stator core 32 and the plate members 36. As a result, magnetic constriction at the connection between the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 is suppressed.

[0059] Third embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the preceding embodiment, the facing portion 253 is provided by the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32 and the flat surface of the vertical surface 242a. Instead, in this embodiment, the facing portion 353 is provided by the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32 and the curved surface of the vertical surface 342a.

[0060] 5, the plurality of recesses 45 includes a first recess 351 and a second recess 352. The second recess 352 provides another recess.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a cross section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the first recess 351 and the second recess 352 are independent of each other in the plate member 36. The small diameter portion 32a and the edge plate portion 41 face each other in the radial direction. The end face between the small diameter portion 32a and the large diameter portion 32b faces the edge plate portion 41 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the large diameter portion 32b and the curved surface of the vertical cylinder portion 42 face each other in the radial direction. The vertical cylinder portion 42 has a vertical surface 342a. The stator core 32 and the plate member 36 may be in mechanical contact at the facing portion 353. Furthermore, the stator core 32 and the plate member 36 may be joined by a joint made by brazing or welding.

[0062] In this embodiment as well, the first recess 351 and the second recess 352 evoke an imaginary outline VL of a comprehensive rectangle that surrounds both of them. The first recess 351 functions as the first recess 251 in the preceding embodiment. The second recess 352 functions as the second recess 252 in the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the multiple recesses 45 provide a first range that can accommodate an arc AK generated between the fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 23, and a second range that can accommodate an arc AK generated between the fixed contact 22 and the movable contact 23.

[0063] Both the first recess 351 and the second recess 352 have a vertical surface 342a of the vertical cylinder portion 42. The vertical surface 342a extends along the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32. In other words, the vertical surface 342a is formed as a curved surface that follows the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32. The vertical surface 342a is a curved surface that extends along the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32. Only one of the vertical surface 342a of the first recess 351 and the vertical surface 342a of the second recess 352 may be formed as a curved surface that follows the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32. In this case, at least one of the first recess 351 and the second recess 352 has a vertical surface 342a that follows the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32.

[0064] In this embodiment as well, the stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other at the facing portion 353. Moreover, the facing portion 353 is provided by the cylindrical outer surface of the stator core 32 and the curved surface of the vertical surface 342a. In this embodiment, the facing portion 353, which has a larger area than the preceding embodiment, provides a path for magnetic flux.

[0065] This embodiment provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, a magnetic flux path is formed between the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 over a wider area than in the preceding embodiment. As a result, magnetic constriction at the connection between the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 is further suppressed.

[0066] Fourth embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment, in which the plate member 36 is formed from a continuous piece of material. Instead, in this embodiment, the plate member 36 is provided as a plurality of pieces.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, the plate member 36 is also referred to as a plate member 436. The plate member 436 is provided by a plate-shaped first member 455 and a plurality of second members 456, 457. Each of the plurality of second members 456, 457 is a member that includes at least a bottom plate portion 43. Each of the plurality of second members 456, 457 has a vertical cylinder portion 42. In this embodiment, the plate member 436 includes two second members 456, 457.

[0068] In this embodiment, the multiple recesses 45 also include a first recess 351 and a second recess 352. The first member 455 is a flat plate-shaped member. The first member 455 has multiple through holes corresponding to the first recess 351 and the second recess 352. The first member 455 has a through hole at the position of the first recess 351 that corresponds to the opening width of the first recess 351. The first member 455 has a through hole at the position of the second recess 352 that corresponds to the opening width of the second recess 352.

[0069] A second member 456 is disposed at the position of the first recess 351. The second member 456 is a shallow dish-shaped member. The second member 456 is a shallow, bottomed, cylindrical body with an open edge. The through-hole of the first member 455 and the second member 456 define the first recess 351. The second member 456 is hermetically joined to the first member 455 so as to define the first recess 351. This joining is provided by brazing or welding. The depth DP of the first recess 351 is provided by the thickness of the first member 455 and the recess of the second member 456.

[0070] A second member 457 is disposed at the position of the second recess 352. The second member 457 is a shallow dish-shaped member. The second member 457 is a shallow, bottomed, cylindrical body with an open edge. The through-hole of the first member 455 and the second member 457 define the second recess 352. The second member 457 is hermetically joined to the first member 455 so as to define the second recess 352. This joining is provided by brazing or welding. The depth DP of the second recess 352 is provided by the thickness of the first member 455 and the recess of the second member 457.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the depth DP of the recess 45 is determined by the thickness of the first member 455 and the depth of the recesses formed in the second members 456 and 457. Alternatively, the depth DP of the recess 45 may be determined only by the thickness of the first member 455. In this case, the second members 456 and 457 can be formed by simple plate-like members. Furthermore, instead, the depth DP of the recess 45 may be determined by the thickness of the first member 455 and the height of the vertical cylinder portion 42 formed in the first member 455. Furthermore, instead, the depth DP of the recess 45 may be determined by the thickness of the first member 455, the height of the vertical cylinder portion 42 formed in the first member 455, and the depth of the recesses formed in the second members 456 and 457.

[0072] This embodiment provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the plate member 436 is provided by a plurality of members. This allows the recess 45 to have a predetermined depth DP without being restricted by the material or workability of the plate member 436.

[0073] Fifth embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the preceding embodiment, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 face each other both axially and radially. Instead, in this embodiment, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 face each other only radially.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the stator core 32 has only a large diameter portion 532b. The stator core 32 has a cylindrical outer surface without a small diameter portion. Therefore, the stator core 32 does not have a step portion. The plate member 36 has a through hole 544 as the through hole 44. The vertical cylinder portion 42 has a vertical surface 342a.

[0075] 9, the stator core 32 is fixed to the radially inner side of the through hole 544. The cylindrical outer surface of the large diameter portion 532b and the curved surface of the vertical surface 342a provide a facing portion 553. The remaining facing portion of the through hole 544 is provided by the cylindrical outer surface of the large diameter portion 532b and the thickness of the plate member 36.

[0076] According to this embodiment, it is possible to employ a stator core 32 that does not have a stepped portion, and as a result, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic relay 1 with a simple shape. Sixth embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the preceding embodiment, the plate member 36 has a vertical tube portion 42. Instead, in this embodiment, the plate member 36 has only an edge plate portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 43.

[0077] 10, the plate member 36 has only an edge plate portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 43. The plate member 36 has the edge plate portion 41 which defines the outer shape of the plate member 36 and has an opening which defines the edge of the recess 45. The plate member 36 has the bottom plate portion 43 which provides the bottom of the recess 45 on the side opposite the arc extinguishing chamber 5. The depth DP of the recess 45 is provided by only the thickness of the edge plate portion 41.

[0078] The bottom plate portion 43 has a through hole 44. The through hole 44 receives the small diameter portion 32a of the stator core 32. In this embodiment as well, the stator core 32 and the plate member 36 face each other in both the radial direction and the axial direction.

[0079] Other embodiments The disclosure in this specification and drawings, etc. is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and variations thereon by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and / or elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some disclosed technical scopes are defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0080] The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. is not limited by the claims. The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. encompasses the technical ideas described in the claims, and extends to more diverse and broader technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. without being bound by the claims.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 face each other at least in the radial direction. In the above embodiment, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 face each other both in the radial direction and the axial direction. Alternatively, the stator core 32 and the plate members 36 may face each other only in the axial direction. Therefore, in this disclosure, the plate members 36 and the stator core 32 face each other in the axial direction and / or the radial direction. The plate members 36 and the stator core 32 may be in mechanical contact with each other. A magnetic coupling relationship is also provided in these configurations.

[0082] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0083] (Technical thought 1) A pair of fixed contacts (21, 22); a movable contact (23) for switching between an electrical connection state and an electrical disconnection state between the pair of fixed contacts; a partition member (6) that partitions an arc extinguishing chamber (5) that houses the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact; a permanent magnet (7) for supplying a driving magnetic field into the arc extinguishing chamber to extend the arc (AK) generated between the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact, The partition member is a ceramic capsule member (61); a metal plate member (36); The plate member has a recess (45, 251, 252, 351, 352) that is concave in a direction that expands the arc extinguishing chamber and can accommodate the arc stretched by the driving magnetic field.

[0084] (Technical thought 2) The electromagnetic relay according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the plate member is concave on the side of the arc-extinguishing chamber and convex on the side opposite the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0085] (Technical Thought 3) The partition member further includes a flange member (62) hermetically fixed to the capsule member at a base end and hermetically fixed to the plate member at the other end, An electromagnetic relay according to Technical Idea 1 or Technical Idea 2, wherein the plate member has a flat edge plate portion (41) that defines the outer shape of the plate member and has an opening that defines the edge of the recess, and the flange member is fixed to the edge plate portion so as to surround the opening.

[0086] (Technical Thought 4) The plate member is an edge plate portion (41) that defines the outer shape of the plate member and has an opening that defines the edge of the recess; An electromagnetic relay according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 3, having a bottom plate portion (43) that provides a bottom of the recess on the side opposite to the arc extinguishing chamber.

[0087] (Technical Thought 5) The plate member further comprises: The electromagnetic relay according to Technical Idea 4 has a vertical cylindrical portion (42) that connects the edge plate portion and the bottom plate portion in the vertical direction.

[0088] (Technical Thought 6) moreover, a stator core (32) fixed to the plate member; a movable core (33) supported axially movably relative to the stator core; a shaft (4) connecting the movable core and the movable contact; an electromagnetic unit (3) having the stator core and an electromagnetic coil (31) that excites the mover core; The electromagnetic relay according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 5, wherein the plate member and the stator core face each other in the axial direction and / or the radial direction.

[0089] (Technical Thought 7) The electromagnetic relay according to Technical Idea 6, wherein the plate member and the stator core are in contact with each other.

[0090] (Technical Thought 8) An electromagnetic relay according to Technical Idea 6 or Technical Idea 7, wherein a component area (31c) for arranging the electromagnetic coil components constituting the electromagnetic coil and the recess overlap in a direction perpendicular to the shaft.

[0091] (Technical Thought 9) An electromagnetic relay according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 8, wherein the recess is capable of accepting both arcs, including a first arc (AK1) originating from one of the pair of fixed contacts and a second arc (AK2) originating from the other of the pair of fixed contacts.

[0092] (Technical Thought 10) The plate member further includes another recess (252, 352) that is concave in a direction that expands the arc extinguishing chamber and can receive the arc stretched by the driving magnetic field, The recess (251, 351) is capable of receiving a first arc (AK1) generated by one of the pair of fixed contacts, The electromagnetic relay according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 9, wherein the other recess is capable of receiving a second arc (AK2) generated by the other of the pair of fixed contacts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 electromagnetic relay, 2 contact portion, 3 electromagnetic portion, 4 shaft, 5 arc extinguishing chamber, 6 partition member, 7 permanent magnet, 11 Upper case, 12 Lower case, 21, 22 fixed contact, 23 movable contact, 24 support member; 25 bias spring; 31 electromagnetic coil, 31a bobbin, 31b coil, 31c component area, 32 stator core, 32a small diameter portion, 32b large diameter portion, 33 mover core, 34 yoke, 35 bias spring, 36 plate member; 37 back yoke member; 38 magnetic flux guide member, 41 edge plate portion, 42 vertical cylinder portion, 43 bottom plate portion, 44 through hole, 45 recess, 61 capsule member, 62 flange member, 63 sleeve, 251 first recess, 252 second recess, 351 first recess, 352 second recess, 544 through holes, AK1 First arc, AK2 Second arc.

Claims

1. A pair of fixed contacts (21, 22); a movable contact (23) for switching between an electrical connection state and an electrical disconnection state between the pair of fixed contacts; a partition member (6) that partitions an arc extinguishing chamber (5) that houses the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact; a permanent magnet (7) that supplies a driving magnetic field into the arc extinguishing chamber to extend the arc (AK1, AK2) generated between the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact; The partition member is a ceramic capsule member (61); a metal plate member (36); The plate member has a recess (45, 251, 252, 351, 352) that is concave in a direction that expands the arc extinguishing chamber and can accommodate the arc stretched by the drive magnetic field.

2. 2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the plate member is concave on the side of the arc-extinguishing chamber and convex on the side opposite to the arc-extinguishing chamber.

3. The partition member further includes a flange member (62) hermetically fixed to the capsule member at a base end and hermetically fixed to the plate member at the other end, 2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the plate member has a flat edge plate portion (41) that defines the outer shape of the plate member and has an opening that defines the edge of the recess, and the flange member is fixed to the edge plate portion so as to surround the opening.

4. The plate member is an edge plate portion (41) that defines the outer shape of the plate member and has an opening that defines the edge of the recess; 2. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising a bottom plate portion (43) that provides a bottom of the recess on the side opposite to the arc-extinguishing chamber.

5. The plate member further comprises:

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, further comprising a vertical cylindrical portion (42) connecting the edge plate portion and the bottom plate portion in the vertical direction.

6. moreover, a stator core (32) fixed to the plate member; a movable core (33) supported axially movably relative to the stator core; a shaft (4) connecting the movable core and the movable contact; an electromagnetic section (3) having the stator core and an electromagnetic coil (31) that excites the mover core; The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 , wherein the plate member and the stator core face each other in the axial direction and / or the radial direction.

7. 7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 6, wherein the plate member and the stator core are in contact with each other.

8. 7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 6, wherein a component area (31c) for arranging an electromagnetic coil component constituting the electromagnetic coil and the recess overlap in a direction perpendicular to the shaft.

9. 9. An electromagnetic relay as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recess is capable of accepting both arcs including a first arc (AK1) caused by one of the pair of fixed contacts and a second arc (AK2) caused by the other of the pair of fixed contacts.

10. The plate member further includes another recess (252, 352) that is concave in a direction that expands the arc extinguishing chamber and can receive the arc stretched by the driving magnetic field, The recess (251, 351) is capable of receiving a first arc (AK1) generated by one of the pair of fixed contacts, 9. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the other recess is capable of receiving a second arc (AK2) generated by the other of the pair of fixed contacts.

Images