Relay device

Abstract

To provide a relay device that suppresses malfunctions caused by arcing. [Solution] The relay device 100 comprises a contact section 10 and a drive section 20. The contact section 10 has fixed contacts 11 and 12, a movable contact 13, and a contact case 14 to which the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are fixed and which houses a part of the fixed contacts 11 and 12 and a part of the movable contact 13. The drive section 20 is arranged adjacent to the contact case 14 and drives the movable contact 13. Furthermore, the relay device 100 includes a reinforcing member 30 made mainly of metal to reinforce the contact case 14. The reinforcing member 30 is arranged opposite to the side surface S13 of the contact case 14, excluding the contact surface S11 to which the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are fixed and the bottom surface S12 facing the drive section 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a relay device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a relay device disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a relay device may be considered to have a contact portion having a contact case that houses a part of a fixed contact and a part of a movable contact, and a drive portion that is disposed adjacent to the contact case and drives the movable contact. In such a relay device, there is a risk of problems occurring when an arc occurs within the contact case. Also, from the above perspective, or from other perspectives not mentioned, further improvements are required for the relay device.

[0005] One object of the disclosure is to provide a relay device in which problems associated with arcs are suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [[E,ND]] The relay device disclosed herein includes a contact portion (10) having fixed contacts (11, 12), a movable contact (13), and a contact case (14) to which the fixed contacts are fixed and which houses a part of the fixed contacts and a part of the movable contact, and a drive portion (20) that is disposed adjacent to the contact case and drives the movable contact, and a reinforcing member (30 to 35) that reinforces the contact case and is mainly composed of metal. The reinforcing members are positioned opposite the side surface (S13) of the contact case, excluding the contact surface (S11) on which the fixed contacts are fixed and the bottom surface (S12) facing the drive unit.

[0007] According to the relay device disclosed herein, since a reinforcing member is provided, malfunctions can be suppressed even if an arc occurs within the contact case.

[0008] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses in this section are intended to illustrate an example of correspondence with parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the relay device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a circuit diagram showing the first state of a switchgear using a relay device. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram showing the second state of a switchgear using a relay device. [Figure 7] This is a circuit diagram showing the third state of a switchgear using a relay device. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a relay device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a relay device in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the relay device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view showing the relay device in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In the following, several embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in a prior embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other parts of the configuration can be referred to and applied to other embodiments described in advance.

[0011] (First Embodiment) The relay device 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The relay device 100 is configured to be mounted on, for example, a mobile body. Examples of mobile bodies include vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, aircraft such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and drones, ships, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery. The relay device 100 is also applicable to devices other than mobile bodies. In this embodiment, as an example, a relay device 100 mounted on an electric vehicle is used.

[0012] <Configuration of the relay device> The configuration of the relay device 100 will be explained using Figures 1 to 4. The relay device 100 mechanically opens and closes the circuit using electromagnetic action in response to a drive signal. The relay device 100 is sometimes referred to as a mechanical relay. The relay device 100 receives an ON signal to close the circuit and an OFF signal to open the circuit as drive signals.

[0013] The relay device 100 comprises a contact portion 10, a drive portion 20, and a reinforcing member 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, a relay device 100 is used that includes a pair of magnets 41 and 42 and a relay case 50.

[0014] The contact part 10 includes two fixed contacts 11, 12, a movable contact 13, and a contact case 14. The fixed contacts 11, 12 and the movable contact 13 are made of conductive members.

[0015] The fixed contacts 11, 12 are fixed to the contact case 14. The fixed contacts 11, 12 are connected to wiring such as a bus bar provided outside the relay device 100. That is, the fixed contacts 11, 12 are connected to the bus bar of the switching device when the relay device 100 is mounted on the switching device. The switching device will be described later.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the paired fixed contacts 11, 12 are arranged along the first width direction of the contact case 14. Hereinafter, the first width direction of the contact case 14 will also be simply referred to as the first width direction. Also, since the first width direction is the direction in which the fixed contacts 11, 12 are arranged, it can also be said to be the arrangement direction. Note that the direction orthogonal to the first width direction in the contact case 14 is also referred to as the second width direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the movable contact 13 is arranged to face the fixed contacts 11, 12 in the height direction of the contact case 14. Hereinafter, the height direction of the contact case 14 will also be simply referred to as the height direction.

[0018] The movable contact 13 is operated by the drive part 20. The movable contact 13 is configured to be movable along the height direction. The movable contact 13 is configured to be movable in a direction approaching the fixed contacts 11, 12 and in a direction moving away from the fixed contacts 11, 12. And the movable contact 13 can be in a state of contacting the fixed contacts 11, 12 and a state of not contacting the fixed contacts 11, 12.

[0019] Current flows through the fixed contacts 11 and 12 and the movable contact 13 when they are in contact. In other words, the movable contact 13 allows current to flow between the busbar connected to fixed contact 11 and the busbar connected to fixed contact 12. As a result, the relay device 100 closes the connection between fixed contacts 11 and 12. The direction of the current is illustrated for fixed contacts 11 and 12 in Figure 4. The pair of fixed contacts 11 and 12 are configured so that current flows in opposite directions to each other.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, some of the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are exposed to the outside of the contact case 14 and the relay case 50. Other parts of the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are located in the contact chamber 15, which will be described later. On the other hand, some of the movable contacts 13 are located in the contact chamber 15. Other parts of the movable contacts 13 are located inside the drive unit 20. The fixed contacts 11 and 12 and the movable contacts 13 can be in contact or not in contact within the contact chamber 15.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the contact case 14 has, for example, a hollow rectangular prism shape. The contact case 14 may have curved corners. The contact case 14 comprises a fixed wall portion 141, a bottom wall portion 142, and side walls portion 143. The fixed wall portion 141, the bottom wall portion 142, and the side walls portion 143 are integral parts. The contact case 14 forms a contact chamber 15 with the fixed wall portion 141, the bottom wall portion 142, and the side walls portion 143. The contact case 14 is made of, for example, ceramics.

[0022] The fixed wall portion 141 has the fixed contacts 11 and 12 fixed to it. The fixed wall portion 141 is positioned opposite the bottom wall portion 142. The fixed wall portion 141 has a contact surface S11 which is the surface opposite to the contact chamber 15.

[0023] The bottom wall portion 142 is positioned adjacent to the drive unit 20. In other words, the contact portion 10 and the drive unit 20 are positioned adjacent to each other in the height direction. The movable contact 13 is provided projecting from the drive unit 20 through the bottom wall portion 142 into the contact chamber 15. The bottom wall portion 142 has a bottom surface S12 which is the surface opposite to the contact chamber 15 and is the surface facing the drive unit 20.

[0024] The side wall portion 143 is provided in connection with the fixed wall portion 141 and the bottom wall portion 142. The side wall portion 143 is provided in an annular shape. The side wall portion 143 has a side surface S13 which is the surface opposite to the contact chamber 15.

[0025] In this embodiment, as an example, a contact section 10 in which hydrogen is sealed in the contact chamber 15 is employed. The contact case 14 is provided so that the hydrogen concentration in the contact chamber 15 exceeds 75%. Therefore, the contact chamber 15 is a sealed space. It can also be said that the hydrogen is hermetically sealed inside the contact case 14. The hydrogen is provided, for example, to shorten the time it takes for the arc generated in the contact chamber 15 to be extinguished.

[0026] The drive unit 20 includes a coil, contact springs, and the like. The drive unit 20 drives the movable contact 13 in accordance with the drive signal output from the control device, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 20 is located adjacent to the contact case 14. The contact section 10 and the drive unit 20 together can be referred to as the relay body.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the magnets 41 and 42 are arranged around the contact case 14. The magnets 41 and 42 are permanent magnets.

[0028] Magnets 41 and 42 are positioned opposite each other at two opposing points on the side surface S13. Magnets 41 and 42 are positioned so as to sandwich the fixed contacts 11 and 12 and the movable contact 13. Furthermore, magnets 41 and 42 are positioned along the direction in which the pair of fixed contacts 11 and 12 are aligned. It can also be said that magnets 41 and 42 are positioned so as to form a magnetic field in the direction indicated by arrow B. Note that magnets 41 and 42 are provided in a state where they are in contact with the side surface S13. However, magnets 41 and 42 may be provided with a gap formed between them and the side surface S13.

[0029] Magnets 41 and 42 are provided to extend the arc generated within the contact case 14. They are also provided to extend the arc and accelerate its extinction. When current flows through the fixed contacts 11 and 12 in the magnetic field created by magnets 41 and 42, the arc extends in the direction of the force F. Magnets 41 and 42 are sometimes also called arc-extending magnets. Note that the relay device 100 does not necessarily need to have magnets 41 and 42.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the relay case 50 has, for example, a hollow rectangular prism shape. The relay case 50 houses the contact part 10 and the drive part 20. Furthermore, the relay case 50 houses the magnets 41 and 42. The relay case 50 houses the contact part 10, etc., with a portion of the fixed contacts 11 and 12 exposed to the outside. The relay case 50 is positioned to be in contact with the magnets 41 and 42. Therefore, the magnets 41 and 42 are positioned to be in contact with the relay case 50 in addition to the contact case 14. The relay case 50 is made mainly of, for example, resin.

[0031] The relay case 50 has a contact surface S1 on which fixed contacts 11 and 12 protrude, a bottom surface S2 facing the contact surface S1, and a side surface S3 connected to the contact surface S1 and the bottom surface S2. The side surface S3 is provided in an annular shape. Although not shown in the figure, the relay case 50 is provided with a connector for electrically connecting the drive unit 20 and the control device.

[0032] The reinforcing member 30 reinforces the contact case 14. In other words, the reinforcing member 30 primarily suppresses cracking of the contact case 14 due to arcing. The reinforcing member 30 is mainly composed of metal. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30 has higher strength than the resin relay case 50. In addition, the reinforcing member 30 has a higher heat resistance temperature than the relay case 50.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the reinforcing member 30 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The reinforcing member 30 is positioned opposite the side surface S13 of the contact case 14, excluding the contact surface S11 and the bottom surface S12. The reinforcing member 30 is positioned opposite at least a portion of the side surface S13. In this embodiment, as an example, a reinforcing member 30 is used that is provided without contacting the side surface S13.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the reinforcing member 30 is provided facing one side surface S13 across the entire area in the second width direction and the entire area in the height direction. In other words, the relay device 100 is installed such that the contact portion 10 is housed in the area of ​​the reinforcing member 30 facing the fixed contacts 11 and 12 in the direction in which they are aligned.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reinforcing member 30 be positioned opposite to a location in the contact case 14 where cracking due to arcing is likely to occur. Locations where cracking is likely to occur can be identified in advance through simulations or experiments.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the reinforcing member 30 is provided on the outside of the relay case 50. The reinforcing member 30 is positioned in at least a portion of the area facing the magnet 42. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30 is positioned facing the side wall portion 143 via a portion of the relay case 50 and the magnet 42. Note that the reinforcing member 30 may be provided on the magnet 41 side instead of the magnet 42 side.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, a reinforcing member 30 is provided in contact with the side surface S3 of the relay case 50. Therefore, the reinforcing member 30 is provided in a continuous manner with the side wall 143, the magnet 42, and the relay case 50. It can also be said that the reinforcing member 30 is attached to the relay case 50 without any space being formed between it and a part of the side wall 143. It can also be said that the reinforcing member 30 is provided on the side surface S13 (side wall 143) via the magnet 42 and the relay case 50.

[0038] <Switching device using relays> Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the switchgear to which the relay device 100 is applied. The switchgear is located between the battery device and the power converter 300. The switchgear consists of a circuit for switching the power supply voltage. The switchgear is sometimes referred to as a junction box, voltage switching junction box, or voltage switching junction block.

[0039] In Figures 5 and 6, the flow of current is shown by dashed lines. In Figure 7, the flow of two current systems is shown by dashed and double-dotted lines. Note that the switching device shown in Figure 5 and other figures is merely one example of a switching device to which the relay device 100 is applied.

[0040] The battery device has a first battery 201 and a second battery 202. The first battery 201 contains multiple battery cells. The first battery 201 is constructed by electrically connecting multiple battery cells in series. The second battery 202 is constructed similarly to the first battery 201. The battery cells are secondary batteries, such as lithium batteries.

[0041] Note that the first battery 201 may be referred to as the first battery. The second battery 202 may be referred to as the second battery. The battery unit may be referred to as the power supply unit.

[0042] In this embodiment, we adopt an example in which each battery 201 and 202 contains the same number of battery cells. Each battery 201 and 202 outputs a power supply voltage of 400V. The power supply voltage is sometimes referred to as the output voltage. Note that 400V here is an approximate value.

[0043] The battery unit outputs a 400V power supply voltage individually from either the first battery 201 or the second battery 202. Alternatively, the battery unit outputs an integrated 800V power supply voltage from both the first battery 201 and the second battery 202. Note that 800V here is an approximate value.

[0044] When the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 are connected in series, the rated voltage of the battery system is 800V. When the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 are connected in parallel, the rated voltage of the battery system is 400V.

[0045] The switchgear switches the output of the power supply voltage. By switching the output of the power supply voltage by the switchgear, a power supply voltage of either 400V or 800V is supplied to the power converter 300.

[0046] The power converter 300 mainly consists of an inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor generator of the electric vehicle. The inverter converts the supplied DC power voltage into AC voltage. This AC voltage is supplied to the motor generator. The motor generator uses this AC voltage to propel the vehicle. This propulsion causes the wheels of the electric vehicle to rotate. The motor generator also converts the kinetic energy of the wheels into electrical energy. The motor generator performs regenerative power generation. The AC power generated by regenerative power generation is converted into DC voltage by the power converter 300. This DC voltage is supplied to the battery device via a switchgear.

[0047] Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging port. Electric vehicles are configured to be connectable to a charging station 400 located outside the vehicle via a charging cable. The charging port is sometimes referred to as an inlet or charging port.

[0048] A DC voltage for charging the battery device is applied to the charging port. The charging port supplies the DC voltage input from the charging station 400 to the switchgear. The charging station 400 is installed in charging facilities, etc. Charging of the battery device from the charging station 400 is performed via the charging port. The charging station 400 is equivalent to an external charger. There are two types of charging stations 400: standard chargers and fast chargers.

[0049] An example of a standard charger includes a single-phase AC power supply with a voltage of 200V or 100V and is configured to supply AC power with an output of approximately 3kW (voltage 200V, maximum current 15A). An example of a fast charger is configured to supply DC power with a maximum output of 160kW (maximum voltage 400V, maximum current 400A). This type of fast charger is sometimes referred to as a low-voltage fast charger. Another example of a fast charger is configured to supply DC power with a maximum output of 160kW (maximum voltage 800V, maximum current 200A). This type of fast charger is sometimes referred to as a high-voltage fast charger.

[0050] Rapid charging is a charging method that aims to charge a battery device in a short time by supplying a large current to the battery device. Rapid charging uses a direct current. The charging in this embodiment can also be called DC charging. A large current is a current that is larger than that used in normal charging. A short time is a shorter time than that used in normal charging. In this embodiment, we adopt an example in which the battery device is charged from the charging station 400 using a rapid charger. Note that specific values ​​such as 400V and 800V are merely examples.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5 and other figures, the switchgear includes relays 110-170 and fuses 181-183. The switchgear also includes wiring for electrically connecting the relays 110-170 and fuses 181-183. The switchgear also includes a busbar as an example of the wiring. Furthermore, the switchgear includes a base member on which the relays 110-170, fuses 181-183, and busbar are integrally mounted.

[0052] The relay device 100 is applied to at least one of the relays 110 to 170. In this embodiment, an example is taken in which the relay device 100 is applied to at least the parallel relay 130.

[0053] Relays 110 to 170 are electrically connected to a control device located outside the relay device 100. The control device controls the opening and closing of relays 110 to 170. The control device includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage device such as ROM or RAM.

[0054] Relay 110 is a series relay 110 for connecting the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 in series. Relays 120 and 130 are parallel relays 120 and 130 for connecting the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 in parallel.

[0055] Relays 140 and 150 are system main relays 140 and 150 for switching the path between the battery device and the power converter 300 on and off. System main relay 140 can also be called the positive side system main relay. System main relay 150 can also be called the negative side system main relay.

[0056] Relays 160 and 170 are charging relays 160 and 170 for switching the path between the charging station 400 and the power converter 300 on and off. Charging relay 160 can also be called the positive-side charging relay 160. Charging relay 170 can also be called the negative-side charging relay 170.

[0057] The first fuse 181 is located between the positive terminal of the first battery 201 and the positive-side system main relay 140. The second fuse 182 is located between the positive terminal of the second battery 202 and the parallel relay 120. The third fuse 183 is located between the negative terminal of the first battery 201 and the parallel relay 130.

[0058] Fuses 181-183 blow when the current flowing through them exceeds their rated value. Fuses 181-183 interrupt the circuit by blowing. In addition, fuses 181-183 may require some time (blown-out time) from the moment an excessive current begins to flow through them until they blow and interrupt the circuit.

[0059] <800V operation> The control unit is configured to be electrically connectable to the charging station 400 via an input / output device. When the charging station 400 does not charge the battery unit, the control unit outputs an ON signal to the system main relays 140, 150 and the series relay 110. In addition, the control unit outputs an OFF signal to the charging relays 160, 170 and the parallel relays 120, 130.

[0060] According to this, the current path shown by the dashed line in Figure 5 is formed. The current path includes the energized relays 110, 140, and 150, the first battery 201, and the second battery 202.

[0061] Due to the electrical connection configuration described above, if charging does not occur from the charging station 400 to the battery device, the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 are electrically connected in series. A power voltage of approximately 800V is supplied to the power converter 300.

[0062] The power converter 300 converts the supplied power voltage from DC to AC. The 800V power voltage converted to AC is supplied to the motor generator. The motor generator powers itself based on the converted AC voltage. This allows the electric vehicle to move.

[0063] Incidentally, the switching device may also be prone to accidental activation of the parallel relay 130 (relay device 100) due to, for example, the shocks experienced while driving an electric vehicle. In this case, a short-circuit current flows between the movable contact 13 and the fixed contacts 11 and 12 of the relay device 100. An electromagnetic repulsive force is then generated between the movable contact 13 and the fixed contacts 11 and 12.

[0064] The movable contact 13 and the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are separated by their electromagnetic repulsion, which can increase the arcing phenomenon. Therefore, a safety design is necessary to prevent failure of the relay device 100. In particular, safety design is important for the relay device 100 because hydrogen is sealed inside the contact case 14. For this reason, the relay device 100 is equipped with a reinforcing member 30 as described above.

[0065] <800V charging> The control unit outputs off signals for system main relays 24 and 25 when charging the battery device from the charging station 400. When the charging station 400 is connected to a high-voltage rapid charger, the control unit outputs on signals for system main relays 140 and 150, charging relays 160 and 170, and series relay 110. In addition, the control unit outputs off signals for parallel relays 120 and 130.

[0066] According to this, the current path shown by the dashed line in Figure 6 is formed. The current path includes the energized relays 110, 140, 150, 160, 170, the first battery 201, and the second battery 202.

[0067] Due to the electrical connection configuration described above, when connected to a high-voltage rapid charger, the first battery 201 and the second battery 202 are electrically connected in series. The battery system is charged by an external voltage of approximately 800V.

[0068] <400V charging> Furthermore, when connected to a low-voltage rapid charger as a charging station 400, the control device outputs ON signals to the charging relays 160, 170, the system main relays 140, 150, and the parallel relays 120, 130. In addition, the control device outputs an OFF signal to the series relay 110. As a result, two current supply paths are formed, shown by the dashed-dotted and dotted-dotted lines in Figure 7.

[0069] One current path includes the energized relays 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and the battery 201. An external voltage of approximately 400V is supplied to the first battery 201 through this path. Therefore, the first battery 201 is charged by an external voltage of approximately 400V.

[0070] Another current path includes the energized relays 120, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and the second battery 202. An external voltage of approximately 400V is supplied to the second battery 202 through this path. Therefore, the second battery 202 is charged by an external voltage of approximately 400V.

[0071] <Effects> As described above, the relay device 100 is equipped with a reinforcing member 30 that reinforces the contact case 14. The reinforcing member 30 is positioned opposite the side surface S13 of the contact case 14. Therefore, even if an arc occurs inside the contact case 14, the relay device 100 can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0072] In particular, the relay device 100 has a reinforcing member 30 connected to the side wall 143, magnet 42, and relay case 50. Therefore, the relay device 100 can suppress cracking of the contact case 14 due to arcing more effectively than a configuration in which a space is formed between the contact case 14 and the reinforcing member 30. In other words, the reinforcing member 30 mechanically reinforces the contact case 14. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 30 can be said to improve the strength and durability of the contact case 14.

[0073] Furthermore, the relay device 100 can suppress cracking of the contact case 14, thereby preventing hydrogen leakage from the contact case 14. In other words, the relay device 100 can prevent the hydrogen concentration from falling to between 4% and 75%.

[0074] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0075] The following describes other forms of this disclosure, namely the second to fourth embodiments. While the above embodiments and the second to fourth embodiments can be implemented individually, they can also be implemented in various combinations as appropriate. This disclosure is not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiments and can be implemented in various combinations.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figure 8, the relay device 100 of the second embodiment may include two reinforcing members 30 and 31. This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0077] Reinforcement member 31, like reinforcement member 30, is mainly composed of metal. Reinforcement member 31 has the same shape as reinforcement member 30. Reinforcement member 31 is installed on the outside of relay case 50.

[0078] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 31 is provided facing one side surface S13 across the entire area in the second width direction and the entire area in the height direction. In other words, the relay device 100 is provided such that the contact portion 10 is housed in the opposing regions of the reinforcing members 30 and 31 in the direction in which the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are aligned.

[0079] The reinforcing members 30 and 31 are provided so as to sandwich the contact case 14. The reinforcing members 30 and 31 are positioned opposite each other on two opposing sides S13 of the contact case 14. The reinforcing members 30 and 31 are provided on both ends of the contact case 14 in the direction in which the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are aligned.

[0080] The reinforcing members 30 and 31 are positioned opposite the relay case 50. Furthermore, the reinforcing members 30 and 31 are provided with a gap 30g between them and the relay case 50. Therefore, the relay device 100 has a space between the reinforcing members 30 and 31 and the relay case 50. However, the reinforcing members 30 and 31 may also be provided in contact with the relay case 50, as in the above embodiment.

[0081] Thus, the relay device 100 is provided with reinforcing members 30 and 31 with a gap of 30g between it and the relay case 50. Therefore, even if the contact case 14 and the relay case 50 crack due to an arc inside the contact case 14, the gap of 30g prevents the hydrogen concentration from immediately rising to 4% to 75%. The hydrogen concentration is the concentration of hydrogen inside the contact chamber 15.

[0082] In other words, even if the contact case 14 and relay case 50 of the relay device 100 break, the gap of 30g allows the amount of hydrogen leaking from the contact chamber 15 to be suppressed. Therefore, the relay device 100 can prevent the hydrogen concentration from reaching 4% to 75% during the period until the arc naturally extinguishes. Furthermore, the relay device 100 can delay the hydrogen concentration reaching 4% to 75% until the arc naturally extinguishes. For this reason, when the relay device 100 is applied to the parallel relay 130, even if the contact case 14 and relay case 50 of the relay device 100 break, the hydrogen concentration can be prevented from reaching 4% to 75% before the third fuse 183 blows.

[0083] Thus, the relay device 100 can suppress malfunctions even if an arc occurs inside the contact case 14. Furthermore, the relay device 100 can achieve the same effects as the above embodiment when the reinforcing members 30 and 31 are in contact with the relay case 50.

[0084] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figure 9, the relay device 100 of the third embodiment may include two reinforcing members 32 and 33. This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the second embodiment.

[0085] Reinforcement members 32 and 33, like reinforcement member 30, are primarily made of metal. Reinforcement members 32 and 33 are installed on the outside of the relay case 50.

[0086] The reinforcing member 32 has a base portion 32a and an extended portion 32b connected to the base portion 32a. The extended portion 32b is provided bent relative to the base portion 32a. The reinforcing member 33 has a base portion 33a and an extended portion 33b. The reinforcing member 33 has the same shape as the reinforcing member 32.

[0087] The base portions 32a and 33a are provided so as to sandwich the contact case 14 in the direction in which the fixed contacts 11 and 12 are aligned. The extension portions 32b and 33b are provided on both ends of the contact case 14 in the second width direction. In this way, the reinforcing members 32 and 33 are provided across two consecutive sides S13. Therefore, the reinforcing members 32 and 33 are also provided facing the corners of the contact case 14.

[0088] The reinforcing members 32 and 33 are provided with a gap of X (mm) and a gap of 30g between them and the relay case 50. The gap X is such that the volume V2 of the area formed between the reinforcing members 32 and 33 and the relay case 50 is 1.33 times or less the volume V1 of the contact case 14. The area formed between the reinforcing members 32 and 33 and the relay case 50 is the space enclosed by the dotted line around the relay case 50. The volume V1 of the contact case 14 is the volume of the contact chamber 15.

[0089] The relay device 100 can achieve the same effects as the second embodiment. Furthermore, even if the contact case 14 and relay case 50 break, the relay device 100 can further suppress the hydrogen concentration from reaching 4% to 75% before the third fuse 183 blows.

[0090] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the relay device 100 of the fourth embodiment may include two reinforcing members 34 and 35. This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] In Figure 10, the contact portion 10 is shown by a dashed line. Figures 10 and 11 show the state in which the first busbar 191 is attached to the fixed contact 11 and the second busbar 192 is attached to the fixed contact 12.

[0092] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the relay case 50 is equipped with a connector 52. The connector 52 is located on a part of the side surface S3. The connector 52 is a part for electrically connecting the drive unit 20 and the control device.

[0093] The relay case 50 is provided with a fixing portion 51. The fixing portion 51 is the part that is fixed to the base member. The fixing portion 51 is provided with a fixing hole 51a that penetrates in the thickness direction. The fixing hole 51a is a hole into which a fixing screw member is inserted. The fixing portion 51 is provided with a positioning hole 51b that penetrates in the thickness direction. The positioning hole 51b is a hole into which a positioning projection 345b for positioning is inserted.

[0094] The reinforcing members 34 and 35, like the reinforcing member 30, are primarily made of metal. The reinforcing members 34 and 35 are located on the outside of the relay case 50. The reinforcing members 34 and 35 are fixed to the base member together with the relay case 50. In other words, the reinforcing members 34 and 35 are fixed to the base member in an assembled state with the relay case 50. The assembled state of the reinforcing members 34 and 35 and the relay case 50 can also be simply called the assembled state. Furthermore, the reinforcing members 34 and 35 can be said to be stacked relative to the relay case 50.

[0095] The reinforcing members 34 and 35 are fixed to the base member together with the busbars. Some busbars are not electrically connected to the reinforcing members 34 and 35. Therefore, it is preferable that the reinforcing members 34 and 35 be subjected to an insulating treatment such as anodizing. This ensures the electrical insulation of the reinforcing members 34 and 35.

[0096] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the reinforcing member 34 has side portions 341, 342, and 343 facing the side surface S3, and a bottom portion 344 facing the bottom surface S2. Side portions 342 and 343 are arranged facing each other. Side portion 341 is provided in connection with the ends of side portions 342 and 343 and the end of the bottom portion 344.

[0097] The side portion 343 is not located where the connector 52 is located. In other words, the side portion 343 is provided so that the connector 52 is exposed from the reinforcing member 34.

[0098] The side portion 343 is provided with a fixing portion 345. The fixing portion 345 is provided with a fixing hole 345a that penetrates in the thickness direction. The fixing hole 345a is located opposite the fixing hole 51a and is a hole into which a fixing screw member is inserted. The fixing portion 345 is provided with a positioning projection 345b that protrudes in the thickness direction. Note that the fixing portion 345 is also provided on the side portion 342.

[0099] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the reinforcing member 35 has side portions 351, 352, and 353 facing the side surface S3, and a bottom portion 354 facing the bottom surface S2. Side portions 352 and 353 are arranged facing each other. Side portion 351 is provided in connection with the ends of side portions 352 and 353 and the end of the bottom portion 354.

[0100] The side portion 353 is provided with a fixing portion 355. The fixing portion 355 is provided with a fixing hole 355a that penetrates in the thickness direction. The fixing hole 355a is located opposite to the fixing holes 51a and 345a and is a hole into which a fixing screw member is inserted. The fixing portion 355 is provided with a positioning hole 355b that penetrates in the thickness direction. The positioning hole 355b is located opposite to the positioning hole 51b and is a hole into which a positioning projection 345b is inserted. Note that the fixing portion 355 is also provided on the side portion 352.

[0101] The side portions 342 and 352 are positioned opposite one side portion S3 when assembled. The side portions 343 and 353 are positioned opposite another side portion S3 when assembled. The bottom portions 344 and 354 are positioned opposite another bottom portion S2 when assembled. Therefore, the reinforcing members 34 and 35 cover the portion of the relay case 50 excluding the contact surface S1 and the connector 52.

[0102] Furthermore, the side portions 342 and 352 are in contact with the side portion S3. The side portions 343 and 353 are in contact with the side portion S3. The bottom portions 344 and 354 are in contact with the bottom portion S2.

[0103] The reinforcing members 34 and 35 and the relay case 50 are fastened together to the base member by screw members. The relay case 50 is fixed to the base member by being sandwiched from above and below by the reinforcing members 34 and 35. This allows the relay device 100 to firmly cover the relay case 50 with the reinforcing members 34 and 35. In other words, the relay device 100 can prevent the reinforcing members 34 and 35 from unintentionally separating from the relay case 50. The vertical direction coincides with the stacking direction of the reinforcing members 34 and 35 and the relay case 50.

[0104] The relay device 100 can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, the relay device 100 is provided with reinforcing members 34 and 35 on multiple side surfaces S3 and bottom surface S2. Therefore, the relay device 100 can suppress cracking of the contact case 14 due to arcing more effectively than the first embodiment.

[0105] Furthermore, the relay device 100 may have a gap 30g between the side portions 342, 343, 352, 353 and the side portion S3, as described in the third embodiment. The relay device 100 may also have a gap 30g between the bottom portions 344, 354 and the bottom portion S2, as described in the third embodiment. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the third embodiment.

[0106] This disclosure is described in accordance with embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0107] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0108] (Technical thought 1) A contact section (10) having fixed contacts (11, 12), a movable contact (13), and a contact case (14) to which the fixed contacts are fixed and which houses a part of the fixed contacts and a part of the movable contact, A drive unit (20) is arranged adjacent to the contact case and drives the movable contact, The aforementioned contact case is reinforced and comprises reinforcing members (30-35) mainly composed of metal, The reinforcing member is positioned opposite the side surface (S13) of the contact case, excluding the contact surface (S11) on which the fixed contact is fixed and the bottom surface (S12) facing the drive unit.

[0109] (Technical thought 2) The relay device according to technical concept 1, wherein the reinforcing members are arranged opposite to two opposing sides of the contact case so as to sandwich the contact case.

[0110] (Technical Thought 3) The system further includes magnets (41, 42) arranged around the contact case for extending the arc generated within the contact case, The relay device according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing member is arranged in at least a portion of the area facing the magnet.

[0111] (Technical Thought 4) The relay device according to any one of the technical ideas 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing member is provided across two adjacent sides.

[0112] (Technical Thought 5) The relay device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 4, wherein hydrogen is hermetically sealed inside the contact case.

[0113] (Technical Thought 6) The relay case (50) further comprises the contact portion and the drive portion, The reinforcing member is provided on the outside of the relay case, and the relay device is according to any one of the technical concepts 1 to 5.

[0114] (Technical Thought 7) The reinforcing member is provided with a gap (30g) of space (X) between it and the relay case. The relay device according to technical concept 6, wherein the aforementioned interval is a value such that the volume of the region formed between the reinforcing member and the relay case is 1.33 times or less the volume of the contact case. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10...Contact part, 11,12...Fixed contact, 13...Movable contact, 14...Contact case, 15...Contact chamber, 20...Drive unit, 30~35...Reinforcement member, Magnets 41,42 50... Relay case, 100... Relay device

Claims

1. A contact section (10) having fixed contacts (11, 12), a movable contact (13), and a contact case (14) to which the fixed contacts are fixed and which houses a part of the fixed contacts and a part of the movable contact, A drive unit (20) is arranged adjacent to the contact case and drives the movable contact, The aforementioned contact case is reinforced and comprises reinforcing members (30-35) mainly composed of metal, The reinforcing member is positioned opposite the side surface (S13) of the contact case, excluding the contact surface (S11) on which the fixed contact is fixed and the bottom surface (S12) facing the drive unit.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is positioned opposite to two opposing sides of the contact case so as to sandwich the contact case.

3. The system further comprises magnets (41, 42) arranged around the contact case for extending the arc generated within the contact case, The relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing member is arranged in at least a portion of the area facing the magnet.

4. The relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing member is provided across two adjacent sides.

5. The relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein hydrogen is hermetically sealed inside the contact case.

6. The relay case (50) further comprises the contact portion and the drive portion, The relay device according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is provided on the outside of the relay case.

7. The reinforcing member is provided with a gap (30g) of space (X) between it and the relay case. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the interval is such that the volume of the region formed between the reinforcing member and the relay case is 1.33 times or less the volume of the contact case.

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