Electromagnetic relays

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay that can more effectively extinguish arcs. [Solution] The electromagnetic relay according to the present disclosure comprises a contact mechanism having a movable element having a first movable contact and a second movable contact provided on both ends in the first direction of the first surface of a conductive plate extending in a first direction, a first stator having a first fixed contact provided to be connectable to the first movable contact, and a second stator having a second fixed contact provided to be connectable to the second movable contact, a first permanent magnet for extinguishing arcs generated at the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, a second permanent magnet for extinguishing arcs generated at the second movable contact and the second fixed contact, a movable plate connected to the conductive plate and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions for displacing the movable element in a second direction perpendicular to the first surface of the conductive plate, and an insulating plate positioned between the first and second stators and the movable plate in the second direction and extending in the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic relay.

Background Art

[0002] Electromagnetic relays are widely used in fields such as communication equipment, automotive electrical components, and electrical appliances. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a contact mechanism capable of suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force that acts in a direction to open the armature when energized. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology related to a contact mechanism capable of reducing the height of a contact device while suppressing an electromagnetic repulsive force generated between the armature and the stator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An electromagnetic relay uses an electromagnetic mechanism having an electromagnet to displace an iron piece, and displaces an armature connected via the iron piece and a connecting member (hereinafter, a movable plate). Then, the electromagnetic relay switches the electrical connection between terminals by switching the connection / disconnection between the armature and the stator due to the displacement of the armature. Here, when switching the connection / disconnection between the armature and the stator, an arc may occur between the contacts of the armature and the stator. Therefore, in order to extinguish the arc, the electromagnetic relay is provided with a permanent magnet that extends the arc in a desired direction. However, there is a risk that the arc extended by the permanent magnet discharges with the conductive movable plate for displacing the armature. Therefore, since the extension of the arc is inhibited by the movable plate, the arc extinguishing performance may not be ensured.

[0005] In view of the above issues, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can more effectively extinguish arcs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electromagnetic relay according to this disclosure comprises a contact mechanism having a movable element having a first movable contact and a second movable contact provided on both ends in the first direction of a first surface of a conductive plate extending in a first direction; a first stator having a first fixed contact provided to connect to the first movable contact; and a second stator having a second fixed contact provided to connect to the second movable contact; a first permanent magnet for extinguishing arcs generated at the first movable contact and the first fixed contact; and a second permanent magnet for extinguishing arcs generated at the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. The device comprises a movable plate connected to the conductive plate and displacing the movable element in a second direction perpendicular to the first surface of the conductive plate, extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and an insulating plate positioned between the first and second stators and the movable plate in the second direction, extending in the third direction, wherein the first and second permanent magnets are arranged such that the arc extends in the third direction, and the insulating plate is formed to extend continuously along the first direction, at least from one end to the other end of the movable plate in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides an electromagnetic relay that can more effectively extinguish arcs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 1B] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 1C] This is a cross-sectional view along cutting line II in Figure 1B. [Figure 2]This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1, without an insulating plate. [Figure 3B] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1, in a state without an insulating plate. [Figure 3C] Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view along the cutting line III-III. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing an example configuration of the contact mechanism, permanent magnet, and yoke according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 5B] This is a front view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the solid circle in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay (before the insulating plate is assembled) according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay (after the insulating plate has been assembled) according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 10A] This is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 10B] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 10C] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the solid circle in Figure 10C. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 13] This is a bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 14]It is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism in a non-powered state according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the direction of current flowing through the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 7 and the direction of the magnetic field.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are a perspective view and a front view respectively showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line I-I of FIG. 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the present embodiment includes a contact mechanism 10, a permanent magnet 20, a movable plate 30, a movable iron piece 40, and an insulating plate 50.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the contact mechanism 10 includes a first stator 11, a second stator 12, and a mover 13.

[0011] The mover 13 has a conductive plate 130 extending in the x-axis direction (the first direction), and first movable contacts 131 and second movable contacts 132 provided at both ends in the x-axis direction of the first surface (the surface on the plus side in the z-axis direction) of the conductive plate 130. The first movable contact 131 and the second movable contact 132 of the mover 13 are formed by providing convex members on the first surface at both ends in the x-axis direction of the conductive plate 130. Each member constituting the mover 13 is made of a material having conductivity such as a metal material.

[0012] The first stator 11 has a conductive plate 110 extending in the x-axis direction, and a first fixed contact 111 provided so as to be connectable to the first movable contact 131 of the mover 13. The first fixed contact 111 of the first stator 11 is formed by providing a convex member on the surface on the minus side in the z-axis direction of the conductive plate 110. Each member constituting the first stator 11 is made of a material having conductivity such as a metal material.

[0013] The second stator 12 includes a conductive plate 120 extending in the x-axis direction and a second fixed contact 121 that is connected to the second movable contact 132 of the movable element 13. The second fixed contact 121 of the second stator 12 is formed by providing a convex-shaped member on the negative z-axis side of the conductive plate 120. Each member constituting the second stator 12 is made of a conductive material such as a metal.

[0014] The contact mechanism 10 switches between energized and de-energized states by displacing the movable element 13 in the z-axis direction (second direction). Specifically, when the movable element 13 is displaced to the negative side in the z-axis direction, the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111 become disconnected, and the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121 become disconnected, so the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 become de-energized. On the other hand, when the movable element 13 is displaced to the positive side in the z-axis direction, the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111 become connected, and the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121 become connected, so the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 become energized via the movable element 13. Figure 2 illustrates the case when the contact mechanism 10 is de-energized.

[0015] In the contact mechanism 10, the first stator 11, the second stator 12, and the movable element 13 are configured to extend in the x-axis direction. That is, when the contact mechanism 10 is energized, the direction of current flow in the first stator 11, the second stator 12, and the movable element 13 is the same. When current flows through the contact mechanism 10, a magnetic field is generated in the y-axis direction (third direction) on the movable element 13. More specifically, when a current flows in the contact mechanism 10 toward the positive x-axis direction, the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 generate a magnetic field on the movable element 13 toward the positive y-axis direction. On the other hand, when a current flows in the contact mechanism 10 toward the negative x-axis direction, the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 generate a magnetic field on the movable element 13 toward the negative y-axis direction.

[0016] When the contact mechanism 10 is energized, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable element 13 (conductive plate 130) in the direction that maintains the energized state (positive z-axis direction) due to the magnetic field generated by the first stator 11 and the second stator 12. Therefore, by using the Lorentz force acting in the positive z-axis direction, the electromagnetic repulsive force (force acting in the negative z-axis direction) acting between the movable element 13 and the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 when energized can be effectively suppressed.

[0017] The permanent magnet 20 is provided to extinguish arcs generated at the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111, and arcs generated at the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in this embodiment 1, the permanent magnet 20 includes a first permanent magnet 21 and a second permanent magnet 22. The first permanent magnet 21 extinguishes arcs generated when the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111 change from a connected state to a disconnected state. The second permanent magnet 22 extinguishes arcs generated when the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121 change from a connected state to a disconnected state.

[0018] Figures 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay without an insulating plate according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line III-III in Figure 3B. As shown by the arrows and dotted lines in Figure 3C, the first permanent magnet 21 and the second permanent magnet 22 are arranged so that the arc extends in the third direction (negative side in the y-axis direction).

[0019] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the movable plate 30 comprises a plate-shaped member 31 and a plate-shaped member 32. As shown in Figure 3C, the plate-shaped member 31 is connected to the conductive plate 130 provided on the movable element 13. The plate-shaped member 31 is provided to extend in the negative direction in the y-axis direction. The end of the plate-shaped member 31 on the negative direction in the y-axis direction is connected to the plate-shaped member 32. The plate-shaped member 32 is provided to extend in the negative direction in the z-axis direction. The movable plate 30 can be constructed using a metal material. The plate-shaped members 31 and 32 that constitute the movable plate 30 may be formed integrally. In other words, the movable plate 30 may be formed by bending a single metal plate into an L-shape.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3C, the plate-shaped member 32 of the movable plate 30 is fixed to the movable iron piece 40. In this embodiment 1, the movable iron piece 40 is displaced by an electromagnetic mechanism (not shown) provided on the y-axis positive side relative to the movable iron piece 40. As a result, the movable plate 30 fixed to the movable iron piece 40 is also displaced, and the movable element 13 connected to the movable plate 30 is displaced in the z-axis direction.

[0021] When the electromagnetic mechanism (not shown) is off, the movable iron piece 40 is not attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism (not shown), so the movable element 13 remains stationary at a position on the negative side of the z-axis. In this state, the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111 are disconnected, and the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121 are disconnected, so the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 are not energized.

[0022] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic mechanism (not shown) is turned on, the movable iron piece 40 is attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism (not shown), so the movable element 13 is displaced in the positive z-axis direction. In this state, the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111 are connected, and the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121 are connected, so the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 are energized via the movable element 13.

[0023] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment includes a movable plate 30 and a movable iron piece 40 that can displace the movable element 13 in the z-axis direction. The movable plate 30 and the movable iron piece 40 are used to switch between connecting and disconnecting the first movable contact 131 and the first fixed contact 111, and connecting and disconnecting the second movable contact 132 and the second fixed contact 121. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay 1 can switch between conducting and not conducting the first stator 11 and the second stator 12.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the insulating plate 50 is positioned between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 and the movable plate 30 in the z-axis direction. The insulating plate 50 is also positioned to extend in the negative y-axis direction on the y-axis negative side of the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 121. Furthermore, the insulating plate 50 is formed to extend continuously along the x-axis direction, at least from one end to the other in the x-axis direction of the movable plate 30.

[0025] The insulating plate 50 is provided to more effectively extinguish the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction by the permanent magnet 20. As shown by the arrows and dotted lines in Figure 3C, in the electromagnetic relay 1 without the insulating plate 50, the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction discharges onto the conductive movable plate 30. Therefore, the arc extension in the negative y-axis direction is inhibited by the movable plate 30, resulting in a decrease in arc extinguishing performance. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1C, in the electromagnetic relay 1 with the insulating plate 50, the insulating plate 50 suppresses the discharge of the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction onto the movable plate 30. This is because the insulating plate 50 is positioned between the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 121, which are the sources of the arc, and the conductive movable plate 30 in the z-axis direction. Therefore, as shown by the arrows and dotted lines in Figure 1C, the discharge of the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction onto the movable plate 30 can be suppressed, and the inhibition of arc extension by the movable plate 30 is suppressed. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay 1 can ensure arc extinguishing performance.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 1, with its insulating plate 50 positioned between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12 and the movable plate 30 in the z-axis direction, suppresses the discharge of the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction by the permanent magnet 20 onto the movable plate 30. As a result, the electromagnetic relay 1 can more effectively extinguish the arc extended in the negative y-axis direction by the permanent magnet 20.

[0027] The present disclosure described above makes it possible to provide an electromagnetic relay that can more effectively extinguish arcs.

[0028] <Embodiment 2> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a front view showing an example configuration of the contact mechanism, permanent magnet, and yoke according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 4, the electromagnetic relay 1a according to this embodiment comprises a contact mechanism 10a, a permanent magnet 20a, a movable plate 30a (not shown), a movable iron piece 40a (not shown), and an insulating plate 50a (not shown). The contact mechanism 10a also comprises a first stator 11a, a second stator 12a, and a movable element 13a. The permanent magnet 20a comprises a first permanent magnet 21a and a second permanent magnet 22a.

[0029] In this specification, corresponding components are indicated by the same number. For example, the "contact mechanism 10" shown in Figure 1 and the "contact mechanism 10a" shown in Figure 4 are both represented by the same number "10," indicating that they are corresponding components. In this specification, the addition of "a" to reference numeral 11 indicates that it is the "first stator 11a" of the contact mechanism 10a shown in Figure 4. In other words, the "first stator 11a" in Embodiment 2 corresponds to the "first stator 11" in Embodiment 1, and redundant explanations are omitted in this specification as appropriate. The same applies to each component described below.

[0030] The electromagnetic relay 1a according to Embodiment 2 has a first permanent magnet 21a on the outside in the x-axis direction of the first movable contact 131a and the first fixed contact 111a, and a second permanent magnet 22a on the outside in the x-axis direction of the second movable contact 132a and the second fixed contact 121a. The contact mechanism 10a, movable plate 30a (not shown), movable iron piece 40a (not shown), and insulating plate 50a (not shown) are the same as those of the electromagnetic relay 1 described in Embodiment 1, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the first permanent magnet 21a for arc extinguishing is located on the outside of the first movable contact 131a and the first fixed contact 111a in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the negative x-axis side). The second permanent magnet 22a for arc extinguishing is located on the outside of the second movable contact 132a and the second fixed contact 121a in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the positive x-axis side).

[0032] Furthermore, the first permanent magnet 21a and the second permanent magnet 22a are configured such that the magnetic field extends in the x-axis direction. For example, the first permanent magnet 21a is configured such that the negative x-axis side of the first permanent magnet 21a is the north pole, and the positive x-axis side of the first permanent magnet 21a is the south pole. Similarly, the second permanent magnet 22a is configured such that the negative x-axis side of the second permanent magnet 22a is the south pole, and the positive x-axis side of the second permanent magnet 22a is the north pole. Note that the north and south poles may be reversed.

[0033] In this embodiment, as described above, a first permanent magnet 21a is provided to generate a magnetic field in the x-axis direction near the first movable contact 131a and the first fixed contact 111a. Similarly, in this embodiment, as described above, a second permanent magnet 22a is provided to generate a magnetic field in the x-axis direction near the second movable contact 132a and the second fixed contact 121a. Therefore, the arcs generated when the first movable contact 131a and the first fixed contact 111a change from a connected state to a disconnected state, and the arcs generated when the second movable contact 132a and the second fixed contact 121a change from a connected state to a disconnected state, can be extinguished.

[0034] In other words, in this embodiment, arcs generated near the first movable contact 131a and the first fixed contact 111a can be demagnetized by stretching them in the y-axis direction using the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet 21a. Similarly, arcs generated near the second movable contact 132a and the second fixed contact 121a can be demagnetized by stretching them in the y-axis direction using the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet 22a. The direction in which the arc stretches is either the positive or negative side of the y-axis, and the direction in which the arc stretches is determined according to the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 10a and the direction of the magnetic fields of the first permanent magnet 21a and the second permanent magnet 22a.

[0035] The contact mechanism 10a according to this embodiment may further include a yoke 60. As shown in Figure 4, the first permanent magnet 21a and the second permanent magnet 22a are provided with a yoke 60 to strengthen the magnetic field for arc extinguishing. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the yoke 60 has a U-shape in which a plate-shaped member extending in the z-axis direction and a plate-shaped member extending in the x-axis direction are connected at a right angle. The first permanent magnet 21a is attached to the plate-shaped member of the yoke 60 that extends in the z-axis direction and is on the negative x-axis side. The second permanent magnet 22a is attached to the plate-shaped member of the yoke 60 that extends in the z-axis direction and is on the positive x-axis side. The yoke 60 may be formed by bending a single metal plate into a U-shape.

[0036] <Embodiment 3> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Figures 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the electromagnetic relay 1b according to this embodiment comprises a contact mechanism 10b, a permanent magnet 20b, a movable plate 30b, a movable iron piece 40b, and an insulating plate 50b. The contact mechanism 10b comprises a first stator 11b, a second stator 12b, and a movable element 13b. The permanent magnet 20b comprises a first permanent magnet 21b and a second permanent magnet 22b.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the electromagnetic relay 1b according to Embodiment 3 differs from the electromagnetic relay 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that an insulating wall 51 is formed on the insulating plate 50b. The other configurations are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5A, the insulating wall 51 is formed on the z-axis positive side of the insulating plate 50b, extending in the z-axis positive direction. Also, as shown in Figure 5B, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the insulating wall 51 is positioned between the positions of the first movable contact 131b (not shown) and the first fixed contact 111b, and the positions of the second movable contact 132b (not shown) and the second fixed contact 121b.

[0039] Similar to Embodiment 1, the arc generated at the first movable contact 131b (not shown) and the first fixed contact 111b is extended in the negative y-axis direction by the first permanent magnet 21b, and the arc generated at the second movable contact 132b (not shown) and the second fixed contact 121b is extended in the negative y-axis direction by the second permanent magnet 22b (see Figure 1C). Here, there is a risk that the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21b and the arc extended by the second permanent magnet 22b may short-circuit in the x-axis direction. When arcs short-circuit in this way, the arc extinguishing performance of the arc decreases. Therefore, in Embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 5B, an insulating wall 51 is placed between the positions of the first movable contact 131b (not shown) and the first fixed contact 111b and the positions of the second movable contact 132b (not shown) and the second fixed contact 121b. As a result, the insulating wall 51 can suppress short circuits between the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21b and the arc extended by the second permanent magnet 22b. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay 1b can more effectively extinguish the arc.

[0040] <Embodiment 4> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the solid circle in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the electromagnetic relay 1c according to this embodiment comprises a contact mechanism 10c, a permanent magnet 20c (not shown), a movable plate 30c, a movable iron piece 40c, an insulating plate 50c, and a base 70. The contact mechanism 10c also comprises a first stator 11c, a second stator 12c, and a movable element 13c (not shown). The permanent magnet 20c (not shown) comprises a first permanent magnet 21c (not shown) and a second permanent magnet 22c (not shown).

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the electromagnetic relay 1c according to Embodiment 4 differs from the electromagnetic relay 1b according to Embodiment 3 in that it includes a base 70. The other configurations are the same as those of the electromagnetic relay 1b described in Embodiment 4, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0042] The first stator 11c, the second stator 12c, and the insulating plate 50c are fixed to the base 70 by being assembled to the base 70. As shown in Figure 6, the base 70 is configured to open in one direction in the y-axis direction. Specifically, the base 70 is configured to open on the side in which the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21c (not shown) and the second permanent magnet 22c (not shown) extends (the negative y-axis direction). With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the base 70 from blocking the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21c (not shown) and the second permanent magnet 22c, and to make the space for arc extinguishing larger. The shape of the base 70 can be, for example, a frame shape or a box shape, but is not particularly limited. The first stator 11c, the second stator 12c, the first permanent magnet 21c (not shown), the second permanent magnet 22c (not shown), and the insulating plate 50c are fixed to the base 70. As shown in Figure 7, a rib 71 is formed on the inner wall of the base 70 facing the opening (the inner wall on the y-axis positive side), projecting inward (towards the y-axis negative side).

[0043] Here, the end of the insulating wall 51 on the side of the base 70 opposite to the opening direction (y-axis positive direction) overlaps with the base 70. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when viewed from the x-axis direction, the end of the insulating wall 51 on the side of the base 70 opposite to the opening direction (y-axis positive direction) overlaps with the rib 71 of the base 70. As a result, the creepage distance between the first movable contact 131c (not shown) and the first fixed contact 111c and the second movable contact 132c (not shown) and the second fixed contact 121c is extended. Therefore, the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21c (not shown) and the arc extended by the second permanent magnet 22c (not shown) can be more effectively prevented from short-circuiting in the x-axis direction. Consequently, the electromagnetic relay 1c can more effectively extinguish the arc.

[0044] <Embodiment 5> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 5 will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay (before the insulating plate is assembled) according to Embodiment 5. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay (after the insulating plate is assembled) according to Embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 8, the electromagnetic relay 1d according to this embodiment comprises a contact mechanism 10d, a permanent magnet 20d (not shown), a movable plate 30d, a movable iron piece 40d, an insulating plate 50d, and a base 70. The contact mechanism 10d also comprises a first stator 11d, a second stator 12d, and a movable element 13d. The permanent magnet 20d (not shown) comprises a first permanent magnet 21d (not shown) and a second permanent magnet 22d (not shown).

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the electromagnetic relay 1d according to Embodiment 5 differs from the electromagnetic relay 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a base 70 and has a mating structure for assembling the insulating plate 50d to the base 70. Furthermore, the base 70 of Embodiment 5 differs from the base 70 of Embodiment 4 in that the ribs 71 are not an essential component. Other configurations are the same as those described for the electromagnetic relay 1 in Embodiment 1 and the base 70 in Embodiment 4, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0046] In this embodiment 5, the insulating plate 50d can be assembled to the base 70. As shown in Figure 9, the insulating plate 50d is fixed to the base 70 by a mating structure consisting of a first mating portion 72 of a mating hole formed in the base 70 and a second mating portion 52 of a mating claw formed in the insulating plate 50d.

[0047] The first fitting portion 72 is formed on at least one side of the base 70 on the opening side. Specifically, in Figure 8, the first fitting portion 72 is formed on the wall surface of the base 70 on the x-positive side and on the wall surface on the x-negative side. On the other hand, the second fitting portion 52 is formed on the insulating plate 50d at a position corresponding to the first fitting portion 72 of the base 70. Specifically, in Figure 8, the second fitting portion 52 is formed on the surface of the insulating plate 50d on the x-positive side and on the surface on the x-negative side.

[0048] The insulating plate 50d is assembled to the base 70 by pushing it in the positive y-axis direction from the opening side (negative y-axis direction side) of the base 70. At this time, the second fitting portion 52 of the insulating plate 50d fits with the first fitting portion 72 of the base 70 using a snap-fit ​​method. Due to the fitting of the second fitting portion 52 and the first fitting portion 72, the insulating plate 50d is fixed to the base 70 as shown in Figure 9. In this way, the snap-fit ​​fitting structure of the second fitting portion 52 and the first fitting portion 72 eliminates the need to manufacture the insulating plate 50d and the base 70 with strict dimensional tolerances, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electromagnetic relay 1d. Note that the first fitting portion 72 formed on the base 70 may be a fitting claw, and the second fitting portion 52 formed on the insulating plate 50d may be a fitting hole.

[0049] <Embodiment 6> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 6 will be described. Figures 10A and 10B are exploded perspective and front views, respectively, showing an example configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 6. Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line XX in Figure 10B. As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the electromagnetic relay 1e according to this embodiment comprises a contact mechanism 10e, a permanent magnet 20e, a movable plate 30e, a movable iron piece 40e, an insulating plate 50e, and a case 80. The contact mechanism 10e comprises a first stator 11e, a second stator 12e, and a movable element 13e. The permanent magnet 20e comprises a first permanent magnet 21e and a second permanent magnet 22e (not shown).

[0050] As shown in Figure 10A, the electromagnetic relay 1e according to Embodiment 6 differs from the electromagnetic relay 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a case 80. The other configurations are the same as those of the electromagnetic relay 1 described in Embodiment 1, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in Figure 10A, the case 80 comprises a bucket-shaped housing case 81 and a lid 82 that covers the opening of the housing case 81. As shown in Figure 10C, the contact mechanism 10e, permanent magnet 20e, movable plate 30e, movable iron piece 40e, and insulating plate 50e are housed in the case 80.

[0052] Here, as shown in Figure 10C, the end of the insulating plate 50e on the side in which the arc extends (negative y-axis direction) overlaps with the inner wall of the case 80 on the same side in which the arc extends (negative y-axis direction).

[0053] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the solid circle in Figure 10C. As shown in Figure 11, a concave shape 53 is formed at the end of the insulating plate 50e on the side in which the arc extends (negative y-axis direction). On the other hand, a convex shape 83 is formed on the inner wall of the case 80 at a position opposite to the end of the insulating plate 50e on the side in which the arc extends (negative y-axis direction). At least a portion of the convex shape 83 of the case 80 is positioned within the concave shape 53 of the insulating plate 50e.

[0054] When viewed from the z-axis direction, the convex shape 83 of the case 80 overlaps with the concave shape 53 of the insulating plate 50e. As a result, as shown in Figure 10C, the creepage distance between the movable plate 30e and the first fixed contact 111e is extended. Similarly, the creepage distance between the movable plate 30e and the second fixed contact 121e (not shown) is extended. Therefore, the short circuit between the arc extended by the first permanent magnet 21e and the arc extended by the second permanent magnet 22e (not shown) and the movable plate 30e can be further suppressed. Consequently, the electromagnetic relay 1e can more effectively extinguish the arc. Note that the concave shape 53 may be formed on the case 80 and the convex shape 83 may be formed on the insulating plate 50d.

[0055] Here, in order to more effectively extinguish the arc, when the contact mechanism 10e is housed in the case 80, the contact mechanism 10e may be positioned eccentrically to the opposite side from the direction in which the arc extends from the center position y1 in the y-axis direction of the case 80 (the negative side in the y-axis direction in Figure 10C).

[0056] In other words, when viewed from the x-axis direction, the case 80 is rectangular in shape, with its longer side extending in the z-axis direction and its shorter side extending in the y-axis direction. The first permanent magnet 21e and the second permanent magnet 22e (not shown) are arranged in the case 80 such that the arc extends towards the negative y-axis direction. Furthermore, the contact mechanism 10e is arranged in the case 80 such that it is eccentrically offset from the center position y1 in the y-axis direction of the case 80 to the opposite side of the direction in which the arc extends (negative y-axis direction). This configuration allows for a larger space to extinguish the arc. Therefore, the arc can be extinguished more effectively.

[0057] <Embodiment 7> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 7 will be described. Figures 12 to 14 are perspective views, bottom views, and side views, respectively, showing examples of the configuration of the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 7. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism according to Embodiment 7 and the direction of the magnetic field. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the contact mechanism 10f according to this embodiment comprises a first stator 11f, a second stator 12f, and a movable element 13f.

[0058] The contact mechanism 10f according to this embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 10 according to Embodiment 1 in that the second stator 12f has an excitation section 124. The other configurations are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0059] The second stator 12f has a second fixed contact 121f that is connectable to the second movable contact 132f of the movable element 13f, and an excitation unit 124. The excitation unit 124 of the second stator 12f is configured to generate a magnetic field in the y-axis direction when the contact mechanism 10f is energized (see Figure 15). Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the excitation unit 124 has an annular structure in which a first conductive member 125 and a third conductive member 127 extending in the x-axis direction and a second conductive member 126 and a fourth conductive member 128 extending in the z-axis direction are connected in the order of the first conductive member 125, the second conductive member 126, the third conductive member 127, and the fourth conductive member 128. The fourth conductive member 128 is connected to a conductive member (fifth conductive member) 129, and the second fixed contact 121f is provided on the negative z-axis side surface of the conductive member 129. In other words, the second fixed contact 121f is located on the side of the fourth conductive member 128 among the first to fourth conductive members 125 to 128 that constitute the excitation unit 124. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 10f is energized, current flows through the excitation unit 124, and the current flows through the first conductive member 125, the second conductive member 126, the third conductive member 127, and the fourth conductive member 128 in that order (see Figure 15).

[0060] When the contact mechanism 10f is energized, current flows through the excitation unit 124, and as shown in Figure 15, a magnetic field is generated inside the excitation unit 124 that is directed towards the negative side in the y-axis direction. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the excitation unit 124 is positioned so as to overlap with the movable element 13f (conductive plate 130f) when viewed from the y-axis direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, when the contact mechanism 10f is energized, a Lorentz force is generated on the movable element 13f (conductive plate 130f) in the direction that maintains the energized state (positive side in the z-axis direction) due to the magnetic field generated by the excitation unit 124. Thus, by using the Lorentz force acting in the positive side in the z-axis direction, the electromagnetic repulsive force (force acting in the negative side in the z-axis direction) acting between the movable element 13f and the first stator 11f and the second stator 12f when energized can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first conductive member 125 and the third conductive member 127 are configured to overlap with the movable element 13f (conductive plate 130f) when viewed from the z-axis direction. In other words, as shown in Figure 14, the excitation unit 124 is configured to have a U-shaped cross-section when viewed from the x-axis direction.

[0062] As shown in Figure 15, when the contact mechanism 10f is energized, the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 130f of the movable element 13f and the direction of the current flowing through the first conductive member 125 are the same, while the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 130f of the movable element 13f and the direction of the current flowing through the third conductive member 127 are opposite. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 10f is energized, an attractive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member 125 and the conductive plate 130f of the movable element 13f. Also, a repulsive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member 127 and the conductive plate 130f of the movable element 13f. Therefore, when energized, a Lorentz force acts on the conductive plate 130f of the movable element 13f in the positive z-axis direction, so the electromagnetic repulsive force (force acting in the negative z-axis direction) acting between the movable element 13f and the first stator 11f and the second stator 12f can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained even if the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 10f is opposite to the direction of the current shown in Figure 31.

[0063] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined with others.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and of course includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims of the present patent application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 Electromagnetic relay 10 Contact mechanism 11 1st stator 12 Second stator 13 Mover 20 permanent magnets 21. First permanent magnet 22 Second Permanent Magnet 30 Movable plate 31, 32 Plate-shaped members 40 Movable Iron Pieces 50 Insulating board 51 Insulating wall 52 Second mating section 53 Concave shape 60 York 70 base 71 Rib 72 First fitting section 80 cases 81 storage cases 82 Lid 83 Convex shape 110 conductive plate 111 1st fixed contact 120 conductive plate 121 2nd fixed contact 124 Excitation section 125 First conductive member 126 Second conductive member 127 Third conductive member 128 Fourth conductive member 129 Fifth conductive member 130 conductive plate 131 1st movable contact 132 2nd movable contact y1 center position

Claims

1. A contact mechanism comprising: a movable element having a first movable contact and a second movable contact provided on both ends in the first direction of a conductive plate extending in a first direction; a first stator having a first fixed contact provided to connect to the first movable contact; and a second stator having a second fixed contact provided to connect to the second movable contact; A first permanent magnet for extinguishing the arc generated at the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, A second permanent magnet for extinguishing the arc generated at the second movable contact and the second fixed contact, A movable plate is connected to the conductive plate and displaces the movable element in a second direction perpendicular to the first surface of the conductive plate, and extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, In the second direction, the first stator and the second stator are disposed between the movable plate and an insulating plate extending in the third direction, The first and second permanent magnets are arranged such that the arc extends in the third direction. The insulating plate is formed to extend continuously along the first direction from at least one end to the other end of the movable plate in the first direction. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The first permanent magnet is provided on the outside of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact in the first direction, The second permanent magnet is provided on the outside of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact in the first direction. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. An insulating wall extending in the second direction is formed on the surface of the insulating plate facing the first stator and the second stator. When viewed from the third direction, the insulating wall is positioned between the positions of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact and the positions of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first stator, the second stator, and the insulating plate are fixed to the base by being assembled to the base. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A first fitting portion is formed on at least one side of the base on the opening side, The insulating plate has a second fitting portion formed at a position corresponding to the first fitting portion of the base. The insulating plate is fixed to the base by the second fitting portion of the insulating plate fitting with the first fitting portion of the base. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4.

6. The first stator, the second stator, and the insulating plate are fixed to the base by being assembled to the base. The base is configured to open in one direction in the third direction, When viewed from the first direction, the end of the insulating wall on the side opposite to the opening direction of the base overlaps with the ribs of the base. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3.

7. The contact mechanism, the movable plate, and the insulating plate are housed in a case. The insulating plate has either a convex or concave shape formed at the end facing the direction in which the arc extends. The case has a convex or concave shape formed at a position opposite to the end of the insulating plate on the side in which the arc extends, which is different from the shape formed on the insulating plate. At least a portion of the convex shape is located within the concave shape. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The first and second permanent magnets are provided with yokes for strengthening the magnetic field used to extinguish the arc. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The contact mechanism, the movable plate, and the insulating plate are housed in a case. When viewed from the first direction in a plan view, the case has a rectangular shape with its longer side extending in the second direction and its shorter side extending in the third direction. The contact mechanism is arranged such that it is eccentric from the center position of the case in the third direction to the side opposite to the direction in which the arc extends. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

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