Electromagnetic relay, metal component, and method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The present invention provides an electromagnetic relay, a metal component, and a method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay that can better avoid freezing of at least one of the fixed contact and the movable contact. [Solution] The electromagnetic relay C1 comprises a housing 10, a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, and a metal member B1. The fixed contact 31 is located inside the housing 10. The movable contact 32 is located inside the housing 10. The movable contact 32 moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact 31 and an open position away from the fixed contact 31. The metal member B1 is attached to the housing 10. The metal member B1 includes a first portion 41 and a second portion 40. The first portion 41 is located inside the housing 10. The second portion 40 is located outside the housing 10. The metal member B1 has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electromagnetic relays, metal members, and methods for manufacturing electromagnetic relays. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electromagnetic relays including fixed contacts and movable contacts, metal members of electromagnetic relays, and methods for manufacturing electromagnetic relays.

Background Art

[0002] An electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1 will be exemplified. The electromagnetic relay includes a contact device, an electromagnet device, and a case that houses the contact device and the electromagnet device. The contact device has a fixed terminal including a fixed contact and a movable spring including a movable contact. A collection portion is provided on the fixed terminal, and the collection portion collects water vapor in the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1, since a collection portion is provided on the fixed terminal, when the operation of the electromagnetic relay stops in an environment where the ambient temperature of the electromagnetic relay is low, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact and the movable contact can be avoided. However, in the electromagnetic relay, it may be desired to further avoid freezing of at least one of the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay, a metal member, and a method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay that can further avoid freezing of at least one of a fixed contact and a movable contact.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a fixed contact, a movable contact, and a metal member. The fixed contact is located within the housing. The movable contact is located within the housing. The movable contact moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact. The metal member is attached to the housing. The metal member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is located within the housing. The second portion is located outside the housing. The metal member has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing.

[0007] A metal member according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a connecting portion. The first portion is provided inside the housing of an electromagnetic relay. The second portion is provided outside the housing. The connecting portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The lower end of the first portion in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the first portion is inserted into the housing, has a tapered shape. The maximum width of the first portion in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, is smaller than the width of the second portion in the left-right direction. The width of the connecting portion in the left-right direction gradually increases from the upper end of the first portion in the vertical direction toward the second portion.

[0008] A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, a housing and a metal member that can be attached to the housing are prepared. In the second step, the metal member is attached to the housing. In the second step, a first portion of the metal member is inserted into the housing to attach the metal member to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact and the movable contact can be more easily avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the thickness of the top plate of the cover for the electromagnetic relay mentioned above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the same electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the same electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is another side view of the same electromagnetic relay with the cover removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is another perspective view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view of the metal component of the electromagnetic relay shown above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiments 1 to 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the drawings described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Further, the configurations described in each embodiment are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. Further, the present disclosure can also be applied by appropriately combining at least a part of the configurations of the following embodiments and each modification example.

[0012] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 indicated by arrows in the drawings are defined as the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction of the electromagnetic relay C1. However, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction of the electromagnetic relay C1 are not the directions when using the electromagnetic relay C1. Further, the arrows indicating "D1", "D2", and "D3" in the drawings are notations for explanation and do not have any entity.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Note that FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 4. Also, a part of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y in FIG. 4.

[0014] (1) Electromagnetic relay The electromagnetic relay C1 of Embodiment 1 is used in a vehicle such as an automobile or a motorcycle. The electromagnetic relay C1 is, for example, a hinge-type relay. As shown in FIG. 4, the electromagnetic relay C1 includes a relay body A1 and a metal member B1.

[0015] (2) Relay body As shown in FIG. 1, the relay body A1 includes a housing 10, an electromagnet device 20, and a contact device 30.

[0016] The housing 10 houses the electromagnet device 20 and the contact device 30. The housing 10 has a box shape (for example, a rectangular box shape). The material of the housing 10 is an electrically insulating material (for example, resin). The housing 10 includes a body 11 and a cover 12.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5, the electromagnet device 20 includes a coil 21, a coil bobbin 22, an iron core 23 (see Figure 6), a yoke 24, an axle 25, and a pair of coil terminals 26 and 27.

[0018] The contact device 30 includes a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, a fixed terminal 33, a common terminal 34, and a movable spring 35.

[0019] In the following explanation, in the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the "up-down direction") D1 of the electromagnetic relay C1 shown in Figure 1, the side of the cover 12 as viewed from the body 11 is defined as "up," and the opposite side is defined as "down." In the second direction (hereinafter referred to as the "left-right direction") D2 of the electromagnetic relay C1, the side of the coil terminal 27 as viewed from the coil terminal 26 is defined as "left," and the opposite side is defined as "right." In the third direction (hereinafter referred to as the "front-back direction") D3 of the electromagnetic relay C1, the side of the fixed terminal 33 as viewed from the common terminal 34 is defined as "front," and the opposite side is defined as "rear." However, up, down, left, right, front, and rear of the electromagnetic relay C1 do not refer to the orientation when using the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0020] (2.1) Enclosure The body 11 holds a fixed terminal 33, a common terminal 34, a pair of coil terminals 26, 27, and a yoke 24. The body 11 has a box shape (for example, a rectangular box shape). The body 11 also has an internal space 11a (see Figure 7).

[0021] The body 11 includes a recess 11b, a notch 11c (see Figure 7), and a pair of through holes (not shown). The recess 11b is a portion for fitting the fixed terminal 33. The notch 11c is a portion for passing the common terminal 34, as shown in Figure 7. The pair of through holes are for passing a pair of coil terminals 26 and 27. A portion of the yoke 24 is arranged in the internal space 11a of the body 11.

[0022] The cover 12 shown in Figure 1 has a box-like shape (for example, a rectangular box shape) with one side (bottom) open. The cover 12 is attached to the body 11 so as to close the bottom surface.

[0023] The cover 12 includes a plate-shaped (for example, rectangular plate-shaped) top plate 12a and a cylindrical (for example, rectangular cylindrical) side plate 12b that protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the top plate 12a in the vertical direction D1 of the top plate 12a.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the thickness d3 of the top plate 12a at the front end 81 in the front-to-back direction D3 is smaller than the thickness d1 of the top plate 12a at the rear end 82 in the front-to-back direction D3. In other words, the thickness d3 of the front end 81 of the top plate 12a is smaller than the thickness d1 of the rear end 82 of the top plate 12a. For example, the thickness d3 of the front end 81 of the top plate 12a is less than or equal to half the thickness d1 of the rear end 82 of the top plate 12a.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the internal space 11a of the body 11 is sealed by a first sealing member (not shown) while the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, a pair of coil terminals 26, 27 and yoke 24 are held in the body 11. The material of the first sealing member is an electrically insulating material (for example, resin).

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the cover 12 is attached to the body 11 via the second sealing member 52. In other words, the cover 12 and the body 11 are joined via the second sealing member 52. The material of the second sealing member 52 is an electrically insulating material (for example, resin).

[0027] (2.2) Electromagnetic device The coil 21 shown in Figure 1 is wound around a coil bobbin 22. The coil 21 is made of insulated copper wire. The first end (not shown) of the coil 21 is electrically connected to the coil terminal 26. The second end (not shown) of the coil 21 is electrically connected to the coil terminal 27.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the coil bobbin 22 has a first flange portion 22a, a second flange portion 22b, and a cylindrical portion (not shown). The material of the coil bobbin 22 is an electrically insulating material (for example, resin).

[0029] The first flange portion 22a has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). A hole (first through hole) is provided in the center of the first flange portion 22a, which penetrates through the first flange portion 22a in the vertical direction D1.

[0030] The second flange portion 22b has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). A hole (second through hole) is provided in the center of the second flange portion 22b, which penetrates through the second flange portion 22b in the vertical direction D1.

[0031] The cylindrical portion has a hollow cylindrical shape (for example, a hollow cylindrical shape). That is, the cylindrical portion includes a hole (third through hole) that penetrates the coil bobbin 22 in the vertical direction D1. The coil 21 is wound around the cylindrical portion.

[0032] The first flange portion 22a is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical portion in the vertical direction D1 such that the first through hole of the first flange portion 22a connects to the third through hole of the cylindrical portion.

[0033] The first flange portion 22a is provided with a cover 28 to cover the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32. The first flange portion 22a is also provided with a pair of protrusions 29 to suppress the lateral displacement D2 of the abutment 25.

[0034] A dummy member 55 is attached to the cover 28. The dummy member 55 restricts the range of motion of the movable part 35a of the movable spring 35 (described later) in the vertical direction D1, thereby defining the position of the movable contact 32 (specifically, the open position).

[0035] The second flange portion 22b is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion in the vertical direction D1 such that the second through hole of the second flange portion 22b connects to the third through hole of the cylindrical portion.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second flange portion 22b is integrally formed with the body 11. In other words, the coil bobbin 22 and the body 11 are a single integrated component.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the iron core 23 includes a shaft portion 23a and a flange portion 23b. The material of the iron core 23 is a magnetic material (for example, light iron).

[0038] The shaft portion 23a has a columnar shape (for example, cylindrical). The shaft portion 23a is inserted into the first through hole, second through hole, and third through hole of the coil bobbin 22 and is held by the body 11.

[0039] The flange portion 23b has a plate-like shape (for example, a circular disc shape). The flange portion 23b is provided at the upper end of the shaft portion 23a in the vertical direction D1.

[0040] The yoke 24 has an L-shape. The material of the yoke 24 is a magnetic material (for example, light iron). The yoke 24 includes a first part 24a and a second part 24b.

[0041] The first part 24a has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The first part 24a is positioned between the coil 21 and the coil bobbin 22 and the connecting piece 34d of the common terminal 34, which will be described later.

[0042] The second portion 24b has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The second portion 24b is located in the internal space 11a of the body 11. A fourth through-hole is provided in the center of the second portion 24b, into which the lower end of the shaft portion 23a of the iron core 23 in the vertical direction D1 is inserted.

[0043] The axol 25 has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate). The material of the axol 25 is a magnetic material (for example, soft iron).

[0044] The abutment 25 is fixed to the movable part 35a of the movable spring 35 of the contact device 30, and displaces together with the movable part 35a. For example, when current flows through the coil 21 and the coil 21 is energized, the abutment 25 is attracted to the iron core 23 by magnetic force. Also, when the current stops flowing through the coil 21, the abutment 25 moves away from the iron core 23 by the spring force of the movable spring 35.

[0045] Furthermore, the axle 25 is fixed to the movable part 35a such that the front end 83 of the axle 25 in the front-rear direction D3 can contact the flange portion 23b of the iron core 23. In addition, the axle 25 is fixed to the movable part 35a such that the rear end 84 of the axle 25 in the front-rear direction D3 contacts the first portion 24a of the yoke 24.

[0046] The pair of coil terminals 26 and 27 have the same shape.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the coil terminal 26 includes a terminal piece 26a, a protruding piece 26b, and a connecting piece (not shown). The material of the coil terminal 26 is a conductive material (for example, copper).

[0048] The terminal piece 26a is the part for connecting the electromagnetic relay C1 to an external device (e.g., a relay box). The terminal piece 26a is exposed from the body 11 and protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0049] The protruding piece 26b is electrically connected to the first end of the coil 21 via a connecting member (for example, solder). Note that the connection between the protruding piece 26b of the coil terminal 26 and the first end of the coil 21 is not shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7.

[0050] The connecting piece is configured to connect the terminal piece 26a and the protruding piece 26b. The connecting piece is located in the internal space 11a of the body 11.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the coil terminal 27 includes a terminal piece 27a, a protruding piece 27b, and a connecting piece 27c. The material of the coil terminal 27 is a conductive material (for example, copper).

[0052] The terminal piece 27a is the part for connecting the electromagnetic relay C1 to the external device. The terminal piece 27a is exposed from the body 11 and protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0053] The protruding piece 27b is electrically connected to the second end of the coil 21 via a connecting member (for example, solder). Note that the connection between the protruding piece 27b of the coil terminal 27 and the second end of the coil 21 is not shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7.

[0054] The connecting piece 27c is configured to connect the terminal piece 27a and the protruding piece 27b. The connecting piece 27c is located in the internal space 11a of the body 11.

[0055] (2.3) Contact device The fixed contact 31 is electrically connected to the fixed terminal 33 and is provided on the contact piece 33b of the fixed terminal 33, which will be described later.

[0056] The movable contact 32 moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact 31 and an open position away from the fixed contact 31. The movable contact 32 is electrically connected to the common terminal 34 and is provided on a movable spring 35 connected to the common terminal 34.

[0057] The fixed terminal 33 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 31 and is held in the body 11 (specifically, in the recess 11b). The fixed terminal 33 has an L-shape. The material of the fixed terminal 33 is a conductive material (for example, copper). The fixed terminal 33 is positioned to face the common terminal 34 in the front-rear direction D3.

[0058] The fixed terminal 33 includes a terminal piece 33a and a contact piece 33b.

[0059] The terminal piece 33a is the part for connecting the electromagnetic relay C1 to the external device. The terminal piece 33a has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The terminal piece 33a is held in the body 11 such that a part of the terminal piece 33a is exposed from the housing 10.

[0060] The lower end 61 of the terminal piece 33a in the vertical direction D1 is exposed from the housing 10 and protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the electromagnetic relay C1. The upper end 62 of the terminal piece 33a in the vertical direction D1 is located in the internal space 10a of the housing 10 and is connected to the contact piece 33b. The central part 60 of the terminal piece 33a is fitted into the recess 11b (see Figure 5) of the body 11.

[0061] The contact piece 33b has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The contact piece 33b is arranged in the internal space 10a of the housing 10. The front end 63 of the contact piece 33b in the front-rear direction D3 is connected to the upper end 62 of the terminal piece 33a. A fixed contact 31 is provided at the rear end 64 of the contact piece 33b in the front-rear direction D3.

[0062] The common terminal 34 is electrically connected to the movable contact 32 and is held in the body 11 (specifically, in the notch 11c). The material of the common terminal 34 is a conductive material (e.g., copper). The common terminal 34 is positioned opposite the fixed terminal 33 in the front-rear direction D3.

[0063] The common terminal 34 includes a terminal piece 34a, a pair of protruding pieces 34b, 34c (see Figure 7), and a connecting piece 34d.

[0064] The terminal piece 34a is the part for connecting the electromagnetic relay C1 to the external device. The terminal piece 34a has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The terminal piece 34a is held in the body 11 such that a part of the terminal piece 34a is exposed from the housing 10. The lower end 65 of the terminal piece 34a in the vertical direction D1 is exposed from the housing 10 and protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the electromagnetic relay C1. The upper end 66 of the terminal piece 34a in the vertical direction D1 is connected to the connecting piece 34d.

[0065] Each of the pair of protruding pieces 34b and 34c has an L-shape. The pair of protruding pieces 34b and 34c are connected to the connecting piece 34d so as to cover the rear end portion 84 of the axle 25.

[0066] The connecting piece 34d is configured to connect the terminal piece 34a and a pair of protruding pieces 34b and 34c. The connecting piece 34d is positioned to sandwich the fixing portion 35b of the movable spring 35, which will be described later, between the first portion 24a of the yoke 24. The connecting piece 34d is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 34e (two in the example shown in Figure 7). Each of the plurality of fixing holes 34e is a hole for fixing the common terminal 34 to the yoke 24, for example, by crimping.

[0067] The movable spring 35 has an L-shape, as shown in Figure 6. The material of the movable spring 35 is a conductive material (for example, copper).

[0068] The movable spring 35 includes a movable part 35a and a fixed part 35b.

[0069] The movable part 35a has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The movable part 35a is positioned on one surface (top surface) of the axle 25. A movable contact 32 is provided at the front end 68 of the movable part 35a in the front-rear direction D3. The movable contact 32 is positioned opposite the fixed contact 31. The rear end 67 of the movable part 35a in the front-rear direction D3 is connected to the fixed part 35b.

[0070] The axle 25 is fixed to the movable part 35a. The movable part 35a is provided with a plurality of fixing holes (not shown). Each of the plurality of fixing holes is for fixing the axle 25 to the movable part 35a, for example by crimping.

[0071] The fixed portion 35b has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The upper end portion 69 of the fixed portion 35b in the vertical direction D1 is connected to the rear end portion 67 of the movable portion 35a. The lower end portion 70 of the fixed portion 35b in the vertical direction D1 is fixed to the first portion 24a of the yoke 24. The lower end portion 70 of the fixed portion 35b is provided with a plurality of fixing holes (not shown). Each of the plurality of fixing holes is for fixing the fixed portion 35b to the yoke 24, for example by crimping.

[0072] The lower end portion 70 of the fixing portion 35b is located between the first portion 24a of the yoke 24 and the connecting piece 34d of the common terminal 34. The lower end portion 70 of the fixing portion 35b is fixed to the first portion 24a of the yoke 24 together with the connecting piece 34d of the common terminal 34, for example, by crimping.

[0073] The movable part 35a of the movable spring 35 has the abutment 25 fixed to it and displaces together with the abutment 25. For example, when current flows through the coil 21 and the coil 21 is energized, the movable part 35a of the movable spring 35 displaces together with the abutment 25, and the movable contact 32 comes into contact with the fixed contact 31. Also, when the current stops flowing through the coil 21, the spring force of the movable spring 35 displaces the movable part 35a, and the movable contact 32 moves away from the fixed contact 31. In short, in the electromagnetic relay C1, the movable contact 32 moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact 31 and an open position away from the fixed contact 31. This enables the opening and closing operation of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 in the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0074] (3) Metal components The metal component B1 shown in Figure 1 is attached to the housing 10 of the electromagnetic relay C1. In other words, the metal component B1 is a metal component for the electromagnetic relay C1. The metal component B1 is also configured to be detachably attached to the housing 10. The metal component B1 includes an exposed portion (second portion) 40, a plurality of (two in the example in Figure 1) insertion portions (first portion) 41, and a plurality of (two in the example in Figure 2) connection portions 42. The metal component B1 has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10. The material of the metal component B1 is a conductive material (for example, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc.). Since the configuration of each of the plurality of insertion portions 41 is common, unless otherwise specified, one insertion portion 41 will be described below. Similarly, since the configuration of each of the plurality of connection portions 42 is common, unless otherwise specified, one connection portion 42 will be described below.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, the exposed portion 40 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. That is, the exposed portion 40 is located outside the housing 10. The exposed portion 40 has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The exposed portion 40 is located on one side (top surface) of the top plate 12a of the cover 12.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the exposed portion 40 is positioned relative to the top plate 12a of the cover 12, in the opposite direction (upward) to the direction (downward) in which the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 of the relay body A1 protrude.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the interior of the housing 10 (more specifically, the interior space 10a). That is, the insertion portion 41 is provided inside the housing 10. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the insertion portion 41 protrudes downward from one surface (bottom surface) 40a of the exposed portion 40 in the vertical direction D1 of the exposed portion 40. The insertion portion 41 is connected to the exposed portion 40, for example, by welding. Note that although the insertion portion 41 is connected to the exposed portion 40 by welding, it may be connected to the exposed portion 40 by other methods.

[0078] The insertion portion 41 is configured to be insertable into the housing 10. For example, the insertion portion 41 is configured to be press-fitted into the housing 10 and provided inside the housing 10. More specifically, the insertion portion 41 has a rod shape (cylindrical in the example of Figure 8), and the lower end portion 41a of the insertion portion 41 in the vertical direction D1 has a weight shape (conical in the example of Figure 8). In other words, the lower end portion 41a of the insertion portion 41 has a tapered shape. The vertical direction D1 of the insertion portion 41 coincides with the direction in which the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the housing 10.

[0079] The surface area of ​​the insertion portion 41 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 40. For example, the maximum width W1 of the insertion portion 41 in the left-right direction D2 is smaller than the width W2 of the exposed portion 40 in the left-right direction D2, as shown in Figure 2. The maximum width W1 of the insertion portion 41 is 1 / 10 or less of the width W2 of the exposed portion 40. Also, the maximum width W1 of the insertion portion 41 is 1 / 2 or less of the height H1 of the exposed portion 40 in the up-down direction D1.

[0080] The connecting portion 42 is configured to connect the exposed portion 40 and the insertion portion 41. Furthermore, the width W3 of the connecting portion 42 in the left-right direction D2 gradually increases from the upper end 41b of the insertion portion 41 in the up-down direction D1 toward the exposed portion 40. In other words, the connecting portion 42 is configured in a tapered shape.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple insertion portions 41 are provided at one end (front end) 80 of the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40 in the front-rear direction D3. In other words, the multiple insertion portions 41 are provided at the front end 80 of the exposed portion 40 so that when the metal member B1 is attached to the housing 10, the multiple insertion portions 41 are inserted into the front end 81 (see Figure 3) of the top plate 12a of the cover 12.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the multiple insertion portions 41 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction D2 of the exposed portion 40, and are provided on the front end portion 80 of the exposed portion 40 such that the terminal pieces 33a of the fixed terminal 33 are positioned between the multiple insertion portions 41. In other words, the multiple insertion portions 41 are provided on the front end portion 80 of the exposed portion 40 so as to be located near the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the metal component B1 is attached to the housing 10 with multiple insertion parts 41 inserted into the housing 10.

[0084] (4) Method of manufacturing an electromagnetic relay The following describes the manufacturing method for the electromagnetic relay C1. Note that the following description focuses on the manufacturing method after the relay body A1 has been assembled.

[0085] A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay C1 includes, for example, a first step and a second step.

[0086] In the first step, the housing 10 and the metal member B1 are prepared. In the second step, the metal member B1 is attached to the housing 10. At this time, in the second step, multiple insertion parts 41 are inserted into the housing 10 to attach the metal member B1 to the housing 10. In addition, in the second step, multiple insertion parts 41 are press-fitted into the housing 10 and inserted into the housing 10. Note that the above manufacturing method is an example of a manufacturing method for the electromagnetic relay C1, and other steps may be added.

[0087] (5) Effects In the electromagnetic relay C1, when the relay body A1 operates, current flows through the coil 21, causing the temperature inside the housing 10 to rise. As a result, moisture inside the housing 10 vaporizes, generating water vapor inside the housing 10. Subsequently, when the relay body A1 stops operating, the temperature inside the housing 10 decreases, and heat from the fixed terminal 33 and common terminal 34 is conducted to the outside (for example, a wire harness) via the external device (so-called thermal discharge occurs), causing the temperature of the fixed terminal 33 and common terminal 34 to drop rapidly.

[0088] Incidentally, the electromagnetic relay C1 comprises a housing 10, a fixed contact 31, a movable contact 32, and a metal member B1. The metal member B1 includes a plurality of insertion parts 41 and an exposed part 40, and has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay C1, when the relay body A1 is operating, the temperature of the plurality of insertion parts 41 is lower than the temperature of the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34, so the plurality of insertion parts 41 can collect moisture (specifically, water vapor) inside the housing 10. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay C1, when the operation of the relay body A1 stops, condensation or freezing does not occur on the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34, but condensation or freezing occurs on the plurality of insertion parts 41. Thus, in the electromagnetic relay C1, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided compared to when the member that collects moisture inside the housing 10 is provided, for example, on the fixed terminal 33.

[0089] In particular, in environments with low ambient temperatures (so-called cold regions), the electromagnetic relay C1 is exposed to a low-temperature atmosphere when the relay body A1 stops operating. Therefore, with the electromagnetic relay C1, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be more easily avoided, and thus poor conductivity of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can also be avoided.

[0090] Furthermore, the surface area of ​​each insertion portion 41 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 40. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay C1, for example, if heat generated in the relay body A1 is conducted to the metal member B1, this heat is more easily conducted to the exposed portion 40, which has a larger surface area than each insertion portion 41, so that each insertion portion 41 can maintain a cool state. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay C1, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be further avoided.

[0091] The exposed portion 40 has a plate-like shape, and the multiple insertion portions 41 protrude from the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay C1, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 40 can be made larger than the surface area of ​​each insertion portion 41, so that each insertion portion 41 can always be kept cool. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay C1, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively.

[0092] Each of the multiple insertion parts 41 is configured to be press-fitted into the housing 10 and provided inside the housing 10. This allows the metal member B1 to be retrofitted to the housing 10 in the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0093] The metal member B1 comprises a plurality of insertion portions 41, an exposed portion 40, and a plurality of connection portions 42. The lower end 41a of each insertion portion 41 has a tapered shape. The maximum width W1 of each insertion portion 41 is smaller than the width W2 of the exposed portion 40. The width W3 of each connection portion 42 gradually increases from the upper end 41b of the insertion portion 41 toward the exposed portion 40. As a result, in the metal member B1, each insertion portion 41 can capture moisture (specifically, water vapor) inside the housing 10, and thus, similar to the electromagnetic relay C1 described above, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be better avoided.

[0094] Each insertion portion 41 has a rod shape, and the lower end portion 41a of each insertion portion 41 has a weight shape. This allows the metal member B1 to be retrofitted to the housing 10 in the electromagnetic relay C1. In other words, the metal member B1 can be retrofitted to the housing 10. Furthermore, the metal member B1 can be press-fitted into the housing 10 in the electromagnetic relay C1. In other words, the metal member B1 can be press-fitted into the housing 10. Thus, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic relay C1 in which the metal member B1 is attached to the relay body A1, and an electromagnetic relay in which the metal member B1 is not attached to the relay body A1 (i.e., an electromagnetic relay consisting only of the relay body A1).

[0095] The thickness d3 of the front end 81 of the top plate 12a is smaller than the thickness d1 of the rear end 82 of the top plate 12a. This makes it easier to insert (more specifically, press-fit) the multiple insertion parts 41 into the housing 10 of the electromagnetic relay C1.

[0096] Multiple insertion portions 41 are provided on the front end portion 80 of the exposed portion 40 so as to be located near the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay C1, when the relay body A1 stops operating, condensation or ice does not occur on the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32, but condensation or ice occurs on the multiple insertion portions 41, thereby further preventing ice formation on at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32.

[0097] The exposed portion 40 is positioned relative to the top plate 12a of the cover 12, in the opposite direction (upward) to the direction (downward) in which the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 of the relay body A1 protrude. This prevents the temperature of the exposed portion 40 from rising due to the heat generated by the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 (i.e., the relay body A1) when the electromagnetic relay C1 is operating. In other words, since the temperature rise of the exposed portion 40 is suppressed in the electromagnetic relay C1, the multiple insertion portions 41 can always be kept cool. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay C1, when the electromagnetic relay C1 is operating, the multiple insertion portions 41 can better capture moisture (specifically, water vapor) inside the housing 10, further preventing condensation or freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32.

[0098] The method for manufacturing the electromagnetic relay C1 includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, a housing 10 and a metal member B1 are prepared. In the second step, the metal member B1 is attached to the housing 10. In the second step, a plurality of insertion parts 41 are inserted into the housing 10 to attach the metal member B1 to the housing 10. As a result, the electromagnetic relay C1 can be manufactured using the above manufacturing method, and freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be better avoided.

[0099] In this embodiment, in the second step, the multiple insertion parts 41 are press-fitted into the housing 10 and inserted into the housing 10. This allows the metal member B1 to be retrofitted to the housing 10 in the manufacturing method described above.

[0100] (6) Variant In this embodiment, the metal member B1 and the housing 10 are configured separately, but for example, the metal member B1 and the housing 10 (specifically, the cover 12) may be configured as a single unit. For example, the metal member B1 and the cover 12 may be insert-molded (composite-molded). In this case, the metal member B1 further comprises the cover 12, and the cover 12 is integrated by insert molding. As a result, with the metal member B1, since the metal member B1 is pre-attached to the cover 12, the work of later attaching the metal member B1 to the housing 10 is unnecessary. In other words, the assembly of the electromagnetic relay C1 can be improved with the metal member B1.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple insertion parts 41 are press-fitted into the housing 10 and inserted into the housing 10. However, for example, the multiple insertion parts 41 may be inserted into the housing 10 by passing them through multiple through holes pre-provided in the top plate 12a of the cover 12. If the top plate 12a of the cover 12 has multiple through holes, the lower end 41a of each insertion part 41 does not need to have a tapered shape (conical in this embodiment), and may have the same shape as the upper end 41b of each insertion part 41. This allows the multiple insertion parts 41 to have a larger surface area for collecting moisture, thus enabling them to collect more moisture. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay C1, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be further avoided.

[0102] The multiple insertion portions 41 protrude from the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40 in the same direction, but they may also protrude from the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40 in different directions. For example, the multiple insertion portions 41 may protrude from the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40 so that the lower ends 41a of each insertion portion 41 are in contact with each other. Alternatively, the multiple insertion portions 41 may protrude from the lower surface 40a of the exposed portion 40 so that only the lower ends 41a of each insertion portion 41 face each other.

[0103] Each of the multiple insertion portions 41 is cylindrical, but may also be prismatic. Furthermore, the lower end portion 41a of each insertion portion 41 is conical, but may also be pyramidal.

[0104] The number of insertion portions 41 is two, but there may be three or more, or there may be just one. In this case, the number of connection portions 42 will be the same as the number of insertion portions 41.

[0105] The coil bobbin 22 and the body 11 are a single integrated component, but for example, the coil bobbin 22 and the body 11 may be constructed separately and then combined to form a single integrated component.

[0106] Electromagnetic relay C1 is a hinged relay, but other types of relays may also be used. The application of electromagnetic relay C1 is not limited to vehicles; it may be used for other purposes as well.

[0107] (Embodiment 2) The electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2 differs from the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it has a different metal member B2 (see Figure 9). In other words, the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2 is equipped with metal member B2 instead of metal member B1 of the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0108] Regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2, the illustration and description of the relay body A1, which has the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1, are omitted. Also, regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2, components with the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0109] The metal component B2 of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0110] (1) Metal component The metal component B2 is attached to the housing 10 (see Figure 1). The metal component B2 is also configured to be detachable from the housing 10. The metal component B2 includes an exposed portion (second portion) 43, multiple (two in the example in Figure 9) insertion portions 41, and multiple (two in the example in Figure 9) connection portions 47. The metal component B2 has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10. The material of the metal component B2 is a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc.). Since the configuration of each of the multiple connection portions 47 is common, unless otherwise specified, the following description will refer to one connection portion 47.

[0111] The exposed portion 43 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. That is, the exposed portion 43 is located outside the housing 10. The exposed portion 43 has a U-shape. The exposed portion 43 includes a top plate 431 and a pair of side plates 432 and 433.

[0112] The top plate 431 has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The top plate 431 is placed on one side (top surface) of the top plate 12a of the cover 12 (see Figure 1).

[0113] A pair of side panels 432 and 433 are connected to the top panel 431. Specifically, side panel 432 is connected to the left end 71 in the left-right direction D2 of the top panel 431, so as to face the first side panel (left panel) 1 (see Figure 2) in the left-right direction D2 of the side panel 12b of the cover 12. Side panel 433 is connected to the right end 72 in the left-right direction D2 of the top panel 431, so as to face the second side panel (right panel) 2 (see Figure 2) in the left-right direction D2 of the side panel 12b of the cover 12. In other words, the pair of side panels 432 and 433 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction D2.

[0114] The top plate 431 and the pair of side plates 432, 433 are arranged to cover the housing 10. More specifically, the top plate 431 and the pair of side plates 432, 433 are arranged to cover the top plate 12a of the cover 12, and the left side plate 1 and the right side plate 2 of the cover 12.

[0115] The insertion portion 41 protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the exposed portion 43 from one surface (bottom surface) 43a of the top plate 431 of the exposed portion 43.

[0116] The surface area of ​​the insertion portion 41 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43. The surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43 is larger than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 40 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10, the maximum width W1 of the insertion section 41 is smaller than the width W4 of the top plate 431 in the left-right direction D2. The maximum width W1 of the insertion section 41 is 1 / 10 or less of the width W4 of the top plate 431. Also, the maximum width W1 of the insertion section 41 is 1 / 2 or less of the height H2 of the top plate 431 in the vertical direction D1.

[0118] The connecting portion 47 is configured to connect the exposed portion 43 and the insertion portion 41. Furthermore, the width W5 of the connecting portion 47 in the left-right direction D2 gradually increases from the upper end 41b of the insertion portion 41 toward the top plate 431 of the exposed portion 43. In other words, the connecting portion 47 is configured in a tapered shape.

[0119] The metal component B2 is attached to the housing 10 with multiple insertion parts 41 inserted into the housing 10.

[0120] (2) Effects The exposed portion 43 includes a top plate 431 and a pair of side plates 432 and 433, and the multiple insertion portions 41 protrude from the lower surface 43a of the top plate 431. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43 can be made even larger than the surface area of ​​each insertion portion 41, so that each insertion portion 41 can always be kept cool. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively. In addition, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43 can be made larger than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 40 of the electromagnetic relay C1 of Embodiment 1, so freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively than in the electromagnetic relay C1 of Embodiment 1.

[0121] The pair of side plates 432 and 433 are arranged in a direction (left-right direction) D2 that is perpendicular to the direction (front-back direction) D3 in which the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34 face each other. In other words, the pair of side plates 432 and 433 are not positioned opposite the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, the conduction of heat generated at the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34 to the metal member B2 can be suppressed. Thus, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, for example, compared to the case where the pair of side plates 432 and 433 are arranged in the direction D3 in which the fixed terminal 33 and the common terminal 34 face each other, each insertion part 41 can be kept cooler at all times.

[0122] (3) Variant The number of insertion portions 41 is two, but there may be three or more, or there may be one. In this case, the number of connection portions 47 is the same as the number of insertion portions 41.

[0123] (Embodiment 3) The electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3 differs from the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it has a different metal member B3 (see Figure 11). In other words, the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3 is equipped with a metal member B3 instead of the metal member B1 of the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0124] Regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3, the illustration and description of the relay body A1, which has the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1, are omitted. Also, regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3, components with the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0125] The metal component B3 of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0126] (1) Metal component The metal component B3 is attached to the housing 10 (see Figure 1). The metal component B3 is also configured to be detachable from the housing 10. The metal component B3 includes an exposed portion (second portion) 44, multiple (two in the example in Figure 11) insertion portions 41, and multiple (two in the example in Figure 11) connection portions 49. The metal component B3 has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10. The material of the metal component B3 is a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc.). Since the configuration of each of the multiple connection portions 49 is common, unless otherwise specified, the following description will refer to one connection portion 49.

[0127] The exposed portion 44 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. That is, the exposed portion 44 is located outside the housing 10. The exposed portion 44 has a box shape (for example, a rectangular box shape) with one side (bottom surface) open. The exposed portion 44 includes a top plate 441 and an outer peripheral plate 442.

[0128] The top plate 441 has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The top plate 441 is placed on one side (top surface) of the top plate 12a of the cover 12.

[0129] The outer periphery plate 442 has a cylindrical shape (for example, a rectangular cylinder). The outer periphery plate 442 is connected to the outer periphery of one surface (bottom surface) 44a of the top plate 441.

[0130] The top plate 441 and the outer perimeter plate 442 are positioned to cover the housing 10. More specifically, the top plate 441 and the outer perimeter plate 442 are positioned to cover the top plate 12a and the side plate 12b of the cover 12.

[0131] The insertion portion 41 protrudes downward in the vertical direction D1 of the exposed portion 44 from the lower surface 44a of the top plate 441 of the exposed portion 44.

[0132] The surface area of ​​the insertion portion 41 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 44. The surface area of ​​the exposed portion 44 is larger than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43 of the electromagnetic relay in Embodiment 2.

[0133] The maximum width of the insertion section 41 in the left-right direction D2 is smaller than the width of the top plate 441 in the left-right direction D2. The maximum width of the insertion section 41 in the left-right direction D2 is 1 / 10 or less of the width of the top plate 441 in the left-right direction D2. Also, the maximum width of the insertion section 41 in the left-right direction D2 is 1 / 2 or less of the height of the top plate 441 in the up-down direction D1.

[0134] The connecting portion 49 is configured to connect the exposed portion 44 and the insertion portion 41. Furthermore, the width D2 of the connecting portion 49 in the left-right direction gradually increases from the upper end 41b of the insertion portion 41 toward the top plate 441 of the exposed portion 44, similar to the connecting portion 42 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1. In other words, the connecting portion 49 is configured in a tapered shape.

[0135] The metal component B3 is attached to the housing 10 with multiple insertion parts 41 inserted into the housing 10.

[0136] (2) Effects The exposed portion 44 includes a top plate 441 and an outer peripheral plate 442, and the multiple insertion portions 41 protrude from the lower surface 44a of the top plate 441. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 3, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 44 can be made even larger than the surface area of ​​each insertion portion 41, so that each insertion portion 41 can always be kept cool. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 3, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively. Furthermore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 3, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 44 can be made larger than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 43 of the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2, so freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively than in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2.

[0137] (3) Variant The number of insertion portions 41 is two, but there may be three or more, or there may be one. In this case, the number of connection portions 49 is the same as the number of insertion portions 41.

[0138] (Embodiment 4) The electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4 differs from the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it has a different metal member B4 (see Figure 12). In other words, the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4 is equipped with metal member B4 instead of metal member B1 of the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0139] Regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4, the illustration and description of the relay body A1, which has the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1, are omitted. Also, regarding the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4, components with the same configuration as the electromagnetic relay C1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0140] The metal component B4 of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 4 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

[0141] (1) Metal component The metal member B4 is attached to the housing 10 (see Figure 1). The metal member B4 is also configured to be detachably attached to the housing 10. The metal member B4 includes an exposed portion (second portion) 45 and a plurality (two in the example in Figure 12) of insertion portions (first portion) 46. The metal member B4 has a higher thermal conductivity than the housing 10. The material of the metal member B4 is a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, copper, etc.). In this embodiment, the metal member B4 is formed by extrusion molding. Since the configuration of each of the multiple insertion portions 46 is common, unless otherwise specified, one insertion portion 46 will be described below.

[0142] The exposed portion 45 is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. That is, the exposed portion 45 is located outside the housing 10. The exposed portion 45 includes a top plate 451 and a plurality of fins 452. Since the configuration of each of the plurality of fins 452 is the same, unless otherwise specified, the following description will refer to one fin 452.

[0143] The top plate 451 has a plate-like shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape). The top plate 451 has a first surface (upper surface) 45a and a second surface (lower surface) 45b (see Figure 13). The upper surface 45a and the lower surface 45b face each other in the vertical direction (thickness direction) D1 of the top plate 451. The top plate 451 is positioned on one surface (upper surface) of the top plate 12a of the cover 12.

[0144] The fin 452 protrudes upward from the upper surface 45a of the top plate 451 in the vertical direction D1 of the top plate 451. The fin 452 includes a connecting portion 48a and a protruding portion 48b. The connecting portion 48a is plate-shaped (for example, rectangular plate-shaped). The lower end portion 73 of the connecting portion 48a is connected to the upper surface 45a of the top plate 451. The upper end portion 74 of the connecting portion 48a is provided with a protruding portion 48b. The protruding portion 48b is trapezoidal in shape.

[0145] The insertion portion 46 is inserted into the interior of the housing 10 (specifically, the interior space 10a), similar to the insertion portion 41 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1. That is, the insertion portion 46 is provided inside the housing 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the insertion portion 46 protrudes downward from the lower surface 45b of the top plate 451 in the vertical direction D1 of the top plate 451. The insertion portion 46 has a plate shape (for example, a rectangular plate shape), and the lower end portion 75 of the insertion portion 46 in the vertical direction D1 has a tapered shape. The upper end portion 76 of the insertion portion 46 in the vertical direction D1 is connected to the second surface 45b of the top plate 451. Note that the vertical direction D1 of the insertion portion 46 coincides with the direction in which the insertion portion 46 is inserted into the housing 10.

[0146] Furthermore, the width D3 of the insertion section 46 in the front-to-back direction is the same as the width D3 of the top plate 451 in the front-to-back direction. Note that "the width D3 of the insertion section 46 in the front-to-back direction is the same as the width D3 of the top plate 451 in the front-to-back direction" does not only mean that the width D3 of the insertion section 46 and the width D3 of the top plate 451 are exactly the same size, but also includes cases where, for example, the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the width D3 of the insertion section 46 and the width D3 of the top plate 451 in the front-to-back direction is 10% or less of the width D3 of the top plate 451 in the front-to-back direction.

[0147] The exposed portion 45, similar to the exposed portion 40 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1, is positioned relative to the top plate 12a of the cover 12, in the opposite direction (upward) to the direction (downward) in which the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 of the relay body A1 protrude.

[0148] The surface area of ​​the insertion portion 46 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 45. The surface area of ​​the exposed portion 45 is larger than the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 44 of the electromagnetic relay according to Embodiment 3.

[0149] As shown in Figure 14, the maximum width W6 of the insertion section 46 in the left-right direction D2 is smaller than the width W7 of the top plate 451 of the exposed section 45 in the left-right direction D2. The maximum width W6 of the insertion section 46 is 1 / 30 or less of the width W7 of the top plate 451. Furthermore, the maximum width W6 of the insertion section 46 is smaller than the maximum width W8 of the fin 452 in the left-right direction D2, and is 1 / 2 or less of the maximum width W8 of the fin 452. Also, the maximum width W6 of the insertion section 46 is 1 / 2 or less of the height H3 of the top plate 451 in the vertical direction D1.

[0150] The metal component B4 is attached to the housing 10 with multiple insertion parts 46 inserted into the housing 10.

[0151] (2) Effects The exposed portion 45 includes a top plate 451 and a plurality of fins 452, and the plurality of insertion portions 46 protrude from the lower surface 45b of the top plate 451. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4, the surface area of ​​the exposed portion 45 can be made even larger than the surface area of ​​each insertion portion 46, so that each insertion portion 46 can always be kept cool. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be avoided even more effectively.

[0152] In the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4, the metal member B4 is formed by extrusion molding, eliminating the need to weld multiple insertion parts 46 to the exposed part 45, as is required in the electromagnetic relay C1 of Embodiment 1. In other words, the assembly of the metal member B4 can be improved in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4.

[0153] Furthermore, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4, since the metal member B4 has a plurality of fins 452, when the electromagnetic relay is operating and the temperature inside the housing 10 is higher than the temperature outside the housing 10, heat can be dissipated through the exposed portion 45 via the plurality of insertion portions 46. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 4, the temperature rise inside the housing 10 can be suppressed, the generation of water vapor inside the housing 10 can be suppressed, and freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32 can be further avoided.

[0154] The exposed portion 45 is positioned relative to the top plate 12a of the cover 12, in the opposite direction (upward) to the direction (downward) in which the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 of the relay body A1 protrude. This prevents the temperature of the exposed portion 45 from rising due to the heat generated by the fixed terminal 33, common terminal 34, and pair of coil terminals 26, 27 (i.e., the relay body A1) when the electromagnetic relay is in operation. Therefore, since the temperature rise of the exposed portion 45 can be suppressed in the electromagnetic relay of embodiment 4, the multiple insertion portions 46 can always maintain a cool state. Thus, in the electromagnetic relay of embodiment 4, when the electromagnetic relay is in operation, the multiple insertion portions 41 can better capture moisture (specifically, water vapor) inside the housing 10, further preventing condensation or freezing of at least one of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 32.

[0155] (3) Variant The protruding portion 48b of the fin 452 has a trapezoidal shape, but may also have a triangular or semicircular shape, for example.

[0156] The insertion portion 46 has a plate shape, but it may also have a rod shape, similar to the insertion portion 41 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1.

[0157] The number of insertion sections 46 is two, but there may be three or more, or there may be just one.

[0158] The metal member B4 may have a connecting portion that connects the exposed portion 45 and the inserted portion 46, similar to the metal member B1 of the electromagnetic relay C1 in Embodiment 1. In this case, the connecting portion is tapered, similar to the connecting portion 42 of the metal member B1.

[0159] (Appearance) This specification discloses the following aspects:

[0160] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the first embodiment comprises a housing (10), a fixed contact (31), a movable contact (32), and metal members (B1-B4). The fixed contact (31) is located inside the housing (10). The movable contact (32) is located inside the housing (10). The movable contact (32) moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact (31) and an open position away from the fixed contact (31). The metal members (B1-B4) are attached to the housing (10). The metal members (B1-B4) include first parts (41; 46) and second parts (40; 43-45). The first parts (41; 46) are located inside the housing (10). The second parts (40; 43-45) are located outside the housing (10). The metal components (B1-B4) have a higher thermal conductivity than the housing (10).

[0161] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be more easily avoided.

[0162] In the second embodiment of the electromagnetic relay (C1), in the first embodiment, the surface area of ​​the first portion (41;46) is smaller than the surface area of ​​the second portion (40;43~45).

[0163] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be further avoided.

[0164] In the third embodiment, the electromagnetic relay (C1) has a plate-like shape in the second portion (40) in the first or second embodiment. The first portion (41) protrudes from one surface (40a) of the second portion (40).

[0165] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be further avoided.

[0166] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the fourth embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the second portion (43) includes a plate-shaped top plate (431) and a pair of side plates (432, 433). The pair of side plates (432, 433) are connected to the top plate (431). The first portion (41) protrudes from one surface (43a) of the top plate (431).

[0167] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be further avoided.

[0168] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the fifth embodiment further comprises, in the fourth embodiment, a first terminal (33) and a second terminal (34). The first terminal (33) is electrically connected to a fixed contact (31). The second terminal (34) is electrically connected to a movable contact (32). The first terminal (33) and the second terminal (34) are arranged to face each other. A pair of side plates (432, 433) are arranged side by side in a direction (D2) perpendicular to the direction (D3) in which the first terminal (33) and the second terminal (34) face each other.

[0169] According to this embodiment, for example, compared to the case where a pair of side plates (432, 433) are arranged in a direction (D3) where the first terminal (33) and the second terminal (34) face each other, the first part (41) can be kept in a consistently cool state for a longer period of time.

[0170] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the sixth embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the second portion (44) includes a plate-shaped top plate (441) and a cylindrical outer peripheral plate (442). The outer peripheral plate (442) is connected to the outer periphery of one surface (44a) of the top plate (441). The first portion (41) protrudes from one surface (44a) of the top plate (441).

[0171] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be further avoided.

[0172] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the seventh embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the second portion (45) includes a top plate (451) and a plurality of fins (452). The top plate (451) has a first surface (45a) and a second surface (45b) facing each other in the thickness direction (D1). The plurality of fins (452) protrude from the first surface (45a) of the top plate (451). The first portion (46) protrudes from the second surface (45b) of the top plate (451).

[0173] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be further avoided.

[0174] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the eighth embodiment is configured such that, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the first portion (41; 46) is press-fitted into the housing (10) and provided inside the housing (10).

[0175] According to this embodiment, the metal members (B1 to B4) can be retrofitted to the housing (10).

[0176] In the electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the ninth embodiment, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the first portion (41) has a rod shape. One end (41a) of the first portion (41) has a weight shape.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the metal members (B1 to B4) can be press-fitted into the housing (10).

[0178] The electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, has a housing (10) which includes a cover (12). The metal members (B1 to B4) are formed by integrating the cover (12) by insert molding.

[0179] According to this embodiment, assembly can be improved.

[0180] The metal members (B1-B4) according to the eleventh embodiment include a first portion (41;46), a second portion (40;43-45), and a connecting portion (42;47;49). The first portion (41;46) is provided inside the housing (10) of the electromagnetic relay (C1). The second portion (40;43-45) is provided outside the housing (10). The connecting portion (42;47;49) connects the first portion (41;46) and the second portion (40;43-45). In the first portion (41;46), the lower end portion (41a;46a) in the vertical direction (D1), which is the direction in which the first portion (41;46) is inserted into the housing (10), has a tapered shape. In the first section (41;46), the maximum width (W1;W6) in the left-right direction (D2) perpendicular to the vertical direction (D1) is smaller than the width (W2;W4;W7) in the left-right direction (D2) of the second section (40;43~45). The width (W3;W5) in the left-right direction (D2) of the connecting section (42;47;49) gradually increases from the upper end (41b;46b) in the vertical direction (D1) of the first section (41;46) towards the second section (40;43~45).

[0181] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be more easily avoided.

[0182] In the twelfth embodiment, the metal members (B1 to B3) have a rod-shaped first portion (41) in the eleventh embodiment. The lower end portion (41a) of the first portion (41) has a weight-shaped form.

[0183] According to this embodiment, it can be retrofitted to the housing (10). Also, according to this embodiment, it can be press-fitted into the housing (10).

[0184] The metal members (B1 to B4) according to the 13th embodiment further include a cover (12) included in the housing (10) in the 11th or 12th embodiment. The metal members (B1 to B4) are constructed by integrating the cover (12) by insert molding.

[0185] According to this embodiment, the ease of assembly of the electromagnetic relay (C1) can be improved.

[0186] A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the 14th embodiment includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, a housing (10) and metal members (B1 to B4) are prepared. The metal members (B1 to B4) are detachable from the housing (10). In the second step, the metal members (B1 to B4) are attached to the housing (10). In the second step, the first parts (41; 46) of the metal members (B1 to B4) are inserted into the housing (10) to attach the metal members (B1 to B4) to the housing (10).

[0187] According to this embodiment, freezing of at least one of the fixed contact (31) and the movable contact (32) can be more easily avoided.

[0188] The manufacturing method for the electromagnetic relay (C1) according to the 15th embodiment is as follows: In the 14th embodiment, in the second step, the first parts (41; 46) are press-fitted into the housing (10) and inserted into the housing (10).

[0189] According to this embodiment, the metal members (B1 to B4) can be retrofitted to the housing (10). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0190] 10 cabinets 12 Covers 31 Fixed contacts 32 Movable contact 33 Fixed terminal (1st terminal) 34 Common terminal (second terminal) 40 Exposed part (second part) 40a one side 41 Insertion part (first part) 41a Lower end 41b Upper end 42 Connection part 43 Exposed part (second part) 43a one side 44 Exposed part (second part) 44a one side 45 Exposed part (second part) 45a 1st page 45b 2nd side 46 Insertion part (first part) 46a Lower end 46b Upper end 47 Connection part 49 Connection part 431 Top plate 432 Side panel 433 Side panel 441 Top plate 442 Outer plate 451 Top plate 452 Fins A1 Relay Unit B1-B4 Metal components C1 electromagnetic relay D1 First direction (vertical direction, thickness direction) D2 Second direction (left-right direction, orthogonal direction) D3 Third direction (front-back direction, opposing direction) W1 Maximum width Width W2~W5 W6 Maximum width W7 width

Claims

1. The casing and A fixed contact located inside the housing, A movable contact is disposed within the housing and moves between a closed position in contact with the fixed contact and an open position away from the fixed contact. The housing comprises a metal member attached to the housing, The aforementioned metal member is Including a first part provided inside the housing and a second part provided outside the housing, Having a higher thermal conductivity than the aforementioned housing, Electromagnetic relay.

2. The surface area of ​​the first part is smaller than the surface area of ​​the second part. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. The second portion has a plate-like shape, The first part protrudes from one surface of the second part. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The second part is, A flat tabletop, It includes a pair of side panels connected to the top plate, The first part protrudes from one surface of the top plate. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A first terminal electrically connected to the aforementioned fixed contact, The system further comprises a second terminal electrically connected to the aforementioned movable contact, The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged so as to face each other. The pair of side plates are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first terminal and the second terminal face each other. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4.

6. The second part is, A flat tabletop, The tabletop includes a cylindrical outer plate connected to the outer periphery of one side of the tabletop, The first portion protrudes from the one surface of the top plate. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The second part is, A top plate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other in the thickness direction, The top plate includes a plurality of fins protruding from the first surface, The first portion protrudes from the second surface of the top plate. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The first portion is configured to be press-fitted into the housing and provided inside the housing. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first part has a rod shape, One end of the first portion has a cone shape, An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The housing has a cover, The aforementioned metal member is formed by integrating the cover with it through insert molding. An electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A first part provided inside the housing of the electromagnetic relay, A second part provided outside the housing, It comprises a connecting portion that connects the first portion and the second portion, In the first portion, the lower end in the vertical direction in which the first portion is inserted into the housing has a tapered shape. In the first portion, the maximum width in the left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is smaller than the width in the left-right direction of the second portion. The width of the connecting portion in the left-right direction gradually increases from the upper end of the first portion in the vertical direction toward the second portion. Metal components.

12. The first part has a rod shape, The lower end of the first portion has a weight-like shape. The metal member according to claim 11.

13. The enclosure further includes a cover, The cover is constructed by integrating it using insert molding. The metal member according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. A first step involves preparing a housing and a metal component that can be attached to or detached from the housing. The process includes a second step of attaching the metal member to the housing, In the second step, the first portion of the metal member is inserted into the housing, and the metal member is attached to the housing. A method for manufacturing electromagnetic relays.

15. In the second step, the first part is press-fitted into the housing and inserted into the housing. A method for manufacturing an electromagnetic relay according to claim 14.

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