Electromagnetic Relay

Abstract

To provide an electromagnetic relay capable of becoming fail-safe (being on the safe side) when an abnormality occurs in which voltage is applied to a plurality of coils. [Solution] The electromagnetic relay 100 comprises a first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is on, a second coil C2 that operates when the opposite position is on, and an armature 20 that switches between the normal position side and the opposite position side. When both are on, the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 generate magnetic fields that weaken the effects of each other, placing the armature 20 in a neutral state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay for switching between a normal side and an opposite side. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an electromagnetic relay is known that realizes three states (normal, counter, and neutral) using two coils and a permanent magnet (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 53-62157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when voltages are applied to both coils, it is not necessarily possible to bring them into a neutral state (safe side), for example.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide an electromagnetic relay that can be made to be fail-safe (on the safe side) in the event of an abnormality in which voltage is applied to multiple coils at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above object, an electromagnetic relay includes a first coil that operates when the normal position is on, a second coil that operates when the reverse position is on, and an armature that switches between the normal side and the reverse side. When both are on, the first coil and the second coil generate magnetic fields that weaken the effects of each other, placing the armature in a neutral state.

[0007] In the above electromagnetic relay, when both are on, the first coil and the second coil generate a magnetic field that weakens the effects of each other, placing the armature in a neutral state. As a result, in the event of an abnormality where both are on, the electromagnetic relay becomes fail-safe by putting the armature into a neutral state through the operation of the two coils.

[0008] In a specific aspect of the present invention, the first coil has a main first coil section and a sub-first coil section, and the second coil has a main second coil section and a sub-second coil section, the main first coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature to the localized side, the main second coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature to the opposite side, the sub-first coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction opposite to that of the main second coil section, and the sub-second coil section generates a magnetic field in a direction opposite to that of the main first coil section. In this case, when both are on, for the localized side, the main first coil section operates to attract the armature to the localized side, while the sub-second coil section of the second coil operates in an opposite manner to that of the main first coil section. On the other hand, for the opposite side, the main second coil section operates to attract the armature to the opposite side, while the sub-first coil section operates in an opposite manner to that of the main second coil section. In this case, the magnetic fields generated on the normal side and the opposite side weaken each other's effects, and as a result, the armature is maintained in a neutral state.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the main first coil section generates a magnetic field stronger than the sub-second coil section, and the main second coil section generates a magnetic field stronger than the sub-first coil section, making it possible to place the armature in a neutral state when the magnetic fields are generated so as to weaken the effects of each other.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a positioning side electromagnet is provided on the positioning side to which a main first coil section and a sub-second coil section are attached, and a counter-positioning side electromagnet is provided on the counter-positioning side to which a main second coil section and a sub-first coil section are attached. In this case, the positioning side electromagnet and the counter-positioning side electromagnet are operated by energizing each coil, thereby maintaining the function as an electromagnetic relay.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, when both are on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning side electromagnet on the positioning side is smaller than the operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the opposite side electromagnet on the opposite side is smaller than the operable level of the armature, and when the positioning is on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning side electromagnet on the positioning side is larger than the operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the opposite side electromagnet on the opposite side is smaller than the operable level of the armature. In this case, it is possible to maintain the armature in a neutral state when both are on, while maintaining a state in which normal operation can be performed accurately.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a permanent magnet is provided at a position where it can affect the magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil, and when both coils are on, the magnetic force of the entire local side including the permanent magnet is smaller than the operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the entire opposite side including the permanent magnet is smaller than the operable level of the armature. In this case, it is possible to utilize the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

[0013] In still another aspect of the present invention, when the localization is on, the magnetic force of the localization side as a whole formed by the main first coil section and the permanent magnet is greater than the operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the localization side as a whole formed by the sub first coil section and the permanent magnet is less than the operable level of the armature. In this case, it is possible to accurately maintain the above-mentioned series of operations while increasing the magnetic force.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an adjustment member is provided that adjusts the armature to be the localized side when the localized position is on, to be the anti-localized side when the anti-localized position is on, and to maintain the armature in a neutral state when both are off and when both are on. In this case, the operation of the armature can be made accurate depending on the degree of adjustment by the adjustment member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view for explaining an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining an electromagnetic relay. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are conceptual side views for explaining the operation of an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are conceptual diagrams showing how an electromagnetic relay operates under normal circumstances, and FIG. 1D is a conceptual diagram showing how an electromagnetic relay operates under abnormal circumstances. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a configuration of a positional coil and an anti-positional coil formed by a first coil and a second coil. [Figure 6] (A) is a conceptual diagram for explaining magnetic field generation in the main first coil section and sub-first coil section that constitute the first coil, and (B) is a conceptual diagram for explaining magnetic field generation in the main second coil section and sub-second coil section that constitute the second coil. [Figure 7] 1A is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the magnetic field generated in the positioning coil when both are on, and FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the magnetic field generated in the anti-positioning coil. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the magnitude of the force with which the localized coil and the anti-localized coil attract the armature, which is generated by turning on and off the first coil and the second coil. [Figure 9]13A and 13B are block diagrams for explaining an example of a configuration in which an abnormal signal is output to an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are conceptual diagrams for explaining an overview of an electromagnetic relay. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a comparative example of an electromagnetic relay. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] An electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 1 etc. Fig. 1(A) is a conceptual perspective view for explaining an electromagnetic relay 100 according to an embodiment, Fig. 1(B) is a plan view, and Fig. 2 is a side view.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1(A) and other figures, the electromagnetic relay 100 of this embodiment includes an electromagnet device 10, a permanent magnet PM, an armature 20, and a contact device 30. Here, the electromagnetic relay 100 is configured as a pair (composed of two electromagnets) in which the electromagnet device 10 is provided with a positioning coil COα related to the on / off operation of the normal side and a counter coil COβ related to the on / off operation of the counter side, and accordingly, the permanent magnet PM is composed of two permanent magnets PMα and PMβ, and further, the armature 20, which switches between the normal side and the counter side, is provided with a mechanism for switching on and off on the normal side and the counter side, respectively. The contact device 30 is also provided on the normal side and the counter side, respectively. The electromagnetic relay 100 operates as a relay due to the above configuration. The electromagnetic relay 100 can be used, for example, in a railway switch to transmit a signal indicating whether to be in the normal position or the counter position.

[0018] In the electromagnetic relay 100, the electromagnet device 10 is a pair type that is composed of a positioning side electromagnet 10A constituting the positioning side and an opposing side electromagnet 10B constituting the opposing side. Each of the electromagnets 10A and 10B is composed, for example, of a bobbin into which an iron core is inserted, with a coil wound multiple times.

[0019] As described above, the permanent magnet PM is composed of two permanent magnets PMα and PMβ, and the permanent magnet PMα is attached to the positioning side electromagnet 10A, and the permanent magnet PMβ is attached to the opposite side electromagnet 10B.

[0020] A yoke YK is provided to cover the entire electromagnet device 10 and the permanent magnet PM.

[0021] The armature 20 is made of a magnetic material such as iron, and here, it is composed of a localization side armature 20A and a counter-localization side armature 20B corresponding to the localization side electromagnet 10A and the counter-localization side electromagnet 10B, respectively. The localization side armature 20A operates by being attracted to the localization side electromagnet 10A depending on the current supply state to the localization coil COα provided as the coil of the localization side electromagnet 10A. In other words, the localization side armature 20A operates in accordance with the operation of the localization side electromagnet 10A. Similarly, the counter-localization side armature 20B operates in accordance with the operation of the counter-localization side electromagnet 10B (current supply state to the counter-localization coil COβ).

[0022] The contact device 30 is composed of a positioning side contact device 30A and a counter-position side contact device 30B corresponding to the positioning side electromagnet 10A and the counter-position side electromagnet 10B, respectively. Of these, the positioning side contact device 30A has a positioning side movable contact portion 31A, a positioning side fixed contact portion 32A, a positioning side contact driver 33A, and a positioning side return spring RSA. Similarly, the counter-position side contact device 30B has a counter-position side movable contact portion 31B, a counter-position side fixed contact portion 32B, a counter-position side contact driver 33B, and a counter-position side return spring RSB.

[0023] For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the movable contact portions 31A, 31B have movable contacts MCA, MCB that operate in response to the operation of the electromagnets 10A, 10B. The fixed contact portions 32A, 32B have fixed contacts FCA, FCB that are arranged opposite the movable contacts MCA, MCB. The contact drivers 33A, 33B have a shape with holes or notches in a flat plate, are in contact with the armatures 20A, 20B, and slide in response to the operation of the armatures 20A, 20B. The contact drivers 33A, 33B are connected to the contact springs and return springs RSA, RSB of the movable contact portions 31A, 31B, which have flexibility, and displace them in response to the sliding movement.

[0024] The return springs RSA and RSB are plate-shaped spring members, and as described above, have flexibility. As a result, when the return springs RSA and RSB are displaced by the sliding movement of the contact drivers 33A and 33B, a force (return force) is generated to push back in the opposite direction to the direction of movement (displacement). As a result, the return springs RSA and RSB function as an adjustment member AM that adjusts the armature 20 to maintain a neutral state when both are off and when both are on, in cooperation with other members, with respect to the normal position and reverse position operations. In addition, the normal position side return spring RSA, as an adjustment member AM, sets the armature 20 to the normal position side (the normal position side armature 20A is the on side) when the normal position is on, and the reverse position side return spring RSB, as an adjustment member AM, works in cooperation with other members to set the armature 20 to the reverse position side (the reverse position side armature 20B is the on side) when the reverse position is on.

[0025] 3, an example of the operation of the contact device 30 accompanying the operation of the armature 20 will be described. Here, the operations of the positioning side electromagnet 10A, positioning side armature 20A, and positioning side contact device 30A constituting the positioning side will be described, and the explanation of the opposite side will be omitted since it is similar.

[0026] Fig. 3(A) shows the case where the localization side is in the off state, and Fig. 3(B) shows the case where the localization side is in the on state. That is, when the localization side is switched from off to on, it transitions from the state shown in Fig. 3(A) to the state shown in Fig. 3(B), and when it is switched from on to off, it transitions from the state shown in Fig. 3(B) to the state shown in Fig. 3(A).

[0027] In each figure, first, in FIG. 3(A), the positioning side armature 20A is V-shaped in side view and rotates (swings) with the bent portion as a fulcrum (support axis). Of the two sides forming the positioning side armature 20A, the end EGa forming the side on the positioning side electromagnet 10A side is separated from the positioning side electromagnet 10A, and the end EGb forming the side on the positioning side electromagnet 10A side is pressed by the positioning side contact driver 33A of the positioning side contact device 30A. In this case, the movable contact MCA of the positioning side movable contact portion 31A is maintained in a state separated from the fixed contact FCA of the positioning side fixed contact portion 32A. That is, the positioning side is in an OFF state.

[0028] On the other hand, in Fig. 3(B), the end EGa of the localization side armature 20A is attracted by the magnetic force generated by the localization side electromagnet 10A, and the end EGb pushes back the contact driver 33A, resulting in the localization side movable contact portion 31A and the localization side return spring RSA being deflected. That is, with respect to the localization side contact device 30A, the tip side of the localization side movable contact portion 31A and the localization side return spring RSA connected to the localization side contact driver 33A is displaced from the position shown by the broken line to the position shown by the solid line. On the other hand, the localization side fixed contact portion 32A not connected to the contact driver 33A is not displaced. As a result, the movable contact MCA of the localization side movable contact portion 31A contacts the fixed contact FCA of the localization side fixed contact portion 32A. That is, the localization side is in an ON state.

[0029] Regarding the above-mentioned operation, the normal operation of electromagnetic relay 100 should be either in an off (neutral) state for both the normal side and the opposite side as shown in FIG. 4(A), or in a state in which the normal side is on and the opposite side is off as shown in FIG. 4(B), or in a state in which the normal side is off and the opposite side is on as shown in FIG. 4(C). It is necessary to avoid an abnormal state in which both the normal side and the opposite side are on as shown in FIG. 4(D).

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an operation is performed by the action of the electromagnets 10A, 10B, even if a command signal is sent to turn on both the localization side and the anti-localization side, the two coils, the localization coil COα and the anti-localization coil COβ, are configured to generate magnetic fields that weaken the action of each other, thereby maintaining the armature 20 in a neutral state and making it a fail-safe device.

[0031] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 constituting the localization coil COα and the anti-localization coil COβ will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the solid lines indicate the energized and non-energized states of both coils, and the dashed lines indicate the energized states.

[0032] First, the first coil C1 has a main first coil section C1m, a sub-first coil section C1s, and a first switch SW1. The first switch SW1 is in a connected state when the localization side is turned on (dashed line in the figure), and in a non-connected state when the localization side is turned off. In other words, the first coil C1 operates when the localization side is on. Note that the current E1 flowing through the first coil C1 when the first switch SW1 is turned on flows in the direction from the main first coil section C1m to the sub-first coil section C1s as shown in the figure.

[0033] Here, the main first coil section C1m of the first coil C1 constitutes the side of the localization side electromagnet 10A, i.e., constitutes the localization coil COα, and generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the localization side armature 20A (see FIG. 3, etc.) to the localization side. In contrast, the sub-first coil section C1s constitutes the side of the counter-side electromagnet 10B. In other words, the sub-first coil section C1s constitutes not the localization coil COα but the counter coil COβ. In addition, the main first coil section C1m has a larger number of turns than the sub-first coil section C1s, and generates a larger magnetic field.

[0034] On the other hand, the second coil C2 has a main second coil section C2m, a sub second coil section C2s, and a second switch SW2. The second switch SW2 is in a connected state when the opposite side is turned on (dashed line in the figure), and in a disconnected state when the opposite side is turned off. In other words, the second coil C2 operates when the opposite side is on. Note that the current E2 flowing through the second coil C2 when the second switch SW2 is turned on flows in the direction from the main second coil section C2m to the sub second coil section C2s as shown in the figure.

[0035] Here, the main second coil section C2m of the second coil C2 constitutes the opposite side electromagnet 10B side, i.e., constitutes the opposite coil COβ, and generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the opposite side armature 20B (see FIG. 3, etc.) to the opposite side. In contrast, the sub-second coil section C2s constitutes the localization side electromagnet 10A side. In other words, the sub-second coil section C2s constitutes the localization coil COα, not the opposite coil COβ. In addition, the main second coil section C2m has a larger number of turns than the sub-second coil section C2s, and generates a larger magnetic field.

[0036] To summarize the above regarding the positional side and the anti-positional side, the positional coil COα is composed of the main first coil section C1m and the sub-second coil section C2s, and the anti-position coil COβ is composed of the main second coil section C2m and the sub-first coil section C1s.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the main first coil section C1m on the positioning side and the sub-first coil section C1s on the opposite side are wound in opposite directions, that is, the main first coil section C1m is wound around the bobbin 11A of the positioning side electromagnet 10A and the sub-first coil section C1s is wound around the bobbin 11B of the opposite side electromagnet 10B. In other words, one is wound right-handed and the other is wound left-handed.

[0038] In contrast to this, the winding directions of the first main coil portion C1m on the normal position side and the second main coil portion C2m on the opposite position side are the same.

[0039] Furthermore, for the main second coil section C2m on the opposite side and the sub-second coil section C2s on the positioning side, the winding direction of the sub-second coil section C2s around the bobbin 11A of the positioning side electromagnet 10A and the winding direction of the main second coil section C2m around the bobbin 11B of the opposite side electromagnet 10B are opposite to each other.

[0040] Moreover, the winding directions of the first sub coil portion C1s and the second sub coil portion C2s are the same.

[0041] In the above case, as a result, in the localization coil COα, the magnetic field generated by the current E1 flowing through the main first coil section C1m and the magnetic field generated by the current E2 flowing through the sub-second coil section C2s are in the opposite directions to each other, i.e., the sub-second coil section C2s generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the main first coil section C1m, which weakens the magnetic fields. Similarly, in the anti-localization coil COβ, the magnetic fields generated in the main second coil section C2m and the sub-first coil section C1s also weaken each other.

[0042] However, the main first coil section C1m generates a stronger magnetic field than the sub-second coil section C2s, and the main second coil section C2m generates a stronger magnetic field than the sub-first coil section C1s.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above configuration, when considering the positioning side electromagnet 10A provided on the positioning side and the counter-side electromagnet 10B provided on the counter-side, the positioning side electromagnet 10A is provided with the main first coil section C1m and the sub-second coil section C2s, and the counter-side electromagnet 10B is provided with the main second coil section C2m and the sub-first coil section C1s.

[0044] Hereinafter, generation of a magnetic field in the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(A) is a conceptual diagram for explaining generation of a magnetic field in the main first coil portion C1m and the sub-first coil portion C1s constituting the first coil C1, and Fig. 6(B) is a conceptual diagram for explaining generation of a magnetic field in the main second coil portion C2m and the sub-second coil portion C2s constituting the second coil C2.

[0045] First, in the first coil C1 shown in FIG. 6(A), only the first switch SW1 is on (the second switch SW2 on the opposite side shown by the broken line is off). That is, the case where only the current E1 flows is shown. In this case, among the components constituting the localization coil COα, the main first coil section C1m generates a magnetic field H1α due to the current E1, while the sub second coil section C2s does not generate a magnetic field. That is, on the localization side, the magnetic field generated by the localization coil COα as a whole is only the magnetic field H1α. Therefore, by making the force attracting the localization side armature 20A by the magnetic field H1α sufficiently larger than the force pushed back by the contact spring of the movable contact section 31A and the localization side return spring RSA, as illustrated in FIG. 3(B), the localization side can be maintained in the on state.

[0046] On the other hand, in the case shown in Fig. 6(A), among the components constituting the anti-position coil COβ, the sub-first coil section C1s generates a magnetic field H1β due to the current E1, while the main second coil section C2m does not generate a magnetic field. In other words, on the anti-position side, the magnetic field generated by the anti-position coil COβ as a whole is only the magnetic field H1β. Therefore, by making the force attracting the localization side armature 20A by the magnetic field H1β sufficiently small compared to the force pushed back by the contact spring of the movable contact section 31B and the anti-position side return spring RSB, as illustrated in Fig. 3(A), the anti-position side can be maintained in the OFF state.

[0047] As a result of the above, when the state shown in FIG. 4(B) is reached, that is, when the first switch SW1 is turned on (and the second switch SW2 is turned off), the state in which the normal position side is turned on and the opposite position side is turned off can be maintained accordingly.

[0048] Similarly, when the second switch SW2 shown in Fig. 6(B) is turned on (the first switch SW1 is turned off), the magnetic field H2β generated by the main second coil section C2m due to the current E2 in the anti-position coil COβ is made sufficiently larger than the force pushed back by the anti-position side return spring RSB etc. illustrated in Fig. 3(B), and the magnetic field H2α generated by the sub-second coil section C2s in the orientation coil COα is made sufficiently smaller than the force pushed back by the orientation side return spring RSA etc. illustrated in Fig. 3(A). This makes it possible to maintain the state shown in Fig. 4(C), that is, the state in which the anti-position side is turned on and the orientation side is turned off.

[0049] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7, in the abnormal state in which both switches are turned on, that is, when both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic field generated in both the localization coil COα and the counter-localization coil COβ is made sufficiently smaller than the force pushed back by the return springs RSA and RSB illustrated in FIG. 3(A), etc., so that it is possible to maintain a neutral state in which neither the localization nor the counter-localization is performed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the magnetic field generated in the localization coil COα is a combination of the magnetic field H1α generated by the main first coil section C1m and the magnetic field H2α generated by the sub-second coil section C2s. Here, as shown in the figure, the magnetic fields H1α and H2α have opposite magnetic field directions and weaken each other. That is, in this case, the magnetic field generated can be made smaller than the case of only the magnetic field H1α illustrated in FIG. 6(A), so that the force attracting the localization side armature 20A can be weakened to a necessary degree. That is, the localization side can be maintained in an off state. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the magnetic field H2β generated by the main second coil section C2m and the magnetic field H1β generated by the sub first coil section C1s have opposite magnetic field directions for the opposite coil COβ, so the opposite coil COβ can also be maintained in an off state. As a result, it is possible to avoid the state shown in Fig. 4(D), that is, to avoid both the normal side and the opposite coil COβ being on.

[0050] An example of magnetic force generation for achieving the above-mentioned embodiment will be described below with reference to the conceptual diagrams shown in Figures 8(A) to 8(C). Note that each conceptual diagram is illustrated with priority given to showing the relationship between the directions in which magnetomotive forces are generated in the normal position and the opposite position in the up and down directions of the arrows.

[0051] In this example, the magnitude of the magnetomotive force when a magnetic field is generated by the main first coil section C1m and the main second coil section C2m is 500A (unit: ampere), and the magnitude of the magnetomotive force when a magnetic field is generated by the sub first coil section C1s and the sub second coil section C2s is 220A (ampere). These values ​​are adjusted by the currents E1 and E2, the number of turns of each coil section C1m, C2m, C1s, and C2s, the selection of the iron core, and the like. The magnitude of the magnetomotive force (permanent magnet magnetomotive force) of the permanent magnets PMα and PMβ is 10A (ampere). On this basis, the magnitude of the magnetomotive force (minimum magnetomotive force of the positioning coil) required to attract the positioning side armature 20A on the positioning side and maintain the ON state is 350A (ampere). Similarly, the magnitude of the magnetomotive force (minimum magnetomotive force of the counter coil) required to attract the counter side armature 20B on the counter side and maintain the ON state is also 350A. These values ​​can be set, for example, by adjusting the force pushing back the armature 20A, 20B in the return springs RSA, RSB, etc. (see FIG. 3, etc.) that function as adjustment members AM for adjusting to maintain the neutral state.

[0052] With the above adjustments made, first, for example, when a command signal is sent to turn only the localization side on, the first switch SW1 turns on (the second switch SW2 turns off) in response to this, as shown in FIG. 8(A), and only the first coil C1 is energized and voltage is applied. In this case, the magnetomotive force (localization coil magnetomotive force) generated by the localization coil COα as a whole becomes the magnetomotive force (500A) of the main first coil portion C1m. In other words, Magnetomotive force of the stationary coil = Magnetomotive force of the main first coil C1m (500A) In this case, the magnetomotive force (10A) of the permanent magnet PMα is also taken into account, Magnetomotive force of main 1st coil C1m (500A) - permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) > minimum magnetomotive force of positioning coil (350A) Therefore, when the positioning is on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning side electromagnet 10A on the positioning side is greater than the operational level of the positioning side armature 20A (see Figure 3, etc.), and the positioning side armature 20A is attracted by the positioning coil COα, causing it to operate to maintain the on state.

[0053] On the other hand, in this case, since only the first coil C1 is energized and a voltage is applied to the opposite side, the magnetomotive force (opposite coil magnetomotive force) generated by the opposite coil COβ as a whole becomes the magnetomotive force (220A) of the sub first coil portion C1s. Reverse coil magnetomotive force = magnetomotive force of the first sub coil section C1s (220A) In this case, taking into account the magnetomotive force (10A) of the permanent magnet PMβ on the opposite side, Magnetomotive force of the first sub coil C1s (220A) + permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) < minimum magnetomotive force of the opposite coil (350A) Therefore, the magnetic force generated by the counter-side electromagnet 10B on the counter-side is smaller than the level at which the counter-side armature 20B can operate, so the counter-side armature 20B is not attracted by the counter-side coil COβ and operates to maintain the off state.

[0054] Next, when a command signal is given to turn only the opposite side on, the second switch SW2 turns on (the first switch SW1 turns off) in response to this, as shown in FIG. 8(B), and only the second coil C2 is energized and voltage is applied. In this case, the magnetomotive force (anti-opposition coil magnetomotive force) generated by the entire opposite coil COβ becomes the magnetomotive force (500A) of the main second coil portion C2m. In other words, Reverse coil magnetomotive force = magnetomotive force of main second coil section C2m (500A) Therefore, in this case, the opposite side is Magnetomotive force of main second coil C2m (500A) - permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) > minimum magnetomotive force of counter coil (350A) The on-state is maintained. On the other hand, the localization side is Magnetomotive force of the sub-second coil section C2s (220A) + permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) < minimum magnetomotive force of the positioning coil (350A) and an operation is performed to maintain the OFF state.

[0055] In contrast, when a command signal is sent to turn on both the normal side and the opposite side, as shown in Fig. 8(C), both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned on, and both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are energized and a voltage is applied. Magnetomotive force of main 1st coil section C1m (500A) - magnetomotive force of permanent magnet (10A) - magnetomotive force of sub 2nd coil section C2s (220A) < minimum magnetomotive force of positioning coil (350A) and the switch operates to maintain the off state. Similarly, the opposite side is Magnetomotive force of main second coil section C2m (500A) - permanent magnet magnetomotive force (10A) - magnetomotive force of sub first coil section C1s (220A) < minimum magnetomotive force of opposite coil (350A) 8(C), when both are on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning side electromagnet 10A on the positioning side is smaller than the operable level of the positioning side armature 20A, and the magnetic force generated by the counter-position side electromagnet 10B on the counter-position side is smaller than the operable level of the counter-position side armature 20B, so that a neutral state is maintained.

[0056] As described above, in the above example, as explained with reference to Figure 8 (C), the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ) are positioned in a position where they can affect the magnetic field generated by the first coil C1 and the second coil C2, but when both are on, the magnetic force of the entire positioning side including the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ) is smaller than the operational level of the armature 20 (20A, 20B), and the magnetic force of the entire opposite side including the permanent magnets PM (PMα, PMβ) is smaller than the operational level of the armature 20 (20A, 20B).

[0057] On the other hand, as explained with reference to Figure 8 (A), when positioning is on, the magnetic force of the entire positioning side formed by the main first coil section C1m and the permanent magnet PMα is greater than the operable level of the positioning side armature 20A, and the magnetic force of the entire positioning side formed by the sub first coil section C1s and the permanent magnet PMα is less than the operable level of the opposite side armature 20B.

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. 9, an example of a configuration for outputting an abnormal signal as described above, that is, a command signal for turning on both the normal position side and the opposite position side, will be described.

[0059] Normally, the command source is adjusted so that either the localization side or the opposite side is output, or neither is output. However, for example, as in a comparative example shown in FIG. 9(A), when the command source is composed of two systems of electronic units EC1 and EC2, and each of the electronic units EC1 and EC2 performs localization coil output and opposite coil output separately and independently, there is a possibility that a contradictory command signal that turns on both the localization side and the opposite side may be output due to a malfunction or setting error in one or both of the two systems. In contrast, as in the electromagnetic relay 100X of a comparative example shown in FIG. 9(A), in a mode in which the localization coil COα is operated based on the localization coil output from the electronic unit EC1 and the opposite coil COβ is operated based on the opposite coil output from the electronic unit EC2, the contradictory command signal will be output as it is as a contact output. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the localization coil output from the electronic unit EC1 is received by the first coil C1, the counter coil output from the electronic unit EC2 is received by the second coil C2, a part of the first coil C1 and a part of the second coil C2 are combined to form a localization coil COα to handle the contact output on the localization side, and a part of the remaining part of the first coil C1 and a part of the remaining part of the second coil C2 are combined to form a counter coil COβ to handle the contact output on the counter side. This makes it possible to take appropriate measures even if an abnormal signal is output from the command source.

[0060] Hereinafter, an outline of the electromagnetic relay 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the conceptual diagrams shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(C). As described above, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is on, a second coil C2 that operates when the counter position is on, and an armature 20 that switches between the normal position side and the counter position side. In the example shown in Figure 10(A) etc., the first coil C1 is indicated by a broken line, and the second coil C2 is indicated by a solid line.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure and as described above, the localized coil COα is composed of the main first coil section C1m which is a part of the first coil C1 and the sub-second coil section C2s which is a part of the second coil C2. Meanwhile, the anti-localized coil COβ is composed of the sub-first coil section C1s which is another part of the first coil C1 and the main second coil section C2m which is another part of the second coil C2.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the armature 20 is V-shaped in side view, rotates (swings) around the bent portion as a fulcrum (support axis), and one end EDα forming one side of the V-shape is attracted to the normal position side, and the other end EDβ is attracted to the opposite position side. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, a spring member or the like is provided to adjust the position of the armature 20 so that it is in a neutral state without leaning to either the normal position side or the opposite position side when electricity is not applied.

[0063] In the electromagnetic relay 100 configured as above, when only the first coil C1 is energized and a magnetomotive force Fm1 due to the main first coil section C1m and a magnetomotive force Fs1 due to the sub-first coil section C1s are generated as shown in Fig. 10(A), the armature 20 can be attracted to the normal position side by making the magnetomotive force Fs1 smaller than the magnetomotive force Fm1. On the other hand, when only the second coil C2 is energized as shown in Fig. 10(B), the armature 20 can be attracted to the opposite position side by making the magnetomotive force Fs2 due to the sub-second coil section C2s smaller than the magnetomotive force Fm2 due to the main second coil section C2m. Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Fig. 10(C), when both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are energized and all of the magnetomotive forces Fm1, Fs1, Fm2, and Fs2 are generated, the normal side and the opposite side attract each other to the same extent, and as a result, the armature 20 can be made to be in a neutral state without being attracted to either side. That is, in Fig. 10(C), when both the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 are on, they generate magnetic fields that weaken the action of each other, thereby making the armature 20 in a neutral state.

[0064] In contrast, in an electromagnetic relay 100Y of a comparative example shown in FIG. 11, unlike this embodiment, one coil constitutes the localization coil COα, and another coil constitutes the counter coil COβ. In this case, for example, when one end EDα of the armature 20 is first attracted to the localization coil COα side and the state shown in FIG. 11 is reached, the other end EDβ is separated from the counter coil COβ and a gap is created. In general, the force of attraction by the magnetomotive force becomes weaker as the distance increases. Therefore, for example, when the localization side is energized first and the state shown in the figure is maintained by the magnetomotive force on the localization coil COα side, even if the counter side is also energized and a magnetomotive force is generated on the counter coil COβ side in addition to this, a difference in the attracting force occurs according to the difference in distance, and the state shown in the figure does not change. In other words, in this case, even if an abnormality occurs, the current state is maintained without going to the safe side (neutral state). In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, by using a magnetic control circuit as described above, i.e., a multiple-wound coil and a permanent magnet, when both are on, a magnetic field is generated that weakens the effect of the other, making it possible, for example, to weaken the magnetomotive force of one while generating a magnetomotive force in the other, thereby placing the armature 20 in a neutral state and preventing such a situation from occurring.

[0065] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 100 of this embodiment includes the first coil C1 that operates when the normal position is on, the second coil C2 that operates when the reverse position is on, and the armature 20 that switches between the normal position side and the reverse position side, and when both are on, the first coil C1 and the second coil C2 generate magnetic fields that weaken each other's actions, and the armature 20 is in a neutral state. In this case, in the electromagnetic relay 100, in the abnormal event of both being on, the two coils C1 and C2 operate to put the armature 20 in a neutral state, thereby providing a fail-safe function.

[0066] 〔others〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0067] First, in the above embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 100 is applicable to a railway switchgear, but is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices such as traffic signals.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the winding method and number of turns of the first coil C1 and the second coil C2, as well as the current value and magnetic force, are merely examples, and are not limited to these and may be various.

[0069] Furthermore, the armature, return spring, etc. may have various shapes and configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10...electromagnet device, 10A...position side electromagnet, 10B...opposite side electromagnet, 11A, 11B...bobbin, 20...armature, 20A...position side armature, 20B...opposite side armature, 30...contact device, 30A...position side contact device, 30B...opposite side contact device, 31A...position side movable contact portion, 31B...opposite side movable contact portion, 32A...position side fixed contact portion, 32B...opposite side fixed contact portion, 33A...position side contact driver, 33B...opposite side contact driver, 100...electromagnetic relay, 100X, 100Y...electromagnetic relay, AM...adjustment member, C1...first coil, C1m...mechanical In 1st coil section, C1s...sub 1st coil section, C2...second coil, C2m...main 2nd coil section, C2s...sub 2nd coil section, COα...positioning coil, COβ...reverse coil, E1,E2...current, EC1,EC2...electronic section, EDα...one end, EDβ...other end, EGa,EGb...end, FCA,FCB...fixed contact, Fm1,Fs1,Fm2,Fs2...magnetomotive force, H1α,H1β,H2α,H2β...magnetic field, MCA,MCB...movable contact, PM,PMα,PMβ...permanent magnet, SW1...first switch, SW2...second switch, YK...yoke

Claims

1. A first coil that operates when the localization is on; A second coil that operates when the reverse voltage is on; An armature that switches between the normal and inverse sides Equipped with An electromagnetic relay in which, when both are on, the first coil and the second coil generate a magnetic field that weakens the effects of each other, and the armature is placed in a neutral state.

2. The first coil has a main first coil portion and a sub first coil portion, The second coil has a main second coil portion and a sub second coil portion, the first main coil portion generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature to the fixed position side, the main second coil portion generates a magnetic field in a direction that attracts the armature to the opposite side, The first sub coil section generates a magnetic field in an opposite direction to that of the second main coil section, The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-second coil portion generates a magnetic field in an opposite direction to that of the main first coil portion.

3. The main first coil section generates a magnetic field larger than that of the sub second coil section, The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2 , wherein the main second coil portion generates a magnetic field stronger than that generated by the sub first coil portion.

4. a positioning side electromagnet provided on a positioning side to which the main first coil section and the sub-second coil section are attached; an opposite side electromagnet provided on the opposite side to which the main second coil portion and the sub first coil portion are attached; The electromagnetic relay of claim 2 .

5. When both are on, the magnetic force generated by the positioning side electromagnet on the positioning side is smaller than the operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force generated by the opposite side electromagnet on the opposite side is smaller than the operable level of the armature, 5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, wherein, in a normal-on state, a magnetic force generated by the normal-side electromagnet on the normal side is greater than an operable level of the armature, and a magnetic force generated by the opposite-side electromagnet on the opposite side is less than an operable level of the armature.

6. a permanent magnet disposed at a position capable of influencing the generation of a magnetic field by the first coil and the second coil; 3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, wherein when both are on, a magnetic force of the normal side including the permanent magnet is smaller than an operable level of the armature, and a magnetic force of the opposite side including the permanent magnet is smaller than an operable level of the armature.

7. 7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 6, wherein, when the localization is on, the magnetic force of the localization side as a whole formed by the main first coil portion and the permanent magnet is greater than an operable level of the armature, and the magnetic force of the localization side as a whole formed by the sub-first coil portion and the permanent magnet is less than an operable level of the armature.

8. 2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment member that adjusts the armature so that the armature is on the normal side when the normal position is on, and is on the opposite side when the opposite position is on, and that maintains the armature in a neutral state when both are off and when both are on.

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