Contact devices and electromagnetic relays

Abstract

To reduce a time taken for arc suppression generated between a fixed contact and a movable contact.SOLUTION: A contact arrangement 10 comprises a pair of fixed contacts having a first fixed contact 21 and a second fixed contact 22, a movable contact 3, at least one permanent magnet 53, and a magnetic shield 4. The magnetic shield 4 includes a first shield part 41, a second shield part 42, and a connection part 43. The first shield part 41 overlaps with at least part of the first fixed contact 21 in a vertical direction that is a direction of movement of the movable contact 3, and is disposed on a side opposite to the side where the first fixed contact 21 is disposed with respect to the movable contact 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a contact device and an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to a contact device including at least one permanent magnet and an electromagnetic relay including the contact device. [Background technology]

[0002] The contact device described in Patent Document 1 includes a contact block, a drive block, and a yoke. The contact block has a fixed contact and a movable contactor. The movable contactor has a movable contact that moves toward and away from the fixed contact. The drive block has a drive shaft that moves the movable contactor, and drives the drive shaft so that the movable contact moves toward and away from the fixed contact. The yoke is disposed on one side of the movable contactor in the drive direction, and is fixed to the movable contactor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-064871 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a contact device having a configuration as described in Patent Document 1, when the fixed contact and the movable contact separate from each other, an arc may occur between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a contact device and an electromagnetic relay that can shorten the time required to extinguish an arc that occurs between a fixed contact and a movable contact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A contact device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, a movable contactor, at least one permanent magnet, and a magnetic shield. The movable contactor has a pair of movable contacts that correspond one-to-one with the pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contactor body that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts. The movable contactor is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts contacts a corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts moves away from the corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet applies a magnetic field between the movable contactor and the pair of fixed contacts along a left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts are arranged. The magnetic shield has a first shielding portion, a second shielding portion, and a connecting portion. The first shielding portion overlaps at least a part of the first fixed contact in a vertical direction that is a moving direction of the movable contactor, and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor from the side on which the first fixed contact is disposed, based on the movable contactor. The second shield portion overlaps with at least a portion of the second fixed contact in the up-down direction and is disposed on an opposite side of the movable contactor from a side on which the second fixed contact is disposed. The connecting portion connects the first shield portion and the second shield portion. The pair of fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the magnetic shield are arranged in the following order from top to bottom: the pair of fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the magnetic shield. At least one of the first shield part and the second shield part includes a main piece formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and a protruding part protruding downward from an end face of the main piece in the left-right direction. The protruding part extends along the up-down direction. A tip of the protruding part is located below a lower face of the main piece.

[0007] A contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, a movable contactor, at least one permanent magnet, and a magnetic shield. The movable contactor has a pair of movable contacts corresponding one-to-one with the pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contactor body that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts. The movable contactor is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts contacts a corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts is separated from the corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet is disposed between the movable contactor and the pair of fixed contacts, The pair of movable contacts is aligned in the left-right direction. A magnetic field is applied. The magnetic shield has a first shield part, a second shield part, and a connecting part. The first shield part The moving direction of the movable contact The second shield portion overlaps at least a portion of the first fixed contact in the vertical direction and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor from the side on which the first fixed contact is disposed. The second shield portion overlaps at least a portion of the second fixed contact in the vertical direction and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor from the side on which the second fixed contact is disposed. The connecting portion connects the first shield portion and the second shield portion. At least one of the first shield portion and the second shield portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward the side opposite to the side on which the movable contactor is arranged. An area of ​​the protruding portion in a cross section perpendicular to an application direction, which is a direction of a magnetic field applied by the at least one permanent magnet between the movable contactor and the pair of fixed contacts, is larger than an area of ​​the protruding portion in a cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction.

[0008] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the contact device according to any one of the aspects described above and an electromagnet device, the electromagnet device performing at least one of an operation of switching a position of the movable contactor to the closed position and an operation of switching a position of the movable contactor to the open position. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure has an advantage in that it is possible to reduce the time required to extinguish an arc that occurs between a fixed contact and a movable contact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, showing a state in which a coil is not energized. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the electromagnetic relay. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of the electromagnetic relay. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of an electromagnetic relay according to a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of an electromagnetic relay according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magnetic shield of the electromagnetic relay. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the following embodiments, the contact device and electromagnetic relay of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely a part of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the ratios of sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) (overview) The electromagnetic relay 1 (see FIG. 1) is provided, for example, in an electric vehicle. The electromagnetic relay 1 switches between the supply and non-supply of current from a power source of the electric vehicle to a motor, for example.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a contact device 10 and an electromagnet device 7. The contact device 10 includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact 21 and a second fixed contact 22, a movable contactor 3, at least one permanent magnet 53, and a magnetic shield 4. The movable contactor 3 includes a pair of movable contacts 31, 32 that correspond one-to-one with the pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contactor body 33 that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts 31, 32. The movable contactor 3 is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 contacts the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 is separated from the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet 53 applies a magnetic field along the left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 are arranged between the movable contactor 3 and the pair of fixed contacts. The magnetic shield 4 has a first shield part 41, a second shield part 42, and a connecting part 43. The first shield part 41 overlaps at least a part of the first fixed contact 21 in the up-down direction which is the moving direction of the movable contactor 3, and is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which the first fixed contact 21 is disposed with respect to the movable contactor 3. The second shield part 42 overlaps at least a part of the second fixed contact 22 in the up-down direction, and is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which the second fixed contact 22 is disposed with respect to the movable contactor 3. The connecting part 43 connects the first shield part 41 and the second shield part 42.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the end point E1 of the arc (see FIG. 5) is less likely to move on the surface (lower surface) of the movable contact 3 on the magnetic shield 4 side, compared to when there is no magnetic shield 4. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the end point E1 of the arc moves so as to make approximately one revolution around the movable contact 3 after the arc generated in the space between the fixed contact and the movable contact 31 (32) is extended outside the space. When the end point E1 of the arc makes approximately one revolution around the movable contact 3, the distance between the end point E1 and the fixed contact becomes shorter, so that the arc may move to the space between the fixed contact and the movable contact 31 (32) to become a shorter arc, but the above configuration can reduce this possibility. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an arc repeatedly occurs in the space between the fixed contact and the movable contact 31 (32), and therefore the time required for extinguishing the arc can be shortened.

[0015] Hereinafter, a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction is defined as a front-rear direction. However, in this disclosure, the "left-right direction" merely means the direction in which the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 are lined up. In this disclosure, the "up-down direction" merely means the direction in which the movable contactor 3 moves. In this disclosure, the "front-rear direction" merely means a direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 are lined up and the direction in which the movable contactor 3 moves. The terms "left-right direction," "up-down direction," and "front-rear direction" in this disclosure are not intended to limit the directions in which the contact device 10 and the electromagnetic relay 1 are used.

[0016] In addition, the side on which the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 are located as viewed from first fixed contact 21 and second fixed contact 22 is defined as "bottom", and the side on which the first fixed contact 21 and second fixed contact 22 are located as viewed from the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 is defined as "top". The side on which the second fixed contact 22 is located as viewed from first fixed contact 21 is defined as "right", and the side on which the first fixed contact 21 is located as viewed from the second fixed contact 22 is defined as "left".

[0017] The arrows indicating left and right, up and down, front and back in Figure 1 and the like are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and have no substance.

[0018] (detail) (1) Components of an electromagnetic relay As shown in Fig. 1, an electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment includes a contact device 10 and an electromagnet device 7. The electromagnet device 7 performs at least one of the following operations: switching the position of the movable contactor 3 to a closed position; and switching the position of the movable contactor 3 to an open position. The electromagnet device 7 of this embodiment has a coil 71, and when the coil 71 is energized, the electromagnetic action of the coil 71 switches the position of the movable contactor 3 from the open position to the closed position. The electromagnet device 7 also has a return spring 75, and when the coil 71 is de-energized, the spring force of the return spring 75 switches the position of the movable contactor 3 from the closed position to the open position.

[0019] The electromagnetic relay 1 further includes a housing 8. The housing 8 accommodates the contact device 10 and the electromagnet device 7.

[0020] The housing 8 has a first body 81 and a second body 82. The first body 81 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the bottom surface. The second body 82 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the top surface. The first body 81 and the second body 82 are joined at the periphery of each opening.

[0021] (2) Components of contact device As shown in FIG. 1, the contact device 10 includes a pair of fixed terminals 2, a movable contact 3, a magnetic shield 4, a case 51, a connecting body 52, two permanent magnets 53, two bridging portions 54 (see FIG. 3), a shielding member 55, and a holder 6.

[0022] (3) Fixed terminal Each of the pair of fixed terminals 2 is made of a conductive material such as copper. Each fixed terminal 2 is disposed to penetrate the first body 81 and the case 51. Each fixed terminal 2 is joined to the case 51 by brazing with its upper end protruding from the upper surface of the case 51 and the upper surface of the first body 81.

[0023] One of the pair of fixed terminals 2 has a terminal body 23 and a first fixed contact 21. The other of the pair of fixed terminals 2 has a terminal body 24 and a second fixed contact 22. Each of the terminal bodies 23, 24 has a cylindrical shape. The first fixed contact 21 is attached to the lower end of the terminal body 23. The first fixed contact 21 may be formed integrally with the terminal body 23. The second fixed contact 22 is attached to the lower end of the terminal body 24. The second fixed contact 22 may be formed integrally with the terminal body 24.

[0024] (4) Movable contact The movable contactor 3 is made of a conductive material such as copper. The movable contactor 3 is made of a non-magnetic material. As shown in Fig. 4, the movable contactor 3 has a pair of movable contacts 31, 32 and a movable contactor body 33. The movable contactor body 33 is formed in a flat plate shape. The thickness direction of the movable contactor body 33 is along the up-down direction. The longitudinal direction of the movable contactor body 33 is along the left-right direction.

[0025] The movable contact 31 is provided at the left end of the upper surface of the movable contactor body 33. The movable contact 32 is provided at the right end of the upper surface of the movable contactor body 33. The movable contact 31 faces the first fixed contact 21. The movable contact 32 faces the second fixed contact 22. In other words, the movable contact 31 is located below the first fixed contact 21, and the movable contact 32 is located below the second fixed contact 22. The movable contacts 31 and 32 each consist of a part of the upper surface of the movable contactor body 33.

[0026] In this embodiment, the movable contacts 31 and 32 are integral with the movable contactor body 33 , but the movable contacts 31 and 32 may be separate from the movable contactor body 33 .

[0027] When the movable contactor 3 is in the open position (see FIG. 1), there is no electrical continuity between the pair of fixed terminals 2. When the movable contactor 3 is in the closed position (see FIG. 2), there is electrical continuity between the pair of fixed terminals 2 via the movable contactor 3.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the movable contact 3 further has a first protrusion 34 and a second protrusion 35 protruding from the lower surface of the movable contact body 33.

[0029] (5) Magnetic shield The material of the magnetic shield 4 is a magnetic material. An example of the magnetic material is soft magnetic iron, SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), etc. The magnetic permeability of the magnetic shield 4 is greater than that of the movable contact 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic shield 4 has a first shield part 41, a second shield part 42, and two connecting parts 43.

[0031] The first shield part 41 includes a protruding part 411 and a main piece 412. The second shield part 42 includes a protruding part 421 and a main piece 422. The main pieces 412, 422 are formed in a rectangular plate shape. The thickness direction of the main pieces 412, 422 is along the up-down direction. The longitudinal direction of the main pieces 412, 422 is along the left-right direction. The protruding part 411 is provided at the left end part of the main piece 412. The protruding part 411 protrudes downward from the main piece 412. The protruding part 421 is provided at the right end part of the main piece 422. The protruding part 421 protrudes downward from the main piece 422.

[0032] The first shield part 41 is disposed below the movable contact 31. The second shield part 42 is disposed below the movable contact 32. The first shield part 41 has a fitting hole H1. The second shield part 42 has a fitting hole H2. The magnetic shield 4 is coupled to the movable contact 3 by inserting the first protrusion 34 (see FIG. 1) of the movable contact 3 into the fitting hole H1 and the second protrusion 35 (see FIG. 1) of the movable contact 3 into the fitting hole H2. That is, the magnetic shield 4 has a coupling structure (fitting holes H1, H2) for coupling with the movable contact 3. In addition, the movable contact 3 has a coupling structure (first protrusion 34 and second protrusion 35) for coupling with the magnetic shield 4.

[0033] More specifically, the above-mentioned coupling structure of each of the magnetic shield 4 and the movable contact 3 is a structure for coupling the magnetic shield 4 and the movable contact 3 by crimping. That is, one of the movable contact 3 and the magnetic shield 4 (here, the magnetic shield 4) has recesses (fitting holes H1, H2) into which at least a part (the first protrusion 34 and the second protrusion 35) of the other (the movable contact 3) is fitted. The bottom surface of the above-mentioned recess is open.

[0034] The magnetic shield 4 is in contact with the movable contactor 3. More specifically, the upper surface of the first shield part 41 and the upper surface of the second shield part 42 are in contact with the lower surface of the movable contactor body 33.

[0035] The two connecting parts 43 face each other in the front-rear direction. The two connecting parts 43 have a length in the left-right direction. The left ends of the two connecting parts 43 are connected to the first shield part 41, and the right ends of the two connecting parts 43 are connected to the second shield part 42. One of the two connecting parts 43 is provided to protrude upward from the front end part of the first shield part 41 and the front end part of the second shield part 42. The other of the two connecting parts 43 is provided to protrude upward from the rear end part of the first shield part 41 and the rear end part of the second shield part 42.

[0036] The magnetic shield 4 has a through hole H3. The through hole H3 is provided between the first shield part 41 and the second shield part .

[0037] In the front-rear direction, the width W1 (see FIG. 5) of the first shield part 41 and the second shield part 42 are equal to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, in the front-rear direction, the width W1 of the first shield part 41 and the second shield part 42 is equal to or less than the width W2 of the movable contactor 3. In this embodiment, the width W1 is smaller than the width W2. The front end of the first shield part 41 and the front end of the second shield part 42 are located behind the front end of the movable contactor 3, and the rear end of the first shield part 41 and the rear end of the second shield part 42 are located in front of the rear end of the movable contactor 3.

[0038] (6) Holder 1 and 4, the holder 6 has an upper wall portion 61, two side plates 62, a spring receiving portion 63, and a contact pressure spring 64. The holder 6 holds the movable contact 3 and the magnetic shield 4.

[0039] The material of the upper wall portion 61 is a magnetic material. An example of the magnetic material is electromagnetic soft iron, SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), etc. The shape of the upper wall portion 61 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0040] The two side plates 62 are made of a material such as metal. The spring receiving portion 63 is made of a material such as synthetic resin. The two side plates 62 and the spring receiving portion 63 are formed by integral molding. The two side plates 62 protrude upward from the spring receiving portion 63. The two side plates 62 face each other in the front-rear direction. The upper ends of the two side plates 62 are connected by an upper wall portion 61. The movable contact 3 is passed between the upper wall portion 61 and the spring receiving portion 63.

[0041] The contact pressure spring 64 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The contact pressure spring 64 is passed through the through hole H3 of the magnetic shield 4. The contact pressure spring 64 is disposed between the spring receiving portion 63 and the movable contactor 3 with the expansion and contraction direction facing the up-down direction. The movable contactor 3 is sandwiched between the contact pressure spring 64 and the upper wall portion 61. The contact pressure spring 64 applies an upward spring force to the movable contactor 3.

[0042] Incidentally, when a current flows between the movable contact 3 and a pair of fixed contacts (first fixed contact 21 and second fixed contact 22) when they are in contact with each other, an electromagnetic repulsive force acts between the movable contact 3 and the pair of fixed contacts due to this current.

[0043] Therefore, the upper wall portion 61 faces the two connecting portions 43 of the magnetic shield 4. As a result, the upper wall portion 61 and the magnetic shield 4 form a magnetic circuit surrounding the movable contactor 3. When a current flows between the movable contacts 31, 32 and the pair of fixed contacts when they are in contact with each other, an attractive force due to a magnetic force is generated between the upper wall portion 61 and the magnetic shield 4. This restricts the movement of the movable contactor 3 away from the pair of fixed contacts. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an arc being generated between the movable contactor 3 and the pair of fixed contacts.

[0044] (7) Case Next, the case 51 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The material of the case 51 is a heat-resistant material such as ceramic. The shape of the case 51 is a box-like shape with an open bottom. The space inside the case 51 is an accommodation chamber 510 that accommodates the first fixed contact 21, the second fixed contact 22, and the movable contact 3. That is, the contact device 10 includes the accommodation chamber 510. An arc-extinguishing gas such as hydrogen is sealed in the accommodation chamber 510. The accommodation chamber 510 does not need to be sealed, and may be connected to the external environment.

[0045] (8) Connector The connector 52 has a rectangular frame shape. The connector 52 is joined to the case 51 by brazing. Furthermore, the connector 52 is joined to a yoke 74 provided in the electromagnet device 7 by welding. In this way, the connector 52 connects the case 51 and the yoke 74 together.

[0046] (9) Two permanent magnets The two permanent magnets 53 are disposed and fixed between the outer surface of the case 51 and the inner surface of the housing 8. The two permanent magnets 53 are aligned in the left-right direction. One of the two permanent magnets 53 is disposed to the left of the movable contactor 3, and the other is disposed to the right of the movable contactor 3. The two permanent magnets 53 overlap at least a portion of the magnetic shield 4 in the left-right direction.

[0047] The two permanent magnets 53 have opposite poles facing each other. For example, the left permanent magnet 53 has its N pole facing right, and the right permanent magnet 53 has its S pole facing left. The two permanent magnets 53 apply a magnetic field along the left-right direction between the movable contact 3 and the first fixed contact 21, and between the movable contact 3 and the second fixed contact 22. The magnetic field is also distributed around the movable contact 3 (for example, below the movable contact 3).

[0048] The upper ends of the two permanent magnets 53 are aligned left and right with respect to the upper end of the case 51. The lower ends of the two permanent magnets 53 are aligned left and right with respect to the lower end of the case 51.

[0049] (10) Two bridge sections Next, the two bridge parts 54 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 3. The material of the two bridge parts 54 is a magnetic material. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, each bridge part 54 has a U-shape. One of the two bridge parts 54 is disposed in front of the movable contact 3, and the other is disposed behind the movable contact 3. The two bridge parts 54 are disposed so as to bridge between the two permanent magnets 53. Furthermore, the two bridge parts 54 hold the two permanent magnets 53. The two bridge parts 54, together with the two permanent magnets 53, form a ring-shaped magnetic circuit.

[0050] The upper ends of the two bridge portions 54 are aligned left and right with respect to the upper end of the case 51. The lower ends of the two bridge portions 54 are aligned left and right with respect to the lower end of the case 51.

[0051] (11) Shielding material The shielding member 55 has an electrical insulating property. The material of the shielding member 55 is, for example, ceramic or synthetic resin. The shielding member 55 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 510.

[0052] In the contact device 10, when the movable contactor 3 moves from the closed position to the open position, an arc may occur between the movable contacts 31, 32 and the pair of fixed contacts. The shielding member 55 is disposed to limit the range over which the arc extends.

[0053] (12) Electromagnetic device 1, the electromagnetic device 7 includes a coil 71, a coil bobbin 72, a movable core 73, a yoke 74, a return spring 75, a cylindrical member 76, a bushing 77, a shaft 78, and a bottom wall portion 79. The electromagnetic device 7 also includes a pair of coil terminals T1 (see FIG. 3) to which both ends of the coil 71 are connected. Each of the coil terminals T1 is made of a conductive material such as copper.

[0054] The material of the coil bobbin 72 is, for example, a synthetic resin. The coil bobbin 72 has two flange portions 721, 722 and a cylindrical portion 723. The coil 71 is wound around the cylindrical portion 723. The flange portion 721 extends outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 723 from an upper end of the cylindrical portion 723. The flange portion 721 extends outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 723 from a lower end of the cylindrical portion 723.

[0055] The cylindrical member 76 is shaped like a cylinder having an open upper end and a closed bottom. The cylindrical member 76 is housed in the cylindrical portion 723 of the coil bobbin 72.

[0056] The material of the movable core 73 is a magnetic material. The shape of the movable core 73 is cylindrical. The movable core 73 is housed in a cylindrical member 76. A shaft 78 passes through the inside of the movable core 73, and the movable core 73 and the shaft 78 are connected to each other. A recess 731 is formed in the movable core 73, recessed downward from the upper surface thereof.

[0057] The yoke 74 forms at least a part of a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux generated in the coil 71 passes when the coil 71 is energized. The yoke 74 includes a first yoke 741, a second yoke 742, and two third yokes 743. The first yoke 741, the second yoke 742, and the two third yokes 743 are each formed in a plate shape.

[0058] The first yoke 741 is disposed between the movable contact 3 and the coil 71. The first yoke 741 is in contact with the upper surface of the coil bobbin 72. The first yoke 741 has a rectangular plate shape. An insertion hole 744 is formed in the center of the first yoke 741. The shaft 78 is passed through the insertion hole 744.

[0059] The second yoke 742 is in contact with the lower surface of the coil bobbin 72. One of the two third yokes 743 extends from the left end of the second yoke 742 to the first yoke 741. The other of the two third yokes 743 extends from the right end of the second yoke 742 to the first yoke 741.

[0060] The return spring 75 is, for example, a compression coil spring. A first end of the return spring 75 in the expansion / contraction direction (vertical direction) contacts the first yoke 741, and a second end contacts the bottom surface of the recess 731 of the movable core 73. The return spring 75 applies a spring force to the movable core 73 to move the movable core 73 downward.

[0061] The shape of the shaft 78 is a round bar. The axial direction of the shaft 78 is along the vertical direction. The upper end of the shaft 78 is coupled to the holder 6. The lower end of the shaft 78 is coupled to the movable iron core 73. When the movable iron core 73 moves in the vertical direction, the shaft 78, the holder 6, and the movable contactor 3 held by the holder 6 move in the vertical direction together.

[0062] The bottom wall portion 79 has a rectangular plate shape. The bottom wall portion 79 is disposed below the second yoke 742. The bottom wall portion 79 holds the second yoke 742.

[0063] The bush 77 is made of a magnetic material. The bush 77 has a cylindrical shape. The bush 77 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the coil bobbin 72 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 76. The bush 77, together with the movable core 73 and the yoke 74, forms a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux generated when the coil 71 is energized passes.

[0064] When the coil 71 is energized, the magnetic flux generated by the coil 71 passes through the magnetic circuit, so that the movable core 73 moves so as to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit. Specifically, when the coil 71 is energized, the movable core 73 moves upward so as to fill the gap between the first yoke 741 and the movable core 73. More specifically, the electromagnetic force that tries to move the movable core 73 upward exceeds the force (spring force) of the return spring 75 that pushes the movable core 73 downward, so that the movable core 73 moves upward. Accordingly, the shaft 78, the holder 6, and the movable contactor 3 move upward. Therefore, the movable contactor 3 moves to the closed position (see FIG. 2). The spring force of the contact pressure spring 64 ensures contact pressure between the movable contactor 3 and the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22.

[0065] When the coil 71 changes from a current-carrying state to a current-de-carrying state, the electromagnetic force that moves the movable core 73 upward disappears, and the movable core 73 moves downward due to the spring force of the return spring 75. Accordingly, the shaft 78, the holder 6, and the movable contactor 3 move downward. Therefore, the movable contactor 3 moves to the open position (see FIG. 1).

[0066] (13) Arc behavior When the movable contactor 3 moves from the closed position to the open position, an arc may occur between the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 and the pair of fixed contacts (the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22). An example of the behavior of the arc occurring between the movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 21 will be described below. The arc occurring between the movable contact 32 and the second fixed contact 22 may also behave in a similar manner to the behavior described below.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a main part of an electromagnetic relay 1P of a comparative example. In Figs. 5 and 6, some components of the electromagnetic relays 1 and 1P (for example, the holder 6 and the housing 8) are not shown.

[0068] The electromagnetic relay 1P of the comparative example differs from the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present embodiment in that it does not include a magnetic shield 4, and other configurations are the same as those of the electromagnetic relay 1. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, dashed dotted lines A0 to A5 each represent an imaginary arc generated between the movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 21. The arc extends in the space within the case 51 (the accommodation chamber 510).

[0069] The two permanent magnets 53 (see FIG. 1) apply a magnetic field along the left-right direction to the space between the movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 21 and the periphery thereof. As shown by the dashed line A0 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), when an arc is generated between the movable contact 31 and the first fixed contact 21, the Lorentz force causes the arc to be elongated while the two end points of the arc move. For example, as shown by the dashed line A1 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the end point E1 of the two end points of the arc on the movable contactor 3 side moves toward the front end of the movable contactor body 33. After that, for example, as shown by the dashed line A2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the end point E1 of the two end points of the arc on the movable contactor 3 side wraps around to the bottom surface of the movable contactor body 33.

[0070] Here, without the magnetic shield 4, the end point E1 of the arc may move further on the surface of the movable contact 3. For example, as shown by the dashed line A4 (see FIG. 6), the end point E1 of the arc may move so as to make approximately one revolution around the movable contact 3 and reach the upper surface of the movable contact 3. When the end point E1 of the arc approaches the first fixed contact 21 in this way, the arc may transfer to a shorter arc connecting the first fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 3. For example, as shown by the dashed line A5 (see FIG. 6), the arc may transfer to an arc linearly connecting the first fixed contact 21 and the movable contact 3. When a relatively short arc is generated in this way, the arc voltage may drop, the time required for extinguishing the arc may become longer, and so on, and the arc extinguishing performance of the electromagnetic relay 1P may be degraded.

[0071] In contrast, when the magnetic shield 4 is provided as in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the end point E1 of the arc moves beyond the magnetic shield 4 on the surface of the movable contact 3, as shown by the dashed line A3 (see FIG. 5). That is, in the region below the movable contact 3 where the magnetic shield 4 is provided, the magnetic fields of the two permanent magnets 53 (see FIG. 1) pass through the magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic shield 4. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the Lorentz force acts on the arc in the region where the magnetic shield 4 is provided. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the end point E1 of the arc moves on the lower surface of the movable contact 3.

[0072] Therefore, as shown by the dashed line A3 (see FIG. 5), the arc is extended with almost no movement of the end point E1 after reaching the lower surface of the movable contact 3. In other words, it is possible to extend and extinguish the arc while reducing the possibility of the arc transferring.

[0073] In the magnetic shield 4, a magnetic circuit is formed that extends from the first shield part 41 to the second shield part 42 via the connecting part 43. The first shield part 41 includes a protruding part 411, and the second shield part 42 includes a protruding part 421. Therefore, compared to a case in which the protruding parts 411 and 421 are not present, the surface area of ​​the magnetic shield 4 is larger, and the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic shield 4. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the end point E1 of the arc will move due to the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53.

[0074] Moreover, the direction of the magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the "application direction") applied by at least one (two in this embodiment) permanent magnet 53 between the movable contact 3 and a pair of fixed contacts (the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22) is the left-right direction. The area of ​​the protrusion 411 in a cross section perpendicular to the application direction is larger than the area of ​​the protrusion 411 in a cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction (cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction). Moreover, the area of ​​the protrusion 421 in a cross section perpendicular to the application direction is larger than the area of ​​the protrusion 421 in a cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction. In this way, since the areas of the protrusions 411 and 421 in the cross section perpendicular to the application direction are relatively large, the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic shield 4.

[0075] (Modification of the first embodiment) Below, we will list some modified examples of the first embodiment. The following modified examples may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0076] The magnetic shield 4 may include only one of the protruding portion 411 and the protruding portion 421. In other words, at least one of the first shield portion 41 and the second shield portion 42 may include the protruding portion 411 (or 421) that protrudes toward the side opposite to the side where the movable contact 3 is arranged. In addition, the magnetic shield 4 may not include either the protruding portion 411 or the protruding portion 421.

[0077] When the magnetic shield 4 includes only one of the protrusions 411 and 421, or when it includes neither, it is preferable that the magnetic shield 4 has a sufficient thickness in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the magnetic field generated by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic shield 4. It is preferable that the vertical thickness of the magnetic shield 4 is, for example, at least half the vertical thickness of the movable contact 3. It is more preferable that the vertical thickness of the magnetic shield 4 is at least 1 time the vertical thickness of the movable contact 3.

[0078] The two permanent magnets 53 may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction instead of side by side in the left-right direction. The two permanent magnets 53 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction may have the same poles facing each other, thereby applying a magnetic field along the left-right direction between the movable contact 3 and the pair of fixed contacts (the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22).

[0079] The number of permanent magnets 53 is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

[0080] The movable contact 3 may have a recess in which at least a portion of the magnetic shield 4 is fitted.

[0081] (Embodiment 2) An electromagnetic relay 1A and a contact device 10A according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. The same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. In Fig. 7, some components of the electromagnetic relay 1A (e.g., the holder 6 and the housing 8) are not shown.

[0082] In the contact device 10A of this embodiment, the direction of the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 between the movable contact 3 and the pair of fixed contacts is the front-rear direction. To realize such a magnetic field, the two permanent magnets 53 are lined up in front of and behind the movable contact 3, with the opposite poles facing each other. The two permanent magnets 53 overlap at least a portion of the magnetic shield 4A in the front-rear direction.

[0083] Furthermore, the shape of the magnetic shield 4A of this embodiment is different from the shape of the magnetic shield 4 of embodiment 1. In the magnetic shield 4A, the first shield part 41 includes two protrusions 411 and a main piece 412. One of the two protrusions 411 is provided at the front end of the main piece 412. The other of the two protrusions 411 is provided at the rear end of the main piece 412. Each protrusion 411 protrudes downward from the main piece 412. The configuration of the main piece 412 is the same as that of embodiment 1.

[0084] The second shield part 42 includes two protrusions 421 and a main piece 422. One of the two protrusions 421 is provided at a front end of the main piece 422. The other of the two protrusions 421 is provided at a rear end of the main piece 422. Each protrusion 421 protrudes downward from the main piece 422. The configuration of the main piece 422 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0085] In the first shield part 41, a magnetic circuit is formed that extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the first shield part 41. That is, a magnetic circuit is formed that extends from one of the two protrusions 411 to the other. Since the surface area of ​​the first shield part 41 is larger than when there is no protrusion 411, the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed by the first shield part 41.

[0086] In the second shield part 42, a magnetic circuit is formed that extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the second shield part 42. That is, a magnetic circuit is formed that extends from one of the two protrusions 421 to the other. Since the surface area of ​​the second shield part 42 is larger than when there is no protrusion 421, the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed in the second shield part 42.

[0087] Moreover, the direction of the magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the "application direction") applied by at least one (two in this embodiment) permanent magnet 53 between the movable contact 3 and a pair of fixed contacts (the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22) is the front-rear direction. The area of ​​the protrusion 411 in a cross section perpendicular to the application direction is larger than the area of ​​the protrusion 411 in a cross section (cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction) along both the application direction and the up-down direction. Moreover, the area of ​​the protrusion 421 in a cross section perpendicular to the application direction is larger than the area of ​​the protrusion 421 in a cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction. In this way, since the areas of the protrusions 411 and 421 in the cross section perpendicular to the application direction are relatively large, the magnetic field applied by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed by each of the first shield part 41 and the second shield part 42.

[0088] As described above, the contact device 10A of the second embodiment has the following configuration. The contact device 10A includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact 21 and a second fixed contact 22, a movable contactor 3, at least one permanent magnet 53, and a magnetic shield 4A. The movable contactor 3 includes a pair of movable contacts 31, 32 that correspond one-to-one with the pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contactor body 33 that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts 31, 32. The movable contactor 3 is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 contacts the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 is separated from the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet 53 applies a magnetic field along the front-rear direction between the movable contactor 3 and the pair of fixed contacts. The front-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts 31, 32 are arranged side by side, and the up-down direction in which the movable contactor 3 moves. The magnetic shield 4A has a first shield part 41 and a second shield part 42. The first shield part 41 overlaps at least a portion of the first fixed contact 21 in the vertical direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor 3 to the side on which the first fixed contact 21 is disposed. The second shield part 42 overlaps at least a portion of the second fixed contact 22 in the vertical direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor 3 to the side on which the second fixed contact 22 is disposed.

[0089] (Modification of the second embodiment) Below, we will list some modified examples of the second embodiment. The following modified examples may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0090] The magnetic shield 4A does not have to have the coupling portion 43. In other words, the first shield portion 41 and the second shield portion 42 do not have to be connected via the coupling portion 43.

[0091] The number of protrusions 411 of the first shield part 41 may be one, or may be three or more. The first shield part 41 does not have to include any protrusions 411 at all.

[0092] The number of protrusions 421 of the second shield part 42 may be one, or may be three or more. The second shield part 42 does not have to include any protrusions 421 at all.

[0093] When the first shield part 41 (or the second shield part 42) does not include any protrusions 411 (or 421) or includes only one protrusion, it is preferable that the first shield part 41 (or the second shield part 42) has a sufficient thickness in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the magnetic field generated by the two permanent magnets 53 easily passes through the first shield part 41 (or the second shield part 42). It is preferable that the vertical thickness of the first shield part 41 (or the second shield part 42) is, for example, 1 / 2 or more times the vertical thickness of the movable contactor 3. It is more preferable that the vertical thickness of the first shield part 41 (or the second shield part 42) is 1 or more times the vertical thickness of the movable contactor 3.

[0094] The two permanent magnets 53 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction instead of being arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The two permanent magnets 53 arranged side by side in the left-right direction may have the same poles facing each other, thereby applying a magnetic field along the front-rear direction between the movable contact 3 and the pair of fixed contacts (the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22).

[0095] The number of permanent magnets 53 is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

[0096] The movable contact 3 may have a recess in which at least a portion of the magnetic shield 4A is fitted.

[0097] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0098] The contact device (10) according to the first embodiment includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact (21) and a second fixed contact (22), a movable contactor (3), at least one permanent magnet (53), and a magnetic shield (4). The movable contactor (3) includes a pair of movable contacts (31, 32) that correspond one-to-one with the pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contactor body (33) that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts (31, 32). The movable contactor (3) is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) contacts the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) is separated from the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet (53) applies a magnetic field along the left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) are arranged between the movable contactor (3) and the pair of fixed contacts. The magnetic shield (4) has a first shield part (41), a second shield part (42), and a connecting part (43). The first shield part (41) overlaps at least a part of the first fixed contact (21) in the up-down direction, which is the moving direction of the movable contactor (3), and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor (3) to the side on which the first fixed contact (21) is disposed. The second shield part (42) overlaps at least a part of the second fixed contact (22) in the up-down direction, and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor (3) to the side on which the second fixed contact (22) is disposed. The connecting part (43) connects the first shield part (41) and the second shield part (42).

[0099] According to the above configuration, the end point (E1) of the arc is less likely to move on the surface of the movable contact (3) on the magnetic shield (4) side, compared to a case where the magnetic shield (4) is not provided. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the end point (E1) of the arc moves so as to make approximately one revolution around the movable contact (3) after the arc generated in the space between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts (31, 32) is extended outside the space. When the end point (E1) of the arc makes approximately one revolution around the movable contact (3), the arc may transfer to the space between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts (31, 32) and become a shorter arc, but the above configuration can reduce this possibility. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an arc repeatedly occurs in the space between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts (31, 32), and therefore the time required for extinguishing the arc can be shortened.

[0100] A contact device (10A) according to a second embodiment includes a pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact (21) and a second fixed contact (22), a movable contactor (3), at least one permanent magnet (53), and a magnetic shield (4A). The movable contactor (3) includes a pair of movable contacts (31, 32) corresponding to the pair of fixed contacts in a one-to-one relationship, and a movable contactor body (33) that electrically connects the pair of movable contacts (31, 32). The movable contactor (3) is movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) contacts the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts, and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) is separated from the corresponding fixed contact of the pair of fixed contacts. The at least one permanent magnet (53) applies a magnetic field along the front-rear direction between the movable contactor (3) and the pair of fixed contacts. The front-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts (31, 32) are arranged side by side and the up-down direction in which the movable contactor (3) moves. The magnetic shield (4A) has a first shield part (41) and a second shield part (42). The first shield part (41) overlaps at least a part of the first fixed contact (21) in the up-down direction and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor (3) to the side on which the first fixed contact (21) is disposed. The second shield part (42) overlaps at least a part of the second fixed contact (22) in the up-down direction and is disposed on the opposite side of the movable contactor (3) to the side on which the second fixed contact (22) is disposed.

[0101] According to the above configuration, the possibility of arcs repeatedly occurring in the space between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts (31, 32) can be reduced compared to when there is no magnetic shield (4A), and therefore the time required for extinguishing the arc can be shortened.

[0102] In addition, in the contact device (10, 10A) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, at least one of the first shield portion (41) and the second shield portion (42) includes a protrusion (411, 421) protruding toward the side opposite to the side on which the movable contact (3) is arranged.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the surface area of ​​the magnetic shield (4, 4A) is larger than when there are no protrusions (411, 421), and therefore the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (53) easily passes through the magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic shield (4, 4A).

[0104] In the contact device (10, 10A) according to the fourth aspect, the area of ​​the protrusions (411, 421) in a (first) cross section perpendicular to the application direction in the third aspect is larger than the area of ​​the protrusions (411, 421) in a (second) cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction. The application direction is the direction of a magnetic field applied by at least one permanent magnet (53) between the movable contact (3) and the pair of fixed contacts.

[0105] According to the above configuration, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (53) passes more easily through the magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic shields (4, 4A) than when the area of ​​the first cross section is smaller than the area of ​​the second cross section.

[0106] In addition, in the contact device (10, 10A) according to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the magnetic shield (4, 4A) is in contact with the movable contact (3).

[0107] According to the above configuration, a magnetic field is less likely to be applied to the arc near the surface of the movable contact (3) on the magnetic shield (4, 4A) side, compared to when there is a gap between the magnetic shield (4, 4A) and the movable contact (3). This further reduces the possibility that the end point (E1) of the arc moves around the movable contact (3) once.

[0108] In addition, in a contact device (10, 10A) according to a sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, one of the movable contact (3) and the magnetic shield (4, 4A) has a recess (fitting hole H1, H2) into which at least a part of the other is fitted.

[0109] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a gap occurring between the magnetic shield (4, 4A) and the movable contact (3).

[0110] In addition, in a contact device (10, 10A) according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the width (W1) of the first shield portion (41) and the second shield portion (42) in the front-to-rear direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction, is less than or equal to the width (W2) of the movable contact (3).

[0111] According to the above configuration, the width of the magnetic shield (4, 4A) can be reduced.

[0112] In addition, in the contact device (10, 10A) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the magnetic permeability of the magnetic shield (4, 4A) is greater than the magnetic permeability of the movable contact (3).

[0113] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the effect of blocking the magnetic field applied to the movable contact (3) by the magnetic shield (4, 4A) can be improved.

[0114] The configurations other than those of the first aspect are not essential to the contact device (10, 10A) and may be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] An electromagnetic relay (1, 1A) according to a ninth aspect includes the contact device (10, 10A) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects and an electromagnet device (7). The electromagnet device (7) performs at least one of an operation of switching the position of the movable contact (3) to a closed position and an operation of switching the position of the movable contact (3) to an open position.

[0116] According to the above configuration, the possibility of arcs repeatedly occurring in the space between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts (31, 32) can be reduced compared to when there is no magnetic shield (4, 4A), thereby shortening the time required for extinguishing the arc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1, 1A electromagnetic relay 3 Movable Contact 4, 4A magnetic shield 10, 10A contact device 21 1st fixed contact 22 2nd fixed contact 31, 32 Movable contacts 33 Movable contact body 41 First Shield Section 42 Second Shield Section 43 Connecting part 53 Permanent Magnets 411, 421 protrusion H1, H2 fitting holes (recesses) W1, W2 width

Claims

1. A pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact; a movable contactor including a pair of movable contacts corresponding one-to-one to the pair of fixed contacts and a movable contactor body electrically connecting the pair of movable contacts, the movable contactor being movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts contacts a corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts is separated from the corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts; At least one permanent magnet that applies a magnetic field between the movable contact and the pair of fixed contacts along a left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts are arranged; a magnetic shield; The magnetic shield includes: a first shield portion that overlaps at least a portion of the first fixed contact in a vertical direction that is a moving direction of the movable contactor and is disposed on an opposite side of the movable contactor to a side on which the first fixed contact is disposed; a second shield portion that overlaps at least a portion of the second fixed contact in the up-down direction and is disposed on an opposite side of the movable contactor from a side on which the second fixed contact is disposed; a connecting portion connecting the first shield portion and the second shield portion, the pair of fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the magnetic shield are arranged in the order of the pair of fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the magnetic shield from above; At least one of the first shield part and the second shield part is A main piece formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction; a protruding portion protruding downward from an end surface of the main piece in the left-right direction, The protrusion extends along the up-down direction, The tip of the protrusion is located below the lower surface of the main piece. Contact device.

2. Each of the first shield portion and the second shield portion includes the main piece and the protruding portion, The contact device according to claim 1 .

3. The main piece has a recess or a hole. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A pair of fixed contacts consisting of a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact; a movable contactor including a pair of movable contacts corresponding one-to-one to the pair of fixed contacts and a movable contactor body electrically connecting the pair of movable contacts, the movable contactor being movable between a closed position in which each of the pair of movable contacts contacts a corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts and an open position in which each of the pair of movable contacts is separated from the corresponding one of the pair of fixed contacts; At least one permanent magnet that applies a magnetic field between the movable contact and the pair of fixed contacts along a left-right direction in which the pair of movable contacts are arranged; a magnetic shield; The magnetic shield includes: a first shield portion that overlaps at least a portion of the first fixed contact in a vertical direction that is a moving direction of the movable contactor and is disposed on an opposite side of the movable contactor to a side on which the first fixed contact is disposed; a second shield portion that overlaps at least a portion of the second fixed contact in the up-down direction and is disposed on an opposite side of the movable contactor from a side on which the second fixed contact is disposed; a connecting portion connecting the first shield portion and the second shield portion, At least one of the first shield portion and the second shield portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward a side opposite to a side on which the movable contact is disposed, an area of ​​the protrusion in a cross section perpendicular to an application direction, which is a direction of a magnetic field applied by the at least one permanent magnet between the movable contact and the pair of fixed contacts, is larger than an area of ​​the protrusion in a cross section along both the application direction and the up-down direction; Contact device.

5. The magnetic shield is in contact with the movable contact.

5. The contact device according to claim 1, 2 or 4.

6. One of the movable contact and the magnetic shield has a recess into which at least a portion of the other is fitted. The contact device according to claim 5 .

7. In a front-to-rear direction that is a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction, the width of the first shield part and the second shield part is equal to or less than the width of the movable contact. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The magnetic permeability of the magnetic shield is greater than the magnetic permeability of the movable contact. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and an electromagnetic device that performs at least one of an operation of switching the position of the movable contact to the closed position and an operation of switching the position of the movable contact to the open position. Electromagnetic relay.

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