electromagnetic contactor

Abstract

This electromagnetic contactor comprises: a fixed electromagnet (15); an operating coil (17); a movable electromagnet (16); a contact support section (50) that is fixed to the movable electromagnet, is drawn, together with the movable electromagnet, by the fixed electromagnet to a first side in a first direction when power is supplied to the operating coil, that moves, together with the movable electromagnet, to a second side in the first direction that is opposite the first side, away from the fixed electromagnet when the power to the operating coil is interrupted, and that has a window section (51h) that penetrates in a second direction that intersects the first direction; a movable contact (51c) that is installed in the window section; a contact spring (51s) that is compressed in the first direction, an end of the contact spring on the first side being fixed to an end of the window section on the first side, and an end of the contact spring on the second side pressing on the movable contact; and a spring fitting (51r) between the movable contact and the contact spring. The contact support section has recessed sections (51g, 51i) in the window section that are recessed in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic contactor. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic contactor that includes a pair of opposing fixed contacts and a movable contact for each phase that bridges between the fixed contacts. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the movable contact is inserted into a window hole in the movable contact support, and is held in the movable contact support by being pressed by a contact spring via a spring receiver placed on the back surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-135585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an electromagnetic contactor that improves workability when attaching a spring receiver to a contact support part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a contact support part including a fixed electromagnet, an operation coil, a movable electromagnet, a contact support part fixed to the movable electromagnet, which is attracted to the fixed electromagnet together with the movable electromagnet and moves to a first side in a first direction when power is supplied to the operation coil, and which moves away from the fixed electromagnet together with the movable electromagnet and to a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction when power to the operation coil is cut off, and which has a window part penetrating in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a movable contact installed in the window part, a contact spring compressed in the first direction, an end on the first side fixed to the end on the first side of the window part, and an end on the second side pressing the movable contact, and a spring receiver between the movable contact and the contact spring, the contact support portion includes a frame portion provided on both sides in the second direction so as to surround the window portion, and having a predetermined width in the second direction; the contact support portion includes a guide portion that protrudes in the third direction from both sides in the window portion in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, is sandwiched by a separation prevention portion of the spring receiver, and is provided along the first direction across the window portion in the first direction; The contact support portion Frame To, before Record number An electromagnetic contactor is provided that has recesses recessed in three directions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the electromagnetic contactor of the present disclosure, the workability when attaching the spring receiver to the contact support portion can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the electromagnetic contactor according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the contact configuration of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing a contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view showing a contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view showing a contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the contact operation of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the contact operation of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contact operation of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the contact operation of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the spring receiver of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the movable contact of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing details of the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing details of a contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor of the reference example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing details of the contact support portion of the electromagnetic contactor according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. Also, for ease of understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0009] In the directions of parallel, right-angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up-down, left-right, front-back, etc., deviations are permitted to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the embodiments. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded. Parallel, right-angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right-angle, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical, respectively.

[0010] For example, "substantially parallel" means that even if two lines or two surfaces are not completely parallel to each other, they can be treated as parallel to each other within the range allowed in manufacturing. As with "substantially parallel," "substantially right angle," "substantially perpendicular," "substantially horizontal," and "substantially vertical" are also intended to fall under the respective terms as long as the relative positional relationship between the two lines or two surfaces is within the range allowed in manufacturing.

[0011] <Magnetic contactor 1> First, an electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 is a diagram in which the housing of the electromagnetic contactor 1 is cut away to expose the inside of the electromagnetic contactor 1.

[0012] For ease of explanation, the drawings may have a virtual three-dimensional coordinate system (XYZ Cartesian coordinate system) set up with mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes (XYZ axes). For example, for a coordinate axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, a black circle within a circle on the coordinate axis indicates that the front side of the plane of the paper is the positive region of the coordinate axis. Also, a cross within a circle on the coordinate axis indicates that the front side of the plane of the paper is the negative region of the coordinate axis. However, this coordinate system is defined for the purpose of explanation and does not limit the orientation of the electromagnetic contactor 1, etc.

[0013] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction is the direction in which input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 26 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 are aligned with one another. Similarly, the X-axis direction is the direction in which output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 36 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 are aligned with one another. Furthermore, the Y-axis direction is the direction in which input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 26 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 are aligned with output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 36, respectively. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis.

[0014] The electromagnetic contactor 1 switches between supplying and cutting off power supplied from a power source or the like to a load such as a motor in response to a control signal. The electromagnetic contactor 1 comprises an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12. The upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 give the electromagnetic contactor 1 a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electromagnetic contactor 1 is installed on a control panel or the like by attaching the bottom 12e of the lower housing 12 to, for example, a rail or the like.

[0015] The electromagnetic contactor 1 includes input terminals 21, 22, and 23 to which power is supplied from a power source. The electromagnetic contactor 1 also includes output terminals 31, 32, and 33 for supplying the power supplied to the input terminals 21, 22, and 23, respectively, to a load.

[0016] The input terminal 21 and the output terminal 31 are terminals for the main contact 51A (see FIG. 4) for switching power. The input terminal 22 and the output terminal 32 are terminals for the main contact 52A (see FIG. 4) for switching power. The input terminal 23 and the output terminal 33 are terminals for the main contact 53A (see FIG. 4) for switching power.

[0017] The electromagnetic contactor 1 also includes an input terminal 26 and an output terminal 36 to which a display, a switch, a control device, etc. are connected. The input terminal 26 and the output terminal 36 are terminals for an auxiliary contact 56A (see FIG. 4) for signal output.

[0018] Furthermore, the electromagnetic contactor 1 includes a coil terminal 41 and a coil terminal 42. The coil terminal 41 and the coil terminal 42 are terminals for supplying power to an operation coil 17, which will be described later.

[0019] Upper housing 11 has wall portions 11a between input terminal 21 and input terminal 22, between input terminal 22 and input terminal 23, and between input terminal 23 and input terminal 26. Similarly, wall portions 11a are provided between output terminal 31 and output terminal 32, between output terminal 32 and output terminal 33, and between output terminal 33 and output terminal 36. Wall portions 11a prevent arcs generated at main contact 51A, main contact 52A, main contact 53A, and auxiliary contact 56A from jumping to adjacent electrical paths and causing short circuits.

[0020] The electromagnetic contactor 1 includes a fixed electromagnet 15, a movable electromagnet 16, an operation coil 17, and a contact support portion 50. The fixed electromagnet 15 is fixed to the lower housing 12. The movable electromagnet 16 is movable relative to the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12.

[0021] The movable electromagnet 16 is pushed in the +Z direction by a return spring (not shown). Therefore, when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17, the movable electromagnet 16 moves to the +Z side. On the other hand, when power is supplied to the operation coil 17 via coil terminals 41 and 42, the movable electromagnet 16 is attracted to the fixed electromagnet 15. Therefore, when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the operation coil 17, the movable electromagnet 16 moves to the -Z side, which is opposite to the +Z side.

[0022] The contact support part 50 is fixed to the movable electromagnet 16. The contact support part 50 moves together with the movable electromagnet 16. That is, when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17, the contact support part 50 moves to the +Z side together with the movable electromagnet 16. On the other hand, when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the operation coil 17, the contact support part 50 moves to the -Z side, opposite to the +Z side, together with the movable electromagnet 16.

[0023] <Contact configuration of electromagnetic contactor 1> Next, a description will be given of the contact configuration of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the contact configuration of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment.

[0024] The electromagnetic contactor 1 includes main contacts 51A, 52A, 53A, and auxiliary contact 56A. The main contacts 51A, 52A, 53A, and auxiliary contact 56A include movable contacts 51c, 52c, 53c, and 56c, respectively. The movable contacts 51c, 52c, 53c, and 56c are each held by a contact support 50 while being pressed in the Z-axis direction by a contact spring (see FIGS. 8 to 11). The contact spring is installed on the contact support 50 so as to be compressed in the Z-axis direction.

[0025] [Contact support part 50] 5 is a side view of the contact support part 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. The contact support part 50 has a window part 51h, a window part 52h, a window part 53h, and a window part 56h that penetrate in the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The contact support portion 50 holds the movable contact 51c of the main contact 51A in the window portion 51h. The contact support portion 50 has a protrusion 51a on the +Z side of the window portion 51h and a protrusion 51b on the -Z side. One of the protrusions 51a and 51b fixes one end of a contact spring 51s (see FIG. 10 or 11). The other of the protrusions 51a and 51b is the contact target for the movable contact 51c. Furthermore, the contact support portion 50 has guide portions 51p protruding in the X-axis direction from both sides of the window portion 51h in the X-axis direction. The guide portions 51p prevent a spring receiver 51r (see FIG. 10 or 11), which will be described later, from coming off the window portion 51h.

[0027] The contact support portion 50 holds the movable contact 52c of the main contact 52A in the window portion 52h. The contact support portion 50 has a protrusion 52a on the +Z side of the window portion 52h and a protrusion 52b on the -Z side. One of the protrusions 52a and 52b secures one end of a contact spring 52s (see FIG. 8 or 9). The other of the protrusions 52a and 52b is the contact target for the movable contact 52c. Furthermore, the contact support portion 50 has guide portions 52p protruding in the X-axis direction from both sides of the window portion 52h in the X-axis direction. The guide portions 52p prevent the spring receiver 52r (see FIG. 8 or 9) from coming off the window portion 52h.

[0028] The contact support portion 50 holds the movable contact 53c of the main contact 53A in the window portion 53h. The contact support portion 50 has a protrusion 53a on the +Z side of the window portion 53h and a protrusion 53b on the -Z side. One of the protrusions 53a and 53b secures one end of a contact spring. The other of the protrusions 53a and 53b is the contact target for the movable contact 53c. Furthermore, the contact support portion 50 has guide portions 53p that protrude in the X-axis direction from both sides of the window portion 53h in the X-axis direction. The guide portions 53p prevent the spring receiver 53r from coming off the window portion 53h.

[0029] The contact support portion 50 holds the movable contact 56c of the auxiliary contact 56A in the window portion 56h. The contact support portion 50 has a protrusion 56a on the +Z side of the window portion 56h and a protrusion 56b on the -Z side. One of the protrusions 56a and 56b secures one end of a contact spring. The other of the protrusions 56a and 56b is the contact target for the movable contact 56c. Furthermore, the contact support portion 50 has guide portions 56p that protrude in the X-axis direction from both sides of the window portion 56h in the X-axis direction. The guide portions 56p prevent the spring receiver 56r from coming off the window portion 56h.

[0030] A more detailed description will be given of the structure of each of the window portions 51h, 52h, 53h, and 56h in the contact support portion 50. Note that since the window portions 51h, 52h, 53h, and 56h have similar shapes, the description will be given using the window portion 51h.

[0031] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing details of the window portion 51h in the contact support portion 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the window portion 51h viewed from the +Y side along the Y-axis direction in the direction opposite to the Y-axis. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the window portion 51h viewed from the -Y side along the Y-axis direction in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] The contact support 50 includes a frame 51f surrounding the window 51h. The frame 51f has a predetermined width along the Y-axis direction to increase the rigidity of the contact support 50 near the window 51h. The frame 51f has a recess 51g recessed toward the -X side along the X-axis direction on the -X side of the +Y side of the window 51h. The frame 51f also has a recess 51i recessed toward the +X side along the X-axis direction on the +X side of the +Y side of the window 51h. The frame 51f also has a recess 51j recessed toward the +X side along the X-axis direction on the +X side of the -Y side of the window 51h. The frame 51f also has a recess 51k recessed toward the -X side along the X-axis direction on the -X side of the -Y side of the window 51h.

[0033] The recess 51g is formed by a vertical surface portion 51g1 located at the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction, an inclined surface portion 51g2 on the +Z side of the vertical surface portion 51g1, and an inclined surface portion 51g3 on the -Z side of the vertical surface portion 51g1. In other words, the recess 51g has the vertical surface portion 51g1 and the inclined surface portions 51g2 and 51g3 on both sides of the vertical surface portion 51g1 in the Z-axis direction. The vertical surface portion 51g1 extends in the Z-axis direction along the portion of the window portion 51h extending in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 51g2 is inclined toward the +X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51g1. The inclined surface portion 51g3 is inclined toward the +X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51g1. Due to the recess 51g, the frame portion 51f expands toward the -X side near the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction.

[0034] The recess 51i is formed by a vertical surface portion 51i1 located at the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction, an inclined surface portion 51i2 on the +Z side of the vertical surface portion 51i1, and an inclined surface portion 51i3 on the -Z side of the vertical surface portion 51i1. In other words, the recess 51i has the vertical surface portion 51i1 and the inclined surface portions 51i2 and 51i3 on both sides of the vertical surface portion 51i1 in the Z-axis direction. The vertical surface portion 51i1 extends in the Z-axis direction along a portion of the window portion 51h extending in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 51i2 is inclined toward the -X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51i1. The inclined surface portion 51i3 is inclined toward the -X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51i1. Due to the recess 51i, the frame portion 51f expands toward the +X side near the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The recess 51j is formed by a vertical surface portion 51j1 located at the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction, an inclined surface portion 51j2 on the +Z side of the vertical surface portion 51j1, and an inclined surface portion 51j3 on the -Z side of the vertical surface portion 51j1. In other words, the recess 51j has the vertical surface portion 51j1 and the inclined surface portions 51j2 and 51j3 on both sides of the vertical surface portion 51j1 in the Z-axis direction. The vertical surface portion 51j1 extends in the Z-axis direction along a portion of the window portion 51h extending in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 51j2 is inclined toward the -X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51j1. The inclined surface portion 51j3 is inclined toward the -X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51j1. Due to the recess 51j, the frame portion 51f expands toward the +X side near the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The recess 51k is formed by a vertical surface portion 51k1 located at the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction, an inclined surface portion 51k2 on the +Z side of the vertical surface portion 51k1, and an inclined surface portion 51k3 on the -Z side of the vertical surface portion 51k1. In other words, the recess 51k has the vertical surface portion 51k1 and the inclined surface portions 51k2 and 51k3 on both sides of the vertical surface portion 51k1 in the Z-axis direction. The vertical surface portion 51k1 extends in the Z-axis direction along a portion of the window portion 51h extending in the Z-axis direction. The inclined surface portion 51k2 is inclined toward the +X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51k1. The inclined surface portion 51k3 is inclined toward the +X side relative to the vertical surface portion 51k1. Due to the recess 51k, the frame portion 51f expands toward the -X side near the center of the window portion 51h in the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The recess has an inclined surface, which prevents stress concentration at the edge of the recess, thereby preventing part of the contact support portion 50 from breaking.

[0038] Each of the window portions 52h, 53h, and 56h has a recess in the frame portion, similar to the window portion 51h. Furthermore, each of the recesses in the window portions 52h, 53h, and 56h has a vertical surface portion and an inclined surface portion, similar to the recess (e.g., recess 51g) in the window portion 51h.

[0039] [Main contact 51A] The main contact 51A includes an input-side fixed contact 21a and a movable contact 51c that constitute the input terminal 21, and an output-side fixed contact 31a that constitutes the output terminal 31. The main contact 51A also includes a contact spring 51s and a spring receiver 51r. The main contact 51A is a b-contact. The b-contact is connected when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17, and is disconnected when power is supplied to the operation coil 17. The b-contact is also called a break contact, a normally closed contact, or a normally closed (NC) contact.

[0040] [Main contact 52A] The main contact 52A includes an input-side fixed contact 22a and a movable contact 52c that constitute the input terminal 22, and an output-side fixed contact 32a that constitutes the output terminal 32. The main contact 52A also includes a contact spring 52s and a spring receiver 52r. The main contact 52A is an a-contact. The a-contact is a contact that is open when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17, and is closed when power is supplied to the operation coil 17. The a-contact is also called a make contact, a normally open contact, or a normally open (NO) contact.

[0041] [Main contact 53A] The main contact 53A includes an input-side fixed contact 23a and a movable contact 53c that constitute the input terminal 23, and an output-side fixed contact 33a that constitutes the output terminal 33. The main contact 53A also includes a contact spring (not shown) and a spring receiver 53r. The main contact 53A is an a-contact. The input-side fixed contact 23a has the same shape as the input-side fixed contact 22a. The output-side fixed contact 33a has the same shape as the output-side fixed contact 32a.

[0042] [Auxiliary contact 56A] The auxiliary contact 56A includes an input-side fixed contact 26a and a movable contact 56c that constitute the input terminal 26, and an output-side fixed contact 36a that constitutes the output terminal 36. The auxiliary contact 56A also includes a contact spring (not shown) and a spring receiver 56r. The auxiliary contact 56A is an a-contact. The input-side fixed contact 26a has the same shape as the input-side fixed contact 22a, except for the contactor portion. The output-side fixed contact 36a has the same shape as the output-side fixed contact 32a, except for the contactor portion.

[0043] (Spring holder) Spring bearings 51r, 52r, 53r, and 56r are parts of the same shape. Spring bearing 51r is installed in the opposite direction to spring bearings 52r, 53r, and 56r in the Z-axis direction. Note that in this specification, "same shape" does not necessarily mean "strictly the same shape," but rather "the same shape or a similar shape within standard manufacturing tolerances."

[0044] Since the spring bearings 51r, 52r, 53r, and 56r have the same shape, the shape of the spring bearing will be explained using the spring bearing 52r. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the spring bearing 52r of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment.

[0045] The spring receiver 52r holds and fixes the end of the contact spring 52s on the movable contact 52c side, and also prevents the contact spring 52s from falling off the window portion 52h.

[0046] The spring receiver 52r is formed of, for example, metal. The spring receiver 52r has a horizontal plate portion 52r1, a vertical plate portion 52r2, and a vertical plate portion 52r6. The horizontal plate portion 52r1 has a plate-like shape in the XY plane. The vertical plate portion 52r2 has a plate-like shape parallel to the ZX plane extending from the +Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52r1 to the +Z side in the Z axis direction. The vertical plate portion 52r6 has a plate-like shape parallel to the ZX plane extending from the -Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52r1 to the +Z side in the Z axis direction.

[0047] The horizontal plate portion 52r1 has a protrusion 52rp on its +Z side surface 52rS1. The protrusion 52rp holds the -Z side end of the contact spring 52s. The protrusion 52rp prevents the contact spring 52s from shifting in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. A -Z side surface 52rS2 of the horizontal plate portion 52r1 comes into contact with a surface 52cS1 (described later) of the movable contact 52c (see FIG. 13).

[0048] The vertical plate portion 52r2 has, at both ends in the X-axis direction, separation prevention portions 52r3 and 52r4 that protrude in the X-axis direction from the horizontal plate portion 52r1. In addition, the vertical plate portion 52r6 has, at both ends in the X-axis direction, separation prevention portions 52r7 and 52r8 that protrude in the X-axis direction from the horizontal plate portion 52r1.

[0049] The spring receiver 52r prevents the spring receiver 52r from coming off the window portion 52h by sandwiching the guide portion 52p of the window portion 52h between the separation prevention portion 52r3 and the separation prevention portion 52r7. The spring receiver 52r also prevents the spring receiver 52r from coming off the window portion 52h by sandwiching the guide portion 52p of the window portion 52h between the separation prevention portion 52r4 and the separation prevention portion 52r8.

[0050] By preventing the spring receiver 52r from coming off the window portion 52h, the spring receiver 52r prevents the contact spring 52s from dropping out of the window portion 52h.

[0051] (movable contact) The movable contact 51c, movable contact 52c, and movable contact 53c for the main contacts are components of the same shape. The installation orientation of the movable contact 51c is opposite to that of the movable contacts 52c and 53c in the Z-axis direction. The movable contact 56c for the auxiliary contact is a component of the same shape as the movable contacts 51c, 52c, and 53c for the main contacts, except for the shape of the contactor portion.

[0052] Since the movable contacts 51c, 52c, and 53c for the main contacts have the same shape, the shape of the movable contact will be described using the movable contact 52c. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the movable contact 52c of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0053] The movable contact 52c is formed of, for example, metal. The movable contact 52c has a horizontal plate portion 52c1, horizontal plate portions 52c2 and 52c3, connection plate portions 52c4 and 52c5. The horizontal plate portion 52c1, the horizontal plate portions 52c2 and 52c3 have a plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The horizontal plate portions 52c2 and 52c3 are located on the +Z side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the horizontal plate portion 52c1. The +Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52c1 and the -Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52c2 are connected by the connection plate portion 52c4. Also, the -Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52c1 and the +Y side end of the horizontal plate portion 52c3 are connected by the connection plate portion 52c5.

[0054] A spring receiver 52r is attached to the +Z side surface 52cS1 of the horizontal plate portion 52c1. Specifically, the surface 52rS2 of the spring receiver 52r is attached to the +Z side surface of the horizontal plate portion 52c1. Also, the -Z side surface 52cS2 of the horizontal plate portion 52c1 contacts the protrusion 52b of the window portion 52h.

[0055] <Operation of the a contact> The main contact 52A of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to the present embodiment is an a contact. The operation of the a contact in the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using the main contact 52A. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the contact operation of the a contact of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the case where power is not supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 (off state), and FIG. 9 shows the case where power is supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 (on state). Since the main contact 53A is an a contact having the same configuration as the main contact 52A, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The input side fixed contact 22a of the main contact 52A will now be described. The input side fixed contact 22a includes a contactor 22ac and a plate portion 22a1. The contactor 22ac comes into contact with or is separated from the contactor 52cc. The plate portion 22a1 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 22a1 includes the contactor 22ac on the -Y side of the surface 22aS on the +Z side. An external wiring is connected to the +Y side of the plate portion 22a1, and external power is supplied thereto.

[0057] Next, the output-side fixed contact 32a of the main contact 52A will be described. The output-side fixed contact 32a includes a contactor 32ac and a plate portion 32a1. The contactor 32ac comes into contact with or is separated from the contactor 52cd. The plate portion 32a1 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 32a1 includes the contactor 32ac on the +Y side of the +Z-side surface 32aS. An external wiring is connected to the -Y side of the plate portion 32a1, and external power is supplied thereto.

[0058] (off state) The a-contact is interrupted in the OFF state, i.e., when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1. Therefore, in the OFF state, i.e., when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1, the movable contact 52c is separated from the input-side fixed contact 22a and the output-side fixed contact 32a. In other words, the contactor 22ac of the input-side fixed contact 22a is separated from the contactor 52cc of the movable contact 52c. In addition, the contactor 32ac of the output-side fixed contact 32a is separated from the contactor 52cd of the movable contact 52c.

[0059] In the OFF state, the movable contact 52c contacts the protrusion 52b of the contact support portion 50.

[0060] (On state) The a contact is connected in the on state, that is, when power is supplied to the operating coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1. Therefore, in the on state, that is, when power is supplied to the operating coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1, the movable contact 52c contacts each of the input-side fixed contact 22a and the output-side fixed contact 32a. In other words, the contact 22ac of the input-side fixed contact 22a contacts the contact 52cc of the movable contact 52c. Also, the contact 32ac of the output-side fixed contact 32a contacts the contact 52cd of the movable contact 52c.

[0061] In the on state, the movable contact 52c moves away from the protrusion 52b of the contact support portion 50. Then, the contact spring 52s pushes the movable contact 52c toward the input-side fixed contact 22a and the output-side fixed contact 32a. By the contact spring 52s pushing the movable contact 52c toward the input-side fixed contact 22a and the output-side fixed contact 32a, the contact 52cc of the movable contact 52c can be pressed against the contact 22ac of the input-side fixed contact 22a with a predetermined force. Similarly, by the contact spring 52s pushing the movable contact 52c toward the input-side fixed contact 22a and the output-side fixed contact 32a, the contact 52cd of the movable contact 52c can be pressed against the contact 32ac of the output-side fixed contact 32a with a predetermined force.

[0062] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the line EL indicates the position of the lowermost portion in the Z-axis direction near the contact support portion 50 of the wall portion 11a (see the end portion 11ae in FIG. 3). In FIGS. 8 and 9, the positions of the contacts 22ac, 32ac, 52cc, and 52cd are located away from the line EL in both the on state and the off state. Therefore, the wall portion 11a can prevent an arc from jumping and short-circuiting to adjacent terminals.

[0063] <Operation of the b contact> The main contact 51A of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment is a b-contact. The operation of the b-contact in the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using the main contact 51A. Figs. 10 and 11 are diagrams explaining the contact operation of the b-contact in the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a state in which no power is supplied to the coil terminals 41 and 42 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 (off state), and Fig. 11 shows a state in which power is supplied to the coil terminals 41 and 42 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 (on state).

[0064] The input side fixed contact 21a of the main contact 51A will be described. The input side fixed contact 21a includes a contactor 21ac and plate portions 21a1, 21a2, and 21a3. The contactor 21ac is in contact with or separates from the contactor 51cc. The plate portion 21a1 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 21a1 is provided on the -Z side in the Z-axis direction and on the +Y side in the Y-axis direction with respect to the plate portion 21a3. An external wiring is connected to the +Y side of the plate portion 21a1, and external power is supplied thereto. The plate portion 21a3 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 21a3 includes a contactor 21ac on the -Z side surface 21aS. The plate portion 21a2 has a plate-like shape extending in the Z-axis direction. Plate portion 21a2 connects the −Y side end of plate portion 21a1 and the +Y side end of plate portion 21a3. Plate portion 21a2 electrically connects plate portion 21a1 and plate portion 21a3.

[0065] Next, the output side fixed contact 31a of the main contact 51A will be described. The output side fixed contact 31a includes a contactor 31ac and plate portions 31a1, 31a2, and 31a3. The contactor 31ac is in contact with or separates from the contactor 51cd. The plate portion 31a1 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 31a1 is provided on the -Z side in the Z-axis direction and the -Y side in the Y-axis direction with respect to the plate portion 31a3. An external wiring is connected to the -Y side of the plate portion 31a1 to supply power to the outside. The plate portion 31a3 has a plate-like shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The plate portion 31a3 includes a contactor 31ac on the -Z side surface 31aS. The plate portion 31a2 has a plate-like shape extending in the Z-axis direction. Plate portion 31a2 connects the +Y side end of plate portion 31a1 and the −Y side end of plate portion 31a3. Plate portion 31a2 electrically connects plate portion 31a1 and plate portion 31a3.

[0066] (off state) The b-contact is connected in the OFF state, i.e., when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1. Therefore, in the OFF state, i.e., when no power is supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1, the movable contact 51c comes into contact with the input-side fixed contact 21a and the output-side fixed contact 31a. In other words, the contactor 21ac of the input-side fixed contact 21a comes into contact with the contactor 51cc of the movable contact 51c. Furthermore, the contactor 31ac of the output-side fixed contact 31a comes into contact with the contactor 51cd of the movable contact 51c.

[0067] In the OFF state, the movable contact 51c is separated from the protrusion 51a of the contact support portion 50. The contact spring 51s presses the movable contact 51c toward the input-side fixed contact 21a and the output-side fixed contact 31a. When the contact spring 51s presses the movable contact 51c toward the input-side fixed contact 21a and the output-side fixed contact 31a, the contactor 51cc of the movable contact 51c can be pressed against the contactor 21ac of the input-side fixed contact 21a with a predetermined force. Similarly, when the contact spring 51s presses the movable contact 51c toward the input-side fixed contact 21a and the output-side fixed contact 31a, the contactor 51cd of the movable contact 51c can be pressed against the contactor 31ac of the output-side fixed contact 31a with a predetermined force.

[0068] (On state) The b-contact is interrupted in the ON state, i.e., when power is being supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1. Therefore, in the ON state, i.e., when power is being supplied to the operation coil 17 of the electromagnetic contactor 1, the movable contact 51c is separated from the input-side fixed contact 21a and the output-side fixed contact 31a. In other words, the contactor 21ac of the input-side fixed contact 21a is separated from the contactor 51cc of the movable contact 51c. In addition, the contactor 31ac of the output-side fixed contact 31a is separated from the contactor 51cd of the movable contact 51c.

[0069] In the ON state, the movable contact 51c comes into contact with the protrusion 51a of the contact support portion 50.

[0070] 10 and 11, line EL indicates the position of the lowest part of wall portion 11a in the Z-axis direction near contact support portion 50 (see end portion 11ae in FIG. 3). In FIGS. 10 and 11, contactor 21ac, contactor 31ac, contactor 51cc, and contactor 51cd are located at positions away from line EL in the on and off states. Therefore, wall portion 11a can prevent the arc from jumping to adjacent terminals and causing a short circuit.

[0071] Next, we will explain the issues that arise when attaching spring receivers to the windows 51h, 52h, 53h, and 56h of the contact support part 50. Here, we will explain using the spring receiver 51r attached to the window part 51h. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the details of the contact support part 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment.

[0072] When attaching the spring receiver 51r to the window 51h of the contact support part 50, it is necessary to insert the spring receiver 51r into the window 51h. The width of the spring receiver 51r, including the anti-detachment parts (see anti-detachment parts 52r3 and 52r4 of the spring receiver 52r in FIG. 12), is wider than the width of the window 51h along the X-axis direction. Therefore, to attach the spring receiver 51r to the window 51h, the spring receiver 51r is first rotated and then inserted into the window 51h. The spring receiver 51r inserted into the window 51h is then rotated to attach it.

[0073] Circle R in Fig. 14 indicates the range in which spring bearing 51r comes into contact when spring bearing 51r is rotated around the center. Since contact support portion 50 in electromagnetic contactor 1 is provided with recesses 51g, 51i, 51j, and 51k around window portion 51h, spring bearing 51r does not come into contact with contact support portion 50 even when spring bearing 51r is rotated as shown in circle R in Fig. 14.

[0074] Here, a case where no recess is provided will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram similar to Fig. 14 illustrating a contact support part 50z of a reference example that does not have a recess. When the spring receiver 51r is inserted into the window part 51zh in the contact support part 50z and rotated, the contact support part 50z and the spring receiver 51r come into contact (interfere) at point CP, as shown in Fig. 15. When the spring receiver 51r comes into contact with the contact support part 50z, chipping or scratches may occur in the contact support part 50z.

[0075] When the spring receiver 51r is rotated, the distance from the center of rotation to the end of the spring receiver 51r is wider than the width of the spring receiver 51r. Therefore, in order to prevent contact (interference) between the contact support portion 50z and the spring receiver 51r, the width must be wider than the width of the spring receiver 51r.

[0076] According to the contact support part 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 of this embodiment, by having a recess around the window part, it is possible to prevent the contact between the contact support part 50 and the spring receiver (for example, spring receiver 51r) when attaching the spring receiver to the contact support part 50. By preventing the contact between the contact support part 50 and the spring receiver when attaching the spring receiver to the contact support part 50, it is possible to prevent chipping or scratches on the contact support part 50. Furthermore, by having a recess around the window part, it is possible to prevent the contact between the contact support part 50 and the spring receiver when attaching the spring receiver, even if there is some misalignment.

[0077] For example, in consideration of the rotation of the spring receiver, it is conceivable to thin the entire frame of the contact support part and widen the width around the window part. However, thinning the entire frame of the contact support part and widening the entire width around the window part of the contact support part reduces the rigidity (strength) of the contact support part. The contact support part 50 in the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the spring receiver from coming into contact with the contact support part when attaching the spring receiver, while ensuring the rigidity (strength) of the contact support part 50.

[0078] The window portions 52h, 53h, and 56h are similar to the window portion 51h.

[0079] Next, the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support part 50 in the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Each of Figures 16 to 19 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the spring receiver to the contact support part 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment. Here, the case where the spring receiver 51r is attached to the window part 51h by an automatic assembly machine will be described.

[0080] First, the spring receiver 51r is clamped between the rod-shaped members MP1 and MP2. Then, the spring receiver 51r is rotated so that the spring receiver 51r is aligned in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Then, the spring receiver 51r is inserted into the window portion 51h (FIG. 16).

[0081] Next, with the spring receiver 51r inserted into the window portion 51h, it is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of arrow A as shown in Fig. 17. In the state of Fig. 17, the separation prevention portion of the spring receiver 51r is configured to clamp the guide portion of the window portion 51h. According to the contact support portion 50 of this embodiment, since the contact support portion 50 has a recess, it is possible to prevent the spring receiver 51r from coming into contact with the contact support portion 50 when the spring receiver 51r is rotated with the spring receiver 51r inserted into the window portion 51h.

[0082] Next, the spring receiver 51r is moved downward along the Z-axis direction through the window portion 51h (FIG. 18), for example, until the rod-shaped member MP2 is positioned near the protrusion 51b.

[0083] Then, by pulling out the rod-shaped members MP1 and MP2, the spring receiver 51r is attached to the window portion 51h (FIG. 19).

[0084] In this way, according to the electromagnetic contactor 1 of this embodiment, the spring receiver can be attached to the contact support portion 50 by an automatic assembly machine.

[0085] Next, the dimensions of the recess in the contact support part 50 will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing details of the contact support part 50 of the electromagnetic contactor 1 according to this embodiment when it is attached. As described above, the contact support part 50 can accommodate either the a-contact or the b-contact. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 20 shows both the a-contact and the b-contact states, in which the movable contact 51c is in contact with the protrusion 51a or the protrusion 51b, respectively. The movable contact 51c is shown in a cross-sectional view at the horizontal plate part 51c1.

[0086] FIG. 20 shows a state in which the spring receiver 51r is at the upper or lower end. That is, FIG. 20 shows the end of the range of movement of the spring receiver 51r when it actually operates, taking into account both the a-contact and the b-contact. It is desirable that the recess be provided in the Z-axis direction within the range of movement of the spring receiver 51r. By providing the recess in the Z-axis direction within the range of movement of the spring receiver 51r, it is possible to prevent the spring receiver 51r from coming into contact with the contact support portion 50, even if the spring receiver 51r is displaced in the X-axis direction, for example.

[0087] <Summary> According to the electromagnetic contactor of this embodiment, when the spring receiver is attached to the contact support part, the spring receiver can be prevented from coming into contact with the contact support part. In particular, when the spring receiver is attached to the contact support part by an automatic assembly machine, even if the spring receiver is rotated, the spring receiver can be prevented from coming into contact with the contact support part. Therefore, according to the electromagnetic contactor of this embodiment, the workability when attaching the spring receiver to the contact support part can be improved.

[0088] The Z-axis direction is an example of the first direction, the Y-axis direction is an example of the second direction that intersects with the first direction, the X-axis direction is an example of the third direction that intersects with the first and second directions, the -Z side is an example of the first side, and the +Z side is an example of the second side.

[0089] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0090] Although the electromagnetic contactor 1 has two a-contacts and one b-contact as the main contacts, the number of a-contacts and the number of b-contacts are not limited to the above and may be selected as appropriate. Also, which contacts are a-contacts and which are b-contacts may be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the main contacts may be only a-contacts, or only b-contacts.

[0091] This application claims priority from basic patent application No. 2022-133552, filed with the Japan Patent Office on August 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Magnetic contactor 11 Upper case 11a Wall section 12 Lower housing 50 Contact support part 51c, 52c, 53c movable contact 51h, 52h, 53h Window 51g, 51i, 51j, 51k recess 51p, 52p, 53p Guide section 51r, 52r, 53r spring holder 51s, 52s contact spring

Claims

1. A fixed electromagnet; An operating coil; A movable electromagnet; a contact support part that is fixed to the movable electromagnet, that is attracted to the fixed electromagnet together with the movable electromagnet and moves to a first side in a first direction when power is supplied to the operation coil, and that separates from the fixed electromagnet together with the movable electromagnet and moves to a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction when power to the operation coil is cut off, and that has a window part that penetrates in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a movable contact installed in the window; a contact spring that is compressed in the first direction, has an end on the first side fixed to the end on the first side of the window portion, and has an end on the second side pressing against the movable contact; a spring receiver is provided between the movable contact and the contact spring; the contact support portion includes a frame portion provided on both sides in the second direction so as to surround the window portion, the frame portion having a predetermined width in the second direction; the contact support portion has a guide portion that protrudes in a third direction from both sides of the window portion in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, is sandwiched by a separation prevention portion of the spring receiver, and is provided along the first direction across the window portion in the first direction, the contact support portion has a recess in the frame portion that is recessed in the third direction; Magnetic contactor.

2. The recess has a vertical surface portion extending in the first direction and inclined surface portions inclined with respect to the vertical surface portion on both sides of the vertical surface portion in the first direction. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1 .

3. The contact support portion has a plurality of the recesses.

3. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The contact support portion includes a plurality of the window portions.

3. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the movable contact installed in any one of the plurality of window portions constitutes an a-contact, The movable contact installed in any one of the plurality of window portions constitutes a b-contact. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 4.

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