Electromagnetic relays

Abstract

To obtain an electromagnetic relay which can inhibit actions from being hindered more reliably and fix a terminal part more securely.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay 1 includes a first contact 311, a second contact 321, a terminal part 313, and a case 10 having an insertion hole 116. Further, the terminal part 313 has: a tip part 3133 having an insertion part 3134 inserted into the insertion hole 116; and an intersection wall part 3132 bent from the tip part 3133. Further, the insertion part 3134 has: a first surface; and a second surface located at the back side of the first surface. A distance between an inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion part 3134 is larger than a distance between the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion part 3134. The intersection wall part 3132 is bent from the tip part 3133 in a direction from the second surface to the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, an electromagnetic relay is known that includes a fixed contact and a movable contact that moves relative to the fixed contact and can be brought into contact with and separated from the fixed contact.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the device is provided with a terminal that is electrically connected to a fixed contact and a terminal that is electrically connected to a movable contact, and each terminal is fixed to the body by being press-fitted into the body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-104277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, terminal portions electrically connected to the fixed contacts and the movable contacts are sometimes fixed to a case such as a body using an adhesive.

[0006] In this case, it is preferable to prevent the adhesive from penetrating into the inside of the case and interfering with the operation of the electromagnetic relay, while at the same time making it possible to more firmly fix the terminal portion to the case.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can more reliably prevent operation from being hindered and can more firmly fix the terminal portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electromagnetic relay according to the present disclosure comprises a first contact, a second contact that can be brought into and out of contact with the first contact, a terminal portion electrically connected to the first contact and the second contact when the first contact and the second contact are in contact, and a case having an insertion hole into which the terminal portion is inserted and housing the first contact and the second contact, wherein the terminal portion has an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole, a tip portion extending downward from the case, and a cross wall portion that is disposed within the case and bends from the tip portion, the insertion portion has a first surface and a second surface located on the back side of the first surface, the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is greater than the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, and the cross wall portion is bent from the tip portion in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface. Another electromagnetic relay according to the present disclosure includes a first contact, a second contact that can be brought into and out of contact with the first contact, a terminal portion that is electrically connected to the first contact and the second contact when the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other, and a case that has an insertion hole into which the terminal portion is inserted and that houses the first contact and the second contact, wherein the terminal portion has a tip portion that extends below the case and a cross wall portion that is positioned above the tip portion, bent from the tip portion, and inserted into the insertion hole, and the portion of the cross wall that is inserted into the insertion hole is located on a first surface and a back side of the first surface. and a second surface formed by a first surface of the insertion portion, wherein at an exit of the insertion hole provided in the case, the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is greater than the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, and at an entrance of the insertion hole, the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is smaller than the distance between the inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, and the crossing wall portion is bent from the tip end in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an electromagnetic relay can be obtained that can more reliably prevent operation from being hindered and more firmly fix the terminal portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a state in which a contact device according to a first embodiment is attached to a base. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing a fixed contact portion according to a first embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from one direction, (b) is a perspective view seen from another direction, and (c) is a side view. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a movable contact portion according to a first embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from one direction, and (b) is a perspective view seen from another direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contact device according to the first embodiment, and is a rear view schematically showing a state in which the contacts are in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contact device according to the first embodiment, and is a rear view schematically showing a state in which the contacts are in a first position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an auxiliary fixed contact and an auxiliary movable contactor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an auxiliary fixed contact and an auxiliary movable contactor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a terminal portion according to the first embodiment is fixed to a case with an adhesive. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the fixed contact portion according to the first embodiment is press-fitted into the inner wall of the case. FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a contact device according to a second embodiment, in which the contacts are in a second position. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a contact device according to a second embodiment, and is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the contacts are in a first position. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a fixed contact portion according to a second embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from one direction, (b) is a perspective view seen from another direction, and (c) is a side view. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a terminal portion according to a second embodiment is fixed to a case with an adhesive. [Figure 19] 10 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a modified example in which the fixed contact portion is press-fitted into the inner wall of the case. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view that schematically shows a first modified example in which the terminal portion is fixed to the case with an adhesive. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view that schematically shows a second modified example in which the terminal portion is fixed to the case with an adhesive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the insertion direction of the terminal portion into the insertion hole is defined as the Z direction (vertical direction: first direction), the direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact face each other is defined as the X direction (front-rear direction: second direction), and the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction (width direction of the terminal portion: third direction).

[0012] The direction in which the tip of the terminal portion inserted into the insertion hole protrudes from the case will be described as downward in the vertical direction, the side on which the fixed contact is located will be described as forward in the front-to-back direction, and the side on which the movable contact is located will be described as rear in the front-to-back direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the following embodiments include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0014] (First embodiment) The electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment is of a so-called normally open type in which the contacts are off in the initial state, and includes an electromagnet device (drive unit) 20 located at the top and a contact device 30 located at the bottom, as shown in Fig. 2. The electromagnet device 20 and the contact device 30 are housed in a case 10 formed from a resin material in the shape of a hollow box. It is also possible to use a so-called normally closed type electromagnetic relay in which the contacts are on in the initial state.

[0015] The case 10 includes a base 110 and a cover 120, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer surface. The case 10 has an internal space S1 formed when the cover 120 is attached to the base 110. The electromagnet device 20 and the contact device 30 are housed within the internal space S1.

[0016] The shape of the outer surface of the case 10 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be any shape.

[0017] The base 110 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped base portion 111 extending along a substantially horizontal plane (a direction intersecting the Z direction: the XY plane) (see FIG. 3). The base 110 also includes an upper peripheral wall 112 extending upward from the periphery of the base portion 111, and a lower peripheral wall 113 extending downward from the periphery of the base portion 111 (see FIG. 2).

[0018] The electromagnet device 20 is placed on top of the upper peripheral wall 112, and the contact device 30 is housed in a space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0019] On the other hand, the cover 120 includes an upper cover 121 that is generally box-shaped and opens downward, and a lower cover 122 that is generally box-shaped and opens upward. The upper cover 121 is attached to the base 110 from above, and the upper cover 121 covers the electromagnet device 20. The lower cover 122 is attached to the base 110 from below, and the lower cover 122 covers the contact device 30.

[0020] In this embodiment, upper cover 121 is attached to base 110 by engaging engagement holes 121a formed in the lower end of upper cover 121 with engagement protrusions 110a formed on the side surface of base 110 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Similarly, lower cover 122 is attached to base 110 by engaging engagement holes 122a formed in the upper end of lower cover 122 with engagement protrusions 110b formed on the side surface of base 110.

[0021] As described above, in this embodiment, the internal space S1 of the case 10 is divided into two, upper and lower, by the base portion 111 of the base 110. That is, the internal space S1 of the case 10 is divided into a space S2 formed above the base portion 111 and accommodating the electromagnet device 20, and a space S3 formed below the base portion 111 and accommodating the contact device 30 (see FIG. 3).

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 110 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) partition walls 114. Each partition wall 114 extends downward from the lower surface of the base portion 111, and both ends in the Y direction (width direction) are connected to the lower peripheral wall 113.

[0023] Therefore, the space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113 is divided into four spaces S4 aligned in the X direction (front-rear direction) by the three partition walls 114. Each space S4 accommodates one pair of a fixed contact portion (first contact portion) 310 and a movable contact portion (second contact portion) 320 (see FIG. 4).

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, the contact device 30 includes four pairs of fixed contact portions 310 and movable contact portions 320 (having contacts that come into contact with or separate from each other).

[0025] The electromagnet device (drive unit) 20 is a device that generates electromagnetic force, and includes a coil 210 that generates magnetic flux when current is applied, and a hollow cylindrical coil bobbin 220 around which the coil 210 is wound (see FIG. 2).

[0026] The coil 210 may be, for example, a conductive wire. The coil bobbin 220 is made of resin, which is an insulating material, and has an insertion hole 220a formed in the center of the coil bobbin 220 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) (see FIG. 3). The coil bobbin 220 includes a substantially cylindrical winding drum 221 around whose outer surface the coil 210 is wound, and a substantially circular front flange 222 that is connected to the front end of the winding drum 221 and protrudes radially outward from the winding drum 221. The coil bobbin 220 also includes a substantially circular rear flange 223 that is connected to the rear end of the winding drum 221 and protrudes radially outward from the winding drum 221.

[0027] The electromagnet device 20 also includes an iron core (fixed member) 230 that is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the coil bobbin 220 (inside the insertion hole 220a) and is magnetized (magnetic flux passes through) by the energized coil 230.

[0028] The iron core 230 includes a substantially cylindrical shaft portion 231 extending in the X direction (front-rear direction), and a substantially cylindrical head portion 232 formed with a larger diameter than the shaft portion 231 and connected to the front end of the shaft portion 231 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the shaft portion 231 is formed so that its outer diameter is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the insertion hole 220a formed in the coil bobbin 220, and the head portion 232 is formed so that its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 220a.

[0029] Then, by inserting the tip (rear end) of shaft portion 231 into insertion hole 220a from the front, iron core 230 is disposed inside coil bobbin 220. At this time, iron core 230 is inserted into insertion hole 220a of coil bobbin 220 in a state where the tip (rear end) of shaft portion 231 protrudes rearward beyond rear flange portion 223 of coil bobbin 220 and the front end of head portion 232 protrudes forward beyond front flange portion 222 of coil bobbin 220.

[0030] Furthermore, the electromagnet device 20 includes an armature (movable member) 240 disposed so as to face the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0031] The armature 240 is made of a conductive metal and is arranged so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction (X direction) relative to the head 232 of the iron core 230. In this embodiment, the armature 240 includes a main body 241 that faces the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the front-rear direction (X direction), and a card 242 that extends downward from the lower end of the center of the main body 241 in the Y direction (width direction) (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Note that the card 242 moves a moving body 330, which will be described later, in the front-rear direction (X direction) as the armature 240 swings in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0032] The electromagnet device 20 also includes a yoke 250 that is arranged around the coil 210 wound around the winding drum 221. The yoke 250 is a substantially plate-shaped member made of a magnetic material and has a substantially L-shape in side view (as viewed along the Y direction). That is, in this embodiment, the yoke 250 includes a horizontal wall portion 251 that is arranged to extend along a substantially horizontal plane below the coil 210 wound around the winding drum 221, and a vertical wall portion 252 that extends upward from the rear end of the horizontal wall portion 251 (see FIG. 3). Such a yoke 250 can be formed, for example, by bending a single plate.

[0033] The lower end of the main body 241 of the armature 240 is attached to the front end of the horizontal wall 251 in the front-rear direction (X direction) so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction (X direction). This allows the armature 240 to rotate in the front-rear direction (X direction) around the part supported by the yoke 250.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electromagnet device 20 is provided with a hinge spring 260 attached across the armature 240 and the yoke 250, and the armature 240 is biased by this hinge spring 260 in a direction in which the main body 241 moves away from the head 232 of the iron core 230 (see FIG. 3).

[0035] Furthermore, a through-hole 252a is formed in the vertical wall portion 252, penetrating in the front-rear direction (X direction), and the leading end (rear end) of the shaft portion 231 of the iron core 230 is inserted (press-fitted) into this through-hole 252a.

[0036] Furthermore, the electromagnet device 20 is provided with a pair of coil terminals 270 that are fixed to the coil bobbin 220 and to which both ends of the coil 210 are respectively connected, and the electromagnet device 20 is driven by passing current through the coil 210 via this pair of coil terminals 270.

[0037] Specifically, by passing a current through the coil 210, the main body 241 of the armature 240 is attracted to the head 232 of the iron core 230, and the armature 240 is rotated so that the main body 241 approaches the head 232 of the iron core 230. In other words, by passing a current through the coil 210 via a pair of coil terminals 270, the main body 241 of the armature 240 is rotated backward in the X direction (front-rear direction). At this time, the card 242 connected to the main body 241 is rotated forward in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0038] In this embodiment, the swing range of the armature 240 is set between an initial position where the main body 241 is positioned a predetermined gap forward from the head 232 of the iron core 230 (the position where the main body 241 is farthest from the head 232 of the iron core 230), and an abutment position where the main body 241 abuts against the head 232 of the iron core 230 (the position where the main body 241 is closest to the head 232 of the iron core 230).

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, when current is applied to the coil 210, the armature 240 moves to a contact position where the main body 241 contacts the head 232 of the iron core 230, and when current is stopped from being applied to the coil 210, the armature 240 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 260.

[0040] In this way, the armature 240 according to this embodiment is disposed opposite the head 232 of the iron core 230 across a predetermined gap when the coil 210 is not energized, and swings so as to be attracted to the head 232 of the iron core 230 when the coil 210 is energized.

[0041] By switching the driving state of this electromagnet device 20, it is possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the fixed contact portion 310 and the movable contact portion 320 that are paired with each other (having contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other).

[0042] In this embodiment, below the electromagnet device 20, a contact device 30 that opens and closes the contacts in response to the energization of the coil 210 being turned on and off is provided.

[0043] As described above, the contact device 30 includes four pairs of fixed contact portions 310 and movable contact portions 320 (having contacts that come into contact with or separate from each other) (see FIG. 4).

[0044] In this embodiment, a set of fixed contact portions 310 and movable contact portions 320 having contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other is made up of a pair of fixed contact portions 310 and one movable contact portion 320.

[0045] Specifically, two fixed contact portions 310 having the same shape are used as a pair of fixed contact portions 310. The two paired fixed contact portions 310 are fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) in a state spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction).

[0046] Each fixed contact portion 310 includes a main body portion 312 on which one fixed contact 311 is formed (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, a member intended to become the fixed contact is inserted into an insertion hole 312c formed in the main body portion 312 so as to penetrate the main body portion 312 in the plate thickness direction, and the fixed contact 311 is formed on the main body portion 312 by riveting (see FIG. 11). Note that the fixed contact 311 does not have to be formed on the main body portion 312 by riveting, and various other methods can be used. For example, it is possible to form a protruding portion of the main body portion 312 by doweling, so that the protruding portion functions as the fixed contact. It is also possible to make a portion of the flat surface of the main body portion 312 function as the fixed contact by configuring the movable contact 321 to come into contact with a portion of the flat surface of the main body portion 312.

[0047] In addition, the fixed contact portion 310 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 312 and has a terminal portion 313 that is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with its tip protruding outward (downward) from the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0048] In this embodiment, an insertion hole 123 penetrating in the Z direction (up-down direction) is formed in the lower cover 122. The tip (lower end) of the terminal portion 313 is inserted into this insertion hole 123 from above, and the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) in a state in which the tip (lower end) of the terminal portion 313 protrudes outward (downward) from the lower cover 122 (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0049] At this time, the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with the fixed contact 311 facing rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction). That is, the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with the surface 312a (rear surface: first surface: surface facing the movable contact 321) on the side where the fixed contact 311 of the main body portion 312 is formed facing rearward.

[0050] The fixed contact 311, the main body 312, and the terminal 313 may be made of a conductive material such as a copper-based material.

[0051] On the other hand, one movable contact portion 320 includes one movable contactor 322 having a pair of movable contacts 321 arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction) (see FIG. 4).

[0052] In this embodiment, the movable contact 321 is formed on the movable contactor 322 by inserting a member to be a movable contact into insertion holes 322d formed on both longitudinal sides of the approximately rectangular plate-shaped movable contactor 322 in the plate thickness direction and riveting the insertion holes (see FIG. 11). Note that the formation of the movable contactor 321 on the movable contactor 322 does not have to be performed by riveting, and can be performed by various methods. For example, it is possible to perform dowel processing on the movable contactor 322 so that a protruding portion functions as the movable contact. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the movable contactor 322 so that a portion of the flat surface thereof comes into contact with the fixed contact 311, thereby allowing a portion of the flat surface of the movable contactor 322 to function as the movable contact.

[0053] Each movable contact portion 320 is disposed so that its thickness direction is substantially aligned with the X direction (front-rear direction) and its longitudinal direction is substantially aligned with the Y direction (width direction) and is positioned rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) from its pair of fixed contact portions 310 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The movable contact portion 320 is disposed so that its movable contact 321 faces the fixed contact 311 in the X direction (front-rear direction). Specifically, the movable contactor 322 is disposed so that the movable contact 321 formed on one side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310 disposed on one side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction). Similarly, the movable contactor 322 is disposed so that the movable contact 321 formed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310 disposed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0054] The movable contact 321 and the movable contactor 322 can be made of a conductive material such as a copper-based material.

[0055] A set consisting of a pair of fixed contact portions 310 and one movable contact portion 320 configured as described above is housed in each of the four spaces S4 (see FIG. 4).

[0056] Here, each movable contact portion 320 is arranged in the space S4 so as to be able to move back and forth in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the pair of fixed contact portions 310 of the same set.

[0057] Specifically, the contact device 30 includes a moving body 330 that reciprocates in the X direction (front-rear direction) in accordance with the swing of the armature 240. Each movable contact portion 320 is held by this moving body 330, so that each movable contact portion 320 moves reciprocally in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the pair of fixed contact portions 310 of the same set.

[0058] In this embodiment, the movable body 330 includes a holder portion 331 that opens downward, a cover portion 332 that covers the opening of the holder portion 331 from below, and a coil spring 333 that is held by the holder portion 331 and presses the movable contactor 322 forward (toward the fixed contact 311).

[0059] The holder part 331 includes a top wall 3311 that is elongated in the X direction (front-rear direction), and a plurality of partition walls 3312 that are continuously provided so as to extend downward in the Y direction (width direction) from the lower surface of the top wall 3311. Furthermore, the holder part 331 includes peripheral walls 3313 that are continuously provided so as to extend in the X direction (front-rear direction) from both ends in the Y direction (width direction) of each partition wall 3312.

[0060] In this embodiment, the top wall 3311 is formed with two partition walls 3312 connected to both end edges in the X direction (front-to-back direction) and five partition walls 3312 formed between the two partition walls 3312, spaced apart in the X direction (front-to-back direction) (see Figure 4).

[0061] The two partition walls 3312 are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined distance between them (a gap large enough to accommodate the movable contact 322 and the coil spring 333), and peripheral walls 3313 are provided at both ends in the Y direction (width direction) of the partition walls 3312 so as to extend toward the opposing partition wall 3312. At this time, the peripheral walls 3313 extending toward the opposing partition wall 3312 face each other with their tips spaced apart in the X direction (front-rear direction), and a gap large enough to insert the movable contact 322 is formed between the tips of the opposing peripheral walls 3313.

[0062] This allows a space S5 that is open downward and on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) to be formed in the holder part 331. This space S5 is a space that houses the central part of the movable contact 322 in the Y direction (width direction) and the coil spring 333, and is a space whose lower part is defined by the cover part 332 when the cover part 332 is assembled to the holder part 331. That is, in the movable body 330, a space S5 is formed that is defined by the top wall 3311, the partition wall 3312, the peripheral wall 3313, and the cover part 332, and is partially open on both sides in the Y direction (width direction).

[0063] In this embodiment, the movable body 330 has four spaces S5 formed in a line in the X direction (front-rear direction), and each space S5 houses one coil spring 333. Furthermore, each space S5 houses one movable contactor 322 with the portions (both ends in the Y direction (width direction)) where the movable contact 321 is formed protruding outward from the space S5. At this time, the coil spring 333 urges the movable contactor 322 forward in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0064] In this embodiment, a spring bearing 322a that protrudes rearward is formed in the center in the Y direction (width direction) of the movable contactor 322. The center in the Y direction (width direction) of the movable contactor 322 and the coil spring 333 are housed in the space S5 with the coil spring 333 held by the spring bearing 322a.

[0065] In this embodiment, the spring bearing 322a is formed by dowel processing the movable contact 322, but it is also possible to form the spring bearing 322a by other methods.

[0066] Furthermore, a protrusion 3313a is formed on the lower end of the peripheral wall 3313 to engage with a recess 322b formed on the lower end of the movable contactor 322. By engaging the protrusion 3313a with the recess 322b, the movable contactor 322 is prevented from coming off the moving body 330 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable contactor 322 is held in a state in which it can move in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the moving body 330. A recess 322c into which the top wall 3311 of the holder part 331 is inserted is formed at the upper end of the movable contactor 322, and with the top wall 3311 inserted into the recess 322c, the movable contactor 322 moves in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the moving body 330. In this way, in this embodiment, the movable contactor 322 moves in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the moving body 330 while being guided by the top wall 3311.

[0068] The movable body 330 is disposed in a space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113 of the base 110, with the movable contact 322 and the coil spring 333 held therein. In this embodiment, a notch 114a is provided in the center in the Y direction (width direction) of each of three partition walls 114 that divide the space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113 into four spaces S4. The movable body 330 is disposed in the space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113 with a portion of the movable body 330 housed in the notch 114a.

[0069] Furthermore, the movable body 330 is provided with a protruding wall 3314 that is continuously provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the top wall 3311. In this embodiment, the protruding wall 3314 is formed at the front end of the top wall 3311 in the X direction (front-rear direction), and a space having an opening 3314a that opens upward is formed inside this protruding wall 3314 (see FIG. 3).

[0070] An opening 111a through which the protruding wall 3314 is inserted is formed in the base portion 111 of the base 110, and when the movable body 330 is placed in the space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113, the tip of the protruding wall 3314 protrudes upward beyond the base portion 111. This allows the card 242 of the armature 240 to be inserted into the internal space of the protruding wall 3314. By inserting the card 242 of the armature 240 into the internal space of the protruding wall 3314 in this way, the movable body 330 moves in the front-rear direction (X direction) as the armature 240 swings in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0071] The moving body 330 also includes a pressing portion 3315 that is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the top wall 3311. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 3315 is formed at the rear end of the top wall 3311 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0072] An opening 111b through which the pressing portion 3315 is inserted is formed in the base portion 111 of the base 110, and when the movable body 330 is placed in the space defined by the lower peripheral wall 113, the tip of the pressing wall 3315 protrudes upward beyond the base portion 111. The pressing portion 3315 is configured to move in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) as the movable body 330 moves, and presses an auxiliary movable contact portion 342 of the auxiliary contact portion 340, which will be described later.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the contact device 30 includes the auxiliary contact portion 340. This auxiliary contact portion 340 is used, for example, to detect whether the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which are capable of being brought into contact with and separated from each other, are welded together.

[0074] The auxiliary contact portion 340 includes a pair of auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 and auxiliary movable contact portion 342 having auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other.

[0075] In this embodiment, a set of an auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 and an auxiliary movable contact portion 342 having auxiliary contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other is composed of a pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341 and one movable contact portion 342 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0076] Specifically, two auxiliary fixed contact parts 341 having approximately the same shape are used as a pair of auxiliary fixed contact parts 341. The two paired auxiliary fixed contact parts 341 are fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) in a state spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction).

[0077] One auxiliary fixed contact part 341 has a main body part 341a on which one fixed contact 341c is formed. The auxiliary fixed contact 341c can be formed on the main body part 341a by various methods such as riveting.

[0078] The other auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 has a main body portion 341a to which an auxiliary movable contactor 342a of the auxiliary movable contact portion 342 is fixed. The auxiliary movable contactor 342a can also be fixed to the main body portion 341a by various methods such as riveting.

[0079] In addition, each of the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 341a and has an auxiliary terminal portion 341b that is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with its tip protruding outward (downward) from the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0080] In this embodiment, one auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with the surface on which the auxiliary fixed contact 341c is formed facing forward in the X direction (front-rear direction). The other auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with the surface on which the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is fixed facing forward in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0081] The auxiliary fixed contact 341c, the main body 341a, and the auxiliary terminal 341b may be made of a conductive material such as a copper-based material.

[0082] On the other hand, one auxiliary movable contact portion 342 includes one auxiliary movable contactor 342a on which a pair of auxiliary movable contacts 342b are formed, arranged side by side in the Z direction (vertical direction). The auxiliary movable contacts 342b can be formed on the auxiliary movable contactor 342a by various methods, such as riveting. The auxiliary movable contacts 342b and the auxiliary movable contactor 342a can also be formed from a conductive material, such as a copper-based material.

[0083] In this embodiment, one auxiliary movable contactor 342a has a shape obtained by bending a strip-shaped member elongated in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction). One side in the Y direction (width direction) (the side bent in a direction away from the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341: the side facing the auxiliary fixed contact 341c) is branched into two, upper and lower, and one auxiliary movable contact 342b is formed on each of the branched plate-shaped portions. The auxiliary movable contacts 342b can also be formed on these plate-shaped portions by various methods, such as riveting.

[0084] The other side in the Y direction (width direction) that is not branched vertically (the side bent in a direction approaching the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341: the side facing the main body portion 341a on which the auxiliary fixed contact 341c is not formed) is fixed to the main body portion 341a of the other auxiliary fixed contact portion 341. At this time, the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is fixed to the main body portion 341a of the other auxiliary fixed contact portion 341 so that the side on which the auxiliary movable contact 342b is formed can elastically deform in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0085] In this embodiment, the auxiliary contact portion 340 is configured so that the auxiliary movable contact 342b does not come into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 341c when the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is in a free state. When the auxiliary contact portion 340 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10), the auxiliary movable contactor 342a faces the pressing portion 3315 of the moving body 330 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0086] At this time, the auxiliary movable contactor 342a also moves in the front-rear direction (X direction) in accordance with the movement of the pressing portion 3315. The movement of the pressing portion 3315 switches between contact and separation between the auxiliary movable contact 342b and the auxiliary fixed contact 341c.

[0087] Specifically, when the coil 210 is not energized (when the energization of the coil 210 is stopped), the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is pressed backward by the pressing portion 3315 located rearward in the X direction (front-to-back direction), so that the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a comes into contact with the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341.

[0088] On the other hand, when the coil 210 is energized, as the pressing portion 3315 moves forward in the X direction (front-back direction), the auxiliary movable contactor 342a moves forward in the X direction (front-back direction) due to its own elastic restoring force, and the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a moves away from the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341.

[0089] By arranging the auxiliary contact portion 340 and the pressing portion 3315 so as to have such a positional relationship, the auxiliary movable contact 342b and the auxiliary fixed contact 341c can be switched between being separated and being in contact by switching the coil 210 between being energized and de-energized.

[0090] Next, an example of the operation of the electromagnetic relay 10 (electromagnet device 20 and contact device 30) configured as described above will be described.

[0091] First, when the coil 210 is not energized, the elastic force of the hinge spring 260 moves the main body 241 of the armature 240 in a direction away from the head 232 of the iron core 230. At this time, the card 242 of the armature 240 is positioned rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction), and therefore the moving body 330 is also positioned rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction). In other words, the moving contact 320 held by the moving body 330 is separated from the fixed contact 310, and the moving contact 321 is separated from the fixed contact 311 (see FIG. 7).

[0092] When the coil 210 is energized from this OFF state, the main body 241 of the armature 240 is attracted backward (toward the iron core 230) by electromagnetic force and moves toward the head 232 of the iron core 230 against the elastic force of the hinge spring 260. As the main body 241 rotates backward (toward the iron core 230), the card 242 rotates forward, and as the card 242 rotates forward, the moving body 330 moves (slides) forward. As a result, the four movable contacts 320 held by the moving body 330 move forward toward their respective fixed contact portions 310, and the movable contacts 321 of the movable contacts 322 come into contact with the fixed contacts 311 of the fixed contact portion 310. In this way, a pair of fixed contact portions 310 in one group are electrically connected by one movable contact portion 320 in the same group (see FIG. 8).

[0093] On the other hand, when the current supply to the coil 210 is stopped, the main body 241 of the armature 240 rotates forward (away from the iron core 230) due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 260 and returns to its initial position.

[0094] As the main body 241 rotates forward, the card 242 rotates backward, and as the card 242 rotates backward, the moving body 330 moves (slides) backward. As a result, the four movable contactors 320 held by the moving body 330 move backward so as to move away from the fixed contact portions 310 that form pairs, and the movable contacts 321 of the movable contactors 322 move away from the fixed contacts 311 of the fixed contact portion 310. This releases the electrical connection between the pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 in one pair.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, when the armature 240 is in the initial position, each set of contacts is in the second position where the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated from each other (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the armature 240 is in the abutting position, each set of contacts is in the first position where the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are in contact with each other (see FIG. 8).

[0096] Therefore, when the coil 210 is not energized, each pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 is insulated from each other, and when the coil 210 is energized, each pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 is conductive from each other. In this manner, in this embodiment, the movable contact (second contact) 321 is configured to be able to reciprocate relative to the fixed contact (first contact) 311 in the second direction (X direction: front-rear direction) between the first position and the second position.

[0097] When the coil 210 is not energized (when the energization of the coil 210 is stopped), the moving body 330 is located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction). Therefore, the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is pressed rearward by the pressing portion 3315, and the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is in contact with the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341. In other words, the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341 are electrically connected by the auxiliary movable contact portion 341.

[0098] On the other hand, when the coil 210 is energized, the movable body 330 moves (slides) forward in the X direction (front-rear direction). When the movable body 330 moves (slides) forward in the X direction (front-rear direction) in this way, the pressing portion 3315 also moves forward in the X direction (front-rear direction), and the auxiliary movable contactor 342a moves forward in the X direction (front-rear direction) due to its own elastic restoring force. As a result, the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a moves away from the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341, and the electrical connection between the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341, 341 is released.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, the auxiliary contact portion 340 is configured so that when each set of the pair of fixed contact portions 310 is electrically connected, the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341 is electrically insulated from each other. Furthermore, the auxiliary contact portion 340 is configured so that when each set of the pair of fixed contact portions 310 is electrically insulated from each other, the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341 is electrically connected to each other.

[0100] Such an auxiliary contact portion 340 can be used, for example, to detect whether or not the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which can be connected to or separated from each other, are welded together.

[0101] Specifically, if the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which can be brought into contact with and separated from each other, are not welded together, the movable body 330 can move to the initial position when the current supply to the coil 210 is stopped. Therefore, the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is pressed backward by the pressing portion 3315 formed on the movable body 330, and the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a comes into contact with the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341.

[0102] However, if the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which can be connected to or separated from each other, are welded together, the movable body 330 cannot move to the initial position even if the current supply to the coil 210 is stopped. As a result, the auxiliary movable contactor 342a is not pressed by the pressing portion 3315, and the movable contact 342b of the auxiliary movable contactor 342a remains separated from the fixed contact 341c of the auxiliary fixed contact portion 341.

[0103] Therefore, by providing an auxiliary contact portion 340 as in this embodiment, when current flows between a pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341, 341 while the coil 210 is not energized, it becomes possible to determine that the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which can be moved toward and away from each other, are not welded together.

[0104] On the other hand, when the coil 210 is not energized and no current flows between the pair of auxiliary fixed contact portions 341, 341, it can be determined that the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321, which can be moved toward and away from each other, are welded together.

[0105] In this embodiment, the fixed contact portion 310 having the terminal portion 313 is more firmly fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0106] Specifically, the terminal portion 313 inserted into the insertion hole 123 of the lower cover 122 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with adhesive 125, so that the fixed contact portion 310 is more firmly fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) (see Figures 11 and 12).

[0107] In this embodiment, the tip of the terminal portion 313 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 123 of the lower cover 122, and with the tip of the terminal portion 313 protruding outward (downward) from the lower cover 122, adhesive 125 is applied from the outer surface 122b side of the lower cover 122.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an adhesive containing space S6 in which the adhesive 125 is contained is formed around the portion of the outer surface 122b of the lower cover 122 where the insertion hole 123 is formed.

[0109] Therefore, the inner surface 123c of the lower cover 122, which defines the insertion hole 123 formed in the lower cover 122 so as to penetrate in the Z direction (up and down direction), is connected to the inner surface S6a of the adhesive containing space S6 on the outer opening 123a side. Also, the inner surface 123c of the lower cover 122 is connected to the inner surface 122c of the lower cover 122 on the inner opening 123b side. In this way, in this embodiment, the inner surface S6a of the adhesive containing space S6 forms part of the outer surface 122b of the lower cover 122.

[0110] Then, with the tip of terminal portion 313 protruding outward (downward) from lower cover 122, adhesive 125 is applied and cured in adhesive accommodating space S6 formed on outer surface 122b of lower cover 122. That is, terminal portion 313 is fixed to lower cover 122 (case 10) by adhesive fixing portion 124 formed by curing adhesive 125 applied in adhesive accommodating space S6 formed on outer surface 122b of lower cover 122.

[0111] Here, in this embodiment, even if a gap D1 is formed between the outer surface 313a of the terminal portion 313 inserted into the insertion hole 123 and the inner surface (case surface) 123c of the insertion hole 123 facing the outer surface 313a of the terminal portion 313, the terminal portion 313 can be more firmly fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) while more reliably preventing the contact point from being obstructed in its closing and separating operation.

[0112] In other words, when a fixed contact portion 310 having a terminal portion 313 that forms a gap D1 between it and the insertion hole 123 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with adhesive 125, the adhesive 125 is prevented from penetrating into the inside of the lower cover 122 (case 10) through the gap D1 before hardening.

[0113] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a substantially rectangular through-hole that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) is used as the insertion hole 123 of the lower cover 122. In addition, an example is shown in which the fixed contact portion 310, in which the plate thickness (thickness in the X direction) of the terminal portion 313 is smaller than the width in the short side direction (length in the X direction) of the insertion hole 123, is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) with adhesive 125.

[0114] In this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 included in the fixed contact portion 310 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 312 on which the fixed contact 311 is formed, and includes a root portion 3131 extending in the Z direction (up and down direction). The terminal portion 313 also includes a cross wall portion 3132 connected to the lower end of the root portion 3131 and extending in a direction intersecting the Z direction (up and down direction), and a tip portion 3133 connected to the lower end of the cross wall portion 3132 and extending in the Z direction (up and down direction).

[0115] Here, the cross wall portion 3132 is a wall portion extending in a second direction (X direction: front-rear direction: plate thickness direction of the main body portion 312) that intersects with a first direction (Z direction: up-down direction) that is a direction in which the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 123. In this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 is formed so as to be inclined obliquely, and the rear end of this cross wall portion 3132 in the X direction (front-rear direction) is connected to the lower end of the base portion 3131. And the front end of the cross wall portion 3132 in the X direction (front-rear direction) is connected to the upper end of the tip portion 3133.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 has a shape in which the tip portion 3133 is offset forward in the X direction (front-rear direction) with respect to the base portion 3131. Such a terminal portion 313 can be formed by bending a single plate-like member in the plate thickness direction.

[0117] The terminal portion 313 having such a shape is inserted into the insertion hole 123 with at least a portion of the cross wall portion 3132 being disposed within the insertion hole 123. That is, the terminal portion 313 according to this embodiment is configured so that at least a portion of the cross wall portion 3132 is disposed within the insertion hole 123 when fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0118] In this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10) and the portion thereof excluding the front end portion connected to the tip portion 3133 is arranged inside the insertion hole 123. The front end portion connected to the tip portion 3133 of the cross wall portion 3132 is arranged inside the adhesive containing space S6 formed on the outer surface 122b of the lower cover 122.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion of the root portion 3131 with the cross wall portion 3132 and the portion arranged within the insertion hole 123 of the cross wall portion 3132 form an insertion portion 3134 that faces the inner surface 123c of the insertion hole 123 when the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 123.

[0120] The above-mentioned gap D1 is formed between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 123c of the insertion hole 123.

[0121] In this embodiment, the width of the terminal portion 313 in the Y direction (width direction) is formed to be approximately the same as the width of the insertion hole 123 in the Y direction (width direction). That is, between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 123c of the insertion hole 123, which face each other in the Y direction (width direction), no gap that would allow the adhesive 125 to penetrate into the space S3 is formed.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 is formed so that the portion of the cross wall portion 3132 placed within the insertion hole 123 intersects with a center line C1 that passes through the center of the insertion hole 123 in the X direction (front-to-back direction) and extends in the Z direction (up-down direction) when viewed along the Y direction (width direction).

[0123] Thus, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the intersecting wall portion 3132 is positioned within the insertion hole 123, and when viewed along the third direction (Y direction) that intersects the first direction (Z direction) and the second direction (X direction), it passes through the center of the second direction of the insertion hole 123 and intersects with the center line C1 extending in the first direction.

[0124] This prevents the cross wall portion 3132 from being arranged biased to one side in the X direction (front-rear direction) within the insertion hole 123. In other words, when viewed along the Z direction (up-down direction), most of the insertion hole 123 is covered by the cross wall portion 3132.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the insertion portion 3134 of the terminal portion 313 is disposed in the insertion hole 123 so as to be fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10), the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 facing the X direction (front-rear direction) does not come into contact with the inner surface 123c of the insertion hole 123. In other words, a continuous gap D1 is formed on both sides of the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction), spanning from the outer opening 123a to the inner opening 123b.

[0126] This gap D1 is defined on one side in the X direction (front-to-back direction) by the diagonally arranged cross wall portion 3132 (insertion portion 3134), so the width in the X direction (front-to-back direction) varies depending on the position in the Z direction (up-down direction).

[0127] For example, in the gap D1 formed rearward of the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction), the width in the X direction (front-rear direction) is minimum at the upper end of the cross wall portion 3132. On the other hand, in the gap D1 formed forward of the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction), the width in the X direction (front-rear direction) is minimum at the lower end of the insertion portion 3134 (the portion facing the outer opening 123a).

[0128] In this manner, in this embodiment, gap D1 is formed midway between outer opening 123a and inner opening 123b so that the width in the X direction (front-rear direction) is minimum. In this way, the portion with the minimum width in the X direction (front-rear direction) can prevent adhesive 125 from entering the inside (into space S3 in which contact device 30 is housed).

[0129] In other words, the adhesive 125 applied in the adhesive storage space S6 is allowed to penetrate into the gap D1 at least on the outer opening 123a side of the insertion hole 123, but is prevented from penetrating deeper than the point where the width of the gap D1 is smallest.

[0130] The minimum width of the gap D1 in the X direction (front-rear direction) can be set appropriately taking into consideration the viscosity of the adhesive 125 used and the like.

[0131] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment includes an inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 125 that has flowed into the gap D1. In this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 formed on the terminal portion 313 functions as the inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 125 that has flowed into the gap D1.

[0132] This makes it possible to prevent the adhesive 125 from penetrating into the inside even when using terminal portion 313 that forms gap D1 between it and insertion hole 123. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the contact and separation action of the contacts from being hindered and to more firmly fix terminal portion 313 to lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0133] Therefore, it is not necessary to change the size of the insertion hole 123 depending on the thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10). As a result, the lower cover 122 (case 10) can be standardized. That is, it is possible to fix the terminal portion 313 of contact portions of various thicknesses to the lower cover 122 (case 10) without replacing the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0134] However, when using a terminal portion 313 in which a gap D1 is formed between the terminal portion 313 and the insertion hole 123, as in this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 may become misaligned with respect to the lower cover 122 (case 10) when fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the terminal portion 313 is fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10), the terminal portion 313 is prevented from being misaligned with respect to the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0136] Specifically, a positioning portion is provided on the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 fixed to the lower cover 122 (case 10).

[0137] In this embodiment, an inner wall (vertical wall: wall portion) 115 is provided on the base 110 (case 10), and a press-fit space S7 defined by vertical walls (wall portions) such as this inner wall 115, the lower peripheral wall 113, and the partition wall 114 is formed within the case 10.

[0138] Then, a press-fit protrusion 314 is provided on the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313, and the portion where this press-fit protrusion 314 is formed is press-fitted into the press-fit space S7, so that the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is held in the base 110. In this way, when the lower cover 122 is attached to the base 110, the insertion portion 3134 of the terminal portion 313 is arranged at a predetermined position within the insertion hole 123.

[0139] In this embodiment, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the main body portion 312. That is, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed on a surface 312b (front surface: second surface: surface opposite to the side facing the movable contact 321) opposite to a surface 312a on which the fixed contact 311 is present in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313.

[0140] In this way, even if the plate thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is changed, by adjusting the protrusion amount of the press-fit protrusion 314, the fixed contact 311 can be held in the same position on the base 110. As a result, it is not necessary to change the spring load of the hinge spring 260 depending on the plate thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313. Therefore, it is possible to form various types of electromagnetic relays 1 with different current-carrying capacities simply by changing the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313.

[0141] In this embodiment, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed by dowel processing the main body portion 312, but this method is not limited to this, and the press-fit protrusion can be formed by various methods.

[0142] Furthermore, the positioning portion formed in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is not limited to a press-fit protrusion, but can also be, for example, a recess or slit that engages with a protrusion formed in the vertical wall (inner wall 115, etc.) of the base 110 (case 10).

[0143] (Second embodiment) The electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment is also of a so-called normally open type, in which the contacts are off in the initial state, like the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in the first embodiment. Note that this embodiment can also use a so-called normally closed type electromagnetic relay, in which the contacts are on in the initial state.

[0144] 14 to 16, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment includes an electromagnet device (drive unit) 20 located at the rear in the X direction (front-rear direction) and a contact device 30 located at the front. The electromagnet device 20 and the contact device 30 are housed in a case 10 formed from a resin material in the shape of a hollow box.

[0145] The case 10 includes a base 110 and a cover 120, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer surface. The case 10 has an internal space S1 formed when the cover 120 is attached to the base 110. The electromagnet device 20 and the contact device 30 are housed within the internal space S1.

[0146] The shape of the outer surface of the case 10 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may be any shape.

[0147] The base 110 includes a substantially rectangular plate-shaped base portion 111 extending along a substantially horizontal plane (a direction intersecting the Z direction: the XY plane). The base 110 also includes an upper peripheral wall 112 extending upward from the periphery of the base portion 111, and a partition wall 114 formed to rise upward from a substantially central portion in the X direction (front-rear direction) (see FIGS. 14 to 16).

[0148] The electromagnet device 20 is disposed behind the partition wall 114, and the contact device 30 is disposed in front of the partition wall 114 (see FIGS. 14 to 16).

[0149] On the other hand, the cover 120 has a generally box-like shape that opens downward, and this cover 120 is attached to the base 110 from above.

[0150] In this embodiment, the cover 120 is attached to the base 110 by engaging an engagement hole 120a formed at the lower end of the cover 120 with an engagement protrusion 110a formed on the side surface of the base 110 (see FIGS. 14 to 16).

[0151] As described above, in this embodiment, the internal space S1 of the case 10 is divided into two spaces, front and rear, by the partition wall 114 of the base 110. That is, the internal space S1 of the case 10 is divided into a space S2 formed behind the partition wall 114 and accommodating the electromagnet device 20, and a space S3 formed in front of the partition wall 114 and accommodating the contact device 30 (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0152] In this embodiment, the contact device 30 includes only one set of a fixed contact portion 310 and a movable contact portion 320 that form a pair (have contacts that come into contact with or separate from each other).

[0153] The electromagnet device (drive unit) 20 is a device that generates electromagnetic force, and includes a coil 210 that generates magnetic flux when current is applied, and a hollow cylindrical coil bobbin 220 around which the coil 210 is wound (see FIG. 14).

[0154] The coil 210 may be, for example, a conductive wire. The coil bobbin 220 is made of resin, which is an insulating material, and has a through-hole formed in the center of the coil bobbin 220 that penetrates in the Z direction (up and down direction). The coil bobbin 220 includes a substantially cylindrical winding drum around whose outer surface the coil 210 is wound, and a substantially circular upper flange 222 that is connected to the upper end of the winding drum and protrudes radially outward from the winding drum. The coil bobbin 220 also includes a substantially circular lower flange 223 that is connected to the lower end of the winding drum and protrudes radially outward from the winding drum.

[0155] The electromagnet device 20 also includes an iron core (fixed member) 230 that is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the coil bobbin 220 and is magnetized (magnetic flux passes through) by the energized coil 230.

[0156] The iron core 230 has a generally cylindrical shaft portion extending in the Z direction (vertical direction), and a generally cylindrical head portion 232 formed with a larger diameter than the shaft portion and connected to the upper end of the shaft portion (see Figure 14).

[0157] Furthermore, the electromagnet device 20 includes an armature (movable member) 240 that is arranged to face the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0158] The armature 240 is made of a conductive metal and is arranged so as to be able to swing in the up-down direction (Z direction) relative to the head 232 of the iron core 230. In this embodiment, the armature 240 includes a horizontal wall portion 241 that faces the head 232 of the iron core 230 in the up-down direction (Z direction), and a vertical wall portion 242 that extends downward from the front end of the horizontal wall portion 241 in the X direction (front-rear direction) (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0159] The electromagnet device 20 also includes a yoke 250 that is arranged around the coil 210 wound around the winding drum. The yoke 250 is a substantially plate-shaped member made of a magnetic material and is substantially L-shaped in side view (as viewed along the Y direction). That is, in this embodiment, the yoke 250 includes a vertical wall portion 251 that is arranged to extend along a substantially vertical plane in front of the coil 210 wound around the winding drum, and a horizontal wall portion 252 that extends rearward from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 251 (see FIG. 14). Such a yoke 250 can be formed, for example, by bending a single plate.

[0160] The horizontal wall portion 241 of the armature 240 is attached to the upper end of the vertical wall portion 251 so as to be able to swing up and down (Z direction). This allows the armature 240 to rotate up and down (Z direction) around the portion supported by the yoke 250.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electromagnet device 20 is provided with a hinge spring 260 attached across the armature 240 and the yoke 250, and the armature 240 is biased by this hinge spring 260 in a direction in which the horizontal wall portion 241 moves away from the head 232 of the iron core 230 (see Figure 15).

[0162] Furthermore, the electromagnet device 20 is provided with a pair of coil terminals 270 that are fixed to the coil bobbin 220 and to which both ends of the coil 210 are respectively connected, and the electromagnet device 20 is driven by passing current through the coil 210 via this pair of coil terminals 270.

[0163] Specifically, by passing a current through the coil 210, the horizontal wall portion 241 of the armature 240 is attracted to the head portion 232 of the iron core 230, and the armature 240 is rotated so that the horizontal wall portion 241 approaches the head portion 232 of the iron core 230. In other words, by passing a current through the coil 210 via a pair of coil terminals 270, the horizontal wall portion 241 of the armature 240 rotates downward in the Z direction (up-down direction). At this time, the vertical wall portion 242 connected to the horizontal wall portion 241 rotates forward in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0164] In this embodiment, the swing range of the armature 240 is set between an initial position where the horizontal wall portion 241 is positioned a predetermined gap above the head 232 of the iron core 230 (the position where the horizontal wall portion 241 is farthest from the head 232 of the iron core 230), and an abutment position where the horizontal wall portion 241 abuts against the head 232 of the iron core 230 (the position where the horizontal wall portion 241 is closest to the head 232 of the iron core 230).

[0165] Therefore, in this embodiment, when current is applied to the coil 210, the armature 240 moves to a contact position where the horizontal wall portion 241 contacts the head portion 232 of the iron core 230, and when current is stopped from being applied to the coil 210, the armature 240 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 260.

[0166] In this way, the armature 240 according to this embodiment is disposed opposite the head 232 of the iron core 230 across a predetermined gap when the coil 210 is not energized, and swings so as to be attracted to the head 232 of the iron core 230 when the coil 210 is energized.

[0167] By switching the driving state of this electromagnet device 20, it is possible to switch between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the fixed contact portion 310 and the movable contact portion 320 that are paired with each other (having contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other).

[0168] In this embodiment, a contact device 30 that opens and closes the contacts in response to the energization and de-energization of the coil 210 is provided in front of the electromagnet device 20 .

[0169] As described above, the contact device 30 includes only one set of the fixed contact portion 310 and the movable contact portion 320 that make a pair (have contacts that come into contact with or separate from each other) (see FIG. 14).

[0170] In this embodiment, a set of fixed contact portions 310 and movable contact portions 320 having contacts that come into contact with and separate from each other is made up of a pair of fixed contact portions 310 and one movable contact portion 320.

[0171] Specifically, two fixed contact portions 310 having shapes symmetrical with respect to the XZ plane are used as a pair of fixed contact portions 310. The two paired fixed contact portions 310 are fixed to the base 110 (case 10) while being spaced apart in the Y direction (width direction).

[0172] Each fixed contact portion 310 includes a main body portion 312 on which one fixed contact 311 is formed (see FIG. 17). In this embodiment, a member intended to serve as the fixed contact is inserted into an insertion hole 312c formed in the main body portion 312 so as to penetrate the main body portion 312 in the plate thickness direction, and the fixed contact 311 is formed on the main body portion 312 by riveting (see FIGS. 15 and 16). Note that the fixed contact 311 does not have to be formed on the main body portion 312 by riveting, and various other methods can be used. For example, a protruding portion formed by doweling the main body portion 312 can function as the fixed contact. Alternatively, a portion of the flat surface of the main body portion 312 can function as the fixed contact by configuring the movable contact 321 to come into contact with a portion of the flat surface of the main body portion 312.

[0173] In addition, the fixed contact portion 310 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 312 and has a terminal portion 313 that is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with its tip protruding outward (downward) from the base 110 (case 10).

[0174] In this embodiment, an insertion hole 116 that penetrates in the Z direction (vertical direction) is formed in the base 110. The tip (lower end) of the terminal portion 313 is inserted into this insertion hole 116 from above, and the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with the tip (lower end) of the terminal portion 313 protruding outward (downward) from the base 110 (see FIG. 18 ).

[0175] At this time, the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with the fixed contact 311 facing backward in the X direction (front-rear direction). That is, the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with the surface 312a (rear surface: first surface: surface facing the movable contact 321) of the main body portion 312 on which the fixed contact 311 is formed facing backward.

[0176] The fixed contact 311, the main body 312, and the terminal 313 may be made of a conductive material such as a copper-based material.

[0177] On the other hand, one movable contact portion 320 includes one movable contactor 322 having a pair of movable contacts 321 arranged side by side in the Y direction (width direction) (see FIG. 14).

[0178] In this embodiment, the movable contact 321 is formed on the movable contactor 322 by inserting a member to be a movable contact into insertion holes 322d formed on both longitudinal sides of the approximately rectangular plate-shaped movable contactor 322 in the plate thickness direction and riveting the insertion holes (see FIGS. 15 and 16). Note that the formation of the movable contact 321 on the movable contactor 322 does not have to be performed by riveting, and can be performed by various methods. For example, it is possible to perform dowel processing on the movable contactor 322 so that a protruding portion functions as the movable contact. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the movable contactor 322 so that a portion of the flat surface thereof comes into contact with the fixed contact 311, thereby allowing a portion of the flat surface of the movable contactor 322 to function as the movable contact.

[0179] Each movable contact portion 320 is disposed so that its thickness direction is substantially aligned with the X direction (front-rear direction) and its longitudinal direction is substantially aligned with the Y direction (width direction) and is positioned rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to its paired fixed contact portions 310 (see FIG. 14 ). The movable contact portion 320 is disposed so that its movable contact 321 faces the fixed contact 311 in the X direction (front-rear direction). Specifically, the movable contactor 322 is disposed so that the movable contact 321 formed on one side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310 disposed on one side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction). Similarly, the movable contactor 322 is disposed so that the movable contact 321 formed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) faces the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310 disposed on the other side in the Y direction (width direction) in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0180] The movable contact 321 and the movable contactor 322 can be made of a conductive material such as a copper-based material.

[0181] A set consisting of a pair of fixed contact portions 310 and one movable contact portion 320 configured as described above is housed in the space S3 (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0182] The movable contact portion 320 is disposed in the space S3 so as to be able to swing relative to the pair of fixed contact portions 310 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0183] Specifically, the contact device 30 includes a moving body 330 that swings in the X direction (front-rear direction) in accordance with the swing of the armature 240. The moving body 330 holds the movable contact portion 320, so that the movable contact portion 320 swings in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the pair of fixed contact portions 310.

[0184] In this embodiment, the movable body 330 is formed from an insulating resin material and includes a holder portion 331 whose upper portion is connected to the vertical wall portion 242 of the armature 240, a movable plate 334 connected to the lower portion of the holder portion 331, and a movable spring 335 that connects the movable plate 334 and the movable contactor 322.

[0185] Next, an example of the operation of the electromagnetic relay 10 (electromagnet device 20 and contact device 30) configured as described above will be described.

[0186] First, when coil 210 is not energized, the elastic force of hinge spring 260 moves horizontal wall portion 241 of armature 240 in a direction away from head portion 232 of iron core 230. At this time, vertical wall portion 242 of armature 240 is located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction), and therefore moving body 330 is also located rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction). In other words, movable contact portion 320 held by moving body 330 is separated from fixed contact portion 310, and movable contact 321 is separated from fixed contact 311 (see FIG. 15).

[0187] When the coil 210 is energized from this OFF state, the horizontal wall portion 241 of the armature 240 is attracted downward (toward the iron core 230) by electromagnetic force and moves toward the head portion 232 of the iron core 230 against the elastic force of the hinge spring 260. Then, as the horizontal wall portion 241 rotates downward (toward the iron core 230), the vertical wall portion 242 rotates forward, and as the vertical wall portion 242 rotates forward, the moving body 330 rotates forward. As a result, the moving contactor 320 held by the moving body 330 rotates forward toward the fixed contact portion 310, and the moving contact 321 of the moving contactor 322 comes into contact with the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310. In this way, the pair of fixed contact portions 310 are electrically connected by the moving contact portion 320 (see FIG. 16 ).

[0188] On the other hand, when the current supply to the coil 210 is stopped, the horizontal wall portion 241 of the armature 240 rotates upward (away from the iron core 230) due to the biasing force of the hinge spring 260, and returns to its initial position.

[0189] As the horizontal wall portion 241 rotates upward, the vertical wall portion 242 rotates backward, and as the vertical wall portion 242 rotates backward, the moving body 330 rotates backward. As a result, the movable contactor 320 held by the moving body 330 rotates backward so as to move away from the fixed contact portion 310, and the movable contact 321 of the movable contactor 322 moves away from the fixed contact 311 of the fixed contact portion 310. This releases the electrical connection between the pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310.

[0190] As described above, in this embodiment, when the armature 240 is in the initial position, the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are in the second position where they are separated from each other (see FIG. 15). On the other hand, when the armature 240 is in the abutting position, the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are in the first position where they are in contact with each other (see FIG. 16).

[0191] Therefore, when the coil 210 is not energized, the pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 are insulated from each other, and when the coil 210 is energized, the pair of fixed contact portions 310, 310 are conductive from each other. In this manner, in this embodiment, the movable contact (second contact) 321 is configured to be able to reciprocate (rotate) relative to the fixed contact (first contact) 311 in the second direction (X direction: front-rear direction) between the first position and the second position.

[0192] Here, in this embodiment as well, the fixed contact portion 310 having the terminal portion 313 is more firmly fixed to the base 110 (case 10).

[0193] Specifically, the terminal portion 313 inserted into the insertion hole 116 of the base 110 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with adhesive 118, so that the fixed contact portion 310 is more firmly fixed to the base 110 (case 10) (see Figure 18).

[0194] In this embodiment, too, the tip of the terminal portion 313 is inserted from above into the insertion hole 116 of the base 110, and with the tip of the terminal portion 313 protruding outward (downward) from the base 110, adhesive 118 is applied from the outer surface 110b side of the base 110.

[0195] Furthermore, an adhesive containing space S6 in which adhesive 118 is contained is formed around the portion of the outer surface 110b of the base 110 where the insertion hole 116 is formed.

[0196] Therefore, the inner surface 116c of the base 110, which defines the insertion hole 116 formed in the base 110 so as to penetrate in the Z direction (up and down direction), is connected to the inner surface S6a of the adhesive containing space S6 on the outer opening 116a side. Also, the inner surface 116c of the base 110 is connected to the inner surface 110c of the base 110 on the inner opening 116b side. In this manner, in this embodiment, the inner surface S6a of the adhesive containing space S6 forms part of the outer surface 110b of the base 110.

[0197] Then, with the tip of terminal portion 313 protruding outward (downward) from base 110, adhesive 118 is applied and cured in adhesive containing space S6 formed on outer surface 110b of base 110. That is, terminal portion 313 is fixed to base 110 (case 10) by adhesive fixing portion 117 formed by curing adhesive 118 applied in adhesive containing space S6 formed on outer surface 110b of base 110.

[0198] Here, in this embodiment, even if a gap D1 is formed between the outer surface 313a of the terminal portion 313 inserted into the insertion hole 116 and the inner surface (case surface) 116c of the insertion hole 116 facing the outer surface 313a of the terminal portion 313, the terminal portion 313 can be more firmly fixed to the base 110 (case 10) while more reliably preventing the contact point from being obstructed in its closing and separating operation.

[0199] That is, when a fixed contact portion 310 having a terminal portion 313 that forms a gap D1 between it and the insertion hole 116 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with adhesive 118, the adhesive 118 before hardening is prevented from penetrating into the inside of the base 110 (case 10) through the gap D1.

[0200] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a substantially rectangular through-hole that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) is used as the insertion hole 116 of the base 110. In addition, an example is shown in which the plate thickness (thickness in the X direction) of the terminal portion 313 is smaller than the width in the short direction (length in the X direction) of the insertion hole 116, and the fixed contact portion 310 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with adhesive 118.

[0201] In this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 included in the fixed contact portion 310 is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 312 on which the fixed contact 311 is formed, and includes a root portion 3131 extending in the Z direction (up and down direction). The terminal portion 313 also includes a cross wall portion 3132 connected to the lower end of the root portion 3131 and extending in a direction intersecting the Z direction (up and down direction), and a tip portion 3133 connected to the lower end of the cross wall portion 3132 and extending in the Z direction (up and down direction).

[0202] Here, the cross wall portion 3132 is a wall portion extending in a second direction (X direction: front-rear direction: plate thickness direction of the main body portion 312) intersecting a first direction (Z direction: up-down direction) in which the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116. In this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 is formed to extend in a substantially horizontal direction, and the front end of this cross wall portion 3132 in the X direction (front-rear direction) is connected to the lower end of the base portion 3131. And the rear end of the cross wall portion 3132 in the X direction (front-rear direction) is connected to the upper end of the tip portion 3133.

[0203] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 has a shape in which the tip portion 3133 is offset rearward in the X direction (front-rear direction) relative to the base portion 3131. Such a terminal portion 313 can be formed by bending a single plate-like member in the thickness direction.

[0204] The tip end 3133 of the terminal portion 313 having such a shape is adapted to be inserted into the insertion hole 116. Therefore, in this embodiment, the portion of the tip end 3133 that is arranged in the insertion hole 116 becomes the insertion portion 3134 that faces the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 when the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116.

[0205] The above-mentioned gap D1 is formed between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116.

[0206] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 in a state in which the tip portion 3133 is positioned on the rear side in the X direction (front-rear direction) within the insertion hole 116.

[0207] That is, the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 so that the distance between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 is different on one side and the other side in a second direction (X direction: front-to-back direction: thickness direction of the main body portion 312) that intersects with a first direction (Z direction: up-down direction) in which the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116.

[0208] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no gap is formed between the outer surface 3134a facing the rear side of the insertion portion 3314 and the inner surface 116c facing the front side of the insertion hole 116, which would allow the adhesive 118 to penetrate into the space S3.

[0209] In this manner, in this embodiment, the gap D1 into which the adhesive 118 can enter is formed only on the front side of the insertion portion 3134.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the insertion portion 3134 of the terminal portion 313 is disposed in the insertion hole 116 so as to be fixed to the base 110 (case 10), the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 facing the front side in the X direction (front-rear direction) does not come into contact with the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116. In other words, a continuous gap D1 is formed from the outer opening 116a to the inner opening 116b on the front side of the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0211] The gap D1 formed in front of the insertion portion 3134 is closed by the cross wall portion 3132. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 of the terminal portion 313 is placed on the inner surface 110c of the base 110, which is continuous with the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116. This prevents a gap from being formed between the outer surfaces of the cross wall portion 3132 and the inner surface 110c of the base 110, which face each other in the Z direction (up and down direction), and prevents the adhesive 118 from penetrating as far as the base portion 3131.

[0212] Thus, in this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3312 is arranged to cover the inner opening 116b of the insertion hole 116 and faces the inner surface 110c of the base 110 (case 10) that is connected to the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116.

[0213] In this embodiment, too, the width of the terminal portion 313 in the Y direction (width direction) is formed to be approximately the same as the width of the insertion hole 116 in the Y direction (width direction). That is, between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116, which face each other in the Y direction (width direction), no gap that would allow the adhesive 118 to penetrate into the space S3 is formed.

[0214] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the gap D1 formed in front of the insertion portion 3134 is closed by the cross wall portion 3132. In this manner, the intrusion of the adhesive 118 into the interior (into the space S3 in which the contact device 30 is housed) can be suppressed by the cross wall portion 3132 and the base 110, which face each other in the Z direction (up and down direction).

[0215] In other words, the adhesive 118 applied within the adhesive storage space S6 is allowed to penetrate into the gap D1 formed between the insertion hole 116 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116, but is prevented from penetrating into the area where the outer surface of the intersecting wall portion 3132 faces the inner surface 110c of the base 110.

[0216] In addition, when a gap is formed between the outer surface of the intersecting wall portion 3132 and the inner surface 110c of the base 110, the size of the gap can be set appropriately taking into account the viscosity of the adhesive 118 used, etc.

[0217] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 1 according to this embodiment includes an inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 118 that has flowed into the gap D1. In this embodiment, the cross wall portion 3132 formed on the terminal portion 313 functions as the inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 118 that has flowed into the gap D1.

[0218] This makes it possible to prevent the adhesive 118 from penetrating into the inside even when using terminal portion 313 that forms gap D1 between it and insertion hole 116. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the contact and separation action of the contacts from being hindered and to more firmly fix terminal portion 313 to base 110 (case 10).

[0219] Therefore, it is not necessary to change the size of the insertion hole 116 depending on the thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 fixed to the base 110 (case 10). As a result, the base 110 (case 10) can be standardized. That is, it becomes possible to fix the terminal portion 313 of contact portions of various thicknesses to the base 110 (case 10) without replacing the base 110 (case 10).

[0220] Also in this embodiment, when the terminal portion 313 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10), the terminal portion 313 is prevented from being displaced relative to the base 110 (case 10).

[0221] Specifically, a positioning portion is provided on a contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having a terminal portion 313 fixed to the base 110 (case 10).

[0222] In this embodiment, an inner wall (vertical wall: wall portion) 115 is provided on the base 110 (case 10), and a press-fit space S7 defined by the vertical walls (wall portions) such as this inner wall 115 and the upper peripheral wall 112 is formed within the case 10.

[0223] Then, a press-fit protrusion 314 is provided on the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313, and the portion where this press-fit protrusion 314 is formed is press-fitted into the press-fit space S7, so that the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is held by the base 110. In this way, when the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is held by the base 110, the insertion portion 3134 of the terminal portion 313 is arranged at a predetermined position within the insertion hole 116.

[0224] In this embodiment, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed so as to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the main body portion 312. That is, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed on a surface 312a (rear surface: first surface: surface facing the movable contact 321) on which the fixed contact 311 is present in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313.

[0225] In this embodiment, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed by dowel processing the main body portion 312, but this method is not limited to this, and the press-fit protrusion can be formed by various methods.

[0226] Furthermore, the positioning portion formed in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is not limited to a press-fit protrusion, but can also be, for example, a recess or slit that engages with a protrusion formed in the vertical wall (inner wall 115, etc.) of the base 110 (case 10).

[0227] In this embodiment, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed on the surface (rear surface: first surface: surface facing the movable contact 321) 312a on which the fixed contact 311 is located in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313, but it is also possible to use the same structure as in the first embodiment.

[0228] That is, the press-fit protrusion 314 can be formed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the main body portion 312 (see FIG. 19). In FIG. 19, the press-fit protrusion 314 is formed on a surface 312b (front surface: second surface: surface opposite to the side facing the movable contact 321) opposite to a surface 312a on which the fixed contact 311 is present in the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313.

[0229] In this way, even if the plate thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 is changed, by adjusting the protrusion amount of the press-fit protrusion 314, the fixed contact 311 can be held in the same position on the base 110. As a result, it is not necessary to change the spring load of the hinge spring 260 depending on the plate thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313. Therefore, it is possible to form various types of electromagnetic relays 1 with different current-carrying capacities simply by changing the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313.

[0230] Furthermore, when a fixed contact portion 310 is used in which the plate thickness (thickness in the X direction) of the terminal portion 313 is greater than the width in the short direction (length in the X direction) of the insertion hole 123, it can be fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with adhesive 118 by configuring it as shown in Figure 20.

[0231] Specifically, terminal portion 313 includes wide portion 3135 located on the base side, and narrow portion 3136 connected to the tip side of wide portion 3135 and narrower than wide portion 3135. In this case, narrow portion 3136 has a thickness (thickness in the X direction) that is smaller than the width of insertion hole 116 in the short side direction (length in the X direction).

[0232] The narrow width portion 3136 of the terminal portion 313 having this shape is adapted to be inserted into the insertion hole 116. Therefore, in Fig. 20, the portion of the narrow width portion 3136 that is arranged in the insertion hole 116 is the insertion portion 3134 that faces the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 when the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116.

[0233] A gap D1 is formed between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116.

[0234] Furthermore, in FIG. 20, the narrow width portion 3136 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 in a state where it is positioned on the rear side in the X direction (front-rear direction) within the insertion hole 116.

[0235] In other words, the narrow portion 3136 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 so that the distance between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 is different on one side and the other side in a second direction (X direction: front-to-back direction: thickness direction of the main body portion 312) that intersects with a first direction (Z direction: up-down direction) in which the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116.

[0236] Furthermore, in FIG. 20, no gap is formed between the outer surface 3134a facing the rear side of the insertion portion 3314 and the inner surface 116c facing the front side of the insertion hole 116, which would allow the adhesive 118 to penetrate into the space S3.

[0237] In this way, in FIG. 20, the gap D1 into which the adhesive 118 can enter is formed only on the front side of the insertion portion 3134.

[0238] 20, when the insertion portion 3134 of the narrow width portion 3136 is disposed in the insertion hole 116 so as to be fixed to the base 110 (case 10), the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 facing the front side in the X direction (front-rear direction) does not come into contact with the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116. In other words, a continuous gap D1 is formed from the outer opening 116a to the inner opening 116b on the front side of the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0239] The gap D1 formed forward of the insertion portion 3134 is closed by the outer surface 3135a of the wide portion 3135 that is connected to and intersects the outer surface 3136a of the narrow portion 3136. Specifically, the front end of the wide portion 3135 is placed on the inner surface 110c of the base 110 that is connected to the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116. This prevents a gap from being formed between the outer surface 3135a of the wide portion 3135 and the inner surface 110c of the base 110 that face each other in the Z direction (up and down direction), and prevents the adhesive 118 from penetrating to the base side.

[0240] Thus, in Figure 20, the wide portion 3135 is positioned to cover the inner opening 116b of the insertion hole 116 and faces the inner surface 110c of the base 110 (case 10) that is connected to the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116.

[0241] 20, the width of the terminal portion 313 in the Y direction (width direction) is formed to be approximately the same as the width of the insertion hole 116 in the Y direction (width direction). That is, between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116, which face each other in the Y direction (width direction), no gap that would allow the adhesive 118 to penetrate into the space S3 is formed.

[0242] 20, the gap D1 formed in front of the insertion portion 3134 is closed by the wide portion 3135. In this way, the wide portion 3135 and the base 110, which face each other in the Z direction (up and down direction), can prevent the adhesive 118 from entering the inside (into the space S3 in which the contact device 30 is housed).

[0243] That is, the adhesive 118 applied in the adhesive storage space S6 is allowed to penetrate into the gap D1 formed between the insertion hole 116 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116, but is prevented from penetrating into the area where the outer surface 3135a of the wide portion 3135 faces the inner surface 110c of the base 110.

[0244] In addition, when a gap is formed between the outer surface 3135a of the wide portion 3135 and the inner surface 110c of the base 110, the size of the gap can be set appropriately taking into account the viscosity of the adhesive 118 used, etc.

[0245] In this way, the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in Fig. 20 is provided with an inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 118 that has flowed into the gap D1 to the inside. In Fig. 20, the outer surface 3135a of the wide portion 3135 formed on the terminal portion 313 functions as the inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 118 that has flowed into the gap D1 to the inside.

[0246] Although FIG. 20 shows a straight type fixed contact portion 310 in which the terminal portion 313 is not bent, the fixed contact portion 310 may have a bent terminal portion 313.

[0247] The configuration shown in FIG. 20 can also be applied to the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0248] Furthermore, when a fixed contact portion 310 is used in which the terminal portion 313 is a straight type that is not bent and the plate thickness (thickness in the X direction) of the terminal portion 313 is smaller than the width in the short direction (length in the X direction) of the insertion hole 123, it can be fixed to the base 110 (case 10) with adhesive 118 by configuring it as shown in Figure 21.

[0249] Specifically, the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 in a state where it is positioned on the front side in the X direction (front-rear direction) inside the insertion hole 116.

[0250] That is, the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116 so that the distance between the outer surface 3134a of the insertion portion 3134 and the inner surface 116c of the insertion hole 116 is different on one side and the other side in a second direction (X direction: front-to-back direction: thickness direction of the main body portion 312) that intersects with a first direction (Z direction: up-down direction) in which the terminal portion 313 is inserted into the insertion hole 116.

[0251] Furthermore, in FIG. 21, no gap is formed between the outer surface 3134a facing the front of the insertion portion 3314 and the inner surface 116c facing the rear of the insertion hole 116, allowing the adhesive 118 to penetrate into the space S3.

[0252] 21, the gap D1 into which the adhesive 118 can enter is formed only behind the insertion portion 3134. At this time, a gap D1 that is continuous from the outer opening 116a to the inner opening 116b is formed behind the insertion portion 3134 in the X direction (front-rear direction).

[0253] 21. When the cover (second case) 120 is attached to the base (first case) 110, the tip (lower end) of the inner wall 126 formed on the cover 120 is inserted into the gap D1. That is, the cover (second case) 120 in FIG. 21 has the inner wall 126 formed thereon, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 116 when the cover (second case) 120 is fixed to the base (first case) 110.

[0254] The tip (lower end) of the inner wall 126 inserted into the gap D1 functions as an inflow suppression portion 40 that suppresses the inflow of the adhesive 118 that has flowed into the gap D1 toward the inside.

[0255] This makes it possible to prevent the adhesive 118 from penetrating into the inside, even when using a straight-type fixed contact portion 310 having a terminal portion 313 that forms a gap D1 between it and the insertion hole 116. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the contact and separation action of the contact from being hindered, and to more firmly fix the terminal portion 313 to the base 110 (case 10).

[0256] Therefore, it is not necessary to change the size of the insertion hole 116 depending on the thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 fixed to the base 110 (case 10). As a result, the base 110 (case 10) can be standardized. That is, it becomes possible to fix the terminal portion 313 of contact portions of various thicknesses to the base 110 (case 10) without replacing the base 110 (case 10).

[0257] In the configuration shown in FIG. 21, the cover 120 needs to be replaced depending on the thickness of the contact portion (fixed contact portion 310) having the terminal portion 313 fixed to the base 110 (case 10).

[0258] Also in FIG. 21, when the terminal portion 313 is fixed to the base 110 (case 10), the terminal portion 313 is prevented from being displaced relative to the base 110 (case 10).

[0259] Specifically, a positioning portion is provided on an inner wall 126 formed on the cover 120. In Fig. 21, a press-fit protrusion 126a serving as a positioning portion is formed so as to protrude forward from the front surface of the inner wall 126. Note that Fig. 21 illustrates an example in which the press-fit protrusion 126a is formed on the inner wall 126 that functions as the inflow suppression portion 40, but it is also possible to form the press-fit protrusion 126a on an inner wall 126 that is provided separately from the inner wall 126 that functions as the inflow suppression portion 40. Furthermore, the positioning portion formed on the inner wall 126 is not limited to the press-fit protrusion 126a, and may be a recess, a slit, or the like.

[0260] 21 can also be applied to the electromagnetic relay 1 shown in the first embodiment. In this case, the lower cover 122 serves as a first case, and the base 110 serves as a second case.

[0261] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the characteristic configurations of the electromagnetic relays shown in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0262] (1) An electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment includes a first contact, a second contact that moves relative to the first contact and can be brought into and out of contact with the first contact, and a case that houses the first and second contacts. The electromagnetic relay also includes a terminal that is electrically connected to the first and second contacts when the first and second contacts are in contact with each other, an insertion hole formed in the case and into which the terminal is inserted, and an adhesive fixing portion that is formed by hardening an adhesive applied to the outer surface of the case and fixes the terminal to the case. The electromagnetic relay also includes a gap that is formed between the outer surface of the terminal and the surface of the case facing the outer surface of the terminal when the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole, and an inflow suppression portion that suppresses the adhesive that has flowed into the gap from flowing inward.

[0263] In this way, by fixing the terminal portion to the case using an adhesive, the terminal portion can be fixed to the case more firmly.

[0264] Furthermore, by providing an inflow suppression section that suppresses the inflow of adhesive that has flowed into the gap into the inside, the infiltration of pre-hardened adhesive into the inside of the case is suppressed, thereby more reliably preventing the contact opening and closing operation from being obstructed.

[0265] That is, it is possible to obtain an electromagnetic relay that can more reliably prevent the operation from being hindered and can more firmly fix the terminal portion.

[0266] Furthermore, even if a gap is formed between the outer surface of the terminal portion and the surface of the case facing the outer surface of the terminal portion, by being able to prevent the adhesive from penetrating into the inside of the case before it hardens, it is possible to fix contact portions of various thicknesses to the case without having to replace the case to which the terminal portion is fixed.

[0267] (2) In the electromagnetic relay of (1), the terminal may include a cross wall extending in a second direction that crosses a first direction in which the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole. The cross wall may serve as the inflow suppression portion.

[0268] In this way, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved simply by deforming the shape of the terminal portion, making it easier to obtain an electromagnetic relay that can more firmly fix the terminal portion while more reliably preventing operation from being hindered.

[0269] For example, by appropriately setting the size of the cross wall portion according to the thickness of the terminal portion, it becomes possible to fix contact portions of various thicknesses to the case without having to replace the case to which the terminal portion is fixed.

[0270] (3) In addition, in the electromagnetic relay of (2) above, the cross wall portion may be at least partially disposed within the insertion hole, and may include a wall portion that, when viewed along a third direction that intersects the first and second directions, passes through the center of the insertion hole in the second direction and intersects with a center line extending in the first direction.

[0271] This prevents the cross wall portion from being positioned in the insertion hole in a state where it is biased to one side in the second direction, which increases the area in the insertion hole where the cross wall portion exists in a plan view of the insertion hole, thereby more reliably preventing the adhesive from entering.

[0272] (4) In addition, in the electromagnetic relay of (2) or (3) above, the cross wall portion may be arranged to cover the inner opening of the insertion hole and may have a wall portion facing the inner surface of the case connected to the inner surface of the insertion hole.

[0273] This allows the inner opening of the insertion hole to be covered by the cross wall portion, making it possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive from penetrating inside.

[0274] (5) In the electromagnetic relay of any one of (1) to (4), the terminal portion may include a wide portion located on the base side and a narrow portion connected to the tip side of the wide portion and narrower than the wide portion. The outer surface of the wide portion connected to the outer surface of the narrow portion in a state intersecting with the outer surface of the narrow portion may serve as the inflow suppression portion.

[0275] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the contacts from interfering with the closing and opening of the contacts, even when a contact part whose plate thickness is greater than the width of the insertion hole is used, and to more firmly securely fix the terminal part to the case, thereby making it possible to accommodate electromagnetic relays that handle large currents without having to replace the case to which the terminal part is fixed.

[0276] (6) In the electromagnetic relay of any one of (1) to (5) above, the terminal may have an insertion portion that faces an inner surface of the insertion hole when the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole, and the distance between the outer surface of the insertion portion and the inner surface of the insertion hole may be different on one side and the other side of a second direction that intersects with a first direction in which the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0277] In this way, it is only necessary to form the inflow suppression portion on the side where the distance between the outer surface of the insertion portion and the inner surface of the insertion hole is wider, making it easier to obtain an electromagnetic relay that can more reliably prevent operation from being obstructed while more firmly fixing the terminal portion.

[0278] (7) Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay of any one of (1) to (6) above may be configured to include a first contact portion having a first contact and a second contact portion having a second contact. At least one of the first contact portion and the second contact portion may have a terminal portion, and the contact portion having the terminal portion may have a contact portion formed with a positioning portion that suppresses positional deviation of the contact portion.

[0279] This makes it possible to prevent the terminal from shifting its position when fixing the terminal, whose thickness is smaller than the width of the insertion hole, to the case, and also to prevent the intrusion of adhesive that occurs due to the terminal being shifted.

[0280] (8) In the electromagnetic relay of (7) above, the positioning portion may be a press-fit protrusion.

[0281] This makes it possible to form the positioning portion more easily.

[0282] (9) In the electromagnetic relay of (8) above, the press-fit protrusion may be formed on a surface of the contact portion having the terminal portion opposite to a surface on which the first contact or the second contact is present.

[0283] In this way, even if the plate thickness of the contact part having the terminal part is changed, the fixed contact can be held in the case with the position of the fixed contact kept the same by adjusting the protrusion amount of the press-fit protrusion. As a result, it is no longer necessary to change the spring load of the hinge spring depending on the plate thickness of the contact part having the terminal part, and it becomes easier to accommodate terminals of various plate thicknesses.

[0284] (10) In the electromagnetic relay of any one of (1) to (9), the case may include a first case to which the terminal portion is fixed and a second case fixed to the first case. The second case may have an inner wall formed thereon that is disposed in a position corresponding to the insertion hole when the second case is fixed to the first case. The inner wall formed on the second case may serve as the inflow suppression portion.

[0285] In this way, even when a straight type fixed contact part with an unbent terminal part is used, contact parts of various thicknesses can be fixed to the case without changing the case to which the terminal part is fixed.

[0286] (11) In the electromagnetic relay of (11) above, the second case may have an inner wall on which a positioning portion is formed that can abut against a contact portion having a terminal portion when the second case is fixed to the first case.

[0287] This makes it possible to prevent the straight-type fixed contact, whose thickness is smaller than the width of the insertion hole, from shifting its position when it is fixed to the case, and also to prevent the intrusion of adhesive caused by the contact being shifted.

[0288] [others] The electromagnetic relay according to the present disclosure has been described above, but it is not limited to this description, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0289] For example, it is possible to appropriately combine the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and their modifications.

[0290] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and their modified examples, the contact portion having the terminal portion is exemplified as a fixed contact portion, but the contact portion having the terminal portion may be a movable contact portion, or both the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion may be contact portions having terminal portions.

[0291] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and the modified examples, the terminal portion has one cross wall portion, but the terminal portion may have a plurality of cross wall portions.

[0292] In addition, in each of the above embodiments and their variations, examples are given of an arrangement in which the outer surface of the insertion portion facing in the forward / backward direction does not abut against the inner surface of the insertion hole, but it is also possible to configure the insertion portion so that a portion of the outer surface facing in the forward / backward direction abuts against the inner surface of the insertion hole.

[0293] Furthermore, the number of fixed contact portions and movable contact portions is not limited to those shown in the above embodiments and their modifications, and various numbers may be used.

[0294] In addition, the drive unit, contact device, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0295] 1 Electromagnetic relay 10 cases 123 Insertion hole 123c inner surface 124 adhesive fixing part (adhesive 125 hardened: sealing part) 125 Adhesive 311 Fixed contact (1st contact) 313 Terminal portion (contact portion on which a positioning portion 314 for suppressing misalignment is formed) 3132 Cross wall 3134 Insertion part 314 Press-fit protrusion (positioning part) 321 Movable contact (second contact) 40 Inflow control section C1 center line D1 void X Anteroposterior direction (second direction) Y Width direction (third direction) Z Vertical direction (first direction)

Claims

1. A first contact point; a second contact point that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first contact point; a terminal portion electrically connected to the first contact point and the second contact point when the first contact point and the second contact point are in contact with each other; a case having an insertion hole into which the terminal portion is inserted and accommodating the first contact and the second contact; Equipped with The terminal portion is a tip portion having an insertion portion to be inserted into the insertion hole and extending downward from the case; a cross wall portion disposed in the case and bent from the tip portion; and The insertion portion is The first page and a second surface located on the back side of the first surface; and At an outer opening of the insertion hole located outside the case, a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is larger than a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, The intersecting wall portion is bent from the tip portion in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The case further includes an adhesive applied to the insertion portion so as to contact the case and the insertion portion. The cross wall portion passes through a position overlapping with the insertion hole.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. a gap is formed between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion; 2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

4. The case further includes an adhesive applied to the insertion portion so as to contact the case and the insertion portion. The cross wall portion passes through a position overlapping with the insertion hole, the gap is located between the cross wall and the adhesive; 4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3.

5. A first contact point; a second contact point that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first contact point; a terminal portion electrically connected to the first contact point and the second contact point when the first contact point and the second contact point are in contact with each other; a case having an insertion hole into which the terminal portion is inserted and accommodating the first contact and the second contact; Equipped with The terminal portion is a tip portion extending downward from the case; a cross wall portion positioned above the tip portion, bent from the tip portion, and inserted into the insertion hole; and The insertion portion, which is a portion inserted into the insertion hole of the cross wall portion, The first page and a second surface located on the back side of the first surface; and At an outlet of the insertion hole provided in the case, a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is larger than a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, At an entrance of the insertion hole, a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the first surface and the first surface of the insertion portion is smaller than a distance between an inner surface of the insertion hole facing the second surface and the second surface of the insertion portion, The intersecting wall portion is bent from the tip portion in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. Electromagnetic relay.

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