Electromagnetic relays

Abstract

This electromagnetic relay comprises: an excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized; a shaft (60) that passes through a center hole; one end-side movable sections (23); one end-side fixed sections (21, 22) that face the one end-side movable sections; a plurality of other end-side movable sections (43, 53); and a plurality of other end-side fixed sections (41, 42, 51, 52) that face the other end-side movable sections. As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other-end side toward the one-end side, the one end-side movable sections move in the first direction so that the one end-side movable sections are electrically connected to the one end-side fixed sections. As the shaft moves in a second direction from the one-end side toward the other-end side, the plurality of other end-side movable sections move in the second direction so that the plurality of other end-side movable sections are electrically connected to the plurality of other end-side fixed sections.

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022 - 199675 filed in Japan on December 14, 2022, the content of the base application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The disclosure described in this specification relates to electromagnetic relays.

Background Art

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electromagnetic relay having two contact devices and one electromagnet device. Each contact device has a fixed terminal having a pair of fixed contacts and a movable part having a pair of movable contacts. The two contact devices are arranged side by side at a distance in the vertical direction. The electromagnet device is arranged between one contact device and another contact device. The electromagnet device includes a first movable core fixed to a first shaft provided above and extending in the vertical direction, a second movable core fixed to a second shaft provided below and extending in the vertical direction, and an exciting coil.

[0004] When the exciting coil is energized, the electromagnet device moves the first shaft upward and the second shaft downward simultaneously by the magnetic field generated in the exciting coil. The first movable contact moves between a closed position where it contacts the first fixed contact and an open position where it separates from the first fixed contact in response to the movement of the first movable core. The second movable contact moves between a closed position where it contacts the second fixed contact and an open position where it separates from the second fixed contact in response to the movement of the second movable core.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In electromagnetic relays equipped with multiple contact devices, it was necessary to prepare shafts according to the number of movable contacts.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that does not require the preparation of a shaft according to the number of movable parts.

[0008] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of this disclosure is An excitation coil that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft extending in the axial direction, with one end in the axial direction and the other end in the axial direction exposed from the central hole of the excitation coil, A movable part at one end, which is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, It is provided at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable part at one end, and has a fixed part at one end facing the movable part at one end, Multiple other-end movable parts are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed parts on the other end that are located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable parts on the other end, and that are opposite to the plurality of movable parts on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other, multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, and these multiple movable parts on the other end are electrically connected to multiple fixed parts on the other end. 、 Furthermore, the device is provided with an electrically insulating plate-shaped insulating member (32) in which multiple other-end movable parts are provided at a distance from each other such distance that electrical insulation can be maintained, and through holes (32A) for passing a shaft are formed at positions equal in distance from the centers (43A, 53A) of each other-end movable part. As the shaft moves in the second direction, the insulating member moves in the second direction, causing multiple movable parts on the other end and multiple fixed parts on the other end to come into contact. When the excitation coil is energized, the electromagnetic force causes multiple movable parts on the other end to move to a position where they come into contact with multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, a movable yoke (80) is fixed to the shaft and can move axially with the shaft, A fixed yoke (70) is positioned axially alongside the movable yoke and restricts the movement of the movable yoke in a second direction, with its axial position defined at the other end of the movable yoke. A one-end contact pressure spring (130) is provided around the shaft between the one-end movable part and the movable yoke, A return spring (150) is provided around the shaft between the movable yoke and the fixed yoke, and further comprises, The first biasing force in the first direction due to the return spring compresses the contact spring at one end of the movable yoke, The second biasing force of the contact pressure spring at one end, directed in the first direction, causes the movable part at one end to contact the fixed part at the other end. Furthermore, an electromagnetic relay according to another aspect of this disclosure is, An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil such that one end (61) and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, It is provided at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable part at one end, and the fixed part at one end (21, 22) is facing the movable part at one end, Multiple other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed parts (41, 42, 51, 52) located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable parts on the other end, and facing the plurality of movable parts on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other, multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, and these multiple movable parts on the other end are electrically connected to multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, it is equipped with two excitation coils, The two excitation coils are arranged axially around the shaft so that their central holes are in communication with each other. When current is supplied to the other-end excitation coil (400), which is one of the two excitation coils, the electromagnetic force directed in the second direction causes multiple other-end movable parts to move to a position where they come into contact with multiple other-end fixed parts. Furthermore, an electromagnetic relay according to another aspect of this disclosure is, An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil such that one end (61) and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, It is provided at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable part at one end, and the fixed part at one end (21, 22) is facing the movable part at one end, Multiple other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed parts (41, 42, 51, 52) located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable parts on the other end, and facing the plurality of movable parts on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other, multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, and these multiple movable parts on the other end are electrically connected to multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, a movable yoke (80) is fixed to the shaft and can move axially with the shaft, A fixed yoke (270) at one end, positioned axially alongside the movable yoke, restricts the movement of the movable yoke in a first direction, and its axial position is defined at one end of the movable yoke. It comprises a permanent magnet (300) with a south pole (310) and a north pole (320) magnetized in the radial direction, It is equipped with two excitation coils, A permanent magnet is placed between the two excitation coils. The two excitation coils are arranged axially around the shaft so that their central holes are in communication with each other. When multiple movable parts on the other end and multiple fixed parts on the other end are in contact, a gap (83) is provided between the fixed yoke on one end and the movable yoke.

[0009] An electromagnetic relay can be provided in which a shaft is shared for one end-side movable part and a plurality of other end-side movable parts. Since it is not necessary to prepare the number of shafts corresponding to the number of movable parts, an increase in the number of parts is suppressed.

[0012] Note that the reference numbers in parentheses in the appended claims merely indicate the correspondence with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1]This is an electrical circuit diagram of a power conversion device that uses electromagnetic relays. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in the first embodiment when it is not energized. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay when energized in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the fixed part at one end. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the contact state between the fixed part at one end and the movable part at the other end. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the fixing part on the other end. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the contact state between the fixed part at the other end and the movable part at the other end. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in the second embodiment when it is not energized. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay in the second embodiment, with the excitation coil at one end energized. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in the second embodiment, with the other end excitation coil energized. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in its initial state according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of a permanent magnet. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of a permanent magnet. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in series connection according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in series connection according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in parallel connection in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in parallel connection in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an electrical circuit diagram of the power converter in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following describes several embodiments for implementing this disclosure with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in a preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other embodiments described in a preceding embodiment may be applied to the remaining parts of the configuration.

[0015] Furthermore, not only are combinations of parts explicitly shown as being combinable in each embodiment possible, but it is also possible to partially combine embodiments with each other, embodiments with modified versions, and modified versions with each other, even if not explicitly shown, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0016] (First Embodiment) The electromagnetic relay 10 is a device that intermittently supplies power to a specified device. The electromagnetic relay 10 is sometimes referred to as a relay. The electromagnetic relay 10 is used, for example, in an inverter 4 that converts power from batteries 2A and 2B to DC-AC and supplies it to a drive motor 5 mounted on a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle. Figure 1 is an electrical circuit diagram of a power conversion device 1 in which the electromagnetic relay 10 is used. The electromagnetic relay 10 is located between batteries 2A and 2B and the inverter 4.

[0017] The electromagnetic relay 10 includes a series circuit contact device 20 and a parallel circuit contact device 30. The parallel circuit contact device 30 includes a first parallel circuit contact device 40 and a second parallel circuit contact device 50. Batteries 2A and 2B include a first battery 2A and a second battery 2B. The series circuit contact device 20 is provided between the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B. The negative terminal of the first battery 2A is connected to the first fixed part 21 of the series circuit contact device 20 via a first connecting wire 6. The positive terminal of the second battery 2B is connected to the second fixed part 22 of the series circuit contact device 20 via a second connecting wire 7. When the series circuit contact device 20 is turned on, the first movable part 23 of the series circuit contact device 20 contacts the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. As a result, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in series.

[0018] Furthermore, the positive terminal of the first battery 2A is connected to the inverter 4 via the positive terminal busbar 8. The negative terminal of the second battery 2B is connected to the inverter 4 via the negative terminal busbar 9. A smoothing capacitor 3 may be connected between the positive terminal busbar 8 and the negative terminal busbar 9.

[0019] Furthermore, a first parallel circuit contact device 40 is provided between the first connecting wiring 6 and the negative busbar 9. The first connecting wiring 6 and the third fixed part 41 of the first parallel circuit contact device 40 are connected via the third connecting wiring 11. The fourth fixed part 42 of the first parallel circuit contact device 40 and the negative busbar 9 are connected via the fourth connecting wiring 12. When the first parallel circuit contact device 40 is turned on, the second movable part 43 of the first parallel circuit contact device 40 makes contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. Consequently, the first connecting wiring 6 and the negative busbar 9 are electrically connected.

[0020] Similarly, a second parallel circuit contact device 50 is provided between the second connecting wiring 7 and the positive busbar 8. The second connecting wiring 7 and the fifth fixed part 51 of the second parallel circuit contact device 50 are connected via the fifth connecting wiring 13. The fifth fixed part 51 of the second parallel circuit contact device 50 and the positive busbar 8 are connected via the sixth connecting wiring 14. When the second parallel circuit contact device 50 is turned on, the third movable part 53 of the second parallel circuit contact device 50 makes contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. Consequently, the second connecting wiring 7 and the positive busbar 8 are electrically connected.

[0021] Furthermore, the power converter 1 includes a control device 1A that can detect the driving mode and charging mode and control the on / off state of the series circuit contact device 20 and the parallel circuit contact device 30 according to the mode. For example, when the control device 1A detects that the vehicle is in driving mode or high-voltage rapid charging mode, it controls the series circuit contact device 20 to the ON state and the parallel circuit contact device 30 to the OFF state. In other words, when the control device 1A detects that the vehicle is in driving mode or high-voltage rapid charging mode, it controls the series circuit contact device 20 to the ON state and the parallel circuit contact device 30 to the Open state. That is, when the vehicle is in driving mode or high-voltage rapid charging mode, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in series.

[0022] As another example, when the control device 1A detects that the vehicle is in a low-voltage rapid charging mode, it controls the series circuit contact device 20 to the OFF state and the parallel circuit contact device 30 to the ON state. In other words, when the control device 1A detects that the vehicle is in a low-voltage rapid charging mode, it controls the series circuit contact device 20 to the OFF state and the parallel circuit contact device 30 to the ON state. That is, when the vehicle is in a low-voltage rapid charging mode, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in parallel.

[0023] Furthermore, each mode occurs at a different time. Each mode does not occur at the same time. The series circuit contact device 20 and the parallel circuit contact device 30 will never be in the ON state at the same time. The series circuit contact device 20 and the parallel circuit contact device 30 will never be in the OFF state at the same time.

[0024] The control device 1A described above is an electronic control unit. The control device 1A provides a control system for the power converter 1. The control system includes at least one arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and at least one memory device as a storage medium for storing programs and data. The control system is provided by a microcomputer equipped with a storage medium readable by a computer.

[0025] The storage medium is a non-transitional, tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program readable by a computer. The storage medium may be provided by semiconductor memory or magnetic disks, etc. The control system may be provided by a single computer or a set of computer resources linked by a data communication device. The program, by being executed by the control system, causes the control system to function as the device described in this specification and to function to perform the methods described in this specification.

[0026] The means and / or functions provided by a control system can be provided by software recorded in a physical memory device and the computer that runs it, by software only, by hardware only, or by a combination thereof. For example, a control system can be provided by logic known as if-then-else form, or by a neural network tuned by machine learning. Alternatively, for example, if the control system is provided by electronic circuitry, which is hardware, it can be provided by digital circuitry containing numerous logic circuits, or by analog circuitry.

[0027] <Mechanical structure of an electromagnetic relay> The electromagnetic relay 10 comprises a series circuit contact device 20, a parallel circuit contact device 30, and an electromagnet device 190. The electromagnet device 190 comprises a shaft 60, a fixed yoke 70, a movable yoke 80, a magnetic circuit member 90, an excitation coil 100, a contact pressure spring 130 on one end, a contact pressure spring 140 on the other end, a return spring 150, a holding member 160, a base 170, and a power supply unit 180.

[0028] Hereafter, the axial direction of shaft 60 may be referred to as the X direction. Furthermore, one end in the axial direction may be referred to as X-. The other end in the axial direction may be referred to as X+. The direction from the other end X+ to the first end X- may be referred to as the first direction. The direction from one end X- to the other end X+ may be referred to as the second direction. Two mutually orthogonal directions perpendicular to the axial direction X may be referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. The Y direction may be referred to as the depth direction. The Z direction may be referred to as the height direction.

[0029] The Y direction corresponds to the direction in which the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are aligned. Furthermore, the side of the second movable part 43 may be referred to as the Y- direction. The side of the third movable part 53 may be referred to as the Y+ direction. The Z direction corresponds to the direction in which the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22, the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42, and the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 are aligned. Furthermore, the side of the first fixed part 21, the third fixed part 41, and the fifth fixed part 51 may be referred to as the Z+ direction. The side of the second fixed part 22, the fourth fixed part 42, and the sixth fixed part 52 may be referred to as the Z- direction.

[0030] Since the series circuit contact device 20 is provided on one end side X- with respect to the axial direction X of the shaft 60 described later, the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 may be referred to as the one-end fixed part. The first movable part 23 may be referred to as the one-end movable part. Since the parallel circuit contact device 30 is provided on the other end side X+ with respect to the axial direction X, the third fixed part 41, the fourth fixed part 42, the fifth fixed part 51, and the sixth fixed part 52 may be referred to as the other-end fixed part. The second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 may be referred to as the other-end movable part.

[0031] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 when it is not energized in the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 when it is energized in the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the fixed parts 21 and 22 on one end. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the contact state between the fixed parts 21 and 22 on one end and the movable part 23 on one end. Figure 6 is a plan view of the fixed parts 41, 42, 51 and 52 on the other end. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the contact state between the fixed parts 41, 42, 51 and 52 on the other end and the movable parts 43 and 53 on the other end.

[0032] The base 170 has a cylindrical shape, for example, with openings at both ends in the axial direction X. A series circuit contact device 20 is provided in the internal space of one end X- of the base 170. A parallel circuit contact device 30 is provided in the internal space of the other end X+ of the base 170. A first parallel circuit contact device 40 and a second parallel circuit contact device 50 are provided side by side in the Y direction in the internal space of the other end X+ of the base 170. A power supply unit 180 is provided on the side of the base 170 to switch between energizing and de-energizing the excitation coil 100. A shaft 60, a fixed yoke 70, a movable yoke 80, a magnetic circuit member 90, an excitation coil 100, a contact pressure spring 130 on one end, a contact pressure spring 140 on the other end, a return spring 150, and a retaining member 160 are provided in the internal space between the one end X- and the other end X+ of the base 170.

[0033] The series circuit contact device 20 comprises a first fixed part 21, a second fixed part 22, a first movable part 23, and a first case 24. The first case 24 is mainly made of a ceramic material. The first case 24 is a bottomed box shape with an internal space. The first case 24 is provided on one end side X- of the base 170 in such a manner that the internal space of the first case 24 communicates with the central internal space of the base 170. The first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 are provided at the bottom of the first case 24.

[0034] The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are made of conductive metal material. The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are provided at the bottom at a distance of HD in the height direction that allows for electrical insulation to be maintained. The first fixing part 21 is provided at an upward Z+ in the height direction HD. The second fixing part 22 is provided at a downward Z- in the height direction HD.

[0035] The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are metal terminals into which fastening members such as bolts can be inserted from the outside. Parts of the first fixing part 21 and part of the second fixing part 22 are exposed from the bottom. The remaining parts of the first fixing part 21 and the remaining parts of the second fixing part 22 are provided in the internal space of the first case 24.

[0036] The first movable part 23 is made of a conductive metal member. The first movable part 23 extends in the height direction HD and has a thin plate shape in the axial direction. The first movable part 23 is located at the other end X+ of the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 with respect to the axial direction X. In other words, the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 are located further away from the excitation coil 100 than the first movable part 23 with respect to the axial direction X. The first movable part 23 faces the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 with respect to the axial direction X.

[0037] Furthermore, the first movable part 23 is provided with a through hole 23A at its center in the height direction Z, through which the shaft 60 can pass. The diameter of the through hole 23A is set to be larger than the diameter of the shaft 60. Therefore, the first movable part 23 can slide along the shaft 60 in the axial direction X. In other words, the first movable part 23 is movable along the shaft 60 in the axial direction X.

[0038] The parallel circuit contact device 30 comprises a third fixed part 41, a fourth fixed part 42, a fifth fixed part 51, a sixth fixed part 52, a second movable part 43, a third movable part 53, a second case 31, and an insulating member 32. In other words, the parallel circuit contact device 30 comprises a first parallel circuit contact device 40, a second parallel circuit contact device 50, a second case 31, and an insulating member 32.

[0039] The second case 31 is mainly made of ceramic material. The second case 31 is a bottomed box shape with an internal space. The second case 31 is provided on the other end side X+ of the base 170 in such a manner that the internal space of the second case 31 communicates with the central internal space of the base 170. The bottom of the second case 31 is provided with a third fixing part 41, a fourth fixing part 42, a fifth fixing part 51, and a fifth fixing part 51. As an example, the third fixing part 41 and the fourth fixing part 42 are provided on the front side Y- with respect to the depth direction Y. The fifth fixing part 51 and the sixth fixing part 52 are provided on the back side Y+ with respect to the depth direction Y. The third fixing part 41 and the fifth fixing part 51 are provided on the upper side Z+ with respect to the height direction Z. The fourth fixing part 42 and the sixth fixing part 52 are provided on the lower side Z- with respect to the height direction Z.

[0040] The third fixing part 41, the fourth fixing part 42, the fifth fixing part 51, and the sixth fixing part 52 are made of conductive metal members. The third fixing part 41 and the fourth fixing part 42 are provided at the bottom at a distance in the height direction HD that allows for electrical insulation to be maintained. The fifth fixing part 51 and the sixth fixing part 52 are provided at the bottom at a distance in the height direction HD that allows for electrical insulation to be maintained. The third fixing part 41 and the fourth fixing part 42 are provided at the bottom at a distance in the depth direction that allows for electrical insulation to be maintained from the fifth fixing part 51 and the sixth fixing part 52.

[0041] The third fixing part 41, the fourth fixing part 42, the fifth fixing part 51, and the sixth fixing part 52 are metal terminals into which fastening members such as bolts can be inserted from the outside. Parts of the third fixing part 41, part of the fourth fixing part 42, part of the fifth fixing part 51, and part of the sixth fixing part 52 are exposed from the bottom. The remaining parts of the third fixing part 41, the remaining parts of the fourth fixing part 42, the remaining parts of the fifth fixing part 51, and the remaining parts of the sixth fixing part 52 are provided in the internal space of the second case 31.

[0042] The second movable part 43 is made of a conductive metal member. The second movable part 43 extends in the height direction HD and has a thin plate shape in the axial direction X. The second movable part 43 is located at one end X- toward the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 with respect to the axial direction X. In other words, the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 are located further away from the excitation coil 100 than the second movable part 43 with respect to the axial direction X. The second movable part 43 faces the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 with respect to the axial direction X.

[0043] The third movable part 53 is made of a conductive metal member. The third movable part 53 extends in the height direction HD and has a thin plate shape in the axial direction X. The third movable part 53 is located at one end X- toward the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 in the axial direction. In other words, the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 are located further away from the excitation coil 100 than the third movable part 53 in the axial direction X. The third movable part 53 faces the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 in the axial direction X.

[0044] Furthermore, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are positioned far enough apart in the depth direction Y to maintain electrical insulation. The second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are held by the insulating member 32 while separated in the depth direction Y. The insulating member 32 has a thin plate shape in the axial direction X. The second movable part 43 is provided on the front side Y- of the insulating member 32 in the depth direction Y. The third movable part 53 is provided on the back side Y+ of the insulating member 32 in the depth direction Y. The second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are held by the insulating member 32 on the front side Y- and the back side Y+ in the depth direction Y.

[0045] Furthermore, the insulating member 32 is provided with a through hole 32A through which the shaft 60 can pass. The diameter of the through hole 32A is set to be larger than the diameter of the shaft 60. Therefore, the insulating member 32 can slide along the shaft 60 in the axial direction. As described above, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are held in the insulating member 32. For this reason, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 can move along the shaft 60 in the axial direction X.

[0046] Furthermore, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are symmetrically arranged in the depth direction Y with respect to the through hole 32A. The distance between the height center 43A of the second movable part 43 and the through hole 32A, and the distance between the height center 53A of the third movable part 53 and the through hole 32A are equal. With respect to the depth direction Y, the height Z center 43A of the second movable part 43, the through hole 32A, and the height Z center 53A of the third movable part 53 are aligned in a straight line.

[0047] The shaft 60 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The first movable part 23 is passed through one end 61 of the shaft 60 in the axial direction X. The insulating member 32 is passed through the other end 62 of the shaft 60 in the axial direction X. One end 61 is the part on one end that has length in the axial direction X. The other end 62 is the part on the other end that has length in the axial direction X. A flange is provided on one end 61 to prevent the first movable part 23 from coming out. A flange is provided on the other end 62 to prevent the insulating member 32 from coming out. The shaft 60 is passed through the central hole 100A of the excitation coil 100 such that one end 61 and the other end 62 of the shaft 60 are exposed from the central hole 100A.

[0048] Furthermore, the movable yoke 80 and the retaining member 160 are fixed to the shaft 60. The movable yoke 80 is fixed to the shaft 60 at one end X- from the retaining member 160. In other words, the retaining member 160 is fixed to the shaft 60 at the other end X+ from the movable yoke 80. In addition, the fixed yoke 70, the excitation coil 100, the contact pressure spring 130 at one end, the contact pressure spring 140 at the other end, and the return spring 150 are passed through the shaft 60.

[0049] The first movable part 23 and the one-end contact pressure spring 130 are passed through the portion of the shaft 60 between the flange 61A on one end X- and the movable yoke 80. The return spring 150 and the fixed yoke 70 are passed through the portion of the shaft 60 between the movable yoke 80 and the retaining member 160. The other-end contact pressure spring 140 and the insulating member 32 are passed through the portion of the shaft 60 between the retaining member 160 and the flange 62A on the other end X+.

[0050] From the flange 61A at one end X- toward the flange 62A at the other end X+, the components are arranged in the following order: first movable part 23, one-end contact pressure spring 130, movable yoke 80, return spring 150, fixed yoke 70, holding member 160, other-end contact pressure spring 140, and insulating member 32. In addition, with respect to the radial direction of the shaft 60, a magnetic circuit member 90 and an excitation coil 100 are provided so as to overlap with the movable yoke 80, the return spring 150, and a portion of the fixed yoke 70.

[0051] First, let's describe the excitation coil 100. The excitation coil 100 is a coil that generates a magnetic field when current is passed through it. The excitation coil 100 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction X. The inner diameter of the excitation coil 100 forms a central hole 100A that penetrates in the axial direction. The movable yoke 80, the return spring 150, and a part of the fixed yoke 70 are provided in the central hole 100A.

[0052] The excitation coil 100 comprises a bobbin 111 and a conductor 112. The bobbin 111 is made of resin. The bobbin 111 has a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction X, and flange portions integrally formed at both ends of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction X. A central hole 100A is formed by the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion. The excitation coil 100 is formed by winding the conductor 112 around the outer shape of the bobbin 111. The conductor 112 is wound along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 111.

[0053] The magnetic circuit member 90 is formed by bending a strip of magnetic metal material. The magnetic circuit member 90 extends circumferentially so as to cover the central hole 100A of the excitation coil 100, with the magnetic metal strip material bent into a roughly U-shape toward one end X-. The magnetic circuit member 90, together with the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80, constitutes a magnetic circuit.

[0054] The fixed yoke 70 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction X, positioned within the central hole 100A of the excitation coil 100, and having a flange 71 on its other end X+. The fixed yoke 70 is sometimes also called a fixed core. The flange 71 of the fixed yoke 70 is fixed to the base 170, for example. This restricts the axial position of the fixed yoke 70. However, the fixed yoke 70 only needs to be configured in a way that restricts its movement in the axial direction X. The fixed yoke 70 is not limited to being fixed to the base 170.

[0055] The fixed yoke 70 is made of a magnetic metal material. The fixed yoke 70, together with the magnetic circuit member 90, is a component that constitutes a magnetic circuit. The shaft 60 is passed through the fixed yoke hole 70A formed by the inner diameter of the fixed yoke 70. The shaft 60 is movable in the axial direction X through the fixed yoke hole 70A.

[0056] A cylindrical recessed space, a recess 72, is formed at one end X- on the axial side X of the fixed yoke 70 for passing the return spring 150. An annular, continuous projection 73 is formed around the recess 72 to restrict the radial movement of the return spring 150.

[0057] The movable yoke 80 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction X, positioned within the central hole 100A of the excitation coil 100. The movable yoke 80 is sometimes referred to as the movable core. The movable yoke 80 is made of a magnetic metal material. Together with the fixed yoke 70 and the magnetic circuit member 90, the movable yoke 80 constitutes a magnetic circuit. A shaft 60 passes through the movable yoke hole 80A, formed by the inner diameter of the movable yoke 80. The movable yoke 80 is fixed to the shaft 60. The movable yoke 80 is movable in the axial direction X together with the shaft 60.

[0058] The movable yoke 80 is positioned opposite the fixed yoke 70 in the axial direction X via a return spring 150. The movable yoke 80 is magnetically connected to the fixed yoke 70 and the magnetic circuit member 90, and is attracted to the fixed yoke 70 along the axial direction X when the excitation coil 100 is energized. The movable yoke 80 is movable toward the fixed yoke 70 side together with the shaft 60 when the excitation coil 100 is energized. In other words, the movable yoke 80 is movable toward the other end X+ together with the shaft 60 when the excitation coil 100 is energized.

[0059] The one-end contact pressure spring 130 is provided between the first movable part 23 and the movable yoke 80 and is a spring member that can be compressed along the axial direction X. The one-end contact pressure spring 130 has a helical shape around the shaft 60, with the shaft 60 passing through its center. The other-end contact pressure spring 140 is provided in the recess 72 and is also provided between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80 and is a spring member that can be compressed along the axial direction X. The other-end contact pressure spring 140 has a helical shape around the shaft 60, with the shaft 60 passing through its center. The return spring 150 is provided between the holding member 160 and the insulating member 32 and is a spring member that can be compressed along the axial direction X. The return spring 150 has a helical shape around the shaft 60, with the shaft 60 passing through its center.

[0060] The retaining member 160 is fixed to the shaft 60 and holds the return spring 150 from one end X-. The retaining member 160 has a mortar shape with a bottom at one end X-. The return spring 150 is held in the internal space of the retaining member 160. The axial X and radial positions of the return spring 150 are restricted by the retaining member 160.

[0061] <Electromagnetic relay when not energized> When the excitation coil 100 is not energized from the power supply unit 180, the first movable part 23 is in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. In other words, when the excitation coil 100 is not energized from the power supply unit 180, the series circuit contact device 20 is in the ON state. When the excitation coil 100 is not energized from the power supply unit 180, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in series.

[0062] When not energized, the other end contact pressure spring 140 maintains its natural length, for example, between the retaining member 160 and the insulating member 32. The one end contact pressure spring 130 maintains a compressed state between the first movable part 23 and the movable yoke 80. The return spring 150 maintains a compressed state between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80.

[0063] As described above, the fixed yoke 70 is restricted to an axial position X. A return spring 150 is provided in a recess 72 of the fixed yoke 70. The return spring 150 is provided in a compressed state in the recess 72 so as to bias the movable yoke 80 from the other end X+ to the one end X-, i.e., in the first direction. The movable yoke 80 is pressed against the one-end contact pressure spring 130 by the first biasing force of the return spring 150. Consequently, an air gap 81 is created between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80.

[0064] The first movable part 23 receives a pressing force from the movable yoke 80 via the one-end contact pressure spring 130 and is pressed against the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The one-end contact pressure spring 130 is provided between the first movable part 23 and the movable yoke 80 to bias the first movable part 23 in a first direction. The first movable part 23 receives a second biasing force from the one-end contact pressure spring 130 that biases it in a first direction and is in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. In this way, the series circuit contact device 20 is in the ON state when no power is supplied.

[0065] <Electromagnetic relay when energized> When current is supplied from the power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 100, a magnetic circuit is formed via the fixed yoke 70, the movable yoke 80, and the magnetic circuit member 90. As described above, the conductor 112 is wound around the bobbin 111. The end of the conductor 112 is connected to the power supply unit 180. When current is supplied to the conductor 112 in a clockwise direction when viewed from one end side X-, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the upper side Z+ and a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the lower side Z- in a cross section cut by a plane perpendicular to the depth direction Y. Consequently, an electromagnetic force is generated acting from one end side X- to the other end side X+, i.e., in the second direction.

[0066] The shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 move toward the fixed yoke 70 in a second direction due to electromagnetic force. The shaft 60 moves in the second direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the fixed yoke 70. When the movable yoke 80 moves until it contacts the fixed yoke 70, the air gap 81 between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80 disappears. In addition, a retaining member 160 that holds the return spring 150 is fixed to the part of the shaft 60 that is X+ on the other end side of the fixed yoke 70.

[0067] As the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the retaining member 160 presses the return spring 150 and the second movable part 43 in the second direction. The second movable part 43 receives the pressing force from the retaining member 160 via the return spring 150 and is pressed against the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The second movable part 43 receives a biasing force from the return spring 150 that biases it in the second direction and comes into contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. In other words, as the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the second movable part 43 moves in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the second movable part 43 to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42.

[0068] At the same time, the third movable part 53 receives a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the return spring 150 and is pressed against the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The third movable part 53 receives a biasing force from the return spring 150 that biases it in the second direction and comes into contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. In other words, as the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the third movable part 53 moves in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the third movable part 53 to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in parallel.

[0069] In this embodiment, while the excitation coil 100 is energized from the power supply unit 180, the second movable part 43 remains in contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 remains in contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. While the excitation coil 100 is energized from the power supply unit 180, the parallel circuit contact device 30 remains in the ON state. While the excitation coil 100 is energized from the power supply unit 180, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B remain connected in parallel.

[0070] As described above, the distance between the through-hole 32A through which the shaft 60 passes and the center 43A in the height direction Z of the second movable part 43, and the distance between the through-hole 32A and the center 53A in the height direction Z of the third movable part 53 are equal. Therefore, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 receive equal biasing force from the return spring 150 passed through the shaft 60.

[0071] Pressure is applied evenly from the second movable part 43 to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. Pressure is applied evenly from the third movable part 53 to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The pressure from the second movable part 43 to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 is equal to the pressure from the third movable part 53 to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0072] Furthermore, when energized, the other end contact pressure spring 140 is maintained in a compressed state between the holding member 160 and the insulating member 32. The one end contact pressure spring 130 is maintained in a compressed state between the first movable part 23 and the movable yoke 80. The return spring 150 is maintained in a compressed state between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80.

[0073] When the energization from the power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 100 is switched off, the electromagnetic force acting in the second direction disappears. Then, the other end contact pressure spring 140, the return spring 150, and the one end contact pressure spring 130 each exert a biasing force in the first direction toward the adjacent object. The biasing force of the other end contact pressure spring 140 causes the shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 to move toward the first direction toward the fixed yoke 70. The shaft 60 moves toward the first direction until the retaining member 160 contacts the fixed yoke 70. When the retaining member 160 has moved toward the fixed yoke 70, the air gap 81 between the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80 disappears.

[0074] The movable yoke 80 is pressed against the one-end contact pressure spring 130 by the biasing force of the return spring 150. The first movable part 23 receives a pressing force from the movable yoke 80 via the one-end contact pressure spring 130 and is pressed against the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The first movable part 23 comes into contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. That is, as the shaft 60 moves in the first direction, the first movable part 23 moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the first movable part 23 to the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in series.

[0075] In electromagnetic relays different from this embodiment, a method was used in which a permanent magnet was placed near the fixed part of the opening / closing mechanism, which included a fixed part and a movable part, and the arc generated when the relay opened was interrupted by the force of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. However, this method required an arc extinguishing device using a permanent magnet in addition to the opening / closing mechanism, which required many parts. Furthermore, a complex design was required to extinguish the arc, which changes depending on the current value flowing between the contacts, and in some cases, it was necessary to make the electromagnetic relay larger.

[0076] On the other hand, the electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment is designed so that batteries 2A and 2B are connected in series when de-energized, and in parallel when energized. The electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment is, so to speak, specialized for switching between series and parallel circuits. That is, even when the fixed part and the movable part separate, the current flowing through the electromagnetic relay 10 is not interrupted. Therefore, in an electromagnetic relay 10 specialized for switching between series and parallel circuits, arc discharge is unlikely to occur, and there is no need to provide a special function to interrupt the arc. For this reason, the electromagnetic relay 10 does not have components such as arc-extinguishing magnets. In this respect, the number of parts in the electromagnetic relay 10 can be reduced. Note that the electromagnetic relay 10 is not limited to a configuration without components such as arc-extinguishing magnets. The electromagnetic relay 10 may have components such as arc-extinguishing magnets.

[0077] <Effects and Effects> The electromagnetic relay 10 comprises a series circuit contact device 20, a parallel circuit contact device 30, a shaft 60, and an excitation coil 100. The excitation coil 100 forms a magnetic field when energized. The shaft 60 extends in the axial direction X. The shaft 60 is passed through the central hole 100A such that one end 61 and the other end 62 in the axial direction X of the shaft 60 are exposed from the central hole 100A. The series circuit contact device 20 comprises a first fixed part 21, a second fixed part 22, and a first movable part 23.

[0078] The first movable part 23 is provided on one end side X- of the shaft 60. The first movable part 23 is movable in the axial direction X. The first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 are provided further away from the excitation coil 100 than the first movable part 23. The first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 face the first movable part 23. The second movable part 43 is provided on the other end side X+ of the shaft 60. The second movable part 43 is movable in the axial direction X.

[0079] The third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 are located further away from the excitation coil 100 than the second movable part 43. The third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 face the second movable part 43. The third movable part 53 is located on the other end side X+ of the shaft 60. The third movable part 53 is movable in the axial direction X. The fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 are located further away from the excitation coil 100 than the third movable part 53. The fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 face the third movable part 53.

[0080] As the shaft 60 moves in the first direction, the first movable part 23 moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the first movable part 23 to the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. As the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the second movable part 43 moves in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the second movable part 43 to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. As the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the third movable part 53 moves in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the third movable part 53 to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0081] In this embodiment, as the shaft 60 moves in the second direction due to the electromagnetic force of the magnetic field generated by energizing the excitation coil 100, the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 move in the second direction. When the excitation coil 100 is energized, the second movable part 43 is electrically connected to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 is electrically connected to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0082] As the current to the excitation coil 100 is interrupted, the shaft 60 moves in the first direction, causing the first movable part 23 to move in the first direction. The first movable part 23 is electrically connected to the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. For this operation, an electromagnetic relay 10 can be provided in which the shaft 60 is common to the first movable part 23, the second movable part 43, and the third movable part 53. Since it is not necessary to prepare a shaft 60 for each movable part, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed.

[0083] Unlike this embodiment, in a configuration where a shaft 60 is required for each movable part, it is necessary to provide excitation coils 100 around multiple shafts 60, which increases the external size of the excitation coils 100. Furthermore, problems arise such as an increase in the amount of conductors 112 used due to the occurrence of areas with poor magnetic efficiency between two shafts. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the excitation coil 100 is provided around a single shaft 60, the external size of the excitation coil 100 is suppressed. Also, the occurrence of areas with poor magnetic efficiency is suppressed. The number of parts can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved. As a result, cost reduction can also be expected.

[0084] The electromagnetic relay 10 is installed between the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B and switches between series and parallel connections between the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B. The first movable part 23 moves in the first direction and is electrically connected to the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22, thereby connecting the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B in series. The second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are electrically connected to the third fixed part 41, the fourth fixed part 42, the fifth fixed part 51, and the sixth fixed part 52, thereby connecting the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B in parallel.

[0085] The electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment is specialized for use in series-parallel switching circuits. In this application, the series circuit contact device 20, the first parallel circuit contact device 40, and the second parallel circuit contact device 50 will not be turned on simultaneously. By sharing the shaft 60 of the movable part of the three contact devices, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic relay 10 with a 3-in-1 structure that can be miniaturized and cost-effective by reducing the number of parts.

[0086] The distance between the through-hole 32A of the insulating member 32 and the center 43A of the second movable part 43, and the distance between the through-hole 32A and the center 53A of the third movable part 53 are equal. The second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 are subjected to equal biasing force from the return spring 150. The third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 are subjected to equal pressure from the second movable part 43. The fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 are subjected to equal pressure from the third movable part 53.

[0087] The pressure from the second movable part 43 to the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 is equal to the pressure from the third movable part 53 to the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. This suppresses variations in the pressure applied to the third fixed part 41, the fourth fixed part 42, the fifth fixed part 51, and the sixth fixed part 52. This also suppresses variations in electrical connections.

[0088] A movable yoke 80 is fixed to the shaft 60. The movable yoke 80 is movable axially X along with the shaft 60. A fixed yoke 70 is provided on the shaft 60 at the other end X+ of the movable yoke 80. The axial position X of the fixed yoke 70 is defined. The fixed yoke 70 restricts the movement of the movable yoke 80 in a second direction. A magnetic circuit member 90 is provided around the excitation coil 100. The magnetic circuit member 90, together with the fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80, constitutes a magnetic circuit.

[0089] When the excitation coil 100 is energized, an electromagnetic force acting in the second direction is generated. The electromagnetic force causes the shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 to move from one end X- to the other end X+ towards the fixed yoke 70. The shaft 60 moves in the second direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the fixed yoke 70. The second movable part 43 comes into contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 comes into contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0090] Furthermore, when the excitation coil 100 is not energized, the return spring 150 biases the movable yoke 80 in the first direction. The movable yoke 80 is pressed against the one-end contact pressure spring 130 by the biasing force of the return spring 150. The first movable part 23 is pressed against the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 by the pressing force from the movable yoke 80 via the one-end contact pressure spring 130. The one-end contact pressure spring 130 biases the first movable part 23 in the first direction. The first movable part 23 is in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22.

[0091] In this embodiment, the series circuit contact device 20 and the parallel circuit contact device 30 can be switched on and off by switching the excitation coil 100 between energizing and de-energizing. A single electromagnet device 190 can switch the series circuit contact device 20 and the parallel circuit contact device 30 on and off. This reduces the number of parts compared to configurations where an electromagnet device 190 is required for each contact device, and also allows for miniaturization and cost reduction. Furthermore, when the series circuit contact device 20 is in the ON state, the contact between the first movable part 23 and the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 is maintained by the biasing force of a spring, thus enabling power saving.

[0092] (Second Embodiment) The electromagnetic relay 10 in the second embodiment has two fixed yokes 70, two excitation coils 100, two magnetic circuit members 90, two return springs 150, two holding members 160, and two power supply units 180. For the sake of clarity, the fixed yoke 70 on one end X- may be referred to as the one-end fixed yoke 270. The fixed yoke 70 on the other end X+ may be referred to as the other-end fixed yoke 470. The excitation coil 100 on one end X- may be referred to as the one-end excitation coil 200. The excitation coil 100 on the other end X+ may be referred to as the other-end excitation coil 400.

[0093] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in the second embodiment when it is not energized. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in the second embodiment when the excitation coil 200 on one end is energized. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay in the second embodiment when the excitation coil on the other end is energized.

[0094] In the second embodiment, a series circuit contact device 20 is provided in the internal space of one end X- of the base 170. A parallel circuit contact device 30 is provided in the internal space of the other end X+ of the base 170. Two power supply units 180 are provided on the side of the base 170. One of the power supply units 180 has the function of switching between energizing and de-energizing the excitation coil 200 on one end. The other power supply unit 180 has the function of switching between energizing and de-energizing the excitation coil 400 on the other end.

[0095] The following mainly describes the configuration that differs from the first embodiment. A return spring 150, a fixed yoke 270, a contact pressure spring 130, and a first movable part 23 are passed from the other end X+ toward the one end X- at a point X- on the shaft 60 toward one end X- from the other end X+ toward the one end X-. The return spring 150 is provided in a recess 72 of the fixed yoke 270. The return spring 150 is held in a compressed state between the fixed yoke 270 and the movable yoke 80. The fixed yoke 270 and the movable yoke 80 are separated in the axial direction X via a first air gap 83.

[0096] Furthermore, a retaining member 160 for holding the spring is fixed to the shaft 60 at a point X- on one end side of the fixed yoke 270. The retaining member 160 has a mortar shape with a bottom at the other end X+. The one-end contact pressure spring 130 is held in the internal space of the retaining member 160. The one-end contact pressure spring 130 is held in a compressed state between the retaining member 160 and the first movable part 23.

[0097] Similarly, a return spring 150, a fixed yoke 470, a contact pressure spring 140, and an insulating member 32 are passed through the shaft 60 at the other end X+ from one end X- to the other end X+. The return spring 150 is provided in a recess 72 of the fixed yoke 470. The return spring 150 is held in a compressed state between the fixed yoke 470 and the movable yoke 80. The fixed yoke 70 and the movable yoke 80 are separated axially by a second air gap 84.

[0098] Furthermore, a retaining member 160 for holding the other-end contact pressure spring 140 is fixed to the shaft 60 at a point X+ on the other end side of the other-end fixing yoke 470. The retaining member 160 has a mortar shape with a bottom at one end X-. The other-end contact pressure spring 140 is held in the internal space of the retaining member 160. The other-end contact pressure spring 140 is held in a compressed state between the retaining member 160 and the insulating member 32.

[0099] A magnetic circuit member 90 and an excitation coil 200 at one end are provided so as to radially overlap a portion of the fixed yoke 270 at one end, the return spring 150, and a portion of the movable yoke 80. A magnetic circuit member 90 and an excitation coil 400 at the other end are provided so as to radially overlap a portion of the fixed yoke 470 at the other end, the return spring 150, and a portion of the movable yoke 80.

[0100] Two excitation coils 100 are passed through a shaft 60, aligned in the axial direction X, so as to overlap radially with a fixed yoke 270 at one end, a movable yoke 80, and a fixed yoke 470 at the other end. A magnetic circuit member 90 is provided to cover the inner and outer diameters of the excitation coil 200 at one end and the X+ direction at the other end. A magnetic circuit member 90 is also provided to cover the inner and outer diameters of the excitation coil 400 at the other end and the X- direction at one end. The two magnetic circuit members 90 are bent into a roughly U-shape and extend circumferentially to cover the excitation coils 200 and 400.

[0101] When both excitation coils 200 and 400 are de-energized, a first air gap 83 and a second air gap 84 are created. The first movable part 23 is not in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The second movable part 43 is not in contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 is not in contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0102] <Electromagnetic relay when one end of the excitation coil is energized> When current is supplied from one power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 200 at one end, a magnetic circuit is formed via the fixed yoke 270 at one end, the movable yoke 80, and the magnetic circuit member 90. When current is supplied to the conductor 112 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the X- side at one end, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the upper Z+ side and a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the lower Z- side in a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the depth direction Y. Consequently, an electromagnetic force is generated acting from the X+ side at the other end to the X- side at one end.

[0103] Electromagnetic force causes the shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 to move toward the fixed yoke 270 at one end in a first direction. The shaft 60 moves toward the first direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the fixed yoke 270. The first air gap 83 disappears. A retaining member 160 that holds the contact pressure spring 130 at one end X- on the shaft 60 is fixed to the part of the shaft 60 toward the fixed yoke 270 at one end. As the shaft 60 moves toward the first direction, the retaining member 160 presses the contact pressure spring 130 and the first movable part 23 toward the X- on one end.

[0104] The first movable part 23 is pressed against the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 by receiving a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the one-end contact pressure spring 130. The first movable part 23 is in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 by receiving a biasing force from the one-end contact pressure spring 130 that biases it toward the one-end X-. The contact between the first movable part 23 and the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 is maintained while the one-end excitation coil 200 is energized.

[0105] In other words, when power is supplied from the power supply unit 180 to the one-end excitation coil 200, the series circuit contact device 20 is in the ON state. While power is being supplied from the power supply unit 180 to the one-end excitation coil 200, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B remain connected in series.

[0106] When the current supply from the power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 200 at one end is switched off, the electromagnetic force acting in the first direction disappears. Then, the contact pressure spring 130 at one end and the return spring 150 exert a biasing force toward the object adjacent to the other end X+. As a result, the first movable part 23 separates from the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are electrically disconnected.

[0107] <Electromagnetic relay when the excitation coil on the other end is energized> When current is supplied from another power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 400 at the other end, a magnetic circuit is formed via the fixed yoke 470, the movable yoke 80, and the magnetic circuit member 90 at the other end. When current is supplied to the conductor 112 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the other end X+, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the upper Z+ side and a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed on the lower Z- side in a cross section cut by a plane perpendicular to the depth direction. Consequently, an electromagnetic force is generated acting from one end X- to the other end X+.

[0108] The shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 move in a second direction toward the other end fixed yoke 470 due to electromagnetic force. The shaft 60 moves in the second direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the other end fixed yoke 470. The second air gap 84 disappears. A retaining member 160 that holds the other end contact pressure spring 140 is fixed to the part of the shaft 60 that is X+ toward the other end of the other end fixed yoke 470. As the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the retaining member 160 presses the other end contact pressure spring 140 and the insulating member 32 toward the other end X+.

[0109] The second movable part 43 receives a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the other end contact pressure spring 140 and is pressed against the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The second movable part 43 receives a biasing force from the other end contact pressure spring 140 that biases it axially toward the other end X+ and is in contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The contact between the second movable part 43 and the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 is maintained while the other end excitation coil 400 is energized.

[0110] Similarly, the third movable part 53 receives a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the other end contact pressure spring 140 and is pressed against the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The third movable part 53 receives a biasing force from the other end contact pressure spring 140 that biases it axially toward the other end X+ and is in contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The contact between the third movable part 53 and the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 is maintained while the other end excitation coil 400 is energized. That is, when the other end excitation coil 400 is energized from the power supply unit 180, the parallel circuit contact device 30 is in the ON state. While the other end excitation coil 400 is energized from the power supply unit 180, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are continuously connected in parallel.

[0111] When the energization from the power supply unit 180 to the other end excitation coil 400 is switched off, the electromagnetic force acting in the second direction disappears. Then, the other end contact pressure spring 140 and the other end X+ return spring 150 are biased toward the object adjacent to the one end X-. As a result, the second movable part 43 separates from the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 separates from the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. The first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are electrically disconnected.

[0112] Because of this configuration, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the excitation coil 100 is not energized, the fixed part and the movable part are separated, so that the power is cut off simultaneously with the power supply. This increases redundancy when the power is turned off.

[0113] In the second embodiment, when energizing the other-end excitation coil 400, it is necessary to maintain contact between the second movable part 43 and the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42, and between the third movable part 53 and the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52. To this end, the number of turns of the conductor 112 in the other-end excitation coil 400 is greater than the number of turns of the conductor 112 in the one-end excitation coil 200. The electromagnetic force directed in the second direction is made higher than the electromagnetic force directed in the first direction. The contact pressure between the movable part and the fixed part of each contact device is set to be approximately equal. This suppresses variations in the connection state between the movable part and the fixed part.

[0114] (Third embodiment) The following mainly describes the configuration that differs from the second embodiment. The electromagnetic relay 10 in the third embodiment further includes a permanent magnet 300 in addition to the components described in the second embodiment. The third embodiment still has only one power supply unit 180. The end of the other-end excitation coil 400 is connected to the power supply unit 180. Another end of the other-end excitation coil 400 is electrically connected to the end of the one-end excitation coil 200.

[0115] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in its initial state in the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a plan view of the permanent magnet 300. Figure 13 is a plan view of the permanent magnet 300. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in series connection in the third embodiment. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in series connection in the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in parallel connection in the third embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 10 in parallel connection in the third embodiment.

[0116] A permanent magnet 300 is provided between two excitation coils 100 aligned in the axial direction X. The permanent magnet 300 has a through hole 300A in the axial direction X. For example, the permanent magnet 300 has an annular shape extending in a ring around the axial direction. For example, the permanent magnet pieces 330 may be arranged in a ring with gaps 300B in between to form a roughly annular shape. For example, the permanent magnet pieces 330 may have a roughly sector shape when viewed from the axial direction X. The permanent magnet 300 has a south pole 310 and a north pole 320 magnetized in the radial direction. The south pole 310 is provided on the radially inner side, and the north pole 320 is provided on the radially outer side.

[0117] The magnetic circuit member 90 comprises an inner magnetic circuit member 91 and an outer magnetic circuit member 92. The inner magnetic circuit member 91 and the outer magnetic circuit member 92 are cylindrical in shape. The inner magnetic circuit member 91 is provided inside the two excitation coils 100 in the radial direction. The outer magnetic circuit member 92 is provided outside the two excitation coils 100 in the radial direction. The inner magnetic circuit member 91 is provided between the two excitation coils 100 and the permanent magnet 300 and the movable yoke 80. The outer magnetic circuit member 92 is provided radially outward so as to overlap the two excitation coils 100 and the permanent magnet 300.

[0118] In the initial state, for example, when neither of the two excitation coils 100 is energized, a first air gap 83 is created between the fixed yoke 270 at one end and the movable yoke 80. A second air gap 84 is created between the fixed yoke 470 at the other end and the movable yoke 80. The first movable part 23 is not in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The second movable part 43 is not in contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. The third movable part 53 is not in contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52.

[0119] <Electromagnetic relays when a series circuit is energized> When the control device 1A supplies power from the power supply unit 180 to the excitation coil 100, a magnetic circuit is formed via the other end fixed yoke 470, the movable yoke 80, and the magnetic circuit member 90. When current is supplied counterclockwise when viewed from the other end X+, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed at one end X- and the other end X+ of the upper Z+ in a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the depth direction Y. A clockwise magnetic circuit is formed at one end X- and the other end X+ of the lower Z-. In the drawing, the magnetic circuit due to the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 100 is shown by a solid line.

[0120] In the third embodiment, a magnetic field is generated by the permanent magnet 300. In the drawing, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 300 is shown by a dashed line. The permanent magnet 300 is positioned so that the inner radial side corresponds to the north pole 320 and the outer radial side corresponds to the south pole 310. As a result, a magnetic field is formed clockwise from the north pole 320 towards the south pole 310 at the upper Z+ side of the other end X+ in the axial direction X. A magnetic field is formed counterclockwise from the north pole 320 towards the south pole 310 at the lower Z- side of the other end X+ in the axial direction X.

[0121] At the other end X+ in the axial direction X, above Z+, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a clockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. At the other end X+ in the axial direction X, above Z+, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. It can also be said that the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. Furthermore, at the other end X+ in the axial direction X, below Z-, a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a counterclockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. At the other end X+ in the axial direction X, below Z-, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. It can also be said that the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out.

[0122] On the other hand, above Z+ on one end X- in the axial direction X, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a counterclockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. Above Z+ on one end X- in the axial direction X, the magnetic fluxes reinforce each other. It can also be said that the magnetic flux is amplified. Furthermore, below Z- on one end X- in the axial direction X, a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a clockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. Below Z- on one end X- in the axial direction X, the magnetic fluxes reinforce each other. It can also be said that the magnetic flux is amplified. Consequently, an electromagnetic force is generated acting from the other end X+ to the first end X-.

[0123] The electromagnetic force causes the shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 to move in the first direction toward the fixed yoke 270 at one end. The shaft 60 moves in the first direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the fixed yoke 270 at one end. The first air gap 83 disappears. The second air gap 84 widens.

[0124] As the shaft 60 moves in the first direction, the retaining member 160 presses the one-end contact pressure spring 130 and the first movable part 23 toward the one-end X-. The first movable part 23 receives the pressing force from the retaining member 160 via the one-end contact pressure spring 130 and is pressed against the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The first movable part 23 receives a biasing force from the one-end contact pressure spring 130 that biases it in the first direction and is in contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. The series circuit is turned ON.

[0125] As described above, the control device 1A has a function to switch the energization and de-energization of the excitation coil 100. When the control device 1A detects that the first movable part 23 has come into contact with the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22, it cuts off the power supply to the excitation coil 100. In the third embodiment, even when the power supply to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, contact between the first movable part 23 and the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 is maintained. In other words, the ON state of the series circuit is maintained.

[0126] When the current to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, only the magnetic field excited by the permanent magnet 300 is generated, as shown in Figure 15. When the series circuit is ON, there is no first air gap 83, and only the second air gap 84 exists. In the magnetic field X+ on the other end of the permanent magnet 300, magnetic flux leakage occurs in the second air gap 84. Therefore, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field X+ on the other end is lower than the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field X- on the one end. In other words, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field X- on the one end is higher than the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field X+ on the other end.

[0127] The force with which the fixed yoke 270 at one end attracts the movable yoke 80 is greater than the force with which the fixed yoke 470 at the other end attracts the movable yoke 80. Furthermore, the force with which the fixed yoke 270 at one end attracts the movable yoke 80 is always greater than the force with which the fixed yoke 470 at the other end attracts the movable yoke 80. As a result, the state in which the movable yoke 80 is attracted to the fixed yoke 270 at one end is maintained. Even when the power supply to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, contact between the first movable part 23 and the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22 is maintained. In other words, the ON state of the series circuit is maintained.

[0128] <Electromagnetic relays when parallel circuits are energized> Furthermore, when current is supplied clockwise by the control device 1A as viewed from the other end X+, a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed at one end X- and the other end X+ of the upper Z+ in a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the depth direction Y. A counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed at one end X- and the other end X+ of the lower Z-. Also, a counterclockwise magnetic field is formed at the upper Z+ of the one end X- in the axial direction X, from the N pole 320 to the S pole 310 of the permanent magnet 300. A clockwise magnetic field is formed at the lower Z- of the one end X- in the axial direction X, from the N pole 320 to the S pole 310 of the permanent magnet 300.

[0129] At Z+ above X-, one end of the axial direction X, a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a counterclockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. At Z+ above X-, one end of the axial direction X, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. It can also be said that the magnetic fluxes are canceling each other out. Furthermore, at Z- below X-, one end of the axial direction X, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a clockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. Below X-, one end of the axial direction X, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. It can also be said that the magnetic fluxes are canceling each other out.

[0130] On the other hand, at the other end X+ in the axial direction X, above Z+, a clockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a clockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. At the other end X+ in the axial direction X, above Z+, the magnetic fluxes reinforce each other. It can also be said that the magnetic flux is amplified. Furthermore, at the other end X+ in the axial direction X, below Z-, a counterclockwise magnetic circuit is formed by the excitation coil 100, and a counterclockwise magnetic field is formed by the permanent magnet 300. At the other end X+ in the axial direction X, below Z-, the magnetic fluxes reinforce each other. It can also be said that the magnetic flux is amplified. Consequently, an electromagnetic force acting in the second direction is generated.

[0131] The electromagnetic force causes the shaft 60 and the movable yoke 80 to move in the second direction toward the other end fixed yoke 470. The shaft 60 moves in the second direction until the movable yoke 80 contacts the other end fixed yoke 470. The second air gap 84 disappears. The first air gap 83 widens. As the shaft 60 moves in the second direction, the retaining member 160 presses the other end contact pressure spring 140 and the insulating member 32 toward the other end X+.

[0132] The second movable part 43 is pressed against the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 by receiving a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the other end contact pressure spring 140. The second movable part 43 is in contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 by receiving a biasing force from the other end contact pressure spring 140 that biases it axially X toward the other end X+. Similarly, the third movable part 53 is pressed against the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 by receiving a pressing force from the holding member 160 via the other end contact pressure spring 140. The third movable part 53 is in contact with the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 by receiving a biasing force from the other end contact pressure spring 140 that biases it axially X toward the other end X+. The parallel circuit is turned ON.

[0133] When the control device 1A detects that the second movable part 43 and the third movable part 53 have come into contact with the third fixed part 41, the fourth fixed part 42, the fifth fixed part 51, and the sixth fixed part 52, it cuts off the power supply to the excitation coil 100. In the third embodiment, even when the power supply to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, contact between the second movable part 43 and the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 is maintained. Contact between the third movable part 53 and the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 is maintained. In other words, the ON state of the parallel circuit is maintained.

[0134] When the current to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, only the magnetic field excited by the permanent magnet 300 is generated, as shown in Figure 17. When the parallel circuit is ON, there is no second air gap 84, and only the first air gap 83 is present. In the magnetic circuit on one end X- from the permanent magnet 300, magnetic flux leakage occurs in the first air gap 83. Therefore, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field on one end X- is lower than the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field on the other end X+. In other words, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field on the other end X+ is higher than the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field on one end X-.

[0135] The force with which the other end fixed yoke 470 attracts the movable yoke 80 is greater than the force with which the one end fixed yoke 270 attracts the movable yoke 80. Furthermore, the force with which the other end fixed yoke 470 attracts the movable yoke 80 is always greater than the force with which the one end fixed yoke 270 attracts the movable yoke 80. As a result, the state in which the movable yoke 80 is attracted to the other end fixed yoke 470 is maintained. Contact between the second movable part 43 and the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42 is maintained even when the current to the excitation coil 100 is cut off. Contact between the third movable part 53 and the fifth fixed part 51 and the sixth fixed part 52 is maintained even when the current to the excitation coil 100 is cut off. In other words, the ON state of the parallel circuit is maintained.

[0136] Because of this configuration, the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, since the contact between the movable contact and the fixed contact is maintained even when the current to the excitation coil 100 is cut off, it is possible to further reduce power consumption compared to the first embodiment.

[0137] (Fourth Embodiment) So far, we have described an electromagnetic relay 10 that includes a series circuit contact device 20 and a parallel circuit contact device 30. The parallel circuit contact device 30 described so far includes a first parallel circuit contact device 40 and a second parallel circuit contact device 50. However, the parallel circuit contact device 30 in the fourth embodiment does not need to include both the first parallel circuit contact device 40 and the second parallel circuit contact device 50. Figure 18 is an electrical circuit diagram of the power converter 1 in the fourth embodiment. The parallel circuit contact device 30 in the fourth embodiment only needs to have one of the first parallel circuit contact device 40 and the second parallel circuit contact device 50. As an example, the electromagnetic relay 10 in the fourth embodiment has a first contact device 420 corresponding to the series circuit contact device 20 and a second contact device 440 corresponding to the first parallel circuit contact device 40. In that case, the mechanical structure of the second contact device 440 is the same as the mechanical structure of the first contact device 420. The mechanical structure of the first contact device 420 is the same as that of the series circuit contact device 20, so its description is omitted.

[0138] In the fourth embodiment, the batteries 2A and 2B comprise a first battery 2A and a second battery 2B. A first contact device 420 is provided between the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B. The negative terminal of the first battery 2A is connected to the first fixed part 21 of the first contact device 420 via a first connecting wire 6. The positive terminal of the second battery 2B is connected to the second fixed part 22 of the first contact device 420 via a second connecting wire 7. When the first contact device 420 is turned on, the first movable part 23 of the first contact device 420 contacts the first fixed part 21 and the second fixed part 22. Consequently, the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B are connected in series.

[0139] Furthermore, a second contact device 440 is provided between the first connecting wiring 6 and the negative electrode busbar 9. The first connecting wiring 6 and the third fixed part 41 of the second contact device 440 are connected via the third connecting wiring 11. The fourth fixed part 42 of the second contact device 440 and the negative electrode busbar 9 are connected via the fourth connecting wiring 12. When the second contact device 440 is turned on, the second movable part 43 of the second contact device 440 makes contact with the third fixed part 41 and the fourth fixed part 42. Consequently, the first connecting wiring 6 and the negative electrode busbar 9 are electrically connected. By using the electromagnetic relay 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to switch between a current supply path that passes through both the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B, and a current supply path that passes through only the first battery 2A.

[0140] Although not shown in the figures, the electromagnetic relay 10 in the fourth embodiment may have a first contact device 420 and a third contact device 450 corresponding to the second parallel circuit contact device 50. In that case, by using the electromagnetic relay 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to switch between a current supply path that passes through both the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B and a current supply path that passes through only the second battery 2B. In this way, the electromagnetic relay 10 does not have to switch between series and parallel connections of batteries 2A and 2B as described above. It is sufficient that the electromagnetic relay 10 can switch between at least two current supply paths.

[0141] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalence. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure.

[0142] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0143] (Technical thought 1) An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and one end (61) and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil, and the shaft (60) is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, The fixed portion (21, 22) at the end facing the movable portion at the end is located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable portion at the end, A plurality of other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed portions (41, 42, 51, 52) that are located further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable portions on the other end, and that are opposite to the plurality of movable portions on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. An electromagnetic relay in which, as the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other end, a plurality of movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting a plurality of movable parts on the other end to a plurality of fixed parts on the other end.

[0144] (Technical thought 2) An electromagnetic relay (10) is provided between a first battery (2A) and a second battery (2B) and switches between series connection and parallel connection between the first battery and the second battery, The movable part at one end moves in the first direction and is electrically connected to the fixed part at one end, thereby connecting the first battery and the second battery in series. An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 1, wherein the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel by being electrically connected to a plurality of the aforementioned other-end fixing parts.

[0145] (Technical Thought 3) Multiple of the aforementioned movable parts on the other end are provided at a distance from each other to maintain electrical insulation, and an electrically insulating plate-shaped insulating member (32) is further provided, having through holes (32A) for passing the shaft through at positions equal to the distance from the centers (43A, 53A) of each of the aforementioned movable parts on the other end. An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein as the shaft moves in the second direction, the insulating member moves in the second direction, causing a plurality of movable parts on the other end and a plurality of fixed parts on the other end to come into contact.

[0146] (Technical Thought 4) An electromagnetic relay according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein, when the excitation coil is energized, a plurality of the other-end movable parts move by electromagnetic force to a position where they come into contact with a plurality of the other-end fixed parts.

[0147] (Technical Thought 5) A movable yoke (80) fixed to the shaft and movable in the axial direction together with the shaft, A fixed yoke (70) is positioned alongside the movable yoke in the axial direction and restricts the movement of the movable yoke in the second direction, with the axial position defined at the other end of the movable yoke, A one-end contact pressure spring (130) is provided around the shaft between the one-end movable part and the movable yoke, A return spring (150) is provided around the shaft between the movable yoke and the fixed yoke, and further comprises, The first biasing force in the first direction by the return spring compresses the one-end contact pressure spring of the movable yoke, An electromagnetic relay according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 4, wherein the movable part at one end comes into contact with the fixed part at one end due to the second biasing force of the contact pressure spring at one end in the first direction.

[0148] (Technical Thought 6) The excitation coil is provided with two of the aforementioned coils, The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein when current is supplied to the other-end excitation coil (400), which is one of the two excitation coils, the plurality of other-end movable parts move to a position where they come into contact with the plurality of other-end fixed parts due to an electromagnetic force directed in the second direction.

[0149] (Technical Thought 7) An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 6, wherein when current is supplied to one of the two excitation coils, the one-end movable part moves to a position where it contacts the one-end fixed part due to an electromagnetic force directed in the first direction.

[0150] (Technical Thought 8) An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 7, wherein the number of turns of the excitation coil on the other end is greater than the number of turns of the excitation coil on the one end.

[0151] (Technical Thought 9) A movable yoke (80) fixed to the shaft and movable in the axial direction together with the shaft, A fixed yoke (270) at one end, positioned parallel to the movable yoke in the axial direction, restricts the movement of the movable yoke in the first direction, and whose axial position is defined at one end of the movable yoke; It further comprises a permanent magnet (300) with a south pole (310) and a north pole (320) magnetized in the radial direction, The excitation coil is provided with two of the aforementioned coils, The permanent magnet is provided between the two excitation coils. The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. An electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein a gap (83) is provided between the fixed yoke on one end and the movable yoke when multiple movable parts on the other end and multiple fixed parts on the other end are in contact.

[0152] (Technical Thought 10) The movable yoke is further accompanied by a fixed yoke (470) at the other end, which is positioned at the other end of the movable yoke and is aligned with the movable yoke in the axial direction, thereby restricting the movement of the movable yoke in the second direction. The electromagnetic relay according to technical concept 9, wherein when the movable part at one end and the fixed part at one end are in contact, an air gap (84) is provided between the fixed yoke at the other end and the movable yoke.

[0153] (Technical Thought 11) An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and one end (61) and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil, and the shaft (60) is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, The fixed portion (21, 22) at the end facing the movable portion at the end is located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable portion at the end, The other end is provided with a movable part (43, 53) on the other end that is movable in the axial direction, The other end fixed portion (41, 42, 51, 52) is provided at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the other end movable portion, and is facing the other end movable portion. As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. An electromagnetic relay in which, as the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other end, the movable part at the other end moves in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the other end to the fixed part at the other end.

Claims

1. An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil such that one end (61) in the axial direction and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, The fixed portion (21, 22) at the end facing the movable portion at the end is located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable portion at the end, A plurality of other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed portions (41, 42, 51, 52) that are located further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable portions on the other end, and that are opposite to the plurality of movable portions on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other end, the multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the multiple movable parts on the other end to the multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, the plurality of the other end movable parts are provided at a distance from each other such distance that electrical insulation can be maintained, and an electrically insulating plate-shaped insulating member (32) is provided, through holes (32A) for passing the shaft through are formed at positions equal in distance from the centers (43A, 53A) of each of the other end movable parts. As the shaft moves in the second direction, the insulating member moves in the second direction, causing the plurality of movable parts on the other end and the plurality of fixed parts on the other end to come into contact. When the excitation coil is energized, the electromagnetic force causes the multiple movable parts on the other end to move to a position where they come into contact with the multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, a movable yoke (80) is fixed to the shaft and is movable in the axial direction together with the shaft, A fixed yoke (70) is positioned parallel to the movable yoke in the axial direction and restricts the movement of the movable yoke in the second direction, with the axial position defined at the other end of the movable yoke. A one-end contact pressure spring (130) is provided around the shaft between the one-end movable part and the movable yoke, A return spring (150) is provided around the shaft between the movable yoke and the fixed yoke, and further comprises, The first biasing force in the first direction by the return spring compresses the one-end contact pressure spring of the movable yoke, An electromagnetic relay in which the movable part at one end contacts the fixed part at one end due to the second biasing force of the contact pressure spring at one end directed in the first direction.

2. An electromagnetic relay (10) is provided between a first battery (2A) and a second battery (2B) and switches between series connection and parallel connection between the first battery and the second battery, The movable part at one end moves in the first direction and is electrically connected to the fixed part at one end, thereby connecting the first battery and the second battery in series. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the first battery and the second battery are connected in parallel by being electrically connected to a plurality of the other end fixing portions.

3. The excitation coil is provided with two of the aforementioned coils, The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein when current is supplied to the other-end excitation coil (400), which is one of the two excitation coils, the plurality of other-end movable parts move to a position in contact with the plurality of other-end fixed parts due to the electromagnetic force directed in the second direction.

4. An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil such that one end (61) in the axial direction and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, The fixed portion (21, 22) at the end facing the movable portion at the end is located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable portion at the end, A plurality of other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed portions (41, 42, 51, 52) that are located further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable portions on the other end, and that are opposite to the plurality of movable portions on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other end, the multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the multiple movable parts on the other end to the multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, the device is equipped with two of the excitation coils, The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. An electromagnetic relay in which, when current is supplied to the other-end excitation coil (400), which is one of the two excitation coils, a plurality of the other-end movable parts move to a position where they come into contact with a plurality of the other-end fixed parts due to an electromagnetic force directed in the second direction.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when current is supplied to one of the two excitation coils, the one-end side movable part moves to a position where it contacts the one-end side fixed part due to an electromagnetic force directed in the first direction.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 5, wherein the number of turns of the excitation coil on the other end is greater than the number of turns of the excitation coil on the one end.

7. A movable yoke (80) fixed to the shaft and movable in the axial direction together with the shaft, A fixed yoke (270) at one end, positioned parallel to the movable yoke in the axial direction, restricts the movement of the movable yoke in the first direction, and whose axial position is defined at one end of the movable yoke; The device further comprises a permanent magnet (300) having a south pole (310) and a north pole (320) magnetized in the radial direction, The excitation coil is provided with two of the aforementioned coils, The permanent magnet is provided between the two excitation coils. The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a gap (83) is provided between the fixed yoke on one end and the movable yoke when the plurality of movable parts on the other end and the plurality of fixed parts on the other end are in contact.

8. An excitation coil (100) that forms a magnetic field when energized, A shaft (60) extends in the axial direction (X), and is passed through the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil such that one end (61) in the axial direction and the other end (62) in the axial direction are exposed from the central hole (100A) of the excitation coil. A movable part (23) is provided at one end and is movable in the axial direction, The fixed portion (21, 22) at the end facing the movable portion at the end is located at a position further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the movable portion at the end, A plurality of other-end movable parts (43, 53) are provided at the other end and are movable in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fixed portions (41, 42, 51, 52) that are located further in the axial direction from the excitation coil than the plurality of movable portions on the other end, and that are opposite to the plurality of movable portions on the other end, As the shaft moves in a first direction from the other end to the one end, the movable part at the one end moves in the first direction, thereby electrically connecting the movable part at the one end to the fixed part at the one end. As the shaft moves in a second direction from one end to the other end, the multiple movable parts on the other end move in the second direction, thereby electrically connecting the multiple movable parts on the other end to the multiple fixed parts on the other end. Furthermore, a movable yoke (80) is fixed to the shaft and is movable in the axial direction together with the shaft, A fixed yoke (270) at one end, positioned parallel to the movable yoke in the axial direction, restricts the movement of the movable yoke in the first direction, and whose axial position is defined at one end of the movable yoke; It comprises a permanent magnet (300) with a south pole (310) and a north pole (320) magnetized in the radial direction, The excitation coil is provided with two of the aforementioned coils, The permanent magnet is provided between the two excitation coils. The two excitation coils are arranged around the shaft, aligned in the axial direction, such that their central holes communicate with each other. An electromagnetic relay in which a gap (83) is provided between the fixed yoke on one end and the movable yoke when multiple movable parts on the other end and multiple fixed parts on the other end are in contact.

9. The movable yoke is further provided with a fixed yoke (470) at the other end, which is positioned at the other end of the movable yoke and is aligned with the movable yoke in the axial direction, thereby restricting the movement of the movable yoke in the second direction. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 8, wherein a gap (84) is provided between the other end fixed yoke and the movable yoke when the one end movable portion and the one end fixed portion are in contact.

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