Contact device and method for manufacturing contact device

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase of inner pressure of a case. A contact device (1) comprises: a body; a projection block (5); a fixed contact; a first terminal (41); a movable contact; a second terminal (42); and a case (6). The projection block (5) is provided to the body. The case (6) has a through-hole (610). The through-hole (610) includes an internal lateral surface. At least a part of the projection block (5) is inserted into the through-hole (610). The projection block (5) is disposed so as to come into contact with at least one of an inner surface of the case (6) and the internal lateral surface of the through-hole (610).

Description

Contact device and method for manufacturing the same

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a contact device and a method for manufacturing the contact device, and more particularly to a contact device including a case for accommodating contacts and a method for manufacturing the contact device.

[0002] The electromagnetic relay (contact device) described in Patent Document 1 includes a relay main body and a box-shaped cover (case). A groove is formed in the opening of the box-shaped cover. A sealant is injected and filled through the opening of the box-shaped cover that houses the relay main body. Since the sealant can also be filled into the groove, the adhesive area can be increased, further increasing the adhesive strength of the sealant. Therefore, a highly reliable structure that can withstand reflow heat can be easily obtained.

[0003] However, in the electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1, when the electromagnetic relay is heated during a reflow process or the like, the internal pressure of the box-shaped cover increases, which may cause damage to the case.

[0004] JP 2012-003951 A

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a contact device that can suppress an increase in internal pressure of a case.

[0006] A contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a fixed contact, a first terminal, a movable contact, a second terminal, and a case. The body has one surface. The one surface includes a flat central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The first terminal is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The first terminal is exposed from the outer surface of the body. The movable contact is in contact with or spaced apart from the fixed contact. The second terminal is electrically connected to the movable contact. The second terminal is exposed from the outer surface of the body. The case includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The case accommodates at least a portion of the body, the fixed contact, and the movable contact in an internal space inside the inner surface. The case has a through hole exposing the central region. The peripheral region contacts the inner surface of the case.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a molding step. In the molding step, a molding material that will form the case is poured into a gap between a first mold and a second mold to mold the case. The first mold is disposed on the outer surface side of the case. The second mold is disposed on the inner surface side of the case. Inside the through hole, the mating surfaces of the first mold and the second mold are located at the boundary between a region of the through hole that does not have an internal protrusion and a region inside the internal protrusion.

[0008] A contact device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a body, a protrusion block, a fixed contact, a first terminal, a movable contact, a second terminal, and a case. The protrusion block is provided on the body. The first terminal is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The first terminal is exposed from the outer surface of the body. The movable contact is in contact with or separated from the fixed contact. The second terminal is electrically connected to the movable contact. The second terminal is exposed from the outer surface of the body. The case includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The case accommodates at least a portion of the body, the fixed contact, and the movable contact in an internal space inside the inner surface. The case has a through hole. The through hole includes an inner surface. At least a portion of the protrusion block is inserted into the through hole. The protrusion block is arranged to contact at least one of the inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the through hole.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a contact device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the contact device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the contact device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the contact device as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of the contact device as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part of a contact device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part of a contact device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a contact device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device as viewed from the front side. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to an eighth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 8. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a contact device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 8. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a contact device according to Embodiment 6. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device of the same. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a contact device according to Embodiment 9. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device of the same. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a contact device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 9. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a contact device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 9. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a contact device according to Embodiment 10.

[0010] In the following embodiments, the contact device of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] 1 shows an overall view of a contact device 1 according to the present embodiment. The contact device 1 can be mounted on a substrate. The contact device 1 is a relatively small device that can be placed on a substrate having a size of, for example, about 100 mm x 50 mm.

[0012] When mounting the contact device 1 on a substrate, for example, a reflow process is performed to solder the terminals (such as a first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42 described below) of the contact device 1. In the reflow process, the contact device 1 is heated.

[0013] If the case 6 of the contact device 1 is formed to have a sealed structure in order to ensure dust resistance of the contact device 1, etc., heating the contact device 1 may cause gas to expand inside the case 6, resulting in an increase in internal pressure of the case 6. The increase in internal pressure may cause damage to the case 6. Therefore, the contact device 1 of this embodiment is formed to have a structure that can suppress an increase in internal pressure of the case 6, as described below.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2 , the contact device 1 of this embodiment includes a body B1, a protruding block 5, a fixed contact 231, a first terminal 41, a movable contact 271, a second terminal 42, and a case 6. The protruding block 5 is provided on the body B1. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 231. The first terminal 41 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. More specifically, the first terminal 41 is exposed from the lower surface 120 of the body B1. The movable contact 271 comes into contact with or is separated from the fixed contact 231. The second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the movable contact 271. The second terminal 42 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. More specifically, the second terminal 42 is exposed from the lower surface 120 of the body B1. The case 6 includes an outer surface 60a and an inner surface 60b (see FIG. 6 ). The case 6 accommodates at least a portion of the body B1, the fixed contact 231, and the movable contact 271 in an internal space inside the inner surface 60b. The case 6 has a through hole 610. The through hole 610 includes an inner surface 611. At least a portion of the protrusion block 5 is inserted into the through hole 610 (see FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the first protrusion 51 of the protrusion block 5 is inserted into the through hole 610. The protrusion block 5 is arranged so as to contact at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through hole 610.

[0015] According to this embodiment, when the contact device 1 is heated in a reflow process or the like, gas expanding inside the case 6 can be released through a gap between the protrusion block 5 and the case 6 (for example, a gap between the first protrusion 51 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610). The gap may exist beforehand, or may be created when the case 6 moves or deforms due to internal pressure, for example.

[0016] This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6 will cause damage to the case 6. It is also possible to reduce the possibility that damage to the case 6 will cause a decrease in the dustproofness of the contact device 1.

[0017] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the protruding block 5 is inserted into the through-hole 610, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case 6 through the through-hole 610 can be reduced.

[0018] As described above, the contact device 1 of this embodiment includes a body B1, a fixed contact 231, a first terminal 41, a movable contact 271, a second terminal 42, and a case 6. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 231. The first terminal 41 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. The movable contact 271 comes into contact with or is separated from the fixed contact 231. The second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the movable contact 271. The second terminal 42 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. The case 6 includes an outer surface 60a and an inner surface 60b. The case 6 accommodates at least a portion of the body B1, the fixed contact 231, and the movable contact 271 in an internal space inside the inner surface 60b. The case 6 has a through hole 610. The through hole 610 includes an inner surface 611. At least one of the periphery of the through-hole 610 and the interior of the through-hole 610, the surface (bottom surface 520) of the body B1 contacts at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610. Furthermore, the contact area between the surface (bottom surface 520) of the body B1 and at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610 surrounds the central axis of the through-hole 610. This allows gas expanding inside the case 6 when the contact device 1 is heated to escape through the gap between the body B1 and the case 6. This prevents an increase in internal pressure in the case 6. The gap may exist beforehand or may arise when the case 6 moves or deforms due to internal pressure, for example.

[0019] (Details) (1) Overall Configuration The contact device 1 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 protrude from the body B1 will be referred to as "downward," and the opposite direction will be referred to as "upward." An imaginary axis extending vertically will be referred to as a first axis A1. Furthermore, the side on which the second terminal 42 is located as viewed from the first terminal 41 will be referred to as the "left," and the side on which the first terminal 41 is located as viewed from the second terminal 42 will be referred to as the "right." An imaginary axis along which the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 are aligned and which is perpendicular to the first axis A1 will be referred to as a second axis A2. An imaginary axis perpendicular to both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 will be referred to as a third axis A3. In this embodiment, the fixed contact 231 and the movable contact 271 face each other in a direction along the third axis A3, and hereinafter, the side on which the fixed contact 231 is located as viewed from the movable contact 271 will also be referred to as the "front," and the side on which the movable contact 271 is located as viewed from the fixed contact 231 will also be referred to as the "rear." However, these orientations are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation when the contact device 1 is used.

[0020] The contact device 1 is a so-called hinge-type relay, and is also an electromagnetic relay that drives a movable contact 271 by electromagnetic force.

[0021] 2, the contact device 1 includes a contact unit 2 including a fixed contact 231 and a movable contact 271, an electromagnetic drive unit 3 including a coil 33, and a housing H1. The electromagnetic drive unit 3 moves the movable contact 271 relative to the fixed contact 231 in response to the passage of electricity through the coil 33. As will be described later, the body B1 includes a part of the electromagnetic drive unit 3 and a part of the housing H1. In addition, the electromagnetic drive unit 3 is provided with a protrusion block 5.

[0022] The contact device 1 further includes a first terminal 41 , a second terminal 42 , and two coil terminals 43 and 44 .

[0023] (2) Housing The housing H1 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing H1 includes a base 11 and a case 6. The base 11 is made of resin. The case 6 is made of resin. The base 11 holds the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3. The case 6 is attached to the base 11 so as to cover the base 11 that holds the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3. The contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3 are disposed in the internal space of the case 6. That is, the case 6 houses the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 integrally includes a base portion 12 and a partition wall 13 .

[0025] The base portion 12 has a rectangular plate shape with a thickness direction along the first axis A1 and a dimension along the second axis A2 that is larger than a dimension along the third axis A3. In this disclosure, the term "rectangle" includes both a rectangular shape and a square shape.

[0026] The partition wall 13 is a wall that rises upward along the first axis A1 from the upper surface of the base portion 12. The contact unit 2 is disposed in front of the partition wall 13. The electromagnetic drive unit 3 is disposed behind the partition wall 13. The partition wall 13 electrically insulates the contact unit 2 from the electromagnetic drive unit 3.

[0027] A recess 131 recessed rearward is formed in the lower central portion of the front surface of the partition wall 13. The contact unit 2 is disposed in this recess 131.

[0028] 4 , a separation wall 14 extending laterally is formed on the rear surface of the partition wall 13 in the center between the upper and lower ends so as to protrude rearward. The coil 33 of the electromagnetic drive unit 3 is disposed above the separation wall 14, and the armature 37 (described below) of the electromagnetic drive unit 3 is disposed below the separation wall 14. The separation wall 14 physically separates the armature 37 from the coil 33, thereby increasing the insulation distance between the armature 37 and the coil 33.

[0029] 2 and 4, the case 6 is a hollow rectangular box having an open bottom. The case 6 is attached to the base 11 so as to cover the base 11 from above.

[0030] The case 6 has a top plate 61 and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) side plates 66. Hereinafter, the plurality of side plates 66 may be distinguished and referred to as side plates 62 to 65, respectively.

[0031] The top plate 61 is rectangular in shape. The thickness direction of the top plate 61 is along the first axis A1. A plurality of side plates 66 protrude downward from the outer edge of the top plate 61. The side plate 62 includes the front surface of the case 6, the side plate 63 includes the right side surface of the case 6, the side plate 64 includes the rear surface of the case 6, and the side plate 65 includes the left side surface of the case 6.

[0032] The case 6 includes an outer surface 60a and an inner surface 60b (see FIG. 6 ). The outer surface 60a includes the upper surface of the top plate 61, the front surface of the side plate 62, the right side surface of the side plate 63, the rear surface of the side plate 64, and the left side surface of the side plate 65. The inner surface 60b includes the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61, the rear surface of the side plate 62, the left side surface of the side plate 63, the front surface of the side plate 64, and the right side surface of the side plate 65. The case 6 accommodates the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3 in an internal space inside the inner surface 60b.

[0033] The case 6 has a through hole 610. In this embodiment, the through hole 610 is provided in the top plate 61. That is, the through hole 610 is provided so as to penetrate the top plate 61 in the up-down direction. The through hole 610 is a circular hole.

[0034] The through hole 610 is provided on the top surface of the case 6. In other words, the through hole 610 is provided on the side of the case 6 opposite to the side on which the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 are provided. This reduces the possibility of flux entering the inside of the case 6 through the through hole 610 when the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 are soldered to the board.

[0035] The through-hole 610 includes an inner surface 611. The inner surface 611 has a shape corresponding to the inner surface of a cylinder.

[0036] 6, the case 6 further has a second protrusion 67 protruding from the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. The inner surface 60b of the case 6 includes a lower surface 670 and an outer surface 671 of the second protrusion 67.

[0037] With the base 11, on which the contact unit 2 and the electromagnetic drive unit 3 are assembled, covered with the case 6, the case 6 is fixed to the base 11, for example, by applying adhesive to the base portion 12 of the base 11.

[0038] (3) Contact Unit As shown in FIG. 2, the contact unit 2 includes a fixed member 21 and a movable member 25.

[0039] The fixing member 21 is electrically conductive. The fixing member 21 is made of, for example, metal. The fixing member 21 is plate-shaped. The fixing member 21 integrally includes a fixing piece 22 and a contact piece 23.

[0040] The fixed piece 22 is fixed to the base 11. That is, the fixed piece 22 is fixed to the body B1. The contact piece 23 is a plate-like member that protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the fixed piece 22. A fixed contact 231 is provided on the rear surface of the contact piece 23. The fixed contact 231 is provided at the right end of the contact piece 23.

[0041] The fixed contact 231 is formed from a separate member from the contact piece 23 and is fixed to the contact piece 23. However, this is not limiting, and the fixed contact 231 may be formed integrally with the contact piece 23. For example, the rear surface of a plate member that constitutes the contact piece 23 may be used as the fixed contact 231.

[0042] The movable member 25 is electrically conductive. The movable member 25 is made of, for example, metal. The movable member 25 is plate-shaped. The movable member 25 integrally includes a fixed piece 26, an operating piece 27, and a spring piece 28.

[0043] The fixed piece 26 is fixed to the base 11. In other words, the fixed piece 26 is fixed to the body B1. The operating piece 27 faces the rear surface of the contact piece 23 of the fixed member 21. A movable contact 271 is provided on the front surface of the operating piece 27. The movable contact 271 is provided at the right end of the operating piece 27. The movable contact 271 and the fixed contact 231 face each other in the direction along the third axis A3. The movable contact 271 moves between a contact position and a separated position. The contact position is the position of the movable contact 271 in contact with the fixed contact 231. The separated position is the position of the movable contact 271 away from the fixed contact 231.

[0044] The contact device 1 of this embodiment includes two movable contacts 271. The two movable contacts 271 are arranged vertically next to each other.

[0045] The movable contact 271 is formed from a separate member from the operating piece 27 and is fixed to the operating piece 27. However, this is not limiting, and the movable contact 271 may be formed integrally with the operating piece 27. For example, the front surface of a plate member that constitutes the operating piece 27 may be used as the movable contact 271.

[0046] The spring piece 28 is a leaf spring and connects the right side surface of the fixed piece 26 and the left side surface of the operating piece 27.

[0047] The movable contact 271 is held by the base 11 of the body B1 via the movable member 25. The fixed contact 231 is held by the base 11 of the body B1 via the fixed member 21.

[0048] The movable contact 271 and the fixed contact 231 are disposed below the center within the housing H1. This allows the length of the electrical path including the movable contact 271, the fixed contact 231, the second terminal 42 electrically connected to the movable contact 271, and the first terminal 41 electrically connected to the fixed contact 231 to be shorter than when the movable contact 271 and the fixed contact 231 are disposed above the center within the housing.

[0049] (4) Electromagnetic Driving Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electromagnetic driving unit 3 includes an iron core 31, a coil bobbin 32, a coil 33, an armature 37, and a moving body 38.

[0050] The iron core 31 is made of a magnetic material. The iron core 31 is a thin plate with its thickness aligned along the third axis A3. The iron core 31 has a body extending laterally along the second axis A2, a first leg 312 extending downward from the left end of the body along the first axis A1, and a second leg 313 extending downward from the right end of the body along the first axis A1, and is formed in a generally C-shape with an open bottom. A coil 33 is wound around the body via a coil bobbin 32.

[0051] The coil bobbin 32 is made of resin, for example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and integrally includes a main portion, a pair of flange portions 322, 322, a first extension portion 323, a second extension portion 324, and a third extension portion 325.

[0052] The main portion is open to the front and has a groove shape with a cross section perpendicular to the second axis A2 that is substantially C-shaped. The main portion extends left and right along the second axis A2.

[0053] A pair of flanges 322, 322 are formed on both the left and right ends of the main portion.

[0054] The first extension portion 323 extends leftward from the left end of the main portion. The first extension portion 323 is groove-shaped and open forward and downward. The groove of the first extension portion 323 is connected to the groove of the main portion. A plate-shaped restriction piece 328 that protrudes downward is provided at the lower end of the rear surface of the first extension portion 323.

[0055] The second extension portion 324 extends rightward from the right end of the main portion. The second extension portion 324 is groove-shaped and open to the front. The third extension portion 325 extends downward from the right end of the second extension portion 324. The third extension portion 325 is groove-shaped and open to the front and bottom. The grooves of the second extension portion 324, the third extension portion 325, and the main portion are connected. A plate-shaped positioning piece 326 that protrudes downward is provided at the lower end of the rear surface of the second extension portion 324. The front surface of the positioning piece 326 is located forward of the front surface of the restricting piece 328.

[0056] The coil bobbin 32 is formed integrally with the protrusion block 5. The second extension portion 324 is connected to the protrusion block 5. Details of the protrusion block 5 will be described later.

[0057] The iron core 31 is fitted (press-fitted) into the grooves (grooves of the main portion, the first extension portion 323, the second extension portion 324, and the third extension portion 325) of the coil bobbin 32, thereby holding the iron core 31 in the coil bobbin 32. The iron core 31 may be formed together with the coil bobbin 32 by insert molding.

[0058] The second extension portion 324 of the coil bobbin 32 is formed with a pair of through holes 327, 327 (see FIG. 6) that penetrates in the front-rear direction along the third axis A3.

[0059] The coil 33 is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape by winding, for example, a copper wire. The coil 33 is wound around the body of the iron core 31 and the main part of the coil bobbin 32 in a state where the iron core 31 is fitted into the groove of the coil bobbin 32.

[0060] The two coil terminals 43, 44 are electrically conductive. The two coil terminals 43, 44 are made of, for example, metal. The coil terminal 43 is electrically connected to a first end of the coil 33. The coil terminal 44 is electrically connected to a second end of the coil 33.

[0061] The two coil terminals 43, 44 are held by the coil bobbin 32. The coil terminal 43 is held by the coil bobbin 32 by being inserted into one of the pair of through holes 327, 327 (the left through hole 327) of the second extension portion 324 of the coil bobbin 32. The coil terminal 44 is held by the coil bobbin 32 by being inserted into the other of the pair of through holes 327, 327 (the right through hole 327).

[0062] The armature 37 is made of a magnetic material and has a rectangular plate shape extending along the second axis A2, with its thickness direction aligned with the third axis A3.

[0063] The armature 37 is disposed so as to swing back and forth around the right end portion 371 of the armature 37 as a swing axis. Specifically, the right end portion 371 of the armature 37 is located between the second leg 313 of the iron core 31 and the positioning piece 326 of the coil bobbin 32. The distance between the second leg 313 and the positioning piece 326 (the dimension along the third axis A3) is approximately the same as (slightly greater than) the thickness of the right end portion 371 of the armature 37 (the dimension along the third axis A3). This restricts the right end portion 371 of the armature 37 from moving back and forth along the third axis A3. Meanwhile, the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 is located between the first leg 312 of the iron core 31 and the restricting piece 328 of the coil bobbin 32. The distance between the first leg 312 and the restricting piece 328 (the dimension along the third axis A3) is greater than the thickness (the dimension along the third axis A3) of the left end portion 372 of the armature 37. This allows the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 to move back and forth along the third axis A3. However, excessive forward movement of the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 is restricted by the first leg 312, and excessive rearward movement is restricted by the restricting piece 328.

[0064] The moving body 38 (also called a card) is made of resin. The moving body 38 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal polymer. The moving body 38 is cylindrical and covers the central portion between the left end portion 372 and the right end portion 371 of the armature 37. The moving body 38 is, for example, a resin molded part with the armature 37 as an insert part. The moving body 38 moves together with the armature 37.

[0065] A protrusion 381 that protrudes forward is formed on the front surface of the movable body 38. The protrusion 381 is inserted from the rear into a through-hole formed in the partition wall 13 of the base 11, and is exposed inside the recess 131 of the partition wall 13. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion 381 into the recess 131 changes in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the armature 37.

[0066] The front end of the protrusion 381 faces the rear surface of the operating piece 27 of the movable member 25. When the protrusion 381 moves forward in response to the forward movement of the armature 37, the operating piece 27 is pushed by the protrusion 381 and moves forward, and the movable contact 271 comes into contact with the fixed contact 231.

[0067] (5) Terminals As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the contact device 1 includes a first terminal 41, a second terminal 42, and two coil terminals 43 and 44.

[0068] The first terminal 41 is electrically conductive. The first terminal 41 is made of, for example, metal. The first terminal 41 is connected to the fixing member 21. The first terminal 41 extends downward from the fixing piece 22 of the fixing member 21.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the first terminal 41 is formed integrally with the fixing member 21. For example, the fixing member 21 and the first terminal 41 are formed integrally by punching and bending a single metal plate.

[0070] The second terminal 42 is electrically conductive. The second terminal 42 is made of, for example, metal. The second terminal 42 is connected to the movable member 25. The second terminal 42 extends downward from the fixed piece 26 of the movable member 25.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the second terminal 42 is formed integrally with the movable member 25. For example, the movable member 25 and the second terminal 42 are formed integrally by punching and bending a single metal plate.

[0072] Each of the two coil terminals 43 and 44 is electrically conductive and is made of, for example, metal.

[0073] The first terminal 41, the second terminal 42, and the coil terminals 43, 44 are exposed from the lower surface 120 of the base portion 12 of the body B1 and protrude downward.

[0074] The contact device 1 is fixed (connected) to the substrate, for example, by inserting the first terminal 41, the second terminal 42, and the coil terminals 43, 44 into multiple through holes in the substrate, which is the opposing member, and soldering the first terminal 41, the second terminal 42, and the coil terminals 43, 44 to the substrate.

[0075] (6) Operation The operation of the contact device 1 will now be briefly described.

[0076] First, when no voltage is applied between the two coil terminals 43, 44 and no current flows (is not energized) through the coil 33, the spring force of the spring piece 28 of the movable member 25 causes the operating piece 27 to be positioned relatively rearward, and the movable contact 271 is separated from the fixed contact 231. Furthermore, the armature 37 and the movable body 38 are pushed rearward by the operating piece 27 via the protrusion 381, and the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 is positioned relatively rearward (close to the restricting piece 328).

[0077] When a voltage is applied between the two coil terminals 43, 44 and a current flows (energizes) through the coil 33, the coil 33 is excited, and a magnetic attraction force is generated between the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 and the first leg 312 of the iron core 31, so that the left end portion 372 of the armature 37 is attracted to the first leg 312. In other words, the armature 37 and the movable body 38 rotate (counterclockwise as viewed from above) around the right end portion 371 of the armature 37 as the rotation axis.

[0078] The rotation of the movable body 38 moves the protrusion 381 forward, and the operating piece 27 moves forward as it is pushed by the protrusion 381. As a result, the movable contact 271 provided on the front surface of the operating piece 27 comes into contact with the fixed contact 231, and an electric path is formed between the second terminal 42 and the first terminal 41.

[0079] On the other hand, when the voltage application between the two coil terminals 43, 44 is released (energization is released), the spring force of the spring piece 28 of the movable member 25 moves the operating piece 27 rearward, and the movable contact 271 moves away from the fixed contact 231. This breaks the electrical path between the second terminal 42 and the first terminal 41. In addition, the protrusion 381 is pressed by the operating piece 27, causing the armature 37 and the movable body 38 to move rearward as well.

[0080] (7) Body As described above, the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 are exposed from the outer surface (lower surface 120) of the body B1, and the body B1 is provided with a protrusion block 5. More specifically, the first protrusion 51 of the protrusion block 5 protrudes from the body B1. The first protrusion 51 also protrudes upward.

[0081] The body B1 includes a coil bobbin 32 and a base 11. A case 6 is attached to the base 11 of the body B1.

[0082] (8) Projection Block Next, the projection block 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] The protrusion block 5 has a first protrusion 51 and a portion provided in a region surrounding the first protrusion 51. More specifically, the protrusion block 5 has the first protrusion 51, a first groove portion 52, and a peripheral wall portion 53. The first groove portion 52 and the peripheral wall portion 53 correspond to the portion provided in the region surrounding the first protrusion 51. In this embodiment, more specifically, the portion provided in the region surrounding the first protrusion 51 is a portion that is connected to the outer edge of the first protrusion 51 and surrounds the first protrusion 51.

[0084] The first protrusion 51 and the peripheral wall portion 53 protrude from the second extension portion 324 of the coil bobbin 32. More specifically, the first protrusion 51 and the peripheral wall portion 53 protrude upward from the second extension portion 324.

[0085] The upper surface (tip surface 511) of the upper end of the first protrusion 51 is an upwardly convex curved surface. The shape of the portion of the first protrusion 51 below the upper end is cylindrical. That is, the first protrusion 51 is formed so that its width is constant below the upper end and decreases toward the upper end. Furthermore, the first protrusion 51 protrudes from the body B1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion 51 monotonically decreases toward the tip of the first protrusion 51. More specifically, the first protrusion 51 protrudes from the body B1 in an axial direction (upward), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion 51 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction monotonically decreases toward the tip of the first protrusion 51. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion 51 monotonically decreases toward the upward direction. The first protrusion 51 has an outer peripheral surface 510 shaped like a cylindrical side surface.

[0086] The cross-sectional area "monotonically decreases" in a certain section means that the cross-sectional area continues to decrease in that section, and that the cross-sectional area is constant in one or more ranges of that section and continues to decrease in the remaining range of that section.

[0087] The peripheral wall portion 53 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, when viewed from above, an inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall portion 53 has a circular shape, and an outer surface 531 of the peripheral wall portion 53 has a rectangular shape. The first protrusion 51 is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 53.

[0088] The first groove 52 is located between the first protrusion 51 and the peripheral wall 53. More specifically, the first groove 52 is a space surrounded by the outer peripheral surface 510 of the first protrusion 51 and the inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall 53. The shape of the space that constitutes the first groove 52 is cylindrical. Furthermore, the first groove 52 is a space that is recessed downward with respect to the peripheral wall 53, which is the periphery of the first groove 52. The normal direction of the bottom surface 520 of the first groove 52 is upward. The shape of the bottom surface 520 is annular.

[0089] The second protrusion 67 of the case 6 is inserted into the first groove portion 52. The second protrusion 67 has a cylindrical shape.

[0090] The case 6 is arranged so that the second protrusion 67 contacts the inner surface of the first groove 52. The inner surface of the first groove 52 refers to the outer peripheral surface 510 of the first protrusion 51, the inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall 53, and the bottom surface 520 of the first groove 52. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 67 contacts the bottom surface 520 of the inner surface of the first groove 52 (see FIG. 6 ). More specifically, the tip (lower surface 670) of the second protrusion 67 contacts the bottom surface 520. The second protrusion 67 is arranged with a gap between the outer peripheral surface 510 of the first protrusion 51 and the inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall 53.

[0091] However, without being limited to this, the second protrusion 67 may contact one or more of the outer peripheral surface 510 of the first protrusion 51 , the inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall portion 53 , and the bottom surface 520 of the first groove portion 52 .

[0092] Furthermore, the protrusion block 5 only needs to be disposed so as to contact at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610. In Fig. 6, the bottom surface 520 of the first groove portion 52 of the protrusion block 5 contacts the lower surface 670 (of the second protrusion 67) of the inner surface 60b of the case 6.

[0093] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the peripheral wall portion 53 may be disposed so as to contact the inner surface 60b of the case 6. More specifically, the inner surface 530 of the peripheral wall portion 53 may contact the outer surface 671 of the second protrusion 67. The upper surface 532 of the peripheral wall portion 53 may contact the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, the outer peripheral surface 510 of the first projection 51 may be disposed so as to be in contact with the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610 .

[0095] Furthermore, when the protrusion block 5 is in contact with the case 6 at any location, the lower surface 670 of the second protrusion 67 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 520 of the first groove portion 52 .

[0096] It is preferable that the protrusion block 5 contacts the surface of the top plate 61 or a surface of a structure (for example, the second protrusion 67) provided on the top plate 61 on the inner surface 60b of the case 6.

[0097] The tip surface of the protrusion block 5 inserted into the through-hole 610 (here, the tip surface 511 of the first protrusion 51) is recessed relative to the outer surface 60a of the case 6. In other words, when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the first axis A1, there is a gap G1 in the first axis A1 direction between the tip surface 511 and the outer surface 60a.

[0098] In this embodiment, the protrusion block 5 is integrally molded with the body B1. More specifically, the protrusion block 5 is integrally molded with the coil bobbin 32 of the body B1. The first protrusion 51 is also integrally molded with the body B1.

[0099] The protruding block 5 is in surface contact with the case 6 .

[0100] The protrusion block 5 and the case 6 are in annular line contact. In other words, the shape of the area of ​​the protrusion block 5 where contact pressure with the case 6 occurs is annular. In other words, the area where the protrusion block 5 and the case 6 are in contact with each other is continuous, forming a ring.

[0101] In the periphery of the through hole 610, the protrusion block 5 is in contact with the case 6, but is not joined to the case 6, so that the contact between the protrusion block 5 and the case 6 can be released when the case 6 moves or deforms.

[0102] (9) Usage Example The contact device 1 is mounted on a substrate, for example, by a reflow process. If the case 6 is sealed before the reflow process, the contact device 1 is heated in the reflow process, causing gas to expand inside the case 6, which may increase the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0103] On the other hand, in the contact device 1 of this embodiment, the case 6 is provided with a through hole 610, which allows gas expanding inside the case 6 to escape through a gap between the protrusion block 5 and the case 6. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the lower surface 670 of the second protrusion 67 is in contact with the bottom surface 520 of the first groove portion 52, but if there is a gap between the lower surface 670 and the bottom surface 520 large enough for gas to pass through, or if the case 6 moves or deforms due to internal pressure, creating a gap, the gas can escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0104] A sealing process for sealing the case 6 may be performed after the reflow process. The sealing process is, for example, a process of injecting a sealant into the through-hole 610 of the case 6. The sealant is, for example, an adhesive. The sealant fills the gap between the case 6 and the protrusion block 5, for example, the gap between the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 67. The sealant fills the gap between the case 6 and the protrusion block 5, thereby sealing the case 6. Furthermore, because the tip surface 511 of the first protrusion 51 is recessed with respect to the outer surface 60a of the case 6, the possibility of the sealant overflowing from the through-hole 610 can be reduced.

[0105] The sealing step may also be, for example, a step of welding the case 6 and the protrusion block 5. For example, the case 6 and the protrusion block 5 can be welded by laser welding.

[0106] By performing the sealing step, it is possible to improve the dustproofness of the contact device 1. Furthermore, by performing the sealing step after the reflow step, it is possible to improve the dustproofness of the contact device 1 while suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6 during the reflow step.

[0107] Furthermore, since the through-hole 610 is smaller than the opening on the bottom surface of the case 6, it is easy to close the through-hole 610 and seal the case 6 in the sealing process.

[0108] (10) Modifications of the First Embodiment Modifications of the first embodiment are listed below. Hereinafter, the first embodiment described above may also be referred to as the "basic example." The basic example and each of the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0109] (10.1) Modification 1 A contact device 1A of modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In the contact device 1A of modification 1, the description of the same configuration as that of the contact device 1 of the basic example may be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] The contact device 1A of the present modified example 1 differs from the contact device 1 of the basic example in that it includes a protrusion block 5A instead of the protrusion block 5.

[0111] The protrusion block 5A has a small protrusion 54 in addition to the first protrusion 51, the first groove 52, and the peripheral wall 53. The small protrusion 54 protrudes from the surface (upper surface 532) of the peripheral wall 53 that faces the inner surface 60b of the case 6. In this first modification, the peripheral wall 53 has a cylindrical shape.

[0112] In particular, the protrusion block 5A of the present modified example 1 has a plurality of small protrusions 54 (four in FIG. 7 ) that are spaced apart from one another. More specifically, the small protrusions 54 are arranged in a circular ring shape.

[0113] The small protrusions 54 have an upwardly convex hemispherical shape. However, the shape of the small protrusions 54 is not limited to this and may be, for example, a columnar or frustum shape.

[0114] The protrusion block 5A has a plurality of small protrusions 54 integrally formed with the peripheral wall portion 53.

[0115] The small protrusions 54 are disposed so as to contact the inner surface 60b of the case 6. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, the tips of the small protrusions 54 contact the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. The protrusion block 5A is in point contact with the case 6 at each of the plurality of small protrusions 54.

[0116] In the present first modification, when the reflow process is carried out, gas can escape from the gaps between the small protrusions 54, which enhances the effect of suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0117] (10.2) Modification 2 A contact device 1B of Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the contact device 1B of Modification 2, the description of the same configuration as that of the contact device 1A of Modification 1 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0118] The contact device 1B of this modified example 2 differs from the contact device 1A of modified example 1 in that it includes a protrusion block 5B instead of the protrusion block 5A. The protrusion block 5B has a small protrusion 54B instead of the multiple small protrusions 54. The small protrusion 54B protrudes from the upper surface 532 of the peripheral wall portion 53. The small protrusion 54B has an annular shape. More specifically, when viewed from the protruding direction of the small protrusion 54B (upward), the small protrusion 54B has an annular shape. Even more specifically, when viewed from above, the small protrusion 54B has an annular shape. The small protrusion 54B surrounds the first protrusion 51.

[0119] The cross-sectional shape of the small protrusion 54B is a semicircular shape that is convex upward. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion block 5B is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion block 5A shown in FIG.

[0120] The protruding block 5B is in line contact with the case 6. More specifically, the protruding block 5B is in line contact with the case 6 at the small protrusion 54B. The small protrusion 54B and the case 6 are in contact with each other in an annular region. In other words, the shape of the region of the small protrusion 54B where contact pressure with the case 6 occurs is annular. This improves the dustproofness of the case 6 compared to the first modification.

[0121] (10.3) Other Modifications In one modification, the shape of the first projection 51 may be, for example, a hemispherical, cylindrical, prismatic, truncated conical, or truncated pyramidal shape.

[0122] In one modified example, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least the tip portion (upper end portion) of the first protrusion 51 may monotonically decrease upward. In other words, in this modified example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion 51 does not have to monotonically decrease in portions other than the tip portion.

[0123] In one modified example, the protrusion block 5 may not have the peripheral wall portion 53. Even if the protrusion block 5 does not have the peripheral wall portion 53, the protrusion block 5 may have the first groove portion 52, and in this case, the first groove portion 52 is a recess provided in the body B1.

[0124] In one modified example, the second protrusion 67 may have a spring property and may generate a force that pinches the first protrusion 51.

[0125] In one modified example, the number of terminals included in the contact device 1 is not limited to four. For example, the contact device 1 may include two or more contact units 2 each including a pair of a movable contact 271 and a fixed contact 231, and in that case, the contact device 1 may include two or more first terminals 41 and / or two or more second terminals 42.

[0126] In one modified example, the mating member to which the contact device 1 is connected is not limited to a substrate, but may be, for example, a terminal block.

[0127] In one modified example, the contact unit 2 is not limited to a structure (so-called "a-contact") in which the movable contact 271 contacts the fixed contact 231 when the coil 33 is energized, but may have a structure (so-called "b-contact") in which the movable contact 271 contacts the fixed contact 231 when the coil 33 is not energized. Furthermore, the contact unit 2 may have a so-called "c-contact" structure.

[0128] (Embodiment 2) A contact device 1C of embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Description of the same configuration as the contact device 1 of the basic example of embodiment 1 may be omitted as appropriate. Note that the configuration described in embodiment 1, including modified examples, can be applied to embodiment 2 as appropriate.

[0129] In a contact device 1C of this embodiment, a protrusion block 5C is provided at a different position from the protrusion block 5 of embodiment 1. The protrusion block 5C is provided on a partition wall 13 of the body B1 (see FIGS. 2 and 11).

[0130] The protrusion block 5C has a first protrusion 51 and a peripheral portion 1320 of the first protrusion 51. The peripheral portion 1320 also serves as a component of the partition wall 13. The peripheral portion 1320 corresponds to a portion provided in the area surrounding the first protrusion 51.

[0131] The first protrusion 51 protrudes forward from the front surface 132 of the partition wall 13. In other words, the protruding direction of the first protrusion 51 is different from the direction (upward) in which the body B1 is inserted into the case 6. In other words, the first protrusion 51 protrudes in a direction intersecting the direction (upward) in which the body B1 is inserted into the case 6. The shape of the first protrusion 51 is a hemispherical shape that is convex forward.

[0132] The through-holes 610 into which the first protrusions 51 are inserted are provided in the side plates 62 of the case 6. That is, the through-holes 610 are provided so as to penetrate the side plates 62 in the front-rear direction. The through-holes 610 are circular holes.

[0133] The protrusion block 5C is disposed so as to contact at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610. More specifically, the inner surface 60b of the case 6 includes the rear surface 622 of the side plate 62, and the first protrusion 51 of the protrusion block 5C is disposed so as to contact a corner 623 that corresponds to the boundary between the rear surface 622 and the inner surface 611. The corner 623 includes an end of the rear surface 622 and an end of the inner surface 611.

[0134] Furthermore, the protrusion block 5C is in line contact with the case 6. More specifically, the protrusion block 5C is in line contact with the case 6 at the first protrusion 51. Furthermore, the first protrusion 51 and the case 6 are in contact with each other in an annular region. In other words, the shape of the region of the first protrusion 51 where contact pressure with the case 6 occurs is annular. Contact pressure with the case 6 occurs along the corners 623 of the first protrusion 51.

[0135] The first protrusion 51 protrudes from the body B1 in one axial direction (third axis A3), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion 51 in a cross section perpendicular to the one axial direction monotonically decreases toward the tip (front end) of the first protrusion 51. This configuration makes it easy to insert the first protrusion 51 into the through hole 610 when assembling the case 6 to the body B1. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easy for a gap to form between the first protrusion 51 and the inner surface 611 of the through hole 610 when the case 6 is deformed due to an increase in internal pressure of the case 6.

[0136] In the reflow process, the internal pressure of the case 6 increases, causing the case 6 to move or deform, creating a gap between the case 6 and the first protrusions 51 large enough for gas to pass through, allowing the gas to escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0137] Furthermore, a through hole 610 is provided in the side plate 62 of the case 6, and the first protrusion 51 is inserted into the through hole 610. The side plate 62 and the side plate 64 (see FIG. 4) have the largest area among the top plate 61 and the side plates 62 to 65 of the case 6, and are therefore prone to deformation due to an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6. Therefore, if the through hole 610 is provided in the side plate 62 or the side plate 64, a gap large enough to allow gas to pass through is likely to occur between the case 6 and the first protrusion 51.

[0138] As in the first embodiment, a sealing step for sealing the case 6 may be performed after the reflow step.

[0139] (Embodiment 3) A contact device 1D of embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Description of the same configuration as that of contact device 1C of embodiment 2 may be omitted as appropriate. Note that the configurations described in embodiments 1 and 2, including modified examples, can be applied to embodiment 3 as appropriate.

[0140] A contact device 1D of this embodiment includes a protrusion block 5D instead of the protrusion block 5C. The protrusion block 5D is provided on the partition wall 13 of the body B1. The protrusion block 5D includes a first protrusion 51 and a second groove portion 55.

[0141] The first protrusion 51 is a separate member from the body B1. The first protrusion 51 is made of adhesive. That is, the first protrusion 51 is a product formed when the adhesive hardens. The first protrusion 51 closes the innermost portion (rear end portion) of the through-hole 610.

[0142] The second groove 55 is a recess provided in the body B1. When viewed from the front, the second groove 55 has an annular shape. The second groove 55 surrounds the first protrusion 51.

[0143] The first protrusion 51 is formed, for example, as follows. First, the body B1 and the case 6 are molded. Next, the case 6 is attached to the body B1. As a result, a portion of the front surface 132 of the partition wall 13 of the body B1 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 610. This portion of the body B1 exposed through the through hole 610 is surrounded by the second groove 55. Next, adhesive is injected into the through hole 610. The adhesive hardens to form the first protrusion 51. As a result, the inner portion (rear end) of the through hole 610 is blocked by the first protrusion 51. Furthermore, because the second groove 55 is provided around the portion of the body B1 exposed through the through hole 610, the possibility of the adhesive flowing around the second groove 55 is reduced. When the first protrusion 51 is formed, some of the adhesive may have flowed into the second groove 55.

[0144] Since the first protrusions 51 are formed after the case 6 is attached to the body B1, the first protrusions 51 do not become an obstacle when attaching the case 6 to the body B1.

[0145] During the reflow process, heat causes the first protrusions 51 to peel off from the adhesive surface. For example, the contact area between the first protrusions 51 and the case 6 is smaller than the contact area between the first protrusions 51 and the body B1, so the first protrusions 51 peel off from the case 6. This creates a gap between the first protrusions 51 and the case 6. Gas that expands inside the case 6 can escape through this gap. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0146] As in the first embodiment, after the reflow process, a sealing process may be performed to seal the case 6. For example, in the sealing process, the adhesive may be reinjected into the through-holes 610.

[0147] (Embodiment 4) A contact device 1E of embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Description of the same configuration as that of contact device 1C of embodiment 2 may be omitted as appropriate. Note that the configurations described in embodiments 1 to 3, including modified examples, can be applied to embodiment 4 as appropriate.

[0148] In the contact device 1E of this embodiment, the shape of the first protrusion 51 of the protrusion block 5E is the same as that in embodiment 2. In the contact device 1E of this embodiment, the configuration of the first protrusion 51 is different from that in embodiment 2. The first protrusion 51 includes a tip end portion 51a and a base end portion 51b.

[0149] The base end 51b protrudes forward from the front surface 132 of the partition wall 13. The base end 51b has a truncated cone shape. The base end 51b is integrally molded with the partition wall 13. A gap G2 in the direction of the third axis A3 is present between the front surface 513 of the base end 51b and the inner surface 60b of the case 6 (the rear surface 622 of the side plate 62).

[0150] The tip portion 51a protrudes forward from the front surface of the base portion 51b. The tip portion 51a is inserted into the through-hole 610. The tip portion 51a has a hemispherical shape that is convex forward. The tip portion 51a is formed from adhesive. In other words, the product formed when the adhesive hardens is the tip portion 51a. The tip portion 51a closes the inner portion (rear end) of the through-hole 610. The tip portion 51a is positioned so as to contact a corner 623 that corresponds to the boundary between the rear surface 622 of the side plate 62 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610.

[0151] The tip portion 51a is produced, for example, as follows. First, the body B1 and the case 6 are molded. The base portion 51b is formed integrally with the partition wall 13 of the body B1. Next, the case 6 is attached to the body B1. As a result, the base portion 51b is exposed to the outside through the through-hole 610. Next, adhesive is injected into the through-hole 610. The adhesive hardens to form the tip portion 51a. As a result, the innermost portion (rear end) of the through-hole 610 is blocked by the tip portion 51a.

[0152] Since the tip portion 51a is formed after the case 6 is attached to the body B1, the tip portion 51a does not get in the way when attaching the case 6 to the body B1.

[0153] During the reflow process, heat causes the tip portion 51a to peel off from the adhesive surface. For example, the contact area between the tip portion 51a and the case 6 is smaller than the contact area between the tip portion 51a and the base end portion 51b, so the tip portion 51a peels off from the case 6. This creates a gap between the tip portion 51a and the case 6. Gas that expands inside the case 6 can escape through this gap. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0154] As in the first embodiment, after the reflow process, a sealing process may be performed to seal the case 6. For example, in the sealing process, the adhesive may be reinjected into the through-holes 610.

[0155] A second groove 55 (see FIG. 12) may be provided around the base end 51b.

[0156] In the third embodiment, the entire first protrusion 51 is a separate member from the body B1, and in the fourth embodiment, only a part of the first protrusion 51 is a separate member from the body B1. That is, in one aspect, at least a part of the protrusion block 5E is a separate member from the body B1.

[0157] In the third embodiment, the entire first protrusion 51 is formed of adhesive, and in the fourth embodiment, only a portion of the first protrusion 51 is formed of adhesive. That is, in one aspect, at least a portion of the protrusion block 5E is formed of adhesive.

[0158] (Embodiments 5 to 8) The following describes contact devices according to embodiments 5 to 8. The contact devices according to embodiments 5 to 8 differ from the contact device 1 according to embodiment 1 in that they do not have a first protrusion 51 that is inserted into the through-hole 610 of the case 6. Note that, in embodiments 5 to 8, the through-hole 610 is described as being provided in the top plate 61 (wall member) of the case 6, as in embodiment 1, but the through-hole 610 may also be provided in the side plate 62 of the case 6 (see FIG. 10 ). Furthermore, the configurations described in embodiments 1 to 4, including modified examples, can be applied as appropriate to embodiments 5 to 8.

[0159] Fifth Embodiment A contact device 1F of a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Descriptions of configurations similar to those of the contact device 1 of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate. For example, the configurations of the fixed contact 231, the first terminal 41, the movable contact 271, and the second terminal 42 (see Fig. 2) are similar to those of the contact device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 14 , the contact device 1F of this embodiment includes a body B1, a fixed contact 231 (see FIG. 2 ), a first terminal 41 (see FIG. 2 ), a movable contact 271 (see FIG. 2 ), a second terminal 42 (see FIG. 2 ), and a case 6. The body B1 has one surface (upper surface 3240). The one surface includes a flat central region R1 and a peripheral region R2 surrounding the central region R1. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 231. The first terminal 41 is exposed from the outer surface (lower surface 120: see FIG. 2 ) of the body B1. The movable contact 271 is in contact with or spaced apart from the fixed contact 231. The second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the movable contact 271. The second terminal 42 is exposed from the outer surface (lower surface 120: see FIG. 2 ) of the body B1. The case 6 includes an outer surface 60a and an inner surface 60b. The case 6 accommodates at least a portion of the body B1, the fixed contact 231, and the movable contact 271 in an internal space inside the inner surface 60b of the case 6. The case 6 has a through-hole 610 exposing the central region R1. The peripheral region R2 contacts the inner surface 60b of the case 6.

[0161] According to the above configuration, when the contact device 1F is heated during a reflow process or the like, gas expanding inside the case 6 can be released through the through-hole 610. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6. This reduces the possibility of the case 6 being damaged due to an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6. It also reduces the possibility of the dustproofness of the contact device 1F being reduced due to damage to the case 6.

[0162] Furthermore, since the peripheral region R2 of the body B1 is in contact with the inner surface 60b of the case 6, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case 6 through the through-hole 610 can be reduced.

[0163] The configuration of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0164] In this embodiment, the surface of the body B1 contacts the inner surface 60b of the case 6 around the through-hole 610. More specifically, the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324 of the coil bobbin 32 of the body B1 contacts the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61 of the case 6.

[0165] The upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324 is flat. The lower surface 612 of the top plate 61 is flat. The upper surface 3240 and the lower surface 612 are in surface contact. The area of ​​the upper surface 3240 (one surface) that is inside the inner edge of the through hole 610 when viewed from above is the central region R1. The central region R1 is a circular region.

[0166] The contact area (i.e., peripheral region R2) between the surface (upper surface 3240) of the body B1 and the inner surface 60b (lower surface 612) of the case 6 exists so as to surround the central axis X1 of the through-hole 610. More specifically, the peripheral region R2 is an annular region surrounding the central axis X1. In the peripheral region R2, contact pressure is generated between the surface (upper surface 3240) of the body B1 and the inner surface 60b (lower surface 612) of the case 6.

[0167] In the peripheral region R2, the contact surface with the inner surface 60b of the case 6 is annular and surrounds the through-hole 610. That is, in the peripheral region R2, the contact surface with the inner surface 60b of the case 6 has a shape that seamlessly goes around the through-hole 610. The shape that seamlessly goes around the through-hole 610 is a shape of a continuous loop in the direction surrounding the through-hole 610. The loop referred to here may be, for example, circular or polygonal. The loop referred to here is a shape formed by connecting a first end of the string and a second end of the string opposite the first end, without the portions of the string intersecting each other when viewed from one direction.

[0168] Although the body B1 is in contact with the case 6 around the through hole 610, it is not joined to the case 6, and therefore the contact between the body B1 and the case 6 can be released when the case 6 moves or deforms.

[0169] For example, when the contact device 1F is heated during the reflow process, gas may expand inside the case 6, causing an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6. The internal pressure may cause the case 6 to move or deform, creating a gap between the case 6 and the body B1, allowing the gas to escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0170] Furthermore, it is preferable that the minimum width W1 of the contact area between the body B1 and the case 6 be 0.3 mm or more, thereby reducing the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case 6 through the through-hole 610.

[0171] Similar to the contact device 1 of the first embodiment, the contact device 1F of the present embodiment includes a body B1, a fixed contact 231, a first terminal 41, a movable contact 271, a second terminal 42, and a case 6. The first terminal 41 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 231. The first terminal 41 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. The movable contact 271 comes into contact with or is separated from the fixed contact 231. The second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the movable contact 271. The second terminal 42 is exposed from the outer surface of the body B1. The case 6 includes an outer surface 60a and an inner surface 60b. The case 6 accommodates at least a portion of the body B1, the fixed contact 231, and the movable contact 271 in an internal space inside the inner surface 60b. The case 6 has a through hole 610. The through hole 610 includes an inner surface 611. At least one of the periphery of the through-hole 610 and the inside of the through-hole 610, the surface (top surface 3240) of the body B1 contacts at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610. Furthermore, the contact area between the surface (top surface 3240) of the body B1 and at least one of the inner surface 60b of the case 6 and the inner surface 611 of the through-hole 610 surrounds the central axis X1 of the through-hole 610. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in internal pressure in the case 6.

[0172] Sixth Embodiment A contact device 1G of a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Description of the same configuration as the contact device 1F of the fifth embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0173] The contact device 1G of this embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the case 6 further includes a cylindrical protrusion 68 facing the body B1. The cylindrical protrusion 68 protrudes, for example, from the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. The cylindrical protrusion 68 has a cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) shape.

[0174] The inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion 68 constitutes a part of the inner surface 611 of the through hole 610. In this way, the cylindrical protrusion 68 is formed to have a relatively small diameter, which makes it easier for the case 6 to deform when the internal pressure of the case 6 increases, and makes it easier for gas inside the case 6 to escape. However, the cylindrical protrusion 68 may be provided away from the through hole 610 provided in the top plate 61 so as to surround the through hole 610.

[0175] A lower surface 680 of the cylindrical projection 68 contacts the surface of the body B1. More specifically, the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical projection 68 contacts the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324. The contact area between the surface of the body B1 (upper surface 3240) and the inner surface 60b (lower surface 680) of the case 6 surrounds the central axis X1 of the through-hole 610.

[0176] Although the body B1 is in contact with the case 6 around the through-hole 610, it is not joined to the case 6. Therefore, when the case 6 moves or deforms, the body B1 and the case 6 can be released from contact with each other. When the case 6 moves or deforms due to the internal pressure of the case 6, a gap is created between the case 6 and the body B1, allowing the gas inside the case 6 to escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0177] The above-mentioned peripheral region R2 will also be referred to as the first peripheral region R2 below. The top surface 3240 (one surface) of the body B1 includes a second peripheral region R3 in addition to the central region R1 and the first peripheral region R2. The second peripheral region R3 is a region that surrounds the first peripheral region R2. The second peripheral region R3 is a circular region. The central region R1, the first peripheral region R2, and the second peripheral region R3 are on the same plane.

[0178] The case 6 has a top plate 61 and a cylindrical protrusion 68. The top plate 61 has a through hole 610. The cylindrical protrusion 68 protrudes from the top plate 61. The cylindrical protrusion 68 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the through hole 610.

[0179] The tip (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion 68 contacts the first peripheral region R2. A gap exists between the top plate 61 and the second peripheral region R3. This configuration allows gas inside the case 6 to pass through the gap that forms between the tip (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion 68 and the first peripheral region R2 when the internal pressure of the case 6 increases, and then exit the case 6 through the through-hole 610. The gap between the top plate 61 and the second peripheral region R3 facilitates gas escape. Furthermore, the provision of the cylindrical protrusion 68 reduces the possibility of foreign matter entering the space between the top plate 61 and the second peripheral region R3.

[0180] Seventh Embodiment A contact device 1H of a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Description of the same configuration as that of the contact device 1F of the fifth embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0181] The contact device 1H of the present embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the body B1 further has a protrusion 56 that faces the case 6. The protrusion 56 protrudes, for example, from the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324. The shape of the protrusion 56 is tubular (for example, cylindrical).

[0182] An upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56 contacts the inner surface 60b of the case 6. More specifically, the upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56 contacts the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. The contact area between the surface (upper surface 560) of the body B1 and the inner surface 60b (lower surface 612) of the case 6 surrounds the central axis X1 of the through-hole 610.

[0183] The protrusion 56 is provided at a position in contact with a portion of the top plate 61 adjacent to the through-hole 610. In this way, the protrusion 56 is formed to have a relatively small diameter, which makes it easier for the case 6 to deform when the internal pressure of the case 6 increases, and makes it easier for gas inside the case 6 to escape. However, the protrusion 56 may be provided away from the through-hole 610 provided in the top plate 61 so as to surround the through-hole 610. The configuration of Figure 17, which is a drawing related to embodiment 8 described below, is an example in which the protrusion 56 is provided away from the through-hole 610 provided in the top plate 61 so as to surround the through-hole 610.

[0184] Although the body B1 is in contact with the case 6 around the through-hole 610, it is not joined to the case 6. Therefore, when the case 6 moves or deforms, the body B1 and the case 6 can be released from contact with each other. When the case 6 moves or deforms due to the internal pressure of the case 6, a gap is created between the case 6 and the body B1, allowing the gas inside the case 6 to escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0185] As described above, the body B1 has a main body (second extension portion 324) including the central region R1, and the cylindrical protrusion 56. The protrusion 56 protrudes from the main body and surrounds the central region R1.

[0186] The peripheral region R2 is the region of the tip of the protrusion 56. In other words, the peripheral region R2 coincides with the upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56.

[0187] At the tip of the protrusion 56, the contact surface with the inner surface 60b of the case 6 is annular and surrounds the through-hole 610. In other words, at the tip of the protrusion 56, the contact surface with the inner surface 60b of the case 6 is shaped to seamlessly circle the periphery of the through-hole 610.

[0188] Furthermore, there is a gap between the top plate 61 and a second peripheral region R3 that surrounds the first peripheral region R2.

[0189] As with the sixth embodiment, the configuration of this embodiment makes it easy for gas inside the case 6 to escape from the case 6. Furthermore, the provision of the protrusions 56 reduces the possibility of foreign matter entering the space between the top plate 61 and the second peripheral region R3.

[0190] Eighth Embodiment A contact device 1J of an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Description of the same configuration as that of the contact device 1G of the sixth embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0191] The contact device 1J of the present embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the body B1 further has a protrusion 56 that faces the case 6. The protrusion 56 protrudes, for example, from the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324. The shape of the protrusion 56 is tubular (for example, cylindrical).

[0192] The protrusion 56 is provided at a distance from the through-hole 610 provided in the top plate 61 so as to surround the through-hole 610. The protrusion 56 also surrounds the cylindrical protrusion 68. That is, the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 68 is smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion 56.

[0193] The surface of the body B1 contacts the inner surface 60b of the case 6. More specifically, in FIG.

[0194] 17, the upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56 is spaced apart from the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. However, the upper surface 560 may be in contact with the lower surface 612 as shown in FIGS.

[0195] 17, the inner surface 561 of the projection 56 is spaced apart from the outer surface 681 of the cylindrical projection 68. However, the inner surface 561 may be in contact with the outer surface 681.

[0196] Furthermore, when the body B1 is in contact with the case 6 at any location, the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324 may be spaced apart from the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical projection 68 .

[0197] Although the body B1 is in contact with the case 6 around the through-hole 610, it is not joined to the case 6. Therefore, when the case 6 moves or deforms, the body B1 and the case 6 can be released from contact with each other. When the case 6 moves or deforms due to the internal pressure of the case 6, a gap is created between the case 6 and the body B1, allowing the gas inside the case 6 to escape. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the case 6.

[0198] In addition, although the protrusion 56 is provided so as to surround the cylindrical protrusion 68 in FIG. 17, the cylindrical protrusion 68 may be provided so as to surround the protrusion 56 in the opposite manner.

[0199] Furthermore, the body B1 may have a plurality of protrusions 56. The case 6 may have a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 68. The protrusions 56 and the cylindrical protrusions 68 may be provided alternately. For example, a protrusion 56 may be provided around a cylindrical protrusion 68, and another cylindrical protrusion 68 (hereinafter referred to as an outer protrusion) may be provided around the protrusion 56. Furthermore, another protrusion 56 may be provided around the outer protrusion.

[0200] As described above, in this embodiment, the case 6 has a top plate 61 and a cylindrical protrusion 68. The top plate 61 has a through hole 610. The cylindrical protrusion 68 protrudes from the top plate 61 and surrounds the through hole 610. The body B1 has a main body (second extension portion 324) including a central region R1, and a cylindrical protrusion 56 surrounding the central region R1. The protrusion 56 protrudes from the main body. The peripheral region R2 is a region on the surface of the main body. More specifically, the peripheral region R2 is a region of the main body between the protrusion 56 and the central region R1. The peripheral region R2 contacts the tip end (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion 68.

[0201] (First Modification of the Eighth Embodiment) A contact device 1K according to a first modification of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment described above may also be referred to as "basic example 8".

[0202] In the contact device 1K of the present modified example 1, the upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56 is in contact with the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. Furthermore, the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68 is spaced apart from the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324 of the body B1. The other configurations are the same as those of the basic example 8.

[0203] That is, in this first modification, the case 6 has a top plate 61 and a cylindrical protrusion 68. The top plate 61 has a through hole 610. The cylindrical protrusion 68 protrudes from the top plate 61 and surrounds the through hole 610. The body B1 has a main body (second extension portion 324) that includes a central region R1, and a cylindrical protrusion 56 that surrounds the central region R1. The protrusion 56 protrudes from the main body. The peripheral region R2 is the region of the tip end (upper surface 560) of the protrusion 56. The peripheral region R2 contacts the top plate 61.

[0204] (Modification 2 of Eighth Embodiment) A contact device 1L according to a modification 2 of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0205] In the contact device 1L of the present modified example 2, the upper surface 560 of the protrusion 56 contacts the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61. The other configurations are the same as those of the basic example 8. Therefore, the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68 contacts the upper surface 3240 of the second extension portion 324 of the body B1.

[0206] That is, in this second modification, the case 6 has a top plate 61 and a cylindrical protrusion 68. A through hole 610 is provided in the top plate 61. The cylindrical protrusion 68 protrudes from the top plate 61 and surrounds the through hole 610. The body B1 has a main body (second extension portion 324) including a central region R1, and a cylindrical protrusion 56 surrounding the central region R1. The protrusion 56 protrudes from the main body. The peripheral region R2 includes a region on the surface of the main body that contacts the tip end (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion 68, and a region of the tip end (upper surface 560) of the protrusion 56 that contacts the top plate 61.

[0207] (Embodiments 9 and 10) The following describes embodiments 9 and 10. The embodiments 9 and 10 relate to a method for manufacturing a contact device.

[0208] As with the contact device 1G of the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 15 ), the contact devices of the ninth and tenth embodiments have a cylindrical protrusion 68 protruding from the top plate 61, and the upper surface 3240 of the body B1 has a flat central region R1 facing the through hole 610 and a flat first peripheral region R2 around the central region R1. Thus, most of the configuration of the contact devices of the ninth and tenth embodiments is common to the contact device 1G of the sixth embodiment.

[0209] However, the configurations described in the first to eighth embodiments, including modified examples, can be appropriately applied to the ninth and tenth embodiments. For example, the case 6 does not have to have the cylindrical protrusion 68 (see FIGS. 24 and 25). Also, for example, the body B1 may have the protrusion 56 (see FIG. 17) protruding from the main body (second extension portion 324).

[0210] Ninth Embodiment A contact device 1M (see FIG. 23) according to a ninth embodiment will be described. Descriptions of the same configuration as the contact device 1G according to the sixth embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0211] First, for comparison with the ninth embodiment, an example of a manufacturing method of the contact device 1G of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG.

[0212] The manufacturing method of the contact device 1G includes a molding process. As shown in Fig. 20 , the molding process is a process in which a molding material that will become the case 6 is poured into a gap between a first mold 91 and a second mold 92 to mold the case 6. The molding material is, for example, a synthetic resin. The first mold 91 is positioned on the outer surface 60a side of the case 6, and the second mold 92 is positioned on the inner surface 60b side of the case 6.

[0213] Inside the through hole 610 of the case 6, the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 (the region where the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 face each other) is located at the lower end of the through hole 610. In other words, the mating surface is on the same plane as the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68.

[0214] It is preferable that the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 contact each other at their mating surfaces. However, in practice, a gap may occur between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92.

[0215] Burrs 7 may occur at the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92. That is, the burrs 7 may occur when the molding material (synthetic resin) flows into the gap between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 and solidifies. As described above, the mating surface is located at the lower end of the through-hole 610. If the burrs 7 occur at the lower end of the through-hole 610, as shown in FIG. 21 , the burrs 7 may become trapped between the case 6 and the body B1, creating a gap between the case 6 and the body B1. More specifically, the burrs 7 may become trapped between the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68 and the upper surface 3240 of the main body (second extension portion 324), creating a gap between the lower surface 680 and the upper surface 3240. This may impair the airtightness of the case 6, potentially allowing foreign matter to enter the interior of the case 6.

[0216] Next, a contact device 1M according to a ninth embodiment and a method for manufacturing the same will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0217] The case 6 of the contact device 1M further has an inner protrusion 69. The inner protrusion 69 protrudes from an inner surface 611 of the through hole 610 toward the center of the through hole 610. More specifically, the inner protrusion 69 is provided near the lower end of the through hole 610. When viewed from a direction facing the central region R1, the shape of the inner protrusion 69 is annular. In other words, when viewed from above, the shape of the inner protrusion 69 is annular. More specifically, the shape of the inner protrusion 69 is cylindrical. Due to the provision of the inner protrusion 69, the inner diameter of the through hole 610 becomes smaller near the lower end.

[0218] The location where the inner protrusion 69 is provided corresponds to the inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion 68. In other words, the inner protrusion 69 protrudes from the inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion 68 toward the center of the through hole 610.

[0219] The upper end of the inner protrusion 69 is located between the outer surface 60a of the case 6 (the upper surface of the top plate 61) and the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68. The lower end of the inner protrusion 69 is flush with the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68.

[0220] The manufacturing method of the contact device 1M includes a molding process. As shown in Fig. 22 , the molding process is a process in which a molding material that will become the material of the case 6 is poured into a gap between a first mold 91 and a second mold 92 to mold the case 6. The molding material is, for example, a synthetic resin. The first mold 91 is disposed on the outer surface 60a side of the case 6, and the second mold 92 is disposed on the inner surface 60b side of the case 6.

[0221] Inside the through-hole 610 of the case 6, the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 (the region where the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 face each other) is located at the boundary between the region of the through-hole 610 where the internal protrusion 69 is not provided (i.e., the region above the internal protrusion 69) and the region inside the internal protrusion 69. In other words, the mating surface is on the same plane as the upper end of the internal protrusion 69.

[0222] In this embodiment, since the case 6 has the internal protrusions 69, the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 can be located away from the lower end of the through hole 610. Even if burrs 7 are generated at the mating surface, the burrs 7 are formed away from the lower end of the through hole 610. This reduces the possibility of burrs 7 being trapped between the case 6 and the body B1, causing a gap between the case 6 and the body B1.

[0223] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that foreign matter will enter the inside of the case 6 through the gap between the case 6 and the body B1.

[0224] The length of the burr 7 is shorter than half the inner diameter of the inner protrusion 69. Therefore, in order to further reduce the possibility that the tip of the burr 7 will reach the lower end of the through-hole 610, the length of the inner protrusion 69 in the up-down direction (the direction along the first axis A1) may be set to be longer than half the inner diameter of the inner protrusion 69.

[0225] The burr 7 is not an essential component of the contact device 1M.

[0226] 24 , the case 6 does not have a cylindrical protrusion 68. An internal protrusion 69 protrudes from an inner surface 611 of a through-hole 610 in a top plate 61 of the case 6. Furthermore, the upper end of the internal protrusion 69 is located between the upper surface and the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61 (i.e., between the outer surface 60 a and the inner surface 60 b of the case 6), and the lower end of the internal protrusion 69 is flush with the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61.

[0227] Inside the through hole 610, the mating surfaces of the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are located at the boundary between the area of ​​the through hole 610 where the internal protrusion 69 is not provided (i.e., the area above the internal protrusion 69) and the area inside the internal protrusion 69.

[0228] 25 , in this second modification, the case 6 does not have a cylindrical protrusion 68. An internal protrusion 69 protrudes from an inner surface 611 of a through-hole 610 in a top plate 61 of the case 6. Furthermore, the upper end of the internal protrusion 69 is flush with the upper surface of the top plate 61, and the lower end of the internal protrusion 69 is located between the upper surface and a lower surface 612 of the top plate 61 (i.e., between the outer surface 60 a and the inner surface 60 b of the case 6).

[0229] Inside the through hole 610, the mating surfaces of the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are located at the boundary between the area of ​​the through hole 610 where the internal protrusion 69 is not provided (i.e., the area below the internal protrusion 69) and the area inside the internal protrusion 69.

[0230] In this second modification, the upper end of the internal protrusion 69 may be located between the upper surface and the lower surface 612 of the top plate 61 (i.e., between the outer surface 60a and the inner surface 60b of the case 6). In this case, inside the through hole 610, the mating surfaces of the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 are located at the boundary between the region of the through hole 610 where the internal protrusion 69 is not provided (i.e., the region above or below the internal protrusion 69) and the region inside the internal protrusion 69.

[0231] (Variant example 3 of embodiment 9) When the case 6 has a cylindrical protrusion 68, the upper end of the inner protrusion 69 may be on the same plane as the upper surface of the top plate 61, and the lower end of the inner protrusion 69 may be located between the upper surface of the top plate 61 and the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68.

[0232] Furthermore, in the case 6 having the cylindrical protrusion 68 , the upper and lower ends of the inner protrusion 69 may be located between the upper surface of the top plate 61 and the lower surface 680 of the cylindrical protrusion 68 .

[0233] Tenth Embodiment A contact device 1N of a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Description of the same configuration as the contact device 1M of the ninth embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0234] The cylindrical protrusion 68 of the contact device 1N has a first cylindrical portion 68a and a second cylindrical portion 68b. Each of the first cylindrical portion 68a and the second cylindrical portion 68b has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, each of the first cylindrical portion 68a and the second cylindrical portion 68b has a cylindrical shape.

[0235] The first cylindrical portion 68a protrudes from the top plate 61 and surrounds the through-hole 610. The second cylindrical portion 68b protrudes from the tip end (lower end) of the first cylindrical portion 68a and surrounds the through-hole 610. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 68b is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 68a. In other words, the inner diameter of the through-hole 610 is smaller near the lower end.

[0236] Inside the through-hole 610 of the case 6, the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 is located at the boundary between the inner region of the first cylindrical portion 68a and the inner region of the second cylindrical portion 68b. In other words, the mating surface is on the same plane as the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 68a.

[0237] In this embodiment, since the cylindrical protrusion 68 has the first cylindrical portion 68a and the second cylindrical portion 68b, the mating surface between the first mold 91 and the second mold 92 can be located away from the lower end of the through hole 610. Even if burrs 7 are generated at the mating surface, the burrs 7 are formed away from the lower end of the through hole 610. This reduces the possibility that the burrs 7 will be trapped between the case 6 and the body B1, causing a gap between the case 6 and the body B1.

[0238] (Summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0239] A contact device (1F to 1H, 1J to 1N) according to a first aspect includes a body (B1), a fixed contact (231), a first terminal (41), a movable contact (271), a second terminal (42), and a case (6). The body (B1) has one surface (upper surface 3240). The one surface includes a flat central region (R1) and a peripheral region (R2) surrounding the central region (R1). The first terminal (41) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (231). The first terminal (41) is exposed from the outer surface of the body (B1). The movable contact (271) is in contact with or spaced apart from the fixed contact (231). The second terminal (42) is electrically connected to the movable contact (271). The second terminal (42) is exposed from the outer surface of the body (B1). The case (6) includes an outer surface (60a) and an inner surface (60b). The case (6) accommodates at least a portion of the body (B1), the fixed contact (231), and the movable contact (271) in an internal space inside the inner surface (60b). The case (6) has a through-hole (610) that exposes the central region (R1). The peripheral region (R2) contacts the inner surface (60b) of the case (6).

[0240] According to the above configuration, when the contact devices (1F-1H, 1J-1N) are heated during a reflow process or the like, gas expanding inside the case (6) can be released through the through-hole (610). This prevents the internal pressure of the case (6) from increasing. Furthermore, because the peripheral region (R2) of the body (B1) is in contact with the inner surface (60b) of the case (6), the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be reduced.

[0241] In addition, in the contact device (1F to 1H, 1J to 1N) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, in the peripheral region (R2), the contact surface with the inner surface (60b) of the case (6) is annular and surrounds the through hole (610).

[0242] According to the above configuration, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be further reduced.

[0243] Furthermore, in the contact device (1G, 1J-1N) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the peripheral region (R2) is the first peripheral region (R2). One surface (upper surface 3240) further includes a second peripheral region (R3) surrounding the first peripheral region (R2). The case (6) has a top plate (61) (wall member) and a cylindrical tubular protrusion (68). The top plate (61) is provided with a through hole (610). The cylindrical protrusion (68) protrudes from the top plate (61) and surrounds the through hole (610). The tip (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion (68) contacts the first peripheral region (R2). There is a gap between the top plate (61) and the second peripheral region (R3).

[0244] According to the above configuration, the gap between the top plate (61) and the second peripheral region (R3) allows gas to easily escape from inside the case (6).

[0245] Furthermore, in a contact device (1H, 1J-1L) according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the body (B1) has a main body (second extension portion 324) and a cylindrical protrusion (56). The main body includes a central region (R1). The protrusion (56) protrudes from the main body and surrounds the central region (R1). The peripheral region (R2) is a region at the tip of the protrusion (56). At the tip of the protrusion (56), the contact surface with the inner surface (60b) of the case (6) is annular and surrounds the through hole (610).

[0246] According to the above configuration, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be further reduced.

[0247] In addition, in the contact device (1J, 1K) according to the fifth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the case (6) has a top plate (61) (wall member) and a cylindrical tubular protrusion (68). The top plate (61) has a through hole (610). The cylindrical protrusion (68) protrudes from the top plate (61) and surrounds the through hole (610). The body (B1) has a main body (second extension portion 324) and a cylindrical protrusion (56). The main body includes a central region (R1). The protrusion (56) protrudes from the main body and surrounds the central region (R1). The peripheral region (R2) is a region on the surface of the main body that contacts the tip end (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion (68), or is a region of the tip end of the protrusion (56) that contacts the top plate (61).

[0248] According to the above configuration, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be further reduced.

[0249] In addition, in the contact device (1L) according to the sixth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the case (6) has a top plate (61) (wall member) and a cylindrical tubular protrusion (68). A through hole (610) is provided in the top plate (61). The cylindrical protrusion (68) protrudes from the top plate (61) and surrounds the through hole (610). The body (B1) has a main body (second extension portion 324) and a cylindrical protrusion (56). The main body includes a central region (R1). The protrusion (56) protrudes from the main body and surrounds the central region (R1). The peripheral region (R2) includes a region on the surface of the main body that contacts the tip end (lower surface 680) of the cylindrical protrusion (68) and a region at the tip end of the protrusion (56) that contacts the top plate (61).

[0250] According to the above configuration, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be further reduced.

[0251] In addition, in the contact device (1J to 1L) according to the seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the outer diameter of the cylindrical projection (68) is smaller than the inner diameter of the projection (56).

[0252] According to the above configuration, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the case (6) through the through-hole (610) can be further reduced.

[0253] In addition, in a contact device (1M) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the case (6) has an internal protrusion (69). The internal protrusion (69) protrudes from an inner surface (611) of the through hole (610) toward the center of the through hole (610). When viewed from a direction facing the central region (R1), the internal protrusion (69) has an annular shape.

[0254] According to the above configuration, even if burrs (7) are generated in the manufacturing process, the possibility that the burrs (7) will be caught between the case (6) and the body (B1) and a gap will be generated between the case (6) and the body (B1) can be reduced.

[0255] In addition, in a contact device (1M) according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the third, fifth to seventh aspects, the case (6) has an inner protrusion (69). The inner protrusion (69) protrudes from the inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion (68) toward the center of the through hole (610). When viewed from a direction facing the central region (R1), the inner protrusion (69) has an annular shape.

[0256] According to the above configuration, even if burrs (7) are generated in the manufacturing process, the possibility that the burrs (7) will be caught between the case (6) and the body (B1) and a gap will be generated between the case (6) and the body (B1) can be reduced.

[0257] In addition, in a contact device (1N) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the third, fifth to seventh aspects, the cylindrical protrusion (68) has a cylindrical first cylindrical portion (68a) and a cylindrical second cylindrical portion (68b). The first cylindrical portion (68a) protrudes from the top plate (61) and surrounds the through hole (610). The second cylindrical portion (68b) protrudes from a tip end of the first cylindrical portion (68a) and surrounds the through hole (610). The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion (68b) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion (68a).

[0258] According to the above configuration, even if burrs (7) are generated in the manufacturing process, the possibility that the burrs (7) will be caught between the case (6) and the body (B1) and a gap will be generated between the case (6) and the body (B1) can be reduced.

[0259] Furthermore, a manufacturing method for a contact device (1M) according to an eleventh aspect is a method for manufacturing the contact device (1M) according to the eighth aspect, and includes a molding step. In the molding step, a molding material that will become the material for the case (6) is poured into a gap between a first mold (91) and a second mold (92) to mold the case (6). The first mold (91) is arranged on the outer surface (60a) side of the case (6). The second mold (92) is arranged on the inner surface (60b) side of the case (6). Inside the through hole (610), the mating surfaces of the first mold (91) and the second mold (92) are located at the boundary between a region of the through hole (610) that does not have the internal protrusion (69) and a region inside the internal protrusion (69).

[0260] According to the above configuration, even if burrs (7) are generated in the manufacturing process, the possibility that the burrs (7) will be caught between the case (6) and the body (B1) and a gap will be generated between the case (6) and the body (B1) can be reduced.

[0261] A contact device (1, 1A to 1E) according to a twelfth aspect includes a body (B1), a protruding block (5, 5A to 5E), a fixed contact (231), a first terminal (41), a movable contact (271), a second terminal (42), and a case (6). The protruding block (5, 5A to 5E) is provided on the body (B1). The first terminal (41) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (231). The first terminal (41) is exposed from the outer surface of the body (B1). The movable contact (271) is in contact with or separated from the fixed contact (231). The second terminal (42) is electrically connected to the movable contact (271). The second terminal (42) is exposed from the outer surface of the body (B1). The case (6) includes an outer surface (60a) and an inner surface (60b). The case (6) accommodates at least a portion of the body (B1), the fixed contact (231), and the movable contact (271) in an internal space inside the inner surface (60b). The case (6) has a through hole (610). The through hole (610) includes an inner surface (611). At least a portion of the protrusion block (5, 5A to 5E) is inserted into the through hole (610). The protrusion block (5, 5A to 5E) is arranged so as to contact at least one of the inner surface (60b) of the case (6) and the inner surface (611) of the through hole (610).

[0262] According to the above configuration, when the contact device (1, 1A to 1E) is heated during a reflow process or the like, gas expanding inside the case (6) can be released through the gap between the protruding block (5, 5A to 5E) and the case (6), thereby suppressing an increase in internal pressure of the case (6).

[0263] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the protrusion block (5, 5A, 5B) has a first protrusion (51), a first groove portion (52), and a peripheral wall portion (53). The first protrusion (51) is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion (53). The first groove portion (52) is located between the first protrusion (51) and the peripheral wall portion (53).

[0264] According to the above configuration, since the first groove portion (52) is provided, even if a foreign object enters the internal space of the case (6), the foreign object is unlikely to reach the fixed contact (231) and the movable contact (271) arranged in the internal space.

[0265] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the case (6) has a second protrusion (67) that is inserted into the first groove portion (52).

[0266] According to the above configuration, foreign matter is less likely to reach the fixed contact (231) and the movable contact (271) arranged in the internal space.

[0267] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the case (6) is arranged so that the second protrusion (67) contacts the inner surface of the first groove portion (52).

[0268] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) is improved.

[0269] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) according to the 16th aspect, in any one of the 13th to 15th aspects, the peripheral wall portion (53) is arranged so as to contact the inner surface (60b) of the case (6).

[0270] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1, 1A, 1B) is improved.

[0271] In addition, in a contact device (1A, 1B) according to a seventeenth aspect, in any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the protrusion block (5A, 5B) further has a small protrusion (54, 54B). The small protrusion (54, 54B) protrudes from a surface of the peripheral wall portion (53) that faces the inner surface (60b) of the case (6).

[0272] According to the above configuration, the height of the peripheral wall portion (53) can be reduced by the height of the small projections (54, 54B), thereby reducing the amount of resin, etc., that constitutes the projection blocks (5, 5A, 5B).

[0273] In addition, in the contact device (1A, 1B) according to the eighteenth aspect, in the seventeenth aspect, the small protrusions (54, 54B) are arranged so as to contact the inner surface (60b) of the case (6).

[0274] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1A, 1B) is improved.

[0275] In addition, in the contact device (1A) according to a nineteenth aspect, in the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the small protrusion (54) is one of a plurality of small protrusions (54), and the protrusion block (5A) has a plurality of small protrusions (54). The plurality of small protrusions (54) are provided spaced apart from each other.

[0276] According to the above configuration, gas expanding inside the case (6) can escape through the gaps between the small projections (54).

[0277] In addition, in the contact device (1B) according to the twentieth aspect, in the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the small projection (54B) has an annular shape.

[0278] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1B) is improved.

[0279] In addition, in the contact device (1B to 1E) according to the twenty-first aspect, in any one of the twelfth to twentieth aspects, the protruding blocks (5B to 5E) are in line contact with the case (6).

[0280] According to the above configuration, when the internal pressure of the case (6) increases, a gap is likely to occur between the case (6) and the body (B1).

[0281] In addition, in the contact device (1) according to the twenty-second aspect, in any one of the twelfth to twentieth aspects, the protruding block (5) is in surface contact with the case (6).

[0282] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1) is improved.

[0283] In addition, in the contact device (1B, 1C, 1E) according to the twenty-third aspect, in the twenty-first aspect, the protruding block (5B, 5C, 5E) and the case (6) are in annular line contact.

[0284] According to the above configuration, the dustproofness of the contact device (1B, 1C, 1E) is improved.

[0285] In addition, in a contact device (1D) according to a 24th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 23rd aspects, the protrusion block (5D) has a first protrusion (51). The body (B1) has a second groove portion (55) surrounding the first protrusion (51).

[0286] According to the above configuration, even if foreign matter or adhesive enters the internal space of the case (6), the foreign matter or adhesive is unlikely to reach the fixed contact (231) and the movable contact (271) arranged in the internal space.

[0287] In addition, in a contact device (1, 1A to 1E) according to a 25th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 24th aspects, the protrusion block (5, 5A to 5E) has a first protrusion (51). The first protrusion (51) protrudes from the body (B1). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion (51) monotonically decreases toward the tip of the first protrusion (51).

[0288] According to the above configuration, the first projection (51) can be easily inserted into the through hole (610).

[0289] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A to 1C) according to the 26th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 25th aspects, the protrusion block (5, 5A to 5C) is integrally molded with the body (B1).

[0290] According to the above configuration, the time and effort required to provide the protruding blocks (5, 5A to 5C) can be reduced.

[0291] In addition, in a contact device (1D, 1E) according to a 27th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 25th aspects, at least a part of the protruding block (5D, 5E) is a separate member from the body (B1).

[0292] According to the above configuration, at least a part of the projection blocks (5D, 5E) can be formed after the case (6) is attached to the body (B1).

[0293] In addition, in a contact device (1D, 1E) according to a 28th aspect, in the 27th aspect, at least a part of the protruding block (5D, 5E) is formed of an adhesive.

[0294] According to the above configuration, the protrusion blocks (5D, 5E) can be easily formed.

[0295] In addition, in a contact device (1C to 1E) according to a 29th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 28th aspects, the protrusion block (5C to 5E) has a first protrusion (51). The direction in which the first protrusion (51) protrudes is different from the direction in which the body (B1) is inserted into the case (6).

[0296] According to the above configuration, when the internal pressure of the case (6) increases, a gap is likely to occur between the case (6) and the body (B1).

[0297] In addition, in the contact device (1, 1A to 1E) according to the 30th aspect, in any one of the 12th to 29th aspects, the tip surface (511) of the protrusion block (5, 5A to 5E) inserted into the through hole (610) is in a recessed position relative to the outer surface (60a) of the case (6).

[0298] According to the above configuration, when the sealing material is filled into the through-hole (610), the sealing material is less likely to overflow outside the through-hole (610).

[0299] The configurations other than those of the first or twelfth aspect are not essential for the contact device (1, 1A to 1H, 1J to 1N) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0300] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A to 1H, 1J to 1N Contact device 5, 5A to 5E Protrusion block 6 Case 41 First terminal 42 Second terminal 51 First protrusion 52 First groove portion 53 Peripheral wall portion 54, 54B Small protrusion 55 Second groove portion 56 Protrusion 60a Outer surface 60b Inner surface 61 Top plate (wall member) 67 Second protrusion 68 Cylindrical protrusion 68a First cylindrical portion 68b Second cylindrical portion 69 Inner protrusion 231 Fixed contact 271 Movable contact 324 Second extension portion (main body) 511 Tip surface 610 Through hole 611 Inner surface 680 Lower surface (tip portion) 3240 Upper surface (one surface) B1 Body R1 Central region R2 First peripheral region R3 Second peripheral region

Claims

1. a body having a surface including a flat central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region; A fixed contact; a first terminal electrically connected to the fixed contact and exposed from an outer surface of the body; A movable contact that comes into contact with or separates from the fixed contact; a second terminal electrically connected to the movable contact and exposed from the outer surface of the body; a case including an outer surface and an inner surface, the case accommodating at least a portion of the body, the fixed contact, and the movable contact in an internal space inside the inner surface; the case has a through hole exposing the central region, The peripheral region is in contact with the inner surface of the case. Contact device.

2. In the peripheral region, a contact surface with the inner surface of the case is annular and surrounds the through hole. The contact device according to claim 1 .

3. The peripheral region is a first peripheral region, The one surface further includes a second peripheral region surrounding the first peripheral region, The case includes a wall member having the through hole and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the wall member and surrounding the through hole, a tip end of the cylindrical projection contacts the first peripheral region; A gap exists between the wall member and the second peripheral region. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The body includes a main body including the central region, and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the main body and surrounding the central region, the peripheral region is a region at the tip of the protrusion, At the tip of the protrusion, a contact surface with the inner surface of the case is annular and surrounds the through hole. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The case includes a wall member having the through hole and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the wall member and surrounding the through hole, The body includes a main body including the central region, and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the main body and surrounding the central region, The peripheral region is a region of the surface of the main body that contacts the tip of the cylindrical projection, or a region of the tip of the projection that contacts the wall member. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The case includes a wall member having the through hole and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the wall member and surrounding the through hole, The body includes a main body including the central region, and a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the main body and surrounding the central region, The peripheral region includes a region of the surface of the main body that contacts the tip of the cylindrical projection, and a region of the tip of the projection that contacts the wall member. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion is smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion. The contact device according to claim 5 .

8. the case has an inner protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the through hole toward a center of the through hole, When viewed from a direction facing the central region, the internal projection has a ring shape. The contact device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the case has an inner protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion toward a center of the through hole, When viewed from a direction facing the central region, the internal projection has a ring shape. The contact device according to claim 3 .

10. The cylindrical protrusion is A first cylindrical portion protruding from the wall member and surrounding the through hole; a second cylindrical portion that protrudes from a tip end of the first cylindrical portion and surrounds the through hole; The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The contact device according to claim 3 .

11. A method for manufacturing the contact device of claim 8, comprising the steps of: a molding step of pouring a molding material that is to be a material of the case into a gap between a first mold and a second mold to mold the case; the first mold is disposed on the outer surface side of the case, and the second mold is disposed on the inner surface side of the case, Inside the through hole, a mating surface between the first mold and the second mold is located at a boundary portion between a region of the through hole where the internal protrusion is not provided and a region inside the internal protrusion. A manufacturing method of a contact device.

12. Body and A protruding block provided on the body; A fixed contact; a first terminal electrically connected to the fixed contact and exposed from an outer surface of the body; A movable contact that comes into contact with or separates from the fixed contact; a second terminal electrically connected to the movable contact and exposed from the outer surface of the body; a case including an outer surface and an inner surface, the case accommodating at least a portion of the body, the fixed contact, and the movable contact in an internal space inside the inner surface; the case has a through hole including an inner surface, At least a portion of the protrusion block is inserted into the through hole, the protrusion block is disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the inner surface of the case and the inner side surface of the through hole. Contact device.

13. The protrusion block is A first protrusion; A first groove portion; A peripheral wall portion, the first projection is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion, The first groove portion is located between the first projection and the peripheral wall portion. The contact device according to claim 12.

14. The case has a second protrusion that is inserted into the first groove. The contact device according to claim 13.

15. The case is disposed so that the second protrusion is in contact with an inner surface of the first groove portion. The contact device according to claim 14.

16. The peripheral wall portion is disposed so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the case. The contact device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The protrusion block further includes a small protrusion. The small protrusion protrudes from a surface of the peripheral wall portion that faces the inner surface of the case. The contact device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

18. The small protrusion is disposed so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the case. The contact device according to claim 17.

19. the small protrusion is one of a plurality of small protrusions; the protrusion block has the plurality of small protrusions, The small protrusions are spaced apart from one another. The contact device according to claim 17.

20. The small protrusions are annular in shape. The contact device according to claim 17.

21. The protruding block is in line contact with the case. The contact device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

22. The protrusion block is in surface contact with the case. The contact device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

23. The protrusion block and the case are in annular line contact.

22. The contact device of claim 21.

24. The protrusion block has a first protrusion, The body has a second groove surrounding the first protrusion. The contact device according to claim 12.

25. The protrusion block has a first protrusion, The first projection protrudes from the body, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first projection monotonically decreases toward the tip of the first projection. The contact device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

26. The protrusion block is integrally formed with the body. The contact device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

27. At least a part of the protrusion block is a separate member from the body. The contact device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

28. At least a portion of the protrusion block is formed of an adhesive.

28. The contact device of claim 27.

29. The protrusion block has a first protrusion, a direction in which the first protrusion protrudes and a direction in which the body is inserted into the case are different from each other; The contact device according to claim 12.

30. A tip surface of the protrusion block inserted into the through hole is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the case. The contact device according to claim 12.