Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of limiting an increase in the temperature of a filler disposed inside an outer case. An electromagnetic relay (A1) comprises: a fixed terminal (60); a movable contact element (50); an inner case (20); a yoke (72); an outer case (10); and a first filler (81). The movable contact element (50) is disposed under the fixed terminal (60) to contact the fixed terminal (60). The inner case (20) houses the movable contact element (50) and has an opening at the bottom. The yoke (72) is disposed under the inner case (20) so as to cover the opening portion of the inner case (20). The outer case (10) houses the inner case (20). The first filler (81) is disposed in a gap between the inner case (20) and the outer case (10). The first filler (81) is disposed above a lower surface (73) of the yoke (72).

Description

electromagnetic relay

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic relays, and more particularly to an electromagnetic relay having a case filled with a filler material.

[0002] Conventionally, there are electromagnetic relays in which a coil, a yoke, a movable contact, a fixed contact, etc. are housed in an outer case. In such electromagnetic relays, a filler material is sometimes placed inside the outer case for adhesion, protection, insulation, etc.

[0003] However, if the temperature of the filler rises too much due to heat generated inside the outer case, a malfunction may occur in the electromagnetic relay.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-170571

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can suppress a temperature rise in a filler material filled in an outer case.

[0006] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a fixed terminal, a movable contactor, an inner case, a yoke, an outer case, and a first filler. The movable contactor is disposed below the fixed terminal and contacts the fixed terminal. The inner case houses the movable contactor and opens downward. The yoke is disposed below the inner case so as to cover the opening of the inner case. The outer case houses the inner case. The first filler is filled between the inner case and the outer case. The first filler is filled up to a position above the lower surface of the yoke.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electromagnetic relay of embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the same electromagnetic relay. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the same electromagnetic relay. Fig. 4 is another cross-sectional view showing the same electromagnetic relay. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the same electromagnetic relay with a part of the outer case removed. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electromagnetic relay of embodiment 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the same electromagnetic relay. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electromagnetic relay of embodiment 3. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an electromagnetic relay of embodiment 4.

[0008] The present disclosure relates generally to an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to an electromagnetic relay having a case filled with a filler material.

[0009] The embodiment described below is merely an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first direction D1, second direction D2, and third direction D3 indicated by arrows in the drawings are defined as the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction of the electromagnetic relays A1 to A4. However, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the description of the embodiments, and do not define the directions when the electromagnetic relays A1 to A4 are actually used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating "D1," "D2," and "D3" in the drawings are merely shown for explanatory purposes and do not have any physical substance.

[0010] (First Embodiment) (1) Overview First, an overview of an electromagnetic relay A1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1 , the electromagnetic relay A1 includes a plurality of (two in the example of Fig. 1 ) fixed terminals 60, a movable contactor 50, an inner case 20, a yoke 70, an outer case 10, and a first filler 81. The movable contactor 50 is disposed below the fixed terminals 60 and contacts the fixed terminals 60. The inner case 20 houses the movable contactor 50 and opens downward. The yoke 70 is disposed below the inner case 20 so as to cover the opening of the inner case 20. The outer case 10 houses the inner case 20. The first filler 81 is filled between the inner case 20 and the outer case 10. The first filler 81 is filled up to a position above the lower surface 73 of the yoke 70.

[0012] According to the electromagnetic relay A1, the first filler 81 is filled up to above the underside 73 of the yoke 70, so that heat from the yoke 70 is not easily transferred to the first filler 81, and it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the first filler 81 filled in the outer case 10. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 can efficiently transfer heat from the inner case 20 to the first filler 81.

[0013] (2) Details Next, details of the electromagnetic relay A1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Fig. 2.

[0014] 3 , the electromagnetic relay A1 includes an outer case 10, an inner case 20, a coil 30, a movable core 40, a yoke 70, a shaft 41, a movable contact 50, a plurality of fixed terminals 60, and a first filler 81. The fixed terminal 60 has a first fixed terminal 61 and a second fixed terminal 62. The electromagnetic relay A1 also includes a pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b, a connecting portion 5, a spring bearing portion 6, a holder 7, a contact pressure spring 8, and a return spring 9. At least the inner case 20, the movable contact 50, and the fixed terminal 60 constitute a contact device 2. At least the coil 30, the movable core 40, and the yoke 70 constitute an electromagnet device 3.

[0015] The outer case 10 is a hollow box (e.g., a rectangular box). The outer case 10 includes an upper case 11 and a lower case 12. The upper case 11 is a rectangular box with an open bottom. The upper case 11 is arranged to cover the inner case 20. The ceiling portion 13 of the upper case 11 has a first through hole 14a and a second through hole 14b. The first through hole 14a is for inserting a first fixed terminal 61. The second through hole 14b is for inserting a second fixed terminal 62. The lower case 12 is a rectangular box with an open top. The lower case 12 is arranged below the upper case 11. The lower end 11a of the upper case 11 is fitted into the upper end 12a of the lower case 12. Inside the outer case 10, an inner case 20, a coil 30, a movable core 40, a yoke 70, a shaft 41, a movable contactor 50, a fixed terminal 60, permanent magnets 4a, 4b, a connecting portion 5, a spring bearing portion 6, a holder 7, a contact pressure spring 8, and a return spring 9 are arranged.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper case 11 has a wall 19. The wall 19 is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular). The wall 19 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper case 11 between the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62. In other words, the wall 19 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper case 11 between the first through-hole 14a and the second through-hole 14b (see Fig. 3). The wall 19 ensures an insulation distance (expansion distance) between the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, the lower case 12 has a mounting portion 18. The mounting portion 18 is configured so that the electromagnetic relay A1 can be mounted at an installation location. The mounting portion 18 has a hole 18a. A screw (not shown) is inserted through the hole 18a.

[0018] The coil 30 and the movable core 40 are housed in the lower case 12 (the lower part of the outer case 10). The coil 30 brings the movable contactor 50 into contact with the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62, and separates the movable contactor 50 from the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62. The coil 30 has a coil bobbin 31 and an electric wire 32.

[0019] The coil bobbin 31 has an upper flange 31a, a lower flange 31b, and a tubular portion 31c. The coil bobbin 31 is made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., resin). The upper flange 31a is plate-shaped (e.g., disc-shaped). A third through-hole 14e is provided in the center of the upper flange 31a. The lower flange 31b is plate-shaped (e.g., disc-shaped). A fourth through-hole 14f is provided in the center of the lower flange 31b. The tubular portion 31c is hollow tubular (e.g., hollow cylindrical). The outer diameter of the upper flange 31a is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower flange 31b. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 31c is smaller than the outer diameters of the upper flange 31a and the lower flange 31b. The outer diameter of the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 31c is smaller than the outer diameter of the central and lower portions of the cylindrical portion 31c. The inner diameter of the third through hole 14e in the upper flange 31a is the same as the inner diameter of the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 31c. The inner diameter of the fourth through hole 14f in the lower flange 31b is the same as the inner diameter of the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 31c.

[0020] The electric wire 32 is wound around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31. A first end of the electric wire 32 is electrically connected to the first coil terminal 15 (see FIG. 5 ). A second end of the electric wire 32 is electrically connected to the second coil terminal (not shown). The first coil terminal 15 and the second coil terminal are made of a conductive material (e.g., copper). As shown in FIG. 5 , the first coil terminal 15 and the second coil terminal are disposed inside the connection portion 17 of the lower case 12 of the outer case 10.

[0021] 3, the movable core 40 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31. The coil 30 and the movable core 40 are disposed inside a yoke 70.

[0022] The yoke 70 includes a lower yoke 71 and an upper yoke 72. The material of the yoke 70 is a magnetic material (e.g., light iron). The yoke 70 includes at least the upper yoke 72.

[0023] The lower yoke 71 is box-shaped (e.g., rectangular box-shaped) with an open top. The coil 30 and the movable iron core 40 are disposed inside the lower yoke 71. The upper yoke 72 is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped). The upper yoke 72 has a fifth through hole 14g. The shaft 41 is inserted through the fifth through hole 14g. The central axis of the fifth through hole 14g coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31. The upper yoke 72 covers the opening of the lower yoke 71 and is attached to the lower yoke 71. The yoke 70 is disposed inside the outer case 10 so that the lower surface of the lower yoke 71 faces the inner bottom surface of the lower case 12 of the outer case 10 and the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 faces the top surface (the lower surface of the ceiling portion 13) of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. In this embodiment, the yoke 70 functions as a magnetic circuit together with the movable iron core 40. The coil 30, the movable iron core 40, and the yoke 70 function as the electromagnet device 3 or as part of the electromagnet device 3. The coil 30 has a function of generating a magnetic field when current is applied. The coil 30 moves the movable iron core 40 upward or downward along the axial direction (first direction D1) of the cylindrical portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31 depending on the presence or absence of the magnetic field and the direction in which it is generated.

[0024] The movable core 40 moves upward when the coil 30 is energized. The movable core 40 moves downward when the coil 30 is not energized. The movable core 40 is hollow tubular (e.g., cylindrical). The movable core 40 is made of a magnetic material (e.g., light iron). The movable core 40 is disposed inside the coil 30. More specifically, the movable core 40 is disposed inside the tubular portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31. The movable core 40 has a sixth through hole 14h. The shaft 41 is inserted through the sixth through hole 14h. The central axis of the sixth through hole 14h coincides with the central axis of the tubular portion 31c of the coil bobbin 31.

[0025] The inner case 20 includes a first case 21 and a second case 22. The inner case 20 is made of a heat-resistant material (e.g., ceramic). The inner case 20 includes at least the first case 21.

[0026] The first case 21 has a rectangular box shape with an open bottom (opening downward). The second case 22 has a plate shape (e.g., a rectangular plate shape). The ceiling portion 23 of the first case 21 has a seventh through hole 14c and an eighth through hole 14d. The seventh through hole 14c receives the first fixed terminal 61. The eighth through hole 14d receives the second fixed terminal 62. The second case 22 has a first protrusion 22a and a second protrusion 22b. The first protrusion 22a is provided on the top surface of the second case 22 on the left side in the left-right direction (second direction D2) of the inner case 20. The second protrusion 22b is provided on the top surface of the second case 22 on the right side in the left-right direction of the inner case 20. The second case 22 is positioned to cover the opening of the first case 21. The second case 22 is disposed on the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. The inner case 20 is housed in the upper case 11 of the outer case 10.

[0027] A gap space 90 is formed between the outer surface (top surface and outer peripheral surface) of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the inner surface (top surface and inner peripheral surface) of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. That is, the outer surface of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the inner surface of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10 face each other via the gap space 90. In other words, the gap space 90 is formed along the outer peripheral surface and the upper surface of the inner case 20.

[0028] 3, the lower end 21a of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 is connected to the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70 via a connecting portion 5. The connecting portion 5 is mechanically connected to the lower end 21a of the first case 21 by brazing, for example. The connecting portion 5 is also mechanically connected to the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 by brazing, for example.

[0029] An enclosed space 93 is formed inside the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. The enclosed space 93 is surrounded by the inner surface (top surface and inner peripheral surface) of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70 is disposed below the second case 22 of the inner case 20 and is disposed so as to cover the opening of the first case 21 of the inner case 20.

[0030] A shaft 41 is attached to the movable core 40. The shaft 41 is rod-shaped. The shaft 41 is inserted through the sixth through-hole 14h of the movable core 40 and fixed to the movable core 40. The shaft 41 also moves up and down through the fifth through-hole 14g of the upper yoke 72. The upper end of the shaft 41 is located in the sealed space 93 above the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72. A spring bearing portion 6 is attached to the upper end of the shaft 41. A contact pressure spring 8 is fixed to the spring bearing portion 6. The contact pressure spring 8 is a coil spring. The contact pressure spring 8 is a spring for ensuring contact pressure between the movable contactor 50 and a pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 (the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62). The contact pressure spring 8 is fixed to the spring bearing portion 6 so that the expansion and contraction direction of the contact pressure spring 8 coincides with the up and down direction of the shaft 41 (the first direction D1). That is, the lower end of the pressure spring 8 is fixed to the spring receiving portion 6. The movable contactor 50 is attached to the upper end of the pressure spring 8 via the holder 7. That is, the pressure spring 8 is arranged between the holder 7 and the spring receiving portion 6. The holder 7 holds the movable contactor 50. The movable contactor 50 is located in the sealed space 93. That is, the inner case 20 houses the movable contactor 50. In addition, a pair of guides 1a, 1b (see FIG. 4) are fixed to the spring receiving portion 6. The pair of guides 1a, 1b are fixed to the spring receiving portion 6 so as to sandwich the holder 7 from both sides in the front-to-rear direction (third direction D3) of the movable contactor 50.

[0031] A return spring 9 is disposed between the upper yoke 72 and the movable core 40. The return spring 9 is a wound spring. When the coil 30 is not energized, the return spring 9 pushes the movable core 40 downward, returning the movable core 40 to its original position. The spring constant of the return spring 9 is greater than the spring constant of the contact pressure spring 8. The return spring 9 is disposed around the shaft 41. In other words, the shaft 41 is inserted through the return spring 9.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable contactor 50 is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped). The movable contactor 50 is made of a conductive material (e.g., copper). The movable contactor 50 has a first movable contact 51 and a second movable contact 52. The first movable contact 51 is provided on the top surface of the movable contactor 50 in a left-right direction (second direction D2) of the movable contactor 50. The second movable contact 52 is provided on the top surface of the movable contactor 50 in a right-left direction of the movable contactor 50.

[0033] The first fixed terminal 61 has a bottomed tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape). The first fixed terminal 61 is made of a conductive material (e.g., copper). The first fixed terminal 61 is inserted into the first through-hole 14a in the ceiling portion 13 of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10 and attached to the upper case 11 so as to face the first movable contact 51 of the movable contactor 50. The first fixed terminal 61 is also inserted into the seventh through-hole 14c in the ceiling portion 23 of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and attached to the first case 21 so as to face the first movable contact 51 of the movable contactor 50. The first fixed terminal 61 has a first fixed contact 63. The first fixed contact 63 is provided in a portion of the first fixed terminal 61 that faces the first movable contact 51 of the movable contactor 50.

[0034] The second fixed terminal 62 has a bottomed tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape). The second fixed terminal 62 is made of a conductive material (e.g., copper). The second fixed terminal 62 is inserted into the second through-hole 14b in the ceiling portion 13 of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10 and attached to the upper case 11 so as to face the second movable contact 52 of the movable contactor 50. The second fixed terminal 62 is also inserted into the eighth through-hole 14d in the ceiling portion 23 of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and attached to the first case 21 so as to face the second movable contact 52 of the movable contactor 50. The second fixed terminal 62 has a second fixed contact 64. The second fixed contact 64 is provided in a portion of the second fixed terminal 62 that faces the second movable contact 52 of the movable contactor 50.

[0035] That is, a pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 are attached to the ceiling portion 13 of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10, side by side in the left-right direction (second direction D2) of the upper case 11. Also, a pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 are attached to the ceiling portion 23 of the first case 21 of the inner case 20, side by side in the left-right direction (second direction D2) of the first case 21.

[0036] The upper end of the first fixed terminal 61 is located above the upper surface of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. The upper end of the second fixed terminal 62 is located above the upper surface of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. The lower end (bottom) of the first fixed terminal 61 is located in the sealed space 93 of the inner case 20 and faces the first movable contact 51 of the movable contactor 50. The lower end (bottom) of the second fixed terminal 62 is located in the sealed space 93 of the inner case 20 and faces the second movable contact 52 of the movable contactor 50. The movable contactor 50 is disposed below the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62 and comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 61 and the second fixed terminal 62 when it moves upward.

[0037] The pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first case 21 of the inner case 20. More specifically, the first permanent magnet 4a of the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b is fixed to the outer surface on the left side in the left-right direction (second direction D2) of the first case 21. The second permanent magnet 4b of the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b is fixed to the outer surface on the right side in the left-right direction of the first case 21. In other words, the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the inner peripheral surface of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. The first permanent magnet 4a is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped). The second permanent magnet 4b is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped).

[0038] The pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are arranged outside the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 in the direction in which the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 are lined up (the left-right direction of the first case 21). The pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are also arranged outside the movable contact 50 in the direction in which the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 are lined up. In short, the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are arranged in the left-right direction of the first case 21 so as to sandwich the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 and the movable contact 50 therebetween.

[0039] The pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b are arranged with opposite polarities facing each other. For example, the first permanent magnet 4a has a south pole on the right side surface in the left-right direction of the outer case 10 and a north pole on the left side surface in the left-right direction of the outer case 10. The second permanent magnet 4b has a south pole on the right side surface in the left-right direction of the outer case 10 and a north pole on the left side surface in the left-right direction of the outer case 10. In other words, the first permanent magnet 4a has its south pole facing the second permanent magnet 4b. The second permanent magnet 4b has its north pole facing the first permanent magnet 4a. Therefore, the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b generate a magnetic field between the pair of fixed contacts 63, 64 and the pair of movable contacts 51, 52. As a result, in the electromagnetic relay A1, when the movable contactor 50 is separated from the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62, arc discharge that occurs between the pair of fixed contacts 63, 64 and the pair of movable contacts 51, 52 can be removed by the Lorentz force that is generated in response to the magnetic field generated by the pair of permanent magnets 4a, 4b. Note that the number of pairs of permanent magnets 4a, 4b is not limited to two, and may be four or more. In other words, the number of pairs of permanent magnets 4a, 4b may be an even number.

[0040] A gap space 90 formed between the outer surface of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the inner surface of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10 is filled with a first filler material 81. That is, the first filler material 81 is filled between the inner case 20 and the outer case 10.

[0041] The material of the first filler 81 is a resin material. Examples of the resin material include urethane resin, epoxy resin, and silicone resin. The first filler 81 is thermally connected to the upper case 11 of the outer case 10. The first filler 81 is also thermally connected to the first case 21 of the inner case 20. The first filler 81 preferably has lower thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity) than the inner case 20 and higher thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity) than the outer case 10. This allows the electromagnetic relay A1 to more efficiently release heat to the outside of the inner case 20 than when an air layer is formed between the inner case 20 and the outer case 10.

[0042] In the electromagnetic relay A1, when the movable core 40 moves up and down, the shaft 41 and the movable contactor 50 also move up and down in the same manner as the movable core 40. That is, the movable core 40 moves upward, causing the movable contactor 50 to move upward. The movable core 40 also moves downward, causing the movable contactor 50 to move downward. In the electromagnetic relay A1, when the movable contactor 50 moves upward, the upper surface of the movable contactor 50 comes into contact with the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62, establishing electrical continuity between the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 (entering the ON state). In the electromagnetic relay A1, when the movable contactor 50 moves downward, the upper surface of the movable contactor 50 moves away from the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62, causing electrical disconnection between the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 (entering the OFF state).

[0043] In the above-described electromagnetic relay A1, heat is generated by energization of the coil 30, energization between the pair of fixed terminals 61, 62 and the movable contact 50, arc discharge, and the like. This heat generation causes the temperature of various parts inside the outer case 10 to rise. In the electromagnetic relay A1, the first filler 81 fills the gap 90 between the inner case 20 and the outer case 10 and is in contact with the outer surface of the inner case 20. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the inner case 20 faces the sealed space 93. That is, the outer surface of the inner case 20 is in contact with the first filler 81, and the inner surface of the inner case 20 faces the sealed space 93. In this case, the temperature of the first filler 81 is likely to become higher than the temperature of the sealed space 93 due to the above-described heat generation and the like. If the temperature of the first filler 81 becomes excessively higher than the temperature of the inner case 20 and the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the inner case 20 becomes too large, the difference in thermal expansion between the outer and inner surfaces of the inner case 20 may cause defects such as cracks or breaks in the inner case 20. In particular, the lower end 21a of the first case 21 of the inner case 20 and the second case 22 of the inner case 20 are close to the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70, and heat may be transmitted to the inner case 20 via the yoke 70.

[0044] 1 , in the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the first filler 81 is filled up to a position above the lower surface 73 of the yoke 70 (the upper yoke 72 in this embodiment). In other words, the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 in the gap space 90 is located above the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In short, the position of the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 is located above the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70.

[0045] The first filler 81 is filled up to a position above the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 in the gap space 90 is located above the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70.

[0046] A first gap 91 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed between the side surface 74 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70 and the inner surface of the outer case 10. That is, the first gap 91 is not filled with the first filler 81, and the first filler 81 is not filled on the side surface 74 and the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the first filler 81 is not in contact with the side surface 74 and the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70.

[0047] A second gap 92 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed between the first filler 81 and the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. Specifically, the second gap 92, which is not filled with the first filler 81, is formed above the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 in the clearance space 90. That is, the first filler 81 is filled above the second gap 92 in the clearance space 90.

[0048] In the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the first filler 81 is filled above the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70, and the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 is located above the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72. In other words, the first filler 81 is not filled below the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A1, heat from the yoke 70 is not easily transferred to the first filler 81, and a temperature rise in the first filler 81 can be suppressed. As a result, the electromagnetic relay A1 can efficiently transfer heat from the inner case 20 to the first filler 81. Such an electromagnetic relay A1 can suppress the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the inner case 20, making it less likely that defects such as cracks or breaks will occur in the inner case 20.

[0049] In particular, the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 is located higher than the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. This makes it more difficult for heat from the yoke 70 to be transmitted to the first filler 81, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature of the first filler 81. As a result, the electromagnetic relay A1 suppresses the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the inner case 20, making it less likely that defects such as cracks or breaks will occur in the inner case 20.

[0050] 6 and 7, an electromagnetic relay A2 according to a second embodiment differs from the electromagnetic relay A1 according to the first embodiment in that the position of the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 is different. Note that, with respect to the electromagnetic relay A2 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the electromagnetic relay A1 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] 6 and 7 , the first filler 81 contacts the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 in the gap space 90 contacts the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In short, the position of the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 coincides with the position of the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70, and the first filler 81 is filled up to the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70.

[0052] Further, the first gap 91 between the side surface 74 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70 and the inner surface of the outer case 10 is not filled with the first filler 81, and the first filler 81 is not filled on the side surface 74 and the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70, as shown in Fig. 6. In other words, the first filler 81 is not in contact with the side surface 74 and the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70.

[0053] The first filler 81 is filled in a gap space 90 formed from the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70 upward. More specifically, the first filler 81 is filled in a gap space 90 formed among the outer surface (upper surface and outer peripheral surface) of the first case 21 of the inner case 20, the inner surface (top surface and inner peripheral surface) of the upper case 11 of the outer case 10, and the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. That is, in the electromagnetic relay A2, as shown in Fig. 6, the first filler 81 is filled in the second gap 92 (see Fig. 1) in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the first embodiment.

[0054] Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A2 of embodiment 2, the amount of the first filler 81 can be increased compared to the electromagnetic relay A1 of embodiment 1, making the first filler 81 less likely to become thermally saturated and allowing the heat of the inner case 20 to be transferred to the first filler 81 more efficiently.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) As shown in Fig. 8, an electromagnetic relay A3 according to embodiment 3 differs from the electromagnetic relay A2 according to embodiment 2 in that it further includes a second filler 82. Note that, with respect to the electromagnetic relay A3 according to embodiment 3, components similar to those of the electromagnetic relay A2 according to embodiment 2 (see Figs. 6 and 7) are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 8, the electromagnetic relay A3 further includes a second filler 82. The second filler 82 is a resin material. Examples of the resin material include urethane resin, epoxy resin, and silicone resin. The first filler 81 and the second filler 82 may have the same composition or different compositions.

[0057] The second filler 82 is filled in the lower case 12 of the outer case 10. Specifically, the second filler 82 is filled around the coil 30 inside the lower case 12, and an upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 in the vertical direction (first direction D1) of the outer case 10 contacts the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. The second filler 82 is thermally connected to the lower case 12 of the outer case 10. The second filler 82 is also thermally connected to the coil 30.

[0058] The lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 contacts the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. That is, the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 and the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 are separated by the thickness of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 and the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 do not contact each other. The second filler 82 preferably has lower thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity rate) than the inner case 20 and higher thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity rate) than the outer case 10. This allows the electromagnetic relay A3 to more efficiently release heat (e.g., heat generated by the coil 30) to the outside of the outer case 10 than when the second filler 82 is not provided (e.g., when an air layer is formed between the lower case 12 of the outer case 10 and the coil 30).

[0059] Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A3 is configured such that the second filler 82 is filled inside the lower case 12 of the outer case 10, and the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 does not come into contact with the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A3, heat is less likely to transfer between the first filler 81 and the second filler 82, preventing malfunctions of the electromagnetic relay A3. In particular, in the electromagnetic relay A3, heat is less likely to transfer from the first filler 81, which is prone to becoming hot, to the second filler 82, suppressing thermal effects on the coil 30, etc.

[0060] The lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 does not have to be in contact with the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the position of the lower surface 81 a of the first filler 81 may be located above the upper surface 75 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70, similar to the electromagnetic relay A1 of the first embodiment.

[0061] 9, an electromagnetic relay A4 according to a fourth embodiment differs from the electromagnetic relay A3 according to the third embodiment in the arrangement of the second filler 82. Note that, in the electromagnetic relay A4 according to the fourth embodiment, components similar to those of the electromagnetic relay A3 according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 9, the second filler 82 is filled in the lower case 12 of the outer case 10. The second filler 82 is also filled around the lower yoke 71 of the yoke 70 inside the lower case 12 of the outer case 10. That is, the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 does not contact the lower surface 73 of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. The second filler 82 is thermally connected to the lower case 12 of the outer case 10. The second filler 82 is also thermally connected to the lower yoke 71 of the yoke 70.

[0063] The lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 and the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 are spaced apart by the thickness of the upper yoke 72 of the yoke 70. In other words, the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 and the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82 do not come into contact with each other.

[0064] Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A4 is configured such that the second filler 82 is filled inside the lower case 12 of the outer case 10, and the lower surface 81a of the first filler 81 does not come into contact with the upper surface 82a of the second filler 82. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A4, heat is less likely to transfer between the first filler 81 and the second filler 82, preventing malfunctions of the electromagnetic relay A4. In particular, in the electromagnetic relay A4, heat is less likely to transfer from the first filler 81, which is prone to becoming hot, to the second filler 82, suppressing thermal effects on the coil 30, etc.

[0065] (Aspects) The following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0066] An electromagnetic relay (A1, A2, A3, A4) of a first aspect according to the embodiment includes a fixed terminal (60), a movable contactor (50), an inner case (20), a yoke (72), an outer case (10), and a first filler (81). The movable contactor (50) is disposed below the fixed terminal (60) and contacts the fixed terminal (60). The inner case (20) houses the movable contactor (50) and opens downward. The yoke (72) is disposed below the inner case (20) so as to cover the opening of the inner case (20). The outer case (10) houses the inner case (20). The first filler (81) is filled between the inner case (20) and the outer case (10). The first filler (81) is filled up to a position above the lower surface (73) of the yoke (72).

[0067] In the above-described electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4), the first filler (81) is filled above the lower surface (73) of the yoke (72), so that heat from the yoke (72) is not easily transferred to the first filler (81), and the temperature rise of the first filler (81) filled in the outer case (10) can be suppressed. As a result, the electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4) can efficiently transfer heat from the inner case (20) to the first filler (81).

[0068] In the electromagnetic relay (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the second aspect of the embodiment, in the first aspect, it is preferable that the lower surface (81a) of the first filler (81) is located above the lower surface (73) of the yoke (72).

[0069] The above-described electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4) can suppress a temperature rise in the first filler (81) filled in the outer case (10). As a result, the electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4) can efficiently transfer heat from the inner case (20) to the first filler (81).

[0070] In the electromagnetic relay (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the third aspect of the embodiment, in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that a first gap (91) is formed between the side surface (74) of the yoke (72) and the inner surface of the outer case (10).

[0071] In the above-mentioned electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4), the first filler (81) is not in contact with the side surface (74) of the yoke (72), so that heat from the yoke (72) is less likely to be transmitted to the first filler (81), and heat from the inner case (20) can be transmitted to the first filler (81) more efficiently.

[0072] In the electromagnetic relay (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the fourth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the first filler (81) is filled up to above the upper surface (75) of the yoke (72).

[0073] The above-mentioned electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4) make it even more difficult for heat from the yoke (72) to be transmitted to the first filler (81), and can more efficiently transmit heat from the inner case (20) to the first filler (81).

[0074] In the electromagnetic relay (A2, A3, A4) of the fifth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the first filler (81) contacts the upper surface (75) of the yoke (72).

[0075] The above-mentioned electromagnetic relays (A2, A3, A4) can increase the amount of the first filler (81) filled therein, making the first filler (81) less likely to be thermally saturated, and can more efficiently transfer heat from the inner case (20) to the first filler (81).

[0076] In the electromagnetic relay (A1) of the sixth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that a second gap (92) is formed between the first filler (81) and the upper surface (75) of the yoke (72).

[0077] In the above-mentioned electromagnetic relay (A1), since the first filler (81) is not in contact with the upper surface (75) of the yoke (72), heat from the yoke (72) is less likely to be transmitted to the first filler (81), and heat from the inner case (20) can be transmitted to the first filler (81) more efficiently.

[0078] The electromagnetic relay (A3, A4) of a seventh aspect of the present embodiment is preferably any one of the first to sixth aspects, further including a movable core (40), a coil (30), and a second filler (82). The movable core (40) moves upward to move the movable contactor (50) upward, and moves downward to move the movable contactor (50) downward. The coil (30) moves the movable core (40) upward or downward. The outer case (10) has an upper case (11) that houses the inner case (20) and a lower case (12) that houses the movable core (40) and the coil (30) and is filled with the second filler (82). The lower surface (81a) of the first filler (81) and the upper surface (82a) of the second filler (82) do not contact each other.

[0079] The above-mentioned electromagnetic relays (A3, A4) are configured such that the second filler (82) is filled in the lower case (12), and the lower surface (81a) of the first filler (81) and the upper surface (82a) of the second filler (82) do not come into contact with each other, so heat transfer between the first filler (81) and the second filler (82) is unlikely to occur, thereby preventing malfunctions of the electromagnetic relays (A3, A4). In particular, in the electromagnetic relays (A3, A4), heat transfer from the first filler (81), which is prone to high temperatures, to the second filler (82) is unlikely to occur, thereby suppressing thermal effects on the coil (30), etc.

[0080] In the electromagnetic relay (A1, A2, A3, A4) of the eighth aspect of the embodiment, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, it is preferable that the first filler (81) has lower thermal conductivity than the inner case (20) and higher thermal conductivity than the outer case (10).

[0081] The above-mentioned electromagnetic relays (A1, A2, A3, A4) can more efficiently release heat to the outside of the inner case (20) than when an air layer is formed between the inner case (20) and the outer case (10).

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 outer case 11 upper case 12 lower case 20 inner case 30 coil 40 movable core 50 movable contactor 60 fixed terminal 72 upper yoke (yoke) 73 lower surface 74 side surface 75 upper surface 81 first filler 81a lower surface 82 second filler 82a upper surface 91 first gap 92 second gap A1 electromagnetic relay A2 electromagnetic relay A3 electromagnetic relay A4 electromagnetic relay

Claims

1. A fixed terminal and a movable contactor disposed below the fixed terminal and in contact with the fixed terminal; an inner case that houses the movable contact and is open downward; a yoke disposed below the inner case so as to cover an opening of the inner case; an outer case that houses the inner case; a first filler material filled between the inner case and the outer case, The first filler is filled up to above the lower surface of the yoke. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The lower surface of the first filler is located above the lower surface of the yoke.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

3. a first gap is formed between a side surface of the yoke and an inner surface of the outer case; 3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first filler is filled up to above the upper surface of the yoke.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first filler contacts the upper surface of the yoke.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a second gap is formed between the first filler and the upper surface of the yoke; 3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a movable core that moves upward to move the movable contactor upward and moves downward to move the movable contactor downward; a coil that moves the movable core upward or downward; a second filler material; The outer case is an upper case that houses the inner case; a lower case that houses the movable iron core and the coil and is filled with the second filler material, The lower surface of the first filler material and the upper surface of the second filler material are not in contact with each other.

3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the first filler has lower thermal conductivity than the inner case and higher thermal conductivity than the outer case; 3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2.