Contact mechanism and electromagnetic relay

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to effectively suppress electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a movable element and a stator in an energized state. A contact mechanism (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first stator (10), a second stator (20), and a movable element (30). The first stator (10) has an excitation unit (12), and the excitation unit (12) has a square ring structure in which a first conductive member (13), a second conductive member (14), a third conductive member (15), and a fourth conductive member (16) are connected in this order. The first conductive member (13) and the third conductive member (15) are configured to overlap the movable element (30) in a plan view. When the contact mechanism (1) is in an energized state, Lorentz force is generated in the movable element (30) in a direction in which the movable element (30) maintains the energized state by a magnetic field generated in the excitation unit (12), suction force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member (13) and the movable element (30), and repulsive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member (15) and the movable element (30).

Description

Contact mechanism and electromagnetic relay

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact mechanism and an electromagnetic relay.

[0002] Electromagnetic relays are widely used in fields such as communication devices, automotive electrical components, and electrical appliances. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a contact mechanism that can suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force that acts in a direction that opens the armature when current is applied. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to a contact mechanism that can reduce the height of a contact device while suppressing the electromagnetic repulsive force that occurs between the armature and the stator.

[0003] JP 2012-028252 A JP 2012-243584 A

[0004] An electromagnetic relay uses an electromagnet to displace a mover, switching between connection and disconnection between the mover and stator, thereby switching the electrical connection between the terminals. When the mover and stator are connected and current is flowing, an electromagnetic repulsive force may be generated in a direction that opens the mover. Therefore, a technology is needed to efficiently suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force acting between the mover and stator.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a contact mechanism and an electromagnetic relay that can effectively suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a mover and a stator in a conducting state.

[0006] A contact mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a conductive plate extending in a first direction, a movable element having a first movable contact and a second movable contact provided on both ends of a first surface of the conductive plate in the first direction, a first stator having a first fixed contact connectable with the first movable contact, and a second stator having a second fixed contact connectable with the second movable contact, wherein the contact mechanism is configured such that the first stator and the second stator are electrically connected via the movable element when the movable element is displaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first movable contact is connected to the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is connected to the second fixed contact, and the first stator is configured to generate a magnetic field in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and has a magnetic excitation portion overlapping the movable element when viewed from the third direction, and the magnetic excitation portion includes a first conductive member and a third conductive member extending in the first direction and a second conductive member extending in the second direction. The first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member have an angular ring structure connected in this order, and when viewed from the second direction, the first conductive member and the third conductive member are configured to overlap with the movable member, and when the contact mechanism is in an energized state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable member by the magnetic field generated in the excitation section in a direction that causes the movable member to maintain an energized state, and an attractive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member and the movable member, and a repulsive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member and the movable member.

[0007] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned contact mechanism and an electromagnetic mechanism capable of displacing the movable element in the second direction, and is configured to be able to use the electromagnetic mechanism to switch between connection and disconnection between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, and between connection and disconnection between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact.

[0008] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a contact mechanism and an electromagnetic relay that can effectively suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force acting between a mover and a stator in a conducting state.

[0009] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a top view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the direction of a current flowing through the contact mechanism according to the first embodiment and the direction of a magnetic field; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a top view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a top view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 15 is a top view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 16 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 17 is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a top view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 6C is a side view showing a configuration example of a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 6C. FIG. 6E is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 6F is a side view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay (de-energized state) according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 6G is a side view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay (energized state) according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 6H is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay according to a sixth embodiment.

[0010] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1A to 1D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example configuration of a contact mechanism according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the contact mechanism 1 according to this embodiment includes a first stator 10, a second stator 20, and a mover 30.

[0011] The mover 30 has a conductive plate 31 extending in the x-axis direction (first direction), and a first movable contact 32 and a second movable contact 33 provided on both ends in the x-axis direction of a first surface (the surface on the negative side in the z-axis direction) of the conductive plate 31. The first movable contact 32 and the second movable contact 33 of the mover 30 are configured by providing convex-shaped members on the first surface of the conductive plate 31 on both ends in the x-axis direction. Each member that makes up the mover 30 is made of a conductive material such as a metallic material.

[0012] The first stator 10 has a first fixed contact 11 that is connectable to the first movable contact 32 of the mover 30, and an excitation unit 12. The first fixed contact 11 of the first stator 10 is formed by providing a convex member on the surface on the positive side in the z-axis direction of the conductive member 17. Each member that constitutes the first stator 10 is made of a conductive material such as a metallic material.

[0013] The second stator 20 has a second fixed contact 21 that is connectable to the second movable contact 33 of the mover 30. The second fixed contact 21 of the second stator 20 is configured by providing a convex member on the surface of the conductive plate 22 on the positive side in the z-axis direction. Each member that configures the second stator 20 is configured from a conductive material such as a metallic material. The first stator 10 and the second stator 20 are also collectively referred to as stators 10, 20.

[0014] In the contact mechanism 1 according to this embodiment, the movable element 30 is displaced in the z-axis direction (second direction) to switch between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. Specifically, when the movable element 30 is displaced toward the positive side in the z-axis direction, the first movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 are disconnected, and the second movable contact 33 and the second fixed contact 21 are disconnected, so that the first stator 10 and the second stator 20 are in a non-conductive state. On the other hand, when the movable element 30 is displaced toward the negative side in the z-axis direction, the first movable contact 32 and the first fixed contact 11 are connected, and the second movable contact 33 and the second fixed contact 21 are connected, so that the first stator 10 and the second stator 20 are in a conductive state via the movable element 30. Note that FIGS. 1A to 1D illustrate the contact mechanism 1 in a conductive state.

[0015] The magnetic excitation unit 12 of the first stator 10 is configured to generate a magnetic field in the y-axis direction when the contact mechanism 1 is energized (see FIG. 2 ). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1C , the magnetic excitation unit 12 has a rectangular ring structure in which a first conductive member 13 and a third conductive member 15 extending in the x-axis direction and a second conductive member 14 and a fourth conductive member 16 extending in the z-axis direction are connected in this order: the first conductive member 13, the second conductive member 14, the third conductive member 15, and the fourth conductive member 16. The fourth conductive member 16 is connected to a conductive member (fifth conductive member) 17, and a first fixed contact 11 is provided on the surface of the conductive member 17 on the positive side in the z-axis direction. In other words, the first fixed contact 11 is provided on the fourth conductive member 16 side of the first to fourth conductive members 13 to 16 that constitute the magnetic excitation unit 12. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1 is energized, current flows through the excitation portion 12, and the current flows through the first conductive member 13, the second conductive member 14, the third conductive member 15, and the fourth conductive member 16 in that order (see Figure 2).

[0016] When the contact mechanism 1 is energized, a magnetic field is generated inside the magnetized portion 12 in the positive direction of the y-axis as shown in FIG. 2 . Also, as shown in FIG. 1C , the magnetized portion 12 is positioned so as to overlap the mover 30 (conductive plate 31) when viewed from the y-axis direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the contact mechanism 1 is energized, a Lorentz force is generated in the mover 30 (conductive plate 31) due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetized portion 12 in the direction in which the mover 30 maintains the energized state (the negative side of the z-axis direction). Therefore, the Lorentz force acting in the negative side of the z-axis direction can be used to effectively suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force (the force acting in the positive side of the z-axis direction) acting between the mover 30 and the stators 10, 20 in the energized state.

[0017] 1B and 1D, the first conductive member 13 and the third conductive member 15 are configured to overlap with the mover 30 (conductive plate 31) when viewed from the z-axis direction. In other words, as shown in Fig. 1D, the magnetic excitation unit 12 is configured to have a U-shaped cross section when viewed from the x-axis direction.

[0018] 2 , when the contact mechanism 1 is in an energized state, the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 31 of the mover 30 and the direction of the current flowing through the first conductive member 13 are the same, and the direction of the current flowing through the conductive plate 31 of the mover 30 and the direction of the current flowing through the third conductive member 15 are opposite to each other. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1 is in an energized state, an attractive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member 13 and the conductive plate 31 of the mover 30. Furthermore, a repulsive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member 15 and the conductive plate 31 of the mover 30. Therefore, in an energized state, a Lorentz force acts on the conductive plate 31 of the mover 30 in the negative z-axis direction, thereby effectively suppressing the electromagnetic repulsive force (force acting in the positive z-axis direction) acting between the mover 30 and the stators 10, 20.

[0019] According to the present disclosure described above, it is possible to provide a contact mechanism that can effectively suppress the electromagnetic repulsive force acting between the mover and the stator in a conducting state.

[0020] In this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained even if the direction of current flowing through contact mechanism 1 is opposite to the direction of current shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the same effect can be obtained even if the direction of current flowing through conductive plate 31 of movable member 30 is the positive direction in the x-axis direction, the direction of current flowing through fourth conductive member 16 is the positive direction in the z-axis direction, the direction of current flowing through third conductive member 15 is the negative direction in the x-axis direction, the direction of current flowing through second conductive member 14 is the negative direction in the z-axis direction, and the direction of current flowing through first conductive member 13 is the positive direction in the x-axis direction.

[0021] <Embodiment 2> Next, a contact mechanism according to embodiment 2 will be described. Figures 3A to 3D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example configuration of the contact mechanism according to embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the contact mechanism 1a according to this embodiment includes a first stator 10a, a second stator 20a, and a mover 30a.

[0022] The first stator 10a has a first fixed contact 11a, a magnetic excitation portion 12a, and a conductive member 17a. The magnetic excitation portion 12a has a first conductive member 13a, a second conductive member 14a, a third conductive member 15a, and a fourth conductive member 16a. The second stator 20a has a second fixed contact 21a and a conductive plate 22a. The mover 30a has a conductive plate 31a, a first movable contact 32a, and a second movable contact 33a.

[0023] In this specification, corresponding components are indicated by the same numerals. For example, the "first stator 10" shown in FIG. 1A and the "first stator 10a" shown in FIG. 3A are indicated by the same numeral "10," indicating that they are corresponding components. In addition, in this specification, the addition of "a" to the reference numeral 10 indicates that it is the "first stator 10a" of the contact mechanism 1a shown in FIG. 3A. In other words, the "first stator 10a" according to the second embodiment corresponds to the "first stator 10" according to the first embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted in this specification as appropriate. The same applies to each component described below.

[0024] The contact mechanism 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that the distance between the first conductive member 13a and the mover 30a (conductive plate 31a) is shorter than the distance between the conductive member 17a and the mover 30a (conductive plate 31a). The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3C , in this embodiment, the position of first conductive member 13a is configured to be on the positive side in the z-axis direction compared to the position of first conductive member 13 of contact mechanism 1 according to embodiment 1 (see Fig. 1C ). Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3C , fourth conductive member 16a is extended on the negative side in the z-axis direction, so that the position of first fixed contact 11a (position of conductive member 17a) is configured to be on the negative side in the z-axis direction compared to the position of first fixed contact 11 (position of conductive member 17) of contact mechanism 1 according to embodiment 1 (see Fig. 1C ). Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3C , the position of second fixed contact 21a of second stator 20a is configured to be on the negative side in the z-axis direction compared to the position of second fixed contact 21 of contact mechanism 1 according to embodiment 1 (see Fig. 1C ).

[0026] In the present embodiment, with this configuration, the position of the mover 30a in the energized state is on the negative side of the z-axis compared to the position of the mover 30 in the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1C ). Furthermore, the position of the first conductive member 13a is configured to be on the positive side of the z-axis compared to the position of the first conductive member 13 in the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1C ). Therefore, in the contact mechanism 1a according to the present embodiment, the distance between the first conductive member 13a and the mover 30a (conductive plate 31a) can be made shorter than the distance between the conductive member 17a and the mover 30a (conductive plate 31a) compared to the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, when the contact mechanism 1a is energized, the attractive force due to the Lorentz force generated between the first conductive member 13a and the mover 30a can be further strengthened.

[0027] <Embodiment 3> Next, a contact mechanism according to embodiment 3 will be described. Figures 4A to 4D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example configuration of a contact mechanism according to embodiment 3. As shown in Figures 4A to 4D, a contact mechanism 1b according to this embodiment includes a first stator 10b, a second stator 20b, and a mover 30b.

[0028] The first stator 10b has a first fixed contact 11b, a magnetic excitation unit 12b, and a conductive member 17b. The magnetic excitation unit 12b has a first conductive member 13b, a second conductive member 14b, a third conductive member 15b, and a fourth conductive member 16b. The second stator 20b has a second fixed contact 21b and a conductive plate 22b. The mover 30b has a conductive plate 31b, a first movable contact 32b, and a second movable contact 33b.

[0029] The contact mechanism 1b according to the third embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes arc-extinguishing permanent magnets 41, 42. Other configurations are the same as those of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

[0030] 4A to 4D, arc-extinguishing permanent magnet 41 is provided on the outer side of first movable contact 32b and first fixed contact 11b in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the positive side in the x-axis direction), and arc-extinguishing permanent magnet 42 is provided on the outer side of second movable contact 33b and second fixed contact 21b in the x-axis direction (i.e., on the negative side in the x-axis direction).

[0031] Furthermore, the permanent magnets 41 and 42 are configured so that the magnetic field extends in the x-axis direction. For example, the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the negative side in the x-axis direction is configured as the north pole, and the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the positive side in the x-axis direction is configured as the south pole. Furthermore, the surface of the permanent magnet 42 on the negative side in the x-axis direction is configured as the south pole, and the surface of the permanent magnet 41 on the positive side in the x-axis direction is configured as the north pole. Note that the north and south poles may be reversed.

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment, permanent magnet 41 is provided to generate a magnetic field in the x-axis direction near first movable contact 32b and first fixed contact 11b. Similarly, in this embodiment, permanent magnet 42 is provided to generate a magnetic field in the x-axis direction near second movable contact 33b and second fixed contact 21b. Therefore, it is possible to extinguish an arc that occurs when first movable contact 32b and first fixed contact 11b change from a connected state to a disconnected state, and an arc that occurs when second movable contact 33b and second fixed contact 21b change from a connected state to a disconnected state.

[0033] 4B , in this embodiment, an arc generated near the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b can be demagnetized by extending it in the y-axis direction (indicated by the dashed arrow) using the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 41. Also, an arc generated near the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b can be demagnetized by extending it in the y-axis direction (indicated by the dashed arrow) using the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 42. The direction in which the arc extends is either the positive or negative side of the y-axis, and the direction in which the arc extends is determined by the direction of the current flowing through the contact mechanism 1b and the direction of the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 41 and 42.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4C , when viewed from the y-axis direction (or the z-axis direction), the magnetic excitation unit 12b is configured to be located between the positions of the first movable contact 32b and the first fixed contact 11b and the positions of the second movable contact 33b and the second fixed contact 21b in the x-axis direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4B , when the arc is extended in the y-axis direction, interference between the arc and the magnetic excitation unit 12 (particularly the second conductive member 14b and the fourth conductive member 16b) can be suppressed. In particular, with this configuration, the arc can be effectively extinguished using the permanent magnets 41, 42 even when the current direction of the contact mechanism 1b is reversed.

[0035] 4B , even if contact mechanism 1b is designed so that the arc in contact mechanism 1b is directed toward the positive side of the y axis, if the direction of the current in contact mechanism 1b is reversed, the arc will be directed toward the negative side of the y axis. In this embodiment, excitation unit 12 is configured to be located between the positions of first movable contact 32b and first fixed contact 11b and the positions of second movable contact 33b and second fixed contact 21b in the x axis direction. Therefore, even if the direction of the current in contact mechanism 1b is reversed and the arc is directed toward the negative side of the y axis, interference between the arc and excitation unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0036] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a contact mechanism according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Figures 5A to 5D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, showing an example configuration of a contact mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, a contact mechanism 1c according to this embodiment includes a first stator 10c, a second stator 20c, and a mover 30c.

[0037] The first stator 10c has a first fixed contact 11c, a magnetic excitation unit 12c, and a conductive member 17c. The magnetic excitation unit 12c has a first conductive member 13c, a second conductive member 14c, a third conductive member 15c, and a fourth conductive member 16c. The second stator 20c has a second fixed contact 21c and a conductive plate 22c. The mover 30c has a conductive plate 31c, a first movable contact 32c, and a second movable contact 33c.

[0038] The contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment differs from the contact mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a movable plate 50. Other configurations are the same as those of the contact mechanism 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D , the movable plate 50 includes a plate-shaped member 51 and a plate-shaped member 52. As shown in FIG. 5D , the plate-shaped member 51 is connected to the second surface (the surface on the positive side in the z-axis direction) of the conductive plate 31c included in the mover 30c. The plate-shaped member 51 is provided so as to extend in the opposite direction to the side on which the magnetic excitation unit 12c is provided (i.e., the positive side in the y-axis direction). In other words, the plate-shaped member 51 is provided so as to extend from the opening of the magnetic excitation unit 12c, which has a U-shaped cross section, to the positive side in the y-axis direction. The end of the plate-shaped member 51 on the positive side in the y-axis direction is connected to the plate-shaped member 52. The plate-shaped member 52 is provided so as to extend to the positive side in the z-axis direction. The movable plate 50 can be made of a metal material. The plate-shaped members 51 and 52 that constitute the movable plate 50 may be integrally formed. In other words, the movable plate 50 may be formed by bending a single metal plate into an L-shape.

[0040] In the contact mechanism 1c according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5D , the movable plate 50 is provided so as to extend in the opposite direction to the side where the magnetic excitation portion 12c is provided (i.e., the positive side in the y-axis direction). This prevents interference between the movable plate 50 and the magnetic excitation portion 12c when the mover 30c is displaced. While FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the movable plate 50 is L-shaped, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the movable plate 50 may be a shape other than L-shaped. Furthermore, while FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate a configuration in which the plate-shaped member 51 is connected to the second surface (the surface on the positive side in the z-axis direction) of the conductive plate 31c of the mover 30c, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 51 may be connected to the first surface (the surface on the negative side in the z-axis direction) of the conductive plate 31c of the mover 30c.

[0041] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, a contact mechanism according to a fifth embodiment will be described. Figures 6A to 6E are a perspective view, a top view, a front view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing an example configuration of a contact mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figures 6A to 6E, a contact mechanism 1d according to this embodiment includes a first stator 10d, a second stator 20d, and a mover 30d.

[0042] The first stator 10d has a first fixed contact 11d, a magnetic excitation unit 12d, and a conductive member 17d. The magnetic excitation unit 12d has a first conductive member 13d, a second conductive member 14d, a third conductive member 15d, and a fourth conductive member 16d. The second stator 20d has a second fixed contact 21d and a conductive plate 22d. The mover 30d has a conductive plate 31d, a first movable contact 32d, and a second movable contact 33d. Furthermore, the contact mechanism 1d according to this embodiment includes permanent magnets 41, 42, a movable plate 50, and yokes 61, 62.

[0043] The contact mechanism 1d according to the present embodiment has a configuration that combines the contact mechanism 1b according to the third embodiment and the contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment, and further includes yokes 61 and 62. Note that, apart from the configuration that includes the yokes 61 and 62, the contact mechanism 1d is similar to the contact mechanisms 1b and 1c described in the third and fourth embodiments, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6A to 6E, permanent magnets 41 and 42 are provided with yokes 61 and 62, respectively, to strengthen the arc-extinguishing magnetic field. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6C, yoke 61 has an L-shape in which a plate-shaped member extending in the z-axis direction and a plate-shaped member extending in the x-axis direction are connected at a right angle. Permanent magnet 41 is attached to the plate-shaped member extending in the z-axis direction of yoke 61. Similarly, yoke 62 has an L-shape in which a plate-shaped member extending in the z-axis direction and a plate-shaped member extending in the x-axis direction are connected at a right angle. Permanent magnet 42 is attached to the plate-shaped member extending in the z-axis direction of yoke 62. As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, yokes 61 and 62 are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the yz plane. Note that yokes 61 and 62 may each be formed by bending a single metal plate into an L-shape.

[0045] 6C, the yokes 61 and 62 are provided with restricting structures 63 and 64 that restrict displacement of the mover 30d in the z-axis direction when the contact mechanism 1d is in a non-energized state (open state). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the plate-like member that constitutes the yoke 61 and extends in the x-axis direction is provided with a restricting structure 63 that extends toward the negative side in the z-axis direction.

[0046] Figure 6E is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 6C. As shown in Figures 6C and 6E, the tip of the restricting structure 63 is configured to abut against the mover 30d when the mover 30d is in the open state (see the dashed circles in Figures 6C and 6E). Also, as shown in Figure 6E, the tip of the restricting structure 63 is bent into an L-shape. This configuration allows the tip of the restricting structure 63 to abut against the second surface of the mover 30d.

[0047] Similarly, a plate-like member extending in the x-axis direction that constitutes the yoke 62 is provided with a restricting structure 64 that extends toward the negative side in the z-axis direction. The tip of the restricting structure 64 is configured to abut against the mover 30d when the mover 30d is in the open state (see the dashed circle in FIG. 6C ). The tip of the restricting structure 64 is also bent into an L-shape. The restricting structures 63 and 64 may be formed integrally using the metal material that constitutes the yokes 61 and 62.

[0048] In this manner, in this embodiment, the restricting structures 63, 64 are formed using the yokes 61, 62. Therefore, there is no need to add new dedicated parts, and the number of parts in the contact mechanism can be reduced. Note that although Figures 6A to 6E show an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the yokes 61, 62 is L-shaped, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the yokes 61, 62 may be a shape other than L-shaped.

[0049] <Sixth embodiment> Next, an electromagnetic relay according to a sixth embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment. Fig. 8A is a side view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay (de-energized state) according to this embodiment. Fig. 8B is a side view showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic relay (energized state) according to this embodiment. The electromagnetic relays shown in Figs. 7, 8A, and 8B exemplify an electromagnetic relay configured using the contact mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment.

[0050] 7, 8A, and 8B, the electromagnetic relay 100 according to this embodiment includes a contact mechanism 1c, an electromagnetic mechanism (coil) 80, a yoke 81, and a movable iron piece 82. As shown in Fig. 7, the plate-shaped member 52 of the movable plate 50 is fixed to the movable iron piece 82. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the movable iron piece 82 is displaced, which displaces the movable plate 50 and displaces the movable element 30c in the z-axis direction.

[0051] 8A, when the electromagnetic mechanism 80 is off, the movable iron piece 82 is not attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism 80, and the movable element 30c is stationary at a position on the positive side in the z-axis direction. In this state, the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c are not connected to each other, and the second movable contact 33c (not shown) and the second fixed contact 21c (not shown) are not connected to each other, and therefore the first stator 10c and the second stator 20c are not conducting electricity.

[0052] 8B , when the electromagnetic mechanism 80 is on, the movable iron piece 82 is attracted to the electromagnetic mechanism 80, and the movable element 30c is displaced to the negative side in the z-axis direction. In this state, the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c are connected, and the second movable contact 33c (not shown) and the second fixed contact 21c (not shown) are connected, so that the first stator 10c and the second stator 20c are electrically connected via the movable element 30c.

[0053] As described above, the electromagnetic relay 100 according to this embodiment includes an electromagnetic mechanism 80 that can displace the mover 30c in the z-axis direction. The electromagnetic mechanism 80 is used to switch between connection and disconnection between the first movable contact 32c and the first fixed contact 11c, and between connection and disconnection between the second movable contact 33c and the second fixed contact 21c. This allows the first stator 10c and the second stator 20c to be switched between conductive and non-conductive states.

[0054] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment, illustrating a state in which the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 shown in Fig. 7 are housed in a case 90. As shown in Fig. 9, the first stator 10c and the second stator 20c are exposed from the upper side of the case 90 of the electromagnetic relay 100. By housing the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 in the case 90, the elements constituting the electromagnetic relay 100 can be protected from the external environment.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0056] The present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art can make within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application.

[0057] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-86703, filed May 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0058] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Contact mechanism 10 First stator 11 First fixed contact 12 Excitation section 13 First conductive member 14 Second conductive member 15 Third conductive member 16 Fourth conductive member 17 Conductive plate 20 Second stator 21 Second fixed contact 22 Conductive plate 30 Movable member 31 Conductive plate 32 First movable contact 33 Second movable contact 41, 42 Permanent magnet 50 Movable plate 51, 52 Plate-shaped member 61, 62 Yoke 63, 64 Restricting structure 80 Electromagnetic mechanism 81 Yoke 82 Movable iron piece 90 Case 100 Electromagnetic relay

Claims

1. A contact mechanism comprising: a movable element having a conductive plate extending in a first direction and a first movable contact and a second movable contact provided on both ends of a first surface of the conductive plate in the first direction; a first stator having a first fixed contact provided so as to be connectable with the first movable contact; and a second stator having a second fixed contact provided so as to be connectable with the second movable contact, wherein the contact mechanism is configured such that the first stator and the second stator are in a conductive state via the movable element when the movable element is displaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are connected, and the second movable contact and the second fixed contact are connected, wherein the first stator and the second stator are in a conductive state via the movable element, and the first stator is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and has an excitation portion that overlaps with the movable element when viewed from the third direction, the excitation unit has a rectangular ring structure in which a first conductive member and a third conductive member extending in the first direction and a second conductive member and a fourth conductive member extending in the second direction are connected in this order: the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member; when viewed from the second direction, the first conductive member and the third conductive member are configured to overlap with the movable member; when the contact mechanism is in an electrically conductive state, a Lorentz force is generated in the movable member by the magnetic field generated in the excitation unit in a direction in which the movable member maintains an electrically conductive state, an attractive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the first conductive member and the movable member, and a repulsive force due to the Lorentz force is generated between the third conductive member and the movable member.

2. A contact mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein, when the contact mechanism is in an electrically conductive state, the direction of current flowing through the movable member and the direction of current flowing through the first conductive member are the same, and the direction of current flowing through the movable member and the direction of current flowing through the third conductive member are opposite to each other.

3. A contact mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first fixed contact is provided on the fourth conductive member side of the first to fourth conductive members constituting the magnetic excitation portion.

4. A contact mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first fixed contact is provided on a fifth conductive member connected to the fourth conductive member, and the distance between the first conductive member and the movable member is configured to be shorter than the distance between the fifth conductive member and the movable member.

5. A contact mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein a permanent magnet for extinguishing an arc is provided on the outer side of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact in the first direction, and on the outer side of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact in the first direction.

6. A contact mechanism as described in claim 5, wherein, when viewed from the second direction, the magnetic excitation portion is positioned between the positions of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact and the positions of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact in the first direction.

7. A contact mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the permanent magnet is provided with a yoke for strengthening the magnetic field for extinguishing the arc, and the yoke is provided with a restricting structure for restricting displacement of the movable element in the second direction when the contact mechanism is in a non-energized state.

8. A contact mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein a movable plate for displacing the movable member in the second direction is connected to the first surface or a second surface opposite to the first surface of the conductive plate provided on the movable member, and when viewed from the first direction, the movable plate is arranged to extend in a direction opposite to the side on which the magnetic excitation portion is provided.

9. An electromagnetic relay comprising: a contact mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; and an electromagnetic mechanism capable of displacing the movable element in the second direction, wherein the electromagnetic mechanism is configured to be capable of switching between connection and disconnection of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, and between connection and disconnection of the second movable contact and the second fixed contact.

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