Contact device

Abstract

This contact device comprises a first movable contactor (11), a first member (15), a first fixed contact, a first movable contact (13), and a first binding piece (16). The first movable contactor (11) has a plate shape and extends in the vertical direction. The first member (15) has a plate shape and is provided so as to overlap the first movable contactor (11). The first movable contact (13) is connected to the first movable contactor (11) and to the first member (15), and contacts with and separates from the first fixed contact. The first binding piece (16) is held by the first movable contactor (11) and is positioned above the first movable contact (13). The first binding piece (16) has a first wall portion (161), a second wall portion (162), and a first connecting portion (163) that connects the first wall portion (161) and the second wall portion (162). An interposition portion (159) of the first member (15) is positioned between the first wall portion (161) and the second wall portion (162).

Description

contact device

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a contact device, and more particularly to a contact device including a movable contactor connected to a movable contact.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic relay that includes a first movable contact that contacts a first fixed contact, a second movable contact that contacts a second fixed contact, a first elastic body that biases the first movable contact, a second elastic body that biases the second movable contact, and a pressing member.

[0003] The pressing member includes a first contact pressing portion, a second contact pressing portion, a first separation pressing portion, and a second separation pressing portion. The first contact pressing portion presses the first elastic body to bring the first movable contact into contact with the first fixed contact. The second contact pressing portion presses the second elastic body to bring the second movable contact into contact with the second fixed contact. The first separation pressing portion presses the first elastic body to separate the first movable contact from the first fixed contact. The second separation pressing portion presses the second elastic body to separate the second movable contact from the second fixed contact.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-091725

[0005] In the electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1, when the first fixed contact and the first movable contact come into contact, a bounce occurs due to a collision between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact. Also, in this electromagnetic relay, when the second fixed contact and the second movable contact come into contact, a bounce occurs due to a collision between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

[0006] A contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first movable contactor, a first member, a first fixed contact, a first movable contact, and a first coupling piece. The first movable contactor is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The first member is plate-shaped and is disposed on top of the first movable contactor. The first movable contactor is connected to the first movable contactor and the first member, and contacts and separates from the first fixed contact. The first coupling piece is held by the first movable contactor and is positioned above the first movable contactor. The first coupling piece has a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a first joint portion connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion. A portion of the first member is positioned between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that it is possible to suppress bouncing when the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic relay with a cover removed. FIG. 4 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay with a cover removed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay at a position corresponding to line V-V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay at a position corresponding to line VI-VI in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 8 is a front view of a first movable spring included in the contact device. FIG. 9 is a side view of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 13 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay in an on state with a cover removed. FIG. 14A is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device. FIG. 14B is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the same. FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the same. FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of a comparative example. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the comparative example. FIG. 15C is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the comparative example. FIG. 16A is a front view of a first movable spring of the contact device of modified example 1. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the contact device of the same. FIG. 17A is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the same. FIG. 17B is a diagram for explaining the operation of a main part of the contact device of the same. FIG. 18 is a front view of an electromagnetic relay including a contact device of modified example 2 with the cover removed. FIG. 19 is a side view of a main part of the contact device of the same.

[0009] The contact device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. 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.

[0010] (1) Embodiment A contact device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG.

[0011] (1.1) Overall Configuration The contact device 10 is a device that is inserted into an electric circuit to open or close the electric circuit. The electric circuit may be a DC circuit through which a direct current flows, or an AC circuit through which an alternating current flows.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 4 , the contact device 10 of this embodiment includes a first movable contactor 11 , a first fixed contact 12 , and a first movable contact 13 .

[0013] The first movable contactor 11 is plate-shaped and extends in one direction. The first movable contact 13 is provided at one end of the first movable contactor 11 in the one direction. The first movable contact 13 faces the first fixed contact 12 in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 13 , the first movable contact 13 contacts and separates from the first fixed contact 12. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the one direction in which the first movable contactor 11 extends will also be referred to as the "vertical direction," the side of the first movable contactor 11 on which the first movable contact 13 is provided will also be referred to as the "bottom," and the opposite side will also be referred to as the "top." Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and along the direction in which the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 12 face each other will also be referred to as the "front-rear direction," and the side on which the first fixed contact 12 is located relative to the first movable contact 13 (the left side in FIG. 4 ) will also be referred to as the "front," and the opposite side (the right side in FIG. 4 ) will also be referred to as the "rear." The contact device 10 also includes a second fixed contact 22 that is aligned with the first fixed contact 12 in a left-right direction that is perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. For convenience, the side on which the second fixed contact 22 is located relative to the first fixed contact 12 (the direction from the front to the back of the paper in FIG. 4 ) will be referred to as the "right" side, and the opposite side (the direction from the back to the front of the paper in FIG. 4 ) will be referred to as the "left" side. However, these directions are merely for convenience in describing the positional relationship between the components, and do not limit the orientation of the contact device 10 when in use.

[0014] The contact device 10 of this embodiment constitutes at least a part of an electromagnetic relay 100. The electromagnetic relay 100 is a device that opens and closes electrical contacts through electrical control in order to open and close an electrical circuit. The electromagnetic relay 100 of this embodiment is a so-called hinge-type relay. The electromagnetic relay 100 is used in applications such as solar power generation systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), inverters, and vehicles. For convenience of explanation, the following describes elements that constitute the contact device 10 and elements that constitute the parts of the electromagnetic relay 100 other than the contact device 10 separately. However, some or all of the elements that constitute the parts of the electromagnetic relay 100 other than the contact device 10 may be included in the contact device 10.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electromagnetic relay 100 further includes an electromagnet device 70, an auxiliary contact device 80, and a housing 90 in addition to the contact device (main contact device) 10.

[0016] (1.2) Housing As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 90 includes a body 91 and a cover 99.

[0017] 1 and 2, the cover 99 is box-shaped. More specifically, the cover 99 is a hollow rectangular box with an open bottom. The cover 99 is made of, for example, resin. The cover 99 has two rectangular engagement holes 991, one at the bottom of each of the left and right walls.

[0018] The body 91 is made of, for example, resin and holds the contact device 10, the electromagnet device 70, and the auxiliary contact device 80.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3 , the body 91 integrally includes a bottom wall portion 92 , a peripheral wall portion 93 , a first partition wall portion 94 , a side wall portion 95 , a second partition wall portion 96 , and a partition wall portion 97 .

[0020] The bottom wall portion 92 is a rectangular plate whose thickness direction is along the vertical direction.

[0021] The peripheral wall portion 93 has a rectangular frame shape that protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 92 .

[0022] The first partition wall 94 is plate-shaped with its thickness extending in the front-rear direction. The first partition wall 94 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 92 and divides the space above the bottom wall 92 into a first space on the front side and a second space on the rear side. The contact device 10 is disposed in the first space. The coil 71 of the electromagnet device 70 is disposed in the second space. The first partition wall 94 increases the insulation distance between the coil 71 and the contact device 10.

[0023] The side wall portion 95 is a trapezoidal plate with a lower side longer than an upper side. The body 91 has two side wall portions 95. The two side wall portions 95 extend upward from the upper ends of the left and right walls of the peripheral wall portion 93. The front ends of the two side wall portions 95 are connected to the left and right ends of the first partition wall portion 94, respectively. The first partition wall portion 94 and the two side wall portions 95 form a U-shape in top view. The side wall portions 95 increase the insulation distance between the contact device 10 and the coil 71.

[0024] The second partition wall 96 is plate-shaped with a thickness extending along the left-right direction. The second partition wall 96 extends upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 92 and divides the first space into left and right spaces. The body 91 includes three second partition walls 96. The three second partition walls 96 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction. The three second partition walls 96 divide the first space into four storage spaces. A pair of a fixed contact and a movable contact (e.g., a pair of a first fixed contact 12 and a first movable contact 13) is arranged in each of the four storage spaces. For ease of explanation, the three second partition walls 96 may be distinguished from one another by denoting them with the reference numerals "962," "961," and "963" from left to right.

[0025] The partition wall 97 has an L-shaped wall shape when viewed from above. The body 91 is provided with two partition walls 97 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The two partition walls 97 are provided at the left and right rear corners of the body 91, respectively, and separate the spaces at the corners from the second space.

[0026] The body 91 has engaging protrusions 911 on the outer surfaces of the left and right walls of the peripheral wall portion 93. The cover 99 is joined to the body 91 by inserting the two engaging protrusions 911 of the body 91 into the two engaging holes 991 of the cover 99, respectively.

[0027] (1.3) Electromagnet Device The electromagnet device 70 brings the first movable contact 13 of the contact device 10 into contact with and separates it from the first fixed contact 12. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the electromagnet device 70 includes a coil 71, an armature 72, a bobbin 73, an iron core 74, a yoke 75, and a pair of coil terminals 76.

[0028] 3 to 6, the bobbin 73 is made of, for example, resin and integrally includes a cylindrical portion 730 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), a first flange portion 731, and a second flange portion 732.

[0029] The tube portion 730 has a hollow cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction.

[0030] The first flange 731 has a rectangular plate shape and is provided on the upper edge of the tubular portion 730. As shown in Figure 3, a first support base 733 is provided on the right side of the rear end of the first flange 731, and a second support base 734 is provided on the left side of the rear end of the first flange 731.

[0031] The second flange 732 has a rectangular plate shape and is provided on the lower edge of the tubular portion 730. The rear end of the second flange 732 is provided with a pair of insertion holes through which the terminal pieces (pins) 761 of the pair of coil terminals 76 are inserted, respectively.

[0032] The coil 71 is formed by winding a conductive wire around the cylindrical portion 730 of the bobbin 73. A first end of the coil 71 is connected to one of a pair of coil terminals 76, and a second end of the coil 71 is connected to the other of the pair of coil terminals 76. As shown in FIG. 3 , each coil terminal 76 integrally includes a terminal piece (pin) 761 and a connection piece 762 to which the coil 71 is connected. The terminal piece (pin) 761 of the coil terminal 76 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the body 91. The terminal piece (pin) 761 of the coil terminal 76 is connected to an external electric circuit.

[0033] The iron core 74 is made of a magnetic material and has a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The iron core 74 is inserted into the space within the cylindrical portion 730 of the bobbin 73. A flange portion 741 is provided at the upper end of the iron core 74.

[0034] The yoke 75 is made of a magnetic material and includes a first yoke 751 and a second yoke 752, which are integrally formed as a single unit, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The first yoke 751 is a plate-like member with its thickness extending in the vertical direction, and is located below the second flange 732 of the bobbin 73. A through-hole is formed in the center of the first yoke 751, and the lower end of the iron core 74 is inserted into the through-hole to fix the first yoke 751 and the iron core 74 together.

[0036] The second yoke 752 is a plate extending upward from the front end of the first yoke 751. The second yoke 752 covers the front side of the coil 71 from the front. Protrusions 753 that protrude upward are formed on both the left and right ends of the upper edge of the second yoke 752. A U-shaped recess 754 is formed between the two left and right protrusions 753.

[0037] The armature 72 is made of a magnetic material. The armature 72 has a first portion 721 and a second portion 722, each of which is a plate, integrally formed. The first portion 721 and the second portion 722 form a generally L-shape. As shown in FIG. 4 , the armature 72 is arranged such that the lower surface of the first portion 721 faces the upper surface of the flange portion 741 of the core 74, and the rear surface of the second portion 722 is located in front of the second yoke 752.

[0038] 3, recesses 723 are formed on the left and right edges of the portion of the first portion 721 of the armature 72 near the front end. The armature 72 is positioned relative to the yoke 75 by the two protrusions 753 of the yoke 75 being positioned within the two recesses 723.

[0039] The portion of the underside of the first portion 721 of the armature 72 that connects the two recesses 723 comes into contact with the bottom of the recess 754 in the yoke 75. The armature 72 is rotatable around the portion of contact with the yoke 75 as a rotation axis (fulcrum). The armature 72 is displaceable between a first position (see FIG. 4 ) in which the first portion 721 is separated from the iron core 74 and a second position (see FIG. 13 ) in which the first portion 721 is closer to the iron core 74.

[0040] 3, a through-hole 729 is formed in the armature 72 at a portion connecting the first portion 721 and the second portion 722. An L-shaped leaf spring 77 is disposed in the through-hole 729. The return spring 77 applies an elastic force to the armature 72 in a direction that causes the armature 72 to assume the first posture.

[0041] When the coil 71 is not energized, the elastic force of the return spring 77 causes the armature 72 to assume a first position in which the first portion 721 is separated from the iron core 74 (see FIG. 4 ). On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between a pair of coil terminals 76 from an external electric circuit, energizing and exciting the coil 71, the first portion 721 of the armature 72 is attracted to the iron core 74, causing the armature 72 to rotate about the rotation axis such that the first portion 721 moves downward. This causes the armature 72 to assume a second position (see FIG. 13 ). In this way, the armature 72 is displaced between the first position and the second position depending on whether or not the coil 71 is energized.

[0042] A holder 79 is connected to the lower end of the second portion 722 of the armature 72. The holder 79 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a block shape. The holder 79 moves back and forth together with the second portion 722 in response to the displacement of the armature 72 (see FIGS. 4 and 13).

[0043] (1.4) Auxiliary Contact Device As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary contact device 80 includes a card 81 , an auxiliary fixed contact 82 , an auxiliary movable contact 83 , an auxiliary fixed terminal 84 , and an auxiliary movable terminal 85 .

[0044] The card 81 is made of, for example, resin. The card 81 is fixed to the first portion 721 of the armature 72. The card 81 moves up and down together with the first portion 721 of the armature 72 in accordance with the displacement of the armature 72. The card 81 is located relatively higher when the armature 72 is in the first position (see FIG. 4 ), and is located relatively lower when the armature 72 is in the second position (see FIG. 13 ).

[0045] The card 81 integrally includes a fixed portion 811 and a protrusion 812 .

[0046] The fixing portion 811 is a portion of the card 81 that is fixed to the armature 72. The fixing portion 811 is U-shaped and has claws at the bottom ends of the arms on both the left and right sides of the U. These claws of the fixing portion 811 are hooked onto the underside of the first portion 721, thereby fixing the card 81 to the armature 72.

[0047] The protrusion 812 protrudes rearward from the fixed portion 811. The rear end of the protrusion 812 is located rearward of the rear end of the armature 72. The protrusion 812 is located below the spring piece 852 of the auxiliary movable terminal 85.

[0048] The auxiliary fixed terminal 84 is made of a conductive metal. The auxiliary fixed terminal 84 is supported by the second support base 734 of the bobbin 73. The auxiliary fixed terminal 84 integrally includes an L-shaped, vertically elongated plate-like terminal piece 841 and a horizontally elongated plate-like fixed piece 842. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the terminal piece 841 is disposed in a space defined by the partition wall 97 at the rear left corner of the body 91. As shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal piece 841 protrudes downward from the underside of the body 91. As shown in FIG. 3 , the fixed piece 842 extends rightward from the upper end of the terminal piece 841. The auxiliary fixed contact 82 is provided at the right end of the fixed piece 842.

[0049] The auxiliary movable terminal 85 is made of a conductive metal. The auxiliary fixed terminal 84 is supported by the first support base 733 of the bobbin 73. The auxiliary movable terminal 85 integrally includes an L-shaped, vertically elongated plate-like terminal piece 851 and a horizontally elongated plate-like spring piece 852. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the terminal piece 851 is disposed in a space defined by the partition wall 97 at the rear right corner of the body 91. The terminal piece 851 also protrudes downward from the underside of the body 91. As shown in FIG. 3 , the spring piece 852 extends leftward from the upper end of the terminal piece 851. The auxiliary movable contact 83 is provided at the left end of the spring piece 852.

[0050] In the auxiliary contact device 80, when the armature 72 is in the first position (see FIG. 4), the protrusion 812 of the card 81 contacts the spring piece 852 from below. This pushes the spring piece 852 upward, and the auxiliary movable contact 83 contacts the auxiliary fixed contact 82. On the other hand, when the armature 72 is in the second position (see FIG. 13), the protrusion 812 of the card 81 is separated from the spring piece 852. The auxiliary movable contact 83 is displaced downward by the elastic force of the spring piece 852 and is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 82.

[0051] The auxiliary contact device 80 detects, for example, the occurrence of contact welding in the contact device (main contact device) 10. In the auxiliary contact device 80, for example, a voltage is constantly applied between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85 from an external electric circuit. In the auxiliary contact device 80, if the coil 71 is not energized and the auxiliary movable contact 83 should be in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 82, but no current flows between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85, it can be determined that contact welding has occurred in the contact device 10.

[0052] (1.5) Contact Device As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the contact device 10 includes a first fixed contact 12, a first fixed terminal 14, a second fixed contact 22, a second fixed terminal 24, a first movable contact 13, a second movable contact 23, a first movable spring 61, and a first contactor 62.

[0053] (1.5.1) Fixed Contact The first fixed terminal 14 is made of a conductive metal. As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the first fixed terminal 14 integrally includes a fixed piece 141, a terminal piece 142, and a connecting piece 143.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 6 , the fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 is disposed in the leftmost accommodation space (the space between the left wall of the peripheral wall portion 93 and the second partition wall portion 962) of the four accommodation spaces of the body 91. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6 , the fixed piece 141 is provided with a first fixed contact 12. The first fixed contact 12 is fixed to the fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 by crimping. This electrically connects the first fixed contact 12 to the first fixed terminal 14. Note that the first fixed contact 12 is separate from the first fixed terminal 14 and fixed to the first fixed terminal 14 (fixed piece 141), but is not limited thereto and may be part of the first fixed terminal 14 (integrated with the first fixed terminal 14).

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the terminal piece 142 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the body 91 .

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection piece 143 connects the fixed piece 141 and the terminal piece 142 together.

[0057] The second fixed terminal 24 is made of a conductive metal and integrally includes a fixed piece 241, a terminal piece 242, and a connecting piece 243, as shown in Figures 6 and 7 .

[0058] 6, the fixed piece 241 of the second fixed terminal 24 is disposed in the second accommodating space from the left (the space between the second partition wall portion 962 and the second partition wall portion 961) among the four accommodating spaces of the body 91. As shown in FIG. 6, the fixed piece 241 is provided with the second fixed contact 22.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal piece 242 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the body 91 .

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection piece 243 connects the fixed piece 241 and the terminal piece 242 together.

[0061] (1.5.2) Movable Spring The first movable spring 61 is made of a conductive metal. The first movable spring 61 is a leaf spring.

[0062] 8 , the first movable spring 61 integrally includes the first movable contactor 11, the second movable contactor 21, and the first connecting portion 51. In this manner, the contact device 10 includes the first movable contactor 11, and further includes the second movable contactor 21 and the first connecting portion 51. The first movable spring 61 is formed in a U-shape. A slit 611 is formed in the first movable spring 61 between the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21.

[0063] 4, 7, and 8, the first movable contactor 11 is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The first movable contactor 11 is a metal leaf spring. As shown in FIG. 6, the first movable contactor 11 is disposed behind the first fixed contact 12.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8, the first movable contactor 11 has a through hole 111. The through hole 111 is an elongated hole extending along the extension direction of the first movable contactor 11. By having the through hole 111 in the first movable contactor 11, the rigidity of the first movable contactor 11 is reduced compared to when the through hole 111 is not present, and the springiness of the first movable contactor 11 is improved. "Rigidity" refers to the degree to which a member is resistant to deformation in response to a bending or twisting force applied to the member. In the present disclosure, "rigidity" refers to, for example, bending rigidity.

[0065] The second movable contactor 21 has a shape symmetrical to the first movable contactor 11. As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the second movable contactor 21 is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The second movable contactor 21 is a metal leaf spring. As shown in Figure 6, the second movable contactor 21 is arranged behind the second fixed contact 22.

[0066] 8, the second movable contactor 21 has a through hole 211. The through hole 211 is an elongated hole extending along the extension direction of the second movable contactor 21.

[0067] The first connecting portion 51 is plate-shaped. As shown in Fig. 8 , the first connecting portion 51 connects the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21. The first connecting portion 51 connects the upper end of the first movable contactor 11 and the upper end of the second movable contactor 21. The first connecting portion 51 electrically and physically connects the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21.

[0068] The first connecting portion 51 is held by a holder 79. As a result, the first movable spring 61 moves back and forth together with the holder 79 in response to the displacement of the armature 72. The first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 also move back and forth in response to the displacement of the armature 72.

[0069] (1.5.3) Contactor The first contactor 62 is made of a conductive metal. The first contactor 62 is electrically connected to the first movable spring 61. The first contactor 62 contacts the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21, connecting them. The first contactor 62 forms (at least a part of) the electrical path between the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21. As a result, the first contactor 62 reduces the resistance of the electrical path between the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21, improving the electrical conductivity between the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21.

[0070] 5 and 7 , the first contactor 62 integrally includes the first member 15, the first extension member 17, the second extension member 18, the second member 25, the third extension member 27, the fourth extension member 28, and the second connecting portion 52. In this manner, the contact device 10 includes the first member 15, and further includes the second member 25 and the second connecting portion 52. The contact device 10 also includes the first extension member 17. The contact device 10 also includes the second extension member 18. The contact device 10 also includes the third extension member 27. The contact device 10 also includes the fourth extension member 28.

[0071] The first member 15 is plate-shaped. As shown in Figures 4 and 7 , the first member 15 is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The first member 15 is provided overlapping the first movable contactor 11. The first member 15 is overlapping the lower region of the first movable contactor 11.

[0072] 4, 7, and 9, the first member 15 is disposed in front of the first movable contactor 11. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first movable contactor 11, the first member 15, and the first fixed contact 12 are arranged in the order of first movable contactor 11, first member 15, and first fixed contact 12. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space between the first movable contactor 11 and the first fixed contact 12.

[0073] 4, 5, 7, and 9, the first extension member 17 extends from the first member 15 in a direction away from the first movable contactor 11. The first extension member 17 extends forward from the upper end of the first member 15. In the present disclosure, "the first extension member 17 extends forward" is not limited to the first extension member 17 extending directly forward, but may also include the first extension member 17 extending diagonally forward.

[0074] In the contact device 10, in order to adjust the contact pressure and other factors when the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 12 are in contact, the degree of curvature of the first movable contactor 11 may be adjusted by bending the first movable contactor 11 with a tool such as pliers. In the case of a contact device of a comparative example in which the first extension member extends upward along the first movable contactor, bending the first movable contactor requires bending the first extension member and the first member together. In contrast, the contact device 10 of the present embodiment includes the first extension member 17 extending in a direction away from the first movable contactor 11. This makes it possible to adjust the first movable contactor 11, for example, at a portion of the first movable contactor 11 that does not overlap with the first member 15. In short, the contact device 10 of the present embodiment facilitates adjustment of the first movable contactor 11.

[0075] In addition, in the contact device 10, the first extension member 17 extends from the upper end of the first member 15, so that the front surface of the first movable contactor 11 is exposed in the space between the first member 15 and the holder 79, as shown in Fig. 4. This makes it easier to insert a tool or the like into the first movable contactor 11, making it easier to adjust the first movable contactor 11.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 9, the second extension member 18 extends upward from the first extension member 17. The second extension member 18 extends upward from the front end of the first extension member 17. In this disclosure, "the second extension member 18 extends upward" does not necessarily mean that the second extension member 18 extends directly upward, but may also mean that the second extension member 18 extends diagonally upward. By including the second extension member 18, the contact device 10 can effectively utilize the space above the first extension member 17.

[0077] The second member 25 is plate-shaped. The second member 25 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the first member 15. As shown in Fig. 7 , the second member 25 is plate-shaped and extends in the up-down direction. The second member 25 is provided so as to overlap the second movable contactor 21. The second member 25 overlaps the lower region of the second movable contactor 21.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7, the second member 25 is disposed in front of the second movable contactor 21. As shown in Fig. 6, the second movable contactor 21, the second member 25, and the second fixed contact 22 are arranged in this order: second movable contactor 21, second member 25, second fixed contact 22.

[0079] 5, the third extension member 27 extends from the second member 25 in a direction away from the second movable contactor 21. The third extension member 27 extends forward from the upper end of the second member 25.

[0080] 5 and 7, the fourth extension member 28 extends upward from the third extension member 27. The fourth extension member 28 extends upward from the front end of the third extension member 27.

[0081] The second connection portion 52 connects the first member 15 and the second member 25. More specifically, the second connection portion 52 connects the first extension member 17 and the third extension member 27 and / or the second extension member 18 and the fourth extension member 28, thereby connecting the first member 15 and the second member 25. Here, as shown in Figures 5 and 7 , the second connection portion 52 connects the first extension member 17 and the third extension member 27, and also connects the second extension member 18 and the fourth extension member 28.

[0082] In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first member 15 and the second member 25 are not directly connected, but are indirectly connected by connecting the first extension member 17 and the third extension member 27 and connecting the second extension member 18 and the fourth extension member 28. However, this is not limiting, and the first member 15 and the second member 25 may also be directly connected (for example, between the upper right end of the first member 15 and the upper left end of the second member 25).

[0083] In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 are connected via the first contactor 62 (second connection portion 52). This makes it possible to improve the electrical conductivity between the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 (reduce the electrical resistance).

[0084] (1.5.4) Multiple Leaf Springs As shown in Fig. 7, the first contactor 62 includes multiple conductive plates 621. Here, the first contactor 62 includes three conductive plates 621. The multiple conductive plates 621 are stacked in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each of the multiple conductive plates 621 integrally includes a first leaf spring 151, a second leaf spring 171, a third leaf spring 181, a fourth leaf spring 251, a fifth leaf spring 271 (see Figure 5), a sixth leaf spring 281, and a connecting plate portion 521. The first leaf spring 151 is a leaf spring that extends in the vertical direction. The second leaf spring 171 is a leaf spring that extends forward from the upper end of the first leaf spring 151. The third leaf spring 181 is a leaf spring that extends upward from the front end of the second leaf spring 171. The fourth leaf spring 251 is a leaf spring that extends in the vertical direction. The fifth leaf spring 271 is a leaf spring that extends forward from the upper end of the fourth leaf spring 251. The sixth leaf spring 281 is a leaf spring that extends upward from the front end of the fifth leaf spring 271. The connecting plate portion 521 is a plate-shaped portion that is L-shaped in a side view and connects the second leaf spring 171 and the fifth leaf spring 271 and also connects the third leaf spring 181 and the sixth leaf spring 281.

[0086] By cutting and bending a single metal plate, a single conductive plate 621 is formed, which has a first leaf spring 151, a second leaf spring 171, a third leaf spring 181, a fourth leaf spring 251, a fifth leaf spring 271, a sixth leaf spring 281, and a connecting plate portion 521.

[0087] The first leaf spring 151, the second leaf spring 171, the third leaf spring 181, the fourth leaf spring 251, the fifth leaf spring 271, the sixth leaf spring 281, and the connecting plate portion 521 of the conductive plate 621 are parts that correspond to the first member 15, the first extension member 17, the second extension member 18, the second member 25, the third extension member 27, the fourth extension member 28, and the second connecting portion 52 of the first contactor 62, respectively.

[0088] From another perspective, the first member 15 includes a plurality of (here, three) leaf springs (first leaf springs) 151. By including a plurality of leaf springs 151 in the first member 15, it is possible to improve the electrical conduction performance while ensuring the springiness of the first member 15, compared to when the first member 15 includes only one leaf spring 151. In other words, it is possible to ensure the springiness of the first member 15 while realizing electrical conduction performance equivalent to that of a single metal plate having the same thickness as the total thickness of the plurality of leaf springs 151.

[0089] 10 , the thickness of the first movable contactor 11 is greater than the thickness of one of the leaf springs 151 of the first member 15. Furthermore, the rigidity of the first movable contactor 11 is greater than the rigidity of one of the leaf springs 151. Here, the rigidity of the first movable contactor 11 is greater than the rigidity of the first member 15. This makes it less susceptible to the influence of the rigidity of the first member 15 when adjusting the first movable contactor 11. The rigidity of the first member 15 is the rigidity when multiple leaf springs 151 are stacked in the thickness direction.

[0090] 7 and 9, the first extension member 17 includes a plurality of (three in this example) leaf springs (second leaf springs) 171. The plurality of leaf springs 171 of the first extension member 17 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of leaf springs 151 of the first member 15. Each of the plurality of leaf springs 171 extends forward from the upper end of the corresponding leaf spring 151.

[0091] The second extension member 18 also includes a plurality of (here, three) leaf springs (third leaf springs) 181. The plurality of leaf springs 181 of the second extension member 18 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of leaf springs 171 of the first extension member 17. Each of the plurality of leaf springs 181 extends upward from the front end of the corresponding leaf spring 171.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the second member 25 includes a plurality of (here, three) leaf springs (fourth leaf springs) 251.

[0093] The thickness of the second movable contactor 21 is greater than the thickness of one of the leaf springs 251 of the second member 25. In addition, the rigidity of the second movable contactor 21 is greater than the rigidity of one of the leaf springs 251 and greater than the rigidity of the second member 25.

[0094] The third extension member 27 also includes a plurality of (here, three) leaf springs (fifth leaf springs) 271. The plurality of leaf springs 271 of the third extension member 27 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of leaf springs 251 of the second member 25. Each of the plurality of leaf springs 271 extends forward from the upper end of the corresponding leaf spring 251.

[0095] The fourth extension member 28 also includes a plurality of (here, three) leaf springs (sixth leaf springs) 281. The plurality of leaf springs 281 of the fourth extension member 28 correspond one-to-one to the plurality of leaf springs 271 of the third extension member 27. Each of the plurality of leaf springs 281 extends upward from the front end of the corresponding leaf spring 271.

[0096] 7 , the second connection portion 52 includes a plurality of (here, three) connection plate portions 521. Each of the plurality of connection plate portions 521 of the second connection portion 52 corresponds to one leaf spring 171 of the first extension member 17, one leaf spring 181 of the second extension member 18, one leaf spring 271 of the third extension member 27, and one leaf spring 281 of the fourth extension member 28. Each of the plurality of connection plate portions 521 connects the corresponding leaf springs 171, 181, 271, and 281.

[0097] In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first member 15 is fixed to the first movable contactor 11, the second member 25 is fixed to the second movable contactor 21, the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 are physically connected via the first connecting portion 51, and the first member 15 and the second member 25 are physically connected via the second connecting portion 52. Therefore, for example, when the first movable contactor 11 is bent with a tool or the like to adjust the first movable contactor 11, the first member 15 and the second member 25 are bent accordingly, and the second movable contactor 21 may also be bent unintentionally. The same applies when adjusting the second movable contactor 21. The harder the first member 15 and the second member 25 are, the more likely this unintentional bending of the second movable contactor 21 (or the first movable contactor 11) is to occur. In contrast, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first member 15 includes a plurality of leaf springs 151, and the second member 25 includes a plurality of leaf springs 251. This reduces the stiffness of the first member 15 and the second member 25 while ensuring the electrical conductivity of the first member 15 and the second member 25. Therefore, when adjusting one of the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21, it is possible to prevent the other from being pulled and bent.

[0098] (1.5.5) Movable Contact The first movable contact 13 is connected to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, the first movable contact 13 is fixed to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15. The first movable contact 13 is fixed to the lower end of the first member 15.

[0099] The first movable contact 13 is fixed to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15 by, for example, crimping. Specifically, the first movable contact 13 has a head and a body. The head is disk-shaped. The body is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the head and extends rearward from the head. A fixing hole is formed in the lower end of the first member 15, and a fixing hole 112 (see FIG. 8 ) is formed in the lower end of the first movable contactor 11. With the body of the first movable contact 13 inserted through the fixing hole of the first member 15 and the fixing hole 112 of the first movable contactor 11, the protruding end (rear end) of the body is crushed and expanded, thereby fixing the first movable contact 13 to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15. The first movable contact 13 is separate from the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15 and is fixed to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15, but is not limited to this and may be part of the first movable contactor 11 or the first member 15 (integrated with the first movable contactor 11 or the first member 15).

[0100] By fixing the first movable contact 13 to the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15, the lower end of the first member 15 is also fixed to the first movable contactor 11. On the other hand, the upper end of the first member 15 is not fixed to the first movable contactor 11. Therefore, when the first movable contactor 11 bends, the upper end of the first member 15 can bend or not bend independently of the first movable contactor 11. Therefore, compared to when both the upper and lower ends of the first member 15 are fixed to the first movable contactor 11, the rigidity of the portion including the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15 is reduced, and the spring properties are improved.

[0101] The second movable contact 23 is connected to the second movable contactor 21 and the second member 25. As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the second movable contact 23 is fixed to the second movable contactor 21 and the second member 25. The second movable contact 23 is fixed to the lower end of the second member 25. The second movable contact 23 is fixed to the second movable contactor 21 and the second member 25 by, for example, crimping.

[0102] When the armature 72 is in the first position (see FIG. 4 ), the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 are positioned relatively rearward. At this time, the first movable contact 13 is separated from the first fixed contact 12, and the second movable contact 23 is separated from the second fixed contact 22. This interrupts the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24. On the other hand, when the armature 72 is in the second position (see FIG. 13 ), the first movable contactor 11 and the second movable contactor 21 are positioned relatively forward. At this time, the first movable contact 13 is in contact with the first fixed contact 12, and the second movable contact 23 is in contact with the second fixed contact 22. This completes the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24. In this way, the first movable contact 13 comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact 12. Furthermore, the second movable contact 23 comes into contact with and separates from the second fixed contact 22.

[0103] (1.5.6) Connecting Piece As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the first movable spring 61 further includes a first connecting piece 16 and a second connecting piece 26.

[0104] The first joining piece 16 is held by the first movable contactor 11. The first joining piece 16 is located above the first movable contact 13. The vertical dimension of the first joining piece 16 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, approximately the same as or smaller than the diameter of the fixing hole 112.

[0105] The second joining piece 26 is held by the second movable contactor 21. The second joining piece 26 is located above the second movable contact 23.

[0106] Thus, the contact device 10 includes the first coupling piece 16 and further includes the second coupling piece 26 .

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the first connecting piece 16 has a first wall portion 161 , a second wall portion 162 , and a first joint portion 163 .

[0108] 10 to 12, the second wall portion 162 is integrally formed with the first movable contactor 11. Here, the second wall portion 162 is a part of the first movable contactor 11. More specifically, the second wall portion 162 is a part of the left end portion of the first movable contactor 11. Because the second wall portion 162 is integrally formed with the first movable contactor 11, there is no need to provide a separate member for the first coupling piece 16 from the first movable contactor 11, making it possible to reduce the number of parts of the contact device 10. The second wall portion 162 may have a portion extending leftward from the left end portion of the first movable contactor 11.

[0109] 10 , the first wall portion 161 is parallel to the first movable contactor 11. The first wall portion 161 is spaced apart from the first movable contactor 11. The first wall portion 161 is positioned to face the second wall portion 162. In other words, the second wall portion 162 is a portion of the first coupling piece 16 that faces the first wall portion 161. For example, when the second wall portion 162 is part of the first movable contactor 11, the second wall portion 162 is a portion of the first movable contactor 11 that faces the first wall portion 161.

[0110] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, recesses 113 are formed above and below the second wall portion 162 of the first movable contactor 11. In other words, the first joining piece 16 is connected to the end of the first movable contactor 11. The first movable contactor 11 has the recess 113 provided around the end connected to the first joining piece 16. By having the recess 113 in the first movable contactor 11, the amount of protrusion of the first joining piece 16 from the first movable contactor 11 in the left-right direction can be reduced compared to when the recess 113 is not present. This allows the contact device 10 to be made smaller.

[0111] 10 to 12 , the first joint portion 163 connects the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. The first joint portion 163 connects the left end of the first wall portion 161 and the left end of the second wall portion 162. The first joint portion 163 is a portion of the first connecting piece 16 that is neither the first wall portion 161 nor the second wall portion 162. The first connecting piece 16 is formed into a U-shape in top view by the first wall portion 161, the second wall portion 162, and the first joint portion 163.

[0112] 10 to 12 , a portion of the first member 15 is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. More specifically, an end portion of the first member 15, here the left end portion of the first member 15, is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. In the present disclosure, "a portion (end portion) of the first member 15 is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162" means that the first wall portion 161, a portion (end portion) of the first member 15, and the second wall portion 162 are arranged in this order, and that the portion (end portion) of the first member 15 overlaps with at least one (or both) of the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 in the direction connecting the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. Hereinafter, for convenience, the portion of the first member 15 that is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 will also be referred to as the “intermediate portion 159.” In other words, the first member 15 has the interposed portion 159 that is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162.

[0113] As described above, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, a part of the first member 15 (intervening portion 159) is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. Therefore, for example, when the upper end portion of the first member 15 is displaced forward so as to move away from the first movable contactor 11, the intervening portion 159 comes into contact with the rear surface of the first wall portion 161 (see FIG. 14B ). This restricts excessive forward displacement of the first member 15.

[0114] Furthermore, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the end of the first member 15 is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. In other words, the interposed portion 159 is provided at the end of the first member 15. Therefore, the first member 15 can be positioned relative to the first movable contactor 11 provided with the first coupling piece 16, for example, by inserting the end of the first member 15 between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. This improves the ease of assembly of the contact device 10.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10 , the dimension L2 of the gap between the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11 is larger than the thickness L1 of the portion (interposition portion 159) of the first member 15 between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. Therefore, when the first member 15 is overlapped so as to contact the first movable contactor 11, a gap G1 exists between the end portion (interposition portion 159) of the first member 15 and the first wall portion 161 (see FIG. 10 ). In the present disclosure, the "dimension L2 of the gap between the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11" may be the shortest distance between the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11 in the direction in which the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 are aligned (the front-rear direction). Furthermore, the "thickness L1 of the portion of the first member 15 between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162" may be the sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of leaf springs 151. Therefore, the intervening portion 159 of the first member 15 can easily slide (slide) in the vertical direction on the first movable contactor 11. As a result, compared to the comparative example in which both the first wall portion and the second wall portion are in contact with the intervening portion, the portion including the first member 15 and the first movable contactor 11 is more easily bent, and the springiness of the portion including the first member 15 and the first movable contactor 11 can be improved.

[0116] The second connecting piece 26 has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the first connecting piece 16. As shown in Figure 12, the second connecting piece 26 has a third wall portion 261, a fourth wall portion 262, and a second joint portion 263.

[0117] 12 , the fourth wall portion 262 is integrally formed with the second movable contactor 21. The fourth wall portion 262 is a part of the second movable contactor 21, and more specifically, a part of the right end portion of the second movable contactor 21. The fourth wall portion 262 may have a portion extending rightward from the right end portion of the second movable contactor 21.

[0118] 12 , the third wall portion 261 is parallel to the second movable contactor 21. The third wall portion 261 is spaced apart from the second movable contactor 21. The third wall portion 261 is positioned to face the fourth wall portion 262. In other words, the fourth wall portion 262 is the portion of the second coupling piece 26 that faces the third wall portion 261.

[0119] 8 , in the second movable contactor 21, recesses 213 are formed above and below the fourth wall portion 262. In other words, the second joining piece 26 is connected to the end of the second movable contactor 21. The second movable contactor 21 has the recesses 213 provided around the end connected to the second joining piece 26.

[0120] 12 , the second joint portion 263 connects the third wall portion 261 and the fourth wall portion 262. The second joint portion 263 connects the right end of the third wall portion 261 and the right end of the fourth wall portion 262. The second connecting piece 26 is formed into a U-shape in top view by the third wall portion 261, the fourth wall portion 262, and the second joint portion 263. The opening direction (left) of the U-shaped second connecting piece 26 is opposite to the opening direction (right) of the U-shaped first connecting piece 16.

[0121] 12 , a part of the second member 25 (intervening portion 259) is located between the third wall portion 261 and the fourth wall portion 262. More specifically, an end portion of the second member 25, in this case the right end portion of the second member 25, is located between the third wall portion 261 and the fourth wall portion 262.

[0122] 12, the dimension of the gap between the third wall portion 261 and the second movable contactor 21 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the portion of the second member 25 between the third wall portion 261 and the fourth wall portion 262. Therefore, when the second member 25 is placed over the second movable contactor 21 so as to be in contact with it, there is a gap G2 between the end of the second member 25 and the third wall portion 261 (see FIG. 12).

[0123] 12 , the first joint portion 163, the first movable contactor 11, the second movable contactor 21, and the second joint portion 263 are arranged in the following order: first joint portion 163, first movable contactor 11, second movable contactor 21, second joint portion 263. In other words, the first contactor 62 is sandwiched at both ends (left end and right end) by the first joining piece 16 and the second joining piece 26, respectively. This makes it possible to suppress forward displacement of the first contactor 62 including the first member 15, the second member 25, and the second connecting portion 52.

[0124] (1.5.7) Other Components of the Contact Device As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the contact device 10 further includes a third fixed contact 32, a third fixed terminal 34, a fourth fixed contact 42, a fourth fixed terminal 44, a third movable contact 33, a fourth movable contact 43, a second movable spring 63, and a second contactor 64. The second movable spring 63 integrally includes the third movable contactor 31, the fourth movable contactor 41, the third coupling piece 36, the fourth coupling piece 46, and a third connecting portion. The second contactor 64 integrally includes the third member 35, the fifth extension member 37, the sixth extension member 38, the fourth member 45, the seventh extension member 47, the eighth extension member 48, and a fourth connecting portion 54.

[0125] The third fixed contact 32, the third fixed terminal 34, the fourth fixed contact 42, the fourth fixed terminal 44, the third movable contact 33, the fourth movable contact 43, the second movable spring 63, and the second contactor 64 have the same basic structures, other than their locations, as the first fixed contact 12, the first fixed terminal 14, the second fixed contact 22, the second fixed terminal 24, the first movable contact 13, the second movable contact 23, the first movable spring 61, and the first contactor 62, respectively, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The third movable contactor 31, the fourth movable contactor 41, the third joining piece 36, the fourth joining piece 46, and the third connecting portion have the same basic structures, other than their locations, as the first movable contactor 11, the second movable contactor 21, the first joining piece 16, the second joining piece 26, and the first connecting portion 51, respectively, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the basic structures of the third member 35, the fifth extension member 37, the sixth extension member 38, the fourth member 45, the seventh extension member 47, the eighth extension member 48, and the fourth connection portion 54, other than their locations, are the same as those of the first member 15, the first extension member 17, the second extension member 18, the second member 25, the third extension member 27, the fourth extension member 28, and the second connection portion 52, respectively, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0126] (1.6) Operation of Electromagnetic Relay The operation of the electromagnetic relay 100 including the contact device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13. FIG.

[0127] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the coil 71 is not energized, the elastic force of the return spring 77 causes the armature 72 to assume a first position in which the first portion 721 is separated from the iron core 74 (see FIG. 4 ). At this time, in the contact device 10, the first to fourth movable contactors 11 to 41 are positioned relatively rearward, and the first to fourth movable contacts 13 to 43 are separated from the first to fourth fixed contacts 12 to 42, respectively (open state of the contact device 10). Therefore, the electrical path between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24 is interrupted, and the electrical path between the third fixed terminal 34 and the fourth fixed terminal 44 is interrupted. Meanwhile, in the auxiliary contact device 80, the protrusion 812 of the card 81 contacts the underside of the spring piece 852 of the auxiliary movable terminal 85, pushing the spring piece 852 upward. This causes the auxiliary movable contact 83 to contact the auxiliary fixed contact 82. Therefore, an electric path (auxiliary electric path) is formed between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85 .

[0128] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the coil 71 is energized and excited, the first portion 721 of the armature 72 is attracted to the iron core 74 by magnetic force. As a result, the armature 72 is displaced to a second position (see FIG. 13 ) in which the first portion 721 approaches the iron core 74. At this time, in the contact device 10, the first movable contactor 11 to the fourth movable contactor 41 move forward, and the first movable contact 13 to the fourth movable contact 43 contact the first fixed contact 12 to the fourth fixed contact 42, respectively (the contact device 10 is in a closed state). As a result, an electric path is formed between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24, and an electric path is formed between the third fixed terminal 34 and the fourth fixed terminal 44. Meanwhile, in the auxiliary contact device 80, the protrusion 812 of the card 81 is displaced downward and separated from the spring piece 852. The elastic force of the spring piece 852 displaces the left end of the spring piece 852 downward, and the auxiliary movable contact 83 moves away from the auxiliary fixed contact 82. This breaks the electrical path (auxiliary electrical path) between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85.

[0129] In the electromagnetic relay 100, when the current to the coil 71 is stopped, the iron core 74 is demagnetized, and the elastic force of the return spring 77 displaces the armature 72 from the second position to the first position. At this time, in the contact device 10, the first movable contactor 11 to the fourth movable contactor 41 move rearward, and the first movable contact 13 to the fourth movable contact 43 move away from the first fixed contact 12 to the fourth fixed contact 42, respectively (open state of the contact device 10). Also, in the auxiliary contact device 80, the protrusion 812 of the card 81 displaces upward, pushing up the lower surface of the spring piece 852 from below, and bringing the auxiliary movable contact 83 into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 82.

[0130] (1.7) Advantages of the Contact Device The advantages of the contact device 10 will be explained below, including a comparison with the contact device 10R of the comparative example. The contact device 10R of the comparative example has a structure basically similar to that of the contact device 10 of the embodiment, but differs from the contact device 10 of the embodiment in that it does not include the first coupling piece 16 (see FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 15A. The contact device 10R of the comparative example also does not include the second coupling piece 26 to the fourth coupling piece 46. Like the contact device 10 of the tenth embodiment, the contact device 10R of the comparative example is used in the electromagnetic relay 100.

[0131] First, the operation of the contact device 10R of the comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C.

[0132] In an electromagnetic relay equipped with the contact device 10R of the comparative example, when the coil is energized, as shown in Fig. 15B, the first movable contactor 11R moves forward (to the left in Fig. 15B) and the first movable contact 13R comes into contact with (collides with) the first fixed contact 12R provided on the first fixed terminal 14R. At this time, the first movable contactor 11R bends so that its center protrudes forward, as shown in Fig. 15B.

[0133] In the contact device 10R of the comparative example, the lower end of the first member 15R (plurality of leaf springs 151R) is fixed to the first movable contactor 11R, but the upper end is not fixed to the first movable contactor 11R. Therefore, when the first movable contact 13R comes into contact with the first fixed contact 12R, the upper end of the first member 15R is displaced forward and bent significantly due to inertia (see FIG. 15B ).

[0134] Thereafter, the first member 15R attempts to return to its original shape due to the elastic force of the leaf spring 151R, displacing the upper end of the first member 15R backward. As a result, the upper end of the first member 15R again contacts the first movable contactor 11R (see FIG. 15C ). At this time, the first member 15R collides with the first movable contactor 11R with force equal to the amount of deflection of the upper end of the first member 15R. If the force of this collision is strong, the first movable contactor 11R may move backward due to a reaction to the collision, and the first movable contact 13R may separate from the first fixed contact 12R (see FIG. 15C ).

[0135] In short, in the contact device 10R of the comparative example, bounce may occur when the first movable contact 13R comes into contact with the first fixed contact 12R (hereinafter also referred to as "at the time of contact"). In particular, when the contact device 10R includes the first extension member 17R (and the second extension member 18R), the upper end of the first member 15R is significantly deflected at the time of contact, making bounce more likely to occur.

[0136] Next, the operation of the contact device 10 of this embodiment when the contacts are in contact will be described with reference to Figures 14A to 14C. Note that in Figures 14A to 14C, the vertical dimension of the first joint portion 163 is shown smaller than the vertical dimensions of the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162, simply for ease of understanding.

[0137] In the electromagnetic relay 100 including the contact device 10 of this embodiment, when the coil 71 is energized, the first movable contactor 11 moves forward, and the first movable contact 13 contacts (collides with) the first fixed contact 12, as shown in Fig. 14B . At this time, the first movable contactor 11 bends so that its central portion protrudes forward, as shown in Fig. 14B . In the contact device 10, when the first movable contact 13 contacts the first fixed contact 12, the upper end of the first member 15 is displaced forward due to inertia. More specifically, the upper ends of the three leaf springs 151 of the first member 15 are individually displaced forward.

[0138] Here, the contact device 10 of this embodiment includes a first coupling piece 16 having a first wall portion 161 and a second wall portion 162, and a portion of the first member 15 (intervening portion 159) is located between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. Therefore, when the three leaf springs 151 are displaced forward, the forwardmost leaf spring 151 contacts the upper end of the first wall portion 161 of the first coupling piece 16 (see FIG. 14B ). This restricts further forward displacement of the upper end of the first member 15, thereby suppressing further deflection of the first member 15. In short, by including the first coupling piece 16, the contact device 10 suppresses deflection of the first member 15 during contact.

[0139] In contact device 10, even after the forwardmost leaf spring 151 contacts the upper end of first wall portion 161, the three leaf springs 151 continue to displace forward due to inertia. As a result, the portion of first member 15 between first connecting piece 16 and first movable contact 13 is bent, and forwardmost leaf spring 151 comes into contact with the entire rear surface of first wall portion 161 (see FIG. 14C ). In short, in contact device 10, the contact area between first member 15 and first wall portion 161 changes when first movable contact 13 and first fixed contact 12 come into contact.

[0140] Thereafter, the first member 15 attempts to return to its original shape due to the elastic force of the leaf spring 151, displacing the upper end of the first member 15 backward. As a result, the upper end of the first member 15 separates from the first wall portion 161 and again contacts the first movable contactor 11. However, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the deflection of the first member 15 is smaller than in the contact device 10R of the comparative example. Therefore, the force applied to the first movable contactor 11 when the first member 15 again contacts the first movable contactor 11 is smaller than in the contact device 10R of the comparative example. Therefore, even when the first member 15 makes contact, the first movable contactor 11 is less likely to move backward, and the first movable contact 13 is more likely to remain in contact with the first fixed contact 12. In this way, the contact device 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to suppress bounce when the first movable contact 13 contacts the first fixed contact 12. In the present disclosure, "bounce suppression" includes at least one of eliminating the occurrence of bounce, reducing the magnitude of bounce, and reducing the number of occurrences of bounce.

[0141] In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, after the first member 15 comes into contact with the first movable contactor 11 again, there is a possibility that the first member 15 will move forward again and come into contact with the first wall portion 161 due to a reaction from the first movable contactor 11. In addition, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, there is a possibility that such collision and separation of the first member 15 with the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11 will occur repeatedly. In short, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, when the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 12 come into contact with each other, there is a possibility that the first member 15 will come into contact with and separate from the first wall portion 161. In this disclosure, the phrase "when the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 12 come into contact with each other, the first member 15 will come into contact with and separate from the first wall portion 161" means that the first member 15 comes into contact with the first wall portion 161 and then separates from the first wall portion 161 during contact. "When the first movable contact 13 and the first fixed contact 12 come into contact, the first member 15 comes into contact with and separates from the first wall portion 161" may mean that when the contacts come into contact, the first member 15 makes contact with the first wall portion 161 and then separates from the first wall portion 161 one or more times.

[0142] In this way, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first wall portion 161 is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the upper end portion of the first member 15, which moves due to inertia when the contact is made. This prevents the first member 15 from moving excessively away from the first movable contactor 11. This makes it possible to suppress bouncing, which occurs when the first movable contact 13 moves away from the first fixed contact 12 after contact is made.

[0143] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. Furthermore, in the contact device 10 of each of the following modifications, descriptions of configurations similar to those of the contact device 10 of the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0144] (2.1) Modification 1 A contact device 10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 17B.

[0145] 16A and 16B , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the first movable contactor 11 has a through hole 114 in the center in the left-right direction. The first member 15 also has a through hole 152 in the center in the left-right direction (at a position overlapping the through hole 114 of the first member 15). The first joint portion 163 of the first coupling piece 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than the diameters of the through holes 114 and 152. The first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 are formed in a flange shape with a diameter larger than the diameters of the through holes 114 and 152.

[0146] 16B , the first joint portion 163 penetrates the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15. More specifically, the first coupling piece 16 is arranged so that the first joint portion 163 is located within the through-holes 114, 152. The first wall portion 161 of the first coupling piece 16 is located in front of the first member 15, and the second wall portion 162 is located in back of the first movable contactor 11. The first coupling piece 16 can be formed by, for example, a rivet.

[0147] Fig. 17A shows the positional relationship between the first fixed contact 12 and the first movable contact 13 when the armature 72 is in the first position (see Fig. 4 ). Fig. 17B shows the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15 at the time of contact (immediately after contact).

[0148] In the contact device 10 of this modified example, the first wall portion 161 is also disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the upper end portion of the first member 15, which moves forward due to inertia when the contact is made (see FIG. 17B ). This makes it possible to suppress bouncing.

[0149] (2.2) Modification 2 An electromagnetic relay 100 including a contact device 10 of this modification will be described with reference to Fig. 18 . As shown in Fig. 18 , in the electromagnetic relay 100 of this modification, the fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 and the fixed piece 241 of the second fixed terminal 24 are arranged in the two central accommodating spaces of the four accommodating spaces. The two left and right accommodating spaces are located slightly rearward of the two central accommodating spaces. The third and fourth fixed contacts are arranged in the two left and right accommodating spaces.

[0150] The contact device 10 of this modified example also includes a first coupling piece 16 held by the first movable contactor 11. The first coupling piece 16 is located above the first movable contact 13 and has a first wall portion 161, a second wall portion 162, and a first joint portion 163 (see FIG. 10 ). This prevents the first member 15 from moving excessively away from the first movable contactor 11, making it possible to suppress bounce when the contacts are made.

[0151] The contact device 10 of this modified example does not include the fifth extension member 37, the sixth extension member 38, the seventh extension member 47, and the eighth extension member 48 (see FIG. 5 ), and the third member 35 and the fourth member 45 are held in the holder 79 together with the third movable contactor 31 and the fourth movable contactor 41, but is not limited to this. The contact device 10 of this modified example may also include at least one of the fifth extension member 37 to the eighth extension member 48.

[0152] (2.3) Other Modifications In one modification, as shown in Fig. 19, the second extension member 18 may extend downward from the first extension member 17. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space below the first extension member 17.

[0153] In one modified example, the arrangement order of the first movable contactor 11, the first member 15, and the first fixed contact 12 is not limited to the order in the embodiment, and may be, for example, the first member 15, the first movable contactor 11, and the first fixed contact 12. In this case, for example, the first joint portion 163 of the first coupling piece 16 extends rearward from the second wall portion 162 (first movable contactor 11), and a part of the first movable contactor 11 (interposition portion 159) is positioned between the front surface of the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162. This can prevent excessive rearward displacement of the upper end portion of the first member 15 when the contacts are made.

[0154] In one modified example, the first contactor 62 may include only one conductive plate 621. In that case, the first member 15 may be formed from a single leaf spring 151. The same applies to the second member 25, the first extension member 17, the second extension member 18, the third extension member 27, and the fourth extension member 28.

[0155] In one modification, the contact device 10 may not include the second elongated member 18 , or may not include the first elongated member 17 and the second elongated member 18 .

[0156] In one modified example, the gap G1 between the first member 15 and the first wall portion 161 may be eliminated. In other words, the dimension L2 of the gap between the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11 may be equal to or greater than the thickness L1 of the portion of the first member 15 between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 (the interposed portion 159). However, as described above, in order to ensure the spring properties of the portion including the first movable contactor 11 and the first member 15, it is preferable that the upper end of the first member 15 is not fixed to the first movable contactor 11 and that the interposed portion 159 be able to slide vertically on the first movable contactor 11. Therefore, it is preferable that the dimension L2 of the gap between the first wall portion 161 and the first movable contactor 11 be greater than the thickness L1 of the portion of the first member 15 between the first wall portion 161 and the second wall portion 162 (the interposed portion 159).

[0157] (3) Aspects As can be seen from the above-described embodiment and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0158] The contact device (10) of the first aspect includes a first movable contactor (11), a first member (15), a first fixed contact (12), a first movable contact (13), and a first coupling piece (16). The first movable contactor (11) is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The first member (15) is plate-shaped and is disposed on top of the first movable contactor (11). The first movable contactor (13) is connected to the first movable contactor (11) and the first member (15), and comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact (12). The first coupling piece (16) is held by the first movable contactor (11) and is located above the first movable contact (13). The first connecting piece (16) has a first wall portion (161), a second wall portion (162), and a first joint portion (163) connecting the first wall portion (161) and the second wall portion (162). A part (intervening portion 159) of the first member (15) is located between the first wall portion (161) and the second wall portion (162).

[0159] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress bounce when the first movable contact (13) comes into contact with the first fixed contact (12).

[0160] In the contact device (10) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the dimension (L2) of the gap between the first wall portion (161) and the first movable contactor (11) is larger than the thickness (L1) of a portion (intervening portion 159) of the first member (15).

[0161] According to this aspect, the spring properties of the portion including the first member (15) and the first movable contact (11) can be improved.

[0162] In the contact device (10) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, when the first movable contact (13) and the first fixed contact (12) come into contact with each other, the first member (15) comes into contact with and separates from the first wall portion (161).

[0163] According to this aspect, the first wall portion (161) is positioned at a position where it repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the first member (15) when the contact points are in contact, thereby preventing the first member (15) from moving away excessively from the first movable contactor (11), and as a result, it is possible to suppress bouncing.

[0164] In the contact device (10) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the first movable contactor (11), the first member (15), and the first fixed contact (12) are arranged in the order of the first movable contactor (11), the first member (15), and the first fixed contact (12).

[0165] According to this aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize the space between the first movable contact (11) and the first fixed contact (12).

[0166] In the contact device (10) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first member (15) includes a plurality of leaf springs (151).

[0167] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the current-carrying performance while ensuring the spring properties of the first member (15).

[0168] In the contact device (10) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second wall portion (162) and the first movable contactor (11) are integrally formed.

[0169] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the contact device (10).

[0170] In the seventh aspect of the contact device (10), in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first coupling piece (16) is connected to an end of the first movable contactor (11). The first movable contactor (11) has a recess (113) provided around the end connected to the first coupling piece (16).

[0171] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the first coupling piece (16) from the first movable contact (11), thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the contact device (10).

[0172] In the contact device (10) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the end of the first member (15) is located between the first wall portion (161) and the second wall portion (162).

[0173] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly of the contact device (10).

[0174] In the contact device (10) of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first joint portion (163) penetrates the first movable contactor (11) and the first member (15).

[0175] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress bouncing when the first movable contact (13) comes into contact with the first fixed contact (12).

[0176] A contact device (10) of a tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further includes a second movable contactor (21), a second member (25), a second fixed contact (22), a second movable contact (23), a second coupling piece (26), a first connecting portion (51), and a second connecting portion (52). The second movable contactor (21) is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The second member (25) is plate-shaped and is provided on top of the second movable contactor (21). The second movable contactor (23) is connected to the second movable contactor (21) and the second member (25), and comes into contact with and separates from the second fixed contact (22). The second coupling piece (26) is held by the second movable contactor (21) and is located above the second movable contact (23). The first connecting portion (51) connects the first movable contactor (11) and the second movable contactor (21). The second connecting portion (52) connects the first member (15) and the second member (25). The second coupling piece (26) has a third wall portion (261), a fourth wall portion (262), and a second joining portion (263) connecting the third wall portion (261) and the fourth wall portion (262). A part of the second member (25) (intervening portion 259) is located between the third wall portion (261) and the fourth wall portion (262).

[0177] According to this aspect, in a contact device (10) having two movable contacts and two fixed contacts, it is possible to suppress bounce and improve the electrical conductivity (reduce electrical resistance) between the first movable contactor (11) and the second movable contactor (21).

[0178] The contact device (10) of an eleventh aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes a second movable contactor (21), a second member (25), a second fixed contact (22), a second movable contact (23), a second coupling piece (26), a first connecting portion (51), and a second connecting portion (52). The second movable contactor (21) is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The second member (25) is plate-shaped and is provided on top of the second movable contactor (21). The second movable contactor (23) is connected to the second movable contactor (21) and the second member (25), and comes into contact with and separates from the second fixed contact (22). The second coupling piece (26) is held by the second movable contactor (21) and is located above the second movable contact (23). The first connecting portion (51) connects the first movable contactor (11) and the second movable contactor (21). The second connecting portion (52) connects the first member (15) and the second member (25). The second coupling piece (26) has a third wall portion (261), a fourth wall portion (262), and a second joining portion (263) connecting the third wall portion (261) and the fourth wall portion (262). The end of the second member (25) is located between the third wall portion (261) and the fourth wall portion (262). The first joint (163), the first movable contactor (11), the second movable contactor (21), and the second joint (263) are arranged in the order of the first joint (163), the first movable contactor (11), the second movable contactor (21), and the second joint (263).

[0179] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress displacement of the member (first contactor 62) including the first member (15), the second member (25) and the second connection portion (52).

[0180] The contact device (10) of a twelfth aspect is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a first extension member (17). The first extension member (17) extends from the first member (15) in a direction away from the first movable contactor (11).

[0181] According to this aspect, the first movable contact (11) can be easily adjusted.

[0182] The contact device (10) of the thirteenth aspect is the contact device of the twelfth aspect, further comprising a second extension member (18) extending upward from the first extension member (17).

[0183] According to this aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize the space above the first extension member (17).

[0184] The contact device (10) of the fourteenth aspect is the contact device of the twelfth aspect, further comprising a second extension member (18) extending downward from the first extension member (17).

[0185] According to this aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize the space below the first extension member (17).

[0186] In the contact device (10) of the fifteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the rigidity of the first movable contactor (11) is greater than the rigidity of the first member (15).

[0187] According to this aspect, the adjustment of the first movable contact (11) is less affected by the rigidity of the first member (15).

[0188] In the contact device (10) of the sixteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the first movable contact (11) has a through hole (111).

[0189] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the spring properties of the first movable contact (11).

[0190] 10 Contact device 11 First movable contactor 111 Through hole 113 Recess 12 First fixed contactor 13 First movable contactor 15 First member 151 Leaf spring (first leaf spring) 159 Interposition portion (part) 16 First connecting piece 161 First wall portion 162 Second wall portion 163 First joint portion 17 First extension member 171 Leaf spring (second leaf spring) 18 Second extension member 181 Leaf spring (third leaf spring) 21 Second movable contactor 22 Second fixed contactor 23 Second movable contactor 25 Second member 251 Leaf spring (fourth leaf spring) 259 Interposition portion (part) 26 Second connecting piece 261 Third wall portion 262 Fourth wall portion 263 Second joint portion 271 Leaf spring (fifth leaf spring) 281 Leaf spring (sixth leaf spring) 51 First connecting portion 52 Second connecting portion L1 Thickness L2 Dimension

Claims

1. A contact device comprising: a plate-shaped first movable contactor extending in the vertical direction; a plate-shaped first member overlapping the first movable contactor; a first fixed contact; a first movable contact connected to the first movable contactor and the first member and contacting and separating from the first fixed contact; and a first connecting piece held by the first movable contactor and positioned above the first movable contact, wherein the first connecting piece has a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a first joint portion connecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and a portion of the first member is positioned between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of the gap between said first wall portion and said first movable contact is greater than a thickness of said portion of said first member.

3. The contact device according to claim 2, wherein when the first movable contact and the first fixed contact come into contact with each other, the first member comes into contact with and separates from the first wall portion.

4. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first movable contactor, the first member, and the first fixed contact are arranged in the following order: first movable contactor, first member, first fixed contact.

5. A contact device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first member includes a plurality of leaf springs.

6. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second wall portion and the first movable contact are integrally formed.

7. A contact device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connecting piece is connected to an end of the first movable contactor, and the first movable contactor has a recess provided around the end connected to the first connecting piece.

8. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an end of the first member is located between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

9. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first joint portion penetrates the first movable contact and the first member.

10. A contact device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a second movable contactor which is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction; a second member which is plate-shaped and overlaps the second movable contactor; a second fixed contact; a second movable contact which is connected to the second movable contactor and the second member and which comes into contact with and separates from the second fixed contact; a second connecting piece which is held by the second movable contactor and is positioned above the second movable contact; a first connecting portion which connects the first movable contactor and the second movable contactor; and a second connecting portion which connects the first member and the second member, wherein the second connecting piece has a third wall portion, a fourth wall portion, and a second joining portion which connects the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion, and a part of the second member is positioned between the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion.

11. A second movable contactor having a plate shape and extending in the vertical direction; a second member having a plate shape and overlapping the second movable contactor; a second fixed contact; a second movable contact connected to the second movable contactor and the second member and contacting and separating from the second fixed contact; a second connecting piece held by the second movable contactor and positioned above the second movable contact; a first connecting portion connecting the first movable contactor and the second movable contactor; and a second connecting portion connecting the first member and the second member, wherein the second connecting piece has a third wall portion, a fourth wall portion, and a second joint portion connecting the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion, and an end of the second member is positioned between the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion, The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first joint portion, the first movable contactor, the second movable contactor, and the second joint portion are arranged in the following order: the first joint portion, the first movable contactor, the second movable contactor, and the second joint portion.

12. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a first extension member extending from said first member in a direction away from said first movable contact.

13. The contact device of claim 12, further comprising a second extension member extending upwardly from said first extension member.

14. The contact device of claim 12, further comprising a second extension member extending downwardly from said first extension member.

15. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rigidity of the first movable contact is greater than the rigidity of the first member.

16. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first movable contact has a through hole.

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