Relay

Abstract

This relay comprises: a case (10) which forms an accommodation chamber (10a) and has an inner wall (10b) exposed to the atmosphere in the accommodation chamber; fixed contacts (30a, 30b, 30c) that are accommodated in the accommodation chamber in a state of being exposed to the atmosphere in the accommodation chamber; movable contacts (51a, 51b, 51c) that are accommodated in the accommodation chamber in a state of being exposed to the atmosphere in the accommodation chamber and are configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the fixed contacts; a first terminal and a second terminal (40a, 40b) that are exposed to the outside of the case; and heat conduction parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) that have higher thermal conductivity than the case and are fixed to the case. The movable contacts are brought into contact with the fixed contacts to enable conduction between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the movable contacts are separated from the fixed contacts to disrupt conduction between the first terminal and the second terminal. The heat conduction parts promote heat radiation from the atmosphere in the accommodation chamber to the atmosphere outside the case through the inner wall.

Description

relay CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-26651, filed on February 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to relays.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been proposed an electromagnetic relay in which a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and a movable element are housed in a case (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The movable element includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact, and is switched by its displacement between an ON state in which the first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is in contact with the second fixed contact, and an OFF state in which the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact.

[0005] The electromagnetic relay has a first terminal fixed to a first fixed contact within the case and exposed to the outside of the case, and a second terminal fixed to a second fixed contact within the case and exposed to the outside of the case.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-84613

[0007] According to the inventor's investigations, in the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, when the air outside the case is extremely cold and the temperature inside the case is higher than the temperature outside the case, heat is dissipated from the first fixed contact inside the case through the first terminal to the air surrounding the electromagnetic relay. In other words, when the temperature outside the case is lower than the temperature inside the case, the first fixed contact is cooled by the air outside the case.

[0008] As a result, water vapor contained in the atmosphere inside the case is cooled by the first fixed contact, causing dew to form on the first fixed contact. Furthermore, when the dew is cooled by the first fixed contact, ice may form on the first fixed contact.

[0009] For example, if ice forms between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, the first movable contact may not be able to contact the first fixed contact when the movable contact is displaced to transition from the OFF state to the ON state, which may result in poor electrical continuity between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact.

[0010] Similarly, if ice forms between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact as a result of the second fixed contact being cooled by the atmosphere outside the case, the ice may prevent the second movable contact from making contact with the second fixed contact, which may result in poor electrical continuity between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact.

[0011] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a relay that is designed to prevent poor conduction between a fixed contact and a movable contact.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a relay comprising: a case having an inner wall that forms a storage chamber and is exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; a fixed contact made of a conductive material and stored within the storage chamber while exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; a movable contact made of a conductive material and stored within the storage chamber while exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber, and configured to be able to come into contact with or separate from the fixed contact; first and second terminals made of a conductive material and exposed to the outside of the case; and a heat conductive part made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the case and fixed to the case, wherein when the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the movable contact separates from the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the heat conductive part promotes heat dissipation from the atmosphere within the storage chamber through the inner wall to the atmosphere outside the case.

[0013] Therefore, the water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber is cooled by the inner wall, promoting the formation of dew and ice on the inner wall. This reduces the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber. As a result, it is possible to prevent ice from forming between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts, and it is possible to provide a relay that prevents poor conductivity between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts.

[0014] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a case, and fixed contacts, and the internal configuration of the case, in an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top view of the electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a case, and fixed contacts.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for assisting in the description of the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a case, and fixed contacts, showing a state in which a movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, in the cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for assisting in the description of the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a case, and fixed contacts, showing a state in which a movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, in the cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a top view of an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the arrangement of a heat conduction unit and a coil.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top view of an electromagnetic relay according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a coil, fixed contacts, and movable contacts.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of a heat conduction unit, a coil, fixed contacts, and movable contacts in an electromagnetic relay according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings to simplify the description.

[0016] First Embodiment A first embodiment of an electromagnetic relay 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. The electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment is a switch that connects or disconnects an electric circuit mounted on an automobile.

[0017] For ease of explanation, the direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the vertical direction Za will be referred to as the width direction Zb, and the direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the vertical direction Za and intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the width direction Zb will be referred to as the axial direction Zc.

[0018] 1, 2, 3, and 4, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a case 10, heat conduction portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c, and terminals 40a and 40b. The electromagnetic relay 1 also includes a mover 50, springs 60a and 60b, arc-extinguishing magnets 70a and 70b, a plunger 80, and a solenoid portion 90.

[0019] The case 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The case 10 includes a case body 11 and a bottom 12. The case body 11 has an inner wall 10b that forms a storage chamber 10a. The storage chamber 10a contains the atmosphere (i.e., air). Therefore, the inner wall 10b is exposed to the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a. Inside the storage chamber 10a,

[0020] Specifically, the case body 11 includes an upper portion 13 , side portions 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , and a fixed contact support 18 .

[0021] 1 and 2, the upper portion 13 is disposed on the other side of the storage chamber 10a in the vertical direction Za. The side portion 14 is disposed on one side of the storage chamber 10a in the width direction Zb. The side portion 15 is disposed on the other side of the storage chamber 10a in the width direction Zb.

[0022] 2, the side portion 16 is disposed on one side of the storage chamber 10a in the axial direction Zc. The side portion 17 is disposed on the other side of the storage chamber 10a in the axial direction Zc. The side portions 14 and 17 are connected, and the side portions 17 and 15 are connected.

[0023] The side portions 15 and 16 are connected, and the side portions 16 and 14 are connected. The top portion 13 is connected to each of the side portions 14, 15, 16, and 17. In this embodiment, the top portion 13 and the side portions 14, 15, 16, and 17 are each exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the fixed contact support 18 is disposed in the storage chamber 10a. The fixed contact support 18 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction aligned with the axial direction Zc and extending in the width direction Zb. One side of the fixed contact support 18 in the width direction Zb is connected to the side portion 14.

[0025] The other side of the fixed contact support 18 in the width direction Zb is connected to the side portion 15. The fixed contact support 18 has a through hole 18a that penetrates in the axial direction Zc. The through hole 18a is located at the center of the storage chamber 10a in the vertical direction Za and the center of the width direction Zb.

[0026] The case body 11 is provided with an opening 10c that opens from the storage chamber 10a to the other side in the vertical direction Za. The opening 10c is formed by side portions 14, 15, 16, and 17. The bottom portion 12 is disposed so as to close the opening 10c of the case body 11 to the storage chamber 10a from the other side in the vertical direction Za. The bottom portion 12 is exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0027] In this embodiment, the top portion 13, the side portions 14, 15, 16, 17, the fixed contact support 18, and the bottom portion 12 each form an inner wall 10b exposed to the atmosphere in the storage chamber 10a. The case body 11 and the bottom portion 12 are each made of an electrically insulating material such as a resin material.

[0028] Heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each disposed on the outside of case body 11 of case 10. Heat conductive portion 20a is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along upper portion 13 of case body 11 of case 10. Heat conductive portion 20a is fixed to upper portion 13 by being adhered to upper portion 13 of case body 11 of case 10.

[0029] The heat conducting portion 20b is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20b is fixed to the side portion 14 by being adhered to the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0030] The heat conducting portion 20c is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20c is fixed to the side portion 15 by being adhered to the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0031] The heat conducting portion 20d is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 16 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20d is fixed to the side portion 16 of the case body 11 of the case 10 by being adhered to the side portion 16. The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0032] Each of the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is made of a material that has higher thermal conductivity (i.e., a higher thermal conductivity) than the case 10. Specifically, each of the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is made of a metal material.

[0033] The heat conducting portion 20a is formed to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c from the other side in the longitudinal direction Za, while the heat conducting portion 20b is formed to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c from one side in the width direction Zb.

[0034] The heat conducting portion 20c is formed to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c from the other side in the width direction Zb, while the heat conducting portion 20d is formed to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c from one side in the axial direction Zc.

[0035] Such heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are formed to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c from one side in the axial direction Zc, one side in the width direction Zb, the other side, and the other side in the vertical direction Za.

[0036] In this embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each serve to promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the inner wall 10b.

[0037] 3, the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c are each disposed in the storage chamber 10a. The fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c are each disposed on one side of the fixed contact support member 18 in the axial direction Zc.

[0038] The fixed contact 30a is disposed on one side of the axis Zs in the width direction Zb. The axis Zs is an imaginary line extending in the axial direction Zc through the through-hole 18a within the storage chamber 10a. The fixed contact 30a is fixed to the fixed bus bar 31a by, for example, crimping. The fixed contact 30a is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0039] The fixed bus bar 31 a is disposed in the storage chamber 10 a and is disposed on one side of the axis Zs in the width direction Zb. The fixed bus bar 31 a is supported by the fixed contact support 18.

[0040] The fixed bus bar 31a is formed in a long plate shape with a thickness in the axial direction Zc. One end of the fixed bus bar 31a is disposed at the center in the vertical direction Za, and the other end is disposed within the bottom portion 12. The fixed bus bar 31a is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0041] The fixed contacts 30b and 30c are each arranged on the other side of the axis Zs in the width direction Zb. The fixed contacts 30b and 30c are arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction Za. The fixed contacts 30b and 30c are fixed to the fixed bus bar 31b by, for example, crimping. The fixed contacts 30b and 30c are made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0042] The fixed bus bar 31b is disposed in the storage chamber 10a on the other side of the axis Zs in the width direction Zb. The fixed bus bar 31b is supported by the fixed contact support 18.

[0043] The fixed bus bar 31b is formed in a long plate shape with a thickness in the axial direction Zc. One end of the fixed bus bar 31b is disposed at the center in the vertical direction Za, and the other end is disposed within the bottom portion 12. The fixed bus bar 31b is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0044] The terminals 40a and 40b are a first terminal and a second terminal, respectively, that are spaced apart in the width direction Zb. Each of the terminals 40a and 40b is formed in a plate shape that has its thickness direction aligned with the axial direction Zc and extends from the bottom 12 of the case 10 in the vertical direction Za.

[0045] The terminal 40a includes a base 41a and a terminal body 42a. The base 41a of the terminal 40a is connected to the fixed bus bar 31a while being supported by the bottom 12 of the case 10. The terminal body 42a protrudes from the base 41a to one side in the vertical direction Za.

[0046] The terminal body 42a is disposed outside the case 10 and is exposed to the outside of the case 10. As a result, the terminal 40a is connected to the fixed contact 30a via the fixed bus bar 31a with the terminal body 42a exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10. The terminal 40a is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0047] The terminal 40b includes a base 41b and a terminal body 42b. The base 41b of the terminal 40b is connected to the fixed bus bar 31b while being supported by the bottom 12 of the case 10. The terminal body 42b protrudes from the base 41b to one side in the vertical direction Za.

[0048] The terminal body 42b is disposed outside the case 10 and is exposed to the outside of the case 10. As a result, the terminal 40b is connected to the fixed contact 30b via the fixed bus bar 31b, with the terminal body 42b exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10. The terminal 40b is made of a conductive metal material such as copper. The terminals 40a and 40b form an electrical circuit installed in the automobile.

[0049] 3, the mover 50 is disposed in the housing chamber 10a. The mover 50 is disposed on one side of the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c in the axial direction Zc. The mover 50 includes movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c, a movable bus bar 52, and a movable support member 53.

[0050] The movable contact 51a is disposed on one side in the width direction Zb with respect to the axis Zs. The movable contact 51a is fixed to the movable bus bar 52. The movable contact 51a is disposed on one side in the axis direction Zc with respect to the fixed contact 30a.

[0051] The movable contact 51a is disposed to face the fixed contact 30a. As will be described later, the movable contact 51a is configured to come into contact with the fixed contact 30a or move away from the fixed contact 30a. The movable contact 51a is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0052] The movable contacts 51b and 51c are arranged on the other side in the width direction Zb with respect to the axis Zs. The movable contacts 51b and 51c are each fixed to the movable bus bar 52. The movable contacts 51b and 51c are arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction Za.

[0053] The movable contact 51b is disposed on one side of the fixed contact 30b in the axial direction Zc. The movable contact 51b is disposed to face the fixed contact 30b. As will be described later, the movable contact 51b is configured to come into contact with the fixed contact 30b or move away from the fixed contact 30b.

[0054] The movable contact 51c is disposed on one side of the fixed contact 30c in the axial direction Zc. As will be described later, the movable contact 51c is configured to come into contact with the fixed contact 30c or move away from the fixed contact 30c. The movable contacts 51b and 51c are each made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0055] The movable bus bar 52 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction aligned with the axial direction Zc and extending in the width direction Zb. The movable bus bar 52 is electrically connected to each of the movable contacts 51 a, 51 b, and 51 c. The movable bus bar 52 is made of a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0056] The movable support member 53 is disposed on one side in the axial direction Zc with respect to the movable bus bar 52. The movable support member 53 is fixed to the movable bus bar 52. The movable support member 53 supports the spring 60a from the other side in the axial direction Zc.

[0057] The spring 60a is disposed between the side portion 16 of the case body 11 and the movable support member 53. While being supported by the side portion 16 of the case body 11, the spring 60a applies an elastic force acting on the other side in the axial direction Zc to the movable support member 53. The spring 60a is formed of, for example, a coil spring. As a result, the movable member 50 is subjected to the elastic force of the spring 60a acting on the other side in the axial direction Zc.

[0058] The arc-extinguishing magnet 70a is disposed on one side of the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a in the width direction Zb. The arc-extinguishing magnet 70a is made of a permanent magnet and serves to extinguish an arc that occurs between the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a. The arc-extinguishing magnet 70a is disposed inside the solid portion 10d of the side portion 14 of the case body 11.

[0059] The arc-extinguishing magnet 70b is disposed on the other side in the width direction Zb of the fixed contacts 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51b, 51c. The arc-extinguishing magnet 70b is formed of a permanent magnet and serves to extinguish an arc that occurs between the fixed contacts 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51b, 51c. The arc-extinguishing magnet 70b is disposed inside the solid portion 10d of the side portion 15 of the case body 11.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3 , the plunger 80 includes a shaft portion 81, a movable core 82, an insulator portion 83, and a movable wall portion 84. The shaft portion 81 is disposed within the storage chamber 10a. The shaft portion 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis Zs and extending along the axis Zs. The shaft portion 81 passes through the through-hole 18a of the fixed contact support 18. The shaft portion 81 is made of a magnetic metal material such as magnetic stainless steel.

[0061] The movable core 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a through hole 82a that is centered on the axis Zs and passes through in the axial direction Zc. A shaft portion 81 passes through the through hole 82a of the movable core 82. The movable core 82 is fixed to the shaft portion 81. The movable core 82 is made of a magnetic metal material, such as magnetic stainless steel.

[0062] The insulator portion 83 is disposed on one side of the shaft portion 81 in the axial direction Zc. The insulator portion 83 is fixed to one end of the shaft portion 81 in the axial direction Zc. The insulator portion 83 is made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a resin material). The insulator portion 83 ensures electrical insulation between the shaft portion 81 and the movable bus bar 52.

[0063] The movable wall portion 84 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the width direction Zb and has the axial direction Zc as its thickness direction. The movable wall portion 84 is provided with a through-hole 84a that penetrates in the axial direction Zc. The shaft portion 81 is fixed to the movable wall portion 84 while passing through the through-hole 84a.

[0064] The movable wall portion 84 is disposed on one side in the axial direction Zc with respect to the solenoid portion 90. The movable wall portion 84 is disposed on the other side in the axial direction Zc with respect to the fixed contact support body 18. The movable wall portion 84 serves to prevent foreign matter from entering from the solenoid portion 90 side to the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c side.

[0065] The solenoid portion 90 includes an electromagnetic coil 91, a fixed core 92, a yoke 93, and a support member 94. The electromagnetic coil 91 is disposed in the storage chamber 10a. The electromagnetic coil 91 is configured by winding an electric wire around the shaft portion 81.

[0066] The fixed core 92 is disposed in the housing chamber 10a and is disposed radially inward of the electromagnetic coil 91 with the axis Zs as its center. The fixed core 92 is disposed on the other side of the movable core 82 in the axial direction Zc.

[0067] The fixed core 92 is made of a metal material such as copper, which is a magnetic substance. The fixed core 92 is fixed to a yoke 93. The fixed core 92, together with the movable core 82, the yoke 93, and the support member 94, constitutes a magnetic path through which the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 91 passes.

[0068] The yoke 93 is formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from the other side in the axial direction Zc and from one side and the other side in the width direction Zb. The yoke 93 is made of a magnetic metal material such as stainless steel. The yoke 93 forms a magnetic path through which the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 91 passes.

[0069] The support member 94 is disposed within the storage chamber 10a. The support member 94 is disposed radially outward from the shaft portion 81. The support member 94 is disposed on one side in the axial direction Zc from the electromagnetic coil 91. The support member 94 slidably supports the outer surface of the movable core 82. The support member 94 is made of a magnetic metal material such as magnetic stainless steel.

[0070] A spring 60b is disposed between the fixed core 92 and the movable core 82. The spring 60b is supported by the fixed core 92 and applies an elastic force to the movable core 82 in one direction in the axial direction Zc. In this embodiment, the spring 60b is configured by a coil spring. The solenoid unit 90 is fixed to the case 10. In the storage chamber 10a, the space in which the electromagnetic coil 91 is exposed to the atmosphere and the spaces in which the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c are exposed to the atmosphere are connected to each other.

[0071] Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0072] First, when no current flows through the electromagnetic coil 91, the spring 60b, while supported by the fixed core 92, applies an elastic force acting on one side in the axial direction Zc to the movable core 82. On the other hand, the spring 60a, while compressed between the side portion 16 and the movable support member 53, applies an elastic force acting on the other side in the axial direction Zc to the movable support member 53.

[0073] The elastic force of the springs 60a and 60b maintains the movable core 82 at a position spaced apart from the fixed core 92 on one side in the axial direction Zc. At this time, the movable contact 51a moves away from the fixed contact 30a, and the movable contact 51b moves away from the fixed contact 30b. Furthermore, the movable contact 51c moves away from the fixed contact 30c. As a result, the terminals 40a and 40b are opened and non-conductive. In other words, the electromagnetic relay 1 is in the OFF state.

[0074] Next, when a current flows through the electromagnetic coil 91, a magnetic flux is generated from the electromagnetic coil 91. The magnetic flux passes through the yoke 93, the fixed core 92, the shaft portion 81, the movable core 82, and the support member 94. At this time, a magnetic force is generated between the fixed core 92 and the movable core 82 as an attractive force that attracts the movable core 82 to the fixed core 92.

[0075] Here, the movable core 82 moves to the other side in the axial direction Zc together with the shaft portion 81, the movable core 82, the insulator portion 83, and the movable wall portion 84 due to the magnetic force described above. Accordingly, a force acting on the other side in the axial direction Zc is applied to the movable bus bar 52 from the spring 60a. As a result, the movable bus bar 52 moves to the other side in the axial direction Zc together with the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c, and the movable support member 53.

[0076] At this time, fixed contact 30a and movable contact 51a are in contact, and fixed contact 30b and movable contact 51b are in contact. Furthermore, fixed contact 30c and movable contact 51c are in contact. As a result, terminals 40a and 40b are connected via fixed bus bar 31a, fixed contact 30a, movable contact 51a, movable bus bar 52, movable contacts 51b and 51c, fixed contacts 30b and 30c, and fixed bus bar 31b.

[0077] This connects and establishes electrical continuity between the terminals 40a, 40b of the electromagnetic relay 1. At this time, the spring 60a is in an extended state in the axial direction Zc, and the spring 60b is in a compressed state in the axial direction Zc.

[0078] Thereafter, when the current stops flowing through the electromagnetic coil 91, the generation of magnetic flux from the electromagnetic coil 91 stops. Therefore, at this time, the magnetic force acting as the attractive force that attracts the movable core 82 to the fixed core 92 is no longer generated.

[0079] The spring 60b, while being supported by the fixed core 92, applies an elastic force acting on one side in the axial direction Zc to the movable core 82. As a result, the elastic force of the spring 60b causes the movable core 82 to move to one side in the axial direction Zc relative to the fixed core 92.

[0080] At this time, the movable contact 51a separates from the fixed contact 30a, and the movable contact 51b separates from the fixed contact 30b. Furthermore, the movable contact 51c separates from the fixed contact 30c. As a result, the terminals 40a and 40b are opened and non-conductive. This causes the electromagnetic relay 1 to enter the OFF state.

[0081] As a result, in the electric circuit, the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c come into contact with the corresponding movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c due to the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 91. Therefore, electrical continuity is established between the terminals 40a and 40b.

[0082] On the other hand, in the electric circuit, when the output of magnetic force by the electromagnetic coil 91 is stopped, the elastic force of the spring 60b moves the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c away from the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c, thereby causing a discontinuity between the terminals 40a and 40b.

[0083] The operation of the electromagnetic relay 1 mounted on an automobile parked in a cold region will be described below. First, when a current flows through the electromagnetic coil 91, the electromagnetic coil 91 generates heat, which is then radiated into the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a. Therefore, when the atmosphere outside the case 10 is extremely cold, the temperature of the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a and the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c becomes higher than the temperature of the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0084] Thereafter, when the current flow through the electromagnetic coil 91 is stopped, the electromagnetic coil 91 stops radiating heat to the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a. At this time, heat from the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a and the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c is radiated to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0085] Here, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the inner wall 10b.

[0086] Therefore, the heat of the atmosphere in the storage chamber 10a is dissipated through the inner wall 10b to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the flesh portion 10d of the case 10 and the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, thereby cooling the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a by the inner wall 10b.

[0087] As a result, the water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a is cooled by the inner wall 10b, causing dew to form on the inner wall 10b. Furthermore, when the dew that has adhered to the inner wall 10b is cooled by the inner wall 10b, ice forms on the inner wall 10b.

[0088] That is, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each promote condensation and icing on the inner wall 10b, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor contained in the air inside the storage chamber 10a.

[0089] In this embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are arranged so as to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c, as described above.

[0090] As a result, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around fixed contact 30a in storage chamber 10a decreases, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around fixed contact 30b in storage chamber 10a decreases, and further, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around fixed contact 30c in storage chamber 10a decreases.

[0091] Meanwhile, heat is dissipated from fixed contact 30a through fixed bus bar 31a and terminal 40a to the atmosphere outside case 10. Heat is also dissipated from fixed contacts 30b and 30c through fixed bus bar 31b and terminal 40b to the atmosphere outside case 10. Therefore, fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c are cooled by the atmosphere outside case 10.

[0092] However, as described above, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around each of the fixed contacts 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c is reduced, so even if the atmosphere in the storage chamber 10 a is cooled by the fixed contacts 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c, it is possible to prevent dew and ice from forming on the fixed contacts 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c.

[0093] This makes it possible to prevent ice from forming between the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a, between the fixed contact 30b and the movable contact 51b, and between the fixed contact 30c and the movable contact 51c.

[0094] According to the present embodiment described above, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a case 10 that defines a storage chamber 10a and has an inner wall 10b that is exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a. The electromagnetic relay 1 includes fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c that are made of a conductive material such as metal and are stored within the storage chamber 10a in a state where they are exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a.

[0095] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes terminals 40a and 40b made of a conductive material such as metal. The terminal 40a includes a terminal body 42a exposed to the outside of the case 10 and a base 41a connected to the fixed contact 30a. The terminal 40b includes a terminal body 42b exposed to the outside of the case 10 and a base 41b connected to the fixed contacts 30b and 30c.

[0096] The electromagnetic relay 1 includes fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c made of a conductive material such as metal and housed in the housing chamber 10a while exposed to the atmosphere within the housing chamber 10a. The movable contact 51a is configured to be able to come into contact with the fixed contact 30a or to move away from the fixed contact 30a.

[0097] The movable contact 51b is configured to be able to come into contact with the fixed contact 30b or to move away from the fixed contact 30b, and the movable contact 51c is configured to be able to come into contact with the fixed contact 30c or to move away from the fixed contact 30c.

[0098] The movable contact 51a comes into contact with the fixed contact 30a, the movable contact 51b comes into contact with the fixed contact 30b, and the movable contact 51c comes into contact with the fixed contact 30c, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the terminals 40a and 40b.

[0099] When the movable contact 51a contacts the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51b contacts the fixed contact 30b, electrical continuity is established between the terminals 40a and 40b. When the movable contact 51a contacts the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51c contacts the fixed contact 30c, electrical continuity is established between the terminals 40a and 40b.

[0100] When the movable contact 51a moves away from the fixed contact 30a, the movable contact 51b moves away from the fixed contact 30b, and the movable contact 51c moves away from the fixed contact 30c, the terminals 40a and 40b are no longer electrically connected.

[0101] When the movable contact 51a moves away from the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51b moves away from the fixed contact 30b, the terminals 40a and 40b are not electrically connected to each other. When the movable contact 51a moves away from the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51c moves away from the fixed contact 30c, the terminals 40a and 40b are not electrically connected to each other.

[0102] When the movable contact 51a moves away from the fixed contact 30a, the terminals 40a and 40b are not electrically connected. When the movable contact 51b moves away from the fixed contact 30b and the movable contact 51c moves away from the fixed contact 30c, the terminals 40a and 40b are not electrically connected.

[0103] The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each fixed to the case 10 and made of a metal material having higher thermal conductivity than the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a of the case 10 to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the inner wall 10b.

[0104] Therefore, when the temperature outside the case 10 is extremely low, heat is promoted to be dissipated from the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a through the inner wall 10b to the atmosphere outside the case 10. As a result, water vapor contained in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a is cooled by the inner wall 10b, promoting the formation of dew and ice on the inner wall 10b.

[0105] This reduces the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a, and therefore prevents dew and ice from forming on the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c even if the heat from the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c is released to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the terminals 40a and 40b.

[0106] As a result, ice formation between the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of poor electrical continuity between the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a.

[0107] Similarly, since ice can be prevented from forming between the fixed contact 30b and the movable contact 51b, poor electrical continuity between the fixed contact 30b and the movable contact 51b can be prevented. Furthermore, since ice can be prevented from forming between the fixed contact 30c and the movable contact 51c, poor electrical continuity between the fixed contact 30c and the movable contact 51c can be prevented.

[0108] According to the present embodiment described above, the following advantageous effects (a) and (b) can be obtained: (a) The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are arranged to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c.

[0109] This reduces the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c in the storage chamber 10a, thereby more reliably preventing dew and ice from forming on the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c.

[0110] As a result, the occurrence of poor conduction between the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, 51c can be more reliably prevented.

[0111] (b) The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each bonded to the case body 11 of the case 10. As a result, the effect of avoiding the above-mentioned poor electrical conduction can be obtained simply by bonding the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d to the existing case body 11.

[0112] Second Embodiment In the above first embodiment, an example has been described in which the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the electromagnetic relay 1 are arranged to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c, respectively.

[0113] However, instead, in the electromagnetic relay 1, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are arranged so as to cover the electromagnetic coil 91. A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] 5 is a top view of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are each arranged to cover the electromagnetic coil 91. The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are each arranged outside the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0115] The heat conducting portion 20a is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the upper portion 13 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20a is fixed to the upper portion 13 of the case body 11 of the case 10 by being adhered to the upper portion 13.

[0116] The heat conducting portion 20b is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20b is fixed to the side portion 14 by being adhered to the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0117] The heat conducting portion 20c is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20c is fixed to the side portion 15 by being adhered to the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0118] The heat conducting portion 20e is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 17 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20d is fixed to the side portion 17 of the case body 11 of the case 10 by being adhered to the side portion 17. The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are each exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0119] The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are each made of a material (e.g., a metal material) having higher thermal conductivity than the case 10. The heat conductive portion 20a is formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from the other side in the longitudinal direction Za. The heat conductive portion 20b is formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from one side in the width direction Zb.

[0120] The heat conducting portion 20c is formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from the other side in the width direction Zb. The heat conducting portion 20e is formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from the other side in the axial direction Zc. These heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from the other side in the axial direction Zc, one side and the other side in the width direction Zb, and the other side in the longitudinal direction Za.

[0121] The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e of this embodiment each promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere around the electromagnetic coil 91 in the storage chamber 10a to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the inner wall 10b.

[0122] When the electromagnetic coil 91 is not energized, the coating of the electromagnetic coil 91 absorbs water vapor in the atmosphere of the storage chamber 10a.

[0123] On the other hand, when current begins to flow through the electromagnetic coil 91, the electromagnetic coil 91 generates heat due to the current flow. This causes water vapor to be released from the coating of the electromagnetic coil 91, increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a. In contrast, in this embodiment, the heat conduction portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are arranged to cover the electromagnetic coil 91, as described above.

[0124] Therefore, the heat conduction portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere around the electromagnetic coil 91 in the storage chamber 10a of the case 10 through the inner wall 10b to the atmosphere outside the case 10. This promotes the formation of dew and ice in the area of ​​the inner wall 10b of the case 10 that covers the electromagnetic coil 91.

[0125] Therefore, even if the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a temporarily increases due to the absorption and release of water vapor by the coating of the electromagnetic coil 91, the increase in water vapor in the atmosphere around each of the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c can be suppressed.

[0126] As a result, it is possible to further prevent dew and ice from forming on the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c, and therefore to further prevent poor conduction between the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c.

[0127] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are arranged to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c and the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c in the electromagnetic relay 1. In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e are arranged to cover the electromagnetic coil 91.

[0128] In this third embodiment, an example in which heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are arranged to cover fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c, movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c, and electromagnetic coil 91 in an electromagnetic relay 1 will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0129] 6 is a top view of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are arranged to cover the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c, the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c, and the electromagnetic coil 91. The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are each arranged outside the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0130] The heat conducting portion 20a is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the upper portion 13 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20a is fixed to the upper portion 13 of the case body 11 of the case 10 by being adhered to the upper portion 13.

[0131] The heat conducting portion 20b is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20b is fixed to the side portion 14 by being adhered to the side portion 14 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0132] The heat conducting portion 20c is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20c is fixed to the side portion 15 by being adhered to the side portion 15 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0133] The heat conducting portion 20d is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 16 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20d is fixed to the side portion 16 by being adhered to the side portion 16 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0134] The heat conducting portion 20e is formed in a plate shape so as to fit along the side portion 17 of the case body 11 of the case 10. The heat conducting portion 20e is fixed to the side portion 17 by being adhered to the side portion 17 of the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0135] The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are each exposed to the atmosphere outside the case 10. The heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are each made of a material (e.g., a metal material) having higher thermal conductivity than the case 10.

[0136] The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are formed to cover the electromagnetic coil 91 from one side and the other side in the axial direction Zc, one side and the other side in the width direction Zb, and the other side in the longitudinal direction Za. In this embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e each promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere in the storage chamber 10a through the inner wall 10b to the atmosphere outside the case 10.

[0137] As a result, the water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a is cooled by the inner wall 10b, which promotes condensation and icing on the inner wall 10b. Therefore, even if water vapor is released from the coating of the electromagnetic coil 91 when the electromagnetic coil 91 is energized, an increase in the water vapor in the atmosphere inside the storage chamber 10a can be suppressed.

[0138] Furthermore, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere surrounding each of the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c in the storage chamber 10a is reduced. This reduces the risk of condensation and icing on the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c. As described above, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic relay 1 can achieve the effects of both the first and second embodiments.

[0139] Fourth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the example in which the fixed contact 30a is connected to the terminal 40a and the fixed contacts 30b and 30c are connected to the terminal 40b in the electromagnetic relay 1 has been described.

[0140] However, instead, in the electromagnetic relay 1, the fixed contact 30a is connected to the terminal 40a, and the movable contact 51a is connected to the terminal 40b. A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment.

[0141] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment, when the electromagnetic coil 91 is not energized, the movable contact 51a is separated from the fixed contact 30a by the elastic force of a spring (not shown), as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic coil 91 is energized, the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 91 displaces the movable contact 51a and brings it into contact with the fixed contact 30a.

[0142] As a result, in the electromagnetic relay 1, when the movable contact 51a separates from the fixed contact 30a, the terminals 40a and 40b are brought into an OFF state, and when the movable contact 51a comes into contact with the fixed contact 30a, the terminals 40a and 40b are brought into an ON state.

[0143] In the electromagnetic relay 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the heat conducting portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are each disposed outside the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0144] Similar to the third embodiment, the heat conductive portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are fixed by adhesive to the outside of the case 10. The heat conductive portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are arranged to cover the fixed contact 30a, the movable contact 51a, and the electromagnetic coil 91.

[0145] When the outside of the case 10 is extremely cold, the heat conductive portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e promote heat dissipation from the atmosphere around the fixed contact 30a, the movable contact 51a, and the electromagnetic coil 91 in the storage chamber 10a to the atmosphere outside the case 10 through the inner wall 10b.

[0146] As a result, water vapor in the atmosphere within the storage chamber 10a of the case 10 is cooled by the inner wall 10b, promoting the formation of condensation and icing on the inner wall 10b. This reduces the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere around the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a. Furthermore, even if water vapor is released from the coating of the electromagnetic coil 91, an increase in water vapor in the atmosphere around the fixed contact 30a and the movable contact 51a can be suppressed.

[0147] This further reduces the occurrence of dew or ice on the fixed contacts 30a and the movable contacts 51a even when heat is dissipated from the fixed contacts 30a and the movable contacts 51a through the terminals 40a and 40b to the atmosphere outside the case 10. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay 1, the occurrence of poor conductivity between the fixed contacts 30a and the movable contacts 51a can be further reduced.

[0148] (Other Embodiments) (1) In the above first to fourth embodiments, examples have been described in which the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present disclosure is applied to an automobile. However, instead of this, the electromagnetic relay 1 of the present disclosure may be applied to various devices other than automobiles, such as stationary devices.

[0149] (2) In the above first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c are displaced relative to the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 91. However, instead of this, the movable contacts 51a, 51b, and 51c may be manually displaced relative to the fixed contacts 30a, 30b, and 30c.

[0150] Similarly, in the fourth embodiment, the movable contact 51 a is displaced relative to the fixed contact 30 a by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 91. However, instead of this, the movable contact 51 a may be manually displaced relative to the fixed contact 30 a.

[0151] (3) In the first embodiment, the heat conduction portions 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , and 20 d are disposed on the outside of the case body 11 of the case 10 .

[0152] However, instead of this, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be configured as (3a), (3b), and (3c).

[0153] (3a) The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each disposed inside the case body 11 of the case 10.

[0154] (3b) The heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are each disposed within the body portion 10d of the case 10.

[0155] (3c) Instead of the plate-shaped thermal conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, powdered thermal conductive portions are used. In this case, the powdered thermal conductive portions are mixed into a resin material as a filler, and the case body 11 and the bottom 12 are resin-molded. In other words, the case body 11 and the bottom 12 are formed from a resin material containing the powdered thermal conductive portions.

[0156] In the second embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e may be the same as those in (3a), (3b), and (3c) above. In the third embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be the same as those in (3a), (3b), and (3c) above. In the fourth embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be the same as those in (3a), (3b), and (3c) above.

[0157] (4) In the first embodiment, the heat conduction portions 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d are formed in a plate shape. However, instead of this, the heat conduction portions 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d may be formed in a shape other than a plate shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped or a spherical shape.

[0158] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e may be formed in a shape other than a plate shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a sphere, etc. In the third embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be formed in a shape other than a plate shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a sphere, etc. In the fourth embodiment, the heat conducting portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be formed in a shape other than a plate shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a sphere, etc.

[0159] (5) In the first embodiment, the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are fixed to the case body 11 of the case 10 by bonding the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d.

[0160] However, instead of this, the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be fixed to the case body 11 by integrally molding the case body 11 and the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d.

[0161] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the case body 11 and the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e may be integrally molded to fix the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20e to the case body 11. In the third embodiment, the case body 11 and the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be integrally molded to fix the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e to the case body 11. In the fourth embodiment, the case body 11 and the heat conductive portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e may be integrally molded to fix the heat conductive portions 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e to the case body 11.

[0162] In the first embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the heat conductive portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are arranged on the outside of the case body 11 of the case 10. Alternatively, the heat conductive portions may be arranged on the outside of the bottom 12 of the case 10. Similarly, in the second, third, and fourth embodiments described above, the heat conductive portions may be arranged on the outside of the bottom 12 of the case 10.

[0163] (6) Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. It goes without saying that, in each of the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated as essential or clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, and ranges of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless specifically stated as essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc. are mentioned, they are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, etc. unless specifically stated or limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0164] (Viewpoints of the Present Disclosure) The above-described present disclosure can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example.

[0165] [First Aspect] A relay comprising: a case (10) that defines a storage chamber (10a) and has an inner wall (10b) that is exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; fixed contacts (30a, 30b, 30c) that are made of a conductive material and that are stored within the storage chamber while being exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; movable contacts (51a, 51b, 51c) that are made of a conductive material and that are stored within the storage chamber while being exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber and that are configured to be able to come into contact with the fixed contacts or move away from the fixed contacts; first and second terminals (40a, 40b) that are made of a conductive material and that are exposed to the outside of the case; and heat-conducting portions (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) that are made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the case and that are fixed to the case, When the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the heat conduction portion promotes heat dissipation from the atmosphere within the storage chamber through the inner wall to the atmosphere outside the case.

[0166] [Second Aspect] The relay according to the first aspect, wherein the heat conducting portion is formed so as to cover the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0167] [Third Aspect] The relay according to the first or second aspect, wherein the heat conducting portion is provided on the outside of the case.

[0168] [Fourth Aspect] The relay according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat conducting portion is made of a metal material.

[0169] [Fifth Aspect] The relay according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the case is made of a resin material.

Claims

1. A relay comprising: a case (10) that defines a storage chamber (10a) and has an inner wall (10b) that is exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; fixed contacts (30a, 30b, 30c) that are made of a conductive material and are stored within the storage chamber while being exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber; movable contacts (51a, 51b, 51c) that are made of a conductive material and are stored within the storage chamber while being exposed to the atmosphere within the storage chamber and are configured to be able to come into contact with or separate from the fixed contacts; first and second terminals (40a, 40b) that are made of a conductive material and are exposed to the outside of the case; and thermally conductive parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) that are made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the case and are fixed to the case. When the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact, electrical continuity is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the heat conduction portion promotes heat dissipation from the atmosphere within the storage chamber through the inner wall to the atmosphere outside the case.

2. A relay according to claim 1, wherein the heat conducting portion is formed so as to cover the fixed contact and the movable contact.

3. A relay according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat conducting portion is provided on the outside of the case.

4. A relay according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat conducting portion is made of a metal material.

5. A relay according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the case is made of a resin material.

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