Contact device and electromagnetic relay

Abstract

A contact device (10) comprises: a first movable contact portion (12); a first movable piece (611) to which the first movable contact portion (12) is provided so as to face a first surface; a first stationary contact portion (13) that is provided so as to face the movable contact portion (12); a first stationary piece (141) that extends downward from above and is provided with the first fixed contact part (13) on a first surface thereof; a first stationary yoke (15) that is disposed so as to face a second surface (1412) of the first stationary piece (141), said second surface being on the side opposite from the first surface (1411) of the first stationary piece (141); and a first additional yoke (16) that is formed integrally with the first stationary yoke (15) and extends from the first stationary yoke (15) toward the first movable piece (61).

Description

Contact devices and electromagnetic relays

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a contact device and an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to a contact device including a movable terminal (movable piece) and a fixed terminal (fixed piece), and an electromagnetic relay including the contact device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a contact opening / closing mechanism including a movable terminal portion and a fixed terminal portion. The movable terminal portion has at least one dot-shaped or bar-shaped movable contact. At least one of the position and posture of the movable terminal portion is switched by a drive transmission portion. The fixed terminal portion has at least one dot-shaped or bar-shaped fixed contact. When the position of the movable terminal portion moves in conjunction with switching of at least one of the position and posture of the drive transmission portion, the movable contact approaches or abuts against the fixed contact in the direction of this positional movement.

[0003] In a contact device such as the contact opening / closing mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the movable contact may be separated from the fixed contact due to an electromagnetic repulsive force generated when an overcurrent flows between the movable terminal and the fixed terminal. Therefore, there is a need to improve the reliability of maintaining contact of the movable contact with the fixed contact.

[0004] A contact device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a movable contact portion, a movable piece having the movable contact portion arranged opposite a first surface, a fixed contact portion arranged opposite the movable contact portion, a fixed piece extending from top to bottom and having the fixed contact portion arranged on its first surface, a fixed yoke arranged opposite a second surface of the fixed piece which is the surface opposite the first surface of the fixed piece, and an additional fixed yoke formed integrally with the fixed yoke and extending from the fixed yoke toward the movable piece, wherein at least a portion of the fixed yoke is positioned above the lower end of the movable contact portion, and the length by which the additional fixed yoke extends from the fixed yoke toward the movable piece is longer than the length from the second surface of the fixed piece to the surface of the fixed contact piece facing the movable contact portion.

[0005] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described contact device and an electromagnet device having a coil and moving the movable piece so that the movable contact portion moves toward the fixed contact portion in response to the flow of current through the coil.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that it is possible to improve the reliability of maintaining contact of the movable contact portion with the fixed contact portion.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay 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 essential parts of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 8 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay in an on state with the cover removed. FIG. 9 is a side view of essential parts of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 10 is a top view of essential parts of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 11 is a front view of essential parts of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 12 is a top view of essential parts of the electromagnetic relay. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of essential parts of an electromagnetic relay according to a first modification. Fig. 14 is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of the same. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 2. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of the same. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 3. Fig. 18 is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of the same. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 4. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of the same. Fig. 21 is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 5. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 6. Fig. 23 is a side view of the main parts of the electromagnetic relay of Modification 7.

[0008] 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.

[0009] In addition, in this disclosure, the “movable piece (first movable piece 611 or second movable piece 612)” is a part of the “movable terminal (first movable terminal 11 or second movable terminal 21),” and the “movable piece” may be described as the “movable terminal.” Similarly, the “fixed piece (first fixed piece 141 or second fixed piece 241)” is a part of the “fixed terminal (first fixed terminal 14 or second fixed terminal 24),” and the “fixed piece” may be described as the “fixed terminal.”

[0010] (1) Embodiment A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG.

[0011] (1.1) Overall Configuration The electromagnetic relay 100 is a device that opens and closes electrical contacts through electrical control to open and close an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be a DC circuit through which a direct current flows, or an AC circuit through which an alternating current flows.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 1 and 2, the electromagnetic relay 100 includes a contact device 10 and an electromagnet device 70. As shown in Fig. 4, the contact device 10 includes a first movable terminal 11 and a first fixed terminal 14.

[0014] The first movable terminal 11 is provided with a first movable contact portion 12. The first fixed terminal 14 is provided with a first fixed contact portion 13 that faces the first movable contact portion 12. More specifically, the first fixed terminal 14 includes a plate-shaped first fixed piece 141 that extends in one direction, and the first fixed piece 141 is provided with the first fixed contact portion 13. The first fixed piece 141 has a first surface 1411 that faces the first movable contact portion 12 of the first movable terminal 11, and a second surface 1412 that is the surface opposite the first surface 1411. The first fixed piece 141 is provided with the first fixed contact portion 13 on the first surface 1411 side.

[0015] The first movable terminal 11 (first movable piece 611) is movable relative to the first fixed terminal 14 (first fixed piece 141). When the first movable terminal 11 approaches the first fixed terminal 14, the first movable contact portion 12 comes into contact with the first fixed contact portion 13. When the first movable terminal 11 moves away from the first fixed terminal 14, the first movable contact portion 12 moves away from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0016] For convenience, the following description will be given by defining three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the electromagnetic relay 100 as follows. Specifically, the direction in which the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 extends is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and along the direction in which the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 13 face each other (hereinafter also referred to as the "facing direction D1") is defined as the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction and along the direction in which the first movable terminal 11 and the second movable terminal 21 are aligned (hereinafter also referred to as the "alignment direction D2") is defined as the Y-axis direction. For convenience, the Z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction, and the side of the first fixed terminal 14 where the first fixed piece 141 is located relative to the first terminal piece 142 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) is defined as "up," and the opposite side is defined as "down." The X-axis direction is the front-to-rear direction, and the side where the first fixed contact 13 is located relative to the first movable contact 12 (the positive direction of the X-axis) is the "front," and the opposite side is the "rear." The Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction, and the positive direction of the Y-axis is the "left," and the opposite side is the "right." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the components of the electromagnetic relay 100, and do not limit the orientation of the electromagnetic relay 100 when in use, etc.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electromagnetic relay 100 further includes an auxiliary contact device 80 and a housing 90 in addition to the contact device (main contact device) 10 and the electromagnet device 70 .

[0018] (1.2) Housing As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 90 includes a body 91 and a cover 99.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 .

[0022] The bottom wall portion 92 is a rectangular plate whose thickness direction is along the vertical direction.

[0023] The peripheral wall portion 93 has a rectangular frame shape that protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 92 .

[0024] 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 contact device 10 and the coil 71.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 movable contact portion and a fixed contact portion (e.g., a pair of the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] (1.3) Electromagnet Device The electromagnet device 70 includes a coil 71. The electromagnet device 70 moves the first movable terminal 11 of the contact device 10 relative to the first fixed terminal 14 in response to the passage of current through the coil 71. As a result, the electromagnet device 70 brings the first movable contact portion 12 into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact portion 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , the electromagnet device 70 includes the coil 71, an armature 72, a bobbin 73, an iron core 74, a yoke 75, and a pair of coil terminals 76.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The tube portion 730 has a hollow cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. 8 ) in which the first portion 721 is closer to the iron core 74.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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. 8 ). 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.

[0044] 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 has a rectangular box 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 8).

[0045] (1.4) Auxiliary Contact Device As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary contact device 80 includes a card 81, an auxiliary fixed contact portion 82, an auxiliary movable contact portion 83, an auxiliary fixed terminal 84, and an auxiliary movable terminal 85.

[0046] 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. 8 ).

[0047] The card 81 integrally includes a fixed portion 811 and a protrusion 812 .

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 is L-shaped and integrally includes a plate-like terminal piece 841 that is elongated in the vertical direction and a plate-like fixed piece 842 that is elongated in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the terminal piece 841 is disposed in the space at the rear left corner of the body 91, separated by the partition wall 97. 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 portion 82 is provided at the right end of the fixed piece 842.

[0051] 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 is L-shaped and integrally includes a plate-shaped terminal piece 851 that is elongated in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped spring piece 852 that is elongated in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the terminal piece 851 is disposed in a space in the rear right corner of the body 91, separated by the partition wall 97. 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 portion 83 is provided at the left end of the spring piece 852.

[0052] 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 portion 83 contacts the auxiliary fixed contact portion 82. On the other hand, when the armature 72 is in the second position (see FIG. 8), the protrusion 812 of the card 81 is separated from the spring piece 852. The auxiliary movable contact portion 83 is displaced downward by the elastic force of the spring piece 852 and is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact portion 82.

[0053] 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 portion 83 should be in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact portion 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.

[0054] (1.5) Contact Device As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the contact device 10 includes a first fixed terminal 14, a second fixed terminal 24, a first movable spring 61, and a first contactor 62.

[0055] (1.5.1) Fixed Terminal The first fixed terminal 14 is made of a conductive metal. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the first fixed terminal 14 integrally includes a first fixed piece 141, a first terminal piece 142, and a first connecting piece 143.

[0056] The first fixed piece 141 is a plate extending from top to bottom (or bottom to top) and is disposed in the leftmost storage space of the four storage spaces of the body 91 (the space between the left wall of the peripheral wall portion 93 and the second partition wall portion 962).

[0057] The first fixed piece 141 has a first surface 1411 and a second surface 1412. The first surface 1411 is the rear surface of the first fixed piece 141, and the second surface 1412 is the front surface of the first fixed piece 141. The first surface 1411 faces the first movable contact portion 12 in the facing direction D1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first fixed piece 141 is provided with a first fixed contact portion 13. Here, the first fixed contact portion 13 is provided on a first surface 1411 of the first fixed piece 141 by fixing a metal first fixed contact member to the first fixed piece 141 by caulking. Specifically, the first fixed contact member has a head 131 and a body 132. The head 131 is circular and dome-shaped. For example, the rear surface of the head 131 is made of silver. The body 132 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the head 131 and extends forward from the head 131. A through hole is formed in the first fixed piece 141, and the body 132 of the first fixed contact member is inserted through the through hole of the first fixed piece 141. By squeezing and widening the protruding end (front end) of the body 132, the first fixed contact member is fixed to the first fixed piece 141. In this embodiment, the head 131 of the first fixed contact member constitutes the first fixed contact portion 13. However, without being limited to this, the first fixed contact portion 13 may be a part of the first fixed terminal 14, and for example, the first fixed contact portion 13 may be formed by pushing a part of the plate member that constitutes the first fixed piece 141 rearward.

[0059] 1, 4, and 7, the first terminal piece 142 is a plate-like member extending from top to bottom (or bottom to top). The first terminal piece 142 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the body 91.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first connecting piece 143 connects the first fixed piece 141 and the first terminal piece 142 together.

[0061] The second fixed terminal 24 is made of a conductive metal and integrally includes a second fixed piece 241, a second terminal piece 242, and a second connecting piece 243, as shown in FIG.

[0062] The second fixed piece 241 has a plate shape extending from top to bottom (or bottom to top). The second fixed piece 241 is disposed in the second-from-the-left accommodation space (the space between the second partition wall portion 962 and the second partition wall portion 961) among the four accommodation spaces of the body 91. The second fixed piece 241 is aligned with the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 in the alignment direction D2. The alignment direction D2 intersects (here, is perpendicular to) both the opposing direction D1 and the up-down direction. The second fixed piece 241 is aligned with the first fixed piece 141 without a permanent magnet sandwiched therebetween.

[0063] The second fixed piece 241 has a third surface 2411 (see FIG. 12 ) and a fourth surface 2412. The third surface 2411 is the rear surface of the second fixed piece 241, and the fourth surface 2412 is the front surface of the second fixed piece 241. The third surface 2411 faces the second movable contact portion 22 in the facing direction D1.

[0064] The second fixed piece 241 is provided with a second fixed contact portion 23. Here, the second fixed contact portion 23 is provided on a third surface 2411 of the second fixed piece 241 by fixing a metal second fixed contact member to the second fixed piece 241 by crimping. Specifically, the second fixed contact member has a head 231 and a body 232. The head 231 is circular and dome-shaped. For example, the rear surface of the head 231 is made of silver. The body 232 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the head 231 and extends forward from the head 231. A through hole is formed in the second fixed piece 241, and the body 232 of the second fixed contact member is inserted through the through hole of the second fixed piece 241. The second fixed contact member is fixed to the second fixed piece 241 by squeezing and widening the protruding end (front end) of the body 232. In this embodiment, the head 231 of the second fixed contact member constitutes the second fixed contact portion 23. However, this is not limiting, and the second fixed contact portion 23 may be a part of the second fixed terminal 24.

[0065] 1 and 7, the second terminal piece 242 is a plate-like member extending from top to bottom (or bottom to top). The second terminal piece 242 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the body 91.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second connecting piece 243 connects the second fixed piece 241 and the second terminal piece 242 together.

[0067] (1.5.2) Movable Terminal The first movable spring 61 is made of a conductive metal. The first movable spring 61 is a leaf spring.

[0068] 7, the first movable spring 61 integrally includes a first movable piece 611, a second movable piece 612, and a first connecting piece 613. The first movable spring 61 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) when viewed from the front.

[0069] The first movable piece 611 is plate-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The first movable piece 611 has an elongated through-hole 6111 extending in the direction in which the first movable piece 611 extends.

[0070] The second movable piece 612 has a shape symmetrical to the first movable piece 611. The second movable piece 612 is plate-shaped and extends in the up-down direction. The second movable piece 612 has an elongated through-hole 6121 that extends in the extension direction of the second movable piece 612.

[0071] The first connecting piece 613 is plate-shaped. The first connecting piece 613 connects the upper end of the first movable piece 611 to the upper end of the second movable piece 612. The first connecting piece 613 electrically and physically connects the first movable piece 611 to the second movable piece 612. In the first movable spring 61, a long slit is formed vertically between the first movable piece 611 and the second movable piece 612.

[0072] The first connecting piece 613 is held by the holder 79. As a result, the first movable piece 611 and the second movable piece 612 of the first movable spring 61 move back and forth together with the holder 79 in response to the displacement of the armature 72.

[0073] The first contactor 62 is made of a conductive metal and is electrically connected to the first movable spring 61. The first contactor 62 contacts the first movable piece 611 and the second movable piece 612 of the first movable spring 61, connecting the first movable piece 611 and the second movable piece 612 together.

[0074] 9 , the first contactor 62 includes a plurality of conductive plates 620. Here, the first contactor 62 includes three conductive plates 620. The plurality of conductive plates 620 are stacked in the front-to-rear direction. However, this is not limiting, and the first contactor 62 may be configured with a single conductive plate 620.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first contactor 62 integrally includes a first plate-shaped member 621, a second plate-shaped member 622, a first extension member 623, a second extension member 624, a third extension member 625, and a fourth extension member 626.

[0076] The first plate-shaped member 621 is a plate extending in the vertical direction. The first plate-shaped member 621 is disposed in front of the first movable piece 611 of the first movable spring 61. The first plate-shaped member 621 is overlapped with the lower portion of the first movable piece 611.

[0077] The second plate-shaped member 622 has a plate shape that extends in the vertical direction. The second plate-shaped member 622 is disposed in front of the second movable piece 612 of the first movable spring 61. The second plate-shaped member 622 overlaps the lower portion of the second movable piece 612.

[0078] The first extension member 623 extends forward from the upper end of the first plate-shaped member 621. The third extension member 625 extends upward from the front end of the first extension member 623.

[0079] The second extension member 624 extends forward from the upper end of the second plate-shaped member 622. The fourth extension member 626 extends upward from the front end of the second extension member 624.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 5 , the first extension member 623 and the second extension member 624 are connected in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 7 , the third extension member 625 and the fourth extension member 626 are connected in the left-right direction. In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first plate-shaped member 621 and the second plate-shaped member 622 are not directly connected, but are indirectly connected by connecting the first extension member 623 and the second extension member 624 and connecting the third extension member 625 and the fourth extension member 626. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first plate-shaped member 621 and the second plate-shaped member 622 may be directly connected (for example, between the upper right end of the first plate-shaped member 621 and the upper left end of the second plate-shaped member 622).

[0081] In the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the first movable piece 611 and the second movable piece 612 of the first movable spring 61 are connected via the first contactor 62. The first contactor 62 constitutes (at least a part of) the electrical path between the first movable contact portion 12 and the second movable contact portion 22. This makes it possible to improve the electrical conductivity between the first movable contact portion 12 and the second movable contact portion 22 (reduce electrical resistance).

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the first movable spring 61 further has a first restricting piece 614 and a second restricting piece 615. The first restricting piece 614 is connected to the center portion of the left side of the first movable piece 611. The first restricting piece 614 has a U-shape that protrudes leftward in top view. The second restricting piece 615 is connected to the center portion of the right side of the second movable piece 612. The second restricting piece 615 has a U-shape that protrudes rightward in top view.

[0083] The left end of the first plate-shaped member 621 of the first contactor 62 is located within the space of the first restricting piece 614. Furthermore, the right end of the second plate-shaped member 622 of the first contactor 62 is located within the space of the second restricting piece 615. Therefore, for example, even if the first contactor 62 attempts to displace forward so as to move away from the first movable spring 61, the first restricting piece 614 and the second restricting piece 615 come into contact with the first contactor 62, thereby restricting excessive forward displacement of the first contactor 62.

[0084] 7 , the first movable piece 611 of the first movable spring 61 and the first plate-like member 621 of the first contactor 62 constitute the first movable terminal 11. The first extension member 623 extends forward from the upper end of the first plate-like member 621, and therefore extends from the upper end of the first movable terminal 11 in a direction (forward) that intersects with the up-down direction.

[0085] The first movable terminal 11 is provided with a first movable contact portion 12. Here, the first movable contact portion 12 is provided on the first movable terminal 11 by fixing a metal first movable contact member to the first movable terminal 11 (the first movable piece 611 and the first plate-shaped member 621) by crimping. Specifically, the first movable contact member has a head portion 121 and a body portion 122. The head portion 121 has a circular dome shape. For example, the front surface of the head portion 121 is made of silver. The body portion 122 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the head portion 121 and extends rearward from the head portion 121. A through hole is formed in the first movable terminal 11 (the first movable piece 611 and the first plate-like member 621), and with the body portion 122 of the first movable contact member inserted into the through hole of the first movable terminal 11, the protruding end (rear end) of the body portion 122 is crushed and expanded, thereby fixing the first movable contact member to the first movable terminal 11. In this embodiment, the head portion 121 of the first movable contact member constitutes the first movable contact portion 12. However, without being limited to this, the first movable contact portion 12 may be a part of the first movable terminal 11, and for example, the first movable contact portion 12 may be formed by pushing forward a part of a plate member constituting the first plate-like member 621.

[0086] 7 , the second movable piece 612 of the first movable spring 61 and the second plate-like member 622 of the first contactor 62 constitute the second movable terminal 21. The second extension member 624 extends forward from the upper end of the second plate-like member 622, and therefore extends from the upper end of the second movable terminal 21 in a direction (forward) that intersects with the up-down direction.

[0087] The second movable terminal 21 is connected to the first movable terminal 11 via the first connecting piece 613 of the first movable spring 61. The second movable terminal 21 is also connected to the first movable terminal 11 via the first extension member 623 to the fourth extension member 626 of the first contactor 62.

[0088] The second movable terminal 21 is provided with a second movable contact portion 22. Here, the second movable contact portion 22 is provided on the second movable terminal 21 by fixing a metal second movable contact member to the second movable terminal 21 (the second movable piece 612 and the second plate-like member 622) by crimping. Specifically, the second movable contact member has a head portion 221 and a body portion 222. The head portion 221 has a circular dome shape. For example, the front surface of the head portion 221 is made of silver. The body portion 222 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the head portion 221 and extends rearward from the head portion 221. A through hole is formed in the second movable terminal 21 (the second movable piece 612 and the second plate-like member 622), and with the body portion 222 of the second movable contact member inserted into the through hole of the second movable terminal 21, the protruding end (rear end) of the body portion 222 is crushed and expanded, thereby fixing the second movable contact member to the second movable terminal 21. In this embodiment, the head portion 221 of the second movable contact member constitutes the second movable contact portion 22. However, this is not limiting, and the second movable contact portion 22 may be a part of the second movable terminal 21.

[0089] (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 8. FIG.

[0090] 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 ). In this state, in the contact device 10, the first movable terminal 11 and the second movable terminal 21 are positioned relatively rearward, and the first movable contact portion 12 and the second movable contact portion 22 are separated from the first fixed contact portion 13 and the second fixed contact portion 23, 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. 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 places the auxiliary movable contact portion 83 in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact portion 82. Therefore, an electrical path (auxiliary electrical path) is formed between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85.

[0091] 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. This causes the armature 72 to displace to a second position (see FIG. 8 ) in which the first portion 721 approaches the iron core 74. At this time, in the contact device 10, the first movable terminal 11 and the second movable terminal 21 move forward, and the first movable contact portion 12 and the second movable contact portion 22 contact the first fixed contact portion 13 and the second fixed contact portion 23, respectively (the closed state of the contact device 10). This forms an electrical path between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24. In the closed state, the magnetic attraction force of the iron core 74 attracting the armature 72 ensures contact pressure at the contacts. Meanwhile, in the auxiliary contact device 80, the protrusion 812 of the card 81 displaces downward and separates 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 portion 83 moves away from the auxiliary fixed contact portion 82. This breaks the electrical path (auxiliary electrical path) between the auxiliary fixed terminal 84 and the auxiliary movable terminal 85.

[0092] 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 terminal 11 and the second movable terminal 21 move rearward, and the first movable contact portion 12 and the second movable contact portion 22 move away from the first fixed contact portion 13 and the second fixed contact portion 23, respectively (open state of the contact device 10). In addition, 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 portion 83 into contact with the auxiliary fixed contact portion 82.

[0093] (1.7) Yoke As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the contact device 10 further includes a first magnetic member 51 and a second magnetic member 52.

[0094] 7, the first magnetic member 51 has a first fixed yoke 15. That is, the contact device 10 includes the first fixed yoke 15.

[0095] The first fixed yoke 15 is a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction. The first fixed yoke 15 is disposed in front of the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14. The first fixed yoke 15 faces the second surface 1412 of the first fixed piece 141. In the front-rear direction, the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 is located between the first fixed yoke 15 and the first movable terminal 11.

[0096] The first fixed yoke 15 is in contact with the first fixed piece 141. The first fixed yoke 15 is fixed to the first fixed piece 141. The first fixed yoke 15 has a through hole in the center, and when the first fixed contact member is fixed to the first fixed piece 141 by crimping, the body portion 132 of the first fixed contact member is also passed through the through hole of the first fixed yoke 15, so that the first fixed contact member is fixed to the first fixed piece 141 together with the first fixed contact member.

[0097] When a voltage is applied between the first fixed terminal 14 and the second fixed terminal 24 in the closed state of the contact device 10 (see FIG. 8 ), for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , a current I11 flows from top to bottom through the first movable terminal 11, a current I10 flows forward from the first movable contact portion 12 toward the first fixed contact portion 13, and a current I12 flows from top to bottom through the first fixed piece 141. At this time, an electromagnetic repulsive force F11 acts on the first movable contact portion 12 in a direction away from the first fixed contact portion 13, as shown in FIG. 9 , due to the current I10 flowing through the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 13. The magnitude of the electromagnetic repulsive force F11 depends on the magnitude of the current I10. Therefore, if a large overcurrent, such as a short-circuit current, flows and the magnitude of the electromagnetic repulsive force F11 becomes large (e.g., greater than the contact pressure of the contacts), the first movable contact portion 12 may move away from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0098] The contact device 10 of this embodiment includes a first fixed yoke 15. When current I11 is flowing, as shown in FIG. 10 , a magnetic field H11 generated by current I11 passes through the first fixed yoke 15 in a clockwise direction as viewed from above. When current I12 is flowing, as shown in FIG. 10 , a magnetic field H12 generated by current I12 passes through the first fixed yoke 15 in a clockwise direction as viewed from above. These magnetic fields H11 and H12 magnetize the first fixed yoke 15 so that its left end (the lower end of FIG. 10 ) is a south pole and its right end (the upper end of FIG. 10 ) is a north pole. The magnetized first fixed yoke 15 generates a magnetic field H101 that passes through the first movable terminal 11 to the right (upward in FIG. 10 ). This magnetic field H101 exerts a forward Lorentz force (toward the first fixed contact portion 13) on the current I11 flowing downward through the first movable terminal 11. That is, a force F21 (a force opposite to the electromagnetic repulsive force F11) acts on the first movable terminal 11 in a direction toward the first fixed piece 141. Therefore, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force F11 is generated due to an overcurrent flowing through the contacts, the first movable contact portion 12 is unlikely to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0099] In particular, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, at least a portion of the first fixed yoke 15 is located above the lower end of the first movable contact portion 12. In other words, at least a portion of the first fixed yoke 15 (a portion other than the lower end) faces the portion of the first movable terminal 11 through which the current I11 flows. Therefore, the distance between the first fixed yoke 15 and the portion through which the current I11 flows is shorter than when the first fixed yoke 15 does not face the portion of the first movable terminal 11 through which the current I11 flows. As a result, the magnitude of the force F21 acting on the first movable terminal 11 in the direction toward the first fixed piece 141 increases, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion 12 to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0100] In this way, the contact device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with the first fixed yoke 15, so that the first movable contact portion 12 is less likely to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13 even if an overcurrent flows through the contact, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0101] The Lorentz force acting on the current I11 flowing through the first movable terminal 11 only needs to include a component in the opposite direction to the electromagnetic repulsive force F11. That is, the current I11 flowing through the first movable terminal 11 only needs to include a component flowing from top to bottom, and may also include components in other directions. That is, the normal direction of the first movable terminal 11 may coincide with the normal direction of the first fixed yoke 15, or may be inclined with respect to the normal direction of the first fixed yoke 15. The angle formed between the normal direction of the first movable terminal 11 and the normal direction of the first fixed yoke 15 only needs to be less than 90°, and may be less than 45°, less than 30°, or 0°.

[0102] The direction of the current I11 flowing through the first movable terminal 11 and the direction of the current I12 flowing through the first fixed terminal 14 may be the same, or may intersect as long as they are not perpendicular. The angle formed by the direction of the current I11 and the direction of the current I12 may be less than 90°, may be less than 45°, may be less than 30°, or may be 0°.

[0103] As described above, the contact device 10 includes the first extension member 623. As shown in FIG. 11 , a backward current I13 flows through the first extension member 623. When the current I13 is flowing, the current I13 generates a clockwise magnetic field H13 in a front view, as shown in FIG. 11 . At the position of the first fixed yoke 15, the direction of the magnetic field H13 (to the right) is the same as the directions of the magnetic fields H11 and H12 (to the right). Therefore, the first fixed yoke 15 is further magnetized by the magnetic field H13. In this way, by including the first extension member 623, the magnitude of the force F21 acting on the first movable terminal 11 in a direction toward the first fixed piece 141 increases, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion 12 to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0104] 7, the first magnetic member 51 further includes a first additional yoke 16 (additional fixed yoke). That is, the contact device 10 further includes the first additional yoke 16. The "first additional yoke 16" may also be referred to as the "additional fixed yoke."

[0105] The first additional yoke 16 is formed integrally with the first fixed yoke 15. The first additional yoke 16 extends from the first fixed yoke 15 toward the first movable terminal 11.

[0106] The first additional yoke 16 is connected to the upper end of the first fixed yoke 15 and includes an upper extending yoke 161 extending rearward from the upper end of the first fixed yoke 15. The first magnetic member 51 is formed in an L-shape in side view by the first fixed yoke 15 and the first additional yoke 16 (upper extending yoke 161). The upper extending yoke 161 is located above the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 and covers the upper end of the first fixed piece 141. The upper extending yoke 161 is separated from the first fixed piece 141 without making contact with it. The protruding tip of the upper extending yoke 161 overlaps the first fixed contact portion 13 (the head 131 of the first fixed contact member) in top view. As shown in Figure 8, in a contact state in which the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 13 are in contact, at least a portion of the first additional yoke 16 (upper extension yoke 161) overlaps with the first extension member 623 when viewed from above.

[0107] The first additional yoke 16 is closer to the first movable terminal 11 and the first extension member 623 than the first fixed yoke 15. Therefore, the first additional yoke 16 is more easily magnetized by the magnetic field H11 generated by the current I11 and the magnetic field H13 generated by the current I13 than the first fixed yoke 15, and the degree of magnetization is also greater.

[0108] Furthermore, since the first magnetic member 51 includes the first additional yoke 16, the distance to the first movable terminal 11 is shortened. Therefore, compared to when the first additional yoke 16 is not provided, the Lorentz force acting on the current I11 due to the magnetic field H101 generated by the first magnetic member 51 is greater.

[0109] In this way, the contact device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with the first additional yoke 16 (upper extension yoke 161), which increases the magnitude of the force F21 acting on the first movable terminal 11 in the direction toward the first fixed piece 141, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion 12 to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0110] 7, the second magnetic member 52 has a second fixed yoke 25. That is, the contact device 10 includes the second fixed yoke 25.

[0111] The second fixed yoke 25 is a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction. The second fixed yoke 25 is disposed in front of the second fixed piece 241 of the second fixed terminal 24. The second fixed yoke 25 faces the fourth surface 2412 of the second fixed piece 241. In the front-rear direction, the second fixed piece 241 of the second fixed terminal 24 is located between the second fixed yoke 25 and the second movable terminal 21.

[0112] The second fixed yoke 25 is in contact with the second fixed piece 241. The second fixed yoke 25 is fixed to the second fixed piece 241. The second fixed yoke 25 has a through hole in the center, and when the second fixed contact member is fixed to the second fixed piece 241 by crimping, the body portion 232 of the second fixed contact member is also passed through the through hole of the second fixed yoke 25, so that the second fixed contact member is fixed to the second fixed piece 241 together with the second fixed contact member.

[0113] The second fixed yoke 25 is aligned with the first fixed yoke 15 in the alignment direction D2. The second fixed yoke 25 is separated from the first fixed yoke 15 without contacting it.

[0114] 7, the second magnetic member 52 further includes a second additional yoke (second additional fixed yoke) 26. That is, the contact device 10 further includes the second additional yoke 26.

[0115] The second additional yoke 26 is formed integrally with the second fixed yoke 25. The second additional yoke 26 extends from the second fixed yoke 25 toward the second movable terminal 21.

[0116] The second additional yoke 26 is connected to the upper end of the second fixed yoke 25 and includes an upper extending yoke 261 extending rearward from the upper end of the second fixed yoke 25. The second magnetic member 52 is formed in an L-shape in side view by the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26 (upper extending yoke 261). The upper extending yoke 261 is located above the second fixed piece 241 of the second fixed terminal 24 and covers the upper end of the second fixed piece 241. The upper extending yoke 261 is separated from the second fixed piece 241 without contacting it. When the second movable contact portion 22 and the second fixed contact portion 23 are in contact with each other, at least a portion of the second additional yoke 26 (upper extending yoke 261) overlaps the second extension member 624 in top view. Note that the "second additional yoke 26" may also be referred to as the "additional fixed yoke."

[0117] When current I11 flows from top to bottom through the first movable terminal 11, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, current I22 flows from bottom to top through the second fixed piece 241, current I20 flows backward from the second fixed contact portion 23 toward the second movable contact portion 22, current I21 flows from bottom to top through the second movable terminal 21, and forward current I23 flows through the second extension member 624. As shown in Figure 12, a counterclockwise magnetic field H21 generated by current I21 in a top view passes leftward (downward in Figure 12) through the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26, and a counterclockwise magnetic field H22 generated by current I22 in a top view passes leftward. Also, as shown in Figure 11, a counterclockwise magnetic field H23 generated by current I23 in a front view passes leftward (rightward in Figure 11) through the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26. The second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26 are magnetized by these magnetic fields H21, H22, and H23 so that their right ends (upper ends in FIG. 12 ) are south poles and their left ends (lower ends in FIG. 12 ) are north poles. The magnetized second fixed yoke 25 and second additional yoke 26 generate a magnetic field H201 that passes through the second movable terminal 21 to the right (upward in FIG. 12 ). This magnetic field H201 causes a forward Lorentz force (toward the second fixed contact portion 23) to act on the current I21 flowing upward through the second movable terminal 21. That is, a force F22 acts on the second movable terminal 21 in a direction toward the second fixed piece 241. Therefore, in the contact device 10 of this embodiment, the second movable contact portion 22 is less likely to separate from the second fixed contact portion 23.

[0118] Furthermore, at least a portion of the second fixed yoke 25 is located above the lower end of the second movable contact portion 22. In other words, at least a portion of the second fixed yoke 25 (a portion other than the lower end) faces the portion of the second movable terminal 21 through which the current I21 flows. Therefore, the magnitude of the force F22 acting on the second movable terminal 21 in the direction toward the second fixed piece 241 increases, making it even more difficult for the second movable contact portion 22 to separate from the second fixed contact portion 23.

[0119] In this way, the contact device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26, so that even if an overcurrent flows through the contact, the second movable contact portion 22 is less likely to separate from the second fixed contact portion 23, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the second movable contact portion 22 with the second fixed contact portion 23.

[0120] (1.8) Other Components of the Contact Device As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the contact device 10 further includes a third fixed terminal 34, a fourth fixed terminal 44, a third magnetic member 53, a fourth magnetic member 54, a second movable spring 63, and a second contactor 64.

[0121] The third fixed terminal 34 is provided with a third fixed contact portion 33 , and the fourth fixed terminal 44 is provided with a fourth fixed contact portion 43 .

[0122] The second movable spring 63 integrally includes a third movable piece 631, a fourth movable piece 632, and a third connecting piece. The second contactor 64 integrally includes a third plate-shaped member 641, a fourth plate-shaped member 642, a fifth extension member 643, a sixth extension member 644, a seventh extension member 645, and an eighth extension member 646. The third movable piece 631 of the second movable spring 63 and the third plate-shaped member 641 of the second contactor 64 constitute a third movable terminal 31. The fourth movable piece 632 of the second movable spring 63 and the fourth plate-shaped member 642 of the second contactor 64 constitute a fourth movable terminal 41. The third movable terminal 31 is provided with a third movable contact portion 32, and the fourth movable terminal 41 is provided with a fourth movable contact portion 42.

[0123] The third magnetic member 53 has a third fixed yoke 35 and a third additional yoke 36. The fourth magnetic member 54 has a fourth fixed yoke 45 and a fourth additional yoke 46.

[0124] In addition, the basic structure, function and operation of the third movable terminal 31, the third movable contact portion 32, the third fixed contact portion 33, the third fixed terminal 34, the third fixed yoke 35, the third additional yoke 36, the fourth movable terminal 41, the fourth movable contact portion 42, the fourth fixed contact portion 43, the fourth fixed terminal 44, the fourth fixed yoke 45 and the fourth additional yoke 46, other than their locations, are similar to those of the first movable terminal 11, the first movable contact portion 12, the first fixed contact portion 13, the first fixed terminal 14, the first fixed yoke 15, the first additional yoke 16, the second movable terminal 21, the second movable contact portion 22, the second fixed contact portion 23, the second fixed terminal 24, the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26, respectively, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0125] (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.

[0126] (2.1) Modification 1 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 14 , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 (upper extending yoke 161) is longer than the length of the first additional yoke 16 of the embodiment. Here, the "length L1 of the first additional yoke 16" refers to the length of the first additional yoke 16 extending from the first fixed yoke 15 toward the first movable terminal 11 in the opposing direction D1 in which the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 13 face each other (see FIG. 14 ). Specifically, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 is equal to or greater than the length of the first fixed terminal 14 including the first fixed contact portion 13 in the opposing direction D1. Here, the "length of the first fixed terminal 14 including the first fixed contact portion 13 in the opposing direction D1" refers to the sum of the length (thickness) of the first fixed piece 141 and the length (protrusion dimension) of the head 131 of the first fixed contact member in the opposing direction D1.

[0128] Furthermore, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 is equal to or less than the sum of the length of the first fixed terminal 14 including the first fixed contact portion 13 in the facing direction D1 and the length of the first movable contact portion 12. Here, the "length of the first movable contact portion 12 in the facing direction D1" refers to the length (protrusion dimension) of the head 121 of the first movable contact member. In other words, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 is equal to or less than the distance L2 between the first fixed yoke 15 and the predetermined surface 111 of the first movable terminal 11 in the facing direction D1 when the first movable contact portion 12 and the first fixed contact portion 13 are in contact with each other. Here, the "predetermined surface 111 of the first movable terminal 11" refers to the surface of the plate-shaped first movable terminal 11 on which the first movable contact portion 12 (the head 121 of the first movable contact member) is provided. In other words, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 is set to a length that prevents the protruding tip of the first additional yoke 16 from contacting the first movable terminal 11 in the contact state.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 14, in the contact state, the protruding tip of the first additional yoke 16 (upper extending yoke 161) overlaps with the first movable contact portion 12 (head portion 121 of the first movable contact member) in a top view.

[0130] In this way, by increasing the length of the first additional yoke 16, the distance from the protruding tip of the first additional yoke 16 to the first movable terminal 11 in the contact state becomes shorter, and the magnitude of the force F21 (see FIG. 10 ) acting on the first movable terminal 11 in the direction toward the first fixed piece 141 increases. As a result, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13 improves. The same applies to the second additional yoke 26.

[0131] Furthermore, the length L1 of the first additional fixed yoke 16 extending from the first fixed yoke 15 toward the first movable terminal 11 is longer than the length L4 from the second surface 1412 of the first fixed piece 141 to the surface 133, which is the surface facing the first movable contact portion 12 of the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0132] (2.2) Modification 2 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.

[0133] 15 , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the first additional yoke 16 is connected to both side ends (left end and right end) of the first fixed yoke 15, respectively, and includes two lateral extension yokes 162 extending rearward from both side ends of the first fixed yoke 15. The first magnetic member 51 is formed in a C-shape in top view by the first fixed yoke 15 and the first additional yoke 16 (two lateral extension yokes 162).

[0134] As shown in FIG. 16 , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 (lateral extending yoke 162) is longer than the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 (upper extending yoke 161) of the first modified example (see FIG. 14 ). Specifically, the length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 is equal to or greater than the sum of the length L31 of the first fixed terminal 14 including the first fixed contact portion 13 and the length L32 of the first movable terminal 11 including the first movable contact portion 12 in the facing direction D1 in the contact state. Here, the "length L32 of the first movable terminal 11 including the first movable contact portion 12 in the facing direction D1" refers to the sum of the length (thickness) of the first movable terminal 11 and the length (protrusion dimension) of the head 121 of the first movable contact member in the facing direction D1.

[0135] In the contact state, the first movable terminal 11 is located between the two lateral extension yokes 162 .

[0136] Similarly, in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the second additional yoke 26 is connected to both side ends (left end and right end) of the second fixed yoke 25, respectively, and includes two lateral extension yokes 262 extending rearward from both side ends of the second fixed yoke 25. The second magnetic member 52 is formed in a C-shape in top view by the second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26 (the two lateral extension yokes 262).

[0137] In this way, by increasing the length of the first additional yoke 16, it is possible to increase the magnitude of the force F21 acting on the first movable terminal 11 in the direction toward the first fixed piece 141. As a result, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13 is improved. The same applies to the second additional yoke 26.

[0138] The length of the lateral-side extending yoke 162 may be the same as the sum of the length L31 of the first fixed terminal 14 including the first fixed contact portion 13 in the opposing direction D1 and the length L32 of the first movable terminal 11 including the first movable contact portion 12. The length of the lateral-side extending yoke 162 may be shorter than the sum of the lengths L31 and L32. The first additional yoke 16 may include the lateral-side extending yoke 162 on only one of the left and right sides. The same applies to the second additional yoke 26.

[0139] (2.3) Modification 3 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG.

[0140] 18 , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, the first fixed yoke 15 is spaced apart from the first fixed piece 141. The first fixed yoke 15 is fixed to the body 91 of the housing 90 by, for example, press-fitting or bonding. The same applies to the second fixed yoke 25.

[0141] The contact device 10 of this modified example has the advantage that it is not necessary to provide a through hole in the first fixed yoke 15 for passing the body portion 132 of the first fixed contact member through. On the other hand, when the first fixed yoke 15 is in contact with the first fixed piece 141 as in the contact device 10 of the embodiment, there is the advantage that the first fixed yoke 15 can be brought closer to the first movable terminal 11.

[0142] In the contact device 10 of this modified example, it is sufficient that the first fixed yoke 15 is separated from the first fixed piece 141 (i.e., the first fixed yoke 15 and the first fixed piece 141 are not in contact), and the first fixed yoke 15 and the first fixed piece 141 may be connected via another conductive member.

[0143] (2.4) Modification 4 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.

[0144] In the contact device 10 of this modified example, the second fixed yoke 25 is connected to the first fixed yoke 15. Furthermore, the second additional yoke 26 is connected to the first additional yoke 16. Specifically, the first fixed yoke 15, the first additional yoke 16, the second fixed yoke 25, and the second additional yoke 26 are configured from a single magnetic member 55 that is L-shaped in side view.

[0145] Furthermore, the first fixed yoke 15 and the first additional yoke 16 are electrically insulated from the first fixed terminal 14. The second fixed yoke 25 and the second additional yoke 26 are electrically insulated from the second fixed terminal 24.

[0146] 20 , in the contact device 10 of this modified example, a magnetic field H101 that is clockwise in a top view and is generated by the first fixed yoke 15 (and the first additional yoke 16) causes a forward Lorentz force to act on the current I11 flowing through the first movable terminal 11. This improves the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13. Furthermore, a magnetic field H201 that is counterclockwise in a top view and is generated by the second fixed yoke 25 (and the second additional yoke 26) causes a forward Lorentz force to act on the current I21 flowing through the second movable terminal 21. This improves the reliability of maintaining contact of the second movable contact portion 22 with the second fixed contact portion 23.

[0147] (2.5) Modification 5 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 21 , the contact device 10 of this modified example does not include the first additional yoke 16 and the second additional yoke 26 .

[0149] In the contact device 10 of this modified example as well, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13 can be improved.

[0150] (2.6) Modification 6 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0151] The contact device 10 of this modified example further includes a first movable yoke 17. The first movable yoke 17 is fixed to the first movable terminal 11 and moves together with the first movable terminal 11. For example, when the first movable contact member is fixed to the first movable terminal 11 by crimping, the first movable yoke 17 is fixed to the first movable terminal 11 together with the first movable contact member.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 22 , in top view, the first fixed piece 141 of the first fixed terminal 14 and the first movable terminal 11 are located between the first movable yoke 17 and the first fixed yoke 15 .

[0153] The contact device 10 of this modified example further includes a first additional movable yoke 18. The first additional movable yoke 18 is formed integrally with the first movable yoke 17. The first additional movable yoke 18 is connected to both side ends (left end and right end) of the first movable yoke 17, respectively, and includes two lateral extension yokes 182 extending forward from both side ends of the first movable yoke 17. The first movable yoke 17 and the first additional movable yoke 18 (the two lateral extension yokes 182) form a C-shape in top view. The protruding tips of the two lateral extension yokes 182 of the first additional movable yoke 18 face the protruding tips of the two lateral extension yokes 162 of the first additional yoke 16, respectively.

[0154] In the contact device 10 of this modified example, the first movable yoke 17 and the first additional movable yoke 18 form a magnetic path for the magnetic field H101. Therefore, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first fixed yoke 15 and the first movable yoke 17 (more specifically, between the opposing lateral extension yokes 162, 182). As a result, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13 is improved.

[0155] The first additional yoke 16 may include a lateral extension yoke 162 on only one of the left and right sides, or the first additional yoke 16 may not be provided. The first additional movable yoke 18 may include a lateral extension yoke 182 on only one of the left and right sides, or the first additional movable yoke 18 may not be provided.

[0156] The second movable terminal 21 and the like may also be provided with a movable yoke and an additional movable yoke.

[0157] (2.7) Modification 7 A contact device 10 and an electromagnetic relay 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0158] Note that the following describes differences from Modification 1 described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 or Modification 6 described with reference to Fig. 22. Configurations similar to those of Modification 1 or Modification 6 may be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0159] The contact device 10 of this modified example further includes a first movable yoke 17. The first movable yoke 17 is fixed to the first movable terminal 11 (first movable piece 611) and moves together with the first movable terminal 11.

[0160] The contact device 10 of this modified example further includes a first additional movable yoke 18. The first additional movable yoke 18 is formed integrally with the first movable yoke 17. In the sixth modified example, the first additional movable yoke 18 is connected to both side ends (left and right ends) of the first movable yoke 17, but in this modified example, the first additional movable yoke 18 extends from the lower end of the first movable yoke 17 toward the first fixed piece 141. At least a portion of the first fixed yoke 15 is located above the lower end of the first movable contact portion 12. The length L1 of the first additional yoke 16 extending from the side surface (side end) of the upper end of the first fixed yoke 15 toward the first movable terminal 11 (first movable piece 611) is longer than the length L4 from the second surface 1412 of the first fixed piece 141 to the surface 133, which is the surface of the first fixed contact portion 13 facing the first movable contact portion 12.

[0161] This configuration makes it possible to improve the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13. Because the first fixed yoke 15 is in contact with the first fixed piece 141, the first fixed yoke 15 can be brought closer to the first movable terminal 11. Furthermore, because the first additional yoke 16 (additional fixed yoke) is formed integrally with the first fixed yoke 15 and extends from the first fixed yoke 15 toward the first movable terminal 11, the force F21 acting on the first movable terminal 11 in the direction toward the first fixed piece 141 can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion 12 to separate from the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0162] The first movable yoke 17 includes a first portion 171 and a second portion 172 , and the first portion 171 is spaced apart from the first movable piece 611 , while the second portion 172 is in contact with the first movable piece 611 .

[0163] Since the first portion 171, which is the upper portion of the first movable yoke 17, is separated from the first movable piece 611 (first movable terminal 11), the first movable piece 611 is more likely to bend when the first movable contact portion 12 approaches the first fixed contact portion 13. Therefore, this configuration can improve the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion 12 with the first fixed contact portion 13.

[0164] Although the contact device shown in FIG. 23 does not include the contactor 62, the contactor 62 may be further configured to overlap the movable piece 611 (movable spring 61) as in the other embodiments.

[0165] (3) Aspects As can be seen from the above-described embodiment and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0166] The contact device (10) of the first aspect includes a first movable contact portion (12), a first movable piece (611) having the first movable contact portion (12) provided so as to face a first surface, a first fixed contact portion (13) provided so as to face the first movable contact portion (12), a first fixed piece (141) extending from top to bottom and having the first fixed contact portion (13) provided on its first surface, a first fixed yoke (15) arranged so as to face a second surface (1412) of the first fixed piece (141) which is the surface opposite to the first surface (1411) of the first fixed piece (141), and a first fixed piece (1412). and a first additional yoke (16) formed integrally with the fixed yoke (15) and extending from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable piece (611), at least a portion of the first fixed yoke (15) being located above the lower end of the first movable contact portion (12), and the length (L1) of the first additional yoke (16) extending from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable piece (611) being longer than the length (L4) from the second surface (1412) of the first fixed piece (141) to the surface of the first fixed contact portion (13) facing the first movable contact portion (12).

[0167] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13). Also, the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0168] In the second aspect of the contact device (10), the first additional yoke (16) extends from the upper end of the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable piece (611). According to this aspect, the force (F21) acting on the first movable piece (611) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0169] In the contact device (10) of the third aspect, the first additional yoke (16) extends from the side end of the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable piece (611).

[0170] According to this aspect, the force (F21) acting on the first movable piece (611) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0171] The contact device (10) of the fourth aspect further includes a first movable yoke (17) arranged to face the second surface of the first movable piece (611), which is the surface opposite to the first surface of the first movable piece (611). According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0172] The contact device (10) of the fifth aspect further comprises a first additional movable yoke (18) that is formed integrally with the first movable yoke (17) and extends from the first movable yoke (17).

[0173] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0174] In the contact device (10) of the sixth aspect, the first additional movable yoke (18) extends from the lower end of the first movable yoke (17) toward the first fixed piece (141).

[0175] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0176] In the seventh aspect of the contact device (10), the first movable yoke (17) includes a first portion (171) and a second portion (172) located below the first portion (171), the first portion (171) is spaced apart from the first movable piece (611), and the second portion (172) is in contact with the first movable piece (611).

[0177] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0178] The contact device (10) of the eighth aspect further comprises a contactor (62) provided between the first movable piece (611) and the first movable contact portion (12).

[0179] In the contact device (10) of the ninth aspect, the thickness of the first fixed piece (141) between the first surface (1411) of the first fixed piece (141) and the second surface (1412) of the first fixed piece (141) is thicker than the thickness of the first movable piece (611) between the first surface of the first movable piece (611) and the second surface of the first movable piece (611).

[0180] The electromagnetic relay (100) of the tenth aspect includes the contact device (10) of any one of the first to ninth aspects, and an electromagnet device (70) having a coil (7) and moving the first movable piece (611) so that the first movable contact portion (12) moves toward the first fixed contact portion (13) in response to the passage of current through the coil (7).

[0181] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0182] (4) Supplementary Notes As can be seen from the above-described embodiment and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0183] The contact devices of the first to fifteenth aspects will be further described below as supplementary notes.

[0184] A contact device (10) according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first movable terminal (11), a first fixed terminal (14), and a first fixed yoke (15). The first movable terminal (11) has a first movable contact portion (12). The first fixed terminal (14) includes a first fixed piece (141). The first fixed piece (141) is plate-shaped and extends from top to bottom. The first fixed piece (141) has a first surface (1411) facing the first movable contact portion (12) and a second surface (1412) opposite the first surface (1411). The first fixed piece (141) has a first fixed contact portion (13) facing the first movable contact portion (12). The first fixed yoke (15) faces the second surface (1412) of the first fixed piece (141). A current (I11) flows from top to bottom through the first movable terminal (11). A current (I12) flows from top to bottom through the first fixed piece (141). At least a portion of the first fixed yoke (15) is located above the lower end of the first movable contact portion (12).

[0185] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0186] In the contact device (10) of the second aspect as an appendix, in the first aspect, the first fixed yoke (15) is in contact with the first fixed piece (141).

[0187] According to this aspect, the first fixed yoke (15) can be brought closer to the first movable terminal (11).

[0188] In the contact device (10) of the third aspect as an appendix, in the first aspect, the first fixed yoke (15) is spaced apart from the first fixed piece (141).

[0189] According to this aspect, there is no need to provide a through hole in the first fixed yoke (15).

[0190] The contact device (10) of a fourth aspect as an appendix is ​​any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a first additional yoke (16). The first additional yoke (16) is formed integrally with the first fixed yoke (15) and extends from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable terminal (11).

[0191] According to this aspect, the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0192] In the contact device (10) of the fifth aspect as an appendix, in the fourth aspect, the first additional yoke (16) is connected to the upper end of the first fixed yoke (15).

[0193] According to this aspect, the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0194] In the contact device (10) of the sixth aspect as an appendix, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the first additional yoke (16) is connected to a side end of the first fixed yoke (15).

[0195] According to this aspect, the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, making it even more difficult for the first movable contact portion (12) to separate from the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0196] In a seventh aspect of the contact device (10), in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, in a contact state in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) are in contact, the length (L1) of the first additional yoke (16) extending from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable terminal (11) in the facing direction (D1) is equal to or greater than the sum of the length (L31) of the first fixed terminal (14) in the facing direction (D1) and the length (L32) of the first movable terminal (11). The facing direction (D1) is the direction in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) face each other. The length (L31) of the first fixed terminal (14) is the length of the first fixed terminal (14) including the first fixed contact portion (13). The length (L32) of the first movable terminal (11) is the length of the first movable terminal (11) including the first movable contact portion (12).

[0197] According to this aspect, the magnitude of the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0198] In a contact device (10) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the first movable contact portion (12) is provided so as to protrude from a predetermined surface (111) of the plate-shaped first movable terminal (11) toward the first fixed contact portion (13). In a contact state in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) are in contact, the length (L1) of the first additional yoke (16) extending from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable terminal (11) in the facing direction (D1) is equal to or less than the distance (L2) between the first fixed yoke (15) and the predetermined surface (111) of the first movable terminal (11) in the facing direction (D1). The facing direction (D1) is the direction in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) face each other.

[0199] According to this aspect, the magnitude of the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0200] The contact device (10) of a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, further including an extension member (first extension member 623). The extension member extends from an upper end of the first movable terminal (11) in a direction intersecting the up-down direction.

[0201] According to this aspect, the magnitude of the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0202] The contact device (10) of a tenth aspect as an appendix is ​​the ninth aspect, further comprising a first additional yoke (16). The first additional yoke (16) is formed integrally with the first fixed yoke (15) and extends from the first fixed yoke (15) toward the first movable terminal (11). In a contact state in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) are in contact with each other, at least a portion of the first additional yoke (16) overlaps with the extension member (first extension member 623) in a top view.

[0203] According to this aspect, the magnitude of the force (F21) acting on the first movable terminal (11) in the direction toward the first fixed piece (141) can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0204] The contact device (10) of an eleventh aspect, as an appendix, is any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising a second movable terminal (21), a second fixed terminal (24), and a second fixed yoke (25). The second movable terminal (21) is aligned with the first movable terminal (11) in an alignment direction (D2). The alignment direction (D2) is a direction intersecting the opposing direction (D1) in which the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) face each other and the up-down direction. The second movable terminal (21) is connected to the first movable terminal (11). The second movable terminal (21) has a second movable contact portion (22). The second fixed terminal (24) includes a second fixed piece (241). The second fixed piece (241) is plate-shaped and extends from top to bottom. The second fixed piece (241) has a third surface (2411) facing the second movable contact portion (22) and a fourth surface (2412) opposite the third surface (2411). The second fixed piece (241) has a second fixed contact portion (23) facing the second movable contact portion (22). The second fixed piece (241) is aligned in the alignment direction (D2) with the first fixed piece (141) of the first fixed terminal (14). The second fixed yoke (25) faces the fourth surface (2412) of the second fixed piece (241).

[0205] According to this aspect, the magnitude of the force (F22) acting on the second movable terminal (21) in the direction toward the second fixed piece (241) can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of maintaining contact of the second movable contact portion (22) with the second fixed contact portion (23).

[0206] In the contact device (10) of the twelfth aspect as an appendix, in the eleventh aspect, the second fixed yoke (25) is connected to the first fixed yoke (15). The first fixed yoke (15) is electrically insulated from the first fixed terminal (14). The second fixed yoke (25) is electrically insulated from the second fixed terminal (24).

[0207] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved, and the reliability of maintaining contact of the second movable contact portion (22) with the second fixed contact portion (23) is improved.

[0208] In the contact device (10) of the 13th aspect as an addendum, in the 11th or 12th aspect, the first fixed piece (141) of the first fixed terminal (14) and the second fixed piece (241) of the second fixed terminal (24) face each other without a permanent magnet sandwiched between them.

[0209] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact of the first movable contact portion (12) with the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved, and the reliability of maintaining contact of the second movable contact portion (22) with the second fixed contact portion (23) is improved.

[0210] The contact device (10) of a 14th aspect as an appendix is ​​any one of the first to 13th aspects, further comprising a first movable yoke (17) fixed to the first movable terminal (11). In top view, the first fixed piece (141) of the first fixed terminal (14) and the first movable terminal (11) are located between the first movable yoke (17) and the first fixed yoke (15).

[0211] According to this aspect, the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13) is improved.

[0212] An electromagnetic relay (100) of a fifteenth aspect includes the contact device (10) of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects and an electromagnet device (70). The electromagnet device (70) includes a coil (71) and moves a first movable terminal (11) relative to a first fixed terminal (14) in response to energization of the coil (71).

[0213] According to this aspect, an electromagnetic relay (100) can be provided that includes a contact device (10) that improves the reliability of maintaining contact between the first movable contact portion (12) and the first fixed contact portion (13).

[0214] 100 Electromagnetic relay 10 Contact device 11 First movable terminal 111 Specified surface 12 First movable contact portion 13 First fixed contact portion 14 First fixed terminal 141 First fixed piece 1411 First surface 1412 Second surface 15 First fixed yoke 16 First additional yoke (additional fixed yoke) 17 First movable yoke 171 First part 172 Second part 18 First additional movable yoke 21 Second movable terminal 22 Second movable contact portion 23 Second fixed contact portion 24 Second fixed terminal 241 Second fixed piece 2411 Third surface 2412 Fourth surface 25 Second fixed yoke 26 Second additional yoke (additional fixed yoke) 61 Movable spring 611 First movable piece 612 Second movable piece 62 Contactor 623 First extension member (extension member) 70 Electromagnet device 71 Coil D1 Opposing direction D2 Arrangement direction I11 Current I12 Current L1 Length L2 Distance L31 Length L32 Length L4 Length

Claims

1. A contact device comprising: a movable contact portion; a movable piece having the movable contact portion disposed opposite a first surface; a fixed contact portion disposed opposite the movable contact portion; a fixed piece extending from top to bottom and having the fixed contact portion disposed on a first surface; a fixed yoke disposed opposite a second surface of the fixed piece which is the surface opposite the first surface of the fixed piece; and an additional fixed yoke formed integrally with the fixed yoke and extending from the fixed yoke toward the movable piece, wherein at least a portion of the fixed yoke is located above a lower end of the movable contact portion, and the length by which the additional fixed yoke extends from the fixed yoke toward the movable piece is longer than the length from the second surface of the fixed piece to the surface of the fixed contact piece facing the movable contact portion.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the additional fixed yoke extends from an upper end of the fixed yoke toward the movable piece.

3. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the additional fixed yoke extends from a side end of the fixed yoke toward the movable piece.

4. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a movable yoke provided so as to face a second surface of the movable piece, the second surface being the surface of the movable piece opposite to the first surface.

5. The contact device according to claim 4, further comprising an additional movable yoke formed integrally with and extending from said movable yoke.

6. The contact device according to claim 5, wherein the additional movable yoke extends from the lower end of the movable yoke toward the fixed piece.

7. A contact device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the movable yoke includes a first portion and a second portion located below the first portion, the first portion being spaced apart from the movable piece, and the second portion being in contact with the movable piece.

8. The contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a contactor provided between the movable piece and the movable contact portion.

9. A contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thickness of the fixed piece between the first surface of the fixed piece and the second surface of the fixed piece is thicker than the thickness of the movable piece between the first surface of the movable piece and the second surface of the movable piece.

10. An electromagnetic relay comprising: the contact device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an electromagnet device having a coil, which moves the movable piece so that the movable contact portion moves toward the fixed contact portion in response to the flow of current through the coil.

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