Contact device

Abstract

A purpose of the present disclosure is to make it difficult for an operation failure to occur. Provided is a contact device wherein a recess (21) of a movable contact (20) includes a first bottom surface (21a), a second bottom surface (21b), a first side wall surface (21c), and a second side wall surface (21d). The second bottom surface (21b) is positioned below the first bottom surface (21a) and contacts an upper end (30A) of a coil spring (30). The first side wall surface (21c) connects a lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) and the first bottom surface (21a). The second side wall surface (21d) connects the lower surface (22) and the second bottom surface (21b) of the movable contact (20). A distance (L1) between an outer surface (31) of the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30) and the first side wall surface (21c) of the recess (21) is smaller than a distance (L2) between the outer surface (31) of the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30) and the second side wall surface (21d) of the recess (21).

Description

contact device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact device, and more particularly to a contact device that is disposed between a power source and a load to control power supply to the load, or that is electrically connected to a power source to suppress inrush current.

[0002] A conventional contact device includes a fixed terminal having a fixed contact, a movable contactor having a movable contact that contacts the fixed contact, and a coil spring disposed below the movable contactor. The movable contactor is disposed below the fixed contact and moves upward to bring the movable contact into contact with the fixed contact. The movable contactor also has a recess that recesses upward from the lower surface of the movable contactor. The upper end of the coil spring is disposed in the recess of the movable contactor. Such conventional contact devices are known from the following prior art documents 1 (Patent Document 1) and 2 (Patent Document 2).

[0003] In such conventional contact devices, it is difficult to form the bottom surface of the recess of the movable contactor and the side wall surface of the recess at a right angle, and the corner where the bottom surface and the side wall surface of the recess connect is likely to be curved or sloped. Therefore, if the coil spring is misaligned during manufacturing, or if the coil spring is compressed, stretched, or bent during operation, the coil spring may ride up onto the side wall surface, causing a malfunction.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4645659 Japanese Patent No. 4586861

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a contact device that is less likely to cause malfunctions.

[0006] A contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixed terminal having a fixed contact, a movable contactor disposed below the fixed contact and having a movable contact in contact with the fixed contact, the movable contactor moving in an up-down direction, and a coil spring disposed below the movable contactor. The movable contactor further includes a recess recessed upward from a lower surface of the movable contactor and accommodating an upper end of the coil spring. The recess of the movable contactor includes a first bottom surface located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the upper surface of the movable contactor, a second bottom surface located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the first bottom surface and in contact with the upper end of the coil spring, a first sidewall surface connecting the lower surface of the movable contactor to the first bottom surface, and a second sidewall surface connecting the lower surface of the movable contactor to the second bottom surface. The distance between the outer surface of the upper end of the coil spring and the first sidewall surface of the recess of the movable contactor is smaller than the distance between the outer surface of the upper end of the coil spring and the second sidewall surface of the recess.

[0007] A contact device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a fixed terminal having a fixed contact, a movable contactor disposed below the fixed contact and having a movable contact in contact with the fixed contact, the movable contactor moving in an up-down direction, and a coil spring disposed below the movable contactor. The movable contactor further includes a recess recessed upward from the lower surface of the movable contactor and accommodating the upper end of the coil spring. The recess of the movable contactor includes a bottom surface located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the upper surface of the movable contactor, the bottom surface contacting the upper end of the coil spring, a sidewall surface connecting the lower surface and bottom surface of the movable contactor, and a corner where the sidewall surface and bottom surface intersect. When the coil spring is moved toward the corner, the outer surface of the coil spring contacts the sidewall surface of the recess before contacting the corner of the recess.

[0008] The present disclosure having the above configuration can provide a contact device that is less likely to cause malfunctions.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a contact device according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a movable contactor and a coil spring according to an embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a movable contactor and a coil spring according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0010] A contact device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 to 3, which are referred to in the following embodiments, are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Contact Device As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the contact device 100 includes a fixed terminal 10, a movable contact 20, and a coil spring 30.

[0012] The fixed terminal 10 has a fixed contact 10a.

[0013] The movable contactor 20 is disposed below the fixed contact 10a. The movable contactor 20 also has a movable contact 20A below the fixed contact 10a. The movable contactor 20 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and when the movable contactor 20 moves upward, the movable contact 20A comes into contact with the fixed contact 10a.

[0014] The movable contact 20 has a recess 21. The recess 21 is recessed upward from a lower surface 22 of the movable contact 20. The recess 21 accommodates an upper end 30A of the coil spring 30.

[0015] The recess 21 will now be described. The recess 21 has a bottom surface and side wall surfaces. The bottom surface is located below the top surface of the movable contactor 20. The side wall surfaces connect the bottom surface and the lower surface of the movable contactor 20. The corners where the bottom surface and the side wall surfaces connect are slightly curved or slightly inclined.

[0016] In the movable contactor 20 of the contact device 100, the bottom surface of the recess 21 has a first bottom surface 21a and a second bottom surface 21b. The first bottom surface 21a is located higher than the lower surface of the movable contactor 20 and lower than the upper surface of the movable contactor 20. The second bottom surface is located higher than the lower surface of the movable contactor 20 and lower than the first bottom surface 21a, and comes into contact with the upper end portion 30A of the coil spring 30.

[0017] Here, the recess 21 has four second bottom surfaces 21b1, 21b2, 21b3, and 21b4. Hereinafter, unless a particular second bottom surface is specified, it will simply be referred to as the second bottom surface 21b.

[0018] Here, second bottom surface 21b1 and second bottom surface 21b2 face each other across the hollow portion of coil spring 30 in bottom view, and second bottom surface 21b3 and second bottom surface 21b4 face each other across the hollow portion of coil spring 30 in bottom view. The four second bottom surfaces 21b1, 21b2, 21b3, and 21b4 are separated by first bottom surface 21a. Each of the four second bottom surfaces 21b1, 21b2, 21b3, and 21b4 is in contact with upper end portion 30A of coil spring 30. Therefore, a gap is formed between first bottom surface 21a and coil spring 30 by second bottom surface 21b.

[0019] The number of second bottom surfaces 21b does not need to be four, and may be one as long as contact stability (stability of contact pressure) with the coil spring 30 can be ensured.

[0020] In the movable contactor 20 of the contact device 100, the side wall surfaces of the recess 21 include a first side wall surface 21c and a second side wall surface 21d. The first side wall surface 21c connects the lower surface of the movable contactor 20 to the first bottom surface 21a.

[0021] Further, the second side wall surface 21d connects the lower surface of the movable contact 20 and the second bottom surface 21b. Here, since the recess 21 has four second bottom surfaces 21b, the recess 21 has four second side wall surfaces 21d1, 21d2, 21d3, and 21d4. Hereinafter, when no particular second side wall surface is specified, it will simply be referred to as the second bottom surface 21b.

[0022] The recess 21 is formed so that when the coil spring 30 is placed within the recess 21, the distance L1 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the first side wall surface 21c of the recess 21 is smaller than the distance L2 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the second side wall surface 21d of the recess 21.

[0023] The contact device 100 has the above-described configuration. The second bottom surface 21 b provides a gap between the coil spring 30 and the first bottom surface 21 a, thereby restricting contact between the outer surface 31 of the coil spring 30 and the corner 21 e where the first bottom surface 21 a and the first side wall surface 21 c connect.

[0024] Furthermore, even if the coil spring 30 moves toward the corner 21 e where the second bottom surface 21 b 1 and the second side wall surface 21 d 1 are connected, because L1 < L2, the coil spring 30 will come into contact with the first side wall surface 21 c (at least one of the first side wall surface 21 c located between the second side wall surface 21 d 1 and the second side wall surface 21 d 4 and the first side wall surface 21 c located between the second side wall surface 21 d 1 and the second side wall surface 21 d 3) before coming into contact with the corner 21 e between the second bottom surface 21 b 1 and the second side wall surface 21 d. The same is true for the other three corners 21 e between the second bottom surface 21 b and the second side wall surface 21 d, so contact of the coil spring 30 with the corner 21 e of the second bottom surface 21 b and the second side wall surface 21 d is also restricted.

[0025] In this way, the contact device 100 has the recess 21 that allows the outer surface 31 of the coil spring 30 to come into contact with the side wall surface of the recess 21 before coming into contact with the corner 21 e of the recess 21. Therefore, the present disclosure can prevent the coil spring 30 from riding up onto the side wall surface (first side wall surface 21 c or second side wall surface 21 d), making it less likely to cause malfunction.

[0026] (2) Electromagnetic Relay As shown in Fig. 1 , an electromagnetic relay 400 according to the embodiment includes a contact device 100, an electromagnet device 200, and a housing 300. The electromagnetic relay 400 is provided in, for example, an electric vehicle. The electromagnetic relay 400 switches between supplying and not supplying current from a power source of the electric vehicle to a motor, for example.

[0027] (3) Components of the Contact Device As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact device 100 includes a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 1 ) fixed terminals 10, a movable contact 20, a coil spring 30 (contact pressure spring), a holder 40, a drive shaft 50, a shielding member 60, an inner case 70, and a connecting body 80.

[0028] Hereinafter, each component of the contact device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (3.1) Fixed Terminals As shown in Fig. 1, the fixed terminals 10 each have a plurality of fixed contacts 10a (one in the example of Fig. 1). More specifically, each of the fixed terminals 10 has a fixed contact 10a and a terminal body 10b.

[0030] Each of the multiple fixed terminals 10 is made of a conductive material such as copper. Each fixed terminal 10 is cylindrical. Each fixed terminal 10 is inserted into a through-hole 71 formed in the inner case 70. Each fixed terminal 10 is joined to the inner case 70 by brazing, with its upper end protruding from the top surface of the inner case 70.

[0031] In each fixed terminal 10, the fixed contact 10a is provided at the lower end of the terminal body 10b. Note that in each fixed terminal 10, the fixed contact 10a may be formed integrally with the terminal body 10b.

[0032] (3.2) Movable Contactor As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable contactor 20 is formed in a flat plate shape and is disposed below the fixed contact 10a. The movable contactor 20 moves in the up-down direction (first direction). The movable contactor 20 extends in the left-right direction (second direction) that is perpendicular to the up-down direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the movable contactor 20 is along the left-right direction.

[0033] The movable contactor 20 has a plurality of movable contacts 20A (two in FIG. 2 ) and a contactor body 20B. The plurality of movable contacts 20A are provided on both left and right end portions of the upper surface of the movable contactor 20 (contactor body 20B). The plurality of movable contacts 20A correspond one-to-one with the plurality of fixed contacts 10a. Each movable contact 20A faces a corresponding fixed contact 10a. In this embodiment, the plurality of movable contacts 20A are separate from the contactor body 20B (portions of the movable contactor 20 other than the plurality of movable contacts 20A), but may also be integrated with the contactor body 20B.

[0034] The movable contactor 20 moves in the vertical direction. More specifically, the electromagnet device 200 generates an electromagnetic force that drives the movable contactor 20, and as the movable contactor 20 is driven, the movable contactor 20 moves in the vertical direction. As the movable contactor 20 moves, each movable contact 20A moves in the vertical direction and assumes one of two states: a state in which it is in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 10a, and a state in which it is separated from the corresponding fixed contact 10a. More specifically, the electromagnet device 200 generates an electromagnetic force that drives the movable contactor 20, and as the movable contactor 20 is driven, each movable contact 20A changes from a state in which it is separated from the corresponding fixed contact 10a to a state in which it is in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 10a. This establishes electrical continuity between the two fixed contacts 10a. Furthermore, when the electromagnet device 200 is not generating an electromagnetic force, each movable contact 20A is separated from the corresponding fixed contact 10a by the spring force of the return spring 250 provided in the electromagnet device 200. This results in a state where there is no electrical continuity between the two fixed contacts 10a.

[0035] The direction in which each fixed contact 10a and the corresponding movable contact 20A face each other coincides with the up-and-down direction, which is the direction in which the movable contactor 20 and each movable contact 20A of the movable contactor 20 move.

[0036] (3.3) Coil Spring As shown in FIG. 1 , the coil spring 30 is disposed below the movable contactor 20. More specifically, the coil spring 30 is disposed between the movable contactor 20 and a lower wall 42 (described below) of the holder 40, with the extension direction facing the up-down direction. The coil spring 30 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The coil spring 30 applies an upward spring force to the movable contactor 20. In other words, the coil spring 30 applies a spring force to the movable contactor 20 in a direction that moves it toward the multiple fixed contacts 10 a.

[0037] (3.4) Holder As shown in Fig. 1, the holder 40 has an upper wall 41, a lower wall 42, and a pair of side walls 43 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 1). The upper wall 41 and the lower wall 42 face each other in the vertical direction. The movable contact 20 passes between the upper wall 41 and the lower wall 42.

[0038] (3.5) Drive Shaft The drive shaft 50 shown in FIG. 1 has a round rod shape. The axial direction of the drive shaft 50 is aligned with the vertical direction. The upper end of the drive shaft 50 is coupled to the holder 40. The drive shaft 50 is connected to the movable contactor 20 via the holder 40. The lower end of the drive shaft 50 is coupled to the movable core 230 provided in the electromagnet device 200. As the state of the electromagnet device 200 switches between a state in which electromagnetic force is generated and a state in which electromagnetic force is not generated, the drive shaft 50 moves vertically. Accordingly, the holder 40 moves vertically, and the movable contactor 20 passed through the holder 40 moves vertically. In other words, the movable contactor 20 moves in a direction in which the fixed contact 10a and the movable contactor 20A face each other. In other words, the drive shaft 50 moves the movable contactor 20 vertically. Therefore, the drive shaft 50 moves the movable contactor 20 between a state in which each movable contact 20A is in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 10a and a state in which each movable contact 20A is separated from the corresponding fixed contact 10a.

[0039] (3.6) Shielding Member The shielding member 60 shown in FIG. 1 has electrical insulation properties. The shielding member 60 is formed of an electrically insulating material, such as ceramic or synthetic resin. The shielding member 60 is housed in the housing chamber 72. In the contact device 100, when each movable contact 20A goes from being in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 10a to being separated from it, an arc may occur between the movable contact 20A and the fixed contact 10a. The shielding member 60 shields the arc that occurs between the fixed contact 10a and the movable contact 20A.

[0040] (3.7) Inner Case The inner case 70 shown in FIG. 1 is made of a heat-resistant material such as ceramic. The inner case 70 is box-shaped with an open bottom. Two through holes 71 are formed in the top surface of the inner case 70, aligned in the left-right direction. The space inside the inner case 70 is an accommodation chamber 72 that accommodates multiple fixed contacts 10a and multiple movable contacts 20A. In other words, the contact device 100 has the accommodation chamber 72. An arc-extinguishing gas such as hydrogen is sealed in the accommodation chamber 72. The accommodation chamber 72 does not have to be sealed, and may be connected to the external environment.

[0041] (3.8) Connector The connector 80 shown in Fig. 1 has a rectangular frame shape. The connector 80 is joined to the inner case 70 by brazing. Furthermore, the connector 80 is joined to the yoke 240 provided in the electromagnet device 200 by brazing. In this way, the connector 80 connects the inner case 70 and the yoke 240.

[0042] (3.9) Details of the Movable Contactor and Coil Spring As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable contactor 20 has a recess 21. The recess 21 is recessed upward from the lower surface 22 of the movable contactor 20, and accommodates the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30.

[0043] The recess 21 includes a first bottom surface 21a, a plurality of (four in the example of Figure 2) second bottom surfaces 21b, a first side wall surface 21c, a plurality of (four in the example of Figure 2) second side wall surfaces 21d, and a plurality of (four in the example of Figure 2) corner portions 21e.

[0044] The first bottom surface 21a is located above the lower surface 22 of the movable contactor 20 and below the upper surface 23 of the movable contactor 20. The second bottom surface 21b is located above the lower surface 22 of the movable contactor 20 and below the first bottom surface 21a, and comes into contact with the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30.

[0045] The first side wall surface 21c connects the lower surface 22 of the movable contact 20 to the first bottom surface 21a. The multiple second side wall surfaces 21d correspond to the multiple second bottom surfaces 21b. Each of the multiple second side wall surfaces 21d connects the lower surface 22 of the movable contact 20 to a corresponding one of the multiple second bottom surfaces 21b.

[0046] The distance between the lower surface 22 of the movable contactor 20 and the second bottom surface 21b in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance between the lower surface 22 of the movable contactor 20 and the corner between the first bottom surface 21a and the first side wall surface 21c in the vertical direction.

[0047] The multiple corners 21e are portions where the second bottom surface 21b and the second side wall surface 21d intersect. Corner 21e1 is a portion where the second bottom surface 21b1 and the second side wall surface 21d1 intersect. Corner 21e2 is a portion where the second bottom surface 21b2 and the second side wall surface 21d2 intersect. Corner 21e3 is a portion where the second bottom surface 21b3 and the second side wall surface 21d3 intersect. Corner 21e4 is a portion where the second bottom surface 21b4 and the second side wall surface 21d4 intersect.

[0048] The distance L1 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the first side wall surface 21c of the recess 21 is smaller than the distance L2 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the second side wall surface 21d of the recess 21.

[0049] When the coil spring 30 is moved toward the corner 21 e , the outer surface 31 of the coil spring 30 comes into contact with the second side wall surface 21 d of the recess 21 before coming into contact with the corner 21 e of the recess 21 .

[0050] The second side wall surfaces 21d are spaced apart at 90° intervals in a top-bottom plan view. More specifically, second side wall surfaces 21d1 and 21d2 face each other, and second side wall surfaces 21d3 and 21d4 face each other in a top-bottom plan view.

[0051] The first bottom surface 21a includes a plurality of (four in the example of FIG. 2) first portions 21g and a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 2) second portions 21h. Each of the plurality of first portions 21g is a portion whose width increases from the first side wall surface 21c toward the center C1 of the first bottom surface 21a in a plan view from the top-bottom direction.

[0052] In each of the multiple first portions 21g, when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction, the width W1 at a position close to the center C1 of the first bottom surface 21a is wider than the width W2 at a position close to the first side wall surface 21c of the first portion 21g of the first bottom surface 21a.

[0053] In a plan view from the top-bottom direction, a distance L3 between the center C1 of the first bottom surface 21a and the first side wall surface 21c is smaller than a distance L4 between the center C1 of the first bottom surface 21a and the second side wall surface 21d.

[0054] 1, the electromagnet device 200 includes an exciting coil 210, a coil bobbin 220, a movable core 230, a yoke 240, a return spring 250, a cylindrical member 260, and a bushing 270. The electromagnet device 200 also includes a pair of coil terminals to which both ends of the exciting coil 210 are connected. Each coil terminal is made of a conductive material such as copper, and is connected to a lead wire by solder or the like.

[0055] (4.1) Coil Bobbin The coil bobbin 220 shown in Fig. 1 is formed from a material such as resin. The coil bobbin 220 has multiple (two in the example of Fig. 1) flanges 221, 222 and a cylindrical portion 223. The excitation coil 210 is wound around the cylindrical portion 223. The flange 221 extends outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 223 from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 223. The flange 222 extends outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 223 from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 223.

[0056] (4.2) Movable iron core The movable iron core 230 shown in Fig. 1 is made of a magnetic material. The movable iron core 230 has a cylindrical shape. The movable iron core 230 is housed in a cylindrical member 260. The drive shaft 50 passes through the inside of the movable iron core 230, and the movable iron core 230 and the drive shaft 50 are connected to each other. The movable iron core 230 has a recess 231 recessed downward from the top surface.

[0057] (4.3) Yoke The yoke 240 shown in FIG. 1 forms at least a part of a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 210 passes when the excitation coil 210 is energized. The yoke 240 has a plate-shaped first yoke 241, a plate-shaped second yoke 242, and a pair of plate-shaped third yokes 243. The first yoke 241 is disposed between the movable contact 20 and the excitation coil 210. The first yoke 241 contacts the upper surface of the coil bobbin 220. The second yoke 242 contacts the lower surface of the coil bobbin 220. The pair of third yokes 243 extend from both left and right ends of the second yoke 242 to the first yoke 241. The first yoke 241 has a rectangular plate shape. An insertion hole 244 is formed in approximately the center of the first yoke 241. The drive shaft 50 passes through the insertion hole 244.

[0058] 1 is, for example, a compression coil spring. A first end of the return spring 250 in the expansion / contraction direction (vertical direction) is in contact with the first yoke 241, and a second end is in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 231 of the movable core 230. The return spring 250 applies a spring force to the movable core 230 to move the movable core 230 downward.

[0059] 1 is a cylindrical member having an open top and a closed bottom. The cylindrical member 260 is housed in the cylindrical portion 223 of the coil bobbin 220.

[0060] (4.6) Bushing The bushing 270 shown in Fig. 1 is made of a magnetic material. The bushing 270 has a cylindrical shape. The bushing 270 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the coil bobbin 220 and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 260. The bushing 270, together with the first yoke 241, the second yoke 242, the third yoke 243, and the movable core 230, forms a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux generated when the exciting coil 210 is energized passes.

[0061] (5) Housing As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 300 has a first body 310 and a second body 320. The first body 310 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the bottom surface. The second body 320 is formed in a box shape with an opening on the top surface. The first body 310 and the second body 320 are made of a resin material. The housing 300 houses the contact device 100 and the electromagnet device 200. The housing 300 is airtight.

[0062] (6) Operation of Contact Device and Electromagnetic Relay Hereinafter, the operation of the contact device 100 and the electromagnetic relay 400 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0063] When the excitation coil 210 is energized, the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 210 passes through a magnetic circuit (a magnetic circuit formed by the movable core 230, the yoke 240, and the bushing 270), and the movable core 230 moves so as to reduce the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit. Specifically, when the excitation coil 210 is energized, the movable core 230 moves upward so as to fill the gap between the first yoke 241 of the magnetic circuit and the upper end of the movable core 230. More specifically, the electromagnetic force that tries to move the movable core 230 upward exceeds the force (spring force) of the return spring 250 that pushes the movable core 230 downward, and therefore the movable core 230 moves upward. As a result, the movable contactor 20 moves upward, and each movable contact 20A comes into contact with the corresponding fixed contact 10a. That is, the movable contactor 20 moves together with the holder 40, the drive shaft 50 and the movable core 230 to a position higher than that shown in FIG.

[0064] When the exciting coil 210 changes from a conducting state to a non-conducting state, the electromagnetic force that moves the movable core 230 upward disappears, and the movable core 230 moves downward due to the spring force of the return spring 250. As a result, the movable contactor 20 moves downward, and each movable contact 20A becomes separated from the corresponding fixed contact 10a (position shown in FIG. 1).

[0065] (7) Effects In the contact device 100 according to the embodiment, the distance L1 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the first side wall surface 21c of the recess 21 is smaller than the distance L2 between the outer surface 31 of the upper end 30A of the coil spring 30 and the second side wall surface 21d of the recess 21. This prevents the coil spring 30 from riding up onto the side wall surfaces (first side wall surface 21c, second side wall surface 21d), making it less likely that malfunctions will occur.

[0066] In the contact device 100 according to the embodiment, when the coil spring 30 moves toward the corner 21 e of the recess 21, the outer surface 31 of the coil spring 30 comes into contact with the side wall surface of the recess 21 before coming into contact with the corner 21 e of the recess 21. This prevents the coil spring 30 from riding up onto the side wall surface (first side wall surface 21 c, second side wall surface 21 d), making it less likely that a malfunction will occur.

[0067] In the contact device 100 according to this embodiment, the second side wall surfaces 21 d are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the up-down direction, which prevents the coil spring 30 from climbing up onto the side wall surfaces (the first side wall surfaces 21 c and the second side wall surfaces 21 d) in the left-right and front-rear directions, thereby making it even more unlikely that malfunctions will occur.

[0068] According to the contact device 100 of this embodiment, the first bottom surface 21 a has a first portion 21 g whose width increases from the first side wall surface 21 c toward the center C1 of the first bottom surface 21 a in a plan view from the vertical direction. This makes it possible to easily form the recess 21 in the movable contactor 20.

[0069] (8) Modifications Modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0070] (8.1) Modification 1 The contact device 100 according to modification 1 of the embodiment includes a movable contactor 20 as shown in FIG.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable contactor 20 according to the first modification has a recess 21. The recess 21 includes a first bottom surface 21a, a plurality of (four in the example of Fig. 3) second bottom surfaces 21b, a plurality of (four in the example of Fig. 3) first side wall surfaces 21c, a second side wall surface 21d, a plurality of (four in the example of Fig. 3) corner portions 21e, and a plurality of (four in the example of Fig. 3) protruding surfaces 21f.

[0072] 3, the plurality of first side wall surfaces 21c are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the vertical direction. More specifically, in a plan view from the vertical direction, first side wall surface 21c1 and first side wall surface 21c2 face each other, and first side wall surface 21c3 and first side wall surface 21c4 face each other.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of protruding surfaces 21f correspond to the plurality of first side wall surfaces 21c. More specifically, the plurality of protruding surfaces 21f correspond one-to-one to the plurality of first side wall surfaces 21c. More specifically, protruding surface 21f1 corresponds to first side wall surface 21c1. Protruding surface 21f2 corresponds to first side wall surface 21c2. Protruding surface 21f3 corresponds to first side wall surface 21c3. Protruding surface 21f4 corresponds to first side wall surface 21c4.

[0074] The plurality of protruding surfaces 21f are provided at 90° intervals in a top-bottom plan view. More specifically, in a top-bottom plan view, protruding surface 21f1 faces protruding surface 21f2, and protruding surface 21f3 faces protruding surface 21f4.

[0075] In the contact device 100 according to the first modification of the embodiment, the protruding surface 21 f protrudes from the first side wall surface 21 c. This allows the coil spring 30 to come into contact with the protruding surface 21 f of the recess 21 when the coil spring 30 is misaligned, thereby reducing the amount of misalignment of the coil spring 30.

[0076] In the contact device 100 according to the first modification of the embodiment, the plurality of protruding surfaces 21f are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the top-bottom direction. This allows the coil spring 30 to contact the protruding surfaces 21f of the recess 21 even if the coil spring 30 is displaced in the left-right direction or the front-back direction, thereby further reducing the amount of displacement of the coil spring 30.

[0077] (8.2) Modification 2 As a modification 2 of the embodiment, the housing 300 that houses the contact device 100 and the electromagnet device 200 does not have to be airtight.

[0078] (8.3) Modification 3 In a modification 3 of the embodiment, the number of fixed contacts 10a and movable contacts 20A is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

[0079] The contact device 100 according to each of the above-described modifications also provides the same effects as the contact device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0080] The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0081] In the above description, the direction in which each fixed contact 10a and the corresponding movable contact 20A are aligned is defined as the up-down direction, with the fixed contact 10a side as viewed from the movable contact 20A being the upper side and the movable contact 20A side as viewed from the fixed contact 10a being the lower side. Furthermore, in the electromagnetic relay 400, the direction in which the two fixed contacts 10a are aligned is defined as the left-right direction. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction in which the electromagnetic relay 400 can be used.

[0082] (Aspects) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0083] The contact device (100) according to the first aspect comprises a fixed terminal (10), a movable contactor (20), and a coil spring (30). The fixed terminal (10) has a fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) is arranged below the fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) has a movable contact (20A). The movable contact (20A) contacts the fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) moves in the vertical direction. The coil spring (30) is arranged below the movable contactor (20). The movable contactor (20) further has a recess (21). The recess (21) is recessed upward from the lower surface (22) of the movable contactor (20) and accommodates the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30). The recess (21) includes a first bottom surface (21a), a second bottom surface (21b), a first side wall surface (21c), and a second side wall surface (21d). The first bottom surface (21a) is located above the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) and below the upper surface (23) of the movable contact (20). The second bottom surface (21b) is located above the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) and below the first bottom surface (21a), and contacts the upper end portion (30A) of the coil spring (30). The first side wall surface (21c) connects the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) to the first bottom surface (21a). The second side wall surface (21d) connects the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) to the second bottom surface (21b). The distance (L1) between the outer surface (31) of the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30) and the first side wall surface (21c) of the recess (21) is smaller than the distance (L2) between the outer surface (31) of the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30) and the second side wall surface (21d) of the recess (21).

[0084] According to the contact device (100) of the first aspect, it is possible to make malfunctions less likely to occur.

[0085] A contact device (100) according to a second aspect includes a fixed terminal (10), a movable contactor (20), and a coil spring (30). The fixed terminal (10) has a fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) is arranged below the fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) has a movable contact (20A). The movable contact (20A) contacts the fixed contact (10a). The movable contactor (20) moves in the vertical direction. The coil spring (30) is arranged below the movable contactor (20). The movable contactor (20) further has a recess (21). The recess (21) is recessed upward from the lower surface (22) of the movable contactor (20) and accommodates the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30). The recess (21) includes a bottom surface, sidewall surfaces, and a corner (21e). The bottom surface is located above the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) and below the upper surface (23) of the movable contact (20), and contacts the upper end (30A) of the coil spring (30). The sidewall surfaces connect the lower surface (22) and bottom surface of the movable contact (20). The corner (21e) is where the sidewall surfaces and the bottom surface intersect. When the coil spring (30) is moved toward the corner (21e), the outer surface (31) of the coil spring (30) contacts the sidewall surfaces of the recess (21) before contacting the corner (21e) of the recess (21).

[0086] According to the contact device (100) of the second aspect, it is possible to make malfunctions less likely to occur.

[0087] In the contact device (100) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, the recess (21) includes a plurality of second bottom surfaces (21b) and a plurality of second side wall surfaces (21d). The plurality of second bottom surfaces (21b) includes the second bottom surface (21b). The plurality of second side wall surfaces (21d) includes the second side wall surface (21d) and correspond to the plurality of second bottom surfaces (21b). Each of the plurality of second side wall surfaces (21d) connects the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) to a corresponding one of the plurality of second bottom surfaces (21b). The plurality of second side wall surfaces (21d) are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the vertical direction.

[0088] According to the contact device (100) of the third aspect, it is possible to make malfunctions even less likely to occur.

[0089] In the contact device (100) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the first bottom surface (21a) has a portion (first portion 21g) whose width increases from the first side wall surface (21c) side toward the center (C1) side of the first bottom surface (21a) when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction.

[0090] According to the contact device (100) of the fourth aspect, the recess (21) can be easily formed in the movable contactor (20).

[0091] In the contact device (100) according to the fifth aspect, in the first aspect, when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction, the distance (L3) between the center (C1) of the first bottom surface (21a) and the first side wall surface (21c1) is smaller than the distance (L4) between the center (C1) of the first bottom surface (21a) and the second side wall surface (21d).

[0092] In the contact device (100) according to the sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the recess (21) further includes a protruding surface (21f). The protruding surface (21f) protrudes from the first side wall surface (21c).

[0093] According to the contact device (100) of the sixth aspect, the amount of displacement of the coil spring (30) can be reduced.

[0094] In the contact device (100) according to the seventh aspect, in the second aspect, the recess (21) includes a plurality of bottom surfaces (a plurality of second bottom surfaces 21b) and a plurality of side wall surfaces (a plurality of second side wall surfaces 21d). The plurality of bottom surfaces includes the bottom surface (second bottom surface 21b). The plurality of side wall surfaces includes the side wall surfaces (second side wall surfaces 21d) and correspond to the plurality of bottom surfaces. Each of the plurality of side wall surfaces connects the lower surface (22) of the movable contact (20) to a corresponding one of the plurality of bottom surfaces. The plurality of side wall surfaces are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the vertical direction.

[0095] According to the contact device (100) of the seventh aspect, malfunctions can be made even less likely to occur.

[0096] In the contact device (100) according to the eighth aspect, in the second aspect, the recess (21) further includes a first side wall surface (21c) and a protruding surface (21f). The first side wall surface (21c) is different from the second side wall surface (21d), which is also a side wall surface. The protruding surface (21f) protrudes from the first side wall surface (21c).

[0097] According to the contact device (100) of the eighth aspect, the amount of displacement of the coil spring (30) can be reduced.

[0098] In a contact device (100) according to a ninth aspect, in the sixth or eighth aspect, the recess (21) further includes a plurality of protruding surfaces (21 f). The plurality of protruding surfaces (21 f) include a protruding surface (21 f). The plurality of protruding surfaces (21 f) are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the vertical direction.

[0099] According to the contact device (100) of the ninth aspect, the amount of displacement of the coil spring (30) can be further reduced.

[0100] 10 fixed terminal 10a fixed contact 20 movable contact 20A movable contact 21 recess 21a first bottom surface 21b second bottom surface 21c first side wall surface 21d second side wall surface 21e corner 21f protruding surface 21g first portion 22 lower surface 23 upper surface 30 coil spring 30A Upper end 31 Outer surface 100 Contact device C1 Center L1, L2, L3, L4 Distance

Claims

1. A fixed terminal having a fixed contact; a movable contactor arranged below the fixed contact, having a movable contact in contact with the fixed contact, and moving in an up and down direction; and a coil spring arranged below the movable contactor, wherein the movable contactor further has a recess that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the movable contactor and that houses the upper end of the coil spring, and the recess includes: a first bottom surface that is located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the upper surface of the movable contactor; a second bottom surface that is located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the first bottom surface, and that contacts the upper end of the coil spring; a first side wall surface that connects the lower surface of the movable contactor to the first bottom surface; and a second side wall surface that connects the lower surface of the movable contactor to the second bottom surface, a distance between an outer surface of the upper end of the coil spring and the first side wall surface of the recess is smaller than a distance between the outer surface of the upper end of the coil spring and the second side wall surface of the recess.

2. A contact device comprising: a fixed terminal having a fixed contact; a movable contactor arranged below the fixed contact, having a movable contact in contact with the fixed contact, and moving in an up and down direction; and a coil spring arranged below the movable contactor, wherein the movable contactor further has a recess that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the movable contactor and accommodates the upper end of the coil spring, and the recess has: a bottom surface that is located above the lower surface of the movable contactor and below the upper surface of the movable contactor and contacts the upper end of the coil spring; side wall surfaces that connect the lower surface and bottom surface of the movable contactor; and a corner where the side wall surfaces and bottom surface intersect, wherein when the coil spring is moved toward the corner, the outer surface of the coil spring contacts the side wall surfaces of the recess before contacting the corner of the recess.

3. A contact device as described in claim 1, wherein the recess includes: a plurality of second bottom surfaces including the second bottom surface; and a plurality of second side wall surfaces including the second side wall surfaces and corresponding to the plurality of second bottom surfaces, each of the plurality of second side wall surfaces connecting the lower surface of the movable contactor to a corresponding second bottom surface among the plurality of second bottom surfaces, and the plurality of second side wall surfaces are arranged at 90° intervals when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction.

4. The contact device according to claim 3, wherein the first bottom surface has a portion whose width increases from the first side wall surface toward the center of the first bottom surface when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction.

5. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view from the top-bottom direction, the distance between the center of the first bottom surface and the first side wall surface is smaller than the distance between the center of the first bottom surface and the second side wall surface.

6. The contact device according to claim 1, wherein the recess further includes a protruding surface protruding from the first side wall surface.

7. A contact device as described in claim 2, wherein the recess includes: a plurality of bottom surfaces including the bottom surface; and a plurality of side wall surfaces including the side wall surfaces and corresponding to the plurality of bottom surfaces, each of the plurality of side wall surfaces connecting the lower surface of the movable contactor to a corresponding one of the plurality of bottom surfaces, and the plurality of side wall surfaces are arranged at 90° intervals when viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction.

8. The contact device according to claim 2, wherein the recess further includes a first side wall surface different from the second side wall surface, which is the side wall surface, and a protruding surface protruding from the first side wall surface.

9. A contact device according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the recess further includes a plurality of protruding surfaces including the protruding surface, and the plurality of protruding surfaces are provided at 90° intervals in a plan view from the vertical direction.

Images