Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

A first movable element (22) has a first movable contact (22a) disposed on one side in one direction (D1) relative to a first fixed contact (14a) and a second movable contact (22b) disposed on the one side in the one direction relative to a second fixed contact (16a). A second movable element (24) has a third movable contact (24a) disposed on the one side in the one direction relative to a third fixed contact (18a) and a fourth movable contact (24b) disposed on the one side in the one direction relative to a fourth fixed contact (20a). A movable support (30) supports the first movable element with a first elastic body (26) therebetween, supports the second movable element with a second elastic body (28) therebetween, and is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating movement between a first position and a second position shifted toward the one side in the one direction from the first position. The first elastic body allows the first movable element to rock relative to the movable support, and the second elastic body allows the second movable element to rock relative to the movable support.

Description

electromagnetic relay CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-82693, filed on May 21, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic relays.

[0003] The electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contactor having a pair of movable contacts arranged opposite the pair of fixed contacts in a first direction and reciprocating in the first direction. The pair of fixed contacts are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the movable contactor extends in the second direction. The movable contactor is connected via a contact pressure spring to a drive shaft of an electromagnet device that reciprocates the movable contactor.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-80256

[0005] In the electromagnetic relay of Patent Document 1, two sets of fixed and movable contacts are brought into contact with and separated from each other as the movable contactor moves back and forth. When the movable contactor is pressed against the fixed contactor, the change in the position of the movable contactor relative to the drive shaft is absorbed by the deformation of the pressure spring.

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose cases where there are more than two combinations of fixed contacts and movable contacts that make contact and separate. For example, if there are more than two combinations of fixed contacts and movable contacts, and the fixed contacts and movable contacts are made to make contact and separate, there is a concern that the contact pressure may not be uniform between each combination of fixed contacts and movable contacts. Furthermore, if a decrease in contact pressure between the fixed contacts and movable contacts occurs in some combinations of fixed contacts and movable contacts, contact resistance will increase in the areas where the contact pressure is low, impairing current-carrying performance such as heat resistance. The inventors have discovered the above as a result of detailed studies.

[0007] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to generate contact pressure between fixed contacts and movable contacts with little variation in an electromagnetic relay having multiple contacts, that is, combinations of fixed contacts and movable contacts, with more than two combinations.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact that are aligned with each other when viewed in one direction; a third fixed contact and a fourth fixed contact that are aligned with each other when viewed in the one direction; a first movable contact that is arranged on one side of the first fixed contact in the one direction and facing the first fixed contact, and a second movable contact that is arranged on one side of the second fixed contact in the one direction and facing the second fixed contact; a second movable contact that is arranged on one side of the third fixed contact in the one direction and facing the third fixed contact, and a fourth movable contact that is arranged on one side of the fourth fixed contact in the one direction and facing the fourth fixed contact; a first elastic body; a second elastic body; a movable support that supports the first movable contact via the first elastic body and supports the second movable contact via the second elastic body, and is provided so as to be reciprocable between a first position and a second position moved from the first position to one side in the one direction; and a drive unit that reciprocates the movable support between a first position and a second position, wherein the first elastic body connects the movable support and the first movable element to allow the first movable element to oscillate relative to the movable support, and the second elastic body connects the movable support and the second movable element to allow the second movable element to oscillate relative to the movable support, and the drive unit moves the movable support to the first position, thereby bringing the first movable contact into contact with the first fixed contact, the second movable contact into contact with the second fixed contact, the third movable contact into contact with the third fixed contact, and the fourth movable contact into contact with the fourth fixed contact, and moves the movable support to the second position, thereby moving the first movable contact away from the first fixed contact, the second movable contact away from the second fixed contact, the third movable contact away from the third fixed contact, and the fourth movable contact away from the fourth fixed contact.

[0009] In this way, when the movable support is moved to the first position, a change in the position of the first movable element relative to the movable support is absorbed by the first elastic body, and a change in the position of the second movable element relative to the movable support is absorbed by the second elastic body. Therefore, it is possible to generate contact pressures with little variation among the contact pressures between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, the second fixed contact and the second movable contact, the third fixed contact and the third movable contact, and the fourth fixed contact and the fourth movable contact.

[0010] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a movable support member of the electromagnetic relay has moved to a first position; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a movable support member of the electromagnetic relay has moved to a second position; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to a comparative example for comparison with the first embodiment, illustrating extracted portions of the electromagnetic relay of the comparative example that differ from the electromagnetic relay of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to a second embodiment, illustrating a state in which a movable support member of the electromagnetic relay has moved to a first position, and corresponding to FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic relay according to the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which a movable support member of the electromagnetic relay has moved to a second position, and corresponding to FIG.

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment An electromagnetic relay 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on, for example, a vehicle and opens and closes a current path to an on-vehicle component. The electromagnetic relay 10 is also called a relay device.

[0013] In the description of this embodiment, an equipment axis CL shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first direction D1 that is parallel to the equipment axis CL, and a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 may be used to represent the structure of the electromagnetic relay 10. In Figures 1 and 2, the lower side of the paper surface is one side of the first direction D1, and the upper side of the paper surface is the other side of the first direction D1. The first direction D1 corresponds to one direction in this disclosure.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment includes a case 12, a first terminal 14, a second terminal 16, a third terminal 18, a fourth terminal 20, a first armature 22, a second armature 24, a first pressure spring 26, a second pressure spring 28, a movable support 30, a first spring holder 32, a second spring holder 34, an intervening member 36, and a drive unit 40.

[0015] In the electromagnetic relay 10, the first terminal 14, the second terminal 16, and the first armature 22 constitute a part of a first electric circuit CT1, and the third terminal 18, the fourth terminal 20, and the second armature 24 constitute a part of a second electric circuit CT2. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay 10 simultaneously opens and closes the current path included in the first electric circuit CT1 and the current path included in the second electric circuit CT2.

[0016] The case 12 is a housing that forms the outer shell of the electromagnetic relay 10 and is made of an insulating material such as resin. For example, the case 12 includes multiple resin parts that are connected and fixed to each other. The case interior space 12a, which is the internal space of the case 12, accommodates the first armature 22, the second armature 24, the first pressure spring 26, the second pressure spring 28, the movable support 30, the first spring bearing 32, the second spring bearing 34, the intervening member 36, the drive unit 40, and the like.

[0017] The first to fourth terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20 are conductors made of metal such as copper alloy. The first to fourth terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20 are arranged at intervals from one another in the order of first terminal 14, second terminal 16, third terminal 18, and fourth terminal 20 from one side in the second direction D2. The first to fourth terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20 are each fixed to the case 12.

[0018] The first terminal 14 has an internal-case portion 141 disposed in the case interior space 12a and an external portion 142 extending from the internal-case portion 141 through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12. The internal-case portion 141 of the first terminal 14 has one end provided on one side in the first direction D1 as a first fixed contact 14a. The first fixed contact 14a is formed to face one side in the first direction D1. That is, the first fixed contact 14a has a contact surface facing one side in the first direction D1.

[0019] The second terminal 16 has an internal-case portion 161 disposed in the case interior space 12a and an external portion 162 extending from the internal-case portion 161 through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12. The internal-case portion 161 of the second terminal 16 has one end provided on one side in the first direction D1 as a second fixed contact 16a. The second fixed contact 16a is formed to face one side in the first direction D1. That is, the second fixed contact 16a has a contact surface facing one side in the first direction D1.

[0020] The third terminal 18 has an internal-case portion 181 disposed in the case interior space 12a and an external portion 182 extending from the internal-case portion 181 through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12. The internal-case portion 181 of the third terminal 18 has one end provided on one side in the first direction D1 as a third fixed contact 18a. The third fixed contact 18a is formed to face one side in the first direction D1. That is, the third fixed contact 18a has a contact surface facing one side in the first direction D1.

[0021] The fourth terminal 20 has an internal-case portion 201 disposed in the case interior space 12a and an external portion 202 extending from the internal-case portion 201 through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12. The internal-case portion 201 of the fourth terminal 20 has one end provided on one side in the first direction D1 as a fourth fixed contact 20a. The fourth fixed contact 20a is formed to face one side in the first direction D1. That is, the fourth fixed contact 20a has a contact surface facing one side in the first direction D1.

[0022] The first to fourth fixed contacts 14a, 16a, 18a, 20a are arranged at intervals from one another in the order of first fixed contact 14a, second fixed contact 16a, third fixed contact 18a, and fourth fixed contact 20a from one side of the second direction D2. Therefore, the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 16a are arranged side by side when viewed in the first direction D1, and the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth fixed contact 20a are also arranged side by side when viewed in the first direction D1.

[0023] The first fixed contact group consisting of the first and second fixed contacts 14 a, 16 a and the second fixed contact group consisting of the third and fourth fixed contacts 18 a, 20 a are arranged symmetrically with respect to the device axis CL. Specifically, the first fixed contact group is arranged on one side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2, and the second fixed contact group is arranged on the other side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2.

[0024] The first and second movers 22, 24 are conductors made of a metal such as a copper alloy. The first and second movers 22, 24 are not fixed to the case 12 and are movable in the first direction D1 within the case interior space 12a, for example.

[0025] The first and second movers 22, 24 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2 with a gap between them, and the first mover 22 is provided on one side of the second mover 24 in the second direction D2. Specifically, the first mover 22 and the second mover 24 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the device axis CL. Therefore, the first mover 22 is arranged on one side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2, and the second mover 24 is arranged on the other side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2.

[0026] The first movable element 22 is formed in a plate shape extending in the second direction D2 with the thickness direction of the first direction D1, and is disposed on one side of the first and second fixed contacts 14 a, 16 a in the first direction D1. The first movable element 22 has a portion facing the first fixed contact 14 a in the first direction D1 as a first movable contact 22 a, and a portion facing the second fixed contact 16 a in the first direction D1 as a second movable contact 22 b.

[0027] Therefore, the first movable contact 22a is disposed on one side of the first fixed contact 14a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face the other side of the first direction D1 and oppose the first fixed contact 14a. That is, the first movable contact 22a has a contact surface that faces the other side of the first direction D1 and opposes the first fixed contact 14a. The second movable contact 22b is disposed on one side of the second fixed contact 16a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face the other side of the first direction D1 and oppose the second fixed contact 16a. That is, the second movable contact 22b has a contact surface that faces the other side of the first direction D1 and opposes the second fixed contact 16a.

[0028] The second movable element 24 is formed in a plate shape extending in the second direction D2 with its thickness direction aligned with the first direction D1, and is disposed on one side in the first direction D1 of the third and fourth fixed contacts 18 a, 20 a. The second movable element 24 has a third movable contact 24 a as a portion facing the third fixed contact 18 a in the first direction D1, and a fourth movable contact 24 b as a portion facing the fourth fixed contact 20 a in the first direction D1.

[0029] Therefore, the third movable contact 24a is disposed on one side of the third fixed contact 18a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face the other side of the first direction D1 and oppose the third fixed contact 18a. That is, the third movable contact 24a has a contact surface that faces the other side of the first direction D1 and opposes the third fixed contact 18a. The fourth movable contact 24b is disposed on one side of the fourth fixed contact 20a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face the other side of the first direction D1 and oppose the fourth fixed contact 20a. That is, the fourth movable contact 24b has a contact surface that faces the other side of the first direction D1 and opposes the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0030] Furthermore, since the first and second movable elements 22 and 24 are conductors as described above, the first movable element 22 can be electrically conductive between the first movable contact 22a and the second movable contact 22b, and the second movable element 24 can be electrically conductive between the third movable contact 24a and the fourth movable contact 24b.

[0031] The first contact pressure spring 26 and the second contact pressure spring 28 are each a coil spring formed with the first direction D1 as its axial direction and formed to be expandable and contractible in the first direction D1. The first contact pressure spring 26 corresponds to the first elastic body of the present disclosure, and the second contact pressure spring 28 corresponds to the second elastic body of the present disclosure. The first contact pressure spring 26 is disposed on one side of the first armature 22 in the first direction D1, and the second contact pressure spring 28 is disposed on one side of the second armature 24 in the first direction D1.

[0032] The first pressure spring 26 has one end 261 provided on one side in the first direction D1 and the other end 262 provided on the other side in the first direction D1. The one end 261 of the first pressure spring 26 is connected to the first spring bearing 32 so as not to be displaceable relative to the first armature 22, and the other end 262 of the first pressure spring 26 is connected to the first armature 22 so as not to be displaceable relative to the first armature 22. This connection so as not to be displaceable relative to the first armature 22 may mean, for example, that the two connected parts are fixed to each other, or that the two parts are connected by a clip or various locking structures so as not to move relative to each other.

[0033] To be more specific about the connection position of the first pressure spring 26 to the first armature 22, the other end 262 of the first pressure spring 26 is connected to the first armature 22 between the first movable contact 22a and the second movable contact 22b of the first armature 22. For example, the other end 262 of the first pressure spring 26 is connected to the first armature 22 at the center position between the first movable contact 22a and the second movable contact 22b of the first armature 22.

[0034] The second pressure spring 28 has one end 281 provided on one side in the first direction D1 and the other end 282 provided on the other side in the first direction D1. The one end 281 of the second pressure spring 28 is connected to the second spring holder 34 so as not to be displaceable relative to the second armature 24, and the other end 282 of the second pressure spring 28 is connected to the second armature 24 so as not to be displaceable relative to the second armature 24.

[0035] To be more specific about the connection position of the second pressure spring 28 to the second armature 24, the other end 282 of the second pressure spring 28 is connected to the second armature 24 between the third movable contact 24a and the fourth movable contact 24b of the second armature 24. For example, the other end 282 of the second pressure spring 28 is connected to the second armature 24 at the center position between the third movable contact 24a and the fourth movable contact 24b of the second armature 24.

[0036] The movable support 30 is a conductor and is made of a metal such as a copper alloy. The movable support 30 is not fixed to the case 12 and is movable, for example, in a first direction D1 within the case interior space 12a. The movable support 30 is formed in a plate shape with the first direction D1 as its thickness direction and extending in a second direction D2, and is disposed on one side in the first direction D1 with respect to the first and second movers 22, 24 and the first and second pressure springs 26, 28.

[0037] A first spring bearing 32 is fixed to a portion of the movable support 30 on one side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2, and a second spring bearing 34 is fixed to a portion of the movable support 30 on the other side of the device axis CL in the second direction D2. As a result, the movable support 30 supports the first armature 22 via the first pressure spring 26 and the first spring bearing 32, and supports the second armature 24 via the second pressure spring 28 and the second spring bearing 34.

[0038] Both the first spring bearing 32 and the second spring bearing 34 are insulators made of resin or the like. The first spring bearing 32 is interposed between the first pressure spring 26 and the movable support 30 so that the first pressure spring 26 and the movable support 30 do not come into contact with each other. Similarly, the second spring bearing 34 is interposed between the second pressure spring 28 and the movable support 30 so that the second pressure spring 28 and the movable support 30 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, the movable support 30 is insulated from the first mover 22 and the second mover 24, respectively. As a result, the first mover 22 and the second mover 24 are also insulated from each other. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the term "insulation" used in the description of this embodiment means electrical insulation.

[0039] The movable support 30 is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating between a first position and a second position moved from the first position to one side in the first direction D1. The first position of the movable support 30 is an end position of the reciprocating movement of the movable support 30 on the other side in the first direction D1, and Fig. 1 shows a state in which the movable support 30 has moved to the first position. As shown in Fig. 1, when the movable support 30 moves to the first position, the first movable contact 22a is pressed against the first fixed contact 14a, the second movable contact 22b is pressed against the second fixed contact 16a, the third movable contact 24a is pressed against the third fixed contact 18a, and the fourth movable contact 24b is pressed against the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0040] On the other hand, the second position of the movable support 30 is an end position on one side of the first direction D1 in the reciprocating movement of the movable support 30, and Fig. 2 shows a state in which the movable support 30 has moved to the second position. As shown in Fig. 2, by moving the movable support 30 to the second position, the first movable contact 22a is separated from the first fixed contact 14a, the second movable contact 22b is separated from the second fixed contact 16a, the third movable contact 24a is separated from the third fixed contact 18a, and the fourth movable contact 24b is separated from the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0041] As described above, the first and second pressure springs 26, 28 are coil springs whose axial direction is the first direction D1, and the first pressure spring 26 is interposed between the first armature 22 and the movable support 30, while the second pressure spring 28 is interposed between the second armature 24 and the movable support 30. Therefore, the first pressure spring 26 connects the movable support 30 and the first armature 22 so as to allow the first armature 22 to oscillate within a certain range relative to the movable support 30 as indicated by arrow Y1 in Figure 2. Similarly, the second pressure spring 28 connects the movable support 30 and the second armature 24 so as to allow the second armature 24 to oscillate within a certain range relative to the movable support 30 as indicated by arrow Y2 in Figure 2.

[0042] 1 and 2, the driving unit 40 has a connecting member 42 connected to the movable support 30, and moves the connecting member 42 back and forth in a first direction D1 in response to switching between excitation and de-excitation of an electromagnetic coil (not shown) included in the driving unit 40. The driving unit 40 moves the connecting member 42 back and forth in the first direction D1, thereby causing the movable support 30, to which the connecting member 42 is connected, to reciprocate between the first position and the second position.

[0043] The connecting member 42 of the drive unit 40 is a drive shaft extending in the first direction D1 with the device axis CL as its central axis. The connecting member 42 has a tip end 421 on the other side of the connecting member 42 in the first direction D1. The tip end 421 of the connecting member 42 is not directly connected to the movable support body 30, but is connected to the movable support body 30 via an intervening member 36. More specifically, the connecting position of the connecting member 42 to the movable support body 30 is such that the connecting member 42 is connected to the movable support body 30 between a portion 301 of the movable support body 30 to which the first contact pressure spring 26 is connected and a portion 302 of the movable support body 30 to which the second contact pressure spring 28 is connected. For example, the connecting member 42 is connected to the movable support body 30 at a central position between the portions 301 and 302.

[0044] In addition, the portion 301 of the movable support body 30 to which the first pressure spring 26 is connected may be referred to as the first spring connection portion 301, and the portion 302 of the movable support body 30 to which the second pressure spring 28 is connected may be referred to as the second spring connection portion 302.

[0045] The intervening member 36 is fixed to, for example, the tip end 421 of the connecting member 42 and the movable support body 30. The intervening member 36 is an insulator made of resin or the like, and is interposed between the connecting member 42 and the movable support body 30 so that the connecting member 42 and the movable support body 30 do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, the movable support body 30 is insulated from the connecting member 42.

[0046] Furthermore, the drive unit 40 of this embodiment includes an electromagnetic coil and a return spring (not shown) in addition to the connecting member 42 described above. For example, when the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 is energized and excited, as shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil overcomes the biasing force of the return spring that opposes the magnetic force, and acts on the connecting member 42 as an operating force Fu that moves the connecting member 42 toward the other side in the first direction D1. As a result, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support 30 together with the connecting member 42 toward the other side in the first direction D1 until the first to fourth movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, and 24b are pressed against the first to fourth fixed contacts 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a, respectively. In other words, the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 biases the movable support 30 with the operating force Fu so that the movable support 30 is positioned at the first position.

[0047] In this way, the driving unit 40 moves the movable support 30 to the first position, thereby bringing the first movable contact 22a into contact with the first fixed contact 14a and the second movable contact 22b into contact with the second fixed contact 16a. At the same time, the driving unit 40 brings the third movable contact 24a into contact with the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth movable contact 24b into contact with the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0048] 1, when the movable support 30 is moved to the first position, the first movable contact 22a is pressed against the first fixed contact 14a, and the second movable contact 22b is pressed against the second fixed contact 16a, both of which are maintained by the operating force Fu. At the same time, the third movable contact 24a is pressed against the third fixed contact 18a, and the fourth movable contact 24b is pressed against the fourth fixed contact 20a, both of which are maintained by the operating force Fu.

[0049] Contact between the first movable contact 22a and the first fixed contact 14a and contact between the second movable contact 22b and the second fixed contact 16a shorts out the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 16a in the first electric circuit CT1. Contact between the third movable contact 24a and the third fixed contact 18a and contact between the fourth movable contact 24b and the fourth fixed contact 20a shorts out the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth fixed contact 20a in the second electric circuit CT2.

[0050] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 is de-energized by cutting off the current, as shown in FIG. 2 , the biasing force of the return spring of the drive unit 40 acts on the connecting member 42 as an operating force Fd that moves the connecting member 42 toward one side in the first direction D1. As a result, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support 30 together with the connecting member 42 toward one side in the first direction D1 until the first to fourth movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, and 24b move away from the first to fourth fixed contacts 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a, respectively. In other words, the return spring of the drive unit 40 biases the movable support 30 with the operating force Fd so that the movable support 30 is positioned at the second position. At this time, for example, the connecting member 42 hits a stopper (not shown) that opposes the operating force Fd of the return spring, thereby positioning the movable support 30 at the second position.

[0051] In this way, the driving unit 40 moves the movable support 30 to the second position, thereby moving the first movable contact 22a away from the first fixed contact 14a and the second movable contact 22b away from the second fixed contact 16a. At the same time, the driving unit 40 moves the third movable contact 24a away from the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth movable contact 24b away from the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0052] When the first movable contact 22a moves away from the first fixed contact 14a and the second movable contact 22b moves away from the second fixed contact 16a, the electrical path between the first fixed contact 14a and the second fixed contact 16a is interrupted in the first electrical circuit CT1. When the third movable contact 24a moves away from the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth movable contact 24b moves away from the fourth fixed contact 20a, the electrical path between the third fixed contact 18a and the fourth fixed contact 20a is interrupted in the second electrical circuit CT2.

[0053] To explain the effects achieved by this embodiment, a comparative example shown in FIG. 3 is considered. The electromagnetic relay 90 of this comparative example does not include the first and second armature members 22, 24, the first and second pressure springs 26, 28, the first and second spring retainers 32, 34, and the movable support member 30 of the electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment. Instead, the electromagnetic relay 90 of the comparative example includes a single armature member 91 corresponding to the first and second armature members 22, 24 and a pressure spring 92, which is a coil spring formed with its axial direction aligned with the first direction D1. In this comparative example, the armature member 91 has first to fourth movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b and is connected to the tip end 421 of the connecting member 42 via the pressure spring 92 and the intervening member 36 so as not to be displaceable relative to the tip end 421. Except for these points, the electromagnetic relay 90 of the comparative example is similar to the electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment.

[0054] In this comparative example, when the movable element 91 is moved toward the other side in the first direction D1 until it abuts against the first to fourth fixed contacts 14 a, 16 a, 18 a, 20 a, there is a possibility that the contact pressure will not be uniform between each combination of the fixed contacts 14 a, 16 a, 18 a, 20 a and the movable contacts 22 a, 22 b, 24 a, 24 b. In extreme cases, there is a possibility that poor contact will occur between the contacts in any of the combinations of the fixed contacts 14 a, 16 a, 18 a, 20 a and the movable contacts 22 a, 22 b, 24 a, 24 b.

[0055] 1 and 2, the drive unit 40 reciprocates the movable support member 30 between the first and second positions. The movable support member 30 supports the first movable element 22 via the first pressure spring 26, and supports the second movable element 24 via the second pressure spring 28. The first movable element 22 has a first movable contact 22a and a second movable contact 22b, and the second movable element 24 has a third movable contact 24a and a fourth movable contact 24b.

[0056] With this configuration, when the movable support 30 is moved to the first position, a change in the posture of the first armature 22 relative to the movable support 30 is absorbed by the first pressure spring 26, and a change in the posture of the second armature 24 relative to the movable support 30 is absorbed by the second pressure spring 28. Therefore, when the movable support 30 is in the first position, the first armature 22 can press the first movable contact 22a against the first fixed contact 14a and simultaneously press the second movable contact 22b against the second fixed contact 16a. Then, the second armature 24 can press the third movable contact 24a against the third fixed contact 18a and simultaneously press the fourth movable contact 24b against the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0057] Therefore, it is possible to generate little variation in the contact pressure between the first fixed contact 14a and the first movable contact 22a, the contact pressure between the second fixed contact 16a and the second movable contact 22b, the contact pressure between the third fixed contact 18a and the third movable contact 24a, and the contact pressure between the fourth fixed contact 20a and the fourth movable contact 24b. As a result, in this embodiment, contact stability between the contacts can be ensured.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first movable element 22 allows electrical continuity between the first movable contact 22a and the second movable contact 22b, and the second movable element 24 allows electrical continuity between the third movable contact 24a and the fourth movable contact 24b. The second movable element 24 is insulated from the first movable element 22. This makes it possible to simultaneously open and close a current path included in the first electric circuit CT1 and a current path included in the second electric circuit CT2, which is separate from the first electric circuit CT1.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first pressure spring 26 is connected to the first armature 22 between the first movable contact 22a and the second movable contact 22b of the first armature 22. The second pressure spring 28 is connected to the second armature 24 between the third movable contact 24a and the fourth movable contact 24b of the second armature 24. The connecting member 42 of the drive unit 40 is connected to the movable support body 30 between the first spring connecting portion 301 of the movable support body 30 to which the first pressure spring 26 is connected and the second spring connecting portion 302 to which the second pressure spring 28 is connected.

[0060] Therefore, when the movable support 30 is moved to the first position, the first to fourth movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, and 24b can be pressed evenly against the corresponding fixed contacts, thereby making it possible to make the contact pressure between the contacts almost uniform, for example.

[0061] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Furthermore, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0062] 4 and 5, the electromagnetic relay 10 of this embodiment opens and closes the current paths included in the third electric circuit CT3 in addition to opening and closing the current paths in the first electric circuit CT1 and the second electric circuit CT2. To this end, the electromagnetic relay 10 is provided with a fifth terminal 46 and a sixth terminal 48. In this embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a state in which the movable support 30 has moved to the first position, and Fig. 5 shows a state in which the movable support 30 has moved to the second position.

[0063] In the electromagnetic relay 10, the first terminal 14, the second terminal 16, and the first armature 22 constitute a part of a first electric circuit CT1 (see FIG. 1 ), and the third terminal 18, the fourth terminal 20, and the second armature 24 constitute a part of a second electric circuit CT2. This point is the same in this embodiment as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fifth terminal 46, the sixth terminal 48, and the movable support 30 constitute a part of a third electric circuit CT3.

[0064] The fifth terminal 46 and the sixth terminal 48 are conductors and are made of a metal such as a copper alloy. The fifth terminal 46 and the sixth terminal 48 are arranged on one side of the movable support 30 in the first direction D1 and are each fixed to the case 12. The fifth terminal 46 is arranged on one side of the connecting member 42 of the drive unit 40 in the second direction D2 and spaced apart from it, and the sixth terminal 48 is arranged on the other side of the connecting member 42 in the second direction D2 and spaced apart from it.

[0065] The fifth terminal 46 extends from inside the case internal space 12a through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12 and has a fifth fixed contact 46a. The fifth fixed contact 46a is disposed on one side of the movable support 30 in the first direction D1 within the case internal space 12a. The fifth fixed contact 46a is formed to face the other side in the first direction D1. That is, the fifth fixed contact 46a has a contact surface facing the other side in the first direction D1.

[0066] The sixth terminal 48 extends from inside the case internal space 12a through the case 12 to the outside of the case 12 and has a sixth fixed contact 48a. The sixth fixed contact 48a is disposed on one side of the movable support 30 in the first direction D1 within the case internal space 12a. The sixth fixed contact 48a is formed to face the other side in the first direction D1. In other words, the sixth fixed contact 48a has a contact surface facing the other side in the first direction D1.

[0067] The fifth fixed contact 46a is arranged on one side in the second direction D2 with a gap between them and the connecting member 42 of the drive unit 40, and the sixth fixed contact 48a is arranged on the other side in the second direction D2 with a gap between them and the connecting member 42. Therefore, the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth fixed contact 48a are arranged side by side with a gap between them and the connecting member 42 between them when viewed in the first direction D1.

[0068] The movable support 30 has a portion facing the fifth fixed contact 46a in the first direction D1 as a fifth movable contact 30a, and a portion facing the sixth fixed contact 48a in the first direction D1 as a sixth movable contact 30b.

[0069] Therefore, the fifth movable contact 30a is disposed on the other side of the fifth fixed contact 46a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face one side of the first direction D1 and oppose the fifth fixed contact 46a. That is, the fifth movable contact 30a has a contact surface that faces one side of the first direction D1 and opposes the fifth fixed contact 46a. The sixth movable contact 30b is disposed on the other side of the sixth fixed contact 48a in the first direction D1 and is formed to face one side of the first direction D1 and oppose the sixth fixed contact 48a. That is, the sixth movable contact 30b has a contact surface that faces one side of the first direction D1 and opposes the sixth fixed contact 48a.

[0070] The connecting member 42 of the present embodiment is connected to the intervening member 36, but unlike the first embodiment, it is not fixed to the intervening member 36. Specifically, the connecting member 42 of the present embodiment abuts against the intervening member 36 from one side in the first direction D1, and is connected to the intervening member 36 in this abutting state.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the return spring of the drive unit 40 is not shown, but the return spring 43 of the drive unit 40 in this embodiment is provided in the case interior space 12a on the other side in the first direction D1 with respect to the movable support body 30. The return spring 43 is a coil spring formed with the device axis CL as its central axis, and is formed to be expandable and contractible in the first direction D1.

[0072] The return spring 43 has one end 431 provided on one side in the first direction D1 and the other end 432 provided on the other side in the first direction D1. The one end 431 of the return spring 43 abuts against an inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30 from the other side in the first direction D1, and the other end 432 of the return spring 43 abuts against an inner wall surface of the case 12 facing the case internal space 12a from the one side in the first direction D1. The return spring 43 is a compression coil spring that is maintained in an elastically compressed state regardless of the position of the movable support 30 during reciprocation. The inter-contact portion 303 is a portion of the movable support 30 located centrally between the fifth movable contact 30a and the sixth movable contact 30b, and is also a portion located centrally between the first spring connecting portion 301 and the second spring connecting portion 302 of the movable support 30.

[0073] From the respective arrangements of the connecting members 42 and the return springs 43, the following can be said about the connection relationship between the connecting members 42, the return springs 43, and the movable support body 30. That is, the connecting members 42 and the return springs 43 are connected to the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support body 30 so as to face each other in the first direction D1 with the inter-contact portion 303 sandwiched therebetween.

[0074] As described above, the connecting member 42 is connected to the movable support 30 but is not fixed to the movable support 30. The spring force, i.e., the biasing force, of the return spring 43 always acts on the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30 so as to press the inter-contact portion 303 against the tip end 421 of the connecting member 42. Therefore, the return spring 43 and the connecting member 42 are connected to the movable support 30 so as to allow the movable support 30 to swing relative to the connecting member 42 within a certain range as indicated by arrow Y3 in FIG.

[0075] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the drive unit 40 includes an electromagnetic coil (not shown). The drive unit 40 reciprocates the connecting member 42 in the first direction D1 in response to switching between excitation and de-excitation of the electromagnetic coil, thereby reciprocating the movable support 30 between the first position and the second position.

[0076] For example, when the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 is excited by energization, a magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil is generated, and as shown in Fig. 4, the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil acts on the connecting member 42 as a pressing force Fg that pushes the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support body 30 against the return spring 43. Because this pressing force Fg is greater than the urging force of the return spring 43, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support body 30 from the second position to the first position by the pressing force Fg.

[0077] Furthermore, if the movable support 30 is already in the first position, the driving unit 40 maintains the movable support 30 in the first position by its pressing force Fg. In other words, when the electromagnetic coil of the driving unit 40 is excited, the driving unit 40 biases the movable support 30 by the pressing force Fg so that the movable support 30 is positioned at the first position.

[0078] In this way, by moving the movable support 30 to the first position, the driving unit 40 moves the fifth movable contact 30a away from the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth movable contact 30b away from the sixth fixed contact 48a. At the same time, the driving unit 40 brings the first movable contact 22a into contact with the first fixed contact 14a, the second movable contact 22b into contact with the second fixed contact 16a, the third movable contact 24a into contact with the third fixed contact 18a, and the fourth movable contact 24b into contact with the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0079] When the fifth movable contact 30a moves away from the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth movable contact 30b moves away from the sixth fixed contact 48a, the electrical path between the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth fixed contact 48a in the third electrical circuit CT3 is interrupted.

[0080] On the other hand, when the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 is de-energized by cutting off the power supply, the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil is not generated, and therefore the pressing force Fg is released. However, the return spring 43 still presses the movable support 30 toward one side in the first direction D1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the biasing force of the return spring 43 acts on the movable support 30 as an operating force Fd that moves the movable support 30 toward one side in the first direction D1. The drive unit 40 moves the movable support 30 from the first position to the second position by using this operating force Fd. In other words, the drive unit 40 releases the pressing force Fg and causes the return spring 43 to press the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30, thereby moving the movable support 30 from the first position to the second position.

[0081] Furthermore, if the movable support 30 is already in the second position, the drive unit 40 maintains the movable support 30 in the second position by the operating force Fd. In other words, when the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40 is de-energized, the drive unit 40 urges the movable support 30 by the operating force Fd so that the movable support 30 is positioned at the second position.

[0082] In this way, the driving unit 40 moves the movable support 30 to the second position, thereby bringing the fifth movable contact 30a into contact with the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth movable contact 30b into contact with the sixth fixed contact 48a. At the same time, the driving unit 40 moves the first movable contact 22a away from the first fixed contact 14a, the second movable contact 22b away from the second fixed contact 16a, the third movable contact 24a away from the third fixed contact 18a, and the fourth movable contact 24b away from the fourth fixed contact 20a.

[0083] When the movable support 30 is moved to the second position as shown in Figure 5, the fifth movable contact 30a is maintained in a state pressed against the fifth fixed contact 46a, and the sixth movable contact 30b is maintained in a state pressed against the sixth fixed contact 48a by the operating force Fd.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the driving unit 40 moves the movable support 30 to the first position as shown in Fig. 4, thereby moving the fifth movable contact 30a away from the fifth fixed contact 46a and the sixth movable contact 30b away from the sixth fixed contact 48a. Then, the driving unit 40 moves the movable support 30 to the second position as shown in Fig. 5, thereby bringing the fifth movable contact 30a into contact with the fifth fixed contact 46a and bringing the sixth movable contact 30b into contact with the sixth fixed contact 48a.

[0085] This operation makes it possible to open and close the current paths included in the third electric circuit CT3 simultaneously with the opening and closing of the current paths in the first and second electric circuits CT1 and CT2, and to mechanically prevent the current paths in the third electric circuit CT3 from being closed at the same time as the current paths in the first and second electric circuits CT1 and CT2, in other words, from being turned on at the same time.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the connecting member 42 and the return spring 43 of the drive unit 40 are connected to the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30 so as to face each other in the first direction D1 with the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30 sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, the connecting member 42 can be maintained connected to the inter-contact portion 303 of the movable support 30 without the need to fix the connecting member 42 to the movable support 30. Therefore, the movable support 30 can be reciprocated between the first position and the second position while the connecting member 42 is connected to the movable support 30 so as to be allowed to swing relative to the connecting member 42 as indicated by arrow Y3 in FIG. 4 . As a result, for example, when the movable support 30 is moved to the second position as shown in FIG. 5 , the fifth and sixth movable contacts 30a and 30b can be evenly pressed against the corresponding fixed contacts 46a and 48a, respectively, and the contact pressure between the contacts can be substantially uniform.

[0087] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0088] (Other Embodiments) (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the first to fourth fixed contacts 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a are aligned in the second direction D2 as shown in FIG. 1 , but this is merely an example. The alignment direction of the first and second fixed contacts 14a and 16a may intersect with the alignment direction of the third and fourth fixed contacts 18a and 20a. Alternatively, the alignment of the first and second fixed contacts 14a and 16a and the alignment of the third and fourth fixed contacts 18a and 20a may be parallel to each other. In these cases, the arrangement of the first to fourth movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, and 24b follows the arrangement of the first to fourth fixed contacts 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a.

[0089] (2) In the first embodiment described above, the movable support 30 is made of metal as shown in Fig. 1, but this is merely an example. In the first embodiment, the movable support 30 does not need to be conductive, and may be made of an insulating material such as resin. In the second embodiment, the movable support 30 needs to provide a current path between the fifth movable contact 30a and the sixth movable contact 30b, and is therefore made of a conductor such as metal.

[0090] (3) In the first embodiment described above, the movable support body 30 shown in Fig. 1 is fixed to the connecting member 42 via the intervening member 36, but this is just one example. The movable support body 30 does not need to be fixed to the connecting member 42, and may be connected to the connecting member 42 so as not to be displaced relative to the connecting member 42, for example, so as not to come off the connecting member 42.

[0091] (4) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drive unit 40 is configured so that the connecting member 42 pushes the movable support body 30 from one side to the other side in the first direction D1, but this is just one example. For example, the drive unit 40 may be configured conversely so that the connecting member 42 pushes the movable support body 30 from the other side to one side in the first direction D1.

[0092] (5) In the second embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drive unit 40 is configured so that the connecting member 42 pushes the movable support 30 from one side to the other in the first direction D1 and the return spring 43 pushes the movable support 30 from the other side to one side in the first direction D1, but this is just one example. For example, the positional relationship between the connecting member 42 and the return spring 43 may be reversed in the first direction D1 with the movable support 30 sandwiched between them. In that case, the drive unit 40 is configured so that the connecting member 42 pushes the movable support 30 from the other side to one side in the first direction D1 and the return spring 43 pushes the movable support 30 from one side to the other side in the first direction D1.

[0093] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and other figures, the first fixed contact 14a of the first terminal 14 is made of the same material as the portion of the first terminal 14 surrounding the first fixed contact 14a, but this is merely an example. For example, the first fixed contact 14a may be made of a different material that has higher arc resistance than the portion of the first terminal 14 surrounding the first fixed contact 14a, and may be fixed to the portion surrounding the first fixed contact 14a by crimping or other processing. This also applies to the fixed contacts 16a, 18a, 20a, 46a, 48a and the movable contacts 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 30a, 30b other than the first fixed contact 14a.

[0094] (7) In the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and other figures, the first pressure spring 26 corresponds to the first elastic body of the present disclosure, and the second pressure spring 28 corresponds to the second elastic body of the present disclosure, but this is merely an example. The elastic bodies corresponding to the first and second elastic bodies are not limited to coil springs, and may be, for example, rubber.

[0095] (8) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 1 and other figures, the first spring bearing 32, the second spring bearing 34, and the intervening member 36 are provided, but in order to insulate the connecting member 42 of the drive unit 40 from the first and second movers 22, 24, the intervening member 36 may be omitted as long as the first and second spring bearings 32, 34 are present. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to avoid a short circuit between the first mover 22 and the second mover 24, the first and second spring bearings 32, 34 may be omitted.

[0096] (9) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support body 30 together with the connecting member 42 to the other side in the first direction D1 by energizing the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40. Then, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support body 30 together with the connecting member 42 to one side in the first direction D1 by cutting off the energization of the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40. However, this is just one example.

[0097] Conversely, for example, the drive unit 40 may be configured to move the movable support body 30 together with the connecting member 42 to one side in the first direction D1 by energizing the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40. In this case, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support body 30 together with the connecting member 42 to the other side in the first direction D1 by cutting off the energization of the electromagnetic coil of the drive unit 40.

[0098] (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the drive unit 40 moves the movable support 30 back and forth in the first direction D1 together with the connecting member 42 in response to switching between generating and not generating magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil, but other configurations that do not use the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil may also be used.

[0099] (11) Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, it goes without saying that, in each of the above-described embodiments, elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0100] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, and ranges of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when it is particularly clearly stated that they are essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle, etc. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of components are mentioned, they are not limited to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc., except when it is particularly clearly stated or when they are clearly limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle, etc.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay comprising: a first fixed contact (14a) and a second fixed contact (16a) that are aligned with each other when viewed in one direction (D1); a third fixed contact (18a) and a fourth fixed contact (20a) that are aligned with each other when viewed in the one direction; a first movable contact (22a) that is disposed on one side of the first fixed contact in the one direction and faces the first fixed contact, and a second movable contact (22b) that is disposed on one side of the second fixed contact in the one direction and faces the second fixed contact; a second movable contact (24) that is disposed on one side of the third fixed contact in the one direction and faces the third fixed contact, and a fourth movable contact (24b) that is disposed on one side of the fourth fixed contact in the one direction and faces the fourth fixed contact; a first elastic body (26); and a second elastic body (28). a movable support (30) that supports the first movable element via the first elastic body and the second movable element via the second elastic body, and is provided so as to be reciprocable between a first position and a second position moved from the first position to the one side in the one direction; and a drive unit (40) that reciprocates the movable support between the first position and the second position, wherein the first elastic body connects the movable support and the first movable element to allow the first movable element to oscillate relative to the movable support, and the second elastic body connects the movable support and the second movable element to allow the second movable element to oscillate relative to the movable support, and the drive unit moves the movable support to the first position, thereby bringing the first movable contact into contact with the first fixed contact, the second movable contact into contact with the second fixed contact, the third movable contact into contact with the third fixed contact, and the fourth movable contact into contact with the fourth fixed contact, an electromagnetic relay, wherein moving the movable support to the second position causes the first movable contact to move away from the first fixed contact, the second movable contact to move away from the second fixed contact, the third movable contact to move away from the third fixed contact, and the fourth movable contact to move away from the fourth fixed contact.

2. An electromagnetic relay as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first movable element is capable of conducting between the first movable contact and the second movable contact, and the second movable element is capable of conducting between the third movable contact and the fourth movable contact, and is insulated from the first movable element.

3. An electromagnetic relay as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elastic body is connected to the first movable element between the first movable contact and the second movable contact of the first movable element, the second elastic body is connected to the second movable element between the third movable contact and the fourth movable contact of the second movable element, and the drive unit has a connecting member (42) connected to the movable support between a portion (301) of the movable support to which the first elastic body is connected and a portion (302) of the movable support to which the second elastic body is connected, and the connecting member is moved back and forth in the one direction to cause the movable support to reciprocate between the first position and the second position.

4. A fifth fixed contact (46a) and a sixth fixed contact (48a) are provided which are arranged on the one side of the movable support in the one direction and are aligned with each other when viewed in the one direction, the movable support having a fifth movable contact (30a) which is arranged on the other side of the fifth fixed contact in the one direction and faces the fifth fixed contact, and a sixth movable contact (30b) which is arranged on the other side of the sixth fixed contact in the one direction and faces the sixth fixed contact, and is insulated from the first movable element and the second movable element, the drive unit has a connecting member (42) connected to the movable support to allow the movable support to oscillate, and moves the connecting member back and forth in the one direction to reciprocate the movable support between the first position and the second position, the drive unit moves the movable support to the first position to move the fifth movable contact away from the fifth fixed contact and the sixth movable contact away from the sixth fixed contact, 3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the fifth movable contact is brought into contact with the fifth fixed contact and the sixth movable contact is brought into contact with the sixth fixed contact by moving the movable support to the second position.

5. An electromagnetic relay as described in claim 4, wherein the drive unit has a return spring (43) that expands and contracts in one direction, the connecting member and the return spring are connected to an inter-contact portion (303) of the movable support between the fifth movable contact and the sixth movable contact so as to face each other in the one direction, with the inter-contact portion sandwiched between the fifth movable contact and the sixth movable contact, and the drive unit moves the movable support to one of the first position and the second position by generating a pressing force (Fg) that acts against the return spring and presses the inter-contact portion with the connecting member, and moves the movable support to the other of the first position and the second position by causing the return spring to press the inter-contact portion upon release of the pressing force.

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