Relay device

Abstract

A relay device (100) comprises: a fixed contact member (5); a movable contact member (4) that is capable of moving; a support member (1) that supports the movable contact member (4); a first actuator (AC1) that moves the support member (1); and a second actuator (AC2) that moves a part of the support member (1). The support member (1) is configured be switchable, by the second actuator (AC2), between a first form when the movable contact member (4) is in contact with the fixed contact member (5) and a second form when the movable contact member (4) moves away from the fixed contact member (5). The first actuator (AC1) is configured to be capable of moving the support member (1) to a first position which allows the support member (1) in the second form to switch to the first form.

Description

Relay Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a circuit breaker (relay device) in which an electromagnet for short circuit protection is excited by an overcurrent (large current) caused by a short circuit or the like, thereby breaking an electric circuit (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 42-6099

[0004] However, this device requires manual operation to return the electrical circuit from a disconnected state to its original operable state, which may make it difficult for users to use.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a relay device that is easier to use.

[0006] A relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a fixed contact member, a movable contact member, a support member supporting the movable contact member, a first actuator that moves the support member, and a second actuator that moves a part of the support member, wherein the support member is configured to be switchable by the second actuator between a first form when the movable contact member is in contact with the fixed contact member and a second form when the movable contact member is separated from the fixed contact member, and the first actuator is configured to be able to move the support member to a first position that allows the support member in the second form to switch to the first form.

[0007] The relay device described above can improve ease of use.

[0008] 10 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support member constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the relay device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another configuration example of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support member constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 10 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the relay device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of yet another configuration example of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second actuator constituting the relay device shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the support member shown in FIG. 21. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the support member shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Fig. 18.

[0009] A relay device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the relay device 100. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the relay device 100. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator AC1 constituting the relay device 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second actuator AC2 constituting the relay device 100. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support member 1 constituting the relay device 100. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100 taken on an imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane including the cutting line L1 shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from the X1 side.

[0010] In FIG. 1 , X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Furthermore, Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In FIG. 1 , the X1 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the front side (front face) of the relay device 100, and the X2 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the rear side (back face) of the relay device 100. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the left side of the relay device 100, and the Y2 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the right side of the relay device 100. Furthermore, the Z1 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the top side of the relay device 100, and the Z2 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the bottom side of the relay device 100. The same applies to other components in other figures. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each of the components constituting the relay device 100, which will be described later, is made of any material such as metal, synthetic resin, ceramic, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The relay device 100 is a device that receives a power supply (current supply) from an external source to operate the movable contact member 4 inside and switch on / off an electrical circuit including the fixed contact member 5, and is also called a relay.

[0012] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the relay device 100 includes an upper case member 8 and a lower case member 9 that constitute a housing HS. In the illustrated example, the upper case member 8 and the lower case member 9 are made of a non-magnetic metal such as austenitic stainless steel. Because the upper case member 8 and the lower case member 9 are made of a non-magnetic metal, they do not have a negative magnetic effect on the electromagnetic actuator and the like housed inside the housing HS. However, at least one of the upper case member 8 and the lower case member 9 may be made of a magnetic metal or a synthetic resin.

[0013] 2, the upper case member 8 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with a lid. Specifically, the upper case member 8 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 8A and a top plate portion 8B provided so as to be continuous with the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of the outer wall portion 8A. Two through holes 8H are formed in the top plate portion 8B.

[0014] The two through holes 8H are configured to fit the cylindrical terminal portions of the fixed contact members 5. Specifically, the two through holes 8H include a rear through hole 8HB into which the terminal portion of the rear fixed contact member 5B is fitted, and a front through hole 8HF into which the front fixed contact member 5F is fitted.

[0015] 2, the lower case member 9 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with a bottom. Specifically, the lower case member 9 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer wall portion 9A and a bottom plate portion 9B provided so as to be continuous with the lower end (the end on the Z2 side) of the outer wall portion 9A.

[0016] 2, the housing HS, which is composed of an upper case member 8 and a lower case member 9, houses the biasing member 6, the shaft member 7, the first actuator AC1, the second actuator AC2, etc. The second actuator AC2 includes the movable magnetic member 2, the fixed magnetic member 3, the movable contact member 4, and the fixed contact member 5.

[0017] The first actuator AC1 is a device for moving the support member 1. In the illustrated example, the first actuator AC1 is an electromagnetic actuator (electromagnet) including a first coil CL1, a first fixed-side member FB1, a first movable-side member MB1, and a first elastic member RS1, as shown in FIG.

[0018] The first fixed side member FB1 is a member that functions as a stator of the first actuator AC1, and includes a frame member 31, a coil bobbin 32, a two-stage cylindrical member 33, and a cylindrical member .

[0019] The frame member 31 is a member for holding the coil bobbin 32. In the illustrated example, the frame member 31 is a substantially rectangular frame-shaped member including a bottom plate portion 31D, a left side plate portion 31L, a right side plate portion 31R, and a top plate portion 31U, with a circular upper through-hole 31HU formed in the top plate portion 31U and a circular lower through-hole 31HD formed in the bottom plate portion 31D.

[0020] The coil bobbin 32 is a member around which the first coil CL1 is wound. In the illustrated example, the coil bobbin 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32C (see FIG. 6 ), an annular lower flange portion 32D, and an annular upper flange portion 32U, as shown in FIG. 3 , and as shown in FIG. 6 , a two-stage cylindrical member 33 is fitted and fixed in an upper recess 32SU, which is a two-stage cylindrical space, and a cylindrical member 34 is fitted and fixed in a lower recess 32SD, which is also a cylindrical space.

[0021] The two-stage cylindrical member 33 is a member for slidably accommodating a part of the first movable-side member MB1 (the upper cylindrical member 41). In the illustrated example, as shown in Fig. 6, the two-stage cylindrical member 33 is inserted into an upper through-hole 31HU formed in the top plate portion 31U of the frame member 31, and is fitted into and fixed in an upper recess 32SU formed in the coil bobbin 32.

[0022] The two-stage cylindrical member 33 is formed of a magnetic material so as to be magnetized when a current is supplied to the first coil CL1 to generate a magnetic field. In the illustrated example, the two-stage cylindrical member 33 is arranged so as to attract another part of the first movable-side member MB1 (the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42) upward when magnetized.

[0023] The cylindrical member 34 is a member for slidably accommodating another part (lower bottomed cylindrical member 42) of the first movable member MB1. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 6, the cylindrical member 34 is inserted into a lower through-hole 31HD formed in the bottom plate portion 31D of the frame member 31, and is fitted into and fixed in a lower recess 32SD formed in the coil bobbin 32.

[0024] The first movable-side member MB1 is a member that functions as a mover of the first actuator AC1, and includes an upper cylindrical member 41 and a lower bottomed cylindrical member 42. Specifically, the first movable-side member MB1 is configured to be able to move between a position (OFF position) when no power is supplied to the first actuator AC1 and a position (ON position) when power is supplied to the first actuator AC1.

[0025] The upper cylindrical member 41 is a member that is slidably housed in the upper recess 33SU, which is a cylindrical space formed in the two-stage cylindrical member 33. In the illustrated example, the upper cylindrical member 41 is made of a synthetic resin such as nylon. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the upper cylindrical member 41 is formed with a through-hole 41H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted.

[0026] The lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is a member slidably housed within the cylindrical member 34. In the illustrated example, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is made of a magnetic material so that it can be magnetized when a current is supplied to the first coil CL1 and a magnetic field is generated. In the illustrated example, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is arranged so that, when it is magnetized, it is attracted upward by the similarly magnetized two-stage cylindrical member 33, as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0027] The first elastic member RS1 is a member for returning the first movable-side member MB1 from the ON position to the OFF position. In the illustrated example, the first elastic member RS1 is a compression coil spring as shown in Fig. 3, and includes a first upper elastic member RS1U and a first lower elastic member RS1D.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the first upper elastic member RS1U is compressed between the support member 1 (base member 10) and the upper cylindrical member 41 when the upper cylindrical member 41 moves upward toward the ON position, and is positioned so that when the force moving the upper cylindrical member 41 upward disappears, the repulsive force can push the upper cylindrical member 41 back downward toward the OFF position.

[0029] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first upper elastic member RS1U is positioned within the upper recess 33SU formed in the two-stage cylindrical member 33 so that its upper end contacts the lower surface of the support member 1 (base member 10) and its lower end contacts the upper surface of the upper cylindrical member 41.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the first lower elastic member RS1D is compressed between the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 when the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 moves upward toward the ON position, and is positioned so that when the force moving the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 upward disappears, the repulsive force can push the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 back downward toward the OFF position.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first lower elastic member RS1D is arranged within the lower recess 33SD formed in the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and within the recess 42S formed in the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, so that its upper end contacts the lower surface of the two-stage cylindrical member 33 (the ceiling surface of the lower recess 33SD) and its lower end contacts the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 42B of the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42.

[0032] The support member 1 is a member for supporting the movable contact member 4. In the illustrated example, the support member 1 includes a base member 10, a first link member 11L, a first fulcrum member 11S, a second link member 12L, a second fulcrum member 12S, a third fulcrum member 13S, and a second elastic member RS2, as shown in FIG. 5 . The first link member 11L, the first fulcrum member 11S, the second link member 12L, the second fulcrum member 12S, and the third fulcrum member 13S form a link mechanism LM. In the illustrated example, the link mechanism LM functions as a buckling mechanism. The buckling mechanism is configured to undergo large lateral deformation and vertical contraction as if buckling had occurred when a predetermined load is applied laterally while loads are being applied from both above and below.

[0033] The base member 10 is a member disposed on the distal side of the first link member 11L. Note that "distal" refers to a position farther from the fixed contact member 5 than "proximal." In the illustrated example, the base member 10 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member, and is disposed so that its upper surface contacts the first fulcrum member 11S and its lower surface contacts the first upper elastic member RS1U. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , a through-hole 10H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted is formed in the center of the base member 10. The base member 10 is configured to be movable along the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 7.

[0034] The first fulcrum member 11S is a member that forms a pivot point for the first link member 11L. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first fulcrum member 11S is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member and has a pair of cylindrical first pins PN1 extending in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the pair of first pins PN1 includes a first front pin PN1F that protrudes toward the X1 side (front side) and a first rear pin (not visible in FIG. 5 ) that protrudes toward the X2 side (rear side). A through-hole 11SH, through which the shaft member 7 is inserted, is formed in the center of the first fulcrum member 11S. The first fulcrum member 11S is configured to be movable along the extension direction of the shaft member 7.

[0035] The first link member 11L is a member provided to rotate relative to the first fulcrum member 11S. In the illustrated example, the first link member 11L is a substantially U-shaped member in top view, with a pair of one end portions (lower end portions) rotatably connected to a pair of first pins PN1 and a pair of the other end portions (upper end portions) rotatably connected to a pair of third pins PN3.

[0036] The second fulcrum member 12S is a member that forms a pivot point for the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the second fulcrum member 12S is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member and has a pair of cylindrical second pins PN2 extending in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the pair of second pins PN2 includes a second front pin PN2F that protrudes toward the X1 side (front side) and a second rear pin PN2B that protrudes toward the X2 side (rear side). A through hole 12SH, through which the shaft member 7 is inserted, is formed in the center of the second fulcrum member 12S. The second fulcrum member 12S is configured to be movable along the extension direction of the shaft member 7. In addition, the top surface (upper surface) of the second fulcrum member 12S on the Z1 side in Figure 5 is capable of contacting or separating from the underside of the movable contact member 4 described later, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, and can assume a state in which it supports the movable contact member 4 by abutting against the underside of the movable contact member 4.

[0037] The second link member 12L is a member provided to rotate relative to the second fulcrum member 12S. In the illustrated example, the second link member 12L is a substantially U-shaped member in top view, with a pair of one end (upper end) rotatably connected to a pair of second pins PN2 and a pair of the other end (lower end) rotatably connected to a pair of third pins PN3.

[0038] The third fulcrum member 13S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum for each of the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, the third fulcrum member 13S includes a pair of cylindrical third pins PN3 that extend in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the pair of third pins PN3 includes a third front pin PN3F located on the X1 side (front side) and a third rear pin PN3B located on the X2 side (rear side).

[0039] In this way, the first link member 11L is connected to the first fulcrum member 11S so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis RX1 along the pair of first pins PN1, and the second link member 12L is connected to the second fulcrum member 12S so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis RX2 along the pair of second pins PN2. Furthermore, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the third rotation axis RX3 along the pair of third pins PN3.

[0040] The second elastic member RS2 is a member that generates a force that moves the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S, which are movable along the shaft member 7, away from each other. In the illustrated example, the second elastic member RS2 is a compression coil spring that is disposed between the upper surface of the first fulcrum member 11S and the lower surface of the second fulcrum member 12S, and constitutes a part of the second actuator AC2.

[0041] With the above-described configuration, the support member 1 can take a first form (the form shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5) when the link mechanism LM is extended in the Z-axis direction, and a second form (the form shown in the lower diagram of Figure 5) when the link mechanism LM is contracted in the Z-axis direction (when the buckling mechanism is buckled to the left).

[0042] The link mechanism LM has a rotation stopper SP that allows buckling toward the Y1 side (left side) while suppressing buckling toward the Y2 side (right side). In the illustrated example, the rotation stopper SP includes a lower stopper portion 11LS formed on the first link member 11L and an upper stopper portion 12LS formed on the second link member 12L.

[0043] Specifically, the lower stopper portion 11LS and the upper stopper portion 12LS come into contact with each other when the support member 1 is in the first form (the form shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5), and allow the second link member 12L to rotate around the pair of third pins PN3 in the direction of the dashed arrow DR1 while preventing it from rotating in the direction of the dashed arrow DR2.

[0044] The movable contact member 4 is a member configured to come into contact with the fixed contact member 5, and is formed from a metal plate containing a material such as copper, iron, or an alloy containing these as its main components. In the illustrated example, a left movable contact portion 4L and a right movable contact portion 4R that come into contact with the fixed contact member 5 are formed on both ends of the upper surface of the movable contact member 4 so as to protrude upward, as shown in Fig. 6. In addition, a through hole 4H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted is formed in the center of the movable contact member 4, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0045] The fixed contact member 5 is configured to come into contact with the movable contact member 4 and is formed of a metal plate containing a material such as copper, iron, or an alloy containing these as a main component. In the illustrated example, the fixed contact member 5 is configured to form a two-turn coil (second coil CL2) as shown in FIG. 4 . Specifically, the fixed contact member 5 includes a rear fixed contact member 5B that contacts one end of the movable contact member 4 and a front fixed contact member 5F that contacts the other end of the movable contact member 4. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the rear fixed contact member 5B has a rear plate-shaped portion 5PB, and a left fixed contact portion 5L that contacts the left movable contact portion 4L of the movable contact member 4 is formed on the lower surface of the rear plate-shaped portion 5PB so as to protrude downward. Similarly, the front fixed contact member 5F has a front plate-shaped portion 5PF, and a right fixed contact portion 5R that contacts the right movable contact portion 4R of the movable contact member 4 is formed on the lower surface of the front plate-shaped portion 5PF so as to protrude downward.

[0046] The second actuator AC2 is a device for moving the link mechanism LM that constitutes the support member 1. In the illustrated example, the second actuator AC2 is an electromagnetic actuator (electromagnet) that includes a second coil CL2, a second fixed-side member FB2, a second movable-side member MB2, and a second elastic member RS2 (see FIG. 5), as shown in FIG.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the second coil CL2, second fixed member FB2, and second movable member MB2 that constitute the second actuator AC2. Specifically, the upper left and upper right views of Fig. 4 are views when the second actuator AC2 is not operating, and the lower left and lower right views of Fig. 4 are views when the second actuator AC2 is operating. The black block arrows in the lower left and lower right views of Fig. 4 indicate the direction of movement of the second movable member MB2. More specifically, the views enclosed by dashed circles in the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right views are perspective views of the second fixed member FB2 and the second movable member MB2, with other members not shown within the dashed circles.

[0048] The second coil CL2 is configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is supplied to it. In the illustrated example, the second coil CL2 is a two-turn coil formed by the rear fixed contact member 5B, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The second fixed side member FB2 is a member that functions as a stator of the second actuator AC2 and includes a fixed side magnetic member 3.

[0050] The second movable-side member MB2 is a member that functions as a mover of the second actuator AC2, and includes a movable-side magnetic member 2. Specifically, the movable-side magnetic member 2 serving as the second movable-side member MB2 is configured to be movable between a position (OFF position) when the second actuator AC2 is not operating and a position (ON position) when the second actuator AC2 is operating. Note that "when the second actuator AC2 is not operating" refers to a time when no force (electromagnetic force) sufficient to move the second movable-side member MB2 is being generated.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the fixed-side magnetic member 3 are arranged to partially penetrate the second coil CL2 so that they can become magnetized when a magnetic field is generated by supplying current to the second coil CL2. The movable-side magnetic member 2 and the fixed-side magnetic member 3 are arranged so that they can attract each other when magnetized. Specifically, the movable-side magnetic member 2 is arranged to be movable along the Y-axis direction. This arrangement minimizes the distance between the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the fixed-side magnetic member 3 in the Y-axis direction at the ON position and maximizes it at the OFF position. Specifically, the upper left end 2EU of the movable-side magnetic member 2 is arranged to face the upper right end 3EU of the fixed-side magnetic member 3 in the Y-axis direction, and the lower left end 2ED of the movable-side magnetic member 2 is arranged to face the lower right end 3ED of the fixed-side magnetic member 3 in the Y-axis direction. The distance between the upper left end 2EU and the upper right end 3EU in the Y-axis direction, and the distance between the lower left end 2ED and the lower right end 3ED in the Y-axis direction, for example, are smallest at the ON position and largest at the OFF position.

[0052] The second elastic member RS2, which is a compression coil spring arranged between the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S that constitute the link mechanism LM, can return the second movable side member MB2 (movable side magnetic member 2) that is in the ON position to the OFF position.

[0053] The biasing member 6 is a member that applies a force to move the movable contact member 4 away from the fixed contact member 5. In the illustrated example, the biasing member 6 is a compression coil spring, and as shown in Fig. 6, the biasing member 6 is arranged in a recess 8S, which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space formed by the upper case member 8, so that its upper end contacts the ceiling surface of a first recess 8S1 formed in the ceiling surface 8C of the upper case member 8 and its lower end contacts the upper surface of the movable contact member 4. The biasing member 6 is also arranged around a cylindrical protrusion 8P that extends downward and is formed on the ceiling surface 8C of the upper case member 8.

[0054] Specifically, the biasing member 6 is compressed between the upper case member 8 and the movable contact member 4 attached to the upper surface of the support member 1 when the support member 1 moves upward toward the ON position, and is positioned so that when the force moving the support member 1 upward disappears, the repulsive force can push the support member 1 (movable contact member 4) downward toward the OFF position.

[0055] The shaft member 7 is a member for transmitting the force generated by the first actuator AC1 to the support member 1. In the illustrated example, the shaft member 7 is a member formed of a non-magnetic metal. As shown in FIG. 6 , a lower end 7ED of the shaft member 7 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 42B of the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, and an upper end 7EU of the shaft member 7 is slidably inserted into a second recess 8S2, which is a cylindrical space formed in the protrusion 8P of the upper case member 8. The shaft member 7 also has a lower flange portion 7D, a central flange portion 7C, and an upper flange portion 7U. The lower flange portion 7D is configured to push the upper cylindrical member 41 upward when the shaft member 7 moves upward together with the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42. The central flange portion 7C is configured to push the support member 1 (first fulcrum member 11S) downward when the shaft member 7 moves downward together with the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42. The upper flange portion 7U is configured so as to be able to push the movable contact member 4 downward when the shaft member 7 moves downward together with the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42.

[0056] Next, the operation of the relay device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. FIGS. 7 and 8 are a front view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the relay device 100. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the relay device 100. Specifically, the upper left and lower left views of FIG. 7 are views showing the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in an OFF state (when no current is supplied to the first actuator AC1), and the upper right and lower right views of FIG. 7 are views showing the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in an ON state (when current is supplied to the first actuator AC1). Furthermore, the upper left and lower left views of FIG. 8 are views showing the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state (when an abnormal current such as an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit), and the upper right and lower right views of FIG. 8 are views showing the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in a reset state (when the supply of current to the first actuator AC1 is stopped after the abnormal current state is resolved). In the front views (the upper left and upper right views of FIG. 7 and the upper left and upper right views of FIG. 8), the upper case member 8 and the lower case member 9 are omitted for clarity. The leftmost view in FIG. 9 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in the OFF state, the second leftmost view in FIG. 9 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in the ON state, the second rightmost view in FIG. 9 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state, and the rightmost view in FIG. 9 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in the reset state. In FIG. 9, the upper case member 8 and the lower case member 9 are omitted for clarity.

[0057] 7, when a current is supplied to the first coil CL1, the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 are magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 and are attracted to each other. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward as indicated by the block arrow AR1. At this time, the first lower elastic member RS1D is compressed between the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42.

[0058] As the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 rises, the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward, as indicated by block arrow AR2. At this time, the lower flange portion 7D of the shaft member 7 pushes up the upper cylindrical member 41 from below. As a result, the upper cylindrical member 41 is moved upward as the lower flange portion 7D rises, as indicated by block arrow AR3. At this time, the first upper elastic member RS1U is moved upward as the upper cylindrical member 41 rises, and is compressed between the support member 1 (base member 10) and the upper cylindrical member 41.

[0059] As the first upper elastic member RS1U rises, the support member 1 supported by the first upper elastic member RS1U is moved upward as indicated by the block arrow AR4 (see also the second diagram from the left in FIG. 9 ). Therefore, the movable contact member 4, whose underside is supported by the second fulcrum member 12S of the support member 1, is also moved upward, away from a restricting portion (not shown) provided in the upper case member 8. As a result, the movable contact member 4 (left movable contact portion 4L and right movable contact portion 4R) comes into contact with the fixed contact member 5 (left fixed contact portion 5L and right fixed contact portion 5R). When the movable contact member 4 is moved upward, the biasing member 6 is compressed between the movable contact member 4 and the upper case member 8.

[0060] In this way, when a current is supplied to the first actuator AC1, the relay device 100 switches from the OFF state to the ON state, and the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 are connected.

[0061] Thereafter, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like, the second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) and the second fixed-side member FB2 (fixed-side magnetic member 3) are magnetized and attracted to each other by the magnetic field generated by the rear fixed contact member 5B functioning as the second coil CL2, as shown in the upper left diagram of Fig. 8. As a result, the movable-side magnetic member 2 is moved leftward as indicated by the block arrow AR5 in the lower left diagram of Fig. 8 (see also the second diagram from the right in Fig. 9).

[0062] When the movable magnetic member 2 is moved leftward, the link mechanism LM buckles leftward. Specifically, the second link member 12L, which was in contact with the contact surface 2R of the movable magnetic member 2, is pushed leftward by the movable magnetic member 2 moving leftward, causing the pair of third pins PN3 to move leftward as indicated by block arrow AR6 (see also the second drawing from the right in Figure 9). As a result, the first link member 11L rotates counterclockwise around the pair of third pins PN3 as indicated by arrow AR7A, and the second link member 12L rotates clockwise around the pair of third pins PN3 as indicated by arrow AR7C.

[0063] When the link mechanism LM buckles to the left, the movable contact member 4, which continues to receive a downward force (repulsive force) from the biasing member 6, is moved downward by the biasing member 6 as indicated by block arrow AR8 (see also the second diagram from the right in FIG. 9 ). This is because the upward force from the first actuator AC1, which counteracts the downward force from the biasing member 6, disappears. As a result, contact between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released, and the electrical circuit is interrupted. Furthermore, the movable contact member 4, which has been moved downward by the biasing member 6, abuts against a restricting member (not shown) provided in the upper case member 8 and stops moving. It is maintained in a spaced position from the fixed contact member 5, and the second fulcrum member 12S can move away from the lower surface of the movable contact member 4. Furthermore, the second elastic member RS2 is compressed between the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S.

[0064] When the electrical circuit is interrupted, the overcurrent flowing through the rear fixed contact member 5B as the second coil CL2 is eliminated, the magnetization of the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 due to the magnetic field generated by the rear fixed contact member 5B is also eliminated, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 to each other is also eliminated.

[0065] In this way, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, the relay device 100 switches from the ON state to the abnormal current state, and the connection between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released.

[0066] 8, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped, the magnetization of the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 due to the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 is canceled, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 to each other is also canceled. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, which is continuously subjected to the downward force (repulsive force) from the first lower elastic member RS1D, is moved downward by the first lower elastic member RS1D as shown by block arrow AR9, and the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is also moved downward.

[0067] When the shaft member 7 is moved downward, the first fulcrum member 11S, which is in contact with the underside of the central flange portion 7C of the shaft member 7, is moved downward together with the shaft member 7 as shown by the block arrow AR10 (see also the rightmost diagram in Figure 9).

[0068] When the first fulcrum member 11S is moved downward, the second fulcrum member 12S, which continues to receive an upward force (repulsive force) from the second elastic member RS2, is moved upward by the second elastic member RS2 as shown by block arrow AR11 until it comes into contact with the movable contact member 4. As a result, the support member 1, which is in the second configuration as shown in the lower right diagram of Fig. 8, returns to the first configuration as shown in the lower left diagram of Fig. 7. Specifically, the first link member 11L rotates clockwise around the pair of third pins PN3 as shown by arrow AR12C, and the second link member 12L rotates counterclockwise around the pair of third pins PN3 as shown by arrow AR12A. As a result, the pair of third pins PN3 move to the right as indicated by block arrow AR13 (see also the rightmost diagram in FIG. 9 ), and the upper end of the first link member 11L and the lower end of the second link member 12L, which are connected to the pair of third pins PN3, also move to the right. The movable magnetic member 2 then comes into contact with the second link member 12L moving to the right at the contact surface 2R, is pushed to the right by the second link member 12L moving rightward, and is moved to the right as indicated by block arrow AR14 (see also the rightmost diagram in FIG. 9 ). In other words, the movable magnetic member 2 is moved away from the fixed magnetic member 3, returning to the state shown in the upper left diagram in FIG. 7 .

[0069] In this way, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped after the abnormal current state is resolved, the relay device 100 switches to the recovery state, and the support member 1, which was in the second configuration, switches to the first configuration. In other words, the relay device 100 returns to the OFF state.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17, another configuration example of the relay device 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator AC1 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second actuator AC2 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support member 1 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 1 taken on an imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane including the cutting line L2 shown in FIG. 13, as viewed from the X1 side. FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the relay device 100 and correspond to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 9.

[0071] 10 to 17 differ from the relay device 100 shown in Fig. 2 in that the link mechanism LM has a guide member 14, the second elastic member RS2 is configured as a torsion spring, and the base member 10 functions as an elastic member (contact pressure applying member), as shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. The upper view of Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the support member 1, and the lower view of Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the support member 1. The left view of Fig. 14 is a view of the support member 1 when it is in the first configuration, the center view of Fig. 14 is a view of the support member 1 when it changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the right view of Fig. 14 is a view of the support member 1 when it is in the second configuration. In addition, the upper left and lower left diagrams of Figure 15 are diagrams showing the positions of each component when the relay device 100 is in the OFF state, the upper right and lower right diagrams of Figure 15 are diagrams showing the positions of each component when the relay device 100 is in the ON state, the upper left and lower left diagrams of Figure 16 are diagrams showing the positions of each component when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state and the support member 1 is in the first form, the upper center diagram and lower center diagram of Figure 15 are diagrams showing the positions of each component when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state and the support member 1 is in the second form, and the upper right diagram and lower right diagram of Figure 15 are diagrams showing the positions of each component when the relay device 100 is in the reset state. In addition, the leftmost diagram in Figure 17 is a diagram showing the position of each component when the relay device 100 is in the OFF state, the second diagram from the left in Figure 17 is a diagram showing the position of each component when the relay device 100 is in the ON state, the third diagram from the left in Figure 17 is a diagram showing the position of each component when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state and the support member 1 is in the first form, the second diagram from the right in Figure 17 is a diagram showing the position of each component when the relay device 100 is in an abnormal current state and the support member 1 is in the second form, and the rightmost diagram in Figure 17 is a diagram showing the position of each component when the relay device 100 is in the reset state.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the link mechanism LM includes a base member 10, a first link member 11L, a first fulcrum member 11S, a second link member 12L, a second fulcrum member 12S, a third fulcrum member 13S, and a guide member 14, and is configured to function as a buckling mechanism.

[0073] The base member 10 is a member disposed distal to the first link member 11L. In the illustrated example, as shown in Fig. 13, the base member 10 is a substantially U-shaped member when viewed from the front, and is disposed so that its upper surface contacts the first link member 11L and its lower surface contacts the base portion 14B of the guide member 14. A through-hole 10H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted is formed in the center of the base member 10. The base member 10 is configured to be movable along the extension direction of the shaft member 7 (the Z-axis direction).

[0074] More specifically, the base member 10 is an elastic member that is compressed between the first link member 11L and the base 14B of the guide member 14, and is configured to function as a contact pressure applying member that applies a force (contact pressure) to press the movable contact member 4 against the fixed contact member 5 when in a compressed state.

[0075] The first fulcrum member 11S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum of the first link member 11L. In the illustrated example, the first fulcrum member 11S is a cylindrical first pin PN1 that extends in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.

[0076] The second fulcrum member 12S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum of the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, the second fulcrum member 12S is a cylindrical second pin PN2 that extends in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.

[0077] The third fulcrum member 13S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum for each of the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, the third fulcrum member 13S is a cylindrical third pin PN3 that extends in the X-axis direction.

[0078] The first link member 11L is a member provided to rotate relative to the first fulcrum member 11S. In the illustrated example, the first link member 11L is a columnar member having rounded rectangular end faces, one end (lower end) of which is rotatably connected to the first pin PN1, and the other end (upper end) of which is rotatably connected to the third pin PN3.

[0079] The second link member 12L is a member provided to rotate relative to the second fulcrum member 12S. In the illustrated example, the second link member 12L is a columnar member having a generally gourd-shaped end face, with one end (upper end) rotatably connected to the second pin PN2 and the other end (lower end) rotatably connected to the third pin PN3. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , one end (upper end) of the second link member 12L faces the lower surface of the movable contact member 4 and can come into contact with or separate from the lower surface of the movable contact member 4, and can support the movable contact member 4 by abutting against the lower surface of the movable contact member 4.

[0080] The guide member 14 is a member that guides the movement of the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S along the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the guide member 14 is a plate-like member that is approximately U-shaped when viewed from the right side, and has a base 14B, a rear wall 14WB, and a front wall 14WF. A through hole 14H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted is formed in the base 14B.

[0081] The rear wall portion 14WB and the front wall portion 14WF are each formed with a first guide hole GH1 that guides the movement of the first pin PN1 along the Z-axis direction and a second guide hole GH2 that guides the movement of the second pin PN2 along the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the rear wall portion 14WB is formed with a first rear guide hole GH1B that guides the rear end of the first pin PN1 and a second rear guide hole GH2B that guides the rear end of the second pin PN2. Similarly, the front wall portion 14WF is formed with a first front guide hole GH1F that guides the front end of the first pin PN1 and a second front guide hole GH2F that guides the front end of the second pin PN2.

[0082] Thus, the first link member 11L is connected to the first fulcrum member 11S so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis RX1 along the first pin PN1, and the second link member 12L is connected to the second fulcrum member 12S so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis RX2 along the second pin PN2. Furthermore, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the third rotation axis RX3 along the third pin PN3.

[0083] The second elastic member RS2 is a member that generates a force that moves the first fulcrum member 11S (first pin PN1) and the second fulcrum member 12S (second pin PN2), which are movable along the Z-axis direction, away from each other. In the illustrated example, the second elastic member RS2 is a torsion spring that is arranged around the third pin PN3 so that one end is in contact with the first pin PN1 and the other end is in contact with the second pin PN2, and constitutes a part of the second actuator AC2.

[0084] With the above-described configuration, the support member 1 can be in a first configuration (the configuration shown in the left diagram in FIG. 14 ) when the link mechanism LM is extended in the Z-axis direction (when the buckling mechanism is buckled to the right), and in a second configuration (the configuration shown in the right diagram in FIG. 14 ) when the link mechanism LM is contracted in the Z-axis direction (when the buckling mechanism is buckled to the left). Note that the configuration shown in the center diagram in FIG. 14 is an intermediate configuration when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration, or when changing from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0085] The link mechanism LM also has a rotation stopper SP that allows buckling toward the Y1 side (left side) while suppressing further buckling toward the Y2 side (right side) when the support member 1 is in the first configuration. In the illustrated example, the rotation stopper SP is configured by a right stopper portion 14S formed at the right end of the front wall portion 14WF of the guide member 14.

[0086] Specifically, the right stopper portion 14S contacts the first link member 11L when the support member 1 is in the first form (the form shown in the left figure in Figure 14), and prevents the first link member 11L from rotating clockwise while allowing it to rotate counterclockwise around the first pin PN1 when viewed from the front.

[0087] Next, the operation of the relay device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. As shown in the lower right diagram of Figure 15, when current is supplied to the first coil CL1, the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 are magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 and are attracted to each other. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward as indicated by the block arrow AR1. At this time, the first lower elastic member RS1D is compressed between the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42.

[0088] As the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 rises, the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward, as indicated by block arrow AR2. At this time, the lower flange portion 7D of the shaft member 7 pushes up the upper cylindrical member 41 from below. As a result, the upper cylindrical member 41 is moved upward as the lower flange portion 7D rises, as indicated by block arrow AR3. At this time, the link mechanism LM is moved upward as the upper cylindrical member 41 rises. Furthermore, as the upper cylindrical member 41 rises, the base member 10 as a contact pressure applying member is moved upward and compressed between the first link member 11L and the base portion 14B of the guide member 14.

[0089] As the link mechanism LM rises, the movable contact member 4, which is supported by the abutment of the second link member 12L of the link mechanism LM, moves upward away from the restricting portion 8T provided in the upper case member 8, as shown by block arrow AR4 (see also the second diagram from the left in FIG. 17 ). As a result, the movable contact member 4 (left movable contact portion 4L and right movable contact portion 4R) comes into contact with the fixed contact member 5 (left fixed contact portion 5L and right fixed contact portion 5R). When the movable contact member 4 is moved upward, the biasing member 6 is compressed between the movable contact member 4 and the upper case member 8.

[0090] In this way, when current is supplied to the first actuator AC1, the relay device 100 switches from an OFF state to an ON state, and the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 are connected. Note that the first actuator AC1 shown in Fig. 11 differs from the first actuator AC1 shown in Fig. 3 in that the first upper elastic member RS1U is omitted, and the shaft member 7 does not have a central flange portion 7C and does not penetrate the support member 1.

[0091] Thereafter, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like, the second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) and the second fixed-side member FB2 (fixed-side magnetic member 3) are magnetized and attracted to each other by the magnetic field generated by the rear fixed contact member 5B functioning as the second coil CL2, as shown in the upper left diagram of Fig. 16. As a result, the movable-side magnetic member 2 is moved leftward as indicated by the block arrow AR5 in the lower left diagram of Fig. 16 (see also the third diagram from the left in Fig. 17).

[0092] When the movable magnetic member 2 is moved leftward, the link mechanism LM buckles leftward. Specifically, the second link member 12L, which was in contact with the contact surface 2R of the movable magnetic member 2, is pushed leftward by the movable magnetic member 2 moving leftward, moving the third pin PN3 leftward as indicated by block arrow AR6. As a result, the first link member 11L rotates counterclockwise around the third pin PN3, and the second link member 12L rotates clockwise around the third pin PN3 as indicated by arrow AR7C (see also arrow AR8C in the lower center of FIG. 16 ).

[0093] When the link mechanism LM buckles to the left, the movable contact member 4, which continues to receive a downward force (repulsive force) from the biasing member 6, is moved downward by the biasing member 6 as indicated by the block arrow AR9 in the lower center diagram of FIG. 16 (see also the second diagram from the right in FIG. 17 ). This is because the upward force from the first actuator AC1 that resists the downward force from the biasing member 6 disappears. As a result, contact between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released, and the electrical circuit is broken. Furthermore, the movable contact member 4, which has been moved downward by the biasing member 6, abuts against a restricting portion 8T provided in the upper case member 8 and stops moving, remaining separated from the fixed contact member 5. The second link member 12L can then move away from the underside of the movable contact member 4. Furthermore, the torsion spring serving as the second elastic member RS2 (see FIG. 13) is compressed (twisted) between the first fulcrum member 11S (first pin PN1) and the second fulcrum member 12S (second pin PN2).

[0094] When the electrical circuit is interrupted, the overcurrent flowing through the rear fixed contact member 5B as the second coil CL2 is eliminated, the magnetization of the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 due to the magnetic field generated by the rear fixed contact member 5B is also eliminated, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 to each other is also eliminated.

[0095] In this way, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, the relay device 100 switches from the ON state to the abnormal current state, and the connection between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released.

[0096] 16, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped, the magnetization of the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 due to the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 is canceled, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 to each other is also canceled. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, which is continuously subjected to the downward force (repulsive force) from the first lower elastic member RS1D, is moved downward by the first lower elastic member RS1D as shown by block arrow AR11, and the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is also moved downward.

[0097] When the shaft member 7 is moved downward, the base member 10, which is in contact with the underside of the upper flange portion 7U of the shaft member 7, is moved downward together with the shaft member 7 as shown by the block arrow AR12 (see also the rightmost diagram in Figure 17).

[0098] When the base member 10 is moved downward, the second pin PN2, which continues to receive an upward force (repulsive force) from the second elastic member RS2, is moved upward as indicated by the block arrow AR13 until the second link member 12L contacts the movable contact member 4, and the third pin PN3 is moved to the right as indicated by the block arrow AR14 in the lower right diagram of FIG. 16 . As a result, the support member 1, which is in the second configuration as indicated by the lower right diagram of FIG. 16 , changes to the configuration as indicated by the lower left diagram of FIG. 16 . Furthermore, the third pin PN3 is moved to the right by the force of the second elastic member RS2, and the support member 1 returns to the first configuration as indicated by the lower left diagram of FIG. 15 . Then, the movable magnetic member 2 comes into contact with the second link member 12L moving rightward at the contact surface 2R and is pushed rightward by the second link member 12L moving rightward, moving rightward as indicated by the block arrow AR15 in the lower left diagram of FIG. 15 . That is, the movable magnetic member 2 is moved in a direction away from the fixed magnetic member 3, and returns to the state shown in the upper left drawing of FIG.

[0099] In this way, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped after the abnormal current state is resolved, the relay device 100 switches to the recovery state, and the support member 1, which was in the second configuration, switches to the first configuration. In other words, the relay device 100 returns to the OFF state.

[0100] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 26, another configuration example of the relay device 100 will be described. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 10. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a first actuator AC1 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 11. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second actuator AC2 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 12. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support member 1 constituting the relay device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 13. Specifically, the upper view of FIG. 21 (the view above the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view of the support member 1, and the lower view of FIG. 21 (the view below the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view of the support member 1. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 1 and the movable contact member 4 taken on an imaginary plane parallel to the XZ plane including the cutting line L3 shown in FIG. 21, as viewed from the Y2 side. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the support member 1 and the movable contact member 4 taken on an imaginary plane parallel to the YZ plane including the cutting line L4 shown in Fig. 21, as viewed from the X1 side. Figs. 24 to 26 are cross-sectional views of the relay device 100. The left drawings in Figs. 22 and 23 show the support member 1 in the first configuration, and the right drawing in Fig. 23 shows the support member 1 in the second configuration. Fig. 24 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in the OFF state, Fig. 25 shows the positions of the components when the relay device 100 is in the ON state, and Fig. 26 shows the positions of the components when the support member 1 is in the second configuration.

[0101] The relay device 100 shown in Fig. 18 differs from the relay device 100 shown in Fig. 10 in that the upper case member 8 is divided into a cover member 8U and a box member 8D, and in that it includes an arc-extinguishing magnet MG. The arc-extinguishing magnet MG is configured to be housed in a recess 8V formed in the upper surface of the box member 8D. The relay device 100 shown in Fig. 18 also differs from the relay device 100 shown in Fig. 10 in that it includes a third elastic member RS3 (leaf spring) that biases the movable-side magnetic member 2 in a direction away from the fixed-side magnetic member 3, and in that it includes a base member 50 that supports the second actuator AC2.

[0102] 19 differs from the first actuator AC1 shown in Fig. 11 in that the frame member 31 is divided into an upper frame member 31A and a lower frame member 31B, and in that a lead wire connection plate LC is attached to the coil bobbin 32. The first actuator AC1 shown in Fig. 19 also differs from the first actuator AC1 shown in Fig. 11 in that it has an upper cylindrical member 43 as the first fixed-side member FB1 instead of the upper cylindrical member 41 as the first movable-side member MB1.

[0103] The second actuator AC2 shown in Fig. 20 differs from the second actuator AC2 shown in Fig. 12 in that the rear fixed contact member 5B and the front fixed contact member 5F each form a two-turn coil (second coil CL2). The second actuator AC2 shown in Fig. 20 also differs from the second actuator AC2 shown in Fig. 12 in that the rear end 2EB of the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the rear end 3EB of the fixed-side magnetic member 3 contact each other, and the front end 2EF of the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the front end 3EF of the fixed-side magnetic member 3 contact each other.

[0104] 18 differs from the relay device 100 shown in FIG. 13 in that the support member 1 has a sliding member 15 that is slidable relative to the guide member 14 along the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 7, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. The relay device 100 shown in FIG. 18 also differs from the relay device 100 shown in FIG. 10 in that, when the sliding member 15 moves in a direction (downward) away from the fixed contact member 5, the movable contact member 4 is moved in the same direction by the sliding member 15, as shown in FIG. 23. Note that, in FIG. 21, a view of the sliding member 15 viewed from diagonally below is added for ease of understanding.

[0105] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the link mechanism LM includes a first link member 11L, a first fulcrum member 11S, a second link member 12L, a second fulcrum member 12S, a third fulcrum member 13S, a guide member 14, and a sliding member 15, and is configured to function as a buckling mechanism.

[0106] The first fulcrum member 11S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum of the first link member 11L. In the illustrated example, the first fulcrum member 11S is a cylindrical first pin PN1 that extends in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.

[0107] The second fulcrum member 12S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum of the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, the second fulcrum member 12S is a cylindrical second pin PN2 that extends in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.

[0108] The third fulcrum member 13S is a member that forms a rotation fulcrum for each of the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L. In the illustrated example, the third fulcrum member 13S is a cylindrical third pin PN3 that extends in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.

[0109] The first link member 11L is a member provided to rotate relative to the first fulcrum member 11S. In the illustrated example, the first link member 11L is a member having a first cylindrical shaft CS1 and a third cylindrical shaft CS3, and is configured so that the first cylindrical shaft CS1 receives the first pin PN1 and the third cylindrical shaft CS3 receives the third pin PN3.

[0110] The second link member 12L is a member provided to rotate relative to the second fulcrum member 12S. In the illustrated example, the second link member 12L is a member having a second cylindrical shaft CS2 and a through hole 12H, and the second cylindrical shaft CS2 is configured to receive the second pin PN2, and the through hole 12H is configured to receive the third pin PN3.

[0111] Thus, the first link member 11L is connected to the first fulcrum member 11S so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis RX1 along the first pin PN1, and the second link member 12L is connected to the second fulcrum member 12S so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis RX2 along the second pin PN2. Furthermore, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the third rotation axis RX3 along the third pin PN3.

[0112] 23, the first link member 11L has a convex portion 11LT that can come into contact with the contact surface 2R of the movable-side magnetic member 2, and is configured so that the convex portion 11LT and the movable-side magnetic member 2 come into contact when the movable-side magnetic member 2 is attracted to the fixed-side magnetic member 3. Similarly, the second link member 12L has a convex portion 12LT that is configured so that the convex portion 12LT and the movable-side magnetic member 2 come into contact when the movable-side magnetic member 2 is attracted to the fixed-side magnetic member 3. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the second cylindrical shaft CS2 of the second link member 12L faces the lower surface portion 15B of the sliding member 15 and can come into contact with or separate from the lower surface portion 15B.

[0113] The guide member 14 is a member that guides the movement of the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S along the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Fig. 21 , the guide member 14 is a substantially U-shaped member when viewed from the right side, and has a base 14B, a rear wall 14WB, and a front wall 14WF. A through hole 14H through which the shaft member 7 is inserted is formed in the base 14B.

[0114] The rear wall portion 14WB and the front wall portion 14WF are each formed with a first guide hole GH1 through which the first pin PN1 is inserted and a second guide hole GH2 that guides the movement of the second pin PN2 along the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the rear wall portion 14WB is formed with a first rear guide hole GH1B through which the rear end of the first pin PN1 is inserted and a second rear guide hole GH2B that guides the rear end of the second pin PN2. Similarly, the front wall portion 14WF is formed with a first front guide hole GH1F through which the front end of the first pin PN1 is inserted and a second front guide hole GH2F that guides the front end of the second pin PN2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 , the second guide hole GH2 is configured as a rounded rectangular hole having a height HT1 greater than the diameter of the second pin PN2 to allow movement of the second pin PN2 in the Z-axis direction.

[0115] The sliding member 15 is attached to the guide member 14 so as to be slidable relative to the guide member 14 in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the sliding member 15 has a leaf spring 15E, as shown in FIG. 23 . The leaf spring 15E is a portion compressed between the movable contact member 4 and the second link member 12L (second cylindrical shaft CS2) and is configured to function as a contact pressure applying member that applies a force (contact pressure) that presses the movable contact member 4 against the fixed contact member 5 when compressed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 , the sliding member 15 is a member having a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer shape and includes a connecting portion 15C, a leaf spring 15E, and a wall portion 15W. The wall portion 15W includes a rear wall portion 15WB and a front wall portion 15WF. The rear wall portion 15WB and the front wall portion 15WF each have a substantially U-shaped outer shape in a top view, and are arranged so that both ends face each other. The connecting portion 15C is a generally rectangular plate-shaped portion that connects the right end of the rear wall portion 15WB with the right end of the front wall portion 15WF. The leaf spring portion 15E extends from the upper end of the connecting portion 15C to the left through the center of the sliding member 15, then turns back and extends to the right, and has a curved shape that is generally U-shaped in a front view, as shown in Figure 23. The leaf spring portion 15E supports the lower surface of the movable contact member 4 with a protrusion 15T formed to protrude upward from its upper surface, and is positioned so that its lower surface portion 15B can contact the second cylindrical shaft CS2 of the second link member 12L.

[0116] 21, a through-hole 15H through which the second pin PN2 is inserted is formed in each of the rear wall portion 15WB and the front wall portion 15WF. Specifically, a rear through-hole 15HB through which the rear end of the second pin PN2 is inserted is formed in the rear wall portion 15WB, and a front through-hole 15HF through which the front end of the second pin PN2 is inserted is formed in the front wall portion 15WF. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the through-hole 15H is configured as a rounded rectangular hole having a height HT2 greater than the diameter of the second pin PN2 so as to allow movement of the sliding member 15 in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] The second elastic member RS2 is a member that generates a force that moves the first fulcrum member 11S (first pin PN1) and the second fulcrum member 12S (second pin PN2), which are movable along the Z-axis direction, away from each other. In the illustrated example, the second elastic member RS2 is a torsion spring that is arranged around the third cylindrical shaft CS3 so that one end contacts the first cylindrical shaft CS1 and the other end contacts the second cylindrical shaft CS2, as shown in FIG. 21 , and constitutes a part of the second actuator AC2.

[0118] With the above-described configuration, the support member 1 can take a first form (the form shown in Figures 24 and 25) when the link mechanism LM is extended in the Z-axis direction, and a second form (the form shown in Figure 26) when the link mechanism LM is contracted in the Z-axis direction (when the buckling mechanism is buckled to the left).

[0119] The link mechanism LM also has a rotation stopper SP that allows buckling toward the Y1 side (left side) while suppressing buckling toward the Y2 side (right side) when the support member 1 is in the first configuration. In the illustrated example, the rotation stopper SP is realized by angularizing the lower right end of the first link member 11L, as shown in FIG.

[0120] Specifically, the lower right end of the first link member 11L contacts the base 14B of the guide member 14 when the support member 1 is in the first form (the form shown in Figures 24 and 25), and prevents the first link member 11L from rotating clockwise while allowing it to rotate counterclockwise around the first pin PN1 when viewed from the front.

[0121] Next, the operation of the relay device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 24 to 26. As shown in Figure 25, when current is supplied to the first coil CL1, the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 are magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 and are attracted to each other. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward as indicated by the block arrow AR1. At this time, the first elastic member RS1 is compressed between the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42.

[0122] The shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is moved upward as the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 rises, as indicated by the block arrow AR2. At this time, the upper flange portion 7U of the shaft member 7 pushes up the support member 1 (the base portion 14B of the guide member 14) from below. As a result, the support member 1 is moved upward as the upper flange portion 7U rises, as indicated by the block arrow AR3. At this time, the leaf spring portion 15E of the sliding member 15 is moved upward as the support member 1 (the second cylindrical shaft CS2 of the second link member 12L) rises and is compressed between the second cylindrical shaft CS2 and the lower surface of the movable contact member 4. The other portion of the sliding member 15 moves slightly downward relative to the guide member 14. This relative movement is achieved by the rounded rectangular through-hole 15H (a hole that allows relative movement between the second pin PN2 and the wall portion 15W) formed in the wall portion 15W.

[0123] As the support member 1 rises, the movable contact member 4, which is supported by the protruding portion 15T of the leaf spring portion 15E, is moved upward away from the base member 50 provided in the upper case member 8, as indicated by the block arrow AR4. As a result, the movable contact member 4 comes into contact with the fixed contact member 5. When the movable contact member 4 is moved upward, the biasing member 6 is compressed between the movable contact member 4 and the upper case member 8.

[0124] In this way, when a current is supplied to the first actuator AC1, the relay device 100 switches from the OFF state to the ON state, and the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 are connected.

[0125] In this state, when the supply of current to the first actuator AC1 is stopped, the force (magnetic force) attracting the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 to each other is eliminated. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, which is continuously subjected to the downward force (repulsive force) from the first elastic member RS1, is moved downward by the first elastic member RS1, and the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is also moved downward. When the shaft member 7 is moved downward, the support member 1 is also moved downward together with the shaft member 7, and the movable contact member 4 is also moved downward together with the support member 1 (sliding member 15). As a result, the movable contact member 4 separates from the fixed contact member 5, and the connection between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released.

[0126] Furthermore, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like, as shown in FIG. 26 , the second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) and the second fixed-side member FB2 (fixed-side magnetic member 3) are magnetized and attracted to each other by the magnetic field generated by the fixed contact member 5, which functions as the second coil CL2. As a result, the movable-side magnetic member 2 is moved to the left as indicated by the block arrow AR5 in FIG. 26 . At this time, the third elastic member RS3 (leaf spring) is compressed between the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the base member 50. Note that the third elastic member RS3 is positioned so that when the force moving the movable-side magnetic member 2 to the left disappears, it can push the movable-side magnetic member 2 back to the right by its repulsive force.

[0127] When the movable magnetic member 2 is moved leftward, the link mechanism LM buckles leftward. Specifically, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L, which were in contact with the contact surface 2R of the movable magnetic member 2, are pushed leftward by the movable magnetic member 2 moving leftward, moving the third pin PN3 leftward as indicated by the block arrow AR6. As a result, the first link member 11L rotates counterclockwise around the first pin PN1, and the second link member 12L rotates clockwise around the second pin PN2.

[0128] When the link mechanism LM buckles to the left, the movable contact member 4 is moved downward by the sliding member 15. This is because the sliding member 15 is connected to the second link member 12L via the second pin PN2 and is therefore moved downward as the second link member 12L descends. Also, the movable contact member 4 is moved downward as the sliding member 15 descends because the convex portions 15S formed on the ends of the rear wall portion 15WB and the front wall portion 15WF of the sliding member 15 catch on the upper surface of the movable contact member 4.

[0129] Furthermore, the movable contact member 4, which is continuously subjected to the downward force (repulsive force) from the biasing member 6, is also moved downward by the biasing member 6. As a result, contact between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released, and the electrical circuit is interrupted. The downwardly moving movable contact member 4 abuts against the base member 50 provided in the upper case member 8, stopping its movement and being held at a position a predetermined distance away from the fixed contact member 5, allowing the lower surface portion 15B of the sliding member 15 to move away from the second cylindrical shaft CS2 of the second link member 12L. The torsion spring serving as the second elastic member RS2 is compressed (twisted) between the first cylindrical shaft CS1 and the second cylindrical shaft CS2.

[0130] When the electrical circuit is interrupted, the overcurrent flowing through the fixed contact member 5 serving as the second coil CL2 is eliminated, the magnetization of the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 due to the magnetic field generated by the fixed contact member 5 is also eliminated, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the movable side magnetic member 2 and the fixed side magnetic member 3 to each other is also eliminated.

[0131] In this way, when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, the relay device 100 switches from the ON state to the abnormal current state, and the connection between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5 is released.

[0132] Thereafter, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped, the magnetization of the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 due to the magnetic field generated by the first coil CL1 is canceled, and the force (magnetic force) attracting the two-stage cylindrical member 33 and the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 to each other is also canceled. As a result, the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, which is continuously subjected to the downward force (repulsive force) from the first elastic member RS1, is moved downward by the first elastic member RS1 as shown by block arrow AR11 in Figure 24, and the shaft member 7 fixed to the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42 is also moved downward.

[0133] When the shaft member 7 is moved downward, the base 14B of the guide member 14, which is in contact with the lower surface of the retaining ring 7R attached to the upper end portion 7EU of the shaft member 7, is moved downward together with the shaft member 7.

[0134] When the guide member 14 is moved downward, the link mechanism LM can change from a contracted state (bent state) to an extended state (tensioned state). In other words, the downward movement of the guide member 14 provides the space necessary for the support member 1 to switch from the second configuration to the first configuration. Therefore, the first cylindrical shaft CS1 and the second cylindrical shaft CS2, which are continuously subjected to the force (repulsive force) of the second elastic member RS2, are moved away from each other, and the third pin PN3 is moved to the right. As a result, the support member 1, which is in the second configuration shown in FIG. 26, returns to the configuration shown in FIG. 24. The movable-side magnetic member 2 is then pushed back and moved to the right by the force (repulsive force) of the third elastic member RS3, which is compressed between the movable-side magnetic member 2 and the base member 50. In other words, the movable-side magnetic member 2 is moved away from the fixed-side magnetic member 3, returning to the state shown in FIG. 24.

[0135] In this way, when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped after the abnormal current state is resolved, the relay device 100 switches to the recovery state, and the support member 1, which was in the second configuration, switches to the first configuration. In other words, the relay device 100 returns to the OFF state.

[0136] As described above, as shown in FIG. 2 , the relay device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the fixed contact member 5, the movable contact member 4, the support member 1 that supports the movable contact member 4, a first actuator AC1 that moves the support member 1, and a second actuator AC2 that moves a portion of the support member 1. The support member 1 is configured to be switchable by the second actuator AC2 between a first configuration (the configuration shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5 ) when the movable contact member 4 is in contact with the fixed contact member 5, and a second configuration (the configuration shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5 ) when the movable contact member 4 is separated from the fixed contact member 5. The first actuator AC1 is configured to move the support member 1 from the second configuration to a first position (the position shown in the upper right diagram of FIG. 8 ) that allows the support member 1 to switch from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0137] This configuration realizes high-speed interruption of the electric circuit when an overcurrent occurs due to a short circuit or the like, and can then return the relay device 100 to the same state as when it was in the OFF state by stopping the supply of power to the first actuator AC1. In other words, this configuration has the effect of realizing high-speed interruption of the electric circuit and self-recovery of the relay device 100. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of improving the ease of use of the relay device 100.

[0138] Also, preferably, as shown in Figure 8, the distance DS2 between the distal end of the support member 1 (the lower surface of the base member 10) and the fixed contact member 5 (the left fixed contact portion 5L and the right fixed contact portion 5R) when in the first position is greater than the distance DS1 between the distal end of the support member 1 and the fixed contact member 5 when not in the first position.

[0139] This configuration provides the advantage of being able to provide the space necessary for the support member 1 to switch from the second configuration to the first configuration without applying an excessive load to the support member 1 located between the fixed contact member 5 and the first actuator AC1, thereby enabling the relay device 100 to more easily self-reset.

[0140] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the first actuator AC1 is configured to move the support member 1 to the first position (the position shown in the lower right diagram in FIG. 8) when the supply of power is stopped.

[0141] This configuration brings about the effect that the relay device 100 can be self-restored simply by turning off the first actuator AC1.

[0142] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the support member 1 preferably includes a link mechanism LM (buckling mechanism) composed of a movable first fulcrum member 11S, a movable second fulcrum member 12S, a first link member 11L having one end (lower end) rotatably attached to the first fulcrum member 11S about a first rotation axis RX1, and a second link member 12L having one end (upper end) rotatably attached to the second fulcrum member 12S about a second rotation axis RX2 and having the other end (lower end) rotatably attached to the other end (upper end) of the first link member 11L about a third rotation axis RX3. The distance AD1 between the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 in the first configuration (the configuration shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5) is configured to be larger than the distance AD2 between the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 in the second configuration (the configuration shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5). The same is true for the example shown in FIG.

[0143] This configuration has the advantage of easily switching the support member 1 between the first and second configurations by utilizing the link mechanism LM as a buckling mechanism. In addition, this configuration has the advantage of achieving an appropriate pressing force by the movable contact member 4 (support member 1 in the first configuration) against the fixed contact member 5 when the relay device 100 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0144] 6, the relay device 100 preferably includes a shaft member 7. The first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S are slidably attached to the shaft member 7. As shown in the lower right diagram of FIG. 8, the first actuator AC1 is configured to move the second fulcrum member 12S in the first direction (Z2 direction, downward) by moving the shaft member 7 in a first direction that moves the movable contact member 4 away from the fixed contact member 5.

[0145] This configuration has the effect of facilitating the switching of the support member 1 from the second configuration to the first configuration without applying an excessive load to the second fulcrum member 12S located between the fixed contact member 5 and the first fulcrum member 11S. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of making it easier to realize the self-resetting of the relay device 100.

[0146] Furthermore, the support member 1 preferably has a mechanism (buckling mechanism) configured to be able to deform as if buckled, as shown in Fig. 5, and has a rotation stopper SP that suppresses deformation (buckling) in the opposite direction (Y2 direction, rightward). Specifically, as shown in the upper left diagram in Fig. 7, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L are connected to each other rotatably around a third rotation axis RX3 via a third fulcrum member 13S. When viewed from the axial direction of the third rotation axis RX3, the support member 1 is configured in the first form (the form shown in the upper left diagram in Figure 7) so that the third rotation axis RX3 is located on one side (the Y2 side, the right side) of the imaginary line VL connecting the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2, and has a rotation stopper SP that prevents the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L from rotating around the third rotation axis RX3 so that the third rotation axis RX3 moves away from the imaginary line VL in the first form.

[0147] This configuration brings about the effect of making it possible to more reliably restore the relay device 100 by itself through deformation (buckling) of the link mechanism LM using the biasing force of the biasing member 6 .

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, the support member 1 preferably includes a guide member 14 that guides the movement of the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S, and an elastic member (second elastic member RS2) that urges the first fulcrum member 11S and the second fulcrum member 12S so as to move them away from each other when in the second configuration (the configuration shown in the right diagram in Fig. 14). In the example shown in Fig. 13, the elastic member (second elastic member RS2) is a torsion spring.

[0149] This configuration allows the link mechanism LM to return from the second configuration shown in the right diagram of Fig. 14 to the configuration shown in the center diagram of Fig. 14 and then to the first configuration shown in the left diagram of Fig. 14. That is, this configuration allows the third rotation shaft RX3 to move from the left side of the imaginary line VL, across the imaginary line VL, to the right side of the imaginary line VL. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of more reliably restoring the relay device 100 by deformation (buckling) of the link mechanism LM using the biasing force of the biasing member 6.

[0150] Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction of the third rotation axis RX3, the rotation stopper SP is desirably disposed on one side (Y2 side, right side) of the imaginary line VL in the first configuration (configuration shown in the left drawing in FIG. 14 ) of the support member 1. Note that the rotation stopper SP may also be disposed on the other side (Y1 side, left side) of the imaginary line VL in the first configuration (configuration shown in the upper left drawing in FIG. 7 ).

[0151] This configuration can prevent the third rotation axis RX3 from moving excessively to the right of the imaginary line VL, thereby providing the effect of more reliably restoring the relay device 100 to its original position due to deformation (buckling) of the link mechanism LM using the biasing force of the biasing member 6.

[0152] 13, the support member 1 preferably has a base member 10 as a contact pressure applying member that applies a force to the first link member 11L in a direction (Z1 direction, upward) that brings the movable contact member 4 closer to the fixed contact member 5. The guide member 14 is movable with respect to the movable contact member 4, and the base member 10 is disposed between the first link member 11L and the guide member 14 (base portion 14B).

[0153] This configuration has the effect that when the relay device 100 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, the first link member 11L and the second link member 12L are forced upward by the repulsive force of the base member 10, which serves as a contact pressure applying member (elastic member), thereby increasing the contact pressure between the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5.

[0154] 13, the guide member 14 preferably has a first guide hole GH1 through which the first fulcrum member 11S is movably inserted, and a second guide hole GH2 through which the second fulcrum member 12S is movably inserted. The length HT2 of the second guide hole GH2 is longer than the length HT1 of the first guide hole GH1.

[0155] This configuration allows the first guide hole GH1 to move the first fulcrum member 11S in the Z-axis direction, thereby utilizing the repulsive force of the base member 10 as a contact pressure applying member (elastic member). Furthermore, this configuration allows the second guide hole GH2 to move the second fulcrum member 12S in the Z-axis direction, thereby enabling the support member 1 to deform between the first and second configurations. This configuration therefore provides the effect of ensuring high-speed interruption of the electrical circuit and self-resetting of the relay device 100.

[0156] The second actuator AC2 preferably has a second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) that moves the link mechanism LM, as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the upper left diagram of Fig. 7, when viewed from the axial direction of the third rotation axis RX3, the second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) is disposed on one side (Y2 side, right side) of an imaginary line VL that connects the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 in the first configuration (the configuration shown in the upper left diagram of Fig. 7).

[0157] This configuration allows the second actuator AC2 to apply an operating force to the support member 1 (link mechanism LM) in the first configuration from a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the operating direction (Z-axis direction) of the first actuator AC1, thereby providing the effect of efficiently changing the support member 1 (link mechanism LM) in the first configuration to the second posture.

[0158] The first actuator AC1 is preferably an electromagnetic actuator including a first movable member MB1, a first fixed member FB1, a first coil CL1, and a first elastic member RS1, as shown in Fig. 3. The shaft member 7 is fixed to the first movable member MB1. Specifically, a lower end 7ED of the shaft member 7 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 42B of the lower bottomed cylindrical member 42, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0159] This configuration has the effect of simplifying the structure of the first actuator AC1.

[0160] Furthermore, the first actuator AC1 preferably moves the support member 1 to the first position (the position shown in the lower right diagram of FIG. 8) when the supply of current to the first coil CL1 is stopped, as shown in the lower right diagram of FIG. 8.

[0161] This configuration brings about the effect that the relay device 100 can be self-restored simply by stopping the supply of current to the first coil CL1 of the first actuator AC1.

[0162] Furthermore, as shown in the lower left diagram of Fig. 8, the second actuator AC2 desirably moves the second movable-side member MB2 (movable-side magnetic member 2) so that the support member 1, which is in the first configuration (the configuration shown in the lower right diagram of Fig. 7), switches to the second configuration (the configuration shown in the lower left diagram of Fig. 8) when an abnormal current flows in the electric circuit or when the fixed contact member 5 or the movable contact member 4 reaches an abnormal temperature. Note that the change of the support member 1 from the first configuration to the second configuration when the movable contact member 4 reaches an abnormal temperature may be achieved by using an actuator including a bimetal.

[0163] This configuration has the advantage of being able to quickly shut off the electrical circuit without relying on commands from an external device when an abnormal current such as an overcurrent or short-circuit current occurs, or when an abnormal temperature occurs.

[0164] The second actuator AC2 is preferably an electromagnetic actuator including a second movable member MB2, a second fixed member FB2, a second coil CL2, and a second elastic member RS2, as shown in FIG.

[0165] In this configuration, the support member 1 is switched from the first configuration to the second configuration when an abnormal current (large current) flows through the second coil CL2. When the abnormal current (large current) subsequently disappears, the repulsive force of the second elastic member RS2 switches the support member 1 from the second configuration to the first configuration. Therefore, this configuration has the effect of reliably switching the configuration of the support member 1. The second actuator AC2 may be provided with an elastic member (not shown) that constantly applies an elastic force in a direction separating the second movable member MB2 (movable magnetic member 2) and the second fixed member FB2 (fixed magnetic member 3). This configuration more reliably prevents the second movable member MB2 (movable magnetic member 2) from moving due to unintended external forces, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, the relay device 100 preferably includes a biasing member 6 that applies a force to move the movable contact member 4 away from the fixed contact member 5. The movable contact member 4 preferably has a through hole 4H formed therein, through which a shaft member 7 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 2 . The biasing member 6 is disposed around the shaft member 7.

[0167] This configuration makes it possible to integrate the space for accommodating the biasing member 6 and the space for accommodating the shaft member 7, thereby providing the effect of improving the space efficiency within the housing HS.

[0168] 4, the second coil CL2 is preferably formed by a part of the fixed contact member 5. Specifically, the second coil CL2 is a two-turn coil formed by a part of the rear fixed contact member 5B. The second coil CL2 may also be formed by a part of the movable contact member 4.

[0169] This configuration brings about the effect of simplifying the structure of the relay device 100 compared to when the second coil CL2 is formed by a member separate from the movable contact member 4 and the fixed contact member 5.

[0170] Moreover, the second movable-side member MB2 (contact surface 2R of the movable-side magnetic member 2) is preferably configured to come into contact with the second link member 12L, as shown in Fig. 6. However, the second movable-side member MB2 (contact surface 2R of the movable-side magnetic member 2) may also be configured to come into contact with the first link member 11L.

[0171] This configuration brings about the effect of simplifying the structure of the relay device 100 compared to a configuration in which the second movable side member MB2 and the link mechanism LM are in indirect contact with each other.

[0172] The link mechanism LM may also be made up of a plurality of plates that have been bent.

[0173] This configuration brings about the effect of improving ease of manufacturing the relay device 100 compared to a case where other processing is required to manufacture the members that make up the link mechanism LM.

[0174] Furthermore, the support member 1 may be configured to separate the movable contact member 4 from the fixed contact member 5 when moved by the second actuator AC2. For example, the relay device 100 may be coupled to the movable contact member 4 such that at least one of the plurality of movable members constituting the support member 1 can pull the movable contact member 4 from below or push the movable contact member 4 from above when the support member 1 moves downward. In other words, the relay device 100 may be configured so that at least one of the plurality of movable members constituting the support member 1 can restrict the movement of the movable contact member 4. In other words, the relay device 100 may be configured so that when the support member 1 moves downward, the movable contact member 4 can be prevented from being released from at least one of the plurality of movable members constituting the support member 1 and remaining in contact with the fixed contact member 5.

[0175] This configuration has the effect of enabling the movable contact member 4 to be reliably and quickly separated from the fixed contact member 5 when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like. This is because the movable contact member 4 is forcibly pulled away from the fixed contact member 5 by at least one of the multiple movable members constituting the support member 1, which is moved by the second actuator AC2.

[0176] The relay device 100 may also include a sliding member 15 that is movable along the guide member 14 together with the movable contact member 4. For example, the support member 1 may be configured to switch to the second form as shown in Fig. 26 when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like, thereby lowering the sliding member 15 and thereby lowering the movable contact member 4 that is engaged with the protrusion 15S of the sliding member 15.

[0177] This configuration has the effect of more reliably and more quickly separating the movable contact member 4 from the fixed contact member 5 when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit due to a short circuit or the like. This is because the movable contact member 4 is forcibly separated from the fixed contact member 5 by the sliding member 15 constituting the support member 1 which is moved by the second actuator AC2.

[0178] The relay device 100 may also include a biasing member 6 that applies a force to move the movable contact member 4 away from the fixed contact member 5 .

[0179] This configuration has the effect that when the force pressing the movable contact member 4 against the fixed contact member 5 disappears, the movable contact member 4 can be instantly moved away from the fixed contact member 5, and the movable contact member 4 can be more reliably and more quickly separated from the fixed contact member 5.

[0180] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the features described with reference to the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate unless technically inconsistent.

[0181] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the relay device 100 includes the biasing member 6 that applies a force to move the movable contact member 4 away from the fixed contact member 5, but the biasing member 6 may be omitted.

[0182] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-105588, filed on June 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0183]

Claims

1. A relay device comprising: a fixed contact member; a movable contact member; a support member that supports the movable contact member; a first actuator that moves the support member; and a second actuator that moves a part of the support member, wherein the support member is configured to be switchable by the second actuator between a first configuration when the movable contact member is in contact with the fixed contact member and a second configuration when the movable contact member is separated from the fixed contact member, and the first actuator is configured to be able to move the support member to a first position that allows the support member, which is in the second configuration, to switch to the first configuration.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the distal end of the support member and the fixed contact member when in the first position is greater than the distance between the distal end of the support member and the fixed contact member when not in the first position.

3. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator moves the support member to the first position when the supply of power is stopped.

4. The relay device described in claim 1, wherein the support member includes a link mechanism constituted by a movable first fulcrum member, a second fulcrum member, a first link member having one end rotatably attached to the first fulcrum member about a first pivot axis, and a second link member having one end rotatably attached to the second fulcrum member about a second pivot axis and having the other end rotatably attached to the other end of the first link member about a third pivot axis, and wherein the distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis in the first configuration is greater than the distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis in the second configuration.

5. A relay device as described in claim 4, comprising an axial member, wherein the first fulcrum member and the second fulcrum member are slidably attached to the axial member, and the first actuator is configured to move the second fulcrum member in the first direction by moving the axial member in a first direction that moves the movable contact member away from the fixed contact member.

6. A relay device as described in claim 4, wherein the first link member and the second link member are connected to each other via a third fulcrum member so as to be rotatable around the third pivot axis, and when viewed from the axial direction of the third pivot axis, the support member is configured so that in the first configuration, the third pivot axis is located on one side of an imaginary line connecting the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, and has a rotation stopper that prevents the first link member and the second link member from rotating around the third pivot axis so that the third pivot axis moves away from the imaginary line in the first configuration.

7. The relay device according to claim 4, wherein the support member has a guide member that guides the movement of the first fulcrum member and the second fulcrum member, and an elastic member that urges the first fulcrum member and the second fulcrum member so as to move them away from each other when in the second configuration.

8. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the third rotation shaft, the rotation stopper is disposed on one side of the imaginary line in the first configuration.

9. A relay device as described in claim 7, wherein the support member has a contact pressure applying member that applies a force to the first link member in a direction that brings the movable contact member closer to the fixed contact member, the guide member is movable relative to the movable contact member, and the contact pressure applying member is disposed between the first link member and the guide member.

10. A relay device as described in claim 7, wherein the guide member has a first guide hole through which the first fulcrum member is inserted so as to be movable, and a second guide hole through which the second fulcrum member is inserted so as to be movable, and the length of the second guide hole is longer than the length of the first guide hole.

11. A relay device as described in claim 4, wherein the second actuator has a second movable side member that moves the link mechanism, and when viewed from the axial direction of the third rotating shaft, the second movable side member is arranged on one side of an imaginary line connecting the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft in the first configuration.

12. The relay device according to claim 5, wherein the first actuator is an electromagnetic actuator comprising a first movable member, a first fixed member, a first coil, and a first elastic member, and the shaft member is fixed to the first movable member.

13. The relay device according to claim 12, wherein the first actuator moves the support member to the first position when the supply of current to the first coil is stopped.

14. A relay device as described in claim 11, wherein the second actuator moves the second movable-side member so that the support member, which is in the first configuration, switches to the second configuration when an abnormal current flows in the electric circuit or when the fixed contact member or the movable contact member reaches an abnormal temperature.

15. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the second actuator is an electromagnetic actuator including a second movable member, a second fixed member, a second coil, and a second elastic member.

16. A relay device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an urging member that applies a force to move the movable contact member away from the fixed contact member, the movable contact member having a through hole through which the shaft member is inserted, and the urging member being arranged around the shaft member.

17. The relay device according to claim 15, wherein the second coil is formed by a part of the movable contact member or a part of the fixed contact member.

18. The relay device according to claim 11, wherein the second movable member is configured to come into contact with the first link member or the second link member.

19. The relay device according to claim 4, wherein the link mechanism is made up of a plurality of plates that have been bent.

20. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured to separate the movable contact member from the fixed contact member when moved by the second actuator.

21. The relay device according to claim 10, further comprising a sliding member that is movable along the guide member together with the movable contact member.

22. The relay device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that applies a force to move the movable contact member away from the fixed contact member.

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