Relay device

Abstract

A relay device (100) comprises two contact switching mechanisms (CM). The contact switching mechanism (CM) has a stationary contact member (3), a movable contact member (4), a shaft member (5), a stationary coil core (9) (an upper stationary coil core (9U) and a lower stationary coil core (9D)), a movable coil core (10), and a coil (11). The movable coil core (10) is secured to the shaft member (5), and is configured so as to be capable of moving between the upper stationary coil core (9U) and the lower stationary coil core (9D) when the coil (11) is excited. The shaft member (5), which moves along a Z-axis direction together with the movable coil core (10), can switch between a first conduction state in which an upper movable contact member (4U) and an upper stationary contact member (3U) are in contact with each other, a second conduction state in which a lower movable contact member (4D) and a lower stationary contact member (3D) are in contact with each other, and a non-conduction state. The two contact switching mechanisms (CM) are arranged side by side in a Y-axis direction.

Description

Relay device

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

[0002] Conventionally, a movable terminal is provided at each of the upper end of the first shaft and the lower end of the second shaft arranged on the same straight line, and the first mover at the lower end of the first shaft and the second mover at the upper end of the second shaft are magnetically attracted to each other by one electromagnetic device so that two contacts can be switched simultaneously. An electromagnetic relay (relay device) is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-140207

[0004] However, this device can only switch between a state where two contacts are simultaneously turned on and a state where two contacts are simultaneously turned off, and there is a problem that the convenience is poor.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a relay device with higher convenience.

[0006] A relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a relay device comprising a plurality of contact switching mechanisms, the contact switching mechanism comprising: a coil fixed to a fixed side member; a fixed coil core fixed inside the coil; a movable coil core movably arranged inside the coil; a shaft member inserted through the fixed coil core and the movable coil core; a one-end movable contact member provided on one end of the shaft member; a other-end movable contact member provided on the other end of the shaft member; a one-end fixed contact member facing the one-end movable contact member; and a other-end fixed contact member facing the other-end movable contact member, wherein the fixed coil core comprises a one-end fixed coil core provided on one end of the shaft member than the movable coil core, and a shaft member provided on one end of the shaft member than the movable coil core The movable coil core includes a fixed coil core on the other end of the movable coil core, the movable coil core being fixed to the shaft member and configured to move between the fixed coil core on one end and the fixed coil core on the other end when the coil is energized, the shaft member moving along the extending direction together with the movable coil core is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which the movable contact member on one end and the fixed contact member on one end are in contact, a second conductive state in which the movable contact member on the other end and the fixed contact member on the other end are in contact, and a non-conductive state in which the movable contact member on one end and the fixed contact member on one end are not in contact, and the movable contact member on the other end and the fixed contact member on the other end are not in contact, and a plurality of the contact switching mechanisms are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the extending direction.

[0007] The relay device described above can improve convenience.

[0008] This is a perspective view of an example configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view of another example configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view of yet another example configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 7. This is a perspective view of yet another example configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 9. This is a cross-sectional view of the relay device shown in Figure 9.

[0009] Hereinafter, a relay device 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the relay device 100. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100. Specifically, the right side of Figure 2 is a view of the cross-section of the relay device 100 on a virtual plane SC2 parallel to the XZ plane shown in Figure 1, as seen from the Y2 side, and the left side of Figure 2 is a view of the cross-section of the relay device 100 on a virtual stepped surface SC1 in the right side of Figure 2, as seen from the X1 side.

[0010] In Figure 1, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In Figure 1, the X1 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the front side of the relay device 100, and the X2 side of the relay device 100 corresponds to the rear side 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. Also, 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.

[0011] The relay device 100 is a device that receives power (current supply) from an external source, operates the movable contact member 4 inside, and switches the electrical circuit, including the fixed contact member 3, on and off. It is also called a relay.

[0012] Specifically, the relay device 100 is a bipolar plunger relay device and, as shown in Figure 1, is configured including a case member 2 (upper plate member 2U, side plate member 2M, and lower plate member 2D) that constitutes the housing HS as a fixed side member FB.

[0013] The upper plate member 2U is a member that constitutes the upper surface of the housing HS and has four through holes through which four upper fixed contact members 3U are inserted. The side plate member 2M is a member that constitutes the side surface of the housing HS and has a substantially rectangular cylindrical outer shape. The lower plate member 2D is a member that constitutes the bottom surface of the housing HS and has four through holes through which four lower fixed contact members 3D are inserted.

[0014] Specifically, the upper fixed contact member 3U includes the upper left fixed contact member 3UL and the upper right fixed contact member 3UR. The upper left fixed contact member 3UL includes the upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and the upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL, and the upper right fixed contact member 3UR includes the upper right front fixed contact member 3UFR and the upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR. Similarly, the lower fixed contact member 3D includes the lower left fixed contact member 3DL and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR. The lower left fixed contact member 3DL includes the lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and the lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL, and the upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR includes the lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and the lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR.

[0015] Then, four upper fixing contact members 3U (upper left front fixing contact member 3UFL, upper left rear fixing contact member 3UBL, upper right front fixing contact member 3UFR, and upper right rear fixing contact member 3UBR) are inserted through the four through holes in the upper plate member 2U and fixed. Similarly, four lower fixing contact members 3D (lower left front fixing contact member 3DFL, lower left rear fixing contact member 3DBL, lower right front fixing contact member 3DFR, and lower right rear fixing contact member 3DBR) are inserted through the four through holes in the lower plate member 2D and fixed.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and the upper right front fixed contact member 3UFR may be connected by a busbar (front busbar) made of a conductive material, and the upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL and the upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR may be connected by another busbar (rear busbar) made of a conductive material.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the housing HS, which is composed of the case member 2, houses the movable contact member 4, shaft member 5, spring flange member 6, spring receiving plate 7, spring member 8, fixed iron core (fixed coil core 9), movable iron core (movable coil core 10), and coil 11, etc.

[0018] Furthermore, the fixed contact member 3, movable contact member 4 (upper movable contact member 4U and lower movable contact member 4D), shaft member 5, spring flange member 6 (upper spring flange member 6U and lower spring flange member 6D), spring receiving plate 7 (upper spring receiving plate 7U and lower spring receiving plate 7D), spring member 8, fixed coil core 9 (upper fixed coil core 9U and lower fixed coil core 9D), movable coil core 10, and coil 11 (upper coil 11U and lower coil 11D) constitute a contact switching mechanism CM that switches between the conductive state and the disconnected state of the contacts.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the fixed contact member 3 and the movable contact member 4 are made of a conductive material, while the case member 2, the shaft member 5, and the spring flange member 6 are made of a non-conductive material. The conductive material is, for example, a metal, and the non-conductive material is, for example, a synthetic resin or ceramic.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the contact switching mechanism CM includes a first contact switching mechanism CM1 and a second contact switching mechanism CM2. The first contact switching mechanism CM1 is composed of an upper left fixed contact member 3UL, a lower left fixed contact member 3DL, an upper left movable contact member 4UL, a lower left movable contact member 4DL, a left shaft member 5L, an upper left spring flange member 6UL, a lower left spring flange member 6DL, an upper left spring receiving plate 7UL, a lower left spring receiving plate 7DL, a left spring member 8L (left rear spring member 8LB and left front spring member (not shown)), a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a left movable coil core 10L, a lower left coil 11DL, and an upper left coil 11UL. Furthermore, the second contact switching mechanism CM2 is composed of an upper right fixed contact member 3UR, a lower right fixed contact member 3DR, an upper right movable contact member 4UR, a lower right movable contact member 4DR, a right shaft member 5R, an upper right spring flange member 6UR, a lower right spring flange member 6DR, an upper right spring receiving plate 7UR, a lower right spring receiving plate 7DR, a right spring member 8R (right rear spring member 8RB and right front spring member 8RF), a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a right movable coil core 10R, a lower right coil 11DR, and an upper right coil 11UR.

[0021] The upper left fixed contact member 3UL (upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL) and the upper left movable contact member 4UL constitute the first upper switch SW1a, and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL) and the lower left movable contact member 4DL constitute the first lower switch SW1b. Similarly, the upper right fixed contact member 3UR (upper right front fixed contact member 3UFR and upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR) and the upper right movable contact member 4UR constitute the second upper switch SW2a, and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR) and the lower right movable contact member 4DR constitute the second lower switch SW2b.

[0022] The movable contact member 4 is configured to move together with the shaft member 5 in the Z-axis direction, which is the extending direction of the shaft member 5. In the illustrated example, the movable contact member 4 includes an upper movable contact member 4U fixed to the upper end of the shaft member 5, and a lower movable contact member 4D fixed to the lower end of the shaft member 5. However, the movable contact member 4 may be attached to the shaft member 5 via other members such as contact pressure springs.

[0023] The shaft member 5 is a rod-shaped member moved by an electromagnet comprising a fixed coil core 9, a movable coil core 10, and a coil 11. In the illustrated example, the shaft member 5 is a substantially cylindrical member and is configured to move integrally (up and down) along the extending direction (Z-axis direction) together with the spring flange member 6 and the movable coil core 10. While it is preferable for the shaft member 5 to be made of a non-conductive material for insulating the upper and lower contact points, it may also be made of a conductive material if strength and insulation can be ensured, for example, by interposing a resin in part of it. Furthermore, the shaft member 5 is configured to penetrate the spring flange member 6, the spring receiving plate 7, the fixed coil core 9, and the movable coil core 10.

[0024] In Figure 2, for the sake of clarity, a horizontal stripe pattern is applied to the portion of the shaft member 5 to which the spring flange member 6 and the movable coil core 10 are connected in a way that prevents relative movement. The same applies to the following figures.

[0025] The spring flange member 6 is a member fixed to the shaft member 5 so as to be able to move toward and away from the spring receiving plate 7. Specifically, when the spring flange member 6 moves in one direction in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5 while in contact with the spring receiving plate 7, it can push the spring receiving plate 7 and move the spring receiving plate 7 in the same direction.

[0026] The spring support plate 7 is a member that receives the end of the spring member 8. In the illustrated example, the spring support plate 7 includes an upper spring support plate 7U and a lower spring support plate 7D. The upper spring support plate 7U includes an upper left spring support plate 7UL and an upper right spring support plate 7UR, and the lower spring support plate 7D includes a lower left spring support plate 7DL and a lower right spring support plate 7DR.

[0027] The spring member 8 is an example of an elastic member that biases the upper spring plate 7U and the lower spring plate 7D in a direction that moves them away from each other. In the illustrated example, the spring member 8 is a compression coil spring and includes a left spring member 8L positioned between the upper left spring plate 7UL and the lower left spring plate 7DL, and a right spring member 8R positioned between the upper right spring plate 7UR and the lower right spring plate 7DR. The left spring member 8L includes a left rear spring member 8LB and a left front spring member (not visible in Figure 2), and the right spring member 8R includes a right rear spring member 8RB and a right front spring member 8RF.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the spring flange member 6 includes an upper spring flange member 6U and a lower spring flange member 6D. The upper spring flange member 6U includes an upper left spring flange member 6UL and an upper right spring flange member 6UR, and the lower spring flange member 6D includes a lower left spring flange member 6DL and a lower right spring flange member 6DR.

[0029] When the upper left spring flange member 6UL moves downward while in contact with the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL, it pushes the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL while moving the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL downward. When the lower left spring flange member 6DL moves upward while in contact with the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL, it pushes the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL while moving the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL upward. Similarly, when the upper right spring flange member 6UR moves downward while in contact with the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR, it pushes the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR while moving the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR downward. When the lower right spring flange member 6DR moves upward while in contact with the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR, it pushes the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR while moving the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR upward.

[0030] On the other hand, the spring support plate 7 is restricted from excessive movement in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5 by the protrusion 2P of the case member 2. Specifically, the protrusion 2P of the case member 2 includes an upper annular protrusion 2PU and a lower annular protrusion 2PD that protrude inward from the side plate member 2M, an upper plate-shaped protrusion 2PT that protrudes downward from the ceiling surface of the upper plate member 2U, and a lower plate-shaped protrusion 2PB that protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower plate member 2D. The upper left spring support plate 7UL and the upper right spring support plate 7UR are restricted from upward movement by contact with the upper annular protrusion 2PU and the upper plate-shaped protrusion 2PT, respectively, and the lower left spring support plate 7DL and the lower right spring support plate 7DR are restricted from downward movement by contact with the lower annular protrusion 2PD and the lower plate-shaped protrusion 2PB, respectively. The upper plate-shaped projection 2PT functions as a partition plate PB (upper partition plate PBU) that divides the upper internal space of the case member 2 into left and right sections, and the lower plate-shaped projection 2PB functions as a partition plate PB (lower partition plate PBD) that divides the lower internal space of the case member 2 into left and right sections.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 2, the upper right front fixed contact member 3UFR and the upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR are separated by an upper plate-shaped partition 2WT that protrudes downward from the ceiling surface of the upper plate member 2U and divides the upper internal space of the case member 2 into front and rear sections, in order to prevent unwanted electrical conductivity. Similarly, the lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and the lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR are separated by a lower plate-shaped partition 2WB that protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower plate member 2D and divides the lower internal space of the case member 2 into front and rear sections, in order to prevent unwanted electrical conductivity. Although not shown, the same applies to the isolation between the upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and the upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL, and between the lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and the lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL.

[0032] Next, the operation of the relay device 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the relay device 100 and correspond to the left view of Figure 2. Specifically, Figure 3 shows the state when the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is in a non-conductive state and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 is in a second conductive state, and Figure 4 shows the state when both the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 are in a second conductive state. Note that the non-conductive state of the first contact switching mechanism CM1 means that the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper left fixed contact member 3UL are not in contact, and the lower left movable contact member 4DL and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL are not in contact. Furthermore, the second conductive state of the first contact switching mechanism CM1 means that the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper left fixed contact member 3UL are not in contact, and the lower left movable contact member 4DL and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL are in contact. Furthermore, the second conductive state of the second contact switching mechanism CM2 means that the upper right movable contact member 4UR and the upper right fixed contact member 3UR are not in contact, and the lower right movable contact member 4DR and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR are in contact. Although not shown in the diagram, the first conductive state of the first contact switching mechanism CM1 means that the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper left fixed contact member 3UL are in contact, and the lower left movable contact member 4DL and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL are not in contact. The first conductive state of the second contact switching mechanism CM2 means that the upper right movable contact member 4UR and the upper right fixed contact member 3UR are in contact, and the lower right movable contact member 4DR and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR are not in contact.

[0033] More specifically, the left diagram of Figure 3 shows the state when the lower right coil 11DR is energized, and the upper left coil 11UL, lower left coil 11DL, and upper right coil 11UR are not energized. The right diagram of Figure 3 shows the state when the lower right coil 11DR and upper right coil 11UR are energized, and the upper left coil 11UL and lower left coil 11DL are not energized. Furthermore, the left diagram of Figure 4 shows the state when the lower left coil 11DL, lower right coil 11DR, and upper right coil 11UR are energized, and the upper left coil 11UL is not energized. The right diagram of Figure 4 shows the state when the upper left coil 11UL, lower left coil 11DL, lower right coil 11DR, and upper right coil 11UR are energized.

[0034] In Figures 3 and 4, for the sake of clarity, the energized coil 11 is surrounded by a dashed line, a cross pattern is applied to the north pole portion of the magnetized coil core (fixed coil core 9 and movable coil core 10), and a dot pattern is applied to the south pole portion of the magnetized coil core. The same applies to the following figures.

[0035] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 3, when the lower right coil 11DR is energized and the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and moves downward, as indicated by the block arrow AR1.

[0036] In the relay device 100, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 2, in the non-conductive state, the distance GUL between the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L is set to be the same as the distance GDL between the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L, and the distance GUR between the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R is set to be the same as the distance GDR between the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R. Therefore, when the upper left coil 11UL is energized and the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and moves upward, and when the lower left coil 11DL is energized and the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and moves downward. Similarly, when the upper right coil 11UR is energized and the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and moves upward. When the lower right coil 11DR is energized and the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and moves downward.

[0037] Then, when the right movable coil core 10R moves downward, the right shaft member 5R connected to the right movable coil core 10R moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR2. When the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the lower right movable contact member 4DR attached to the lower end of the right shaft member 5R moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR3 and comes into contact with the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR), turning the second lower switch SW2b ON (conductive state).

[0038] Furthermore, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the upper right spring flange member 6UR, which is coupled to the right shaft member 5R, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR4, and pushes down the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR as indicated by block arrow AR5. When the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR is pushed down, the right spring members 8R (right rear spring member 8RB and right front spring member 8RF) are compressed between the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR and the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR.

[0039] Subsequently, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 3, when the upper right coil 11UR is further energized, the magnetic force that attracts the lower right fixed coil core 9DR to the right movable coil core 10R increases, and the contact pressure between the lower right movable contact member 4DR and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR) increases.

[0040] Subsequently, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 4, when the lower left coil 11DL is further energized and the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR11. When the left movable coil core 10L moves downward, the left shaft member 5L connected to the left movable coil core 10L also moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR12. When the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the lower left movable contact member 4DL attached to the lower end of the left shaft member 5L moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR13, and contacts the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL), turning the first lower switch SW1b ON (conductive state).

[0041] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the upper left spring flange member 6UL, which is coupled to the left shaft member 5L, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR14, and pushes down the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL as indicated by block arrow AR15. When the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL is pushed down, the left spring members 8L (left rear spring member 8LB and left front spring member) are compressed between the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL and the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL.

[0042] Thereafter, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 4, when the upper left coil 11UL is further energized, the magnetic force attracting the lower left fixed coil core 9DL to the left movable coil core 10L increases, and the contact pressure between the lower left movable contact member 4DL and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (the lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and the lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL) increases.

[0043] In this way, the relay device 100 can separately turn on (conduct) the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b, and can also turn on (conduct) the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b simultaneously. The same applies to the case where the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a are separately turned on (conduct), and the case where the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a are simultaneously turned on (conduct).

[0044] Next, referring to FIG. 5, a relay device 100A, which is another configuration example of the relay device 100, will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100A. Specifically, the right diagram of FIG. 5 is a view of the cross-section of the relay device 100A in the virtual plane SC2 shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5 as seen from the Y2 side, corresponding to the right diagram of FIG. 2. Also, the left diagram of FIG. 5 is a view of the cross-section of the relay device 100A in the virtual stepped surface SC1 in the right diagram of FIG. 5 as seen from the X1 side, corresponding to the left diagram of FIG. 2.

[0045] The relay device 100A is different from the relay device 100 mainly in that it has a link member 12, a link flange member 13, and a link spring member 14, but is common with the relay device 100 in other respects. Therefore, in the following, the description of the common parts will be omitted, and the different parts will be described in detail.

[0046] Specifically, in the relay device 100A, the first contact switching mechanism CM1 includes an upper left fixed contact member 3UL, a lower left fixed contact member 3DL, an upper left movable contact member 4UL, a lower left movable contact member 4DL, a left shaft member 5L, an upper left spring flange member 6UL, a lower left spring flange member 6DL, an upper left spring receiving plate 7UL, a lower left spring receiving plate 7DL, a left spring member 8L (a left rear spring member 8LB and a left front spring member (not shown)), an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, a left movable coil core 10L, an upper left coil 11UL, a lower left coil 11DL, an upper left link flange member 13UL, and a lower left link flange member 13DL. Further, the second contact switching mechanism CM2 includes an upper right fixed contact member 3UR, a lower right fixed contact member 3DR, an upper right movable contact member 4UR, a lower right movable contact member 4DR, a right shaft member 5R, an upper right spring flange member 6UR, a lower right spring flange member 6DR, an upper right spring receiving plate 7UR, a lower right spring receiving plate 7DR, a right spring member 8R (a right rear spring member 8RB and a right front spring member 8RF), an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, a right movable coil core 10R, an upper right coil 11UR, a lower right coil 11DR, an upper right link flange member 13UR, and a lower right link flange member 13DR.

[0047] The link member 12 is a member provided across the left shaft member 5L of the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the right shaft member 5R of the second contact switching mechanism CM2, and includes an upper link member 12U and a lower link member 12D. Further, the link member 12 is configured to be able to receive an end portion of the link spring member 14.

[0048] In the illustrated example, both the left shaft member 5L and the right shaft member 5R are formed of a non-conductive material, penetrate through the upper link member 12U and the lower link member 12D respectively, and are configured to be relatively movable in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the upper link member 12U and the lower link member 12D respectively.

[0049] The link flange member 13 is a member fixed to the shaft member 5 so as to be able to move toward and away from the link member 12. In the illustrated example, the link flange member 13 is made of a non-conductive material. Specifically, when the link flange member 13 moves in one direction in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5 while in contact with the link member 12, it can push the link member 12 and move the link member 12 in the same direction.

[0050] The link spring member 14 is an example of an elastic member that biases the link member 12 in a direction away from the fixed side member FB (case member 2) between the fixed side member FB (case member 2) and the link member 12. In the illustrated example, the link spring member 14 is a compression coil spring and includes an upper link spring member 14U positioned between the upper plate-shaped projection 2PT and the upper link member 12U, and a lower link spring member 14D positioned between the lower plate-shaped projection 2PB and the lower link member 12D.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the link flange member 13 includes an upper link flange member 13U and a lower link flange member 13D. The upper link flange member 13U includes an upper left link flange member 13UL and an upper right link flange member 13UR, and the lower link flange member 13D includes a lower left link flange member 13DL and a lower right link flange member 13DR.

[0052] When the upper left link flange member 13UL moves upward while in contact with the upper link member 12U, it pushes the upper link member 12U and moves the upper link member 12U upward. Similarly, when the lower left link flange member 13DL moves downward while in contact with the lower link member 12D, it pushes the lower link member 12D and moves the lower link member 12D downward.

[0053] On the other hand, the link member 12 is restricted from excessive movement in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5 by the protrusion 2Q of the case member 2. Specifically, the protrusion 2Q of the case member 2 includes an upper annular protrusion 2QU and a lower annular protrusion 2QD that protrude inward from the side plate member 2M. The upper link member 12U is restricted from downward movement by contact with the upper annular protrusion 2QU, and the lower link member 12D is restricted from upward movement by contact with the lower annular protrusion 2QD.

[0054] Next, the operation of the relay device 100A will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100A and corresponds to Figure 3. Specifically, the left diagram of Figure 6 shows the case when the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is in a non-conductive state and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 is in a second conductive state, and the right diagram of Figure 6 shows the case when both the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 are in a second conductive state.

[0055] More specifically, the left diagram of Figure 6 shows the state when the lower right coil 11DR and the upper right coil 11UR are energized, and the upper left coil 11UL and the lower left coil 11DL are not energized. The right diagram of Figure 6 shows the state when the upper left coil 11UL, the lower left coil 11DL, the lower right coil 11DR, and the upper right coil 11UR are energized.

[0056] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 6, when the lower right coil 11DR is energized and the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and moves downward, as indicated by the block arrow AR21.

[0057] In the relay device 100A, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 5, in the non-conductive state, the distance GUL between the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L is set to be the same as the distance GDL between the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L, and the distance GUR between the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R is set to be the same as the distance GDR between the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R. Therefore, when the upper left coil 11UL is energized and the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and moves upward, and when the lower left coil 11DL is energized and the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and moves downward. Similarly, when the upper right coil 11UR is energized and the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and moves upward. When the lower right coil 11DR is energized and the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and moves downward.

[0058] Then, when the right movable coil core 10R moves downward, the right shaft member 5R connected to the right movable coil core 10R moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR22. Then, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the lower right movable contact member 4DR attached to the lower end of the right shaft member 5R moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR23 and comes into contact with the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR), turning the second lower switch SW2b ON (conductive state).

[0059] Furthermore, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the upper right spring flange member 6UR, which is coupled to the right shaft member 5R, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR24, and pushes down the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR as indicated by block arrow AR25. In the illustrated example, the upper right spring flange member 6UR pushes down the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR until it contacts the upper link member 12U. When the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR is pushed down, the right spring members 8R (right rear spring member 8RB and right front spring member 8RF) are compressed between the upper right spring receiving plate 7UR and the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR.

[0060] Furthermore, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the lower right link flange member 13DR, which is coupled to the right shaft member 5R, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR26, and pushes down the lower link member 12D as indicated by block arrow AR27. In the illustrated example, the lower right link flange member 13DR pushes down the lower link member 12D until it contacts the lower spring receiving plate 7D (lower left spring receiving plate 7DL and lower right spring receiving plate 7DR). When the lower link member 12D is pushed down, the lower link spring member 14D is compressed between the lower plate-shaped projection 2PB and the lower link member 12D.

[0061] Subsequently, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 6, when the upper right coil 11UR is further energized, the magnetic force that attracts the lower right fixed coil core 9DR to the right movable coil core 10R increases, and the contact pressure between the lower right movable contact member 4DR and the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR) increases.

[0062] Subsequently, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 6, when the lower left coil 11DL is further energized and the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR31. When the left movable coil core 10L moves downward, the left shaft member 5L, which is coupled to the left movable coil core 10L, moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR32. When the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the lower left movable contact member 4DL, which is attached to the lower end of the left shaft member 5L, moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR33, and contacts the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL), turning the first lower switch SW1b ON (conductive state).

[0063] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the upper left spring flange member 6UL, which is coupled to the left shaft member 5L, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR34, and pushes down the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL as indicated by block arrow AR35. In the illustrated example, the upper left spring flange member 6UL pushes down the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL until it contacts the upper link member 12U. When the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL is pushed down, the left spring members 8L (left rear spring member 8LB and left front spring member) are compressed between the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL and the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL.

[0064] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the lower left link flange member 13DL, which is connected to the left shaft member 5L, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR36. In the illustrated example, the lower left link flange member 13DL moves downward until it contacts the lower link member 12D, which has already been pushed downward by the lower right link flange member 13DR, which is connected to the right shaft member 5R.

[0065] Subsequently, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 6, when the upper left coil 11UL is further energized, the magnetic force that attracts the lower left fixed coil core 9DL to the left movable coil core 10L increases, and the contact pressure between the lower left movable contact member 4DL and the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL) increases.

[0066] In this way, the relay device 100A can turn on the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b separately (conductive state), and can also turn on the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b simultaneously (conductive state). The same applies when turning on the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a separately (conductive state), and when turning on the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a simultaneously (conductive state).

[0067] In the state shown in the left diagram of Figure 6, even if the upper left coil 11UL is accidentally energized, the first upper switch SW1a will not turn ON (conductive). This is because the upward movement of the left shaft member 5L is restricted by the lower link member 12D and the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL, which are pushed downward by the lower right link flange member 13DR connected to the right shaft member 5R. Specifically, the upward movement of the lower left spring flange member 6DL connected to the left shaft member 5L is restricted by the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL.

[0068] With this configuration, the relay device 100A can prevent the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a from turning on (conducting) when at least one of the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b is in the ON state (conducting). Similarly, the relay device 100A can prevent the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b from turning on (conducting) when at least one of the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a is in the ON state (conducting).

[0069] Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will describe another configuration example of relay device 100, which is relay device 100B. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of relay device 100B. Specifically, the right side of Figure 7 is a view of the cross-section of relay device 100B in the virtual plane SC2 shown in the left side of Figure 7, as seen from the Y2 side, and the left side of Figure 7 is a view of the cross-section of relay device 100B in the virtual stepped surface SC1 shown in the right side of Figure 7, as seen from the X1 side.

[0070] Relay device 100B differs from relay device 100 mainly in that it has one coil 11 corresponding to one shaft member 5, has a link member 12 and a link flange member 13, and omits the spring flange member 6. However, it is similar to relay device 100 in other respects. Therefore, the explanation of the common parts will be omitted below, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0071] Specifically, in the relay device 100B, the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is composed of an upper left fixed contact member 3UL, a lower left fixed contact member 3DL, an upper left movable contact member 4UL, a lower left movable contact member 4DL, a left shaft member 5L, an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, a left movable coil core 10L, a left coil 11L, and a lower left link flange member 13DL. The second contact switching mechanism CM2 is composed of an upper right fixed contact member 3UR, a lower right fixed contact member 3DR, an upper right movable contact member 4UR, a lower right movable contact member 4DR, a right shaft member 5R, an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, a right movable coil core 10R, a right coil 11R, and an upper right link flange member 13UR. In the illustrated example, the spring support plates 7 (upper spring support plate 7U and lower spring support plate 7D), the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R), and the link members 12 (upper link member 12U and lower link member 12D) are arranged as components shared by the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the second contact switching mechanism CM2.

[0072] Specifically, the left shaft member 5L and the right shaft member 5R are inserted through the upper spring receiving plate 7U and the lower spring receiving plate 7D, respectively, so as to be able to move relative to each other. On the other hand, the upper link member 12U is coupled to the left shaft member 5L so as to be unable to move relative to it, and the lower link member 12D is coupled to the right shaft member 5R so as to be unable to move relative to it.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper link member 12U has a plate-shaped projection 12P (upper plate-shaped projection 12PT) that protrudes upward from its upper surface, and the lower link member 12D has a plate-shaped projection 12P (lower plate-shaped projection 12PB) that protrudes downward from its lower surface. The upper plate-shaped projection 12PT works in cooperation with the upper plate-shaped projection 2PT that protrudes downward from the ceiling surface of the upper plate member 2U to form a partition plate PB (upper partition plate PBU) that divides the upper internal space of the case member 2 into left and right sections. Similarly, the lower plate-shaped projection 12PB works in cooperation with the lower plate-shaped projection 2PB that protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower plate member 2D to form a partition plate PB (lower partition plate PBD) that divides the lower internal space of the case member 2 into left and right sections.

[0074] Furthermore, the left coil 11L has an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, and a left movable coil core 10L arranged inside it, and the right coil 11R has an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, and a right movable coil core 10R arranged inside it.

[0075] Furthermore, in the relay device 100B, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 7, in the non-conductive state, the distance GUL between the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L is set to be smaller than the distance GDL between the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L, and the distance GUR between the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R is set to be larger than the distance GDR between the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R. Also, in the non-conductive state, the contact spacing of the first upper switch SW1a is set to be smaller than the contact spacing of the first lower switch SW1b, and the contact spacing of the second upper switch SW2a is set to be larger than the contact spacing of the second lower switch SW2b. In other words, the contact spacings of each of these switches are set to be different in correspondence with the distance between each of the coil cores described above. Furthermore, the contact spacing of the first upper switch SW1a is set to be smaller than that of the second upper switch SW2a, and the contact spacing of the first lower switch SW1b is set to be larger than that of the second lower switch SW2b.

[0076] Next, the operation of the relay device 100B will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100B and corresponds to Figure 3. Specifically, the left diagram of Figure 8 shows the state when the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is in a non-conductive state and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 is in a second conductive state, and the right diagram of Figure 8 shows the state when both the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 are in a second conductive state.

[0077] More specifically, the left diagram in Figure 8 shows the state when the right coil 11R is energized and the left coil 11L is not energized. The right diagram in Figure 8 shows the state when both the left coil 11L and the right coil 11R are energized.

[0078] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 8, when the right coil 11R is energized and the upper right fixed coil core 9UR, the lower right fixed coil core 9DR, and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and moves downward, as indicated by the block arrow AR41. This is because, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 7, the distance GDR is smaller than the distance GUR. Then, when the right movable coil core 10R moves downward, the right shaft member 5R, which is coupled to the right movable coil core 10R, also moves downward, as indicated by the block arrow AR42. Then, when the right-side shaft member 5R moves downward, the lower right movable contact member 4DR, which is attached to the lower end of the right-side shaft member 5R, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR43 and comes into contact with the lower right fixed contact member 3DR (lower right front fixed contact member 3DFR and lower right rear fixed contact member 3DBR), turning the second lower switch SW2b ON (conductive state).

[0079] Furthermore, when the right-side shaft member 5R moves downward, the upper right link flange member 13UR, which is connected to the right-side shaft member 5R, moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR44, pushing down the upper link member 12U as indicated by block arrow AR45, and further pushing down the upper spring support plate 7U as indicated by block arrow AR46. When the upper spring support plate 7U is pushed down, the spring members 8 (left-side spring member 8L and right-side spring member 8R) are compressed between the upper spring support plate 7U and the lower spring support plate 7D.

[0080] Furthermore, when the upper link member 12U moves downward, the left shaft member 5L connected to the upper link member 12U moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR47, pushing down the left movable coil core 10L as indicated by block arrow AR48. When the left movable coil core 10L is pushed down, the distance GDL becomes smaller than the distance GUL. As described above, in the non-conductive state, the contact spacing of the first lower switch SW1b is set to be larger than the contact spacing of the second lower switch SW2b. Therefore, even when the second lower switch SW2b is in the ON state (conductive state), the first lower switch SW1b remains in the OFF state (non-conductive state).

[0081] Subsequently, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 8, when the left coil 11L is further energized and the upper left fixed coil core 9UL, the lower left fixed coil core 9DL, and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR51. This is because, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 8, the distance GDL is smaller than the distance GUL. Then, when the left movable coil core 10L moves downward, the left shaft member 5L, which is coupled to the left movable coil core 10L, moves downward, as indicated by block arrow AR52. Then, when the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the lower left movable contact member 4DL attached to the lower end of the left shaft member 5L moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR53 and comes into contact with the lower left fixed contact member 3DL (lower left front fixed contact member 3DFL and lower left rear fixed contact member 3DBL), turning the first lower switch SW1b ON (conductive state).

[0082] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves downward, the upper link member 12U connected to the left shaft member 5L moves downward as indicated by block arrow AR54, further pushing down the upper spring receiving plate 7U as indicated by block arrow AR55. When the upper link member 12U moves downward, contact between the upper link member 12U and the upper right link flange member 13UR is released, and the contact pressure between the lower movable contact member 4D and the lower fixed contact member 3D increases. This is because the force (force due to the spring member 8) that tries to push up the upper right link flange member 13UR fixed to the right shaft member 5R disappears. Also, when the upper spring receiving plate 7U is pushed down further, the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R) are further compressed between the upper spring receiving plate 7U and the lower spring receiving plate 7D.

[0083] In this way, the relay device 100B can turn on the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b separately (conductive state), and can also turn on the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b simultaneously (conductive state). The same applies when turning on the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a separately (conductive state), and when turning on the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a simultaneously (conductive state).

[0084] In the state shown in the left diagram of Figure 8, the first upper switch SW1a will not be turned ON (conductive) when the left coil 11L is energized. This is because the distance GUL is greater than the distance GDL, so the left movable coil core 10L is not pulled towards the upper left fixed coil core 9UL, and the left shaft member 5L does not move upward. Furthermore, the upward movement of the left shaft member 5L is restricted by the lower link member 12D which is connected to the right shaft member 5R. Specifically, the upward movement of the lower left link flange member 13DL which is connected to the left shaft member 5L is restricted by the lower link member 12D.

[0085] With this configuration, the relay device 100B can restrict the first upper switch SW1a from turning on (conducting) when the second lower switch SW2b is in the ON state (conducting).

[0086] Similarly, the relay device 100B can restrict the second lower switch SW2b from being turned on (conducting) when the first upper switch SW1a is turned on (conducting).

[0087] Furthermore, in the state shown in the left diagram of Figure 7, the second upper switch SW2a will never be in the ON state (conductive state). This is because, since the distance GUR is greater than the distance GDR, the right movable coil core 10R is not pulled towards the upper right fixed coil core 9UR, and the right shaft member 5R does not move upward. Also, the upward movement of the right shaft member 5R is restricted by the lower spring receiving plate 7D, which is pressed from above against the lower annular projection 2PD by the spring member 8. Specifically, the upward movement of the lower link member 12D, which is coupled to the right shaft member 5R, is restricted by the lower spring receiving plate 7D.

[0088] This configuration allows the relay device 100B to prevent the second upper switch SW2a from turning on (conducting) before the first upper switch SW1a turns on (conducts). In other words, the relay device 100B can only turn on (conduct) the second upper switch SW2a when the first upper switch SW1a is on (conducting).

[0089] Similarly, the relay device 100B can prevent the first lower switch SW1b from turning on (conducting) before the second lower switch SW2b turns on (conducts). In other words, the relay device 100B can only turn on (conduct) the first lower switch SW1b if the second lower switch SW2b is already on (conducting).

[0090] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, we will describe another configuration example of the relay device 100, which is relay device 100C. Figure 9 is a perspective view of relay device 100C. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of relay device 100C. Specifically, the right side of Figure 10 is a view of the cross-section of relay device 100C on the virtual plane SC2 shown in the left side of Figure 10, as seen from the Y2 side, and the left side of Figure 10 is a view of the cross-section of relay device 100C on the virtual stepped surface SC1 shown in the right side of Figure 10, as seen from the X1 side.

[0091] Relay device 100C differs from relay device 100 mainly in that it omits the second upper switch SW2a, which is composed of an upper right fixed contact member 3UR (upper right front fixed contact member 3UFR and upper right rear fixed contact member 3UBR) and an upper right movable contact member 4UR; it has only one coil 11 corresponding to one shaft member 5; it has a link member 12 and a link flange member 13; and it omits a spring flange member 6. However, it is common to relay device 100 in other respects. Therefore, the explanation of the common parts will be omitted below, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0092] Specifically, in the relay device 100C, the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is composed of an upper left fixed contact member 3UL, a lower left fixed contact member 3DL, an upper left movable contact member 4UL, a lower left movable contact member 4DL, a left shaft member 5L, an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, a left movable coil core 10L, a left coil 11L, and a lower left link flange member 13DL. The second contact switching mechanism CM2 is composed of a lower right fixed contact member 3DR, a lower right movable contact member 4DR, a right shaft member 5R, an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, a right movable coil core 10R, a right coil 11R, and an upper right link flange member 13UR. In the illustrated example, the spring support plates 7 (upper spring support plate 7U and lower spring support plate 7D), the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R), and the link members 12 (upper link member 12U and lower link member 12D) are arranged as components shared by the first contact switching mechanism CM1 and the second contact switching mechanism CM2.

[0093] Specifically, the left shaft member 5L and the right shaft member 5R are inserted through the upper spring receiving plate 7U and the lower spring receiving plate 7D, respectively, so as to be able to move relative to each other. On the other hand, the upper link member 12U is coupled to the left shaft member 5L so as to be unable to move relative to it, and the lower link member 12D is coupled to the right shaft member 5R so as to be unable to move relative to it.

[0094] Furthermore, the lower link member 12D has a lower plate-shaped projection 12PB that protrudes downward from its lower surface. The lower plate-shaped projection 12PB works in cooperation with the lower plate-shaped projection 2PB that protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower plate member 2D to form a partition plate PB (lower partition plate PBD) that divides the lower internal space of the case member 2 into left and right sections.

[0095] Furthermore, the left coil 11L has an upper left fixed coil core 9UL, a lower left fixed coil core 9DL, and a left movable coil core 10L arranged inside it, and the right coil 11R has an upper right fixed coil core 9UR, a lower right fixed coil core 9DR, and a right movable coil core 10R arranged inside it.

[0096] Furthermore, in the relay device 100C, when in a non-conductive state, the distance GUL between the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and the left movable coil core 10L is set to be smaller than the distance GDL between the lower left fixed coil core 9DL and the left movable coil core 10L, and the distance GUR between the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and the right movable coil core 10R is set to be larger than the distance GDR between the lower right fixed coil core 9DR and the right movable coil core 10R.

[0097] Next, the operation of the relay device 100C will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the relay device 100C and corresponds to Figure 3. Specifically, Figure 11 shows the state when the first contact switching mechanism CM1 is in the first conductive state and the second contact switching mechanism CM2 is in the non-conductive state. More specifically, the left side of Figure 11 shows the state when the left coil 11L is energized and the right coil 11R is not energized, and the right side of Figure 11 shows the state when both the left coil 11L and the right coil 11R are energized.

[0098] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 11, when the left coil 11L is energized and the upper left fixed coil core 9UL, the lower left fixed coil core 9DL, and the left movable coil core 10L are magnetized, the left movable coil core 10L is attracted to the upper left fixed coil core 9UL and moves upward, as indicated by block arrow AR61. This is because, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 10, the distance GUL is smaller than the distance GDL. Then, when the left movable coil core 10L moves upward, the left shaft member 5L, which is coupled to the left movable coil core 10L, also moves upward, as indicated by block arrow AR62. Then, when the left shaft member 5L moves upward, the upper left movable contact member 4UL, which is attached to the upper end of the left shaft member 5L, moves upward as indicated by block arrow AR63 and comes into contact with the upper left fixed contact member 3UL (upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL), turning the first upper switch SW1a ON (conductive state).

[0099] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves upward, the upper link member 12U connected to the left shaft member 5L moves upward as indicated by block arrow AR64, pushing up the upper right link flange member 13UR fixed to the right shaft member 5R as indicated by block arrow AR65, and further pushing up the right shaft member 5R as indicated by block arrow AR66.

[0100] Then, when the right-side shaft member 5R is pushed upward, the right-side movable coil core 10R, which is fixed to the right-side shaft member 5R, is pushed upward as indicated by block arrow AR67, and the distance GUR becomes smaller than the distance GDR.

[0101] Furthermore, when the left shaft member 5L moves upward, the lower left link flange member 13DL, which is fixed to the left shaft member 5L, moves upward as indicated by block arrow AR68, pushing up the lower link member 12D as indicated by block arrow AR69, and further pushing up the lower spring receiving plate 7D as indicated by block arrow AR70. When the lower spring receiving plate 7D is pushed up, the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R) are compressed between the upper spring receiving plate 7U and the lower spring receiving plate 7D. In other words, the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R) generate a force that tries to push the upper left movable contact member 4UL downward via the lower spring receiving plate 7D, the lower link member 12D, the lower left link flange member 13DL, and the left shaft member 5L. This results in a reduction of the contact pressure between the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper fixed contact member 3U (upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL).

[0102] Subsequently, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 11, when the right coil 11R is energized and the upper right fixed coil core 9UR, the lower right fixed coil core 9DR, and the right movable coil core 10R are magnetized, the right movable coil core 10R is attracted to the upper right fixed coil core 9UR and moves upward, as indicated by block arrow AR71. This is because, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 11, the distance GUR is smaller than the distance GDR. When the right movable coil core 10R moves upward, the right shaft member 5R connected to the right movable coil core 10R also moves upward, as indicated by block arrow AR72. When the right shaft member 5R moves upward, the lower link member 12D connected to the right shaft member 5R also moves upward, as indicated by block arrow AR73, and pushes up the lower spring receiving plate 7D, as indicated by block arrow AR74. In the example shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 11, the lower link member 12D has moved upward by a distance GP compared to the state shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 11. When the lower spring support plate 7D is pushed up, the spring members 8 (left spring member 8L and right spring member 8R) are further compressed between the upper spring support plate 7U and the lower spring support plate 7D.

[0103] Furthermore, when the lower link member 12D moves upward and separates from the lower left link flange member 13DL, the force (force due to the spring member 8) that tries to push the upper left movable contact member 4UL downward via the lower left link flange member 13DL and the left shaft member 5L disappears. This results in an increase in the contact pressure between the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper left fixed contact member 3UL (upper left front fixed contact member 3UFL and upper left rear fixed contact member 3UBL). In other words, when the lower link member 12D moves upward, the contact between the lower link member 12D and the lower left link flange member 13DL is released, and the contact pressure between the upper left movable contact member 4UL and the upper left fixed contact member 3UL increases. This is because the force that tries to push down the lower left link flange member 13DL, which is fixed to the left shaft member 5L, disappears.

[0104] Thus, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 11, the relay device 100C can turn the first upper switch SW1a ON (conductive) when the left coil 11L is energized first, and as shown in the right diagram of Figure 11, it can increase the contact pressure of the first upper switch SW1a when the right coil 11R is energized thereafter. Similarly, although not shown, the relay device 100C can turn the second lower switch SW2b ON (conductive) when the right coil 11R is energized first, and when the left coil 11L is energized thereafter, it can turn the first lower switch SW1b ON (conductive) and increase the contact pressure of the second lower switch SW2b.

[0105] Furthermore, the relay device 100C can prevent the first lower switch SW1b from turning on (conducting) before the second lower switch SW2b turns on (conducts). In other words, the relay device 100C can turn on (conduct) the first lower switch SW1b only when the second lower switch SW2b is on (conducts). Also, the relay device 100C can prevent the first upper switch SW1a from turning on (conducting) when the second lower switch SW2b is on (conducts).

[0106] As described above, the relay device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured to include a plurality of contact switching mechanisms CM, as shown in Figure 2. The contact switching mechanism CM includes a coil 11 fixed to a fixed side member FB (case member 2), a fixed coil core 9 fixed inside the coil 11, a movable coil core 10 movably arranged inside the coil 11, a shaft member 5 inserted through the fixed coil core 9 and the movable coil core 10, a one-end movable contact member (upper movable contact member 4U) provided on one end side (upper side, Z1 side) of the shaft member 5, a other-end movable contact member (lower movable contact member 4D) provided on the other end side (lower side, Z2 side) of the shaft member 5, a one-end fixed contact member (upper fixed contact member 3U) facing the one-end movable contact member (upper movable contact member 4U), and a other-end fixed contact member (lower fixed contact member 3D) facing the other-end movable contact member (lower movable contact member 4D). The fixed coil core 9 includes a one-end fixed coil core (upper fixed coil core 9U) provided on one end side (upper side, Z1 side) of the shaft member 5 than the movable coil core 10, and a other-end fixed coil core (lower fixed coil core 9D) provided on the other end side (lower side, Z2 side) of the shaft member 5 than the movable coil core 10. The movable coil core 10 is fixed to the shaft member 5 and is configured to move between the one-end fixed coil core (upper fixed coil core 9U) and the other-end fixed coil core (lower fixed coil core 9D) when the coil 11 is energized (current is supplied). The shaft member 5, which moves along the extending direction (Z-axis direction) together with the movable coil core 10, is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which the movable contact member at one end (upper movable contact member 4U) and the fixed contact member at one end (upper fixed contact member 3U) are in contact, a second conductive state in which the movable contact member at the other end (lower movable contact member 4D) and the fixed contact member at the other end (lower fixed contact member 3D) are in contact, and a non-conductive state in which the movable contact member at one end (upper movable contact member 4U) and the fixed contact member at one end (upper fixed contact member 3U) are not in contact, and the movable contact member at the other end (lower movable contact member 4D) and the fixed contact member at the other end (lower fixed contact member 3D) are not in contact. Furthermore, the multiple contact switching mechanisms CM are arranged in parallel in a direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the extending direction (Z-axis direction). Note that the multiple contact switching mechanisms CM may be three or more contact switching mechanisms CM.

[0107] This configuration improves convenience by allowing each of the multiple contact switching mechanisms CM to individually switch between the first conductive state, the second conductive state, and the non-conductive state. In other words, this configuration enables switching between a variety of conductive and non-conductive states by making it possible to switch the direction of movement of each of the multiple shaft members 5 in their respective extending directions.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the relay device 100 (relay device 100A) may have a pair of link members 12 that span across the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) of the first contact switching mechanism CM1, which is one of the multiple contact switching mechanisms CM, and the second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) of the second contact switching mechanism CM2, which is another of the multiple contact switching mechanisms CM. In this case, the pair of link members 12 may include a one-side link member (upper link member 12U) that is positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), and a other-side link member (lower link member 12D) that is positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the one-sided link member (upper link member 12U) may be configured to allow the second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) to move to one side (up, Z1 side) while restricting the second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) to move to the other side (down, Z2 side) when the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) is in a first conductive state. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the other-sided link member (lower link member 12D) may be configured to allow the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) to move to the other side (down, Z2 side) while restricting the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) to move to one side (up, Z1 side) when the second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) is in a second conductive state.

[0109] This configuration, for example in the example shown in Figure 5, has the effect of preventing the second lower switch SW2b from turning ON (conducting) when the first upper switch SW1a is ON (conducting), preventing the first lower switch SW1b from turning ON (conducting) when the second upper switch SW2a is ON (conducting), preventing the second upper switch SW2a from turning ON (conducting) when the first lower switch SW1b is ON (conducting), and preventing the first upper switch SW1a from turning ON (conducting) when the second lower switch SW2b is ON (conducting).

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) is provided with a first flange member (upper left spring flange member 6UL) positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z axis direction), and a second flange member (lower left link flange member 13DL) positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z axis direction). The second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) is provided with a third flange member (upper right link flange member 13UR) positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z axis direction), and a fourth flange member (lower right spring flange member 6DR) positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z axis direction). Furthermore, one side surface (top surface) of one side link member (upper link member 12U) faces the first flange member (upper left spring flange member 6UL) with the upper left spring receiving plate 7UL in between, the other side surface (bottom surface) of one side link member (upper link member 12U) faces the third flange member (upper right link flange member 13UR), one side surface (top surface) of the other side link member (lower link member 12D) faces the second flange member (lower left link flange member 13DL), and the other side surface (bottom surface) of the other side link member (lower link member 12D) faces the fourth flange member (lower right spring flange member 6DR) with the lower right spring receiving plate 7DR in between. Furthermore, one side link member (upper link member 12U) is movable between the first flange member (upper left spring flange member 6UL) and the third flange member (upper right link flange member 13UR) in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), and the other side link member (lower link member 12D) is movable between the second flange member (lower left link flange member 13DL) and the fourth flange member (lower right spring flange member 6DR) in the extending direction (Z-axis direction). The first shaft member, second shaft member, first flange member, second flange member, third flange member, and fourth flange member may also be the right shaft member 5R, left shaft member 5L, upper right spring flange member 6UR, lower right link flange member 13DR, upper left link flange member 13UL, and lower left spring flange member 6DL, respectively.

[0111] In this configuration, as shown in Figure 6, for example, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the lower right link flange member 13DR comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower link member 12D, and the lower right link flange member 13DR and the lower link member 12D move downward together, which has the effect of restricting the upward movement of the left shaft member 5L. This is because if the left shaft member 5L is moved upward, the lower left spring flange member 6DL comes into contact with the lower left spring receiving plate 7DL (which is in contact with the lower surface of the lower link member 12D). In other words, this configuration has the effect of preventing the first upper switch SW1a and the second lower switch SW2b from being simultaneously ON (conductive).

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the coil 11 may include a one-side coil (upper coil 11U) positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5, and a other-side coil (lower coil 11D) positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the shaft member 5. In this case, the one-side coil (upper coil 11U) and the other-side coil (lower coil 11D) may be able to conduct electricity individually. The movable coil core 10 may be arranged such that, in a non-conductive state, a portion (upper end) is located inside the one-side coil (upper coil 11U), and another portion (lower end) is located inside the other-side coil (lower coil 11D).

[0113] This configuration has the effect of, for example, turning the second lower switch SW2b ON (conducting) when the lower right coil 11DR is energized, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 3, and increasing the contact pressure of the second lower switch SW2b, which is in the ON state, when the upper right coil 11UR is further energized, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 3. This is because the magnetic force provided by the right coil 11R can be increased when the upper right coil 11UR is further energized compared to when the lower right coil 11DR is energized.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the relay device 100 (relay device 100A) may include a one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), a other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), and an elastic member (spring member 8) positioned between the one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) and the other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) and biasing the one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) and the other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) toward moving them away from each other. In this case, the elastic member (spring member 8) may be compressed in the first and second conductive states, generating a restoring force to return each of the spring support plates (upper spring support plate 7U) and the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) to their positions in the non-conductive state. Furthermore, in the first and second conductive states (see Figure 6), one link member (upper link member 12U) may be positioned in contact with the one spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U), and the other link member (lower link member 12D) may be positioned in contact with the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D). In the non-conductive state (see Figure 5), one link member (upper link member 12U) may be positioned spaced apart from the one spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U), and the other link member (lower link member 12D) may be positioned spaced apart from the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D).

[0115] This configuration has the effect of reliably returning the contact switching mechanism CM, which is in the first conducting state or the second conducting state, to the non-conducting state when the current to the coil 11 is interrupted.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) may be provided with a first flange member (lower left link flange member 13DL) that can move toward and away from the other side link member (lower link member 12D). Similarly, the second shaft member (right shaft member 5R) may be provided with a second flange member (upper right link flange member 13UR) that can move toward and away from the one side link member (upper link member 12U). The one side link member (upper link member 12U) is fixed to the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L) and configured to move integrally with the first shaft member (left shaft member 5L), and one side (upper, Z1 side) of the one side link member (upper link member 12U) may face the second flange member (upper right link flange member 13UR). Furthermore, the other side link member (lower link member 12D) is fixed to the second shaft member (right side shaft member 5R) and configured to move integrally with the second shaft member (right side shaft member 5R), and the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the other side link member (lower link member 12D) may face the first flange member (lower left link flange member 13DL).

[0117] In this configuration, as shown in Figure 8, for example, when the right shaft member 5R moves downward, the upper right link flange member 13UR comes into contact with the upper surface of the upper link member 12U, and the upper right link flange member 13UR and the upper link member 12U move downward together, which has the effect of restricting the upward movement of the left shaft member 5L. This is because the left shaft member 5L is fixed to the upper link member 12U. In other words, this configuration has the effect of preventing the first upper switch SW1a and the second lower switch SW2b from being simultaneously ON (conductive).

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first contact switching mechanism CM1 may include a first fixed coil core on one end (upper left fixed coil core 9UL), a first fixed coil core on the other end (lower left fixed coil core 9DL), and a first movable coil core (left movable coil core 10L). Similarly, the second contact switching mechanism CM2 may include a second fixed coil core on one end (upper right fixed coil core 9UR), a second fixed coil core on the other end (lower right fixed coil core 9DR), and a second movable coil core (right movable coil core 10R). In this case, in the non-conductive state, the distance GUL between the first one-end fixed coil core (upper left fixed coil core 9UL) and the first movable coil core (left movable coil core 10L) may be set to be smaller than the distance GDL between the first other-end fixed coil core (lower left fixed coil core 9DL) and the first movable coil core (left movable coil core 10L), and the distance GUR between the second one-end fixed coil core (upper right fixed coil core 9UR) and the second movable coil core (right movable coil core 10R) may be set to be larger than the distance GDR between the second other-end fixed coil core (lower right fixed coil core 9DR) and the second movable coil core (right movable coil core 10R). Alternatively, in the non-conductive state, the distance GUL may be set to be larger than the distance GDL, and the distance GUR may be set to be smaller than the distance GDR.

[0119] This configuration has the effect of restricting the direction of movement of the shaft member 5 to a desired direction by pre-setting different distances between the movable coil core 10 and each of the two fixed coil cores 9 when current is supplied to the coil 11.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the relay device 100 (relay device 100B) may include a one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) positioned on one side (upper side, Z1 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), a other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) positioned on the other side (lower side, Z2 side) of the coil 11 in the extending direction (Z-axis direction), and an elastic member (spring member 8) positioned between the one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) and the other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) and biasing the one-side spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U) and the other-side spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D) toward moving them away from each other. In this case, when the first conductive state is reached, one link member (upper link member 12U) is positioned spaced apart from the one spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U), and the other link member (lower link member 12D) is positioned in contact with the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D). When the second conductive state is reached as shown in Figure 8, one link member (upper link member 12U) is positioned in contact with the one spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U). The other link member (lower link member 12D) is positioned apart from the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D), and in the non-conductive state as shown in Figure 7, the one link member (upper link member 12U) is positioned in contact with the one spring support plate (upper spring support plate 7U), and the other link member (lower link member 12D) is positioned in contact with the other spring support plate (lower spring support plate 7D).

[0121] This configuration has the effect of, for example, turning the second lower switch SW2b ON (conductive) when the right coil 11R is energized, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 8, and increasing the contact pressure of the second lower switch SW2b, which is in the ON state, when the left coil 11L is further energized, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 8. This is because the force exerted by the upper link member 12U, which attempts to push up the upper right link flange member 13UR fixed to the right shaft member 5R, is weakened.

[0122] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 5, 7, and 10, a partition plate PB may be provided between the two contact switching mechanisms CM.

[0123] This configuration has the effect of more reliably suppressing unintended electrical conduction between the first upper switch SW1a and the second upper switch SW2a, and between the first lower switch SW1b and the second lower switch SW2b.

[0124] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the relay device 100 (relay device 100A) may also include an elastic member for one side link (upper link spring member 14U) which is positioned between the fixed side member FB (case member 2) and the one side link member (upper link member 12U) and biases the one side link member (upper link member 12U) in a direction that moves the one side link member (upper link member 12U) away from the fixed side member FB (case member 2), and an elastic member for the other side link (lower link spring member 14D) which is positioned between the fixed side member FB (case member 2) and the other side link member (lower link member 12D) and biases the other side link member (lower link member 12D) in a direction that moves the other side link member (lower link member 12D) away from the fixed side member FB (case member 2). In this case, the elastic member for one side link (upper link spring member 14U) may be configured to be compressed when in the first conductive state and to generate a restoring force to return the one side link member (upper link member 12U) to the position when it is in the non-conductive state as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the elastic member for the other side link (lower link spring member 14D) may be compressed when in the second conductive state (see Figure 6) and to generate a restoring force to return the other side link member (lower link member 12D) to the position when it is in the non-conductive state as shown in Figure 5.

[0125] This configuration has the effect of reliably returning the contact switching mechanism CM, which is in the first conducting state or the second conducting state, to the non-conducting state when the current to the coil 11 is interrupted.

[0126] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not conflict technically.

[0127] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-173862, filed on 2 October 2024, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0128]

Claims

1. A relay device comprising a plurality of contact switching mechanisms, wherein the contact switching mechanism comprises: a coil fixed to a fixed side member; a fixed coil core fixed inside the coil; a movable coil core movably arranged inside the coil; a shaft member inserted through the fixed coil core and the movable coil core; a one-end movable contact member provided on one end of the shaft member; a other-end movable contact member provided on the other end of the shaft member; a one-end fixed contact member facing the one-end movable contact member; and a other-end fixed contact member facing the other-end movable contact member, wherein the fixed coil core includes a one-end fixed coil core provided on one end of the shaft member further than the movable coil core, and a other-end fixed coil core provided on the other end of the shaft member further than the movable coil core, and the movable coil core is fixed to the shaft member and configured to move between the one-end fixed coil core and the other-end fixed coil core when the coil is energized. The shaft member, which moves along the extending direction together with the movable coil core, is configured to switch between a first conductive state in which the movable contact member at one end and the fixed contact member at one end are in contact, a second conductive state in which the movable contact member at the other end and the fixed contact member at the other end are in contact, and a non-conductive state in which the movable contact member at one end and the fixed contact member at the other end are not in contact, and the movable contact member at the other end and the fixed contact member at the other end are not in contact, and a plurality of the contact switching mechanisms are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the extending direction, in a relay device.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, comprising a pair of link members provided across a first shaft member of a first contact switching mechanism which is one of the plurality of contact switching mechanisms and a second shaft member of a second contact switching mechanism which is another of the plurality of contact switching mechanisms, wherein the pair of link members includes a one-side link member disposed on one side of the coil in the extending direction and a other-side link member disposed on the other side of the coil in the extending direction, wherein the one-side link member is configured to restrict the movement of the second shaft member to the other side while allowing the movement of the second shaft member to one side when the first shaft member is in the first conductive state, and the other-side link member is configured to restrict the movement of the first shaft member to one side while allowing the movement of the first shaft member to the other side when the second shaft member is in the second conductive state.

3. The first shaft member is provided with a first flange member positioned on one side of the coil in the extending direction and a second flange member positioned on the other side of the coil in the extending direction; the second shaft member is provided with a third flange member positioned on one side of the coil in the extending direction and a fourth flange member positioned on the other side of the coil in the extending direction; one side surface of the one-side link member faces the first flange member; the other side surface of the one-side link member faces the third flange member; one side surface of the other-side link member faces the second flange member; the other side surface of the other-side link member faces the fourth flange member; the one-side link member is movable between the first flange member and the third flange member in the extending direction; and the other-side link member is movable between the second flange member and the fourth flange member in the extending direction. The relay device according to claim 2.

4. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the coil includes a one-side coil disposed on one side of the shaft member in the extending direction and a other-side coil disposed on the other side of the shaft member in the extending direction, the one-side coil and the other-side coil can be energized individually, and the movable coil core, in the non-conductive state, has a portion located inside the one-side coil and another portion located inside the other-side coil.

5. The coil comprises: a one-side spring support plate positioned on one side of the coil in the extending direction; a other-side spring support plate positioned on the other side of the coil in the extending direction; and an elastic member positioned between the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate, biasing the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate toward each other, wherein the elastic member is compressed in the first conductive state and the second conductive state, generating a restoring force to return the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate to their respective positions in the non-conductive state, and in the first conductive state and the second conductive state, the one-side link member is positioned in contact with the one-side spring support plate, and the other-side link member is positioned in contact with the other-side spring support plate. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein, in the non-conductive state, the one-side link member is positioned spaced apart from the one-side spring retainer plate, and the other-side link member is positioned spaced apart from the other-side spring retainer plate.

6. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein the first shaft member is provided with a first flange member that can move toward and away from the other side link member, the second shaft member is provided with a second flange member that can move toward and away from the one side link member, the one side link member is fixed to the first shaft member and configured to move integrally with the first shaft member, one side surface of the one side link member faces the second flange member, the other side link member is fixed to the second shaft member and configured to move integrally with the second shaft member, and the other side surface of the other side link member faces the first flange member.

7. The relay device according to claim 6, wherein the first contact switching mechanism includes a first fixed coil core on one end, a first fixed coil core on the other end, and a first movable coil core, and the second contact switching mechanism includes a second fixed coil core on one end, a second fixed coil core on the other end, and a second movable coil core, and in the non-conductive state, the distance between the first fixed coil core on one end and the first movable coil core is smaller than the distance between the first fixed coil core on the other end and the first movable coil core, and the distance between the second fixed coil core on one end and the second movable coil core is larger than the distance between the second fixed coil core on the other end and the second movable coil core, or, in the non-conductive state, the distance between the first fixed coil core on one end and the first movable coil core is larger than the distance between the first fixed coil core on the other end and the first movable coil core, and the distance between the second fixed coil core on one end and the second movable coil core is smaller than the distance between the second fixed coil core on the other end and the second movable coil core.

8. The coil comprises: a one-side spring support plate positioned on one side of the coil in the extending direction; a other-side spring support plate positioned on the other side of the coil in the extending direction; and an elastic member positioned between the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate, biasing the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate away from each other, wherein the elastic member is compressed in the first conductive state and the second conductive state, generating a restoring force to return the one-side spring support plate and the other-side spring support plate to their respective positions in the non-conductive state; in the first conductive state, the one-side link member is positioned spaced apart from the one-side spring support plate, and the other-side link member is positioned in contact with the other-side spring support plate; in the second conductive state, the one-side link member is positioned in contact with the one-side spring support plate, and the other-side link member is positioned spaced apart from the other-side spring support plate. The relay device according to claim 7, wherein, in the non-conductive state, the one-side link member is positioned in contact with the one-side spring retainer plate, and the other-side link member is positioned in contact with the other-side spring retainer plate.

9. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein a partition plate is provided between the two contact switching mechanisms.

10. The relay device according to claim 3, comprising: an elastic member for one side link disposed between the fixed side member and the one side link member and biasing the one side link member in a direction away from the fixed side member; and an elastic member for the other side link disposed between the fixed side member and the other side link member and biasing the other side link member in a direction away from the fixed side member, wherein the elastic member for one side link is compressed when in the first conductive state and generates a restoring force to return the one side link member to the position when in the non-conductive state; and the elastic member for the other side link is compressed when in the second conductive state and generates a restoring force to return the other side link member to the position when in the non-conductive state.

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