Electromagnetic relay

Abstract

This electromagnetic relay comprises a case part, an insulating part, and a coil terminal. The case part has a first case and a second case. The insulating part is disposed between the first case and the second case. The first case has a case body and a hole. The hole is provided in the case body. The hole opens toward the insulating part. The case body has a bottom portion and a pair of wall portions. The coil terminal is disposed on the wall portion side. The hole is provided on the wall portion side. The insulating part has a fitting section that is fitted into the hole.

Description

Electromagnetic relay

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay.

[0002] The electromagnetic relay described in Patent Document 1 further includes a base, a case, a partitioning member, a contact device, a driving device, and a card. The case is disposed on the upper part of the base. Specifically, the partitioning member is disposed between the base and the case, and the case is connected to the upper part of the base via the partitioning member. Here, the partitioning member functions as an insulating part.

[0003] The contact device is disposed between the base and the partitioning member in the vertical direction. The contact device has a fixed contact and a movable contact. The movable contact is disposed to face the fixed contact. The driving device is disposed between the case and the partitioning member in the vertical direction. The driving device has a coil and a movable iron piece.

[0004] The coil is fixed to the upper part of the partitioning member. A coil terminal is connected to one end of the coil. The coil terminal is fixed to the base. The movable iron piece operates by the electromagnetic force generated from the coil. The card is disposed between the base and the partitioning member in the vertical direction. The card makes the fixed contact and the movable contact contact and separate according to the operation of the movable iron piece.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024 - 081445

[0006] In a conventional electromagnetic relay, a driving device, for example, a coil, is fixed to the upper part of the partitioning member. In this state, one end of the coil is fixed to the base via a coil terminal. However, no means for fixing the other end of the coil to the base is provided. Therefore, when an external force repeatedly acts on the electromagnetic relay, there is a possibility that a positional deviation may occur between the partitioning member to which the coil is fixed and the base. That is, in a conventional electromagnetic relay, there is a possibility that sufficient durability cannot be ensured.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic relay capable of improving durability.

[0008] An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a case, an insulating part, a contact part, an electromagnet part, a coil terminal, and a movable member. The case has a first case and a second case connected to the first case. The insulating part is located between the first case and the second case. The contact part is located between the first case and the insulating part. The contact part connects and disconnects the electrical circuit. The electromagnet part is located between the second case and the insulating part.

[0009] The electromagnet section includes a coil fixed to the insulating section and an abutment that operates due to the electromagnetic force generated from the coil. The coil terminals are connected to the coil. The coil terminals are fixed to the first case. The movable member is positioned between the first case and the insulating section. The movable member connects or disconnects the electrical circuit in accordance with the movement of the abutment.

[0010] The first case has a case body and a hole. The hole is provided in the case body. The hole opens toward the insulating part. The case body has a bottom and a pair of walls. The pair of walls are erected on the bottom so as to face each other. The coil terminals are located on one side of the pair of walls. The hole is provided on the other side of the pair of walls. The insulating part has a fitting part that fits into the hole.

[0011] In this electromagnetic relay, with the coil fixed to the insulating part, the coil terminals connected to the coil are located on one side of a pair of walls in the first case. The holes in the first case are provided on the other side of the pair of walls in the first case. In this state, the coil terminals are fixed to the first case. The mating portion of the insulating part is fitted into the holes in the first case.

[0012] In other words, in this electromagnetic relay, the coil and the insulating part can be fixed to the first case on one side of a pair of wall sections via the coil terminals. The insulating part can be fixed to the first case on the other side of the pair of wall sections via the fitting part. As a result, even if external forces are repeatedly applied to the electromagnetic relay, displacement between the insulating part and the first case can be suppressed, and the durability of the electromagnetic relay can be improved.

[0013] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The hole has a first hole and at least one second hole. The first hole is formed along the other of a pair of walls. At least one second hole extends from the first hole in a direction away from the other of the pair of walls. In this case, the first and second holes can suppress misalignment between the insulating portion and the first case in a direction away from the other of the pair of walls.

[0014] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The mating portion has a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion is fitted into a first hole. At least one second portion protrudes from the first portion and is fitted into at least one second hole. In this case, the first portion and the second portion can suppress misalignment between the insulating portion and the first case in the direction away from the other of the pair of wall portions.

[0015] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The electromagnetic relay further comprises a sealing member disposed between the hole and the mating portion. In this case, the mating portion can be securely fixed to the hole.

[0016] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The hole penetrates the bottom. In this case, the first fitting portion can be easily fitted into the first fitting hole, and the fitted state of the first fitting portion to the first fitting hole can be easily seen from the outside. In addition, a sealing member can be easily placed between the hole and the fitting portion from the outside of the first case.

[0017] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The insulating portion has a main body and a mating portion. The main body is positioned between a first case and a second case. The mating portion protrudes from the main body. At least one groove is formed on the outer surface of the mating portion. At least one groove extends from the tip of the mating portion toward the base of the mating portion.

[0018] In this case, when the fitting portion is fitted into the hole, the groove on the outer surface of the fitting portion is positioned to face the inner surface of the hole, so that the sealing member can be suitably flowed between the outer surface of the fitting portion and the inner surface of the hole by utilizing capillary action.

[0019] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The hole has a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The first inner surface is positioned opposite the outer surface of the fitting portion. The second inner surface is formed recessed from the first inner surface.

[0020] In this case, the distance between the first inner surface and the outer surface of the fitting portion, and the distance between the second inner surface and the outer surface of the fitting portion are changed. This allows the fixing force of the hole and the fitting portion to be adjusted by the sealing member.

[0021] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: A stepped portion is formed by a first inner surface and a second inner surface. This stepped portion allows the fixing force of the hole and the fitting portion to be adjusted by a sealing member with a simple configuration.

[0022] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: The first case and the second case are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The second case is positioned above the first case.

[0023] In this case, the electromagnet, which is heavier than the contact point, is positioned above the contact point. Even if the electromagnet is positioned above the contact point in this way, the above configuration can suppress misalignment between the insulating part and the first case.

[0024] The electromagnetic relay may be configured as follows: A pair of wall sections are arranged facing each other in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The contact section has a fixed contact and a movable contact positioned opposite the fixed contact. The fixed contact and the movable contact are arranged between the pair of wall sections in an orthogonal direction. The opening end of the hole is located above the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0025] In this case, by positioning the opening end of the hole above the fixed and movable contacts, sufficient vertical length can be secured in the hole, allowing the hole to reliably hold the fitting portion.

[0026] According to the present invention, the durability of electromagnetic relays can be improved.

[0027] This is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay. This is a perspective view of the electromagnetic relay in Figure 1, excluding the case and insulating member. This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay cut in the front-to-back direction. This is a perspective view of the first case. This is a top view of the first case. This is a top view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole. This is a perspective view of the insulating part. This is a bottom view of the insulating part. This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the first fitting part. This is a top view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole. This is a top view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole for illustrating modified example (A). This is a top view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole for illustrating modified example (A). This is a top view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole for illustrating modified example (B). This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the first fitting part for illustrating modified example (B). This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the first fitting hole for illustrating modified example (C).

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electromagnetic relay 1 according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the directions indicated by arrows X1 and X2 are described as the front-back direction, the directions indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2 are described as the left-right direction, and the directions indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2 are described as the up-down direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the direction indicated by arrow X1 is forward, the direction indicated by arrow X2 is backward, the direction indicated by arrow Y1 is left, the direction indicated by arrow Y2 is right, the direction indicated by arrow Z1 is upward, and the direction indicated by arrow Z2 is downward. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 comprises a case portion 2 and an insulating portion 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electromagnetic relay 1 comprises a contact portion 4, an electromagnet portion 5, a coil terminal 6, a movable member 7, and a return spring 8.

[0031] The case portion 2 shown in Figure 1 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The case portion 2 has a first case 21 and a second case 22. The first case 21 is used as the lower case of the electromagnetic relay 1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first case 21 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular box with an opening at the top. The first case 21 has a case body 23, terminal holes 24 (see Figure 5), a first fitting hole 25 (an example of a hole), and a second fitting hole 26. The case body 23 has a front wall portion 23F, a rear wall portion 23B, a left wall portion 23L, a right wall portion 23R, and a bottom portion 23M.

[0033] The front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B are each formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B are arranged facing each other in the front-rear direction. The front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B are erected on the bottom portion 23M. In detail, they extend upward separately from the front end and the rear end of the bottom portion 23M.

[0034] The left wall section 23L and the right wall section 23R are each formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The left wall section 23L and the right wall section 23R are arranged facing each other in the left-right direction. The left wall section 23L and the right wall section 23R are erected on the bottom section 23M. In detail, the left wall section 23L and the right wall section 23R extend upward separately from the left end and the right end of the bottom section 23M, respectively.

[0035] The bottom portion 23M is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The outer edge of the bottom portion 23M is surrounded by the front wall portion 23F, the rear wall portion 23B, the left wall portion 23L, and the right wall portion 23R. The front wall portion 23F, the rear wall portion 23B, the left wall portion 23L, the right wall portion 23R, and the bottom portion 23M are formed integrally.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the terminal holes 24 are provided in the bottom 23M of the case body 23. The terminal holes 24 include a plurality of terminal holes 24, for example, six terminal holes 24. The six terminal holes 24 include first terminal holes 24a1, 24a2 for the first fixed terminal 11, second terminal holes 24b1, 24b2 for the second fixed terminal 12, and third terminal holes 24c1, 24c2 for the coil terminal 6 (see Figure 5).

[0037] The first terminal holes 24a1 and 24a2 penetrate vertically through the bottom 23M of the case body 23. The first fixing terminals 11 are inserted through the first terminal holes 24a1 and 24a2. The first terminal hole 24a1 is located in front of the third terminal hole 24c1. The first terminal hole 24a2 is located in front of the first terminal hole 24a1.

[0038] The second terminal holes 24b1 and 24b2 penetrate the bottom 23M of the case body 23 in the vertical direction. The second terminal holes 24b1 and 24b2 are positioned symmetrically to the first terminal holes 24a1 and 24a2 in the left-right direction. The second fixing terminals 12 are inserted through the second terminal holes 24b1 and 24b2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the third terminal holes c1 and c2 penetrate the bottom 23M of the case body 23 in the vertical direction. The third terminal holes 24c1 and 24c2 are positioned symmetrically to each other in the left-right direction. The third terminal holes 24c1 and 24c2 are located on the rear wall portion 23B side. For example, the third terminal holes 24c1 and 24c2 are located adjacent to the rear wall portion 23B. The third terminal hole 24c1 is located between the rear wall portion 23B and the first terminal hole 24a1 in the front-rear direction. The third terminal hole 24c2 is located between the rear wall portion 23B and the first terminal hole 24a2 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first fitting holes 25 are provided in the case body 23. The first fitting holes 25 include a plurality of first fitting holes 25, for example, two first fitting holes 25a and 25b. The two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are provided on the front wall portion 23F side of the case body 23. For example, the two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are provided adjacent to the front wall portion 23F of the case body 23. The two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are formed by the front wall portion 23F of the case body 23 and the wall portion 23W (see Figure 6) erected on the front wall portion 23F and the bottom portion 23M. The two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are positioned symmetrically to each other in the left-right direction. The two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are formed so that they are mirror images of each other in the left-right direction.

[0041] Each of the two first fitting holes 25a and 25b penetrates the bottom 23M of the case body 23 in the vertical direction. Since the configurations of the two first fitting holes 25a and 25b are substantially the same, only the first fitting hole 25a will be described here.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first fitting hole 25a opens toward the insulating portion 3. The first fitting hole 25a has an opening end 25a1 that opens toward the main body portion 30 (described later) of the insulating portion 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening end 25a1 of the first fitting hole 25a is located above the first and second fixed contacts 11a, 12a (described later) and the first and second movable contacts 13a, 13b (described later) of the contact portion 4. In FIG. 5, a reference numeral 25b1 is attached to the opening end of the first fitting hole 25b.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the first fitting hole 25a has a first hole portion 25a2 and a second hole portion 25a3. The first hole portion 25a2 is formed along the front wall portion 23F. The cross-section of the first hole portion 25a2 is formed in a rectangular shape. The second hole portion 25a3 extends from the first hole portion 25a2 in a direction away from the front wall portion 23F, for example, rearward. The second hole portion 25a3 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0044] The cross-section of the first fitting hole 25a is formed in a T-shape by the first hole portion 25a2 and the second hole portion 25a3. The cross-section of the first fitting hole 25a is the cross-section when the first fitting hole 25a is cut by a plane formed by the X1-X2 axis and the Y1-Y2 axis. In FIG. 6, reference numerals 25b2 and 25b3 indicating the first hole portion and the second hole portion of the first fitting hole 25b are shown inside parentheses.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second fitting hole 26 includes a plurality of second fitting holes 26, for example, four second fitting holes 26. The four second fitting holes 26 are provided in the bottom portion 23M of the case main body 23. The four second fitting holes 26 are arranged between the front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B of the case main body 23. The four second fitting holes 26 penetrate the bottom portion 23M of the case main body 23 in the vertical direction.

[0046] Two second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1 are provided in the bottom portion 23M of the case main body 23 in front of the first terminal holes 24a1, 24b1. Two second fitting holes 26a2, 26b2 are arranged in front of the two second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1. The two second fitting holes 26a2, 26b2 are arranged behind the two second terminal holes 24a2, 24b2.

[0047] Since the configurations of the four second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1, 26a2, and 26b2 are substantially the same, only the second fitting hole 26a1 will be described here. As shown in FIG. 5, the cross-section of the second fitting hole 26a1 is formed in a rectangular shape. The cross-section of the second fitting hole 26a1 is the cross-section when the second fitting hole 26a1 is cut by a plane formed by the X1-X2 axis and the Y1-Y2 axis.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the second case 22 is used as the upper case of the electromagnetic relay 1. The second case 22 is disposed above the first case 21. That is, the second case 22 is arranged side by side with the first case 21 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the second case 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape with an open bottom.

[0049] The insulating portion 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is formed of an insulating material such as resin, for example. The insulating portion 3 is disposed between the first case 21 and the second case 22. Specifically, the insulating portion 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the first case 21. The insulating portion 3 is disposed on the lower portion of the second case 22.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the insulating portion 3 is attached to the first case 21 by, for example, a snap fit. The insulating portion 3 is attached to the second case 22 by, for example, a snap fit. Thus, the first case 21 and the second case 22 are connected to each other via the insulating portion 3. Note that the first case 21 and the second case 22 may be directly connected to each other by other fixing means, such as an adhesive.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the insulating portion 3 partitions the internal space of the case portion 2 into a lower internal space where the contact portion 4 is disposed and an upper internal space where the electromagnet portion 5 is disposed. The lower internal space where the contact portion 4 is disposed is formed by the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21. The upper internal space where the electromagnet portion 5 is disposed is formed by the insulating portion 3 and the second case 22. With this configuration, the insulating portion 3 is disposed between the contact portion 4 and the electromagnet portion 5 and insulates the contact portion 4 and the electromagnet portion 5.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the insulating portion 3 has a main body portion 30, a first fitting portion 31 (an example of a fitting portion), a second fitting portion 32, and an insertion hole 33 (see Figure 8). The main body portion 30 is positioned between the first case 21 and the second case 22. The first fitting portion 31 includes a plurality of first fitting portions 31, for example, two first fitting portions 31a and 31b. The two first fitting portions 31a and 31b protrude separately from the main body portion 30. The two first fitting portions 31a and 31b are fitted separately into two first fitting holes 25a and 25b shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0053] Since the configurations of the two first fitting portions 31a and 31b are substantially the same, only the first fitting portion 31a will be described here using Figure 9. In Figure 9, the reference numeral for the first fitting portion 31b is shown in parentheses.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, the first fitting portion 31a has a first portion 31a1 and a second portion 31a2. In Figure 9, reference numerals 31b1 and 31b2, which indicate the first and second portions of the first fitting portion 31b, are shown in parentheses.

[0055] The first portion 31a1 shown in Figures 7 to 9 is fitted into the first fitting hole 25 shown in Figures 4 to 6. As shown in Figure 9, the first portion 31a1 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The second portion 31a2 is fitted into the second hole 25a3. The second portion 31a2 protrudes from the first portion 31a1. The second portion 31a2 protrudes from the center of the first portion 31a1 in the left-right direction. The second portion 31a2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate.

[0056] The cross-section of the first fitting portion 31 is formed in a T-shape by the first portion 31a1 and the second portion 31a2. The cross-section of the first fitting portion 31 is the cross-section when the first fitting portion 31 is cut by a plane formed by the X1-X2 axis and the Y1-Y2 axis.

[0057] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second fitting portion 32 includes a plurality of fitting portions, for example, four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, and 32b2. The four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, and 32b2 each protrude separately from the main body portion 30.

[0058] The four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, and 32b2 are fitted separately into the four second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1, 26a2, and 26b2 shown in Figures 4 and 5. Since the configurations of the four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, and 32b2 are substantially the same, only the second fitting portion 32a1 will be described here.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second fitting portion 32a1 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The second fitting portion 32a1 has a third portion 32a11 and a fourth portion 32a12. In Figures 7 and 8, only the third and fourth portions of the second fitting portion 32a1 are labeled with reference numerals.

[0060] The third portion 32a11 protrudes from the main body 30. The fourth portion 32a12 protrudes from the third portion 32a11. The width of the fourth portion 32a12 in the left-right direction is narrower than the width of the third portion 32a11 in the left-right direction. The fourth portion 32a12 is fitted into the second fitting hole 26a1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the coil terminal 6 is inserted through the insertion hole 33, as will be described later. The insertion hole 33 includes a first insertion hole 33a and a second insertion hole 33b. The first insertion hole 33a is located at the rear of the main body 30, on the left side of the main body 30. The first insertion hole 33a penetrates the main body 30 in the vertical direction. The second insertion hole 33b is located at the rear of the main body 30, on the right side of the main body 30. The second insertion hole 33b penetrates the main body 30 in the vertical direction. The second insertion hole 33b is positioned symmetrically to the first insertion hole 33a in the left-right direction.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the electromagnetic relay 1 further includes a sealing member 9. The sealing member 9 is positioned separately between the two first fitting portions 31a, 31b and the two first fitting holes 25a, 25b. Here, the sealing member 9 will be described using the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a. When the first fitting portion 31a is fitted into the first fitting hole 25a, the sealing member 9 is positioned in the gap between the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a.

[0063] More specifically, the sealing member 9 is, for example, an adhesive liquid sealing member, which is poured into the gap between the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a. More specifically, the sealing member 9 is poured from the outer surface side of the bottom portion 23M of the case body 23 into the gap between the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a. After the sealing member 9 hardens in this gap, the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a are fixed to each other. Alternatively, the first fitting portion 31a may be inserted into the first fitting hole 25a while the sealing member 9 has been poured into it. Even with this configuration, the sealing member 9 can be placed in the gap between the first fitting portion 31a and the first fitting hole 25a.

[0064] The sealing member 9 is positioned separately between the four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, and 32b2 shown in Figures 7 and 8, and between the four second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1, 26a2, and 26b2 shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0065] Here, similar to the first fitting portion 31a and first fitting hole 25a shown in Figure 10, the four second fitting portions 32a1, 32b1, 32a2, 32b2 and the four second fitting holes 26a1, 26b1, 26a2, 26b2 are each individually fixed by the sealing member 9.

[0066] For example, when the fourth portion 32a12 of the second fitting portion 32a1 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is fitted into the second fitting hole 26a1 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fourth portion 32a12 is fixed to the second fitting hole 26a1 by the sealing member 9. The other second fitting portions 32b1, 32a2, 32b2 and the other second fitting holes 26b1, 26a2, 26b2 are similarly fixed by the sealing member 9.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the contact portion 4 is positioned between the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21. The contact portion 4 is positioned in the internal space formed by the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21. The contact portion 4 connects and disconnects the electrical circuit. The contact portion 4 includes at least one contact set 10.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the contact portion 4 includes a plurality of contact sets, for example, a first contact set 10a and a second contact set 10b. The first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 3, the first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction between the front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first and second contact sets 10a and 10b each have a first fixed terminal 11, a second fixed terminal 12, a movable contact piece 13, and a contact spring 14. Here, the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, the movable contact piece 13, and the contact spring 14 of the first contact set 10a will be described. The configuration of the second contact set 10b is substantially the same as that of the first contact set 10a, so the description of the first fixed terminal, the second fixed terminal, the movable contact piece, and the contact spring of the second contact set 10b will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the first fixed terminal 11 is a plate-shaped terminal made of a conductive material. As shown in Figure 3, the first fixed terminal 11 is supported by the first case 21. The first fixed terminal 11 is, for example, press-fitted and fixed to the bottom 23M of the first case 21.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, the first fixed terminal 11 includes a first fixed contact 11a and a first external connection portion 11b. The first fixed contact 11a is positioned to protrude from the front surface of the first fixed terminal 11. The first external connection portion 11b is inserted through the first terminal hole 24a1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 and protrudes downward from the bottom 23M of the first case 21.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the second fixing terminal 12 is a plate-shaped terminal made of a conductive material. As shown in Figure 3, the second fixing terminal 12 is supported by the first case 21. The second fixing terminal 12 is, for example, press-fitted and fixed to the bottom 23M of the first case 21.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, the second fixed terminal 12 is positioned at a distance from the first fixed terminal 11 in the left-right direction. The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second fixed contact 12a and a second external connection portion 12b. The second fixed contact 12a is positioned to protrude from the front surface of the second fixed terminal 12. The second external connection portion 12b is inserted through the first terminal hole 24a2 shown in Figures 4 and 5 and protrudes downward from the bottom 23M of the first case 21.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the movable contact piece 13 is a plate-shaped terminal made of a conductive material. The movable contact piece 13 extends in the left-right direction. The movable contact piece 13 and the first fixed terminal 11 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 3, the movable contact piece 13 and the second fixed terminal 12 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction between the front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, the movable contact piece 13 is positioned opposite the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the movable contact piece 13 is positioned in front of the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the movable contact piece 13 is provided on the movable member 7. The movable contact piece 13 is positioned to be movable relative to the movable member 7 in the front-rear direction. The movable contact piece 13 is connected to the movable member 7 in the front-rear direction via a contact spring 14. The movable contact piece 13 moves in a contact direction toward the first fixed terminal 11 and in a separation direction opposite to the contact direction. In this embodiment, the contact direction corresponds to the rear and the separation direction corresponds to the front.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the movable contact piece 13 has a first movable contact 13a and a second movable contact 13b. The first movable contact 13a and the first fixed contact 11a are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction between the front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21. The first movable contact 13a is positioned opposite the first fixed contact 11a in the front-rear direction. The first movable contact 13a contacts the first fixed contact 11a or separates from the first fixed contact 11a in accordance with the movement of the movable member 7.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, the second movable contact 13b and the second fixed contact 12a are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction between the front wall portion 23F and the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21. The second movable contact 13b is positioned opposite the second fixed contact 12a in the front-rear direction. The second movable contact 13b contacts the second fixed contact 12a or separates from the second fixed contact 12a in accordance with the movement of the movable member 7.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3, the contact spring 14 biases the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction. The contact spring 14 is positioned on the movable contact piece 13.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the electromagnet 5 is positioned between the insulating part 3 and the second case 22. The electromagnet 5 is positioned in the internal space formed by the insulating part 3 and the second case 22. The electromagnet 5 is positioned above the contact part 4 and the movable member 7. The electromagnet 5 is placed on top of the insulating part 3.

[0081] The electromagnet unit 5 moves the movable contact pieces 13 of the first and second contact sets 10a and 10b in the front-rear direction via the movable member 7. In this embodiment, the electromagnet unit 5 generates an electromagnetic force to move the movable member 7 in the contact direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the electromagnet section 5 includes a coil 51, a bobbin 52, a fixed iron core 53, a yoke 54, a movable iron piece 55 (an example of an armature), and a hinge spring 56. The coil 51 is a drive source that drives the contact section 4. The coil 51 is fixed to the insulating section 3. The coil 51 is wound around the bobbin 52. The axis of the bobbin 52 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0083] The fixed core 53 is placed inside the bobbin 52. The yoke 54 collects the magnetic flux of the coil. The yoke 54 is L-shaped. The yoke 54 is positioned above and behind the coil 51. The yoke 54 is connected to the rear end of the fixed core 53.

[0084] The movable iron piece 55 is mounted on the yoke 54. More specifically, the movable iron piece 55 is connected to the front end of the yoke 54. The movable iron piece 55 is pivotably supported relative to the yoke 54 via a hinge spring 56. The movable iron piece 55 pivots around the front end of the yoke 54 as a pivot point. The movable iron piece 55 is operated by an electromagnetic force generated from the coil 51.

[0085] The movable iron piece 55 is positioned in front of the fixed core 53. The lower end of the movable iron piece 55 is connected to the movable member 7. Specifically, the lower end of the movable iron piece 55 engages with a hole in the movable member 7. The hinge spring 56 biases the movable iron piece 55 away from the fixed core 53.

[0086] As shown in Figure 2, the coil terminal 6 includes a first coil terminal 6a and a second coil terminal 6b. The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are connected to the coil 51. The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are supported by the bobbin 52 and the first case 21.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3, the first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are arranged along the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21. The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b extend vertically along the rear wall portion 23B of the first case 21.

[0088] The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are inserted separately into the first and second insertion holes 33a and 33b of the insulating part 3 shown in Figure 8. The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are inserted into the third terminal holes 24c1 and 24c2 shown in Figure 5 and protrude downward from the bottom 23M of the first case 21. The first coil terminal 6a and the second coil terminal 6b are fixed to the bottom 23M of the first case 21 by the sealing member 9 described above.

[0089] The movable member 7 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is made of an insulating material such as resin. As shown in Figure 3, the movable member 7 is positioned between the insulating part 3 and the first case 21. The movable member 7 is positioned in the internal space formed by the insulating part 3 and the first case 21.

[0090] In detail, the movable member 7 is positioned below the insulating portion 3. The movable member 7 rests on the bottom portion 23M of the first case 21. In the left-right direction, the movable member 7 is positioned between the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 of the first contact set 10a and the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 of the second contact set 10b.

[0091] The movable member 7 is moved by the electromagnet 5. More specifically, when the movable iron piece 55 is oscillated by the electromagnetic force generated from the coil 51, the movable member 7 moves backward. In response to this movement of the movable member 7, the movable member 7 presses against the movable contact piece 13 of the first contact set 10a and the movable contact piece 13 of the second contact set 10b, or releases the pressure on the movable contact piece 13 of the first contact set 10a and the movable contact piece 13 of the second contact set 10b.

[0092] When the movable member 7 presses the movable contact piece 13 of the first contact set 10a and the movable contact piece 13 of the second contact set 10b, it causes the first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b to connect or disconnect the electrical circuits.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, the return spring 8 is positioned between the insulating part 3 and the movable member 7 in the front-rear direction. The return spring 8 biases the movable member 7 forward relative to the insulating part 3. When the movable member 7 releases its pressure on the movable contact piece 13 of the first contact set 10a and the movable contact piece 13 of the second contact set 10b, the return spring 8 moves the movable member 7 forward relative to the insulating part 3.

[0094] The operation of the contact portion 4, the electromagnet portion 5, and the movable member 7 will be described below. When no voltage is applied to the coil 51, the movable member 7 is pressed in the separation direction by the elastic force of the hinge spring 56 and the return spring 8, and the movable member 7 is in the return position. At this time, in the first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b, the first movable contact 13a separates from the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b separates from the second fixed contact 12a.

[0095] When a voltage is applied to the coil 51 and the electromagnet 5 is energized, the movable iron piece 55 is attracted to the fixed iron core 53 and swings, pressing the movable member 7 in the contact direction. As a result, the movable member 7 moves in the contact direction against the elastic force of the return spring 8. In accordance with the movement of the movable member 7 in the contact direction, the movable contact pieces 13 of the first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b move in the contact direction.

[0096] As a result, in the first contact set 10a and the second contact set 10b, the first movable contact 13a contacts the first fixed contact 11a, and the second movable contact 13b contacts the second fixed contact 12a. When the voltage applied to the coil 51 is stopped, the movable member 7 moves in the separation direction and returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the hinge spring 56 and the return spring 8.

[0097] In the electromagnetic relay 1 having the above configuration, with the coil 51 fixed to the insulating part 3, the coil terminal 6 connected to the coil 51 is located on the rear wall portion 23B side of the first case 21. The first fitting hole 25 of the first case 21 is provided on the front wall portion 23F side of the first case 21. In this state, the coil terminal 6 is fixed to the first case 21. The first fitting portion 31 of the insulating part 3 is fitted into the first fitting hole 25 of the first case 21.

[0098] In other words, in the electromagnetic relay 1, the coil 51 and the insulating part 3 can be fixed to the first case 21 on the rear wall portion 23B side of the first case 21 via the coil terminal 6. The insulating part 3 can be fixed to the first case 21 on the front wall portion 23F side of the first case 21 via the first fitting portion 31. As a result, even if an external force is repeatedly applied to the electromagnetic relay 1, displacement between the insulating part 3 and the first case 21 can be suppressed, and the durability of the electromagnetic relay 1 can be improved.

[0099] In the electromagnetic relay 1, the first fitting hole 25 has a first hole portion 25a2 and a second hole portion 25a3. The first hole portion 25a2 is formed along the front wall portion 23F of the first case 21. The second hole portion 25a3 extends from the first hole portion 25a2 in a direction away from the front wall portion 23F of the first case 21, for example, towards the rear. In this case, the first hole portion 25a2 and the second hole portion 25a3 can suppress misalignment between the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21 in a direction away from the front wall portion 23F of the first case 21, for example, towards the rear.

[0100] In the electromagnetic relay 1, the first fitting portion 31 has a first portion 31a1 and a second portion 31a2. The first portion 31a1 is fitted into the first hole 25a2. The second portion 31a2 protrudes from the first portion 31a1 and is fitted into the second hole 25a3. In this case, the first portion 31a1 and the second portion 31a2 can suppress misalignment between the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21 in the direction away from the front wall portion 23F of the first case 21, for example, in the rear.

[0101] In the electromagnetic relay 1, the sealing member 9 is positioned between the first fitting hole 25 and the first fitting portion 31, so that the first fitting portion 31 can be securely fixed to the first fitting hole 25.

[0102] In the electromagnetic relay 1, the first fitting hole 25 penetrates the bottom 23M of the first case 21, so the first fitting portion 31 can be easily fitted into the first fitting hole 25, and the fitted state of the first fitting portion 31 to the first fitting hole 25 can be easily seen from the outside. In addition, the sealing member 9 can be easily placed between the hole and the fitting portion from the outside of the first case 21.

[0103] In the electromagnetic relay 1, even if the electromagnet 5, which is heavier than the contact portion 4, is positioned above the contact portion 4, the misalignment between the insulating portion 3 and the first case 21 can be suppressed by fitting the first fitting portion 31 into the first fitting hole 25.

[0104] In the electromagnetic relay 1, by positioning the opening end of the first fitting hole 25 above the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a of the contact portion 4, sufficient vertical length can be secured in the first fitting hole 25. As a result, the first fitting hole 25 can reliably hold the first fitting portion 31.

[0105] (Modifications) Although an embodiment of an electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0106] (A) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cross-sections of the two first fitting holes 25 are formed in a T-shape, but the cross-sections of the two first fitting holes 25 may have other shapes.

[0107] For example, the cross-section of the first fitting hole 25a may be formed into a different shape by changing the position and number of the second holes 25a3 (or multiple second holes 25b3). More specifically, the cross-section of the first fitting hole 25a (or first fitting hole 25b) may be formed into one of the following shapes: the E-shape shown in Figure 11, the F-shape shown in Figure 12, or the L-shape shown in Figure 13.

[0108] When the first fitting hole 25a (first fitting hole 25b) is formed in this manner, the cross-section of the first fitting portion 31a (first fitting portion 31b) is formed according to the cross-sectional shape of the first fitting hole 25a (first fitting hole 25b).

[0109] As shown in Figure 11, when the first fitting hole 25a (first fitting hole 25b) is formed in an E-shape, the second portion 31a2 (second portion 31b2) of the first fitting portion 31a (first fitting portion 31b) includes three second portions 31a2 (second portion 31b2).

[0110] As shown in Figure 12, when the first fitting hole 25a (first fitting hole 25b) is formed in an F shape, the second portion 31a2 (second portion 31b2) of the first fitting portion 31a (first fitting portion 31b) includes two second portions 31a2 (second portion 31b2).

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, when the first fitting hole 25a (first fitting hole 25b) is formed in an L-shape, the second portion 31a2 (second portion 31b2) of the first fitting portion 31a (first fitting portion 31b) includes one second portion 31a2 (second portion 31b2).

[0112] (B) At least one groove 31c may be formed on the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31 shown in the above embodiment and modification (A). In this modification (B), an example is shown in which a plurality of grooves 31c are formed on the outer surface of the T-shaped first fitting portion 31 of the above embodiment.

[0113] In this case, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, each of the multiple grooves 31c extends from the tip of the first fitting portion 31 toward the base end of the first fitting portion 31. Here, the base end of the first fitting portion 31 is the part connected to the main body portion 30 of the insulating portion 3. In this embodiment, each of the multiple grooves 31c is formed on a portion that protrudes from the main body portion 30 of the insulating portion 3. Preferably, the vertical length of the multiple grooves 31c is longer than the vertical length of the first fitting hole 25 shown in Figure 4.

[0114] In this configuration, when the first fitting portion 31 is fitted into the first fitting hole 25, the groove portion 31c on the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31 is positioned to face the inner surface of the first fitting hole 25. This allows the sealing member 9 to be suitably flowed between the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31 and the inner surface of the first fitting hole 25 by utilizing capillary action.

[0115] (C) A stepped portion 25c may be formed on the inner surface of the first fitting hole 25 shown in the above embodiment and modified example (A). In this modified example (C), as shown in Figure 15, an example is shown in which the stepped portion 25c is formed on the inner surface of the T-shaped first fitting hole 25 of the above embodiment.

[0116] In this case, the first fitting hole 25 has a first inner surface 25c1 and a second inner surface 25c2. The first inner surface 25c1 is positioned opposite the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31 shown in Figure 9. The second inner surface 25c2 is formed recessed from the first inner surface 25c1. More specifically, the first inner surface 25c1 and the second inner surface 25c2 form a stepped portion 25d. In this embodiment, the stepped portion 25d is formed in the first fitting hole 25 in the portion excluding the inner surface of the front wall portion 23F of the case body 23.

[0117] In this configuration, the distance between the first inner surface 25c1 of the first fitting hole 25 and the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31, and the distance between the second inner surface 25c2 of the first fitting hole 25 and the outer surface of the first fitting portion 31 are changed. This allows the fixing force of the first fitting hole 25 and the first fitting portion 31 to be adjusted by the sealing member 9.

[0118] 1 Electromagnetic relay 2 Case part 3 Insulation part 4 Contact part 5 Electromagnet part 6 Coil terminal 7 Movable member 9 Seal member 11a, 12a Fixed contacts 13a, 13b Movable contacts 21 First case 22 Second case 23 Case body 23M Bottom part 23F Front wall part 23B Rear wall part 23L Left wall part 23R Right wall part 25 First fitting hole 25a2, 25b2 First hole part 25a3, 25b3 Second hole part 25c1 First inner surface 25c2 Second inner surface 25d Stepped part 30 Main body part 31 First fitting part 31a1 First part 31a2 Second part 31c Groove part 51 Coil 55 Movable iron piece

Claims

1. A case section comprising a first case and a second case connected to the first case; an insulating section disposed between the first case and the second case; a contact section disposed between the first case and the insulating section for connecting and disconnecting an electrical circuit; an electromagnet section disposed between the second case and the insulating section, comprising a coil fixed to the insulating section and an abutment that operates by the electromagnetic force generated from the coil; a coil terminal connected to the coil and fixed to the first case; and a movable member disposed between the first case and the insulating section for connecting or disconnecting the electrical circuit in accordance with the operation of the abutment, wherein the first case comprises a case body and a hole provided in the case body that opens toward the insulating section; the case body comprises a bottom and a pair of wall sections erected on the bottom so as to face each other; the coil terminal is located on one side of the pair of wall sections; the hole is provided on the other side of the pair of wall sections; and the insulating section comprises a fitting section that fits into the hole. Electromagnetic relay.

2. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the hole comprises a first hole formed along the other of the pair of wall portions, and at least one second hole extending from the first hole in a direction away from the other of the pair of wall portions.

3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 2, wherein the fitting portion comprises a first portion that fits into the first hole and at least one second portion that protrudes from the first portion and fits into the at least one second hole.

4. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member disposed between the hole and the fitting portion.

5. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, wherein the hole penetrates the bottom portion.

6. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, wherein the insulating portion comprises a main body portion disposed between the first case and the second case, and a fitting portion protruding from the main body portion, and at least one groove portion extending from the tip of the fitting portion toward the base of the fitting portion is formed on the outer surface of the fitting portion.

7. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 4, wherein the hole has a first inner surface disposed opposite to the outer surface of the fitting portion and a second inner surface formed recessed from the first inner surface.

8. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 7, wherein a stepped portion is formed by the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

9. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the first case and the second case are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the second case is positioned above the first case.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, wherein the pair of wall portions are arranged facing each other in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the contact portion has a fixed contact and a movable contact positioned opposite the fixed contact, the fixed contact and the movable contact are arranged between the pair of wall portions in the orthogonal direction, and the opening end of the hole portion is located above the fixed contact and the movable contact.

Images