EP3516676A1

EP3516676A1 - Electromagnetic relay

Info

Publication number: EP3516676A1
Application number: EP17768417.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert Elsinger; Markus Bichler
Original assignee: Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH
Current assignee: Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2016-09-20
Filing date: 2017-09-11
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-11
Also published as: WO2018054714A1; DE102016117671A1; JP2019530194A; CN109716477B; US10943751B2; JP7142011B2; US20200203104A1; EP3516676B1; CN109716477A

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic relay (1), more particularly a safety relay (1). The relay (1) has a main part (10) and a coil system (20, 120) located thereon, the coil system (20, 120) having a coil (24, 124) and a yoke (25, 125) which extends through the coil (24, 124) along a winding axis (WA) of the coil (24, 124). An armature (30, 130) for the relay (1) is located next to the coil (24, 124) and mounted such that it can pivot about an armature bearing axis (AA, AA') and has pole shoes (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 133a, 133b) for magnetically coupling with the yoke (25, 125) of the coil system (20, 120). The relay (1) also comprises a contact system (50) having at least two contact springs (51, 53), wherein each spring movement plane (FB) of the contact springs (51, 53) extends across the winding axis (WA) of the coil (24, 124), preferably at a substantially right angle. At least two actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) are located on the armature (30, 130), which actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) are allocated to the contact springs (51, 53) in order to actuate same and which actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) extend radially outwards on the armature (30, 130) with respect to to the armature bearing axis (AA, AA') in a longitudinal direction (AL) of the armature (30, 130), wherein the radially outermost ends of the two actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) are farther away from the armature bearing axis (AA, AA') than the pole shoes (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 133a, 133b) of the armature (30, 130).

Description

Electromagnetic relay

The invention relates to an electromagnetic relay, in particular a safety relay, comprising a base body, a coil arranged on the base body with a coil and a yoke, which extends along a winding axis of the coil therethrough, and with an armature which is pivotally mounted on an armature bearing axis is and which pole pieces for magnetic coupling with the yoke of the coil system, and having a contact system with at least two contact springs, wherein the armature are arranged actuators, which are associated with the contact springs to actuate the contact springs upon movement of the armature, d. H. to open or close the corresponding contacts of the contact springs by the movement of the contact springs.

Such relays are known in practice in various designs. In a training as a safety relay at least one of the contact springs is a so-called "NC" or normally closed contact (also known as NC contact, NC = Normally Closed, assigned) and at least one other contact spring is the "NO" or normally open associated (also known as NO) Contact, NO = Normally Open). Positive guidance or a suitable arrangement of the actuators on the armature ensures that normally closed and normally closed contacts can not be closed at the same time. In particular, the arrangement is such that the opening of the opener always precedes the closing of the shutter and this happens not at the same time or even vice versa. If an "opening failure" occurs when the opener is opened, because, for example, the contact spring of the opener is welded to the mating contact, then the normally open contact can not be closed, so that an opening failure can be reliably detected by the open (mechanically connected) normally open contact. Relay with positively driven contacts according to IEC 61810-3) is also prescribed that in case of an opening failure of a normally-closed contact and also in case of opening failure of a normally closed contact, the normally open must still have a predetermined minimum contact distance, namely at least 0.5 mm.

The contact springs of the contact system must therefore have a relatively large stroke, resulting in corresponding path lengths of the actuator. This in turn requires a sufficiently large construction of the entire relay. On the other hand, it is desirable for many applications to provide relays with appropriate security requirements to have the smallest possible external dimensions. In particular, it is advantageous in many constructions, when the relay is relatively flat, ie the height of the relay is relatively low when positioned on a board.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a relay which can serve in particular as a safety relay and which nevertheless has the smallest possible external dimensions, in particular can be arranged particularly flat on a circuit board.

This object is achieved by a relay according to claim 1.

As mentioned above, the electromagnetic relay has a main body and a coil system arranged on the main body with at least one coil and a yoke which extends along a winding axis, i. H. the longitudinal axis, the coil extending through it. For example, such a coil system or so a coil assembly can be constructed by first the yoke is encapsulated with the formation of a spool core with plastic in an injection molding process and then formed coil core or bobbin is then wrapped with the coil wire to form the coil.

Next, the electromagnetic relay has an armature which is arranged pivotably mounted next to the coil, so outside the coil to an armature bearing axis and which has the pole pieces for magnetic coupling with the yoke of the coil system. In this construction, therefore, the yoke of the coil system is static and is poled by applying a voltage to the coil winding accordingly magnetically so that the resting at rest pole shoes of the armature repelled due to their coupling with one or more permanent magnets and then in the opposite position ( the working position), which leads to the movement of the armature about the armature bearing axis.

Furthermore, the electromagnetic relay comprises a contact system with at least the two contact springs mentioned above. In this case, the arrangement of these contact springs is such that a spring movement plane, in which the flexible contact springs or the movable resilient part of the contact springs each extend along a main extension direction, extends transversely, preferably substantially at right angles, to the winding axis of the coil. The "spring action plane" can be defined here such that the movable part of the contact spring moves from the open position into the closed position. move the contact in this plane or covers an area in this level. If, for example, it is a (for example L-shaped) contact spring whose resilient arm extends from a fixed connection point (eg the angular point of the L-shape) towards the mating contact, the spring movement plane can pass through define this fixed connection point, the point at which the contact is closed, and the point at which the contact head of the spring is in the open state. The term "main extension direction" here is to be understood as the direction in which a movable part or flexible arm of the contact spring extends substantially.

The contact system can therefore at least two contacts, namely z. B. an opener and a closer, each comprising at least one of these contact springs and an associated mating contact. The mating contact is preferably a stationary, d. H. a substantially fixed, contact body against which the flexible contact spring is pressed to close the contact and is lifted from this. In this case, the contact spring is then moved in the spring movement plane or flexibly bent away from the mating contact or bent against the mating contact, depending on which construction is exactly present. In this arrangement, the spring movement plane or the main extension direction of the flexible contact springs and the winding axis so (in a view from above the relay) the projections of the main extension direction or a longitudinal axis of the contact springs and the projections of the winding axis on a base surface of the body, with the this in turn is arranged in the installed state on a board, transverse, preferably perpendicular to each other.

According to the invention, at least two actuators are arranged on the armature, which are each assigned to the contact springs for actuating the contact springs, that act on these contact springs or the movable, flexible parts of the contact springs and thus can move the contact springs in the spring movement plane. These actuators extend at the armature with respect to the armature bearing axis radially outwardly in a longitudinal direction of the armature, d. H. away from the armature bearing axis. The radially outermost ends of the two actuators (seen in the longitudinal direction of the armature) are further away from the armature bearing axis than the pole shoes of the armature.

Due to the fact that the actuators or actuator arms for the two contacts extend diametrically outwardly away from the armature bearing at opposite ends of the armature, there is the advantage that despite a flat design of the relay, a relatively large stroke present at the actuator. Likewise, the arrangement of the armature next to the coil supports a flat design. Therefore, even with a flat design, a large distance between the contact springs can be realized by the mating contacts. Consequently, as explained later, the relay can be designed as a safety relay and, in particular, the contact springs at the opposite ends of the armature can be assigned a normally closed contact and an associated closer, since the contact springs can be forcibly guided via the armature.

Accordingly, the relay according to the invention is preferably used as a safety relay in a safety circuit.

Further particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein also features of different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments.

Preferably, the relay is constructed such that the spring movement planes of at least one of the contact springs are substantially parallel to the armature bearing axis, d. H. that the armature bearing axis runs in the usual tolerances parallel to the spring movement plane. In such a construction, therefore, the main extension direction of the respective contact spring extends substantially parallel to the armature bearing axis in the sense that the projections of the longitudinal axis of the contact spring and the armature bearing axis on the base surface of the main body of the relay run parallel. In other words, in a view from the top of the relay then run the two longitudinal axes of the contact spring and the armature bearing axis parallel and preferably the winding axis of the coil perpendicular. Due to the fact that the contact springs and the armature bearing axis run essentially parallel next to one another, a particularly space-saving construction is likewise achieved.

Preferably, the spring movement planes of the two contact springs are substantially parallel to one another.

Furthermore, it is for the desired flat arrangement of advantage, when the armature bearing axis extends in its imaginary extension through the coil. Whether there is a height offset between the imaginary extension of the armature bearing axis and the winding axis, however, depends on the exact construction of the armature. If, for example, in a preferred variant, an H-shaped anchor is used, which has a total of four pole pieces, which are arranged so that always two pole pieces embrace one end of the yoke of the coil system and consequently always two pole pieces on opposite sides of the yoke with a pole face of the yoke In contact, it is preferred that the armature bearing axis cross in its extension and the Jochmittelachse. In another preferred variant of the anchor, in which this only two pole pieces and having only one pole piece in contact with a pole face of the yoke, the armature bearing axis may be such that it is vertically displaced in its extension relative to the Jochmittelachse with respect to the base surface of the Basic body of the relay is. In particular, it is then possible to arrange the armature bearing axle below the central axis of the yoke, ie between the yoke central axis and the base surface of the main body of the relay. But the armature bearing axis can also lie above the Jochmittelachse, ie between Jochmittelachse and housing top.

Preferably, in both cases, the armature is formed so that the pole pieces are angled or bent from the longitudinal direction of the armature to the coil.

This is possible, for example, by having the armature as magnetically active cores or core pieces, which form the pole pieces at the end, U-shaped body. In the case of an anchor with only two pole shoes only a U-shaped core is needed here. For example, if an H-shaped anchor at each end of two opposing pole pieces, so two U-shaped core pieces can be superimposed, so that the pole pieces of the two U-shaped core pieces at the ends of each fork-shaped embrace the ends of the yoke. By means of the armature or armature angled or bent yoke, it is possible to form the pole faces as large as possible, so that the best possible magnetic flux is achieved. Incidentally, the U-shaped core pieces can also have unequal length U legs. It would also be conceivable that the pole pieces of the yoke are angled towards the anchor and the anchor has no or only a slight bend. Likewise, a combination of both variants is possible, since the requirements in tightened and fallen position may be different in terms of the size of the overlap of the pole pieces.

The core pieces can themselves be permanent magnets. Preferably, these U-shaped core pieces are iron parts, in particular soft iron parts. In anchor Permanent magnets may be incorporated in the body, which then provide magnetic flux through the soft iron core pieces.

As mentioned above, the actuators extend in the longitudinal direction of the armature outwardly beyond the pole pieces away from the armature bearing axis. Preferably, these actuators are fixed, in particular rotationally fixed, connected to the armature. Most preferably, they are integrally formed with the anchor, for example, together with the anchor produced by injection molding.

In a very cost-effective, simple manner of manufacturing the armature, the core pieces or the core pieces (and possibly also the permanent magnets, if they are not glued subsequently in chambers specially introduced for this purpose by injection molding) are injection-molded in an injection molding process for producing the anchor body, wherein at the same time the actuators, For example, in the form of actuator arms or a kind of end-side stubs, be injected with the anchor body.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuators on the armature and the contact springs are each formed and arranged so that a contact spring is pushed away in each case by its associated actuator for opening the respective contact of one of the respective contact spring associated mating contact. In the case of such a "lift-off contact", the actuator thus displaces the contact head of the contact spring, that is to say the part of the contact spring which comes into contact with the mating contact, away from the mating contact in the movement plane.

It is particularly advantageous if the contact springs extend transversely or advantageously perpendicular to the armature longitudinal axis like a bridge over the actuator arms. Seen from the base surface then so the contact springs extend above the armature longitudinal axis and the contact springs are pushed away to open upwards.

Most preferably, the arrangement is such that the actuator in the respective closed state of the contact still has some distance from the contact spring, that is not in contact with the contact spring in this position. This has the advantage that with time the contact pieces between the contact spring and mating contact can still burn off a bit and yet the contact is closed securely in the closed state. As already mentioned, an anchor bearing, in which the armature is pivotably mounted about the armature bearing axis, is located on the main body. It is particularly advantageous if the armature bearing on the one hand and the at least two contact springs on the other hand are arranged on opposite sides of the armature with the actuators. Thus, if, as described above, the contact springs respectively (viewed from the base surface) above the actuator attack on the anchor, so the actuators engage under the contact spring, the anchor bearing should preferably be below the anchor or attack from below by the anchor. For example, could be formed on the anchor body corresponding in the armature bearing axis extending armature journals and this anchor bearing pins are pressed from above, ie on the base surface, in the anchor bearing in the body. Alternatively, a reverse arrangement would be possible that the anchor bearing engages from above the anchor and the contact springs extend below the actuator.

The fact that the contact springs and the armature bearing attack on opposite sides of the armature respectively on the anchor body, it is ensured that the armature is pressed into the armature bearing when the relay wants to switch, so the armature is to be tilted about the armature bearing axis, but is not possible because a contact is welded, d. H. the case of an opening failure exists. The armature is then pressed on the side at which the actuator is to open the defective contact from the contact spring towards the armature bearing and on the other hand, the armature is pressed by the magnetic force down, so that the anchor in such a case of failure altogether automatically is pressed into the anchor bearing. This ensures that the armature is always held in the correct position and it would not even be necessary to hold the armature upwards in the armature bearing, for example by a corresponding counter bearing in the relay housing, etc. It is thus ensured that the second contact is securely held open when the contact to be opened can not be opened.

As already mentioned, the winding axis of the coil, the armature bearing axis and a main extension direction of the contact springs particularly preferably each flat, preferably substantially parallel, above a base surface of the main body of the relay housing, which is formed as a contact side for positioning the relay on a circuit board or printed circuit board is. This base surface or contact side is the surface which lies in the installed state of the relay at or short distance parallel to the board. At the base surface, terminals or terminals, for example, contact pins, SM D contact surfaces, etc., for the circuit board or the circuit are correspondingly attached. assigns. In other words, the relay has a horizontal rotational axis of the armature with respect to the printed circuit board and the armature and magnet assembly are located side by side flat above the base surface. The spring movement plane is in this case essentially perpendicular to the base surface, ie the springs are moved away from the base surface for opening or closing or moved in the direction of the base surface.

If the relay, as desired in the preferred embodiment, should be designed as a safety relay, one of the at least two contact springs is formed as part of a normally open contact and the other of the at least two contact springs as part of a normally closed contact, which is assigned to this normally open within an external safety circuit. In such a safety relay so the normally open contact and the normally closed contact at the ends of the armature facing away from each other are arranged in the longitudinal direction, whereby in addition to the forced operation a particularly large stroke on both sides, d. H. both on the normally open contact and on the normally closed contact, can be realized.

Preferably, at least one of the actuators, particularly preferably the actuator, which is associated with the contact spring of the normally-open contact, has a pressure projection extending in an opening direction of the contact spring, for example in the form of a small projection, which in the opened state (in the opening direction ) presses against the contact spring. In this way it can be ensured that at any time it is ensured that a mechanically connected break contact has a contact distance of at least 0.5 mm when a make contact is closed and vice versa. In addition, however, the actuator of the normally closed contact can also have a corresponding contact pressure projection.

Preferably, at least one of the contact springs, particularly preferably the contact spring of the normally closed contact, is designed as a double contact and has two contact pieces which rest in a closed position on a mating contact piece. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a contact via which signals are to be transmitted, that is to say usually the normally closed contact (NC contact), which should be closed in the normal position of the relay. Due to the design as a double contact, the probability can be increased that sufficient for the signal transmission contact at least one of the two contact pieces is provided with the mating contact piece, for example, if contamination prevents good contact between the contacts on one of the contact pieces. In a simple basic form of the relay, it is sufficient if the actuators are arranged so that they can push away the respective contact springs in one direction, for example, can push away from the mating contact. In the opposite direction, the movement of the contact spring is effected simply by the bias voltage having the respective contact spring. That is, the actuators then work only against the bias of the contact spring and let them simply return due to their own bias in an initial position, for example, the closed state of the respective contact. This construction, in which the actuator engages only one side of the contact springs, has the advantage of easier installation of the relay.

In principle, it is also possible to form the actuator fork-shaped, d. H. that the contact spring associated with the actuator is encompassed by the actuator of at least three sides. In such actuators, the closing of a contact can be assisted or initiated, depending on whether the contact spring has a certain bias in one direction.

In order to simplify the assembly of the relay and thus also to make it cheaper, the body preferably has locking elements in order to lock the coil system on or in the base body. The bobbin may have corresponding, cooperating counter-locking means or the locking elements are simply formed by surfaces or edges of the coil system, for example, the bobbin or the pole faces of the yoke. Likewise, advantageously, the anchor can be latched with, for example, an anchor bearing journal in the anchor bearing of the body.

Particularly preferably, the relay has a housing cover, which is connectable to the base body to form a closed housing. In this case, the housing cover locking elements and the main body cooperating counter-locking means to easily lock the housing cover to the body and thus to allow a quick, easy, inexpensive installation. Preferably, the housing cover on the inside also counter bearing elements to hold the anchor in the anchor bearing of the body. These counter-bearing elements then block the anchor from slipping out of the anchor bearing.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures with reference to embodiments. Show it: an exploded view of the body (with stationary mating contacts), the coil system and the armature of a first embodiment of a relay according to the invention, a perspective view with a partial section through the coil system of the relay of Figure 1, an exploded view of the armature of the relay of Figure 1, an exploded view of Main body, coil system and armature of the relay of Figure 1, but now with armature and coil system in the collapsed state, an exploded view of the body, coil system and armature of the relay of Figure 1, but now with armature and coil system in the main body and with the contact springs prior to assembly in the main body, a plan view of the relay according to Figures 1 to 5 (with the housing cover open), a front perspective view of the relay according to Figures 1 to 6 in a first switching state (with closed normally closed contact) with a housing cover arranged adjacent to the relay, a p Erspectische front view of the relay according to Figures 1 to 6 in a second switching state (with a closed contact), here shown without housing cover, a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a relay according to the invention, here without housing cover,

10 shows a schematic representation of the coil system and the armature of a relay according to FIGS. 1 to 8 or according to FIG. 9, FIG. Figure 1 1 is a schematic representation of a coil system and an armature of a relay according to a third embodiment.

A first preferred exemplary embodiment of the relay 1 according to the invention will now first be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 and 10, this relay 1 being designed as a safety relay with a normally open contact A and a normally closed contact R. As usual, in the unenergized or non-energized state of the coil (ie without current flow), the relay in a first switching state P1 (see Figure 7), in which the normally closed contact is closed (Normally Closed) and the normally open contact A (Normally Open ). In this state, the design ensures that the contact piece 55 of the contact spring 51 of the normally open contact has a minimum distance of 0.5 mm to the contact piece 64 of the mating contact 60 even in the event of a fault according to IEC 61810-3.

1, in addition to the contact springs 51, 53 of the normally open contact A and the normally closed contact R to the main components of this relay 1, a base body 10 in which all other other components are mounted, a coil system 20 (also known as coil assembly and an armature 30 movably coupled thereto, which has two actuators 36, 37 with which the contact springs 51, 53 of the normally open contact A and the normally closed contact R can be actuated.

It is also apparent from the sequence of figures in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 how these components can be assembled together to produce a relay 1.

For this purpose, the stationary mating contacts 60, 61 of the normally open contact and the normally closed contact with their connection pins 63 (hereinafter referred to as terminals 63) are first inserted and fixed in the base body 10 in corresponding apertures 18 at two corners of the base body 10. In a later process step, they are additionally encapsulated for stronger fixation, for example with epoxy encapsulants. These stationary mating contacts 60, 61 are L-shaped, wherein the long L-legs form the terminals 63, and have (as short L-legs) on the upper side to a central longitudinal axis of the base body 10 angled counter contact portions 62, which are approximately, preferably exactly, horizontally and are provided on their upper side with mating contact pieces 64. These counter contact pieces 64 are made for example of a silver alloy, which can be riveted or welded to the mating contact portion 62. The main body 10 then has the state shown in Figure 1. Subsequently, the coil system 20 and the armature 30 are brought into the appropriate position to each other and, as shown in Figure 4, mounted in the base body 10, which, as will be explained below, can be done by a simple latching.

The structure of the coil system is shown in more detail in FIG. As can be seen in the partial section shown there, a yoke made of soft iron is first encapsulated in an injection molding with plastic, the injection mold is shaped so that the bobbin 21 drum-like with a central in the longitudinal direction of the yoke 25 extending bobbin core 22 and two end Spool flanges 23 is formed, wherein in each case the end portions of the yoke 25 protrude from the bobbin flanges 23. The upper and lower surfaces of the free-standing end portions of the yoke 25 constitute the pole faces of the yoke 25. Then, the coil 24 is wound on the bobbin core 22 between the bobbin flanges 23. The bobbin flanges 23 have, on the outside, in each case connecting pieces which hold coil connection wires 27, with which an electrical contacting of the coil winding is possible. In the base body 10 are corresponding holes in the base surface BF or base plate through which the ends of these coil leads 27 are inserted so as to connect them to corresponding terminals of a circuit on a circuit board.

In this structure, it is ensured that the center axis of the yoke 25 is at the same time the winding axis WA of the coil 24, d. H. the yoke 25 passes centrally through the coil 24.

The matching armature 30 for this purpose has corresponding pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, which abut in the mounted state in each case on the pole faces of the yoke 25 or are spaced therefrom by a defined air gap, depending on the position of the armature 30 relative to the coil system 20, So depending on the switching state P1, P2 of the relay 1.

To form these pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, the armature has two U-shaped soft iron core pieces 33, which have been encapsulated with plastic to form an anchor body 31 in an injection molding process. This is particularly clearly visible in FIG. These soft iron core pieces 33 are U-shaped and are arranged to each other so that their U-webs 33u and U-legs are parallel. On the side facing the coil system 20 in the mounted position, two cavities 35 remain in the anchor body 31 during injection, into which permanent magnets 34 can be glued. These cavities 35 have a width which is the distance between the two U-shaped iron core pieces 33 corresponds. The U-legs are preferably each of different heights and the two U-shaped iron core pieces 33 are arranged so that always a shorter U-leg as a shorter pole piece 33c, 33b a longer U-leg as a longer pole piece 33a, 33d opposite.

In the mounted position are on two diagonally opposite pole faces of the yoke 25 of the coil system 20 each have a longer pole piece 33a, 33d and at the other diagonally opposite pole faces each have a shorter pole piece 33b, 33c of the armature 30 facing each other. This principle is also clearly recognizable once again in FIG.

By anchored to the anchor body 31 anchor bearing pin 32a, 32b (see Figures 1 and 3) and by appropriate positioning of armature bearing 12a, 12b of an armature bearing 12 in the base body 10 an armature bearing axis AA is defined, which exactly the central axis of the yoke 25 - which, as said the winding axis WA corresponds to the coil 24 - cuts. This is also clearly visible in FIG. The special arrangement of the armature bearing axis AA to the winding axis WA or central axis of the yoke 25 ensures here for a simultaneous investment of the diagonally opposite edges of Ankerpolflächen the yoke 25th

This magnet system (consisting of coil system 20 and armature 30) thus has four working air gaps. The long pole shoes 33a, 33d are arranged so that in the switching position P1 illustrated in FIG. 7, in which the coil 24 is not flowed through, ie the normally closed contact R is closed, these pole shoes 33a, 33d are connected to their associated pole faces Yoke 25 lie. As a result, a particularly strong tightening force is achieved in this direction. If the coil 24 is traversed by current, ie excited, in the yoke, a polarity which is opposite to that of the permanent magnet flux, which is present through the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets via the armature iron, is generated. As a result, these longer pole pieces 33a, 33d are repelled and the shorter pole pieces 33b, 33c are attracted by the yoke 25, whereby additional pole faces 33b on the pole faces of the yoke 25 associated with these shorter pole pieces 33b, 33c ensure that the magnetic flux is still slightly reduced is and the attraction is not quite as strong as in the closed state of the normally closed contact R. This facilitates a switch back to closing the normally closed contact R. On the anchor body 31 are longitudinally AL of the armature 30 radially outwardly of the armature bearing axis AA away two actuators 36, 37 molded in the form of short stubby actuator arms. These extend so far radially outward from the armature bearing axis AA that they project beyond the ends of the U-shaped iron core pieces 33, ie protrude beyond the points at which the U-legs are angled away from the U-web 33u. As a result, the actuators 36, 37 are radially further away from the armature bearing axis AA than the pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d. As can be seen from the figures, this ensures that with a tilting of the armature 30 by a relatively smaller travel or armature stroke in the region of the pole shoes 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, a relatively larger travel or armature stroke in the region of the actuators 36 , 37 and thus the stroke with which the actuators 36, 37, the contact springs 51, 53 can move, and thus a distance between the contact springs 51, 53 to the mating contact pieces 64 of the stationary mating contacts 60, 61 despite the very low, flat Height of the entire relay 1 can be relatively large.

For coupling the coil system 20 and the armature 30 with the base body 10 and thus also of the coil system 20 and the armature 30 to each other, the base body 10 on a base surface BF, with which the relay 1 can be arranged later in the installed state on a board or the like and from which the terminals 63, 59 of the various contacts and the coil terminals 27 of the coil protrude, a frame 1 1 on. In this frame 1 1, the coil system 20 and the armature 30 in the suitably collapsed state, so that the pole faces of the pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d are fitting in front of the pole faces of the yoke 25, exactly einpassbar.

The frame 1 1 has for this purpose two side walls 14 in which latching elements 15 are located on the inside, with which the coil system 20 can be latched by pushing between the side walls 14, wherein the locking elements in the form of locking lugs on the upper peripheral edge of the ends of the yoke 25th to grab. These locking elements 15 have below each exact stop surfaces on which rests the yoke 25 with its lower edges, so that the entire coil system 20 is positioned appropriately.

In addition, this frame 1 1 in the side walls 14 each have slots 16 through which the actuator 36, 37 of the armature 30 can protrude. One at the front in Figure 1, the side walls 14 connecting the front wall of the frame 1 1 has at an intermediate position on an armature bearing recess 12a, which forms the part of the armature bearing 12, in which the pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d away pointing anchor bearing pin 32a of the armature 30 is received. For mounting the inner, between the pole pieces 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d in the direction of the coil system 20 facing anchor pin 32b is located from the base surface BF of the body 10 upwards, parallel to the front wall of the frame 1 1 extending armature bearing web 13, in which a corresponding armature bearing cut 12 b of the armature bearing 12 is arranged.

As shown in Figure 4, therefore, the armature 30 and the coil system 20 need only fitting loose to be stacked on top of each other, and the entire assembly can be locked together in the frame 1 of the Grundköpers 10. This position is shown in FIG. As can be seen here, the actuators 36, 37 are so long that they are positioned with their ends in front of the upper, short L-legs of the mating contacts 60, 61. To shield the contacts A, R from the magnet system, d. H. the coil system 20 and the armature 30 or its magnetic parts, the actuators 36, 37 at a short distance from the side walls 14 of the frame 1 1 of the main body 10 to the outside of the frame 1 1 located mating contacts 60, 61 area shield elements 38, which cover the slots 16 for the actuators 36, 37 in the side walls 14 of the frame 1 1. Thus, the insulation distances (air gap and creepage distance) between the contacts A, R and the magnetic components and electrical components of the coil system 20 and the armature 30 are increased.

When the coil system 20 and the armature 30 are mounted as shown in Fig. 5, the movable contact springs 51, 53 of the contact system 50 are mounted. For this purpose, the contact springs 51, 53 are fastened to spring holders 59, for example riveted or welded, which are each formed as terminals 59p or pins 59p (similar to the terminals 63 of the mating contacts 60, 61) at their lower end facing the main body 10. In the base body 10 are located opposite the recesses 18 for inserting the stationary mating contacts 60, 61 located corners respectively corresponding recesses 17 through which the terminals 59 p inserted through and can be fixed in the base body 10 at the same time. In a later process step, they are additionally encapsulated for stronger fixation, for example with epoxy encapsulant. The contact springs 51, 53 are each, just like the mating contacts 60, 61, constructed L-shaped, in which case, however, the upper L-leg is considerably longer than the L-leg attached to the spring holder 59. Ie. On the top side of the terminal 59 there extends in each case a spring section 52, 54, at the end in the direction of the mating contacts 60, 61 (ie in each case on the underside of the ends of the contact springs 51, 53) Contact piece 55, 58 is arranged, which is provided for contacting with the mating contact piece 64 of the respective mating contact 60, 61. The contact pieces 55, 58, as well as the mating contact pieces 64 may be made for example of a silver alloy and may be riveted or verschwei t with the respective end of the contact spring 51, 53.

In the first embodiment of a relay 1 according to the invention described here, the contact spring 51 of the normally-open contact A has a relatively large contact piece 55, which is attached to a widening arranged at the end on the spring section 52. The contact spring 53 of the normally closed contact R, however, has at its end on its spring portion 54 a split contact surface 56 with two smaller contact pieces 58 (smaller than the contact piece 55 of the contact spring 51 of the normally-open contact A) by a slot 57 extends in the longitudinal direction of the spring portion 54 from the end , This has the advantage that the normally closed contact R in the closed state with a high degree of safety maintains sufficient contact with the mating contact piece 64 in order to enable a signal line.

The longitudinal direction of the two spring sections 52, 54 of the contact springs 51, 53 is the main extension direction HR of the contact springs 51, 53. It runs here, as can be seen in particular from Figure 6, almost parallel to the armature bearing axis AA of the armature 30 and perpendicular to the winding axis WA of the coil system 20. As can be seen here, the longitudinal axis of the armature AL runs parallel to the winding axis WA of the coil 24 of the coil system 20. All named longitudinal axes or main extension directions thus extend substantially flat above the base surface BF of the main body 10, whereby the particular flat design of the relay 1 results. It is clear that the spring sections 52, 54, depending on the position of the relevant contact A, R, d. H. whether the relevant contact A, R is closed or open slightly deviate from this main extension direction HR, d. H. not exactly parallel to the armature bearing axis AA extend and may be bent away upwards or downwards with respect to the base surface BF of the main body 10. However, the spring movement plane FB, within which each of the flexible spring portion 52, 54 of the respective contact spring 51, 53 is moved upon actuation, substantially perpendicular to this base surface BF and parallel to the armature bearing axis AA or substantially perpendicular to the winding axis WA of the coil 24 of the coil system. This movement plane FB is shown schematically in Figure 8 once for the normally open contact A.

As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 5 to 7, the spring sections 52, 54 are formed and the contact springs 51, 53 are positioned so that they engage the actuators 36, 37 on the Bridge each end of the armature 30 from above. That is, the actuators 36, 37 press against the respective spring sections 52, 54 when actuated from below.

In the illustrated in Figure 7 "normal state" of the relay, ie without current flowing through the coil 24, the armature 30 is in such a tilted position that the normally closed contact R is closed, ie the actuator 37 on the side of the normally closed contact R. is downwards and the actuator 36 on the side of the normally open contact is tilted upwards, to make sure that the contact distance between the contact piece A of the counter contact 60 and the contact piece 55 of the contact spring 51 is large enough, the actuator points 36 on its upper side just below the spring portion 52 in the mounted state, a small elevation 39 for forming a pressure projection 39, so that the spring portion 52 is lifted in the normal state shown in Figure 7 still further from the mating contact piece 64 of the mating contact 60th Der Minimum clearance is then 0.5 mm, even in the event of a fault according to IEC 61810-3 Ren spring portions 52, 54 are formed so that they have a bias, which ensures that the contact pieces 55, 58 of the contact springs 51, 53 without external force, d. H. without an actuator 36, 37 would act on the spring portions 52, 54, respectively, would be pressed against the mating contact pieces 64 of the mating contacts 60, 61.

Figure 8 shows the relay in a second switching position P2, in which the coil 24 is energized, whereby the magnetic field of the yoke 25 is reversed and the armature 30 was thus tilted to a position by the actuator 37, the contact spring 53 of the normally closed contact R from the mating contact 61st lifts and thus opens the normally closed contact R, wherein at the same time the contact spring 51 of the normally open contact A due to their bias contacted their associated mating contact 61 and thus the normally open contact A is closed. The distance between the contact pieces on the side of the normally closed contact R is then at least 0.5 mm, even in the event of a fault according to IEC 61810-3.

The arrangement of the contact springs 51, 53 with respect to the actuators 36, 37 is here in each case chosen so that in the closed state, the contact springs 51, 53 have no contact with the associated actuator 36, 37, so that even with a burning down the Gegenkontaktstücke64 always still a secure contact is possible and not in the closed position of the actuator, the respective contact spring 51, 53 still keeps away from the mating contact piece 64. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the relay 1 can finally be closed with a housing cover 2 in the assembled state of all components. This has a peripheral wall whose internal dimensions are adapted to the outer dimensions of the base body 10. The base body 10 has on the outside bottom side in the direction of the base surface BF on its two longitudinal sides in each case two locking cutouts 19 which cooperate with corresponding locking lugs 3 on the inside of the wall of the housing cover 2 and with which the housing cover 2 can be latched to the base body 10. On the inside of the wall of the housing cover 2 is also a peripheral edge 7 in a suitable height, so that this peripheral edge 7 comes to rest on a peripheral edge of the body 10.

On a longitudinal side is centrally located on the outer wall of the housing cover inside a recess 5, which is adapted to the front wall of the frame 1 1 of the base body 10 in the region of the armature bearing 12, so that there is a precise fit here. On this side extends on the inner wall of the housing cover 2 from the upper ceiling wall of the housing cover 2 in the direction of this recess 5, a web 4, which serves as an abutment element for the armature bearing recess 12a of the armature bearing 12 and the armature journal on the side facing away from the coil system 20 side of the armature 20 in the corresponding armature bearing cutout 12a holds. In addition, the housing cover 2 has a parallel to the longer side walls approximately in the middle region extending web 6, which extends in the assembled state between the coil system 20 and the armature 30 and as an abutment member 6 for the armature bearing recess 12b of the armature bearing 12 between the armature 30 and the coil system 20 is used. Thus, both anchor bearing pins 32a, 32b are securely held in the armature bearing 12. However, would be by the special construction even with an opening failure jumping out of the armature 30 from the armature bearing 12 is not possible, since here it is ensured that the spring portions 52, 54 of the contact springs 51, 53 extend over the bridge 36, 37 like a bridge and the armature 30 with the armature bearing journals 32a, 32b is inserted from above into the armature bearing cutouts 12a, 12b of the armature bearing. That is, the armature bearing 12 and the contact springs 51, 53 engage from different sides of the armature 30 and thus provide for stabilization. Namely, the actuator 36, which should actually open when switching the coil 24, held by a welded contact spring, on the other hand, the armature 30 is magnetically pressed by the energization of the coil 24 in a position in which the opposite actuator 37 is also depressed becomes. This provides additional security. FIG. 9 shows a modified variant of the relay 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 8. The coil system 20 and the armature 30 with its magnetic components are constructed substantially the same as in the first embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8. However, here are the actuators 41, 42 with a lower portion 41 a, 42 a and an upper portion 41 b , 42b and each one in between in the longitudinal direction AL of the armature 30 extending slot 41 s, 42s constructed fork-shaped. The respective contact spring 51, 53 or the spring portion 52, 54 of the contact springs 51, 53 passes through the respective slot 41 s, 42 s of the associated him / her actuator 41, 42. This construction makes it possible that the spring portions 52, 54 of Contact springs 51, 53 are lifted not only against their own bias from the mating contact 60, 61, but also by the upper portion 41 b, 42 b of the actuator 41, 42 can be pressed to close down against the mating contact 60, 61. This may be useful in some applications, depending on the bias that the contact springs 51, 53 should have and what purpose the relay should serve.

In this case, the anchor bearing of the armature 30 is constructed slightly differently. Instead of the anchored to the anchor body 31 anchor bearing pins 32a, 32b is now in the anchor body 31 in the direction of the armature bearing axis AA continuous anchor bearing bore 32o. Likewise located at the appropriate position in the frame 1 1 in the central anchor bearing web 13 (not shown in Figure 9) of the body 10 anchor bearing bores 12o. An armature bearing pin 32s, for example a metal pin, is then inserted through the bores to realize the armature bearing.

Regardless of the configuration of the actuator according to the aforementioned first variant according to Figures 1 to 8 or the second variant shown in Figure 9, the armature 30 (or consisting of armature 30 and coil system 20 magnet system) may be configured differently. This is shown schematically with reference to FIG. As a comparison with Figure 10 shows, an essential difference here is that the armature 130 is not constructed H-shaped with two U-iron core pieces, but only such a z. B. U-shaped iron core 133 has. That is, the magnet system has only two working air gaps, and there is always only one pole piece 133a, 133b on the corresponding pole face of the yoke 125 at. In the present case, the yoke 125 is formed such that it has enlarged pole faces at the ends in each case. In principle, however, the magnet system 120 is otherwise constructed in the same way as the magnet system 20 according to the first embodiment, as described in particular. was explained in particular in connection with Figure 2. Ie. The yoke 125 is also encapsulated with plastic to form a drum-like bobbin and then the coil 124 wrapped in a central region around the yoke or the bobbin. Likewise, the armature 130 can be produced by molding the U-shaped iron core part 133 with molded-on actuators 36, 37 in a plastic injection molding process, and the permanent magnets 34 are inserted into corresponding chambers 35. Since the armature 133 has only two pole shoes 133a, 133b, which bear against the pole faces of the yoke 125 only from one side, in this case the underside, in this case the armature bearing axis AA 'can be further offset downwards, so that they are in one Distance is below the longitudinal axis of the yoke 125 and the winding axis WA. That is, the anchor bearing pins would then be correspondingly lower, each at the height of the armature bearing axis AA ', which intersects the soft iron core part or its central longitudinal axis, be arranged offset. Accordingly, the base body must be formed so that the armature bearing cutouts of the armature bearing lie at a shorter distance above the base surface BF. This further embodiment with a simplified armature 130 has the advantage of saving material. This can also be an advantage during assembly, since the armature 133 and the magnet system 120 can be used independently of one another in the base body.

The construction of all embodiments shown above has the advantage that all components of the relay 1 can be mounted very quickly and easily by latching, with the latching all the essential safety requirements of a safety relay are met.

It is finally pointed out once again that the devices described in detail above are only exemplary embodiments which can be modified by the person skilled in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the armature bearing axis could also be outside the iron of the armature or offset from the armature longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the anchor bearing could also be made as a separate part, which in turn is then fixed in the base body and / or the magnet system during assembly, for example, as a kind of shaft to which the anchor is attached with a corresponding anchor bearing bore. Also, the anchor bearing could be molded directly on the magnet system. Likewise, the elements, in particular cooperating, elements on the front and the rear half-shell can be reversed, or similar variations are possible. Furthermore, the special features of the variants described above can also be used. if combined with each other. In addition, the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude that the characteristics in question may also be present more than once.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 relay

2 housing cover

3 latch

4 footbridge

5 recess

6 footbridge

7 edge

10 basic body

1 1 frame

12 anchor bearings

12a, 12b Anchor bearing cutouts 12o Anchor bearing bore

13 anchor bearing bar

14 sidewall

15 locking element

16 slot

17 recess

18 breakthrough

19 recess

20 coil system

21 bobbin

22 bobbin core

23 bobbin flange

24 coil

25 yoke

26 distance surface

27 coil connection wire

30 anchors

31 anchor body

32a, 32b Anchor bearing pin 32o Anchor bearing bore 32s Anchor bearing pin Soft iron core piece U-bridge

a, 33b, 33c, 33d pole shoes permanent magnet cavity

actuator

shield element

Pressure-projection actuator

a lower section b upper section slot

actuator

a lower portion b upper portion slot

Contact system

contact spring

spring section

contact spring

spring section

contact piece

contact area

slot

contact piece

penholder

p terminal / pin

countercontact

Counter contact sections terminal

Mating contact piece0 magnet system

4 coil

5 yoke 130 anchors

133 iron core piece

133a, 133b pole piece

A working contact

R normally closed contact

AA anchor bearing axis

AA 'anchor bearing axle

AL longitudinal direction of the anchor

BF base area

FB spring movement level

HR main extension direction

WA winding axis

P1 first switching state

P2 second switching state

Claims

claims

1) Electromagnetic relay (1), preferably safety relay (1), with

a base body (10),

- A on the main body (10) arranged coil system (20, 120), with a coil (24, 124) and a yoke (25, 125) which extends along a winding axis (WA) of the coil (24, 124) therethrough .

- An armature (30, 130), which next to the coil (24, 124) about an armature bearing axis (AA, AA ') is pivotally mounted and which pole pieces (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 133a, 133b) for magnetic coupling having the yoke (25, 125) of the coil system (20, 120),

- A contact system (50) having at least two contact springs (51, 53), wherein in each case a spring movement plane (FB) of the contact springs (51, 53) transversely, preferably substantially at right angles, to the winding axis (WA) of the coil (24, 124) extends

and at least two actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) arranged on the armature (30, 130), which are assigned to the contact springs (51, 53) for actuating the contact springs (51, 53) and which are in each case fixed on the armature (30 , 130) extend radially outwardly in a longitudinal direction (AL) of the armature (30, 130) with respect to the armature bearing axis (AA, AA '), the radially outermost ends of the two actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) being respectively further from the armature bearing axis (AA, AA ') are removed, as the pole pieces (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 133a, 133b) of the armature (30,130).

2) Relay according to claim 1, wherein the spring movement plane (FB) of at least one of the contact springs (51, 53) is substantially parallel to the armature bearing axis (AA, AA ').

3) Relay according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the armature bearing axis (AA, AA ') through the coil (24, 124).

4) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pole pieces (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 133a, 133b) of the longitudinal direction (AL) of the armature (30, 130) to the coil (24, 124) are angled away.

5) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) are fixedly connected to the armature (30, 130), preferably integrally formed with the armature (30, 130). 6) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) and the contact springs (51, 53) are each formed and arranged such that a contact spring (51, 53) respectively by the associated actuator (36, 37, 41, 42) for opening a contact (A, R) of one of the respective contact spring (51, 53) associated mating contact (60, 61) pushed away (at actuator 36, 37) or pressed (at actuator 41 , 42).

7) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, with an on the base body (10) arranged armature bearing (12) in which the armature (30, 130) about the armature bearing axis (AA, AA ') is pivotally mounted,

wherein the armature bearing (12) on the one hand and the at least two contact springs (51, 53) on the other hand on opposite sides of the armature (30, 130) with the actuators (36, 37, 41, 42) are arranged.

8) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding axis (WA) of the coil (24, 124), the armature bearing axis (AA, AA ') and the main extension direction (HR) of the contact springs (51, 53) each flat to a base surface ( BF) of the main body (10), which is designed as a contact side for positioning the relay (1) on a circuit board.

9) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two contact springs (51, 53) part of a normally open contact (A) and another of the at least two contact springs (51, 53) is part of a normally closed contact (R).

10) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the actuators (36, 37, 41, 42), preferably the actuator (36, 37, 41, 42) which is associated with the contact spring (51) of a normally open contact (A) , in a direction of opening (OR) of the contact spring (51) extending pressure-projection (39) which presses in the open state against the contact spring (51).

1 1) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the contact springs (51, 53), preferably the contact spring (53) of a normally closed contact (R), is designed as a double contact and two contact pieces (58) which in a closed position abut against a mating contact piece (64). 12) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the actuators (41, 42) is fork-shaped.

13) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (10) has latching elements (15) in order to lock the coil system (20, 120) on or in the base body (10).

14) Relay according to one of the preceding claims, with a housing cover (2) which is connectable to the base body (10) to form a closed housing,

wherein preferably the housing cover (2) latching elements (3) and the base body (10) cooperating counter-latching means (19), in order to lock the housing cover (2) with the base body (10),

and or

wherein preferably the housing cover (2) on the inside abutment elements (4, 6) to hold the armature (30, 130) in the armature bearing (12).

15) Use of an electromagnetic relay (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a safety circuit.