JP2008210641A - Relay - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a relay with power consumption curtailed and downsized. <P>SOLUTION: In the relay switching an electric circuit, a magnetic field is impressed on opposed parts of a first and a second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b in a direction nearly crossing their contacting-separating direction, and the same magnetic poles are induced to the positions opposed to the first and the second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b to have mutually repulsive force generated. A first and a second support bodies 1a, 1b are made to bend due to action of the repulsive force, and a first and a second contact points 2a, 2b are made in or out of contact with each other to open or close the electric circuit. Since repulsive force acting between the first and the second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b are utilized, they can be made opposed to each other with a narrow gap, and since force acting between the first and the second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b is in inverse proportion to square of a distance, power consumption is aimed to be curtailed and the relay can be downsized, as compared with a conventional one utilizing magnetism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay used to cut off a current supplied to a motor drive circuit when an abnormality occurs, for example, in an electric power steering apparatus that assists steering by driving a motor in accordance with an operation of a steering member. .

  In recent vehicles, a motor is driven in accordance with an operation of a steering member, and a predetermined operation is performed using a motor as a drive source, such as an electric power steering device that assists steering by adding a rotational force generated by the motor to a steering mechanism. It is equipped with many devices that make up. In a vehicle equipped with this type of device, between the motor drive circuit and the power supply, or between the drive circuit and the motor, a relay that performs a shut-off operation when an abnormality such as overcurrent or overvoltage occurs is interposed, The device including the motor is protected.

The relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fixed core and a movable core that are biased in directions away from each other by a biasing spring, a coil that surrounds both cores, and a movement of the movable core, It is an electromagnetic relay provided with the movable contact which contacts / separates with respect to. In this relay, by energizing the coil in a normal state, the movable core is attracted to the fixed core by the magnetic force against the bias of the bias spring, and the movable contact is pressed against the fixed contact to realize a closed state. When an abnormality occurs, the current to the coil is cut off, so that the movable core is separated from the fixed core by the restoring force of the biasing spring, and the open contact state can be realized by separating the movable contact from the fixed contact. .
JP 2003-308773 A

  As described above, in an electromagnetic relay that opens and closes an electric circuit, in the open circuit state, a gap substantially the same as that between the fixed contact and the movable contact exists between the fixed core and the movable core, and a magnetic adhesion force necessary to realize the closed circuit is obtained. In order to generate between the fixed core and the movable core, it is necessary to pass a relatively large current through the coil or to increase the number of turns of the coil, and there is a problem that the power consumption is large and the relay is enlarged.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a repulsive force is generated between the magnetic bodies provided on the supports that support the respective contacts connected to the electric circuit, and the repulsive force is used. Accordingly, it is an object to provide a relay that can reduce power consumption and can be reduced in size.

  In the relay according to the first invention, in the relay that opens and closes the electric circuit, the first and second contacts to be connected to the electric circuit, and the first and second contacts that support the first and second contacts in a detachable manner. A second support, a first and a second magnetic body provided on the first and the second support, respectively, and an opposing portion of the first and second magnetic bodies; Magnetic field applying means for applying a magnetic field in a direction crossing the approaching / separating direction.

  In the relay according to the second invention, in the first invention, the first and second contacts can contact each other on the same side of the first and second support members as the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies. And is configured to be separated when a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field applying means.

  In a relay according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first and second contacts are provided on opposite sides of the first and second support members from the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies, respectively. And a conductor for connecting the first contact and the second contact when a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field applying means.

  The relay according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the first and second magnetic bodies are respectively provided with convex portions that protrude toward each other and face each other.

  A relay according to a fifth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first invention to the fourth invention, the magnetic field applying means is an electromagnet.

  In a relay according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the electromagnet has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and the electromagnet is disposed within a plane substantially perpendicular to the contact / separation direction of the first and second contacts. Both end portions are provided so as to face the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies, respectively.

  According to the first invention, by applying a magnetic field to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies by the magnetic field applying means, the portion facing the magnetic field applying means of the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies The magnetic poles opposite to the magnetic field applying means are respectively induced, and the magnetic poles are generated in the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies, respectively, and a repulsive force is generated between the opposing portions. Thus, the electric circuit can be opened or closed by separating or contacting the first and second contacts. Since the repulsive force acting between the first and second magnetic bodies is utilized, the first and second magnetic bodies can be configured to face each other with a narrow gap therebetween. Since the force acting between them is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, the current supplied to the magnetic field applying means can be kept low compared with the conventional relay using the magnetizing force, and the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the relay can be miniaturized.

  According to the second invention, the magnetic field is applied to the first and second magnetic bodies by application of the magnetic field by the magnetic field applying means, and the repulsive force generated by the magnetic poles causes the same side as the facing portion of the first and second magnetic bodies. The electric circuit is opened by separating the first and second contacts provided on the. It can be applied to a case where the electric circuit is closed by the elastic force of the first and second support bodies and is used to open the electric circuit when an abnormality occurs. Since it only needs to be operated, the power consumption can be further reduced.

  According to the third invention, the magnetic field is applied to the first and second magnetic bodies by applying the magnetic field by the magnetic field applying means, and the repulsive force generated by the magnetic poles causes the opposite side of the opposing portions of the first and second supports. The electrical circuit is closed by connecting the first and second contacts provided in the through a conductor. Applicable when the electric circuit is closed during normal operation and used to open the electric circuit by the elastic force of the first and second supports, for example, when an abnormality occurs. Since the electric circuit can be cut off without causing the failure, it is possible to cope with a case where an abnormality occurs in the power feeding circuit to the magnetic field applying means.

  According to the fourth invention, the first and second magnetic bodies protrude toward the other side and are provided with opposing convex portions, respectively, and the areas of the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies are reduced to reduce the magnetic flux. By increasing the density, the repulsive force generated between the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies can be increased, and the power consumption can be further reduced.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the electromagnet is used as the magnetic field applying means, a sufficient repulsive force can be generated with a simple configuration.

  According to the sixth invention, both end portions of the electromagnet having a substantially U-shaped cross section are opposed to the facing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies, respectively, and the gap between the both end portions of the electromagnet and the facing portion of the magnetic body By making small, a sufficient repulsive force can be generated with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a relay according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view, and FIG. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1 (a). ing.

  In the figure, reference numerals 1a and 1b denote first and second supports. These first and second supports 1a and 1b are elastic bodies that bend and deform in the thickness direction. As shown in the figure, one end of each is supported by the base 10 and is parallel to each other with an appropriate length. So as to face each other.

  Conductive first and second contacts 2a and 2b are provided at the other ends of the first and second supports 1a and 1b, respectively. The first and second contacts 2a and 2b are pressed against each other by the elasticity of the first and second supports 1a and 1b and come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 1b can be separated by bending in directions away from each other.

  As shown in the figure, the first and second magnetic bodies 4a are provided at the other ends of the first and second supports 1a and 1b so as to surround the contact portions of the first and second contacts 2a and 2b, respectively. , 4b are attached, and the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b are opposed to each other with a slight gap.

  On the other hand, first and second connection terminals 3a and 3b are respectively provided at one ends of the first and second support bodies 1a and 1b fixed to the base portion 10, and the first and second connection terminals 3a and 3b are provided. Is connected to an electric circuit (not shown). In the present embodiment, the first and second supports 1a and 1b are made of copper having conductivity, and the first and second contacts 2a and 2b are the first and second supports 1a and 1b and the first , And the second connection terminals 3a and 3b, respectively, are connected to the electric circuit.

  A substantially U-shaped iron core 5 is provided in the vicinity of the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b. The iron core 5 is provided with extensions extending inward from both ends, and the end surfaces 5a and 5a of the extensions are opposed to the two side surfaces of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b that are parallel to the base 10, respectively. It is arranged to do.

  A coil 6 is wound around the iron core 5, and when the coil 6 is energized, different magnetic poles are generated on both end faces 5a, 5a of the iron core 5, and the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4a, A magnetic field is applied to the opposing part of 4b.

  FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of the relay according to the present invention. This figure shows a state in which the coil 6 is energized, and this energization generates N and S poles on both end faces 5a and 5a of the iron core 5, respectively. As a result, since the magnetic field is applied to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b, the portions facing the both end faces 5a and 5a of the iron core 5 of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b are Magnetic poles different from the magnetic poles generated on both end faces 5a, 5a are respectively induced. That is, as shown in the drawing, the N poles are respectively guided to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b that are close to the base portion 10, and are formed on the base portions 10 of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b. S poles are respectively guided to the opposing portions on the far side. As described above, since the same magnetic poles are generated at the opposing portions of the first magnetic body 4a and the second magnetic body 4b, a repulsive force acts between the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b, and the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b. The first and second support bodies 1a and 1b provided with the magnetic bodies 4a and 4b bend in a direction away from each other, and the first contact 2a and the second contact 2b are separated, and the first and second connection terminals. The electric circuit connected to 3a and 3b is opened.

  On the other hand, when the coil 6 is not energized, no magnetic pole is generated on the both end faces 5a, 5a of the iron core 5, and no magnetic field is applied to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b. Magnetic poles are not generated in the bodies 4a and 4b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first and second contacts 2a and 2b return to the contacted state by the elastic restoring force of the first and second supports 1a and 1b, and the first and second connections The electric circuit connected to the terminals 3a and 3b is closed.

  With the above configuration, the relay according to the present invention applies a magnetic field to the facing portion of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact and separation direction of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b. The first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b are induced to generate repulsive forces by inducing the same magnetic poles in opposite portions, and the first and second support bodies 1a and 1b are caused by the action of the repulsive forces. And the first contact 2a and the second contact 2b are separated to open the electric circuit. Since the repulsive force acting between the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b is used, the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b can be opposed to each other with a narrow gap as described above. Since the force acting between the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, the current supplied to the coil 6 can be kept low compared to the conventional relay using the magnetizing force, The power consumption can be reduced and the relay can be downsized. The gap between the end surfaces 5a, 5a of the iron core 5 and the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b and the gap between the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b are as small as possible to increase the repulsive force. Is preferable.

  Here, if the axial lengths of the first and second support bodies 1a and 1b are shortened, the spring constants of the first and second support bodies 1a and 1b are increased, and the force required for bending is increased. However, since the first magnetic body 4a and the second magnetic body 4b are opposed to each other with a narrow gap, a large repulsive force can be generated by a relatively weak magnetic field, and the first and second support bodies 1a, 1a, The relay can be further miniaturized by reducing the axial length of 1b.

  It is applicable to the case where the electric circuit is closed during normal operation and used to open the electric circuit when an abnormality occurs, and the coil 6 may be energized only when an abnormality occurs, thereby further reducing power consumption. Can be planned.

  In addition, since an electromagnet including the iron core 5 and the coil 6 wound around the iron core 5 is used as the magnetic field applying means, the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b can have a sufficient repulsive force with a simple configuration. Can occur in between.

  Further, the first and second supports 1a and 1b are made of copper having conductivity, and the first and second supports 1a and 1b support the first and second contacts 2a and 2b, respectively, and are connected to the electric circuits, respectively. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide wiring for connecting the first and second contacts 2a and 2b to the electric circuit.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a relay according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3 (a) is a plan view and FIG. 3 (b) is a line III-III in FIG. 3 (a). The cross-sectional views by In this embodiment, the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b have rectangular parallelepiped cavities on one side of the opposing sides so that convex portions 24a and 24b are formed on the peripheral edges of the opposing surfaces, respectively. The first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b are opposed to each other with a slight gap at the convex portions 24a and 24b. Since other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are attached to corresponding components, and detailed descriptions of the configurations and operations are omitted.

  In the relay according to the present embodiment, the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b are closest to each other by forming the convex portions 24a and 24b on the opposing surfaces of the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b. By reducing the area of the portion and concentrating the magnetic flux on the convex portions 24a, 24b to increase the magnetic flux density, the repulsive force can be increased, so that the current supplied to the coil 6 can be kept small, The power consumption can be reduced. Further, as shown in the figure, since the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b are provided with cavities, the weight of the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b can be reduced, and the required repulsive force is small. Thus, the power consumption can be further reduced and the response can be improved by reducing the inertia.

  In the present embodiment, the convex portions 24a and 24b of the first and second magnetic bodies 14a and 14b are formed with a cavity on one side as described above, but the invention is not limited to this. The first and second magnetic bodies face each other with a slight gap in the contact / separation direction of the first and second contacts 2a and 2b so that the facing portions can face both end faces 5a and 5a of the iron core 5. It only has to be formed.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a relay according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a plan view and FIG. 4B is an IV-IV in FIG. Cross-sectional views with lines are shown respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second contacts 22a and 22b are provided at the other ends of the first and second supports 1a and 1b, respectively, on the opposite side of the opposing surfaces of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b. It is. The first and second contacts 22a and 22b are provided with a substantially U-shaped conductor 7 so that the ends thereof are opposed to each other. The conductor 7 has an appropriate length for the first and second contacts 22a and 22b, respectively. First and second fixed contacts 8a and 8b are provided so as to face each other. Since other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the relay according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 of the present invention. This figure shows a state in which the coil 6 is energized, and this energization generates N and S poles on both end faces 5a and 5a of the iron core 5, respectively. As a result, since the magnetic field is applied to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b, the portions facing the both end faces 5a and 5a of the iron core 5 of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b are Magnetic poles different from the magnetic poles generated on both end faces 5a, 5a are respectively induced. As shown in the figure, since the same magnetic poles are generated in the opposing portions of the first magnetic body 4a and the second magnetic body 4b, a repulsive force acts between the first and second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b, The first and second supports 1a and 1b provided with the second magnetic bodies 4a and 4b are bent in directions away from each other, and the first and second contacts 22a and 22b are first and second fixed contacts 8a and 8b. The electric circuits connected to the first and second connection terminals 3a and 3b are closed.

  On the other hand, when the coil 6 is not energized, no magnetic pole is generated on the both end faces 5a, 5a of the iron core 5, and no magnetic field is applied to the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies 4a, 4b. Magnetic poles are not generated in the bodies 4a and 4b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first and second contacts 22a and 22b and the first and second fixed contacts 8a and 8b are caused by the elastic restoring force of the first and second supports 1a and 1b. Returning to the disconnected state, the electric circuits connected to the first and second connection terminals 3a and 3b are opened.

  In the relay configured as in the present embodiment, it can be applied when the electric circuit is opened when an abnormality occurs, and the electric circuit is cut off without energizing the coil 6 when the abnormality occurs. Therefore, the case where the abnormality occurs in the power supply circuit to the coil 6 can be dealt with.

  In the above embodiment, both the first and second supports 1a and 1b are flexible, but only one of them may be used. In the above embodiment, the first and second contacts 1a and 1b are bent in the directions away from each other, so that the first and second contacts are separated from each other. The second supports 1a and 1b need not be flexible as long as the first and second contacts can be separated from each other.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the iron core 5 is disposed so that the both end surfaces 5a and 5a face the both side surfaces of the first and second magnetic bodies parallel to the base portion 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the iron core 5 may be arranged so that both end faces 5a, 5a of the iron core 5 are opposed to both side faces of the first and second magnetic bodies perpendicular to the base portion 10.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first and second contacts are provided at the ends of the first and second supports 1a and 1b, and the first and second contacts are surrounded by the first and second contacts. Although a magnetic body is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second contacts can be provided at appropriate positions in the axial length direction of the first and second supports 1a and 1b. You may provide a contact and the 1st, 2nd magnetic body in the position which left | separated.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented in variously modified forms within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the relay based on this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the relay which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the relay which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the relay which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the relay which concerns on embodiment shown in FIG. 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a 1st support body, 1b 2nd support body, 2a, 22a 1st contact, 2b, 22b 2nd contact, 4a, 14a 1st magnetic body, 4b, 14b 2nd magnetic body, 5 iron core (magnetic field application means, electromagnet ), 6 coil (magnetic field applying means, electromagnet), 7 conductor, 10 base, 24a, 24b convex

Claims (6)

  In a relay for opening and closing an electric circuit, first and second contacts to be connected to the electric circuit, first and second supports for detachably supporting the first and second contacts, and the first , The first and second magnetic bodies provided on the second support, respectively, and a magnetic field in a direction intersecting with the contact and separation directions of the first and second contacts at the facing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies. And a magnetic field applying means for applying the relay.   The first and second contacts are provided on the same side of the first and second support members as the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies so that they can contact each other, and a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field applying means. The relay according to claim 1, wherein the relay is configured so as to be separated from each other.   The first and second contacts are provided on opposite sides of the first and second support members from the opposing portions of the first and second magnetic bodies, respectively, and when a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field applying means The relay according to claim 1, further comprising a conductor that connects the first contact and the second contact.   3. The relay according to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic bodies are provided with protruding portions that protrude toward each other and face each other.   The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the magnetic field applying means is an electromagnet.   The electromagnet has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and both ends of the electromagnet are opposed to the first and second magnetic bodies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the contact and separation direction of the first and second contacts. The relay according to claim 5, which is provided so as to face each other.

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