JP2015106505A - Relay - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a relay capable of easily discriminating which relay is used to light up an operation indication lamp when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side.SOLUTION: In a case 34 composed of a base 34a and a housing 34b, a relay body 32 and an operation indication lamp 33 are housed. The base 34a is made of opaque resin and the relay body 32 is provided thereon. The housing 34b is made of transparent resin and on the lower surface of a top plate 40a of the housing 34b, a diffusion structure 62 is provided by embossing work or a diffusion material.

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay. Specifically, the present invention relates to a relay having a light emission operation display function.

  In a conventional relay, an operation indicator lamp may be provided to make it easier for an operator to check the operation of the relay. Such an operation indicator lamp is provided in the upper part in the relay housing so that the lighting state can be easily seen.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional relay 11 including an operation indicator. FIG. 1 shows a state in which two relays 11 are arranged. In the relay 11, a relay body 13 including a coil unit, a contact unit, and other components is assembled on the upper surface of the base 12. The relay body 13 is covered with a housing 14 mounted on the base 12. The housing 14 is formed of a transparent resin so that the contact operation of the relay body 13 can be visually recognized from the outside. An operation indicator lamp 15 made of an LED is located in the upper part of the housing 14. When the relay 11 is on (closed), the operation indicator lamp 15 is lit. When the relay 11 is off (open), the operation indicator lamp 15 is turned off. The status can be confirmed from the outside.

  However, there are cases where a large number of relays are arranged side by side inside the control panel. In such a case, depending on the position of the relay (for example, in the case of a relay located toward the end of the control panel), as shown in FIG. )), It may be necessary to check the operating status. In such a case, in the relay adjacent to the relay whose operation indicator is lit, the operation indicator may appear to be lit even though the operation indicator is unlit. For this reason, the operation state of the relay may be mistaken. The reason for this will be described next.

  FIG. 1 shows a situation where an observer is viewing two relays 11 arranged side by side from an oblique direction. In FIG. 1, the operation indicator lamp 15 of the right relay 11 (11a) is turned on, and the operation indicator lamp 15 of the left relay 11 (11b) is turned off. At this time, the light emitted upward from the operation indicator lamp 15 of the relay 11a passes through the housing 14 of the relay 11a and is recognized by the observer, and the relay 11a appears to be turned on. On the other hand, the light emitted in the oblique direction from the operation indicator lamp 15 of the relay 11a passes through the side surface of the housing 14 of the relay 11a and enters the adjacent relay 11b, passes through the upper surface of the housing 14 of the relay 11b, and passes through the observer. Visible to. As a result, in the relay 11b, although the operation indicator lamp 15 is turned off, the operation indicator lamp 15 appears to be turned on.

  FIG. 2 is a photograph of a state in which two relays 11a and 11b arranged side by side are observed from an oblique direction. In FIG. 2, the operation indicator lamp 15 of the relay 11a located on the side far from the observer is turned on, and the operation indicator lamp 15 of the relay 11b located on the side closer to the observer is turned off. Thus, although the relay 11b on the side closer to the observer is in the extinguished state, the light of the lit relay 11a can be seen through, so that it appears as if it is lit. As a result, it is easy for an observer to mistake that the two relays 11a and 11b are lit.

  When such a phenomenon occurs, it becomes difficult to determine which of the adjacent relays is lit or whether both of the relays are lit. Therefore, in order to confirm this, the observer has to move the head to the front of each relay each time to confirm lighting or extinction, which is troublesome.

  Further, the relay 11 having the structure as shown in FIG. 1 has the following problems. Since the relay 11 needs to be downsized, there is no room in the housing 14 for providing a sufficient space for accommodating the operation indicator lamp 15. Since the operation indicator lamp 15 is arranged in a narrow space formed between the relay main body 13 and the upper surface of the housing 14, the operation indicator lamp 15 is arranged with the optical axis horizontal. Therefore, depending on the direction in which the relay 11 is viewed, the relay main body 13 (particularly, the spring 16 or the cable wire 17 of the relay main body) or the operation indicator lamp 15 in the housing 14 is held as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. The light of the operation indicator lamp 15 is blocked by the holder. As a result, even if the operation indicator lamp 15 is lit, the light of the operation indicator lamp 15 may be difficult to see depending on the direction in which the relay 11 is viewed, and the operation state of the relay 11 may not be confirmed.

  Next, in Patent Document 1, a bar-shaped light guide portion extending in the vertical direction is disposed on the side surface of the cover (housing), and an operation indicator lamp is disposed to face the inclined surface at the lower end of the light guide portion. A relay is disclosed. In this relay, the light emitted from the operation indicator light enters the light guide portion from a substantially horizontal direction and is reflected by the inclined surface to bend the optical path upward, and from the upper end surface (display surface) of the light guide portion to the outside. Exit. As a result, the display surface located on the upper surface of the relay shines and the operation state of the relay becomes visible.

  In the relay of Patent Document 1, the light of the operation indicator lamp is guided by the light guide unit that protrudes to the side of the cover, and the display surface is lit in a dot shape on the upper surface of the relay. Hard to be blocked by parts. However, depending on the arrangement of the relays, it may be difficult to determine which relay is lit. For example, when the relays are arranged so that the side surfaces of the relays are close to each other, the light guides are located between the adjacent relays, so that the display surfaces shine between the adjacent relays. As a result, depending on the distance to the relay and the direction in which the relay is viewed, it is difficult to determine which relay is emitting light.

JP 2006-172731 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a relay that is easy to determine in which relay an operation indicator is lit when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side.

  The relay according to the present invention includes a relay body incorporated in a case that is at least partially transparent or translucent, a light source that is incorporated in the case and emits light in conjunction with the operation of the relay body, and the case At least one of a light shielding structure for blocking light passage in the case and a diffusion structure for diffusing light passing through the case.

  According to the relay according to the present invention, when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which other relays in the extinguished state appear to be lit by the light of the relays in the lit state. Therefore, it becomes difficult to misidentify the operation state of the relay.

  The first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention is characterized in that the diffusion structure is provided on at least a part of the top plate and the side wall of the case. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of relays are arranged, the light of the lit relay is diffused by the diffusion structure, so that the intensity of the light transmitted through the other relays is weakened. As a result, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which other relays in the light-off state appear to be turned on by the light of the lighted relays. Therefore, it becomes difficult to misidentify the operation state of the relay.

  In the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is desirable that the center of gravity of the light source is disposed above the center of gravity of the relay body, and the diffusion structure is provided at least above the lower end of the light source. . By providing the diffusion structure above the lower end of the light source, the intensity of light emitted from the relay in an oblique direction can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which light passes through other relays that are in the off state and other relays appear to shine.

  In the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least a portion facing the contact portion of the relay body is a transparent portion without the diffusion structure in the lower portion of the side wall of the case. If the portion of the case that faces the contact portion of the relay body is transparent, the contact portion is not difficult to see due to the diffusion structure, and the state of the contact portion can be easily confirmed from the outside.

  Further, in the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the diffusion structure is provided on the top plate of the case, and an area without the diffusion structure is formed on the top plate directly above the light source. desirable. When a diffusion structure is provided on the top plate of the case, light emitted upward from the light source is diffused by the diffusion structure, and the viewing angle of the light emitted from the upper surface of the relay is widened. As a result, it is possible to send light in the direction in which the progress of the light is hindered by the components in the relay, and the visibility of the relay in the lighting state is improved. Moreover, since the light emitted directly from the light source is emitted from the relay without passing through the diffusion structure, the visibility from the upper surface side of the relay can be maintained.

  Further, in the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the diffusion structure is provided on the top plate, and the diffusion degree of the diffusion structure is set in a region located directly above the light source in the top plate. It may be lower than the degree of diffusion. When a diffusion structure is provided on the top plate of the case, light emitted upward from the light source is diffused by the diffusion structure, and the viewing angle of the light emitted from the upper surface of the relay is widened. As a result, it is possible to send light in the direction in which the progress of the light is hindered by the components in the relay, and the visibility of the relay in the lighting state is improved. In addition, since the light emitted directly from the light source is slightly diffused and emitted upward, the visibility from the upper surface side of the relay can be maintained.

  In the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the side wall of the case may have four wall surfaces, and the diffusion structure may be provided on at least two of the wall surfaces. This is because if the diffusion structure is provided on at least two or more wall surfaces, the intensity of light transmitted through the adjacent relay can be reduced.

  The diffusion structure in the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention may be textured on the inner surface or outer surface of the case, or may be a diffusion material added to the inner surface or outer surface of the case. The particles may have diffusibility dispersed in the transparent or translucent portion of the case.

  In the first embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide the diffusion structure on the inner surface of the case. If a diffusion structure is provided on the inner surface of the case, the diffusion structure is unlikely to peel off or wear.

  A second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention is characterized in that the light shielding structure is provided on at least a part of a side wall of the case. According to such an embodiment, when a plurality of relays are arranged, the light of the lit relay is blocked by the light shielding structure, so that it is difficult to enter into other relays or to pass through other relays. As a result, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which other relays in the light-off state appear to be turned on by the light of the lighted relays. Therefore, it becomes difficult to misidentify the operation state of the relay.

  In a second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the center of gravity of the light source is disposed above the center of gravity of the relay body, and the light shielding structure is provided at least above the lower end of the light source. Is preferred. This is because by providing a light shielding structure above the lower end of the light source, light emitted from the light source in an oblique direction does not easily pass through the top plate of another relay.

  In the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is desirable that at least a portion facing the contact portion of the relay body is transparent in the lower portion of the side wall of the case. If the portion of the case facing the contact portion of the relay body is transparent, the contact portion is not hidden by the light shielding structure, and the state of the contact portion can be confirmed from the outside.

  In the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is desirable that the top plate of the case is transparent. If the top plate of the case is transparent, the light emitted upward from the light source is not blocked, so that the entire top surface of the relay can emit light and visibility is improved.

  In the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the light shielding structure may be provided on the top plate of the case. In this case, it is necessary to form an area without the light shielding structure on the top plate directly above the light source. In this case, even if a light shielding structure is provided on the top plate, light can be emitted from the region without the light shielding structure to the upper surface side. Further, the light emission area on the upper surface of the relay can be adjusted by the area of the region without the light shielding structure.

  In the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, the side wall of the case may have four wall surfaces, and the light shielding structure may be provided on at least two or more of the wall surfaces. If a light shielding structure is provided on at least two wall surfaces, the adjacent relays can be blocked by the light shielding structure to prevent light from passing therethrough.

  The light shielding structure in the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention may be a light shielding material added to an inner surface or an outer surface of the case, and is dispersed inside a transparent or translucent portion of the case. Alternatively, the light-shielding particles may be used. The light shielding structure may be an opaque part of the case.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said light shielding structure in the 2nd embodiment of the relay which concerns on this invention is a light absorber. The light-shielding structure of the light absorber is made of a material that absorbs light, such as black resin, black paint, and black ink. If the light shielding structure has light absorptivity, light is not reflected by the light shielding structure, so that no noise light or stray light is generated in or around the relay.

  In the second embodiment of the relay according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide the light shielding structure on the inner surface of the case. If the light shielding structure is provided on the inner surface of the case, the light shielding structure is hardly peeled off or worn.

  A third embodiment of the relay according to the present invention is characterized in that a chamfered portion is provided along a corner portion on the upper surface side of the case. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which light from a relay that is turned on leaks from a corner portion of the relay that is turned off.

  A fourth embodiment of the relay according to the present invention is characterized in that a curved surface portion is provided along a corner portion on the upper surface side of the case. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which light from a relay that is turned on leaks from a corner portion of the relay that is turned off.

  A fifth embodiment of the relay according to the present invention is characterized in that an uneven portion is provided on the upper surface of the case. As the concavo-convex portion, that is, the concave portion or the convex portion, for example, a concave portion having a V groove shape can be used. According to this embodiment, when a plurality of relays are arranged side by side, it is possible to suppress a phenomenon in which light from a relay that is turned on leaks from a corner portion of the relay that is turned off.

  The means for solving the above-described problems in the present invention has a feature in which the above-described constituent elements are appropriately combined, and the present invention enables many variations by combining such constituent elements. .

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional relay incorporating an operation indicator lamp. FIG. 2 is a photograph of a state where two relays of FIG. 1 are arranged side by side and they are observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the relay of FIG. 1 is observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the relay according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the relay shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a light shielding structure provided on the inner surface of the housing. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion X in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which two relays shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are arranged side by side and observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view showing a modification of the relay according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another modification of the relay according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing used in still another modification of the relay according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a Y portion in FIG. FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C are schematic horizontal cross-sectional views for explaining a portion where a light shielding structure is provided. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, and FIG. 15C are enlarged cross-sectional views each showing a part of a housing provided with a diffusion structure. FIG. 16A is a schematic sectional view of a relay according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16B is a plan view of a relay according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a photograph of a state where two relays of FIG. 18 are arranged side by side and observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining problems that may occur in the relays of the above embodiments. FIG. 21 is a photograph of a state in which two relays of FIG. 20 are arranged side by side and observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional view of a relay according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a photograph of a state where two relays of FIG. 22 are arranged side by side and observed from an oblique direction. FIG. 24 is a schematic sectional view showing a modification of the relay according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. 25 (A) and 25 (B) are a schematic cross-sectional view and a plan view showing another modification of the relay according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. FIG. 26A, FIG. 26B, FIG. 26C, and FIG. 26D are schematic cross-sectional views showing different forms of the uneven portion of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a relay according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the relay shown in FIG. 28 with the housing removed. FIG. 30A is a plan view of a housing used for the relay of the tenth embodiment. FIG. 30B is a bottom view of the housing used for the relay according to the tenth embodiment. 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D are a front view, a right side view, a rear view, and a left side view of a housing used for the relay of Embodiment 10, respectively. .

31, 31a, 31b, 56, 56a, 56b, 57, 57a, 57b, 61, 61a, 61b, 71, 73, 73a, 73b, 81a, 81b, 91, 91a, 91b, 101, 111 Relay 32 Relay body 33 Operation indicator 34 Case 34a Base 34b Housing 36 Light-shielding structure 40a Top plate 40b Side wall 58, 72 Window 62 Diffusion structure 92 Chamfered part 93 Curved part 94 Recessed part

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the relay according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, a light shielding structure is provided on the side wall 40b of the housing 34b. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the relay 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the relay 31. FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a light shielding structure provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 34b. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion X in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where two relays 31 are arranged side by side and only one of the relays 31 (31a) is turned on.

  The relay 31 incorporates a relay main body 32 and an operation indicator lamp 33 (light source) inside a case 34. The case 34 includes a base 34a made of an opaque resin and a housing 34b made of a transparent resin.

  A relay main body 32 having a structure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is provided on the upper surface of the base 34a. A coil unit 41 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 34a. The lower part of the armature 42 faces the end surface of the iron core of the coil unit 41, and the upper part of the armature 42 is supported by a yoke 43 so as to be swingable. One end of a spring 44 (tensile spring) is hooked on a spring hook 45 provided on the upper surface of the yoke 43, and the other end of the spring 44 is hooked on the upper end of the armature 42. Therefore, the armature 42 swings back and forth. When the coil unit 41 is excited, the lower part of the armature 42 is attracted to the iron core and moves backward. Since the upper part of the armature 42 is elastically pulled backward by the spring 44, when the coil unit 41 is demagnetized, the lower part of the armature 42 moves away from the iron core and moves forward.

  A plurality of movable contact springs 46 are attached in parallel to the front surface of the armature 42 by a support portion 47. A plurality of common terminals 49, a plurality of normally closed terminals 50, and a plurality of normally open terminals 52 are inserted into the base 34a so as to penetrate the base 34a vertically. The upper end of each movable contact spring 46 is electrically connected to each common terminal 49 by a cable line 54. The lower end portion of the movable contact spring 46 is located between the upper end portion of the normally closed terminal 50 and the upper end portion of the normally open terminal 52, and movable contacts 48 are provided on both surfaces of the lower end portion. A normally closed contact 51 is provided at the upper end of each normally closed terminal 50 so as to face the movable contact 48 in front of the movable contact 48. A normally open contact 53 is provided at the upper end of each normally open terminal 52 so as to face the movable contact 48 behind the movable contact 48.

  In the relay main body 32 having such a structure, when the coil unit 41 is not excited, the lower portion of the armature 42 is positioned forward and away from the iron core, so that the lower portion of the movable contact spring 46 also moves forward. ing. Therefore, in this state, the movable contact 48 is in contact with the normally closed contact 51 and the common terminal 49 and the normally closed terminal 50 are closed, and the movable contact 48 is separated from the normally open contact 53 and A space between the normally open terminals 52 is opened.

  When the coil unit 41 is excited, the lower part of the armature 42 is attracted to the iron core and moves backward, and the lower part of the movable contact spring 46 also moves backward. Therefore, the movable contact 48 comes into contact with the normally open contact 53 and the common terminal 49 and the normally open terminal 52 are closed, and the movable contact 48 is separated from the normally closed contact 51 between the common terminal 49 and the normally closed terminal 50. Is established.

  The operation indicator lamp 33 is fitted into a recess 35 a provided at the end of the holder 35 and is held by the holder 35. The holder 35 is fixed to the upper surface of the yoke 43. Therefore, the operation indicator lamp 33 is located at the upper end of the space in the case 34. The operation indicator lamp 33 is connected to a wiring portion (not shown). The operation indicator lamp 33 is turned on or off in accordance with the operation state of the relay 31 so that the operation state of the relay 31 can be visually recognized. For example, when the relay is not operating, that is, when the common terminal 49 and the normally open terminal 52 are open and the common terminal 49 and the normally closed terminal 50 are closed, the operation indicator lamp 33 is turned off. On the other hand, when the relay is operated, that is, when the common terminal 49 and the normally open terminal 52 are closed and the common terminal 49 and the normally closed terminal 50 are opened, the operation indicator lamp 33 is lit.

  The housing 34b is a molded product of a transparent resin having a high refractive index, such as polycarbonate resin. However, the housing 34b may be a molded product of translucent resin or colored transparent resin. In that case, a semi-transparent resin with high transparency is preferable so that the inside of the relay 31 can be confirmed, and a colored transparent resin with a light color is desirable.

  In a state where the housing 34b is covered on the base 34a and the relay main body 32, the operation indicator lamp 33 and other parts are housed in the case 34, the operation indicator lamp 33 includes the upper surface of the relay main body 32 and the top plate 40a of the base 34a. Located in the space between. The operation indicator lamp 33 has its optical axis substantially in the horizontal direction.

  In the housing 34b, the entire inner peripheral surface of the side wall 40b is covered with a light shielding structure 36. The light shielding structure 36 may be anything as long as it can block light. For example, a light shielding film, a light shielding sheet, a light shielding paint, a light shielding ink, or other light shielding material can be used. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, particles (beads) 37 having a light shielding property may be closely attached to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 40b. These light shielding structures 36 are desirably made of a material that absorbs light, such as black resin, black paint, black ink, or black particles. In this embodiment, the top plate 40a is not provided with a light shielding structure.

  According to the relay 31 having the above structure, even when a plurality of relays 31 are arranged side by side, it is easy to determine which relay is the relay 31 on which the operation indicator lamp 33 is lit. The reason for this will be described with reference to Fig. 7 (Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram and the relay body 32 is oriented in a different direction from Fig. 5, but the actual arrangement is the same as in Fig. 5. The same applies hereinafter. ). In FIG. 7, two relays 31 are arranged side by side, only the operation indicator lamp 33 of the right relay 31a is turned on, and the operation indicator lamp 33 of the left relay 31b is turned off. Since the light shielding structure 36 is not provided on the top plate 40a of the relay 31, the light emitted upward from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 31a is transmitted through the top plate 40a and illuminates the top plate 40a of the relay 31a. Since the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 31a in the oblique direction is blocked by the light shielding structure 36 of the relay 31a, it is difficult to enter the relay 31b. Furthermore, even if there is light that has passed through the light shielding structure 36 of the relay 31a, the light is blocked by the light shielding structure 36 of the relay 31b and is less likely to be incident on the relay 31b. , Not necessarily complete.) As a result, the light that is emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 31a, passes through the housing 34b of the relay 31b, and enters the viewer's eyes is reduced, and the phenomenon that the relay 31b in the off state appears to shine is eliminated. The Therefore, the relay 31a can be recognized as being lit, the relay 31b can be correctly recognized as being unlit, and it is easy to determine whether each relay 31 is lit or unlit.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 40b of the housing 34b is covered with the light shielding structure 36, but various other modifications are conceivable.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the entire outer peripheral surface of the side wall 40b of the housing 34b is covered by the light shielding structure 36. Also in this case, as the light-shielding structure 36, for example, a light-shielding film, a light-shielding sheet, a light-shielding paint, light-shielding ink, light-shielding particles (beads), or other light-shielding materials can be used.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the side wall 40b itself of the housing 34b is a light shielding structure 36. That is, in the housing 34b, the top plate 40a is formed of a transparent or translucent resin, and the side wall 40b is formed of an opaque resin.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Also in this modification, the side wall 40b itself of the housing 34b is the light shielding structure 36. In this modification, the housing 34b is formed of a transparent or opaque resin, and opaque aggregates (beads) 38 are densely dispersed on the side wall 40b so that the side wall 40b has light shielding properties.

  Even in each of the above modifications, when a plurality of relays are installed side by side, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which light leaks to adjacent relays and the adjacent relays appear to shine. It will be easier to determine whether you are doing.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, it is desirable to provide the light shielding structure 36 on the entire periphery of the side wall 40b. However, as shown in FIG. 11B, the light shielding structure 36 may be provided only on the three surfaces of the side wall 40b. As shown in FIG. 11C, the light shielding structure 36 may be provided on only two surfaces of the side wall 40b. Even when the light shielding structure 36 is provided on only two or three surfaces of the side wall 40b as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, when the relays are arranged side by side, the adjacent relays shield each other. It is partitioned by the structure 36, and light can be prevented from leaking to the adjacent relay. However, even when the operation indicator lamp 33 is arranged with the optical axis direction horizontal, the light is emitted to the back side of the operation indicator lamp 33 as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. In particular, when the front and side surfaces of the operation indicator lamp 33 are surrounded by the holder 35 as shown in FIG. 11, light tends to leak to the back side where the terminals are exposed. Therefore, when the light shielding structure 36 is provided only on two or three surfaces of the side wall 40b, it is desirable to provide the light shielding structure 36 so as to surround the operation indicator lamp 33. Further, if the contact portion of the relay main body 32 is made visible from the side of the side wall 40b where the light shielding structure 36 is not provided, the contact operation of the relay main body 32 can be confirmed from the outside.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing the relay 56 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, two relays 56 (56a, 56b) are arranged side by side. In this relay 56, the light shielding structure 36 is provided on the entire periphery only at the upper part of the side wall 40b. The lower end of the light shielding structure 36 is located sufficiently below the lower end of the operation indicator lamp 33. In FIG. 12, the light shielding structure 36 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 40b, but may be provided on the outer surface or inside of the side wall 40b.

  Even in the case where the light shielding structure 36 is provided only on the upper portion of the side wall 40b as in this embodiment, the light emitted in the oblique direction from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 56a passes through the top plate 40a of the adjacent relay 56b. Transmission can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the top panel 40a of the relay 56b in the extinguished state from being lit by the light of the relay 56a that is lit, and to prevent misrecognition of the lighting or extinguished state of the relay 56b. In addition, since the light shielding structure 36 is not provided in the lower portion of the side wall 40b in the relay 56, the inside (contact portion) of the relay 56 can be seen from the lower portion of the side wall 40b, and the contact operation of the relay 56 is confirmed from the outside. be able to.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view showing a relay 57 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Also in FIG. 13, two relays 57 (57a, 57b) are arranged side by side. In this relay 57, a light shielding structure 36 is provided on the upper side or the entire side wall 40b. Furthermore, the light shielding structure 36 is also provided on the top plate 40a, and the light shielding structure 36 is partially removed immediately above the operation indicator lamp 33 to open a window 58 in the light shielding structure 36. In FIG. 13, the light shielding structure 36 is provided on the inner surfaces of the top plate 40a and the side wall 40b, but may be provided on the outer surface or inside of the top plate 40a and the side wall 40b.

  In this embodiment, when the operation indicator lamp 33 is lit, the light emitting area on the upper surface is reduced, so that the visibility of the relay 57a that is lit is reduced, but the relays 57 that are emitting light to each other are adjacent to each other. The light emitting areas appear to be separated.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a relay 61 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 14, two relays 61 (61a, 61b) are arranged side by side. In the relay 61, a diffusion structure 62 is provided on the top plate 40a of the housing 34b. The diffusion structure 62 may be any structure that can diffuse light. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, a texture 63 (a fine unevenness or a textured surface formed randomly) 63 formed on the surface of the top plate 40a may be used as the diffusion structure 62. As shown in FIG. 15B, a diffusion structure 62 may be formed by attaching particles (beads) 64 for scattering light to the surface of the top plate 40a. Alternatively, a diffusion sheet 62 may be attached to the inner surface of the top plate 40a.

  The diffusion structure 62 may be provided on the inner surface (lower surface) of the top plate 40a, may be provided on the outer surface (upper surface) of the top plate 40a, or may be provided inside the top plate 40a. In order to provide the diffusion structure 62 inside the top plate 40a, as shown in FIG. 15 (C), an aggregate (diffusion material) capable of diffusing light into the top plate 40a of the housing 34b formed of a transparent resin. Material) 65 may be dispersed. Similar to the light shielding structure 36 of the first embodiment, the diffusion structure 62 may be provided on at least two adjacent wall surfaces (see FIG. 11).

  Since the structures of the relay main body 32, the holder 35, and the operation indicator lamp 33 in the case are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the relay 61 having the above-described structure, even when a plurality of relays 61 are arranged side by side, it is easy to determine which relay 61 the operation indicator lamp 33 is lit is. The reason for this will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 14, two relays 61 are arranged side by side, only the operation indicator lamp 33 of the right relay 61a is turned on, and the operation indicator lamp 33 of the left relay 61b is turned off. Since the diffusing structure 62 is provided on the top plate 40 a of the relay 61, the light emitted upward from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 61 a is diffused when passing through the diffusing structure 62. As a result, the top plate 40a of the relay 61a that is lit appears to shine, and the viewing angle is widened, so that the light of the relay 61a that is lit from a wide direction (especially an oblique direction) can be visually recognized. Further, light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 61a in an oblique direction enters the relay 61b from the side surface of the relay 61b and enters the diffusion structure 62 provided on the top plate 40a of the relay 61b. The light incident on the diffusing structure 62 is diffused and scattered by the diffusing structure 62, so that the intensity of the light entering the eyes of the observer viewing from an oblique direction is weakened and the relay 61b does not appear to be shining. Therefore, the relay 61a can be recognized as being lit, the relay 61b can be recognized as being unlit, and the lighting or unlit state of each relay 61 can be correctly determined.

  Moreover, in this relay 61, since the diffusion structure 62 is provided in the top plate 40a, the transparency of the top plate 40a is lowered. Therefore, when the product model number, manufacturer name, or other display is printed on the top surface of the top board 40a, the display becomes easy to read.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 16A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a relay 71 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 16B is a plan view of the relay 71. In this embodiment, the diffusion structure 62 is provided on the top surface, the bottom surface, or inside the top plate 40a, and the diffusion structure 62 is removed just above the operation indicator lamp 33 to open a window 72 in the diffusion structure 62. Yes.

  In this embodiment, since the window 72 is opened directly above the operation indicator lamp 33, the light emitted directly above the operation indicator lamp 33 that is lit is not diffused by the diffusion structure 62, and the top plate 40a is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a decrease in light emission luminance on the upper surface of the relay 71 due to the provision of the diffusion structure 62 just above the operation indicator lamp 33, and it becomes easy to check the lighting state of the relay 71 from the upper surface side.

  Instead of providing the window 72 in the diffusion structure 62 above the operation indicator lamp 33, the diffusion degree of the diffusion structure 62 is higher than the diffusion degree of the diffusion structure 62 provided around the operation indicator lamp 33. It may be kept low.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view showing a relay 73 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the diffusion structure 62 is provided only on the upper portion of the side wall 40b in the housing 34b. In the case of this embodiment, the light emitted in the oblique direction from the operation indicator lamp 33 in the lit relay 73 is diffused by the diffusion structure 62 when passing through the side wall 40b, and the light intensity becomes weak. Further, when the light emitted from the relay 73 enters the adjacent relay 73 from the side wall 40b, it is diffused by the diffusion structure 62, and the light intensity is further reduced. As a result, the brightness of the light entering the viewer's eyes becomes weak, and the adjacent relay 73 in the extinguished state does not appear to shine.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view showing a relay 74 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the diffusion structure 62 is provided in the upper part of the side wall 40b and the top plate 40a in the housing 34b. In the case of this embodiment, a higher effect than in the case of Embodiment 4 is obtained. That is, when the light emitted in the oblique direction from the operation indicator lamp 33 in the lit relay 74 passes through another adjacent relay 74, the diffusion structure 62 provided on the side wall 40b of the other relay 74. And the diffusion structure 62 provided on the top plate 40a. As a result, the brightness of the light entering the observer's eyes is weakened, and the adjacent relay 74 in the off state does not appear to shine.

  FIG. 19 is a photograph of a state in which two relays 74 arranged side by side are viewed from an oblique direction. The distant relay 74a is lit, and the relay 74b in the foreground is turned off. In these relays 74a and 74b, it can be seen that only the relay 74a that is lit is lit and the relay 74b that is not lit is lit and cannot be seen.

(Embodiment 8)
In each of the embodiments described so far, the light shielding structure 36 or the diffusion structure 62 provided in the housing 34b prevents the relay next to the relay in the lighting state from being seen to shine. However, even when the light shielding structure 36 or the diffusing structure 62 is provided on the inner surface of the housing 34b, as shown in FIG. 20, a part of the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 81a is partly adjacent to the relay 81b. In some cases, light enters the top plate 40a from the upper end of the side surface. The light that has entered the top plate 40a of the relay 81b is reflected on the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate 40a to be guided through the top plate 40a and is emitted from the vicinity of the corner of the housing 34b. Therefore, the corner portion of the relay 81b that is in an extinguished state appears to shine. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the corner portion of the relay 81b in the light-off state in front is shining by the light of the relay 81a on the far side.

  The relay 91 according to the eighth embodiment removes light emitted from the corner as shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the chamfered portion 92 is formed by obliquely chamfering the corner portion between the upper end portion of the side wall 40b and the outer peripheral portion of the top plate 40a in the housing 34b. .

  FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which two relays 91 are arranged side by side. The right relay 91a is lit and the left relay 91b is off. In FIG. 21, the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 of the relay 91a enters the top plate 40a of the relay 91b and guides the inside of the top plate 40a. The light that has been guided through the top plate 40a and entered the chamfered portion 92 on the opposite side is reflected by the chamfered portion 92 and guided to the side wall 40b, so that it is difficult for light to be emitted from the corner portion of the housing 34b. The light emission brightness of the part becomes small and becomes inconspicuous. Further, by forming the chamfered portion 92 at the corner portion, it becomes difficult for light to enter the top plate 40a from the upper end portion of the side wall 40b, so that the intensity of light leaking from the opposite chamfered portion 92 becomes smaller.

  FIG. 23 is a photograph of a state in which two relays 91 arranged side by side are viewed from an oblique direction. The far-side relay 91a is turned on, and the front relay 91b is turned off. Compared with FIG. 21, it can be seen that the light emission at the corner portion of the relay 91b on the near side is not noticeable.

(Modification of Embodiment 8)
FIG. 24 is a schematic sectional view showing a modification of the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this modified example, the curved portion 93 is formed by rounding the corner portion between the upper end portion of the side wall 40b and the outer peripheral portion of the top plate 40a in the housing 34b over the entire circumference. Even in such a modification, it is possible to obtain the same function and effect as the relay 91 of the eighth embodiment.

  As a modification of the eighth embodiment, a plurality of uneven portions, that is, recessed portions or protruding portions may be provided on the top surface of the top plate 40a. 25 (A) and 25 (B) are a schematic cross-sectional view and a plan view showing another modification of Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In this modification, a plurality of V-shaped concave portions 94 are provided on the top surface of the top plate 40a. The recesses 94 may intersect at the center as shown in FIG. 25B, may be provided radially, or may be randomly arranged. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 25 (A), light guided through the top plate 40a is reflected by the concave portion 94 and leaks from the lower surface of the top plate 40a as shown in FIG. As a result, the light guide in the top plate 40a is prevented from being guided by the concave portion 94, and the intensity of the light emitted from the corner portion of the housing 34b is reduced, so that the corner portion is difficult to shine.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 26 (A), the concave portion 94 may be a concave portion 94 having a U-shaped cross section, and as shown in FIG. 26 (B), the concave portion 94 having a semicircular cross section. There may be a recess 94 having a rectangular cross section as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 26D, the concavo-convex portion may be a convex portion 95 protruding from the upper surface of the top plate 40a. Since the convex part 95 can also reflect light toward the exterior of the top plate 40a and prevent light from being guided to the corner part, light emission from the corner part can be suppressed. Or the uneven | corrugated | grooved part, ie, a recessed part or a convex part, may be provided in the lower surface of the top plate 40a.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 27 is a schematic sectional view showing a relay 101 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the relay 101, a chamfered portion 92 (or a curved surface portion 93) is formed at a corner portion of the housing 34b. Further, on the outer surface of the housing 34b, a diffusion structure 62 is provided on the upper portion of the side wall 40b and the upper surface of the top plate 40a. In this embodiment, since the chamfered portion 92 (or the curved surface portion 93) is formed at the corner portion of the side wall 40b, light leaks from the corner portion and becomes difficult to light. In addition, since the light leaking from the chamfered portion 92 (or the curved surface portion 93) is diffused by the diffusion structure 62, light emission at the corner portion can be further reduced. Further, since the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 is diffused by the diffusion structure 62 and emitted to the outside, the upper surface of the relay 101 can emit light with a wide viewing angle, and the operation state of the relay 101 can be changed from a wide range. It can be confirmed and visibility is improved. Further, as indicated by the broken line arrow, even if the external light enters the relay 101, the external light passing through the relay 101 is diffused by the diffusion structure 62 and the light intensity is weakened. Can also be prevented. Moreover, since the diffusion structure 62 is not provided in the lower part of the side wall 40b, the inside of the relay 101 can be seen from a portion without the diffusion structure 62, and the contact operation can be confirmed from the outside.

(Embodiment 10)
Next, a relay 111 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the relay 111. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the relay 111 with the housing 34b removed. 30A and 30B are a plan view and a bottom view of the housing 34b in the relay 111 of the tenth embodiment. 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D are respectively a front view, a right side view, a rear view, and a left side view of the housing 34b in the relay 111 of the tenth embodiment. is there.

  FIG. 29 shows the internal structure of the relay 111 (relay body 32). The relay 111 in FIG. 29 is viewed in a different direction from the relay 31 in FIG. 4, but the relay 111 in the tenth embodiment also has substantially the same internal structure as the relay 31 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. doing. Therefore, in FIG. 29, the same parts as those in FIGS. Reference numeral 117 is a terminal for energizing the coil unit 41 by energizing the coil unit 41.

  The housing 34b is a molded product made of a box-shaped transparent resin having an opening on the lower surface, and includes a side wall 40b surrounding the periphery and a top plate 40a covering the upper surface. As shown in FIGS. 31A to 31D, the side wall 40b has a front surface 114a, a right side surface 114b, a back surface 114c, and a left side surface 114d.

  Locking portions 112 are provided below the left and right side surfaces 114d and 114b. With the housing 34b placed on the relay main body 32, the locking portion 112 of the housing 34b is hooked on the locked portion 115 of the base 34a, so that the housing 34b engages with the base 34a and is detachably attached to the base 34a. It is done.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 (A) and 30 (B), the bottom surface of the top plate 40a is provided with a textured diffusion structure 62 almost entirely. Circular recesses 116 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the substantially central portion of the top plate 40a. Further, as shown in FIG. 30B, a prism pattern 113 is provided on the rear portion of the lower surface of the top plate 40a. Then, the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 is diffused by the diffusion structure 62, so that the directivity of the light emitted from the upper surface of the top plate 40a is widened and can be recognized from a wide direction.

  In addition, a window 118 having neither the diffusion structure 62 nor the prism pattern 113 is provided at the rear of the lower surface of the top plate 40a. By looking into the interior of the relay 111 from the window 118, the operating state of the movable contact spring 46 of the relay 111 can be confirmed.

  Similar to the modification of the eighth embodiment, a curved surface portion 93 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the top plate 40a so that the periphery (corner portion) of the top plate 40a is less likely to shine. However, instead of the curved surface portion 93, a chamfered portion 92 may be used, and neither the chamfered portion 92 nor the curved surface portion 93 may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (A), a diffusion structure 62 is provided almost entirely on the inner surface of the front surface 114a of the side wall 40b except for its lower portion (portion facing the front surface of the base 34a). Since the operation indicator lamp 33 is located near the front surface, light easily leaks from the front surface 114a of the housing 34b, so that the area of the diffusion structure 62 is widened. Therefore, it is difficult for light with high directivity to be emitted from the front surface of the relay 111, and even if another relay 111 is positioned facing the front surface, the other relay 111 is less likely to emit light. In addition, by increasing the area of the diffusion structure 62, it is possible to make the display of the model number and the like written on the front surface 114a easier to see.

  As shown in FIGS. 31 (B) and 31 (D), on the inner surfaces of the left and right side surfaces 114d and 114b of the side wall 40b, the upper portion (region from the upper end of the side surface to the lower end of the operation indicator lamp 33). Is provided with a diffusing structure 62, and below that is a transparent region. Therefore, the light emitted from the operation indicator lamp 33 in the side surface direction is diffused by the diffusing structure 62, so that the directivity is widened, and the strong light is less likely to enter the other relay 111 disposed facing the side surface. ing. Therefore, even if the other relay 111 is located so as to face the side surface, the other relay 111 becomes difficult to light. On the other hand, since the lower sides of the left and right side surfaces 114d and 114b are transparent, the operating state of the relay body 32 can be confirmed.

  As shown in FIG. 31C, the diffusion structure 62 is not provided on the back surface 114c of the housing 34b. This is because the back surface 114c is far away from the operation indicator lamp 33, so that it is difficult for strong light to be emitted, so that it is difficult to light other relays 111 even if the diffusion structure 62 is not provided. Further, since the movable part (the armature 42 and the movable contact spring 46) is located on the back surface in the relay 111, if a diffusion structure is provided on the inner surface of the back surface 114c, resin scraps are easily generated when the movable part is in the diffusion structure. It is to become. Further, since the movable contact 48, the normally closed contact 51, and the normally open contact 53 are located on the rear surface of the relay 111, it is easier to perform operation check and failure diagnosis of the contact portion by making the rear surface 114c transparent. .

  In each of the above embodiments, only one of the light shielding structure and the diffusion structure is provided, but both the light shielding structure and the diffusion structure may be provided in one housing.

Claims (26)

A relay body built in a case that is at least partially transparent or translucent;
A light source built in the case and emitting light in conjunction with the operation of the relay body;
At least one of a light shielding structure for blocking light passage in the case or a diffusion structure for diffusing light passing through the case, provided in the case;
The relay characterized by having.   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion structure is provided on at least a part of the top plate and the side wall of the case. The center of gravity of the light source is disposed above the center of gravity of the relay body,
The relay according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion structure is provided at least above a lower end portion of the light source.   The relay according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion facing the contact portion of the relay main body at the lower portion of the side wall of the case is a transparent portion without the diffusion structure.   The relay according to claim 3, wherein the diffusion structure is provided on a top plate of the case, and an area without the diffusion structure is formed on the top plate directly above the light source.   The diffusion structure is provided on a top plate of the case, and a diffusion degree of the diffusion structure is made lower than a surrounding diffusion degree in a region of the top plate located directly above the light source. 3. The relay according to 3.   The relay according to claim 2, wherein the side wall of the case has four wall surfaces, and the diffusion structure is provided on at least two of the wall surfaces.   The relay according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion structure is textured on an inner surface or an outer surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion structure is a diffusion material added to an inner surface or an outer surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion structure is a diffusive particle dispersed inside a transparent or translucent portion of the case.   The relay according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion structure is provided on an inner surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding structure is provided on at least a part of a side wall of the case. The center of gravity of the light source is disposed above the center of gravity of the relay body,
The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is provided at least above a lower end portion of the light source.   The relay according to claim 13, wherein at least a portion facing the contact portion of the relay main body is transparent in a lower portion of the side wall of the case.   The relay according to claim 13, wherein a top plate of the case is transparent.   The relay according to claim 13, wherein the light shielding structure is provided on a top plate of the case, and an area without the light shielding structure is formed on the top plate directly above the light source.   13. The relay according to claim 12, wherein the side wall of the case has four wall surfaces, and the light shielding structure is provided on at least two of the wall surfaces.   The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is a light shielding material added to an inner surface or an outer surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is a particle having a light shielding property dispersed inside a transparent or translucent portion of the case.   The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is an opaque portion of the case.   The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is a light absorber.   The relay according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding structure is provided on an inner surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 1, wherein a chamfered portion is provided along a corner portion on an upper surface side of the case.   The relay according to claim 1, wherein a curved surface portion is provided along a corner portion on an upper surface side of the case.   The relay according to claim 1, wherein an uneven portion is provided on an upper surface of the case.   The relay according to claim 25, wherein the uneven portion is a concave portion having a V-groove shape.