JP2017079107A - Electromagnetic relay - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electromagnetic relay capable of opening and closing a contact device when an abnormality occurs.SOLUTION: An electromagnetic relay A1 comprises a contact device 2, an electromagnet device 3, a power supply unit 41, a switch unit 42, and a control unit 43. The contact device includes a movable contact and a fixed contact. The electromagnet device 3 includes a coil 31, and a movable element provided with the movable contact. The electromagnet device 3 drives the movable element so as to move by the magnetic flux generated in electric conduction of the coil 31 between a closed position in which the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact and an open position in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact. The power supply unit 41 is charged by power supply from a main power supply 103. The switch unit 42 is inserted into a power supply passage L1 from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31, and opens and closes the power supply passage L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to an electromagnetic relay that opens and closes a contact device using a magnetic attractive force generated by energization of a coil.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electromagnetic relay that opens and closes a contact device using a magnetic attractive force generated by energization of a coil is known. Patent Document 1 discloses latching that closes and holds (latches) a contact (contact device) by passing a capacitor charging current through the coil, and releases the latch when the capacitor is discharged and reverse power is applied to the coil. A relay is disclosed.

JP 58-161226 A

  By the way, in the field of electromagnetic relays, particularly in the field of latching relays described in Patent Document 1, it is desired that the contact device can be opened and closed even in the event of an abnormality such as the loss of power.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said point, and it aims at providing the electromagnetic relay which can open and close a contact apparatus at the time of abnormality.

  An electromagnetic relay according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a contact device having a movable contact and a fixed contact, a coil, and a mover provided with the movable contact, and the magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil An electromagnet device that drives the mover so that the movable contact moves between a closed position where the movable contact contacts the fixed contact and an open position where the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact; And a switch unit that is inserted into the power supply path from the power supply unit to the coil and opens and closes the power supply path.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a second aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the first aspect, wherein the electromagnet device further includes a permanent magnet, and the mover has the movable contact as a result of magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet. It is preferable that the holding is released by the magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil, which is held so as to be located in either the open position or the closed position.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a third aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the first or second aspect, wherein the coil is a first coil that receives power supply from the main power supply, and power supply from the power supply unit. And receiving a second coil.

  In the electromagnetic relay according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the second coil has an impedance smaller than that of the first coil.

  In the electromagnetic relay according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is preferable that the power supply unit is configured by a capacitor.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the power supply unit is preferably constituted by a secondary battery.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the switch unit is preferably constituted by a mechanical relay.

  The electromagnetic relay according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the switch unit is preferably constituted by a semiconductor relay.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a control unit that controls the switch unit, wherein the control unit receives power from the main power source. When it is detected that the supply has been interrupted, it is preferable to control the switch unit to supply power from the power supply unit to the coil.

  An electromagnetic relay according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the ninth aspect, wherein when the control unit receives a command to turn on the contact device from the outside, the control unit controls the switch unit to supply the power. It is preferable to supply power to the coil from the section.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the electromagnetic relay of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to the ninth aspect, when the control unit receives an instruction to turn off the contact device from the outside, the control unit controls the switch unit to supply the power. It is preferable to supply power to the coil from the section.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the ninth aspect, wherein the control unit detects that no current is flowing in the detection target or that no voltage is applied to the detection target. Then, it is preferable to control the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit.

  An electromagnetic relay according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the ninth aspect, wherein the control unit is configured such that a current larger than a current threshold flows through the detection target, or the detection target exceeds a voltage threshold. When detecting that a large voltage is applied, it is preferable to control the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit.

  An electromagnetic relay according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the electromagnetic relay according to the ninth aspect, wherein when the control unit detects that the temperature of the detection target is larger than a threshold value, the control unit controls the switch unit. It is preferable to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, further including a communication circuit that performs communication between the control unit and the outside.

  The electromagnetic relay according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is preferably the electromagnetic relay according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, further comprising a charging circuit that controls charging of the power supply unit.

  The present invention includes a power supply unit that charges power to be supplied to the coil by supplying power from the main power source. Therefore, in the present invention, even when an abnormality occurs, power can be supplied from the power supply unit to the coil, so that the contact device can be opened and closed.

It is the schematic of the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 1. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the OFF state of the contact apparatus in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the ON state of the contact apparatus in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the OFF state of the contact apparatus in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the ON state of the contact apparatus in the electromagnetic relay of Embodiment 2.

<Embodiment 1>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a contact device 2, an electromagnet device 3, a power supply unit 41, a switch unit 42, and a control unit 43. The contact device 2 has a movable contact 21 and a fixed contact 22. The electromagnet device 3 includes a coil 31 and a mover 33 provided with a movable contact 21. The electromagnet device 3 is movable so as to move between a closed position where the movable contact 21 contacts the fixed contact 22 and an open position where the movable contact 21 separates from the fixed contact 22 due to the magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil 31. The child 33 is driven.

  The power supply unit 41 is charged by supplying power from the main power supply 103. The switch unit 42 is inserted into the power supply path L1 from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31, and opens and closes the power supply path L1.

  Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment will be described in detail. However, the configuration described below is only an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated from this embodiment. Various changes can be made in accordance with the design or the like as long as they are not.

  In the following description, in FIG. 3, the direction in which the first stator 321 and the mover 33 are arranged is referred to as the up-down direction, and the first stator 321 side as viewed from the mover 33 is referred to as the upper side, and vice versa. In the following description, in FIG. 3, the direction in which the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 are arranged is the left-right direction, and the other contact base 12 side as viewed from one contact base 11 is the right side, and vice versa. .

  Note that FIG. 3 shows arrows indicating these directions (up, down, left, and right), but these arrows are merely described for the purpose of assisting the description, and do not involve an entity. Further, the definition of the direction is not intended to limit the usage pattern of the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the case where electromagnetic relay A1 is mounted in the electric vehicle (EV) is taken as an example. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 inserts the contact device 2 into the DC power supply path from the traveling battery 101 to the load (for example, LED lamp or inverter) 102. The case where it is used by being connected to is taken as an example. For this reason, in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the supply state of the DC power from the traveling battery 101 to the load 102 can be switched by opening and closing the contact device 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 of the present embodiment includes a contact device 2, an electromagnet device 3, a drive circuit 4, a relay unit 6, a housing 7, a shaft 16, and a case 17. And a connecting body 18. In addition, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment includes a pair of output terminals 51 and 52 that are inserted into a DC power supply path from the battery 101 to the load 102. In addition, the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment further includes a connector 53 for inputting a signal to the drive circuit 4 and the relay unit 6, and a connector 54 for communicating with an external device.

  The contact device 2 includes a pair of movable contacts 21 and a pair of fixed contacts 22 as shown in FIGS. The contact device 2 includes a pair of contact tables 11 and 12, a movable contact 13, a contact pressure spring 14, and a holder 15.

  The pair of contact tables 11 and 12 are each formed of a conductive material (for example, copper (Cu)). The pair of terminal blocks 11 and 12 are arranged so as to be lined up in the left-right direction, and each of the terminal blocks 11 and 12 is formed in a columnar shape having a circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Fixed contacts 22 are respectively provided at the lower ends of the pair of contact tables 11 and 12. The fixed contact 22 may be configured integrally with the pair of contact bases 11 and 12, or may be a separate member from the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 and fixed to the pair of contact bases 11 and 12. Also good.

  Of the pair of contact tables 11 and 12, the first contact table 11 is electrically connected to the first output terminal 51 of the pair of output terminals 51 and 52. The second contact block 12 of the pair of contact blocks 11 and 12 is electrically connected to the second output terminal 52 of the pair of output terminals 51 and 52. Therefore, the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 function as terminals for electrically connecting an external circuit (for example, the battery 101 and the load 102) to the movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 22.

  The pair of contact tables 11 and 12 are fixed to a case 17 joined to a yoke 34 (described later). The case 17 is formed in a box shape having an open bottom surface, and houses the movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 22 between an upper plate 341 (described later) of the yoke 34. The case 17 is formed of a heat-resistant material such as ceramic, for example, and the opening peripheral portion thereof is joined to the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the upper plate 341 via the connecting body 18. The pair of contact bases 11 and 12 are joined to the case 17 in a form inserted through holes formed in the bottom plate (upper wall) 171 of the case 17.

  The case 17 is preferably configured as an airtight container that forms an airtight space therein. The case 17 is preferably filled with an arc extinguishing gas mainly composed of hydrogen, for example. In this case, even when an arc is generated when the movable contact 21 is separated from the fixed contact 22, the arc can be rapidly cooled by the arc extinguishing gas and can be extinguished quickly. Whether or not the case 17 is configured as an airtight container is arbitrary. That is, whether or not the inside of the contact device 2 is hermetically sealed is arbitrary. Further, whether or not the arc extinguishing gas is enclosed in the case 17 is also arbitrary.

  The movable contact 13 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left-right direction from the conductive material, and the both ends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) are opposed to the lower ends of the pair of contact stands 11, 12. It is arranged below the pair of contact tables 11 and 12. In the movable contact 13, movable contacts 21 are provided at portions facing the fixed contacts 22 provided on each of the pair of contact bases 11 and 12. The movable contact 21 may be configured integrally with the movable contact 13 or may be formed of a member different from the movable contact 13 and fixed to the movable contact 13.

  The holder 15 has, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape with both left and right sides opened, and is combined with the movable contact 13 so that the movable contact 13 passes therethrough. The upper end portion of the shaft 16 is fixed to the holder 15. The shaft 16 is formed in a round bar shape extending in the vertical direction with a nonmagnetic material. The shaft 16 transmits the driving force generated by the electromagnet device 3 to the contact device 2. The shaft 16 passes through the insides of a first stator 321, a second stator 322, and a return spring 35 described later, and an intermediate portion thereof is fixed to the movable element 33. Here, the shaft 16 is formed of a nonmagnetic material, but may be formed of a magnetic material.

  The movable contact 13 is driven in the vertical direction by the electromagnet device 3. For this reason, each movable contact 21 provided on the movable contact 13 moves between a closed position in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 22 and an open position away from the fixed contact 22. When the movable contact 21 is in the closed position, that is, when the contact device 2 is on, the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 are short-circuited via the movable contact 13. Therefore, when the contact device 2 is in the ON state, the pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are electrically connected, and DC power is supplied from the battery 101 to the load 102.

  The contact pressure spring 14 is a coil spring that is disposed between the upper surface of the lower plate of the holder 15 and the lower surface of the movable contact 13 and biases the movable contact 13 upward.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electromagnet device 3 includes a coil 31, a first stator 321, a second stator 322, a mover 33, a yoke 34, a return spring 35, and a permanent magnet. 36. The coil 31 is composed of a first coil 311 and a second coil 312.

  The yoke 34 forms a magnetic path along with the first stator 321, the second stator 322, and the mover 33 through which the magnetic flux generated when the coil 31 is energized. Therefore, the first stator 321, the second stator 322, the mover 33, and the yoke 34 are all made of a magnetic material.

  The yoke 34 includes an upper plate 341, an intermediate plate 342, a lower plate 343, a first side plate 344, a second side plate 345, and a bush 346. The upper plate 341 and the middle plate 342 are provided on both sides in the central axis direction (vertical direction) of the first coil 311 and face each other. The middle plate 342 and the lower plate 343 are provided on both sides in the central axis direction (vertical direction) of the second coil 312 and face each other. The upper plate 341, the middle plate 342, and the lower plate 343 are all formed in a rectangular plate shape. Of course, the upper plate 341, the middle plate 342, and the lower plate 343 may all be formed in a shape other than the rectangular plate shape.

  The first side plate 344 connects the peripheral portions of the upper plate 341 and the middle plate 342. Specifically, a pair of first side plates 344 are provided so as to connect a pair of opposite sides on the lower surface of the upper plate 341 and a pair of opposite sides on the upper surface of the middle plate 342. The first side plate 344 and the middle plate 342 are integrally formed from a single plate.

  The second side plate 345 connects the peripheral portions of the middle plate 342 and the lower plate 343 to each other. Specifically, a pair of second side plates 345 are provided so as to connect a pair of opposite sides on the lower surface of the middle plate 342 and a pair of opposite sides on the upper surface of the lower plate 343. The second side plate 345 and the lower plate 343 are integrally formed from a single plate. Of course, the upper plate 341, the middle plate 342, the lower plate 343, the first side plate 344, and the second side plate 345 may all be formed integrally or may be formed separately. Moreover, it is also arbitrary how the board formed integrally and the board formed separately are selected among these boards.

  The bush 346 includes a first bush 346A and a second bush 346B. The first bush 346A and the second bush 346B are both cylindrical. The second bush 346 </ b> B is formed integrally with the intermediate plate 342 so as to protrude upward from the central portion of the upper surface of the intermediate plate 342. An annular permanent magnet 36 is fixed to the upper surface of the second bush 346B. A first bush 346 </ b> A is fixed to the upper surface of the permanent magnet 36. That is, the permanent magnet 36 is provided in the middle portion of the bush 346 in the up-down direction.

  The permanent magnet 36 has a first magnetic pole surface 361 and a second magnetic pole surface 362 having different polarities on both surfaces in the vertical direction. In the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the first magnetic pole surface 361 is described as “N pole” and the second magnetic pole surface 362 is described as “S pole”, but the N pole and S pole may be in an opposite relationship. .

  The first coil 311 is disposed in a space surrounded by the upper plate 341, the middle plate 342, and the first side plate 344 of the yoke 34. In addition, the first stator 321, the mover 33, and the bush 346 are disposed inside the first coil 311. As shown in FIG. 1, the first coil 311 is electrically connected to the main power supply 103 via the relay unit 6. The first coil 311 is energized by being supplied with power from the main power supply 103 and generates magnetic flux.

  The main power supply 103 is constituted by, for example, a DC / DC converter circuit, and converts a voltage (for example, 400V DC voltage) input from the outside into a predetermined voltage (for example, 12V DC voltage) and outputs the voltage. The main power source 103 may be configured to output DC power, and may be configured of, for example, an AC / DC converter circuit. In the following description, the positive output terminal of the pair of output terminals of the main power supply 103 will be described as “output terminal T1”, and the negative output terminal will be described as “output terminal T2”.

  The second coil 312 is disposed in a space surrounded by the intermediate plate 342, the lower plate 343, and the second side plate 345 of the yoke 34. A second stator 322 is arranged inside the second coil 312. As shown in FIG. 1, the second coil 312 is electrically connected to a power supply unit 41 (described later) of the drive circuit 4. The second coil 312 is energized by being supplied with power from the power supply unit 41 and generates magnetic flux.

  The first stator 321 is a fixed iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the first stator 321 is fixed to the upper plate 341 so as to protrude downward from the central portion of the upper plate 341 of the yoke 34. A return spring 35 is housed inside the first stator 321.

  The second stator 322 is a fixed iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower end of the second stator 322 is fixed to the lower plate 343 so as to protrude upward from the central portion of the lower plate 343 of the yoke 34.

  The mover 33 is a movable iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The mover 33 is arranged between the first stator 321 and the second stator 322 so as to be aligned with the first stator 321 and the second stator 322 in the vertical direction. The mover 33 moves in the vertical direction along the inner peripheral surface of the bush 346 inside the bush 346. In other words, the mover 33 is between a first position where the upper end surface contacts the lower end surface of the first stator 321 and a second position where the lower end surface contacts the upper end surface of the second stator 322. It is configured to be movable.

  The return spring 35 is a coil spring that is disposed inside the first stator 321 and biases the mover 33 downward (second position).

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drive circuit 4 includes a power supply unit 41, a switch unit 42, and a control unit 43. In the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the power supply unit 41, the switch unit 42, and the control unit 43 are mounted on a substrate 44 (see FIG. 2).

  The power supply unit 41 includes two capacitors 411 and 412 made of EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitor) (see FIG. 2). Of course, it is not intended to limit the number of capacitors constituting the power supply unit 41, and may be one or more, for example. The capacitors 411 and 412 are not limited to EDLC, and may be other types of capacitors. The power supply unit 41 is charged with power supplied from the main power supply 103 via the sub power supply 104. The power supply unit 41 supplies power to the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312).

  The sub power supply 104 is constituted by, for example, a DC / DC converter circuit, and converts a voltage (for example, a DC voltage of 12V) input from the main power supply 103 into a predetermined voltage (for example, a DC voltage of 2.5V). Output. In the following description, the positive output terminal of the pair of output terminals of the sub power supply 104 is referred to as “output terminal T3”, and the negative output terminal is described as “output terminal T4”.

  The switch unit 42 includes a first switch 421 and a second switch 422. The first switch 421 and the second switch 422 are a-contact relays that are normally turned off.

  The first switch 421 is inserted between the negative output terminal T4 of the sub power supply 104 and the power supply unit 41 (here, the negative electrodes of the capacitors 411 and 412). Therefore, the first switch 421 opens and closes the electric path from the main power supply 103 to the power supply unit 41 via the sub power supply 104 by being turned on / off. The second switch 422 is inserted between the power supply unit 41 (here, the negative electrodes of the capacitors 411 and 412) and the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312). Therefore, the 2nd switch 422 opens / closes the electric power supply path L1 from the electric power supply part 41 to the coil 31 (here 2nd coil 312) by switching on / off.

  The control unit 43 includes, for example, a microcomputer (microcomputer) as a main configuration. The microcomputer realizes a function as the control unit 43 by executing a program recorded in the memory by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The program may be recorded in advance in a memory of a microcomputer, may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through an electric communication line.

  The control unit 43 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 41 and operates with the power supplied from the power supply unit 41. Of course, the control unit 43 may be configured to operate with power supplied from the sub power supply 104 when the main power supply 103 is not lost.

  The control unit 43 has a function of detecting the voltage applied to the power supply unit 41 (here, the charging voltage of the capacitors 411 and 412). And the control part 43 controls on / off of the 1st switch 421 so that the voltage applied to the electric power supply part 41 may become a fixed voltage. That is, the control unit 43 functions as a charging circuit for the power supply unit 41.

  In addition, the control unit 43 has a function of detecting a current flowing through the electric circuit from the main power supply 103 to the first coil 311 (or an electric circuit from the main power supply 103 to the sub power supply 104) or a voltage applied to the electric circuit. ing. Then, the control unit 43 determines whether or not it is abnormal (for example, when the main power supply 103 is lost) based on the detection result. In addition, the control unit 43 has a function of detecting the on / off state of the kill switch 105 that is electrically connected to the main power source 103. And the control part 43 will judge that it is an emergency if the kill switch 105 is an OFF state. In other words, here, “abnormal” refers to the time when an abnormality such as the loss of the main power supply 103 occurs regardless of whether the kill switch 105 is on or off. “Emergency” refers to a time when the main power supply 103 is not lost, but when a person performs an operation to turn off the kill switch 105 with some intention, for example, when an abnormality is recognized.

  Further, when the control unit 43 determines that an abnormality or emergency has occurred, the control unit 43 switches the first switch 421 to OFF and switches the second switch 422 to ON. Thereby, the control unit 43 causes the power supply unit 41 to supply power to the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312). That is, when the control unit 43 detects that the power supply from the main power supply 103 has been interrupted, the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to supply power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312). .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the relay unit 6 includes a first relay 61, a second relay 62, a third relay 63, and a fourth relay 64. The first relay 61 and the second relay 62 are a-contact relays, respectively. Each contact a of the first relay 61 and the second relay 62 is inserted between the positive output end of the main power supply 103 and the first end of the first coil 311.

  The third relay 63 and the fourth relay 64 are c contact relays each having an a contact and a b contact that is normally turned on. The b contact of the third relay 63 is inserted between the positive output terminal T1 of the main power supply 103 and the first terminal of the first coil 311 via the first relay 61 and the second relay 62. The contact a of the third relay 63 is inserted between the positive output terminal T1 of the main power supply 103 and the second terminal of the first coil 311 via the first relay 61 and the second relay 62. ing. The b contact of the fourth relay 64 is inserted between the negative output terminal T <b> 2 of the main power supply 103 and the second terminal of the first coil 311. Further, the contact a of the fourth relay 64 is inserted between the negative output terminal T <b> 2 of the main power supply 103 and the first terminal of the first coil 311.

  In the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the state of the relay unit 6 is switched according to a control signal from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Specifically, when the relay unit 6 receives an on command, the first relay 61 is switched on. At this time, the second relay 62 is off, and the third relay 63 and the fourth relay 64 are electrically connected to the common terminal and the normally closed terminal. Therefore, while the relay unit 6 receives the ON command, an electric path from the main power source 103 to the first coil 311 is formed, and a first-direction current flows through the first coil 311. Thereby, the first coil 311 is energized.

  Further, when the relay unit 6 receives an off command, the second relay 62 is turned on, and the common terminal and the normally open terminal are electrically connected in the third relay 63 and the fourth relay 64. At this time, the first relay 61 is off. Therefore, while the relay unit 6 receives the off command, an electric path from the main power source 103 to the first coil 311 is formed, and a current in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction flows in the first coil 311. . Thereby, the first coil 311 is energized.

  Note that the relay unit 6 is not limited to a configuration in which the state is switched according to a control signal from the ECU, and may have another configuration. For example, the relay unit 6 may be configured such that the state is switched by receiving a user operation directly or indirectly.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 7 includes a body 71 and a cover 72. The body 71 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, with a synthetic resin material. The cover 72 is formed in a box shape whose bottom surface is opened, for example, by a resin material having translucency. Of course, the cover 72 may be formed of a material other than a light-transmitting resin material. In the space between the body 71 and the cover 72, the contact device 2, the electromagnet device 3, the drive circuit 4, the relay unit 6, the shaft 16, the case 17, and the coupling body 18 are accommodated. Outside this space, a pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the body 71 in the longitudinal direction, and connectors 53 and 54 are provided at the other end.

  Hereinafter, operation | movement of electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. First, operation | movement of electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment in the normal time which is neither an emergency nor an emergency is demonstrated. Here, it is assumed that the contact device 2 is in an off state. In the OFF state of the contact device 2, as shown in FIG. 3, a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux φ1 generated by the permanent magnet 36 passes is formed. The magnetic flux φ1 is applied to the first magnetic pole surface 361, the first bush 346A, the mover 33, the second stator 322, the lower plate 343, the second side plate 345, the intermediate plate 342, the second bush 346B, and the second magnetic pole surface 362 in this order. Pass through. Accordingly, the mover 33 is held (latched) in the second position by the magnetic attractive force between the mover 33 and the second stator 322 and the spring force of the return spring 35.

  At this time, the shaft 16 is pulled downward. The movable contact 13 is restricted from moving upward by the upper plate of the holder 15 fixed to the upper end portion of the shaft 16, and the pair of movable contacts 21 is positioned at an open position away from the pair of fixed contacts 22. Let Therefore, when the contact device 2 is in the OFF state, the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 are non-conductive, and the pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are non-conductive.

  Here, when the relay unit 6 receives an ON command, a first-direction current flows through the first coil 311 so that the first coil 311 generates a magnetic flux. Then, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the movable element 33 and the first stator 321, and the movable element 33 is attracted upward against the spring force of the return spring 35 and moves to the second position.

  For this reason, since the shaft 16 is pulled upward, the holder 15 also moves upward. Then, the movable contact 13 is lifted upward by the spring force of the contact pressure spring 14 because the upward movement restriction by the upper plate of the holder 15 is released. And a pair of movable contact 21 moves to the closed position which contacts a pair of fixed contact 22 (refer FIG. 4). Therefore, the contact device 2 is turned on, and the pair of contact bases 11 and 12 are electrically connected, so that the pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are electrically connected.

  In the ON state of the contact device 2, as shown in FIG. 4, a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux φ2 of the permanent magnet 36 passes is formed. The magnetic flux φ2 is applied to the first magnetic pole surface 361, the first bush 346A, the mover 33, the first stator 321, the upper plate 341, the first side plate 344, the intermediate plate 342, the second bush 346B, and the second magnetic pole surface 362 in this order. Pass through. Therefore, the mover 33 is attracted upward against the spring force of the return spring 35 by the magnetic attraction force between the first stator 321 and held at the first position. For this reason, even if energization of the 1st coil 311 is cancelled | released, the contact apparatus 2 maintains an ON state.

  Next, when the relay unit 6 receives an off command, a current in the second direction flows through the first coil 311, so that the first coil 311 generates a magnetic flux in a direction opposite to that at the time of the on command. Then, when the magnetic attraction force is generated between the movable element 33 and the second stator 322, the movable element 33 is attracted downward and moved to the first position (see FIG. 3). And since the movable contact 13 moves so that the movable contact 21 is located in an open position, the contact device 2 will be in an OFF state.

  At this time, as described above, a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux φ1 of the permanent magnet 36 passes is formed, so that the mover 33 is held in the first position. Therefore, even if the first coil 311 is de-energized, the contact device 2 remains off. Thus, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment is a latching relay that maintains the ON state (or OFF state) of the contact device 2 even when the coil 31 (here, the first coil 311) is de-energized. is there.

  Further, in a normal time, the control unit 43 of the drive circuit 4 switches the first switch 421 on and the second switch 422 off, so that the power supply unit 41 (here, capacitors 411 and 412) from the sub power source 104. ) Is formed. That is, in the normal time, the drive circuit 4 charges the power supply unit 41.

  Next, the operation of the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment at the time of abnormality or emergency will be described. For example, if the main power supply 103 is lost because the power line is disconnected when the contact device 2 is in the ON state, power cannot be supplied to the first coil 311, so the contact device 2 is turned off by the relay unit 6. It becomes impossible to switch. At this time, the control unit 43 of the drive circuit 4 determines that it is an abnormality, and switches the first switch 421 off and the second switch 422 on. Then, the power supply path L1 from the power supply unit 41 to the second coil 312 is closed. Therefore, the second coil 312 is energized when electric power is supplied from the power supply unit 41 and generates magnetic flux.

  Then, when the magnetic attraction force is generated between the mover 33 and the second stator 322, the mover 33 is attracted downward and moved to the first position. And since the movable contact 13 moves so that the movable contact 21 is located in an open position, the contact device 2 will be in an OFF state.

  As described above, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment includes the power supply unit 41 that charges the power to be supplied to the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312) by supplying power from the main power supply 103. Yes. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, power can be supplied from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (here, the second coil 312) even during an abnormality or emergency, so that the contact device 2 can be opened and closed. Here, the contact device 2 can be turned off.

  Further, in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to supply power to the coil 31 from the power supply unit 41 different from the main power source 103. For this reason, if the electric power supply part 41 supplies electric power larger than the electric power which the main power supply 103 supplies with respect to the coil 31, the opening / closing of the contact apparatus 2 can be accelerated.

  This effect is particularly significant in a mechanical relay such as the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment. That is, the mechanical relay has advantages that the allowable current of the contact device 2 is easily increased as compared to the semiconductor relay, and that the mechanical device has high resistance to excessive current, and can easily increase the withstand voltage and the cutoff voltage. There is also a disadvantage that it takes a long time to open and close. For this reason, the mechanical relay, for example, at the time of a power failure of the main power supply 103, by turning on the contact device 2 at a high speed, the power supply from the uninterruptible power supply to the load (personal computer or server) is interrupted as much as possible. It may not be suitable for the purpose of shortening. Further, the mechanical relay may not be suitable for an application in which, for example, when the large-capacity battery is short-circuited, the contact device 2 is turned off at a high speed to shorten the time during which an excessive current flows through the load as much as possible.

  On the other hand, in the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 of the present embodiment, the contact device 2 can be opened and closed at high speed by supplying large power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31. Therefore, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment can be easily applied to the above-described applications. Further, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment does not need to supply a large amount of power from the main power source 103 to the coil 31, and therefore has an advantage that the main power source 103 is not burdened.

  In addition, although the capacitor | condenser (capacitor) is used in the latching relay of patent document 1, a capacitor | condenser is only functioning as a part of mechanism for hold | maintaining (latching) a contact. That is, in the latching relay described in Patent Document 1, the capacitor does not function as the power supply unit 41.

  By the way, in electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the electromagnet apparatus 3 is further provided with the permanent magnet 36. FIG. The mover 33 is held by the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 36 so that the movable contact is located at either the open position or the closed position, and the hold is released by the magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil 31. It is configured to be. That is, the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment is a latching relay. In this configuration, it is not necessary to continue to supply power to the coil 31 in order to maintain the contact device 2 in an on state or an off state, so that power consumption can be reduced. Also in such a latching relay, the holding (latching) of the contacts can be forcibly released. Note that whether or not to adopt the configuration is arbitrary.

  In the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 of the present embodiment, the coil 31 includes a first coil 311 that receives power supply from the main power supply 103 and a second coil 312 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 41. . In this configuration, the first coil 311 used in normal times and the second coil 312 used in an emergency or emergency can be designed differently. Note that whether or not to adopt the configuration is arbitrary.

  Furthermore, the second coil 312 preferably has a smaller impedance than the first coil 311. In this configuration, for example, the number of turns of the second coil 312 is less than the number of turns of the first coil 311, or the diameter of the copper wire of the second coil 312 is larger than the diameter of the copper wire of the first coil 311. It can be realized by doing. In addition, for example, the length of the copper wire of the second coil 312 can be realized by making it shorter than the length of the copper wire of the first coil 311.

  In this configuration, since the second coil 312 can be designed to be smaller than the first coil 311, the size can be reduced. Also, with this configuration, the response performance as a relay can be improved, and the time required for opening and closing can be shortened. In the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the power (current) supplied from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 may be made larger than the power (current) supplied from the main power supply 103 to the coil 31. it can. Therefore, in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, even if the above-described configuration is adopted, the second coil 312 can have the same ampere turn (number of amperes) as the first coil 311 while reducing the size of the second coil 312. Can be realized.

  Here, the coil 31 may be composed of one coil that serves as both the first coil 311 and the second coil 312. In this configuration, compared with the case where the coil 31 is configured by the first coil 311 and the second coil 312, the arrangement space can be reduced, so that the size can be reduced.

  In addition, the first coil 311 may be divided into an on coil of the contact device 2 and an off coil of the contact device 2. That is, the coil 31 may be configured by a total of three coils including an on coil, an off coil, and a second coil 312. The on coil and the off coil are configured to generate magnetic fluxes in opposite directions when energized. In this configuration, it is easy to design a circuit that opens and closes each of the electric circuit between the on-coil and the main power source 103 and the electric circuit between the off-coil and the main power source 103. Therefore, the configuration of the relay unit 6 is simplified. can do.

  Further, in the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the power supply unit 41 includes capacitors 411 and 412. In this configuration, the contact device 2 can be opened and closed at a higher speed. Since the capacitors 411 and 412 generally have a small internal resistance, the coil 31 (second coil 312) generates a large amount of power (current) compared to the main power source 103, which is instantaneous but is limited in the power that can be supplied. It is because it can supply to. Further, in this configuration, the capacitors 411 and 412 can be repeatedly charged and discharged, so that the life of the power supply unit 41 can be extended. Note that whether or not to adopt the configuration is arbitrary.

  Further, the power supply unit 41 may be configured by a secondary battery. In this configuration, similarly to the capacitors 411 and 412, charging and discharging can be performed repeatedly, so that the life of the power supply unit 41 can be extended.

  In addition, the electric power supply part 41 may be comprised with the primary battery. In this configuration, the power supply unit 41 cannot be charged with the power supplied from the sub power supply 104, but can supply power to the coil 31 (second coil 312) in the event of an abnormality or emergency. Further, in this configuration, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the capacitors 411 and 412 and the secondary battery are used.

  Moreover, the switch part 42 (the 1st switch 421 and the 2nd switch 422) may be comprised with the mechanical relay. In this configuration, since the on-resistance of the switch unit 42 can be reduced as compared with the semiconductor relay, it is suitable for the application of flowing a large current (supplying large power) to the coil 31 (second coil 312).

  Moreover, the switch part 42 (the 1st switch 421 and the 2nd switch 422) may be comprised with the semiconductor relay. In this configuration, the response speed of the switch unit 42 can be increased as compared with the mechanical relay, so that power can be supplied to the coil 31 (second coil 312) more quickly in the event of an abnormality or emergency. .

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the first switch 421 and the second switch 422 are configured by semiconductor relays using N-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). In this case, the drive circuit 4 preferably includes a booster circuit that boosts the output voltage of the sub power supply 104. That is, the N-channel MOSFET is suitable for an application in which a large current flows as compared with the P-channel MOSFET, but a voltage required for driving is large. Therefore, when the N-channel MOSFET cannot be driven with the output voltage of the sub power supply 104, it is necessary to boost the output voltage of the sub power supply 104 with a booster circuit. In addition, the drive circuit 4 may include a step-down circuit that steps down the output voltage of the sub power supply 104, for example, according to the voltage required for driving the first switch 421 and the second switch 422.

  Further, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment further includes a control unit 43 that controls the switch unit 42. And when the control part 43 detects that the electric power supply from the main power supply 103 was interrupted, the switch part 42 is controlled and electric power is supplied to the coil 31 (2nd coil 312) from the electric power supply part 41. FIG. In this configuration, as described above, even when the power supply from the main power supply 103 to the coil 31 (first coil 311) is interrupted due to, for example, an accident or failure, the contact device 2 is opened and closed (here, the contact device 2). Off).

  This is particularly useful when the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment is configured by a latching relay. That is, in this case, even when the power supply from the main power source 103 to the coil 31 (first coil 311) is interrupted while the contact device 2 is maintained in the on state, the contact device 2 can be switched to the off state. . Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent excessive current from continuing to flow through the load 102 and the pair of output terminals 51 and 52, for example.

  In this configuration, the power supply unit 41 is a power supply used in an emergency or emergency such as when the power supply from the main power supply 103 is interrupted, that is, when the main power supply 103 is lost. Therefore, for example, a capacitor (capacitor) used as a power source for the on coil and the off coil of the latching relay does not correspond to the power supply unit 41 in normal times. Whether or not to adopt the above configuration is arbitrary.

  Further, when receiving a command to turn on the contact device 2 from the outside (for example, ECU), the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to supply power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (second coil 312). You may be comprised so that it may make. In addition, when receiving a command to turn off the contact device 2 from the outside (for example, ECU), the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to supply power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (second coil 312). You may be comprised so that it may make. In these configurations, it is possible to open and close the contact device 2 at high speed even during normal times by supplying the coil 31 with power larger than that of the main power supply 103 from the power supply unit 41.

  Further, when the control unit 43 detects that no current flows through the detection target or that no voltage is applied to the detection target, the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to control the coil 31 (second coil) from the power supply unit 41. 312) may be configured to supply power. Moreover, if the control part 43 detects that the electric current larger than a current threshold value is flowing into the detection object, the control part 43 will control the switch part 42 to supply electric power from the power supply part 41 to the coil 31 (second coil 312). It may be configured as follows. In addition, when the control unit 43 detects that a voltage larger than the voltage threshold is applied to the detection target, the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to supply power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (second coil 312). You may be comprised so that it may make. The detection target is, for example, a pair of output terminals 51 and 52 or electric wires connected to the pair of output terminals 51 and 52. In these configurations, for example, the control unit 43 can turn off the contact device 2 using the above detection as a trigger even when the loss of the main power supply 103 is overlooked.

  Further, when the control unit 43 detects that the temperature of the detection target is larger than the threshold value, the control unit 43 controls the switch unit 42 to supply power from the power supply unit 41 to the coil 31 (second coil 312). It may be configured. The detection target is, for example, the coil 31, the movable contact 21, the fixed contact 22, or the like. In this configuration, even when the main power supply 103 is not lost, the contact device 2 can be turned off with the temperature of the detection target being excessive due to some abnormality as a trigger.

  Further, the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment may further include a communication circuit that performs communication between the control unit 43 and the outside. The communication circuit is mounted on the substrate 44, for example. In this configuration, the control unit 43 can be remotely operated. In this configuration, information can be exchanged between the ECU and the control unit 43, for example. Examples of information transmitted from the control unit 43 to the outside include monitoring results such as a self-diagnosis result, a voltage applied to the detection target, a current flowing through the detection target, and a temperature of the detection target.

  Moreover, the electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment may further include a charging circuit that controls charging of the power supply unit 41. In the electromagnetic relay A1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 43 has a function as a charging circuit. In this configuration, for example, when the power supply unit 41 includes capacitors 411 and 412, it is possible to prevent an excessive voltage (for example, a voltage greater than 2.5V) from being applied to the capacitors 411 and 412. . For example, it is suitable when the voltage is directly applied from the main power supply 103 to the capacitors 411 and 412 without the sub power supply 104.

  In addition, in electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the control part 43 is provided with the microcomputer as a main structure. In this configuration, it is easy to expand functions such as the function of transferring information between the control unit 43 and the external device and the charge / discharge control of the capacitors 411 and 412. Of course, it is not intended to limit the configuration of the control unit 43, and other configurations may be used. For example, the control unit 43 may be configured to include a comparator for comparing a current flowing through the detection target or a voltage applied to the detection target with a threshold value. In this configuration, the expandability of the function is poor as compared with the microcomputer, but the cost can be reduced.

  By the way, in electromagnetic relay A1 of this embodiment, the electromagnet apparatus 3 has a configuration having gaps between the mover 33 and the first stator 321 and between the mover 33 and the second stator 322, respectively. There are other configurations. For example, the electromagnet device 3 may be configured to have one gap between the stator and the mover.

<Embodiment 2>
Hereinafter, the electromagnetic relay B1 of Embodiment 2 will be described. In the following description, in FIG. 5, the direction in which the first coil 911 and the second coil 912 are arranged will be referred to as the up-down direction, and the first coil 911 side as viewed from the second coil 912 will be referred to as the upper side. In the following description, in FIG. 5, the direction in which the movable contact 81 and the fixed contact 82 are arranged will be referred to as the left-right direction, the fixed contact 82 side as viewed from the movable contact 81 is on the right side, and vice versa.

  Note that FIG. 5 shows arrows indicating these directions (up, down, left, and right), but these arrows are merely described for the purpose of assisting the explanation, and do not involve an entity. Further, the definition of the above direction is not intended to limit the usage pattern of the electromagnetic relay B1 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electromagnetic relay B <b> 1 of this embodiment is a so-called hinge-type relay, and is different from the electromagnetic relay A <b> 1 of Embodiment 1 that is a so-called plunger-type relay. The electromagnetic relay B1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a contact device 8 and an electromagnet device 9 instead of the contact device 2, the electromagnet device 3, the shaft 16, the case 17, and the coupling body 18. This is different from the electromagnetic relay A1. The electromagnetic relay B1 according to the present embodiment is common to the electromagnetic relay A1 according to the first embodiment in that the driving circuit 4, the relay unit 6, and the housing 7 are provided. Description of the relay unit 6 and the housing 7 is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contact device 8 includes a movable contact 81, a fixed contact 82, a pair of terminal plates 83 and 84, and a card 85.

  The pair of terminal plates 83 and 84 are each made of a conductive material (for example, copper (Cu)). The pair of terminal plates 83 and 84 are arranged so as to be arranged in the left-right direction, and each is formed in a rectangular plate shape elongated in the up-down direction. The pair of terminal boards 83 and 84 are fixed to the body 71 of the housing 7 at the lower ends.

  A fixed contact 82 is provided at the upper end portion of the first terminal plate 83 of the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84. A movable contact 81 is provided at the upper end of the second terminal plate 84 of the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84. The movable contact 81 and the fixed contact 82 may be configured integrally with the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84, respectively, or may be a separate member from the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84, and the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84. It may be fixed to. The second terminal plate 84 is a metal leaf spring, with the lower end portion as a fulcrum, a closed position where the movable contact 81 contacts the fixed contact 82, and an open position where the movable contact 81 is separated from the fixed contact 82. It is comprised so that bending is possible so that the movable contact 81 may be moved between.

  The first terminal plate 83 is electrically connected to the first output terminal 51. Further, the second terminal plate 84 is electrically connected to the second output terminal 52. Accordingly, the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84 function as terminals for electrically connecting an external circuit (for example, the battery 101 and the load 102) to the movable contact 81 and the fixed contact 82.

  The card 85 is formed in a vertically long bar shape, and one end (lower end) of the card 85 is fixed to the body 71 of the housing 7. The card 85 is configured to be rotatable with one end fixed to the body 71 as a fulcrum. The card 85 includes a first protrusion 851 and a second protrusion 852.

  The first protrusion 851 has a truncated cone shape and is formed to protrude rightward from an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the card 85. The first protrusion 851 is configured to push the second terminal board 84 to the right as the card 85 rotates clockwise. The second protrusion 852 has a truncated cone shape and is formed to protrude leftward from an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the card 85. The second protrusion 852 is configured to rotate the card 85 clockwise by being pushed by a movable element 93 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electromagnet device 9 includes a coil 91, a stator 92, a mover 93, a yoke 94, and a permanent magnet 95. In addition, the coil 91 includes a first coil 911 and a second coil 912. The stator 92, the mover 93, and the yoke 94 are all made of a magnetic material.

  The first coil 911 and the second coil 912 are each configured by winding an electric wire (for example, a copper wire) around the outer peripheral surface of the coil bobbin 96. The coil bobbin 96 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a material having electrical insulation properties such as a synthetic resin material. The coil bobbin 96 is arranged so that its axial direction coincides with the vertical direction. In the electromagnetic relay B <b> 1 of the present embodiment, the coil bobbin 96 is formed integrally with the body 71.

  The first coil 911 is electrically connected to the main power source 103 via the relay unit 6. The first coil 911 is energized by being supplied with power from the main power supply 103 and generates magnetic flux. The second coil 912 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 41 of the drive circuit 4. The second coil 912 is energized by being supplied with power from the power supply unit 41 and generates magnetic flux.

  The stator 92 is a fixed iron core formed in a cylindrical shape. The stator 92 is inserted into the hollow portion of the coil bobbin 96 so that both ends in the vertical direction are exposed from the coil bobbin 96. The upper end portion of the stator 92 faces a first end 931 (described later) of the mover 93. The lower end of the stator 92 is fixed to a first plate 941 (described later) of the yoke 94.

  The mover 93 is formed such that an intermediate portion 933 of a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction is bent so that a cross section thereof becomes an L-shape. A first end (left end) 931 of the mover 93 faces the upper end portion of the stator 92. A second end (right end) 932 of the mover 93 faces a second plate 942 (described later) of the yoke 94. The mover 93 has a first position where the first end 931 contacts the upper end of the stator 92 and a second position where the first end 931 is separated from the upper end of the stator 92 with the intermediate portion 933 as a fulcrum. It is comprised so that rotation is possible.

  The yoke 94, together with the stator 92 and the mover 93, forms a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux generated when the coil 91 is energized passes. The yoke 94 includes a first plate 941, a second plate 942, and a third plate 943. The first plate 941, the second plate 942, and the third plate 943 are all formed in a rectangular plate shape. The first plate 941 is provided below the center axis direction (vertical direction) of the second coil 912. The second plate 942 is provided on the right side of the first coil 911 and the second coil 912. The third plate 943 is provided on the surface of the second plate 942 on the first coil 911 and second coil 912 side (left side). The first plate 941 and the second plate 942 are integrally formed from a single plate. Further, a permanent magnet 95 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the second plate 942 and the third plate 943.

  The permanent magnet 95 has a first magnetic pole surface 951 and a second magnetic pole surface 952 having different polarities on both surfaces in the left-right direction. In the electromagnetic relay B1 of the present embodiment, the first magnetic pole surface 951 is described as “N pole” and the second magnetic pole surface 952 is described as “S pole”, but the N pole and the S pole may be in an opposite relationship. .

  Hereinafter, operation | movement of electromagnetic relay B1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. First, operation | movement of electromagnetic relay B1 of this embodiment in the normal time is demonstrated. Here, it is assumed that the contact device 8 is in an off state (the movable contact 81 is separated from the fixed contact 82). In the OFF state of the contact device 8, as shown in FIG. 5, the permanent magnets are arranged in the order of the first magnetic pole surface 951, the third plate 943, the second plate 942, the mover 93, the second plate 942, and the second magnetic pole surface 952. A magnetic path through which a magnetic flux φ3 generated by 95 passes is formed. Accordingly, the mover 93 is held at the second position by the second end 932 being drawn toward the second plate 942 by the magnetic attraction force between the mover 93 and the second plate 942.

  At this time, the second protrusion 852 of the card 85 is not pushed rightward by the movable element 93, and therefore the first protrusion 851 does not push the second terminal plate 84. Therefore, the second terminal plate 84 is urged counterclockwise by the spring force, and moves so that the movable contact 81 is located at the open position. Therefore, when the contact device 8 is in the OFF state, the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84 are non-conductive, and the pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are non-conductive.

  Here, when the relay unit 6 receives an ON command, a first-direction current flows through the first coil 911, whereby the first coil 911 generates a magnetic flux. As a result, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the movable element 93 and the stator 92, whereby the first end 931 is attracted to the upper end portion of the stator 92 and moves to the first position.

  For this reason, when the mover 93 rotates counterclockwise with the intermediate portion 933 as a fulcrum, the second end 932 of the mover 93 pushes the second protrusion 852 of the card 85 to the right. Then, as the card 85 rotates clockwise, the first protrusion 851 pushes the second terminal plate 84 to the right, so that the second terminal plate 84 moves so that the movable contact 81 is located at the closed position. (See FIG. 6). Accordingly, the contact device 8 is turned on (the movable contact 81 is in contact with the fixed contact 82), and the pair of terminal plates 83 and 84 are electrically connected, so that the pair of output terminals 51 and 52 are electrically connected.

  In the ON state of the contact device 8, as shown in FIG. 6, the first magnetic pole surface 951, the third plate 943, the second plate 942, the first plate 941, the stator 92, the mover 93, the second plate 942, the second plate 942, In the order of the two magnetic pole surfaces 952, a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux φ4 of the permanent magnet 95 passes is formed. Therefore, the mover 93 is held at the first position by the magnetic attractive force between the mover 93 and the stator 92. For this reason, even if energization of the 1st coil 911 is canceled, contact device 8 maintains an ON state.

  Next, when the relay unit 6 receives an off command, a current in the second direction flows through the first coil 911, so that the first coil 911 generates a magnetic flux in a direction opposite to that in the on command. Then, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the mover 93 and the second plate 942, so that the second end 932 comes into contact with the second plate 942 and moves to the second position. (See FIG. 5). And since the card | curd 85 moves so that the movable contact 81 is located in an open position, the contact apparatus 8 will be in an OFF state.

  At this time, as described above, since the magnetic path through which the magnetic flux φ3 of the permanent magnet 95 passes is formed, the mover 93 is held in the second position. Therefore, even if the first coil 911 is de-energized, the contact device 8 remains off. As described above, the electromagnetic relay B1 of the present embodiment is a latching relay that maintains the ON state (or OFF state) of the contact device 8 even when the coil 91 (here, the first coil 911) is de-energized. is there.

  Next, operation | movement of electromagnetic relay B1 of this embodiment at the time of abnormality or emergency is demonstrated. For example, when the main power supply 103 is lost because the power line is disconnected when the contact device 8 is in the on state, the control unit 43 of the drive circuit 4 determines that it is abnormal and turns off the first switch 421. 2 Switch 422 to ON. Then, the power supply path L1 from the power supply unit 41 to the second coil 912 is closed. For this reason, the second coil 912 is energized when power is supplied from the power supply unit 41 to generate magnetic flux.

  Then, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the mover 93 and the second plate 942, whereby the second end 932 is attracted to the second plate 942 and moved to the second position. And since the card | curd 85 moves so that the movable contact 81 is located in an open position, the contact apparatus 8 will be in an OFF state. That is, the electromagnetic relay B1 of the present embodiment can open and close the contact device 8 even during an abnormality or emergency.

  As described above, the electromagnetic relay B1 of the present embodiment can open and close the contact device 8 even during an abnormality or emergency, like the electromagnetic relay A1 of the first embodiment. In addition, in electromagnetic relay B1 of this embodiment, although the electromagnet apparatus 9 is a structure which has two gaps between the stator 92 and the needle | mover 93, another structure may be sufficient. For example, the electromagnet device 9 may be configured to have one gap between the stator and the mover.

  Moreover, the electromagnetic relay of this embodiment is not limited to electromagnetic relay B1. For example, the electromagnetic relay of this embodiment may have a configuration including an electromagnet device that does not have a stator and a contact device. In this configuration, the electromagnet device includes a coil, a mover that moves in the direction of the central axis of the coil, and a permanent magnet that is provided on at least one side of the mover in the direction of movement of the mover. In this configuration, the contact device is opened and closed by attracting and moving the mover to the permanent magnet by the magnetic flux generated when the coil is energized.

  Furthermore, although the electromagnetic relay A1 of Embodiment 1 and the electromagnetic relay B1 of this embodiment are provided with the drive circuit 4, the structure which added the drive circuit 4 to the existing electromagnetic relay, for example may be sufficient. That is, the coil used for the existing electromagnetic relay may be the first coil 311 (911), and the second coil 312 (912) and the drive circuit 4 may be added to the existing electromagnetic relay.

  In addition, the electromagnetic relays A1 and B1 of Embodiments 1 and 2 can all be used as an a contact relay, a b contact relay, and a c contact relay. For example, when the electromagnetic relay A1 (B1) is used as a c-contact relay, a fixed contact that contacts when the movable contact 21 (81) is in the open position may be provided separately from the fixed contact 22 (82). In this configuration, an electric path connected to the fixed contact 22 (82) with which the movable contact 21 (81) contacts in the closed position and a movable contact 21 (81) in the open position by magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil 31 (91). It is possible to switch between the electric circuit connected to the fixed contact that is contacted with.

2,8 Contact device 21,81 Movable contact 22,82 Fixed contact 3,9 Electromagnet device 31,91 Coil 311,911 First coil 312,912 Second coil 33 Movable element 36 Permanent magnet 4 Drive circuit 41 Power supply unit 411 , 412 Capacitor 42 Switch unit 43 Control unit A1, B1 Electromagnetic relay L1 Power supply path

Claims (16)

A contact device having a movable contact and a fixed contact;
A closed position where the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, and an open position where the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact by a magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil. An electromagnet device that drives the mover to move between positions;
A power supply unit charged by power supply from a main power source;
An electromagnetic relay comprising: a switch unit that is inserted into a power supply path from the power supply unit to the coil and opens and closes the power supply path. The electromagnet device further comprises a permanent magnet,
The movable element is held by the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet so that the movable contact is located at either the open position or the closed position, and the holding is performed by the magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic relay is released.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the coil includes a first coil that receives power supply from the main power source and a second coil that receives power supply from the power supply unit.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, wherein the second coil has an impedance smaller than that of the first coil.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit includes a capacitor.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit includes a secondary battery.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the switch unit is configured by a mechanical relay.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the switch unit is configured by a semiconductor relay. A control unit for controlling the switch unit;
The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the power supply from the main power supply is detected to be interrupted, the control unit controls the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit. The electromagnetic relay of any one of Claims.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit when receiving an instruction to turn on the contact device from outside. .   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit when receiving an instruction to turn off the contact device from outside. .   When the control unit detects that no current flows through the detection target or that no voltage is applied to the detection target, the control unit controls the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9.   When the control unit detects that a current larger than a current threshold flows through the detection target or a voltage higher than the voltage threshold is applied to the detection target, the control unit controls the switch unit to control the power. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, wherein power is supplied to the coil from a supply unit.   10. The control unit according to claim 9, wherein when the temperature of the detection target is detected to be greater than a threshold value, the control unit controls the switch unit to supply power to the coil from the power supply unit. Electromagnetic relay.   The electromagnetic relay according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a communication circuit that performs communication between the control unit and the outside.   The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising a charging circuit that controls charging of the power supply unit.

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