JP7107169B2 - relay - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to relays.

Some relays include a movable contact piece, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, a first fixed contact, and a second fixed contact, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. The first movable contact and the second movable contact are provided on the movable contact piece. By moving the movable contact piece in one direction, the first movable contact comes into contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact comes into contact with the second fixed contact. Further, by moving the movable contact piece in the opposite direction, the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is separated from the second fixed contact.

Patent No. 6300153

When the contacts are opened and closed, an arc is generated at the contacts. The contact resistance of the contacts may increase due to wear of the contact surfaces of the contacts due to the arc. In addition, an increase in contact resistance may increase heat generation at the contact during energization, resulting in a decrease in current carrying capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to suppress contact wear caused by arcs generated when the contacts are opened and closed.

A relay according to one aspect includes a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and a first A movable opening/closing part, a second movable opening/closing part, a first fixed opening/closing part, and a second fixed opening/closing part are provided. The movable contact piece is arranged to face the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal. The movable contact piece is provided movably in the contact direction and the separation direction. The contact direction is the direction in which the movable contact piece approaches the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal. The separating direction is the direction in which the movable contact piece separates from the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal.

A first movable contact is provided on the movable contact piece. A second movable contact is provided on the movable contact piece. The second movable contact is arranged apart from the first movable contact in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. A first fixed contact is provided on the first fixed terminal. The first fixed contact is arranged to face the first movable contact. A second fixed contact is provided on the second fixed terminal. The second fixed contact is arranged to face the second movable contact.

The first movable opening/closing portion is provided on the movable contact piece. The first movable opening/closing portion is longitudinally spaced apart from the first movable contact. The second movable opening/closing portion is provided on the movable contact piece. The second movable opening/closing portion is longitudinally spaced apart from the second movable contact. The first fixed opening/closing part is provided on the first fixed terminal. The first fixed opening/closing part is arranged to face the first movable opening/closing part. The second fixed opening/closing portion is provided at the second fixed terminal. The second fixed opening/closing part is arranged to face the second movable opening/closing part.

When the movable contact piece moves in the contact direction, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact contact each other before the contact between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact, and the second movable contact piece contacts the first movable contact. The second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion come into contact with each other prior to the contact between the contact and the second fixed contact.

In the relay according to this aspect, when the contacts come into contact, the first movable opening and closing portion and the first fixed opening and closing portion come into contact with each other before the first movable contact and the first fixed contact come into contact. Therefore, an arc is generated at the first movable switch and the first fixed switch. Therefore, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are prevented from being worn by the arc. Further, when the contacts contact each other, the second movable opening and closing portion and the second fixed opening and closing portion contact each other before the contact between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. Therefore, an arc is generated at the second movable switch and the second fixed switch. Therefore, the second movable contact and the second fixed contact are prevented from being worn by the arc.

When the movable contact piece moves in the separating direction, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are separated after the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are separated, and the second The second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion may be separated from each other after the movable contact and the second fixed contact are separated. In this case, when the contacts are opened, the first movable opening and closing portion and the first fixed opening and closing portion are separated from each other after the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are separated. Therefore, an arc is generated at the first movable switch and the first fixed switch. Therefore, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are prevented from being worn by the arc. Further, when the contacts are opened, the second movable opening and closing portion and the second fixed opening and closing portion are separated from each other after the second movable contact and the second fixed contact are separated. Therefore, an arc is generated at the second movable switch and the second fixed switch. Therefore, the second movable contact and the second fixed contact are prevented from being worn by the arc.

A distance between the first fixed opening/closing portion and the first movable opening/closing portion in the movement direction of the movable contact piece may be smaller than a distance between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. Thereby, the timing of the contact between the first fixed opening/closing portion and the first movable opening/closing portion and the contact between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact can be made different.

The distance between the second fixed opening/closing portion and the second movable opening/closing portion in the movement direction of the movable contact piece may be smaller than the distance between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. Thereby, the timing of the contact between the second fixed opening/closing portion and the second movable opening/closing portion and the contact between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact can be made different.

At least a portion of the movable contact piece may have elasticity. Due to elastic deformation of the movable contact piece according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the first movable contact moves relative to the first fixed contact while the first movable opening/closing portion and the first fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. good too. In this case, the first movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the first fixed contact by elastic deformation of the movable contact piece.

Even if the second movable contact moves with respect to the second fixed contact while the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other due to elastic deformation of the movable contact piece according to the movement of the movable contact piece. good. In this case, the second movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the second fixed contact by elastically deforming the movable contact piece.

At least a part of the first movable opening/closing part may have elasticity. Due to elastic deformation of the first movable opening/closing portion according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the first movable contact moves relative to the first fixed contact while the first movable opening/closing portion and the first fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. may In this case, the first movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the first fixed contact by elastically deforming the first movable opening/closing portion.

At least a part of the second movable opening/closing part may have elasticity. Due to elastic deformation of the second movable opening/closing portion according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the second movable contact moves relative to the second fixed contact while the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. may In this case, the second movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the second fixed contact by elastically deforming the second movable opening/closing portion.

At least a portion of the first fixed opening/closing portion may have elasticity. The first movable contact moves relative to the first fixed contact while the first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed switch due to elastic deformation of the first fixed switch according to the movement of the movable contact piece. may In this case, the first movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the first fixed contact by elastically deforming the first fixed opening/closing portion.

At least a part of the second movable opening/closing part may have elasticity. Due to the elastic deformation of the second fixed opening/closing portion according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the second movable contact moves relative to the second fixed contact while the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. may In this case, the second movable contact can be brought into contact with or separated from the second fixed contact by elastically deforming the second fixed opening/closing portion.

The relay may further include a magnet that generates a magnetic flux between the first movable opening and closing part and the first fixed opening and closing part. The magnet may be arranged to act on an arc generated between the first movable switch and the first fixed switch in a direction away from the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. . In this case, it is possible to suppress wear of the first movable contact and the first fixed contact due to an arc generated between the first movable opening and closing portion and the first fixed opening and closing portion.

The relay may further include a magnet that generates a magnetic flux between the second movable opening and closing part and the second fixed opening and closing part. The magnet may be arranged to apply a Lorentz force to an arc generated between the second movable switch and the second fixed switch in a direction away from the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress that a contact is worn out by the arc which generate|occur|produces when opening and closing a contact.

It is a side cross-sectional view showing the relay in an open state according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the relay in a closed state; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part of the contact device; It is a figure which shows the contact state of a contact. It is a figure which shows the contact state of a contact. 4 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the relay; FIG. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 1st modification. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is a side sectional view of some contact devices concerning the 3rd modification. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 4th modification. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 5th modification. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 6th modification. It is some side sectional drawing of the contact device which concerns on a 7th modification. It is a one part top view of the contact device which concerns on an 8th modification.

A relay 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a relay 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , relay 1 includes contact device 2 , housing 3 and coil block 4 . In the following description, the up, down, left, and right directions mean the up, down, left, and right directions in FIG. Specifically, the direction from the coil block 4 to the contact device 2 is defined as upward. Further, the direction from the contact device 2 toward the coil block 4 is defined as downward. In FIG. 1, the direction crossing the vertical direction is defined as the horizontal direction. A direction intersecting the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is defined as the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. However, these directions are defined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the arrangement direction of the relay 1 .

The contact device 2 includes a first fixed terminal 11 , a second fixed terminal 12 , a movable contact piece 13 and a drive shaft 19 . The first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, and the movable contact piece 13 are made of a conductive material such as copper. A first fixed contact 14 is provided on the first fixed terminal 11 . A second fixed contact 15 is provided on the second fixed terminal 12 . The first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction.

The first fixed terminal 11 includes a first contact support portion 21 and a first external terminal portion 22 . The first fixed contact 14 is connected to the first contact support portion 21 . The first external terminal portion 22 is connected to the first contact support portion 21 . The first contact support portion 21 protrudes outward from the housing 3 . The second fixed terminal 12 includes a second contact support portion 23 and a second external terminal portion 24 . The second fixed contact 15 is connected to the second contact support portion 23 . The second external terminal portion 24 is connected to the second contact support portion 23 . The second contact support portion 23 protrudes outward from the housing 3 .

In addition, in FIG. 1 , the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 protrude from the housing 3 in the left-right direction. However, the first external terminal portion 22 and the second external terminal portion 24 may protrude from the housing 3 not only in the horizontal direction but also in other directions such as the vertical direction.

The movable contact piece 13 extends in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 13 coincides with the horizontal direction. The movable contact piece 13 is arranged above the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 . The movable contact piece 13 is arranged to face the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 . Specifically, the movable contact piece 13 is arranged to face the first contact support portion 21 and the second contact support portion 23 .

The movable contact piece 13 is arranged so as to be vertically movable. Specifically, the movable contact piece 13 is arranged to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. In the present embodiment, the contact direction Z1 is the direction in which the movable contact piece 13 approaches the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 (downward in FIG. 1). The separating direction Z2 is the direction (upward in FIG. 1) in which the movable contact piece 13 separates from the first fixed terminal 11 and the second fixed terminal 12 .

The movable contact piece 13 is provided with a first movable contact 16 and a second movable contact 17 . The first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are arranged apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The first movable contact 16 is arranged to face the first fixed contact 14 . The second movable contact 17 is arranged to face the second fixed contact 15 .

The drive shaft 19 extends vertically. The drive shaft 19 is arranged to be movable in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. A drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13 . A drive shaft 19 extends downward from the movable contact piece 13 . The drive shaft 19 is connected to the movable contact piece 13 via a holder 26 and a contact spring 27 . A holder 26 is attached to the movable contact piece 13 . The contact spring 27 is arranged between the holder 26 and the movable contact piece 13 . The contact spring 27 biases the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1 while the movable contacts 16 and 17 are in contact with the fixed contacts 14 and 15 .

Housing 3 accommodates contact device 2 and coil block 4 . Specifically, a case 18 is arranged inside the housing 3 . The case 18 divides the interior of the housing 3 into a first storage portion S1 and a second storage portion S2. The movable contacts 16, 17, the fixed contacts 14, 15, and the movable contact piece 13 are arranged in the first housing portion S1. The coil block 4 is arranged inside the second housing portion S2.

The coil block 4 operates the movable contact piece 13 by electromagnetic force. The coil block 4 moves the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The coil block 4 is arranged below the case 18 . Coil block 4 includes spool 30 , movable core 31 , coil 32 , fixed core 33 , yoke 34 and return spring 35 .

The spool 30 is arranged below the case 18 . The spool 30 includes a hole 301 passing vertically through the spool 30 . The movable core 31 is arranged inside the hole 301 of the spool 30 . The movable core 31 is separate from the fixed core 33 . The movable iron core 31 is connected to the drive shaft 19 . The movable iron core 31 is provided movably in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2. The coil 32 is wound around the spool 30 . When energized, the coil 32 generates an electromagnetic force that moves the movable iron core 31 in the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2.

The fixed core 33 is arranged inside the hole 301 of the spool 30 . The fixed core 33 is arranged to face the movable core 31 . The fixed core 33 is arranged below the movable core 31 . The return spring 35 is arranged between the movable core 31 and the fixed core 33 . The return spring 35 biases the movable iron core 31 in the opening direction Z2.

Yoke 34 is arranged to surround coil 32 . A yoke 34 is arranged on the magnetic circuit formed by the coil 32 . The yokes 34 are arranged above the coil 32 , on the sides of the coil 32 , and below the coil 32 .

Next, operation of relay 1 will be described. When the coil 32 is not energized, the coil block 4 is not energized. In this case, the drive shaft 19 is pressed in the separating direction Z2 by the elastic force of the return spring 35 together with the movable iron core 31 . Therefore, the movable contact piece 13 is also pressed in the separation direction Z2, and the movable contact piece 13 is positioned at the separation position as shown in FIG. When the movable contact piece 13 is located at the separated position, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are in an open state separated from the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15. .

When the coil 32 is energized, the coil block 4 is excited. In this case, the electromagnetic force of the coil 32 causes the movable iron core 31 to move in the contact direction Z1 against the elastic force of the return spring 35 . As a result, both the drive shaft 19 and the movable contact piece 13 move in the contact direction Z1, and the movable contact piece 13 moves to the contact position shown in FIG. When the movable contact piece 13 is positioned at the contact position, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 are in a closed state in contact with the first fixed contact 14 and the second fixed contact 15 .

When the current to the coil 32 is stopped and demagnetized, the elastic force of the return spring 35 presses the movable iron core 31 in the opening direction Z2. As a result, the movable core 31 moves in the separating direction Z2 with respect to the drive shaft 19, and the movable contact piece 13 returns to the separating position shown in FIG. As a result, the first movable contact 16 and the second movable contact 17 return to the open state.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the contact device 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the movable contact piece 13 is provided with a first movable opening/closing portion 41 and a second movable opening/closing portion 42 . The first movable opening/closing portion 41 is arranged apart from the first movable contact 16 in the left-right direction. The second movable opening/closing portion 42 is arranged apart from the second movable contact 17 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 is arranged outside the first movable contact 16 in the left-right direction. The second movable opening/closing portion 42 is arranged outside the second movable contact 17 in the left-right direction.

In this embodiment, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 are separate members from the movable contact piece 13 and are attached to the movable contact piece 13 . However, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 may be formed integrally with the movable contact piece 13 . That is, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 may be part of the movable contact piece 13 .

A first fixed opening/closing portion 43 is provided on the first fixed terminal 11 . The first fixed opening/closing portion 43 is arranged to face the first movable opening/closing portion 41 . The first fixed opening/closing portion 43 is arranged outside the first fixed contact 14 in the left-right direction. A second fixed opening/closing portion 44 is provided on the second fixed terminal 12 . The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 is arranged to face the second movable opening/closing portion 42 . The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 is arranged outside the second fixed contact 15 in the left-right direction.

In the present embodiment, the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 is a separate member from the first fixed terminal 11 and attached to the first fixed terminal 11 . However, the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be formed integrally with the first fixed terminal 11 . That is, the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be part of the first fixed terminal 11 . The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 is a separate member from the second fixed terminal 12 and is attached to the second fixed terminal 12 . However, the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 may be formed integrally with the second fixed terminal 12 . That is, the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 may be part of the second fixed terminal 12 .

The movable contact piece 13 includes a first arm portion 13a and a second arm portion 13b. The first arm portion 13 a extends from the central portion of the movable contact piece 13 in one longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 13 . The second arm portion 13 b extends from the central portion of the movable contact piece 13 to the other longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece 13 . A first movable contact 16 and a first movable opening/closing portion 41 are provided on the first arm portion 13a. A second movable contact 17 and a second movable opening/closing portion 42 are provided on the second arm portion 13b. The first arm portion 13a is inclined in a direction toward the first fixed terminal 11 toward the outside in the left-right direction. The second arm portion 13b is inclined toward the second fixed terminal 12 toward the outside in the left-right direction.

The movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, and the first movable opening/closing part 41 is positioned below the first movable contact 16 . Specifically, the contact surface 410 of the first movable opening/closing portion 41 is located below the contact surface 160 of the first movable contact 16 when the movable contact piece 13 is in the open position. When the movable contact piece 13 is in the contact position, the contact surface 160 of the first movable contact 16 contacts the contact surface 140 of the first fixed contact 14, and the contact surface 410 of the first movable opening/closing portion 41 contacts the first fixed opening/closing portion. contact surface 430 of 43 .

The movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, and the second movable opening/closing part 42 is positioned below the second movable contact 17 . Specifically, the contact surface 420 of the second movable opening/closing portion 42 is located below the contact surface 170 of the second movable contact 17 when the movable contact piece 13 is in the open position. When the movable contact piece 13 is in the contact position, the contact surface 170 of the second movable contact 17 contacts the contact surface 150 of the second fixed contact 15, and the contact surface 420 of the second movable opening/closing portion 42 contacts the second fixed opening/closing portion. contact surface 440 of 44 .

When the movable contact piece 13 is in the open position, the distance L1 between the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 and the first movable opening/closing portion 41 in the movement direction of the movable contact piece 13 is the distance between the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact. 14 is smaller than the distance L2 between When the movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, the distance L3 between the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 in the moving direction of the movable contact piece 13 is the distance between the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact. 15 is smaller than the distance L4 between When the movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, the distance L1 between the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 and the first movable opening/closing portion 41 in the movement direction of the movable contact piece 13 is the same as that between the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 and the second movable It is substantially the same as the distance L3 to the opening/closing part 42 . When the movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, the distance L2 between the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 in the movement direction of the movable contact piece 13 is the distance between the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15. is approximately the same as the distance L4 between

4A to 4C are diagrams showing contact states of the contacts when the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1 from the disengaged position toward the contact position. In FIG. 4A, the movable contact piece 13 is in the separated position, and the movable contacts 16, 17 and the fixed contacts 14, 15 are separated from each other. The movable opening/closing parts 41 and 42 and the fixed opening/closing parts 43 and 44 are also separated from each other. When the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 are brought into contact with each other before the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 contact each other. 43 come into contact with each other, and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 come into contact with each other before the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 come into contact with each other. After that, when the movable contact piece 13 moves further in the contact direction Z1, as shown in FIG. The contacts 15 contact each other.

Note that the movable contact piece 13 has elasticity. Therefore, when the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1 while the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are in contact with each other, the movable contact piece 13 is elastically deformed. 1 movable contact 16 moves toward first fixed contact 14 . Similarly, when the movable contact piece 13 moves in the contact direction Z1 while the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are in contact with each other, the movable contact piece 13 is elastically deformed. The second movable contact 17 moves toward the second fixed contact 15 .

5A to 5C are diagrams showing the contact state of the contacts when the movable contact piece 13 moves from the contact position toward the separation position in the separation direction Z2. In FIG. 5A, the movable contact piece 13 is in the contact position, and the movable contacts 16, 17 and the fixed contacts 14, 15 are in contact with each other. The movable opening/closing parts 41 and 42 and the fixed opening/closing parts 43 and 44 are also in contact with each other. When the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separating direction Z2, as shown in FIG. 5B, the elastic deformation of the movable contact piece 13 is restored, so that the first movable contact 16 is opened from the first fixed contact 14 first. and the second movable contact 17 is separated from the second fixed contact 15 . At this time, the contact between the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 and the contact between the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are maintained. After that, when the movable contact piece 13 moves further in the separating direction Z2, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are separated from each other, and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are separated from each other.

The relay 1 according to this embodiment includes magnets 51-53 for quickly extinguishing the arc generated between the contacts. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the relay 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the relay 1 includes a first magnet 51, a second magnet 52, a second magnet 53, and a yoke . The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged facing the movable contact piece 13 in the horizontal direction. The first magnet 51 and the second magnet 52 are arranged so that the south pole surfaces 51S and 52S face each other. The third magnet 53 is arranged facing the movable contact piece 13 in the front-rear direction. The second magnet 53 is arranged so that the N pole surface 53N faces the movable contact piece 13 . The yoke 54 connects the first magnet 51 , the second magnet 52 and the second magnet 53 .

By arranging the magnets as described above, a magnetic flux B1 directed outward in the horizontal direction is generated at a position between the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 (hereinafter referred to as "first contact position P1"). be done. Further, a magnetic flux B2 directed outward in the left-right direction is generated at a position between the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 (hereinafter referred to as "second contact position P2").

When a current flows from the first movable opening/closing portion 41 to the second movable opening/closing portion 42 (right side in FIG. 6) in the movable contact piece 13, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F1 acts at the first contact position P1. As a result, the arc generated at the first contact position P1 is extended in the direction away from the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 in the front-rear direction. Also, at the second contact position P2, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F2 acts. Thereby, the arc generated at the second contact position P2 is extended in the direction away from the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 in the front-rear direction.

When a current flows from the second movable opening/closing portion 42 to the first movable opening/closing portion 41 (left side in FIG. 6) in the movable contact piece 13, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F3 acts at the first contact position P1. As a result, the arc generated at the first contact position P1 is extended in the direction away from the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 in the front-rear direction. Also, at the second contact position P2, a Lorentz force indicated by an arrow F4 acts. Thereby, the arc generated at the second contact position P2 is extended in the direction away from the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 in the front-rear direction.

As described above, the arc is elongated in the direction indicated by the arrows F1-F4 by the Lorentz forces F1, F2 or the Lorentz forces F3, F4 acting on the arc. The arc is thereby quickly extinguished.

In the relay 1 according to the present embodiment described above, when the contacts contact each other, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are opened prior to the contact between the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 . come into contact with each other. Therefore, an arc is generated at the first movable opening/closing part 41 and the first fixed opening/closing part 43 . Therefore, the wear of the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 due to the arc is suppressed. When the contacts contact each other, the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 contact each other before the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 contact each other. Therefore, an arc is generated at the second movable opening/closing part 42 and the second fixed opening/closing part 44 . Therefore, the wear of the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 due to the arc is suppressed.

When opening the contacts, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are separated from each other after the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 are separated. Therefore, an arc is generated at the first movable opening/closing part 41 and the first fixed opening/closing part 43 . Therefore, the wear of the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 due to the arc is suppressed. When the contacts are opened, the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are opened after the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 are opened. Therefore, an arc is generated at the second movable opening/closing part 42 and the second fixed opening/closing part 44 . Therefore, the wear of the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 due to the arc is suppressed.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the shape or arrangement of the first fixed terminal 11, the second fixed terminal 12, and the movable contact piece 13 may be changed. The shape or arrangement of the coil 32, spool 30, or yoke 5434 may be changed.

The first fixed contact 14 may be separate from or integrated with the first fixed terminal 11 . The second fixed contact 15 may be separate from or integrated with the second fixed terminal 12 . The first movable contact 16 may be separate from or integral with the movable contact piece 13 . The second movable contact 17 may be separate from or integral with the movable contact piece 13 .

The movable opening/closing parts 41 and 42 may be made of a material different from that of the movable contacts 16 and 17 . The fixed switches 43,44 may be of a different material than the fixed contacts 14,15. For example, movable closures 41, 42 and/or fixed closures 43, 44 may be of a material suitable for opening and closing. Movable contacts 16, 17 and/or fixed contacts 14, 15 may be of a material suitable for conducting electricity.

In the above embodiment, the coil block 4 pulls the drive shaft 19 toward the coil block 4, thereby moving the movable contact piece 13 in the contact direction Z1. In addition, the coil block 4 pushes the drive shaft 19 from the coil block 4 side, so that the movable contact piece 13 moves in the separation direction Z2. However, the operating direction of the drive shaft 19 for opening and closing the contacts may be opposite to that of the above embodiment. That is, the coil block 4 may pull the drive shaft 19 toward the coil block 4 to move the movable contact piece 13 in the separation direction Z2. The movable contact piece 13 may move in the contact direction Z1 by the coil block 4 pushing out the drive shaft 19 from the coil block 4 side. That is, the contact direction Z1 and the separation direction Z2 may be opposite to those in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the first arm portion 13 a of the movable contact piece 13 has a shape that is inclined toward the first fixed terminal 11 . Also, the second arm portion 13 b of the movable contact piece 13 has a shape that is inclined toward the second fixed terminal 12 . Thereby, the distance L1 between the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 and the first movable opening/closing portion 41 is smaller than the distance L2 between the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 . Also, the distance L3 between the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 and the second movable opening/closing portion 42 is smaller than the distance L4 between the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 .

However, the difference in distance as described above may be caused by a difference in shape between the movable opening/closing parts 41 and 42 or a difference in shape between the fixed opening/closing parts 43 and 44 . For example, as in a first modification shown in FIG. 7, the movable opening/closing portions 41 and 42 may be larger than the movable contacts 16 and 17 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, as in a second modification shown in FIG. 8, the fixed opening/closing portions 43 and 44 may be larger than the fixed contacts 14 and 15 in the vertical direction.

In the above embodiment, elastic deformation of the movable contact piece 13 causes the movable contacts 16 and 17 to move relative to the fixed contacts 14 and 15 while the movable opening/closing sections 41 and 42 and the fixed opening/closing sections 43 and 44 are in contact with each other. is doing. However, as in a third modification shown in FIG. 9 , a first movable opening/closing portion 41 having elasticity at least partially may be attached to the movable contact piece 13 . For example, the first movable opening/closing part 41 may be a plate-like member. Further, the second movable opening/closing portion 42 having elasticity at least partially may be attached to the movable contact piece 13 . For example, the second movable opening/closing part 42 may be a plate-like member. In this case, due to the elastic deformation of the first movable opening/closing portion 41 in accordance with the movement of the movable contact piece 13, the first movable contact 16 is moved to the first position while the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are in contact with each other. 1 fixed contact 14 may be moved. Further, due to the elastic deformation of the second movable opening/closing portion 42 according to the movement of the movable contact piece 13, the second movable contact 17 is moved to the second position while the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are in contact with each other. It may move relative to the fixed contact 15 .

Alternatively, as in a fourth modification shown in FIG. 10 , a first fixed opening/closing portion 43 having elasticity at least partially may be attached to the first fixed terminal 11 . For example, the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be a plate-like member. A second fixed opening/closing portion 44 having elasticity at least partially may be attached to the second fixed terminal 12 . For example, the second fixed opening/closing part 44 may be a plate-like member. In this case, due to elastic deformation of the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 according to the movement of the movable contact piece 13, the first movable contact 16 is moved to the first position while the first movable opening/closing portion 41 and the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 are in contact with each other. 1 fixed contact 14 may be moved. Further, due to the elastic deformation of the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 according to the movement of the movable contact piece 13, the second movable contact 17 is moved to the second position while the second movable opening/closing portion 42 and the second fixed opening/closing portion 44 are in contact with each other. It may move relative to the fixed contact 15 .

In the third modified example described above, the elastic first movable opening/closing portion 41 is separate from the movable contact piece 13 and attached to the movable contact piece 13 . However, the elastic first movable opening/closing portion 41 may be integrated with the movable contact piece 13 . For example, as in a fifth modification shown in FIG. 11, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 may be formed by partially bending the movable contact piece 13 . Similarly to the first movable opening/closing portion 41 , the second movable opening/closing portion 42 may be integrated with the movable contact piece 13 . The second movable opening/closing portion 42 may be formed by bending a portion of the movable contact piece 13 .

In the fourth modification described above, the elastic first fixed opening/closing portion 43 is separate from the first fixed terminal 11 and attached to the first fixed terminal 11 . However, the elastic first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be integrated with the first fixed terminal 11 . For example, as in a sixth modification shown in FIG. 12 , the first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be formed by partially bending the first fixed terminal 11 . The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 may also be integrated with the second fixed terminal 12 . The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 may be formed by bending a portion of the second fixed terminal 12 .

The positions of the movable opening/closing parts 41 and 42 and the fixed opening/closing parts 43 and 44 are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, as in a seventh modification shown in FIG. 13, the first movable opening/closing portion 41 may be arranged inside the first movable contact 16 in the left-right direction. The second movable opening/closing portion 42 may be arranged inside the second movable contact 17 in the left-right direction. The first fixed opening/closing portion 43 may be arranged inside the first fixed contact 14 in the left-right direction. The second fixed opening/closing portion 44 may be arranged inside the second fixed contact 15 in the left-right direction.

The arrangement of the magnets is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, as in an eighth modification shown in FIG. 14, the magnets may be arranged such that a magnetic flux B1 directed in the front-rear direction is generated at the first contact position P1. That is, the magnet may be arranged so that the Lorentz force F1 acts in the left-right direction away from the first movable contact 16 and the first fixed contact 14 at the first contact position P1. Further, the magnet may be arranged so that the magnetic flux B2 directed in the front-rear direction is generated at the second contact position P2. That is, the magnet may be arranged so that the Lorentz force F2 acts in the left-right direction away from the second movable contact 17 and the second fixed contact 15 at the second contact position P2.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress that a contact is worn out by the arc which generate|occur|produces when opening and closing a contact.

11 First fixed terminal 12 Second fixed terminal 13 Movable contact piece 16 First movable contact 17 Second movable contact 14 First fixed contact 15 Second fixed contact 41 First movable switching section 42 Second movable switching section 43 First fixed Opening/closing part 44 Second fixed opening/closing part 51-53 Magnet

Claims (7)

a first fixed terminal;
a second fixed terminal;
A contact direction arranged to face the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal and approaching the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal, and a direction separated from the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal. a movable contact piece provided movably in the separating direction;
a first movable contact provided on the movable contact piece;
a second movable contact provided on the movable contact piece and spaced apart from the first movable contact in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece;
a first fixed contact provided on the first fixed terminal and arranged to face the first movable contact;
a second fixed contact provided on the second fixed terminal and arranged to face the second movable contact;
a first movable opening/closing portion provided on the movable contact piece and arranged away from the first movable contact in the longitudinal direction;
a second movable opening/closing portion provided on the movable contact piece and arranged away from the second movable contact in the longitudinal direction;
a first fixed opening/closing portion provided on the first fixed terminal and arranged to face the first movable opening/closing portion;
a second fixed opening/closing portion provided on the second fixed terminal and arranged to face the second movable opening/closing portion;
with
The movable contact piece includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion,
The first arm portion extends from a central portion of the movable contact piece in one longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece,
The second arm portion extends from the center portion of the movable contact piece to the other longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece,
The first arm portion is provided with the first movable contact and the first movable opening/closing portion,
The second arm portion is provided with the second movable contact and the second movable opening/closing portion,
the first arm portion is inclined outward in the left-right direction in a direction toward the first fixed terminal;
the second arm portion is inclined outward in the left-right direction in a direction toward the second fixed terminal;
When the movable contact piece moves in the contact direction, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact contact each other prior to contact between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. and the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion contact each other before the contact between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact;
relay. When the movable contact piece moves in the separating direction, the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are separated, and then the first movable contact and the first fixed contact are opened. and after the second movable contact and the second fixed contact are separated, the second movable opening and closing portion and the second fixed opening and closing portion are separated from each other.
A relay according to claim 1. the distance between the first fixed opening/closing portion and the first movable opening/closing portion in the movement direction of the movable contact piece is smaller than the distance between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact;
the distance between the second fixed opening/closing portion and the second movable opening/closing portion in the movement direction of the movable contact piece is smaller than the distance between the second movable contact and the second fixed contact;
3. A relay according to claim 1 or 2. The movable contact piece has elasticity at least in part,
Due to the elastic deformation of the movable contact piece according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the first movable contact contacts the first fixed contact while the first movable opening/closing portion and the first fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. move relative to
A relay according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The movable contact piece has elasticity at least in part,
Due to elastic deformation of the movable contact piece according to the movement of the movable contact piece, the second movable contact contacts the second fixed contact while the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion are in contact with each other. move against
A relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4. further comprising a magnet that generates a magnetic flux between the first movable opening/closing portion and the first fixed opening/closing portion;
The magnet applies Lorentz force to the arc generated between the first movable contact and the first fixed contact in a direction away from the first movable contact and the first fixed contact. to be placed,
A relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . further comprising a magnet that generates a magnetic flux between the second movable opening/closing portion and the second fixed opening/closing portion;
The magnet acts on an arc generated between the second movable opening and closing portion and the second fixed opening and closing portion in a direction away from the second movable contact and the second fixed contact. to be placed,
A relay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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