JP7468412B2 - Electromagnetic Relay - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay.

Some electromagnetic relays have a recess on the surface of the fixed terminal for positioning the fixed contact. For example, in Patent Document 1, the fixed contact is disposed in a recess on the surface of the fixed terminal. The fixed contact protrudes from the surface of the fixed terminal.

On the other hand, in an electromagnetic relay, an arc occurs at the contacts when the current is interrupted. For this reason, some electromagnetic relays are equipped with a magnet to extinguish the arc. The Lorentz force acts on the arc by the magnet, stretching the arc and allowing it to be extinguished quickly.

Patent No. 6281301

In electromagnetic relays with recesses in the fixed terminals, there are steps around the fixed contacts. As a result, the arc becomes stuck at the steps, making it difficult to extend the arc. The object of the present invention is to prevent the arc from sticking at the fixed terminals in electromagnetic relays, making it easier to extend the arc.

An electromagnetic relay according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fixed contact, a movable contact, a movable contact piece, a drive device, a magnet, and a fixed terminal. The movable contact is disposed facing the fixed contact in a first direction. The movable contact piece is connected to the movable contact. The drive device moves the movable contact piece in the first direction. The magnet generates a magnetic field for applying a Lorentz force in a second direction intersecting the first direction to an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The fixed terminal includes a groove in which the fixed contact is attached. The groove extends through the fixed terminal in the second direction.

In the electromagnetic relay according to this embodiment, the Lorentz force acts in the second direction, and the groove extends through the fixed terminal in the second direction. Therefore, the arc moves along the groove. This prevents the arc from sticking at the fixed terminal, and allows the arc to be easily extended.

The fixed terminal may further include a side surface. The groove may extend to the side surface in the second direction. The fixed contact may extend to the side surface in the second direction. In this case, the arc can be easily moved along the groove to the side surface of the fixed terminal.

The fixed contact may include a curved corner. In this case, the extension of the arc is promoted at the corner of the fixed contact. The corner may be located at an end of the fixed contact in the second direction. In this case, the extension of the arc is further promoted at the corner of the fixed contact. The fixed terminal may include a curved corner. In this case, the extension of the arc is promoted at the corner of the fixed terminal.

The recessed groove may include a bottom surface, a first inner side surface, a second inner side surface, a first groove, and a second groove. The first inner side surface may protrude from the bottom surface and extend in a first direction. The second inner side surface may be disposed opposite the first inner side surface and extend from the bottom surface in a first direction. The first groove may be disposed on the bottom surface along the first inner side surface. The second groove may be disposed on the bottom surface along the second inner side surface. In this case, even if there is an R-shape due to processing between the first inner side surface and the bottom surface, and between the second inner side surface and the bottom surface, the first groove and the second groove allow the fixed contact to contact the bottom surface while avoiding the R-shape. This allows the fixed contact to be stably attached to the recessed groove.

The fixed terminal may include a support surface that supports the fixed contact. The groove may be disposed on the support surface. The fixed contact may protrude from the support surface. In this case, the fixed contact stably contacts the movable contact. Also, although a step occurs between the fixed contact and the support surface, the arc moves along the groove, preventing the arc from sticking at the step.

The fixed terminal may include a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a third plate portion. The first plate portion may extend in the second direction. The second plate portion may extend in the first direction from the first plate portion. The third plate portion may extend in the first direction from the first plate portion. The third plate portion may be disposed away from the second plate portion in the second direction. The groove may extend through the first plate portion in the second direction. In this case, in the U-shaped fixed terminal, sticking of the arc is suppressed, making it easier to extend the arc.

The fixed terminal may have a cylindrical shape including a circular bottom surface and a curved side surface. The groove may be disposed on the circular bottom surface and extend to the curved side surface. In this case, in the cylindrical fixed terminal, the arc is prevented from sticking, and the arc is easily extended.

The fixed terminal may include a linear plate portion. The linear plate portion may extend in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The groove may extend in the second direction, penetrating the linear plate portion. In this case, in a fixed terminal including a linear plate portion, sticking of the arc is suppressed, and the arc is easily extended.

According to the present invention, in an electromagnetic relay, the arc is prevented from sticking at the fixed terminal, making it easier to extend the arc.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay in an open state. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic relay in a closed state. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first fixed terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay according to a first modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a second modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a third modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a fourth modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a fifth modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a sixth modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a first fixed terminal and a first fixed contact according to a seventh modified example.

The electromagnetic relay according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic relay 1 includes a case 2, a contact device 3, and a drive device 4. The case 2 is formed of an insulating material such as resin or ceramic. The contact device 3 is housed within the case 2.

The contact device 3 includes a first fixed terminal 6, a second fixed terminal 7, a movable contact piece 8, a movable mechanism 9, a first fixed contact 10, a second fixed contact 11, a first movable contact 12, and a second movable contact 13.

In the following description, the direction in which the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12 face each other is defined as the up-down direction (Z1, Z2). The up-down direction (Z1, Z2) is an example of the first direction. The up-down direction (Z1, Z2) includes the upward direction (Z1) and the downward direction (Z2). The direction from the first movable contact 12 to the first fixed contact 10 is defined as the upward direction (Z1). The direction from the first fixed contact 10 to the first movable contact 12 is defined as the downward direction (Z2).

The direction in which the movable contact piece 8 extends is defined as the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The longitudinal direction (X1, X2) is perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z1, Z2). The longitudinal direction (X1, X2) is an example of a third direction. The longitudinal direction (X1, X2) includes a first longitudinal direction (X1) and a second longitudinal direction (X2). The second longitudinal direction (X2) is the opposite direction to the first longitudinal direction (X1). The direction from the second fixed contact 11 to the first fixed contact 10 is defined as the first longitudinal direction (X1). The direction from the first fixed contact 10 to the second fixed contact 11 is defined as the second longitudinal direction (X2).

The first fixed terminal 6, the second fixed terminal 7, the movable contact piece 8, the first fixed contact 10, the second fixed contact 11, the first movable contact 12, and the second movable contact 13 are made of a conductive material. For example, the first fixed terminal 6, the second fixed terminal 7, and the movable contact piece 8 are made of a metal material known as a terminal material, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, brass, or tough pitch copper. However, the first fixed terminal 6, the second fixed terminal 7, and the movable contact piece 8 may be made of a material different from these. The first fixed contact 10, the second fixed contact 11, the first movable contact 12, and the second movable contact 13 are made of a metal material known as a contact material, such as a copper-based metal or a silver-based metal.

The first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 extend in the up-down direction (Z1, Z2). The first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). A first fixed contact 10 is connected to the first fixed terminal 6. A second fixed contact 11 is connected to the second fixed terminal 7. The first fixed contact 10 and the second fixed contact 11 are arranged inside the case 2.

The movable contact 8, the first movable contact 12, and the second movable contact 13 are arranged in the case 2. The first movable contact 12 and the second movable contact 13 are connected to the movable contact 8. The first movable contact 12 faces the first fixed contact 10. The first movable contact 12 can come into contact with and separate from the first fixed contact 10. The second movable contact 13 faces the second fixed contact 11. The second movable contact 13 can come into contact with and separate from the second fixed contact 11. The first movable contact 12 is arranged at a distance from the second movable contact 13 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2).

The movable contact piece 8 can move in the up and down directions (Z1, Z2). The movable contact piece 8 can move between an open position shown in FIG. 1 and a closed position shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, when the movable contact piece 8 is in the open position, the movable contacts 12, 13 are separated from the fixed contacts 10, 11. As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable contact piece 8 is in the closed position, the movable contacts 12, 13 are in contact with the fixed contacts 10, 11. Hereinafter, the direction in which the movable contacts 12, 13 approach the fixed contacts 10, 11 is defined as the contact direction. The direction in which the movable contacts 12, 13 move away from the fixed contacts 10, 11 is defined as the separation direction.

The movable mechanism 9 supports the movable contact piece 8. The movable mechanism 9 includes a drive shaft 15 and a contact spring 16. The drive shaft 15 is connected to the movable contact piece 8. The drive shaft 15 extends in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2) and penetrates the movable contact piece 8 in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2). The drive shaft 15 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2). The contact spring 16 biases the movable contact piece 8 in the contact direction.

The drive unit 4 includes a coil 21, a spool 22, a movable iron core 23, a fixed iron core 24, a yoke 25, and a return spring 26. The drive unit 4 uses electromagnetic force to move the movable contact piece 8 between an open position and a closed position via a movable mechanism 9. The coil 21 is wound around the spool 22. The movable iron core 23 and the fixed iron core 24 are disposed within the spool 22. The movable iron core 23 is connected to the drive shaft 15. The movable iron core 23 can move in the up and down directions (Z1, Z2). The fixed iron core 24 is disposed opposite the movable iron core 23. The return spring 26 biases the movable iron core 23 in the opening direction.

In the electromagnetic relay 1, when the coil 21 is energized, the magnetic force of the magnetic field generated by the coil 21 attracts the movable core 23 to the fixed core 24. This causes the movable core 23 and the drive shaft 15 to move in the contact direction against the biasing force of the return spring 26. This causes the movable contact piece 8 to move to the closed position shown in FIG. 2, and the movable contacts 12, 13 come into contact with the fixed contacts 10, 11. After the movable contacts 12, 13 come into contact with the fixed contacts 10, 11, the drive shaft 15 moves further in the contact direction, compressing the contact spring 16.

When the current to the coil 21 is turned off, the movable core 23 and the drive shaft 15 move in the opening direction due to the biasing force of the return spring 26. As a result, the movable contact piece 8 moves to the open position shown in FIG. 1, and the movable contacts 12, 13 move away from the fixed contacts 10, 11.

The electromagnetic relay 1 is equipped with magnets 41, 42. The magnets 41, 42 generate a magnetic field for extending the arc generated between the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12, and between the second fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 13. The magnets 41, 42 are disposed outside the first fixed terminal 6 and the second fixed terminal 7 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2).

The magnets 41, 42 include a first magnet 41 and a second magnet 42. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 are permanent magnets. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 are arranged around the case 2. However, the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 may be arranged inside the case 2. The first magnet 41 is arranged in a first longitudinal direction (X1) relative to the first fixed terminal 6. The second magnet 42 is arranged in a second longitudinal direction (X2) relative to the second fixed terminal 7.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X1, X2) and the up-down direction (Z1, Z2) is defined as the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The horizontal direction (Y1, Y2) is an example of a second direction. In addition, one of the horizontal directions (Y1, Y2) is defined as the first horizontal direction (Y1), and the direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (Y1) is defined as the second horizontal direction (Y2).

The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 generate a magnetic field inside the case 2. The arrow A1 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 indicates the magnetic field generated by the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 are arranged with their opposite poles facing each other. For example, the north pole of the first magnet 41 faces the south pole of the second magnet 42.

When a current flows from the first fixed terminal 6 through the movable contact piece 8 to the second fixed terminal 7, as shown in FIG. 3, a first Lorentz force F1 acts on the arc generated between the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12 by the magnetic field from the first magnet 41. The first Lorentz force F1 acts in the first horizontal direction (Y1). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1. Also, a second Lorentz force F2 acts on the arc generated between the second fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 13 by the magnetic field from the second magnet 42. The second Lorentz force F2 acts in the second horizontal direction (Y2). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2.

When the current flows from the second fixed terminal 7 through the movable contact piece 8 to the first fixed terminal 6 in the opposite direction to the above, a first Lorentz force F1' acts on the arc generated between the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12 by the magnetic field from the first magnet 41. The first Lorentz force F1' acts in the second lateral direction (Y2). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1'. Also, a second Lorentz force F2' acts on the arc generated between the second fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 13 by the magnetic field from the second magnet 42. The second Lorentz force F2' acts in the first lateral direction (Y1). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2'.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first fixed terminal 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the first fixed terminal 6 has a U-shape. In detail, the first fixed terminal 6 includes a first plate portion 31, a second plate portion 32, and a third plate portion 33. The first plate portion 31 extends in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The second plate portion 32 and the third plate portion 33 extend in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2) from the first plate portion 31. The second plate portion 32 and the third plate portion 33 are disposed apart from each other in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed terminal 6 includes a first groove 34. The first groove 34 is provided on the first plate portion. The first fixed contact 10 is disposed in the first groove 34. The first fixed contact 10 is attached to the first groove 34 by a fixing means such as welding or crimping.

The first groove 34 extends through the first fixed terminal 6 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first groove 34 extends through the first plate portion 31 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed terminal 6 includes a first side surface 35 and a second side surface 36. The first side surface 35 is one side surface of the first fixed terminal 6 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2), and the second side surface 36 is the other side surface of the first fixed terminal 6 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first groove 34 extends from the first side surface 35 to the second side surface 36 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed contact 10 extends from the first side surface 35 to the second side surface 36 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed contact 10 is disposed flush with the first side surface 35. The first fixed contact 10 is disposed flush with the second side surface 36.

The first groove 34 includes a bottom surface 37, a first inner side surface 38, and a second inner side surface 39. The first inner side surface 38 and the second inner side surface 39 protrude from the bottom surface 37. The first inner side surface 38 and the second inner side surface 39 extend in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2). The second inner side surface 39 is disposed on the opposite side of the first side surface 35 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The first fixed terminal 6 includes a support surface 40 that supports the first fixed contact 10. The support surface 40 is the surface of the first plate portion 31. The first groove 34 is disposed on the support surface 40. The first fixed contact 10 protrudes from the support surface 40 in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2).

As shown in FIG. 3, the second fixed terminal 7 includes a second groove 43. The second fixed contact 11 is disposed in the second groove 43 and is fixed to the second groove 43. The second groove 43 extends through the second fixed contact 11 in the lateral direction (Y1, Y2). The second groove 43 has a shape similar to that of the first groove 34. The second fixed terminal 7 has a shape similar to that of the first fixed terminal 6, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the electromagnetic relay 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the Lorentz forces F1, F1', F2, F2' act in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2), and the first groove 34 extends through the first fixed terminal 6 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). Therefore, the arc moves along the first groove 34. This prevents the arc from sticking at the first fixed terminal 6, and allows the arc to be easily extended.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The structure of the drive device 4 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. For example, in the above embodiment, the drive device 4 is disposed below the contact device 3 (Z2). However, the drive device 4 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2) or lateral direction (Y1, Y2) relative to the contact device 3. In the above embodiment, the contact direction is upward (Z1) and the separation direction is downward (Z2). However, the contact direction may be downward (Z2) and the separation direction may be upward (Z1).

The structure of the contact device 3 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. For example, the number of fixed contacts and movable contacts is not limited to two, but may be one, or may be more than two. The first fixed contact 10 may be separate from the first fixed terminal 6, or may be integrated with it. The second fixed contact 11 may be separate from the second fixed terminal 7, or may be integrated with it. The first movable contact 12 may be separate from the movable contact piece 8, or may be integrated with it. The second movable contact 13 may be separate from the movable contact piece 8, or may be integrated with it.

The arrangement of the magnets is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be changed. For example, the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 may be arranged so that the same poles face each other. For example, the south pole of the first magnet 41 and the south pole of the second magnet 42 may be arranged so that they face each other.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic relay 1 according to a first modified example. As shown in Figure 5, the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 may be arranged facing each other in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). In Figure 5, arrows A3 and A4 indicate the magnetic fields generated by the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 may be arranged with their opposite poles facing each other. For example, the north pole of the first magnet 41 may face the south pole of the second magnet 42.

In this case, when a current flows from the first fixed terminal 6 through the movable contact piece 8 to the second fixed terminal 7, a first Lorentz force F1 acts on the arc generated between the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12. The first Lorentz force F1 acts in the second longitudinal direction (X2). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1. A second Lorentz force F2 acts on the arc generated between the second fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 13. The second Lorentz force F2 acts in the first longitudinal direction (X1). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2.

When the current flows from the second fixed terminal 7 through the movable contact piece 8 to the first fixed terminal 6 in the opposite direction to the above, a first Lorentz force F1' acts on the arc generated between the first fixed contact 10 and the first movable contact 12. The first Lorentz force F1' acts in the first longitudinal direction (X1). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the first Lorentz force F1'. A second Lorentz force F2' acts on the arc generated between the second fixed contact 11 and the second movable contact 13. The second Lorentz force F2' acts in the second longitudinal direction (X2). As a result, the arc is elongated in the direction of the second Lorentz force F2'.

In the first modified example, the Lorentz forces F1, F1', F2, F2' act in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). Therefore, in the first modified example, the longitudinal direction (X1, X2) corresponds to the second direction. The first groove 34 may extend through the first fixed terminal 6 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The second groove 43 may extend through the second fixed terminal 7 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The other structure of the first modified example is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment. The first magnet 41 and the second magnet 42 may be arranged with the same poles facing each other.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first fixed terminal 6 and a first fixed contact 10 according to a second modified example. As shown in Figure 6, the first fixed contact 10 may include a first corner 51 and a second corner 52. The first corner 51 is located at one end of the first fixed contact 10 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The second corner 52 is located at the other end of the first fixed contact 10 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first corner 51 may have a curved shape. The second corner 52 may have a curved shape. In this case, the extension of the arc is promoted at the first corner 51 and the second corner 52.

The curved first corner may be located at one end of the first fixed contact 10 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The curved second corner may be located at the other end of the first fixed contact 10 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2).

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the first fixed terminal 6 and the first fixed contact 10 according to the third modified example. As shown in Figure 7, the first fixed terminal 6 may include a first corner 53 and a second corner 54. The first corner 53 is located at one end of the first fixed terminal 6 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The second corner 54 is located at the other end of the first fixed contact 10 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first corner 53 may have a curved shape. The second corner 54 may have a curved shape. In this case, the extension of the arc is promoted at the first corner 53 and the second corner 54.

The curved first corner may be located at one end of the first fixed contact 10 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The curved second corner may be located at the other end of the first fixed contact 10 in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2).

Figure 8 is a diagram showing a first fixed terminal 6 and a first fixed contact 10 according to a fourth modified example. As shown in Figure 8, the first groove 34 may include a first groove 55 and a second groove 56. The first groove 55 is disposed on the bottom surface 37 along the first inner side surface 38. The second groove 56 is disposed on the bottom surface 37 along the second inner side surface 39. The bottom surface 37 has a flat shape between the first groove 55 and the second groove 56. The first fixed contact 10 includes a flat bottom surface 57. The bottom surface 57 of the first fixed contact 10 is in contact with the bottom surface 37 of the first groove 34.

In this case, even if there is an R-shape due to processing between the first inner surface 38 and the bottom surface 37, and between the second inner surface 39 and the bottom surface 37, the first groove 55 and the second groove 56 allow the bottom surface 57 of the first fixed contact 10 to contact the bottom surface 37 of the first groove 34, avoiding the R-shape. This allows the first fixed contact 10 to be stably attached to the first groove 34. Furthermore, when the first fixed contact 10 is fixed to the first groove 34 by welding, excess brazing material enters the first groove 55 and the second groove 56. This allows the height of the first fixed contact 10 to be stabilized.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the first fixed terminal 6 and the first fixed contact 10 according to the fifth modified example. As shown in Figure 9, the first fixed terminal 6 may have a cylindrical shape. The first fixed terminal 6 may include a circular bottom surface 58 and a curved side surface 59. The first groove 34 may be disposed on the circular bottom surface 58. The first groove 34 may extend to the curved side surface 59.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the first fixed terminal 6 and the first fixed contact 10 according to the sixth modified example. As shown in Figure 10, the first fixed terminal 6 may include a linear plate portion 61. The linear plate portion 61 may extend in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2). The first groove 34 may extend through the linear plate portion 61 in the lateral direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed terminal 6 may have an L-shaped bent shape as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively, the first fixed terminal 6 may have a shape that extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (X1, X2).

In the above embodiment, the first fixed contact 10 is disposed flush with the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36 of the first fixed terminal 6. However, the first fixed contact 10 does not have to be disposed flush with the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36 of the first fixed terminal 6.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the first fixed terminal 6 and the first fixed contact 10 according to the seventh modified example. As shown in Figure 11, the first fixed contact 10 may be shorter than the first groove 34 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first fixed contact 10 includes a first end face 62 and a second end face 63. The first end face 62 and the second end face 63 face in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The first end face 62 may be located more inward than the first side face 35 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2). The second end face 63 may be located more inward than the second side face 36 in the horizontal direction (Y1, Y2).

In the above modification, the first fixed terminal 6 and the first fixed contact 10 have been described, but the second fixed terminal 7 may also have a shape similar to that of the first fixed terminal 6 in the above modification. The second fixed contact 11 may also have a shape similar to that of the first fixed contact 10 in the above modification.

According to the present invention, in an electromagnetic relay, it is possible to suppress the arc from sticking at the fixed terminal and make it easier to extend the arc.

Reference Signs 4: Drive device, 6: First fixed terminal, 8: Movable contact piece, 10: First fixed contact, 12: First movable contact, 31: First plate portion, 32: Second plate portion, 33: Third plate portion, 34: First groove, 35: First side surface, 37: Bottom surface, 38: First inner side surface, 39: Second inner side surface, 40: Support surface, 41: First magnet, 51: First corner portion, 53: First corner portion, 55: First groove, 56: Second groove, 58: Circular bottom surface, 59: Curved side surface, 61: Straight plate portion

Claims (9)

A fixed contact;
a movable contact arranged to face the fixed contact in a first direction;
A movable contact piece connected to the movable contact;
a drive device that moves the movable contact piece in the first direction;
a magnet that generates a magnetic field for applying a Lorentz force in a second direction intersecting the first direction to an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact;
a fixed terminal including a groove in which the fixed contact is attached;
Equipped with
The groove extends through the fixed terminal in the second direction ,
the fixed terminal includes a support surface that supports the fixed contact;
The groove is disposed on the support surface,
The fixed contact protrudes from the support surface.
Electromagnetic relay. A fixed contact;
a movable contact arranged to face the fixed contact in a first direction;
A movable contact piece connected to the movable contact;
a drive device that moves the movable contact piece in the first direction;
a magnet that generates a magnetic field for applying a Lorentz force in a second direction intersecting the first direction to an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact;
a fixed terminal including a groove in which the fixed contact is attached;
Equipped with
The groove extends through the fixed terminal in the second direction ,
The groove is
The bottom surface and
a first inner surface protruding from the bottom surface and extending in the first direction;
a second inner surface disposed opposite the first inner surface and extending from the bottom surface in the first direction;
a first groove disposed on the bottom surface along the first inner side surface;
a second groove disposed on the bottom surface along the second inner side surface;
including,
Electromagnetic relay. The fixed terminal has a cylindrical shape including a circular bottom surface and a curved side surface,
The groove is disposed on the circular bottom surface and extends to the curved side surface.
3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2 . the fixed terminal includes a linear plate portion extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction,
The recessed groove extends through the linear plate portion in the second direction.
3. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1 or 2 . A fixed contact;
a movable contact arranged to face the fixed contact in a first direction;
A movable contact piece connected to the movable contact;
a drive device that moves the movable contact piece in the first direction;
a magnet that generates a magnetic field for applying a Lorentz force in a second direction intersecting the first direction to an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact;
a fixed terminal including a groove in which the fixed contact is attached;
Equipped with
The groove extends through the fixed terminal in the second direction ,
The fixed terminal is
A first plate portion extending in the second direction;
a second plate portion extending in the first direction from the first plate portion;
A third plate portion extending from the first plate portion in the first direction and spaced apart from the second plate portion in the second direction;
Including,
The recessed groove extends through the first plate portion in the second direction.
Electromagnetic relay. The fixed terminal further includes a side surface,
The groove extends in the second direction to the side surface,
The fixed contact extends in the second direction to the side surface.
6. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1. The fixed contact includes a curved corner.
7. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1. The corner portion is located at an end of the fixed contact in the second direction.
8. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 7 . The fixed terminal includes a curved corner portion.
9. An electromagnetic relay according to claim 1.

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