KR20230138401A - Electronic overload relay - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to realize low cost and miniaturization by reducing the number of parts used for switching of the contact mechanism, an electronic overload relay according to one embodiment includes a contact mechanism capable of switching between a normal state and a trip state, and a contact mechanism capable of switching in the axial direction when energized. An electromagnet having a movable shaft, a slider that moves in the axial direction in conjunction with the movable shaft when energized, and a stopping position after the slider moves in the axial direction each time the electromagnet is energized, the steady state and a driven member for alternately switching between a first stop position corresponding to and a second stop position corresponding to the trip state.

Description

Electronic overload relay {ELECTRONIC OVERLOAD RELAY}

The present invention relates to an electronic overload relay.

Patent Document 1 below discloses an electronic overload relay configured to switch a contact mechanism between a trip position and a reset position using a permanent magnet and coil that generate magnetic flux.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 4738530

However, the conventional electronic overload relay has a two-way control configuration using one electromagnet, one permanent magnet, and four transistors, or two electromagnets, one permanent magnet, and two transistors. Since a 1-way control configuration was adopted, the number of parts used was large, making it difficult to reduce cost and miniaturize.

An electronic overload relay according to an embodiment includes a contact mechanism capable of switching between a normal state and a trip state, an electromagnet having a movable shaft that moves in the axial direction when energized, and an electromagnet that moves in the axial direction in conjunction with the movable shaft when energized. A moving slider, and each time the electromagnet is energized, alternately switching a stop position after the slider moves in the axial direction between a first stop position corresponding to the normal state and a second stop position corresponding to the trip state. Shiki includes a driven member.

According to the electronic overload relay according to one embodiment, the number of components used for switching of the contact mechanism can be reduced, and thus low cost and miniaturization can be realized.

1 is a perspective view of the exterior of an electronic overload relay seen from the front according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of an electronic overload relay seen from the bottom according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic overload relay seen from the bottom according to one embodiment.
4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of a contact switching mechanism included in an electronic overload relay according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is an external perspective view of a slider provided in a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing the configuration of a heart cam mechanism included in a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 is an external perspective view of a position sensor included in a contact switching mechanism according to an embodiment.
12A and 12B show the position of the slider using a position sensor included in the contact switching mechanism according to one embodiment.

Below, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic configuration of electronic overload relay (10))

Figure 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic overload relay 10 according to an embodiment as seen from the front (X-axis (+) side). Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment as seen from the bottom side (Z-axis (-) side). Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic overload relay 10 according to an embodiment as seen from the bottom (X-axis (-) side).

Meanwhile, in the following description, for convenience, the However, the positive (+) direction of the

For example, the electronic overload relay 10 is an electromagnetic device provided in a motor (not shown) and a load circuit of the motor for the purpose of preventing damage to the motor as the motor continues to be overloaded. It is used by connecting to a contactor (not shown).

The electronic overload relay 10 has a trip function in which the contact mechanism 20 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is switched to the trip state when overcurrent flows to the load, and the contact mechanism 20 is manually switched from the trip state to the normal state. It has a manual return function to return, and an automatic return function to automatically return the contact mechanism 20 from the trip state to the normal state when a predetermined time has elapsed.

For example, the electronic overload relay 10 detects the load current of the motor by the overcurrent detector 15, and when the detected load current exceeds the set value, the driving current is transmitted from the overcurrent detector 15 to the electromagnet 101. By driving the electromagnet 101 so that it flows, a trip operation is performed to switch the contact mechanism 20 to the trip state. Specifically, in the electronic overload relay 10, when the overcurrent detector 15 detects the load current of the motor, the control circuit 13 is driven by the load current, and the control circuit 13 detects the load current. Detect, judge, and issue commands.

The electronic overload relay 10 can block the load circuit of the motor by transmitting a first state signal to the electromagnetic contactor to cause the electromagnetic contactor to perform a blocking operation when the contact mechanism 20 is in a trip state.

After that, the electronic overload relay 10 performs an automatic return operation to switch the contact mechanism 20 to the normal state by flowing a drive current to the electromagnet 101 by the automatic return function when a predetermined time has elapsed.

Alternatively, the electronic overload relay 10 performs a manual return operation to mechanically switch the contact mechanism 20 to the normal state by a manual return function before a predetermined time elapses.

The electronic overload relay 10 can be connected to the load circuit of the motor by transmitting a second state signal to the electromagnetic contactor to cause the electromagnetic contactor to perform a connection operation when the contact mechanism 20 is in a normal state.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic overload relay 10 includes a case 11, a cover 12, a control circuit 13, an overcurrent detector 15, a contact mechanism 20, and a contact switching mechanism 100. do.

The case 11 is a container-shaped member with a hollow structure. For example, the case 11 is formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The case 11 has an open bottom portion, and the bottom portion is closed by attaching a resin cover 12 to the bottom portion.

The control circuit 13 is provided in the case 11 and consists of a plurality of electronic components mounted on a circuit board. The control circuit 13 implements various functions of the electronic overload relay 10 (for example, an automatic reset function, etc.). Additionally, on the circuit board 13A of the control circuit 13, a position sensor 104 is provided for detecting the stopping position of the slider 102 included in the contact switching mechanism 100.

The overcurrent detector 15 detects the load current of the motor. The load current detected by the overcurrent detector 15 drives the control circuit 13. When the detected load current exceeds a set value, the control circuit 13 can drive the electromagnet 101 by flowing a drive current through the electromagnet 101.

A contact switching mechanism 100 is provided within the case 11 and switches the contact mechanism 20 between a trip state and a normal state.

(Configuration of contact switching mechanism 100)

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of the contact switching mechanism 100 included in the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 4a is a view of the electronic overload relay 10 without the cover 12 and the control circuit 13 from the bottom (Z-axis (-) side). Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the slider 102 provided in the contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic overload relay 10 includes a contact mechanism 20, a contact switching mechanism 100, and a manual reset mechanism 120 installed in the case 11.

<<Contact mechanism (20)>>

As shown in FIG. 4B , the contact mechanism 20 has a first movable contact 21, a first fixed contact 22, a second movable contact 23, and a second fixed contact 24. The first movable contact 21 and the first fixed contact 22 constitute the first contact 20A. The second movable contact 23 and the second fixed contact 24 constitute the second contact 20B.

In the normal state, the contact mechanism 20 is configured such that the first movable contact 21A of the first movable contact 21 abuts the first fixed contact 22A of the first fixed contact 22, thereby forming a first contact 20A. ) is in the closed state.

In addition, the contact mechanism 20 is such that, in a normal state, the second movable contact 23A of the second movable contact 23 is spaced apart from the second fixed contact 24A of the second fixed contact 24, thereby forming the second contact point 23A. (20B) becomes open.

On the other hand, in the trip state, the contact mechanism 20 moves the first movable contact 21A of the first movable contact 21 away from the first fixed contact 22A of the first fixed contact 22, thereby forming the first contact. (20A) becomes open.

In addition, the contact mechanism 20, in the trip state, causes the second movable contact 23A of the second movable contact 23 to come into contact with the second fixed contact 24A of the second fixed contact 24. (20B) is in the closed state.

<<Contact switching mechanism (100)>>

As shown in FIG. 4A, the contact switching mechanism 100 includes an electromagnet 101, a slider 102, and a driven member 103.

<Electromagnet (101)>

The electromagnet 101 includes a main body 101A, a movable shaft 101B, a plate-shaped member 101D (armature), and a coil spring 101C.

The main body portion 101A is configured to have an electromagnetic coil, etc., and when energized, generates a magnetic force to move the movable shaft 101B in the axial direction of the central axis AX.

The movable shaft 101B has an axial shape and is provided to penetrate the center of the main body 101A on the central axis AX. The movable shaft 101B is movable on the central axis AX in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the central axis AX. For example, the movable shaft 101B is formed using iron. The movable shaft 101B can move to the right (in both Y-axis directions) by the magnetic force generated in the main body 101A.

The plate-shaped member 101D is a flat member provided at the left end (end on the (-) side of the Y axis) of the movable shaft 101B.

The coil spring 101C is provided so as to be stretchable in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction) between the left end (end on the (-) side of the Y-axis) of the main body 101A and the plate-shaped member 101D. The coil spring 101C urges the plate-shaped member 101D and the movable shaft 101B to the left (negative Y-axis direction).

<Slider (102)>

The slider 102 is a resin member provided to be movable in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction). The slider 102 is connected to the contact mechanism 20 and can switch the contact mechanism 20 between the normal state and the trip state by moving in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in FIGS. 4A to 5, the slider 102 has an engaging portion 102A on the central axis Ax. The slider 102 is connected to the movable shaft 101B by inserting the tip of the movable shaft 101B (the end on the (+) side of the Y axis) into the engaging portion 102A. Accordingly, the slider 102 moves in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the movable shaft 101B in conjunction with the movable shaft 101B when the electromagnet 101 is energized. Additionally, the slider 102 has a cam groove 102B constituting a heart cam mechanism on the central axis AX. The cam groove 102B is provided to follow the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103. Additionally, the slider 102 has a protruding portion 102C that protrudes downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) between the engaging portion 102A and the cam groove 102B on the central axis AX. The protrusion 102C is provided to detect the stopping position of the slider 102 by the position sensor 104.

<Following member (103)>

The driven member 103 is a metallic rod-shaped member provided on the central axis AX and extending in a straight line along the central axis AX. The driven member 103 sets the stop position after the slider moves in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) every time the electromagnet 101 is energized, and the first stop position corresponding to the normal state of the contact mechanism 102 and the contact mechanism. Alternately switching to the second stop position corresponding to the trip state of (20).

Specifically, the driven member 103 is provided with a hook portion 103A at its distal end, which is formed by bending approximately at a right angle upward (in both directions along the Z axis). The hook portion 103A constitutes a heart cam mechanism. The driven member 103 causes the hook portion 103A to follow the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 every time the electromagnet 101 is energized, so that the slider 102 moves in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). The subsequent stop positions are alternately switched to the first stop position and the second stop position.

<<Manual reset mechanism (120)>>

The manual reset mechanism 120 is provided to manually return the contact mechanism 20 from a trip state to a normal state. The manual reset mechanism 120 includes a reset button 121, a coil spring 122, and a push rod 123. The reset button 121 is provided so that a portion of it protrudes outside the case 11, so it can be pressed from outside the case 11.

The manual reset mechanism 120 moves the push rod 123 along with the reset button 121 in the negative X-axis direction in response to the operation of pressing the reset button 121 in the negative X-axis direction. The slider 102 can be moved in both directions along the Y-axis by pressing the slider 102 with a pressurizing portion (123A, an example of “conversion means”) provided at the tip. Since the pressing portion 123A of the push rod 123 is inclined, by pressing the slider 102 with the pressing portion 123A, the moving force for the reset button 121 to move in the negative X-axis direction is applied to the slider 102. is converted into a moving force that moves in both directions along the Y-axis, allowing the slider 102 to move in both directions along the Y-axis.

The manual reset mechanism 120 moves the slider 102 in both Y-axis directions in this way, thereby releasing the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 from being engaged with the slider 102 and changing the locked position of the slider 102. By switching from the second locking position to the first locking position, the contact mechanism 20 can be manually returned from the tripped state to the normal state.

Meanwhile, the reset button 121 is pressed in both directions along the X-axis by the coil spring 122. Accordingly, when the reset button 121 is released from the pressing operation, it can automatically move in both directions along the X-axis and return to its initial position.

(Configuration of the heart cam mechanism)

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the configuration of a heart cam mechanism included in the contact switching mechanism 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 6a is a plan view of the heart cam configuration viewed from the Z-axis (-) side. Figure 6b is a perspective view of the heart cam configuration viewed from the Z-axis (-) side.

6A and 6B, the heart cam mechanism including the contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment includes a cam groove 102B of the slider 102 and a hook portion 103A of the driven member 103. ) is configured to have. The heart cam mechanism alternates the stop position after movement in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the slider 102 between the first stop position and the second stop position by having the hook portion 103A follow the cam groove 102B. Switch to

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cam groove 102B has a heart-shaped groove shape that is recessed toward the Z-axis (+) side. The cam groove 102B is configured to have a first groove portion 102Ba, a second groove portion 102Bb, and a third groove portion 102Bc.

The first groove portion 102Ba is a portion that extends in the negative Y-axis direction while expanding the width of the entire cam groove 102B in the X-axis direction with the initial position P1 as the starting point and the first moving position P2 as the end point. .

The second groove portion 102Bb is a portion extending in the negative X-axis direction to have a V-shape with the first movement position P2 as the starting point and the third movement position P4 as the end point. A second movement position P3 in the shape of a valley bottom is provided at an intermediate position of the second groove portion 102Bb.

The third groove portion 102Bc is a portion that extends in both directions along the Y-axis while reducing the overall width of the cam groove 102B in the X-axis direction, with the third movement position P4 as the starting point and the initial position P1 as the end point.

6A and 6B, when the slider 102 is stopped at the first stop position corresponding to the normal state of the contact mechanism 20, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 is positioned at the first stop position. It is located at the initial position P1, which is the starting point of the groove portion 102Ba.

Then, when the first current is applied to the electromagnet 101 and the slider 102 moves in both Y-axis directions, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 is driven in the first groove portion 102Ba in the negative Y-axis direction. Thus, it is located at the first movement position (P2) beyond the step (S1) provided in the first groove portion (102Ba).

In addition, when the first energization of the electromagnet 101 is released and the slider 102 moves in the negative Y-axis direction by the pressing force from the coil spring 101C, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves in the second direction. It follows inside the groove portion 102Bb in the negative direction of the all. As a result, the movement of the slider 102 in the negative Y-axis direction is stopped, and the slider 102 stops at the second stop position corresponding to the tripped state of the contact mechanism 20.

Subsequently, when the electromagnet 101 is energized a second time and the slider 102 moves in both Y-axis directions, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 is driven in the second groove portion 102Bb in the negative X-axis direction. Thus, it is located at the third movement position (P4) beyond the step (S3) provided in the second groove portion (102Bb).

Then, when the second energization of the electromagnet 101 is released and the slider 102 moves in the negative Y-axis direction by the pressing force from the coil spring 101C, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves in the third direction. It follows the inside of the groove portion 102Bc in both directions along the Y axis and is positioned at the initial position P1 beyond the step S4 provided in the third groove portion 102Bc. Thereby, the slider 102 moves the maximum amount in the negative Y-axis direction and stops at the first stop position opposite to the normal state of the contact mechanism 20.

In this way, the heart cam mechanism provided in the contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment changes the stopping position of the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 to the initial position (P1) every time the electromagnet 101 is energized. ) and the second moving position (P3), the stopping position after moving in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the slider 102 can be alternately switched between the first stopping position and the second stopping position. .

On the other hand, in the heart cam mechanism including the contact switching mechanism 100 according to the first embodiment, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 is formed by the steps S1 to S4 provided in the cam groove 102. It is designed not to move in the reverse direction within the cam groove (102B).

(Operation of contact switching mechanism 100)

FIGS. 7A to 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the contact switching mechanism 100 according to an embodiment.

(initial state)

7A and 7B show the states of the contact mechanism 20 and the contact switching mechanism 100 when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the initial state.

7A and 7B, in the initial state of the contact switching mechanism 100, the electromagnet 101 is not energized and the slider 102 is moved at the first stop position (the position at which it moves the maximum amount toward the Y-axis (-)). It is stationary. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 is located at the initial position P1 in the cam groove 102B of the slider 102.

And, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the initial state, the contact mechanism 20 is such that the first movable contact 21A of the first movable contact 21 is the first By coming into contact with the first fixed contact point 22A of the fixed contactor 22, the first contact point 20A is in a closed state.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the initial state, the slider 102 is stopped at the first stop position, and therefore the contact mechanism 20 is the second movable contact. As the second movable contact point 23A of (23) is separated from the second fixed contact point 24A of the second fixed contact point 24, the second contact point 20B is in an open state.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the initial state, the contact mechanism 20 is in a normal state.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the initial state, the indicator 14 is in a display state.

(First energized state)

8A and 8B show the states of the contact mechanism 20 and the contact switching mechanism 100 when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first energized state (when the first energization of the electromagnet 101 is performed). there is.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the contact switching mechanism 100 operates the electromagnet 101 by first energizing the electromagnet 101 in the first energizing state and using the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 101. The axis 101B moves in both directions along the Y-axis, and the slider 102 moves in both directions along the Y-axis. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the initial position P1 within the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the first moving position P2 through the first groove portion 102Ba. do.

8A and 8B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first energized state, the contact mechanism 20 moves as the slider 102 moves in both directions along the Y-axis from the first stop position. ), the first movable contact 21A of the first movable contact 21 is separated from the first fixed contact 22A of the first fixed contact 22, so that the first contact 20A is in an open state.

8A and 8B, since the slider 102 moved in both directions along the Y axis from the first stop position when the contact switching mechanism 100 was in the first energized state, the contact mechanism 20 When the second movable contact 23A of the second movable contact 23 comes into contact with the second fixed contact 24A of the second fixed contact 24, the second contact 20B is in a closed state.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first energized state, the contact mechanism 20 is in a trip state.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first energized state, the slider 102 rotates the indicator 14 by moving in both directions of the Y axis. It can be made invisible.

(First de-energized state)

9A and 9B show the states of the contact mechanism 20 and the contact switching mechanism 100 when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first de-energized state (when the first de-energization of the electromagnet 101 is de-energized). .

And, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the contact switching mechanism 100 releases the first energization of the electromagnet 101 in the first energization release state, thereby disengaging the electromagnet 101 by the pressing force from the coil spring 101C. The movable axis 101B moves in the negative Y-axis direction, and in conjunction with this, the slider 102 moves in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the first movement position P2 within the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the second movement position P3 through the second groove portion 102Bb. It moves to and stops at the second moving position (P3). Accordingly, the slider 102 stops at the second stop position slightly moved in the negative Y-axis direction.

9A and 9B, since the slider 102 stops at the second stop position when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first de-energized state, the contact mechanism 20 operates at the first contact ( 20A) remains open and the second contact point 20B remains closed.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the first de-energized state, the contact mechanism 20 maintains the trip state.

(Reset operation process)

10A and 10B show the contact mechanism 20 and the contact points when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the process of a reset operation (when a reset operation of the reset button 121 provided in the manual reset mechanism 120 is performed). The state of the switching mechanism 100 is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , when the contact switching mechanism 100 resets the reset button 121 from the first de-energization state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the manual reset mechanism 120 When the slider 102 is pressed by the pressing portion 123A of the push rod 123, the slider 102 is forced to move in both directions along the Y-axis.

Accordingly, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the second movement position P3 within the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the third movement position P4 through the second groove portion 102Bb. do.

And, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the reset operation process, the slider 102 moves in both directions along the Y axis from the second stop position, so the contact mechanism 20 moves in the first The contact point 20A remains open and the second contact point 20B remains closed.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the reset operation process, the contact mechanism 20 maintains the trip state.

(Reset operation disabled state)

On the other hand, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the reset operation release state (when the reset operation of the reset button 121 is released), the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. do.

Specifically, the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the reset operation release state and the pressure from the push rod 123 is released, so that the movable shaft 101B of the electromagnet 101 is moved to Y by the pressure from the coil spring 101C. The axis moves in the negative direction, and in conjunction with this, the slider 102 moves in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the third movement position P4 within the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the initial position P1 through the third groove portion 102Bc. do. Thereby, the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B and the slider 102 stops at the first stop position.

And, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the contact mechanism 20 performs the first operation of the first movable contactor 21. When the contact point 21A comes into contact with the first fixed contact point 22A of the first fixed contact point 22, the first contact point 20A is in a closed state.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , when the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the contact mechanism 20 switches on the second movable contactor 23. As the movable contact 23A is spaced apart from the second fixed contact 24A of the second fixed contact 24, the second contact 20B is in an open state.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the reset operation release state and returns to the initial state, the contact mechanism 20 returns to the normal state.

On the other hand, when the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state, the slider 102 moves in the negative Y-axis direction to reversely rotate the indicator 14, thereby putting the indicator 14 in the display state.

(Automatic return function)

Meanwhile, the contact switching mechanism 100 enters the second energization state and the second energization release state (i.e., automatic return function) instead of the reset operation state and the reset operation release state (i.e., manual return function), thereby maintaining the contact mechanism (20). ) can be restored to normal state.

Specifically, the contact switching mechanism 100 switches on the electromagnet 101 by the power normally accumulated in the condenser 16 (see FIG. 3) after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first de-energization state shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. When a second energization is performed, it enters the second energization state.

In the contact switching mechanism 100, a second energization is applied to the electromagnet 101 in the second energization state, and the movable axis 101B of the electromagnet 101 moves in both Y-axis directions by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 101. , In conjunction with this, the slider 102 moves in both directions along the Y axis. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the second movement position P3 within the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the third movement position P4 through the second groove portion 102Bb. Go to

And, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the second energized state, the slider 102 moves in both directions along the Y axis from the second stop position, so the contact mechanism 20 maintains the first contact 20A in the open state. is maintained, and the second contact point 20B is maintained in a closed state.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 is in the second energized state, the contact mechanism 20 maintains the trip state.

Additionally, when the second energization of the electromagnet 101 is released, the contact switching mechanism 100 enters the second energization release state and returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Specifically, in the contact switching mechanism 100, when the second energization of the electromagnet 101 is released in the second deenergization state, the movable shaft 101B of the electromagnet 101 is moved to Y by the pressing force from the coil spring 101C. The axis moves in the negative direction, and in conjunction with this, the slider 102 moves in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the hook portion 103A of the driven member 103 moves from the third movement position P4 in the cam groove 102B of the slider 102 to the initial position P1 through the third groove portion 102Bc. . Thereby, the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and the slider 102 stops at the first stop position.

And, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the contact mechanism 20 switches on the first movable contactor 21. When the movable contact point 21A comes into contact with the first fixed contact point 22A of the first fixed contact point 22, the first contact point 20A is brought into a closed state.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the contact switching mechanism 100 returns to the initial state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the contact mechanism 20 performs the second movement of the second movable contactor 23. When the contact point 23A is separated from the second fixed contact point 24A of the second fixed contact point 24, the second contact point 20B is in an open state.

That is, when the contact switching mechanism 100 enters the second de-energized state and returns to the initial state, the contact switching mechanism 20 returns to the normal state.

(detection means)

Figure 11 is an external perspective view of the position sensor 104 included in the contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment. FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a method of detecting the position of the slider 102 using the position sensor 104 included in the contact switching mechanism 100 according to an embodiment.

The contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment includes a position sensor 104 as an example of “detection means” for detecting the position of the slider 102. As shown in Fig. 11, the position sensor 104 has a concave portion 104C between opposing wall portions 104A and 104B.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the position sensor 104 is mounted on the circuit board 13A of the control circuit 13 so that the protruding portion 102C of the slider 102 can pass through the recessed portion 104C. do.

As shown in FIG. 12A, when the slider 102 is stopped at the first stop position corresponding to the normal state of the contact mechanism 20, the protrusion 102C of the slider 102 is indented by the position sensor 104. Located within section 104C. Accordingly, the position sensor 104 stops the slider 102 at the first stop position because the detection medium (e.g., light, etc.) propagating between the wall portions 104A and 104B is obscured by the protruding portion 102C. It can be detected that there is a

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the slider 102 is stopped at the second stop position corresponding to the normal state of the contact mechanism 20, the protrusion 102C of the slider 102 is positioned at the position sensor 104. It is located outside (Y-axis (+) side) of the concave portion 104C. As a result, the position sensor 104 prevents the detection medium (e.g., light, etc.) propagating between the wall portions 104A and 104B from being obscured by the protruding portion 102C, so that the slider 102 moves to the second stop position. It can be detected that it is stopped.

The contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment can detect the resting position of the slider 102 by the position sensor 104, so that when the contact mechanism 20 returns to the normal state by the manual return function. It is also possible to detect that the contact mechanism 20 has returned to its normal state.

(effect)

As described above, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment includes a contact mechanism 20 capable of switching between a normal state and a trip state, and an electromagnet having a movable shaft 101B that moves in the axial direction when energized. 101), a slider 102 that moves in the axial direction in conjunction with the movable shaft 101B when energized, and a stop position after the slider 102 moves in the axial direction every time the electromagnet 101 is energized. It has a driven member 103 that alternately switches between a first stop position corresponding to the state and a second stop position corresponding to the trip state.

Accordingly, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment can switch the contact mechanism 20 between the normal state and the trip state using one electromagnet without using a permanent magnet, so that the switching of the contact mechanism 20 is possible. Since the number of parts used can be reduced, lower cost and miniaturization can be realized.

Additionally, since the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment does not require a permanent magnet, the occurrence of latching defects due to a decrease in magnetic force at low temperatures can be suppressed.

Additionally, in the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment, the slider 102 is provided with a cam groove 102B constituting the heart cam mechanism, and the driven member 103 has a hook at its distal end that constitutes the heart cam mechanism. Provided with a portion 103A, each time the electromagnet 101 is energized, the hook portion 103A follows the cam groove 102B, so that the stop position after the slider 102 moves in the axial direction is set to the first stop. Switches alternately between the positions and the first rest position.

Accordingly, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment can switch the contact mechanism 20 between the normal state and the trip state by the cam groove 102B and the hook portion 103A, so that the contact mechanism 20 The number of components used for switching can be reduced, thereby realizing lower cost and miniaturization.

Additionally, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment includes a manual reset mechanism 120 for manually returning the contact mechanism 20 from a trip state to a normal state.

As a result, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment can manually return the contact mechanism 20 from the trip state to the normal state without energizing the electromagnet 101.

Additionally, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment includes a position sensor 104 that detects the stopping position of the slider 102 in the axial direction.

Accordingly, the contact switching mechanism 100 according to one embodiment can detect the stop position of the slider 102 by the position sensor 104, so that the contact mechanism 20 is returned to the normal state by the manual reset mechanism 120. Even in the case where it returns to , it can be detected that the contact mechanism 20 has returned to its normal state.

In addition, in the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment, the manual reset mechanism 120 is provided with a reset button 121, and the slider 102 is moved in the axial direction in accordance with the operation of pressing the reset button 121. The contact mechanism 20 can be manually restored by switching the stop position of the slider 102 from the second stop position to the first stop position.

Accordingly, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment can realize the manual reset mechanism 120 with a relatively simple configuration of moving the slider 102 in the axial direction using the reset button 121.

In addition, in the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment, the manual reset mechanism 120 converts the axial movement force of the reset button 121 accompanying the pressing operation into the axial movement force of the slider 102. It has a part 123A.

As a result, the electronic overload relay 10 according to one embodiment can arrange the reset button 121 so that the pressing direction of the reset button 121 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the slider 102.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

This application claims priority to Basic Application No. 2022-047283, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

10 Electronic overload relay 11 case
12 cover 13 control circuit
13A circuit board 14 indicator
15 Overcurrent detector 20 Contact mechanism
20A 1st contact 20B 2nd contact
21 first movable contactor 22 first fixed contactor
23 second movable contactor 24 second fixed contactor
100 contact switching mechanism 101 electromagnet
101A main body 101B movable shaft
101C coil spring 101D plate member
102 Slider 102A engaging portion
102B cam groove 102Ba first groove section
102Bb second groove 102Bc third groove
102C protrusion 103 driven member
103A hook 104 position sensor
104A wall part 104B wall part
104C recess 120 manual reset mechanism
121 Reset button 122 Coil spring
123 Push rod 123A pressurizing part (conversion means)
AX central axis P1 initial position
P2 1st moving position P3 2nd moving position
P4 third movement position

Claims (6)

a contact mechanism switchable between normal and trip states;
An electromagnet having a movable shaft that moves in the axial direction when energized,
a slider that moves in the axial direction in conjunction with the movable shaft when the electricity is applied;
A driven member that alternately switches the stop position after the slider moves in the axial direction between a first stop position corresponding to the normal state and a second stop position corresponding to the trip state each time the electromagnet is energized. An electronic overload relay characterized by: According to paragraph 1,
The slider has a cam groove constituting a heart cam mechanism,
The driven member is,
A hook portion constituting the heart cam mechanism is provided at the distal end,
Electronic type, characterized in that whenever the electromagnet is energized, the hook portion follows the cam groove to alternately switch the stop position after the slider moves in the axial direction between the first stop position and the second stop position. Overload relay. According to paragraph 2,
An electronic overload relay comprising a manual reset mechanism for manually returning the contact mechanism from the trip state to the normal state. According to paragraph 3,
An electronic overload relay comprising detection means for detecting a stopping position of the slider in the axial direction. According to paragraph 4,
The manual reset mechanism is,
Equipped with a reset button,
Characterized in that, in accordance with the operation of pressing the reset button, the slider is moved in the axial direction to switch the stop position of the slider from the second stop position to the first stop position, thereby manually returning the contact mechanism. Electronic overload relay. According to clause 5,
The electronic overload relay is characterized in that the manual reset mechanism includes conversion means for converting the axial movement force of the reset button accompanying the pressing operation into the axial movement force of the slider.