CN112582217A

CN112582217A - Relay with a movable contact

Info

Publication number: CN112582217A
Application number: CN202010876810.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 三宅彩加; 松岛弘一郎; 小材裕二
Original assignee: Omron Corp
Current assignee: Omron Corp
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2020-08-27
Publication date: 2021-03-30
Also published as: DE102020005290A1; JP2021057224A; JP7327061B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a relay. The insulating member is connected to the first movable contact piece. The movable iron core is connected with the insulating member. The support member slidably supports the insulating member. The first movable contact piece and the movable iron core are electrically insulated by an insulating member. The insulating member includes a first end facing the support part and a first protrusion protruding from the first end toward the support part and partially extending in a moving direction of the insulating member at the first end. The support member slidably supports the insulating member at the first protrusion.

Description

Relay with a movable contact

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a relay.

Background

The plunger relay includes a pair of fixed contacts, a movable contact piece, and a driving device. For example, in a relay disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-204480, a movable contact piece has a pair of movable contacts. The pair of movable contacts are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The pair of movable contacts are disposed opposite to the pair of fixed contacts, respectively.

The driving device moves the movable contact piece. The driving device includes a coil and a movable iron core. The movable contact piece is connected to the movable iron core via a drive shaft. The movable iron core is moved by a magnetic force generated from the coil, and the movable contact piece is moved thereby.

In the above relay, the movable contact piece and the movable iron core are connected by a drive shaft made of a conductive material. Therefore, it is difficult to secure an insulation distance between the movable contact piece and the movable iron core. Further, if an insulating member is disposed between the movable contact piece and the drive shaft in order to secure an insulating distance, the relay becomes large.

In order to secure an appropriate insulation distance while suppressing an increase in size of the relay, it is conceivable to connect the movable contact piece and the movable core with an insulating member and move the insulating member together with the movable core. In this case, it is preferable to slidably support the insulating member by another member in order to stably move the insulating member, but there is a problem that abrasion debris is generated by sliding of the insulating member.

Disclosure of Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to suppress the generation of abrasion debris caused by the sliding of an insulating member in a relay in which the insulating member that electrically insulates a movable contact piece and a movable iron core is slidably supported.

A relay according to one embodiment includes a first fixed terminal, a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal, a second fixed contact, a first movable contact piece, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, an insulating member, a support member, and a driving device. The first fixed contact is connected to the first fixed terminal. The second fixed contact is connected to the second fixed terminal. The first movable contact is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the first fixed contact. The second movable contact is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the second fixed contact. The insulating member is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be movable in a direction in which the first movable contact comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact. The support member slidably supports the insulating member. The driving device includes a bobbin, a coil wound around the bobbin, and a movable iron core at least a part of which is disposed in the bobbin and connected to the insulating member. The driving means moves the insulating member together with the movable iron core in accordance with the magnetic force generated from the coil, thereby moving the first movable contact piece. The first movable contact piece and the movable iron core are electrically insulated by an insulating member. The insulating member includes a first end facing the support part and a first protrusion protruding from the first end toward the support part and partially extending in a moving direction of the insulating member at the first end. The support member slidably supports the insulating member at the first protrusion.

In the relay according to the present aspect, the first protrusion of the insulating member slidably supported by the support member partially extends in the moving direction of the insulating member toward the first end of the support member. Thus, the contact area between the first protrusion and the support member is smaller than that in the case where the first protrusion extends along the entire length of the first end portion in the moving direction of the insulating member. This can suppress generation of wear debris generated from the insulating member and/or the support member due to sliding of the insulating member. Further, as compared with the case where the first protrusion extends over the entire length of the first end portion along the moving direction of the insulating member, when the insulating member is inclined, interference between the first protrusion and the support member can be suppressed. This can prevent the first protrusion from interfering with the support member and interfering with the movement of the insulating member.

The length of the first protrusion in the moving direction may be shorter than the length of the first end in the moving direction. In this case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

The insulating member may include a locking groove for locking the movable iron core. The movable iron core may include a connecting portion disposed in the locking groove. One of the locking groove and the connecting portion may include a locking protrusion protruding in the moving direction of the insulating member in the locking groove. The movable iron core can be pressed into the locking groove by the locking protrusion. In this case, the movement of the movable core is suppressed, and the movement of the movable core is stabilized.

The support member may also be a housing. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced, and the insulating member can be stably moved.

The support member may also include a base that supports the drive device. The first projection may be slidably supported on the base. In this case, the insulating member can be stably moved by the base.

The support member may also include a first recess that slidably supports the first protrusion. In this case, since the wear debris is held in the first concave portion, the wear powder can be suppressed from being diffused in the support member.

The insulating member may further include a second end portion facing the support part on a side opposite to the first end portion, and a second protrusion protruding from the second end portion toward the support part, at which the second end portion can partially extend in a moving direction of the insulating member and can be in contact with the support part. In this case, the second protrusion can suppress the positional deviation of the insulating member.

The support member may also include a second recess in contact with the second protrusion. In this case, since the wear debris is held in the second concave portion, the wear powder can be suppressed from being diffused in the support member.

The support member may slidably support the insulating member at the second protrusion. In this case, the insulating member can be moved more stably by the support member.

A relay according to another aspect includes a first fixed terminal, a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal, a second fixed contact, a first movable contact piece, a first movable contact, a second movable contact, an insulating member, a support member, and a driving device. The first fixed contact is connected to the first fixed terminal. The second fixed contact is connected to the second fixed terminal. The first movable contact is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the first fixed contact. The second movable contact is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the second fixed contact. The insulating member is connected to the first movable contact piece so as to be movable in a direction in which the first movable contact comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact. The support member slidably supports the insulating member. The driving device includes a bobbin, a coil wound around the bobbin, and a movable iron core at least a part of which is disposed in the bobbin and connected to the insulating member. The driving means moves the insulating member together with the movable iron core in accordance with the magnetic force generated from the coil, thereby moving the first movable contact piece. The first movable contact piece and the movable iron core are electrically insulated by an insulating member. The insulating member includes a first end facing the support component. The support part includes a protrusion protruding toward the first end and extending in a moving direction of the insulating member and partially contacting the first end in the moving direction of the insulating member, and the insulating member is slidably supported at the protrusion.

In another relay, an insulating member is slidably supported by a projection that is partially in contact with a first end of the insulating member. Thus, the contact area between the protrusion and the insulating member is smaller than that in the case where the protrusion contacts the first end of the insulating member over the entire length of the insulating member in the moving direction. This can suppress generation of wear debris generated from the insulating member and/or the support member due to sliding of the insulating member. Further, as compared with the case where the projection comes into contact with the entire length of the insulating member in the moving direction, when the insulating member is inclined, the interference between the insulating member and the projection can be suppressed. This can prevent the protrusion from interfering with the insulating member and interfering with the movement of the insulating member.

The relay may further include a third fixed contact, a fourth fixed contact, a second movable contact piece, a third movable contact, and a fourth movable contact. The third fixed contact may also be connected with the first fixed terminal. The fourth fixed contact may also be connected with the second fixed terminal. The second movable contact piece may be separate from the first movable contact piece. The third movable contact may be connected to the second movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the third fixed contact. The fourth movable contact may be connected to the second movable contact piece so as to be opposed to the fourth fixed contact. The insulating member may also be connected to the first movable contact piece and the second movable contact piece. The second movable contact piece and the movable iron core may also be electrically insulated by an insulating member.

In this case, the current is branched in the first movable contact and the third movable contact. In the second movable contact and the fourth movable contact, the current is branched. This can reduce contact resistance and temperature rise of the relay. In addition, the first movable contact piece and the second movable contact piece are independent of each other. Therefore, as compared with the case where the first to fourth movable contacts are provided on the integrated movable contact piece, the first to fourth movable contacts can be stably brought into contact with the first to fourth fixed contacts, respectively. Further, an appropriate insulation distance can be secured between the first movable contact piece and the movable core and between the second movable contact piece and the movable core.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a relay according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the relay with the insulating member in the open position.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the relay.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the relay taken along line IV-IV of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the insulating member and the periphery of the insulating member.

Fig. 6 is a view of the insulating member and the periphery of the insulating member as viewed from below.

Fig. 7 is a view of the insulating member and the periphery of the insulating member viewed from above.

Fig. 8 is a top view of the relay with the insulating member in the closed position.

Fig. 9 is a view showing a modification of the second projection.

Fig. 10 is a view showing a modification of the locking projection.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a modification of the first projection, the first recess, the second projection, and the second recess.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a relay according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a relay 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the relay 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the relay 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cut-off relay 1 along line IV-IV of fig. 3.

The relay 1 includes a contact device 2, a housing 3 (an example of a support member), and a drive device 4. The contact arrangement 2 and the drive arrangement 4 are arranged in a housing 3. The housing 3 includes a base 11 and a case 12. The base 11 and the case 12 are made of, for example, resin. In fig. 1 and 2, the case 12 is omitted.

In the following description, the direction in which the contact device 2 and the drive device 4 are arranged with respect to the base 11 is defined as upward, and the opposite direction is defined as downward. A predetermined direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z) is defined as a front-rear direction (Y). A predetermined direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z) and the front-rear direction (Y) is defined as a left-right direction (X). However, these directions are defined for convenience of explanation, and the arrangement direction of the relay 1 is not limited.

The contact device 2 includes a first fixed terminal 13, a second fixed terminal 14, a first fixed contact 21, a second fixed contact 22, a third fixed contact 23, and a fourth fixed contact 24. The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 are formed of a material having conductivity, such as copper. The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 extend in the vertical direction (Z), respectively. The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction (X). The first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14 are supported by the base 11.

The first fixed terminal 13 includes a first contact supporting portion 131 and a first outer terminal portion 132. The second fixed terminal 14 includes a second contact supporting portion 141 and a second external terminal portion 142 (refer to fig. 3). First contact supporting portion 131 and second contact supporting portion 141 are disposed in housing 3. The first and second external

terminal portions

132 and 142 protrude to the outside of the housing 3. The first and second external

terminal portions

132 and 142 protrude downward from the base 11.

The first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23 are connected to the first contact support portion 131. The first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23 are separate from the first fixed terminal 13. The first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23 are arranged in the first fixed terminal 13 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction (Z).

The second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24 are disposed apart from the first fixed contact 21 and the third fixed contact 23 in the left-right direction (X). The second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24 are connected to the second contact support portion 141. The second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24 are separate from the second fixed terminal 14. The second fixed contact 22 and the fourth fixed contact 24 are arranged in the second fixed terminal 14 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction (Z). The first to fourth fixed contacts 21 to 24 are formed of a material having conductivity, such as silver or copper.

The contact device 2 includes a first movable contact piece 15, a second movable contact piece 16, a first movable contact 31, a second movable contact 32, a third movable contact 33, and a fourth movable contact 34. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 extend in the left-right direction (X). The longitudinal direction of the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 coincides with the left-right direction (X). The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are separated from each other. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction (Z).

The second movable contact piece 16 is disposed above the first movable contact piece 15. The first movable contact piece 15 is disposed between the second movable contact piece 16 and the base 11 in the vertical direction (Z). The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are disposed to face the first contact point support portion 131 of the first fixed terminal 13 and the second contact point support portion 141 of the second fixed terminal 14 in the front-rear direction (Y). The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are formed of a material having conductivity such as copper, for example.

The first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are separate from the first movable contact piece 15. First movable contact 31 and second movable contact 32 are connected to first movable contact piece 15. The first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction (X). The first movable contact 31 is disposed to face the first fixed contact 21. The second movable contact 32 is disposed opposite to the second fixed contact 22.

The third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are separate from the second movable contact piece 16. The third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are connected to the second movable contact piece 16. The third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are arranged separately in the left-right direction (X). The third movable contact 33 is disposed apart from the first movable contact 31 in the vertical direction (Z). The fourth movable contact 34 is disposed apart from the second movable contact 32 in the vertical direction (Z). The third movable contact 33 is disposed to face the third fixed contact 23. The fourth movable contact 34 is disposed to face the fourth fixed contact 24. The first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 are formed of a material having conductivity, such as silver or copper.

The contact arrangement 2 comprises an insulating member 17. The insulating member 17 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The insulating member 17 is connected to the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16. The first movable contact piece 15 is connected to the insulating member 17 between the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32. The first movable contact piece 15 is connected to the insulating member 17 via a first contact spring 51 described later. The second movable contact piece 16 is connected to the insulating member 17 between the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34. The second movable contact piece 16 is connected to the insulating member 17 via a second contact spring 52 described later. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 may be directly connected to the insulating member 17.

The insulating member 17 is provided so as to be movable in a contact direction (Y1) in which the first movable contact 31 contacts the first fixed contact 21 and a separation direction (Y2) in which the first movable contact 31 separates from the first fixed contact 21. The contact direction (Y1) and the separation direction (Y2) are examples of the moving direction of the insulating member 17. The contact direction (Y1) and the separation direction (Y2) coincide with the front-rear direction (Y). The contact direction (Y1) is a direction in which the movable contacts 31-34 contact the fixed contacts 21-24 in the front-rear direction (Y). The separating direction (Y2) is a direction in which the movable contacts 31-34 are separated from the fixed contacts 21-24 in the front-rear direction (Y).

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the insulating member 17 and the periphery of the insulating member 17. Fig. 6 is a view of the insulating member 17 and the periphery of the insulating member 17 as viewed from below. Fig. 7 is a view of the insulating member 17 and the periphery of the insulating member 17 as viewed from above. The insulating member 17 includes a coupling portion 25, a first support portion 41, a second support portion 42, a first connecting portion 43, and a second connecting portion 44. The connection portion 25 extends in the front-rear direction (Y). The first support portion 41 extends downward from the connection portion 25. The first support portion 41 supports the first movable contact piece 15. The first support part 41 includes a first support hole 411. The first movable contact piece 15 is disposed in the first support hole 411.

The second support portion 42 extends upward from the connection portion 25. The second support portion 42 supports the second movable contact piece 16. The second support portion 42 includes a second support hole 421. The second movable contact piece 16 is disposed in the second support hole 421. The insulating member 17 includes partition walls 45. The partition wall 45 divides the first supporting hole 411 and the second supporting hole 421. The partition wall 45 is disposed between the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16.

The insulating member 17 includes a first member 17a and a second member 17 b. The first member 17a and the second member 17b are separate from each other. The first member 17a and the second member 17b are connected to each other by snap-fitting. The first member 17a includes the coupling portion 25, a part of the first support portion 41, a part of the second support portion 42, the first connection portion 43, and the second connection portion 44. The second member 17b includes a part of the first support portion 41 and a part of the second support portion 42. The first support hole 411 and the second support hole 421 are provided between the first member 17a and the second member 17 b.

As shown in fig. 4 and 7, the upper end of the insulating member 17 is disposed close to the case 12. The lower end of the insulating member 17 is disposed on the base 11. The insulating member 17 is supported by the base 11 to slide in the vertical direction (Z).

As shown in fig. 4 to 7, the insulating member 17 includes a first end portion 46, a second end portion 47,

first protrusions

48a, 48b, and

second protrusions

49a, 49 b. The first end 46 is an end of the insulating member 17 in the vertical direction (Z), and here is a lower end of the insulating member 17. The first end 46 faces the base 11 of the housing 3. The second end 47 is the other end of the insulating member 17 in the vertical direction (Z), and here is the upper end of the insulating member 17. The second end 47 faces the top surface of the tank 12.

The first projection 48a and the first projection 48b are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction (X). The

first protrusions

48a, 48b protrude from the first end portion 46 toward the base 11. The

first protrusions

48a, 48b extend in the front-rear direction (Y). The

first protrusions

48a, 48b partially extend at the first end 46 in the front-rear direction (Y). The length of the

first protrusions

48a, 48b in the front-rear direction (Y) is shorter than the length of the first end portion 46 in the front-rear direction (Y). That is, the

first protrusions

48a, 48b do not extend over the entire length of the first end portion 46 in the front-rear direction (Y). The

first protrusions

48a, 48b extend from the end portion on the separation direction (Y2) side of the first end portion 46 to the vicinity of the middle of the first end portion 46 in the front-rear direction (Y).

The base 11 slidably supports the insulating member 17 in the

first projections

48a and 48 b. As shown in fig. 4, the base 11 includes

first recesses

55a, 55 b. The first

concave portions

55a, 55b have a smoothly curved shape.

The first recess 55a is disposed below the first protrusion 48 a. The first recess 55a is in contact with the first protrusion 48 a.

The first recess 55a slidably supports the first projection 48 a.

The first recess 55b is disposed below the first protrusion 48 b. The first recess 55b is in contact with the first protrusion 48 b. The first recess 55b slidably supports the first projection 48 b.

The base 11 includes a first guide wall 56 and a second guide wall 57. The first guide wall 56 and the second guide wall 57 protrude upward from the base 11. The first guide wall 56 and the second guide wall 57 extend in the front-rear direction (Y). The first end 46 of the insulating member 17 is disposed between the first guide wall 56 and the second guide wall 57.

The second projection 49a and the second projection 49b are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction (X).

Second projections

49a, 49b project from the second end 47 toward the top surface of the case 12. The

second protrusions

49a, 49b extend in the front-rear direction (Y). The

second protrusions

49a, 49b partially extend in the front-rear direction (Y) at the second end portion 47. That is, the

second protrusions

49a and 49b do not extend over the entire length in the front-rear direction (Y) at the second end portion 47. The

second protrusions

49a, 49b extend from the front end of the second end portion 47 to the vicinity of the middle of the second end portion 47 in the front-rear direction (Y).

The

second protrusions

49a, 49b can contact the case 12. In detail, the case 12 includes

second recesses

58a, 58 b. The second

concave portions

58a, 58b have smoothly curved shapes. The second recess 58a is disposed above the second protrusion 49 a. The second recess 58a can be in contact with the second protrusion 49 a. The second recess 58b is disposed above the second protrusion 49 b. The second recess 58b can be in contact with the second protrusion 49 b. As shown in fig. 4, in a state where the insulating member 17 is slidably supported by the base 11 in the vertical direction (Z), gaps are present between the

second protrusions

49a, 49b and the

second recesses

58a, 58 b. For example, when the insulating member 17 is displaced upward from the position shown in fig. 4 when the insulating member 17 is moved, the

second protrusions

49a and 49b contact the

second recesses

58a and 58b, and the insulating member 17 is slidably supported by the case 12 at the

second protrusions

49a and 49 b.

The case 12 includes a third guide wall 60a and a fourth guide wall 60 b. The third guide wall 60a and the fourth guide wall 60b protrude downward from the top surface of the case 12. The third guide wall 60a and the fourth guide wall 60b extend in the front-rear direction (Y). The second end 47 of the insulating member 17 is disposed between the third guide wall 60a and the fourth guide wall 60 b.

The contact arrangement 2 comprises a first contact spring 51 and a second contact spring 52. The first contact spring 51 is disposed between the first movable contact piece 15 and the first support portion 41. The first contact spring 51 is disposed in the first support hole 411. In a state where the first movable contact 31 is in contact with the first fixed contact 21 and the second movable contact 32 is in contact with the second fixed contact 22, the first contact spring 51 presses the first movable contact piece 15 toward the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14.

The second contact spring 52 is disposed between the second movable contact piece 16 and the second support portion 42. The second contact spring 52 is disposed in the second support hole 421. In a state where the third movable contact 33 is in contact with the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth movable contact 34 is in contact with the fourth fixed contact 24, the second contact spring 52 presses the second movable contact piece 16 toward the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14.

The driving device 4 moves the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 by electromagnetic force. The driving device 4 moves the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 in the contacting direction (Y1) and the separating direction (Y2). As shown in fig. 3, the driving device 4 includes a coil 61, a bobbin 62, a movable iron core 63, a fixed iron core 64, and a yoke 65.

The coil 61 is wound around the bobbin 62. The axis of the coil 61 extends in the front-rear direction (Y). The bobbin 62 includes a hole 621 extending in the axial direction of the coil 61. At least a part of the movable iron core 63 is disposed in the hole 621 of the bobbin 62. The movable iron core 63 is provided movably in the contact direction (Y1) and the separation direction (Y2).

The movable iron core 63 is connected to the insulating member 17. The first movable contact piece 15 and the movable iron core 63 are electrically insulated by the insulating member 17. The second movable contact piece 16 and the movable iron core 63 are electrically insulated by the insulating member 17.

As shown in fig. 2 and 6, the coupling portion 25 of the insulating member 17 includes a locking groove 59. The locking groove 59 locks the movable iron core 63. The locking groove 59 includes a locking protrusion 59a protruding in the moving direction of the insulating member 17 in the locking groove 59. The locking projection 59a extends in the front-rear direction (Y). The locking projection 59a projects toward the movable iron core 63 in the locking groove 59. The movable iron core 63 includes a coupling portion 66. The connecting portion 66 is disposed in the locking groove 59 in a state where the distal end surface of the connecting portion 66 is in contact with the locking projection 59 a. The coupling portion 66 is lightly pressed into the locking groove 59 by the locking projection 59 a. Thereby, the movable iron core 63 is fixed to the insulating member 17 so as not to be movable in the front-rear direction (Y).

The movable iron core 63 moves in the contact direction (Y1) or the separation direction (Y2) by the magnetic force generated from the coil 61. With this movement of the movable iron core 63, the insulating member 17 moves to the closed position or the open position. Then, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 move in the contacting direction (Y1) or the separating direction (Y2) in accordance with the movement of the insulating member 17.

The fixed core 64 is disposed in the hole 621 of the bobbin 62. The fixed core 64 is disposed opposite to the movable core 63 in the front-rear direction (Y). The coil 61 generates an electromagnetic force for moving the movable iron core 63 in the contact direction (Y1) by energization.

The yoke 65 is disposed so as to surround the coil 61. The yoke 65 is disposed on the magnetic circuit constituted by the coil 61. As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the yoke 65 includes a first yoke 67 and a second yoke 68. The first yoke 67 extends in the front-rear direction (Y) and the left-right direction (X). The first yoke 67 is opposed to the insulating member 17 in the front-rear direction (Y). A part of the second yoke 68 is disposed on the left and right of the coil 61. The second yoke 68 is connected to the fixed core 64.

As shown in fig. 2, the relay 1 includes a first return spring 53 and a second return spring 54. The first return spring 53 and the second return spring 54 are disposed between the insulating member 17 and the driving device 4. The first return spring 53 is connected to the first connecting portion 43 of the insulating member 17. The second return spring 54 is connected to the second connecting portion 44. The first return spring 53 and the second return spring 54 bias the movable iron core 63 in the separating direction.

Next, the operation of the relay 1 will be described. When the coil 61 is not energized, the driving device 4 is not excited. In this case, the insulating member 17 is pressed in the separating direction together with the movable iron core 63 by the elastic force of the return springs 53 and 54, and the insulating member 17 is positioned at the open position shown in fig. 2. In this state, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are also pressed in the separation direction via the insulating member 17. Therefore, when the insulating member 17 is in the open position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are separated from the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22. Similarly, when the insulating member 17 is in the open position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are separated from the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24.

When the coil 61 is energized, the driving device 4 is excited. In this case, the movable iron core 63 is moved in the contact direction (Y1) against the elastic force of the return springs 53 and 54 by the electromagnetic force of the coil 61. Thereby, the insulating member 17, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 move together in the contact direction (Y1). Accordingly, as shown in fig. 8, the insulating member 17 moves to the closed position. As a result, when the insulating member 17 is in the closed position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are in contact with the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22, respectively. Similarly, when the insulating member 17 is in the closed position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are in contact with the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24, respectively. Thereby, the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 are connected in parallel to each other with respect to the first fixed terminal 13 and the second fixed terminal 14.

When the current in the coil 61 stops and the coil is demagnetized, the movable iron core 63 is pressed in the separating direction by the elastic force of the return springs 53 and 54. Thereby, the insulating member 17, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 are moved together in the separating direction (Y2). Accordingly, as shown in fig. 2, the insulating member 17 moves to the open position. As a result, when the insulating member 17 is in the open position, the first movable contact 31 and the second movable contact 32 are separated from the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22. Similarly, when the insulating member 17 is in the open position, the third movable contact 33 and the fourth movable contact 34 are separated from the third fixed contact 23 and the fourth fixed contact 24.

In the relay 1 of the present embodiment described above, the

first protrusions

48a, 48b slidably supported by the insulating member 17 partially extend in the front-rear direction (Y) at the first end 46 of the insulating member 17 facing the housing 3. Thus, the contact area between the

first protrusions

48a, 48b and the housing 3 becomes smaller than in the case where the

first protrusions

48a, 48b extend over the entire length of the first end portion 46 in the front-rear direction (Y). Thereby, generation of wear debris generated from the insulating member 17 and/or the housing 3 due to sliding of the insulating member 17 can be suppressed.

In addition, when the insulating member 17 is inclined, the interference of the

first protrusions

48a, 48b with the housing 3 can be suppressed, as compared with the case where the

first protrusions

48a, 48b extend over the entire length of the first end portion 46 in the front-rear direction (Y). This can prevent the

first protrusions

48a and 48b from interfering with the housing 3 and interfering with the movement of the insulating member 17. Further, since the movable iron core 63 is lightly pressed into the locking groove 59, the rattling of the movable iron core 63 is suppressed, and the operation of the movable iron core 63 is stabilized.

While the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the driving device 4 pushes the insulating member 17 from the driving device 4 side to the contact device 2 side, thereby moving the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 in the separation direction. Further, the driving device 4 pulls in the insulating member 17 from the contact device 2 side to the driving device 4 side, whereby the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 move in the contact direction. However, the operation direction of the insulating member 17 for opening and closing the contacts may be opposite to that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the driving device 4 may push the insulating member 17 from the driving device 4 side toward the contact device 2 side, thereby moving the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 in the contact direction. The driving device 4 may move the first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 in the separation direction by pulling the insulating member 17 from the contact device 2 side to the driving device 4 side. That is, the contact direction and the separation direction may be opposite to those of the above-described embodiment.

The shapes or the arrangements of the first fixed terminal 13, the second fixed terminal 14, the first movable contact piece 15, and the second movable contact piece 16 may be changed. For example, the first and second external

terminal portions

132 and 142 may protrude from the base 11 in a direction different from the above-described embodiment. The first movable contact piece 15 and the second movable contact piece 16 may be integrated. That is, the first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 may be connected to an integrated movable contact piece. Alternatively, the second movable contact piece 16, the third and fourth

movable contacts

33 and 34, and the third and fourth

fixed contacts

23 and 24 may be omitted.

The shape or arrangement of the coil 61, the bobbin 62, the movable core 63, the fixed core 64, or the yoke 65 may be changed. The shape and arrangement of the first to fourth fixed contacts 21 to 24 may be changed. The shape and arrangement of the first to fourth movable contacts 31 to 34 may be changed.

The first fixed contact 21 and/or the third fixed contact 23 may be integrated with the first fixed terminal 13. The first fixed contact 21 and/or the third fixed contact 23 may be a part of the first fixed terminal 13, and may be flush with the other part of the first fixed terminal 13. The second fixed contact 22 and/or the fourth fixed contact 24 may also be integral with the second fixed terminal 14. The second fixed contact 22 and/or the fourth fixed contact 24 may be a part of the second fixed terminal 14, and may be flush with the other part of the second fixed terminal 14.

The first movable contact 31 and/or the second movable contact 32 may be integrated with the first movable contact piece 15. First movable contact 31 and/or second movable contact 32 may be a part of first movable contact piece 15, and may be flush with the other part of first movable contact piece 15. The third movable contact 33 and/or the fourth movable contact 34 may be integrated with the second movable contact piece 16. The third movable contact 33 and/or the fourth movable contact 34 may be a part of the second movable contact piece 16, and may be flush with the other part of the second movable contact piece 16.

The insulating member 17 may not be slidably supported by the housing 3. The insulating member 17 may be slidably supported at least partially by another member disposed in the housing 3.

The shape and arrangement of the insulating member 17 may be changed. The shape and arrangement of the base 11 may be changed. The shape or arrangement of the case 12 may be changed. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the insulating member 17 may be slidably supported by both the base 11 and the case 12. Alternatively, the insulating member 17 may be slidably supported only by the case 12. That is, the same configuration as the

first projections

48a, 48b may be provided on the second end portion 47 of the insulating member 17, and the

first projections

48a, 48b may be slidably supported by the case 12.

The

second recesses

58a, 58b may also be omitted. The

second protrusions

49a, 49b may also be omitted. The first recesses 55a and 55b may be omitted. The number of the

first projections

48a, 48b may be changed. The structure of the connecting portion 25 of the insulating member 17 and the connecting portion 66 of the movable core 63 may be changed. The shape and arrangement of the locking projection 66a may be changed. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the connecting portion 66 of the movable iron core 63 may include a locking protrusion 66 a. In this case, the locking projection 66a may protrude from the distal end surface of the connecting portion 66 in the locking groove 59.

As shown in fig. 11, the relationship between the

first projections

48a and 48b and the

first recesses

55a and 55b may be reversed. Similarly, the concave-convex relationship between the

second protrusions

49a, 49b and the

second recesses

58a, 58b may be reversed. In this case, the

first protrusions

48a, 48b protrude from the base 11 toward the first end 46 of the insulating member 17, and partially contact the first end 46 in the moving direction of the insulating member 17.

Claims

1. A relay is characterized by comprising:

a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal;

a first fixed contact connected to the first fixed terminal;

a second fixed contact connected to the second fixed terminal;

a first movable contact piece;

a first movable contact connected to the first movable contact piece and opposed to the first fixed contact;

a second movable contact point connected to the first movable contact piece and opposed to the second fixed contact point;

an insulating member connected to the first movable contact piece movably in a direction in which the first movable contact comes into contact with and separates from the first fixed contact;

a support member that slidably supports the insulating member; and

a driving device including a bobbin, a coil wound around the bobbin, and a movable core, at least a part of the movable core being disposed in the bobbin and connected to the insulating member, the insulating member and the movable core moving together in accordance with a magnetic force generated from the coil to move the first movable contact piece, wherein,

the first movable contact piece and the movable iron core are electrically insulated by the insulating member,

the insulating member includes a first end portion facing the support part and a first protrusion protruding from the first end portion toward the support part and partially extending in a moving direction of the insulating member at the first end portion,

the support member slidably supports the insulating member at the first protrusion.

2. The relay according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the length of the first protrusion in the moving direction is shorter than the length of the first end portion in the moving direction.

3. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

the insulating member includes a latching groove for latching the movable iron core,

the movable iron core includes a connecting portion disposed in the locking groove,

one of the locking groove and the connecting portion includes a locking protrusion protruding in the moving direction in the locking groove,

the movable iron core is lightly pressed into the locking groove by the locking protrusion.

4. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

the support member is a housing.

5. The relay according to claim 4, wherein:

the support member includes a base supporting the driving device,

the first projection is slidably supported by the base.

6. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

the support member includes a first recess that slidably supports the first protrusion.

7. The relay according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

the insulating member further includes a second end and a second protrusion,

the second end portion faces the support member on a side opposite to the first end portion,

the second protrusion may protrude from the second end portion toward the support member, may partially extend in the moving direction at the second end portion, and may be in contact with the support member.

8. The relay according to claim 7, wherein:

the support member includes a second recess that the second protrusion contacts.

9. The relay according to claim 7, wherein:

the support member slidably supports the insulating member at the second protrusion.

10. A relay is characterized by comprising:

a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal;

a first fixed contact connected to the first fixed terminal;

a second fixed contact connected to the second fixed terminal;

a first movable contact piece;

a support member that slidably supports the insulating member; and

a driving device including a bobbin, a coil wound around the bobbin, and a movable core, at least a part of the movable core being disposed in the bobbin and connected to the insulating member, the movable core being moved by a magnetic force generated by the coil to move the first movable contact piece via the insulating member, wherein,

the insulating member includes a first end facing the support part,

the support member includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the first end portion and extends in a moving direction of the insulating member, partially contacts the first end portion in the moving direction of the insulating member, and slidably supports the insulating member at the protrusion.

11. The relay according to claim 10, wherein:

one of the locking groove and the connecting portion includes a locking protrusion protruding in the locking groove in a moving direction of the insulating member,

12. The relay according to any one of claims 1, 2, 10, 11, further comprising:

a third fixed contact connected to the first fixed terminal;

a fourth fixed contact connected to the second fixed terminal;

a second movable contact piece separated from the first movable contact piece;

a third movable contact point connected to the second movable contact piece and opposed to the third fixed contact point; and

a fourth movable contact point connected to the second movable contact piece and opposed to the fourth fixed contact point, wherein,

the insulating member is connected to the first movable contact piece and the second movable contact piece,

the second movable contact piece and the movable iron core are electrically insulated by the insulating member.