JP2004127581A - Electromagnetic relay - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electromagnetic relay formed by integrating a plurality of electromagnetic structures by a common fixed contact member, of which an assembling work is simplified, structural reliability is secured, and chips of resin material are reduced. <P>SOLUTION: In the electromagnetic relay 10, a reel 34 of an electromagnetic device 16 of each electromagnetic structure 12 is provided with fitting parts 52 having a first fitting surface fitting with a first fixed contact member 14 and a second fitting surface fitting with a second fixed contact member 24 which are located in proximity to each other. The fixed contact members 14, 24 are mounted to the first and second fitting surfaces, continuing against the fitting parts 52 of two juxtaposed electromagnetic constructions 12, between both fitting parts 52 respectively, in a manner of fixing by making them fit with pressure in one direction. By the above, two electromagnetic structures 12 are strongly and mechanically joined to each other by the fixed contact members 14, 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電磁継電器に関し、特に、複数の電磁構造体を一体的に並設して備える複合型の電磁継電器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
電磁継電器において、それぞれが独立して開閉動作可能な複数の電磁継電器構造を、１つの筐体内に一体的に並設して備えた複合型継電器が知られている。この種の複合型電磁継電器は、例えばモータやソレノイドを正逆方向に頻繁に切り換えて動作させる制御回路で使用できるものであるが、それ自体、複数の独立した電磁継電器を使用する構成に比べて継電器設置空間を削減する効果を奏することから、車載用電動機器類の制御回路等の、狭小な空間に回路構成部品を設置しなければならない用途で有効に使用されている。
【０００３】
従来、この種の複合型電磁継電器においては、部品点数の削減及び外形寸法の縮小を促進する観点で、複数の電磁継電器構造に装備されるメーク固定接点を、１つの共通の固定接点部材に担持させた構成が一般に採用されている。さらに、この共通の固定接点部材に、複数の電磁継電器構造を相互に機械的に連結する機能を付与した複合型電磁継電器が提案されている（例えば特許文献１参照）。このような連結機能を有する固定接点部材を用いれば、複数の電磁継電器構造を整列させて相互連結するための他の機械的連結部材を省略できるとともに、複合型電磁継電器の組立工程を簡略化でき、しかも接点間隙等の組立寸法精度を向上できる利点が得られる。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−３１５４４８号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記特許文献１に開示される複合型電磁継電器では、共通化した固定接点部材は、複数の電磁継電器構造（個別的には固定接点部材を有しないものであり、本明細書で以下、電磁構造体と称する）の各々に対し、各電磁構造体が有する電気絶縁部材（具体的には電磁石装置のコイルを支持する樹脂製の巻枠）に固定接点部材の複数の縁部分が嵌合することにより、固定的に装着されるようになっている。ここで、固定接点部材の複数の縁部分は、各電磁構造体の電気絶縁部材の所定表面領域に摺動式に嵌合するので、そのような縁部分が多いほど、電磁継電器の組立作業中に、電気絶縁部材の樹脂材料の切粉が発生し易くなる傾向がある。そして、切粉が電磁継電器内部に蓄積した場合には、継電器の開閉動作に悪影響を及ぼすことが懸念される。
【０００６】
また、特許文献１の複合型電磁継電器は、各電磁構造体のブレーク側に設置される第２の共通化された固定接点部材又は接点無しの変位規制部材（これら部材を本明細書でブレーク側部材と総称する）を備えている。このブレーク側部材は、上記したメーク側の固定接点部材と同様に、各電磁構造体の電気絶縁部材の所定表面領域に摺動式に嵌合する複数の縁部分を有しているので、上記した切粉の発生の問題が一層顕著になる危惧がある。しかも、ブレーク側部材のそれら縁部分は、電気絶縁部材に対し、メーク側の固定接点部材の縁部分とは異なる方向に摺動して嵌合するように構成されているから、電磁継電器の組立作業が煩雑になる傾向がある。特に、ブレーク側部材が第２の固定接点部材である場合に、その摺動嵌合方向は、電磁継電器を回路基板等に実装する際に第２の固定接点部材の末端に設けた接続端子部分に負荷される外力の主方向に実質的に対向する方向となるから、実装作業中に第２の固定接点部材と電気絶縁部材との相互嵌合部分に緩みを生じ、その結果、接点間隙の寸法精度の悪化により接点開閉動作に悪影響を及ぼしたり、第２の固定接点部材が電磁構造体から脱落して動作不良を起こしたりする懸念がある。
【０００７】
本発明の目的は、複数の電磁構造体を一体的に並設して備え、共通化した固定接点部材がそれら電磁構造体を機械的に相互連結する複合型の電磁継電器において、電磁継電器の組立作業を一層簡易化できるとともに、組み立てた電磁継電器の構造的信頼性を十分に確保でき、しかも組立作業中に各電磁構造体の電気絶縁部材から生じ得る樹脂材料の切粉の量を削減して、切粉による継電器の開閉動作への影響を未然に防止できる電磁継電器を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１に記載の発明は、電磁石装置と電磁石装置の作用により動作する可動接点を有する可動接点ばね部材とをそれぞれに備えた複数の電磁構造体と、それら電磁構造体の可動接点に個々に対向配置される複数のメーク固定接点を有する固定接点部材と、固定接点部材とは反対側で複数の可動接点ばね部材に対向配置されるブレーク側部材とを具備し、固定接点部材が複数の電磁構造体を相互に機械的に連結するように設置される電磁継電器において、電磁石装置は、固定接点部材に嵌合する第１嵌合面とブレーク側部材に嵌合する第２嵌合面とを相互近接位置に有する嵌合部を備え、第１嵌合面と第２嵌合面とが同一の嵌合方向性を有し、複数の電磁構造体は、それぞれの電磁石装置の嵌合部同士が隣接するとともに、それら嵌合部の第１嵌合面同士及び第２嵌合面同士が実質的に連続するように、互いに並置して組み合わされ、固定接点部材は、複数のメーク固定接点を担持する第１腕部分を有し、第１腕部分に、隣り合うメーク固定接点の間に位置する第１嵌合縁が形成され、ブレーク側部材は、可動接点ばね部材の可動接点を挟んで固定接点部材の第１腕部分の反対側に配置される第２腕部分を有し、第２腕部分に、第１腕部分の第１嵌合縁に対応して位置する第２嵌合縁が形成され、互いに並置した複数の電磁構造体の隣接する嵌合部に対し、実質的に連続する第１嵌合面に固定接点部材の第１嵌合縁が所定嵌合方向へ圧入式に嵌合しているとともに、実質的に連続する第２嵌合面にブレーク側部材の第２嵌合縁が略同一の嵌合方向へ嵌合している状態で、固定接点部材とブレーク側部材とが固定されていること、を特徴とする電磁継電器を提供する。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の電磁継電器において、複数の電磁構造体の各々の電磁石装置は、コイル導線の両線端にそれぞれ接続される一対のコイル端子部材を有し、嵌合部を隣接させて並置した電磁構造体の間で、同一極性のコイル端子部材同士がそれらの端子部分で互いに重ね合わせて配置される電磁継電器を提供する。
【００１０】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１又は２に記載の電磁継電器において、複数の電磁構造体の各々の可動接点ばね部材は、可動接点の裏側に設置される第２の可動接点を有し、ブレーク側部材は、それら電磁構造体の第２の可動接点に個々に対向配置される複数のブレーク固定接点を有する第２の固定接点部材からなる電磁継電器を提供する。
【００１１】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載の電磁継電器において、固定接点部材と第２の固定接点部材とが、互いに対応するＬ字折曲形状を有して、それぞれの第１腕部分と第２腕部分とを可動接点及び第２の可動接点を挟んで互いに重畳させた門形に配置される電磁継電器を提供する。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明の実施の形態を詳細に説明する。全図面に渡り、対応する構成要素には共通の参照符号を付す。
図面を参照すると、図１〜図４は、本発明の一実施形態による電磁継電器１０を示す。電磁継電器１０は、互いに並設された２個の電磁構造体１２と、それら電磁構造体１２に対して共通化された１個の固定接点部材１４とを備えて構成される。各電磁構造体１２は、電磁石装置１６と、電磁石装置１６の作用により動作する可動接点１８を有する可動接点ばね部材２０とを備える。固定接点部材１４は、それら電磁構造体１２の可動接点１８に個々に対向配置される２個のメーク固定接点２２を有して、両電磁構造体１２に組み付けられる。後述するように固定接点部材１４は、２個の電磁構造体１２を相互に機械的に連結する機能を有する。
【００１３】
電磁継電器１０はさらに、２個の電磁構造体１２の可動接点ばね部材２０に対し、固定接点部材１４とは反対側で対向配置されるブレーク側部材として、第２の固定接点部材２４を備える。ここで、各電磁構造体１２の可動接点ばね部材２０は、可動接点１８の裏側に設置される第２の可動接点２６を有する。そして、第２の固定接点部材２４は、それら電磁構造体１２の第２の可動接点２６に個々に対向配置される２個のブレーク固定接点２８を有して、両電磁構造体１２に組み付けられる。後述するように第２の固定接点部材２４は、２個の電磁構造体１２を機械的に相互連結する機能を有する。
【００１４】
図５に分解して示すように、各電磁構造体１２の電磁石装置１６は、電磁石３０と、電磁石３０によって駆動される接極子３２とを備える。電磁石３０は、巻枠３４と、巻枠３４に巻き付けて支持されるコイル３６と、コイル３６の中心軸線３６ａに沿って巻枠３４に取り付けられる鉄心３８とを備える。巻枠３４は、電気絶縁性の樹脂成形品であり、コイル３６を支持する所定長さの中空胴部（図示せず）と、中空胴部の長手方向両端に連結される一対の矩形環状の鍔部３４ａ、３４ｂとを一体的に有する。
【００１５】
コイル３６は、巻枠３４の中空胴部に導線の所要長さ部分を密に巻着して形成され、巻枠３４の両鍔部３４ａ、３４ｂの間に固定的に保持される。鉄心３８は、例えば磁性鋼から形成される柱状部材であり、その略円柱状の主部分３８ａが、コイル３６の中心軸線３６ａに同心配置されて巻枠３４の中空胴部内に固定的に受容される。鉄心３８の軸線方向一端には、コイル中心軸線３６ａに略直交する平坦な端面を有する頭部３８ｂが一体的に設けられ、この頭部３８ｂが巻枠３４の一方（図で上方）の鍔部３４ａの外面上に露出して配置される。
【００１６】
巻枠３４の他方（図で下方）の鍔部３４ｂには、その一縁領域に、電気良導体からなる一対のコイル端子部材４０、４２が固定的に取り付けられる。それらコイル端子部材４０、４２には、コイル３６を形成する導線の両線端３６ｂがそれぞれ接続される。各コイル端子部材４０、４２は、コイル３６の線端３６ｂを巻着する長手方向一端の巻着部分４０ａ、４２ａと、長手方向他端の接続端子部分４０ｂ、４２ｂとを一体に備え、接続端子部分４０ｂ、４２ｂがコイル３６から離れて鍔部３４ｂの下方に延出するように、鍔部３４ｂに固定される。
【００１７】
電磁石３０の鉄心３８は、頭部３８ｂの反対側の軸線方向他端３８ｃで巻枠３４の鍔部３４ｂから突出し、この鉄心他端３８ｃに、コイル３６の周辺に磁路を形成する継鉄４４が、例えばかしめにより固定的に連結される。継鉄４４は、例えば磁性鋼から形成されるＬ字板状の剛性部材であり、その一方の平板状部分４４ａが巻枠３４の鍔部３４ｂに沿って延設されるとともに、他方の平板状部分４４ｂがコイル３６の側方に離間してコイル中心軸線３６ａに略平行に延設される。巻枠３４の鍔部３４ｂには、コイル端子部材４０、４２から離れた他縁領域に、略凸形輪郭の貫通孔４６が形成され、この貫通孔４６に、継鉄４４の平板状部分４４ｂが挿通される。継鉄４４の平板状部分４４ｂの末端部４４ｃは、鉄心３８の頭部３８ｂと略同一位置に配置され、この末端部４４ｃに隣接して、接極子３２が揺動自在に継鉄４４に連結される。
【００１８】
接極子３２は、例えば磁性鋼から形成される平板状の剛性部材であり、可動接点ばね部材２０を介して継鉄４４に弾性的相対移動可能に連結されるとともに、鉄心３８の頭部３８ｂに対向して配置される。接極子３２は、電磁石３０の鉄心３８及び継鉄４４と協働して、コイル３６による磁路を形成しつつ、後述するように揺動動作する。
【００１９】
可動接点ばね部材２０は、例えばばね用燐青銅の薄板から所定形状に打ち抜いて形成される導電性薄板部材からなり、両面にそれぞれ可動接点１８、２６を担持する長手方向一端の自由端部分２０ａと、長手方向他端の端子部分２０ｂと、長手方向略中央でＬ字状に折曲された弾性ヒンジ部分２０ｃと、自由端部分２０ａと弾性ヒンジ部分２０ｃとの間に延設されて接極子３２に例えばかしめにより固定される第１取着部分２０ｄと、端子部分２０ｂと弾性ヒンジ部分２０ｃとの間に延設されて継鉄４４に例えばかしめにより固定される第２取着部分２０ｅとを一体に備える。可動接点ばね部材２０は、弾性ヒンジ部分２０ｃが接極子３２と継鉄４４との間でばね作用を発揮して、接極子３２を鉄心３８の頭部３８ｂから離れる方向へ付勢する。
【００２０】
したがって、電磁石３０の非作動時には、接極子３２は、その一端部（図３で左端部）３２ａを継鉄末端部４４ｃに隣接させつつ、可動接点ばね部材２０のばね作用下で鉄心３８の頭部３８ｂから所定距離だけ離れた復旧位置（図３）に静止保持される。そして、電磁石３０が作動すると、磁気吸引力により接極子３２は、継鉄末端部４４ｃに隣接する一端部３２ａを中心に、可動接点ばね部材２０のばね力に抗して鉄心頭部３８ｂに近する方向へ揺動する。
【００２１】
なお、可動接点ばね部材２０の端子部分２０ｂは、所定形状に打ち抜かれた導電性薄板の一部を折り返して二層に重ね合わせた構成を有し、それにより端子部分２０ｂの機械的強度を確保している。可動接点ばね部材２０の端子部分２０ｂは、巻枠３４の鍔部３４ｂに設けた貫通孔４６に、継鉄４４の平板状部分４４ｂと共に挿通されて、継鉄４４から離れるように鍔部３４ｂの下方に延設される。また、可動接点１８、２６は、所望の接点材料から形成されて、可動接点ばね部材２０の自由端部分２０ａに、その両面上に膨出するようにそれぞれ例えばかしめにより固定される。
【００２２】
本発明に係る電磁継電器１０は、その特徴的構成として、各電磁構造体１２における電気絶縁部材である電磁石装置１６の巻枠３４の鍔部３４ａに、第１の固定接点部材１４に嵌合する第１嵌合面４８と第２の固定接点部材２４に嵌合する第２嵌合面５０とを相互近接位置に有する嵌合部５２を、一体的に突設して備えている。嵌合部５２は、巻枠３４の鍔部３４ａ上で、他方の鍔部３４ｂに取り付けた一方のコイル端子部材４０に対応する位置に設置される。図６に拡大して示すように、各電磁石装置１６の嵌合部５２には、巻枠３４の鍔部３４ａの上面に隣接する第１受容溝５４と、第１受容溝５４から離隔して鍔部３４ａの上方に位置する第２受容溝５６とが形成され、それら第１及び第２受容溝５４、５６の溝底領域に、角形膨出面として、それぞれ第１及び第２嵌合面４８、５０が設けられている。嵌合部５２の第１及び第２受容溝５４、５６は、前述したコイル中心軸線３６ａに略直交する方向へ、互いに実質的平行に延設され、それにより後述するように、第１嵌合面４８と第２嵌合面５０とに同一の嵌合方向性が付与されている。
【００２３】
それぞれの電磁石装置１６に上記嵌合部５２を備えた２個の電磁構造体１２は、互いに実質的鏡像状の構造を有する。そして、それら電磁構造体１２は、それぞれの電磁石装置１６の嵌合部５２同士が隣接するとともに、それら嵌合部５２の第１嵌合面４８同士及び第２嵌合面５０同士が実質的に連続する状態（図４参照）に、互いに並置して（すなわち両電磁石装置１６の巻枠３４の対応縁部を互いに当接させて）組み合わされる（図２及び図７参照）。なおこのとき、両嵌合部５２の第１受容溝５４同士及び第２受容溝５６同士も、実質的に連続する状態になる。
【００２４】
第１の固定接点部材１４は、例えば銅板から所定形状に打ち抜いて形成される導電性薄板部材からなり、一面に２個のメーク固定接点２２を担持する長手方向一端の第１腕部分１４ａと、長手方向他端の端子部分１４ｂと、第１腕部分１４ａに対しメーク固定接点２２の担持面とは反対側へ略直角に折曲されて第１腕部分１４ａと端子部分１４ｂとの間に延設される中間部分１４ｃとを一体に備える。各メーク固定接点２２は、所望の接点材料から形成されて、固定接点部材１４の第１腕部分１４ａに、その一面上に膨出するように離間整列して例えばかしめにより固定される。
【００２５】
固定接点部材１４の第１腕部分１４ａには、長手方向へ延びる一縁に沿って、隣り合うメーク固定接点２２の間の所定位置に、略矩形凹状の第１嵌合縁５８が形成される（図４及び図７）。第１嵌合縁５８は、上記のように並置した２個の電磁構造体１２の、隣接する嵌合部５２内で実質的に連続する第１嵌合面４８に、締まり嵌め状態で嵌合し得る形状及び寸法を有する。
【００２６】
したがって、それら並置した電磁構造体１２の隣接する嵌合部５２に対し、両嵌合部５２の間で連続する第１受容溝５４に、固定接点部材１４の第１嵌合縁５８周辺の縁領域を挿入して、第１受容溝５４の溝底まで十分に押し込むことにより、実質的に連続する第１嵌合面４８に、第１嵌合縁５８を圧入式に嵌合させることができる。このときの第１嵌合縁５８の圧入嵌合方向は、第１受容溝５４の形状によって規定され、前述したコイル中心軸線３６ａに略直交する方向となる。このようにして、固定接点部材１４が両嵌合部５２に固定的に組み付けられ、結果として、固定接点部材１４は２個の電磁構造体１２を強固に機械的に相互連結する。
【００２７】
第２の固定接点部材２４は、第１の固定接点部材１４と同様に、例えば銅板から所定形状に打ち抜いて形成される導電性薄板部材からなり、一面に２個のブレーク固定接点２８を担持する長手方向一端の第２腕部分２４ａと、長手方向他端の端子部分２４ｂと、第２腕部分２４ａに対しブレーク固定接点２８の担持面側へ略直角に折曲されて第２腕部分２４ａと端子部分２４ｂとの間に延設される中間部分２４ｃとを一体に備える。各ブレーク固定接点２８は、所望の接点材料から形成されて、固定接点部材２４の第２腕部分２４ａに、その一面上に膨出するように離間整列して例えばかしめにより固定される。なお、第１の固定接点部材１４と第２の固定接点部材２４とは、実質的鏡像状の対応形状を有する。すなわち、第１腕部分１４ａと第２腕部分２４ａ、及び端子部分１４ｂと端子部分２４ｂは、互いに実質的同一の寸法及び形状を有するが、第２の固定接点部材２４の中間部分２４ｃは第１の固定接点部材１４の中間部分１４ｃよりも若干長くなっている。
【００２８】
第２の固定接点部材２４の第２腕部分２４ａには、長手方向へ延びる一縁に沿って、隣り合うブレーク固定接点２８の間の所定位置に、略矩形凹状の第２嵌合縁６０が形成される（図８）。第２嵌合縁６０は、上記のように並置した２個の電磁構造体１２の、隣接する嵌合部５２内で実質的に連続する第２嵌合面５０に、締まり嵌め状態で嵌合し得る形状及び寸法を有する。なお、第２の固定接点部材２４を２個の電磁構造体１２に対して適正位置に組み付けると、第２腕部分２４ａは、２個の可動接点ばね部材２０の可動接点１８、２６を挟んで固定接点部材１４の第１腕部分１４ａの反対側に配置され、また第２嵌合縁６０は第１嵌合縁５８に対応する位置に配置される。
【００２９】
したがって、それら並置した電磁構造体１２の隣接する嵌合部５２に対し、両嵌合部５２の間で連続する第２受容溝５６に、固定接点部材２４の第２嵌合縁６０周辺の縁領域を挿入して、第２受容溝５６の溝底まで十分に押し込むことにより、実質的に連続する第２嵌合面５０に、第２嵌合縁６０を圧入式に嵌合させることができる。このときの第２嵌合縁６０の圧入嵌合方向は、第２受容溝５６の形状によって規定され、前述したコイル中心軸線３６ａに略直交する方向、すなわち第１嵌合縁５８の嵌合方向と同一の方向となる。このようにして、第２の固定接点部材２４が両嵌合部５２に固定的に組み付けられ、結果として、第２の固定接点部材２４は２個の電磁構造体１２を強固に機械的に相互連結する。
【００３０】
上記したように第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４を２個の電磁構造体１２に適正に組み付けると、第１の固定接点部材１４に担持される２個のメーク固定接点２２は、両電磁構造体１２に装備した可動接点１８にそれぞれ対向して、電磁石装置１６の励磁作用による可動接点１８の動作経路上（図で可動接点１８の下方）に配置される。また、第２の固定接点部材２４に担持される２個のブレーク固定接点２８は、両電磁構造体１２に装備した第２の可動接点２６にそれぞれ対向して、電磁石装置１６の非励磁作用による可動接点２６の復旧経路上（図で可動接点２６の上方）に配置される。
【００３１】
このようにして２個の電磁構造体１２を一体的に並設した電磁継電器１０では、個々の電磁構造体１２が両固定接点部材１４、２４に対し、以下のように個別的に独立した接点開閉動作を遂行できる。まず、電磁石装置１６が非励磁状態にある間は、前述したように接極子３２が可動接点ばね部材２０のばね作用下で鉄心３８の頭部３８ｂから所定距離だけ離れた復旧位置に置かれ、それに伴い、可動接点ばね部材２０に担持した第２の可動接点２６が、ばね作用による圧力下で、第２の固定接点部材２４に担持した対応のブレーク固定接点２８に導通接触する。それによりブレーク接点が閉成される。この状態から、電磁石装置１６が励磁されると、前述したように磁気吸引力により接極子３２が可動接点ばね部材２０のばね力に抗して鉄心頭部３８ｂに近する方向へ揺動し、それに伴い、可動接点ばね部材２０に担持した第１の可動接点１８が、ばね力と磁気吸引力との相互作用による圧力下で、第１の固定接点部材１４に担持した対応のメーク固定接点２２に導通接触する。それによりメーク接点が閉成される。
【００３２】
上記した適正な組立状態では、第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４は、互いに対応するＬ字折曲形状を有するので、それぞれの第１腕部分１４ａと第２腕部分２４ａとを、第１及び第２の可動接点１８、２６を挟んで互いに略平行に重畳させた門形に配置される（図２）。また、両固定接点部材１４、２４の端子部分１４ｂ、２４ｂは、電磁石装置１６から離れて巻枠３４の鍔部３４ｂの下方に延長される。さらに、並置した２個の電磁構造体１２における二組のコイル端子部材４０、４２は、両固定接点部材１４、２４から離れた側に位置する同一極性のコイル端子部材４０同士が、それらの接続端子部分４０ｂで互いに重ね合わせて配置されるようになっている（図３）。
【００３３】
両固定接点部材１４、２４を組み付けることにより一体化された２個の電磁構造体１２は、図９に示すように、電磁継電器１０の専用ケース６２に収容される。この状態で、２個の可動接点ばね部材２０の端子部分２０ｂ、第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４の端子部分１４ｂ、２４ｂ、並びに二組のコイル端子部材４０、４２の接続端子部分４０ｂ、４２ｂは、いずれもケース６２の外部に露出して延長される。そして、ケース６２に収容されたそれら電磁構造体１２及び固定接点部材１４、２４の、ケース６２外に露出する部位における全ての隙間を封止するべく、図示しない接着剤が巻枠鍔部３４ｂの裏面（露出面）を覆うように塗着される。
【００３４】
上記構成を有する複合型の電磁継電器１０では、２個の電磁構造体１２に対して共通化した第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４は、両電磁構造体１２が有する電磁石装置１６の樹脂製巻枠３４に設けた嵌合部５２の第１及び第２嵌合面４８、５０に、両固定接点部材１４、２４のそれぞれ１箇所に設けた第１及び第２嵌合縁５８、６０が圧入式に嵌合することにより、両電磁構造体１２に固定的に組み付けられるようになっている。したがって、電磁継電器１０の組立作業中に、巻枠３４の樹脂材料から発生する切粉の量を最小限度に抑制でき、切粉による電磁継電器１０の接点開閉動作への影響を未然に防止できる。また、第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４は、並置した２個の電磁構造体１２に対して、いずれも同一の圧入嵌合方向に押圧して組み付けることができるから、電磁継電器１０の組立作業を手順上で簡易化でき、例えばロボットによる組立工程の制御が容易になる。しかも、いずれの固定接点部材１４、２４も、電磁継電器１０を回路基板等に実装する際に末端の端子部分１４ｂ、２４ｂに負荷される外力の主方向に対し、実質的に直交する方向へ圧入されているので、実装作業中に生じ得るそれら固定接点部材１４、２４の位置ずれや脱落を確実に回避でき、接点間隙等の組立寸法精度を高水準に維持するに十分な構造的信頼性を確保することができる。
【００３５】
ここで、電磁継電器１０においては、接点間隙等の組立寸法に関する高い精度を確保する目的で、各固定接点部材１４、２４に、電磁構造体１２の電磁石装置１６の巻枠３４に係合する係合要素６４、６６を補助的に設けることができる。図７及び図８に示すように、そのような係合要素６４、６６は例えば、各固定接点部材１４、２４の端子部分１４ｂ、２４ｂと中間部分１４ｃ、２４ｃとの境界部位に、圧入嵌合方向へ局部的に延出する舌状片として一体的に形成できる。この場合、各電磁構造体１２の巻枠３４には、鍔部３４ｂの対応位置に、各係合要素６４、６６を受容可能な凹所（固定接点部材１４の係合要素６４を受容する凹所６８のみ図７に示す）を設けることができる。この構成において、係合要素６４、６６と凹所６８との係合様態は、固定接点部材１４、２４の精確な位置決めを目的とするものであるから、圧入である必要は無く、がたつきを生じない程度の嵌入状態であれば良い。したがって、組立作業中に巻枠３４の樹脂材料から発生する切粉の量が増加することは回避される。
【００３６】
また、電磁継電器１０の組立手順としては、並置した２個の電磁構造体１２に対し、メーク固定接点２２を担持する固定接点部材１４を最初に組み付けた後に、第２の固定接点部材２４を組み付けることが望ましい。これは、特にメーク接点閉成動作の安定化を図る目的で、可動接点１８とメーク固定接点２２との間隙寸法を可動接点ばね部材２０のばね定数に対応して高精度に管理することが要求されるからである。したがって、最初に固定接点部材１４によって２個の電磁構造体１２を所定の高精度位置関係で強固に連結できさえすれば、第２の固定接点部材２４は、第２嵌合縁６０を嵌合部５２の第２嵌合面５０に対して圧入することなく、がたつきを生じない程度に嵌入することによって、両電磁構造体１２を補助的に相互連結する機能を有していれば良い。
【００３７】
さらに、電磁継電器１０では、前述したように第１及び第２の固定接点部材１４、２４が門形に配置されており、両固定接点部材１４、２４の中間部分１４ｃ、２４ｃが図示のように両者間を広く開放して配置されているので、所定の外形寸法制約下で、２個の電磁構造体１２における二組のコイル端子部材４０、４２の設置空間を確保できる利点がある。また、それら二組のコイル端子部材４０、４２のうち、同一極性のコイル端子部材４０同士が、前述したように接続端子部分４０ｂで互いに重ね合わせて配置されているので、電磁継電器１０を実装する回路基板上の導体パターンを簡素化できる利点もある。なお、これら重ね合わせたコイル端子部材４０の接続端子部分４０ｂは、所望の溶接方法により互いに機械的かつ電気的に接合しておくことが望ましい。
【００３８】
以上、本発明の好適な実施形態を説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されず、様々な変形を施すことができる。例えば、電磁継電器１０における第２の固定接点部材２４に代えて、２個の電磁構造体１２に対して共通化された接点無しの変位規制部材を用いることもできる。このような構成の電磁継電器は、ブレーク接点及びブレーク端子を有しないものとなるが、そのような変位規制部材を、第２の固定接点部材２４の前述した嵌合構造と同様の嵌合構造を有するブレーク側部材として構成すれば、電磁継電器１０と同等の作用効果が奏されることは理解されよう。また、３個以上の電磁構造体を互いに並置して、１個以上の固定接点部材により機械的に相互連結した構成を有する電磁継電器にも、本発明に係る電磁継電器の構成を適用できることは言うまでもない。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明によれば、複数の電磁構造体を一体的に並設して備え、共通化した固定接点部材がそれら電磁構造体を機械的に相互連結する複合型の電磁継電器において、電磁継電器の組立作業を一層簡易化するとともに、組み立てた電磁継電器の構造的信頼性を十分に確保することが可能になり、しかも組立作業中に各電磁構造体の電気絶縁部材から生じ得る樹脂材料の切粉の量を削減して、切粉による継電器の開閉動作への影響を未然に防止することが可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態による電磁継電器の斜視図である。
【図２】図１の電磁継電器の正面図である。
【図３】図１の電磁継電器の側面図である。
【図４】図１の電磁継電器を図２の線ＩＶ−ＩＶに沿って示す断面図である。
【図５】図１の電磁継電器における１つの電磁構造体の図で、（ａ）分解斜視図、及び（ｂ）組立斜視図である。
【図６】図１の電磁継電器の部分拡大斜視図である。
【図７】図１の電磁継電器の組立工程における一段階を示す斜視図である。
【図８】図１の電磁継電器の組立工程における他段階を示す斜視図である。
【図９】図１の電磁継電器をケースに収容した状態で示す底面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…電磁継電器
１２…電磁構造体
１４…固定接点部材
１６…電磁石装置
１８…可動接点
２０…可動接点ばね部材
２２…メーク固定接点
２４…第２の固定接点部材
２６…第２の可動接点
２８…ブレーク固定接点
３０…電磁石
３２…接極子
３４…巻枠
４０、４２…コイル端子部材
４８…第１嵌合面
５０…第２嵌合面
５２…嵌合部
５４…第１受容溝
５６…第２受容溝
５８…第１嵌合縁
６０…第２嵌合縁
６２…ケース
６４、６６…係合要素[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electromagnetic relay, and more particularly to a composite electromagnetic relay having a plurality of electromagnetic structures integrally arranged side by side.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Among electromagnetic relays, there has been known a composite type relay having a plurality of electromagnetic relay structures each of which can be independently opened and closed, which are integrally arranged in one housing. This type of composite electromagnetic relay can be used, for example, in a control circuit that operates by frequently switching a motor or a solenoid in the forward and reverse directions, but as such, compared to a configuration using a plurality of independent electromagnetic relays. Since it has the effect of reducing the installation space of the relay, it is effectively used in applications where circuit components must be installed in a narrow space, such as a control circuit for in-vehicle electric devices.
[0003]
Conventionally, in this type of composite electromagnetic relay, in order to reduce the number of parts and reduce external dimensions, make fixed contacts provided in a plurality of electromagnetic relay structures are carried by one common fixed contact member. This configuration is generally employed. Further, a composite electromagnetic relay has been proposed in which a function of mechanically connecting a plurality of electromagnetic relay structures to each other is provided to the common fixed contact member (for example, see Patent Document 1). By using a fixed contact member having such a connection function, other mechanical connection members for aligning and interconnecting a plurality of electromagnetic relay structures can be omitted, and the assembly process of the composite electromagnetic relay can be simplified. In addition, there is obtained an advantage that the assembly dimensional accuracy such as the contact gap can be improved.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-315448 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the composite electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1, the common fixed contact member has a plurality of electromagnetic relay structures (each having no fixed contact member individually. The plurality of edges of the fixed contact member are fitted to an electrical insulating member (specifically, a resin winding frame that supports the coil of the electromagnet device) of each electromagnetic structure. Thus, it is fixedly mounted. Here, since the plurality of edge portions of the fixed contact member are slidably fitted to the predetermined surface area of the electrical insulating member of each electromagnetic structure, the larger the number of such edge portions, the more the electromagnetic relay is assembled. In addition, there is a tendency that chips of the resin material of the electric insulating member are easily generated. When the chips are accumulated inside the electromagnetic relay, there is a concern that the switching operation of the relay may be adversely affected.
[0006]
In addition, the composite electromagnetic relay disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a second common fixed contact member or a contactless displacement regulating member installed on the break side of each electromagnetic structure (these members are referred to as the break side in this specification). (Collectively referred to as members). Since the break-side member has a plurality of edge portions that are slidably fitted to a predetermined surface area of the electrical insulating member of each electromagnetic structure, similarly to the above-described fixed contact member on the make side, There is a concern that the problem of the generation of swarf chips may become more pronounced. Moreover, since the edge portions of the break-side member are configured to slide and fit in the direction different from the edge portions of the fixed contact member on the make side with respect to the electrical insulating member, the assembly of the electromagnetic relay is performed. Work tends to be complicated. In particular, when the break-side member is the second fixed contact member, the sliding fitting direction is the connection terminal portion provided at the end of the second fixed contact member when mounting the electromagnetic relay on a circuit board or the like. In this case, the second fixed contact member and the electrically insulating member are loosened during the mounting operation because of the direction substantially opposite to the main direction of the external force applied to the contact member. There is a concern that the deterioration of the dimensional accuracy may adversely affect the contact opening / closing operation, or that the second fixed contact member may fall off the electromagnetic structure and cause an operation failure.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a composite electromagnetic relay in which a plurality of electromagnetic structures are integrally provided side by side, and a common fixed contact member mechanically interconnects the electromagnetic structures. The work can be further simplified, the structural reliability of the assembled electromagnetic relay can be sufficiently ensured, and the amount of resin material chips that can be generated from the electrical insulating members of each electromagnetic structure during the assembly work can be reduced. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic relay that can prevent the influence of the chips on the opening and closing operation of the relay.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of electromagnetic structures each including an electromagnet device and a movable contact spring member having a movable contact operated by the action of the electromagnet device, A fixed contact member having a plurality of make fixed contacts individually arranged opposite to the movable contacts of the structure; and a break-side member arranged opposite to the plurality of movable contact spring members on the side opposite to the fixed contact member. An electromagnetic relay in which a fixed contact member is installed so as to mechanically connect a plurality of electromagnetic structures to each other, wherein the electromagnet device includes a first fitting surface fitted to the fixed contact member and a break-side member fitted to the first fitting surface. A first fitting surface and a second fitting surface have the same fitting direction, and a plurality of electromagnetic structures are respectively provided. The fitting parts of the electromagnet device are adjacent Together, the first and second mating surfaces of the mating portions are juxtaposed and combined so that the first and second mating surfaces are substantially continuous, and the fixed contact member carries a plurality of make-fixed contacts. The first arm portion has a first fitting edge formed between adjacent make fixed contacts, and the break side member has a fixed contact member sandwiching the movable contact of the movable contact spring member. Has a second arm portion disposed on the opposite side of the first arm portion, and a second fitting edge is formed on the second arm portion corresponding to the first fitting edge of the first arm portion. A first fitting edge of the fixed contact member is press-fitted to a substantially continuous first fitting surface in a predetermined fitting direction with respect to the adjacent fitting portions of the plurality of electromagnetic structures juxtaposed to each other. And the second fitting edge of the break-side member is fitted to the substantially continuous second fitting surface in substantially the same fitting direction. In it are state, that the fixed contact member and break-side member is fixed, to provide an electromagnetic relay characterized by.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to the first aspect, each of the electromagnetic devices of the plurality of electromagnetic structures has a pair of coil terminal members respectively connected to both ends of the coil conductor. The present invention provides an electromagnetic relay in which coil terminal members having the same polarity are arranged so as to overlap with each other at their terminal portions between electromagnetic structures in which the fitting portions are adjacently arranged and juxtaposed.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to the first or second aspect, each movable contact spring member of the plurality of electromagnetic structures has a second movable contact provided on the back side of the movable contact. The break-side member provides an electromagnetic relay including a second fixed contact member having a plurality of break fixed contacts individually opposed to the second movable contacts of the electromagnetic structures.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electromagnetic relay according to the third aspect, the fixed contact member and the second fixed contact member have L-shaped bent shapes corresponding to each other, and each of the first arms. Provided is a gate-shaped electromagnetic relay in which a portion and a second arm portion overlap each other with a movable contact and a second movable contact interposed therebetween.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 show an electromagnetic relay 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electromagnetic relay 10 includes two electromagnetic structures 12 arranged side by side with each other and one fixed contact member 14 shared by the electromagnetic structures 12. Each electromagnetic structure 12 includes an electromagnet device 16 and a movable contact spring member 20 having a movable contact 18 operated by the action of the electromagnet device 16. The fixed contact member 14 has two make fixed contacts 22 which are individually opposed to the movable contacts 18 of the electromagnetic structures 12, and is assembled to the two electromagnetic structures 12. As described later, the fixed contact member 14 has a function of mechanically connecting the two electromagnetic structures 12 to each other.
[0013]
The electromagnetic relay 10 further includes a second fixed contact member 24 as a break-side member disposed opposite to the movable contact spring member 20 of the two electromagnetic structures 12 on the side opposite to the fixed contact member 14. Here, the movable contact spring member 20 of each electromagnetic structure 12 has a second movable contact 26 installed on the back side of the movable contact 18. Then, the second fixed contact member 24 has two break fixed contacts 28 which are individually arranged to face the second movable contacts 26 of the electromagnetic structures 12 and is assembled to the two electromagnetic structures 12. . As will be described later, the second fixed contact member 24 has a function of mechanically interconnecting the two electromagnetic structures 12.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 5 in an exploded manner, the electromagnet device 16 of each electromagnetic structure 12 includes an electromagnet 30 and an armature 32 driven by the electromagnet 30. The electromagnet 30 includes a bobbin 34, a coil 36 wound around and supported by the bobbin 34, and an iron core 38 attached to the bobbin 34 along a central axis 36 a of the coil 36. The winding frame 34 is an electrically insulating resin molded product, and has a hollow body (not shown) having a predetermined length for supporting the coil 36, and a pair of rectangular annular members connected to both longitudinal ends of the hollow body. It has the flanges 34a and 34b integrally.
[0015]
The coil 36 is formed by densely winding a required length portion of a conductive wire around a hollow body of the bobbin 34 and is fixedly held between both flange portions 34 a and 34 b of the bobbin 34. The iron core 38 is a columnar member formed of, for example, magnetic steel, and a substantially cylindrical main portion 38a is concentrically disposed on the center axis 36a of the coil 36 and is fixedly received in the hollow trunk portion of the bobbin 34. You. At one end in the axial direction of the iron core 38, a head 38b having a flat end surface substantially orthogonal to the coil center axis 36a is provided integrally, and this head 38b is provided at one (upper in the figure) flange portion of the winding frame 34. It is arranged to be exposed on the outer surface of 34a.
[0016]
A pair of coil terminal members 40 and 42 made of a good electrical conductor are fixedly attached to one edge region of the other (lower in the figure) flange 34 b of the winding frame 34. Both ends 36b of the conductor forming the coil 36 are connected to the coil terminal members 40 and 42, respectively. Each of the coil terminal members 40, 42 integrally includes a winding portion 40a, 42a at one longitudinal end where the wire end 36b of the coil 36 is wound, and connection terminal portions 40b, 42b at the other longitudinal end. The portions 40b and 42b are fixed to the flange 34b so as to be separated from the coil 36 and extend below the flange 34b.
[0017]
The iron core 38 of the electromagnet 30 projects from the flange 34b of the bobbin 34 at the other axial end 38c opposite to the head 38b, and the other end 38c of the iron core 38 forms a magnetic path around the coil 36. Are fixedly connected, for example, by caulking. The yoke 44 is an L-shaped plate-shaped rigid member formed of, for example, magnetic steel. One of the plate-shaped portions 44a extends along the flange portion 34b of the bobbin 34, and the other plate-shaped portion 44a is formed. The portion 44b is spaced apart to the side of the coil 36 and extends substantially parallel to the coil center axis 36a. In the flange portion 34b of the winding frame 34, a through hole 46 having a substantially convex contour is formed in the other edge region apart from the coil terminal members 40 and 42, and the through hole 46 is provided with a flat portion 44b of the yoke 44. Is inserted. An end portion 44c of the flat plate portion 44b of the yoke 44 is disposed at substantially the same position as the head portion 38b of the iron core 38, and the armature 32 is swingably connected to the yoke 44 adjacent to the end portion 44c. Is done.
[0018]
The armature 32 is a flat plate-shaped rigid member formed of, for example, magnetic steel, and is connected to the yoke 44 via the movable contact spring member 20 so as to be elastically movable relative to the yoke 44, and to the head 38 b of the iron core 38. They are arranged facing each other. The armature 32 cooperates with the iron core 38 and the yoke 44 of the electromagnet 30 to swing as described later while forming a magnetic path by the coil 36.
[0019]
The movable contact spring member 20 is formed of a conductive thin plate member formed by punching a thin sheet of, for example, phosphor bronze for spring into a predetermined shape, and has a free end portion 20a at one longitudinal end that carries movable contacts 18 and 26 on both surfaces. A terminal portion 20b at the other end in the longitudinal direction, an elastic hinge portion 20c bent in an L-shape at substantially the center in the longitudinal direction, and an armature 32 extending between the free end portion 20a and the elastic hinge portion 20c. And a second attachment portion 20e extending between the terminal portion 20b and the elastic hinge portion 20c and fixed to the yoke 44 by, for example, caulking. Prepare for. In the movable contact spring member 20, the elastic hinge portion 20c exerts a spring action between the armature 32 and the yoke 44 to urge the armature 32 in a direction away from the head 38b of the iron core 38.
[0020]
Accordingly, when the electromagnet 30 is not operated, the armature 32 is configured such that one end (the left end in FIG. 3) 32a is adjacent to the yoke end portion 44c and the head of the It is held stationary at a recovery position (FIG. 3) at a predetermined distance from the portion 38b. When the electromagnet 30 is actuated, the armature 32 is moved closer to the iron core head 38b against the spring force of the movable contact spring member 20 around the one end 32a adjacent to the yoke end portion 44c due to the magnetic attraction. Rocks in the direction you want.
[0021]
The terminal portion 20b of the movable contact spring member 20 has a configuration in which a part of a conductive thin plate punched into a predetermined shape is folded back and overlapped in two layers, thereby securing the mechanical strength of the terminal portion 20b. are doing. The terminal portion 20b of the movable contact spring member 20 is inserted into a through hole 46 provided in the flange portion 34b of the winding frame 34 together with the flat plate portion 44b of the yoke 44, and the flange portion 34b is separated from the yoke 44. It extends downward. The movable contacts 18 and 26 are formed of a desired contact material, and are fixed to the free end portion 20a of the movable contact spring member 20 by swaging, for example, on both surfaces thereof.
[0022]
As a characteristic configuration of the electromagnetic relay 10 according to the present invention, the first fixed contact member 14 is fitted to the flange 34 a of the winding frame 34 of the electromagnet device 16, which is an electrically insulating member in each electromagnetic structure 12. A fitting part 52 having a first fitting surface 48 and a second fitting surface 50 fitted to the second fixed contact member 24 at mutually close positions is integrally provided so as to protrude. The fitting portion 52 is installed on the flange portion 34a of the winding frame 34 at a position corresponding to the one coil terminal member 40 attached to the other flange portion 34b. As shown in FIG. 6 in an enlarged manner, the fitting portion 52 of each electromagnet device 16 has a first receiving groove 54 adjacent to the upper surface of the flange portion 34a of the winding frame 34, and is separated from the first receiving groove 54. A second receiving groove 56 located above the flange portion 34a is formed, and the first and second fitting surfaces 48 are formed in the groove bottom areas of the first and second receiving grooves 54 and 56 as square bulging surfaces, respectively. , 50 are provided. The first and second receiving grooves 54 and 56 of the fitting portion 52 extend substantially parallel to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the above-described coil center axis 36a. The same fitting direction is given to the surface 48 and the second fitting surface 50.
[0023]
The two electromagnetic structures 12 provided with the fitting portions 52 in each of the electromagnet devices 16 have structures substantially mirror images of each other. In the electromagnetic structure 12, the fitting portions 52 of the respective electromagnet devices 16 are adjacent to each other, and the first fitting surfaces 48 and the second fitting surfaces 50 of the fitting portions 52 are substantially equal to each other. In a continuous state (see FIG. 4), they are combined side by side (that is, by bringing the corresponding edges of the bobbin 34 of both electromagnet devices 16 into contact with each other) (see FIGS. 2 and 7). At this time, the first receiving grooves 54 and the second receiving grooves 56 of both fitting portions 52 are also substantially continuous.
[0024]
The first fixed contact member 14 is formed of, for example, a conductive thin plate member formed by punching a predetermined shape from a copper plate, and has a first arm portion 14a at one longitudinal end that carries two make fixed contacts 22 on one surface; The terminal portion 14b at the other end in the longitudinal direction and the first arm portion 14a are bent at a substantially right angle to a side opposite to the surface on which the make-fixed contact 22 is carried, and extend between the first arm portion 14a and the terminal portion 14b. And an intermediate portion 14c to be provided. Each make fixed contact 22 is formed of a desired contact material, and is fixed to the first arm portion 14a of the fixed contact member 14 in a spaced-apart manner so as to protrude on one surface thereof, for example, by caulking.
[0025]
On the first arm portion 14a of the fixed contact member 14, a first fitting edge 58 having a substantially rectangular concave shape is formed at a predetermined position between adjacent make fixed contacts 22 along one edge extending in the longitudinal direction. (FIGS. 4 and 7). The first fitting edge 58 is tightly fitted to the first fitting surface 48 of the two electromagnetic structures 12 juxtaposed as described above that is substantially continuous in the adjacent fitting portion 52. It has a shape and dimensions that can be used.
[0026]
Therefore, with respect to the adjacent fitting portions 52 of the juxtaposed electromagnetic structures 12, the first receiving groove 54 continuous between the two fitting portions 52 is provided with the edge around the first fitting edge 58 of the fixed contact member 14. By inserting the region and pushing it sufficiently down to the bottom of the first receiving groove 54, the first fitting edge 58 can be press-fitted to the substantially continuous first fitting surface 48. . The press-fitting direction of the first fitting edge 58 at this time is defined by the shape of the first receiving groove 54, and is a direction substantially orthogonal to the coil center axis 36a described above. In this way, the fixed contact member 14 is fixedly assembled to the two fitting portions 52, and as a result, the fixed contact member 14 firmly mechanically interconnects the two electromagnetic structures 12.
[0027]
Like the first fixed contact member 14, the second fixed contact member 24 is made of, for example, a conductive thin plate member formed by punching a predetermined shape from a copper plate, and carries two break fixed contacts 28 on one surface. The second arm portion 24a at one end in the longitudinal direction, the terminal portion 24b at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the second arm portion 24a are bent at a substantially right angle to the support surface of the break fixed contact 28 with respect to the second arm portion 24a. An intermediate portion 24c is provided integrally with the terminal portion 24b. Each break fixed contact 28 is formed of a desired contact material, and is fixed to the second arm portion 24a of the fixed contact member 24 in a spaced-apart manner so as to protrude on one surface thereof, for example, by caulking. In addition, the first fixed contact member 14 and the second fixed contact member 24 have a substantially mirror image corresponding shape. That is, the first arm portion 14a and the second arm portion 24a and the terminal portion 14b and the terminal portion 24b have substantially the same size and shape, but the intermediate portion 24c of the second fixed contact member 24 has the first Are slightly longer than the intermediate portion 14c of the fixed contact member 14.
[0028]
The second arm portion 24a of the second fixed contact member 24 has a substantially rectangular concave second fitting edge 60 at a predetermined position between adjacent break fixed contacts 28 along one edge extending in the longitudinal direction. (FIG. 8). The second fitting edge 60 is tightly fitted to the second fitting surface 50 of the two electromagnetic structures 12 juxtaposed as described above that is substantially continuous in the adjacent fitting portion 52. It has a shape and dimensions that can be used. When the second fixed contact member 24 is assembled at an appropriate position with respect to the two electromagnetic structures 12, the second arm portion 24 a sandwiches the movable contacts 18 and 26 of the two movable contact spring members 20. The fixed contact member 14 is arranged on the opposite side of the first arm portion 14 a, and the second fitting edge 60 is arranged at a position corresponding to the first fitting edge 58.
[0029]
Therefore, the edge around the second fitting edge 60 of the fixed contact member 24 is provided in the second receiving groove 56 continuous between the two fitting portions 52 with respect to the adjacent fitting portions 52 of the electromagnetic structures 12 arranged side by side. The second fitting edge 60 can be fitted in a substantially continuous second fitting surface 50 by press-fitting by inserting the region and sufficiently pushing it to the groove bottom of the second receiving groove 56. . The press-fitting direction of the second fitting edge 60 at this time is defined by the shape of the second receiving groove 56, and is a direction substantially orthogonal to the above-described coil center axis 36a, that is, the fitting direction of the first fitting edge 58. And the same direction. In this manner, the second fixed contact member 24 is fixedly assembled to the two fitting portions 52, and as a result, the second fixed contact member 24 firmly mechanically interconnects the two electromagnetic structures 12. connect.
[0030]
When the first and second fixed contact members 14 and 24 are properly assembled to the two electromagnetic structures 12 as described above, the two make fixed contacts 22 carried by the first fixed contact member 14 become: Opposite to the movable contacts 18 provided on the two electromagnetic structures 12, the movable contacts 18 are disposed on the operation path (below the movable contacts 18 in the figure) of the movable contacts 18 by the excitation action of the electromagnet device 16. Also, the two break fixed contacts 28 carried by the second fixed contact member 24 face the second movable contacts 26 provided on both the electromagnetic structures 12 respectively, and are caused by the non-excitation action of the electromagnet device 16. The movable contact 26 is disposed on a restoration path (above the movable contact 26 in the figure).
[0031]
As described above, in the electromagnetic relay 10 in which the two electromagnetic structures 12 are integrally arranged in parallel, the individual electromagnetic structures 12 individually contact the fixed contact members 14 and 24 with independent contact points as described below. Open / close operation can be performed. First, while the electromagnet device 16 is in the non-excited state, as described above, the armature 32 is placed at the recovery position separated by a predetermined distance from the head 38b of the iron core 38 under the action of the movable contact spring member 20, Accordingly, the second movable contact 26 carried by the movable contact spring member 20 is brought into conductive contact with the corresponding break fixed contact 28 carried by the second fixed contact member 24 under the pressure of the spring action. This closes the break contact. From this state, when the electromagnet device 16 is excited, the armature 32 swings in the direction closer to the iron core head 38b against the spring force of the movable contact spring member 20 due to the magnetic attraction as described above, Along with this, the first movable contact 18 carried on the movable contact spring member 20 is moved under the pressure of the interaction between the spring force and the magnetic attraction force to the corresponding make fixed contact 22 carried on the first fixed contact member 14. Conducting contact with Thereby, the make contact is closed.
[0032]
In the above-described proper assembly state, the first and second fixed contact members 14, 24 have L-shaped bent shapes corresponding to each other, so that the first arm portion 14a and the second arm portion 24a are The first and second movable contacts 18 and 26 are arranged in a gate shape superimposed substantially parallel to each other with the two movable contacts 18 and 26 interposed therebetween (FIG. 2). The terminal portions 14b, 24b of the fixed contact members 14, 24 extend away from the electromagnet device 16 below the flange 34b of the bobbin 34. Furthermore, the two sets of coil terminal members 40 and 42 in the two electromagnetic structures 12 arranged side by side are connected to the coil terminal members 40 of the same polarity located on the side remote from the fixed contact members 14 and 24. The terminal portions 40b are arranged so as to overlap each other (FIG. 3).
[0033]
The two electromagnetic structures 12 integrated by assembling the fixed contact members 14 and 24 are accommodated in a special case 62 of the electromagnetic relay 10 as shown in FIG. In this state, the terminal portions 20b of the two movable contact spring members 20, the terminal portions 14b, 24b of the first and second fixed contact members 14, 24, and the connection terminal portions of the two sets of coil terminal members 40, 42. Both 40b and 42b are exposed and extended outside the case 62. Then, in order to seal all gaps in the portions of the electromagnetic structure 12 and the fixed contact members 14 and 24 housed in the case 62 that are exposed outside the case 62, an adhesive (not shown) is applied to the reel flange 34b. It is applied so as to cover the back surface (exposed surface).
[0034]
In the composite electromagnetic relay 10 having the above configuration, the first and second fixed contact members 14 and 24 that are common to the two electromagnetic structures 12 are the same as those of the electromagnet device 16 that both electromagnetic structures 12 have. First and second fitting edges 58 provided at one place of each of the fixed contact members 14, 24 on the first and second fitting surfaces 48, 50 of the fitting portion 52 provided on the resin winding frame 34; 60 is press-fitted so as to be fixedly assembled to both electromagnetic structures 12. Therefore, the amount of chips generated from the resin material of the bobbin 34 during the assembly operation of the electromagnetic relay 10 can be suppressed to a minimum, and the influence of the chips on the contact switching operation of the electromagnetic relay 10 can be prevented. In addition, the first and second fixed contact members 14 and 24 can be assembled by pressing in the same press-fitting direction to the two electromagnetic structures 12 arranged side by side. Can be simplified in the procedure, and control of the assembly process by a robot, for example, becomes easy. Moreover, each of the fixed contact members 14, 24 is press-fitted in a direction substantially orthogonal to the main direction of the external force applied to the terminal portions 14b, 24b at the time of mounting the electromagnetic relay 10 on a circuit board or the like. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the displacement and dropping of the fixed contact members 14 and 24 which may occur during the mounting operation, and to provide a sufficient structural reliability for maintaining the assembly dimensional accuracy such as the contact gap at a high level. Can be secured.
[0035]
Here, in the electromagnetic relay 10, in order to ensure high accuracy regarding assembly dimensions such as contact gaps, each fixed contact member 14, 24 is engaged with a winding frame 34 of the electromagnetic device 16 of the electromagnetic structure 12. Mating elements 64, 66 can be provided as an auxiliary. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, such engagement elements 64, 66 are press-fitted to, for example, boundaries between the terminal portions 14 b, 24 b and the intermediate portions 14 c, 24 c of the fixed contact members 14, 24. It can be integrally formed as a tongue extending locally in the direction. In this case, the winding frame 34 of each electromagnetic structure 12 is provided with a recess capable of receiving the engaging elements 64 and 66 (a concave receiving the engaging element 64 of the fixed contact member 14) at a position corresponding to the flange 34b. 7 shown in FIG. 7). In this configuration, the engagement between the engagement elements 64 and 66 and the recess 68 is intended for accurate positioning of the fixed contact members 14 and 24, and therefore, does not need to be press-fitted, and there is a play. What is necessary is just a fitting state that does not cause the occurrence. Therefore, an increase in the amount of chips generated from the resin material of the bobbin 34 during the assembling operation is avoided.
[0036]
The procedure for assembling the electromagnetic relay 10 is as follows. First, the fixed contact member 14 carrying the make fixed contact 22 is assembled to the two electromagnetic structures 12 arranged side by side, and then the second fixed contact member 24 is assembled. It is desirable. In particular, for the purpose of stabilizing the make contact closing operation, it is required that the gap dimension between the movable contact 18 and the make fixed contact 22 be managed with high accuracy in accordance with the spring constant of the movable contact spring member 20. Because it is done. Therefore, as long as the two electromagnetic structures 12 can be firmly connected in the predetermined high-precision positional relationship by the fixed contact member 14 first, the second fixed contact member 24 fits the second fitting edge 60. It is only necessary to have a function of auxiliaryly connecting the two electromagnetic structures 12 by press-fitting to the second fitting surface 50 of the portion 52 without press-fitting, to the extent that rattling does not occur. .
[0037]
Further, in the electromagnetic relay 10, the first and second fixed contact members 14, 24 are arranged in a gate shape as described above, and the intermediate portions 14c, 24c of the fixed contact members 14, 24 are arranged as shown in the figure. Since they are arranged with a wide open space between them, there is an advantage that the installation space for the two sets of coil terminal members 40 and 42 in the two electromagnetic structures 12 can be ensured under a predetermined external dimension constraint. Further, among the two sets of coil terminal members 40 and 42, the coil terminal members 40 having the same polarity are arranged so as to overlap each other at the connection terminal portion 40b as described above, so that the electromagnetic relay 10 is mounted. There is also an advantage that the conductor pattern on the circuit board can be simplified. It is desirable that the connection terminal portions 40b of the superposed coil terminal members 40 be mechanically and electrically joined to each other by a desired welding method.
[0038]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made. For example, instead of the second fixed contact member 24 in the electromagnetic relay 10, a displacement restricting member without a contact shared by the two electromagnetic structures 12 may be used. Although the electromagnetic relay having such a configuration does not have a break contact and a break terminal, such a displacement restricting member is provided with a fitting structure similar to the fitting structure of the second fixed contact member 24 described above. It can be understood that the same operation and effect as those of the electromagnetic relay 10 can be obtained if the electromagnetic relay 10 is configured as a break-side member. Also, it goes without saying that the configuration of the electromagnetic relay according to the present invention can be applied to an electromagnetic relay having a configuration in which three or more electromagnetic structures are juxtaposed and mechanically interconnected by one or more fixed contact members. No.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a plurality of electromagnetic structures are integrally provided side by side, and a common fixed contact member mechanically interconnects the electromagnetic structures with a common fixed contact member. In the electromagnetic relay, the assembly work of the electromagnetic relay can be further simplified, and the structural reliability of the assembled electromagnetic relay can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of resin material chips that may be generated from the above, and prevent the influence of the chips on the opening and closing operation of the relay.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic relay according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the electromagnetic relay of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1 along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2;
5 is a view of one electromagnetic structure in the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1, (a) an exploded perspective view, and (b) an assembled perspective view.
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one stage in an assembly process of the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another stage in the process of assembling the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing a state in which the electromagnetic relay of FIG. 1 is accommodated in a case.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Electromagnetic relay
12 ... Electromagnetic structure
14 fixed contact members
16 ... Electromagnetic device
18… Movable contact
20: movable contact spring member
22… Make fixed contact
24 second fixed contact member
26: second movable contact
28 ... Break fixed contact
30 ... electromagnet
32 ... armature
34 ... Reel
40, 42: coil terminal members
48 first fitting surface
50: second fitting surface
52 ... fitting part
54: first receiving groove
56: second receiving groove
58: First fitting edge
60 ... second fitting edge
62… Case
64, 66 ... engagement element

Claims (4)

電磁石装置と該電磁石装置の作用により動作する可動接点を有する可動接点ばね部材とをそれぞれに備えた複数の電磁構造体と、それら電磁構造体の可動接点に個々に対向配置される複数のメーク固定接点を有する固定接点部材と、該固定接点部材とは反対側で複数の該可動接点ばね部材に対向配置されるブレーク側部材とを具備し、該固定接点部材が該複数の電磁構造体を相互に機械的に連結するように設置される電磁継電器において、
前記電磁石装置は、前記固定接点部材に嵌合する第１嵌合面と前記ブレーク側部材に嵌合する第２嵌合面とを相互近接位置に有する嵌合部を備え、該第１嵌合面と該第２嵌合面とが同一の嵌合方向性を有し、
前記複数の電磁構造体は、それぞれの前記電磁石装置の前記嵌合部同士が隣接するとともに、それら嵌合部の前記第１嵌合面同士及び前記第２嵌合面同士が実質的に連続するように、互いに並置して組み合わされ、
前記固定接点部材は、前記複数のメーク固定接点を担持する第１腕部分を有し、該第１腕部分に、隣り合う該メーク固定接点の間に位置する第１嵌合縁が形成され、
前記ブレーク側部材は、前記可動接点ばね部材の前記可動接点を挟んで前記固定接点部材の前記第１腕部分の反対側に配置される第２腕部分を有し、該第２腕部分に、該第１腕部分の前記第１嵌合縁に対応して位置する第２嵌合縁が形成され、
互いに並置した前記複数の電磁構造体の隣接する前記嵌合部に対し、実質的に連続する前記第１嵌合面に前記固定接点部材の前記第１嵌合縁が所定嵌合方向へ圧入式に嵌合しているとともに、実質的に連続する前記第２嵌合面に前記ブレーク側部材の前記第２嵌合縁が略同一の嵌合方向へ嵌合している状態で、該固定接点部材と該ブレーク側部材とが固定されていること、
を特徴とする電磁継電器。A plurality of electromagnetic structures each including an electromagnet device and a movable contact spring member having a movable contact operated by the action of the electromagnet device, and a plurality of make-fixes individually arranged to oppose the movable contacts of the electromagnetic structures A fixed contact member having a contact; and a break-side member arranged opposite to the plurality of movable contact spring members on a side opposite to the fixed contact member, wherein the fixed contact member connects the plurality of electromagnetic structures to each other. In an electromagnetic relay installed to be mechanically connected to
The electromagnet device includes a fitting portion having a first fitting surface fitted to the fixed contact member and a second fitting surface fitted to the break-side member at mutually close positions, and the first fitting Surface and the second fitting surface have the same fitting direction,
In the plurality of electromagnetic structures, the fitting portions of the respective electromagnet devices are adjacent to each other, and the first fitting surfaces and the second fitting surfaces of the fitting portions are substantially continuous. So that they are juxtaposed and combined
The fixed contact member has a first arm portion that carries the plurality of make fixed contacts, and the first arm portion has a first fitting edge located between adjacent make fixed contacts,
The break-side member has a second arm portion disposed on the opposite side of the first arm portion of the fixed contact member across the movable contact of the movable contact spring member, and the second arm portion includes: A second fitting edge is formed corresponding to the first fitting edge of the first arm portion;
The first fitting edge of the fixed contact member is press-fitted in a predetermined fitting direction on the substantially continuous first fitting surface with respect to the adjacent fitting portions of the plurality of electromagnetic structures juxtaposed to each other. And the second contact edge of the break-side member is fitted to the substantially continuous second fitting surface in substantially the same fitting direction. That the member and the break-side member are fixed,
An electromagnetic relay characterized by the following. 前記複数の電磁構造体の各々の前記電磁石装置は、コイル導線の両線端にそれぞれ接続される一対のコイル端子部材を有し、前記嵌合部を隣接させて並置した該電磁構造体の間で、同一極性の該コイル端子部材同士がそれらの端子部分で互いに重ね合わせて配置される請求項１に記載の電磁継電器。Each of the electromagnet devices of the plurality of electromagnetic structures has a pair of coil terminal members respectively connected to both ends of a coil conductor, and the electromagnetic structures are juxtaposed by juxtaposing the fitting portions. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, wherein the coil terminal members having the same polarity are arranged so as to overlap each other at their terminal portions. 前記複数の電磁構造体の各々の前記可動接点ばね部材は、前記可動接点の裏側に設置される第２の可動接点を有し、前記ブレーク側部材は、それら電磁構造体の第２の可動接点に個々に対向配置される複数のブレーク固定接点を有する第２の固定接点部材からなる請求項１又は２に記載の電磁継電器。The movable contact spring member of each of the plurality of electromagnetic structures has a second movable contact disposed on the back side of the movable contact, and the break-side member has a second movable contact of the electromagnetic structure. 3. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixed contact member having a plurality of break fixed contacts individually arranged to face each other. 4. 前記固定接点部材と前記第２の固定接点部材とが、互いに対応するＬ字折曲形状を有して、それぞれの前記第１腕部分と前記第２腕部分とを前記可動接点及び前記第２の可動接点を挟んで互いに重畳させた門形に配置される請求項３に記載の電磁継電器。The fixed contact member and the second fixed contact member have L-shaped bent shapes corresponding to each other, and each of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is connected to the movable contact and the second arm. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic relays are arranged in a gate shape overlapping each other with the movable contact therebetween.

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