ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention here disclosed relates to an electromagnetic relay of those essentially comprising a coil, a core, an armature, fixed contact plates and other mobile contact plates with their corresponding terminals, as well as means for indicating the state of the relay.

[0002] The relay of the present invention means to solve the demands of current technology in applications for these components, mainly in those related to automation systems in industrial process where they are involved, without prejudice of visually observing the state of the operated relay. Furthermore, the recommendations published in the Low Voltage Directive regarding these components must be complied with.

[0003] Programmed logic controls (PLC) require elements used as interfaces in signal inputs or outputs (electromagnetic or solid state relays) to be protected against instantaneous over currents carried by the lines or generated by the relay itself when the coil is disconnected.

[0004] In order to obtain this protection, suppressor circuits are used with diodes, varistors, capacitors, etc. Which are connected in series or in parallel to the relay coil. These circuits may be placed outside the relay, in which case a plug particularly designed for this is required, thus depending on a single manufacturer, or placed inside the relay. The latter solution is the preferred one by technical design and maintenance personnel, as it allows using standard plugs available in the market, or even those already installed in the control units, thus simplifying maintenance tasks.

[0005] Housing these circuits inside the relay presents problems, due to the small sizes available, as well as the difficulty in preserving the required insulation between these circuits and the output contacts block of the relay. These problems are even greater when dealing with small relays which must comply with international regulations regarding insulation distances between the coil and contacts and with protection levels established in said regulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Electromagnetic relays with several poles conventionally incorporate a coil mounted on a support, as well as an armature which is attracted by coil core when it is excited, the armature carrying when it is attracted a number or movable plates, losing contact with normally closed contacts and contacting normally open contacts, which are on the base of the relay and connected to the external connection pins. Movable plates are joined to the armature as the armature carries with it said plates when it is displaced. Connection pins is by means of a cabling which must be performed manually, representing a great investment of both time and labour for a perfect connection.

[0007] Additionally, in these relays the incorporation of protection circuits is limited to simple circuits consisting of few components, which must be distributed in the spaces allowed by the relay mechanisms without hindering moving parts and maintaining the required insulation. Connection between components is generally achieved by welded cables, so that said insulation distances are seriously compromised and the labour employed is expensive.

[0008] Furthermore, inserting any king of printed circuit bearing the protection and other circuits required for operation of the relay is complicated by the distances required to avoid electromagnetic interferences.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present application for an electromagnetic relay is to solve said disadvantages arising in obtaining a connection between the moving contacts and the external connection pins, without requiring cabling for this and achieving this connection by means of a number of elements which simplify an automated assembly without resorting to cabling, as well as the possibility of integrating in the relay itself the circuitry defined in an exchangeable board and integration of the various elements which comprise the relay as several easily assembled modules.

[0010] It is known in the State of the Art the electromagnetic relay disclosed in DE 2818604, this relay presents some drawbacks, as it does not have a cubicle or receptacle designed in the case for housing a printed circuit, additionally during its assembly it is necessary to weld cables between the moving plates and the external contacts, which is a highly time consuming activity, then the objective of the present invention is to avoid the mentioned drawbacks carrying out a relay which overcome such drawbacks and it is improved supplying to the printed circuit four connection points which allow to design a different way of connecting the coil.

DESCRIPTION OT THE INVENTION

[0011] The electromagnetic relay of the invention fulfils the above characteristics to full satisfaction, essentially consisting of an easily assembled multimodule set mainly comprising a case with a recess meant for a small exchangeable circuit board, a base plate on which the plates are mounted, terminals, a magnetic circuit and a reel for mounting the coil.

[0012] On the base module is mounted the support and the coil reel with their various elements, all within a large recess provided inside the case.

[0013] The case has a rectangular prism shape open on its bottom face, which leads to the aforementioned inner recess which is internally limited by a horizontal partition which is the base of a small cubicle defined in the top face of the case, and longitudinally limited by a further vertical partition.

[0014] The circuit is thereby housed within said cubicle, covered by an easily removable lid which is removed when exchanging the printed circuit board, thus allowing a simple exchange of the circuits in order to provide different applications for the relay.

[0015] In addition, said plate is provided with a number of openings through which the relay terminals project outside.

[0016] The coil reel consists of a cylindrical portion ending in a top laminar base which extends beyond said portion, which is provided with end notches meant for coupling terminals.

[0017] The movable contacts are moved by a plastic part which is connected by lugs to the moving part or armature in recesses provided in it, as through openings in said plastic part pass the bridges which in turn are connected to the moving contacts. This same plastic part, by means of other openings provided in it transmits the motion to plastic indicator which shows the status of the relay.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] As a complement of the description and in order to aid a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention the present description is accompanied by a set of drawings where, for purposes of illustration only and in a non-limiting manner the following is shown:

Figure 1 shows a front view of the electromagnetic relay object of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the relay where the various elements can be seen.

Figure 3 shows a rear view of the relay.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the indicator.

Figure 5 shows the insulator part meant to transmit the motion to the moving contacts when the coil is excited.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the electromagnetic relay object of the invention is now described with reference to these figures.

[0020] Figures 1 to 5, described simultaneously, show the magnetic circuit comprising parts (1) and (2), which are adjusted and attached to a core (3) which once activated by coil (4) attracts movable part (5), where said part (5) moves on part (2). Part (5) is retained in its resting position by spring (32).

[0021] Reel (21) of coil (4) is positioned by partitions (34), which extend from base plate (11), remaining next to the reel covers.

[0022] Insulator (8) is in charge of moving the contacts (6), for which purpose said insulator part (8) is joined to the moving part (5) of the magnetic circuit, by means of two lugs (27) provided on part (8) which insert in orifices (29) of part (5), so that when moving part (5) moves it transmits its motion to moving contacts (6) through openings (26).

[0023] Moving contacts (6) are moved simultaneously, opening normally closed contacts (9) and closing normally open contacts (7), when the coil receives a suitable voltage, the magnetic circuit then attracting armature (5) and moving part (8).

[0024] When the coil is d-excited, armature (5) returns to its resting position forced by spring (32) and by the action of movable contact plates (6) which have been previously provided with an initial pressure on normally closed contacts (9), thus performing an initial switching of electrical charge between both contacts.

[0025] Moving plates (6) are welded or riveted to the bridges formed by parts (12), which are bent such that their lower ends form terminals (12a). Said parts (12) are duly guided and insulated from each other by parts (10) and (10a), which extend from support plate (11).

[0026] Insulator part (8) is designed such that a it has a number of openings (26) and (28), where openings (26) are placed and sized matching the heads of bridges (12), so that it may insert on the top part of bridges (12), and so as part (8) is moved all moving plates (6) are simultaneously carried with it. Figure 5 shows the respective position of moving plates (6) and windows (26).

[0027] Additionally, and as previously mentioned, this relay is provided with a mechanical indicator, consisting of the insulating indicator part (22). Figure 4 shows said part (22), which comprises two pins (23) which pass through openings (28) of part (8) is moved it carries part (22), whose top part ends in a flag (24) which is visible from the outside of the relay through a transparent window suitably made and located on the top lid of the relay (19) when activated, and which is hidden when deactivated.

[0028] Relay case (20), preferably made from a transparent insulating material, is open on its top end (33) and is has a box (13) defined by bottom partition (14) and vertical partition (31), which cubicle is meant to house a printed circuit board (15) provided with a number of electrical components (35) for protecting the relay. Said printed circuit (15) has a number of tinned orifices arranged so that they match terminals (16) and (17) of the terminals of coil (4). Terminals (17) are an extension of terminals (18) and are guided by grooves made on the top lid of reel (21). The orifices and reels are preferably aligned to simplify automated welding of these terminals onto the printed circuit board.

[0029] Cover (19) has an opening for visualising an LED lamp which indicates the relay status, as well as a further opening which reveals flag (24) of plastic indicator part (22), so that flag (24) is opposite the opening made in relay cover (19). Additionally, cover (19) is also provided with a housing for an indicator label.

[0030] Relay cover (19) is preferably opaque and is coupled to case (20) by suitable fasteners so that it fully closes the top open part of lid (33). The cubicle which houses the printed circuit and its components is thus closed, ensuring a full insulation between said components and conducting parts (12). There are therefore three areas defined inside case (20), the coil housing, the printed circuit board housing and the contacts area, thus complying with the insulation requirements of the Low Voltage Regulations.

[0031] This description is not extended in the understanding that any expert in the field will understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived thereof.

[0032] The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements may vary within the same characterisation, as long as the essence of the invention is unaltered.

[0033] The terms used in this memory shall always be taken in a wide and non-limiting sense.

Claims

1. Electromagnetic relay comprising a coil (4), a magnetic circuit consisting of two parts (1, 2) which are attached to a core (3) which is activated by said coil (4),
wherein said coil (4) attracts an armature (5) which closes said magnetic circuit,
wherein an insulating part (8) is joined to said armature (5),
the entire unit of the electromagnetic relay being inside a case (23),
wherein the conducting parts (12), duly insulated, pass through a support plate (11) of said case (23), the lower ends of said conducting parts (12) form terminals, which are the external terminals (12a) of moving contact plates (6),
characterised in that openings are made in said insulating part (8) in which are introduced bridges (12) which are connected to said moving contact plates (6), so that said moving contact plates (6) are simultaneously moved when said insulating part is moved and the interior of said case (20) is divided in three cavities, one occupied by said coil (4), one housing a printed circuit (15) for the operation of the relay and one being used for the switching contacts (6, 9, 7).

2. Electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a cubicle (13) which houses the printed circuit (15), is defined by a lower partition (14) and a vertical partition (31), thus ensuring the insulation of printed circuit (15) from the contacts block, wherein connection to the components of printed circuit (15) is through terminals (16) inserted in reel (21) and terminals (17) which are an extension of terminals (18) arranged aligned, and wherein terminals (17) are guided by the grooves on the top lid of reel (21).

3. Electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that relay case (20) is closed by a lid (19) which is fitted onto said case (20), and additionally on said lid are provided orifices for fitting a removable identification label for the relay, a further orifice for the light to pass from an LED placed on printed circuit (15) which indicates the relay status and an opening allowing to see the status of the relay by means of flag (24) of the plastic indicator part (22), so that when the relay is activated flag (24) coincides with the orifice provided on lid (19).

4. electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that plastic part (8), which is in charge of transmitting the motion of armature (5) to moving plates (6) and to plastic indicator (22) when coil (4) receives the suitable voltage, is provided with a number of openings (26) through which pass bridges (12), which are connected to moving plates (6) and further openings (28) through which pass pins (23) of plastic indicator (22).

5. Electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that plastic indicator (22) is provided with a flag (24) on its top and has two pins (23) which pass through openings (28) of plastic part (8), so that when it is carried by part (8) flag (24) of plastic indicator (22) coincides with the opening on the relay lid (19).

6. Electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that conducting parts or bridges (12) are duly aligned, insulated and separated from each other by parts (10) and (10a), while moving plates (6) and plastic indicator (22) return by means of part (8), which in turn is carried by moving part or armature (5), which in turn is restored to its initial position by a spring (32).

7. Electromagnetic relay as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that part (8) is attached to moving part or armature (5) by means of lugs (27) provided in part (8), which insert in orifices (29) made in moving part or armature (5).

Ansprüche

1. Elektromagnetisches Relais, das eine Zündspule (4) umfasst und einen magnetischen Schaltkreis, der aus zwei Teilen (1, 2) besteht, die an einem Kern (3) befestigt sind, der durch die besagte Zündspule (4) angetrieben wird, wobei besagte Zündspule (4) eine Armatur (5) anzieht, die besagten magnetischen Schaltkreis schliesst, wobei der isolierende Teil (8) an der besagten Armatur (5) befestigt ist, die gesamte Einheit des elektromagnetischen Relais sich innerhalb eines Gehäuses (23) befindet, in dem die leitenden Teile (12), angemessen isoliert durch eine Halteplatte (11) des besagten Gehäuses (23) verlaufen, die unteren Enden der besagten leitenden Teile (12) Terminals ausbilden, die die externen Terminals (12a) der sich bewegenden Kontaktplatten (6) sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem besagten isolierenden Teil (8) Öffnungen angebracht werden, in die Stege (12) eingeführt werden, die an die besagten sich bewegenden Kontaktplatten (6) angeschlossen werden, so dass die besagten sich bewegenden Kontaktplatten (6) gleichzweitig bewegt werden, wenn das besagte isolierende Teile bewegt wird und das Innere des besagten Gehäuses (20) wird in drei Räume unterteilt, von denen einer durch die besagte Zündspule (4) besetzt wird, einer einen gedruckten Schaltkreis (15) aufnimmt, um das Relais zu betätigen und einer für die Schaltkontakte (6,9,7) verwendet wird.

2. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Raum (13), der den gedruckten Schaltkreis (15) aufnimmt, durch eine untere Trennwand (14) und eine senkrechte Trennwand (31) ausgebildet wird, womit die Isolierung des gedruckten Schaltkreises (15) von dem Kontaktblock sichergestellt wird, wobei die Verbindung zu den Komponenten des gedruckten Kreislaufs (15) durch Terminals (16) stattfindet, die in eine Trommel (21) und Terminals (17) eingeführt werden, die eine Verlängerung der Terminals (18) darstellen, die in Reihe geschaltet sind, wobei die Terminals (17) durch die Vertiefungen auf dem oberen Deckel der Trommel (21) geführt werden.

3. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Relaisgehäuse (20) durch einen Deckel (19) verschlossen wird, der auf dem besagten Gehäuse (20) aufliegt und zusätzlich auf dem Deckel Öffnungen vorgesehen sind, um einen entfernbaren Identifizierungsaufkleber für das Relais aufzubringen, eine weitere Öffnung, um das Licht einer Leuchtdiode durchzulassen, die auf dem gedruckten Schaltkreis (15) aufgebracht ist, die den Relaisstatus anzeigt und eine Öffnung zum Ablesen des Relaisstatus mittels einer Kennzeichnung (24) des Anzeigeelements aus Plastik (22), so dass bei Aktivierung des Relais, die Kenzeichnung (24) mit der Öffnung übereinstimmt, die auf dem Deckel (19) angebracht ist.

4. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Plastikteil (8), das für die Übertragung der Bewegung der Armatur (5) auf die sich bewegenden Platten (6) und auf das Anzeigeelement aus Plastik (22) zuständig ist, wenn die Zündspule (4) die angemessene Spannung erhält, über eine Reihe von Öffnungen (26) verfügt, durch die Stege (12) verlaufen, die an sich bewegende Platten (6) angeschlossen sind und weitere Öffnungen (28), durch die Stifte (23) des Anzeigeelements aus Plastik (22) verlaufen.

5. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Anzeigeelement aus Plastik (22) oben über eine Kennzeichnung (24) verfügt und über zwei Stifte (23), die durch die Öffnungen (28) in den Plastikteilen (8) verlaufen, so dass bei Bewegung durch das Teil (8) die Kennzeichnung (24) des Anzeigeelements aus Plastik (22) mit der Öffnung des Relaisdeckels (19) übereinstimmt.

6. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die leitenden Elemente oder Stege (12) angemessen aneinandergereiht, isoliert und voneinander durch Elemente (10) und (10a) getrennt sind, während die sich bewegenden Platten (6) und das Anzeigeelement aus Plastik (22) durch das Element (8) zurükkommen, das seinerseits durch ein sich bewegendes Teil oder Armatur (5) getragen wird, die ihrerseits durch eine Feder (32) in die ursprüngliche Position zurückversetzt wird.

7. Elektromagnetisches Relais gemäss Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Element (8) mittels Bügeln (27) an dem sich bewegenden Teil oder der Armatur (5) befestigt ist, die an dem Element (8) vorgesehen sind und in Öffnungen (29) in dem sich bewegenden Teil oder der Armatur (5) durchgeführt sind.

Revendications

1. Relais électromagnétique comprenant une bobine (4), un circuit magnétique consistant en deux pièces (1, 2) qui sont fixées à un noyau (3) qui est activé par ladite bobine (4), dans lequel ladite bobine (4) attrait une armature (5) qui ferme ledit circuit magnétique, dans lequel une pièce d'isolement (8) est unie à ladite armature (5), la totalité de l'unité du relais électromagnétique se trouvant à l'intérieur d'un boîtier (23). Dans lequel les pièces conductrices (12), dûment isolées, passent à travers une plaque de support (11) dudit boîtier (23), les extrémités inférieures desdites pièces conductrices 12 forment des bornes, lesquelles sont les bornes externes (12a) des plaques de contactes mobiles (6), caractérisé en ce que les ouvertures sont aménagées dans ladite pièce d'isolement (8) dans laquelle sont introduits des ponts (12) qui sont connectés auxdites plaques mobiles de contact (6), de manière à ce que lesdites plaques mobiles de contact (6) se déplacent simultanément lorsque ladite pièce d'isolement se déplace et que l'intérieur dudit boîtier (20) est divisé en trois cavités, une occupée par ladite bobine (4), une autre logeant un circuit imprimé (15) pour le fonctionnement du relais et une autre étant utilisée pour les contacts de commutation (6, 9, 7).

2. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un cubiculum (13) qui loge le circuit imprimé (15) est défini par une cloison inférieure (14) et une cloison verticale (31), en assurant ainsi l'isolement du circuit imprimé (15) du bloc de contacts, dans lequel la connexion aux composants du circuit imprimé (15) est réalisée à travers les bornes (16) insérées dans le dévidoir (21) et les bornes (17) qui sont une extension des bornes (18) disposées en alignement, et à l'intérieur des bornes (17) elles sont guidées par des rainures sur le couvercle supérieur du dévidoir (21).

3. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le boîtier du relais (20) es fermé par un couvercle (19) qui est monté sur ledit boîtier (20), et en outre, sur ledit couvercle on prévoit des orifices pour monter une étiquette d'identification amovible pour le relais, un orifice supplémentaire pour le passage de la lumière d'une diode électroluminescente mise en place sur le circuit imprimé (15) qui indique l'état du relais et une ouverture permettant de voir l'état du relais au moyen d'un repérage (24) de la pièce indicatrice en plastique (22), de manière à ce que lorsque le relais est activé le repérage (24) coïncide avec l'orifice aménagé sur le couvercle (19).

4. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la pièce en plastique (8), qui est chargée de transmettre le mouvement de l'armature (5) aux plaques mobiles (6) et à l'indicateur en plastique (22) lorsque la bobine (4) reçoit la tension appropriée, est pourvue d'une série d'ouvertures (26) à travers lesquelles passent les ponts (12), qui sont connectés aux plaques mobiles (6) et des ouvertures supplémentaires (28) à travers lesquelles passent les broches (23) de l'indicateur en plastique (22).

5. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'indicateur en plastique (22) est pourvu d'un repérage (24) sur sa partie supérieure et il a deux broches (23) qui passent à travers les ouvertures (28) de la pièce en plastique (8), de manière à ce que lorsqu'il est porté par la pièce (8) le repérage (24) de l'indicateur en plastique (22) coïncide avec l'ouverture sur le couvercle du relais (19).

6. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les pièces conductrices ou ponts (12) son dûment alignés, isolés et séparés les uns des autres par les pièces (10) et (10a), tandis que les plaques mobiles (6) et l'indicateur en plastique (22) retournent par l'intermédiaire de la pièce (8), qui à soin tour est portée par la pièce mobile ou armature (5), qui à son tour retourne à sa position initiale au moyen d'un ressort (32).

7. Relais électromagnétique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce la pièce (8) est fixée à la pièce mobile ou armature (5) au moyen de barrettes (27) disposées sur la pièce (8), qui s'insèrent dans les orifices (29) aménagés dans la pièce mobile ou armature (5).

Drawing