JP2005285439A - Self-reset type protection element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a self-reset type protection element suitable for a small-sized electronic device like a portable device, especially suitable for a battery pack or a power circuit requiring a small and thin protection element, further, securing strength and durability. <P>SOLUTION: The self-reset type protection element is composed of a base plate 2; a pair of lead terminals 4 of which, opposing faces are separated from each other, formed on the base plate 2; a movable electrode 6 fixed and connected to at least one side of the pair of lead terminals 4 facing each other, capable of contacting with and separating from the lead terminal at the other side; and a cover housing at least a part of the lead terminal 4 and the movable electrode 6. The pair of the lead terminals 4 has a narrowed part 4b formed narrower than the other part on which, the movable electrode 6 is connected and the cover is jointed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is used in power supply circuits, batteries, and other electronic devices, and is preferably used to prevent damage to these electronic devices due to overcurrent, abnormal heat generation, etc., and particularly easy to mount on batteries and power supply circuits. The present invention relates to a thin self-recovering protective element.

  In order to prevent the occurrence of an electronic crisis damage due to abnormal heat generation of a battery or a power circuit used in a mobile phone or the like, a thermal fuse is sometimes attached to the battery or the like.

  However, since the thermal fuse is blown off due to abnormal heat generation and parts must be replaced, a self-recovery protection element that cuts off the electrical conductivity and returns thereafter after abnormal heat generation has been used.

  As a self-restoring protection element, there is an element using a movable electrode called a bimetal in which metals having different temperature expansion coefficients are made into a multilayer. Normally, the movable electrode connects the terminals to each other to conduct current, and when abnormal heat is generated, the movable electrode warps due to the metal multilayer structure with a different coefficient of thermal expansion. Is protected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 27 is a side view of a self-recovering protection element according to the prior art, in which 100 is a self-recovering protection element, 101 is a signal line, 102 and 103 are movable electrodes, 104 is a connection portion, 105 is a contact electrode, and 106 is This is the case (see, for example, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4).

  FIG. 28 is a top view of a self-recovering protective element according to the prior art, in which 200 is a self-recovering protective element, 201 is a case, 202 is a movable electrode, and 203 is a lead terminal.

Further, although not a self-recovering protection element, a temperature sensor using a thermistor has been proposed as one of elements for protecting a circuit (see, for example, Patent Document 5).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-119859 JP-A-8-222103 JP-A-7-45170 JP-A-6-29560 JP-A-10-92607

  However, the conventional self-restoring protection element as shown in FIG. 27 is inevitably increased in size because two lead terminals protrude from one side of the case. There was a problem that it was unsuitable to wear it. In addition to the difficulty in reducing the thickness, both of the lead terminals protrude from one end, so that there was a problem that the battery could not be mounted along the plane of the power supply circuit or the like.

  In the self-restoring protection element shown in FIG. 28, since the casing is formed by directly connecting the movable electrode to a pair of lead terminals formed with substantially the same width, the lead terminal and the case are securely welded. For this reason, since the width of the case needs to be sufficiently larger than the width of the lead terminal, there is a problem in that there is a limit to downsizing and overall narrowing.

  In particular, in battery packs and the like that require thinning, it is desirable to install a self-recovering protection element on this side, but if the size and width are insufficient, it is difficult to install. There is a problem that it is difficult to attach to a thin battery pack or the like.

  Also, to solve this problem, if the width of the lead terminal is made narrower, the workability will be worsened and the yield will be worsened, it will be difficult to mount the lead terminal, and the lead terminal joint strength will be reduced. May be insufficient, or the resistance value will be very high during normal current conduction (reduction of battery operating time due to increased power consumption, deterioration of conductivity, high heat generation), and it cannot withstand use. Therefore, it has been difficult to simultaneously achieve downsizing while avoiding these problems.

  As described above, the self-recovery protection element in the prior art has a problem that it cannot be applied to a small and thin power source, a battery pack, or an electronic device. In addition, as described above, problems such as durability and strength deterioration caused by pursuing downsizing were also very large.

  The present invention is a self-recovering protective element that is desired to be mounted in a thin and small size such as a battery pack or a power circuit, in particular, an electronic device that is required to be miniaturized such as a portable device or an electronic device. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a self-recovering protection element that can be secured simultaneously.

  The present invention is a movable member that is fixedly connected to one of a pair of lead terminals that are provided on the substrate and whose opposing surfaces are spaced apart from each other, and a pair of opposing lead terminals that can be separated from each other. The electrode, at least a part of the lead terminal, and a cover for storing the movable electrode, and in the pair of lead terminals, the part to which the movable electrode is connected and the part to which the cover is joined are narrower than the other parts. It is set as the structure which has the comprised narrow part.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, in the pair of lead terminals, the width of the case compared to the width of the lead terminal by making the portion to which the movable electrode is connected and the portion to which the cover is connected narrower than the other portions. Can be made sufficiently narrower than in the prior art, and a reduction in size and thickness is realized.

  In particular, according to the configuration requirements of the present invention, the width of the case can be equal to or less than the maximum width among the lead terminals, so that the maximum width of the self-recovery protection element can be actually mounted. In addition, it is possible to narrow down to the limit considering the use resistance, heat generation, etc., so the effect of being able to cope with thinning and miniaturization of power supply circuits and batteries etc. There is.

  Furthermore, in the lead terminal, it is not necessary to reduce the width of the lead terminal in the portion protruding outward from the portion in contact with the end surface of the cover. Since there is no resistance, there is no increase in battery power consumption, current flow limitation, extra heat generation, etc. in normal conditions where current is flowing. The balance between performance and performance is ensured.

Also, if it is a thermal fuse using a fusible alloy fuse element that only needs to be blown, it is easy to make the fuse element linear, so even if the lead terminal is narrowed to the part where the fuse element is connected, There is no particular problem. On the other hand, in the case of a movable electrode that repeats separation, it is necessary to have a certain lead terminal area in the portion where the movable electrode is fixedly connected and separation portion (connection strength and low resistance during conduction). For example, the contact electrode is provided at the separation part of the movable electrode, or the plating layer is multi-layered or thickened, as in the present invention. Thus, a reduction in size, thickness and width can be realized.

In addition, by reducing the weight of the self-recovery protection element by forming a hole in the lead terminal,
By changing the size of the hole, it is possible to realize a self-restoring protection element capable of adjusting the resistance value.

  In addition, by providing a substrate and a temperature maintaining component arranged on the substrate, even when the temperature rises once and the movable electrode is separated to interrupt the current, the state is maintained for a certain period of time. For this reason, since the current conduction is restored after ensuring that the state of the abnormal current or the like is surely ended, the self-recovery protection element having very little adverse effect on the electronic device can be obtained.

  In particular, a very thin self-recovering protection element can be realized by forming a substrate, a cover, or an intermediate reinforcing material provided as necessary with a thermoplastic film. As a result, it is possible to provide a self-recovering protection element that is optimal for electronic devices such as battery packs and power supply circuits that require thinness. For example, even if the thickness of the battery pack is about 1.5 mm to 5 mm, it can be dealt with.

  Furthermore, by mounting the self-recovering protection element that is small and thin as described above, it is possible to reduce the size and increase the life of electronic devices.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is fixedly connected to one of a substrate, a pair of lead terminals provided on the substrate and facing surfaces spaced apart from each other, and a pair of opposing lead terminals, A movable electrode that is separable from the other, at least a part of the lead terminal, and a cover for storing the movable electrode, and a pair of the lead terminals where the movable electrode is fixedly connected and where the cover is joined Is a self-restoring type protective element characterized by having a narrow width portion configured to be narrower than other portions, which is equal to or less than the maximum width of the lead terminal. It is possible to realize a small, thin and narrow self-restoring protection element that is as small as possible in terms of connection and connection resistance.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substrate, a temperature maintaining component provided on the substrate, a temperature maintaining component provided on the substrate, connected to the temperature maintaining component, and opposing surfaces separated from each other. A movable electrode fixedly connected to one of the pair of opposing lead terminals and separable from the other, at least a part of the lead terminal, the movable electrode, and a temperature maintaining component. In the pair of lead terminals, a portion to which the movable electrode is connected and a portion to which the cover is joined have a narrow portion configured to be narrower than other portions. Self-recovery protection element that is equal to or less than the maximum width of the lead terminal and is small, thin, and narrow self-recovery to the limit considered from the viewpoint of connection and connection resistance of the lead terminal. Type protection element, non-conductive state Maintains a certain time, you can realize a self-restoration type protection device that can protect the circuit more reliably.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the lead terminal has a narrow portion configured to be narrower than the other portions at the portion where the cover is joined and the separation portion of the movable electrode. 3. The self-restoring protection element according to claim 1, wherein the self-recovering protection element is equivalent to or less than the maximum width of the lead terminal, and from the aspects of connection of the lead terminal and connection resistance. It is possible to realize a self-recovery protection element that is small, thin, and narrow to the limit considered.

  The invention according to claim 4 of the present invention is characterized in that the width of the side of the cover to which the lead terminal is connected is equal to or less than the maximum width other than the narrow portion of the lead terminal. The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is equal to or less than the maximum width of the lead terminal, and is limited to the limit considered in terms of connection of the lead terminal and connection resistance. A small, thin and narrow self-restoring protection element can be realized.

  The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is characterized in that the contact electrode is provided on the separation part of the movable electrode, the surface of the lead terminal in contact with the movable electrode, or both of them. 1. The self-recovering protective element according to 1, wherein even when the movable electrode becomes narrow with the narrow width of the lead terminal, an increase in electrical resistance or discharge at the time of contact at the separation portion is prevented. be able to.

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that the contact electrode has a multi-layer plating than the other part of the movable electrode, or the plating layer is thicker, or both. The self-recovering protective element according to claim 5, wherein even when the movable electrode becomes narrow with the narrowness of the lead terminal, an increase in electrical resistance at the time of contact at the separation portion, discharge, etc. Can be prevented.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the portion where the movable electrode is fixedly connected to one of the lead terminals, the thickness of the plating layer is increased or the number of plating layers is larger than that of the other portions. The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable electrode becomes narrower as the lead terminal becomes narrower. In addition, it is possible to prevent an increase in electrical resistance in the fixed connection portion.

  The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is the self-restoring type protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movable electrode is linear or rod-shaped, wherein the lead terminal has a narrow width. With this trend, the movable electrode can be narrowed.

  The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention is the self-returning type according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover is provided with a first reinforcing member at a portion connected to the lead terminal. It is a protective element and can secure a movable region of the movable electrode, and a cover having sufficient strength can be realized with a film material or the like, so that thinness and strength can be realized simultaneously.

  The invention according to claim 10 of the present invention is characterized in that a second reinforcing material is provided around the temperature maintaining component at a portion where the substrate and the lead terminal are connected. The self-restoring protection element as described above can prevent damage to temperature maintaining components.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, at least one of the substrate, the first reinforcing material, the second reinforcing material, and the cover is made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfite). The self-recovering protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the self-recovering protective element is formed of a thermoplastic resin film or a liquid crystal polymer mainly composed of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). It can be made of a simple material and can be made thinner.

  The invention according to claim 12 of the present invention is characterized in that the movable electrode is in contact with the lead terminal at an arbitrary temperature or lower and is separated from the lead terminal at an arbitrary temperature or higher. This self-recovery protection element automatically shuts off current conduction when abnormal current or abnormal heat is generated, and protects the circuit. Otherwise, current conduction is performed as usual to ensure circuit operation. This makes it unnecessary to replace parts like a fuse.

  The invention according to claim 13 of the present invention is the self-restoring protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the movable electrode is a bimetal composed of a plurality of metal layers. A movable electrode can be easily realized.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the bimetal, the inner metal layer facing the lead terminal is formed from a metal having a high temperature expansion coefficient, and the outer metal layer is formed from a metal having a low temperature expansion coefficient. 14. The self-returning protection element according to claim 13, wherein a movable electrode that realizes separation is formed according to a temperature change.

  The invention according to claim 15 of the present invention is the self-returning protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pair of lead terminals are provided with holes. It is possible to realize a lead terminal having durability against bending by adjusting the resistance and resistance.

  The invention according to claim 16 of the present invention is the self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that the temperature maintaining component is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (hereinafter referred to as "PTC"). Thus, a temperature maintaining component can be realized at a low cost.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery, a main body for storing the battery, a wiring led out from the main body and electrically connected to the battery, and provided between the wirings and in contact with the main body. And a self-recovering protection element, wherein the self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is used as a self-recovering protection element. The battery pack can be protected when heat is generated.

  The invention according to claim 18 of the present invention is a power supply unit, a control unit for controlling the power supply, an output line output from the power supply unit, and any one of claims 1 to 16 mounted on the output line. The self-recovery type protective element has a self-recovery type protective element, and can protect the power supply circuit when an abnormal current or abnormal heat is generated.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising the power supply circuit according to the eighteenth aspect, a data processing unit, a control unit, a man-machine interface, and a housing for storing them. Thus, the electronic device can be mounted without hindering the downsizing and thinning of the electronic device, and the electronic device can be protected from abnormal current and abnormal heat generation.

  The invention according to claim 20 of the present invention is the electronic apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the electronic apparatus is a notebook personal computer, and is mounted without obstructing a reduction in thickness, etc. It becomes possible to protect the notebook computer from abnormal heat generation.

  The invention according to claim 21 of the present invention is the electronic device according to claim 19 characterized in that the electronic device is a portable terminal, which is mounted without obstructing a reduction in thickness, etc. It becomes possible to protect the portable terminal from abnormal heat generation.

  The invention according to claim 22 of the present invention is the self-returning protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the movable electrode has a dome shape or a curved shape. Even if the movable electrode is narrowed due to the narrowing of the lead terminal, the contact performance with the contact electrode is ensured by the stress, and the self-recovery protection element to the limit is narrowed and miniaturized Is realized.

  Note that the self-recovery protection element in this specification is used as a bimetal switch, a temperature switch, a temperature sensor, or the like.

  In addition, the movable electrode in this specification is often a bimetal made of a plurality of metal layers having different temperature expansion coefficients, but other than this, the bimetal may have a two-layer structure, a three-layer structure, or more. It may have the following layer structure. Although described in this specification as a movable electrode, a bimetal piece is often used as a specific example thereof.

  The movable electrode is movable when one end of the movable electrode is fixedly connected, and the other end basically moves up and down, and the tip of the contact electrode is provided on the surface of the lead terminal or the lead terminal. Mainly refers to the operation of making contact with or non-contacting. Of course, it may be one that moves in the lateral direction to make contact and non-contact.

  Further, the temperature maintaining component refers to a component that maintains the temperature for a certain period of time, and particularly has a role of maintaining the high temperature state for a certain period of time when the temperature becomes high. In particular, a PTC that has a low resistance value at a low temperature and a high resistance at a high temperature and maintains the high temperature state is often used. In this specification, PTC is described as an example of a temperature maintaining component.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates using drawing.

(Embodiment 1)
1, 2, and 5 are perspective views of the self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a temperature maintaining component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a side view of a movable electrode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

  1 and 3 show the case where the movable electrode is a plate-like body, and FIG. 2 shows the case where the movable electrode is a rod-like body or a linear body.

  1 shows the self-recovering protection element 1 in a state where the cover 10 is removed and the inside of the cover 10 can be seen. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the self-recovering state in a state where the inside of the cover 10 is seen through. A side view of the mold protection element 1 is shown. FIG. 5 shows the self-recovery protection element 1 as a finished product to which the cover 10 is joined. FIGS. 8 to 11 show self-recovery. The figure explaining the operation | movement of the type | mold protection element 1 in flow is represented.

  1 is a self-recovering protection element, 2 is a substrate, 3 is a temperature maintaining component, 4 is a lead terminal, 4b is a narrow portion, 5 is a connection surface, 6 is a movable electrode, 6b is a separation contact, 7 is a fixed connection portion, 8 is a contact electrode, 9 is a second reinforcing material, 10 is a cover, 11 is a first reinforcing material, 12 is an inner layer portion, 13 is an electrode surface, 14 is an outer layer, 15 is an inner layer, 16 is an intermediate layer, and I1 is an electric current. is there.

  First, details of each part will be described.

  First, the substrate 2 will be described. The substrate 2 is represented in FIGS.

  The substrate 2 is disposed on the bottom surface of the self-restoring protection element 1, and the form of the entire element and the strength are ensured. A ceramic plate such as alumina may be used as the substrate 2, but if it has sufficient strength, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfite) or PEEK ( It may be formed of a thermoplastic resin film or a liquid crystal polymer mainly composed of polyetheretherketone). When formed of these materials, there is an advantage that it is realized as a very thin and light weight.

Further, the substrate 2 is not limited to a rectangular plate shape, and may be a circular plate shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or a polygonal plate shape of pentagon or more.

  Next, the temperature maintenance component 3 will be described.

  The temperature maintaining component 3 has a slightly higher resistance in normal times than metals such as other lead terminals 4 and movable electrodes 6, and most of the current flows from the lead terminals 4 through the movable electrodes 6 in the normal state. It flows to one lead terminal 4. In this state, almost no current flows through the temperature maintaining component 3 and little heat is generated.

  On the other hand, when the movable electrode 6 is warped by heat generation and the contact electrode 8 is separated from the lead terminal 4, current flows from the lead terminal 4 to the temperature maintaining component 3, and the temperature maintaining component 3 generates heat. Here, since the temperature maintaining component 3 has a Curie point at which the resistance rapidly increases and no current flows at around 100 ° C., the temperature does not rise beyond that and the temperature is maintained. Further, at this temperature, no current flows through the temperature maintaining component 3 due to the action of the Curie point, current conduction between the lead terminals 4 does not occur, and the current remains cut off. Since the maintained temperature is also conducted to the movable electrode 6, the movable electrode 6 warps for a while and the state where the contact electrode 8 is separated from the lead terminal 4 is maintained and the normal current is interrupted. The

  When the temperature is lowered, the movable electrode 6 comes into contact with the lead terminal 4 again to return to the normal state. The temperature maintaining component 3 plays a role as described above.

  The temperature maintaining component 3 is disposed on the substrate 2 and is fixed to the substrate 2 by being bonded with an adhesive or the like. In the bonding, welding or the like may be used, and it is also preferable that an impact buffering material (not shown) is provided between the substrate 2 and the substrate 2. The shock buffering material includes, for example, a gel-like resin. By providing such a shock buffering material, a temperature maintaining component is provided by an impact when the pair of lead terminals 4 are connected to the temperature maintaining component 3. It becomes possible to prevent 3 from being damaged or cracking. Of course, it is possible to prevent the temperature maintaining component 3 from damaging the substrate 2.

  In addition, as a material which adhere | attaches the temperature maintenance component 3 on the board | substrate 2, the metal membrane | film | coat etc. which contain plastic resin, glass, plastic resin, or glass can be used. When a metal film is used as an adhesive, a metal film is formed on the substrate 2 by printing or the like, the temperature maintaining component 3 is placed on the metal film, and the temperature of the substrate 2 and the substrate 2 is measured using ultrasonic welding or the like. The maintenance component 3 is joined. When the material of the substrate 2 is a thermoplastic, the temperature maintaining component 3 can be disposed on the substrate 2 and then rapidly heated and cooled to melt and bond the surface of the substrate. As a particularly preferred adhesive, an epoxy resin containing alumina and silica fillers is used.

  Here, as the temperature maintaining component 3, a so-called “Positive Temperature Coefficient Thermistor” (hereinafter referred to as “PTC”) is often used, and a PTC formed in an arbitrary shape is disposed on the substrate 2. .

In the PTC, the inner layer portion 12 is formed of a material such as titanium barium semiconductor in which rare earth such as La is doped into titanium barium (BaTiO ₃ ), and an electrode surface 13 is formed around the circumference. FIG. 5 shows the form of the PTC.

  Alternatively, a resin-based PTC in which a filler such as carbon is added to the resin may be used. In this case, it is possible to form a PTC having higher impact resistance than that formed of ceramic or the like.

  Further, in order to ensure the strength of the temperature maintaining component 3, it is also preferable to chamfer the corners, and the shape is not only a square, but also a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or a shape with a corner. Thus, the strength of the temperature maintaining component 3 can be ensured. This has the merit that it is possible to ensure the response to an impact that is easily received when the temperature maintaining component is disposed between the lead terminal 4 and the substrate 2.

  Further, it is preferable that the area of the temperature maintaining component exceeds at least the range surrounded by the width of the fixed connection portion 7 of the movable electrode 6, the contact electrode 8 and the lead terminal 4. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the temperature maintaining component 3 having a certain hardness forms the bottom surface of the self-recovering protection element together with the substrate 2 so that a certain shape can be secured and the strength can be secured. Furthermore, it is also preferable to have an area equivalent to that of the substrate 2, thereby further securing the shape and strength of the bottom surface, and securing sufficient strength while realizing a thin shape by combining this with the cover 10. There is a merit that can be.

  In addition, in connection with the temperature maintaining component 3 and the lead terminal 4, in addition to the connection by solder or metal paste, in order to prevent breakage or damage during work, so-called crimping or pressure welding that is electrically conducted by close contact is used. It is also preferred that

  Of course, it is not necessary to use the temperature maintaining component 3 in the self-recovery protection element 1, and the use may be selected as appropriate according to the required specifications.

  Next, the lead terminal 4 will be described.

  The lead terminals 4 are a pair of lead terminals, and are connected to the substrate 2 so as to face each other. The opposing surfaces of the lead terminals 4 are in a separated state facing each other at an arbitrary distance.

  The lead terminal 4 may be directly connected to the substrate 2 when the temperature maintaining component 3 is not used, and connected to the temperature maintaining component 3 when the temperature maintaining component 3 is used. Is.

  The connection is realized by soldering, welding with a metal paste such as silver paste, or pressure welding, and it is also preferable that a surface roughness is provided on the connection surface in order to increase connection strength and connection accuracy.

  In addition, when it is necessary to be connected to the temperature maintaining component 3, the temperature maintaining component 3 is often formed of a very delicate member such as ceramic, and is not a soldering or welding with a metal paste, but a lead terminal. It may be press-bonded to 4.

  The lead terminal 4 is formed of a material having electrical conductivity, and a metal material is particularly preferable. Specifically, at least one simple material selected from iron, nickel, copper, aluminum, gold, silver, tin, or a metal thereof. An alloy of materials, or a metal material in which an element other than the material group is contained in at least one simple substance or alloy selected from the above material group can be used.

  It is also preferable to improve the conductivity and durability by subjecting the surface to a single layer or multilayer plating treatment.

In addition, in the lead terminal 4, in order to ensure durability against repeated repetition of separation of the contact electrode 8 of the movable electrode 6 described later, the plating layer of the separation portion is made multi-layered, thickened, or another material is used. It is also suitable.

  Similarly, even in the portion of the fixed connection portion 7 where the movable electrode 6 is fixedly connected, even when the narrow width portion 4b of the lead terminal 4 is realized, the surface roughening is sufficiently performed to ensure the bonding strength. It is also suitable to join after taking, or to secure the joining area in the length direction, not in the width direction. In addition, in order to prevent the increase in resistance due to the reduction in the bonding area of the fixed connection portion 7, bonding is performed with a low-resistance bonding metal, or in the fixed connection portion 7, the lead terminal 4 side or the movable electrode 6. It is also preferable to carry out multilayering of the plating layer on the side, selection of an appropriate plating material that thickens the plating layer, and the like.

  Further, the lead terminals 4 face each other, but if the facing distance is too short, even if the leading end of the movable electrode 6 is not in contact with the lead terminal 4, the lead terminals 4 are not conductive. There is a possibility that the terminals 4 are electrically connected to each other, which is inappropriate for circuit protection. For this reason, it is preferable that the opposing distance of the lead terminal 4 is a certain distance or more.

  Further, the lead terminal 4 protrudes out of the cover 10 over the connecting portion of the movable electrode 6 and the portion where the cover 10 is joined, and is narrower than the portion used for mounting. 4b.

  The narrow width portion 4b is realized by starting to narrow slightly from the front side of the joint portion of the cover 10 and then narrowing to the inside of the cover 10 and narrowing to the portion to which the movable electrode 6 is connected. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 1 or the like, the narrow width portion 4b may be realized by drawing a curved curve, or the narrow width portion 4b may be realized by being cut out linearly, in a square shape. The narrow portion 4b may be realized by being cut off.

  When realized by drawing a curved curve, the bending strength of the lead terminal 4 becomes strong, and when cut linearly, there is an advantage that workability is easy.

  Further, the narrow width portion 4b is gradually thinned, and may be in a state where the thinness is maintained up to the connection portion of the movable electrode 6 while being thinnest at any arbitrary position inside the cover 10, and is gradually narrowed. It may be formed so as to be thinnest at the connection portion of the movable electrode 6. In addition, the lead terminal 4 may be stored inside the cover 10 while being gradually thinned and becomes the thinnest outside the cover 10. The lead terminal 4 may be stored outside the cover 10 and cut into a square shape to narrow the narrow portion 4 b. Is stored in the cover 10 while maintaining the width as it is, and the thinness is maintained at the joint portion of the cover 10 and the connecting portion 7 of the movable electrode 6 (including the contact electrode 8 of the movable electrode 6). Thus, the narrow width portion 4b may be formed.

  From the viewpoints of ease of workability, strength, and securing of the joint area for securing the joint strength of the cover 10, it may be determined as appropriate.

  The narrow width portion 4b is formed on both of the pair of lead terminals 4, and not only the lead terminal 4 on the fixed connection portion 7 side to which the movable electrode 6 is fixedly connected, but also the movable electrode 6 and It is also formed on the lead terminal 4 on the side to be separated.

  The narrow width portion 4b is an actual width between the lead terminal 4 on the side where the fixed connection portion 7 to which the movable electrode 6 is fixedly connected and the lead terminal 4 on the side where the opposite separation portion exists. There may be differences.

  Next, the connection surface 5 will be described.

  The connection surface 5 is a portion for fixedly connecting one end of the movable electrode 6, a fixed connection portion 7 is provided, and is provided at one tip portion of the lead terminal 4. In order to secure the connection strength of the fixed connection, the surface may be exposed, and the fixed connection portion 7 to be connected with solder or metal paste is formed.

  Here, the fixed connection portion 7 is a portion for fixedly connecting one of the lead terminals 4 and one of the movable electrodes 6, and one end of the movable electrode 6 is securely fixed to the lead terminal 4 so as to be movable with the lead terminal 4. The electrical conduction of the electrode 6 is ensured. The connection may be by soldering or metal paste. As described above, a welding metal is sandwiched between the movable electrode 6 and the fixed connection portion 7 in advance, and a current probe is applied to the lead terminal 4 to apply current. The lead terminal 4 and the movable electrode 6 are connected by flowing and generating heat to melt the welding metal.

  In addition, as described above, the fixed connection portion 7 that is an actual connection portion has a contact length in the length direction increased in order to reduce the resistance value of the connection portion with the movable electrode 6, and the total length It is also preferable to increase the bonding area, increase the plating surface of the lead terminal 4 and the fixed connection portion 7 of the movable electrode 6, or increase the number of plating layers. Thereby, an adverse effect due to the narrow width of the lead terminal 4 can be avoided.

  At this time, by cutting off the four corners of the movable electrode 6, a space for applying the current probe to the lead terminal 4 is ensured, and in addition to the reliable welding, welding of an intermediate reinforcing material formed of a film or the like is performed. The current probe installation space at the time is also used.

  Next, the movable electrode 6 will be described.

  The movable electrode 6 is a member having a role of a switch in which the tip opposite to the fixed connection portion 7 comes into contact with or is not in contact with the lead terminal 4 by warping with temperature.

  The movable electrode 6 is formed of a multi-layered metal having different temperature expansion coefficients, usually called a bimetal. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner layer 15 facing the lead terminal is formed of a metal having a high temperature expansion coefficient, and the outer layer 14 is formed of a metal having a low temperature expansion coefficient. It is also preferable to form another intermediate layer 16 between the inner layer 15 and the outer layer 14 in order to ensure strength and increase the agility of the movable operation. Two or more intermediate layers 16 may be present inside. It is also preferable to use a metal whose temperature expansion coefficient is lower than that of the inner layer 15 but higher than that of the outer layer 14 to make the warping and returning operations more agile.

  As the material of the movable electrode 6, in general, a Mn—Ni—Co alloy material is used on the high expansion side, and an Fe-Ni based invar alloy material is often used on the low expansion side. Other materials may be used.

  As another material of the movable electrode, a shape memory (alloy, resin) material is also preferably used.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the movable electrode. As shown in FIG. 7, it is also preferable to increase the pressure contact force when the tip contacts the lead terminal 4 by bending the movable electrode 6 to provide elasticity such as springiness. Thereby, it is not necessary to use an extra spring material or spring parts, which contributes to miniaturization and cost reduction.

Moreover, in the part to which the movable electrode 6 is connected, there is an advantage that it is easy to secure the position of the member for connection processing or the like by providing a cut at the corner. For example, an electric probe is applied to the cut corner and a current is passed through the lead terminal 4 and the movable electrode 6 to raise the temperature, thereby melting the connection melt sandwiched between the lead terminal 4 and the movable electrode 6. Thus, the connection can be easily realized. This is an effective technique as the device becomes smaller.

  Furthermore, by making the movable electrode 6 into a dome shape or a curved shape, the pressure at the contact electrode 8 can be increased, sufficient electrical contact can be ensured, and the electrical resistance value during conduction can be lowered. Further, durability against repeated separation is also increased. Similarly, in the case of a curved shape, warping is increased, and there is an advantage that a sufficient separation distance is ensured.

  Next, the contact electrode 8 will be described.

  The contact electrode 8 may be attached to the tip of the movable electrode 6, may be attached to a portion of the lead terminal 4 in contact with the tip of the movable electrode on the movable side, or may be attached to both of them. The contact electrode 8 is often formed by a convex portion such as a hemispherical shape, and a metal layer is formed on the surface thereof, and plating or the like is performed. Further, in order to deal with contact and non-contact repeatedly, it is also preferable to increase the thickness of the plating layer or increase the thickness of the contact electrode 8, the movable electrode 6 that contacts the contact electrode, or the contact portion of the lead terminal 4. Further, the contact electrode 8 may not be formed as a convex portion as shown in FIG. 2, and the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal 4 may be in contact with each other at the tip, but there is a contact electrode 8 formed of the convex portion. Thus, the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal 4 can be reliably contacted, and low resistance conduction is possible.

  Further, the thickness of the contact electrode 8 is preferably set to a thickness that does not hinder the vertically movable region away from the lead terminal 4 of the movable electrode, and the electric resistance at the time of contact is ensured by ensuring a sufficient contact surface area. Is preferably lowered.

  In order to further enhance the durability of the contact electrode 8, it is also preferable to use a metal that is harder than the metal used for the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal 4. When the contact electrode 8 is formed only on the movable electrode 6 side, the plating thickness or metal thickness of the lead terminal 4 in contact with the lead terminal 4 is increased, and conversely, the contact electrode 8 is formed only on the lead terminal 4 side. In the case where is formed, it is also preferable to increase the plating thickness or metal thickness of the portion of the movable electrode 6 that contacts the movable electrode 6.

  Due to the presence of the contact electrode 8, the lead terminal 4 has a narrow width from the movable electrode 6 to the joint of the cover 10 in order to reduce the size and width of the self-recovery protection element. Even when the width portion 4 b is formed, a sufficient operation can be secured in the separation of the movable electrode 6.

  That is, in the case where the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal 4 are separated by a normal flat metal piece without the contact electrode 8, the contact area is very small when the contact portion is bent or warped. Therefore, there is a problem that the resistance at the time of conduction becomes high, and there may be a problem such as discharge. Further, even when the movable electrode 6 is warped away from the lead terminal 4, there is a problem that the separation is insufficient and non-conduction is not complete. This is because the movable electrode 6 becomes narrower as the lead terminal 4 becomes narrower.

  On the other hand, when the contact electrode 8 is formed, even if the movable electrode 6 is twisted or bent, it is possible to reliably contact the lead terminal 4, and the movable electrode 6 becomes narrow. Even in this case, current conduction during conduction can be ensured.

  Similarly, since the electrodes are reliably separated at the time of separation, the movable electrode 6 can be reliably separated at the time of non-conduction to ensure non-conduction.

  Next, the cover 10 will be described.

  In FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, there are cases where the cover 10 is covered.

  The cover 10 covers the movable electrode 6, a part of the lead terminal 4, the substrate 2, and the like in the self-restoring protection element 1, and is used to ensure the shape and durability of the element. The cover 10 covers at least a part of the movable electrode 6, the temperature maintaining component 3 and the lead terminal 4, and accordingly, the contact electrode 8 and the fixed connection portion 7 are also covered.

  It is preferable that the cover 10 can secure at least a movable region in which the movable electrode 6 operates. In addition, when the cover 10 is pushed to the bottom side due to an impact or the like, the movable electrode 6 warps upward and it becomes difficult to perform a non-contact operation. Therefore, the cover 10 preferably has a strength capable of securing a certain shape. For example, it is also preferable to provide chamfering (R) on the peripheral side surface of the cover 10 to improve strength, or to increase the thickness of the portion to be bent than other portions, or to provide chamfering to improve strength.

  Alternatively, it is also preferable to provide a columnar support portion inside the cover 10 to ensure an operation region in which the movable electrode 6 operates.

  In addition, the cover 10 is welded and connected on the outer periphery of the substrate 2 and the lead terminal 4 to cover the element by the cover 10.

  In addition, by providing the narrow width portion 4b, the width L2 of the cover 10 can be equal to or less than the maximum width L1 of the lead terminal 4. Thereby, the self-recovering protection element 1 can be narrowed to the limit as desired, such as the mounting strength of the lead terminal 4 and the current resistance during mounting. Thus, the battery pack, the battery, the power supply, the power supply circuit, the electronic circuit, and the like can be made sufficiently compatible with downsizing and thinning.

  Next, the reinforcing material will be described.

  The 1st reinforcement material 11 and the 2nd reinforcement material 9 are provided as needed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first reinforcing member 11 is provided between the substrate 2 and the lead terminal 4, and is used to secure the strength of the surroundings while forming a space for arranging the temperature maintaining component 3. . As shown in FIG. 2, when a space for placing the temperature maintaining component 3 is provided in the bent space by bending the middle portion of the lead terminal 4, the substrate 2 and the lead terminal 4 are in direct contact with each other. It is not necessary to secure an arrangement space for the temperature maintaining component 3. However, even in such a case, it is also preferable to use the first reinforcing material 11 in order to improve the strength.

  In addition, in the case shown in FIG. 3, in addition to securing the arrangement space for the temperature maintaining component 3, if a non-filling space is generated between the lead terminal 4 and the substrate 2, the lead terminal 4 and the temperature maintaining component 3. Since the problem that the durability of the connection to the surface becomes weak also occurs, it can be suitably used as a reinforcing material for preventing this and improving the strength.

  Furthermore, the force which pinches | interposes the lead terminal 4 and the temperature maintenance component 3 becomes strong by mutually welding the 1st reinforcement material 11 and the 2nd reinforcement material 9 in the outer periphery of the lead terminal 4, The cover 10 is added to this. An element capable of ensuring sufficient strength while being thin can be realized.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second reinforcing member 9 is formed on the lead terminal 4 at a position outside the fixed connection portion and the contact electrode 8. The second reinforcing material 9 realizes space securing and strength securing of the internal space formed by the cover 10.

  The second reinforcing member 9 is also used as a welding intermediary part for interconnecting the first reinforcing member 11, the cover 10, and the substrate 2, so that the main body is configured based on the substrate 2 and the cover 10. And a space in which the movable region of the movable electrode 6 is secured.

  In particular, when the cover 10 is formed of a resin film or the like, the second reinforcing material 9 as the intermediate layer is effective because the metal lead terminals 4 cannot be directly welded. There are also benefits.

  Here, similarly to the substrate 2, the cover 10, the first reinforcing material 11, and the second reinforcing material 9, respectively, or at least a part thereof are PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). Alternatively, it may be formed of a thermoplastic resin film or liquid crystal polymer mainly composed of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). When formed of these materials, there is an advantage that it is realized as a very thin and light weight.

  Polyimide is also preferably used. The same applies to any of the substrate 2, the first reinforcing material 11, the second reinforcing material 9, and the cover 10.

  Further, the substrate 2 and the cover 10 are formed of these resin films, the temperature maintaining component 3 is arranged under the lead terminal 4, and the temperature maintaining component is used as a member for securing the bottom surface shape, and further shaped as necessary. With the above-described configuration in which the first reinforcing member 11 and the second reinforcing member 9 for securing the strength are used as the intermediate layer 16 for sealing and welding to the substrate 2 and the cover 10, the operation of the movable electrode 6 is ensured while the conventional method is used. Compared with the case where a resin or an insulator case is used as described above, a very thin self-recovering protection element 1 can be realized.

  That is, the temperature maintaining component 3 is disposed on the substrate 2, a pair of lead terminals are stacked thereon, and the movable electrode 6 is provided across the lead terminals, thereby securing a movable space of the movable electrode 6. The switch is housed in the case 10 and the copper wire protrudes from the case 10. For this reason, it becomes easy to attach to a battery or to a circuit board such as a power supply circuit. In addition, the fact that it can be mounted has an advantage that heat and current from the battery and the substrate can be easily detected, and a more agile self-recovery protection element operation can be realized.

  As described above, sufficient strength is obtained by chamfering the cover 10 based on a film material such as PEN and the first reinforcing material 11 and the second reinforcing material 9 that reinforce the cover 10 or the cover 10, While securing the movable region of the movable electrode 6, the thin self-recovery protection element 1 can be realized.

  As described above, the configuration for realizing the downsizing, narrowing, and thinning of the self-recovery protection element 1 will be collectively described again.

  First, the lead terminal 4 is formed with a narrow width portion 4b having a narrow width from the joint portion of the cover 10 to the connection portion of the movable electrode 6, so that the width L2 of the cover 10 is set to the maximum width of the lead terminal 4. The self-recovering protection element 1 having a narrow width to the limit determined from the mounting strength of the lead terminal 4 or the resistance value at the time of mounting can be realized.

Further, in the case where the lead terminal 4 is made narrow so as to reach the joint portion and the separation portion of the movable electrode 6 in this way, the relationship between the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal 4 that repeats separation is determined by the fixed connection portion 7. Ensuring a sufficient level of bonding strength, bonding resistance, and the like is realized by increasing the number of plating layers and the thickness of the plating layer in the fixed connection portion 7. Furthermore, by providing the contact electrode 8, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the electrical resistance at the time of contact at the separation portion, that is, at the time of conduction, and to ensure sufficient contact that does not cause discharge or the like. This makes it possible to realize sufficient separation even at the time of separation in the case of non-conduction in separation.

  Furthermore, if necessary, the movable electrode 6 is formed into a dome shape or a curved shape, thereby increasing the pressure at the contact electrode 8, that is, the contact of the contact electrode 8, so that the movable electrode 6 becomes narrower as the lead terminal 4 becomes narrower. Even when the width becomes narrow, the electrical resistance during conduction can be lowered sufficiently, and the certainty of the non-conduction state at the time of separation can be increased, further realizing the narrowing. It is possible to solve the problems that may occur due to narrowing.

  In addition to these, the cover 10 serving as the case of the main body is formed of a material centered on a film material such as PEN, thereby realizing a reduction in thickness.

  At this time, if necessary, the first reinforcing member 11, the second reinforcing member 9, or other reinforcing member or the columnar support is formed inside, or the amount of the welded portion at the welded portion is sufficient, or By chamfering the cover 10, even if it is a film material, sufficient strength is ensured, and further, the movable region of the movable electrode 6 is also secured, so that it is thin but highly reliable operation and sufficient High strength can be secured.

  By selecting, using, or combining the above structural requirements as necessary, the self-recovering protection element 1 of a small size, a thin shape, and a narrow width that cannot be realized by the conventional technology is realized. In addition, the self-restoring protection element 1 can be applied to a pack battery, a battery, a power supply, a power supply circuit, an electronic circuit, and an electronic device that are becoming thinner and smaller. Therefore, it is possible to realize a protective element that can self-recover without replacement of components and protects the circuit during abnormal heat generation or abnormal current.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the self-restoring protection element 1 according to the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the self-recovery protection element will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows a normal state of the self-restoring protection element.

  In a normal state, a current I1 flows from the lead terminal 4, and the current I1 is similarly conducted in the movable electrode 6 in which the contact electrode 8 is in contact with the lead terminal 4, and the current I1 flows out to the other lead terminal 4. That is, the current I1 is conducted through the movable electrode 6, and conduction between the electrodes to which the self-recovery protection element 1 is connected is realized, for example.

  Next, some abnormal current is generated, and the movable electrode 6 generates abnormal heat. Since the movable electrode 6 has a high coefficient of thermal expansion in the inner layer and a low outer layer, the volume on the inner layer side becomes large and warps toward the outer layer side so that the clasp is repelled. As a result, the contact electrode 8 is separated from the lead terminal 4 and becomes non-contact, and current conduction between the lead terminals 4 via the movable electrode 6 is interrupted. Instead, the current path is switched so that I1 flows from the lead terminal 4 to the temperature maintaining component 3. This is the state shown in FIG.

  When the current I1 flows into the temperature maintaining component 3, the temperature maintaining component 3 immediately rises in temperature and quickly rises to near the Curie point. When the temperature rises to near the Curie point, the resistance value becomes very large and the current I1 does not flow, and the current conduction through the temperature maintaining component 3 is also interrupted. At this time, since the current interruption of the temperature maintaining component 3 also immediately occurs from the current interruption caused by the non-contact occurrence of the movable electrode 6, very little current flows between the lead terminals 4.

  The temperature maintaining component 3 whose temperature has risen to the vicinity of the Curie point is maintained in the temperature state for a certain period of time. In particular, the temperature state is maintained while the abnormal current remains. For this reason, the movable electrode 6 to which the high temperature generated by the temperature maintaining component 3 has been conducted is still maintained in a state of being warped, and the contact electrode 8 continues to maintain a non-contact state with the lead terminal 4. This is the state shown in FIG.

  Gradually, the abnormality of the electronic device is corrected, the abnormal current disappears, and when the temperature of the temperature maintaining component 3 decreases, the temperature of the movable electrode 6 also decreases, the warping state is eliminated, and the contact electrode 8 becomes the lead terminal again. Return to contact with 4. This is the state shown in FIG. Thereby, the current conduction between the lead terminals 4 is ensured again via the movable electrode 6, and the normal operation of the electronic apparatus is performed.

  In this way, when the temperature of the installed power supply, circuit, battery, etc. rises due to the occurrence of an abnormal current, etc., the current conduction is interrupted to prevent subsequent temperature rise, This is to prevent adverse effects. In addition, unlike thermal fuses, current conduction is restored again, so there is no need to replace elements, replace circuits, repair, etc., and reduce the repair cost of electronic equipment and improve user friendliness. Is also possible.

  Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, when the temperature maintaining component 3 exists, the abnormal current state ends even after the movable electrode 6 is brought into non-contact due to heat generation and the current is cut off. Until then, the current interruption is maintained, and there is a merit that the protection of the circuit and the apparatus is sufficiently secured, but the basic operation is the same even when the temperature maintaining component 3 is not provided. In this case, if the temperature maintaining component 3 does not maintain the current interruption state for a certain time and is cooled to a level at which the movable electrode 6 is not warped, the current interruption state returns to the current conduction state. . It can be used properly according to product specifications and requirements.

In addition, the size of the self-restoring protection element created in this way is as follows: the main body size formed by the cover 10 or the like is a vertical length L1, a horizontal length L2, and a thickness L3.
2.0mm ≦ L1 ≦ 12.0mm
4.0mm ≦ L2 ≦ 20.0mm
1.0mm ≤ L3 ≤ 3.0mm
And more preferably,
3.0 mm ≦ L1 ≦ 6.0 mm
4.0mm ≤ L2 ≤ 8.0mm
1.0mm ≦ L3 ≦ 2.0mm
Of course, other sizes may be used.

  As described above, the narrow width portion 4b is formed on the lead terminal 4 and connected to the cover 10, and the portion to which the movable electrode 6 is connected is made wide in various forms, thereby reducing the size and thickness. It is possible to realize a self-recovering protective element that can realize all the points in terms of balance, securing strength and durability, and securing the operation area of the movable electrode in a balanced manner. In addition, this makes it possible to cope with a reduction in size and thickness of a battery, a power supply circuit, and the like to which the self-recovery protection element 1 is attached.

  It is also preferable to provide a hole in the lead terminal 4 to reduce the weight or strengthen the strength, or to add color to the cover film to facilitate product number recognition.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the manufacturing process of the self-restoring protection element of the present invention will be described.

  12 to 23 are manufacturing process diagrams of the self-recovering protection element according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Each drawing number follows the order in the manufacturing process. In addition, this is an example of a manufacturing process, and of course, it may be manufactured in a process other than this.

  20 is a through hole, 21 is a dome, 22 is a contact thin film surface, 23 is a film welded part, 24 is an internal space, 25 is a welded material, 26 is a cover member, 39 is a narrow part, and 40 is a hole.

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which the temperature maintaining component 3 is bonded to the substrate film forming the substrate 2. As described in the first embodiment, the substrate film is a thermoplastic resin film mainly composed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfite) or PEEK (polyether ether ketone). Alternatively, it is formed of a liquid crystal polymer or the like. Or you may form with the metal plate to which the ceramic or the insulation process was given.

  The temperature maintaining component 3 is a PTC having electrodes formed on a ceramic surface formed of a barium titanate semiconductor or the like, and is bonded with an adhesive such as a plastic resin, glass and a plastic film or a metal film containing glass. Fixed. Ultrasonic welding is also used. The through hole 20 is used for passing a fixing tool for fixing a component when the manufacturing process is automated.

  FIG. 13 shows the movable electrode 6, which is a bimetal piece formed of a multilayer metal having different thermal expansion coefficients. The dome 21 is a portion that is curved in a dome shape. Thus, when the tip electrode 8 at the tip comes into contact with the lead terminal 4, the dome 21 has a spring property and an elastic force, so that the pressure contact force can be improved. .

  FIG. 14 shows a state in which the lead terminal 4 is connected to the temperature maintaining component 3 on the substrate 2. Although not shown, a first reinforcing material may be formed between the lead terminal 4 and the substrate 2.

  FIG. 15 shows a state in which the lead terminal 4 is connected to the temperature maintaining component 3 on the substrate 2 as in FIG. 14, but a hole 40 is formed in the lead terminal 4.

  If the temperature maintaining component 3 is not provided, the lead terminal 4 may be connected directly on the substrate 2.

  Here, the hole 40 is formed by a drill, a laser, or the like, but the hole 40 can realize a reduction in weight of the lead terminal 4 or an increase in strength by increasing the cross section. is there. In addition, the resistance value of the lead terminal 4 can be adjusted by the hole 40.

  The lead terminal 4 and the temperature maintaining component 3 are connected by soldering or metal paste or by pressure welding. A film joint 23 for connecting the second reinforcing material 11 is formed on the lead terminal 4, and the tip of the movable electrode 6 is further formed. A contact thin film surface 22 is formed at a site where the contact is made. The contact thin film surface 22 is realized by a metal film or plating having a low resistance and good durability and high impact resistance.

FIG. 16 shows a state in which the movable electrode 6 is connected to the lead terminal 4 using the fixed connection portion 7. The root of the movable electrode 6 is fixedly connected to the lead terminal 4 by the fixed connection portion 7, and the tip (contact electrode is provided if necessary) is in contact with the contact thin film surface 22 of the other lead terminal 4 facing the movable electrode 6. To do. This is the separation part. At this time, due to the elastic force of the dome 21,
The contact pressure at the contact increases.

  FIG. 17 shows the second reinforcing material 9, which is a film in which a portion serving as an internal space is cut out, and the shape and size thereof are configured in accordance with the element body. As the material, the same material as the substrate 2 such as PEN is used.

  FIG. 18 shows a state in which the second reinforcing material 9 is connected to the substrate 2 and the lead terminals 4. The opening of the second reinforcing member 9 is secured as an internal space 24 where the movable electrode 6, the fixed connection portion 7 connected thereto, and the contact thin film surface 22 exist. The second reinforcing material 9 is welded together with the film welded portion 23 and is also welded to the substrate 2. At this time, the through holes 20 can be combined so that they can be manufactured without misalignment.

  FIG. 19 shows a state in which the second reinforcing material 9 is welded. As a result of welding by ultrasonic welding or the like, the welded portion 25 is in a state in which the welded material protrudes, and since the welded material has a sufficient amount, the internal space is sufficiently sealed. For this reason, it is preferable to perform welding while sufficiently confirming an appropriate amount of the welded material of the welded portion 25. If the welding is insufficient, the sealing performance with the outside becomes insufficient, and there is a possibility that the contact electrode 8 or the movable electrode 6 may be corroded due to heat leakage or mixing of moisture or oxygen into the main body. In order to obtain a highly durable self-returning protective element 1, it is necessary to ensure sufficient welding.

  FIG. 20 shows a cover member 26 that forms the cover 10. The cover 10 has a raised shape, and is formed of PEN or the like as the substrate 2 or the like.

  It is preferable to improve the strength of the cover 10 by chamfering the corners or providing R. Further, the size of the cover 10 only needs to be large enough to cover the opening provided in the second reinforcing member 9 shown in FIG. Therefore, the cover 10 covers the movable electrode 6, the contact electrode 8, a part of the lead terminal 4, and the temperature maintaining component 3.

  FIG. 21 shows a state in which the cover member 26 is welded onto the second reinforcing member 9 and the cover 10 is put on the element. In welding, ultrasonic welding or the like is used in the same manner as used for connection between the second reinforcing material 9 and the substrate 2. In the welding, a welded material is generated, and thereby sufficient sealing is realized. In order to prevent corrosion and deterioration of the movable electrode 6 and the like existing in the internal space, is the welding with a sufficient welded material realized? It is preferable to confirm.

  The extra film portion shown in FIG. 22 is cut out to form a single self-recovering protective element.

  FIG. 22 shows a normal lead terminal 4 and FIG. 23 shows a case where a hole 40 is provided.

  In this way, it is possible to manufacture in a series of continuous states, and finally separate them individually, so that they can be manufactured in large quantities with a very simple process at a time, which enables low-cost and high-yield manufacturing. It will be.

  Through the above process, the self-recovering protection element 1 finally manufactured can be very small and thin.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the case where the self-recovering protection element 1 described in the first and second embodiments is attached to a battery pack or an electronic device is shown.

  In addition, it may be used for a battery other than a battery pack, a power supply circuit, and a substrate circuit, and may be used for various heat generation type devices such as lighting devices and heat generation devices, and around a power supply.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The self-recovery protection element described in the first and second embodiments is attached to the battery pack.

  25 and 26 are perspective views of an electronic device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As an example of the electronic device, FIG. 25 shows a notebook personal computer, and FIG. 26 shows a portable terminal. For example, the self-recovery protection element 1 described in the first embodiment is mounted on a high voltage unit such as a power supply unit, a power supply connection unit, and a liquid crystal driver in the device.

  Note that the electronic devices are not limited to the notebook personal computer of FIG. 25 and the mobile terminal of FIG. 26, but various products such as mobile phones, PDAs, television home appliances, car navigation systems, AV related devices, information terminals, and the like. It is used for.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes a battery pack, 32 denotes a battery, 33 denotes a main body, 34 and 38 denote wirings, 35 and 37 denote lead terminals, and 36 denotes a self-recovering protection element.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a notebook personal computer, 51 denotes a first housing, 52 denotes a display unit, 53 denotes a second housing, and 54 denotes an input device.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a portable terminal, 61 denotes a housing, 62 denotes a display unit, 63 denotes a transmission processing unit, 64 denotes a reception processing unit, 65 denotes a control unit, and 66 denotes a power source. The transmission processing unit 63 modulates the transmission signal, the reception processing unit 64 demodulates the reception signal, and the control unit 65 performs overall control. In addition, the self-restoring protection element 1 is mounted in the vicinity of the display unit 62 and the power source 66.

  The self-recovering protection element is the self-recovering protection element described in the first and second embodiments, and is used as a protection element against heat generation. The self-restoring protection element 36 has a pair of lead terminals 35 and 37 bonded on a substrate and is connected to the wirings 34 and 38 of the battery 32, respectively. The self-recovering protection element 36 is connected in a state where it is placed in the middle of the wiring derived from only the positive or negative electrode of the battery 32. The upper body is divided into 34 and 38. The wiring 34 or 38 is led to the outside as it is and connected to other electronic components. Separately (not shown), wires 34 and 38 from other positive or negative poles are led out from the battery 32 and connected to other electronic components to be supplied with power.

  Here, when abnormal heat generation occurs in the battery pack 32, as described in the first embodiment, the movable electrode 6 and the lead terminal are not in contact with each other, and current conduction is interrupted. Furthermore, the temperature of the temperature maintaining component rises, and the movable electrode 6 maintains the non-contact state as it is due to the maintained temperature. Thereby, the current interruption state is further maintained for a certain period. As a result, the power supply to the electronic component is temporarily stopped, and the circuit and equipment are protected from abnormal current and abnormal heat generation.

  At this time, the non-contact of the movable electrode 6 is maintained for a certain period of time by the action of the temperature maintaining component 3, and at least until the abnormal current disappears, the non-contact state is maintained, so that the movable electrode immediately returns to the contact state. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the adverse effects on the circuits and devices due to the restart of the current supply.

  Furthermore, when the abnormal current disappears and the temperature of the temperature maintaining component 3 decreases, the movable electrode 6 is brought into contact again, current conduction through the movable electrode 6 is resumed, and the circuit from the battery 32 to the circuit is resumed. Power supply is resumed.

  This makes it possible to safely return to the operating state without replacing the element, unlike a thermal fuse that cuts off the current by fusing.

  For this reason, even if command processing is being executed, such as a portable terminal or a notebook personal computer, it can be resumed, so that the user's processing up to that point is not wasted and stored data is not lost. So there is an advantage of being very user friendly.

  For this reason, it can be optimally used for a battery pack, a battery, a power supply circuit, and other circuits of an electronic device that protects the device from abnormal current and abnormal heat generation while reducing an extra burden on the user.

  In addition to battery packs, power supply circuits, power supply devices, power generation devices, heat generating devices, secondary battery cells, fuel cells and other peripheral components, devices, devices, notebook computers, mobile phones, The present invention is widely applied to various devices such as in-vehicle electronic devices such as portable terminals and car navigation systems, video decks and DVD devices.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25, in an electronic device such as a notebook personal computer, a display including a power supply, a battery, or a connection portion between the power supply and the main board, a built-in rechargeable battery, or a liquid crystal driver. By mounting the self-recovering protection element 1 on a substrate such as a part 52 where a large current may flow or a place where there is a possibility of high temperature, the current in an abnormal state is By blocking the conduction and conducting again after the release, adverse effects on electronic devices such as notebook personal computers can be prevented.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, it is possible to obtain the same effect by attaching to the periphery of the power supply unit or the display unit of the portable terminal (the current may increase and the temperature may increase similarly). it can.

  Also in these cases, the use of the self-recovering protection element 1 described in the first embodiment allows the mounting of very small, thin, and narrow elements, so that electronic devices can be made smaller and thinner. There is no inhibition.

  In addition, the self-recovery protection element according to the present invention has been realized to be thin and small, so that it can protect against temperature rise of electronic devices that are required to be small, thin and light, such as portable devices. As an element, it is effectively used.

  The present invention is a movable member that is fixedly connected to one of a pair of lead terminals that are provided on the substrate and whose opposing surfaces are spaced apart from each other, and a pair of opposing lead terminals that can be separated from each other. The electrode, at least a part of the lead terminal, and a cover for storing the movable electrode, and in the pair of lead terminals, the part to which the movable electrode is connected and the part to which the cover is joined are narrower than the other parts. The configuration having a narrow width portion can reduce the width of the case compared to the width of the lead terminal to the limit, and the self-recovery that achieves miniaturization, thinning, and narrowing It can also be applied to applications that require mold protection elements.

1 is a perspective view of a self-restoring protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a self-restoring protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is a perspective view of a self-restoring protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The perspective view of the temperature maintenance component in Embodiment 1 of this invention Side view of movable electrode in embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Manufacturing process diagram of self-recovering protection element according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention The perspective view of the battery pack in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The perspective view of the electronic device in Embodiment 3 of this invention The perspective view of the electronic device in Embodiment 3 of this invention Side view of a self-recovering protection element in the prior art Top view of a self-recovering protection element in the prior art

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Self-restoration type protective element 2 Board | substrate 3 Temperature maintenance component 4 Lead terminal 4b Narrow width part 5 Connection surface 6 Movable electrode 6b Separation contact 7 Fixed connection part 8 Contact electrode 9 Second reinforcement material 10 Cover 11 First reinforcement material 12 Inner layer part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Electrode surface 14 Outer layer 15 Inner layer 16 Intermediate layer 20 Through-hole 21 Dome 22 Contact thin film surface 23 Film welding part 24 Internal space 25 Welded material 26 Cover member 31 Pack battery 32 Battery 33 Main body 34, 38 Wiring 35, 37 Lead terminal 36 Self Reset type protective element 39 Narrow width portion 40 Hole portion 50 Notebook computer 51 First housing 52 Display portion 53 Second housing 54 Input device 60 Portable terminal 61 Housing 62 Display portion 63 Transmission processing portion 64 Reception processing portion 65 Control Part 66 Power supply

Claims (22)

A substrate,
A pair of lead terminals provided on the substrate and having opposing surfaces spaced apart from each other;
A movable electrode fixedly connected to one of the pair of opposing lead terminals and separable from the other;
Having at least a part of the lead terminal and a cover for storing the movable electrode;
In the pair of lead terminals, the portion to which the movable electrode is fixedly connected and the portion to which the cover is joined have a narrow width portion configured to be narrower than the other portions. Type protection element. A substrate,
A temperature maintaining component provided on the substrate;
A pair of lead terminals provided on the temperature maintaining component, connected to the temperature maintaining component, and having opposing surfaces separated from each other;
A movable electrode fixedly connected to one of the pair of opposing lead terminals and separable from the other;
A cover for storing at least a part of the lead terminal, the movable electrode, and the temperature maintaining component;
In the pair of lead terminals, the part to which the movable electrode is connected and the part to which the cover is joined have a narrow part configured to be narrower than the other part. Protective element. 2. The lead terminal according to claim 1, wherein a portion to which the cover is joined and a separation portion of the movable electrode also have a narrow width portion configured to be narrower than other portions. The self-recovering protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 2. The width of the side to which the lead terminal of the cover is connected is equal to or less than the maximum width other than the narrow width portion of the lead terminal. Self-recovery protection element. 5. The self-returning protection element according to claim 1, wherein a contact electrode is provided at a separation portion of the movable electrode, a surface of a lead terminal in contact with the movable electrode, or both of them. 6. The self-returning type according to claim 5, wherein the contact electrode has a multi-layer plating than the other part of the movable electrode, or a thickness of the plating layer is increased, or both. Protective element. In the portion where the movable electrode is fixedly connected to one of the lead terminals, the thickness of the plating layer is increased, or the number of layers of the plating layer is larger than the other portions, or both. The self-recovering protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The self-returning protection element according to claim 1, wherein the movable electrode is linear or rod-shaped. The self-recovering protection element according to claim 1, wherein a first reinforcing material is provided in a portion of the cover that is connected to the lead terminal. The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein a second reinforcing material is provided around the temperature maintaining component at a portion where the substrate and the lead terminal are connected. At least one of the substrate, the first reinforcing material, the second reinforcing material, and the cover is PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PPS (polyphenylene sulfite), or PEEK (polyether ether ketone). The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the self-recovering protection element is formed of a thermoplastic resin film or a liquid crystal polymer containing as a main component. The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the movable electrode is in contact with the lead terminal at an arbitrary temperature or lower and separated from the lead terminal at an arbitrary temperature or higher. The self-recovering protection element according to claim 1, wherein the movable electrode is a bimetal made of a plurality of metal layers. 14. The bimetal according to claim 13, wherein an inner metal layer facing the lead terminal is formed of a metal having a high temperature expansion coefficient, and an outer metal layer is formed of a metal having a low temperature expansion coefficient. The self-restoring type protective element as described. The self-returning protection element according to claim 1, wherein a hole is provided in the pair of lead terminals. The self-recovering protection element according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the temperature maintaining component is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (hereinafter referred to as "PTC"). A battery, a main body that houses the battery, a wiring that is led out from the main body and is electrically joined to the battery, and a self-recovering protection element that is provided between the wirings and that is in contact with the main body A battery pack using the self-recovering protection element according to claim 1 as the self-recovering protection element. A power supply,
A control unit for controlling the power source;
An output line output from the power supply unit;
A power supply circuit comprising the self-restoring protection element according to claim 1 mounted on the output line. A power supply circuit according to claim 18;
A data processing unit;
A control unit;
A man-machine interface,
An electronic device having a housing for storing them. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the electronic device is a notebook personal computer. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the electronic device is a mobile terminal. The self-recovering protection element according to claim 1, wherein the movable electrode has a dome shape or a curved shape.

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