JP6706477B2 - Switch element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switch element that opens or short-circuits an electric circuit in response to infiltration of liquid.

In recent years, lithium ion secondary batteries have been adopted in many mobile phones, notebook PCs, and the like. Since the lithium ion secondary battery has a high energy density, in order to ensure the safety of users and electronic devices, generally, several protection circuits such as overcharge protection and overdischarge protection are built in the battery pack and In this case, it has a function of shutting off the input/output of the battery pack. However, if the positive electrode/negative electrode insulating fitting portion of the battery corrodes due to water wetting, there is a risk that the pressure inside the battery leaks, the safety valve does not function properly, and a fire accident occurs.

JP, 11-144695, A JP, 2000-162081, A

There is a device that issues a warning by attaching a seal that detects a wet trace against water wetting (for example, see Patent Document 1), but since it does not limit the use of the battery, migration of the circuit board due to water wetting (Insulation deterioration) or short circuit may cause circuit malfunction. Further, there is a possibility that the same trouble as described above may occur even when the electrolyte leaks due to the abnormality of the battery.

In addition, as a measure against water wetting of electronic devices, there is also used a sensor which detects a liquid such as water and operates a protection circuit by a signal transmitted from the sensor which detects water wetting. For example, there has been proposed a water leak sensor including a detection unit composed of a pair of electrodes arranged facing each other at a predetermined interval on an insulating substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this water leak sensor, when the electrodes of the detection unit are wet, a signal is input to the control circuit by leaking between the terminals, and the operation of the device is controlled. That is, this water-wetting sensor is operated under the condition that the liquid flows into the detection unit. Therefore, when the water-wet condition occurs, it is desirable that the liquid is positively flowed into the detection unit. It is also necessary to ensure the reliability of the sensor so that it will not malfunction unless it is wet with water so that the circuit does not need to be activated.

The present invention has been proposed in view of such conventional circumstances, and provides a switching element that can safely open or short-circuit an electric circuit against abnormalities such as water wetting and liquid leakage from a battery. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a switching element according to the present invention has a fuse element connected to an external circuit, and a conductive material having a relatively smaller ionization tendency than the fuse element arranged near the fuse element. A reaction part for interrupting the fuse element by the presence of a liquid between the fuse element and the conductor, and a housing containing the reaction part. An inlet for introducing a liquid is provided in the reaction section.

According to the present invention, the housing is provided with the introduction port for guiding the liquid to the reaction part, so that when the liquid gets wet, the liquid is efficiently taken into the housing and is held in the reaction part to interrupt the fuse element. You can

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a switch element to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the fuse element before electrolytic corrosion. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a fuse element connected as a positive electrode and an electrode connected as a negative electrode. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the fuse element after electrolytic corrosion. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a reaction part of a fuse element and an electrode having a through hole formed therein, and FIG. 5B is a reaction part formed using the fuse element and an electrode having a through hole formed therein. It is a perspective view shown. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a reaction part provided with a separator between a fuse element and an electrode. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a reaction part in which a plurality of fuse elements are arranged in parallel and overlapped at a predetermined interval, and electrodes are arranged between the fuse elements. FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of a reaction section in which a plurality of fuse elements are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval and the number of electrodes is one more than the number of fuse elements, and the fuse elements are overlapped so as to face both sides of each fuse element. It is a perspective view. 9A and 9B are perspective views showing a housing of the switch element. FIG. 9A is a state in which an inlet is formed on the top surface, FIG. 9B is a state in which a plurality of inlets are formed in the top surface, and FIG. () shows a state in which the inlets are formed on the top and side surfaces, and (D) shows a state in which a plurality of inlets are formed on the top and side surfaces. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a switch element using a cylindrical casing. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a switch element using a casing having a discharge port. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element in which an outlet is provided at the same height as a position where a reaction part is provided. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element using a case in which a slit-shaped inlet and a slit-shaped outlet are formed. 14A and 14B are views showing a switch element using a housing having an introduction groove formed therein, FIG. 14A being a sectional view and FIG. 14B being an external perspective view. 15A and 15B are views showing a switch element using a case in which a plurality of introduction ports and introduction grooves are formed. FIG. 15A is a sectional view and FIG. 15B is an external perspective view. FIG. 16(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element using a housing in which an introducing groove is formed that is gradually narrowed toward the inside where a reaction part is provided, and FIG. 16(B) is water-soluble in the introducing groove. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element sealed with the insulating material of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a switch element using a case in which an inlet is formed at a height corresponding to the positions of the conductor and the reaction part. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element using a case in which a water repellent treatment portion is formed in a place other than the reaction portion. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element provided with a storage part for storing a liquid at a position corresponding to a reaction part. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a switch element using a case in which the inlet is sealed with a water-soluble insulating material. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reaction part in which a fuse element and an electrode are arranged adjacent to each other, a fuse element and an electrode are face-to-face opposed to each other in the reaction part, and a gap is relatively narrowed. ) Is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a sectional view. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reaction part in which a fuse element and an electrode are arranged adjacent to each other, and the tips of the electrodes are linearly opposed to each other on the fuse element in the reaction part, and the interval is relatively narrowed. , (A) is a perspective view, and (B) is a sectional view. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a reaction part in which a fuse element and an electrode are opposed to each other on a plurality of surfaces. FIG. 23A shows a configuration in which a curved part surrounding both sides and a bottom surface of the electrode is formed on the fuse element. 3B shows a structure in which the fuse element is provided with bent portions surrounding the two sides and the bottom of the electrode. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a reaction part in which a coating layer made of a liquid-soluble material is formed on one surface of the electrode facing the fuse element. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a switch element in which a water repellent treatment part is provided in a place other than the reaction part of the insulating substrate and its vicinity and a water absorbing heat generating material is provided in the vicinity of the reaction part. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a switch element using a stranded wire as a conductor. FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing a switch element using sponge metal as a conductor. FIG. 28(A) is an external perspective view showing an aggregate of conductive particles coated with a liquid-soluble material, and FIG. 28(B) shows a switch element using the aggregate shown in (A) as a conductor. It is sectional drawing shown. FIG. 29 is an external perspective view showing an example in which tubular outer conductors and inner conductors made of a conductive material are used as conductors. FIG. 30(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an insulating coating layer made of a liquid-soluble material is formed on the inner surface of the outer conductor, and FIG. 30(B) is an insulation made of a liquid-soluble material on the outer surface of the inner conductor. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the coat layer was formed. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an insulating film made of a liquid-soluble material is interposed between the outer conductor and the inner conductor. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element using a pair of metal terminal pieces as conductors. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a connected or separated state of a pair of metal terminal pieces, (A) shows a state where the pair of metal terminal pieces are in contact with each other before the insulating material comes into contact with the liquid, and (B) shows insulation. The state where the pair of metal terminal pieces are separated by the material coming into contact with the liquid and expanding. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a connected or separated state of a pair of metal terminal pieces, (A) shows a state where the pair of metal terminal pieces are in contact with each other before the insulating material comes into contact with the liquid, and (B) shows insulation. The state where the pair of metal terminal pieces are separated by the material coming into contact with the liquid and contracting, melting, softening, or the like is shown. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a connected or separated state of a pair of metal terminal pieces, (A) shows a state where the pair of metal terminal pieces are in contact with each other before the insulating material comes into contact with the liquid, and (B) shows insulation. It shows a state in which the pair of metal terminal pieces are separated from each other by the material coming into contact with the liquid and melting, softening, or the like. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element in which a pair of lead wires serving as conductors are connected via conductive particles. (A) is a state before liquid infiltration, (B) is liquid infiltration Indicates the state of. 37 is an external perspective view of the switch element shown in FIG. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element in which a pair of metal terminal pieces serving as conductors are connected via conductive particles. (A) is a state before liquid infiltration, (B) is liquid infiltration The latter state is shown. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch element in which a pair of lead wires serving as conductors are connected via conductive particles. (A) is a state before liquid infiltration, (B) is liquid infiltration Indicates the state of. 40A and 40B are cross-sectional views showing a switch element in which a tapered introduction groove is formed. FIG. 40A shows a state before liquid infiltration, and FIG. 40B shows a state after liquid infiltration. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a switch element that uses a sheet-shaped insulating material that expands when brought into contact with a liquid, and FIG. 41A is a plan view showing an upper half of a housing provided with the sheet-shaped insulating material. FIG. 3B is a plan view showing the lower half of the housing provided with the metal terminal piece serving as a conductor and the conductive particles. 42A and 42B are cross-sectional views showing the switch element shown in FIG. 41, where FIG. 42A shows a state before liquid infiltration and FIG. 42B shows a state after liquid infiltration. 43A and 43B are cross-sectional views showing a switch element in which a pair of lead wires serving as conductors are connected via conductive particles. FIG. 43A is a state before liquid infiltration, and FIG. Indicates the state of. FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing a switch element to which a pair of external connection electrodes to be conductors are connected via conductive particles arranged in a grid. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a switch element in which conductive particles are agglomerated by a conductive material in contact with a liquid in the switch element shown in FIG. 44 to cut off a conductive path, (A) is an external perspective view, and (B) is a perspective view. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the housing. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the switch element shown in FIG. 45. FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing a switch element in which a pair of external connection electrodes, which become conductors, are connected through conductive particles arranged in a line, and (A) shows a state before liquid infiltration, B) shows the state after the infiltration of the liquid. 48A and 48B are views showing a switch element using a lead terminal as a conductor, FIG. 48A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 48B is an exploded perspective view. FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing the inside of the switch element shown in FIG. 48, where (A) shows a state before liquid infiltration and (B) shows a state after liquid infiltration. 50A and 50B are perspective views showing a switch element for electrically connecting the open lead terminals, where FIG. 50A shows a state before liquid infiltration, and FIG. 50B shows a state after liquid infiltration. FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing a switch element for conducting the open lead terminals, (A) is an external perspective view, and (B) is an exploded perspective view. 52 is a perspective view showing the inside of the switch element shown in FIG. 51, where (A) shows a state before the liquid has entered, and (B) shows a state after the liquid has entered. FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing another switch element for conducting the open lead terminals to each other, (A) is an external perspective view, and (B) is an exploded perspective view. 54 is a perspective view showing the inside of the switch element shown in FIG. 53, where (A) shows a state before the liquid has entered, and (B) shows a state after the liquid has entered. FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing a switch element which forms a conductive layer on a side surface of an insulating material and disconnects both ends of the conductive layer due to expansion of the insulating material in contact with a liquid. The state before infiltration, (B) shows the state after infiltration of the liquid. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the switch element shown in FIG. 55, where (A) shows a state before liquid infiltration, and (B) shows a state after liquid infiltration. FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a switch element in which a conductive layer is formed of a conductive wire that spirally circulates a side surface of an insulating material. FIG. 57A is a state before liquid infiltration, and FIG. The state after infiltration is shown. FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a switch element in which the disconnected conductive layer formed on the side surface of the insulating material is connected by the expansion of the insulating material that is in contact with the liquid. (B) shows the state after infiltration of the liquid. FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the switch element shown in FIG. 58, where (A) shows a state before liquid infiltration and (B) shows a state after liquid infiltration. FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch element using a conductor made of a thermistor. FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the switch element shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a switch element to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Specific dimensions should be judged in consideration of the following description. Further, it is needless to say that the drawings include portions in which dimensional relationships and ratios are different from each other.

The switch element to which the present invention is applied is incorporated in an external circuit such as a battery circuit or an alarm circuit, and when a water immersion state such as submersion in water or liquid leakage occurs, the battery circuit is shut off or the alarm circuit or protection circuit is conducted. Is to do. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch element 1 includes one or a plurality of conductors 2 connected to an external circuit, a reaction part 3 for conducting or blocking the conductors 2 by contact with a liquid, and a reaction part 3. The housing 4 has a built-in housing 4, and the housing 4 is provided with an inlet 5 for guiding the liquid to the reaction part 3.

[conductor]
The conductor 2 is connected to a terminal portion provided in an external circuit in which the switch element 1 is incorporated, and is, for example, a pattern electrode or a metal formed on an insulating substrate built in the housing 4 of the switch element 1. A terminal, a lead terminal, a fuse element, etc. can be used. The conductor 2 may be composed of a plurality of electrodes formed on the insulating substrate and a fuse element or a lead wire connected between the plurality of electrodes.

The switch element 1 can be connected to the terminal portion of the external circuit by connecting the connection end of the conductor 2 to the outside of the housing 4 or connecting to an external connection terminal (not shown). Further, in the switch element 1, the conductor 2 is normally conducted or opened, and the liquid is brought into contact with the reaction portion 3 so that the conduction state is opened by the action of the reaction portion 3 or the opened state is conducted. It

[Reaction part]
The reaction part 3 irreversibly connects or disconnects the conductor 2 by coming into contact with the liquid that has penetrated into the housing 4, and the form of the conductor 2 or the switch element 1 blocks or disconnects an external circuit. It has various configurations depending on the purpose.

In the following, as shown in FIG. 2, as an example of the conductor 2, a flat plate-shaped fuse element 11 that is connected to an external circuit in a normal state and is opened when it becomes wet is used, and has a smaller ionization tendency than the fuse element 11. The case where the reaction part 3 is formed by disposing the electrode 12 made of metal so as to face one surface of the central part of the fuse element 11 will be described.

When the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are arranged close to each other, the reaction section 3 causes the fuse element 11 to be electrolytically corroded when liquid is present between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 in the case of abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery. As a result, the electric resistance increases and the rated current value decreases, so that the electric current flowing to the fuse element 11 self-interrupts the electric current and the electric circuit can be safely opened.

The fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are close to each other so that water can enter, and the distance is preferably 0.01 mm to 10 mm. In addition, the smaller the distance between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12, the larger the electric field strength and the stronger electrolytic corrosion effect, and the easier it is to introduce water between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 due to the capillary phenomenon. In order to efficiently open the electric circuit, the distance from the electrode 12 is more preferably 0.01 to 1 mm.

The fuse element 11 has a predetermined rated current value and blows when a current exceeding the rated current value is applied. The fuse element 11 preferably contains any one selected from aluminum, iron, nickel, tin, and lead as a main component. In addition, in this specification, the main component means a component of 50 wt% or more based on the total mass of the material.

The electrode 12 is arranged to face one surface of the central portion of the fuse element 11. It should be noted that the electrodes 12 may be arranged so as to face both surfaces of the central portion of the fuse element 11 so that the amount of the substance that is electrically corroded in the fuse element 11 becomes large.

Further, the electrode 12 is made of a metal having a smaller ionization tendency than that of the fuse element, and it is preferable that the electrode 12 contains any one selected from gold, platinum, silver, copper, and palladium as a main component. As a result, when water enters between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12, the fuse element 11 made of a base metal becomes a positive electrode and is ionized (corroded), and the fuse element 11 becomes thin and pinholes are generated. As a result, the conductor resistance of the fuse element 11 increases and the rated current value can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is preferable that the fuse element 11 is connected as a positive electrode and the electrode 12 is connected as a negative electrode. As a result, the electrolytic corrosion reaction can be promoted, and the rated current value of the fuse element 11 can be quickly reduced.

That is, the switch element 1 is a fuse element 11 that is connected in series as a positive electrode to a DC power source, is disposed in the vicinity of the fuse element 11, is made of a metal having a smaller ionization tendency than the fuse element 11, and is connected as a negative electrode. And an electrode 12 that becomes a cutoff circuit. Further, the switch element 1 includes a first terminal and a second terminal for energizing the fuse element 11, and a third terminal for connecting the electrode 12 as a negative electrode, and the first terminal and the second terminal. Is connected in series to the energization path of the positive electrode, and the third terminal is connected to the negative electrode or grounded.

3 and 4 are perspective views schematically showing the fuse element before and after electrolytic corrosion, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the fuse element 11 before electrolytic corrosion has a short shape. When water enters between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12, the fuse element 11 made of a base metal becomes a positive electrode and is ionized (corroded) as shown in FIG. 4, and the fuse element 11 becomes thin or pinholes. May occur. Therefore, the conductor resistance of the fuse element 11 increases and the rated current value decreases. Water or electrolyte between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 may evaporate due to heat generation due to the increase in conductor resistance. However, since the rated current value is reduced, the self-current may flow due to the current flowing through the fuse element 11. It is possible to shut off and safely open the external circuit.

[Through hole, concave part, convex part]
Further, the reaction part 3 may be provided with one or a plurality of through holes, recesses or protrusions in one or both of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing, as an example, the fuse element 11, the conductor 2 in which the through hole 13 is formed in the electrode 12, and the reaction portion 3. This allows the switch element 1 to preferentially introduce and hold the liquid that has flowed into the housing 4 into the reaction section 3 and to increase the amount of the liquid held by the through hole 13 to increase the fuse element. The contact area between the electrode 11 and the electrode 12 increases, and the electrolytic corrosion action of the fuse element 11 can be promoted. Further, since the through-hole 13 is formed in the fuse element 11 to reduce the melting cross-sectional area, the fuse element 11 can be melted more quickly.

Similarly, when the concave portion or the convex portion is provided, the switch element 1 can easily preferentially introduce and hold the liquid flowing into the housing 4 into the reaction portion 3, and the concave portion or the convex portion can be used. By increasing the holding amount of the liquid, the contact area between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 increases, and the electrolytic corrosion action of the fuse element 11 can be promoted.

[Separator]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable to provide a separator 14 between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12. Further, the separator 14 preferably has a mesh shape or a porous shape. As a result, the separator 14 can secure the liquid collecting property and the water retention property for collecting and holding a liquid such as water or an electrolytic solution between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12. Moreover, the separator 14 is preferably made of an insulator. As a result, the separator 14 can suppress a direct short circuit between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12.

Further, the separator preferably carries an electrolyte such as NaCl. As a result, the electrical conductivity of water or the electrolytic solution can be improved and electrolytic corrosion can be promoted.

Furthermore, the separator 14 may have liquid solubility that dissolves in a liquid such as water or an electrolytic solution. In this case, the separator 14 preferably has an insulating property in addition to the liquid solubility. As a result, the separator 14 secures the clearance between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 in the state before the infiltration of the liquid, prevents a short circuit, and melts when the liquid intrudes, so that a larger amount of the liquid can be exchanged with the fuse element 11. It can be introduced between the electrode 12 and the electrode 12 to promote the electrolytic corrosion action.

Examples of the liquid-soluble material include natural polymers such as agar and gelatin, semi-synthetic polymers such as cellulose and starch, and synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol. These contract or dissolve when they come into contact with a liquid. It is preferable to adjust the degree of polymerization before use, since a polymer having a high molecular weight has a property of not dissolving but expanding. Further, when a water-soluble solid substance such as sugar cube is used as the liquid-soluble material, it is dissolved or its volume is reduced by coming into contact with the liquid.

Also, assuming a liquid electrolyte filled with ethylene carbonate or the like as a liquid, in the case of a switch element that operates in response to electrolyte leakage, the liquid-soluble material is ABS, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, or A saturated polyester such as PET, PTT, or PEN can be used. When these liquid-soluble materials also have a high molecular weight, the dissolution rate may decrease and the reaction rate as the switch element 1 may decrease. Therefore, when priority is given to the reaction rate, it is preferable to adjust the degree of polymerization before use.

Further, the separator 14 arranged between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 may be a water-absorbing or hygroscopic insulator. Further, an insulator made of sol, gel, or solid may be arranged between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 so that the liquid exhibits conductivity. In addition, the electrolytic corrosion action of the fuse element 11 may be exhibited when an electrolyte made of sol or gel enters between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12.

[Layered structure]
In addition, the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3 are not limited to the above-described configuration example, and, for example, a plurality of fuse elements to be the conductor 2 are arranged in parallel and the electrodes are arranged between the fuse elements, so that the reaction part is formed. 3 may be formed. In FIG. 7, a plurality of fuse elements 11 formed in a flat plate shape as conductors 2 are arranged in parallel and superposed at a predetermined interval, and an electrode 12 formed in a flat plate shape is arranged between each fuse element 11. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the reaction part 3 formed by.

This reaction part 3 has a laminated structure in which three fuse elements 11 and three electrodes 12 are alternately laminated. Each fuse element 11 is connected in parallel, and each electrode 12 is also connected in parallel.

By arranging a plurality of fuse elements 11 in parallel in this way, the rated current can be increased and the electrolytic corrosion of the fuse elements 11 when liquid penetrates between the fuse elements 11 and the electrodes 12 is promoted. be able to.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3 have a plurality of fuse elements 11 formed in a flat plate shape arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, and fuse the electrodes 12 formed in a flat plate shape. The number of elements may be one more than the number of the elements 11, and the elements may be arranged between the fuse elements 11 and may be overlapped on both sides of each of the fuse elements 11.

The reaction part 3 allows the liquid to be interposed between both surfaces of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 by facing the electrodes 12 on both surfaces of each fuse element 11 to further promote the electrolytic corrosion of the fuse element 11. ..

In the laminated structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the reaction part 3 may be provided with the above-mentioned one or more through-holes 13 or a concave part or a convex part in one or both of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12. .

Furthermore, the reaction part 3 may arrange|position the above-mentioned separator 14 between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 in the laminated structure shown in FIG. 7, FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress a direct short circuit between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 and ensure the retention of water or the electrolytic solution. At this time, as the separator 14, a mesh-shaped or porous material may be used, or an insulating material may be used. Further, the separator 14 may carry an electrolyte such as NaCl to improve the electric conductivity of water or an electrolytic solution and promote electrolytic corrosion. Further, as described above, the separator 14 may be a water-absorbing or hygroscopic insulator. Further, an insulator made of sol, gel, or solid may be arranged between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 so that the liquid exhibits conductivity. In addition, the electrolytic corrosion action of the fuse element 11 may be exhibited when an electrolyte made of sol or gel enters between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12.

In addition, the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3 can employ various forms as described above. Other examples of the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3 will be described later.

[Case 1]
The housing 4 of the switch element 1 can be formed of an insulating member such as various engineering plastics and ceramics. The switch element 1 is provided with the housing 4 to protect the conductor 2 and the reaction portion 3 from mechanical disturbances or the like received from the outside, and the fuse element used as the conductor 2 causes arc discharge. When melted, the molten metal can be prevented from scattering around.

The housing 4 is provided with an inlet 5 that guides the liquid to the reaction unit 3. The switch element 1 irreversibly connects or disconnects the conductor 2 by the liquid flowing into the reaction part 3 through the inlet 5 provided in the housing 4.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the housing 4 is made of a polyhedron, and one introduction port 5 is provided on one surface. When the switch element 1 is formed as a chip component mounted on a circuit board on which an external circuit is formed, it is preferable that the introduction port 5 be provided on the top surface 4a opposite to the mounting surface of the housing 4. By providing the inlet port 5 on the top surface 4a, it is possible to efficiently take in the liquid into the housing 4 and hold the liquid in the reaction part 3 when the water is wet, so that the conductor 2 can be conducted or blocked. Of course, the housing 4 may have the introduction port 5 formed on a surface other than the top surface 4a, for example, the side surface 4b. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the housing 4 may have a plurality of inlets 5 formed on the top surface 4a, or may have a plurality of inlets 5 formed on the side surface 4b. By providing the housing 4 with a plurality of inlets 5, the liquid can be introduced into the reaction section 3 more easily.

Further, the housing 4 may be formed of a polyhedron, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, and the introduction port 5 may be provided on a plurality of surfaces, for example, the top surface 4a and the side surface 4b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9D, the housing 4 may have one or a plurality of inlets 5 formed on a plurality of surfaces, respectively.

Further, the housing 4 may be formed in a tubular shape, and the introduction ports 5 may be formed at arbitrary positions and in an arbitrary number. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the switch element 1 in which the housing 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape and a plurality of inlets 5 are formed over the entire circumference. By forming the housing 4 into a hollow columnar shape or a prismatic shape, the introduction port 5 can be formed without being influenced by a surface or an angle according to the arrangement of the switch element 1, a liquid infiltration path, or the like. In the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 10, the conductor 2 is formed so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 4.

Further, the housing 4 may form a discharge port for discharging the liquid that has entered through the introduction port 5. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing the switch element 1 in which the inlet 4 is formed on the top surface 4a of the housing 4 made of a polyhedron and the outlet 6 for discharging the liquid is formed on the side surface 4b. By forming the discharge port 6, a large amount of liquid infiltrates into the housing 4 to cool the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3, and to inhibit the electrolytic corrosion action and self-heating of the fuse element 11 and the like. It is possible to prevent the action of the portion 3, the opening of the conductive state of the conductor 2, or the situation where the conduction of the open state is obstructed.

The discharge port 6 is preferably formed smaller than the introduction port 5. By making the discharge port 6 relatively small, it is possible to prevent the liquid that has entered the housing 4 from being excessively discharged and rather delay the action of the reaction part 3 and the opening or conduction of the conductor 2. it can.

Further, it is preferable that the discharge port 6 is provided at the same height as the position where the reaction unit 3 of the housing 4 is provided, or above the position where the reaction unit 3 is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the housing 4 is formed in a polyhedral shape and is formed as a chip component to be mounted on a circuit board, the discharge port 6 has a reaction part 3 on a side surface 4b of the housing 4. It is preferably provided at the same height as or above the provided position. As a result, the liquid that has entered the housing 4 is drained to the extent that it has entered above the reaction unit 3 and remains in the reaction unit 3, so that the action of the reaction unit 3 is ensured and The conductor 2 and the reaction portion 3 are cooled by a large amount of the liquid that has entered, and the action of the reaction portion 3 and the conduction state of the conductor 2 are released, such that the electrolytic corrosion action and self-heating of the fuse element 11 are hindered. It is possible to prevent the situation where the conduction in the open state is obstructed.

The inlet 5 for introducing the liquid and the outlet 6 for discharging the liquid may have any shape such as a circular shape or a rectangular shape. Further, the inlet 5 and the outlet 6 may be formed in a slit shape as shown in FIG. By forming the introduction port 5 in a slit shape, the liquid can be introduced in a wider range and the reaction part 3 can be reacted quickly to open or conduct the conductor 2. Further, by forming the discharge port 6 in a slit shape, the excess liquid that has entered the housing 4 can be quickly drained, and the action of the reaction part 3 and the opening or conduction of the conductor 2 are delayed. Can be prevented.

Further, the housing 4 may be provided with a slit-shaped introduction port 5 on the top surface 4 a and an introduction groove 7 for guiding the liquid to the reaction section 3. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the introduction groove 7 extends from the introduction port 5 in which the groove wall 7a is formed on the top surface 4a to the vicinity of the reaction section 3. As a result, the housing 4 can reliably guide the liquid that has entered the inlet 5 to the reaction section 3 without flowing into a place other than the reaction section 3. Further, the housing 4 can prevent the liquid that has entered the introduction port 5 from being dissipated into the housing 4 and delaying the opening or conduction of the conductor 2 by the reaction part 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the housing 4 may extend the introduction groove 7 to the side surface 4b and be continuous with the discharge port 6 formed in the side surface 4b. As a result, the housing 4 can efficiently guide the liquid that has entered through the introduction port 5 to the reaction unit 3 and efficiently drain the excess liquid from the discharge port 6.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a plurality of introduction grooves 7 may be formed. By forming a plurality of introduction grooves 7, the liquid can be guided over the entire width of the reaction section 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16(A), the introduction groove 7 may be gradually narrowed from the opening of the introduction port 5 facing the top surface 4a to the inside where the reaction section 3 is provided. By narrowing the introduction groove 7 toward the reaction section 3, the liquid that has entered through the opening of the introduction port 5 can be efficiently guided to the reaction section 3 by the capillary phenomenon.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the switch element 1 may have an inlet 5 or an inlet 5 and an inlet groove 7 formed in the housing 4 depending on the positions of the conductor 2 and the reaction portion 3. In the switch element 1, a plurality of fuse elements 11 and electrodes 12 are stacked in parallel and the positions of the fuse elements 11 and electrodes 12 on the side surface 4b are arranged as in the configuration example of the conductor 2 and the reaction portion 3 shown in FIG. The same number of the introduction ports 5 as the fuse element 11, or the same number of the introduction ports 5 and the introduction grooves 7 as the fuse element 11 may be formed at the same height as the fuse element 11.

By forming the inlet port 5 and the like at positions corresponding to the position of the reaction part 3, the switch element 1 can efficiently guide a large amount of liquid from the inlet port 5 to the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3, and The reaction of the portion 3 can be efficiently performed, and conduction or opening of the conductor 2 can be promoted.

Further, the switch element 1 may be subjected to water repellent treatment at a place other than the reaction part 3 to guide the liquid to the reaction part 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the switch element 1 may be provided with a water repellent treatment part 16 in which a water repellent treatment is applied to the introduction port 5 or the groove wall 7a of the introduction port 5 and the introduction groove 7. The water-repellent treatment portion 16 can be formed by a known method such as application of a fluorine-based coating agent or solder paste coating.

As a result, the switch element 1 can efficiently guide the liquid that has entered through the introduction port 5 to the reaction section 3. Further, by applying a water-repellent treatment to the introduction port 5 and the introduction groove 7, a small amount of liquid is not repelled and penetrates into the housing 4 except in a water wet state where the switch element 1 should be operated. It is also possible to prevent and secure the reliability as a sensor.

Further, in the switch element 1, the inner wall of the housing 4 may be subjected to water repellent treatment. Even by subjecting the inner wall of the housing 4 to the water-repellent treatment, the liquid that has entered the housing 4 can be efficiently guided to the reaction part 3 and the reaction part 3 can be promptly acted.

Further, the switch element 1 may be provided with a storage portion 8 for storing the liquid that has entered the housing 4, as shown in FIG. The storage portion 8 is formed in a concave shape so as to surround the periphery of the reaction portion 3, is integrally molded with the housing 4, or can be formed by disposing a concave member on the bottom surface of the housing 4. In the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4, the liquid is stored in the storage portion 8 so that the periphery of the reaction portion 3 is filled with the liquid. As a result, the switch element 1 can efficiently react the reaction portion 3 even if the amount of the liquid that has entered the housing 4 is small. For this reason, in the switch element 1, the discharge port 6 is formed below the reaction section 3, and excess liquid can be discharged.

In the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 19, the conductor 2 is curved to pass through the storage portion 8, and both ends of the conductor 2 are connected to the external connection electrode 10 facing the bottom surface of the housing 4. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the switch element 1 may be closed by attaching a sheet body formed of a water-soluble sealing material 9 that dissolves the introduction port 5 with a liquid to the top surface 4a. Further, as shown in FIG. 16(B), the switch element 1 may close the introduction groove 7 with a water-soluble sealing material 9 which is dissolved by a liquid. Examples of the water-soluble sealing material 9 include natural polymers such as agar and gelatin, semi-synthetic polymers such as cellulose and starch, and synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol. These contract or dissolve when they come into contact with a liquid. It is preferable to adjust the degree of polymerization to be used, since the polymer has a high molecular weight and has a property of expanding without being dissolved. Further, when a water-soluble solid substance such as sugar cube is used as the liquid-soluble material, it is dissolved or its volume is reduced by coming into contact with the liquid.

Further, assuming a liquid electrolyte such as ethylene carbonate filled in the battery cell as a liquid, in the case of a switch element that operates in response to electrolyte leakage, the material of the water-soluble sealing material 9 is ABS, polyacrylonitrile, Polyvinylidene fluoride or saturated polyester such as PET, PTT and PEN can be used. When these water-soluble materials also have a high molecular weight, the dissolution rate may decrease, and the reaction rate of the switch element 1 may decrease. Therefore, when the reaction rate is prioritized, the degree of polymerization is preferably adjusted before use.

By closing the introduction port 5 and the introduction groove 7 with the water-soluble sealing material 9, a small amount of liquid is not repelled to enter the switch element 1 except in a wet state where the switch element 1 should be operated. It is also possible to prevent operation and ensure reliability as a sensor.

[Example of configuration of reaction part]
As described above, the switch element 1 can adopt various forms for the conductor 2 and the reaction part 3. Hereinafter, a configuration example of the conductor 2 and the reaction unit 3 will be described. The conductor 2 and the reaction section 3 according to the present invention are not limited to the configurations described below, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Configuration example 1]
In the switch element 1, the space in the vicinity of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 forming the reaction part 3 may be narrower than the space in other regions. For example, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21C, a rectangular plate-shaped fuse element 11 is used as the conductor 2, and a substantially plate-shaped electrode 12 is arranged adjacently in the housing 4. At the same time, the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are superposed on each other in the reaction part 3, so that the interval is relatively narrowed.

The electrode 12 is provided with a superposed portion 12b that overhangs the fuse element 11 at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction. In the switch element 1, the fuse element 11 and the overlapping portion 12b of the electrode 12 face each other and are arranged in proximity to each other, so that the reaction portion 3 that collects liquid and causes the fuse element 11 to undergo electrolytic corrosion is formed.

The overlapping portion 12b is supported by a supporting portion 15 provided on the housing 4 or the like to face the fuse element 11 and is provided with a predetermined interval at which the liquid can enter and hold. The distance between the fuse element 11 and the overlapping portion 12b is preferably 0.01 mm to 10 mm. In addition, the smaller the distance between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12, the larger the electric field strength and the stronger electrolytic corrosion effect, and the easier it is to introduce water between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 due to the capillary phenomenon. In order to efficiently open the electric circuit, it is more preferable that the distance between the fuse element 11 and the overlapping portion 12b be 0.01 to 1 mm.

Further, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the tip portion 12c of the electrode 12 is bent and supported by the support portion 15. Thus, the tip portions 12c may be linearly opposed to each other on the surface of the fuse element 11 with a predetermined gap.

[Configuration example 2]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 23A, the switch element 1 uses the fuse element 11 having a substantially rectangular plate shape as the conductor 2 and arranges the substantially rod-shaped electrode 12 in the vicinity to form the reaction portion 3. In this case, the fuse element 11 may be formed so as to face each other on a plurality of surfaces of the electrode 12 by forming a curved portion 11c that is curved so as to surround both sides and the bottom surface of the electrode 12. Alternatively, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 23B, the fuse element 11 is formed with a bent portion 11d that is bent in a rectangular shape so as to surround both side surfaces and the bottom surface of the electrode 12. The fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 may be opposed to each other on a plurality of surfaces. The curved portion 11c or the bent portion 11d of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are opposed to each other with a predetermined narrowed interval on both surfaces, and are capable of infiltrating and holding a liquid.

According to the reaction unit 3, since the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are opposed to each other on a plurality of surfaces, the switch element 1 has an increased area for holding the liquid, as compared with a case where the switch element 1 is opposed to the one surface. The fusing of No. 11 due to electrolytic corrosion can be further promoted.

The reaction portion 3 may be opposed to a plurality of surfaces by forming a curved portion or a bent portion on the electrode 12 so as to surround both sides and the bottom surface of the fuse element 11.

[Configuration example 3]
Further, in the switch element 1, at least one surface of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 forming the reaction part 3 may be covered with a liquid-soluble material which is dissolved by contact with a liquid such as water or an electrolytic solution. For example, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 24, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped fuse element 11 and a substantially rectangular plate-shaped electrode 12 are made to face each other, and one surface of the electrode 12 facing the fuse element 11 is made of a liquid-soluble material. The coat layer 17 is formed.

As a result, the switch element 1 secures the clearance between the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 in the state before the infiltration of the liquid, prevents a short circuit, and melts when the liquid intrudes, so that more liquid is fused to the fuse element 11. It can be introduced between the electrode and the electrode 12 to promote the electrolytic corrosion action.

As the liquid-soluble material forming the coat layer 17, the same material as the separator 14 formed using the liquid-soluble material described above can be used.

Further, the coat layer 17 made of a liquid-soluble material may be formed on one surface side of the fuse element 11 facing the electrode 12 or may be formed on each of the surfaces of the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 facing each other.

[Configuration example 4]
Further, the switch element 1 may be provided with a water-repellent region in a place other than the reaction part 3 or in a place other than the reaction part 3 and its vicinity. For example, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 25, the fuse element 11 having a substantially rectangular plate shape and the electrode 12 having a substantially rectangular plate shape are opposed to each other, and the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 are arranged in the housing 4. It is mounted on the installed insulating substrate 20. In the switch element 1, a region other than the reaction part 3 where the fuse element 11 and the electrode 12 of the insulating substrate 20 are close to each other and the vicinity thereof is used as the water repellent treatment part 18.

The water repellent treatment portion 18 can be formed by a known method such as application of a fluorine-based coating agent or solder paste coating.

As a result, the switch element 1 can guide the liquid that has infiltrated onto the insulating substrate 20 to the reaction part 3 which is a non-water repellent region and its vicinity, and can accelerate the fusing of the fuse element 11 due to electrolytic corrosion.

[Configuration example 5]
Further, in the switch element 1, the water absorbing heat generating material 19 may be arranged in the vicinity of the reaction section 3. For example, in the switch element 1, when the fuse element 11 is arranged on the surface of the insulating substrate 20 shown in FIG. 25 and is opposed to the electrode 12, heat is generated by absorbing water in the vicinity of where heat is transferred to the reaction section 3. The material 19 to be placed is placed. As the water absorption heat generating material 19, for example, quicklime can be used.

In such a switch element 1, when the liquid enters the vicinity of the reaction part 3, the water absorbing heat generating material 19 absorbs moisture and generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the reaction part 3. The reaction portion 3 is further improved in reaction efficiency due to the heat of the water absorption heat generating material 19, and the fuse element 11 can be electrolytically corroded and melted quickly.

In the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 25, the water repellent treatment portion 18 is provided in a region of the insulating substrate 20 excluding the reaction portion 3 and the vicinity thereof, and the water absorption heat generating material 19 is arranged in the vicinity of the reaction portion 3. Alternatively, either the water repellent treatment portion 18 or the water absorption heat generating material 19 may be provided.

[Configuration example 6]
Further, in the switch element 1, a known conductive member such as a lead wire or sponge metal is used as the conductor 2, and the conductor 2 is coated as the reaction part 3 to insulate the external circuit and come into contact with the liquid. A liquid-soluble material 23 that is thereby dissolved to bring the conductor 2 and the external circuit into conduction may be used.

The switch element 1 is insulated from the external circuit by the conductor 2 being covered with the liquid-soluble material 23 that constitutes the reaction part 3 in the normal state, and when the liquid contacts the reaction part 3, the conductor 2 The liquid-soluble material 23 that has been coated with is dissolved, and the external circuit is brought into conduction through the conductor 2.

For example, as the conductor 2, as shown in FIG. 26, a twisted wire 22 in which a pair of conductive wires 21A and 21B connected to an external circuit are twisted together can be used. The conductors 21A and 21B are insulated from each other by being covered with the liquid-soluble material 23. The conducting wire 21A is connected to one free end of the energizing path of the external circuit connected to the switch element 1, and the conducting wire 21B is connected to the other free end of the energizing path. As a result, the external circuit is normally opened.

The reaction part 3 is for conducting the conductor 2 irreversibly by coming into contact with a liquid, and includes a liquid-soluble material 23 that coats the conductor 2. As the liquid-soluble material 23, any material having an insulating property and capable of being dissolved by being brought into contact with a liquid can be used. For example, a natural polymer such as agar or gelatin, a semi-synthetic polymer such as cellulose or starch, or polyvinyl. Examples thereof include synthetic polymers such as alcohol. These dissolve upon contact with a liquid. It is preferable to adjust the degree of polymerization to be used, since the polymer has a high molecular weight and has a property of expanding without being dissolved. When a water-soluble solid substance such as sugar cube is used as the liquid-soluble material, it dissolves when it comes into contact with a liquid.

Further, in the case of a switch element that operates in response to electrolyte leakage assuming an electrolyte such as ethylene carbonate filled in a battery cell as the liquid, the liquid-soluble material 23 may be ABS, polyacrylonitrile, or polyvinylidene fluoride. Alternatively, saturated polyester such as PET, PTT and PEN can be used. These liquid-soluble materials 23 also have a low dissolution rate when the molecular weight is high, and the reaction rate may decrease as the switch element 1. Therefore, when the reaction rate is prioritized, the degree of polymerization is preferably adjusted before use. ..

The liquid-soluble material 23 covering the conductor 2 constitutes the reaction part 3 in the housing 4. In the reaction part 3, when an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from a battery occurs, the liquid-soluble material 23 is dissolved by the liquid that has entered the housing 4, and the conductor 2 is brought into contact with the open end of the external circuit, The circuit can be energized.

For example, the reaction unit 3 covers the pair of conductive wires 21A and 21B described above with the liquid-soluble material 23, and normally insulates them to open the external circuit. Then, the reaction unit 3 connects the pair of conductive wires 21A and 21B by contacting and dissolving the liquid that has entered the housing 4 with the liquid-soluble material 23 in the event of an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery. Thus, the external circuit can be energized.

[Configuration example 7]
Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the switch element 1 may use sponge metal 24 as the conductor 2. The sponge metal 24 is provided on the housing 4 while being covered with the liquid-soluble material 23, and is mounted between the pair of external connection terminals 25a and 25b connected to the open end of the external circuit. The external connection terminals 25a and 25b are formed of, for example, metal terminals provided in the housing 4 or electrode patterns formed on the housing 4 or an insulating substrate provided in the housing 4.

In the switch element 1, the sponge metal 24 is mounted on the external connection terminals 25a and 25b through the liquid-soluble material 23 that covers the surface thereof, so that the external circuit is normally opened. Then, in the switch element 1, the liquid that has entered the housing 4 comes into contact with and dissolves in the liquid-soluble material 23 in the event of an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, so that the sponge metal 24 and the external connection terminal 25a. , 25b are connected so that the external circuit can be energized.

In addition to the sponge metal 24, a woven or non-woven fabric using conductive fibers, a porous body such as a metal mesh, or a metal sheet such as a metal foil is used as the conductor 2, and the conductor 2 is covered with the liquid-soluble material 23. You may let me.

[Configuration example 8]
Further, as shown in FIG. 28A, the switch element 1 may use, as the conductor 2, an aggregate 28 of the conductive particles 27 coated with the liquid-soluble material 23. The aggregate 28 maintains a substantially sheet shape or a substantially film shape by the liquid-soluble material 23 that coats the individual conductive particles 27, and is provided in the housing 4 as shown in FIG. 28B. The terminals, the housing 4, and the external connection terminals 25a and 25b formed by the electrode pattern formed on the insulating substrate arranged in the housing 4 are mounted between the terminals.

In the switch element 1, the agglomerate 28 of the conductive particles 27 is mounted on the external connection terminals 25a and 25b through the liquid-soluble material 23 that covers the surface, so that the external circuit is normally opened. ing. Then, in the switch element 1, when an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery occurs, the liquid that has entered the housing 4 comes into contact with and dissolves in the liquid-soluble material 23, so that the external connection terminals 25a and 25b are spread across the external connection terminals 25a and 25b. Both terminals can be connected through the continuous conductive particles 27, so that the external circuit can be energized.

[Configuration example 9]
Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the switch element 1 uses, as the conductor 2, a cylindrical outer conductor 30 made of a conductive material and an inner conductor 31 made of a conductive material provided inside the outer conductor 30. May be. In the conductor 2 shown in FIG. 29, the outer conductor 30 is connected to one open end of the external circuit, and the inner conductor 31 is connected to the other open end of the external circuit. The outer conductor 30 is, for example, a cylindrical conductor, and has one or a plurality of openings 30a through which liquid penetrates, formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The outer conductor 30 may have any shape other than a cylindrical shape as long as it has a hollow shape capable of accommodating the inner conductor 31.

The inner conductor 31 may take any form arranged inside the outer conductor 30, and may have a prismatic shape, a sheet winding body shape, a block body shape or the like in addition to the columnar shape shown in FIG. The inner conductor 31 is movably held inside the outer conductor 30.

As shown in FIG. 30(A), the switch element 1 has an insulating coat layer 30b formed on the inner surface of the outer conductor 30 by the liquid-soluble material 23, so that the outer conductor 30 and the inner conductor 31 are normally insulated from each other. The external circuit is opened. In the switch element 1, the liquid that has entered the housing 4 enters the opening 30a of the outer conductor 30 and contacts the liquid-soluble material 23 when there is an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery. As a result, the insulating coat layer 30b is melted, and the outer conductor 30 and the inner conductor 31 are electrically connected to each other, so that the external circuit can be energized.

In the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 30B, the insulating coat layer 31a may be formed by applying the liquid-soluble material 23 to the outer surface of the inner conductor 31. The insulating coat layer 31a is dissolved by coming into contact with the liquid that has entered through the opening 30a of the outer conductor 30, and the outer conductor 30 and the inner conductor 31 can be electrically connected.

Further, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 31, an insulating film 32 made of the liquid-soluble material 23 may be interposed between the outer conductor 30 and the inner conductor 31. The insulating film 32 has a size and a shape that shield at least the inner conductor 31 from the inner surface of the outer conductor 30, and insulates the outer conductor 30 and the inner conductor 31 in a normal state. Then, the insulating film 32 is melted by coming into contact with the liquid that has penetrated through the housing 4 and the opening 30a of the outer conductor 30 in the event of an abnormality such as water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, and the inner conductor 30 and the inside The conductor 31 can be electrically connected.

[Configuration example 10]
In addition, the switch element 1 uses a pair of lead wires and a metal terminal piece, which are each connected to an external circuit, as the conductor 2, and the reaction part 3 changes its state by coming into contact with a liquid, and a pair of conductors. An insulating material 40 that opens or conducts an external circuit by irreversibly connecting or separating the two may be used.

As the insulating material 40, any material having an insulating property and capable of changing states such as expansion, contraction, softening, dissolution, and aggregation when contacted with a liquid can be used, and a pair of conductors 2 are connected or separated. The optimum material can be selected from the state change required depending on the method of making it and the form of the pair of conductors 2 and the housing 4.

Examples of candidates for the insulating material 40 include natural polymers such as agar and gelatin, semi-synthetic polymers such as cellulose and starch, and synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol. When they come into contact with a liquid, they contract or dissolve, and when they have a high molecular weight, they do not dissolve but expand. Further, when a water-soluble solid substance such as sugar cube is used as the insulating material 40, it is dissolved or its volume is reduced by coming into contact with a liquid.

Further, assuming a liquid electrolyte such as ethylene carbonate filled in the battery cell as a liquid, and in the case of a switch element that operates in response to electrolyte leakage, the insulating material 40 may be ABS, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, or A saturated polyester such as PET, PTT, or PEN can be used. When the insulating material 40 has a high molecular weight, the dissolution rate may decrease and the reaction rate of the switch element 1 may decrease. Therefore, when the reaction rate is prioritized, the degree of polymerization is preferably adjusted and used.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a switch element including a pair of conductors 2 and a reaction section 3. In the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 32, the first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42 are used as the pair of conductors 2. The first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42 are respectively connected to the external connection electrodes 43a and 43b provided in the housing 4 and have contact portions 41a and 42a that are in contact with each other, and in a normal state. The contact portion 41a is biased so as to come into contact with the contact portion 42a from above. The external connection electrode 43a is connected to one open end of the external circuit, and the external connection electrode 43b is connected to the other open end of the external circuit. As a result, the external circuit is normally conducted through the first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42.

Further, below the first metal terminal piece 41, the reaction section 3 having the insulating material 40 that changes its state when brought into contact with a liquid is arranged. The reaction part 3 of the switch element 1 is made of an insulating material 40 that expands when contacted with a liquid. As shown in FIG. 33A, in the switch element 1, the insulating material 40 is disposed below the first metal terminal piece 41, and in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the first The contact portion 41a of the metal terminal piece 41 is brought into contact with the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42 to energize the external circuit. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, the insulating material 40 of the reaction part 3 comes into contact with the liquid as shown in FIG. 33(B). Expands and pushes up the first metal terminal piece 41. As a result, the contact portion 41a of the first metal terminal piece 41 is separated from the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42, and the external circuit is shut off.

The switch element 1 uses the insulating material 40 that contracts or dissolves when it comes into contact with a liquid, keeps the first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42 apart from each other, and contracts or melts the insulating material 40 to make the first You may connect the 1st, 2nd metal terminal piece 41,42. In this case, the first and second metal terminal pieces 41, 42 are always urged in the contacting direction, and the insulating material 40 is arranged below the first metal terminal piece 41, so that In the state before the liquid enters, the contact portion 41a of the first metal terminal piece 41 is separated from the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42. When the liquid enters the housing 4, the insulating material 40 contracts or melts, so that the first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42 elastically return to contact the contact portions 41a and 42a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 34, the first metal terminal piece 41 is urged in such a direction that the contact portion 41 a is always separated from the contact portion 42 a of the second metal terminal piece 42, and the insulating material 40 is normally provided. You may make it contact with the 2nd metal terminal piece 42 by pressing. The insulating material 40 is made of a material that contracts, melts, softens, or the like when brought into contact with a liquid, and is arranged above the first metal terminal piece 41.

As shown in FIG. 34(A), in the switch element 1, in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the first metal terminal piece 41 is pressed by the insulating material 40, so that the contact portion is formed. 41a is brought into contact with the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42 to energize the external circuit. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, as shown in FIG. 34B, the insulating material 40 of the reaction part 3 comes into contact with the liquid. Is contracted, melted, or softened to change into a property that cannot withstand the internal stress of the first metal terminal piece 41, and elastically returns in a direction in which the first metal terminal piece 41 is separated from the second metal terminal piece 42. To do. As a result, the contact portion 41a of the first metal terminal piece 41 is separated from the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42, and the external circuit is shut off.

In addition, the switch element 1 may connect the spaced apart first and second metal terminal pieces 41 and 42 by using the insulating material 40 that expands when coming into contact with the liquid. In this case, the insulating material 40 is arranged on top of the first metal terminal piece 41. Further, the first and second metal terminal pieces 41, 42 are always urged in the direction of separating from each other, and in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the contact portion 41a of the first metal terminal piece 41 is formed. Is separated from the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42. Then, when the liquid enters the housing 4, the insulating material 40 expands, the first metal terminal piece 41 is pressed by the insulating material 40, and the contact portion 41 a is the contact portion 42 a of the second metal terminal piece 42. Be touched.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 35, the first metal terminal piece 41 is biased in the direction in which the contact portion 41 a is separated from the contact portion 42 a of the second metal terminal piece 42, and is normally in the normal state by the insulating material 40. The second metal terminal piece 42 may be fixed in contact with the second metal terminal piece 42. As the insulating material 40, a material that has adhesiveness in the normal state and is dissolved by contact with a liquid is used, and the contact portions 41a, 42a of the first and second metal terminal pieces 41, 42 are fixed to each other.

As shown in FIG. 35(A), in the switch element 1, in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the first metal terminal piece 41 is fixed to the insulating material 40, so that the contact portion is formed. 41a is brought into contact with the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42 to energize the external circuit. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, the insulating material 40 of the reaction part 3 comes into contact with the liquid as shown in FIG. 35(B). As a result, the first metal terminal piece 41 changes to a property that cannot withstand the internal stress of the first metal terminal piece 41, such as melting or softening, and the first metal terminal piece 41 elastically returns in a direction in which it separates from the second metal terminal piece 42. As a result, the contact portion 41a of the first metal terminal piece 41 is separated from the contact portion 42a of the second metal terminal piece 42, and the external circuit is shut off.

[Configuration example 11]
Further, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the pair of conductors 2 are connected via the conductive particles 45, and the reaction portion 3 connects the conductive particles 45. The conductive path may be blocked. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 has a housing 4 in which one or a plurality of liquid inlets 5 are formed, and an insulating material 40, which is dissolved by contact with a liquid, is used as the reaction part 3 in the housing. The introduction port 5 of the body 4 is provided on the opened inner wall, and the conductive particles 45 are fixed and arranged on the insulating material 40. The housing 4 is formed in a tubular shape, and lead wires 46 and 47 which are a pair of conductors 2 are led out from both ends. Further, the introduction port 5 may be formed in a substantially central portion where the lead wires 46 and 47 are not provided, and may be formed in a slit shape in the circumferential direction of the housing 4.

Further, in the switch element 1, the lead wires 46 and 47 are separated from each other in the housing 4, and the conductive particles 45 fixed to the insulating material 40 are electrically connected by being continuous between the lead wires 46 and 47. .. Further, the introduction port 5 is formed on the array of the conductive particles 45.

The lead wires 46 and 47, which become the pair of conductors 2, are drawn out from the housing 4 and connected to the connection ends of the external circuit.

Then, in the state before the liquid infiltrates into the housing 4, the switch element 1 is formed from the conductive particles 45 in which the lead wires 46 and 47 are fixed to the insulating material 40, as shown in FIG. The external circuit is energized through the conductive path. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, the insulating material 40 of the reaction part 3 comes into contact with the liquid as shown in FIG. 36(B). As a result, the conductive particles 45 that have been arranged due to trait displacement such as dissolution and contraction are aggregated, and the conductive path formed by the arrangement of the conductive particles 45 is blocked. As a result, the lead wires 46 and 47 are disconnected and the external circuit is cut off.

The switch element 1 may use, as the pair of conductors 2, an external connection electrode formed of a metal terminal piece supported in the housing 4 or an electrode pattern formed on an insulating substrate. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 38 is provided with a pair of metal terminal pieces 48 and 49 connected by conductive particles 45 as a pair of conductors 2. The metal terminal pieces 48 and 49 are respectively connected to external connection electrodes 50 and 51 exposed outward from the mounting surface of the housing 4. In the switch element 1, the surface facing the external connection electrodes 50 and 51 is the mounting surface on the external circuit board, and the electrodes formed in the external circuit are connected to the external connection electrodes 50 and 51.

In the case 4, the introduction port 5 is provided in a substantially central portion of the top surface where the metal terminal pieces 48 and 49 are not provided, and the insulating material 40 which is dissolved by contact with a liquid is formed inside the top surface, and the conductive material is formed. Particles 45 are adhered. Further, as shown in FIG. 38A, in the switch element 1, the metal terminal pieces 48 and 49 are separated from each other in the housing 4, and the conductive particles 45 fixed to the insulating material 40 are provided on the metal terminal piece 48. , 49 is continuous to establish continuity. Further, the introduction port 5 is formed on the array of the conductive particles 45.

A space 52 for accommodating the conductive particles 45 dropped from the array is provided below the inlet 5. Then, as shown in FIG. 38(B), in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters from the introduction port 5, the insulating material 40 is melted and the conductive particles 45 are dropped into the space 52. As a result, the conductive path composed of the array of conductive particles 45 is blocked, and the metal terminal pieces 48, 49 are blocked.

[Configuration example 12]
Further, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, the introduction port 5 of the housing 4 may be provided with the introduction groove 7 that is filled with the insulating material 40 and faces the portion where the conductive particles 53 are arranged. The switch element 1 shown in FIGS. 39(A) and 39(B) has a housing 4 in which a slit-shaped introduction port 5 is formed on one surface and an introduction groove extending from the introduction port 5 into the housing 4. 7, a pair of lead wires 55 and 56 that are separated from each other in the housing 4 and serve as a conductor 2, and a conductive material that is continuous by being arranged in the housing 4 to electrically connect the lead wires 55 and 56. The particles 53 and the insulating material 40 that is filled in the introduction groove 7 and expands when contacted with a liquid to block the arrangement of the conductive particles 53 are provided.

In the switch element 1, the groove wall 7 a of the introduction groove 7 extends to the vicinity of the array of the conductive particles 53 and faces the conductive element 53. Thereby, in the case 4, when the liquid enters the introduction groove 7, the insulating material 40 can expand and press the array of the conductive particles 53, and the expanded insulating material 40 dissipates in the case 4. Without doing so, the arrangement of the conductive particles 53 can be reliably blocked by the insulating material 40. Further, in the switch element 1, a space 57 into which the conductive particles 53 are pushed out is formed on the opposite side of the introduction groove 7 across the array of the conductive particles 53.

In the switch element 1, in a state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the lead wires 55 and 56 are arranged in the housing 4 and are electrically connected via a conductive path made of the conductive particles 53 fixed. , The external circuit is energized. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, as shown in FIG. The material 40 expands by coming into contact with the material 40, and the conductive particles 53 are extruded to the space 57 side, and the conductive path is blocked. As a result, the lead wires 55 and 56 are disconnected, and the external circuit is cut off.

In addition to the lead wires 55 and 56, a known conductor such as a metal terminal piece can be used as the pair of conductors 2 in the switch element 1.

The switch element 1 may close the inlet 5 by disposing a mesh member 58 having a mesh smaller than that of the expanded insulating material 40 on the surface of the housing 4. As a result, the switch element 1 has a casing from the introduction port 5 closed by the mesh member 58 when the insulating material 40 filled in the introduction groove 7 comes into contact with the liquid infiltrated from the opening of the introduction port 5 and expands. It can be expanded toward the inside of the housing 4 without being expanded and discharged to the outside of the body, and the conductive particles 53 can be surely pushed out to the space 57 side, and the lead wires 55 and 56 can be blocked.

Further, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIG. 40(A), the introduction groove 7 may be formed in a tapered shape in which the width gradually increases from the opening of the introduction port 5 to the inside where the conductive particles 53 are arranged. .. By gradually widening the introduction groove 7 as it approaches the arrangement of the conductive particles 53, the insulating material 40 filled in the introduction groove 7 comes into contact with the liquid that has entered from the introduction port 5, as shown in FIG. This makes it easier to expand and, when expanded, expands toward the inside of the wide housing 4 to reliably push out the conductive particles 53 to the space 57 side, and to interrupt the lead wires 55 and 56. You can

Further, in the switch element 1, the introduction groove 7 is formed so as to widen from the opening of the introduction port 5 to the inside of the housing 4, so that a small amount of liquid that is not enough to operate the switch element 1 is introduced into the introduction groove 7. It is also possible to prevent the intrusion into the sensor and ensure the reliability as a sensor.

Further, in the switch element 1, the housing 4 may be made of ceramic. Thereby, the strength of the housing 4 is improved, and the housing 4 is not deformed even when an expansion pressure is applied as the insulating material 40 expands. The switch element 1 may be made of ceramic for the housing 4, or may be ceramic-coated to improve the strength. Further, the switch element 1 can more easily take in the liquid by using a porous material as the ceramic or the ceramic coating material used for the housing 4.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, in the switch element 1, a sheet-shaped insulating material 40 may be arranged between the inlet 5 and the array of the conductive particles 53. The switch element 1 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 includes a housing 4 in which a slit-shaped inlet 5 is formed on one surface, an inlet groove 7 extending from the inlet 5 into the housing, and a housing. 4, metal terminal pieces 60 and 61 which become a pair of conductors 2 and are spaced apart from each other, and conductive particles 53 which are arranged in the housing 4 and are made continuous to electrically connect the metal terminal pieces 60 and 61. The sheet body 62 of the insulating material 40 is provided between the inlet 5 and the array of the conductive particles 53, and expands by contact with a liquid to block the array of the conductive particles 53.

The housing 4 is formed by assembling a pair of upper and lower halves 4c and 4d. The upper half 4c is provided with a slit-shaped introduction port 5 and introduction groove 7, and a sheet body 62 of an insulating material 40 that expands when contacted with a liquid is attached to the inner surface side of which the lower half 4d is abutted. ing. In the lower half 4d, the metal terminal pieces 60, 61 and the conductive particles 53 are arranged, and on the side opposite to the upper half 4c of the metal terminal pieces 60, 61, there is a space 63 into which the conductive particles 53 are pushed out. Has been formed. The metal terminal pieces 60, 61 are provided so as to be separated from each other, and are electrically connected via the conductive particles 53 arranged in the housing.

In the switch element 1, the upper and lower halves 4c and 4d are brought into contact with each other, so that the sheet body 62 of the insulating material 40 is disposed between the introduction port 5 and the array of the conductive particles 53.

In the switch element 1, in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the metal terminal pieces 60 and 61 are arranged in the housing 4 and electrically connected via a conductive path made of the conductive particles 53 fixed. The external circuit is energized. Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, as shown in FIG. By contacting the body 62, the insulating material 40 expands, the conductive particles 53 are extruded from between the metal terminal pieces 60 and 61 to the space 63 side, and the conductive path is blocked. As a result, the metal terminal pieces 60, 61 are disconnected from each other, and the external circuit is cut off.

Here, as shown in FIG. 41(B), the metal terminal pieces 60, 61 are formed in a comb-teeth shape, and the comb-teeth portions 60 a, 61 a project from each other on the space 63 and occlude in a non-contact manner. Thus, the conductive particles 53 may be arranged between the comb tooth portions 60a and 61a. In this case, it is preferable that the slit-shaped introduction port 5 and the introduction groove 7 are formed along the conductive particles 53 arranged between the comb tooth portions 60a and 61a.

[Configuration example 13]
Moreover, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, the pair of conductors 2 may be made conductive by extruding the conductive particles 65 filled in the introduction groove 7. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 43 has a casing 4 having an inlet 5 formed on one surface, an introducing groove 7 extending from the introducing port 5 into the casing, and conductive particles filled in the introducing groove 7. 65, a space 66 that is continuous with the introduction groove 7 and through which the conductive particles 65 filled in the introduction groove 7 are extruded, and a lead wire 67 that becomes a pair of conductors 2 that are arranged in the space 66 at a distance from each other. 68, and the insulating material 40 that is filled on the side of the introduction port 5 of the introduction groove 7 and expands when contacted with a liquid.

The introduction groove 7 is filled with the insulating material 40 that expands when the introduction port 5 side is brought into contact with a liquid, and the conductive particles 65 are filled in the space 66 side. The space 66 is continuous with the introduction groove 7, and as shown in FIG. 43A, an array of conductive particles 69 connected to one ends of the lead wires 67 and 68 is provided separately. Further, the space 66 has a height such that the conductive particles 65 can be arranged in a single layer, and is arranged so as to be continuous when the conductive particles 65 are extruded.

In the switch element 1, in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the arrangement of the lead wires 67 and 68 and the conductive particles 69 is separated from each other to interrupt the external circuit. When liquid enters the housing 4 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, the switch element 1 insulates the liquid that has entered the introduction groove 7 from the introduction port 5 as shown in FIG. 43(B). By contacting the material 40, the insulating material 40 expands and the conductive particles 65 are pushed out into the space 66. As a result, in the space 66, the conductive particles 65 are continuous with the array of the conductive particles 69 continuous with the lead wires 67 and 68, a conductive path extending between the lead wires 67 and 68 is formed, and the external circuit is electrically connected.

In addition, in the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 43, in addition to arranging the conductive particles 69 in the space 66, the lead wires 67 and 68 are extended below the introduction groove 7 to be electrically conductive with the lead wires 67 and 68. The particles 65 may be brought into direct contact with each other so as to be electrically connected.

Also in the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 43, the introduction groove 7 may be formed in a tapered shape that widens toward the inside of the housing 4, and the mesh size is smaller than the expanded insulating material 40 particle size. It may be closed by a mesh member. As a result, in the switch element 1, when the insulating material 40 filled in the introduction groove 7 comes into contact with the liquid that has infiltrated through the opening of the introduction port 5 and expands, the switch element 1 is expanded and discharged from the introduction port 5 to the outside of the housing. Without expanding, the conductive particles 65 can be surely expanded toward the inside of the housing 4 and pushed out toward the space 66 side, and the lead wires 67 and 68 can be electrically connected.

Further, also in the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 43, the inlet port 5 may be closed by the sheet body 70 of the insulating material 40 which is dissolved by coming into contact with the liquid. As a result, the switch element 1 can prevent a small amount of liquid, which is not enough to operate the switch element 1, from entering the introduction port 5, and can secure reliability as a sensor. The switch element 1 may close the inlet 5 by applying the insulating material 40, filling the inlet 5 or the like, in addition to sticking the sheet body 70 of the insulating material 40. By adjusting the thickness and composition of the insulating material 40, the switch element 1 can adjust the infiltration of the liquid into the inlet 5 which is an operating condition.

[Configuration example 14]
Further, the switch element to which the present invention is applied is arranged between the pair of conductors 2 by arranging the conductive particles 71 in a grid pattern and cutting the arrangement of the conductive particles 71 according to the state change of the insulating material 40. May be blocked. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 44 has a housing 4 in which a plurality of inlets 5 into which a liquid penetrates is formed in a lattice shape, and the housing 4 expands, contracts, or dissolves upon contact with the liquid. The insulating material 40 is provided over the entire surface of the housing 4, and the conductive particles 71 are fixed and arranged by the insulating material 40. Further, the housing 4 is provided with external connection electrodes 72 and 73, which will be a pair of conductors 2, spaced apart from each other in the vicinity of opposite corners of the housing 4, and are exposed to the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 4. .. The conductive particles 71 are fixed and arranged in a grid pattern by the insulating material 40 in a state of being in close contact with the adjacent conductive particles 71, thereby forming a conductive path between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73, and the external connection electrode 72. , 73 are conducted.

Further, in the switch element 1, a fixing portion 74 that restricts the movement of the conductive particles 71 is provided in the housing 4. The fixing portion 74 secures the insulating property between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73 by restricting the movement of the conductive particles 71 when the state change of the insulating material 40 occurs, and is made of an insulating material. For example, a plurality of cross-shaped standing walls are provided at predetermined intervals.

In the switch element 1, in a state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the space between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73 provided apart from each other is fixed and arranged in a lattice by the insulating material 40. The external circuit is made conductive by being connected through the particles 71. When liquid enters the housing 4 from the inlet 5 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, the switch element 1 causes a change in state due to contact of the liquid that has entered with the insulating material 40, and The conductive paths of the conductive particles 71 arranged in a line are blocked. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, in the switch element 1, when the insulating material 40 contracts due to contact with a liquid, the conductive particles 71 fixed at the contracted portion agglomerate, so that the conductivity of the conductive particles 71 is reduced. The path is blocked. Therefore, the switch element 1 can cut off the external circuit by opening the space between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73.

Here, in the switch element 1, the introduction ports 5 are formed on one surface of the housing 4 in a grid shape, the insulating material 40 is provided over the entire surface of the housing 4, and the conductive particles 71 are arranged in a grid shape. As a result, as shown in FIG. 45(A), the state of the insulating material 40 at the location corresponding to the location A where the liquid has infiltrated causes the conductive particles 71 to aggregate. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 45(B) and 46, in the switch element 1, since the free movement of the conductive particles 71 is restricted by the fixing portion 74, the aggregates of the conductive particles 71 are different from each other. It is possible to prevent a new conductive path from being formed by contact with the arrayed particles, and ensure the insulation property. In addition, in the switch element 1, since the insulating material 40 at a position corresponding to the liquid infiltrating position A causes a state change and the conductive path by the conductive particles 71 is cut, the liquid can be applied to any part of the housing 4. Even if an intruder enters, the intruded portion can be detected.

In addition, the switch element 1 arranges the conductive particles 71 in a linear shape, and cuts the arrangement of the conductive particles 71 in accordance with the change in the state of the insulating material 40 to cut off between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73. Good. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 47 has a housing 4 in which a plurality of inlets 5 into which liquid penetrates is formed in a lattice shape, and the housing 4 expands, contracts, or dissolves upon contact with the liquid. The insulating material 40 is provided over the entire surface of the housing 4, and the conductive particles 71 are fixed and arranged by the insulating material 40. In addition, external connection electrodes 72 and 73 are provided in the housing 4 in the vicinity of opposite corners of the housing 4 so as to be spaced apart from each other and face the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 4. The conductive particles 71 fixed and arranged by the insulating material 40 are arranged linearly to form a conductive path extending between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73, and make the external connection electrodes 72 and 73 conductive.

At this time, the switch elements 1 are preferably arranged in a wide range over the entire surface of the housing 4 by arranging the conductive particles 71 to meander. Further, in the switch element 1, a plurality of the above-mentioned fixing portions 74 that restrict the movement of the conductive particles 71 are provided in the housing 4 at predetermined intervals.

In the switch element 1 in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, as shown in FIG. 47A, the insulating material 40 is provided between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73 provided apart from each other. The external circuit is made conductive by being continuous through the conductive particles 71 fixed and arranged in a line. When liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, the switch element 1 causes a state change due to contact of the invading liquid with the insulating material 40, and The conductive paths of the conductive particles 71 arranged in a line are blocked. As shown in FIG. 47(B), in the switch element 1, when the insulating material 40 contracts due to contact with a liquid, the conductive particles 71 fixed at the contracted portion agglomerate, whereby the conductive particles 71. The conductive path of is cut off. Therefore, the switch element 1 can cut off the external circuit by opening the space between the external connection electrodes 72 and 73.

Here, in the switch element 1, the introduction ports 5 are formed on one surface of the housing 4 in a grid pattern, and the conductive particles 71 arranged in a line are provided over the entire surface of the housing 4, so that The state of the insulating material 40 at the location corresponding to the infiltrated location changes, and the conductive particles 71 at the location agglomerate. At this time, in the switch element 1, since the fixed portion 74 restricts the free movement of the conductive particles 71, the aggregate of the conductive particles 71 comes into contact with another array particle to form a new conductive path. Can be prevented, and the insulating property can be secured. In addition, in the switch element 1, since the insulating material 40 at a position corresponding to the liquid infiltrating position A causes a state change and the conductive path by the conductive particles 71 is cut, the liquid can be applied to any part of the housing 4. Even if an intruder enters, the intruded portion can be detected.

[Configuration example 15]
The switch element to which the present invention is applied uses lead terminals 82 and 83 as the pair of conductors 2 and is made conductive or open through the conductive particles 81 fixed to the insulating material to change the state of the insulating material. It may be opened or conducted according to the above. In the switch element 1 shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B, the lead terminals 82 and 83 arranged inside and outside the housing 4 are used as the pair of conductors 2. The lead terminals 82 and 83 are fixed in the housing 4 while being separated from each other, and are electrically connected via the conductive particles 81 filled in the housing 4.

The housing 4 is formed with one or a plurality of inlets 5 through which liquid enters. In the housing 4, an insulating material 40 that contracts or dissolves when it comes into contact with a liquid, and conductive particles 81 fixed by the insulating material 40 are arranged. The conductive particles 81 are fixed and fixed at a predetermined position by the insulating material 40 with which the housing 4 is filled, so that the conductive particles 81 are filled and arranged between the lead terminals 82 and 83 that are supported separately. As a result, the switch element 1 electrically connects the lead terminals 82 and 83.

In the state before the liquid enters the housing 4, the switch element 1 is fixed and arranged by the insulating material 40 between the lead terminals 82 and 83 provided apart from each other as shown in FIG. The external circuit is electrically connected by being connected through the conductive particles 81. Then, as shown in FIG. 49(A), when the liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, etc. The infiltrated liquid contracts or dissolves when it contacts the insulating material 40, and the conductive particles 81 arranged between the lead terminals 82 and 83 are aggregated. As a result, in the switch element 1, the conductive particles 81 that are arranged and fixed between the lead terminals 82 and 83 are aggregated, so that the conductive path of the conductive particles 81 is blocked. Therefore, the switch element 1 can interrupt the external circuit by opening the lead terminals 82 and 83.

In addition, the switch element 1 may be electrically connected between the open lead terminals 82 and 83 by using the insulating material 40 that expands, contracts, or dissolves when brought into contact with a liquid. In the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 50(A), the conductive material 81 is fixed in a region other than between the lead terminals 82 and 83 by the insulating material 40, and is fixed between the lead terminals 82 and 83 in a normal state. There is.

The switch element 1 expands, contracts, or dissolves when the liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, and the invading liquid contacts the insulating material 40. The conductive particles 81 that have been aggregated and fixed in a region other than between the lead terminals 82 and 83 are diffused into the housing 4. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 50B, in the switch element 1, a large number of conductive particles 81 enter between the lead terminals 82 and 83, and a conductive path of the conductive particles 81 is formed. Therefore, the switch element 1 can conduct the external circuit by connecting the lead terminals 82 and 83.

[Configuration example 16]
In addition, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, the introduction port 5 of the housing 4 may be formed according to the aggregation position of the conductive particles 91. Similar to the switch element 1, the switch element 1 shown in FIG. 51 uses the lead terminals 92 and 93 as the pair of conductors 2 and conducts the connection between the lead terminals 92 and 93 opened through the conductive particles 91. To do.

In the switch element 1, the lead terminals 92 and 93 are separated from each other in the housing 4, and the conductive particles 91 are aggregated in a region other than between the lead terminals 92 and 93 by the insulating material 40 which is dissolved by coming into contact with a liquid. The lead terminals 92 and 93 are open in the normal state.

The housing 4 of the switch element 1 is provided with a slit-shaped introduction port 5 through which liquid enters. The introduction port 5 is formed in a slit shape at a position corresponding to the aggregation position of the conductive particles 91 between the lead terminals 92 and 93. Specifically, in the switch element 1, the lead terminals 92, 93 are supported in the housing 4 so as to face each other and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the conductive particles 91 are connected by the water-soluble insulating material 40 to the lead terminals 92, 93. Also, they are aggregated and fixed at positions facing each other across these gaps. As shown in FIG. 51(B), in the switch element 1, the housing 4 is provided with the slit-shaped introduction port 5 that intersects with the gap between the lead terminals 92 and 93. The insulating material 40 is wholly filled in the housing 4, and the conductive particles 91 are aggregated and fixed at a predetermined position.

As shown in FIG. 52(A), in the switch element 1, when liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, the invaded liquid causes a gap between the lead terminals 92 and 93. The insulating material 40 is melted around. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 52B, in the switch element 1, the conductive particles 91 are positively aggregated between the lead terminals 92 and 93, and the conductive path of the conductive particles 91 is formed. Therefore, the switch element 1 can conduct the external circuit by connecting the lead terminals 92 and 93.

Further, in the switch element 1, as shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B, the lead terminals 92 and 93 in which the conductive particles 91 are supported in the housing 4 so as to face each other and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The introduction port 5 may be formed in a slit shape over the gap between the lead terminals 92, 93 in the same direction as the lead terminals 92, 93 while being aggregated and fixed on the side.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 54(A), the switch element 1 has a structure such that when liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet port 5 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like. Melts the insulating material 40 around the gap between the lead terminals 92 and 93. As a result, as shown in FIG. 54B, in the switch element 1, the conductive particles 91 are positively aggregated between the lead terminals 92 and 93, and the conductive path of the conductive particles 91 is formed. Therefore, the switch element 1 can conduct the external circuit by connecting the lead terminals 92 and 93.

[Configuration example 17]
In addition, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, the conductive layer may be formed on the side surface of the insulating material, and the insulating material in contact with the liquid may expand to disconnect both ends of the conductive layer. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 55 and FIG. 56 is a case 4 in which one or a plurality of inlets 5 into which a liquid intrudes is formed, and a reaction part which is provided in the case 4 and expands when contacted with the liquid. 3 has an insulating material 103 that constitutes the conductive material 2 and a conductive layer 104 that has both ends connected to an external circuit and that covers the side surface of the insulating material 103 and that constitutes the conductor 2. The contact of the insulating material 103 expands, so that both ends of the conductive layer 104 are disconnected.

The housing 4 is formed, for example, in a tubular shape, and the insulating material 103 is housed inside. Further, the housing 4 is formed with a plurality of liquid inlets 5 that penetrate the inside of the housing 4. The insulating material 103 housed in the housing 4 is a material that expands when coming into contact with a liquid, and can be formed using the same material as the insulating material 40 described above. The insulating material 103 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and the conductive layer 104 is formed on the outer peripheral surface.

The conductive layer 104 can be formed of a known material used as a conductive material such as solder, and can be formed by a known method such as conductive plating or printing. In addition, the conductive layer 104 is connected to the external connection electrode materials 105 and 106 such as a pair of lead wires, and the external connection electrode materials 105 and 106 are connected to the connection electrodes of the external circuit, thereby energizing the external circuit. Form part of a route.

The switch element 1 is connected via the conductive layer 104 as shown in FIGS. 55(A) and 56(A) in a state before the liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5. The external circuit is made conductive by connecting the pair of external connection electrode members 105 and 106 thus formed. When liquid enters the housing 4 through the inlet 5 due to water wetting or liquid leakage from the battery, the switch element 1 has an insulating material 103 as shown in FIGS. 55(B) and 56(B). Expands by coming into contact with the invading liquid, and the conductive layer 104 formed around the insulating material 103 breaks. As a result, in the switch element 1, the pair of external connection electrode members 105 and 106, which are connected via the conductive layer 104, are disconnected and the external circuit can be cut off.

In the switch element 1, the conductive layer 104 may be formed entirely around the insulating material 103, or the linear conductive pattern may be formed so as to spirally surround the insulating material 103. Good. Further, as shown in FIG. 57A, the switch element 1 may be configured such that the conductive layer 104 is made of a conductive wire material 107 such as a wire that spirals around the side surface of the insulating material 103.

The switch element 1 can be easily formed by spirally winding the conductive wire 104 around the conductive layer 104, and when the insulating material 103 expands as shown in FIG. Also, the conductive path can be reliably cut off by breaking a part of the wire rod 107.

In addition, in the switch element 1, the insulating material 103 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and the conductive layer 104 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface. Also in this case, the insulating material 103 is brought into contact with the liquid and expands, whereby the conductive layer 104 formed on the inner peripheral surface is cut and the conductive path can be blocked.

[Configuration example 18]
Further, in the switch element to which the present invention is applied, the conductive layer may be formed on the side surface of the insulating material, and the insulating material in contact with the liquid may expand to connect the disconnected ends of the conductive layer. .. The switch element 1 shown in FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 is arranged along the inner wall of the housing 4 and the hollow housing 4 in which one or a plurality of inlets 5 into which the liquid penetrates is formed, and contacts the liquid. As a result, the tubular insulating material 113 that constitutes the reaction part 3 that expands, and the linear conductive layer 114 that constitutes the conductor 2 that has both ends connected to the external circuit and that circulates on the inner peripheral surface of the insulating material 113. Have and.

The housing 4 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the insulating material 113 is housed along the inner wall. Further, the housing 4 is formed with a slit-shaped introduction port 5. The insulating material 113 accommodated in the housing 4 is a material that expands when it comes into contact with a liquid, and can be formed using the same material as the insulating material 40 described above. The insulating material 113 has, for example, a cylindrical shape similar to that of the housing 4, and a linear conductive layer 114 is spirally wound around the inner peripheral surface.

The conductive layer 114 can be formed of a known material used as a conductive material such as solder, and can be formed by a known method such as conductive plating or printing. In addition, the conductive layer 114 is connected to the external connection electrode materials 115 and 116 such as a pair of lead wires, and the external connection electrode materials 115 and 116 are connected to the connection electrodes of the external circuit, thereby energizing the external circuit. Form part of a route.

As shown in FIGS. 58A and 59A, the insulating material 113 and the conductive layer 114 are provided with a slit 117 which is continuous with the inlet 5, and the conductive layer 114 is formed by the slit 117 to the external connection electrode material 115. , 116 connected to both ends are disconnected. As a result, the switch element 1 interrupts the external circuit by disconnecting the conductive layer 114 in the state before the liquid enters the housing 4 through the introduction port 5.

Then, in the switch element 1, when the liquid enters the inlet 5 and the slit 117 due to water wetting, liquid leakage from the battery, or the like, as shown in FIGS. 58B and 59B, the insulating material 113 enters. By contacting the liquid, the liquid expands along the inner peripheral surface of the housing 4 and the slit 117 is closed. Thereby, in the switch element 1, a conductive path is formed by connecting the conductive layer 114 formed around the insulating material 113, and the external circuit disconnected by the slit 117 can be made conductive.

In the switch element 1, as the conductive layer 114, in addition to the conductive pattern, a conductive wire may be used, or a conductive pattern and a conductive wire may be mixed and used. Alternatively, one or both ends of the disconnected portion of the conductive layer 114, which is disconnected by the slit 117 and is connected as the insulating material 113 expands, may be formed with a metal terminal to improve connectivity.

[Configuration example 19]
Further, as shown in FIG. 60, the switch element 1 to which the present invention is applied is arranged in the vicinity of the reaction part 3 and the reaction part 3 which generates heat when it is in contact with a liquid, and its electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases. And the conductor 2 including the thermistor 120. The reaction unit 3 can be configured using, for example, quick lime that reacts with water to generate heat, and is disposed and held on the insulating substrate 121, as shown in FIG. 61, for example. The reaction section 3 and the thermistor 120 are thermally connected by being arranged close to each other, and the thermistor 120 is heated by the heat of the reaction section 3.

The thermistor 120 is formed on the insulating substrate 121, and both ends thereof are connected to the first and second external connection electrodes 122 and 123. The thermistor 120 is connected to the energization path of the external circuit via the first and second external connection electrodes 122 and 123, and always restricts energization of the external circuit by high electric resistance. As the thermistor 120, an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor or a CTR (critical temperature resistor) thermistor can be preferably used. Then, in the switch element 1, when the reaction portion 3 comes into contact with a liquid to generate heat, the electric resistance value of the thermistor 120 is reduced, so that the external circuit can be energized.

Further, in the switch element 1, the housing 4 is formed by the cover member 124 that covers the insulating substrate 121. The cover member 124 is formed with an inlet 5 that guides the liquid to the reaction section 3.

The switch element 1 is preferably arranged so that the reaction section 3 and the thermistor 120 overlap each other. For example, in the switch element 1, the thermistor 120 is superposed on the quicklime placed on the insulating substrate. As a result, the reaction part 3 and the thermistor 120 are thermally and closely connected to each other, and the reaction part 3 generates heat, whereby the electric resistance value of the thermistor 120 can be promptly lowered.

As shown in FIG. 61, the switch element 1 may be provided with the water repellent treatment part 125 at a place other than the reaction part 3 or a place other than the reaction part 3 and its vicinity. For example, in the switch element 1, the water repellent treatment part 125 is provided in the exposed region of the surface 121 a of the insulating substrate 121 excluding the reaction part 3 and the thermistor 120.

The water repellent portion 125 can be formed by a known method such as application of a fluorine-based coating agent or solder paste coating.

As a result, the switch element 1 can guide the liquid on the insulating substrate 121 to the reaction part 3 which is a non-water repellent region, accelerate the heating of the thermistor 120, and quickly reduce the electric resistance value of the thermistor 120. You can

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 switch element, 2 conductor, 3 reaction part, 4 housing, 4a top surface, 4b side surface, 5 introduction port, 6 discharge port, 7 introduction groove, 8 storage part, 9 water-soluble sealant, 10 external connection electrode , 11 fuse element, 12 electrode, 13 through hole, 14 separator, 15 support part, 16 water repellent treatment part, 17 coat layer, 18 water repellent treatment part, 19 water absorbing heat generating material, 20 insulating substrate, 21 conductive wire, 22 stranded wire , 23 liquid-soluble material, 24 sponge metal, 25 external connection terminal, 27 conductive particles, 28 aggregate, 30 outer conductor, 30a opening, 30b insulating coat layer, 31 inner conductor, 31a insulating coat layer, 32 insulating film , 40 insulating material, 41 first metal terminal piece, 41a contact part, 42 second metal terminal piece, 42a contact part, 43 external connection electrode, 45 conductive particle, 46 lead wire, 47 lead wire, 48 metal terminal Piece, 49 metal terminal piece, 50 external connection electrode, 51 external connection electrode, 52 space, 53 conductive particles, 55 lead wire, 56 lead wire, 57 space, 58 mesh member, 60 metal terminal piece, 60a comb tooth portion, 61 metal terminal piece, 61a comb tooth portion, 62 sheet body, 63 space, 65 conductive particles, 66 space, 67 lead wire, 68 lead wire, 69 conductive particle, 70 sheet body, 71 conductive particle, 72 external connection Electrodes, 73 external connection electrodes, 74 fixing parts, 81 conductive particles, 82 lead wires, 83 lead wires, 91 conductive particles, 92 lead wires, 93 lead wires, 103 insulating materials, 104 conductive layers, 105 external connection electrode materials , 106 external connection electrode material, 107 wire material, 113 insulating material, 114 conductive layer, 115 external connection electrode material, 116 external connection electrode material, 117 slit, 120 thermistor, 121 insulating substrate, 122 first external connection electrode, 123 2 external connection electrode, 124 cover member, 125 water repellent treatment part

Claims (14)

A fuse element that is connected to an external circuit and a conductor that has a relatively smaller ionization tendency than the fuse element that is arranged close to the fuse element are provided, and liquid may be present between the fuse element and the conductor. A reaction portion that interrupts the fuse element when present ,
And a housing in which the reaction section is built-in,
A switch element in which the housing is provided with an inlet for introducing liquid to the reaction section. The switch element according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a polyhedron, and one or a plurality of the inlets are provided on one or a plurality of surfaces. The switch element according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed in a cylindrical shape, and one or a plurality of the introduction ports are formed on a side surface. The switch element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing is provided with a discharge port for discharging the inflowing liquid. The switch element according to claim 4, wherein the discharge port is provided at the same height as the position where the reaction unit is provided, or above the position where the reaction unit is provided. The switch element according to claim 1, wherein the introduction port is provided with an introduction groove for guiding the liquid to the reaction part. The switch element according to claim 6, wherein the introduction groove is gradually narrowed from the opening of the introduction port toward the inside. The switch element according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a water-repellent treatment on the inlet. The switch element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing has a water repellent treatment applied to the introduction groove. The switch element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing has an inner wall subjected to a water repellent treatment. The switch element according to claim 1, wherein the inlet is closed with a water-soluble material that dissolves in the liquid. The switch element according to claim 6, wherein a water-soluble material that dissolves in the liquid is arranged in the introduction groove. The switch element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a storage portion that stores the liquid is provided at a position where the reaction portion is provided. The discharge port for discharging the inflowing liquid is provided in the housing at the same height as the position where the storage part is provided, or below the position where the storage part is provided. Switch element described.

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