JPH03122934A - Circuit protector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To operate a trip device by a reliable method, wherein the tip device is provided in series to a temperature responsive electric control device, and a long member is also provided to have a conductive polymer or a ceramic device to respond quickly to temperature. CONSTITUTION: Double leads 36, 38 are formed in a trip device 28 of a switch device 24, and each lead 36 or 38 has a contact 40 or 42 to be engaged with the other lead respectively. The both lead 36, 38 constitute a bimetal construction or ferrite magnet devices to respond to the temperature. A conductive polymer 26 contained in a temperature responsive electric control device 22 is made ring-shaped or cylindrical, the conductive polymer 26 is placed apart from the switch device 24 and conductive bodies 44, 46, so as to function as conductive surfaces of the conductive polymer 26 are formed on both the inside and outside surfaces of the conductive polymer 26. The conductive bodies 44, 46 are physically and conductively engaged with the conductive polymer 26. Thereby reliability of operation is enhanced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a circuit protection device, in particular a device for the protection of elements in a circuit and for overtemperature protection of heating elements, and more particularly The present invention relates to this type of circuit protection device.

[Conventional technology]

Significant improvements have been achieved in resistance-temperature sensitive, conductive polymer or ceramic material type circuit protection devices. When the current is very low, resistive heating of the conductive polymer is inadequate to disturb its cold state equilibrium. Conversely, excessive current or overtemperature conditions cause the conductive polymer or ceramic material to self-heat at a rate faster than its heat dissipation rate. At the same time, the resistance of the conductive polymer increases rapidly, reducing the current flow through the material.

As will be described in more detail below, various types of polymers are available for adjusting different electrical parameters such as power or wattage.

In any case, the electrical conductivity of the polymeric material is determined by the addition of suitable conductive fillers, such as carbon black or metal particles.
increases significantly with the use of The electrical resistance of a conductive polymer is determined by the type of conductive particles and the volume ratio of the total conductive particles within the polymer.

There has been increasing interest in resistive element materials that exhibit positive temperature characteristics, commonly referred to as PTCs. These materials exhibit extremely large resistance increases over a certain temperature range. The temperature at which resistance begins to increase is often referred to as the switching temperature or autotherming temperature. When that temperature is reached, the conductive polymer exhibits an abnormal change in resistance that, for practical purposes, electrically interrupts the heater or other device in which it is installed.

Many ceramic conductive dusts are significantly affected by ionic as well as electronic defects. Many oxides are metallic conductors and have a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). Perovskite structure and rutile
Structures are the most well-studied examples. For PTC ceramics, it is doped barium titanate BaTi0 with a small amount of CuO. Polycrystalline ZnO with Bi2O3 and other additives has non-ohmic conductivity;
and used as a voltage dependent resistor. For information on ceramics as electrical materials, see 'Encyclopedia
or Chemical Technology
y (Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology), Volume 5, Page 290 (11°K, Bowen) 1984, John Wl.
ley Son, Inc.

Please refer to N and Y.

Additional properties regarding ceramic materials suitable for use in the present invention are described, for example, by W, D, Klngery.

It, K. Bowen and R. Uhlma
n (Introduction to Ceraml
cs, 2nd edition, John Wiley Son,
! nc.

N, Y., (1876) and 19841
U.S. Patent No. 4.4 entitled "Ceramic Heater" issued to Klnya At5u 1 on February 4 and assigned to N1pponSoken Inc.
No. 88,851.

Other known types of conductive polymers are typically constant power or “Z
These materials have the ability to adjust the total power or wattage of the circuit rather than controlling the current through PTC materials. Over the normal operating temperature range, the approximately constant resistance is approximately Provides a certain wattage heating effect.

Rather than discuss such as are known in the art, reference is made to the numerous US patents listed below. All of which are described below in order to better understand the various possibilities of conductive polymers as temperature-responsive electrical regulators in connection with the present invention.

For example, it has been proposed to use devices with conductive polymers to protect circuits against false conditions resulting from excessive temperatures and/or currents. For example 19
No. 2,975,665 to Vernet et al., issued Apr. 4, 1961, discloses the use of such materials in devices for regulating electrical current. Further developments in the device were published by the Kohl patents on March 29, 1966 and November 7, 1967, respectively.
er U.S. Patent Nos. 3.243.753 and 3.3
No. 51,882.

Additionally, M1ddlc was patented on September 28, 1982.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,083 to a+an et al. discloses the use of such materials in circuit protection devices. The patent also includes extensive references to US patents and other publications specifically related to the use of conductive polymers in the circuit protection device. Middleea above
et al. and other patents are incorporated herein to ensure a full understanding of the potential and utility of the material.

In reviewing the use of conductive polymers in circuit protection devices, a number of issues have limited their use in circuit protection devices or eliminated them altogether from consideration in the past.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Initially, when a conductive polymer is used as a current protection device, the resistance of the conductive polymer is not uniformly stable with respect to mechanical stress and temperature cycling. For example, in the vicinity of the melting point of a conductive polymer, many, perhaps 10
A thermal cycle of 1 to 15 cycles drastically reduces the self-heating amount or level of the material. This clearly jeopardizes the ability and reliability of the conductive polymer to protect the circuit. Additionally, the reduction in self-heating results in heat dissipation of the conductive polymer, which in turn creates a flaming event for the device involving combustion of the conductive polymer.

A second problem arising from the use of conductive polymers as resistors in such devices is the high self-heating or tripping temperature characteristics of most high performance polymers. For example, most high performance conductive polymers, such as the general class of fluoropolymers, have very high melting or trip points, for example 250°C. Thus, even the required properties of such high performance polymers tend to preclude their use in most electronic circuits or devices.

Yet another challenge found to arise when using conductive polymers is their tendency to exhibit a small residual current rather than truly opening the circuit after reaching a predetermined set temperature or trip point. That's true. Because of this characteristic, a limited amount of current according to the aging and stability of the elements will tend to flow in the circuit even above a predetermined set point temperature or trip point. This characteristic minimizes the demands on such devices in some applications and completely excludes the possibility of their use in other applications, such as next-circuit protection, where a completely open circuit is Must be above temperature or trip point.

Other limitations or challenges exist corresponding to conductive polymers and ceramics as described above. The problems summarized immediately above are believed to be indicative of other particularly undesirable properties encountered in the use of conductive polymers and ceramics. In any event, it is recognized that there is a need for a circuit protection device that includes conductive materials and that minimizes or overcomes the problems outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit protection device having a temperature-responsive conductive material that solves one or more of the problems set out above.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a circuit protection or current regulating device having a trip device that can operate in a reliable and predictable manner.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit protection device that provides an automatic reset action while creating a complete open circuit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit protection or current regulating device that is suitable for use with high performance polymers and has a device for setting the trip point regardless of the crystalline melting point of the high performance polymer itself.

Still another object of the present invention is to have excellent oxidation resistance properties and to be able to set the trip point regardless of the ceramic trip temperature, reducing dependence on PTC changes caused by compositional drift and changes in processing conditions. The object of the present invention is to provide a circuit protection device suitable for use with ceramic conductive materials.

[Means to solve the problem]

To achieve one or more of these objectives, the present invention provides
A circuit protection and temperature regulation device is provided having a temperature responsive electrical regulation device with a TC or ZTC material device. The material device includes an electrical resistance heater, a switch device having a trip device placed in series with a temperature-responsive electrical regulator to reliably open the circuit and actively stop the flow of current; It has means to connect.

In such arrangements, a conductive polymer or ceramic material is selected to regulate current within a circuit, to regulate power or wattage within a circuit, or to regulate other electrical properties as desired. Ru.

Yet another related object of the present invention is to provide a combination of circuit protection devices with various physical characteristics depending on the specific application of the device. For example, a number of embodiments are disclosed below for use in different applications.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-responsive electrical regulator comprising a high-performance conductive polymer characterized by a special crystalline melting point and a switch device connected in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator. An object of the present invention is to provide a circuit protection device having the following features. The switch device includes a temperature responsive device that opens the circuit and actively stops current flow at the trip point regardless of the crystalline melting point of the conductive polymer device.

For most or all of the circuit protection devices summarized above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature-responsive electrical regulator and at least one switch device, whereby the temperature-responsive electrical regulator is dependent on the ambient temperature. Forming the electrical regulator of the circuit, the switching device actively opens and closes the circuit depending on the temperature.

Another object of the invention is to use the electrical protection device of the invention in various circuits to protect primary circuit sections. In this regard, the term "-order circuit" is used to denote a circuit element that seeks to implement the type of protection that is generally the subject of the present invention. One embodiment of the invention, described in detail below, illustrates a circuit protection device of the invention for use in a local loop interface circuit of the type commonly used in telecommunications. It is intended to be merely one example of the use of the present invention, and in no way limits the invention.Any of the embodiments of the circuit protection device of the present invention described in detail below may be applied to such circuits as well. can be used.

It is apparent, however, that certain embodiments of the invention have special characteristics that make them more suitable for use in selected particular applications or circuits.

Additional objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description based on the drawings.

〔Example〕

As noted above, the present invention provides a circuit protection device 20 that provides improved protection for elements within a circuit.

In particular, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, each embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature control system including at least one switch device 24 in series with each embodiment, such as shown generally at 22 in FIG. Features a combination of responsive electrical regulators. Temperature-responsive electrical regulators, such as those shown at 22 in FIGS. 1 and 2, include a conductive material, such as a conductive polymer 26 or ceramic, that has temperature-dependent electrical regulation capabilities. The conductive material can be a conductive polymer 26 or a conductive ceramic or a combination of the two materials, preferably a series stack. Similarly, the switch device 24 opens the circuit and the trip device 28 positively interrupts the current in a reliable manner.
has. Finally, each embodiment includes terminal arrangements, such as terminals 30 and 32, for connecting device 22 to a circuit arrangement, such as that shown at 34 in FIG.

The switch device 24 of each embodiment can itself be considered a conventional switch element, typically for example a bimetallic switch or a ferrite magnet switch that can open and close in response to temperature changes. Therefore, the present invention is extremely useful for current protection. This is because the switching device or bimetallic switch acts as a thermostat, actively interrupting the current flow in the circuit.

Similarly, the above combination provides double protection for the circuit. In particular, a conductive polymer 2 in a temperature-responsive electrical regulation circuit.
It acts as an electrical regulator that responds to the temperature of 6. However, if it is doubtful that the conductive polymer will avoid overheating, for example, a switch device or bimetallic switch will open the circuit and protect the conductive polymer from damage.

The device of the present invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications, including current limiting, electrical energy limiting, energy absorption and arc suppression. Furthermore, in addition to protecting the battery during charging, or the device of the invention protects the battery and its surroundings from short circuits, excessive discharges caused by improper use, especially in hazardous environments where arcing or high temperatures can result in explosion. It can be used in particular. The device of the present invention addresses this need by limiting the total energy that can pass through the circuit in the event of excessive current.

The current limiting capability of the device of the invention lends itself to its use as a reusable fuse.

The remote reset feature of the present invention allows for convenient resetting and eliminates the need for field replacement.

Power supplies used by telephone companies typically require energy limiting during short circuit conditions. This is therefore another application for which the device of the invention is particularly suitable.

With a broad understanding of the invention and a discussion of possible applications gained from the above description, different embodiments will be described in more detail below for use in various applications.

First, to complete the configuration of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, trip device 28 for switch device 24 is formed with dual leads 36,38. Each lead 36.3
8 is a contact point 40 or 4 that engages with the lead of the other party.
It has 2. Both leads 36,38 are bimetallic structures or ferrite magnet devices that are temperature responsive as described above.

The conductive polymer 26 included in the temperature-responsive electrical regulator 22 is annularly or cylindrical in shape. Conductive polymer 26 is also spaced apart from switch device 24 . Conductors 44 , 46 are formed on both the inner and outer surfaces of the conductive polymer 26 to serve as conductive surfaces of the conductive polymer 26 . Electrical conductors, 44, 46, are both physically and conductively engaged with conductive polymer 26.

Inner conductor 44 also forms the cylindrical housing of switch device 24 and is in conductive engagement with bimetallic lead 36, as indicated by line 48.

Thus, switch device 24 and temperature-responsive electrical regulator 22 are both connected in series with circuit 34 .

Conductive polymer 26 may be formed from any suitable material, such as PTC or ZTC, as described in detail above, depending on the electrical properties to be controlled by conditioning device 22.

At the same time, the circuit 34 can be of any type according to the particular application, including primary circuit and battery charging protection of telecommunications equipment, for implementing protection as described in detail above, among others.

3 and 4, another embodiment of a circuit protection device according to the present invention, indicated generally at 120, includes:
Its basic elements are the same as those described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the single bimetal reed switch or ferrite magnet switch member 136 is fixed at its left end as viewed in FIG. In response to this, it moves freely and engages and separates from the contact 140.

Contact 140 is positioned over and in conductive engagement with inner conductor 144 of temperature responsive electrical regulator 122 .

Inner conductor 144 also forms the housing of switch device 124 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing formed by the inner conductor 144 is closed at its right end, as best shown in FIG. An annular insulator 150 is positioned within the left end of the inner conductor 144 to support the reed switch 136 and prevent it from making unwanted contact with the inner conductor 144. Otherwise, the embodiment of FIG. 3.4 has the same additional features as those indicated by the corresponding reference numerals prefixed with "1" in the embodiment of FIG. 1.2. has.

Again, the conductive material can be a conductive polymer 126 or a conductive ceramic or a combination of two suitable materials, preferably a series stack.

The circuit protection device 120 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is generally suitable for use in the same types of applications as the device of FIGS. 1.2. Additionally, device 120 is suitable for use with PTC heaters to prevent over-temperature.

5 and 6, another embodiment of a circuit protection device constructed in accordance with the present invention is designated at 220, again with the prefix ``2'' in the embodiment of FIGS. 1.2. with corresponding basic elements indicated by corresponding symbols.

In the embodiment 220 of FIG. 5.6, the switch device 22
4 and temperature responsive electrical regulator 222 are arranged in adjacent conductive relationship rather than coaxial relationship as in the elements of FIGS. 1.2 and 3 and 4.

Within temperature-responsive electrical regulator 222, two or more inner conductive devices or conductors 244 are connected to conductive polymer 226.
It is formed as a conductor wire buried inside. The outer conductive surface or conductor 246 is formed as a conductive mesh element, such as formed from a braided conductive wire that surrounds the conductive polymer 226 in physical and conductive relationship. Switch device 224 is formed with a separate housing 252 that is also electrically conductive and positioned adjacent to and in conductive relationship with the outer conductive surface or outer conductor 246 of temperature-responsive electrical regulator 222 .

Contacts 240 are disposed on housing 252 in conductive relationship.

Again, the other elements of the embodiment of Figure 5.6 are generally the same as those described above for the embodiment of Figure 1.2. In any event, because of its generally similar elements, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used in the same types of applications as the embodiments described above.

In FIG. 7.8, another embodiment of a circuit protection device constructed in accordance with the present invention is designated at 320 and has generally the same features as the previous embodiments, with a "3" prefixed. It is shown with a . However, Example 3 in FIGS. 7 and 8
20 has a first switch device 324 that generally corresponds to the switch device of each of the embodiments described above, and a second switch 324' having the same structure as the first switch device.

In this example, the inner and outer conductors 344.3
46 are the first and second switch devices 324 and 324', respectively.
It forms the housing of.

Contacts 340 of the first and second switch devices 324, 324'.
340' are disposed physically and in conductive relationship on each housing 344, 346, respectively.

Two conductors 344 and 346 are the first and second switch devices 3
24.324' to form a housing for switch devices and temperature-responsive electrical regulators 322.324
are all placed in series with circuit 334 through terminals 330 and 332.

Again, the circuit protection device of Figure 7.8 can be used in the same general applications as the other embodiments described above. However, the first and second switch devices 324, 324' may be used redundantly in the device or they may be configured to have different temperature trip points if special effects are desired. can. Other variations of this embodiment are obvious from its construction; for example, the switch device 324 can be of the bimetal type and the switch device 324' can be of the ferrite magnet type.

9-11, yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown at 420.

In the embodiment 420, "4" is added to the beginning of each code. The switch device 424 includes a conductive housing 45.
2 is formed, and the housing 452 is completely separate from the inner and outer conductive surfaces 444,446 of the temperature responsive electrical regulator 422.

The switch device housing 452 is of cylindrical construction with a single switch lead 436 disposed generally at one end thereof having a movable end that is physically supported by the housing 452 and electrically connected. Contact point 4 in a conductive relationship
40. The other end of switch lead 436 is secured to one of the conductive surfaces 444 of temperature responsive electrical regulator 422 . The entire temperature-responsive electrical regulator 422 is connected to the housing 4 by an insulating element 450.
It is supported and engaged with the left end of 52.

One terminal 430 is electrically conductively connected to the housing 452 and the other terminal 432 is connected to a conductive surface or conductor 452.
It is electrically connected to 6. Accordingly, temperature responsive electrical regulator 442 and switch device 424 are connected to circuit 4.
It is in series with 34.

The embodiment of Figures 9-11 can also be used in the same applications as described above. However, the configuration of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 is particularly suited for certain applications, for example due to its compact size. Otherwise, the embodiment 420 of FIGS. 9-11 has additional elements generally the same as those described above with corresponding numerals throughout.

Still another embodiment of a circuit protection device constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown at 520 in FIG. 12.13.

This embodiment is generally similar in construction to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the outer conductive surface or conductor 546 is closed at the right end as shown, such that the entire circuit protector 520 in FIG. It forms the housing of. Switch device 524 forms a single switch lead 536 as in the embodiment of FIGS. Embodiment 520 also includes an annular insulator 550 supporting the left end of switch lead 536 as described above for the embodiment of FIG. 3.4. Otherwise, embodiment 520 has the same elements as described in other embodiments with corresponding numbers.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12.13, contacts 540 are also placed in direct electrical contact with conductive polymer 526. This is necessary for the inner conductive surface or conductor 544 included in embodiment 520.

The switch leads 536 are placed in the same series by an annular insulator 550 that attaches them directly onto the conductive polymer 526.

The circuit protection device 520 of FIG. 12.13 may also be used in the same applications as the embodiments described above.

14.15, a circuit protection device constructed in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally at 620. This embodiment has the same structure as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-11. However, device 620 has a disk shape or profile that significantly reduces its size or overall dimensions.

In device 620, switch device 624 includes a single switch lead 6 attached directly onto conductive electrode 644.
30 is formed. Temperature responsive material 626 is connected to electrode 64
4 and another electrode 646 electrically connected into the device. Reed switch leads 630, 632 are electrically connected as in other embodiments.

The devices designated in the drawings by the reference numerals 226, 322, 426, 526 or 626 may be made of a conductive polymer or a conductive ceramic or a combination of the two materials, preferably a laminate in series. Is recognized.

In FIG. 16, one embodiment of a protection device suitable for use with a local loop interface circuit (SLIC) represented by input terminal 722 is shown at 720. Local loop interface circuits such as those described above are of a type commonly used in the telecommunications field. Therefore, no further explanation is necessary in this regard.

The protection device 720 is connected to the protection device 720 via terminals A and B.
is used to implement the type of protection described in detail above for the primary circuit 724 connected to. As noted above, the term "subcircuit" refers to the primary circuit elements requiring the protection afforded by the present invention. For example, secondary circuits include power supplies and complex circuitry that is particularly susceptible to damage by power surges and the like.

In any case, the protection circuit uses separate conductive wires 728 to connect terminals A and B to the 5LIC input terminal 722.
, 730, includes another circuit protection device 720 connected to the circuit. The protection device 720 also has a carbon black lightning arrester 734 connected between terminals A, B and preferably between two gas-filled discharge tube devices 736.
- A secondary protection device 732 is provided.

Wheatstone bridge or diode bridge 7
38 is also connected between terminals A and B, while it is common to connect a varistor 740 and a resistor 742 to complete the configuration of the protection device 720.

In the telecommunications field, normally protected solid state local loop interface circuits (SLICs) are desirable to protect against failures caused by excessive voltages occurring on local telephone lines. The most common reasons for overvoltage are lightning strikes, induced currents from the power line, and direct contact of the power line with the 5LIC, eg due to an accident.

Protection of the 5LIC and other telephone devices is accomplished by protection device 720 of FIG. The protection device 720 is numbered 7
26 and includes one or more circuit protection devices constructed in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, two devices 726
can each be constructed according to any of the embodiments described above.

Protection circuit 726 regulates excessive voltages appearing at terminals A and B to keep any surge currents within the 5LIC operating limits.

A gas-filled discharge tube device 736 or a carbon black lightning arrester forms the primary protection circuit against lightning strikes. Therefore, the negative protection device 732 meets the requirements of telecommunications and limits the peak voltage at terminals A, B to below, for example, tooov.

A circuit protector 726 is provided within the protector 720 to ensure that the peak current is below a selected limit, such as 30 amps, such as during lightning strikes.

Such peak currents can be reduced by diode bridge 738 or varistor 740 to provide the necessary protection for the 5LIC.
selected within sufficient ratings.

In operation, for example, when a current line contacts a telephone line, the power rating of diode bridge 738 or varistor 740 is easily exceeded and, without the switching action provided by circuit protector 726, these devices would fail.

In such a case, exceeding a selected value of current through conductive lines 728, 730, such as 200 milliamps (mA), will cause device 726 to switch to a high resistance state as described above to eliminate momentary or secondary peaks in the current. Absorb. The increase in circuit resistance in device 726 reduces the current to a lower level. If a surge current is expected, device 726
One or both of the switch parts of the switch are electrically disconnected.

Therefore, SL I C722 or primary circuit 724
All elements of the system will not be damaged by long-term power surges, such as those resulting from contact with power line voltages.

After the power line erroneous voltage is removed from terminals A, B, the switch portion of device 726 cools back to a low resistance value, thereby closing the switch portion of device 726. This feature is described in detail in the various embodiments above, whereby the telecommunications circuit resumes normal operating conditions without damage or significant outage.

The application of the circuit described above and illustrated in FIG. 16 is merely one example of an application of one or more circuit protection devices 726. Other circuit applications will be apparent from the above description.

Thus, a number of embodiments of circuit protection devices and circuit applications using the devices have been described, all of which are constructed in accordance with the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent from the above description in particular.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, by providing a trip device in series with a temperature-responsive electrical regulator and providing a long temperature-responsive member to quickly respond to the conductive polymer or ceramic device, the trip An electrical protection device is obtained which allows the device to operate in a reliable manner.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a circuit protection device constructed according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the circuit protection device, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the circuit protection device constructed according to the present invention. Vertical cross-sectional view, Figure 6 is 6 in Figure 5.
-6 cross-sectional view, FIG. 7 shows two
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is another circuit protection device constructed in accordance with the present invention; 10 and 11 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the embodiment of FIG.
Cross-sectional view along line 0-10 and 11-1111, 1st
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of still another embodiment of the circuit protection device constructed according to the present invention, and FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line, and FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of yet another embodiment of a circuit protection device constructed according to the present invention.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15, and FIG. 16 shows a partial line of a local loop interface, for example used for telephone contact, which uses at least one circuit protection device according to the invention. It is a diagram. 20.120,220. -320,420°520.6
20,720...Circuit protection device, 22, 122,2
22,322,422°522...Temperature responsive electrical regulator, 24.124,224,324,424°52
4... Switch device, 26.126, 226, 326, 426°526.62
6...Ceramic device, 28.128,228,32
8,428°528...Trip device, 36.38,136,236,336°336', 4
36,536.636...Switch lead, 40.42,140,240,340°340', 4
40,540,640...Contact, 44.46,144
,146,244,246°344.346,444,
446,544゜546.644,646...Conductive surface, 720...Protection circuit, 722...Input terminal, 72
4...-Next circuit, 726... Protective device, 732...
- Next protection device, 734... Lightning arrester, 736... Gas-filled discharge tube device, 738... Bridge, 740...
・Barista. F/GJ. F/G-3°F/G=2°F/Gl.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer device or a ceramic device that can be electrically adjusted in dependence on temperature; a first switch device having a trip device that opens the circuit in a manner to actively stop the flow of current; and means for connecting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; 1 The trip device of the switch device has a long member that responds to temperature to open the circuit, and the conductive polymer device or ceramic device of the temperature-responsive electrical regulator is cylindrical in shape and separated from the bottom to ensure its rapid response. a circuit protection device suitable for placement within a circuit for protecting elements within the circuit surrounding said elongate member. 2. A temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer device or a ceramic device electrically adjustable in dependence on temperature, placed in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator to open the circuit in a reliable manner. a first switch device having a trip device that actively stops the flow of current when the temperature-responsive electrical regulator is activated, and a device that connects the temperature responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; of the circuit, wherein the conductive polymer device or ceramic device is placed adjacent to and in conductive relationship with the housing to ensure its rapid response; A circuit protection device suitable for placement within a circuit to protect elements. 3. further comprising a second switch device having a similar structure to the first switch device and arranged in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch device, wherein the conductive polymer device or the ceramic device is 3. The circuit protection device of claim 2, wherein the circuit protection device is disposed between and in conductive relationship between each housing of the first switch device and the second switch device. 4. A temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer or ceramic device electrically adjustable in dependence on temperature, placed in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator to open the circuit in a reliable manner. a first switch device having a trip device that actively stops the flow of current when the first switch device is activated; and means for connecting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; It is equipped with a ferrite magnet switch to ensure its quick response, a circuit protection device suitable to be placed within the circuit to protect the circuit elements. 5. further comprising a second switch device having a similar structure to the first switch device and arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulator and the first switch device, the conductive polymer device or the ceramic device being connected to the first switch device; 5. The circuit protection device of claim 4, wherein the circuit protection device is disposed between and in conductive relationship between each housing of the first and second switch devices. 6. A temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer device or a ceramic device electrically adjustable in dependence on temperature, placed in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator to open the circuit in a reliable manner. means for connecting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; and means for connecting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; A circuit protection device suitable for placement within a circuit to protect elements of the circuit, comprising: a temperature responsive electrical regulator; and a second switch device arranged in series with the first switch device. 7. A temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer device or a ceramic device electrically adjustable in dependence on temperature, placed in series with the temperature-responsive electrical regulator to open the circuit in a reliable manner. a first switch device having a trip device that actively stops the flow of current when the first switch device is activated; and means for connecting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator and the first switch in a circuit; has an elongate member disposed generally coaxially within a cylindrical housing, the temperature responsive electrical regulator also being disposed within the housing adjacent one end of the elongate member; A circuit protection device suitable for placement within a circuit to protect it. 8. The circuit protection device of claim 7, wherein the conductive polymer device or ceramic device comprises a conductive material suitable for regulating circuit current in response to temperature. 9. The circuit protection device of claim 7, wherein the conductive polymer device or ceramic device comprises a conductive material suitable for adjusting the electrical output of the circuit in response to temperature. 10. The circuit protection device of claim 7, wherein the first switch device also includes an automatic reset device. 11. The circuit protection device of claim 7, wherein the housing is formed from an insulating material and the temperature responsive electrical regulator is connected to an electrode. 12. The circuit protection device of claim 11, wherein the housing further includes an electrically conductive isolation device for mounting the temperature responsive electrical regulator within the housing. 13. The conductive polymer or ceramic device is formed with opposed conductive surfaces disposed generally perpendicular to the axis of the housing, and one end of the elongated member is secured in conductive relationship to one of the conductive surfaces. 13. The circuit protection device according to claim 12, wherein: 14. The housing is disc-shaped and formed of an insulating material, and the temperature-responsive electrical regulator is disc-shaped and disposed within the housing adjacent one end of the electrode and in contact with an elongated switch device. The circuit protection device according to item 7. 15, an elongate member disposed at one end and generally along the axis of the conductive housing, the housing having a contact, and the elongate member being a first member that engages and separates from the contact in response to temperature; a switch device, a temperature-responsive electrical regulator having a conductive polymer or ceramic device arranged in series with the first switch device and having a temperature-dependent electrical regulating force; 1 a switch device connected to a circuit such that the temperature responsive electrical regulator has means for electrically regulating the circuit and the switch device to actively open and close the circuit to protect elements of the circuit; A circuit protection device suitable for placement in. 16. The circuit protection device of claim 15, wherein the housing is cylindrical and the elongate member is coaxially spaced apart from the housing. 17. The circuit protection device of claim 15, wherein the conductive polymer device or ceramic device is in contact with and disposed in conductive relationship with the conductive housing. 18. further comprising a second switch device of the same construction as the first switch device, the second switch device being arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulator and the first switch device, the second switch device being arranged in series with the conductive polymer device or the ceramic device; 18. The circuit protection device of claim 17, wherein the device is disposed in contact conductive relationship with each housing of the first switch device and the second switch device. 19, further comprising a second switch device of the same construction as the first switch device, the second switch device being arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulator and the first switch device. circuit protection device. 20. The temperature-responsive electrical regulator is disposed within the housing adjacent one end of the elongated member, and further comprises an isolating device for mounting the temperature-responsive electrical regulator within the conductive housing. 16. The circuit protection device according to item 15. 21. the housing is cylindrical and the conductive polymer or ceramic device is formed with opposed conductive surfaces disposed generally perpendicular to the axis of the housing;
21. The circuit protection device of claim 20, wherein one end of the elongate member is secured in conductive relationship to one of the conductive surfaces.