WO2017056988A1 - Protection element - Google Patents

Protection element Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017056988A1
WO2017056988A1 PCT/JP2016/077079 JP2016077079W WO2017056988A1 WO 2017056988 A1 WO2017056988 A1 WO 2017056988A1 JP 2016077079 W JP2016077079 W JP 2016077079W WO 2017056988 A1 WO2017056988 A1 WO 2017056988A1
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Prior art keywords
electrode
ptc element
terminal
main surface
ptc
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PCT/JP2016/077079
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
正明 岩井
剛 滝澤
Original Assignee
Ｌｉｔｔｅｌｆｕｓｅジャパン合同会社
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Publication of WO2017056988A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017056988A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
    • H01C7/02—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material having positive temperature coefficient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a protective element.
  • Protective element that cuts off the current that flows through the electronic or electrical equipment when an abnormality occurs in the electronic or electrical equipment, for example, when excessive current flows through such equipment or when such equipment becomes extremely hot.
  • Various protective elements such as bimetal elements, thermal fuse elements, PTC (positive temperature coefficient) elements (Patent Document 1), and the like are used.
  • a terminal may be attached to the PTC element.
  • the protection element 100 as shown in FIG. 10 has a terminal 102 connected to one electrode of the PTC element 101.
  • Such a protection element 100 is connected to a device to be protected by a terminal 102.
  • the present inventors may apply a force to the terminal 102 by connecting to another device, and pressure may be applied to the PTC element 101.
  • the expansion of the PTC element is hindered, and the original function cannot be exhibited. I noticed that there could be a malfunction.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a PTC element that can be incorporated into an electronic or electric device without impairing the original function of the PTC element.
  • the present inventors have designed a protection element so that pressure from the terminal is not applied to the expansion region of the PTC element, that is, the region where current flows, and thus the load is applied to the terminal. Even in this case, it was considered that the original function of the PTC element would be obtained, and the present invention was achieved.
  • a layered PTC element having a first major surface and a second major surface; A first electrode located on the first major surface of the PTC element; A second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element, At least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other via the PTC element; A PTC element in which a part of the second main surface of the PTC element is exposed; A first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode; A protective element comprising: A protective element is provided in which the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode that does not face the second electrode.
  • an electric device comprising the protective element described above.
  • a socket characterized by including the above-described protective element.
  • a socket body portion In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a socket body portion; The second electrode is in direct contact with the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion, or the second electrode is disposed through the conductive member and / or the exposed portion is disposed on the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion via the insulating sheet.
  • the protective element according to claim 1 arranged to be located at An insulating spacer located on the first terminal; A second terminal disposed on the insulating spacer; Insulating members arranged on the inner bottom surface of the socket main body, and these are fixed by bolts and nuts penetrating from the insulating member side to the second terminal side so as not to contact the protective element A socket is provided.
  • a layered PTC element having a first main surface and a second main surface, a first electrode located on the first main surface of the PTC element, and a second main surface of the PTC element And at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other with the PTC element therebetween, and a portion of the second main surface is A method for fixing a protective element, wherein the protective element is exposed, wherein the protective element is fixed to the exposed portion of the second main surface by applying pressure in the thickness direction of the PTC element.
  • the terminal attachment position is opposed to the second electrode of the first electrode.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a protective element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the protective element 1 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the protection element 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a state of being attached to another member.
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a protection element 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of the first electrode in still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a protection element 41 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the protection element 41 shown in FIG. 6 is fixed.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the protection element 41 shown in FIG. 6 is fixed.
  • FIG. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of the socket 51 of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 schematically shows an exploded perspective view obtained when the socket 51 of FIG. 8 is temporarily disassembled into elements constituting the socket 51.
  • FIG. 10 schematically shows a perspective view of a conventional protection element 100.
  • FIG. 11 is a graph showing temperature-resistance characteristics of the sample of Example 1.
  • FIG. 12 is a graph showing temperature-resistance characteristics of the sample of Comparative Example 1.
  • a protection element 1 generally includes a PTC element 2 and a first terminal 4 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
  • a layered and annular PTC element 10 having a first major surface 6 and a second major surface 8, an annular first electrode 12 located on the first major surface 6 of the PTC element 10, and a second of the PTC element 10 And an annular second electrode 14 located on the main surface 8.
  • a part of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are positioned so as to face each other with the PTC element 10 interposed therebetween.
  • the first electrode 12 covers the entire first main surface 6 of the PTC element.
  • the second electrode 14 covers a part of the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10, and the remaining part 16 of the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10 is exposed. That is, the second main surface has a portion not covered with the second electrode.
  • the first electrode 12, the PTC element 10, and the second electrode 14 are arranged so that the centers of the circular openings of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are located on the central axis of the opening of the PTC element 10. They are stacked in order. In other words, the circular openings of the first electrode 12, the PTC element 10, and the second electrode 14 exist concentrically.
  • the exposed portion 16 may not be covered with the second electrode, and may be covered with an insulating material such as a protective coating.
  • the first terminal 4 has an annular connection portion 18 that is electrically connected to the first electrode 12, and a terminal portion 20 that extends from the end of the connection portion 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first main surface 6. .
  • the connecting portion 18 of the terminal 4 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on a region of the first electrode 12 that does not face the second electrode 14, that is, on a region that faces the exposed portion 16.
  • the respective circular openings of the connecting part 18 and the PTC element 10 exist concentrically.
  • the terminal part 20 has a function for connecting to another electric element.
  • the PTC element 10 used in the present invention is a polymer PTC element.
  • the polymer PTC element can be a well-known one, and generally includes a polymer (for example, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc.) in which a conductive filler (for example, carbon black, nickel alloy, etc.) is dispersed. It is obtained by extruding a conductive composition comprising:
  • the PTC element may be a so-called polymer PTC element having a thin layered electrode (eg, a foil electrode) on at least one of its major surfaces.
  • the thickness of the PTC element 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm.
  • the outer diameter of the PTC element 10 (herein, the outer diameter means the diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the annular ring) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, It can be 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
  • the inner diameter of the PTC element 10 (the inner diameter means the diameter of the inner peripheral portion of the annular ring, that is, the diameter of the circular opening inside the annular ring) is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably It can be 3 mm to 8 mm.
  • the material constituting the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 may be the same or different.
  • the material constituting the first electrode and the second electrode is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material.
  • a conductive metal material specifically nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, Or the alloy of those metals is mentioned.
  • the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 may be composed of, for example, two or more conductive material layers, for example, a conductive metal layer.
  • the outer diameter of the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application, and may be, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
  • the inner diameter of the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm.
  • the outer diameter and inner diameter of the first electrode 12 are the same as the outer diameter and inner diameter of the PTC element 10.
  • the outer diameter of the second electrode 14 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the application, and may be, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
  • the inner diameter of the second electrode 14 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1.5 mm to 12 mm, preferably 3 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 10 mm.
  • the outer diameter of the second electrode 14 is the same as the outer diameter of the PTC element 10, and the inner diameter of the second electrode 14 is larger than the inner diameter of the PTC element 10. Accordingly, the second electrode 14 does not completely cover the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10, and the inner edge portion of the second main surface is exposed.
  • a current flows between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 via the PTC element 10 in a normal state. This current flows through the PTC element sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, but does not substantially flow through the portion of the PTC element corresponding to the exposed portion 16.
  • the PTC element in the protective element of the present invention can be manufactured by separately manufacturing the PTC element, the first electrode and the second electrode, and bonding them together. Alternatively, an element in which both main surfaces of the PTC element are completely covered with the first electrode and the second electrode is obtained, and the electrode corresponding to the exposed portion is cut off by etching, sandblasting, cutter, or the like. Can be manufactured.
  • the material constituting the first terminal 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, and examples thereof include copper, iron, gold, aluminum, and alloys thereof.
  • the surface of the terminal may be processed by plating.
  • connection between the first terminal 4 and the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited, but is performed by a conductive adhesive, solder, welding, or the like.
  • the protective element 1 is connected to other electrical elements by the terminal portion 20 of the first terminal 4. By connecting to another electrical element, a force acts on the first terminal 4, and as a result, a pressure can act on the PTC element by the connection portion 18 of the first terminal 4.
  • the force from the first terminal 4 is the portion where the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 face each other, in other words.
  • the PTC element in the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode does not substantially act.
  • the portion of the PTC element corresponding to the exposed portion 16 to which pressure is applied cannot expand sufficiently, but is sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 to which no pressure is applied.
  • the portion of the PTC element can expand sufficiently, and the resistance value of this portion is greatly increased.
  • the current path between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is substantially cut off, and the current flowing through the protection element 1 is cut off. In this case as well, a minute current can flow.
  • the width d 1 of the exposed portion 16 is greater than the thickness t of the PTC element 10 (FIG. 2).
  • the distance d 2 from the second electrode 14 to the first terminal connection 18 in the direction parallel to the main surface of the PTC element is larger than the thickness t of the PTC element (FIG. 2).
  • the pressure of the second electrode 14 and the PTC element acts It can prevent more reliably that an electric current flows between the parts which exist.
  • the protection element 1 can be fixed to another member by pressing the connecting portion 18 of the first terminal 4 in the thickness direction of the PTC element, for example, by caulking or tightening with a bolt, a screw, or the like. .
  • the pressure acts on a part of the PTC element by the fixing, the pressure acts on the portion corresponding to the connecting portion 18, that is, the portion corresponding to the exposed portion 16.
  • the fixed pressure does not substantially act on the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode through which the current flows.
  • the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode of the PTC element can sufficiently expand during operation, and the resistance value of this portion greatly increases.
  • the current path between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is substantially cut off, and the current flowing through the protection element 1 is cut off.
  • the protection element 1 of the present embodiment can be fixed to another member 24 by a fixing member 22 such as a bolt, but the place where the pressure from the fixing member 22 acts is a PTC element.
  • the portion corresponding to the exposed portion 16 of the first electrode 12 and the portion sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 does not substantially act. Therefore, the expansion of the portion through which the current of the PTC element flows is not hindered, and the deterioration of the performance of the PTC element due to fixing can be suppressed.
  • the protective element 31 further includes an insulating layer 32 on the exposed portion 16 of the protective element 1 described above.
  • the insulating layer 32 By providing the insulating layer 32 in this way, when the protective element 31 is fixed to the conductive member, the exposed portion 16 comes into contact with the conductive member and the portion sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the conductive member. It is possible to prevent current from flowing through the PTC element.
  • the first electrode 12 comprises an annular inner first electrode 36 and outer first electrode 38 and one or more bridges that electrically connect them.
  • the unit 40 may be configured.
  • the first terminal is connected to the inner first electrode 36, and part or all of the outer first electrode 38 faces the second electrode.
  • the width of the bridging portion 40 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. By making the width of the bridging portion wider, the resistance value of the first electrode 12 can be made smaller. On the other hand, by reducing the width of the bridging portion, it is possible to further reduce the influence of the pressure acting on the inner first electrode 36 on the outer first electrode 38.
  • the number of the bridging portions 40 may be one or more, and may be two, three, four, six, or eight, for example. When there are a plurality of bridging portions 40, they are preferably arranged at an equal angle with respect to the center of the ring. By arranging the bridging portions at an equal angle, it is possible to prevent the current flowing through the PTC element from varying depending on the location, and the reliability of the PTC element is further improved.
  • the protection element 41 has a second terminal 42 in addition to the configuration of the protection element 1 described above.
  • the second terminal 42 is located on the same side as the first terminal 4, that is, on the first main surface side.
  • the second terminal 42 is provided on the first terminal 4 via an insulating spacer 44.
  • the second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the second electrode 14.
  • the 2nd terminal 42 and the 2nd electrode 14 should just be finally connected when it fixes to another member.
  • the protection element 41 is fixed to the conductive member 46 with a bolt 48, a nut 50, etc., so that the second electrode 14-conductive member 46-bolt 48 (nut 50) -second A current flow path may be secured in the order of the terminals 42.
  • the shape of the outer and inner contours (ie, openings) of the PTC element is circular, but these may be other shapes, for example, polygons such as triangles, squares, pentagons, ellipses, or The shape which combined these may be sufficient.
  • the opening part of a PTC element does not necessarily need to exist in the center part of a PTC element, for example, may exist in the peripheral part of a PTC element. Further, the opening is not an essential element and may not exist.
  • the opening of the PTC element in the above aspect may be a circle filled with the PTC element.
  • the entire second electrode 14 faces the first electrode 12, but at least a part of the second electrode 14 only needs to face the first electrode 12.
  • the protective element of the present invention can exhibit the original function of the PTC element even when it is attached to an electronic or electrical device by screws, caulking, or the like.
  • attachment using screws, caulking, etc. is easier to attach and detach than when welding, solder, adhesive, or the like is used.
  • the protection element of the present invention does not affect the function of the PTC element even when a force is applied when the terminal is connected to another electrical element. Therefore, it can be used as a protective element for various electronic or electric devices such as cigarette lighter sockets, secondary batteries, secondary battery cells, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and automobile parts.
  • the present invention provides an electric device, for example, a socket, comprising the above-described protection element of the present invention.
  • a socket 51 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure schematically shown in FIGS. Specifically, the socket 51 is Socket body 52, The second electrode 14 is electrically connected to the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket body 52 through the conductive member 56, and the exposed portion 16 is positioned on the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket body through the insulating sheet 58.
  • the protective element 1 disposed; An insulating spacer 64 positioned on the first terminal 4; A second terminal 66 disposed on the insulating spacer 64; And an insulating member 68 disposed on the inner bottom surface of the socket body 52, and these are inserted from the insulating member 68 side and penetrated to the second terminal 66 side so as not to contact the protective element 1 72 and a nut 74 located on the second terminal 66 side.
  • the second terminal 66- (nut 74) -bolt 72 is electrically connected to form a current path, and the second terminal 66 is connected to a positive electrode (or negative electrode) of a power source (not shown).
  • the bolt 72 functions as a positive electrode (or a negative electrode) of the socket 51 by being electrically connected.
  • the electrical connection between the second terminal 66 and the bolt 72 may be direct or via the nut 74.
  • the first terminal 4 -the first electrode 12 -the PTC element 10 -the second electrode 14 -the conductive member 56 -the socket body 52 are electrically connected to form a current path, and the first terminal 4 By connecting to the negative electrode (or positive electrode) of the power source, the socket main body 52 functions as the negative electrode terminal (or positive electrode terminal) of the socket 51.
  • the shape of the socket body 52 is not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate according to the application.
  • the socket body 52 also functions as a terminal, at least a part, preferably all of the socket body 52 is made of a conductive material.
  • the conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
  • the insulating sheet 58 prevents the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket and the exposed portion 16 from contacting each other.
  • the insulating sheet 58 is not an essential element and may not be present.
  • the material constituting the insulating sheet 58 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin.
  • the insulating resin is not particularly limited.
  • thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy.
  • Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
  • the conductive member 56 may be installed in order to increase the electrical contact between the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket and the second electrode of the protection element 1 or to match the height of the surface of the insulating sheet 58.
  • the conductive member 56 is not an essential element and may not exist.
  • the material constituting the conductive member 56 is made of a conductive material.
  • the conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
  • the insulating spacer 64 is used to electrically separate the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 66.
  • the material constituting the insulating spacer 44 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin.
  • the insulating resin is not particularly limited.
  • thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy.
  • Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
  • the insulating member 68 is used to electrically separate the bolt 72 and the socket main body 52.
  • the material constituting the insulating member 68 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin.
  • the insulating resin is not particularly limited.
  • thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy.
  • Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
  • the shape of the insulating member 68 is not particularly limited as long as the function of electrically separating the bolt 72 and the socket main body 52 can be exhibited.
  • the bolt (screw) 72 is disposed so as not to contact the protection element 1 and the socket body 52, and is electrically connected to the second terminal 66 directly or via the nut 74.
  • the bolt 72 also functions as a terminal for connecting to another electrical element.
  • the bolt 72 also functions as a terminal, it is made of a conductive material.
  • the conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
  • the material constituting the nut 74 is preferably a conductive material, and the same material as the bolt 72 is used.
  • the bolt 72 is inserted from the insulating member 68 side and fixed by the nut 74 on the second terminal 66 side.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the bolt is connected to the second terminal. It may be inserted from the side and fixed with a nut on the insulating member side.
  • the fixing of the protection element of the present invention is preferably performed by urging the connection portion 18 of the first terminal 4 of the protection element in the thickness direction of the PTC element.
  • the protection element of the present invention is connected to other electrical elements such as a power source by the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 66. Due to this fixing and connection, the pressure acting on the PTC element is limited to the portion corresponding to the exposed portion of the PTC element, so that the portion where the current of the PTC element flows can sufficiently expand in the event of an abnormality, Can be blocked.
  • the present invention provides a method for fixing or mounting the protective element of the present invention described above.
  • the present invention comprises a layered PTC element having a first main surface and a second main surface; A first electrode located on the first major surface of the PTC element; A second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element, At least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other via the PTC element; A PTC element in which a part of the second main surface of the PTC element is exposed; A first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode; A protective element comprising: A method for fixing or mounting a protective element, wherein the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode that does not face the second electrode, wherein the first terminal is connected to the first electrode.
  • a method of fixing or attaching a connecting portion by urging pressure in a thickness direction of the PTC element Provided is a method of fixing or attaching a connecting portion by urging pressure in a thickness direction of the PTC element.
  • Example 1 Part of one electrode (2.85 mm from the inner edge) of a PTC element having electrodes on both sides of a PTC element having a thickness of 0.3 mm, an outer diameter of 21 mm, and an inner diameter of 8.3 mm was cut off with a cutter. The inner diameter of the electrode after cutting was 14 mm.
  • a terminal having a ring-shaped terminal connection portion having an outer diameter of 11.9 mm and an inner diameter of 5.7 mm is arranged so that the center of the terminal connection portion coincides with the center of the PTC element. Attachment and fixing with screws and nuts from both sides of the PTC element (pressure applied 8.2 kgf).
  • Comparative Example 1 A terminal having an annular terminal connection on one electrode of a PTC element having electrodes on both sides of a PTC element having a thickness of 0.3 mm, an outer diameter of 21 mm, and an inner diameter of 8.3 mm, and having the same shape as the PTC element And fixed with screws and nuts from both sides of the PTC element (pressure applied 8.2 kgf).
  • Test Example A current was passed between the electrodes of the sample of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, and the temperature-resistance characteristics were measured. The results for the samples of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively.
  • the sample of Example 1 in which the electrode of the pressurization part was peeled off had a large increase in resistance during tripping as compared with the sample of Comparative Example 1 in which the electrode was present in the pressurization part. This is presumably because the sample of Comparative Example 1 has electrodes on both main surfaces of the pressurization portion, and even though the PTC element in this portion was about to expand, the expansion was inhibited by the pressurization. On the other hand, the sample of Example 1 has no electrode on one main surface of the pressurization portion, so that no current flows through this portion, and the influence of pressurization is small at the location where the current flows. It is considered that the same resistance value as that of the PTC element was obtained.
  • the protective element of the present invention can be attached to an electronic or electrical device by screws or caulking, and can be used as a protective element for a wide variety of electronic or electrical devices.

Abstract

The present invention provides a protection element that comprises: a PTC element which is configured to comprise a layered PTC unit having a first main surface and a second main surface, a first electrode disposed on the first main surface of the PTC unit, and a second electrode disposed on the second main surface of the PTC unit, and wherein at least a part of the first electrode and at least a part of the second electrode face each other, with the PTC unit being interposed therebetween, and a part of the second main surface of the PTC unit is exposed; and a first terminal that is electrically connected to the first electrode. This protection element is characterized in that the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode, said region not facing the second electrode. This protection element is able to be incorporated into an electronic or electrical device without deteriorating the original function of a PTC element.

Description

保護素子Protective element
　本発明は、保護素子に関する。 The present invention relates to a protective element.
　電子または電気機器に異常が生じた場合、例えば、そのような機器に過剰電流が流れた場合またはそのような機器が異常高温になった場合、その電子・電気機器に流れる電流を遮断する保護素子として、種々の保護素子、例えば、バイメタル素子、温度ヒューズ素子、ＰＴＣ（positive temperature coefficient）素子（特許文献１）等が用いられている。 Protective element that cuts off the current that flows through the electronic or electrical equipment when an abnormality occurs in the electronic or electrical equipment, for example, when excessive current flows through such equipment or when such equipment becomes extremely hot. Various protective elements such as bimetal elements, thermal fuse elements, PTC (positive temperature coefficient) elements (Patent Document 1), and the like are used.
特開２００３－７７７０５号公報JP 2003-77705 A
　ＰＴＣ素子を保護対象の機器に組み入れるために、ＰＴＣ素子に端子を取り付ける場合がある。例えば、図１０に示すような保護素子１００は、ＰＴＣ素子１０１の一の電極に接続された端子１０２を有している。このような保護素子１００は、端子１０２により保護対象の機器に接続される。本発明者らは、他の機器への接続により端子１０２に力が加わり、ＰＴＣ素子１０１に圧力が作用する場合があり、その結果、ＰＴＣ要素の膨張が妨げられ、本来の機能を発揮できない等の不具合が生じ得ることに気付いた。 In order to incorporate the PTC element into the device to be protected, a terminal may be attached to the PTC element. For example, the protection element 100 as shown in FIG. 10 has a terminal 102 connected to one electrode of the PTC element 101. Such a protection element 100 is connected to a device to be protected by a terminal 102. The present inventors may apply a force to the terminal 102 by connecting to another device, and pressure may be applied to the PTC element 101. As a result, the expansion of the PTC element is hindered, and the original function cannot be exhibited. I noticed that there could be a malfunction.
　従って、本発明の目的は、ＰＴＣ素子の本来の機能を損なうことなく、電子または電気機器に組み入れることができるＰＴＣ素子を提供することにある。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a PTC element that can be incorporated into an electronic or electric device without impairing the original function of the PTC element.
　本発明者らは、上記の問題について鋭意検討した結果、ＰＴＣ要素の膨張領域、即ち電流が流れる領域に、端子からの圧力がかからないように保護素子を設計することにより、端子に負荷がかかった場合であっても、ＰＴＣ素子の本来の機能が得られるであろうと考え、本発明に至った。 As a result of intensive studies on the above problems, the present inventors have designed a protection element so that pressure from the terminal is not applied to the expansion region of the PTC element, that is, the region where current flows, and thus the load is applied to the terminal. Even in this case, it was considered that the original function of the PTC element would be obtained, and the present invention was achieved.
　本発明の第１の要旨において、
　第１主表面および第２主表面を有する層状のＰＴＣ要素と、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面上に位置する第１電極と、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面上に位置する第２電極と
を有して成り、
　第１電極の少なくとも一部と第２電極の少なくとも一部とが、ＰＴＣ要素を介して対向するように位置し、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面の一部が露出している
ＰＴＣ素子と、
　第１電極に電気的に接続される第１端子と、
を有して成る保護素子であって、
　第１端子が、第１電極の第２電極と対向していない領域上に接続されていることを特徴とする保護素子が提供される。 In the first aspect of the present invention,
A layered PTC element having a first major surface and a second major surface;
A first electrode located on the first major surface of the PTC element;
A second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element,
At least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other via the PTC element;
A PTC element in which a part of the second main surface of the PTC element is exposed;
A first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode;
A protective element comprising:
A protective element is provided in which the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode that does not face the second electrode.
　本発明の第２の要旨において、上記の保護素子を有して成ることを特徴とする電気装置が提供される。 In the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric device comprising the protective element described above.
　本発明の第３の要旨において、上記の保護素子を含んで成ることを特徴とするソケットが提供される。 In the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a socket characterized by including the above-described protective element.
　本発明の第４の要旨において、ソケット本体部と、
　第２電極が、ソケット本体部の外側底面上に直接接触するように、あるいは第２電極が導電性部材を介して、および／または露出部が絶縁シートを介して、ソケット本体部の外側底面上に位置するように配置された請求項１に記載の保護素子と、
　第１端子上に位置する絶縁性スペーサーと、
　絶縁性スペーサー上に配置された第２端子と、
　ソケット本体部の内側底面上に配置された絶縁部材と
を有し、これらが、絶縁部材側から、保護素子に接触しないように第２端子側まで貫通したボルトと、ナットにより固定されている
ことを特徴とするソケットが提供される。 In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a socket body portion;
The second electrode is in direct contact with the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion, or the second electrode is disposed through the conductive member and / or the exposed portion is disposed on the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion via the insulating sheet. The protective element according to claim 1 arranged to be located at
An insulating spacer located on the first terminal;
A second terminal disposed on the insulating spacer;
Insulating members arranged on the inner bottom surface of the socket main body, and these are fixed by bolts and nuts penetrating from the insulating member side to the second terminal side so as not to contact the protective element A socket is provided.
　本発明の第５の要旨において、第１主表面および第２主表面を有する層状のＰＴＣ要素と
　ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面上に位置する第１電極と
　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面上に位置する第２電極と
を有して成り、第１電極の少なくとも一部と第２電極の少なくとも一部とが、ＰＴＣ要素を介して対向するように位置し、第２主表面の一部が、露出していることを特徴とする保護素子の固定方法であって、上記第２主表面の露出部に、ＰＴＣ素子の厚み方向に圧力を付勢することにより固定することを特徴とする方法が提供される。 In the fifth aspect of the present invention, a layered PTC element having a first main surface and a second main surface, a first electrode located on the first main surface of the PTC element, and a second main surface of the PTC element And at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other with the PTC element therebetween, and a portion of the second main surface is A method for fixing a protective element, wherein the protective element is exposed, wherein the protective element is fixed to the exposed portion of the second main surface by applying pressure in the thickness direction of the PTC element. Provided.
　本発明によれば、ＰＴＣ要素と、第１電極と、第２電極とを有して成るＰＴＣ素子に、第１端子を取り付ける際、端子の取り付け位置を、第１電極の第２電極と対向していない領域上とすることにより、他の機器に組み入れることにより端子に力がかかった状態となった場合であっても、ＰＴＣ素子本来の機能を発揮させることができる。 According to the present invention, when the first terminal is attached to the PTC element having the PTC element, the first electrode, and the second electrode, the terminal attachment position is opposed to the second electrode of the first electrode. By setting it on a region that is not used, the original function of the PTC element can be exhibited even when the terminal is subjected to force by being incorporated into another device.
図１は、本発明の一の実施形態の保護素子１の斜視図を模式的に示す。FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a protective element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、図１に示す保護素子１の断面図を模式的に示す。FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the protective element 1 shown in FIG. 図３は、他の部材に取り付けられた状態の図１に示す保護素子１の断面図を模式的に示す。FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the protection element 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a state of being attached to another member. 図４は、本発明の別の実施形態の保護素子３１の断面図を模式的に示す。FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a protection element 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 図５は、本発明のさらに別の実施形態における第１電極の平面図を模式的に示す。FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of the first electrode in still another embodiment of the present invention. 図６は、本発明のさらに別の実施形態の保護素子４１の断面図を模式的に示す。FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a protection element 41 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 図７は、図６に示す保護素子４１が固定された状態を模式的に示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the protection element 41 shown in FIG. 6 is fixed. 図８は、本発明の一の実施態様のソケット５１の斜視図を模式的に示す。FIG. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of the socket 51 of one embodiment of the present invention. 図９は、図８のソケット５１を、それを構成する要素に仮に分解したとした場合に得られる分解斜視図を模式的に示す。FIG. 9 schematically shows an exploded perspective view obtained when the socket 51 of FIG. 8 is temporarily disassembled into elements constituting the socket 51. 図１０は、従来の保護素子１００の斜視図を模式的に示す。FIG. 10 schematically shows a perspective view of a conventional protection element 100. 図１１は、実施例１の試料の温度－抵抗特性を示すグラフである。FIG. 11 is a graph showing temperature-resistance characteristics of the sample of Example 1. 図１２は、比較例１の試料の温度－抵抗特性を示すグラフである。FIG. 12 is a graph showing temperature-resistance characteristics of the sample of Comparative Example 1.
　本発明の保護素子について、図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。 The protection element of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
　本発明の一の実施形態である保護素子１は、概略的には、図１および図２に示すように、ＰＴＣ素子２と第１端子４とを有して成り、ＰＴＣ素子２は、第１主表面６および第２主表面８を有する層状かつ円環状のＰＴＣ要素１０と、ＰＴＣ要素１０の第１主表面６上に位置する円環状の第１電極１２と、ＰＴＣ要素１０の第２主表面８上に位置する円環状の第２電極１４とを有する。第１電極１２の一部と第２電極１４とは、ＰＴＣ要素１０を介して対向するように位置している。第１電極１２は、ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面６の全体を覆っている。一方、第２電極１４は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の第２主表面８の一部を覆っており、ＰＴＣ要素１０の第２主表面８の残りの一部１６が露出している。即ち、第２主表面は、第２電極により覆われていない部分を有する。第１電極１２および第２電極１４の円形の開口部の中心が、ＰＴＣ要素１０の開口部の中心軸上に位置するように、第１電極１２、ＰＴＣ要素１０および第２電極１４は、この順に重ねられている。換言すれば、第１電極１２、ＰＴＣ要素１０、および第２電極１４のそれぞれの円形開口部が同心円状に存在する。尚、本発明において、露出部１６は、第２電極により覆われていなければよく、絶縁性物質、例えば保護コーティング等により覆われていてもよい。第１端子４は、第１電極１２と電気的に接続される円環状の接続部１８と、接続部１８の端から第１主表面６に略垂直な方向に延在する端子部２０を有する。端子４の接続部１８は、第１電極１２の第２電極１４と対向していない領域上、即ち、露出部１６に対向する領域上において、第１電極１２に電気的に接続されている。接続部１８およびＰＴＣ要素１０のそれぞれの円形開口部は、同心円状に存在する。端子部２０は、他の電気要素に接続するための機能を有する。 A protection element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention generally includes a PTC element 2 and a first terminal 4 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. A layered and annular PTC element 10 having a first major surface 6 and a second major surface 8, an annular first electrode 12 located on the first major surface 6 of the PTC element 10, and a second of the PTC element 10 And an annular second electrode 14 located on the main surface 8. A part of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are positioned so as to face each other with the PTC element 10 interposed therebetween. The first electrode 12 covers the entire first main surface 6 of the PTC element. On the other hand, the second electrode 14 covers a part of the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10, and the remaining part 16 of the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10 is exposed. That is, the second main surface has a portion not covered with the second electrode. The first electrode 12, the PTC element 10, and the second electrode 14 are arranged so that the centers of the circular openings of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are located on the central axis of the opening of the PTC element 10. They are stacked in order. In other words, the circular openings of the first electrode 12, the PTC element 10, and the second electrode 14 exist concentrically. In the present invention, the exposed portion 16 may not be covered with the second electrode, and may be covered with an insulating material such as a protective coating. The first terminal 4 has an annular connection portion 18 that is electrically connected to the first electrode 12, and a terminal portion 20 that extends from the end of the connection portion 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first main surface 6. . The connecting portion 18 of the terminal 4 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on a region of the first electrode 12 that does not face the second electrode 14, that is, on a region that faces the exposed portion 16. The respective circular openings of the connecting part 18 and the PTC element 10 exist concentrically. The terminal part 20 has a function for connecting to another electric element.
　本発明で用いられるＰＴＣ要素１０は、ポリマーＰＴＣ要素である。上記ポリマーＰＴＣ要素は、周知のものを用いることができ、一般的に、導電性充填剤（例えばカーボンブラック、ニッケル合金等）が分散しているポリマー（例えばポリエチレン、ポリビニリデンフルオライド等）を含んで成る導電性組成物を押出して所定のサイズに分割することによって得られる。１つの態様では、ＰＴＣ要素は、その主表面の少なくとも一方に、薄い層状電極（例えば、箔電極）を有する、いわゆるポリマーＰＴＣ素子であってもよい。ポリマーＰＴＣ要素が高温状態となって膨張すると、内部に分散している導電性充填剤の相互間距離が大きくなり、抵抗値が増加する。 The PTC element 10 used in the present invention is a polymer PTC element. The polymer PTC element can be a well-known one, and generally includes a polymer (for example, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc.) in which a conductive filler (for example, carbon black, nickel alloy, etc.) is dispersed. It is obtained by extruding a conductive composition comprising: In one embodiment, the PTC element may be a so-called polymer PTC element having a thin layered electrode (eg, a foil electrode) on at least one of its major surfaces. When the polymer PTC element expands in a high temperature state, the distance between the conductive fillers dispersed therein increases, and the resistance value increases.
　上記ＰＴＣ要素１０の厚みは、特に限定されないが、例えば、０．０１ｍｍ～５ｍｍ、好ましくは０．０５ｍｍ～３ｍｍ、より好ましくは０．１ｍｍ～１ｍｍであり得る。 The thickness of the PTC element 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm.
　上記ＰＴＣ要素１０の外径（尚、外径とは、円環の外周部の直径を意味する）は、特に限定されず、用途に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、５ｍｍ～１００ｍｍ、１０ｍｍ～５０ｍｍ、または１５ｍｍ～２５ｍｍであり得る。 The outer diameter of the PTC element 10 (herein, the outer diameter means the diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the annular ring) is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, It can be 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
　上記ＰＴＣ要素１０の内径（尚、内径とは、円環の内周部、即ち円環の内側の円形開口部の直径を意味する）は、特に限定されず、例えば、１ｍｍ～１０ｍｍ、好ましくは３ｍｍ～８ｍｍであり得る。 The inner diameter of the PTC element 10 (the inner diameter means the diameter of the inner peripheral portion of the annular ring, that is, the diameter of the circular opening inside the annular ring) is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably It can be 3 mm to 8 mm.
　上記第１電極１２および第２電極１４を構成する材料は、同じであってもよく、または異なっていてもよい。第１電極および第２電極を構成する材料としては、導電性材料であれば特に限定されないが、例えば、導電性金属材料、具体的にはニッケル、ステンレス、鉄、銅、アルミニウム、スズ、チタン、あるいはそれら金属の合金が挙げられる。 The material constituting the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 may be the same or different. The material constituting the first electrode and the second electrode is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material. For example, a conductive metal material, specifically nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, Or the alloy of those metals is mentioned.
　また、本発明において、第１電極１２および第２電極１４は、例えば２層以上の導電性材料層、例えば導電性金属層から構成されていてもよい。 In the present invention, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 may be composed of, for example, two or more conductive material layers, for example, a conductive metal layer.
　上記第１電極１２の外径は、特に限定されず、用途に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、５ｍｍ～１００ｍｍ、１０ｍｍ～５０ｍｍ、または１５ｍｍ～２５ｍｍであり得る。 The outer diameter of the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application, and may be, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
　上記第１電極１２の内径は、特に限定されず、例えば、１ｍｍ～１０ｍｍ、好ましくは３ｍｍ～８ｍｍであり得る。 The inner diameter of the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm.
　本実施形態において、第１電極１２の外径および内径は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の外径および内径と同じである。 In the present embodiment, the outer diameter and inner diameter of the first electrode 12 are the same as the outer diameter and inner diameter of the PTC element 10.
　上記第２電極１４の外径は、特に限定されず、用途に応じて適宜選択することができ、例えば、５ｍｍ～１００ｍｍ、１０ｍｍ～５０ｍｍ、または１５ｍｍ～２５ｍｍであり得る。 The outer diameter of the second electrode 14 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the application, and may be, for example, 5 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to 50 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.
　上記第２電極１４の内径は、特に限定されず、例えば、１．５ｍｍ～１２ｍｍ、好ましくは３ｍｍ～１０ｍｍ、より好ましくは５ｍｍ～１０ｍｍであり得る。 The inner diameter of the second electrode 14 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1.5 mm to 12 mm, preferably 3 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 10 mm.
　本実施形態において、第２電極１４の外径は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の外径と同じであり、第２電極１４の内径は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の内径よりも大きい。従って、第２電極１４は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の第２主表面８を完全には覆っておらず、第２主表面の内縁部は露出している。 In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the second electrode 14 is the same as the outer diameter of the PTC element 10, and the inner diameter of the second electrode 14 is larger than the inner diameter of the PTC element 10. Accordingly, the second electrode 14 does not completely cover the second main surface 8 of the PTC element 10, and the inner edge portion of the second main surface is exposed.
　ＰＴＣ素子２において、正常時には、第１電極１２および第２電極１４間に、ＰＴＣ要素１０を介して、電流が流れる。この電流は、第１電極および第２電極に挟まれたＰＴＣ要素には流れるが、露出部１６に対応する部分のＰＴＣ要素には実質的に流れない。 In the PTC element 2, a current flows between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 via the PTC element 10 in a normal state. This current flows through the PTC element sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, but does not substantially flow through the portion of the PTC element corresponding to the exposed portion 16.
　本発明の保護素子におけるＰＴＣ素子は、ＰＴＣ要素と、第１電極および第２電極を別途製造し、これらを貼り合わせることにより製造することができる。別法として、ＰＴＣ要素の両主表面が、第１電極および第２電極により完全に覆われた素子を得、露出部に対応する箇所の電極を、エッチング処理、サンドブラスト処理、カッター等で切除することにより、製造することができる。 The PTC element in the protective element of the present invention can be manufactured by separately manufacturing the PTC element, the first electrode and the second electrode, and bonding them together. Alternatively, an element in which both main surfaces of the PTC element are completely covered with the first electrode and the second electrode is obtained, and the electrode corresponding to the exposed portion is cut off by etching, sandblasting, cutter, or the like. Can be manufactured.
　第１端子４を構成する材料としては、導電性であれば特に限定されないが、例えば、銅、鉄、金もしくはアルミニウム、またはこれらの合金等が挙げられる。端子の表面は、めっきにより処理されていてもよい。 The material constituting the first terminal 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, and examples thereof include copper, iron, gold, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The surface of the terminal may be processed by plating.
　第１端子４と第１電極１２との接続は、特に限定されないが、導電性接着剤、はんだ、溶接等により行われる。 The connection between the first terminal 4 and the first electrode 12 is not particularly limited, but is performed by a conductive adhesive, solder, welding, or the like.
　保護素子１は、第１端子４の端子部２０により他の電気要素に接続される。他の電気要素に接続されることにより第１端子４に力が作用し、その結果、第１端子４の接続部１８により、ＰＴＣ要素に圧力が作用し得る。本発明の保護素子においては、第１端子４が露出部１６に対応する部分にあることから、第１端子４からの力は、第１電極１２と第２電極１４が対向する部分、換言すれば、第１電極と第２電極に挟まれた部分のＰＴＣ要素には実質的に作用しない。 The protective element 1 is connected to other electrical elements by the terminal portion 20 of the first terminal 4. By connecting to another electrical element, a force acts on the first terminal 4, and as a result, a pressure can act on the PTC element by the connection portion 18 of the first terminal 4. In the protection element of the present invention, since the first terminal 4 is in a portion corresponding to the exposed portion 16, the force from the first terminal 4 is the portion where the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 face each other, in other words. For example, the PTC element in the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode does not substantially act.
　保護素子１が動作する場合、圧力がかかっている露出部１６に対応する部分のＰＴＣ要素は十分に膨張することができないが、圧力が作用していない第１電極１２と第２電極１４に挟まれた部分のＰＴＣ要素は、十分に膨張することができ、この部分の抵抗値は大きく増大する。その結果、電流の経路である第１電極１２および第２電極１４間が実質的に遮断され、保護素子１を流れる電流が遮断される。尚、この場合も微少電流は流れうる。 When the protective element 1 operates, the portion of the PTC element corresponding to the exposed portion 16 to which pressure is applied cannot expand sufficiently, but is sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 to which no pressure is applied. The portion of the PTC element can expand sufficiently, and the resistance value of this portion is greatly increased. As a result, the current path between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is substantially cut off, and the current flowing through the protection element 1 is cut off. In this case as well, a minute current can flow.
　好ましい態様において、露出部１６の幅ｄ１は、ＰＴＣ要素１０の厚みｔよりも大きい（図２）。このように露出部１６の幅を広くすることにより、第２電極１４と固定により圧力が付勢された部分との間の距離ｄ２をより大きくすることが可能になり、動作時に、第２電極１４とＰＴＣ要素の圧力が作用している部分間に電流が流れることを、より確実に防止することができる。 In a preferred embodiment, the width d 1 of the exposed portion 16 is greater than the thickness t of the PTC element 10 (FIG. 2). By increasing the width of the exposed portion 16 in this manner, the distance d2 between the second electrode 14 and the portion where the pressure is urged by the fixing can be further increased, and the second d It can prevent more reliably that an electric current flows between the part to which the pressure of the electrode 14 and a PTC element is acting.
　さらに好ましい態様において、ＰＴＣ要素の主表面に平行な方向において、第２電極１４から第１端子の接続部１８までの距離ｄ２は、ＰＴＣ要素の厚みｔよりも大きい（図２）。第２電極１４の端部と第１端子の接続部１８との距離ｄ２をＰＴＣ素子要素の厚みｔよりも大きくすることにより、動作時に、第２電極１４とＰＴＣ要素の圧力が作用している部分間に電流が流れることを、より確実に防止することができる。 In a further preferred embodiment, the distance d 2 from the second electrode 14 to the first terminal connection 18 in the direction parallel to the main surface of the PTC element is larger than the thickness t of the PTC element (FIG. 2). To be larger than the thickness t of the distance d 2 of the PTC element piece between the end portion and the connecting portion 18 of the first terminal of the second electrode 14, during operation, the pressure of the second electrode 14 and the PTC element acts It can prevent more reliably that an electric current flows between the parts which exist.
　保護素子１の他の部材への固定は、例えばかしめることにより、あるいはボルト、ネジ等で締めることにより、第１端子４の接続部１８をＰＴＣ要素の厚み方向に押さえつけることによって行うことができる。固定によりＰＴＣ要素の一部に圧力が作用するが、圧力が作用するのは接続部１８に対応する部分であって、即ち、露出部１６に対応する部分となる。上記したようにこの部分には電流は実質的に流れないので、ＰＴＣ要素の膨張が阻害されたとしても、不具合は生じない。また、電流が流れる第１電極と第２電極に挟まれた部分には固定による圧力は実質的に作用しない。従って、ＰＴＣ要素の第１電極と第２電極に挟まれた部分は、動作時に十分に膨張することができ、この部分の抵抗値は大きく増大する。その結果、第１電極１２および第２電極１４間の電流の経路が実質的に遮断され、保護素子１を流れる電流が遮断される。 The protection element 1 can be fixed to another member by pressing the connecting portion 18 of the first terminal 4 in the thickness direction of the PTC element, for example, by caulking or tightening with a bolt, a screw, or the like. . Although the pressure acts on a part of the PTC element by the fixing, the pressure acts on the portion corresponding to the connecting portion 18, that is, the portion corresponding to the exposed portion 16. As described above, since no current substantially flows through this portion, no problem occurs even if the expansion of the PTC element is inhibited. Further, the fixed pressure does not substantially act on the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode through which the current flows. Therefore, the portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode of the PTC element can sufficiently expand during operation, and the resistance value of this portion greatly increases. As a result, the current path between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is substantially cut off, and the current flowing through the protection element 1 is cut off.
　例えば、本実施形態の保護素子１は、図３に示すように、ボルト等の固定部材２２により、他の部材２４に固定され得るが、固定部材２２からの圧力が作用する箇所は、ＰＴＣ要素の露出部１６に対応する部分であって、第１電極１２および第２電極１４に挟まれた部分には実質的に作用しない。従って、ＰＴＣ要素の電流が流れる部分の膨張は妨げられず、固定によるＰＴＣ素子の性能の低下を抑制することができる。 For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the protection element 1 of the present embodiment can be fixed to another member 24 by a fixing member 22 such as a bolt, but the place where the pressure from the fixing member 22 acts is a PTC element. The portion corresponding to the exposed portion 16 of the first electrode 12 and the portion sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 does not substantially act. Therefore, the expansion of the portion through which the current of the PTC element flows is not hindered, and the deterioration of the performance of the PTC element due to fixing can be suppressed.
　本発明は、上記した実施形態に限定されず、種々の改変が可能である。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
　一の実施形態において、図４に示すように、保護素子３１は、上記した保護素子１の露出部１６上にさらに絶縁層３２を有する。このように絶縁層３２を設けることにより、導電性部材に保護素子３１を固定した際に、露出部１６が導電性部材に接触して、第１電極１２と導電性部材に挟まれた部分のＰＴＣ要素に電流が流れることを防止することができる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the protective element 31 further includes an insulating layer 32 on the exposed portion 16 of the protective element 1 described above. By providing the insulating layer 32 in this way, when the protective element 31 is fixed to the conductive member, the exposed portion 16 comes into contact with the conductive member and the portion sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the conductive member. It is possible to prevent current from flowing through the PTC element.
　さらに別の実施形態において、図５に示すように、第１電極１２は、円環状の内側第１電極３６および外側第１電極３８と、これらを電気的に接続する１つまたはそれ以上の架橋部４０から構成されていてもよい。この態様において、内側第１電極３６上に第１端子が接続され、外側第１電極３８の一部または全部が第２電極と対向している。第１電極をこのような形状とすることにより、内側第１電極３６に端子からの圧力が作用した場合に、その圧力が外側第１電極３８に与える影響を、架橋部４０で緩和することができる。その結果、動作時のＰＴＣ要素の膨張が妨げられることをより抑制することができ、固定によるＰＴＣ素子の性能の低下をより抑制することができる。 In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode 12 comprises an annular inner first electrode 36 and outer first electrode 38 and one or more bridges that electrically connect them. The unit 40 may be configured. In this embodiment, the first terminal is connected to the inner first electrode 36, and part or all of the outer first electrode 38 faces the second electrode. By forming the first electrode in such a shape, when the pressure from the terminal acts on the inner first electrode 36, the influence of the pressure on the outer first electrode 38 can be reduced by the bridging portion 40. it can. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the expansion of the PTC element during operation, and to further suppress the deterioration of the performance of the PTC element due to fixation.
　架橋部４０の幅は、特に限定されないが、例えば０．５ｍｍ～３．０ｍｍ、好ましくは１．０ｍｍ～２．０ｍｍであり得る。架橋部の幅をより広くすることにより、第１電極１２の抵抗値をより小さくすることができる。一方、架橋部の幅をより小さくすることにより、内側第１電極３６に作用する圧力が外側第１電極３８に与える影響を、より小さくすることができる。 The width of the bridging portion 40 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. By making the width of the bridging portion wider, the resistance value of the first electrode 12 can be made smaller. On the other hand, by reducing the width of the bridging portion, it is possible to further reduce the influence of the pressure acting on the inner first electrode 36 on the outer first electrode 38.
　架橋部４０の数は、１個またはそれ以上であってよく、例えば２個、３個、４個、６個または８個であり得る。架橋部４０が複数存在する場合、好ましくは、円環の中心を基準として等角度に配置される。架橋部を等角度に配置することにより、ＰＴＣ要素を流れる電流が場所によりばらつくことを抑制することができ、ＰＴＣ素子の信頼性がより向上する。 The number of the bridging portions 40 may be one or more, and may be two, three, four, six, or eight, for example. When there are a plurality of bridging portions 40, they are preferably arranged at an equal angle with respect to the center of the ring. By arranging the bridging portions at an equal angle, it is possible to prevent the current flowing through the PTC element from varying depending on the location, and the reliability of the PTC element is further improved.
　さらに別の実施形態において、図６に示すように、保護素子４１は、上記した保護素子１の構成に加え、さらに第２端子４２を有する。好ましくは、第２端子４２は、第１端子４と同じ側、即ち第１主表面側に位置する。 In still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the protection element 41 has a second terminal 42 in addition to the configuration of the protection element 1 described above. Preferably, the second terminal 42 is located on the same side as the first terminal 4, that is, on the first main surface side.
　好ましくは、第２端子４２は、第１端子４上に絶縁性スペーサー４４を介して設けられる。 Preferably, the second terminal 42 is provided on the first terminal 4 via an insulating spacer 44.
　第２端子４２は、第２電極１４に電気的に接続される。尚、第２端子４２と第２電極１４は、他の部材に固定した際に最終的に接続されていればよい。例えば、図７に示すように、保護素子４１を、導電性部材４６にボルト４８およびナット５０等で固定することにより、第２電極１４－導電性部材４６－ボルト４８（ナット５０）－第２端子４２の順で、電流の流路を確保してもよい。 The second terminal 42 is electrically connected to the second electrode 14. In addition, the 2nd terminal 42 and the 2nd electrode 14 should just be finally connected when it fixes to another member. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the protection element 41 is fixed to the conductive member 46 with a bolt 48, a nut 50, etc., so that the second electrode 14-conductive member 46-bolt 48 (nut 50) -second A current flow path may be secured in the order of the terminals 42.
　上記した態様では、ＰＴＣ要素の外側輪郭および内側輪郭（即ち、開口部）の形状は円状であるが、これらは、他の形状、例えば、三角形、四角形、五角形などの多角形、楕円、あるいはこれらを組み合わせた形状であってもよい。また、ＰＴＣ要素の開口部は、必ずしもＰＴＣ要素の中心部に存在する必要はなく、例えば、ＰＴＣ要素の周辺部にあってよい。また、開口部は必須の要素ではなく、存在しなくてもよい。例えば、上記の態様におけるＰＴＣ要素の開口部がＰＴＣ要素で埋められた円形であってもよい。 In the embodiment described above, the shape of the outer and inner contours (ie, openings) of the PTC element is circular, but these may be other shapes, for example, polygons such as triangles, squares, pentagons, ellipses, or The shape which combined these may be sufficient. Moreover, the opening part of a PTC element does not necessarily need to exist in the center part of a PTC element, for example, may exist in the peripheral part of a PTC element. Further, the opening is not an essential element and may not exist. For example, the opening of the PTC element in the above aspect may be a circle filled with the PTC element.
　また、上記した態様では、第２電極１４の全体が、第１電極１２と対向しているが、少なくとも一部の第２電極１４が、第１電極１２と対向していればよい。 In the above-described aspect, the entire second electrode 14 faces the first electrode 12, but at least a part of the second electrode 14 only needs to face the first electrode 12.
　本発明の保護素子は、ネジ、かしめ等により電子または電気機器に取り付けた場合であっても、ＰＴＣ素子本来の機能を発揮し得る。また、ネジ、かしめ等を用いる取り付けは、溶接、はんだ、接着剤等を用いる場合と比較して、取り付け、取り外しが容易である。さらに、取り付けに際して、接続部を加熱する必要がないことから、熱に弱い部材に対しても設置することが可能になる。さらに、本発明の保護素子は、端子を他の電気要素に接続する際に力が加わった場合であっても、ＰＴＣ素子の機能に影響が及ばない。従って、種々の電子または電気機器、例えばシガーライターソケット、二次電池、二次電池セル、掃除機、冷蔵庫、自動車部品などの保護素子として用いることができる。 The protective element of the present invention can exhibit the original function of the PTC element even when it is attached to an electronic or electrical device by screws, caulking, or the like. In addition, attachment using screws, caulking, etc. is easier to attach and detach than when welding, solder, adhesive, or the like is used. Further, since it is not necessary to heat the connection portion during the installation, it is possible to install even a member that is vulnerable to heat. Furthermore, the protection element of the present invention does not affect the function of the PTC element even when a force is applied when the terminal is connected to another electrical element. Therefore, it can be used as a protective element for various electronic or electric devices such as cigarette lighter sockets, secondary batteries, secondary battery cells, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and automobile parts.
　従って、本発明は、第２の要旨において、上記した本発明の保護素子を有して成る電気装置、例えばソケットを提供する。 Therefore, in the second aspect, the present invention provides an electric device, for example, a socket, comprising the above-described protection element of the present invention.
　以下、本発明のソケットの一の実施形態について、図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the socket of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
　本発明の一の実施形態であるソケット５１は、概略的には、図８および９に示すような構造を有する。具体的には、ソケット５１は、
　ソケット本体部５２と、
　第２電極１４が導電性部材５６を介してソケット本体部５２の外側底面５４に電気的に接続され、露出部１６が絶縁シート５８を介してソケット本体部の外側底面５４上に位置するように配置された上記保護素子１と、
　第１端子４上に位置する絶縁性スペーサー６４と、
　絶縁性スペーサー６４上に配置された第２端子６６と、
　ソケット本体部５２の内側底面上に配置された絶縁性部材６８と
を有し、これらが、絶縁性部材６８側から挿入され、保護素子１に接触しないように第２端子６６側まで貫通したボルト７２と、第２端子６６側に位置するナット７４により固定されている。 A socket 51 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure schematically shown in FIGS. Specifically, the socket 51 is
Socket body 52,
The second electrode 14 is electrically connected to the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket body 52 through the conductive member 56, and the exposed portion 16 is positioned on the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket body through the insulating sheet 58. The protective element 1 disposed;
An insulating spacer 64 positioned on the first terminal 4;
A second terminal 66 disposed on the insulating spacer 64;
And an insulating member 68 disposed on the inner bottom surface of the socket body 52, and these are inserted from the insulating member 68 side and penetrated to the second terminal 66 side so as not to contact the protective element 1 72 and a nut 74 located on the second terminal 66 side.
　ソケット５１において、第２端子６６－（ナット７４）－ボルト７２は電気的に接続され、電流経路が形成されており、第２端子６６を電源（図示していない）の正極（または負極）に電気的に接続することにより、ボルト７２が、ソケット５１の正極（または負極）として機能する。第２端子６６－ボルト７２間の電気的接続は直接であってもよく、ナット７４を介してもよい。また、第１端子４－第１電極１２－ＰＴＣ要素１０－第２電極１４－導電性部材５６－ソケット本体部５２は電気的に接続され、電流経路が形成されており、第１端子４を電源の負極（または正極）に接続することにより、ソケット本体部５２が、ソケット５１の負極端子（または正極端子）として機能する。 In the socket 51, the second terminal 66- (nut 74) -bolt 72 is electrically connected to form a current path, and the second terminal 66 is connected to a positive electrode (or negative electrode) of a power source (not shown). The bolt 72 functions as a positive electrode (or a negative electrode) of the socket 51 by being electrically connected. The electrical connection between the second terminal 66 and the bolt 72 may be direct or via the nut 74. In addition, the first terminal 4 -the first electrode 12 -the PTC element 10 -the second electrode 14 -the conductive member 56 -the socket body 52 are electrically connected to form a current path, and the first terminal 4 By connecting to the negative electrode (or positive electrode) of the power source, the socket main body 52 functions as the negative electrode terminal (or positive electrode terminal) of the socket 51.
　ソケット本体部５２の形状は、特に限定されず、用途に応じて適宜変更することができる。 The shape of the socket body 52 is not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate according to the application.
　ソケット本体部５２は端子としても機能することから、少なくとも一部、好ましくは全部が導電性材料から構成される。導電性材料は、特に限定されないが、例えば、ニッケル、ステンレス、鉄、銅、アルミニウム、スズ、チタン、あるいはそれら金属の合金であり得る。 Since the socket body 52 also functions as a terminal, at least a part, preferably all of the socket body 52 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
　絶縁シート５８は、ソケットの外側底面５４と露出部１６が接触することを防止する。尚、絶縁シート５８は、必須の要素ではなく、存在しなくてもよい。 The insulating sheet 58 prevents the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket and the exposed portion 16 from contacting each other. The insulating sheet 58 is not an essential element and may not be present.
　絶縁シート５８を構成する材料は、絶縁性材料であれば特に限定されないが、絶縁性樹脂であることが好ましい。絶縁性樹脂は、特に限定されないが、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂および熱硬化性樹脂、具体的には、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリカーボネート、フッ素系樹脂、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル－ブタジエン－スチレン）樹脂、ポリカーボネート－ＡＢＳアロイ樹脂、ＰＢＴ（ポリブチレンテレフタラート）樹脂、エラストマー等の樹脂であってもよい。 The material constituting the insulating sheet 58 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin. The insulating resin is not particularly limited. For example, thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin, specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy. Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
　導電性部材５６は、ソケットの外側底面５４と、保護素子１の第２電極との電気的接触を高めるため、または、上記絶縁シート５８の表面との高さを合わせるために設置され得る。尚、導電性部材５６は、必須の要素ではなく、存在しなくてもよい。 The conductive member 56 may be installed in order to increase the electrical contact between the outer bottom surface 54 of the socket and the second electrode of the protection element 1 or to match the height of the surface of the insulating sheet 58. The conductive member 56 is not an essential element and may not exist.
　導電性部材５６を構成する材料は、導電性材料から構成される。導電性材料は、特に限定されないが、例えば、ニッケル、ステンレス、鉄、銅、アルミニウム、スズ、チタン、あるいはそれら金属の合金であってもよい。 The material constituting the conductive member 56 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
　絶縁性スペーサー６４は、第１端子４と第２端子６６とを電気的に離隔するために用いられる。 The insulating spacer 64 is used to electrically separate the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 66.
　絶縁性スペーサー４４を構成する材料は、絶縁性材料であれば特に限定されないが、絶縁性樹脂であることが好ましい。絶縁性樹脂は、特に限定されないが、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂および熱硬化性樹脂、具体的には、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリカーボネート、フッ素系樹脂、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル－ブタジエン－スチレン）樹脂、ポリカーボネート－ＡＢＳアロイ樹脂、ＰＢＴ（ポリブチレンテレフタラート）樹脂、エラストマー等の樹脂であってもよい。 The material constituting the insulating spacer 44 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin. The insulating resin is not particularly limited. For example, thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin, specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy. Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
　絶縁性部材６８は、ボルト７２とソケット本体部５２とを電気的に離隔するために用いられる。 The insulating member 68 is used to electrically separate the bolt 72 and the socket main body 52.
　絶縁性部材６８を構成する材料は、絶縁性材料であれば特に限定されないが、絶縁性樹脂であることが好ましい。絶縁性樹脂は、特に限定されないが、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂および熱硬化性樹脂、具体的には、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリカーボネート、フッ素系樹脂、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル－ブタジエン－スチレン）樹脂、ポリカーボネート－ＡＢＳアロイ樹脂、ＰＢＴ（ポリブチレンテレフタラート）樹脂、エラストマー等の樹脂であってもよい。 The material constituting the insulating member 68 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, but is preferably an insulating resin. The insulating resin is not particularly limited. For example, thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin, specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, fluorine resin, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, polycarbonate-ABS alloy. Resin, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) resin, resin such as elastomer may be used.
　絶縁性部材６８の形状は、ボルト７２とソケット本体部５２とを電気的に離隔する機能を発揮し得る限り、特に限定されない。 The shape of the insulating member 68 is not particularly limited as long as the function of electrically separating the bolt 72 and the socket main body 52 can be exhibited.
　ボルト（ネジ）７２は、保護素子１およびソケット本体部５２と接触しないように配置され、直接またはナット７４を介して、第２端子６６に電気的に接続されている。ボルト７２は、他の電気要素に接続するための端子としても機能する。 The bolt (screw) 72 is disposed so as not to contact the protection element 1 and the socket body 52, and is electrically connected to the second terminal 66 directly or via the nut 74. The bolt 72 also functions as a terminal for connecting to another electrical element.
　ボルト７２は端子としても機能することから、導電性材料から構成される。導電性材料は、特に限定されないが、例えば、ニッケル、ステンレス、鉄、銅、アルミニウム、スズ、チタン、あるいはそれら金属の合金であってもよい。 Since the bolt 72 also functions as a terminal, it is made of a conductive material. The conductive material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, nickel, stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, tin, titanium, or an alloy of these metals.
　ナット７４を構成する材料は、好ましくは導電性材料であり、ボルト７２と同じ材料が用いられる。 The material constituting the nut 74 is preferably a conductive material, and the same material as the bolt 72 is used.
　尚、図８および９では、ボルト７２は、絶縁性部材６８側から挿入され、第２端子６６側のナット７４により固定されているが、これに限定されず、例えば、ボルトを、第２端子側から挿入し、絶縁性部材側のナットで固定してもよい。 8 and 9, the bolt 72 is inserted from the insulating member 68 side and fixed by the nut 74 on the second terminal 66 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bolt is connected to the second terminal. It may be inserted from the side and fixed with a nut on the insulating member side.
　本発明の保護素子の固定は、好ましくは、保護素子の第１端子４の接続部１８に、ＰＴＣ素子の厚み方向に圧力を付勢することにより行われる。また、本発明の保護素子は、第１端子４および第２端子６６により、電源などの他の電気要素に接続される。この固定および接続により、ＰＴＣ要素に作用する圧力は、ＰＴＣ要素の露出部に対応する箇所に限定されるので、ＰＴＣ要素の電流が流れる部分は、異常時に十分に膨張することができ、電流を遮断することができる。 The fixing of the protection element of the present invention is preferably performed by urging the connection portion 18 of the first terminal 4 of the protection element in the thickness direction of the PTC element. In addition, the protection element of the present invention is connected to other electrical elements such as a power source by the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 66. Due to this fixing and connection, the pressure acting on the PTC element is limited to the portion corresponding to the exposed portion of the PTC element, so that the portion where the current of the PTC element flows can sufficiently expand in the event of an abnormality, Can be blocked.
　従って、本発明は、上記した本発明の保護素子の固定または取り付け方法を提供する。 Therefore, the present invention provides a method for fixing or mounting the protective element of the present invention described above.
　具体的には、本発明は、第１主表面および第２主表面を有する層状のＰＴＣ要素と、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面上に位置する第１電極と、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面上に位置する第２電極と
を有して成り、
　第１電極の少なくとも一部と第２電極の少なくとも一部とが、ＰＴＣ要素を介して対向するように位置し、
　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面の一部が露出している
ＰＴＣ素子と、
　第１電極に電気的に接続される第１端子と、
を有して成る保護素子であって、
　第１端子が、第１電極の第２電極と対向していない領域上に接続されていることを特徴とする保護素子の固定または取り付け方法であって、上記第１端子を、第１電極の接続部において、ＰＴＣ素子の厚み方向に圧力を付勢することにより固定するまたは取り付ける方法を提供する。 Specifically, the present invention comprises a layered PTC element having a first main surface and a second main surface;
A first electrode located on the first major surface of the PTC element;
A second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element,
At least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other via the PTC element;
A PTC element in which a part of the second main surface of the PTC element is exposed;
A first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode;
A protective element comprising:
A method for fixing or mounting a protective element, wherein the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode that does not face the second electrode, wherein the first terminal is connected to the first electrode. Provided is a method of fixing or attaching a connecting portion by urging pressure in a thickness direction of the PTC element.
　以上、本発明を図面を参照しながら説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、種々の改変が可能である。 Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible.
　実施例１
　厚み０．３ｍｍ、外径２１ｍｍ、内径８．３ｍｍのＰＴＣ要素の両面に全体に電極を有するＰＴＣ素子の一方の電極の一部（内縁から２．８５ｍｍ）をカッターで切り取った。切り取った後の電極の内径は１４ｍｍであった。次いで、他方の電極上に、端子接続部が円環状であり、その外径が１１．９ｍｍ、内径が５．７ｍｍである端子を、端子接続部の中心とＰＴＣ要素の中心が一致するように取り付け、ＰＴＣ素子の両面からネジとナットで固定した（加圧力８．２ｋｇｆ）。 Example 1
Part of one electrode (2.85 mm from the inner edge) of a PTC element having electrodes on both sides of a PTC element having a thickness of 0.3 mm, an outer diameter of 21 mm, and an inner diameter of 8.3 mm was cut off with a cutter. The inner diameter of the electrode after cutting was 14 mm. Next, on the other electrode, a terminal having a ring-shaped terminal connection portion having an outer diameter of 11.9 mm and an inner diameter of 5.7 mm is arranged so that the center of the terminal connection portion coincides with the center of the PTC element. Attachment and fixing with screws and nuts from both sides of the PTC element (pressure applied 8.2 kgf).
　比較例１
　厚み０．３ｍｍ、外径２１ｍｍ、内径８．３ｍｍのＰＴＣ要素の両面に全体に電極を有するＰＴＣ素子の一方の電極上に、端子接続部が円環状であり、ＰＴＣ要素と同形状である端子を取り付け、ＰＴＣ素子の両面からネジとナットで固定した（加圧力８．２ｋｇｆ）。 Comparative Example 1
A terminal having an annular terminal connection on one electrode of a PTC element having electrodes on both sides of a PTC element having a thickness of 0.3 mm, an outer diameter of 21 mm, and an inner diameter of 8.3 mm, and having the same shape as the PTC element And fixed with screws and nuts from both sides of the PTC element (pressure applied 8.2 kgf).
　試験例
　実施例１および比較例１の試料の両電極間に通電し、温度－抵抗特性を測定した。実施例１および比較例１の試料についての結果を、それぞれ、図１１および図１２に示す。 Test Example A current was passed between the electrodes of the sample of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, and the temperature-resistance characteristics were measured. The results for the samples of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively.
　上記の結果から、加圧部の電極が剥がされた実施例１の試料は、加圧部に電極が存在する比較例１の試料と比較して、トリップ時の抵抗値の上昇が大きかった。これは、比較例１の試料は、加圧部分の両主表面に電極が存在しており、この部分のＰＴＣ要素が膨張しようとしても、加圧により膨張が阻害されたためと考えられる。一方、実施例１の試料は、加圧部分の一方の主表面上の電極が存在しないので、この部分には電流は流れず、また、電流が流れる箇所には加圧の影響が小さいことから、ＰＴＣ素子本来と同等の抵抗値が得られたと考えられる。 From the above results, the sample of Example 1 in which the electrode of the pressurization part was peeled off had a large increase in resistance during tripping as compared with the sample of Comparative Example 1 in which the electrode was present in the pressurization part. This is presumably because the sample of Comparative Example 1 has electrodes on both main surfaces of the pressurization portion, and even though the PTC element in this portion was about to expand, the expansion was inhibited by the pressurization. On the other hand, the sample of Example 1 has no electrode on one main surface of the pressurization portion, so that no current flows through this portion, and the influence of pressurization is small at the location where the current flows. It is considered that the same resistance value as that of the PTC element was obtained.
　本発明の保護素子は、電子または電気機器に、ねじまたはかしめ等により取り付けることができ、多種多様な電子または電気機器の保護素子として利用できる。 The protective element of the present invention can be attached to an electronic or electrical device by screws or caulking, and can be used as a protective element for a wide variety of electronic or electrical devices.
１…保護素子；２…ＰＴＣ素子；４…第１端子；６…第１主表面；
８…第２主表面；１０…ＰＴＣ要素；１２…第１電極；
１４…第２電極；１６…露出部；１８…接続部；２０…端子部；
２２…固定部材；２４…他の部材；３１…保護素子；３２…絶縁層；
３６…内側第１電極；３８…外側第１電極；４０…架橋部；
４１…保護素子；４２…第２端子；４４…絶縁性スペーサー；
４６…導電性部材；４８…ボルト；５０…ナット；５１…ソケット；
５２…ソケット本体部；５４…外側底面；５６…導電性部材；
５８…絶縁シート；６４…絶縁性スペーサー；６６…第２端子；
６８…絶縁性部材；７２…ボルト；７４…ナット；
１００…保護素子；１０１…ＰＴＣ素子；１０２…端子 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Protection element; 2 ... PTC element; 4 ... 1st terminal; 6 ... 1st main surface;
8 ... second main surface; 10 ... PTC element; 12 ... first electrode;
14 ... 2nd electrode; 16 ... Exposed part; 18 ... Connection part; 20 ... Terminal part;
22 ... Fixing member; 24 ... Other members; 31 ... Protective element; 32 ... Insulating layer;
36 ... inner first electrode; 38 ... outer first electrode; 40 ... bridging portion;
41 ... protection element; 42 ... second terminal; 44 ... insulating spacer;
46 ... conductive member; 48 ... bolt; 50 ... nut; 51 ... socket;
52 ... Socket body part; 54 ... Outer bottom surface; 56 ... Conductive member;
58 ... insulating sheet; 64 ... insulating spacer; 66 ... second terminal;
68 ... insulating member; 72 ... bolt; 74 ... nut;
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Protection element; 101 ... PTC element; 102 ... Terminal

Claims (13)

  1. 　第１主表面および第２主表面を有する層状のＰＴＣ要素と、
    　ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面上に位置する第１電極と、
    　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面上に位置する第２電極と
    を有して成り、
    　第１電極の少なくとも一部と第２電極の少なくとも一部とが、ＰＴＣ要素を介して対向するように位置し、
    　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面の一部が露出している
    ＰＴＣ素子と、
    　第１電極に電気的に接続される第１端子と、
    を有して成る保護素子であって、
    　第１端子が、第１電極の第２電極と対向していない領域上に接続されていることを特徴とする保護素子。     A layered PTC element having a first major surface and a second major surface;
    A first electrode located on the first major surface of the PTC element;
    A second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element,
    At least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned to face each other via the PTC element;
    A PTC element in which a part of the second main surface of the PTC element is exposed;
    A first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode;
    A protective element comprising:
    A protective element, wherein the first terminal is connected to a region of the first electrode that does not face the second electrode.
  2. 　第２電極に電気的に接続される第２端子を有する、請求項１に記載の保護素子。 The protection element according to claim 1, further comprising a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode.
  3. 　第１端子および第２端子が、第１主表面側に存在することを特徴とする、請求項１または２に記載の保護素子。 The protective element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal exist on the first main surface side.
  4. 　第２主表面の露出部に絶縁層を有することを特徴とする、請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載の保護素子。 4. The protective element according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer on an exposed portion of the second main surface.
  5. 　ＰＴＣ要素の主表面に平行な方向において、第２電極と第１端子との距離が、ＰＴＣ要素の厚みよりも大きいことを特徴とする、請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の保護素子。 The protection according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance between the second electrode and the first terminal in a direction parallel to the main surface of the PTC element is larger than a thickness of the PTC element. element.
  6. 　ＰＴＣ要素、第１電極および第２電極が、開口部を有することを特徴とする、請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の保護素子。 6. The protection element according to claim 1, wherein the PTC element, the first electrode, and the second electrode have an opening.
  7. 　ＰＴＣ要素、第１電極および第２電極が、円環状であることを特徴とする、請求項１～６のいずれかに記載の保護素子。 7. The protective element according to claim 1, wherein the PTC element, the first electrode, and the second electrode are annular.
  8. 　第２主表面の露出部が、ＰＴＣ要素の内縁部に沿って存在することを特徴とする、請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の保護素子。 The protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the exposed portion of the second main surface exists along an inner edge portion of the PTC element.
  9. 　第１電極が、円環状の内側第１電極および円環状の外側第１電極と、これらを電気的に接続する１つまたはそれ以上の架橋部から構成されていることを特徴とする、請求項７または８に記載の保護素子。 The first electrode is composed of an annular inner first electrode and an annular outer first electrode, and one or more bridging portions that electrically connect them. The protective element according to 7 or 8.
  10. 　請求項１～９のいずれか１項に記載の保護素子を有して成ることを特徴とする電気装置。 An electric device comprising the protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
  11. 　請求項１～９のいずれかに記載の保護素子を含んで成ることを特徴とするソケット。 A socket comprising the protective element according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
  12. 　ソケット本体部と、
    　第２電極が、ソケット本体部の外側底面上に直接接触するように、あるいは第２電極が導電性部材を介して、および／または露出部が絶縁シートを介して、ソケット本体部の外側底面上に位置するように配置された請求項１に記載の保護素子と、
    　第１端子上に位置する絶縁性スペーサーと、
    　絶縁性スペーサー上に配置された第２端子と、
    　ソケット本体部の内側底面上に配置された絶縁部材と
    を有し、これらが、絶縁部材側から、保護素子に接触しないように第２端子側まで貫通したボルトと、ナットにより固定されている
    ことを特徴とするソケット。     Socket body,
    The second electrode is in direct contact with the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion, or the second electrode is disposed through the conductive member and / or the exposed portion is disposed on the outer bottom surface of the socket body portion via the insulating sheet. The protective element according to claim 1 arranged to be located at
    An insulating spacer located on the first terminal;
    A second terminal disposed on the insulating spacer;
    Insulating members arranged on the inner bottom surface of the socket main body, and these are fixed by bolts and nuts penetrating from the insulating member side to the second terminal side so as not to contact the protective element Socket characterized by.
  13. 　第１主表面および第２主表面を有する層状のＰＴＣ要素と
    　ＰＴＣ要素の第１主表面上に位置する第１電極と
    　ＰＴＣ要素の第２主表面上に位置する第２電極と
    を有して成り、第１電極の少なくとも一部と第２電極の少なくとも一部とが、ＰＴＣ要素を介して対向するように位置し、第２主表面の一部が、露出していることを特徴とする保護素子の固定方法であって、上記第２主表面の露出部に、ＰＴＣ素子の厚み方向に圧力を付勢することにより固定することを特徴とする、方法。     A layered PTC element having a first main surface and a second main surface; a first electrode located on the first main surface of the PTC element; and a second electrode located on the second main surface of the PTC element. And at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are positioned so as to face each other via the PTC element, and a portion of the second main surface is exposed. A method for fixing a protective element, comprising fixing the exposed portion of the second main surface by applying pressure in the thickness direction of the PTC element.
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