JP2011198645A

JP2011198645A - Breaker

Info

Publication number: JP2011198645A
Application number: JP2010064858A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakanishi; 義博中西
Original assignee: Komatsulite Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Komatsulite Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-19
Filing date: 2010-03-19
Publication date: 2011-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-19
Also published as: JP5555024B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized breaker having a wider contact gap between a fixed contact and a movable contact and thereby capable of suppressing occurrence of sparks between both contacts even if same external dimensions as a conventional one are maintained.SOLUTION: In the breaker composed of a fixed member 3 having a fixed contact 31, a movable member 2 having a movable contact 21, a thermally-actuated element 4 of a reverse type, and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5, a recessed surface of a curvature face of the thermally-actuated element 4 is made to cover the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 at a usual time of non-overheating, and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 is of a sheet shape having a protruded part 52, and moreover, the protruded part 52 occupies a space demarcated inside the recessed surface of the curvature part. The movable contact 21 is further pushed up by a pushing margin r of the protruded part 52 at the time of overheating to increase a gap g1 between the contacts and sparks are suppressed.

Description

本発明は、自己保持型の回路による電流遮断機構を有する二次電池用の安全装置に関する。特に、熱応動素子の反転作用により可動片上の可動接点と固定片上の固定接点とを接触又は離反させるブレーカーに関する。 The present invention relates to a safety device for a secondary battery having a current interruption mechanism by a self-holding type circuit. In particular, the present invention relates to a breaker that contacts or separates a movable contact on a movable piece and a fixed contact on a fixed piece by an inversion action of a thermally responsive element.

携帯電話、ノートパソコンなどに載置されるニッケル水素電池、リチウムイオン電池などのバッテリーパックには、過充電や短絡などの異常が発生した場合、速やかに電流を遮断し過熱による危険を回避するための安全装置が必須である。このような安全装置には、設定できる動作温度の帯域幅が広く、且つ高精度な温度設定が可能であり、繰り返し使用できるという利点から、機械動作式のブレーカーが有用である。 Battery packs such as nickel metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries mounted on mobile phones and notebook PCs, etc., to quickly cut off current and avoid danger due to overheating when abnormalities such as overcharge or short circuit occur Safety devices are essential. For such a safety device, a mechanically operated breaker is useful because it has a wide bandwidth of operating temperature that can be set, can be set with high accuracy, and can be used repeatedly.

例えば、特許文献１には、図４のように固定片３、可動片２、反転型の熱応動素子４、ＰＴＣ素子（正特性サーミスター５）を扁平なケース６に収容したサーマルプロテクター（ブレーカー１）において、正特性サーミスター５及び熱応動素子４は固定片３と可動片２との間に挟まれ、熱応動素子４は正特性サーミスター５の上面５３に被さり、且つ熱応動素子４の片面が反転時に正特性サーミスター５に接触し、もう片面が可動片２に接触する状態で各部材を積層的に配置することで、小型化を実現する技術が開示されている。さらに、同文献には、可動片２上の熱応動素子４と接触する箇所に熱応動素子４に向かって突き出した小突起（ダボ２５）を設けることによって、熱応動素子４の反転動作による可動片２の反応動作を、ひいては電流遮断を迅速にする技術も開示されている。尚、正特性サーミスターとは、電流の導通により温度及び電気抵抗を急激に増大させる発熱素子のことである。 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal protector (breaker) in which a fixed piece 3, a movable piece 2, an inversion-type thermal response element 4, and a PTC element (positive characteristic thermistor 5) are accommodated in a flat case 6 as shown in FIG. In 1), the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 and the thermal response element 4 are sandwiched between the fixed piece 3 and the movable piece 2, and the thermal response element 4 covers the upper surface 53 of the positive characteristic thermistor 5 and the thermal response element 4. A technique for realizing miniaturization is disclosed by arranging each member in a stacked manner in a state in which one side of the plate contacts with the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 at the time of inversion and the other side contacts the movable piece 2. Further, in the same document, a small protrusion (a dowel 25) protruding toward the thermal response element 4 is provided at a position in contact with the thermal response element 4 on the movable piece 2, thereby allowing the thermal response element 4 to move by reversing operation. Also disclosed is a technique for speeding up the reaction operation of the piece 2 and thus the current interruption. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor is a heat generating element that rapidly increases the temperature and the electric resistance due to current conduction.

この種のブレーカーの動作機序は、図５に示す従来品の一例を挙げると、次のとおりである。
充放電、無通電などの通常時（図５の（ａ）参照）においては、可動接点２１及び固定接点３１が可動片２のバネ作用により互いに接触している。この時、可動片２、固定片３及び両接点を介して、ブレーカー１の両端子（２４，３３）間に電流が流れ、ブレーカー１は導通状態にある。そして、熱応動素子４及び正特性サーミスター５が固定片３と可動片２とに挟まれ、熱応動素子４は可動片２の下方で正特性サーミスター５の上面５３に接触して、正特性サーミスター５の上面５３は熱応動素子４の湾曲面４１の凹面に覆われて（以下、この状態を熱応動素子の正転状態という。）いる。この導通状態では、電流は正特性サーミスター５に比べて圧倒的に抵抗の小さい可動片２、固定片３及び両接点を流れ、正特性サーミスター５には実質的に電流が流れない。
一方で、過充電、短絡、その他異常などの過熱時（図５の（ｂ）参照）においては、熱応動素子４は通常時と反対向きに反転し、正特性サーミスター５には湾曲面４１の凸面が向くようになるため（以下、熱応動素子の反転状態という。）、熱応動素子４により可動片２は押し上げられ、可動接点２１と固定接点３１とは離反する。ここでブレーカー１を通して充放電する電流は遮断される。そして、可動片２、熱応動素子４及び正特性サーミスター５を介して固定片３に流れる漏れ電流が生じる。正特性サーミスター５は漏れ電流を通しながら自己発熱により電気抵抗を増大させるので、漏れ電流は極めて小さいものに抑えられ、且つ熱応動素子４の温度を一定に保ち、熱応動素子４の反転状態を維持する。このようにブレーカーの遮断状態が自己保持的に作り出される。
過熱の要因が解消され熱応動素子が冷却されれば、熱応動素子４は原形に復帰し、可動接点２１と固定接点３１とは再び接触し、ブレーカー１は導通状態に戻る。尚、過熱とは、熱応動素子４の反転状態となる温度を超えることをいう。 The operation mechanism of this type of breaker is as follows, taking an example of a conventional product shown in FIG.
In normal times such as charging / discharging and non-energization (see FIG. 5A), the movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 31 are in contact with each other by the spring action of the movable piece 2. At this time, a current flows between both terminals (24, 33) of the breaker 1 via the movable piece 2, the fixed piece 3, and both contacts, and the breaker 1 is in a conductive state. Then, the thermal response element 4 and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 are sandwiched between the fixed piece 3 and the movable piece 2, and the thermal response element 4 comes into contact with the upper surface 53 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 below the movable piece 2. The upper surface 53 of the characteristic thermistor 5 is covered with the concave surface of the curved surface 41 of the thermally responsive element 4 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a normal rotation state of the thermally responsive element). In this conductive state, current flows through the movable piece 2, the fixed piece 3, and both contact points, which have a much smaller resistance than the positive characteristic thermistor 5, and substantially no current flows through the positive characteristic thermistor 5.
On the other hand, during overheating such as overcharge, short circuit, and other abnormalities (see FIG. 5B), the thermoresponsive element 4 is reversed in the opposite direction to the normal state, and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 has a curved surface 41. Therefore, the movable piece 2 is pushed up by the thermal responsive element 4 and the movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 31 are separated from each other. Here, the current charged and discharged through the breaker 1 is cut off. Then, a leakage current flows through the fixed piece 3 through the movable piece 2, the thermal actuator 4, and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5. Since the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 increases the electric resistance by self-heating while passing the leakage current, the leakage current is suppressed to be extremely small, the temperature of the thermal actuator 4 is kept constant, and the inversion state of the thermal actuator 4 To maintain. In this way, the breaking state of the breaker is created in a self-holding manner.
When the cause of overheating is eliminated and the thermally responsive element is cooled, the thermally responsive element 4 returns to its original shape, the movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 31 come into contact again, and the breaker 1 returns to the conductive state. In addition, overheating means exceeding the temperature which becomes the inversion state of the thermoresponsive element 4. FIG.

特開２００５−１２９４７１号公報JP 2005-129471 A

近年、二次電池の搭載される機器の携帯化やその普及に応ずるため、二次電池に内蔵されるこの種のブレーカーには、更に小型で、衝撃に強く、安定して動作することが要求されている。しかしながら、従来技術によるブレーカーには空間利用率に限界があり、各部材の寸法縮小に伴って、遮断状態における固定接点と可動接点との間の距離（接点ギャップｇ０。図５参照）が過度に小さくなる。そのため接点間に火花放電（スパーク）の生ずる虞がある。このようなスパークは両接点を酸化や熱溶融、汚損により傷付け、ブレーカーの寿命を短くするという問題を引き起こす。
そこで、一層小さい寸法を実現しながら従来と同様の安定性及び耐用性を併せ持つブレーカーが望まれるところであった。 In recent years, this type of breaker built into a secondary battery is required to be smaller, more resistant to impact, and operate stably in order to respond to the portability and widespread use of equipment equipped with a secondary battery. Has been. However, the breaker according to the prior art has a limited space utilization factor, and the distance between the fixed contact and the movable contact in the interrupted state (contact gap g0, see FIG. 5) is excessive as the size of each member is reduced. Get smaller. Therefore, there is a risk of spark discharge (spark) between the contacts. Such a spark causes problems such as damage to both contacts due to oxidation, thermal melting, and fouling, and shortening the breaker life.
Therefore, there has been a demand for a breaker having both the same stability and durability as the conventional one while realizing smaller dimensions.

本発明は、部材の寸法が縮小されたブレーカーにおいて、接点ギャップの不足を解消し、接点間に生じうるスパークを回避し、長寿命化を図るための手段を提供するものである。 The present invention provides a means for solving a shortage of a contact gap, avoiding a spark that may occur between contacts, and prolonging the life of a breaker with reduced member dimensions.

本発明の第１態様は、前掲の課題を解決するため、固定接点を形成された固定片、端部に形成された可動接点をバネ作用により前記固定接点に接触させる可動片、温度変化に伴う湾曲面の反転により前記可動接点が前記固定接点から接触又は離反するように動作する熱応動素子、前記固定片及び前記可動片と電気的に接続される正特性サーミスターを備えて構成される。さらに、本態様で、正特性サーミスターは突起部を有する板状であり、過熱していない通常時において、前記熱応動素子の湾曲面の凹面が前記正特性サーミスターに覆い被さっている。そして、前記突起部は、前記正特性サーミスターの、前記熱応動素子に対向する面（上面）に形成されて、通常時において、該面及び前記湾曲部に区画された空間を占めている。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first aspect of the present invention is a fixed piece formed with a fixed contact, a movable piece that makes the movable contact formed at the end contact the fixed contact by a spring action, and a change in temperature. The movable contact is configured to include a thermal response element that operates so that the movable contact contacts or separates from the fixed contact by reversing the curved surface, and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor that is electrically connected to the fixed piece and the movable piece. Further, in this aspect, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor has a plate shape having a protrusion, and the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermally responsive element covers the positive temperature coefficient thermistor during a normal time when the heat response element is not overheated. The protruding portion is formed on the surface (upper surface) of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor facing the thermally responsive element, and normally occupies a space defined by the surface and the curved portion.

従来技術における正特性サーミスターのように、突起のない平板状の形態では、正特性サーミスターの上面と熱応動素子の湾曲面の凹面とで区画される空間が所謂「死に領域」となって、部材の占めるべき余地を排除して嵩高となっていながら、接点ギャップに寄与しない。しかし、本形態において前記突起部は、過熱時の反転状態で熱応動素子の湾曲面の凸面に接触し、従来形態におけるより可動接点を高く押し上げ、接点ギャップを増大する。 In the flat plate-like form without protrusions, like the positive temperature coefficient thermistor in the prior art, the space defined by the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor and the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermal actuator element is a so-called “dead area”. It does not contribute to the contact gap while eliminating the room to be occupied by the member and being bulky. However, in the present embodiment, the projecting portion comes into contact with the convex surface of the curved surface of the thermally responsive element in an inverted state when overheated, and pushes the movable contact higher than in the conventional embodiment, thereby increasing the contact gap.

本発明の第２態様は、前記課題を解決するため、過熱していない通常時に、正特性サーミスターと熱応動素子とは該正特性サーミスターの上面の外周において接触し、且つ該正特性サーミスターの突起部は、全体が熱応動素子の湾曲面の凹面と正特性サーミスターの上面とで区画される空間に収容されるように設計される。
この形態では突起部は熱応動素子に接触せず、板状の正特性サーミスター上面の外周の一部又は全体が熱応動素子湾曲面の凹面に接触する。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the normal characteristic thermistor and the thermally responsive element are in contact with each other on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the positive characteristic thermistor and the positive characteristic thermistor is not heated. The projecting portion of the mister is designed so that the entirety is accommodated in a space defined by the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermally responsive element and the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor.
In this embodiment, the protrusion does not contact the thermal actuator, and a part or the whole of the outer periphery of the upper surface of the plate-like positive temperature coefficient thermistor contacts the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermal actuator.

本発明の第３態様は、熱応動素子と一体的になった可動片を有し、過熱時に反転する湾曲面は可動片に形成されている。本態様では、独立した熱応動素子は不要である。 The third aspect of the present invention has a movable piece integrated with the thermally responsive element, and a curved surface that reverses when overheated is formed on the movable piece. In this embodiment, an independent thermal response element is not necessary.

本発明の第４態様は、前記課題を解決するため、可動片に２つの可動接点を各両端に有し、固定片に、前記２つの可動接点のそれぞれと接触又は離反する２つの固定接点を有する。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the movable piece has two movable contacts at both ends, and the fixed piece has two fixed contacts that contact or separate from each of the two movable contacts. Have.

本発明の第１態様により、正特性サーミスターの上面に***した突起部が、正特性サーミスター上面と熱応動素子湾曲面の凹面とで区画された空間を排除し、空間効率を改善する。これにより、既述のような死に領域が減少し或いは実質的に解消され、反転状態において、突起部で補填されるだけ、充分に長い接点間ギャップが確保され、接点間でのスパークを抑制できる。しかも、正特性サーミスターを除き、部材は大きさがほぼ従来のままで使用することができる。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion protruding on the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor eliminates the space defined by the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor and the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermally responsive element, thereby improving the space efficiency. As a result, the area of death as described above is reduced or substantially eliminated, and in the inverted state, a sufficiently long gap between the contacts can be secured and the spark between the contacts can be suppressed only by being compensated by the protrusion. . In addition, except for the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, the members can be used in the conventional size.

同時に、反転動作中、熱応動素子の湾曲面が直ちに正特性サーミスターの突起部に接触して、押圧力は湾曲面から正特性サーミスター及び可動片に迅速に伝わるので、従来型のブレーカーに比べて、スパークの生じない一定の接点ギャップを得るまでの所要時間が少なくなり、速度的に優位な電流遮断が実現する。さらに、突起部の占める体積によりブレーカー内部の空隙を減少させることで、発生する熱の蓄積速度や蓄積効率を大きくして、従来技術によるブレーカーより低電流又は低電圧においても作動するブレーカーを実現できる。 At the same time, during the reversing operation, the curved surface of the thermally responsive element immediately contacts the projection of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, and the pressing force is quickly transmitted from the curved surface to the positive temperature coefficient thermistor and the movable piece. In comparison, the time required to obtain a constant contact gap where no spark occurs is reduced, and a current interruption that is superior in speed is realized. Furthermore, by reducing the air gap inside the breaker by the volume occupied by the protrusions, it is possible to realize a breaker that operates at a lower current or lower voltage than the breaker according to the prior art by increasing the accumulation speed and accumulation efficiency of the generated heat. .

本発明の第２態様により、突起部の全体が湾曲面と正特性サーミスターの上面とに区画された空間に収容され、正転状態において突起部は熱応動素子に接触しない。正転状態の熱応動素子は、従来技術おけるのと同じ高さにある。よって、従来技術で使用した設計と同様にブレーカーを構成できる。同時に、熱応動素子の高さは突起部の寸法誤差に影響されないので、従来技術と同程度に量産品間のバラツキを抑制できる。 According to the second aspect of the present invention, the entire protrusion is accommodated in the space defined by the curved surface and the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor, and the protrusion does not contact the thermal actuator in the forward rotation state. The thermoresponsive element in the forward rotation state is at the same height as in the prior art. Therefore, the breaker can be configured similarly to the design used in the prior art. At the same time, the height of the thermally responsive element is not affected by the dimensional error of the protrusions, so that variation among mass-produced products can be suppressed to the same extent as in the prior art.

本発明の第３態様により、熱応動素子の占める空間がなくなるため、ブレーカーの一層の小型化が可能となる。さらに、可動片と熱応動素子は一体的に形成されているため、熱応動素子の反転動作は一瞬の遅れもなく可動片の押し上げ動作となって、一層速度的に有利な電流遮断を行うことができる。 According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the space occupied by the thermally responsive element is eliminated, the breaker can be further reduced in size. Furthermore, since the movable piece and the thermally responsive element are integrally formed, the reversing operation of the thermally responsive element becomes a push-up operation of the movable piece without a momentary delay, and the current can be cut off more advantageously in terms of speed. Can do.

本発明の第４態様により、導通及び遮断を行う２つの接触箇所が、正特性サーミスターを中間に位置させて、形成されるので、可動片の一端を固定する構造をケースに形成する必要がなくなる。したがって、簡素で更に小型化及び安定化されたブレーカーを提供できる。 According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the two contact points for conducting and blocking are formed by positioning the positive temperature coefficient thermistor in the middle, so it is necessary to form a structure for fixing one end of the movable piece in the case. Disappear. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a breaker that is simple, further downsized and stabilized.

本発明の実施形態の断面図であり、通常時におけるもの（ａ）と過熱時におけるもの（ｂ）とである。It is sectional drawing of embodiment of this invention, and is (a) at the time of normal time, and (b) at the time of overheating. 本発明及び従来技術の正特性サーミスターの取る各種形態の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the various forms which the positive temperature coefficient thermistor of this invention and a prior art take. 両端に２つの接点を設けた本発明の実施形態の断面図であり、通常時におけるものと、過熱時におけるものとである。It is sectional drawing of embodiment of this invention which provided the two contacts at both ends, and is the thing at the time of normal time, and the thing at the time of overheating. 先行技術によるブレーカーの分解断面図である。1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a prior art breaker. 先行技術によるブレーカーの断面図であり、通常時におけるもの（ａ）と過熱時におけるもの（ｂ）とである。It is sectional drawing of the breaker by a prior art, and is (a) at the time of normal time, and (b) at the time of overheating.

以下、図を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明する。図１は、本発明の実施形態の通常時又は過熱時における断面図である。ブレーカー１は、従来品とほぼ同様、直方体状の絶縁性樹脂のケース６内に諸部品を設置、封入することにより構成される。ケース６は、諸部品の封入されるケース本体６１と当該ケース本体６１に接合されるカバー６２とで構成される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention during normal or overheating. The breaker 1 is configured by installing and enclosing various parts in a rectangular parallelepiped insulating resin case 6 in the same manner as a conventional product. The case 6 includes a case main body 61 in which various parts are enclosed and a cover 62 joined to the case main body 61.

固定片３は金属製の平板で、通常、インサート成形により樹脂製のケース本体６１のに埋め込まれて設けられ、その一端はケース本体６１の片端から延び出して、当該固定片３の本体部分と一体的に形成された固定側端子３３となっている。但し、この固定側端子３３は、固定片３と一体でなくても電気的に接続していれば問題ない。ケース本体６１の底部には、固定片３の一部が上方に露出した領域が存在し、ここに正特性サーミスター５を収容する収容穴が形成され、該収容穴には複数の台座突起３２が形成され、これらに正特性サーミスター５の下面５４が安定的に接触する。固定片３の別の一部には、可動片上の可動接点２１と接触して導通させる固定接点３１が形成される。固定接点３１は、塗布、メッキ又はクラッドなど既知の方法により形成できる。 The fixed piece 3 is a metal flat plate, and is usually provided by being embedded in a resin case main body 61 by insert molding. One end of the fixed piece 3 extends from one end of the case main body 61, The fixed side terminal 33 is formed integrally. However, there is no problem as long as the fixed side terminal 33 is not electrically integrated with the fixed piece 3 as long as it is electrically connected. In the bottom of the case body 61, there is a region where a part of the fixed piece 3 is exposed upward, and an accommodation hole for accommodating the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 is formed therein, and the plurality of pedestal protrusions 32 are formed in the accommodation hole. Are formed, and the lower surface 54 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 comes into stable contact therewith. In another part of the fixed piece 3, a fixed contact 31 is formed which is brought into contact with the movable contact 21 on the movable piece to be conducted. The fixed contact 31 can be formed by a known method such as coating, plating, or cladding.

可動片２は、バネ性に富んだ金属製の平板で、湾曲面４１の反転動作により振り子様に回動する可動部２２、回動運動の中心となる固定部２３及びこれを挟んだ一端に、ケース６から延び出した可動側端子２４などから構成される。可動部先端には、固定接点３１と接触又は離反する可動接点２１の土台となる構造が下向きに突出して設けられる。可動片２及び可動側端子２４は、電気的に接続される限り、一体的に設けられるか否か特に限定されず、最終製品であるブレーカー１の使用形態に従う。可動片２の形状は、上下方向から見て全体としてほぼ長方形で、且つ可動部２２は断面視で上に凸の円弧状又は山折れに特徴付けられる。固定部２３はブレーカー１の全体構成に従い、固定に好適なように上下方向から見て他の部分より幅広になっていることが一般的である。 The movable piece 2 is a metal flat plate with abundant spring characteristics. The movable portion 22 rotates like a pendulum by the reversing operation of the curved surface 41, the fixed portion 23 that becomes the center of the rotating motion, and one end sandwiching the movable portion 22. The movable terminal 24 extends from the case 6. A structure serving as a base of the movable contact 21 that contacts or separates from the fixed contact 31 is provided at the distal end of the movable portion so as to protrude downward. The movable piece 2 and the movable side terminal 24 are not particularly limited as to whether or not they are integrally provided as long as they are electrically connected, and follow the usage form of the breaker 1 that is the final product. The shape of the movable piece 2 is substantially rectangular as a whole when viewed from above and below, and the movable portion 22 is characterized by an upwardly convex arc shape or mountain fold in a sectional view. In general, the fixing portion 23 is wider than other portions as viewed in the vertical direction so as to be suitable for fixing in accordance with the overall configuration of the breaker 1.

熱応動素子は通常バイメタルで形成される。よって以下、特に言及のない限り熱応動素子とはバイメタルをいう。バイメタル４は、窪み状に湾曲した金属片で、湾曲面４１及びその周辺に延在する端部４２で構成され、本実施形態のように独立した部品となる場合、望ましい形状は、可動片２を押し上げる能率の観点から矩形である。湾曲面４１は、通常、球面形状の絞りパンチで球面状に浅くプレス加工することにより形成される。端部４２は湾曲面４１を挟むか囲繞して存在し、絞り加工されなかった残部であり、但し、バイメタル４の形状は、円形又は楕円形など他の形状であっても、反転作用と可動片２の押し上げ動作を呈する限り、特に限定はない。 The thermally responsive element is usually formed of bimetal. Therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the thermally responsive element refers to a bimetal. The bimetal 4 is a metal piece curved in a hollow shape, and is composed of a curved surface 41 and an end portion 42 extending around the curved surface 41. When the bimetal 4 is an independent part as in this embodiment, the desired shape is the movable piece 2 It is a rectangle from the viewpoint of efficiency to push up. The curved surface 41 is usually formed by pressing a shallow spherical surface with a spherical drawing punch. The end portion 42 is a remaining portion that sandwiches or surrounds the curved surface 41 and has not been drawn. However, even if the shape of the bimetal 4 is another shape such as a circle or an ellipse, it can be reversed and moved. There is no particular limitation as long as the piece 2 is pushed up.

前記可動片２及びバイメタル４の一方又は双方には、バイメタル４が反転した時、可動片２と接触する箇所で、可動片２及びバイメタル４が向かい合うに方向に突出したダボ２５（小突起）が形成されてもよい。このようなダボ２５が形成されるとバイメタル４と可動片２とが接触するまでの時間が短くなり、更に迅速に電流を遮断し、また、接点ギャップを一層大きく取ることが可能になる。 One or both of the movable piece 2 and the bimetal 4 has a dowel 25 (small protrusion) that protrudes in a direction in which the movable piece 2 and the bimetal 4 face each other at a place where the movable piece 2 contacts the movable piece 2 when the bimetal 4 is reversed. It may be formed. When such a dowel 25 is formed, the time until the bimetal 4 and the movable piece 2 come into contact with each other is shortened, the current can be cut off more quickly, and the contact gap can be further increased.

ケース本体６１及びカバー６２は、ポリアミド、ポリフェニレンスルフィド（ＰＰＳ）、液晶ポリマー（ＬＣＰ）、ポリブチレンテレフタレート（ＰＢＴ）、その他の耐熱性や難燃性に優れた樹脂を材質として成形される。特に二次電池と一体化して電池パックを製造する場合には、２００℃以上の耐熱性を有する液晶ポリマーを使用するのが好ましい。カバー６２は、強度を得るために金属片がインサート成形などにより埋設されている。 The case main body 61 and the cover 62 are formed of polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or other resin having excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy. In particular, when a battery pack is produced by integrating with a secondary battery, it is preferable to use a liquid crystal polymer having a heat resistance of 200 ° C. or higher. In the cover 62, a metal piece is embedded by insert molding or the like in order to obtain strength.

固定片３、固定側端子３３及びカバー６２の金属部の材料は銅が好ましく、リン青銅、銅−チタン合金、洋白、黄銅、ステンレス鋼などの導電性材料を用いる。可動片２の材料も同様にリン青銅，銅−チタン合金、洋白、黄銅、ステンレス鋼などの導電性を有するバネ性に富んだ材料を用いる。 The material of the metal part of the fixed piece 3, the fixed terminal 33 and the cover 62 is preferably copper, and a conductive material such as phosphor bronze, copper-titanium alloy, white, brass or stainless steel is used. Similarly, the material of the movable piece 2 is made of a material having a high spring property having conductivity, such as phosphor bronze, copper-titanium alloy, white, brass, and stainless steel.

固定接点３１及び可動接点２１の材料は、導電性の良い銀合金が好ましく、銅−
銀合金、金− 銀合金、炭素−
銀合金、タングステン− 銀合金などの接点材料を用いることができる。これらの接点の固定片３や可動片２への接合は、塗布、クラッド、めっき、カシメなど従来法により行うことができる。 The material of the fixed contact 31 and the movable contact 21 is preferably a silver alloy having good conductivity,
Silver alloy, gold-silver alloy, carbon-
A contact material such as a silver alloy or tungsten-silver alloy can be used. These contacts can be joined to the fixed piece 3 and the movable piece 2 by conventional methods such as coating, cladding, plating, and caulking.

バイメタル４には、例えば銅−ニッケル−マンガン合金、ニッケル−クロム−鉄合金などによる高熱膨張金属材料と、ニッケル−鉄合金などによる低熱膨張金属材料とを積層させたものなど既存の材料を用いることができる。熱応動素子にトリメタルを使用する場合もバイメタル同様、既存の材料を適宜組み合わせて用いることができる。 For the bimetal 4, for example, an existing material such as a laminate of a high thermal expansion metal material such as a copper-nickel-manganese alloy or a nickel-chromium-iron alloy and a low thermal expansion metal material such as a nickel-iron alloy is used. Can do. When trimetal is used for the thermally responsive element, similar to bimetal, existing materials can be used in appropriate combination.

正特性サーミスター５は電流により発熱し、電気抵抗を急増させる発熱素子であり、通常の導通時は抵抗が大きいため実質上導通しない。正特性サーミスター５は、例えば図２の（ｅ）のように、板状の主部５１及びその上面５３に形成された突起部５２により構成される。主部５１の形状は、加工の容易性から円盤状又は円柱状であることが望ましく、通常、ブレーカー１全体の小型化及び電気特性のために円盤状を呈する。厚さ、断面積などの寸法は、ブレーカー１に必要とされる寸法、電気特性などに応じて選ばれる。突起部５２は主部上面５３から***した構造であり、通常、主部５１と同質の材料で形成され、その数は単数であっても複数も受けてもよい。突起部５２は寸法上、主部５１より小さい構成を取り、平面視でその断面は主部上面５３より小さく、上面５３の外周に包摂される。正特性サーミスター５の材料は、酸化チタンとその他の添加剤を混錬したものなど、既知のものが用いられる。但し、ブレーカーの熱的及び電気的な特性が損なわれないならば、正特性サーミスター５は上記の条件に限定されない。 The positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 is a heat generating element that generates heat due to an electric current and rapidly increases its electric resistance, and does not substantially conduct because of its large resistance during normal conduction. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 includes a plate-like main portion 51 and a protrusion 52 formed on the upper surface 53 thereof, for example, as shown in FIG. The shape of the main part 51 is preferably a disk shape or a columnar shape for ease of processing, and usually exhibits a disk shape for the purpose of downsizing and electric characteristics of the breaker 1 as a whole. The dimensions such as thickness and cross-sectional area are selected according to the dimensions and electrical characteristics required for the breaker 1. The protrusion 52 has a structure raised from the upper surface 53 of the main part, and is usually formed of the same material as that of the main part 51. The number of the protrusions 52 may be singular or plural. The protrusion 52 is smaller in size than the main portion 51, and its cross section is smaller than the main portion upper surface 53 in plan view and is included in the outer periphery of the upper surface 53. As the material of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5, a known material such as a material in which titanium oxide and other additives are kneaded is used. However, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 is not limited to the above conditions as long as the thermal and electrical characteristics of the breaker are not impaired.

突起部５２の形状は、具体的には、主部５１の上面５３より断面積の小さい角柱、円柱、半球、球面の一部、円錐若しくは角錐、又はこれらの切頭体が挙げられる。これらの中で、加工の容易性から、図２の（ｅ）のような円柱、図２の（ｃ）のような切頭円錐、図２の（ｂ）のような球面の一部などが望ましい。突起部５２の形成される部位は上面５３の平面視で外周の内部であれば特に指定はなく、図２の（ｄ）のような偏心した形態もありうる。このように偏心した形状によって、反転状態で可動片２は片側に傾き、可動接点２１が更に高く上がり、一層の接点ギャップの増大を図れる。 Specific examples of the shape of the protrusion 52 include a prism, a cylinder, a hemisphere, a part of a spherical surface, a cone or a pyramid, or a truncated body thereof having a smaller cross-sectional area than the upper surface 53 of the main portion 51. Among these, for ease of processing, a cylinder as shown in FIG. 2E, a truncated cone as shown in FIG. 2C, a part of a spherical surface as shown in FIG. desirable. The part where the protrusion 52 is formed is not particularly specified as long as it is inside the outer periphery in plan view of the upper surface 53, and there may be an eccentric form as shown in FIG. Due to such an eccentric shape, the movable piece 2 is tilted to one side in the inverted state, and the movable contact 21 is further raised, thereby further increasing the contact gap.

先述の実施態様２において、上面５３の外周、突起部５２及び主部５１の区別が明瞭で、突起部５２が死に領域ｄに包摂され正転状態にあるバイメタル４に接していないことを望ましいとしたが、上面５３の外周、突起部５２及び主部５１は不明瞭であり、又は突起部５２が若干、正転状態にあるバイメタル４を従来品におけるより押し上げていても、正特性サーミスター５の一部が湾曲面４１の凹面と上面５３とで区画される空間を充填し、図５に現れるような死に領域ｄが解消されていれば、本発明の作用効果は得られる。正特性サーミスターの上面が平面視でバイメタルをはみ出していても同様である。但し、図２の（ａ）のように上面５３の大部分または全部が完全な平板になると死に領域ｄで空間排除ができなくなり、従来型の正特性サーミスターと同様になってしまうため、本発明の効果が得られなくなる。また、バイメタル４を幅広にした方が接点ギャップを大きく取ること及び製品個体ごとのバラツキを抑えることを考慮すると、図1の（ａ）、図３の（ａ）又は図５の（ａ）におけるように、正特性サーミスター５の上面５３の外周でバイメタル４の接触するのが有利である。 In the second embodiment described above, it is desirable that the outer periphery of the upper surface 53, the protrusion 52 and the main part 51 are clearly distinguished, and that the protrusion 52 is not in contact with the bimetal 4 which is included in the region d and is in the normal rotation state. However, even if the outer periphery of the upper surface 53, the protrusion 52 and the main part 51 are unclear, or the protrusion 52 slightly pushes up the bimetal 4 in the normal rotation state more than the conventional product, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 If a part of the space fills the space defined by the concave surface of the curved surface 41 and the upper surface 53 and the dead region d as shown in FIG. 5 is eliminated, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. The same is true even if the upper surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor protrudes from the bimetal in plan view. However, if most or all of the upper surface 53 becomes a complete flat plate as shown in FIG. 2A, it is impossible to eliminate the space in the region d, which is similar to a conventional positive temperature coefficient thermistor. The effect of the invention cannot be obtained. In addition, considering that the wider bimetal 4 has a larger contact gap and suppresses the variation among individual products, FIG. 1 (a), FIG. 3 (a) or FIG. 5 (a). Thus, it is advantageous that the bimetal 4 is in contact with the outer periphery of the upper surface 53 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5.

〈通常時〉〈従来品との比較〉
図１の（ａ）のように、正常に充放電しているか、無通電の通常時においては、バイメタル４は正転状態にあって、湾曲面４１が正特性サーミスターの上面５３を覆っている。湾曲面４１は、凹面が正特性サーミスター５に接触し、凸面が可動片２に対向している。
一方、従来技術においても図５の（ａ）のように、各部品の位置関係は全く同じであり、唯、突起部５２の存否のみが相違する。これら双方を見ればわかるように、突起部５２は、従来技術のブレーカー内部において元々何も存在しない死に領域ｄを占めているので、ブレーカー１の全体寸法に全く影響しない。つまり、従来品と本発明の製品とで外観寸法は同一にできる。 <Normal><Comparison with conventional products>
As shown in FIG. 1A, when the battery is normally charged / discharged or not energized, the bimetal 4 is in a normal rotation state, and the curved surface 41 covers the upper surface 53 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor. Yes. The curved surface 41 has a concave surface in contact with the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 and a convex surface facing the movable piece 2.
On the other hand, in the prior art, as shown in FIG. 5A, the positional relationship between the components is exactly the same, and only the presence or absence of the protrusion 52 is different. As can be seen from both of these, the protrusion 52 occupies a dead area d which originally does not exist inside the breaker of the prior art, and therefore does not affect the overall dimensions of the breaker 1 at all. That is, the external dimensions of the conventional product and the product of the present invention can be made the same.

〈過熱時〉〈従来品との比較〉
過充電状態又は短絡などにより温度が上昇している過熱時には
バイメタル４は反転状態になり、湾曲面４１は正特性サーミスター５に凸面を向けて該凸面で正特性サーミスター５に接触し、一方で可動片２の側は凹面となり端部４２で可動片２を押し上げる。本発明では図１の（ｂ）のように過熱時の湾曲面４１の凸面は突起部５２に接触している。一方で従来技術においては、図５の（ｂ）のように過熱時の湾曲面４１の凸面は正特性サーミスター５の上面５３に接している。これら双方を比べると、本発明の接点ギャップｇ１は、突起部５２の上げしろｒ（上面５３からの高さ）によって、従来技術の接点ギャップｇ０より、大きくなっている。 <During overheating><Comparison with conventional products>
At the time of overheating when the temperature rises due to an overcharged state or a short circuit, the bimetal 4 is in an inverted state, the curved surface 41 faces the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 with the convex surface facing the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5, Thus, the movable piece 2 side becomes a concave surface, and the movable piece 2 is pushed up by the end portion 42. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, the convex surface of the curved surface 41 at the time of overheating is in contact with the protrusion 52. On the other hand, in the prior art, the convex surface of the curved surface 41 during overheating is in contact with the upper surface 53 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 as shown in FIG. Comparing these two, the contact gap g1 of the present invention is larger than the contact gap g0 of the prior art due to the rising margin r (height from the upper surface 53) of the protrusion 52.

以上のように、接点ギャップｇ１が突起部の上げしろｒの分、相対的に長くなるので、本発明のブレーカー１は従来品よりスパークが起きにくく長寿命となる。しかも、本発明は、従来品における死に領域ｄを新たな部位の設置に充てているので、従来品と同じ製品寸法を保つことを可能ならしめる。本発明によると、一定の接点ギャップの保障される限り、部材を縮小して更に小型のブレーカーを提供できる。 As described above, since the contact gap g1 is relatively longer by the amount r of the protrusion, the breaker 1 of the present invention is less prone to spark than the conventional product and has a longer life. In addition, the present invention dedicates the dead area d in the conventional product to the installation of a new part, so that the same product dimensions as the conventional product can be maintained. According to the present invention, as long as a certain contact gap is ensured, the member can be reduced to provide a smaller breaker.

〈一体型〉
本発明の実施形態には、可動片の一部又は全体がバイメタル又はトリメタルからなり、所定温度で反転する湾曲面が、可動片上に形成されるもの（図示せず）もある。この場合、熱応動素子が可動片から独立した部材となっている場合に比べて、バイメタルチップが除かれる分、ケース内部で諸部材の占める所要体積が小さくなり、ブレーカーの一層の小型化を図ることができる。 <Integrated>
In some embodiments of the present invention, a part or the whole of the movable piece is made of bimetal or trimetal, and a curved surface that is reversed at a predetermined temperature is formed on the movable piece (not shown). In this case, as compared with the case where the thermally responsive element is a member independent of the movable piece, the required volume occupied by the various members in the case is reduced by the amount of removal of the bimetal chip, thereby further reducing the size of the breaker. be able to.

〈両端型〉
次に図３により、本発明の別の実施形態について説明する。この実施形態においては、可動片２の両端において接点の接触又は離反を行い、図３の（ｂ）に見られるようにバイメタル４の反転及び正転を通して、可動片２は羽ばたき様の運動をする。さらにカバー６２には、同図（ａ）ように可動片２中央の上方にカバー凸部６３が形成され、可動片２の中央に接触し、可動片２が下方へ押圧され、可動片２のバネ作用により可動接点２１と固定接点３１とが接触する。この実施形態においても、可動片２をバイメタル又はトリメタルで形成して、熱応動素子と可動片とを一体化することが可能である。さらに、反転状態の可動片２を傾斜させ（図示せず）、片方の可動接点２１を更に大きく離反させるために、正特性サーミスターの突起部５２は例えば、図２の（ｄ）のように偏心していると有利である。
本実施形態の他の構成や作用効果は、既述の実施形態とほぼ同様であるので、説明は省略する。 <Both ends type>
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the contact point contacts or separates at both ends of the movable piece 2, and the movable piece 2 moves like flapping through inversion and forward rotation of the bimetal 4 as shown in FIG. 3B. . Further, the cover 62 is formed with a cover convex portion 63 above the center of the movable piece 2 as shown in FIG. 5A, and comes into contact with the center of the movable piece 2 so that the movable piece 2 is pressed downward. The movable contact 21 and the fixed contact 31 come into contact with each other by the spring action. Also in this embodiment, the movable piece 2 can be formed of bimetal or trimetal, and the thermally responsive element and the movable piece can be integrated. Further, in order to incline the movable piece 2 in the inverted state (not shown) and further separate the movable contact 21 on one side, the protrusion 52 of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor is, for example, as shown in FIG. It is advantageous to be eccentric.
Other configurations and operational effects of the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

尚、本発明は上記実施形態に限られることなく、少なくとも固定片３、可動片２、温度変化に伴う湾曲面４１及び正特性サーミスター５を備え、湾曲面４１の反転動作により固定接点３１と可動接点２１とを接触又は離反させる構造を持つブレーカーにおいて、正特性サーミスター５が、その上面５３から***して正転状態の湾曲面４１の内部の空間を占有する突起部５２を持つものであればよい。
以上において、熱応動素子の反転動作の時に、それぞれの部材が他部材と緩衝しない限度に広い面積の空間を有するように設計されるのは言うまでもない。 The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and includes at least the fixed piece 3, the movable piece 2, the curved surface 41 and the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 due to temperature change, and the fixed contact 31 and the fixed contact 31 by reversing the curved surface 41. In the breaker having a structure for contacting or separating the movable contact 21, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor 5 has a protrusion 52 that protrudes from the upper surface 53 and occupies the space inside the curved surface 41 in the forward rotation state. I just need it.
In the above description, it is needless to say that each member is designed to have a large space so as not to be buffered with other members during the reversal operation of the thermally responsive element.

１ブレーカー
２可動片
２１可動接点
２２可動部
２３固定部
２４可動側端子
２５ダボ
３固定片
３１固定接点
３２台座突起
３３固定側端子
４バイメタル
４１湾曲面
４２端部
５正特性サーミスター
５１主部
５２突起部
５３上面
５４下面
６ケース
６１ケース本体
６２カバー
６３カバー凸部
ｄ死に領域
ｇ０接点ギャップ（従来品）
ｇ１接点ギャップ（本発明）
ｒ上げしろ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Breaker 2 Movable piece 21 Movable contact 22 Movable part 23 Fixed part 24 Movable side terminal 25 Dowel 3 Fixed piece 31 Fixed contact 32 Base protrusion 33 Fixed side terminal 4 Bimetal 41 Curved surface 42 End part 5 Positive temperature coefficient thermistor 51 Main part 52 Projection 53 Upper surface 54 Lower surface 6 Case 61 Case main body 62 Cover 63 Cover convex portion d Die region g0 Contact gap (conventional product)
g1 Contact gap (invention)
r Raise it

Claims

固定接点を形成された固定片、端部に形成された可動接点をバネ作用により前記固定接点に接触させる可動片、温度変化に伴う湾曲面の反転により前記可動接点が前記固定接点から接触又は離反するように動作する熱応動素子、前記固定片及び前記可動片と電気的に接続される正特性サーミスターを備えて構成され、
過熱していない通常時において、前記熱応動素子の湾曲面の凹面が前記正特性サーミスターに覆い被さり、
該正特性サーミスターは突起部を有する板状であり、
該突起部は前記正特性サーミスターの、前記熱応動素子に対向する面に形成され、該面及び前記湾曲部に区画された空間を占めることを特徴とするブレーカー。 A fixed piece formed with a fixed contact, a movable piece formed at the end to contact the fixed contact by a spring action, and the movable contact contacts or separates from the fixed contact due to reversal of the curved surface with temperature change. A thermoresponsive element that operates to include a positive temperature coefficient thermistor that is electrically connected to the fixed piece and the movable piece;
In normal time when not overheating, the concave surface of the curved surface of the thermoresponsive element covers the positive temperature coefficient thermistor,
The positive temperature coefficient thermistor is a plate having a protrusion,
The projecting portion is formed on a surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor facing the thermally responsive element and occupies a space defined by the surface and the curved portion.

前記正特性サーミスターは、過熱していない通常時に、
前記熱応動素子に対向する面の外周において前記熱応動素子と接触し、
前記突起部の全体が、前記湾曲面の凹面と、前記正特性サーミスターの、前記熱応動素子に対向する面とに区画された空間に収容されることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のブレーカー。 The positive temperature coefficient thermistor is normally not overheated,
In contact with the thermoresponsive element at the outer periphery of the surface facing the thermoresponsive element;
The entire protrusion is housed in a space defined by a concave surface of the curved surface and a surface of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor that faces the thermal actuator. breaker.

前記湾曲面が前記可動片に形成されて、熱応動素子が可動片と一体的となっていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載のブレーカー。 The breaker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the curved surface is formed on the movable piece, and the thermally responsive element is integrated with the movable piece.

前記可動片は、２つの可動接点を各両端に設けられ、
前記２つの可動接点のそれぞれと接触又は離反する２つの固定接点が前記固定片に設けられることを特徴とする請求項１乃至３に記載のブレーカー。 The movable piece is provided with two movable contacts at both ends,
The breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixed piece is provided with two fixed contacts that contact or separate from each of the two movable contacts.