IP Library Granted Patent US 7,535,332
Granted Patent B2
US 7,535,332 · App. 10/538,754 · Granted May 19, 2009

Protective element

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,535,332
App. No.
10/538,754
Granted
May 19, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

A protective element has a heat-generating member and a low-melting metal member on a substrate, in which the low-melting metal member is blown out by the heat generated by the heat-generating member, wherein at least two strips of low-melting metal member are provided as the low-melting metal member, for example, between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member, so that the lateral cross section of at least part of the low-melting metal member is substantially divided into at least two independent cross sections. This protective element has a shorter and more consistent operating time. It is preferable here to provide at least two strips of low-melting metal member between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member. It is also preferable to provide one strip of low-melting metal member having a slit in its center, between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member.

Claims (4)

1. A protective element, comprising:

a heat-generating member; and

a low-melting metal member on a substrate between a pair of electrodes that pass current through the low-melting member, in which the low-melting metal member is blown out by the heat generated by the heat-generating member;

the low-melting metal member having a groove provided in the center that extends in the direction of current flow that blows out as an effect of the heat-generating member generating heat, so that the lateral cross section along the entire length of the low-melting metal member in the direction of the current flow divides into at least two independent cross sections.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 17, 2006
From: SONY CHEMICALS CORPORATION
To: SONY CHEMICAL & INFORMATION DEVICE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 018550/0258 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 10, 2005
From: FURUUCHI, YUJI; TAMURA, HISAYA; MATSUYOSHI, MASAHIRO; FURUTA, KAZUTAKA; KAWAZU, MASAMI
To: SONY CHEMICALS CORP.
Reel/Frame 017384/0015 →