Automatic switching-off structure for protecting electronic device from burning

• US 5,708,553 A
• Filed: 07/18/1996
• Issued: 01/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Je Hung
• Original Assignee: Je Hung
• Inventors: Hung, Je
• Primary Examiner(s): Gaffin, Jeffrey A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHERRY, MICHAEL JUDE
• Application Number:
  US08/683,000
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 361/103-106, 361/93, 361/94, 337/4-6, 337/114, 337/120-121, 337/123, 337/139-140, 337/388, 337/401, 337/403, 337/404-405, 337/406-407
• US Class Current: 361/103
• CPC Class Codes: H01C 7/13 current responsive
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2037/762 using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 37/761 with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit H01H37/767 takes precedence

Abstract

An electronic device integrally formed with an automatic switching-off structure for protecting the device from overheating. At least one conducting lead of the electronic device is mechanically and electrically connected to its corresponding electrode by means of a solder column having desired melting point, with an appropriate spacing being kept between the conducting lead and the electrode. The coating layer of the electronic device is formed by a material such as epoxy resin which will soften and release a gaseous substance when heated to a temperature near its ignition point. When the temperature of the device exceeds the melting point of the solder, the solder column melts to break the electrical circuit and prevent overheating of the device. If the electronic device per se has higher working temperature, the coating layer is formed by a material having a higher ignition point such as silicon resin or silicon rubber which will not soften and expand when heated to a temperature near its ignition point. In this case, a compressed spring is interposed between the conducting lead and the electrode, and the coating layer must include, in the part enwrapping the solder column, a breakage or a weak portion which is apt to break upon suffering a tensile force in the direction generally parallel to the solder column.

Claims

1. A combined assembly of an electronic device and integrally formed automatic switching-off structure for protecting the electronic device from burning, comprising:

a ceramic body with electrical properties, having a first lateral side and a second lateral side;

a first electrode attached to said first lateral side of said ceramic body;

a second electrode attached to said second lateral side of said ceramic body;

first and second conducting leads;

a second conducting lead electrically connected to said second electrode; and

a coating layer coated around an assembly formed by appropriately connected said ceramic body, said first electrode, said second electrode, said first conducting lead and said second conducting lead so as to form an outer protection layer;

characterized in;

at least one of said first and second conducting leads is spaced apart from the corresponding electrode so as to be mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding electrode by a column of solder extending outwardly from the corresponding electrode and having a predetermined melting point; and

a coating layer coated around said ceramic body, said first electrode second electrode said first conducting lead and said second conducting lead so as to form an outer protection layer, whereby said coating layer is formed of a material which will soften and release a gaseous substance when heated to a predetermined temperature near its ignition point.

2. A combined assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coating layer comprises an epoxy resin.

3. A combined assembly of an electronic device and integrally formed automatic switching-off structure for protecting the electronic device from burning, comprising:

a ceramic body with required electrical properties, having a first lateral side and a second lateral side;

a first electrode attached to said first lateral side of said ceramic body;

a second electrode attached to said second lateral side of said ceramic body;

a first conducting lead electrically connected to said first electrode;

a second conducting lead electrically connected to said second electrode; and

a coating layer coated around an assembly formed by appropriately connecting said ceramic body, said first electrode, said second electrode, said first conducting lead and said second conducting lead so as to form an outer protection layer;

characterized in;

that said first conducting lead is mechanically and electrically connected to said first electrode by means of a solder column having proper melting point, with a proper spacing being kept between said first conducting lead and said first electrode;

that into said spacing between said first conducting lead and said first electrode is interposed a spring, in a properly compressed state, which tends to push said first conducting lead and first electrode away from each other; and

that said coating layer includes, in the part enwrapping said solder column, a breakage or a weak portion which is apt to break upon suffering a tensile force in the direction generally parallel to said solder column.

4. A combined assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said coating layer is made of silicon resin or silicon rubber.

5. A combined assembly of an electronic device and integrally formed automatic switching-off structure for protecting the electronic device from burning, comprising:

a ceramic body with electrical properties, having a first lateral side and a second lateral side;

a first electrode attached to said first lateral side of said ceramic body;

a second electrode attached to said second lateral side of said ceramic body;

first and second conducting lead;

at least one of said first and second conducting leads is spaced apart from the corresponding electrode so as to be mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding electrode by a column of solder extending outwardly from the corresponding electrodes and having a predetermined melting point; and

a coating layer coated around said ceramic body, said first electrode, said second electrode, said first conducting lead and said second conducting lead so as to form an outer protection layer, whereby said coating layer is formed by a material which will deform when heated to a predetermined temperature near its ignition point.