| 20080315983 | Safety Device For Preventing Propagation in Fracture of Ceramic Element - The present invention relates to a safety device for preventing propagation when a ceramic element is failed. An angle is formed such that elastic terminals contacted at both faces of the ceramic element do not face each other and an elastic terminal of one lateral face of the ceramic element is formed without one leg so as not to be contacted with the ceramic element, and therefore when an unsustainable force is applied to the ceramic element by an excessive thermal stress or an excessive current caused by an external abnormal power supply is applied to the ceramic element, the ceramic element performs an immediate failure and thus a rapid cut-off capability of circuit. The upper case is provided with a receiving space for accommodating a ceramic element such that the ceramic element remains upright inside of the receiving space, or the ceramic element is mounted inside of an insulator such that the insulator supports an off-set force by a connection force of the elastic terminal to allow the ceramic element to remain upright. A wedge is formed integrally with the upper case so as to be contacted with the elastic terminal mounted at both sides of the upper case, which supports the elastic terminal, thereby supporting the elastic terminal. Even after the operation of the safety device, the scattered ceramic element is captured by the wall face of the receiving space inside of the upper case, thereby providing a capability of stable circuit cut-off. A case protrusion is formed at both lower portions of the upper case to which the ceramic element is mounted, thereby providing a gradient to allow the ceramic element to remain upright. The tab terminal and the elastic terminal are connected by means of a rivet or welding, and the elastic terminal is provided with an embossing to reinforce the elasticity of the elastic terminal material, thereby enabling to be replaced by a thinner elastic terminal and thus reduce the manufacturing cost. | 12-25-2008 |
