FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
FLEXIBLE CONDUCTOR AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION
ORGANISED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS
IS 7-3, MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 1008310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED
2
DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flexible
conductor that is ultrasonically bonded and to an electrical5
apparatus including the flexible conductor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In conventional technology, a flexible conductor
has been disclosed comprising:10
a flexible portion having conductivity and
flexibility, the flexible portion being formed by stacking a
plurality of thin plates made of copper; and
terminal portions provided at both ends of the
flexible portion.15
It is disclosed that in the manufacture of this
flexible conductor, the thin sheets are tin-plated, and the
tin plating is melted by resistance welding or the like to
join the stacked thin sheets (for example, Patent Document 1).
20
CITATION LIST
PATENT DOCUMENT
[0003] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2013-
131434
25
3
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004] However, in the conventional bonding method in
which the tin plating is melted to bond laminated copper
foils, bonding is performed via a plating layer. Therefore,5
when electricity is applied, current flows through the tin
plating layer, which has a higher electrical resistance than
copper, resulting in an increased electrical resistance
compared to a flexible conductor made of copper foil without
tin plating.10
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the
above mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flexible
conductor in which a plurality of copper foils are
ultrasonically bonded, and an electrical apparatus including
the flexible conductor.15
MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
[0006] The flexible conductor according to the present
disclosure comprises a plurality of copper foils laminated in
a thickness direction, wherein the plurality of laminated20
copper foils are ultrasonically bonded to each other at both
ends in the copper foil extension direction.
[0007] The electrical apparatus according to the present
disclosure comprises the flexible conductor described above,
a movable part fastened to a first end portion out of the25
4
first and second end portions of the flexible conductor, and
a terminal fastened to the second end portion.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the flexible conductor of the present5
disclosure, a flexible conductor with lower electrical
resistance can be provided compared to conventional flexible
conductors in which laminated copper foils are joined using
tin plating.
Additionally, the electrical apparatus according to10
the present disclosure can provide an electrical apparatus
with low electrical resistance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a15
switchgear comprising a flexible conductor according to
embodiment 1 of the present disclosure in an open state.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a
switchgear comprising a flexible conductor according to
embodiment 1 of the present disclosure in a closed state.20
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a
flexible conductor according to embodiment 1 of the present
disclosure.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a
flexible conductor according to embodiment 2 of the present25
5
disclosure.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a
flexible conductor according to embodiment 3 of the present
disclosure.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram5
corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A'
in FIG. 5 of a flexible conductor according to embodiment 3
of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS10
[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be noted that the drawings are
schematically illustrated, and the mutual relationships of
sizes and positions shown in different drawings are not15
necessarily accurately depicted and may be appropriately
modified. Additionally, in the following description, the
same reference numerals are assigned to similar components,
and their names and functions are assumed to be identical or
similar. Accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof may be20
omitted.
[0011] Embodiment 1.
A flexible conductor 1 in embodiment 1 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 1 is a25
6
schematic side view showing a switchgear 11 comprising the
flexible conductor 1 of embodiment 1 in an open state, that
is, a state in which a movable contact 4 and a fixed contact
5, which will be described later, are not in contact.
For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 1, a5
portion of the front surface of a vacuum valve 16 is omitted
to show the interior of the vacuum valve 16.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the switchgear 11 according to
the present embodiment includes:
the flexible conductor 1;10
a first terminal 12 (a flexible conductor-side
fixed terminal that is electrically connected to a movable
contact 4 via the flexible conductor 1);
a drive device tip 13;
a first movable part 14 (a movable part connected15
to the movable contact 4);
a vacuum valve 16;
a fixed part 17 (a fixed part connected to a fixed
contact 5);
a second terminal 19 (a vacuum valve-side fixed20
terminal electrically connected to the fixed contact 5);
a bolt 20 and a nut 23 for fastening the first
terminal 12 and the flexible conductor 1;
a bolt 21 for fixing the fixed part 17 and the
second terminal 19; and25
7
a nut 22 for fixing the first movable part 14, the
flexible conductor 1, and the drive device tip 13.
The switchgear 11 includes:
the fixed contact 5 and the fixed part 17 as fixed
members; and5
the movable contact 4 and the first movable part 14
as movable members.
[0013] The flexible conductor 1 includes a flexible
portion 38 having conductivity and flexibility, a first end
portion 32, and a second end portion 33.10
The first end portion 32 and the second end portion
33 are positioned so as to sandwich both ends of the flexible
portion 38.
Here, the first end portion 32 and the second end
portion 33 may be located at any position on one end side or15
the other end side of the flexible portion 38. That is, the
first end portion 32 and the second end portion 33 of the
flexible conductor 1 are not limited to edges, and may be any
portion excluding the flexible portion 38.
For example, if the flexible portion 38 is20
positioned off-center in the flexible conductor 1 rather than
at the center, one of the ends may be located in the central
portion of the flexible conductor 1.
[0014] The first end portion 32 of the flexible conductor
1 is fastened to the drive device tip 13 and the first25
8
movable part 14, for example, with a nut 22.
That is, the first end portion 32 of the flexible
conductor 1 is connected to the movable portion of the
switchgear 11.
That is, the first end portion 32 of the flexible5
conductor 1 is electrically connected to the first movable
part 14.
[0015] The first end portion 32 of the flexible
conductor 1 only needs to be connected to the first movable
part 14, and does not necessarily need to be connected to the10
drive device tip 13.
[0016] The drive device tip 13 and the first movable
part 14 are fastened with a nut 22.
[0017] Additionally, the drive device tip 13 is
connected to an external drive device (not shown). The drive15
device is, for example, driven by the force of a spring. The
drive device includes an insulating rod connected to the
first movable part 14.
[0018] The second end portion 33 of the flexible conductor
1 is fastened to the first terminal 12, for example, with a20
bolt 20 and a nut 23. That is, the second end portion 33 of
the flexible conductor 1 in the switchgear 11 is connected to
the fixed portion of the switchgear 11. Additionally, the
second end portion 33 of the flexible conductor 1 is
electrically connected to the first terminal 12.25
9
[0019] The first end portion 32 and the second end portion
33, which are coupled to the drive device tip 13, the first
movable part 14, and the first terminal 12 as counterpart
members, are not necessarily limited to the outer periphery
or ends of the flexible conductor 1, and the portions coupled5
to the counterpart members may be located more centrally
within the flexible conductor 1.
[0020] The fixed part 17 and the second terminal 19 are
fastened with a bolt 21. Additionally, the fixed part 17 and
the second terminal 19 are electrically connected.10
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the
switchgear 11 including the flexible conductor 1 of
embodiment 1 in a closed state, that is, a state where the
movable contact 4 and the fixed contact 5 are in contact. For
convenience of explanation, in FIG. 2, a portion of the front15
surface of the vacuum valve 16 is omitted to show the
interior of the vacuum valve 16. In FIG. 2, the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate the same components,
and therefore, their descriptions are omitted.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the movable contact 4 and the20
fixed contact 5 inside the vacuum valve 16 are in contact.
That is, the electric circuit of the switchgear 11 is in a
closed state.
[0023] The drive device transmits power in the direction
of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 to the drive device tip 13. As25
10
the power is transmitted to the drive device tip 13, the
power is further transmitted to the first movable part 14,
which is connected to the drive device tip 13.
[0024] As the power is transmitted from the drive device
tip 13 to the first movable part 14, the movable contact 45
moves in a direction toward the fixed contact 5. As the
movable contact 4 moves, the movable contact 4 and the fixed
contact 5 come into contact, causing the switchgear 11, which
was in the open state shown in FIG. 1, to change to the
closed state shown in FIG. 2.10
[0025] The flexible conductor 1 follows the movement of
the first movable part 14 when the switchgear 11 transitions
from an open state to a closed state and when it transitions
from a closed state to an open state.
[0026] The switchgear 11 to which the flexible conductor 115
of the present invention is applied is not limited to circuit
breakers using a vacuum valve but may also be other
electrical apparatuses such as disconnectors in which a fixed
part and a movable part are electrically connected. The
flexible conductor 1 can be easily applied to switchgear and20
other electrical apparatuses with configurations different
from those of the switchgear 11 in the present embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flexible
conductor 1 according to Embodiment 1.
[0028] The flexible conductor 1 includes a plurality of25
11
copper foils 41 laminated in the thickness direction. The
plurality of copper foils 41 are, for example, rectangular
having a long side and a short side. The thickness of the
copper foil 41 is, for example, about 0.1 mm.
[0029] The flexible conductor 1 also includes an5
ultrasonic bonding portion 34, a fastening surface 35, and a
fastening hole 36. For example, the ultrasonic bonding
portion 34 is located at both ends in the long-side direction
of the plurality of copper foils 41.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, among the plurality of copper10
foils 41 included in the flexible conductor 1, the outermost
copper foil 42 has a fastening surface 35, which is a surface
different from the laminated surface, that is, when the
plurality of copper foils 41 are laminated in the thickness
direction, each of the two outermost copper foils has a15
fastening surface 35 on a surface different from the
laminated surfaces.
Hereinafter, the fastening surface refers not to
the entire surface layer of the flexible conductor 1, but to
the surface layer excluding the flexible portion 38. The20
region where the flexible conductor 1 is fastened to a
counterpart member may be a part of the fastening surface 35,
and for example, in the fastening region 37 shown in FIG. 3,
it may be in contact with the first movable part 14.
[0031] At the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 of the25
12
flexible conductor 1, the plurality of laminated copper foils
41 are ultrasonically bonded to each other. The ultrasonic
bonding portion 34 refers to a portion where the plurality of
laminated copper foils 41 are ultrasonically bonded to each
other.5
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, in the flexible conductor 1
according to the present embodiment, the ultrasonic bonding
portion 34 is positioned at locations corresponding to the
four corners, which are the corner portions of the copper
foil 41, among the fastening surface 35.10
[0033] The marks "×" shown in FIG. 3 represent processing
marks that occur on the conductor surface during ultrasonic
bonding. The processing marks occur at positions where the
horn and anvil of the ultrasonic bonding device clamp the
conductor. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where three processing15
marks exist at each of the four corners where the ultrasonic
bonding portion 34 is positioned on the copper foil 41, but
the number of processing marks is not limited to three.
[0034] Additionally, the position of the ultrasonic
bonding portion 34 is not limited to the four corners of the20
copper foil 41, as long as it is located in a position where
the flexible conductor 1 does not reduce the flexibility.
[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic
bonding portion 34, where ultrasonic bonding is performed,
may be provided not only at the outer periphery of the25
13
flexible conductor 1 but also at a central portion such as a
location adjacent to the fastening hole 36. Additionally, it
may be provided in areas other than the fastening region 37.
[0036] At the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 of the
flexible conductor 1, when ultrasonic bonding is performed,5
ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the copper foil 41,
causing adjacent copper foils 41 to bond together and
integrate.
[0037] Since the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 of the
flexible conductor 1 is bonded and the plurality of copper10
foils 41 are integrated in the thickness direction, the
flexible conductor 1 can be electrically connected to the
drive device tip 13, the first movable part 14, the first
terminal 12, etc. of the switchgear 11 without causing the
individual copper foils 41 to separate when attaching the15
flexible conductor 1 to the movable part or terminal.
[0038] In portions of the flexible conductor 1 other than
the ultrasonic bonding portion 34, the copper foils 41 are
not bonded to each other. Since the copper foils 41 are not
bonded to each other, they can freely bend, allowing the20
flexible conductor 1 to follow the movement of the first
movable part 14.
[0039] It is preferable that the plurality of copper foils
41 of the flexible conductor 1 are ultrasonically bonded to
each other in the region corresponding to the fastening25
14
surface 35. Additionally, it is preferable that at least part
of the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 overlaps with the region
corresponding to the fastening region 37. The region
corresponding to the fastening surface 35 refers to the
region of the copper foil 41 where the fastening surface 355
is projected in the thickness direction of the flexible
conductor 1.
[0040] By performing ultrasonic bonding at the ultrasonic
bonding portion 34, which at least partially overlaps with
the fastening region 37, the bonding at the ultrasonic10
bonding portion 34 includes not only bonding by ultrasonic
bonding but also suppression of contact resistance when the
fastening region 37 is pressed during the installation of the
flexible conductor 1, thereby achieving lower electrical
resistance compared to a case where only ultrasonic bonding15
is performed.
[0041] Ultrasonic bonding enables solid-state bonding
between bare copper foils. In the flexible conductor 1
according to the present embodiment, since the bonding is
performed on the bare copper foils by ultrasonic bonding,20
there is no need to apply tin plating or the like to each
copper foil 41 for bonding, unlike methods in which copper
foils are joined by melting tin plating through spot welding
or the like.
[0042] As described above, by directly bonding the bare25
15
copper foils to each other without using tin plating, which
has a higher electrical resistance than copper, the
electrical resistance of the flexible conductor 1 can be
reduced compared to conventional conductors that use plating
for bonding. Thus, when manufacturing a flexible conductor5
with equivalent resistance, the number of copper foils 41
forming the flexible conductor 1 can be reduced compared to
flexible conductors that use tin plating.
[0043] Additionally, since no plating is applied to each
copper foil 41, the plating process for the copper foil 4110
can be omitted, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
[0044] Furthermore, there is a manufacturing method
in which flexible conductors are produced by spot-welding
bare copper foils. However, since copper melts at high
temperatures, an oxide film is formed on the surface,15
requiring removal. In contrast, ultrasonic bonding is
performed in a solid state, allowing bonding at temperatures
below the melting point of copper or other base materials,
which prevents the formation of oxide films.
[0045] It is preferable that at the ultrasonic bonding20
portion 34, the laminated copper foils 41 are ultrasonically
bonded without a plating layer. However, it is also
acceptable for some layers to be bonded through a plating
layer.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the flexible conductor 1 has a25
16
fastening hole 36 on the fastening surface 35. The flexible
conductor 1 is fastened to a counterpart member through the
fastening hole 36. When fastening, a bolt 20, nut 22, and nut
23 are used. When the flexible conductor 1 is fastened
through the fastening hole 36, the fastening method is not5
limited to using bolts and nuts, and other means such as
press-fitting or welding may also be used.
[0047] By having the fastening hole 36, the flexible
conductor 1 can be more easily applied to switchgear and
other electrical apparatuses different from the switchgear 1110
of the present embodiment, compared to cases where the
fastening hole 36 is not provided.
[0048] It should be noted that the fastening hole 36 may
be omitted.
[0049] Next, a method for manufacturing the switchgear 1115
according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0050] First, a flexible conductor 1 according to
Embodiment 1, that is, a flexible conductor 1 in which each
layer is ultrasonically bonded to each other, a vacuum valve
16, and a switchgear 11 to which the vacuum valve is to be20
attached (excluding the vacuum valve 16 and the flexible
conductor 1) are prepared. The ultrasonically bonded flexible
conductor 1 can be manufactured by applying ultrasonic
vibrations between the laminated copper foils 41 in the
thickness direction. The details of the manufacturing method25
17
of the flexible conductor 1 will be described later.
[0051] Next, the vacuum valve 16 is attached to the
switchgear 11, and then the flexible conductor 1 is fixed to
the first movable part 14 (movable electrode rod) by
inserting it through the fastening hole 36, thereby coupling5
the first movable part 14 and the flexible conductor 1. Since
the individual copper foils 41 of the flexible conductor 1
are ultrasonically bonded at the ultrasonic bonding portion
34 and thus do not separate, the flexible conductor 1 can be
easily attached to the first movable part 14. The attachment10
of the first movable part 14 and the flexible conductor 1 may
be fastened with a nut. The attachment of the first movable
part 14 and the flexible conductor 1 is not limited to
fastening with a nut and may also be performed by other means
such as press-fitting.15
[0052] Next, the flexible conductor 1 is attached to the
first terminal 12. The fastening hole of the first terminal
12 is aligned with the fastening hole 36 of the flexible
conductor 1, and the flexible conductor 1 is attached by
inserting a bolt 20 and securing it with a nut 23. The20
attachment of the flexible conductor 1 to the first terminal
12 is not limited to fastening with a bolt and may also be
performed by other means such as press-fitting.
[0053] The order of installation is not limited to the
above, and it may be appropriately changed, such as pre-25
18
attaching a portion of the flexible conductor 1 before
mounting the vacuum valve 16 onto the switchgear 11.
Furthermore, while the above description explains the
manufacturing method of the switchgear 11 including a vacuum
valve 16, other electrical apparatuses such as disconnectors5
can also be manufactured in a similar manner.
[0054] Embodiment 2.
The flexible conductor 2 of Embodiment 2 will be
described with reference to FIG. 4. Descriptions of10
configurations identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.
In FIG. 4, reference numerals identical to those in FIGS. 1
to 3 indicate the same or corresponding parts.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible
conductor 2 according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in15
the flexible conductor 2 of the present embodiment, the
position of the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 differs from
that of the flexible conductor 1 in embodiment 1. The
following describes the differences from the flexible
conductor 1 in embodiment 1.20
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, in the flexible conductor 2 of
the present embodiment, the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 is
positioned in the region including the fastening hole 36
among the fastening surface 35. That is, the ultrasonic
bonding portion 34 is included in the fastening surface 35.25
19
The ultrasonic bonding portion 34 may partially overlap with
the fastening surface 35.
[0057] In this manner, the ultrasonic bonding portion 34
may be provided adjacent to the fastening hole 36.
Positioning the ultrasonic bonding portion 34 adjacent to the5
fastening hole 36 ensures that the fastening area is pressed
when secured with bolts or nuts, resulting in stronger
contact and further reduction of contact resistance.
[0058] By performing ultrasonic bonding in the region
including the fastening hole 36, which serves as the10
conduction path, the copper foils 41 in the conduction path
area are firmly bonded together. By firmly joining the copper
foils 41 together, the electrical resistance of the flexible
conductor 2 can be reduced compared to cases where the copper
foils 41 are fastened using bolts or nuts. Additionally, if15
reducing the electrical resistance of the flexible conductor
2 is not necessary, the number of copper foils 41 forming the
flexible conductor 2 can be reduced.
[0059] The "×" marks shown in FIG. 4 represent processing
marks that occur on the conductor surface during ultrasonic20
bonding. After ultrasonic bonding, processing marks remain on
the fastening surface 35, which is fastened to the
counterpart member, but since these processing marks are in
the form of indentations, they do not affect the contact with
the counterpart member. The number of processing marks is not25
20
limited to the number shown in the figure. Additionally, the
arrangement pattern of the processing marks may be, for
example, in a grid pattern.
[0060] Embodiment 3.5
The flexible conductor 3 of embodiment 3 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Descriptions of
configurations identical to those in embodiment 1 are omitted.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numerals identical to those in
FIGS. 1 to 4 indicate the same or corresponding parts.10
[0061] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flexible
conductor 3 according to embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic
diagram corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along
line A-A' in FIG. 5 of the flexible conductor 3. The flexible
conductor 3 of the present embodiment differs from the15
flexible conductor 1 of embodiment 1 in that a plating layer
is provided on the copper foil 42. The following describes
the differences from the flexible conductor 1 of embodiment 1.
[0062] In the flexible conductor 3 according to the
present embodiment, the copper foil 42 which is located at20
the outermost position among the plurality of copper foils 41
and is fastened to the counterpart member is provided with a
plating layer such as tin or the like on the side fastened to
the counterpart member.
[0063] The area where the plating layer is provided may25
21
include the entire side of the copper foil 42 that is
fastened to the counterpart member, or, for example, only the
fastening surface 35.
[0064] When bare copper foils are exposed to oxygen for a
long time, an oxide film forms on the surface. To prevent the5
formation of oxide films, it is possible to apply plating to
all the copper foils.
[0065] If a plating material such as tin that melts
due to the frictional heat generated during ultrasonic
bonding is used, the plating may melt before the solid-state10
bonding of the copper foils 41 is completed, causing slippage
between the copper foils. This slippage prevents the
transmission of ultrasonic vibrations, leading to bonding
defects.
[0066] By providing the plating layer only on the side of15
the copper foil 42 that is fastened to the counterpart member,
slippage between the copper foils 41 is suppressed,
preventing bonding defects. Because the copper foils 41 are
firmly bonded at the ultrasonic bonding portion 34, oxide
films do not form on the bonded copper foils 41.20
[0067] Among the copper foils 41, a plating layer may also
be provided on the entire or part of the outermost copper
foil on the opposite side of the copper foil 42 that is
fastened to the counterpart member, on the side opposite to
the fastening surface 35 of the copper foil 42.25
22
[0068] Although it is preferable that plating is applied
only to the side of the copper foil 42 that is fastened to
the counterpart member, a plating layer may also be provided
on part of the opposite side of the copper foil 42 or on part
of other copper foils 41.5
[0069] For the plating, materials such as tin and silver
that correspond to the temperature during ultrasonic bonding
should be used.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the number of copper
foils 41 is ten, but the number of copper foils 41 is not10
limited to ten.
[0071] Next, the manufacturing method of the flexible
conductor according to embodiments 1 to 3 will be described.
The manufacturing method of the flexible conductor according
to embodiments 1 to 3 includes a step 101 of laminating a15
plurality of copper foils 41 in the thickness direction, and
a step 102 of ultrasonically bonding the plurality of
laminated copper foils 41 to each other at both ends in the
extension direction of the laminated copper foils 41.
[0072] Furthermore, in the above step 102 of20
ultrasonically bonding the plurality of laminated copper
foils 41 to each other, the process may include step 102a,
which ultrasonically bonds the plurality of laminated copper
foils 41 to each other at the fastening surface 35 of the
flexible conductor.25
23
[0073] Furthermore, in the above step 102 of
ultrasonically bonding the plurality of laminated copper
foils 41 to each other, the process may include step 102b,
which ultrasonically bonds the plurality of laminated copper
foils 41 to each other at the corner portions of the5
laminated copper foils 41.
[0074] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the
flexible conductor according to embodiments 1 to 3 includes
step 103 of forming a plating layer on the fastening surface
35 of the copper foil 41. Step 103 of forming a plating layer10
may be performed before step 101, between step 101 and steps
102, 102a, and 102b, or after steps 102, 102a, and 102b.
[0075] That is, to manufacture an ultrasonically bonded
flexible conductor, the copper foils 41 laminated in the
thickness direction should be clamped by the horn and anvil15
attached to the ultrasonic bonding machine, while applying
pressure and transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the copper
foils 41. As a result, oxide films and contaminants at the
bonding interface are removed, and the crystal grains between
the copper foils 41 approach each other to an atomic distance,20
allowing the copper foils 41 to be bonded.
[0076] Although the disclosure is described above in terms
of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it
should be understood that the various features, aspects, and
functionality described in one or more of the individual25
24
embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the
particular embodiment with which they are described, but they
can be applied, alone or in various combinations to one or
more of the embodiments of the disclosure.
It is therefore understood that numerous5
modifications which have not been exemplified can be devised
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, at least one of the constituent components may
be modified, added, or eliminated. At least one of the
constituent components mentioned in at least one of the10
preferred embodiments may be selected and combined with the
constituent components mentioned in another preferred
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS15
[0077] 1,2,3 flexible conductor
11 switchgear
12 first terminal
14 first movable part
16 vacuum valve20
17 fixed part
32 first end portion
33 second end portion
35 fastening surface
36 fastening hole25
25
41,42 copper foil
26
We Claim:
[Claim 1]
A flexible conductor comprising:
a plurality of copper foils laminated in a5
thickness direction, wherein
the plurality of laminated copper foils are
ultrasonically bonded to each other at both ends in the
extending direction of the copper foils.
10
[Claim 2]
The flexible conductor according to claim 1,
wherein:
the outermost copper foil among the plurality of
laminated copper foils includes a fastening surface on a15
surface different from the laminated surface, the fastening
surface being fastened to a counterpart member; and
the plurality of laminated copper foils are
ultrasonically bonded to each other between the laminated
copper foils in a region corresponding to the fastening20
surface.
[Claim 3]
The flexible conductor according to claim 2,
wherein25
27
the plurality of laminated copper foils are
ultrasonically bonded to each other at corner portions of the
fastening surface.
[Claim 4]5
The flexible conductor according to any one of
claims 2 and 3, wherein
the fastening surface includes a plating layer.
[Claim 5]10
The flexible conductor according to any one of
claims 2 to 4, wherein
the fastening surface includes fastening holes.
[Claim 6]15
An electrical apparatus comprising:
the flexible conductor according to any one of
claims 1 to 5;
a movable part fastened to a first end portion of
the flexible conductor, the flexible conductor including the20
first end portion and a second end portion; and
25
28
a terminal fastened to the second end portion.