Material for sliding contact, composite clad material, and small-sized direct current motor using the same

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a material for a sliding contact whose alloy composition does not contain an environmentally detrimental substance such as Cd, which exhibits excellent contact resistance, whose electrical functions are good and free of time-course variation, and which further exhibits excellent wear resistance. The material for a sliding contact assumes the form of an Ag—Zn—Pd, Ag—Zn—Pd—Cu, Ag—Zn—Pd—Ni, or Ag—Zn—Pd—Cu—Ni alloy. In the compositions of these alloys, the Zn content is 0.1-3.0% by weight, the Pd content is 0.1-1.5% by weight, and the balance is Ag. When Cu is contained, the Cu content is 0.1-3.0% by weight. When Ni is contained, the Ni content is 0.01-0.5% by weight. Zn, Pd, and Cu are present in the Ag α phase in the form of solid solution. Ni particles are finely dispersed in the alloys. A composite clad material is formed through use of the material for a sliding contact. A commutator manufactured through use of the composite clad material is incorporated into a small-sized direct current motor used in a household electrical appliance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.