CN1495820A

CN1495820A - Heat responsive controller for electric heating element

Info

Publication number: CN1495820A
Application number: CNA031786537A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R・A・奥内尔; R·A·奥内尔; 布洛克; S·R·布洛克
Original assignee: Otter Controls Ltd
Current assignee: Ferro Techniek Holding BV
Priority date: 1998-04-21
Filing date: 1999-04-21
Publication date: 2004-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-21
Also published as: WO1999054903A3; GB2339088B; CN1139089C; CN1292446C; EP1075701A2; GB9909171D0; DE69902456D1; GB2339088A; WO1999054903A2; EP1075701B1; CN1305635A; DE69902456T2; AU3617099A

Abstract

An inlet connector for a cordless electrical water heating appliance is of a kind adapted to be mated with a complementary base connector throughout 360 DEG of relative rotational orientation between the appliance and its base and is adapted to be secured centrally to the underside of the heating element of the appliance, preferably a thick film heating element. Two heating element overtemperature controls are integrated with the inlet connector by being received in pockets formed around the circumferential periphery of a moulded plastics body part of the inlet connector. In one emobiment each control consists of a bimetal supported in a spring metal carrier which has an integral part formed into a bistable, overcentre switch-operating mechanism. In another embodiment one control comprises a fusible component. Resetting of the or each bimetallic control is effected in response to lifting the applicance off its base and then reseating it on the base. The fusible component control holds the fusible component under spring tension so that when it melts in response to an overtemperature condition, the spring is released and causes rapid opening of a set of switch contacts. A steam sensor can be coupled directy to the connector.

Description

A kind of thermal response controller of electrical heating elements

The field of the invention

The present invention relates to improvement about the control device of electric heating element; more specifically say; relate to the overtemperture control device, this control device can turn-off the electric power that feeds to electric heating element when the temperature of heating element arrives on the security level, and this control device is commonly called the element protection control device.

Background of the present invention

The element protection control device often is used on pot-type boiler such as kettle and the hot-water cylinder, but also is widely used on other family expenses and the industrial purposes.Following the present invention general specifically describes in conjunction with the control device of family expenses kettle and the used electric heating element of hot-water cylinder, but should know that the present invention also has purposes widely.

The pattern that adopts of family expenses kettle and hot-water cylinder is for ensconcing the resistance heating wire in the elongated pipe box pipe box with the mineral insulation material package traditionally, this cover electric heating element that adds is most commonly used in the design of submergence heating, and heating element itself is fixed on and heating element can be fixed on the chamber wall and element itself can be immersed in the container contents at that time.The design plane or underfloor heating element also is known, this design has a plate that is formed from aluminium usually, it is above-mentioned that to add the cover electric heating element clamped or catch on the lower surface of this plate, this electric heating element once was used as the integral part of water heater, also once be used as hot plate so that use, for example in coffee machine with the water container that separates.

Recently the so-called thick-film heating element of Chu Xianing is to be shaped on resistance heating track or zone of heating on the substrate of an electric insulation; this electric heating element has attracted the attention of many domestic, electric water heater manufacturer; particularly because compare with above-mentioned comparatively traditional heating element; it has the electric energy density of raising, this means that water can be heated with faster speed.

Bimetallic element protection control device once was used to protect traditional cover heating element that adds usually, and heated type submergence heated type and plane or underfloor all can use, and also once is proposed to use with thick-film heating element.This bimetallic element protection control device has a bimetallic switch drive element usually and is disposed such and makes it and electric heating element keep close heat transfer relation, and can pass through a push rod and operate the pair of switches contact point.Once the someone proposed that the bimetal release driving element and the electric heating element that can be provided with more than one kept close heat transfer relation; reason has two aspects; that can provide first and second (or reserve) protection level exactly, still can guarantee safety even when first control device of operation failure takes place occasionally like this.And/or can on the position of a plurality of heating elements, carry out hotness and know, even an electrical equipment for example is operated on a family expenses drain bar on the surface of an inclination like this, the moisture of the specific part of this electrical equipment (higher part) is by evaporate to dryness and overheated, and the remainder on heating element surface is still awash so still under normal operating temperature, at this moment still can guarantee safety.

Provide in first and second other proposals of protecting and utilize bimetallic switch drive element that first protection is provided in addition, and the fusible link of fusing point on the first bimetallic element normal running temperature protected as second.

About dual bimetallic element protection control and adopt bimetallic first protection together with the example of second protection of fusible link can consult respectively we British patent 2176055 and No. 2194099.Other examples of this configuration were once disclosed in the British patent 2299454 of Strix Co., Ltd and No. 2181598.

Said elements protection control once was proposed having rope and wireless water heater all can use.As is generally known the power supply rope or the cable that have rope electrical equipment to have an integral body, cordless electric appliance then has a reference element and electrical equipment itself.Base unit has rope to link power supply, be located at electrical equipment originally on one's body the electrical connector of cooperation then be inserted on the pedestal, make that the heating element in electrical equipment itself can be provided with electric energy by pedestal when electrical equipment is properly seated onto on the pedestal.The former such arrangement before this of the electrical connector of cordless electric appliance and cooperation thereof, in order to realize suitable connection, electrical equipment itself must be set on the pedestal by the predetermined orientation with respect to pedestal, but the shortcoming of doing like this and not making afterwards is realized, cause the exploitation of 360 ° of connector groups, the connector of pedestal of working in coordination that is to say and electrical equipment itself can make electrical equipment suitably be set on its pedestal and can be regardless of its rotation orientation with respect to pedestal.

About the example of the wireless connected system that requires wireless connected system that electrical equipment itself sets by specific orientation and 360 ° can consult respectively we British patent 2241390 and No. 2285716.Other examples of this configuration were once disclosed in No. 95/08204, No. 2263364, the UK Patent Application of Strix Co., Ltd and international patent publication WO.

The Millenium of Russell Hobbs ^TMKettle is the example of the product of the height success released recently, and it combines thick-film heating element and 360 ° of wireless technology and the protection of bimetallic heating element.Unify our the element protection control device of X2 series of the wireless connector family that we once proposed 360 ° of CS4/CP7 that various proposals at present produce us combines; the explanation in our No. 2306801, UK Patent Application once of the example of these proposals, it discloses CS4 socket connector and X ₂The device of controller is the independent part that is adapted for being inserted into each other.And existing known at us UK Patent Application 2315366 and No. 2248724 in the X2 element protection control device of explanation be to utilize one to have the bimetal release actuator of the effect of pushing that the first protection level is provided, and when failure takes place in first protection, operationally provide second or the backup protection level with being installed in bimetal leaf in the thermoplasticity support that can damage.

We once carried out providing the element protection control device of the first and second protection levels to be linked to be the work of an integral body 360 ° of wireless connected systems and one; this keeping device body is used for the plane heating element, comprise thick-film heating element and be contained within the planar substrate downside or on add the cover heating element.The achievement of the present invention for from this work, drawing.

Purpose of the present invention and summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a kind of 360 ° of wireless connectors, be provided with whole heating element overtemperature protection device in it, on can the fit dimension less electrical equipment of heating element for use in " small-sized " or " medium-sized " size.

According to the present invention, a kind of electrical power input connector and heating element overtemperture control device of combination are provided for cordless electric water heater, comprise a jar portion and a base portion, a plane electrical heating elements is equipped with in this jar portion in the bottom, described connector comprises a molded plastic body portion, limit one 360 ° of input connector structures, when the jar portion self-chambering that described connector is housed has the base portion of described power output connector to unload by operative relationship, the latter is used for and 360 ° of complementary power output connector couplings, described 360 ° of input connector structures are equipped with and are suitable for the electric terminal that is connected with the complementary terminal of described power output connector, when this jar portion is placed on the base portion, from the heating element supply electric power of this base portion to this jar portion, by above-mentioned GB-A-2306801 as can be known, described connector and the control device of it is characterized in that of the present invention links together by molded plastic body portion integral body, also comprise some positions along described 360 ° of input connector structure periphery each intervals, the switching device that each described position comprises a control device and links, in use they are used for replying the predetermined overtemperature situation of described heating element, to determine through of the supply of electric power of this power input connector to this heating element, described whole connector and control device are suitable for and are used for fixing bottom the jar portion of this electric heater, make the downside of described control device and described plate heating element keep thermo-contact.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the part of 360 ° of cordless connector systems is described hereinafter, it is for fixing to the downside of flat pattern heating element, be partly to make with molded plastic body, the periphery of described body part has some unitary molded constructions that separate along circumference, can make bimetallic heating element overheat controller be assembled to this connector component, each described structure is used for corresponding overheat controller is configured in the vicinity of this connector component, be preferably in the vicinity of the bimetal release driving element of this controller, stacked with this control assembly at least in part.

According to preferential characteristics of the present invention, bimetallic heating element overtemperture control device has a bimetal release driving element, be contained in the spring metal support, when control device and 360 ° of cordless connector portions were assembled together, the bimetal release driving element that this support provides can carry out close thermo-contact with the heating element of fixing cordless connector portion.This spring metal support also is made into the integral part that bistable state is crossed central authority, and this mechanism is suitable is operated by the bimetal release driving element in one direction, but needs an operation that resets that separates.

This is crossed the function that resetting of central authority can be used as the normal running of 360 ° of cordless connector systems and realizes it being favourable.Being about to electrical equipment itself lifts down and then is placed into operation arrangement on it from its base portion and come the function that resets in a plurality of bimetallic control device or one of them realization.

To illustrate as the back, in example embodiment of the present invention, compound 360 ° of cordless connector portions that provide of above-mentioned part have first and second the heating element overtemperture control device that fuses, they can not only be made so little, be fitted into activation on the heating element of minimum of present plan, but also show other significant advantages.

With regard to more excellent characteristics of the present invention, protect control device and 360 ° of cordless connector portions owing to have facility according to compound heating element of the present invention, the vapor sensor control device can be directly connected on it.

In No. 9811400.2, UK Patent Application that our 1998.05.27 puts on record a kind of improved vapor sensor control device was described once, it is sold by us on market and is called the Z5 control device.This control device has the advantage of general E shape spring, and wherein the central member of E is made into C shape spring and the outside (top and bottom) of E is loaded with switch contact on its free end.C shape spring central member is assembled together with the tripping operation regulations and parameters bar that a pivot crossing switch in the center fixture props up installation, and this lever is can be under the effect of pushing mobile between two settling positions of opposing with the center.The for example bimetallic or shape memory device (SME) of temperature-sensitive actuator is arranged to determine the state of center fixture.Be accompanied by the motion of center fixture; the lateral element of E shape spring is movement therewith also; this motion is more remarkable on its free-ended switch contact; therefore when these contacts are used as the current collector of switch; the distance that they separate in the contact and the aspects such as reliability of switching manipulation just have superiority; as after will state; according to the present invention; Z5 vapor sensor control device is one electrical power input connector and element protection control device is combined into whole desirable object that it can make immersion heater that a complete control device is arranged.

According to another characteristics of the present invention, above-mentioned connector can be substituted by a meltable member together with one of them bimetallic actuator of control device, meltable member can soften or melt when the temperature of heating element rises to predetermined temperature, can make the heating element outage thus.It can overheated method be not that people know for a long time for a long time that this use fusible material protects electric heating element to make it.

The early stage example of this device is explanation in GB-A-141820, GB-A-322851, GB-A-330100, GB-A-434533, GB-A-1 127 212, GB-A-1 408 387 and GB-A-1 479 364 once; nearer example is explanation in GB-A-2 181 598, GB-A-2194 099, GB-A-2 248 724, GB-A-2 025 995 and EP-A-0 014102 once; wherein fusible material is arranged in support or the exercisable second protection level, can be used to guarantee safety during the operation failure of the first protection level that provides when bi-metal.

In above-mentioned nearer control device, has such problem, wherein make the unlatching of the switch contact of heating element outage depend on whether the fusible member spring to the heating element biasing is forced to weaken, cause switch contact to be unlocked more lentamente, this is because heating element has a higher thermal mass, add cover heating element or underfloor heating element as the submergence heated type all have one to pack into and add the molded metal piece that overlap heating element or one and have and add the clamping of cover heating element or catch metallic plate at its downside, this point may not be a great problem, but for the general recently thick-film heating element with a lower thermal mass and higher electrical power density (being the thermal output of per unit area), it may be great turn-offing slow problem.

Also have another characteristics according to of the present invention, so be proposed in the meltable member of use in the switching device that disconnects fast.For example, the facility that control device can have a meltable member, be clamped in said meltable member on the anterior position promotes the spring that said meltable member makes it leave from said clamping facility as a means of carrying out close thermo-contact and one with heating element in use, meltable member is arranged that like this it can be thrown off from its clamping facility when heating element is overheated, thereby makes the spring can resilience and one group of switch contact opened.

Meltable member for example can have a push rod, this bar is made by having the fine definite fusing point or the synthetic plastic of softening temperature, there is forwardly a head to engage with the keeper that constitutes said clamping facility, and along its length place more backwards a drip molding that is engaged by spring is being arranged, this spring is arranged to make it oppose being held of its head and promote push rod backward under normal (cold) state of device like this.When control device uses, the head of push rod is held with heating element and carries out close thermo-contact and softening or fusing when the temperature of heating element rises to above predetermined level, thereby keeper and push rod are disengaged, push rod by spring to rear drive and one group of switch contact is opened.In case heating element reaches the limit of temperature and makes push rod material softening or when fusing, switch contact just can be opened rapidly, in addition, can be opened to the limit that a degree of superheat with the fusing of push rod fusible material and heating element all has nothing to do.

In the device that will illustrate, meltable member clamping facility becomes as a whole with spring below.According to this device, meltable member with two of a spring metal member otherwise the arm that will flick be clamped together, overheated and when throwing off from an arm of the spring that constitutes the clamping facility when meltable member in the use, another arm just no longer is tied, thereby can resilience.

One is especially effectively installed, and meltable member clamping facility itself just has a bimetal release actuator to be arranged to determine the state of one group of switch contact, and this point is different with the mode of determining with meltable member.In said apparatus, meltable member for example is a push rod, can have the bimetal leaf that can push with the keeper of push rod engagement like this, it is arranged at when first heating element reaches predetermined overtemperature and changes its shape, thereby makes push rod open first group of switch contact.When opening of first group of switch contact failed; for example because the contact is welded together or bimetallic lost efficacy; though these not conferences but be not impossible take place; at this moment the temperature of heating element will continue to rise; head at some higher temp of heating element upper push-rods can melt; push rod also can be thrown off from its bimetallic keeper, at this moment need a device and guarantee second or the operation of reinforcement protections, thereby the power supply of guaranteeing heating element is turned off.This task can be finished like this: adopt suitable contact spring assembly and/or with the spring installed part of bimetal leaf and/or use heat conduction by bimetal leaf.

The control device that the present invention tries hard to provide an integral body for cordless electric water heater is together with 360 ° cordless connector member.360 ° of cordless connector members are suitable and the connector members of the complementation that this electrical equipment base portion is interior engages and can be regardless of the container and the relative orientation of base portion on the anglec of rotation of electrical equipment, these two kinds of members all can obtain supply from us, are called CS4/CP7 cordless connector group.Control device can have near the CP7 container connector portion that is installed in CS4/CP7 cordless connector group the first and second bimetal release actuators and be used for the temperature of thick-film heating element of the connector portion power supply of perception by separately.Each bimetal leaf all is installed in separately the spring metal support, and this support is shaped on a bistable state portion and can descends the center to move in the effect of pushing, and push rod engages with bistable state portion.Bimetal leaf is not to be fixed on the push rod, but when bimetal leaf changes its shape by the overheated of thick-film heating element, bimetal leaf can act on the push rod, and push rod makes the bistable state portion of spring metal support cross the center again and moves, and with push rod one group of switch contact is opened.Bimetal leaf can reset automatically, and therefore they can return its original state when heating element cools off.There is a cam gear can be arranged in the connector portion, mentions from its base portion with the container portions of convenient electrical equipment and can reset switch contact when being placed on the base portion subsequently again.The present invention also imagines a bimetallic actuator in the control device is substituted with meltable member.During use, the place that meltable member is maintained in the face of thick-film heating element makes it be subjected to its heat, and/make it tend to leave heating element with a spring.This device is made when heating element arrives predetermined overtemperature by such design and causes meltable member to be heated and when throwing off from keeper, one group of switch contact just can be opened.The meltable member of this device can kept by the aforesaid bimetal leaf that can push, can provide a protection level that increases to heating element under the sort of situation.But can also reach the higher protection level of temperature if all use the device of this meltable member to substitute two bimetal piece of control device.

Work as and to feature and the advantage thereof that the present invention lists in the claims clearly understanding to be arranged by the explanation of doing below in conjunction with accompanying drawing.

The description of the drawings

Figure 1A illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention to 1D, and Figure 1A and 1B illustrate two different perspective views of embodiment, and Fig. 1 C illustrates side elevation view and the top plan view that dwindles, and Fig. 1 D illustrates the perspective view of decomposition;

Fig. 2 A illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention to 2D, and its each view is similar to the corresponding views among the 1D with Figure 1A respectively;

Fig. 3 A and 3B are illustrated in spring metal support that Figure 1A adopted in to 1D and Fig. 2 A to the embodiment of 2D respectively from two perspective views of opposing that sides are looked;

Fig. 4 A is to be illustrated in the schematic illustration that resets mechanism that Figure 1A adopts in to 1D and Fig. 2 A to the embodiment of 2D to 4D;

Fig. 5 is the perspective view that the another kind of method on the thick-film heating element that embodiment is installed to is shown;

Fig. 6 is the compound heating element protection control device of a demonstration and the perspective view of 360 ° of cordless connector portions, and having facility in connector portion can connect the vapor sensor control device thereon;

The perspective view that Fig. 7 looks for the offside that installs from Fig. 6 comprises connection vapor sensor control device thereon on the device;

Fig. 8 is that device that Fig. 7 is shown is contained in the perspective view on the heating element;

Fig. 9 is the perspective view of vapor sensor control device shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10 A and 10B are the perspective view of the vapor sensor control device of the modification of the whole steam inlet port of employing;

Figure 11 is the side elevation view of summary of the thermally responsive control of a meltable member, and this control device can substitute one of them bimetallic control device of above embodiment, and the meltable control device shown in the figure is at its normal low-temperature condition;

Figure 12 is the perspective view of meltable control device among Figure 11;

Figure 13 is another perspective view of meltable control device among Figure 11;

Figure 14 just is depicted as the condition of high temperature of meltable control device for the perspective view similar to Figure 12;

Figure 15 just is depicted as the condition of high temperature of meltable control device for the side elevation view similar to Figure 11;

Figure 16 is the side elevation view of the summary of the meltable control device of another temperature-sensitive, is depicted as its normal low-temperature condition;

Figure 17 is the side elevation view of the summary of one of the meltable control device form of revising slightly among Figure 16;

The perspective view that Figure 18 looks from a side for the control device among Figure 17;

The perspective view that Figure 19 looks from offside for the control device among Figure 17;

Figure 20 is the more detailed section side elevation view of the meltable control device among Figure 17,18 and 19;

Figure 21 is that a perspective view illustrates compound heating element protection control device and 360 ° of connector portions among Fig. 6, and one of them bimetal release is substituted by the meltable member switching device shown in Figure 17 to 20.

The detailed description of embodiment

The embodiments of the invention that will illustrate are from us manufacturing and 360 ° of cordless plugs (public affairs) connectors of CP7 of sale and 360 ° of sockets of CS4 (mother) connector variation that is used with it below.The electrical power input connector of the combination of cordless electric water heater of the present invention and heating overtemperture control device comprise one a jar of portion and a base portion, a plane electric heating part is equipped with in its bottom in this jar portion, when the self-chambering of connector mounted jar portion has the base portion of described power output connector to unload by operative relationship, be used for and complementary 360 power output connectors coupling, and when this jar portion was placed on the base portion, this base portion was to the heating element supply electric power of this jar portion certainly.The CP7 pin connector is installed in the bottom of electrical equipment portion usually in wireless water heater, and the CS4 socket connector then is contained on the upper surface of base portion.CS4 and CP7 cordless connector portion come according to our No. 2285716, British patent, can consult Fig. 7 to 11 wherein, can find in our No. 2306801, UK Patent Application about the further data of the detailed construction of CP7 connector portion.For for the purpose of concise and to the point, the structure of 360 ° of pin connectors of disclosed elsewhere CP7 will no longer describe in detail below.

At first consult Figure 1A to 1D, the embodiment that as seen illustrates from Figure 1A and 1B has 360 ° of wireless head (public affairs) connector portions 1 of broadcasting of a CP7, is located at heating element overtemperature

prote control device

2 and 3 apart from one another by the integral body of opening at the circumference upper edge of CP7 circumference.Shown in Figure 1A and 1B, CP7 is essentially a cup-shaped moulded plastic body 4 that makes progress, and (though can't see, can see Fig. 5 in Figure 1A and 1B) in this body 4 has the plastics upstand 5 of the hollow of an integral die.A centre-point earth pin 6 is housed in the upstand 5 of this hollow, and upstand itself is shaped like this and makes it can hold the first and second circuit terminal springs, these two spring one are within the upstand, and another is then outside the component-oriented.The shape and the CP7 complementation of CS4 socket (mother) connector portion (not shown), the hollow upstand that one moulded plastic is arranged, the spring terminal that is provided with a complementation in it electrically contacts as a means of the ground connection pin with CP7, and be provided with the first and second annular terminals, one is located at the outside of the central upstand of CS4, another then be located at CS4 moulded plastic body opposition, on interior surface, electrically contact as a means of the first and second terminal springs with CP7.

The exploded view of Fig. 1 D illustrates first embodiment and how to construct.The moulded plastic body 4 of CP7 cordless connector portion 1 is provided with the formed parts 7 of first and second groups of integral body, and they are arranged on the circumference of moulded plastic body 4 and apart from one another by opening.This two compositions shape member 7 can be used to hold each part of bimetallic heating element

overtemperture control device

2 and 3 together with the formed parts 8 formation recesses 10 that are located on the moulded plastic cover portion 9 separately, when the matrix that makes progress of the body 4 that cover portion 9 is contained in CP7 cordless connector portion,

control device

2 and 3 part are just held in recess 10 suitably.

The first and second spring terminals of CP7 connector are pointed out with

label

11 and 12 respectively, wherein each terminal respectively has one first part 11 ' and 12 ' extend downwardly in the CP7 connector, respectively there is one second part 11 " and 12 " to extend across the matrix of body 4, also respectively there are one the

3rd part

11 and 12 to extend in separately the recess 10 and and are loaded with an electric contact 13, constitute the fixed contact in one group of switch contact of relevant bimetallic overtemperture control device in its termination.

Each

control device

2,3 also is provided with a spring terminal 14 of separating, and is loaded with a contact 15 on it, the current collector in one group of switch contact of formation control device.When cover portion 9 was fitted on the CP7 body, this spring terminal 14 was clamped between the formed parts 8 of formed parts 7 on the CP7 moulded plastic body 4 and the cooperation on the cover portion 9.

Each overtemperture control device 23 all respectively has a bimetal release actuator 16 of making plate-like, and the temperature that is subjected to when it rises to when surpassing predetermined temperature, and its effect of just being pressed is moved into opposite plate-like profile.Shown in configuration in, bimetallic is (protuberance upwards) that is bent upwards when its cold conditions (normal condition), but just is pressed to reclinate profile when temperature rises.Bimetallic 16 is contained on the spring metal support 17, and spring metal support 17 is exaggerated in Fig. 3 A and 3B and illustrates.

The end 19 that spring metal support 17 respectively has a base portion 18 and makes progress and inwardly curve, these curve end 19 is on the thronely to make on the side portion 20 of central portion 21 both sides, the shaping of side portion 20 and central portion 21 makes and is generally that rectangular bimetallic thin slice can be received within it and with positions of part 22 qualification thin slices it can not be laterally moved, at that time 23 of parts on the thin slice termination and 24 of parts under the thin slice termination.When bimetal leaf 16 is supported like this, it will be to move towards and away from the base portion 18 of spring metal support 17 and at the center of bimetal leaf to be maximum that the operation of bimetal leaf is moved.

The spring tongue piece 25 that two C shapes are arranged is released from two opposite ends of the base portion 18 of spring metal support 17, and two tongue pieces extend in opposite directions as shown in the figure and have isolated two free ends.Push rod 26 can be received within the neutral gear between these two free ends it by design like this, the size of push rod 26 is formulated like this makes it can be offset the free end of two tongue pieces 25, make they than the freedom of spring metal support and stressless state apart from one another by opening bigger spacing.So just, can have the formation bistable state and cross the effect of center fixture, each device can both be moved between stable " cold " attitude and stable " heat " attitude.Under stable " cold " attitude, the upper end of push rod 26 is moving upward until pad leans on or is docked on the relevant bimetal leaf, and under stable " heat " attitude, the counter-rotating of the curvature of bimetal leaf forces push rod 26 terminations downward and mobile C shape spring tongue piece 25 to make them be pressed against rightabout stable state by unsettled center.

Push rod 26 be provided with the edge forming parts (transverse arm) 26 of the common action of leaf spring 14 ', and on leaf spring 14, be loaded with the current collector of heating element overtemperture control device, therefore the state at bimetal leaf changes to " heat " from " cold ", when causing bimetal leaf to be pressed against rightabout plate-like profile, being opened of

contact sets

13,15 of the change over switch in the relevant control device will be caused.

For above-mentioned configuration being fixed on the downside of plane heating element, be provided with a mounting bracket 27, this support 27 is preferably a metallic stamping pieces, and having pin 28 can be attached on the heating element.Support can be fixed in the control with any method easily, but in an example shown and since ground connection pin 6 by rivet clasp on mounting bracket 27, ground connection pin 6 is used as fixation means.Mounting bracket 27 also is used to shield the wireless connecting portion 1 of CP7 makes it not be subjected to the influence of the heat of heating element, because this device is fixed on the heating element in use.Also can be provided with reflection or polished surface strengthen this effect.

Two bimetal release driving elements 16 have the dual mode can be selected, all operate under same temperature nominally a kind of mode is two elements, and another kind of mode is that the operating temperature of two elements is variant.In the previous case; two bimetal leafs all will normally be replied the overtemperature state of heating element; and under latter event; have only a bimetal leaf will normally reply and be responsible for carrying out first protection; and but unless another is set at bimetal leaf inoperation first protection failure of higher temperature operation, perhaps it can be only operated during the temperature upper punch of heating element behind the lower bimetal leaf proper handling of temperature.These two bimetal leafs can be arranged on side by side also that heating element is other to be made them be set under the different temperature according to the thermal output of zones of different to operate.

When heating element is had no progeny and when cooling off, relevant bimetal leaf 16 can be arranged to make them automatically return to cold conditions like this and be set again being closed by one or another or two element overtemperture control devices.But, will can not reset the switch in the control device when resetting bimetal leaf 16 because bimetal leaf is not linked on the push rod 26.In order to reset switch, must be provided with the device that resets.The example of a device that resets easily especially will be illustrated to 4D in conjunction with 4A below.Perhaps, if bimetal leaf is a kind of bimetal leaf that can reset automatically, bimetal leaf 16 can be attached to switch can be reset automatically; But this device because it is believed that, since designed switch as a means of protecting the overtemperature state that takes place that do not allow, particularly also has second protection switch of an appointment not for people's preference, and it is unwise going to carry out resetting automatically on strategy of switch again.More excellent device should be that bimetal leaf does not reset automatically but must all use manually with relevant switch and resets.

Bimetal release actuator in the above-described embodiments is generally the center cut that rectangle has an X-shaped, just can impel the motion aggravation at the bimetal leaf center like this when this actuator moves around switch between two opposite plate-like profile.But if the center fixture of crossing that has enough motions can promote in stand spring is crossed the center, the otch of X-shaped also can be saved so, and the performance of center fixture was just depended in the later switch opens operation in the center of crossing, and was irrelevant with bimetallic.

The side elevation view of Fig. 1 C illustrates, protect when expanding control device and being installed in the downside of plane heating element when being assembled into whole 360 ° of cordless connectors and element, two bimetal release actuators 16 will flexibly kept making the close thermo-contact of they and heating element generation to contact with entity by spring support.Spring support upwards is pressed on the heating element owing to can send spring force promotion bimetal leaf 16, any distortion of heating element can not produce any injurious effects to replying of bimetal leaf, follows this distortion because bimetal leaf will be moved by spring support.It is also noted that in this respect that in addition the pin 28 on mounting bracket 27 is close to heating element, the deformation effect that can limit heating element like this is to the position of bimetal leaf with respect to other members of control device.The top plan view of Fig. 1 C illustrates this point, also illustrates in addition, and bimetal leaf 16 parts are stacked on the footprint of CP7 cordless connector portion, so the overall dimension of set composite is more much smaller than existing scheme.At the circle that draws around this device shown in the plane graph of Fig. 1 C, its diameter has only 65mm.Same device also can be guaranteed bimetal leaf is arranged on center near heating element, suppose that CP7 cordless plugs connector has been installed in the center, usually be such situation, because this is a desired positions of replying the evaporate to dryness state when electrical equipment is placed on the inclined-plane.It may be noted that also that from the top plan view of Fig. 1 C the 3rd bimetal release actuator can add to the illustrated device if desired with relevant control part, can not increase its overall dimension.

In the arrangement illustrated, two bimetal leafs 16 and spring metal support 17 thereof all do not interconnect on circuit, bimetal leaf and support thereof all with the charged part insulation of device.It is favourable doing like this, particularly when this device uses with thick-film heating element, in this case, different bimetal leafs and support thereof may be exposed under the different current potentials well, can guarantee to obtain fast heat and reply if arrange bimetal leaf that it is contacted with electric insulation layer above the heating element on the position that window is opened.In this respect, the material of spring metal support 17 can be selected that like this it is influenced to some extent to the thermal environment of bimetal leaf 16.

The foregoing description mainly is intended for use a kind of like this heating element, and the circuit that leads to heating element at that time connects to be finished and be mechanically connected on the terminal that is located on the heating element by the lead-in wire of connector in element overtemperature prote control device 2 and 3.So in this embodiment, on the spring terminal 14 of control device, be shaped on the spade terminal that socket 29 can be used to admit lead-in wire.And by this embodiment to the circuit of relevant heating element just through the terminal 11 of cordless connector portion 1 and 12 and separately control

device

2,3 terminal of coming heating element.Any one or two operations under element overtemperature state just are used to interrupt being connected of heating element and supply of electric power in the control device 2,3.Resetting of

control device

2,3 will illustrate afterwards.

Fig. 2 A is equal to the embodiment of 1D with Figure 1A in many aspects to the embodiment of 2D, and therefore difference between its face only is described here.Figure 1A is to be connected on the heating element with the above-mentioned lead-in wire that separates to the design of the embodiment of 1D, and at Fig. 2 A that is intended for use thick-film heating element especially in the embodiment of 2D, be circuit to be connected on the terminal pad that is located on the heating element with the spring finger.For this purpose, be located at control device 2, spring terminal 14 in 3 becomes the spring terminal 30 that upwards projects into outside the control device 2,3, and when this embodiment was fixed on the heating element, spring terminal 30 will flexibly contact with the terminal pad of heating element like this.Another difference is to the corresponding Fig. 2 A of the spring terminal 11 of 1D embodiment to the shape of the spring terminal 60 of 2D embodiment and the other terminal 65 of the fixed contact that overtemperture control device 2 is housed of setting (being contained in fixed contact to the embodiment medi-spring terminal 11 of 1D at Figure 1A) with Figure 1A.Shown in Fig. 2 D, spring terminal 60 have one first spade terminal 60 ', part is not corresponding with part 1 shown in Fig. 1 D.Terminal part 65 have one second spade terminal part 65 ' and a part 65 that is loaded with the contact ".During use, the first and second spade terminals 60 ' and 65 ' be used for are connected to vapor sensor control device illustrated wes' J series steam control device in our No. 2212664, British patent for example in the circuit that is provided with element overtemperture control device.When the poach in the electrical equipment seethed with excitement, the steam control device was used for turn-offing the power supply of the heating element of relevant water boiler.

Fig. 4 A roughly illustrates a mechanism that resets usefulness to 4D, it can be effectively with independent control device in one or two element

protection control device

2 and 3 link.Like this, for example two control device only all are set to an element overtemperature state are replied, as making current in the water heater of at first not pouring water the situation that can cause, at this moment perhaps suitable arrangement so all resets two control device easily, on the other hand, if one of them control device is set at higher temperature and only just operates when another control device failure, so perhaps Shi Yi way is only to provide the facility that resets of a user-operable to lower temperature control equipment, and does not provide this facility as a means of guaranteeing that the user can not be reset to electrical equipment proemial position to higher temperature control equipment.

Fig. 4 A illustrates normal " cold " attitude of the foregoing description, wherein bimetal leaf 16 is in its state that is bent upwards, the center fixture (not shown) of crossing of the bimetal plate bracket of spring metal is in its upper push rod 26 that causes and is in equally that it is upper, and drip molding 26 ' the do not have influence on position of leaf spring 14.The moulded plastic body 4 of the CP7 intercalation part of cordless connector system is illustrated and is shaped on a cell 40, is provided with an energy free-moving cam member 41 in the scope of cell 40 in it.The moulded plastic body has an opening 42 by its outmost cylindrical wall, the size of opening can be projected within the circular passage 43 cam member 41, this circular passage is to form between outer wall in the CP7 intercalation part and the above-mentioned center stand column, when the plug and socket part was combined together, this circular passage was shared by a complementary parts of the CS4 receptacle portion of the wireless connected system of CS4/CP7.In Fig. 4 A, the correlated parts of CS4 socket is pointed out with label 44.Shown in Fig. 4 A, between the lower end of push rod 26 and cam member 41, exist a neutral gear.

Fig. 4 B illustrates the situation of being heated and taking place when being pressed to opposite plate-like profile when bimetal leaf 16, and this at that time profile can make push rod 26 be depressed by the central authority (not shown) of crossing of bi-metal stent, so be formed part 26 ' depress of leaf spring 14.The bottom of push rod 26 moves to more the position near cam member 41, but stays next little gap between these two parts.

Later under the state of cooling, the bimetallic sector-meeting resets automatically, but the central authority excessively of bimetal plate bracket still can be stayed its downward state owing to lack the power that resets, for it can be set again, CS4 portion is extracted out shown in the arrow of Fig. 4 C bottom in CP7 portion, and this is equivalent to electrical equipment is mentioned from its bottom.Cam member 41 (also can be provided with a driving spring) under the effect of himself gravity is slided, and generally direction shown in the arrow is slided to the left of cam member 41 in the figure, until till the junction surface on the cam is docked on the edge of opening 42.As shown in the figure, cam member 41 is shelved in the opening 42 on this position, and its nose 45 is projected in the zone that the CS4 receptacle portion of cordless connector group built out.Subsequently when electrical equipment is placed on its base portion again, the CS4 receptacle portion 44 that enters can run into the nose 45 of cam member 41 shown in Fig. 4 D, cam member is driven, generally be in direction shown in the arrow of Fig. 4 D cam part left, promptly the SP7 intercalation part with respect to wireless connected system is to make progress and outside direction.Under this promoted, the opposite side 46 of cam member 41 just slided on the inclined surface of making in the moulding bodies 4 47, caused the cam and the bottom of push rod 26 to engage and drive it upwards, thereby reset central authority and bimetal leaf 16.Along with proceeding of CP7 intercalation part and CS4 receptacle portion engagement movement, the nose 45 of last cam member 41 is movable to the control that is not subjected to CS4 receptacle portion front end, thereby cam member can descend and turns back to position shown in Fig. 4 A.

The device that resets cam member 41 can be worked effectively, because having served as central authority operates when making push rod 26 depress and open the contact of switch, the termination of push rod continues downward pressure is applied on the cam member 41, therefore when two cordless connector portions be separated as with electrical equipment when its base portion is mentioned, cam member is driven downwards reliably, and that its nose 45 is forced through opening 42 is outstanding.Can prevent effectively that like this cam member 41 from clinging any tendency in its position that makes progress.

When stating embodiment in the use, fixing support 27 can for example rivet, weld or being fastened on the heating element with nut and screw with any method easily, and in order to safeguard or repair the complex of heating element or cordless connector/overtemperture control device, support can maybe cannot be taken down from heating element.But support itself is to be designed for good and all to be fixed on the complex of cordless connector/overtemperture control device.In the device of Fig. 5, be provided with the fixed support 50 of another kind of form, this support is as the support 27 of former explanation, be provided with three pin 51, this pin is for example suitable to be fixed on the heating element with laser welding, and has three screw jacks 52 complex of cordless connector/overtemperture control device can be fixed on the support 50 in the mode that can take away with trip bolt 53.The complex of cordless connector/overtemperture control device that employing can be taken down from its fixed support is favourable, because can promote so wrong assembling working component transformation and provide otherwise the chance that do not have to supply, for example support is offered the manufacturer of heating element and control device (being the complex of cordless connector/overtemperture control device) is offered the final assembler of heating element and control device in the electrical equipment.And the structure of same support can be supplied the structure that is used for different control device.

Now in conjunction with Fig. 6 to 10 explanation compound heating element protection control device and 360 ° of cordless connector portions, the latter basically as previously mentioned but also have facility and can make according to aforementioned our the Z5 vapor sensor of No. 9811400.2 inventions of UK Patent Application and directly connect thereon.

At first consult Fig. 6, protection control device of compound heating element shown in it and 360 ° of cordless connector portions, the latter basically as preceding in conjunction with Figure 1A to shown in the 1D.This embodiment has wireless plug (public affairs) the connector portion 1 of 360 ° of CP7, is provided with on its circumference along the heating element overtemperature prote control device 2 and 3 of circumference apart from one another by the integral body of opening.Shown in Fig. 7 and 8, CP7 is essentially a resupinate cup-shaped moulded plastic body 4, and the plastic support 5 of the integral die of a hollow is arranged within it.Have a centre-point earth pin 6 to be contained in the pillar 5 of hollow, and pillar itself is shaped like this and makes it can hold the first and second circuit terminal springs 11 and 12, one of them spring within the pillar, another spring then towards outside.The CP7 connector is suitable to be used with CS4 socket (mother) portion (not shown), the latter's shape is and the CP7 complementation, and the moulded plastic upstand that a hollow is arranged, the spring terminal that is provided with a complementation within it is used for contacting with the ground connection pin 6 of CP7 on circuit, also be provided with the first and second annular terminals, one of them is located at the outside of the center upstand of CS4, another terminal then be provided with the opposition of moulded plastic CS4 body on interior surface, as a means of electrically contacting with the first and second terminal springs 11,12 of CP7 respectively.

Heating element overtemperature prote control device 2 and 3 structure and operation explanation in front.Each control device 2 and 3 all respectively has the bimetal release actuator 16 of a plate-like, along with rising to, the temperature of bimetal leaf after being heated surpass a predetermined level, this actuator just can produce the effect of pushing, and moves to opposite plate-like profile from original plate-like profile.Bimetal leaf 16 is installed on separately the spring support 17, spring support 17 is made to make with the common bistable that constitutes separately of switch drive push rod (not shown) separately like this crosses center fixture, this device at bimetal leaf 16 when its " cold " attitude moves to " heat " attitude, the corresponding center fixture of crossing just can be operated, thereby one group of switch contact in the control device 2,3 of will being correlated with is opened.Bimetal leaf 16 itself was not attached to center fixture entity, and therefore when their temperature was cooled off, though bimetal leaf can be arranged to allow it reset automatically, crossing center fixture and relevant switch contact thereof still needed people initiatively to reset.A kind of mechanism that resets can operate according to its base portion that is raised so that leaves of the container portions of cordless electric appliance, subsequently container portions is reapposed on the base portion.But the also device that may adopt other to reset.

Compare with aforementioned means, device shown in Figure 6 increased the

spade terminal

100 and 100 of a pair of public affairs ' and

jack terminals

200 and 200 of a pair of mother ', the latter is surrounded by a U-shaped cover 201 parts, the moulded plastic body of this cover and CP7 connector portion 14 is made by

integral die.Terminal

100 and 200 public circuit also are connected on the

terminal spring

11,12; terminal 100 ' and a 200 ' public circuit and being connected on the heating element overtemperature

prote control device

2,3; like this; utilization is located at the spade terminal 250 on the control device; just can be connected on another heating element overtemperature

prote control device

3,2 by heating element, utilize spade terminal 250 also above-mentioned heating element overtemperature prote control device can be connected on another

terminal spring

12,11.

Terminal 200 and 200 ' be designed to Z5 vapor sensor control device illustrated in the UK Patent Application 9811400.2 above-mentioned is attached on the device shown in Fig. 6.Fig. 7 illustrates the device after both bindings, and wherein the vapor sensor control device is pointed out with label 300.Fig. 8 illustrates this device is equipped with situation on the sort of electric heating element with metallic plate 325; heating element 350 casting of the sort of pattern that this metallic plate 325 has is mineral insulation, metallic shield, electric wire is reeled or catch in its surface, steam that this is compound and the related socket lead-in of element protection device control device connector 1,2,3,300 are installed on the heating element to be finished with former said mounting bracket 375.Will be appreciated that in the device of Fig. 8 the terminal 250 of heating element overtemperature

prote control device

2,3 is with connecting on the terminal that the lead-in wire (not shown) is connected to heating element 350.

The device that it is also understood that Fig. 8 be with vapor sensor control device 300 on the circuit and heating element 350 and two heating element overtemperature

prote control device

2,3 between the terminal 11,12 of socket lead-in connector portion 1 all be cascaded.When one or two heating element

overtemperture control device

2,3 is operated or when 300 operations of steam control device, all can guarantee to interrupt the power supply of heating element like this.

Two terminals that increase 100 and 100 ' be are for link indicator usefulness across the little neon lamp of vapor sensor 300 for example.As long as control device 300 is states at closed circuit, promptly be not operated owing to being exposed in the steam, control device 300 just terminal 100 and 100 ' between cause a short circuit, indicating device just can not be bright.But when vapor sensor control device 300 disconnected according to the steam of institute's perception and with circuit, the short circuit that strides across indicating device just no longer existed, so indicating device is luminous.It is very poor to be had the current strength that high-resistance indicating device passes through, and is not enough to heating element 350 is produced any significant heats.

Fig. 9 illustrates with Fig. 7 and 8 and is in a ratio of inverted vapor sensor control device, can see that when heating element 325 is fitted in the bottom of water-boiling the bimetallic actuator 301 of steam control device is towards the below and 302 shieldings of the moulded plastic of controlled device lid on scheme.Should realize inverted device shown in Figure 8 in this respect and be fitted into the interior situation of container actually.Because the bimetallic actuator 301 of steam control device 300 is towards the below, the internal switch member of control device 300 all is comprised in and covers in 302, having only a push rod (not shown) to penetrate lid is used for sending the operational movement of bimetallic actuator 301 to the switch inside member, therefore can guarantee farthest that the internal switch member of control device can not polluted by chip and the iron rust under the jet chimney of container, this root pipeline is established in order to make steam transfer to the position of vapor sensor control device in container bottom from the high position in the container.Arrange bimetallic actuator 301 to make it be like this towards the additional advantage of below, it can be away from heating element 325 and away from the hot water that is included in the associated vessel, thereby can improve the ability that it is reset after bimetallic actuator 301 is operated according to the generation of steam; Promptly after vapor sensor control device shutoff heating element caused vapours to stop to be transported on the bimetallic actuator 301, the approaching of hot water with in heating element 325 and the container of bimetallic actuator 301 so can not hinder its cooling significantly.

Be also noted that with the vapor sensor control device 300 of the terminal 200,200 of device shown in Figure 6 ' cooperate terminal 303,303 ' be completely shielded in the moulded plastic body 302 of control device 300.Because such layout, can guarantee the terminal 303,303 that cooperates ' and 200,200 ' be not easy to be polluted by the steaminess operating environment of vapor sensor control device.

Vapor sensor control device 300 is intended for use the container of boil water, and this container for example is shaped on the pipeline made from moulded plastic body integral body, is used for the steam in the container is transported on the position of the vapor sensor control device in container base.At another device shown in Figure 10 A and the 10B, vapor sensor control device 300 is shaped on a socket 304 that can be sealed and matched with the part of container body.Steam is guided on the bimetallic actuator 301 with shelves wall (not shown), and retaining wall is the part of vapor sensor control device housing preferably, but also can be a part that add in addition or electrical equipment.

Except being directly connected to compound lead-in connector together with the overtemperature prote control device is shown in Fig. 7 and 8, the also available lead-in wire of vapor sensor control device 300 with terminal 200,200 ' be connected to steam control device terminal 303,303 ' method be connected thereto indirectly.Preferably the steam control device is installed in the electrical equipment one closely near on the position of exhaust outlet in some electrical equipment, when boiling in the electrical equipment, steam just can be overflowed by exhaust outlet.This device is for example shown in the GB2212664.

Some electrical equipment may not need be provided with steam control transducer, a suitable connector can be set in this case with terminal 200,200 ' link together.Perhaps, terminal 200,200 ' can arrange like this makes them in interconnection just often, and their interconnection is disconnected.For example, the spring terminal can be set make two terminals 200,200 ' interconnection just often, and when the vapor sensor control device is loaded onto, make these two terminals 200,200 ' displacement.

In the device of Fig. 7 and 8, vapor sensor control device 300 along continuous straight runs extend.This device can easily be modified the vapor sensor control device is vertically extended, and can make general arrangement have less sole area like this this device can be used on the littler electrical equipment.

In the back among the embodiment that will illustrate, one in the bimetal release actuator of aforementioned control device by a meltable member replacement, during use, this member is held to be pressed close to make it to be subjected to the temperature of heating element with thick-film heating element and makes it depart from heating element under the effect of spring, this device is designed like this, make after relaxing under the overtemperature of the heating element that meltable member is being scheduled to, one group of beginning contact can be opened.

This proposal is that the fusible member that is heated of a usefulness in two bimetallic actuators of previous embodiment is substituted, and this fusible member is suitable makes appropriate arrangements the as much as possible public member in two switches.In the pattern of fusible member of being heated, meltable member is firmly held in the outer end of a modification push rod by a retaining member, and this retaining member is clamped in the groove near rod end.This retaining member substitutes the bimetal leaf in the previous embodiment and makes the front end maintenance of bar and want protected heating element thermo-contact.Retaining member itself can have elasticity, and perhaps it can flexibly be installed with; It can be metal and have and the sheet metal similar shapes; Perhaps it can be made by the fusing point plastics higher than bar.This bar is pushed open from heater by the modification of the mistake central spring mechanism of previous embodiment, and this mechanism no longer is bistable, and just a simple spring (may be a cantilever) is bonded on the length of bar on the suitable point.Electric contact is similar to the electric contact of aforementioned control device.Do the time spent, when the surface of heating element reaches enough temperature, the front end of bar just melts, bar is with regard to the metal parts that do not have to keep to contact with heating element and can freedom like this, at this moment promoting the spring that this bar leaves heater just can make bar move, its mode is similar to the push rod in the previous embodiment, thereby electric contact can be opened and turn-offed heater.Always this mechanism that is proposed can open the contact rapidly and can make they open fully no matter the degree of temperature upper punch how.

The available metal plate substitutes bimetal leaf and keeps this bar, but the metal parts of preferably making spring is made the maintenance part simultaneously, can save a member like this.Figure 11 to 15 illustrates this pattern.Figure 11 is an end view, and Figure 12 and 13 is an isometrical drawing, and the replaced situation of spring bimetal plate bracket in the aforementioned control device all is shown.Spring metal maintaining part 1 ' a have base portion 2 ' with push rod substitute 8 ' front end 4 ' engage, promote it and move to the heater (not shown).Maintaining part 1 ' arm 3 ' be cantilever spring and with push rod 8 ' on arm 5 ' engage, trend towards promoting this bar and leave heating element.Bar 8 ' the termination 6 away from heater ' position and spring contact device 7 approaching.Figure 14 to 15 illustrates this device according to the situation after the fusible member operation of the state of heating element overtemperature.At that time the front end 4 of this bar ' be melted and from maintaining part 2 ' in deviate from.Maintaining part 1 ' arm 3 ' quilt relax, move this bar 8 ' leave heater make this bar and a contact spring 7 ' the termination engage and open each contact.

The modification of this fusible member that is heated can be by forming as revising in conjunction with our X3 control device of its Fig. 3 explanation in GB-A-2194099 basically.The bimetal leaf of X3 control device can form the maintenance metal part, by two tips than long center branch that are located at the X-shaped otch in the sheet bar is being kept.These most advanced and sophisticated available warpages form, and so as to keeping the straight component interface that is essentially that X3 provides at present, perhaps rod end can be projected into and enter into outside the bimetal leaf in the recess of making on heater, just as our previous X1 control device.Under normal circumstances, the X3 bimetal leaf will be opened first group of contact by this bar, and erect image is such at present.But as mentioned above, a spring is set as a means of impelling this bar to leave heater.Limit movement when the motion of this bar is overturn its curvature by bimetal leaf usually.But when if the temperature of heater rises on the normal level, the front end of bar will be melted, and this bar is unclamped.Make it further leave heater so spring can move freely this bar, this motion that increases will be opened provides the second second group of contact that keeps level.

The elasticity as in existing X3 design of first group of contact is installed this further motion can be carried out, even (because too high temperature) lived by weldering in these contacts.Adopt this mode to change among the embodiment of existing X3 as explanation in front, need substitute thermoplastic bimetal plate bracket, simultaneously spring will be set also and make it leave heating element as a means of mobile this bar with metallic support.Provide the contact second time of the power of lifting the support that collapses to be substituted by a better simply spring contact device at present in operation for the second time, this device only needs less power and can only act on an electrode of power supply.Centrepin for example can be made into one as walking stick within it the end be shaped on a rectangular elbow, under this elbow, be provided with second leaf spring.This bar will act on and promote it on the termination of leaf spring and make it leave the angled termination of this pin.But have no reason to say that why this bar is not made into "T"-shaped and all can operates on two electrodes of power supply.Existing contact can be used, but needs a kind of lock bolt of form, just often second spring clip is being held on the end pin, and this door bolt will be unclamped by the motion of this bar.

Figure 16 to 19 illustrates the situation that this proposal is used to change the plastics bimetal plate bracket that has X3 now.See also Figure 16 that basic layout is shown especially, wherein metal maintaining part 9 ' with bimetal leaf 10 ' the same with the product design of existing X4.Bar 8 ' identical and at its front end 4 ' be clamped on the bimetal leaf in the mode identical with the push rod of the previous X1 that in GB-A-2194099, illustrates with bar among Figure 11 to 15.Be provided with among the figure illustrate bimetal leaf with the tip of its center edge and bar 8 ' engagement it set backward make actuator have the pattern of a front surface that flushes, but this only is the problem that a geometry is regulated.The spring arm 11 that illustrates ' be " C " shape in the previous embodiment, but cantilever that also can be simply straight is as former example.Another front end 6 of this bar ' with first contact sets 12 ' approaching, and bar 8 ' on protuberance 5 ' just with little distance and second contact sets 13 ' spaced apart.

During operation, under the situation of normal dry boiling, bimetal leaf overturns its curvature and masterpiece is used in first group of contact 12 ' go up as tradition because arm 11 ' elasticity make the mobile possibility that becomes of bar.The power that attention is applied by arm must make to enough degree for a short time has only minimum influence to bimetallic effect.Typical situation is, for example bimetal leaf can apply the power of 150-200 gram, so arm 11 ' can apply the power of 40-80 gram.When bimetal leaf cooled off, it made bar turn back to its initial position and with contact 12 ' closure.For example contact 12 ' when being welded together, heater causes the front end fusing of bar with overheated so but when situation about making a mistake.So arm 11 ' will impel this bar to leave heater, at first front end 6 ' with contact sets 12 ' engage, and with two springs (because result of welding) deflection, then with arm 5 ' with second contact sets 13 ' engage, it is opened.The state of this pattern when being operated is not shown among the figure, but compares, should have clearly and understand with Figure 14 and 15.

To this modification of X3, Figure 17,18 and 19 illustrates a comparatively practical layout, and be illustrated in its inner be provided with quarter bend 15 ' neutral end pin 14 '.This pin for example brass band material of available 1mm is amounted to and is become the pin of 2mm * 4mm, and its elbow is to make in a section of 1mm, and this can be clear that from Figure 18 and 19.Leaf spring 13a is a neutral leaf spring of revising, it and the crooked termination 15 of end pin ' engage.A discrete contact 16 ' be attached on the leaf spring is arranged, but this contact may and nonessential, device may be as adopt silver-plated method in present X3.In a single day this contact to just just being required operation when undesired.Should be noted that if front end 6 ' and first group of contact 12 ' between the gap less than arm 5 ' and second group of contact 13 ' between the gap, circuit is always interrupted by first group of contact when normal the use, though second group of contact can be participated in.Have only a neutral terminal installation to be illustrated on the figure, but an obvious similar device can be arranged on a still empty at present side, by second arm 5 ' operation.

The outside of metal maintaining part 9 ' predetermined hole 17 ' be fixed to X3 inside mold pressing thing (cream-coloured) with four stars can seeing in Figure 19.This metal group component all outside control device, can make the setting of electric insulation comparatively simple.The form of Fig. 3 A and the mistake central spring shown in the 3B is compared with the simple cantilever of present embodiment has some advantages, thereby the former also will keep.The spring of crossing the center has the curve of a nonlinear power to displacement, and can be arranged like this, makes it have only a more weak power in the range of movement of bimetal leaf, but along with the increase of displacement, it can apply stronger power.So just can be the less upset of bimetallic operating characteristic and the more reliable effect of opening with second group of contact are combined.X3 sheet metal support is formulated less being necessary to the tolerance of element distortion, because sheet metal support and nonessential being broken down, it can in the control combination part, arrange one reliably the height stop part limit distance between bimetal leaf and the first group of contact, do as present and needn't adopt post to element high and glacing flatness to carry out tight control.

Figure 20 is the heat control device that the side elevation view of a section illustrates the fusible member in Figure 17 and 19 in more detail; Figure 21 illustrates compound 360 ° of electrical equipment lead-in connectors and heating element overtemperature prote control device; this complex and shown in Figure 6 similar; just of replying in the bimetal release of two heat has been replaced by the meltable member heat control device shown in Figure 17 to 20; in Figure 21, meltable member heat control device is with label 2 ' point out.In this device, keep meltable bar topmost 4 ' part 10 ' be a corrosion resistant plate, its size and dimension is all similar with the bimetal leaf 16 of bimetal release, and is shaped on a groove and is used for engaging with the upper end of meltable bar 8 ' necking down.This plate 10 ' similar bimetal leaf 16 is maintained in the spring support 17, and meltable bar 8 ' under tension force, by the spring portion 11 ' clamping of support 17.From before explanation can understand well, if the temperature that meltable bar is subjected to when this device uses makes the softening or fusing of its head, bar 8 will be from its grip block 10 ' unclamp and will be by spring portion 11 ' drive downwards (as shown in figure 20), so lug 5 ' each contact can be opened, thus the supply of electric power of interrupting leading to relevant heating element.

Another dissimilarity shown in Figure 21 is to be provided with spring contact 500 and 500 ' contact with the terminal part of thick-film heating element as a means of being used for.

The listed above-mentioned suggestion of Figure 11 to 21 has following advantage:

The contact is opened fast, and the temperature upper punch rate of pipe heater is not how.

Make the installation of X3 bimetal leaf and aim at and have nothing to do with second group of contact.

The shape of simplifying the fusible member that is heated of X3 makes it slap sulphur (Ryton) with more insubordinate material such as polyphenyl and makes, and this material has thermal stability preferably, but does not have essential elasticity when not rupturing at assembling X3 bimetal leaf or absorbing vibration.

Need not carry out the component tolerances of the distance from the bimetal leaf to the contact, the interaction energy of control is more remained the same from beginning to end.

The nonlinear power of the X4 spring shown in Fig. 3 A and the 3B can combine the fusible member that is heated with the bimetallic actuator to the characteristic of displacement and can not change the performance of bimetallic actuator.

Top the present invention is illustrated in conjunction with more excellent embodiment, but should know that said embodiment is exemplary, can make amendment and change fully under the condition of not leaving the intention of the present invention listed in the claims and scope.For example, though the present invention illustrates in conjunction with 360 ° cordless electric appliance that specifically the present invention can be used for the cordless electric appliance of other kinds equally even can be used to have rope electrical equipment to adopt the electrical equipment of traditional plug and socket connector as those.In addition, though said embodiment adopts 360 ° cordless connector, the present invention also can be used for more traditional wireless tradition, requires electrical equipment to be set on its base portion with specific orientation in this system.The solution of the present invention utilizes one self can provide the whole spring metal support of crossing central authority to keep the way of bimetal release actuator can be particularly well suited to purposes widely.Similarly, though said embodiment once illustrated the heating element of particular form, the heating element of other kinds also can use.Safety interlocking in our UK Patent Application 9724799.3 of putting on record at 1997.11.24 in addition, can be used to enforcement of the present invention.The shutting off steam sensor device can be installed on the lead-in connector of electrical equipment, and directly and under the situation of vapor sensor control device binding can act directly on its tripping lever.If the vapor sensor control device is installed far and with electric wire on circuit, be connected with the lead-in connector of electrical equipment, so required actuation movement can transmit with lever, if perhaps distance is far away excessively concerning lever, so just need to extend at the lead-in connector of electrical equipment with between away from the vapor sensor control device of installing with Bowden (Bowden) safety cable or analog.A kind of like this safety interlock for overhead can be used in any cordless connector system.In addition, this safety interlocking can be used to rope and make that the vapor sensor control device just is turned off (circuit disconnection) when being inserted into the electric coupler plug in the lead-in socket on the electrical equipment.

Claims

1. the thermal response controller of an electrical heating elements, described controller comprises a bimetal release actuator, described actuator is installed in the metal spring support, so that in use by this support this controller is kept closely contacting with this heating element; A pushing member, it with the thermal response campaign of this bimetallic actuator and the controller switches that is used to operate this controller link; With one cross central authority, it and described pushing member link, and prop up with described metal spring and to be configured to one.

2. controller as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described bimetal release actuator comprises at least one removable butterfly shaped dual metal sheet, has the snap-fastener function between two opposed disc structures.

3. controller as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that described metal spring support is included in some spacer portion of the bearing position that limits described bimetal leaf on first height betwixt and limits some spring parts at interval bearing position and that be used as described central authority excessively of described pushing member betwixt on second height.

4. controller as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, described metal spring support comprises a base portion that is fixed in described controller, described separator spring spare and described base part from, upright from the opposite end of described base portion; With a pair of arm that faces with each other and limit the bearing position of described bimetal leaf betwixt.

5. controller as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that described bimetal leaf is roughly rectangle, described arm separately with the structure of the corresponding opposite side Colaesce of described bimetal leaf.

6. controller as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, described structure comprises metal spring hook at interval, is used for the relative angle of described bimetal leaf roughly is positioned in its plane, also comprises other structure that is used for this bimetal leaf is substantially transverse to its plane positioning.

7. as the described controller of one of claim 1 to 6, it is characterized in that, comprise the reset device relevant with described central authority excessively.

8. controller as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, comprise that is shaped on the molded plastics body in order to the connector body of admitting plug of power connector, wherein, described aircondition can according to the separation of described plug and socket connector and subsequently reconnect work.

9. controller as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, described connector body provides complementary power supply connector plug and its be connected, and with the orientation independent that relatively rotates of this plug and socket.

10. controller as claimed in claim 8 or 9 is characterized in that, the described device that resets is included in cam gear in the described connector body, it slidably this connector plug separation and reconnect to move.

11. controller as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described cam gear comprises a cam member, and it is configured to can move into and be ordered about the position that resets this controller when this connector reconnects when described connector is separated.

12. controller as claimed in claim 11, it is characterized in that, move in the chamber that described cam member can form in this controller, the plug that a aperture in the wall of described chamber allows this cam member to protrude into this controller is admitted in the passage, as long as this plug is in this socket, this hole is by this plug sealing, and when this plug is taken off, this cam member is moved, so that protrude in the described passage, this cam member and described chamber are to constitute like this, make the described passage of insertion subsequently of this plug can drive this cam member, make it reset the described central authority of crossing.

13. as the described controller of one of claim 1 to 12, it is characterized in that, comprise another bimetal release actuator, this actuator is installed in this controller uses is following bimetal release actuator and this heating element being on the close thermal position contacting position separately, keeps thermo-contact with this heating element.

14. controller as claimed in claim 13, it is characterized in that, described another bimetal release actuator is installed in another metal spring support, link with another pushing member another switch it and this controller, and another is crossed central authority and is associated with described another pushing member, is configured to one and prop up with described another metal spring.

15. controller as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, the structure of described another bimetal release actuator, its metal spring support, its pushing member that is associated with cross roughly identical with the bimetal release actuator of at first mentioning of central authority.

16., it is characterized in that the working temperature of described these bimetal release actuator is roughly the same as the described controller of one of claim 13 to 15.

17., it is characterized in that the working temperature of described these bimetal release actuator is different as the described controller of one of claim 13 to 15.

18. the described and combined controller of an electrical heating elements as one of claim 1 to 17.

19. controller as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, described electrical heating elements is a kind of thick-film heating element.

20. controller as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, some spring terminals of described controller engage with some terminals of described thick-film heating element.

21. one kind comprises the heating vessel as the described combination of one of claim 18 to 20.

22. the thermal response controller of an electrical heating elements is used under the overheated situation of this heating element this heating element being separated with its power supply, described controller comprises one group of switch contact; Parts of making by fusible material; With the fixing device of in use holding the forward position that close thermal contacts in the end of described fusible component with this heating element; A spring that remains on compressive state by described fusible component, the end of this fusible component is provided in and is melted under the overheated situation of this heating element and separates with its fixture, thereby unclamp this spring, and rebound, this switch contact is disconnected from described forward position.

23. controller as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, this spring is compressed in the end of described fusible component and on this fusible component and between the bearing of described end part interval.

24., it is characterized in that this switch contact is configured to be disconnected by the fusible component as the switch actuator, and the spring after being unclamped drives as the described controller in one of claim 22 or 23.

25. as the described controller in one of claim 22 or 24, it is characterized in that, described spring comprises a metal spring spare, the front portion of this spring part comprises the device in order to the end of fixing described fusible component, also comprises from the position, interval of described front portion entering some arms that contact with extending inward into described fusible component backward.

26. controller as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, the end of described fusible component engages with a keeper, and the front portion of described metal spring spare is made into the support of a described keeper.

27. controller as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that, described keeper comprises a metallic plate, and the front portion of described metal spring spare has spacer structure, engages with described metallic plate at its opposition side.

28. controller as claimed in claim 27, it is characterized in that, described metallic plate is roughly rectangle, described spacer structure comprises metal spring hook at interval at the opposite side of described metallic plate, roughly be positioned in the plane of this plate in order to relative angle, and other structure that is used to locate this plate is substantially transverse to its plane described metallic plate.

29., it is characterized in that the device of described fixing described fusible component end does not have thermal response switch operation function as the described controller of one of claim 22 to 28.

30., it is characterized in that the device of described fixing described fusible component end has thermal response switch operation function as the described controller of one of claim 22 to 28.

31. controller as claimed in claim 30, it is characterized in that, the function of described spring is the first group of switch contact that disconnects this controller when it is released, and the switching manipulation function of the described device of fixing described fusible component end is the second group of switch contact that disconnects this controller.

32., it is characterized in that described metallic plate is bimetallic as claim 27 or 28 described controllers.

33. controller as claimed in claim 32 is characterized in that, described bimetallic plates are dish-shaped, so as under a predetermined temperature that is lower than the softening or fusion temperature of described fusible material along with the action of the snap-fastener between opposed disc structure is moved together.

34. as the described controller of one of claim 22 to 33, it is characterized in that, be provided with another thermal response switch actuator and another relevant switching device, described another thermal response switch actuator and described fusible component separate, make when this controller and a heating element and when putting described fusible component and described another thermal response switch actuator can reply the temperature that is in its locational described heating element in interval.

35. controller as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that, described another thermal response switch actuator comprises a bimetallic element.

36. controller as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, described bimetallic element is dish-shaped, so that move with the action of the snap-fastener relative between disc structure under a predetermined temperature.

37. the controller when being subordinated to claim 33 as claim 36 is characterized in that, the predetermined work that this two bimetal releases actuator is started working is identical basically.

38. as the described controller of one of claim 35 to 37, it is characterized in that, comprise that the bimetallic element of described another thermal response switch actuator is configured to operate its another relevant switching device by means of a mistake central authority.

39. controller as claimed in claim 38 is characterized in that, described central authority excessively constitutes the part of the metal spring support of this bimetallic element.

40. controller as claimed in claim 39, it is characterized in that, described metal spring support comprises some ends of each interval, they limit on first height bimetal leaf are bearing in therebetween position, on another height, these spring parts at interval are suitable for admitting betwixt a pushing member, cross central authority to constitute one, wherein to respond this bimetallic switching manipulation campaign mobile between first and second settling positions on the either side of unstable position, a center for this pushing member.

41. as the described controller of one of claim 38 to 40, it is characterized in that, comprise the device that resets that is associated with described central authority excessively.

42. controller as claimed in claim 41, it is characterized in that, comprise this part of molded plastics portion that is shaped in order to the connector body of admitting a plug of power connector, the wherein said device that resets can respond the separation of described plug and socket connector and reconnecting and work subsequently.

43. as the described controller of one of claim 22 to 42, it is characterized in that, comprise the device that is connected with the controller of an independent vapor sensor controller is provided.

44. as the described controller of one of claim 22 to 43, it is characterized in that, be suitable for using together with a plane heating element.

45. controller as claimed in claim 44 is characterized in that, is provided with the spring terminal in order to the portion of terminal that engages a thick film plane heating element on this controller.

46. a bimetal release actuator comprises that the metal spring support of a bimetal piece and an integral body crosses central authority.

47. the metal spring support of a bimetal release actuator, described support comprise that a first that is suitable for installing described bimetal piece and one limit second integral part that bistable state is crossed at least a portion of central authority.

48. controller as claimed in claim 47, it is characterized in that, comprise a base component and have structure in the described end, the end that upwards curves of the end opposite of described base portion for the respective end of admitting bimetal piece, described base portion has first and second spring members that extend toward each other that unclamp from it, and described first and second spring members comprise that described bistable state crosses central authority.

49. controller as claimed in claim 48 is characterized in that, configuration one parts separate so that their bias voltages are got further between the opposed end of described first and second spring members.

50. the thermal response controller of an electric heating part is characterized in that, described controller comprises the thermal response actuator that is used for determining bistable switch mechanism state; Reset the device of described bistable switch mechanism; The plastic body portion of described controller is shaped in order to admit the connector body of a plug of power connector, the described device that resets comes work by separating and reconnecting described plug and socket connector subsequently, described controller body comprises a chamber, comprise a cam member in the chamber, opening on the wall of described chamber can make described cam member protrude in the passage that is occupied by this connector plug when this plug and socket connector connects, when this plug takes off on this socket, this cam member is moved in its chamber, and protrude in the described passage, thereby the reconnecting of this plug and socket connector makes this cam member insert in this connector body along with this connector plug and driven by this connector plug, wait to reset under the state if this bistable switch is in, this motion of this cam member is used for resetting this bistable switch mechanism.

51. controller as claimed in claim 50 is characterized in that, described thermal response actuator comprises a bimetal leaf.

52. controller as claimed in claim 51 is characterized in that, described bimetal leaf is a dish, so that along with the action of the snap-fastener between the relative disc structure can be moved together.

53., it is characterized in that described bistable switch mechanism comprises that one crosses central authority as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 52.

54. as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 53, it is characterized in that, the operation of described controller is used for a spring force is applied on this cam member in the described cam chamber, this spring force promotes this cam member and moves, thereby connects when separating in described opening protrudes into described passage when this plug and socket.

55. as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 54, it is characterized in that, also comprise one second thermal response actuator, be used for determining second switch mechanism state, the described second thermal response actuator and this thermal response actuator of mentioning at first separate, like this, in use, this two actuator is by replying this electrical heating elements in the locational temperature of its corresponding interval.

56. controller as claimed in claim 55, it is characterized in that, the described second thermal response actuator, similar with this thermal response actuator of mentioning at first, be used for determining the state of a pair of stable switch mechanism, one resets device comprises a described cam member, operates described cam member by separating and reconnecting described plug and socket connector subsequently.

57. controller as claimed in claim 56 is characterized in that, described mention at first making under substantially the same temperature with the second thermal response actuator replied.

58. controller as claimed in claim 56 is characterized in that, described at first mention making under different temperature with the second thermal response actuator replied.

59. controller as claimed in claim 55 is characterized in that, the described second thermal response actuator comprises a fusible component.

60., it is characterized in that described connector body is one 360 ° of connectors as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 59, it can cooperate with the connector plug of a complementation according to the direction that relatively rotates of this two connector.

61. as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 60, it is characterized in that, comprise that control to independent vapor sensor controller provides the device of connection.

62., it is characterized in that as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 61, be suitable for using with a plane thick-film heating element, wherein on this controller, be provided with spring terminal, in order to engage the portion of terminal of a plane thick-film heating element.

63. as the described controller of one of claim 50 to 62, it is characterized in that, this controller and electrical heating elements combination, described connector body is used for powering to this heating element through this controller, and irrelevant with the state of described thermal response actuator.

64. water heater that is provided with as a described controller of claim 63 and an electrical heating elements.

65. one kind is suitable for the plug or the socket connector that cooperate with a complimentary socket or pin connector, wherein the whole heating element overheat controller of this connector of mentioning at first is configured to reconnect this two connector then and reset by separating.

66., it is characterized in that as the described controller of claim 65, a cam member is set in this connector, be used for resetting this controller.

67. as the described controller of claim 66, it is characterized in that, described cam member is set in the chamber of described connector, this chamber has an opening, lead to the hole in this connector, when this two connector is combined together, this hole is occupied by this complementary connector, the part of described cam member is configured to protrude from described chamber when this two connectors separation in described opening protrudes into described hole, and this two connector in separate the back when being reconnected by contacting with this complementary connector, be pushed rearward in the described chamber, the interaction of the cam member that is produced is used to reset this controller.