EP0394693B1 - Temperature switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

In a switching device (1a), provided especially as a temperature monitor and a signalling switch for radiant heating bodies of glass-ceramic cookers, the end, located at the base (2), of the outer tube (7a) (consisting of quartz glass or the like) of the expansion rod temperature sensor (6a) is supported such that it can move with respect to the base (2) such that this end carries out the movements required to operate the switch. The temperature sensor (6a) is mounted with a bracket-like flange body (10a) on a sensor holder (82) of the base (2) such that one and the same base (2), including essentially the entire switching mechanism, can also be provided with a temperature sensor in which the inner end of the inner rod carries out the movement required to operate the switch. In this way, different sensor systems can optionally be arranged on one and the same apparatus head, with simple production, for matching to the respective requirements. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a temperature switching device according to the preamble of claim 1, such as. B. from DE-A-37 05 261 or EP-A-0 225 490 known. Such a switching device has a base and, in order to achieve an at least partially simplified manufacture, at least one holder for at least one sensor-controlled switch arrangement.

Such temperature switching devices are provided with at least one switch arranged on the base, for the actuation of which a temperature sensor to be arranged on a sensor holder of the base is provided, which has two sensor parts that can be moved relative to one another, a first of which mechanically with an actuator for a switch Operation connected and one is at least partially formed by a hollow rod profile. Such temperature sensors are usually rod-shaped or designed as strain sensors, in which the the two sensor parts have different thermal expansion coefficients and one is secured in position substantially directly opposite the base, while the other, with its end lying in the region of the base, acts on the respective switch to carry out the switching process.

In the case of expansion rod sensors, the sensor parts, for example according to DE-A-37 05 261 or EP-A-0 225 490, are usually formed by an outer tube and an inner rod lying therein, the inner end of the base lying at the base Outer tube is secured rigidly with respect to the base at least with respect to movements in the direction of the switching movement of the temperature sensor. The arrangement can be such that the outer tube consists of a thermally essentially stable material, for example quartz glass, and thus has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is substantially smaller than that of the inner rod, which is metallic, for example, at least over sections of its length. The metal outer tube, for example, can also have a thermal expansion coefficient that is substantially greater than that of the ceramic inner rod, for example. Furthermore, the inner rod can be arranged such that it is at least under the forces occurring during the switching operations or is constantly under compressive or shear stress, in which case the outer tube is under tensile stress. However, the inner rod can also be arranged such that it is kept essentially constantly under tension, for example by a separate spring, in which case the outer tube is under compressive or shear stress, since the outer end of the inner rod is supported against the outer end of the outer tube . These systems satisfy many applications, but are less suitable for some applications. Furthermore, depending on the choice of the sensor system, the bases and the switch arrangements have hitherto been designed completely differently, which is why different ones are not optionally available on the same base Sensor systems can be attached. In addition, if the inner rod is designed as a tension rod, its storage, spring loading and mechanical switching connection with the actuator or actuators is relatively complex.

The invention has for its object to provide a temperature switching device of the type mentioned, with which disadvantages of the known solutions can be avoided in a simple manner.

The features of claim 1 are suitable for achieving this object. In the case of the temperature switching device, means are provided by which the inner end of the at least part of its length, which is hollow at the base, is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of the switching movement of the temperature sensor relative to the base, such that the movement thereof inner shifting movement can be derived. Although this rod profile could be formed by a profile which is at least partially open on one longitudinal side and possibly at least partially accommodating the other sensor part, it is preferably closed in the form of a tube over the circumference, so that the inner end of the sensor part having the larger outside width is guided securely and precisely opposite the base can be stored. The inner end of the other, possibly smaller outside width sensor part is advantageously fixed in the direction of the working movement of the temperature sensor relative to the base essentially fixed, wherein when this sensor part is constantly under tension or compression, a determination by stop is sufficient.

It is conceivable that the sensor part directly coupled to the actuator or with its inner end carrying out the sensor movement associated with the switching process relative to the base is designed as a tensioned sensor part, but this sensor part is expediently arranged independently of the selected sensor system so that it is under pressure in every switching state of the switching device, so that a particularly simple Coupling with the actuator is only possible by abutting pressure surfaces. If the second sensor part, which is separate from the hollow rod profile, is under tensile stress, the inner end of the hollow rod profile expediently protrudes inward beyond the inner end of this second sensor part, so that it can be coupled with the actuating element approximately in the axis of the second sensor part or the temperature sensor can.

In order to be able to hold the hollow rod profile in the manner described under compressive or tensile stress and thereby the second sensor part vice versa under tensile or compressive stress, a spring or return spring is expediently coupled directly to the hollow rod profile via pressure surfaces, via the outer end of which the spring force is transferred to the second sensor part, so that there is a very simple spring arrangement.

The inner end of the hollow rod profile or the outer tube can be mounted directly on the base or via at least one separate bearing member, with a sliding sliding guide expediently having a bearing bush and a bearing journal. Furthermore, the hollow rod profile or the outer tube for actuation can rest directly on a counter member of the switch or on the actuating member or via an intermediate piece or a switching member, which preferably forms a one-part component with the associated bearing member. The switching or bearing member can be connected to this rod profile in a simple manner by a simple plug-in connection to be assembled in the longitudinal direction of the hollow rod profile and can be secured against it only by a stop under tension by the return spring or the like, so that it is very easy to assemble results. This training can also hollow rod profile are made relatively short, for example so that its inner end is substantially outside the base.

To secure the position of the inner end of the second sensor part in relation to the base, a securing element is provided in the area of this inner end, which e.g. is formed by a cross part formed by this sensor part or a separate, form-fittingly engaging cross part in this sensor part, which projects across the second sensor part to such an extent that it can be secured in position by engaging a part rigidly connected to the base. For this safety engagement, the bearing or switching element is expediently penetrated transversely by at least one of the two interlocking parts.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, means are provided to connect a flange body for holding or storing the temperature sensor, in particular the hollow rod profile, essentially free of play to the base via a quick-action clamping device, the clamping direction of the preferably screw-free clamping device being essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor or its working movement, while an insertion movement for inserting the flange body into the base is transverse or at right angles thereto, namely in particular in the direction in which essentially all other device parts are inserted into the base from the front thereof. In a simple embodiment, the clamping device is designed in the manner of a clamping clip, the clamping jaws of which are spaced apart from one another, being distributed in the region of at least two or three around the circumference of the temperature sensor Tension tendons are connected to each other, which can only be brought into their tensioned state by deformation. As a result, the clamping jaws, including the tendons, can be preassembled before the flange body is inserted, so that after the flange body has been inserted, only the tendons have to be tightened to secure the position.

The clamping jaws or corresponding parts of the flange body also form two spaced-apart fastening or bearing points for the temperature sensor, in particular for the outer tube, these points being able to lie essentially within the outer contours of the base and, through them, a particularly secure mounting of the temperature sensor is guaranteed.

Preferably, at least two or all of the connecting members, such as tabs, for the respective switch are essentially on the same side of the base and / or closely adjacent to one another, for example, in such a way that their direction of insertion is directed essentially in the same way. In the case of a switching device with two or more switches, the connecting members of at least one switch, in particular all the switches, are located on separate sides of the base, in particular facing away from one another, so that associated electrical leads can be routed close to one another away from the base without the risk there is that they cross with leads of another switch or have to be guided around the base of the base.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the e.g. trained as a snap switch approximately parallel to each other or transverse to the temperature sensor one behind the other in the base such that their movable contacts for performing the switch-on process are moved in the opposite direction and on different sides of a medium lying between them, for example on both sides of the central axis of the temperature sensor or Axis of movement of the actuator are arranged. As a result, fastening parts of the respective switch, which on the one hand serve to fasten a support for the movable switching contact and on the other hand to fasten the associated mating contact, lie adjacent to one another on the same side of the median plane or the base mentioned and are directly connected in an electrically conductive manner to the two associated connecting members .

Furthermore, the fastening part of the one switch carrier can encompass the end of the other switch carrier adjacent to it in the manner of a leg approximately in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor, while the fastening part of the associated counterpart or protruding with this fastening part, which is essentially flush but protrudes in the opposite direction, Fixed contact can encompass either the flange body or the return spring laterally.

A major advantage of this design is that the dimensions of the base, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor, can be significantly reduced, the extension of the base approximately in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor being significantly smaller than the base lying transversely thereto, to be measured approximately in the longitudinal direction of the switch can be wide. In the case of using the switching device, for example, for a radiant heater as a result, the base lying on the outer circumference of the insulating support of the radiant heater only relatively slightly over this outer circumference.

The switchgear is also suitable for so-called dual-circuit radiators, in which the temperature sensor is provided in the area of at least two separate, adjoining or lying-in heating zones of predetermined areal extent, but should not respond to the heating effect of at least one heating zone or should respond only slightly. This is achieved in that the two sensor parts of the temperature sensor in the area of this heating zone have essentially the same expansion coefficients, namely e.g. consist of essentially the same material, for which in particular the sensor part which is under pressure is designed accordingly. For the arrangement of the switching device on a radiator, for the different sensor designs and for the adjustment options, reference is made to DE-OS 37 05 260 and 37 05 261 with regard to further features and effects.

If, in the case of a temperature sensor with an articulated sensor part, those metallic sections of both sensor parts which are provided immediately adjacent to one another are at a relatively large distance from the connection of the temperature sensor to the base, there is practically no impairment with regard to the electrical protective insulation. If the hollow rod profile consists essentially of metal, it can be formed by a high-temperature-resistant insulation protection tube made of quartz or the like, which forms the outer jacket of the temperature sensor. The outermost part exists in particular for radiators which have gas discharge tubes instead of or in addition to exposed heating wire filaments as heating Jacket of the temperature sensor also expediently from one of the insulating materials mentioned, this jacket then being formed directly by the hollow rod profile. According to the invention, both sensor systems can optionally be arranged on the same base in such a way that they act on the same or the same switch components, so that no different switching mechanisms are required for different sensor systems.

Fig. 1

ein Temperatur-Schaltgerät in teilweise geschnittener Ansicht auf die geöffnete Vorderseite, jedoch in einer Ausrüstung mit starr gelagertem, hohlen Stabprofil, welche als solche keine Ausführungsart der Erfindung darstellt,

Fig. 2

eine weitere Ausrüstungsform des Schaltgerätes mit gemäß Fig. 1 gleichem Gerätekopf, jedoch einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausbildung des Fühlersystems in einer ausschnittsweisen Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt der Fig. 2 im Axialschnitt und in vergrößerter Darstellung,

Fig. 4

den Ausschnitt gemäß Fig. 3 in einem weiteren Axialschnitt und

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform in einer Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 3.

These and other features of preferred developments of the invention emerge from the description and the drawings in addition to the claims. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

a temperature switching device in a partially sectioned view of the open front, but in an equipment with rigidly mounted, hollow rod profile, which as such does not represent an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

1 shows a further form of equipment of the switching device with the same device head according to FIG. 1, but with an embodiment of the sensor system according to the invention in a partial representation corresponding to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

3 shows a detail of FIG. 2 in axial section and in an enlarged view,

Fig. 4

3 in a further axial section and

Fig. 5

a further embodiment in a representation corresponding to FIG. 3.

The temperature switch shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the initial or idle state, which should preferably be used as a temperature monitor 1, has a base 2 made of, for example, ceramic insulation material, which can be opened on its top or front side and can be closed with a plate-shaped flat cover 3 on. In the base are immediately adjacent to each other and one behind the other two structurally or in their outer dimensions approximately or exactly the same switches 4,5 are arranged in the form of snap switches. These switches can be used for any separate switching operations and are preferably provided as a power switch 4 and as a signal switch 5 so that the power of the connected heating is switched off with the power switch 4 above a predetermined temperature by adjustment, while with the Signal switch 5 above a predetermined by adjustment predetermined, relatively low temperature of the heated device, a signal device, for example a signal lamp, is switched on and is only switched off again when the temperature falls below this second temperature. The base 2 is designed as a substantially closed, plate-like housing, which surrounds the switch protected on all sides, and in which all separate components, except for electrical connecting elements, are inserted into recesses from a single plate side which can be closed by the cover 3 and are thereby mounted .

A rod-shaped, rectilinear temperature sensor 6 is attached to a base narrow side lying on the circumference of the flat rectangular base 2 and is essentially parallel to the central plane of the base 2 lying between the front and the rear. The temperature sensor 6 is located closer to the assembly or front side than to the closed rear side of the base 2 parallel to the front side. The temperature sensor 6 essentially consists of a metal outer tube 7 with a relatively high thermal expansion coefficient throughout its entire length and from an inner rod 8, which is arranged in the outer tube 7 essentially without contact and made of high temperature resistant material with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and in particular electrical insulation properties, preferably quartz glass, ceramic or the like. consists. As a result, two substantially parallel rod parts are formed, which are guided against each other and one of which can be at least partially hollow to accommodate the other.

The outer tube 7 and the inner rod 8 are each approximately cylindrical over their entire length, with only a relatively narrow gap between the inner rod 8 and the outer tube 7 and the outer diameter of the outer tube 7 being of the order of magnitude of approximately 4 mm.

The inner end 46 of the outer tube 7, which is located at the base 2, is formed into a form-fitting member 47, which is formed in one piece with it and protrudes only radially outward, in the form of an annular flange which is thus formed in one piece with the outer tube 7. This inner end 46 of the outer tube 7, which extends into the base 2, is arranged essentially centered in a metallic flange body 10, which forms only part of the associated narrow-side housing wall of the base 2. This flange body 10 has an outwardly projecting shoulder, penetrated by the inner end 46 of the outer tube 7, the form-locking member 47, which has a material thickness that is substantially smaller than that of the flange body 10, rests on an inside of the flange body 10. The transition of the form-locking member 47 into the jacket of the outer tube 7 is sharp-angled in cross-section on the outside thereof, the annular end face of the form-fitting member 47 lying essentially over the whole area on the inside of the flange body 10.

The inner end 48 of the consistently constant cross-sections and thread-free and collar-free inner rod 8 is only slightly, namely only about the order of one to four times its outer width over the inner end face of the outer tube 7 and is located with a flat end face 49 in the center on the essentially flat transmission surface 29 of a flat-profile-shaped actuating member 32, which forms a T-shaped component with a shaft-shaped transmission member 9 of approximately the same thickness that adjoins its other side in one piece. The T-crosspiece forms a widened head 25 of the shaft, which has the transmission surface 29.

With its outer, flat end face 50, the inner rod 8 bears against a spherical end face of an adjusting member 12, which is approximately the same axis as it, under spring pressure. Both end faces of the inner rod 8 can be of the same design so that it can be inserted into the outer tube 7 with the same effect in both possible turning positions. The adjusting member 12, which is designed as a stud and against which the inner rod 8 rests within the outer tube 7, is guided in a narrowed end section of this outer tube 7 with a thread 53 and is thereby fixed in an adjustable manner against the spring force.

The two switches 4, 5 each have a multi-angled strip-shaped switch carrier 13 or 14 which is designed as a stamped and bent part and is each equipped with a snap spring 15, 16 formed by a leaf spring, which carries or forms a switching contact 17 at its free end . The two identically designed, but approximately mirror-inverted or axially symmetrically oppositely arranged switch carriers 13, 14 including their snap springs 15, 16 and switch contacts 17 are arranged essentially such that the snap springs 15, 16 and the switch contacts 17 essentially on the opposite sides of the Switch carrier 13, 14 are. The switch contacts 17 are assigned to the counter contacts 19, 20 which are fixed to the housing and which are electrically conductively connected to connection parts projecting beyond the outside of the base 2, for example connecting plugs. Corresponding connecting parts or connecting plugs are also connected to the switch carriers 13, 14 in an electrically conductive manner, these connecting parts also being inserted in recesses on the rear of the base 2 and being able to form the attachment of the respective switch carrier by passing through the rear wall of the base 2 are connected to the associated switch carrier via a rivet or the like.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switch carriers 13, 14 are fastened in the base 2 with angled fastening lugs 45. The attachment projection 45 of the respective switch carrier 13 or 14 is formed by a carrier leg which is angled approximately parallel to the plate plane of the base 2 and which essentially starts from the end of the switch carrier lying with the movable contact 17 and is directed away from the associated mating contact 19 or 20 and rests on the bottom surface of an associated depression of the base 2. The carrier leg 45 of the further from Temperature sensor 6 remote switch carrier 13 protrudes in the direction of temperature sensor 6 and lies with its inner leg edge immediately adjacent to the leg-free end of the switch carrier 14 closer to temperature sensor 6, the carrier leg 45 of which is directed away from temperature sensor 6 and the corresponding end of the switch carrier 13 also encompasses. The end of the switch carrier 13 or 14 of each switch 4 or 5, which is further away from the associated switch contact 17, is also secured in position by inserting it into a slot in the base 2, so that the respective switch carrier 13 or 14, which is essentially at least the entire length of the associated snap spring 15 or 16 is sufficient, is secured at both ends on both sides of the central axis 18 by a direct positive connection with the base 2. Each counter-contact 19 or 20 is arranged on one leg of an elbow, the other leg of which is approximately flush, but opposite to the associated support leg 45 at the bottom of the same depression as this, the free end of this leg in particular also in the case of the closer to the temperature sensor 6 lying counter contact 20 to very close to the associated narrow edge of the base 2 lying transversely to the temperature sensor 6 and can laterally overlap the flange body 10 lying in the region of this narrow edge.

On the back of the base 2 and with the respective support leg 45 or the leg of the associated mating contact 19 or 20 substantially congruent, a fastening approach of a connecting member 78, 79 or 80, 81 is provided, which with the associated switch leg by a The rear wall of the base 2 or the rivet penetrating the bottom wall of the depression electrically is conductively connected and thus secured in position. The two connecting members 78, 79 of the one switch 4 are thus immediately adjacent to one another on one side of the base 2, over the narrow side edge of which they can protrude approximately parallel to one another freely outwards, while the two connecting members 80, 81 of the other switch 5 in a corresponding manner can lie on the other side of the base 2. As a result of the design described, the two switch carriers 13, 14, although offset in their longitudinal direction from one another by at least the width of the carrier legs 45, are very close to one another, being inserted into the base 2 from the front together with the transmission element 9 already inserted can be if its separating web lying between the switch supports 13, 14 has a slot open to the front as a through opening for the shaft of the transmission member 9 and not a through opening closed over the circumference.

The transmission member 9 or the actuating member 32, which is made of electrically non-conductive, for example ceramic insulating material, is not guided directly on the base 2, but is guided in a completely contact-free manner and only secured against rotation in that it penetrates openings in the switch carriers 13, 14 with its shaft , wherein at least one of these openings to form a sliding guide is adapted to the rectangular cross section of the transmission member 9, which also penetrates larger openings of the snap springs 15, 16. The transmission element 9 also passes completely through the switch 4 further away from the temperature sensor 6 and is coupled with its free end on the side of this switch 4 facing away from the temperature sensor 6 with a separate, sleeve-shaped actuating element 30 such that it positively engages it when it moves away from the temperature sensor 6 takes away immediately. The associated actuating counter-member 31 of the switch 4, which, like a corresponding counter-member 37 of the switch 5, is essentially formed by a bead which is stamped out of the associated snap spring and is partially circular in cross section, which projects in the direction of the actuating element 30 and is contact-free in the region of the associated opening is penetrated by the transmission element 9, is actuated only by the actuating element 30 for actuation. This contact takes place adjacent to the front and rear outer surfaces of the transmission link 9.

The actuating element 30 and the transmission member 9 engage in the manner of a telescopic rod, the actuating element 30 preferably at least partially, i.e., the shaft of the transmission member 9 on the outer circumference. overlaps at least over part of its circumference, so that the aforementioned actuation of the switch 4 can be carried out in a very simple manner. The actuating element 30 acting on the switch 4 in the direction of switching off is inherently rigid, so that the switching function is very precise. The actuating element is applied with a return spring 40 without play against the transmission element 9, this spring 40, apart from the switch springs which only become effective when switched off, the only one on the actuating element 30, the transmission element 9, the actuating element 32, the inner rod 8 and that Adjusting member 12 is acting spring 40, which holds all these parts which are essentially axially identical to one another in the manner of an articulated compression rod in each functional position under pressure without play and constantly puts the outer tube 7 under tension.

The surface of the actuating element 30 cooperating with the transmission element 9 is in shape on an adjusting element 34 a stud screw is provided, which is screwed into a corresponding internal thread of the actuating element 30 so that its flat end face facing the inner rod 8 lies in every adjustment position within the actuating element 30 and a longitudinal section of the actuating element 30 always projects over this end face, in which the associated end of the transmission member 9 engages. The actuating element 30 thus has a longitudinal axis and lies with it approximately parallel, in particular in alignment, to the transmission element 9 and / or to the adjusting element 34, so that a very compact arrangement which works very precisely even with high switching numbers results.

Furthermore, the adjustment member 34 is due to the described design with a pressure surface, namely in particular with its end face, on a transmission surface 36, namely in particular on the associated flat end surface, of the transmission member 9 in any position of the transmission member 9 immediately without play.

The actuating element 30 is slidably guided by mounting in a bearing body 55. The guide is formed in that a sleeve-shaped outer end portion 56 of the actuating element protruding over an inner end portion 35 of the actuating element 30 and receiving the adjusting member 34 engages in a centered manner in a bearing opening 57 of the bearing body 55. The bearing body 55, which is in engagement with the associated end of the actuating element 30, forms the bearing opening 57 with an inwardly directed sleeve attachment. Furthermore, the bearing body 55, which is formed from sheet metal, is inserted with edge zones lying on both sides from the front of the base 2 into opposing slots in the associated housing inner surfaces of this base 2 in a position-secured manner.

The bearing body 55, the bearing opening 57 of which is closed by the end section 56, also forms on the associated side of the base 2 a closure plate for an opening 43 of the interior of the housing or a corresponding part of the associated housing wall which is essentially flush with this outside the housing interior of the base 2 is closed on two narrow sides facing away from one another by the flange body 10 and on the other hand by the bearing body 55, this also results in a very simple manufacture of the base 2 from insulating material. The fastening or carrier legs 45 of the switch carrier 14 or the counter contact 19 pointing away from the temperature sensor can grip the actuating element 30 or the bearing body 55 on opposite sides in the direction of the switching movement.

The return spring 40 is supported on the inside of the bearing body 55 at one end, surrounds the socket neck in a centered manner, and is located as a helical compression spring at the other end both essentially on the circumference and on an outwardly projecting annular collar 58 of the actuating element 30, this annular collar 58 is set back relative to the actuating surface 60 of the actuating element 30. The outer end of the adjustment member 34, which lies within the end portion 56, is easily accessible from the outside of the bearing body 55 for adjustment at any time. At the outer end, the actuating element 30 is provided with a transverse slot 59 or the like for the engagement of a tool, with which it can be secured against turning when the adjusting member 34 is adjusted. In the starting position, the actuating element can strike with a shoulder surface adjacent to the annular collar 58 at the inner end of the socket attachment of the bearing body 55.

The actuating element 30 and the actuating member 32 lie one behind the other due to the design described in the longitudinal direction of the transmission member 9 and have two actuating surfaces 60, 61 facing each other. The actuating surface 60 of the actuating element 30 is formed by its inner sleeve end face, while the actuating surface 61 of the actuating member 32 is formed by two shoulder surfaces of the head 25 projecting radially approximately the same distance as the actuating surface 60. The side faces of the head 25 and the shaft of the transmission member each lie approximately in a common plane.

The configuration described creates a temperature switch in which the switch 4 is secured against excessive stress by overpressure, since the actuating element 30 only becomes effective during the reset travel, that is to say with a decreasing sensor temperature, and otherwise, namely in the switched-on state, releases this switch 4 without load . The shape of the transmission element 9, on the one hand, and the actuating element 32, on the other hand, which deviates from the cylindrical shape, also gives rise to significant advantages with regard to storage, the spatially advantageous accommodation, assembly and functional reliability. At the same time, it can be taken into account through the design according to the invention that it can be more expedient for installation and electrical connection reasons if the switch 5 closer to the temperature sensor 6 is the signal switch, since then the switch 4 associated with the other switch is on the outside of the base 2 Connection parts are further away from the temperature sensor 6 and thus from the heating to be switched than the corresponding connection parts of the switch 5.

For fastening the inner end of the temperature sensor 6 or the flange body 10, the base forms a sensor holder 82 which is formed in one piece with it and which is essentially formed by two approaches which are located on both sides of the temperature sensor and project freely from the rear wall of the base 2 to the front that slots 89 or recesses for the positive reception of the flange body 10 are formed. The flange body 10 consists of two sheet metal components which form two plate-shaped and essentially parallel flange clamps 83, 84 which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the sensor 6 and which are provided essentially at right angles to the central axis 18. The temperature sensor 6 or the inner end 46 of the outer tube 7 passes through both flange brackets 83, 84 centered and is secured with its form-locking member 47 against the inside of the flange bracket 84 located further inside, while the outer tube 7 follows the flange clamp 83 lying further outside in the area of a penetrated collar. The two flange brackets 83, 84 are connected to one another via tension members 85 lying approximately parallel to the temperature sensor 6 and at a distance from its outer circumference, two of which can be seen in FIG. 2 on both sides of the temperature sensor 6 and preferably between the temperature sensor 6 and the rear wall of the base 2 another is provided.

The tension members 85 projecting outwards in the direction of the temperature sensor 6 freely beyond the associated transverse boundary edge of the base 2 are angled in one piece from the flange clip 84 and enforce the flange clip 83, which is larger in terms of its area, in the area of slots, the slot width of which closely matches the thickness of the flat cross section the tab or strip-shaped tension members 85 is adapted. At their ends projecting beyond the outer flange clip 83, the tension members have 85 integral with them tendons 86 in the form of widened heads or cabinet bending brackets, the shoulder surfaces projecting laterally beyond the tension members 85 are designed as oblique clamping surfaces 90 and to which the slots in the flange bracket 83 are closely matched.

By setting or bending the tensioning members 86 about the longitudinal axis of the associated tension member 85, the tensioning surfaces 90 come into engagement with the outside of the flange bracket 83, with a higher tensioning force being obtained with an increasing angle of rotation.

The two flange brackets 83, 84 lie between the tension members 85 with their mutually facing sides on mutually facing contact surfaces 87, 88 of the base 2, which are formed by the associated outer sides of the approaches. The inner contact surface 87 for the flange bracket 84 can be at least partially formed by the side surface of a slot receiving this flange bracket 84, so that this flange bracket 84 is also positively secured in the direction toward the inside of the base 2. The tension members 85 are also in groove-shaped slots open to the front of the base 2, which are delimited by the approaches on their mutually facing inner sides. The outer flange bracket 83 is expediently in an approximately 44 corresponding to its thickness recess on the associated transverse edge of the base 2, this flange bracket 83 may be formed by one leg of an angular fastening member for the base 2 or the switching device 1, the other leg behind the Back of the base 2 and approximately parallel to this protrudes in the direction of the free end of the temperature sensor 6. The inner flange clip 84 is at least on one side of one of the attachment lugs of the switches 4, 5, in particular of the attachment lug of the mating contact 20 overlapped so that the arrangement of the relatively large flange body 10 does not entail an enlargement of the base 2 in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor 6.

The two flange brackets 83, 84 of the flange body 10 can be preassembled with one another and with the temperature sensor 6 or the outer tube 7 thereof, in which case the tensioning members 86 are only moved so far in the direction of their tensioning position that they are captive of the two flange brackets 83, 84 secure, but the distance between the flange brackets 83, 84 is still slightly larger than the distance between the associated contact surfaces 87, 88. The flange body 10 preassembled in this way can then be inserted into the base 2 from the front, because the rear tension member has a smaller width than the distance between the projections of the base 2. After insertion, the tendons 86 are completely transferred into their clamping position, whereby the flange brackets 83, 84 are braced against each other and against the base 2. The recess 44 can be so closely matched to the flange clamp 83 that the mutual engagement of the temperature sensor 6 with respect to the base 2 or the switching mechanism is precisely aligned. In the assembled state, the inner end of the inner rod 8 protrudes only slightly over the inner end of the outer tube 7, namely by an amount corresponding to its diameter.

1, which as such does not represent an embodiment of the invention, the outer tube 7 executes the working movements of the temperature sensor 6 due to its thermal expansion and transmits it via the inner rod 8 to the switching mechanism and via the outer end of this inner rod 8 by the spring 40 is placed under tension, in the case of the switching device 1a according to the invention according to Figures 2 to 3, the arrangement is provided such that the inner rod 8a due to its thermal expansion, the working movements of the Executes temperature sensor 6a and transmits via the inner end of the outer tube 7a to the same switching mechanism, the metallic inner rod 8a being placed under tension by the same spring 40 over the outer end of the outer tube 7a. At this end, the outer end of the inner rod 8a is secured in a manner not shown in relation to the outer tube 7a in a corresponding manner, for example, in that the inner rod 8a protrudes beyond the outer end of the outer tube 7a and on this outer end a support member for support on the associated End surface of the outer tube 7a. If this support member is a nut placed on an external thread of the inner rod 8a, it simultaneously forms an adjusting member with essentially the same effect as the adjusting member 12 according to FIG. 1. The temperature sensor 6a with its flange body 10a is in the same sensor holder 82 as the temperature sensor 6 according to FIG. 1, it being conceivable that the two flange bodies 10, 10a are essentially of the same design or at least with respect to one of the two flange brackets, although it may be expedient to place the flange body 10a in its area penetrated by the temperature sensor 6a to be dimensioned slightly differently than the flange body 10 according to FIG. 1.

The inner end 46a of the outer jacket of the temperature sensor 6a, which is made of insulating material and is made of an outer tube 7a, lies outside the base 2 or is offset to the outside with respect to the flange body 10 and the flange clamp 83a and is provided with a separate axis that is in line with it and a continuation of its interior End forming switching member 47a, which is essentially formed by a sleeve cap 91. The inside width of the jacket 92 of the sleeve cap 91 which is slightly larger in the outside diameter compared to the outside pipe 7a is larger than the inside width of the outside pipe 7a, so that it is practically a Forms housing for receiving the inner end of the inner rod 8a. The inner end 46a of the outer tube 7a is inserted into an acute-angled inner cone 93 in the outer end of the switching element 47a, which is slightly widened with respect to the inner width of the jacket 92, and is supported with its annular end face under the force of the spring 40 on the bottom shoulder of this inner cone 93. At the inner end, the sleeve-shaped switching member 47a over most of its length has an end wall 94 lying approximately in the region of the flange bracket 84a, which is provided on the outside with a protruding switching cam 49a for contact with the transmission surface 29 of the transmission member 9 such that with the same setting of the adjusting device having the adjusting member 34, essentially the same adjustment is given as if the temperature sensor 6 according to FIG. 1 were used. The switching element 47a, which could also be formed in one piece with the outer tube 7a if the material is selected appropriately, can be slidably guided in its longitudinal direction directly on the flange body 10a or on one or both flange brackets 83a, 84a, but one is expedient for this mounting Between the two flange brackets 83a, 84a, in particular separate bearing bushing 95 is provided, which rests or is fastened with an annular collar on the inside of the inner flange bracket 84a and, in the tensioned state of the flange body 10a, can also rest on the inside of the outer flange bracket 83a.

The inner end 48a of the inner rod 8a is secured with respect to the tensile forces acting thereon by the spring 40 with respect to the base 2 or with respect to the flange body 10a by abutment on an inner surface facing away from the outer end of the temperature sensor 6a. For this purpose, the inner end 48a is formed by deformation into a flat profile which is formed in one piece with the inner rod 8a and which is penetrated by a transverse bore into which a securing member 96 in the form of a transverse pin is inserted. The securing member 96 projects with both ends over the inner rod 8a, the switching member 47a and possibly the bearing bush 95 and is supported with both cylindrical ends outside the outer circumference of the jacket 92 on an abutment 98 formed by the said inner surface. This abutment 98 is formed by a bead-like depression on the inside of the flange clamp 83a, which can be penetrated by the switching element 47a in the region of a correspondingly large through opening, essentially without contact. In the jacket 92 of the switching element 47a and possibly the bearing bush 95, opposing longitudinal slots 97 are provided for the passage of the ends of the securing element 96, which by engaging in the recessed abutment 98, the switching element 47a against the flange body 10a and thus against the base 2 against Secures torsion. The securing element 96 is expediently located transversely or at right angles to the front of the base 2, so that it is free of the approaches of the sensor holder 82 lying on both sides of the switching element 47a.

The temperature sensor according to FIGS. 2 to 4 works according to the following method:
Changes in temperature lead to changes in the expansion and length of the inner rod 8a, which is constantly under tension, which are transmitted via its outer end to the outer end of the outer tube 7a, which in the operating state is mounted such that it can move longitudinally relative to the base 2. The inner end of this outer tube 7a transmits the expansion movements essentially without changing its length via the transmission member 9 in the manner described to the switching mechanism or the switches 4, 5 in the same manner as that for the inner rod 8 in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 applies.

As FIGS. 1 to 4 also show, a particularly simple arrangement, fastening, storage and positional securing is also provided for the cover 3 formed by a flat, thin plate made of insulating material. This cover 3 is so pivotably mounted with a rivet 100 or the like lying in the area of a corner of the front of the base 2 and adjacent to the base side facing away from the temperature sensor about an axis perpendicular to the front axis that it opens into all the switch parts of the switch mechanism and opening position can be pivoted into a congruent closed position with the front. To secure the position in the closed position, at a distance from the pivot axis, a locking cam 99 projecting over the front of the base 2 approximately by the thickness of the cover 3 is provided, which engages in a locking opening of the spring-elastic cover 3 which is adapted to it in the manner of a leaf spring. This latching cam 99 can be formed in a simple manner by the flange body 10 or 10a, in particular by the inner flange bracket 84 or 84a, over the front edge of which the latching cam projects. Only by resiliently lifting the cover 3 in the area of the locking cam 99 from the front of the base 2 can the detent be disengaged and the cover pivoted. Conversely, the locking device snaps back in by itself.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 to 4, the temperature sensor 6a can pivot within small limits essentially around the central axis of the securing member 96 relative to the base 2, so that the temperature sensor 6a can dodge under corresponding loads. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the temperature sensor 6b can deflect in all directions pivoting about a center point lying in its central axis. For this purpose, a securing member 96b with in the essential spherical or spherical cap-shaped support surface is provided for securing against the base or the flange bracket 83b, in which case the securing member 96b lies completely within the switching member 47b or the sleeve cap 91b. The switching element 47b is composed of two components placed against one another in the longitudinal direction, namely the sleeve cap 91b and a joint sleeve 101 adjoining its outer end and receiving the inner end of the outer tube 7a. This joint sleeve 101 can pivot with the temperature sensor 6b relative to the base or the flange body around the ball center point of the securing member 96b by engaging the sleeve cap 91b via spherical end faces or bearing surfaces, the center of which essentially corresponds to that of the securing member 96b coincides.

As further shown in FIG. 5, to support the securing element 96b in this case, parts fixed to the base, namely parts of the flange body, reach into the interior of the switching element 47b through longitudinal slots 97b, so that the securing element 96b is supported on these parts within the switching element can be. 5 protrude over the inner circumference of the through opening of the outer flange bracket 83b, in particular four abutment tongues 98b distributed over the circumference, which protrude through the longitudinal slots 97b and whose inner ends form a bearing socket for supporting the spherical circumferential surface of the securing member 96b. The bearing surfaces 102 lie immediately adjacent to the outside of the flange body or the flange bracket 83b.

Claims (9)

1. A temperature switching device including a base (2) and at least one mount for at least one sensorcontrolled switch arrangement, for actuation of at least one switch (4, 5) a temperature sensor (6a or 6b) being arranged on a sensor mount (82) of said base (2), said temperature sensor comprising two sensor parts (7a, 8a or 8b) having different thermal expansion coefficients movable against each other in a switching movement, of which a first is connected to at least one actuating member (30 or 32) for at least one switch (4 or 5) mechanically for actuation and one is formed at least in part by a hollow rod section (7a) in which the second sensor part (8a, 8b) is arranged, characterized in that said hollow rod section (7a) is mounted movable in the switching movement and is connected to said actuating member (30, 32) of at least one switch (4, 5) and in that for positionally locking said second sensor part (8a or 8b) with respect to said base (2) a locking member (96 or 96b) is provided protruding from said second sensor part (8a or 8b).
2. The temperature switching device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that in a temperature sensor (6a) having a second sensor part (8a) subjected to tensile stress in the working position the end of said hollow rod section (7a) located in said base (2) is mounted movable with respect to said base (2) in its longitudinal direction for executing the switching movement, in that preferably the end of said hollow rod section (7a) protrudes from the associated inner end (48a) of said second sensor part (8a) by a switching member (47a) in said base (2) and in that in particular one end (48a) of said second sensor part (8a) is locked in position with respect to the base (2) at least against its tensile stress.
3. The temperature switching device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second sensor part (8a) separate from said hollow rod section (7a) is held by a spring (40) under tensile stress, in that particularly said spring (40) by interposing action of said hollow rod section (7a) engages the outer end of said second sensor part (8a) and in that preferably said inner end (48a) of said second sensor part (8a) is locked in position against the tensile stress merely by a stop.
4. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a switching member (47a) is arranged locked in position directly at said hollow rod section (7a) of said temperature sensor (6a) at least in the direction of actuation, in that in particular said switching member (47a) is connected via an axially stop position locked connector to an inside and/or outside of said base (2) located inner end (46a) of said hollow rod section (7a) and in that preferably said switching member (47a) comprises a sleeve cap (91) mounted on said inner end (46a) of said hollow rod section (7a) and/or extending into said base (2), said sleeve cap (91) comprising in particular a switch cam (49a) at its inner located cap face (94).
5. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second sensor part (8a) of said temperature sensor (6a) separate from said hollow rod section (7a) comprises the locking member (96 or 96b) in the portion of its inner end (48a) and/or protruding from the outer periphery of said hollow rod section (7a) or of said switching member (47a), in that preferably said locking member (96) is formed by a transverse pin inserted in a flat inner end section of said second sensor part (8a) or passes through at least one longitudinal slot (97) of said switching member (47a) and in that said locking member (96) particularly for positional locking adjoins one inside surface of a flanged body (10) or the like secured to said base (2).
6. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flange body for mounting said temperature sensor or said hollow sensor rod section comprises at least two flange parts located spaced one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, in that preferably said flange parts form for engaging contact surfaces facing away from each other of said base (2) or of said sensor mount (82) flange clips (83a, 84a) translatable from an open fitted condition into a tensioned installed condition and in that in particular said flange parts are connected to each other as separate components via clamping members (86) in the form of alternatingly twisting straps or the like.
7. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flat part such as an inner flange part (84a), a flanged body (10a) is configured for mounting said temperature sensor (6a) substantially U-shaped and is connected via at least two legs provided as tensile members to a further flanged part (83a), both flanged parts (83a, 84a) being preferably passed through substantially by the temperature sensor (6a) for mounting said hollow rod section (7a) and/or said outer flange part (83a) engaging said inner end (48a) of said second sensor part for positional locking.
8. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, particularly like switches (4, 5) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of said temperature sensor (6a) or of one switching transfer member (9) and are passed through substantially by said transfer member (9) influenced by said temperature sensor (6a), said transfer member (9) adjoining said switching member (47a) of said temperature sensor (6a) directly by preferably the end configured as said actuating member (32) and/or via which said spring (40) acts on said temperature sensor (6a).
9. The temperature switching device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two switches (4, 5) located one behind the other roughly in the longitudinal direction of said temperature sensor (6a) having switch contacts (17) located in the portion of opposing sides of said base (2) are arranged and/or in that at least two lead connecting members (78, 79) are assigned to each switch (4 or 5) which are located substantially on the same side of said base (2).

Images