EP0762454B1 - Holder for a temperature-dependent switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

The holder has two connection elements (12,13), which accept the switching mechanism (1) between them and which contact different connections, and two contact elements (14,15) electrically connected to the connection elements and to the external connections of the switching mechanism. At least one of the connection elements is arranged to accept different distance pieces (16), which electrically connect the switching mechanism and connection element, between itself and the switching mechanism so that switching mechanisms of different thicknesses can be used.

Description

The invention relates to a holder for a temperature-dependent, preferably encapsulated rear derailleur, with two connection elements, which accommodate the rear derailleur between them and different Electrical connections of the same, and with two Contact elements that are electrical with the connection elements are connected and for external connection of the rear derailleur serve an electrical consumer.

Such a switch is known from DE 38 17 080 C2.

Temperature-dependent, enclosed switchgear are in themselves also known. These rear derailleurs are often used in temperature monitors used and serve the temperature of a device to monitor. For this purpose, these rear derailleurs have inside the capsule usually a bimetal element, which if exceeded "snaps" over a certain temperature and hereby releases or closes an electrical contact, whereby Influence on the temperature of the device. In the simplest case, such a rear derailleur with a electrical consumers in series as a device to be monitored switched so that when the predetermined overtemperature is reached the power supply to the electrical consumer is interrupted becomes.

It is common knowledge that these rear derailleurs have a two-part, to design electrically conductive housing in which a bimetallic snap disc and a spring washer are provided are. The spring washer carries a contact part, which with the Lid part is in plant, so that at a correspondingly lower Temperature over the contact part and the spring washer conductive connection between the cover part and the bottom part of the rear derailleur. The temperature of the Rear derailleur, the bimetallic snap disk "snaps" and moves the spring washer such that the electrical Connection between cover part and bottom part is interrupted.

If the rear derailleur is consequently in thermally conductive connection with the part to be monitored with regard to heat development of the consumer, the bimetallic snap disc can do this be set that at a preselected temperature the consumer's current flow through the consumer Bimetal switch connected in series is interrupted.

Such switchgear can be self-holding or non-holding be trained. With self-locking rear derailleurs is in everything Usually a PTC element is connected in parallel to the rear derailleur. As long as the overtemperature is not reached and the rear derailleur insofar as it is closed, the consumer current almost flows completely over the bimetal element. Upon reaching the Overtemperature and "snapping" of the bimetal element begins causing a current to flow through the parallel PTC element the PTC element heats up. Because of this heat development the bimetal element is held in the open position.

In the case of non-latching rear derailleurs there is usually none PTC element present, so that the bimetal element again "snaps back" if the device to be monitored changes the switch-off has cooled down sufficiently.

In addition to temperature monitoring, the temperature monitors take over thus often additional functions, they protect the consumer against excessive current consumption and / or prevent one Reactivating the consumer when its temperature has lowered again, which is why the temperature monitor is self-holding be formed. To perform these additional functions parallel and series resistors in the temperature monitor integrated.

This type of rear derailleur is often encapsulated. This ensures that the sensitive bimetal element is protected. The electrical connections of this encapsulated Switchgears are usually on opposite Sides of the rear derailleur.

For external connection of the rear derailleur, it is possible to use stranded wires directly to the housing or to the connections of the Derailleur to solder. However, this process is labor and therefore expensive and can be due to the high soldering temperature lead to damage to the rear derailleur, causing a high Can bring committee.

A temperature monitoring device is known from DE 38 17 080 C2 mentioned at the beginning known for shaded-pole motors, the two have connector tabs attached to the field winding. The known temperature monitoring device exists from an insulating housing, in which one with the first Connector flag of the field winding to be connected Mating connector is housed and in which a parallel aligned to the second connector flag of the field winding Connector flag is held. The also in supports the temperature monitor housed in the insulating material housing directly on the one held in the insulating housing Connector flag from. Furthermore, is in the insulating housing mating connector provided a contact spring molded onto the opposite side of the temperature monitor suppressed.

This known holder has a relatively complicated structure and is exclusively due to the connection flags of the Shaded-pole motor adapted to the specified connection diagram. Farther Problems can arise that the jammed temperature monitor shakes off, causing unwanted Operational failures of the shaded-pole motor can result. Finally this known holder is only of a certain type adjusted by temperature monitor.

From DE 87 13 380 U is a holder for an encapsulated temperature switch, according to the preamble of claim 1, known in which a rear derailleur with a metal housing in a metal tube is used. The metal case forms with his Bottom the first external connection of the rear derailleur and lies on the inside of the metal tube. On the opposite Another connection is provided on the side of the metal housing, to which a connecting wire is soldered, which is bent in a U-shape is formed and leads out of the metal tube. Between the U-shaped metal wire and the metal tube an intermediate part is provided which frictionally engages the switch holds the metal tube. The metal tube is after being pinched of the switch housing at its opening by means of a Pressure glass bushing closed, through which the connecting wire is led out. This connecting wire forms a first Connection of the encapsulated temperature monitor while the metal housing forms the second connection.

Based on this state of the art, it is the task of present invention, the holder mentioned above to further develop that the holder can be used as universally as possible is.

Another task is to make it as universal as possible To create temperature monitors.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in the aforementioned Holder for a temperature-dependent, preferably encapsulated Switch mechanism solved in that at least one of the connection elements is designed between yourself and the rear derailleur different spacers to accommodate the rear derailleur and electrically connect the one connection element to one another, so that derailleurs of different thicknesses are held can.

The task is also performed by a temperature monitor for one electrical consumer solved a invention Has holder in which a bimetal rear derailleur is added which is with the electrical consumer to be protected is connected in series.

Finally, the task is determined by a spacer on a connection element of the holder according to the invention solved, the spacer is a plate, the is designed in a U-shaped bend of a connection element to be used.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved in this way completely solved.

With this universal holder you can now do different things Rear derailleurs are held, e.g. B. those with and those without PTC element because these two types of rear derailleurs have often due to the different number of encapsulated Components of different thickness. Furthermore, that is Rear derailleur held completely solderless by the holder. The Contact elements are arbitrary according to a desired connection diagram configurable. The spacer, which is the one connecting element electrically connected to the rear derailleur can carrier of various electrical functions. On the one hand there can be a direct electrical connection between connection element and derailleur, on the other hand, discrete Components or entire circuits between the rear derailleur and Connection element can be switched.

It is preferred if the received spacer is on one connector is fixed so that the rear derailleur between the spacer and the other connecting element is held.

The advantage here is that the interposition of the spacer is solved structurally particularly simple. Farther This measure results in a particularly simple one Assembly, because by fixing the spacer the one connecting element, the spacer in the holder captive, even if the rear derailleur is not yet is used. This also eliminates assembly errors avoided because after inserting the spacer the insertion wrong, because too thick derailleurs are not possible. All in all the manufacturing costs are reduced by this measure.

It is further preferred if at least one of the connecting element and contact element existing pair in one piece from one electrically conductive piece of material is formed.

This measure has the advantage that the holder is constructive is particularly easy because the number of parts is minimized overall is. This also results in a simpler assembly.

It is preferred if the electrically conductive piece of material is a flag made of resilient metal. Such flags are thanks to bending techniques, it is particularly easy to constructively match the specified Customizable parameters. The feather quality of the flag creates one secure hold of spacer and / or rear derailleur with simplified Assembly of the same. Finally, it is advantageous that such a holder is basically reversible, Incorrect assemblies can therefore be undone.

It is particularly preferred if the spacer assigned flag in the area of their connecting element for Fixing the spacer is bent in a U-shape.

Advantageously, the spacer can easily in the U-shaped bend can be inserted. Such a simple one Working step is easy thanks to an automatic production machine (Robot) to accomplish. Especially in manufacturing This measure therefore leads to labor-intensive countries enormous cost savings.

It is also particularly preferred if the Spacer associated flag in the area of the U-shaped Bend is provided with a spring nose or bead.

Here it is also advantageous that the insertion of the spacer especially while maintaining a secure hold can be easily accomplished. Even one that occurred Wrong assembly of the necessary reversal of this step is essential easier to accomplish. Finally, with such a Design of the flag - within certain limits - spacers insert different thickness. This simplifies it of course, the manufacture of the spacers and thus reduced their manufacturing costs. Alternatively, either different flags with different thicknesses U-shaped Bends are provided. As another alternative it is conceivable to use the spacers of different thicknesses at least in the area of its holder by the U-shaped To provide bending with a uniform shape.

It is further preferred if the flags in the area of the contact element as straight contact flags with a predetermined one Connection diagram are formed.

The advantage here is that contact flags are particularly simple are to be produced. Also, the overheating is too protective devices easily with the appropriate recordings for straight contact flags can be equipped if they don't already are.

It is particularly preferred if the holder has an adapter element, preferably a clamp slide with two contacts assigned with which the contact elements can be contacted, and the two other connection elements for external connection of the Derailleur has.

This already brings with a generic holder, that is without the possibility of accommodating different spacers and thus derailleurs, the considerable advantage that a greatest possible flexibility for the external connection of the rear derailleur is achieved. In the simplest case, for example when using it the holder for appropriately designed devices to be protected, can the holder without interposing the adapter element connected to the device to be protected. If one device designed for the holder is not to be protected a corresponding adapter element connected to the holder. The other connection elements of the adapter element to the external Connection of the rear derailleur can now either to the most varied Devices be adapted to what the provision of different Requires adapter elements. However, it is special Preference to provide an adapter element that is as universal as possible, which with a known connection technology to the most diverse Devices can be connected. A special one preferred, such a universal adapter element is as Clamping stone slides, in which the others Connection elements are terminal blocks. Such clamps have that Advantage that z. B. strands of different thickness connected can be.

It is preferred if the contacts of the adapter element are designed as clamp receptacles in which the Contact flags of the holder can be clamped.

This measure advantageously results in a Particularly simple possibility of connecting the adapter element to the holder.

It is further preferred if the holder and / or the adapter element provided with locking means for connection to each other is / are.

This advantageously results in a very simple connection technology of adapter element and holder. Of particular advantage it is, however, if this measure is supportive of the measure is provided, the contacts as clamps to train, because this results in a very good overall rigid coupling of the adapter element to the holder. On unwanted detachment of the adapter element from the holder so safely avoided.

Overall, it is further preferred if the holder is in one Housing is provided, which is shaped on the inside in such a way that the switchgear is transverse to the direction of its contact can be held clamping or latching.

This already brings with a generic switch, that is without the possibility of different spacers and thus define different rear derailleurs, the considerable Advantage that the rear derailleur is extremely easy in the holder can be used. Such a step is on easy way by means of an automatic production machine to accomplish. This reduces the manufacturing costs. At the same time, regardless of the bracket by the connection elements a secure hold of the rear derailleur in the housing and thus in the holder. In addition, one such clamping or locking bracket reversible, so that Incorrect assemblies can be undone.

The measure, the clamping or latching bracket in the direction To provide transverse to the contact has the advantage that switchgear different thickness through one and the same housing can be held. If this measure with a keeper should be provided in the only derailleurs more uniform Size must be used, the clamping or locking bracket therefore not necessary across the direction of the switch contact be provided. However, this has been done independently of the type of holder always an advantage when the common, pill-shaped encapsulated switchgear be used with electrical connections on the flat sides, because a clamping or latching bracket is particularly easy on the round peripheral surface of such a switchgear type is feasible.

Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous to use this measure to combine, the flag associated with the spacer in the area its connecting element to define the spacer U-shaped turn because when combining these two measures can automate both the spacer and the rear derailleur be inserted into the housing, making it surprisingly becomes possible with such a holder fully equipped temperature monitors finished.

It is preferred if the housing has at least one Inner projection for clamping or latching support of the Derailleur has.

The advantage here is that the locking / clamping support the derailleur is structurally particularly easy to solve. Because by coordinating the thickness and size of the projection constructively the desired strength of the clamping or latching effect can be easily reached.

It is further preferred if the housing has a hood, on the two a connection element and a contact element having flags are set.

It is preferred if the flags each have a plug-in element have in a respective plug receptacle of the housing can be anchored. Alternatively, this determination can be made in one Pre-assembly step take place, for. B. by pouring the flags during the injection molding of the hood. This reduces the number of parts to be assembled.

The advantage here is that the flags are attached to the Housing can be realized by a simple plug-in process. As with some of the measures previously described, is a such work step easily by an automatic production machine to accomplish so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

It is further preferred if the housing has a cover for the hood. With such a cover rear derailleur, the spacer and the necessary contacts from environmental influences such as dust or Moisture is largely or completely shielded.

It is preferred if the cover has an inside Has base that when the cover is placed on the hood the rear derailleur transverse to the direction of contacting the rear derailleur and transversely to the direction of the clamping or locking action between Hood and rear derailleur supported.

This measure makes the rear derailleur immovable established. This will inadvertently loosen the jamming or latching support of the rear derailleur Hood prevented.

It is further preferred if the spacer with its Switch side facing away from an inner wall of the housing and if the cover has a wall-like projection on the inside has in place when the cover is placed on the hood to the side of the rear derailleur opposite the spacer arrives so that the switching mechanism in the direction of its contact between the spacer resting on the inside wall of the housing and the wall-like projection is fixed.

It is also advantageous here that the rear derailleur when attached Cover not only in the direction transverse to the contact, but also immovable in the direction of contacting the rear derailleur is fixed in the housing. Thus, the rear derailleur is on all sides mounted immovably. Even when using the rear derailleur Vibrating devices to be protected against overtemperature such as Electric motors etc. is therefore always functional guaranteed.

Overall, it is further preferred if the spacer is made of insulating material, preferably ceramic and when on the plate has a conductor track applied to it which is assigned Connection element with the corresponding connection of the rear derailleur electrically connects.

The advantage here is that the spacer itself by weight forth light and the connection between the connecting element and Connection of the switching mechanism can be carried out in a simple manner can, because the application of conductor tracks on an insulating Material offers great degrees of freedom with regard to routing as well as the integration of discrete components. In general, the spacer is also conceivable to be made of metal, but such a spacer is relatively heavy in weight and in electrical connection technology inflexible.

It is further preferred if the on the spacer applied conductor track through a thick film resistor is formed or has one. Because this leaves a series resistor for the rear derailleur for current limitation or for current-dependent switching realize.

With the new spacer, it is preferred if the plate made of an electrically insulating material, preferably ceramic exists and if a conductor track is applied to the spacer is.

The advantage here is that the spacer itself by weight forth light and the connection between the connecting element and Connection of the switching mechanism can be carried out in a simple manner can. Because the application of conductor tracks on an insulating Material offers great degrees of freedom with regard to routing as well as the integration of discrete components. It is preferred if the conductor track through a thick-film resistor is formed or has one. Because this allows a series resistor in a simple manner for the switching mechanism to limit the current.

Finally, it is preferred if the plate is made of an electrical conductive material.

This alternative measure has the advantage that the Spacer is easy to manufacture, which increases production costs reduce.

Additional features, advantages and possible uses result itself from the description and the accompanying drawing.

It is understood that the above and those below Features still to be explained not only in the respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or can be used alone without the scope of the to leave the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines mit einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Halters ausgestatteten Temperaturwächters von vorne;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht des Temperaturwächters von Fig. 1 von der Seite;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht des Temperaturwächters von Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von unten;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Abdeckung des Gehäuses des Temperaturwächters von Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Abdeckung von Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht einer einem Distanzstück zugeordneten Fahne des Temperaturwächters von Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Fahne des Temperaturwächters von Fig. 1; und

Fig. 8

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines dem Temperaturwächter von Fig. 1 zugeordneten Adapterelementes.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic cross-sectional view of a temperature monitor equipped with an embodiment of the holder according to the invention from the front;

Fig. 2

a schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature monitor of Figure 1 from the side.

Fig. 3

a schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature monitor of Figure 1 in a view from below.

Fig. 4

is a schematic plan view of a cover of the housing of the temperature monitor of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of the cover of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

a side view of a flag associated with a spacer of the temperature monitor of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7

a side view of another flag of the temperature monitor of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 8

is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adapter element associated with the temperature monitor of FIG. 1.

1 and 2 is a temperature monitor 1 for monitoring the temperature of a device, usually an electrical one Shown to the consumer. The temperature monitor 1 comprises a housing with a hood 2 and a cover 3. Inside the housing an encapsulated pill-shaped bimetal switchgear 4 is added. Two flags 5, 6 are also made on the housing Spring metal provided.

The flags 5, 6, which in FIGS. 6 and 7 each in one Side view are shown, each have a connecting element 7 or 8, a contact element 9 or 10 and a plug element 11 and 12 respectively. The plug elements 11 and 12 are in opposite plug receptacles 13 and 14 of the hood 2 anchored. The contact elements 9, 10 are each as extensions the plug-in elements 11, 12 formed, pass through the cover 3 through and are under this under training of straight contact flags.

The connecting element 7 is essentially L-shaped and is from the area of the transition between plug element 11 and Contact element 9 bent perpendicularly from this. The end of Connection element 7 is designed as a suspension fork 15, the one on one side of the rear derailleur 4 provided connection 16 contacted.

The connecting element 8 is also from the transition between Plug element 12 and contact element 10 bent and extended essentially parallel to the plug element 12. Das Connection element 8 is bent at the end in a U-shape and has a spring nose 17 on the free-standing U-leg.

In the U-shaped bend of the connecting element 8 is a Spacer 18 inserted from ceramic material, which is parallel to the opposite side of the suspension fork 15 Derailleur 4 extends. On the surface of the spacer 18 is a thick-film resistor 19 is formed, which Connection element 8 and the housing of the switching mechanism 4 electrically connects, which compared to that by the suspension fork 15 of the other connecting element 7 contacted terminal 16 of the switching mechanism 4 is electrically insulated.

The thick-film resistor applied to the spacer 18 19 thus forms a series resistor for the switching mechanism 4, which Current limitation purposes etc. fulfilled.

Due to the U-shaped design provided with the spring nose 17 the connecting element 8, spacers 18 can be different Pick up thickness. This offers the opportunity to the hood provided with the flags 5, 6 2 rear derailleurs 4 different Insert thickness. For example, encapsulated Rear derailleurs 4, which one to the bimetallic piece have PTC resistor connected in parallel, or also flatter encapsulated switchgear 4 used without locking become.

Furthermore, the connection of the Derailleur 4 are changed. In the embodiment shown is, as described above, a thick film resistor 19 as Series resistor provided. Alternatively, it is also possible to use others Use spacers on which only a simple one Conductor is applied, or which itself from electrical conductive material exist so that no series resistor is realized becomes. The arrangement of hood 2 with flags inserted therein 5, 6 is thus universal for different switching mechanisms 4 and different connections of the same can be used.

1 and 2 are some for the sake of clarity constructive details of the housing not shown on the 3 to 5 will now be discussed should.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the hood 2 seen from below. It can be seen that the spacer 18 insertable into the U-shaped configuration of the connector 8 is and lies flat against an inner wall 20 of the hood 2. The housing of the rear derailleur 4 used in the present If there is a round encapsulated rear derailleur (see Fig. 1), lies with its one axial side on the opposite side of the inner wall 20 Side of the spacer 18 with applied Thick film resistor 19 on. This is an electrical Connection between the connecting element 8 and the housing of the Derailleur 4 manufactured. The other's 15 fork Connection element 7 presses against the opposite axial side of the rear derailleur 4, which is not only a safe contact between Suspension fork 15 and the corresponding connection 16 of the rear derailleur 4, but also between the thick film resistor 19 and the Housing of the switching mechanism 4 guaranteed.

In Fig. 3 it can also be seen that the switching mechanism is radial between a side wall 21 of the hood 2 and one of the rib 22 projecting perpendicularly from the opposite side wall is jammed. This results in a secure hold of the Derailleur 4 in the hood 2, regardless of the thickness of the rear derailleur in its axial direction. Thus, rear derailleurs 4 different thicknesses in the same way Hood 2 are used.

4 and 5 it can be seen that the cover 3 laterally Openings 23, 24 for carrying out the contact elements 9, 10 and on the inside a base 25 projecting upwards has a side support 26 or 27 on the side is assigned, which is a slightly larger height than the base 25 to have. When putting the cover 3 on the hood 2 presses the base 25 on the rear derailleur 4 with the support of Side carrier 26, 27. With the cover fully attached 3, the rear derailleur 4 is not only radially laterally through the side wall 21 or the rib 22 is clamped, but also radially between the base 25 with the side supports 26, 27 and the bottom of the hood 2 set. When the housing is assembled the switching mechanism 4 is therefore independent of its axial thickness set radially so that even a strong shake, such as for example when using the temperature monitor on an electric motor, there is no risk that the rear derailleur 4 by radial offset from the connection element 7 and / or the thick-film resistor 19 is electrically isolated.

4 and 5 can also be seen that from the cover 3 on the inside parallel to the base 25 a wall-like projection 28 protrudes, higher than the base 25 and the side supports 26, 27. When placing cover 3 on the hood 2 pushes the wall-like projection 28 between the switching mechanism 4 and the connecting element 7. This is on the one hand ensures that the connecting element 7 in the region of its L-shaped Turn to the housing of the rear derailleur 4 is electrically insulated. On the other hand, the rear derailleur 4 axially fixed. Although the wall-like projection 28 thus derailleur 4 defines axially, derailleurs 4 different axial thickness can be used because at Use spacers of different thicknesses 18 the distance between the inner wall 20 and the wall-like Tab 28 is always the same.

The wall-like projection 28 has a recess on the upper side 29 provided so that the suspension fork 15, the connection 16 of the rear derailleur 4 can contact unhindered.

By axially defining the arrangement of derailleur 4 and Spacer 18 is thus prevented that, for. B. in use on a shaking electric motor, the rear derailleur 4 by axial offset from the suspension fork 15 and / or the thick film resistor 19 is electrically isolated.

It is obvious that this is due to the temperature monitor 1 realized axial and radial definition of the rear derailleur 4 in the housing can also be used if only Rear derailleurs 4 of the same thickness are to be used. In this case could - without the thick film resistor 19 realized series resistor - on the use of spacers 18 can be dispensed with. It is obvious that that Connection element 8 would then have to be shaped differently. For example could the connection element 8 in this case flat L-shaped be shaped so that it with the housing of the rear derailleur 4th electrically contacts.

In Fig. 8 with 30 is designed as a clamp slide Adapter element shown. The clamp slide 30 has two Terminal blocks 31, 32 for - not shown - terminal blocks usual design. The clamp slide is on the top 30 with two clamping receptacles 33, 34 made of electrically conductive Provide material in which the contact elements 9, 10 of the Temperature monitor 1 with the formation of an electrical Connection between the contact elements 9, 10 and the corresponding Clamping stones can be inserted by clamping.

It can also be seen in Fig. 8 that the housing of the Temperature monitor 1 formed on the underside with a latch 35 which, when the clamping block slide 30 is attached to the temperature monitor 1 in a latching manner with a latching tongue 36 of the same engages. This is a safe one mechanical connection between temperature monitor 1 and clamp slide 30 guaranteed, even if by the Clamping receptacles 33, 34 caused clamping effect for some Applications for mechanical connection may be sufficient.

Although the adapter element in the present case as a clamp slide 30 is formed, others can if necessary Types of adapter elements connected to the temperature monitor 1 become. This can be accomplished in a particularly simple manner as the contact elements 9, 10 as straight contact tabs are trained with a fixed connection diagram, what the Designing suitable adapter elements makes it easy.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible, instead of as a straight line Contact tabs of trained contact elements 9, 10 such one other connection types. It is obvious that then the construction of the cover 3 may need to be changed.

Claims (24)

1. Holder for a temperature dependant, preferably encapsulated, switching device (4), with two connection elements (7, 8) that accommodate the switching device (4) between them and make electrical contact with different connections on the device, and with two contact elements (9, 10), which are electrically connected to the connection elements (7, 8) and which serve to provide an external connection of the switching device (4),
   characterised in that at least one (8) of the connection elements (7, 8) is disposed so as to accommodate different spacers (18) between it and the switching device (4), the spacers connecting the switching device (4) and the one connection element (8) electrically with each other, so that switching devices of different thicknesses can be held.
2. Holder according to claim 1, characterised in that the accommodated spacer (18) is secured to a connection element (8), so that the switching device (4) is held between the spacer (18) and the other connection element (7).
3. Holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one pair consisting of connection element (7, 8) and contact element (9, 10) is formed as one piece from an electrically conductive piece of material (5, 6).
4. Holder according to claim 3, characterised in that the electrically conductive piece of material is a flag (5, 6) made of spring metal.
5. Holder according to claim 2 and 4, characterised in that the flag (6) allocated to the spacer (18) is bent in a U-shape in the area of its connection element (8) for securing the spacer (18).
6. Holder according to claim 5, characterised in that the flag (6) allocated to the spacer (18) is provided with a spring nose or bead (17) in the region of the U-shaped bend.
7. Holder according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the flags (5, 6) in the region of the contact element are formed as straight contact flags (9, 10) with a predetermined connection scheme.
8. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that an adapter element (30), preferably a clamping block sled with two contact seats (33, 34), is allocated to the holder, with which adapter element the contact elements (9, 10) can be contacted, and which has two further connection members for the external connection of the switching device (4).
9. Holder according to claim 7 and 8, characterised in that the contact seats of the adapter element (30) are formed as clamp seats (33, 34), in which the contact flags (9, 10) of the holder can be clamped.
10. Holder according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the holder and/or the adapter element (30) is/are provided with latching devices (35, 36) for attaching them to each other.
11. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the holder is provided in a casing (2, 3), an interior thereof being formed such that the switching device (4) can be held clamped or latched crossways to its contacting direction.
12. Holder according to claim 11, characterised in that the casing (2, 3) has at least one internal projection (28) to provide clamping or latching support to the switching device (4).
13. Holder according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the casing (2, 3) has a hood (2), on which two flags (5, 6) are secured, each with a connection element (7, 8) and a contact element (9, 10).
14. Holder according to claim 13, characterised in that the flags (5, 6) each have a plug-in element (11, 12) that can be anchored in a respective plug socket (13, 14) of the casing (2, 3).
15. Holder according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the casing (2, 3) has a cover (3) for the hood (2).
16. Holder according to claim 15, characterised in that the cover (3) has on its inside a base (25), which, when the cover (3) is placed on the hood (2), supports the switching device (4) across the contacting direction of the switching device (4) and across the contacting direction of the clamping or latching action between hood (2) and switching device (1).
17. Holder according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the spacer (18) touches one of the casing inner walls (20) with its side opposite the switching device (4) and in that the cover (3) has a wall-like projection (18) on its inner side which, when the cover (3) is placed on the hood (2), comes against the side of the switching device (4) which is opposite the spacer (18), so that the switching device (4) is secured in its contacting direction between the spacer (18) against the casing inner wall (20) and the wall-like projection (28).
18. Holder according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the spacer is a plate (18) made from insulating material, preferably ceramic, and in that there is a strip conductor on the plate (18), this strip conductor connecting the assigned connection element (8) electrically with the corresponding connection on the switching device.
19. Holder according to claim 18, characterised in that the strip conductor is formed by a thick film resistor.
20. Temperature controller for an electric consumer, with a holder in accordance with one of claims 1 to 19 and with a bimetal-switching device (4), which is incorporated in the holder and which is switched in series between the contact elements, so that it can be switched in series with the electric consumer.
21. Spacer for securing to a connection element of a holder in accordance with one of claims 1 to 19, whereby the spacer is a plate which is formed to be inserted in a U-shaped bend of the one connection element (8).
22. Spacer according to claim 21, characterised in that the plate is made of electrically insulating material, preferably ceramic, and in that there is a strip conductor mounted on the spacer.
23. Spacer according to claim 22, characterised in that the strip conductor is formed by a thick film resistor.
24. Spacer according to claim 21, characterised in that the plate is made of electrically conductive material.

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