EP0764960A2 - Auf Fluid-Druck ansprechender Schalter und Verfahren zu deren Zusammenbau - Google Patents

Auf Fluid-Druck ansprechender Schalter und Verfahren zu deren Zusammenbau Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0764960A2
EP0764960A2 EP96306625A EP96306625A EP0764960A2 EP 0764960 A2 EP0764960 A2 EP 0764960A2 EP 96306625 A EP96306625 A EP 96306625A EP 96306625 A EP96306625 A EP 96306625A EP 0764960 A2 EP0764960 A2 EP 0764960A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base
extending
sensor assembly
electric switch
guide member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP96306625A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0764960A3 (de
EP0764960B1 (de
Inventor
Scott B. Sehlhorst
James R. Thayer
John T. Hancock
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Texas Instruments Inc
Original Assignee
Texas Instruments Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Texas Instruments Inc filed Critical Texas Instruments Inc
Publication of EP0764960A2 publication Critical patent/EP0764960A2/de
Publication of EP0764960A3 publication Critical patent/EP0764960A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0764960B1 publication Critical patent/EP0764960B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00—Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00—Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H01H35/34—Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow actuated by diaphragm
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5866—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals characterised by the use of a plug and socket connector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5844—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals making use of wire-gripping clips or springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/04—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to fluid pressure responsive electric switches and methods for making them, and more particularly to certain specific features for making such switches more reliable with less variability from one switch to another and at lower cost.
  • a motion transfer member is movably mounted adjacent to the actuator and adapted to transfer motion from the actuator to a movable arm of an electric switch.
  • One area in which improvement is desired relates to providing switches which will more consistently operate within design specifications for actuation and deactuation pressure levels.
  • Various prior art means have been devised to adjust or calibrate devices in order to obtain consistent actuation and deactuation from device to device.
  • the length of the motion transfer member can be selected to compensate for variations in distance between the actuator and the movable arm of the switch.
  • the movable switch arm can be adjusted by varying the angle of a bracket mounting the arm.
  • the position of the stationary contact of the switch can be adjusted by means of a threaded member aligned with the contact.
  • Another object of the invention is the provision of a method for assembling such a switch which is more cost effective than prior art methods.
  • Yet another object of the invention is the provision of an improved pressure responsive electric switch which is less expensive to produce than prior art devices, which is particularly suitable for automated assembly techniques and which operates within the design specifications consistently from device to device.
  • Another object of the invention is to improve the precision of such switches thereby allowing tighter pressure set point windows to be specified so that the switches can be applied in end products where prior art devices are impractical.
  • a fluid pressure responsive electric switch comprises an elongated generally cylindrical base having a first open end formed with a radially, outwardly extending flange at the first end and an opposite second end having first and second bores leading to a switch chamber.
  • First and second, diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending slots are formed in the switch chamber portion of the sidewall of the base for reception of respective first and second switch terminals.
  • a first terminal mounting a stationary contact disposed at a selected angle relative to the direction of movement of a mating movable contact is placed in the base through the open first end and is received in the first slot.
  • the position of a terminal along the longitudinal axis is determined by the engagement of a first surface of a laterally extending tab of the terminal with a platform surface of the base.
  • a second terminal mounting a laterally extending movable contact arm is then placed in the base through the open first end and is received in the second slot with its position along the longitudinal axis determined by a corresponding first surface of a laterally extending tab of the terminal engaging the platform surface.
  • a motion transfer pin guide member comprising a hub having a pin receiving longitudinally extending bore has a first cylindrical wall portion received in the first open end of the base.
  • the first cylindrical wall portion has a portion extending radially outwardly forming first and second seal seats and a second cylindrical wall portion extends away from the base culminating in a force transfer surface generally in alignment with the wall of the base.
  • a sensor assembly disposed over the pin guide member, comprises a disc support member having a centrally disposed pin receiving bore, a disc housing having a suitable fluid receiving aperture therethrough and one or more rapid deflection actuators, such as snap acting discs, sandwiched between the disc support and the disc housing.
  • the sensor assembly parts are all welded together about their outer, generally circular, periphery forming an hermetic seal preventing escape of the working fluid of the system being monitored.
  • First and second flexible O-rings are disposed on the respective first and second seal seats and a motion transfer pin is slidably received in the bores of the guide member and the disc support.
  • the base, guide member, sensor assembly and O-rings are compressed together by a spring retaining sleeve extending between the flange on the base and the sensor assembly with the guide member engaging second surfaces of the lateral terminal portions opposed to the first surfaces to lock the terminal portions against the platform surface at a selected longitudinal position with the force transfer surface of the guide member engaging the sensor assembly through the outer welded peripheral portion.
  • First and second wire leads each having an insulative layer, are provided with tubular gaskets received on the insulative layer and female connectors attached to respective stripped ends of the wire leads.
  • the gaskets have an outer diameter portion selected to form an interference fit with the first and second bores respectively of the second end of the base.
  • the leads are inserted into the respective first and second bores with the female connectors electrically engaging male connector portions of the respective terminal members at the same time that the gaskets are forced into the bores forming an environmental seal.
  • a thermal isolation fitting comprising an elongated copper clad stainless steel tubular member which is hermetically attached to the disc housing and which can be conveniently hermetically attached to a system such as an hermetic refrigeration system by brazing, welding or the like without the need of a conventional heat sink normally required during such installation.
  • fluid pressure responsive switch 10 made in accordance with the invention comprises a generally elongated tubular base member 12 having a longitudinal axis 44 and being made of suitable electrically insulative material such as PBT, polybutylpteraphthalate.
  • Base member 12 has a cylindrical wall 14 extending from a first open end 16 to a second end 18 having first and second bores 20, 22 extending parallel to longitudinal axis 44 into a switch cavity 24.
  • Sidewall 14 is formed with first and second longitudinally extending slots 26, 28 within the base which extend from a platform surface 30 adjacent to open end 16 of base 12 to a location 32 adjacent the inner ends of bores 20, 22.
  • a first terminal 34 has a pair of sidewall members 36 which are slidably received in slot 26.
  • the sidewall members each has a laterally extending tab 38 which engages platform 30 to limit motion of the terminal into slot 26.
  • In the normally open switch terminal 34 is provided with stationary electrical contact 40 mounted on a support 42 disposed at a selected angle relative to a plane generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of a movable contact to be discussed below.
  • Terminal 34 is also formed with a male connector portion 46 which depends downwardly into bore 22.
  • a second terminal 48 has a similar pair of sidewall members 50 which are slidably received in slot 28. Laterally extending tabs 52 extend from sidewall members 50 and serve to engage platform 30 to limit motion of the terminal in slot 28.
  • Terminal 48 is provided with an electrically conductive, movable spring contact arm 54 which is mounted to the terminal at one end at 56 and which mounts an electrical contact 58 at its opposite end. Contact 58 is movable into and out of engagement with stationary contact 40 with contact arm 54 having a spring force biasing the contact in the contacts disengagement position.
  • Terminal 48 also has a male connector portion 60 depending downwardly therefrom into bore 20 of base member 12.
  • a motion transfer pin guide member 62 having a longitudinally extending bore 64 formed through a centrally disposed hub 66 is mounted at the open end 16 of base 12.
  • Guide member 62 has a first cylindrical wall portion 68 which slidingly fits within open end 16 connected to hub 66 by a radially extending wall 70 which engages the top surface of tabs 38, 52 to lock terminals 34, 48 against platform 30 of base 12.
  • a radial wall portion 72 extends outwardly over the distal end portion of wall 14 and forms first and second seal seats 74, 76 respectively on opposite upper and lower surfaces thereof.
  • An outwardly extending flange 80 is formed at the distal end of wall 14 of the base forming a seal seat surface 82 lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44 of base 12 as well as forming a projection for a retention sleeve to be described below.
  • a second cylindrical wall portion 84 extends upwardly from the outer portion of the wall portion 72, that is, in a direction away from base member 12, and culminates in a force transfer surface 86.
  • a first flexible O-ring 88 is received between surface 82 of base member 12 and seal seat 76 and a second flexible O-ring 90 is received on seal seat 74.
  • a sensor assembly 92 comprises one or more rapid actuator elements 94, such as snap-acting discs (the number selected being dependent on the pressure levels to be monitored), sandwiched between a disc support plate 96 having a centrally disposed bore 98 and a disc housing 100 having a fluid receiving orifice 102 welded about their peripheries as indicated at 104.
  • the discs, support plate and disc housing are generally circular in plan view with a circular weld portion 104 having a selected diameter no greater than the diameter of the circular force transfer portion 86 for a purpose to be described below.
  • the sensor assembly After placing a motion transfer pin 105 in bore 64, the sensor assembly is placed on top of guide member 62 with pin 105 received in bore 98 of support plate 96.
  • a retainer sleeve 106 formed of material having good spring characteristics has one end formed with an inwardly extending wall portion 108 received on the top surface of disc housing 100 and, with a selected force applied to the disc housing in a direction toward the base member 12, the opposite end of retainer sleeve 106 is crimped over flange 80 at 110 to lock the several parts of the switch together with the parts in a preselected dimensional relationship with one another along the longitudinal axis.
  • a suitable fitting 112 having a configuration selected in view of the application in which the switch is to be used is hermetically attached to disc housing 92 in a known manner. As shown, fitting 112 has an internal thread 114 and a conventional hexagonal outer surface 116.
  • switch 10 is assembled by dropping terminals 34, 48 in their respective slots, then placing the guide member 62 and pin 105 along with the associated O-rings 88, 90, at the open end 16 of the base member.
  • Retainer sleeve 106 is placed over the sensor assembly and a force is applied to the disc housing toward the base sufficient to deform the O-ring seals which may require, for example, 25 pounds, the force then being applied through the weld portion 104 to the force transfer surface 86 and to tabs 38, 52 against the base thereby ensuring that the terminals are in a preselected longitudinal location with a consistent, given distance between the sensor assembly and the switch assembly.
  • the retainer sleeve is crimped at 110 to lock the parts in their respective positions with a spring force applied to disc housing through wall portion 108 to maintain this dimensional relationship among the parts.
  • the amount of force employed is sufficiently in excess of the force required to deform the O-rings to ensure that the sensor assembly, pin guide member, terminals and base are all fixed in a given position relative to one another along the longitudinal axis. Approximately 75 pounds has been found to be suitable in the described embodiment.
  • stationary contact 40 is mounted on a support which lies in a plane forming a selected angle with the direction of movement of movable contact 58.
  • the angle chosen is one to bring planes in which the contacts lie into a parallel state when the movable contact arm is fully deflected in the electrically energized condition.
  • This arrangement optimizes heat sinking characteristics of the contacts and allows more of the contact material to be utilized compared to conventional arrangements in which the contact planes are in a parallel state upon initial engagement prior to the full deflection of the movable spring contact arm.
  • the particular angle selected is dependent upon the characteristics of the actuator and the design of the movable spring contact arm. As shown, the angle is approximately 10 degrees.
  • first and second electrical leads 118, 120 having an insulative layer 122, 124 respectively are each provided with a respective female connector 126.
  • Connectors 126 (see Fig. 6) have at one end a first portion 130a which crimps onto the metallic portion of the respective lead and a second portion 130b which crimps onto a respective gasket 134.
  • the opposite end of the connectors are formed into female receiving portions 132.
  • Gasket 134 a generally tubular, preferably resilient member having a bore 135 with a diameter selected to form a close fit with the conductive layers 122, 124 is placed on each lead.
  • Gaskets 134 have an outer diameter selected to form an interference fit with bores 20, 22 of base member 12.
  • gaskets 134 are shown in Fig. 6 with connector portions clamped to a small diameter portion 137 by connector portion 130b, for the sake of convenience of illustration this feature is not shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • a plurality of ribs 136 having the selected diameter are formed about the outer perimeter of the gasket to create an interface between the gaskets and base 12 of high pressure.
  • ribs may also be formed in bore 135 to create a high pressure interface between the leads and the gaskets.
  • the female connectors are spaced from the gaskets a distance selected so that the female connectors are received on the male connector portions 46, 60 preferably at the same time that the gaskets are inserted into bores 20, 22 thereby simultaneously making electrical connection with the switch and providing an environmental seal by compressing the gaskets against both the insulative layers of the leads as well as the surface of base 12 defining bores 20, 22.
  • the distance between connectors 126 and their respective gaskets 134 is less than the distance between male connector portions 46, 60 respectively and the outer end of respective bores 22, 20.
  • the terminal mounting the movable contact arm would be inserted in the base prior to the insertion of the stationary contact terminal.
  • the number of bores and longitudinally extending slots in base 12 depend on the number of electrical leads required for the switch. For example, for a single pole, double throw switch, the base would be provided with three bores and three longitudinal slots.
  • Fitting 140 is a generally tubular, elongated element formed of clad metal having an outer layer of copper to facilitate hermetic connection by a suitable process such as brazing to copper fittings in the refrigeration system and an inner layer of stainless steel to decrease thermal conductivity and thereby obviate the need for a conventional heat sink during the brazing process.
  • End 142 of the fitting is hermetically attached to switch 10 at the time of manufacture while end 144 is attached to the refrigeration system in-situ. It will be realized that fitting 140 could be used with thermally responsive switches or other components such as solenoid valved, reversing valves, heat exchanges or the like as well as pressure responsive switches and therefore come within the purview of the invention.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
EP96306625A 1995-09-19 1996-09-12 Auf Fluid-Druck ansprechender Schalter und Verfahren zu deren Zusammenbau Expired - Lifetime EP0764960B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US399395P 1995-09-19 1995-09-19
US3993 1995-09-19

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0764960A2 true EP0764960A2 (de) 1997-03-26
EP0764960A3 EP0764960A3 (de) 2000-03-15
EP0764960B1 EP0764960B1 (de) 2004-08-18

Family

ID=21708593

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96306625A Expired - Lifetime EP0764960B1 (de) 1995-09-19 1996-09-12 Auf Fluid-Druck ansprechender Schalter und Verfahren zu deren Zusammenbau

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0764960B1 (de)
JP (1) JP3778626B2 (de)
KR (1) KR100436808B1 (de)
DE (1) DE69633161T2 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016061655A1 (en) * 2014-10-24 2016-04-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pressure responsive switch for actuating a device
CN106595804A (zh) * 2017-02-07 2017-04-26 浙江众邦机电科技有限公司 工业缝纫机及其应用的油量检测系统、陶瓷压力传感装置

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5291526B2 (ja) * 2009-04-28 2013-09-18 株式会社鷺宮製作所 圧力スイッチ
WO2011070655A1 (ja) 2009-12-09 2011-06-16 株式会社 鷺宮製作所 圧力感応装置の圧力検知部と雌ネジ継手との接続構造
CN103366995B (zh) * 2013-08-02 2015-03-25 上海乐研电气科技有限公司 能防止误操作的气体密度继电器的装配接头的形成方法
DE102018201937A1 (de) * 2018-02-08 2019-08-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Schaltbaugruppe mit Dichtringstapel

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2211715A1 (de) * 1972-12-26 1974-07-19 Texas Instruments Inc
US4296287A (en) * 1979-11-23 1981-10-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Weatherproofed condition responsive switch
US4638721A (en) * 1980-07-24 1987-01-27 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive device
US4667069A (en) * 1985-08-16 1987-05-19 Ranco Incorporated Multiple disc pressure responsive control device
EP0403254A2 (de) * 1989-06-15 1990-12-19 Texas Instruments Incorporated Hermetischer Druckwandler
US5123332A (en) * 1991-07-15 1992-06-23 Texas Instruments Incorporated Condition-responsive device with diaphragm protection means
EP0520291A1 (de) * 1991-06-24 1992-12-30 Yazaki Corporation Elektrisches Anschlussteil
US5266045A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-11-30 Yazaki Corporation Waterproof connector
EP0646991A1 (de) * 1993-09-20 1995-04-05 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Kabelklemmvorrichtung für wasserdichten Verbinder
EP0652607A2 (de) * 1993-11-05 1995-05-10 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, Ltd. Wasserdichter Verbinder

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2211715A1 (de) * 1972-12-26 1974-07-19 Texas Instruments Inc
US4296287A (en) * 1979-11-23 1981-10-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Weatherproofed condition responsive switch
US4638721A (en) * 1980-07-24 1987-01-27 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive device
US4667069A (en) * 1985-08-16 1987-05-19 Ranco Incorporated Multiple disc pressure responsive control device
EP0403254A2 (de) * 1989-06-15 1990-12-19 Texas Instruments Incorporated Hermetischer Druckwandler
EP0520291A1 (de) * 1991-06-24 1992-12-30 Yazaki Corporation Elektrisches Anschlussteil
US5123332A (en) * 1991-07-15 1992-06-23 Texas Instruments Incorporated Condition-responsive device with diaphragm protection means
US5266045A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-11-30 Yazaki Corporation Waterproof connector
EP0646991A1 (de) * 1993-09-20 1995-04-05 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Kabelklemmvorrichtung für wasserdichten Verbinder
EP0652607A2 (de) * 1993-11-05 1995-05-10 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, Ltd. Wasserdichter Verbinder

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016061655A1 (en) * 2014-10-24 2016-04-28 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pressure responsive switch for actuating a device
GB2546184A (en) * 2014-10-24 2017-07-12 Halliburton Energy Services Inc Pressure responsive switch for actuating a device
RU2654337C1 (ru) * 2014-10-24 2018-05-17 Хэллибертон Энерджи Сервисиз, Инк. Переключатель, приводимый в действие изменением давления, для приведения устройства в действие
US10217583B2 (en) 2014-10-24 2019-02-26 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Pressure responsive switch for actuating a device
CN106595804A (zh) * 2017-02-07 2017-04-26 浙江众邦机电科技有限公司 工业缝纫机及其应用的油量检测系统、陶瓷压力传感装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR970017754A (ko) 1997-04-30
KR100436808B1 (ko) 2004-08-31
EP0764960A3 (de) 2000-03-15
EP0764960B1 (de) 2004-08-18
JPH09120762A (ja) 1997-05-06
JP3778626B2 (ja) 2006-05-24
DE69633161D1 (de) 2004-09-23
DE69633161T2 (de) 2005-01-27

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