EP0951040B1 - Thermally actuated switch - Google Patents

Thermally actuated switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0951040B1
EP0951040B1 EP99100553A EP99100553A EP0951040B1 EP 0951040 B1 EP0951040 B1 EP 0951040B1 EP 99100553 A EP99100553 A EP 99100553A EP 99100553 A EP99100553 A EP 99100553A EP 0951040 B1 EP0951040 B1 EP 0951040B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
terminal electrodes
insulating support
connection electrodes
switching mechanism
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP99100553A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0951040B2 (en
EP0951040A2 (en
EP0951040A3 (en
Inventor
Marcel P. Hofsaess
Michael Becher
Edwin Güttinger
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Thermik Geraetebau GmbH
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Thermik Geraetebau GmbH
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Publication of EP0951040A3 publication Critical patent/EP0951040A3/en
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Publication of EP0951040B1 publication Critical patent/EP0951040B1/en
Publication of EP0951040B2 publication Critical patent/EP0951040B2/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/50—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position
    • H01H1/504—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position by thermal means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a temperature-dependent switch with two attached to an insulating support terminal electrodes, a switching mechanism which establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two terminal electrodes in dependence on its temperature, and a resistor part which is electrically connected in parallel to the switching mechanism with the two terminal electrodes ,
  • Such a switch is from the DE-OS 21 13 388 known.
  • the known switch is a thermostat for protecting an electrical device which is electrically connected in series with the device to be protected and in thermal contact with the device.
  • the two terminal electrodes are flat metal parts, one of which carries a fixed mating contact and the other a bimetallic, at its free end a cooperating with the fixed counter-contact movable mating contact sits.
  • the two metal parts are arranged one above the other and clamp between them a PTC resistor, which is in electrical contact with both terminal electrodes with the interposition of a spring.
  • This construction of insulating support, metal parts with fixed and movable mating contact and PTC resistor is inserted into a housing, whereupon the housing opening is potted with a sealing compound.
  • Another, self-holding temperature-dependent switch is from the DE 43 36 564 A1 known.
  • This known switch comprises a arranged in an encapsulated housing bimetallic switching mechanism.
  • the housing is arranged on a carrier plate, on which conductor tracks and resistors are provided. Outside the housing a PTC resistor is provided on the carrier, which is soldered parallel to the rear derailleur with external connections.
  • the EP 0 272 696 A2 describes a temperature-dependent switch, in which on an insulating support, a resistor is arranged, which is connected via continuous through the insulation support rivets with two connected on opposite sides of the insulation support terminal electrodes in electrical connection. At the one rivet, a bimetallic switching element is fixed, which comes into contact with the other rivet, depending on its temperature, so that an electrically conductive connection is established between the two terminal electrodes becomes. Due to the chosen construction, the resistance part is electrically parallel to the rear derailleur.
  • the above-mentioned temperature-dependent switch in such a way that it is inexpensive and easy to assemble, preferably an exchange of the resistance member should be possible.
  • the inventors of the present application have recognized that a surprisingly simple switch is provided when the resistive member is not disposed inside the switch or on a separate carrier adjacent to the switch, but is held immediately outside the insulating carrier.
  • the switch can then be completely assembled before then the resistance part is subsequently placed from the outside. If the resistance part is omitted, the switch lacks the self-holding function, which is sufficient in many applications, however.
  • the new switch thus has the advantage that the basic switch can be prefabricated and then provided with a resistor depending on your choice. Since in this way the basic switch can be made in a single production run in a much larger number, namely because the specialization of the switch is only subsequently determined, the overall result is a reduction in production costs, since the lot size in the manufacture of the basic switch be significantly greater can than the generic switch.
  • the two terminal electrodes comprise flat metal parts, which are arranged side by side in a plane, and when the resistance part rests on the metal parts.
  • the electrical connection between the resistor part and the terminal electrodes is effected by the geometrical arrangement of the resistor part on the terminal electrodes, where they are held by the insulating part.
  • the insulating support is provided with projections which pinch the resistance member between them and press on the terminal electrodes.
  • the one terminal electrode carries a fixed mating contact and the other carries a bimetal part, at the free end of which a movable mating contact cooperating with the fixed mating contact is seated.
  • the resistance part is a PTC block.
  • the outer surfaces may be formed in a known manner as connections.
  • a temperature-dependent switch which comprises an insulating support 11, to which two in Fig. 1 dashed lines shown connecting electrodes 12, 13 are attached.
  • the connection electrode 13 is L-shaped and the connection electrode 12 is Z-shaped, so that they face each other in the longitudinal axis 14 of the switch 10 with their contact ends 12a, 13a.
  • terminal electrodes 12, 13 comprise flat metal parts, which are arranged side by side in a direction indicated at 15 level. Under the terminal electrodes 12, 13 are soldered leads 16, 17, which serve the external connection of the switch 10.
  • a resistance part 18 On the terminal electrodes 12, 13 is a resistance part 18, which is a PTC block 19 in the embodiment shown.
  • the insulating support 11 is at its sides with in Fig. 1 provided to the left, resilient projections 21, 22 which extend transversely to the plane 15 and extending from the plane of the Fig. 2 extend out.
  • the projections 21, 22 clamp the PTC block 19 between them and engage over each with a bead 23 and 24, whereby the PTC block 19 is pressed onto the terminal electrodes 12, 13.
  • the PTC block 19 may be in Fig. 1 be inserted laterally from the left between the terminal electrodes 12, 13 and the projections 21, 22 so that it sits outside of the insulating support 11, is held by this and at the same time in parallel between the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 is connected.
  • a cavity 26 is provided in the insulating support 11, in which a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 27 is arranged.
  • this cavity protrudes from the left, the terminal electrode 12 with its contact end 12a and from the right, the contact end 13a of the terminal electrode 13, wherein also in the region of the cavity 26, the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 lie on a plane.
  • the terminal electrode 12 carries at its contact end 12a a fixed counter-contact 28 which cooperates with a movable mating contact 29 which is arranged at a free end of a bimetallic spring 31.
  • the bimetallic spring 31 is connected to a bent portion 33 of the terminal electrode 13.
  • the bimetallic spring 31 in its low-temperature position in which it presses the movable counter-contact 29 against the fixed counter-contact 28, so that an electrically conductive connection between the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 is produced.
  • the switch 10 With its terminal electrodes 12, 13, the switch 10 is connected in series with an electrical device to be protected in an electrical circuit, wherein the operating current of the device via the terminal electrodes 12, 13 and the bimetal spring 31 is guided. Increases now the temperature of the switch 10 and thus the bimetal spring 31 beyond the switching temperature, so the bimetal spring 31 lifts the movable mating contact 29 from the fixed mating contact 28, whereby the circuit is interrupted, so that the protected device off becomes.
  • the PTC block 19 can be designed differently from its resistance value, whereby different switching temperatures can be obtained. For this purpose, it is only necessary to push different PTC blocks 19 between the resilient projections 21, 22 and the terminal electrodes 12, 13.

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  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
  • Thermistors And Varistors (AREA)
  • Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)
  • Control Of Combustion (AREA)

Abstract

A resistive section (19), preferably a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) block is mounted externally on the insulative support (11) and held by it.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen temperaturabhängigen Schalter mit zwei an einem Isolationsträger befestigten Anschlußelektroden, einem Schaltwerk, das in Abhängigkeit von seiner Temperatur eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen den beiden Anschlußelektroden herstellt, sowie einem Widerstandsteil, das elektrisch parallel zu dem Schaltwerk mit den beiden Anschlußelektroden verbunden ist.The present invention relates to a temperature-dependent switch with two attached to an insulating support terminal electrodes, a switching mechanism which establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two terminal electrodes in dependence on its temperature, and a resistor part which is electrically connected in parallel to the switching mechanism with the two terminal electrodes ,

Ein derartiger Schalter ist aus der DE-OS 21 13 388 bekannt.Such a switch is from the DE-OS 21 13 388 known.

Der bekannte Schalter ist ein Thermostat zum Schutz eines elektrischen Gerätes, der elektrisch in Reihe mit dem zu schützenden Gerät geschaltet wird und in thermischem Kontakt mit dem Gerät ist.The known switch is a thermostat for protecting an electrical device which is electrically connected in series with the device to be protected and in thermal contact with the device.

Die beiden Anschlußelektroden sind flächige Metallteile, von denen eines einen festen Gegenkontakt und das andere ein Bimetallteil trägt, an dessen freiem Ende ein mit dem festen Gegenkontakt zusammenwirkender beweglicher Gegenkontakt sitzt. Die beiden Metallteile sind übereinander angeordnet und klemmen zwischen sich einen PTC-Widerstand ein, der unter Zwischenschaltung einer Feder in elektrischem Kontakt mit beiden Anschlußelektroden steht.The two terminal electrodes are flat metal parts, one of which carries a fixed mating contact and the other a bimetallic, at its free end a cooperating with the fixed counter-contact movable mating contact sits. The two metal parts are arranged one above the other and clamp between them a PTC resistor, which is in electrical contact with both terminal electrodes with the interposition of a spring.

Dieser Aufbau aus Isolationsträger, Metallteilen mit festem und beweglichem Gegenkontakt sowie PTC-Widerstand wird in ein Gehäuse eingeschoben, woraufhin die Gehäuseöffnung mit einer Abdichtmasse vergossen wird.This construction of insulating support, metal parts with fixed and movable mating contact and PTC resistor is inserted into a housing, whereupon the housing opening is potted with a sealing compound.

Wenn die Temperatur des zu schützenden Gerätes den Ansprechwert des Bimetallteiles übersteigt, hebt dieses den beweglichen von dem festen Gegenkontakt ab, wodurch die Stromzufuhr zu dem Gerät unterbrochen wird. Ein kleiner Reststrom fließt jetzt durch den parallel zu dem so gebildeten Schaltwerk angeordneten PTC-Widerstand, der dabei so viel Wärme entwickelt, daß er das Schaltwerk geöffnet hält; diese Funktion wird Selbsthaltung genannt.If the temperature of the device to be protected exceeds the threshold value of the bimetal part, this lifts the movable from the fixed mating contact, whereby the power supply to the device is interrupted. A small residual current now flows through the PTC resistor arranged parallel to the switching mechanism thus formed, which develops so much heat that it keeps the switching mechanism open; This function is called self-retention.

Bei dem bekannten Schalter ist von Nachteil, daß der PTC-Widerstand nur bei einem fertig montierten Schalter mechanisch hält, wobei die Montage dieses Schalters recht aufwendig ist. Der Austausch des PTC-Widerstandes ist nicht möglich.In the known switch has the disadvantage that the PTC resistor mechanically holds only in a fully assembled switch, the assembly of this switch is quite expensive. The replacement of the PTC resistor is not possible.

Ein weiterer, selbsthaltender temperaturabhängiger Schalter ist aus der DE 43 36 564 A1 bekannt. Dieser bekannte Schalter umfaßt ein in einem gekapselten Gehäuse angeordnetes Bimetall-Schaltwerk. Das Gehäuse ist auf einer Trägerplatte angeordnet, auf der Leiterbahnen und Widerstände vorgesehen sind. Außerhalb des Gehäuses ist auf dem Träger ein PTC-Widerstand vorgesehen, der parallel zu dem Schaltwerk mit Außenanschlüssen verlötet ist.Another, self-holding temperature-dependent switch is from the DE 43 36 564 A1 known. This known switch comprises a arranged in an encapsulated housing bimetallic switching mechanism. The housing is arranged on a carrier plate, on which conductor tracks and resistors are provided. Outside the housing a PTC resistor is provided on the carrier, which is soldered parallel to the rear derailleur with external connections.

Bei diesem Schalter ist von Nachteil, daß er zum einen relativ viele Bauteile benötigt und zum anderen große Abmessungen aufweist.In this switch is disadvantageous in that it requires a relatively large number of components and on the other hand has large dimensions.

Die EP 0 272 696 A2 beschreibt einen temperaturabhängigen Schalter, bei dem auf einem Isolationsträger ein Widerstand angeordnet ist, der über durch den Isolationsträger durchgehende Nieten mit zwei auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Isolationsträgers verbundenen Anschlußelektroden in elektrischer Verbindung steht. An dem einen Niet ist ein Bimetall-Schaltelement befestigt, das in Abhängigkeit von seiner Temperatur in Anlage mit dem anderen Niet gelangt, so dass eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen den beiden Anschlußelektroden hergestellt wird. Durch die gewählte Konstruktion liegt das Widerstandsteil elektrisch parallel zu dem Schaltwerk.The EP 0 272 696 A2 describes a temperature-dependent switch, in which on an insulating support, a resistor is arranged, which is connected via continuous through the insulation support rivets with two connected on opposite sides of the insulation support terminal electrodes in electrical connection. At the one rivet, a bimetallic switching element is fixed, which comes into contact with the other rivet, depending on its temperature, so that an electrically conductive connection is established between the two terminal electrodes becomes. Due to the chosen construction, the resistance part is electrically parallel to the rear derailleur.

Wie bei dem aus der DE 21 13 388 A1 bekannten Schalter ist es auch hier nicht möglich, das Widerstandsteil auszutauschen oder nachträglich zu montieren.Like the one from the DE 21 13 388 A1 Known switch, it is also not possible to replace the resistor part or to install later.

Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, den eingangs genannten temperaturabhängigen Schalter derart weiterzubilden, daß er preiswert und einfach zu montieren ist, wobei vorzugsweise ein Austausch des Widerstandsteiles möglich sein soll.Against this background, it is an object of the present invention, the above-mentioned temperature-dependent switch in such a way that it is inexpensive and easy to assemble, preferably an exchange of the resistance member should be possible.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß bei dem eingangs genannten Schalter dadurch gelöst, daß das Schaltwerk in einem Hohlraum des Isolationsträgers angeordnet ist und das Widerstandsteil außen an dem Isolationsträger gehalten wird und mit den Anschlußelektroden verlötet ist.This object is achieved with the switch mentioned above in that the switching mechanism is arranged in a cavity of the insulating substrate and the resistor part is held on the outside of the insulating support and is soldered to the terminal electrodes.

Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird auf diese Weise vollkommen gelöst.The problem underlying the invention is completely solved in this way.

Die Erfinder der vorliegenden Anmeldung haben nämlich erkannt, daß ein überraschend einfacher Schalter geschaffen wird, wenn das Widerstandsteil nicht innen in dem Schalter oder auf einem gesonderten Träger neben dem Schalter angeordnet wird, sondern unmittelbar außen an dem Isolationsträger gehalten wird. Der Schalter kann dann zunächst vollständig konfektioniert werden, bevor dann das Widerstandsteil nachträglich von außen aufgesetzt wird. Wenn auf das Widerstandsteil verzichtet wird, fehlt dem Schalter die Selbsthaltefunktion, was in vielen Anwendungsfällen jedoch ausreichend ist.Namely, the inventors of the present application have recognized that a surprisingly simple switch is provided when the resistive member is not disposed inside the switch or on a separate carrier adjacent to the switch, but is held immediately outside the insulating carrier. The switch can then be completely assembled before then the resistance part is subsequently placed from the outside. If the resistance part is omitted, the switch lacks the self-holding function, which is sufficient in many applications, however.

Soll der Schalter dagegen mit einer Selbsthaltefunktion versehen werden, so ist lediglich von außen das Widerstandsteil anzubringen, das mit den beiden Anschlußelektroden verlötet wird. Bei ein und demselben Grundschalter können jetzt wahlweise unterschiedliche Widerstandsteile eingesetzt werden, um unterschiedlichen Einsatzbedingungen bezüglich Betriebsstrom und Ansprechtemperatur gerecht zu werden. Damit ergibt sich ein großer Fertigungsvorteil, weil nämlich der Schalter als solches in großem Umfange vorgefertigt werden kann, so daß später nur noch die unterschiedlichen Widerstände zuzuführen sind. Diese Möglichkeit hat auch schon der aus der eingangs erwähnten DE 43 36 564 A1 bekannte Schalter geboten, dort war die nachträgliche Montage des Widerstandsteiles jedoch sehr aufwendig. Die eingangs weiter erwähnte DE-OS 21 13 388 eröffnet dagegen diese Teilfertigung des Schalters nicht, der im Inneren des Gehäuses zwischen den Anschlußelektroden eingeklemmte PTC-Widerstand mußte bereits während der Fertigung in richtiger Auslegung zugeführt werden.On the other hand, if the switch is to be provided with a self-holding function, then only from the outside is the resistance part to be attached, which is soldered to the two connection electrodes. With the same basic switch, it is now possible to optionally use different resistance parts to meet different operating conditions with regard to operating current and response temperature. This results in a great manufacturing advantage, namely because the switch can be prefabricated as such to a large extent, so that later only the different resistors are to be supplied. This possibility has already been from the above-mentioned DE 43 36 564 A1 offered known switch, there was the subsequent assembly of the resistor part, however, very expensive. The initially mentioned DE-OS 21 13 388 on the other hand, does not open this partial production of the switch, the PTC resistor clamped in the interior of the housing between the terminal electrodes had already been supplied in proper design during production.

Zusammenfassend bietet der neue Schalter also den Vorteil, daß der Grundschalter vorgefertigt und dann je nach Wahl mit einem Widerstand nachträglich versehen werden kann. Da auf diese Weise der Grundschalter in einem einzigen Fertigungsgang in sehr viel größerer Stückzahl hergestellt werden kann, weil nämlich die Spezialisierung des Schalters erst nachträglich festgelegt wird, ergibt sich insgesamt auch eine Senkung der Produktionskosten, da die Losgröße bei der Fertigung des Grundschalters deutlich größer sein kann als bei dem gattungsbildenden Schalter.In summary, the new switch thus has the advantage that the basic switch can be prefabricated and then provided with a resistor depending on your choice. Since in this way the basic switch can be made in a single production run in a much larger number, namely because the specialization of the switch is only subsequently determined, the overall result is a reduction in production costs, since the lot size in the manufacture of the basic switch be significantly greater can than the generic switch.

In einer Weiterbildung ist es dann bevorzugt, wenn die beiden Anschlußelektroden flächige Metallteile umfassen, die nebeneinander in einer Ebene angeordnet sind, und wenn das Widerstandsteil auf den Metallteilen aufliegt.In a further development, it is preferred if the two terminal electrodes comprise flat metal parts, which are arranged side by side in a plane, and when the resistance part rests on the metal parts.

Auch diese Maßnahme ist montagetechnisch von Vorteil, die elektrische Verbindung zwischen dem Widerstandsteil und den Anschlußelektroden erfolgt durch die geometrische Anordnung des Widerstandsteiles auf den Anschlußelektroden, wo sie durch das Isolationsteil gehalten werden.Also, this measure is advantageous from a technical point of view, the electrical connection between the resistor part and the terminal electrodes is effected by the geometrical arrangement of the resistor part on the terminal electrodes, where they are held by the insulating part.

Weiter ist es bevorzugt, wenn der Isolationsträger mit Vorsprüngen versehen ist, die das Widerstandsteil zwischen sich einklemmen und auf die Anschlußelektroden drücken.Further, it is preferred that the insulating support is provided with projections which pinch the resistance member between them and press on the terminal electrodes.

Auch diese Maßnahme ist montagetechnisch von Vorteil, das Widerstandsteil muß sozusagen nur von außen zwischen die Vorsprünge gedrückt werden, wo es dann durch deren Federwirkung gleichzeitig gehalten und auf die Anschlußelektroden gedrückt wird. Damit ist aber auch ein nachträglicher Austausch des Widerstandsteiles möglich, was unter bestimmten Einsatzbedingungen von Vorteil sein kann.This measure is montageetechnisch advantage, the resistance part must be pressed so to speak only from the outside between the projections, where it is then by the spring action held simultaneously and pressed onto the terminal electrodes. But this is also a subsequent replacement of the resistance part possible, which may be advantageous under certain conditions.

Allgemein ist es noch bevorzugt, wenn die eine Anschlußelektrode einen festen Gegenkontakt und die andere ein Bimetallteil trägt, an dessen freiem Ende ein mit dem festen Gegenkontakt zusammenwirkender beweglicher Gegenkontakt sitzt.In general, it is still preferable if the one terminal electrode carries a fixed mating contact and the other carries a bimetal part, at the free end of which a movable mating contact cooperating with the fixed mating contact is seated.

Bei dieser Maßnahme ist von Vorteil, daß ein technisch sehr einfaches Schaltwerk verwendet wird, bei dem der Betriebsstrom über das Bimetallteil selbst fließt, so daß auf ein weiteres Federteil verzichtet werden kann.In this measure, it is advantageous that a technically very simple switching mechanism is used, in which the operating current flows through the bimetal itself, so that it is possible to dispense with a further spring part.

Weiter ist es noch bevorzugt, wenn das Widerstandsteil ein PTC-Block ist.Further, it is still preferable if the resistance part is a PTC block.

Hier ist montagetechnisch von Vorteil, daß ein leicht zu handhabender und leicht zu kontaktierender PTC-Block verwendet wird, dessen Außenflächen in bekannter Weise als Anschlüsse ausgebildet sein können.Here is montageetechnisch advantage that an easy-to-use and easy to contact PTC block is used, the outer surfaces may be formed in a known manner as connections.

Weitere Vorteile ergeben sich aus der Beschreibung und der beigefügten Zeichnung. Es versteht sich, daß die vorstehend genannten und die nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in den jeweils angegebenen Kombinationen, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung verwendbar sind, ohne den Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung zu verlassen.Further advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only in the combinations given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Draufsicht auf einen schematisch gezeigten temperaturabhängigen Schalter mit gestrichelt angedeuteten Anschlußelektroden;
Fig. 2
eine Seitenansicht des Schalters längs der Linie II-II aus Fig. 1 gesehen; und
Fig. 3
eine Schnittdarstellung des Schalters längs der Linie III-III aus Fig. 1.
An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:
Fig. 1
a plan view of a schematically shown temperature-dependent switch with dashed lines indicated terminal electrodes;
Fig. 2
a side view of the switch along the line II-II Fig. 1 seen; and
Fig. 3
a sectional view of the switch along the line III-III Fig. 1 ,

In Fig. 1 ist mit 10 ein temperaturabhängiger Schalter bezeichnet, der einen Isolationsträger 11 umfaßt, an dem zwei in Fig. 1 gestrichelt gezeigte Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 befestigt sind. Die Anschlußelektrode 13 ist L-förmig und die Anschlußelektrode 12 Z-förmig ausgebildet, so daß sie in der Längsachse 14 des Schalters 10 mit ihren Kontaktenden 12a, 13a aufeinander zu weisen.In Fig. 1 is denoted by 10 a temperature-dependent switch, which comprises an insulating support 11, to which two in Fig. 1 dashed lines shown connecting electrodes 12, 13 are attached. The connection electrode 13 is L-shaped and the connection electrode 12 is Z-shaped, so that they face each other in the longitudinal axis 14 of the switch 10 with their contact ends 12a, 13a.

Insbesondere aus Fig. 2 ist zu erkennen, daß die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 flächige Metallteile umfassen, die nebeneinander in einer bei 15 angedeuteten Ebene angeordnet sind. Unter die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 sind Anschlußlitzen 16, 17 gelötet, die dem Außenanschluß des Schalters 10 dienen.In particular from Fig. 2 It can be seen that the terminal electrodes 12, 13 comprise flat metal parts, which are arranged side by side in a direction indicated at 15 level. Under the terminal electrodes 12, 13 are soldered leads 16, 17, which serve the external connection of the switch 10.

Auf den Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 liegt ein Widerstandsteil 18 auf, das in dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ein PTC-Block 19 ist.On the terminal electrodes 12, 13 is a resistance part 18, which is a PTC block 19 in the embodiment shown.

Der Isolationsträger 11 ist an seinen Seiten mit in Fig. 1 nach links weisenden, federnden Vorsprüngen 21, 22 versehen, die quer zu der Ebene 15 verlaufen und sich aus der Zeichenebene der Fig. 2 heraus erstrecken. Die Vorsprünge 21, 22 klemmen den PTC-Block 19 zwischen sich ein und übergreifen diesen mit jeweils einer Wulst 23 bzw. 24, wodurch der PTC-Block 19 auf die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 gedrückt wird. Der PTC-Block 19 kann in Fig. 1 seitlich von links zwischen die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 sowie die Vorsprünge 21, 22 eingeschoben werden, so daß er außen an dem Isolationsträger 11 sitzt, von diesem gehalten wird und gleichzeitig parallel zwischen die beiden Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 geschaltet ist.The insulating support 11 is at its sides with in Fig. 1 provided to the left, resilient projections 21, 22 which extend transversely to the plane 15 and extending from the plane of the Fig. 2 extend out. The projections 21, 22 clamp the PTC block 19 between them and engage over each with a bead 23 and 24, whereby the PTC block 19 is pressed onto the terminal electrodes 12, 13. The PTC block 19 may be in Fig. 1 be inserted laterally from the left between the terminal electrodes 12, 13 and the projections 21, 22 so that it sits outside of the insulating support 11, is held by this and at the same time in parallel between the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 is connected.

In der Schnittdarstellung der Fig. 3 ist zu erkennen, daß in dem Isolationsträger 11 ein Hohlraum 26 vorgesehen ist, in dem ein temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk 27 angeordnet ist. In diesen Hohlraum ragt von links die Anschlußelektrode 12 mit ihrem Kontaktende 12a sowie von rechts das Kontaktende 13a der Anschlußelektrode 13 hinein, wobei auch im Bereich des Hohlraumes 26 die beiden Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 auf einer Ebene liegen.In the sectional view of Fig. 3 It can be seen that a cavity 26 is provided in the insulating support 11, in which a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 27 is arranged. In this cavity protrudes from the left, the terminal electrode 12 with its contact end 12a and from the right, the contact end 13a of the terminal electrode 13, wherein also in the region of the cavity 26, the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 lie on a plane.

Die Anschlußelektrode 12 trägt an ihrem Kontaktende 12a einen festen Gegenkontakt 28, der mit einem beweglichen Gegenkontakt 29 zusammenarbeitet, der an einem freien Ende einer Bimetall-Feder 31 angeordnet ist. An ihrem anderen Ende 32 ist die Bimetall-Feder 31 mit einem abgekröpften Teil 33 der Anschlußelektrode 13 verbunden.The terminal electrode 12 carries at its contact end 12a a fixed counter-contact 28 which cooperates with a movable mating contact 29 which is arranged at a free end of a bimetallic spring 31. At its other end 32, the bimetallic spring 31 is connected to a bent portion 33 of the terminal electrode 13.

In der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Stellung befindet sich die Bimetall-Feder 31 in ihrer Tieftemperaturstellung, in der sie den beweglichen Gegenkontakt 29 gegen den festen Gegenkontakt 28 drückt, so daß eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen den beiden Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 hergestellt wird. Mit seinen Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 wird der Schalter 10 in Reihe mit einem zu schützenden elektrischen Gerät in einen elektrischen Stromkreis geschaltet, wobei der Betriebsstrom des Gerätes über die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 sowie die Bimetall-Feder 31 geführt wird. Erhöht sich jetzt die Temperatur des Schalters 10 und damit der Bimetall-Feder 31 über die Schalttemperatur hinaus, so hebt die Bimetall-Feder 31 den beweglichen Gegenkontakt 29 von dem festen Gegenkontakt 28 ab, wodurch der Stromkreis unterbrochen wird, so daß das geschützte Gerät abgeschaltet wird.In the in Fig. 3 shown position is the bimetallic spring 31 in its low-temperature position in which it presses the movable counter-contact 29 against the fixed counter-contact 28, so that an electrically conductive connection between the two terminal electrodes 12, 13 is produced. With its terminal electrodes 12, 13, the switch 10 is connected in series with an electrical device to be protected in an electrical circuit, wherein the operating current of the device via the terminal electrodes 12, 13 and the bimetal spring 31 is guided. Increases now the temperature of the switch 10 and thus the bimetal spring 31 beyond the switching temperature, so the bimetal spring 31 lifts the movable mating contact 29 from the fixed mating contact 28, whereby the circuit is interrupted, so that the protected device off becomes.

Ein Reststrom fließt jedoch noch durch den PTC-Block 19, der elektrisch parallel zu dem Schaltwerk 27 angeordnet ist. Der durch den PTC-Block 19 fließende Reststrom erhöht die Temperatur der Anschlußelektroden 12, 13, so daß durch Wärmeleitung Wärme in das Innere des Schalters 10 gelangt, wodurch die Bimetall-Feder 31 auf oberhalb der Schalttemperatur gehalten wird, so daß der Schalter 10 sich nicht selbsttätig wieder schließt. Erst nachdem die Stromzufuhr unterbrochen wurde, kühlt sich der PTC-Block 19 und damit auch der Rest des Schalters 10 soweit ab, daß das Schaltwerk 27 wieder schließen kann.However, a residual current still flows through the PTC block 19, which is arranged electrically parallel to the switching mechanism 27. The residual current flowing through the PTC block 19 raises the temperature of the terminal electrodes 12, 13 so that heat is transferred to the inside of the switch 10 by heat conduction, whereby the bimetallic spring 31 is kept above the switching temperature, so that the switch 10 does not automatically close again. Only after the power supply has been interrupted, the PTC block 19 and thus also the rest of the switch 10 cools down so far that the switching mechanism 27 can close again.

Der PTC-Block 19 kann dabei von seinem Widerstandswert her unterschiedlich ausgelegt sein, wodurch unterschiedliche Schalttemperaturen erhalten werden können. Dazu ist es lediglich erforderlich, unterschiedliche PTC-Blöcke 19 zwischen die federnden Vorsprünge 21, 22 sowie die Anschlußelektroden 12, 13 zu schieben.The PTC block 19 can be designed differently from its resistance value, whereby different switching temperatures can be obtained. For this purpose, it is only necessary to push different PTC blocks 19 between the resilient projections 21, 22 and the terminal electrodes 12, 13.

Claims (5)

  1. A temperature-dependent switch having two connection electrodes (12, 13) mounted on an insulating support (11), a switching mechanism (27) that as a function of its temperature makes an electrically conductive connection between the two connection electrodes (12, 13), and a resistance element (18) that is connected to the two connection electrodes and is arranged electrically parallel to the switching mechanism (27), characterized in that the switching mechanism (27) is arranged within a cavity (26) of the insulating support (11) and that the resistance element (18) is retained on the outside of the insulating support (11) and is soldered to the connection electrodes (12, 13).
  2. The switch as in Claim 1, characterized in that the two connection electrodes (12, 13) comprise planar metal parts which are arranged one beside the other in one plane (15), and that the resistance element (18) rests on the metal parts.
  3. The switch as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the insulating support (11) is equipped with projections (21, 22) which clamp the resistance element (18) between them and press it onto the connection electrodes (12, 13).
  4. The switch as in anyone of Claims 1 through 3, characterized in that one connection electrode (12) carries a fixed countercontact (28) and the other connection electrode (13) carries a bimetallic element (31) on whose free end sits a movable countercontact (29) coacting with the fixed countercontact (28).
  5. The switch as in anyone of Claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the resistance element (18) is a PTC block (19).
EP99100553.9A 1998-04-16 1999-01-13 Thermally actuated switch Expired - Lifetime EP0951040B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19816807 1998-04-16
DE19816807A DE19816807C2 (en) 1998-04-16 1998-04-16 Temperature-dependent switch

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0951040A2 EP0951040A2 (en) 1999-10-20
EP0951040A3 EP0951040A3 (en) 2000-07-26
EP0951040B1 true EP0951040B1 (en) 2008-07-30
EP0951040B2 EP0951040B2 (en) 2017-03-15

Family

ID=7864678

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99100553.9A Expired - Lifetime EP0951040B2 (en) 1998-04-16 1999-01-13 Thermally actuated switch

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Country Link
US (1) US6133817A (en)
EP (1) EP0951040B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE403229T1 (en)
AU (1) AU745179B2 (en)
DE (2) DE19816807C2 (en)
ES (1) ES2311299T3 (en)

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JP4471479B2 (en) * 2000-10-13 2010-06-02 ウチヤ・サーモスタット株式会社 Thermal protector
US6756536B2 (en) 2002-03-28 2004-06-29 Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. Thermoelectric microactuator
JP5000540B2 (en) * 2008-01-31 2012-08-15 新光電気工業株式会社 Wiring board with switching function
DE102009061050B4 (en) 2009-06-05 2019-09-05 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Bimetal part and thus equipped temperature-dependent switch
DE102009025221A1 (en) 2009-06-05 2010-12-16 Hofsaess, Marcel P. Bimetallic part for use as an active switch element in a temperature-dependent switch, comprises an inner area and an outer area surrounding the inner area, where the inner and outer areas are integrally designed in some sections
DE102009030353B3 (en) * 2009-06-22 2010-12-02 Hofsaess, Marcel P. Cap for a temperature-dependent switch and method for producing a temperature-dependent switch
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DE102013108504C5 (en) 2013-08-07 2018-11-15 Thermik Gerätebau GmbH Temperature-dependent switch
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6133817A (en) 2000-10-17
EP0951040B2 (en) 2017-03-15
DE19816807C2 (en) 2000-06-08
ATE403229T1 (en) 2008-08-15
EP0951040A2 (en) 1999-10-20
DE19816807A1 (en) 1999-10-28
AU2377099A (en) 1999-10-28
AU745179B2 (en) 2002-03-14
EP0951040A3 (en) 2000-07-26
DE59914816D1 (en) 2008-09-11
ES2311299T3 (en) 2009-02-01

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