EP1049124B1 - Apparatus provided with a thermal switch, placed in a pocket - Google Patents

Abstract

A pouch holds a temperature-dependent switching device (15) to protect a load (11) from excess temperature or current. The p has a first counter contact (24) for the switching device connected electrically to the load. A second counter contact (26) conn to an external connector (27) to supply power to the load. The pouch holds a detached switching device to connect directly to bo counter contacts when below its operating temperature.

Description

The present invention relates to a device with an electrical Consumers and a pocket for receiving a temperature-dependent Derailleur to protect the consumer before Overtemperature and / or overcurrent, with a first in the bag Counter contact for the rear derailleur, which electrically with the Consumer is connected, and provided a second mating contact which is electrically connected to an external connection to the electrical Supply of the consumer is connected.

Such a device is known from DE 195 06 342 C1.

The known device has a pocket into which two electrodes protrude into it, the between them an encapsulated temperature monitor pinch. The first electrode has an external connection and the second electrode with the electrical load connected to the device.

The temperature monitor has a two-part, electrically conductive Housing shell and base on, against each other are electrically isolated and the clamping forces of the two Pick up the electrodes. At the same time, upper part and lower part the electrical connection to the electrodes ago.

In the housing of the temperature monitor is a temperature-dependent Rear derailleur arranged in response to his Temperature is an electrically conductive connection between the Upper part and the lower part manufactures. As long as the temperature monitor is below its response temperature, He thus provides an electrically conductive connection between the two electrodes ago, so that over the outer terminal current can flow to the electrical load, of course connected to another external connection. at an impermissible increase in the ambient temperature and / or if the operating current is too high, the temperature-dependent heating will start Derailleur so far that it breaks the connection, the consumer is de-energized.

A temperature-dependent switching mechanism, as in the known in the Device used temperature monitor is used is e.g. known from DE 29 17 482 C2. The temperature-dependent Derailleur includes a spring washer, the centric one carries movable contact, on the center of a bimetallic snap disk is arranged. The temperature-dependent rear derailleur forms a captive entity.

Below the response temperature, the spring washer is supported with its edge at the bottom of the lower part of the temperature monitor off and moves the movable contact inside against the shell, so that a current from the upper part via the contact part and the spring washer can flow into the lower part. In this switching position The bimetallic snap disc is powerless. Increases now the temperature, so snaps the bimetallic snap of Its convex in a concave shape, while supporting itself inside on the upper part and presses against the movable contact part the force of the spring washer away from the top, causing the opened by the temperature monitor switch is opened. Inside the top is in this context, an insulating layer to mention that prevents the bimetallic snap disk in electrical contact with the upper part.

The well-known from DE 29 17 482 C2 temperature monitor is very pressure stable, so that it in the device according to DE 195 06 342 C1 can be used. Such a pressure-stable housing namely, is necessary for the clamping forces to hold the Temperature monitor can be designed large enough, so that the temperature monitor even with strong vibrations, e.g. at the Use in a drain pump of a washing machine, mechanical safe and electrically reliable contact.

In the known device is advantageous that no customary equipped with solder or Crimpanschlüssen temperature monitor used, but the well-known temperature monitor with the two-piece metal case, which creates a very easy installation and contacting of the temperature monitor can be realized on the known device. The well-known temperature monitor is because of its pressure insensitivity as bulk material to keep in stock and must in the final assembly of the known Device only - possibly by means of a production machine - be pushed between the two resilient electrodes, where he simultaneously mechanically clamped and contacted electrically becomes.

Although the known device under mounting technical point of view is very satisfactory and also a safer Hold the temperature monitor is reached, it still points the disadvantage that because of the required pressure-stable Housing a expensive temperature monitor can be used got to.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention develop the aforementioned device such that it on inexpensive manner provided with a temperature-dependent rear derailleur can be easily assembled and contacted is.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in the aforementioned Device solved by the fact that the bag in the device for immediate inclusion of a housing-less Derailleur is formed.

The object underlying the invention is in this way completely solved.

In fact, the inventor of the present application has recognized that it is possible, so to speak, "naked" derailleurs immediately in a provided on a device pocket, wherein this switching mechanism then between the two mating contacts braced. Thus, it is no longer necessary, the Mating contacts form resilient, on the other hand can additionally dispensed with a housing for the temperature-dependent switching mechanism become. In this way, inexpensive switching devices can be used be, with less demands on the mating contacts are in the bag, these can now be rigid electrodes or contact points. This exploits that any temperature-dependent rear derailleur anyway is designed so that it is in its housing between the two mating contacts so strained that it is also in use safely positioned and contacted in strongly vibrating environment remains. The spring forces required for this purpose of the bimetallic element and / or the spring part of the temperature-dependent Schaltwerkes are relatively small, because the mass of "bare" rear derailleur is alone as low as possible, so that short switching times can be achieved.

This means, however, that the secure hold of a rear derailleur required forces are significantly lower than the Forces that are required in the aforementioned device, around the temperature monitor with its compared with the rear derailleur very heavy metal case to keep safe.

The use of a housing-less rear derailleur results Thus, price advantages not only in the device, where no springy Counter contacts are more necessary, but also therefore, because it dispenses with the housing of the temperature monitor.

Of course, the new device offers all the benefits that already existed in the final assembly of the known device, for the contacting of the rear derailleur are no soldering or Crimping operations required, the rear derailleur must only in the Pocket are inserted. Although can caseless rear derailleurs not readily available as bulk goods in stock, because a mechanical load, in particular a bending of the Bimetal elements, must be avoided to their reliability not to adversely affect. The inventor of the present However, registration has recognized that it is easily possible is, rear derailleurs, as mentioned in the introduction DE 29 17 482 C2 are known, ie a captive unit form as tablets in blister packs in stock hold. The rear derailleurs are arranged in rows and columns Recesses inserted in a plastic film etc. are arranged. Such "grading" packaging is extremely inexpensive, so compared by this additional measure nevertheless with the known temperature monitors because of the Fortfalls the housing significant price advantages are. Another advantage with this type of stockpiling the caseless rear derailleurs is that the rear derailleurs already sorted to be delivered, so that the device manufacturer They easily by means of a handling machine in the bag can use.

In general, it is preferred if a lid is provided which closes the bag tightly after inserting the rear derailleur, the lid preferably hinged, more preferably is attached to the device via a film hinge.

In this measure, it is advantageous that the rear derailleur against Dirt, water etc. can be efficiently protected. For encapsulated Temperature monitors is the seal against dirt and humidity, however, a very big problem, because of The small outer dimensions of the temperature monitor can usually difficult to ensure an extremely good seal. In the new device, however, can be with the lid, the bag e.g. absolutely safe using a labyrinth seal close. If the lid is articulated, preferably over a film hinge is attached to the device simplifies thereby both the production of the device and the final assembly of the rear derailleur.

Furthermore, it is preferred if one of the two mating contacts, preferably the second mating contact, arranged on the lid is.

This measure is e.g. in an open-topped pocket of Advantage in the first the rear derailleur is inserted so that it comes to rest on the first mating contact, whereupon when closing the lid not only the seal but at the same time the contact with the second mating contact he follows. In this way it is prevented that the Rear derailleur when inserting into the bag on one of the two mating contacts gets stuck and is mechanically damaged.

Further, it is preferred if inserted in the pocket a rear derailleur is that a captive unit made of a bimetallic element and a movable contact part that with a the two mating contacts cooperates, preferably the Derailleur a captive held on the contact part Spring element comprises, with the other of the two mating contacts interacts.

In this measure, it is advantageous that the rear derailleur as Unit can be inserted into the bag so that a single Handling step is required to make a prefabricated Device with a temperature-dependent rear derailleur and the so to provide connected protection function.

Generally, it is preferred if the derailleur on a guide part is fixed, which together with the rear derailleur in the Pocket is inserted, wherein the guide member preferably acts as a lid and tightly closes the bag.

The advantage here is that the rear derailleur are easily mounted can, because on the guide part handling robots can clearly attack easier than on the rear derailleur itself. On this Way is a quick and inexpensive mounting of the rear derailleur on the new device possible without the risk of Damage to the rear derailleur exists.

It is preferred if one of the two mating contacts, preferably the second mating contact, arranged on the guide part is.

The guide member may either be part of the housing or else supplied with the rear derailleur. Especially if the guide part is part of the housing, e.g. like a lid Let it be connected to the housing via a film hinge second counter contact and associated external connection easily on the guide part or - as already mentioned above - to provide the lid. As with the second counter contact provided lid is also in the thus equipped Guide part of the advantage that when inserting the Derailleur in the bag does not risk that the derailleur between the two mating contacts tilted in such a way that it is mechanically damaged. Also this measure thus contributes to an automatic assembly of the rear derailleur on the device is possible.

It is preferred if the bimetal element as a bimetallic tongue is formed, which with its first end to the guide part is attached and at its free end the movable Contact part bears.

The advantage here is that a very simple rear derailleur is used which is not only very cheap, but also just push it into the bag.

On the other hand, it is preferred if the spring element as a spring tongue is formed, which with its first end to the guide part is attached and at its second end with a first Connected to the end of the bimetallic element that is at his free end carries the movable contact part.

This rear derailleur is also very robust and easy to mount, by the series connection of the temperature-neutral spring tongue As well as the bimetallic element also gives a very secure contact between the movable contact part as well the mating contact.

In the two last-described rear derailleurs is also is advantageous in that it is attached to the bimetallic element attached to the guide part. or spring tongue contacted well with the second mating contact can be. It is e.g. possible, mating contact and Spring or bimetal tongue in abutment with each other and then overmould with a plastic part, so that all parts immovable and securely held in contact and in contact with each other become.

On the other hand, it is preferred if the spring element is a holding approach has, which is fixed to the guide part.

The advantage here is that a temperature-dependent switching mechanism can be used, as known from DE 197 05 154 A1 is. This derailleur combines the advantages of the DE 29 17 482 C2 known switching mechanism, namely, namely, the contact pressure is made solely by the spring element, the also leads the switching current, as well as the already mentioned above Guide parts that allow automatic and safe installation.

If the derailleurs are attached to a guide part and this guide part supplied by the rear derailleur manufacturer so the derailleur can open during transport advantageous manner be inserted into a protective cover, the is closed by the guide part.

The protective cover can in the simplest case a plastic cap be deferred to the leadership and thus the held by this derailleur during transport before mechanical Damage as well as dirt and moisture protects. When installing the rear derailleur to be protected Device then takes a handling robot the guide part, whereupon the protective cover e.g. stripped from another device is, before the handling robot with the rear derailleur introduces the guide part into the pocket. If the guide part with a labyrinth seal is centered, the Guide part automatically on the opening of the bag, thereby Mechanical damage to the rear derailleur is avoided.

Further advantages will be apparent from the description and the attached Drawing.

It is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in the specified Combinations, but also in other combinations or be used alone, without the framework of to leave the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1

in einer längs geschnittenen Seitenansicht ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des neuen Gerätes, bei dem ein Schaltwerk lose in die Tasche eingelegt ist;

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung wie Fig. 1 ein Gerät, bei dem ein Schaltwerk an dem Führungsteil gehalten ist;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung wie Fig. 2, jedoch mit einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel für das temperaturabhängige Schaltwerk;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Darstellung wie Fig. 2, mit einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel für das temperaturabhängige Schaltwerk;

Fig. 5

eine Schutzhülle für die Schaltwerke aus den Fig. 2 bis 4; und

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel des neuen Gerätes mit einem Schaltwerk wie in Fig. 1.

Show it:

Fig. 1

in a longitudinal sectional side view of a first embodiment of the new device, in which a rear derailleur is loosely inserted into the pocket;

Fig. 2

in a representation like Figure 1, a device in which a derailleur is held on the guide member.

Fig. 3

a representation like Figure 2, but with another embodiment of the temperature-dependent switching mechanism.

Fig. 4

a further illustration as Figure 2, with a further embodiment of the temperature-dependent switching mechanism.

Fig. 5

a protective cover for the switching mechanisms of Figures 2 to 4; and

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of the new device with a switching mechanism as in Fig. 1st

In Fig. 1, 10 generally designates a device having a electrical load 11 comprises, which in a schematic indicated housing part 12 is arranged made of plastic.

The device 10 may e.g. a drain pump for a washing machine be, with the electrical consumer 11 then symbolizes the engine, which is arranged in its housing.

In the housing part 12, a pocket 14 is provided in which a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 15 is arranged. The rear derailleur 15 comprises in a conventional manner a bimetallic disc 16 and a spring washer 17, both captive on a movable contact part 18 are held. The contact part 18 has a sheath 21 made of softer metal and a core 22nd Made of electrically good conductive, harder metal. After this Attaching bimetallic disc 16 and spring washer 17 on the This jacket 21 can then be deformed so that the rear derailleur 15 forms a captive unit.

In the pocket 14, an electrode 23 is provided at the top in FIG. 1, as the first mating contact 24 with the movable contact part 22 cooperates. On the other side of the bag 14 an annular electrode 25 is arranged as the second Counter contact 26 cooperates with the rear derailleur 15. The second Counter contact 26 is - as indicated by a line - with an external terminal 27 of the device 10 is connected. A second External terminal 28 is connected to the consumer 11, the other End is connected to the first mating contact 24.

In the switching position shown in Fig. 1 is the Rear derailleur 15 below its switching temperature, and the spring washer 17 is supported by its edge 29 on the second mating contact 26 and presses the movable contact part 22 against the first mating contact 24. In this way is a electrically conductive connection from the external terminal 27 via the second mating contact 26, the spring washer 17, the movable Contact part 22 and the first mating contact 24 to the consumer 11 made, in turn, with the other external terminal 28 is connected.

When the temperature of the consumer 11, which is in the immediate Near the pocket 14, now inadmissibly raised, Thus, the bimetallic disc 16 snaps from that shown in FIG convex shape into a concave shape, with her Edge 30 moves in the direction of arrows 31 upwards. The edge 30 finally comes into abutment with the top of the bag 14 and presses the movable contact part in Fig. 1 down, so that the electrical connection between the first mating contact 24 and the second mating contact 26 interrupted becomes. To a short circuit between the edge 30 of the bimetallic disc 16 and the first mating contact 24 is to prevent an insulating layer 32 of the housing part 12 is provided with the the edge 30 in Fig. 1 comes right into abutment.

The pocket 14 is closed on the left in FIG. 1 by a cover 34, between the housing part 12 and the lid 34 a kind of labyrinth seal 35 is formed, through which a Ingress of dirt or moisture into the bag 14 effectively is prevented. The lid 34 is above a film hinge 36 connected to the device 10.

The device 10 shown in Fig. 2 is similar in construction Device in Fig. 1, the spring washer 17, however, with a holding approach 38 connected to the at its free end 39 at a Guide member 41 is attached, which is part of the lid 34.

Such a construction of a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 15 is known from DE 197 05 154 A1, so that because further information is referred to this document.

The spring washer 17 is supported by its edge 29 now on the the guide member 41 opposite second mating contact 26th and presses in the low-temperature position shown in Fig. 2 the movable contact member 18 again against the first mating contact 24. Incidentally, the same reference numbers refer here same features of the device 10 as in Fig. 1st

In the apparatus of Fig. 3, the switching mechanism 15 comprises a bimetallic tongue 42, at its first end 43 on the guide part 41 is attached and there in electrical contact with the there provided second mating contact 26 is. At the guide part 41, the external connection 27 is also provided here.

The bimetal tongue 42 carries at its free end 44 a movable Contact member 45, which cooperates with the first mating contact 24.

In Fig. 4 is similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 3 shows a device 10, wherein the bimetal tongue 42nd not directly on the guide part 41 but on a free End of a spring tongue 47 is attached, which in turn with its other end 48 is fixed to the guide member 41 and There is in contact with the second mating contact 26.

In the extent described devices 10 is in the pocket 14th a frameless rear derailleur 15 is inserted, which is due to the own spring force of the spring washer 17, the bimetallic tongue 42nd and / or the spring tongue 47 between the two mating contacts 24 and 26 strained. The rear derailleurs 15 are laterally in the Pocket 14 introduced, which then closed with the lid 34 is, on which a guide member 41 may be provided can, which carries the switching mechanisms of FIG. 2, 3 and 4. At the Inserting the derailleurs in the pocket 14 provides the labyrinth seal 35 for a guide, so that a mechanical damage the derailleur 15 is prevented.

During transport, the rear derailleurs 15 according to the figures 2 to 4 stored in a protective sheath 51 shown in Fig. 5 be, which has an interior 52 for receiving the rear derailleur 15 and an opening 53, in which the guide part 41 can be inserted. The protective cover 51 is in Simplest case, a plastic cap on the guide part 41 stuck and the rear derailleur 15 from mechanical damage as well as protects against dirt and moisture.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the pocket 14. which in this case is open at the top. In the pocket 14, the rear derailleur 15 of FIG. 1 is inserted, wherein a lid 55 in an upwardly open opening 56 of the housing part 12th plugged.

On this cover 55 is now inside the second counter-contact 26th arranged, which via a connection to the external terminal 27th connected is. The annular electrode 25 forms the here first mating contact 24, via the consumer 11 with the External terminal 28 is connected.

In the device 10 of FIG. 6, the rear derailleur 15 from above be inserted into the pocket 14, without the risk of Verkäntens between the two counter-electrodes 24, 26 is, because the counter electrode 26 is only after inserting the Derailleur 15 in the pocket 14 in contact with the rear derailleur 15 brought. The same benefits also apply to the devices 10 of Fig. 3 and 4, where the rear derailleur already firmly the second counter electrode 26 is connected before it in the Pocket 14 is introduced.

Claims (12)

1. A device, comprising an electrical load (11) and a cavity (14) for receiving a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (15) for protecting said load (11) from overtemperature and/or overcurrent, whereby in said cavity (14) a first counter-contact (24 in figs. 1 and 2) for said switching mechanism (15) is provided, said first counter-contact electrically connected with said load (11), as well as a second counter-contact (26 in figs. 1 and 2) is provided, said second counter-contact electrically connected with an external terminal (27) that is provided for supplying electricity to said load (11), whereby said switching mechanism (15) when being below its response temperature is in direct contact with both counter-contacts (24, 26 in figs. 1 and 2),
   characterized in that said cavity (14) within said device is arranged for directly receiving a housingless switching mechanism (15).
2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that a cover (34) is provided that sealingly closes off said cavity (14) after the switching mechanism (15) has been set in place.
3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that said cover (34) is attached to the device (10) in articulated fashion, preferably by way of a film hinge (36).
4. The device of claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that one of said two counter-contacts (24, 26), preferably said second counter-contact (26), is arranged on said cover (34).
5. The device of anyone of claims 1 through 4, characterized in that a switching mechanism (15) is placed into said cavity (14), said switching mechanism being configured as a lossproof unit comprising a bimetallic element (16, 42) and a movable contact element (18, 45) that cooperates with one of said two counter-contacts (24, 26).
6. The device of claim 5, characterized in that said switching mechanism (15) comprises a spring element (17, 47) that is held in lossproof fashion on the contact element (18, 45), said spring element coacting with the other of said two counter-contacts (24, 26)
7. The device of anyone of claims 1 through 6, characterized in that said switching mechanism (15) is attached to a guide element (41) that is inserted together with said switching mechanism (15) into said cavity (14).
8. The device of claim 7, characterized in that said guide element (41) acts as said cover (34) and closes off said cavity (14) in sealed fashion.
9. The device of claim 7 or 8, characterized in that one of said two counter-contacts (24, 26), preferably said second counter-contact (26), is arranged on said guide element (41).
10. The device of claim 5 and anyone of claims 7 through 9, characterized in that said bimetallic element (16, 42) is configured as a bimetallic tongue (42) that at its first end (43) is attached to said guide element (42) and at its free end (44) carries said movable contact element (45).
11. The device of claim 6 and anyone of claims 7 trough 9, characterized in that said spring element (17, 47) is configured as a spring tongue (42) that is at its first end (48) attached to said guide element (41) and at its second end (46) connected with a first end (43) of said bimetallic element (42) which in turn at its free end (44) carries said movable contact element (45).
12. The device of claim 6 and anyone of claims 7 through 9, characterized in that said spring element (17) has a retaining extension piece (38) that is attached to the guide element (41).

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