EP2591488B1 - Bimetal controller - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a bimetallic regulator with a switching device and at least one bimetal device, which is so in operative connection with the switching device or can be brought that it allows a temperature-dependent switching of the switching device.

Such bimetallic regulators are known in the art.

The document DE361876 discloses, for example, a bimetallic regulator according to the preamble of claim 1, but in particular a bimetallic switch, with a switching device and at least one bimetal device, which is in operative connection with the switching device or can be brought so that it allows a temperature-dependent switching of the switching device, wherein the bimetal device at least one The first bimetallic element and at least one arcuate second bimetallic element connected to each other at a contact area connected and formed at the contact area such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first bimetallic element from its first side, eg its underside, to its first side opposite the second side, for Top, decreases and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the arcuate second bimetallic element of its first side facing away from the first side of the first bimetallic element, z. B. its bottom, to its second side opposite the first side of the second bimetallic second side, for example, increases to the top, and the second bimetallic element is formed as a semicircular arc and arranged to actuate the switching device that add deflections of the bimetallic elements.

A bimetal or thermobimetal is a metal element made of two layers of different materials, which are connected to each other cohesively or positively. Characteristic is the change of shape with temperature change. The change in shape manifests itself as bending of the bimetal. The cause is the different thermal expansion coefficient of the metals used. If one metal expands more strongly than the associated other metal, the metal layer combination will bend. The two metals are usually joined together by rolling and in particular cold welding, or else by mechanical connection means, such as rivets.

A known field of application of such bimetals are temperature-dependent switches, the bimetals are used here so that they actuate a switching device with temperature changes and the associated bending.

Such a bimetal or switch shows, for example, the DE 894 469 in which a bimetal is struck with one end on a basic construction and with a free end in operative connection with a switching device. This switching device consists of two switching elements which are adjustable relative to one another via a stop plate. In a deformation of the bimetallic it comes to the contact closure of the two switching elements, ie to a switching operation on the then an associated electrical device etc. can be controlled.

A similar bimetallic regulator shows the DE 889 782 in which also a bimetal is struck with one end on a basic construction and with another free end in operative connection with a switching device. Again, the initiated by the bending of the bimetallic element at the free end switching operation via a suitable adjustment is adjustable.

The bimetallic regulators known from the prior art are usually not exactly adjustable with regard to the switching temperature. This can be observed especially with very small bimetallic regulators.

The object of the invention is therefore to offer a bimetallic according to the type mentioned above, which guarantees a precisely adjustable switching behavior and / or a small hysteresis, especially with a small size.

This object is achieved by a bimetallic regulator according to claim 1.

In particular, this object is achieved inter alia by a bimetallic, with a switching device and at least one bimetal device, which is in operative connection with the switching device or can be brought that it allows a temperature-dependent switching of the switching device, wherein the bimetallic device at least a first bimetallic element and at least one arcuate second bimetallic element, which are connected to each other at a contact portion and formed at the contact portion such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first bimetallic element decreases from the underside to the top and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the arcuate second bimetallic element increases from its underside to the top, or vice versa.

Such an arrangement with at least two interconnected bimetallic elements, which are formed so that they have an opposite course of the thermal expansion coefficient in the contact area, leads to a bimetal with larger compared to the bimetal known from the prior art switching movements at changing ambient temperatures.

According to the invention, at least the first bimetallic element and at least the arcuate second bimetallic element are composed of at least two element layers each having at least one of them Constructed thermal expansion coefficient, wherein with respect to the thermal expansion coefficient of the layer structure of the first bimetallic element at the contact region opposite to the layer structure of the arcuate second bimetallic element extends.

An essential point is that the bimetallic device of the bimetal according to the invention consists of at least two bimetallic elements, namely at least a first bimetallic element and at least a second arcuate bimetallic element, both bimetallic elements are multilayer elements and wherein the layer elements of each bimetallic element used have such different thermal expansion coefficients that the respective bimetal element deformed as a function of the ambient temperature. According to the invention, the two bimetallic elements are connected to one another at a contact region in such a way that the layer structure of the first bimetallic element is opposite to the layer structure of the arcuate second bimetal element with respect to the thermal expansion coefficients.

Within the scope of the invention, this "opposite arrangement" of the layer structure is understood to mean an arrangement in which, with regard to the thermal expansion coefficients, the layer structure of the first bimetallic element, viewed from the layer with the lower coefficient of thermal expansion to the layer with the higher coefficient of thermal expansion, opposite to the layer structure the second arcuate bimetallic element extends. Thus, for example, in the contact area, a bimetallic element with a lower layer with a high coefficient of thermal expansion and an upper layer with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion or more generally a bimetallic element with a bottom to top decreasing coefficient of thermal expansion and a bimetallic element with a lower layer with a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a upper layer with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion or from the bottom to the top increasing coefficient of thermal expansion each other. In this respect, bimetal devices are thus also included in the scope of the invention, in which the first bimetallic element has, inter alia, a different layer structure with respect to the number of layers or the materials and material thicknesses used than the second bimetallic element, as long as especially in the contact area an "opposite layer structure" is provided.

"Arcuate" in the scope of this invention, any kind of deviation from a straight line or a main extension axis of the bimetal understood, and in particular a shape, in particular a circular arc shape, in which a portion of the bimetallic element in at least 90 ° offset direction to another portion of the first and / or the second bimetallic element extends.

The inventive arrangement and design of the first bimetallic element relative to the second arcuate bimetallic element to obtain a bimetallic device in which the individual movements of the two interconnected bimetallic add particularly effectively, resulting in a particularly effective switching movement. The result is a bimetallic regulator in which even at low temperature changes large movements occur at the bimetal device, so u.a. Switching operations can be carried out even at low temperature changes. The resulting bimetallic regulator is thus much more sensitive compared to prior art regulators.

Preferably, the bimetal device comprises a plurality of series-connected combinations of first bimetallic elements and arcuate second bimetallic elements. In this way, the large switching movements can be easily added. The bimetal device is preferably designed so that the arrangement of first bimetallic elements and arcuate second bimetallic elements alternates, whereby in each case again the inventive opposite arrangement of the layer structures of the respective bimetal elements is to be considered. It is also possible to form the bimetallic device in such a way that a combination of the first bimetal element and the arcuate second bimetallic element is connected via a further intermediate element and preferably a non-bimetallic intermediate element to a further combination of a first bimetallic element and arcuate second bimetallic element. It is also possible to meander the bimetal device meandering through a corresponding arrangement of first and second bimetallic elements, in particular so as to compensate for movements substantially perpendicular to the main movement direction (ie the direction of movement which executes a switching operation). In addition, it is conceivable intermediate elements and preferably also to arrange non-bimetallic intermediate elements between at least one first bimetal element and an arcuate second bimetallic element.

Preferably, the first bimetallic element and / or the arcuate second bimetallic element are formed as a bimetallic strip. The design with bimetallic strip guarantees a switching movement of the bimetal device in a defined direction of movement.

According to the invention, the contact region is arranged at the one distal end of the first bimetallic element and a proximal end of the arcuate second bimetallic element. In this way, a particularly effective addition of the respective Bimetallelementbewegungen results in temperature changes.

Preferably, the arcuate second bimetallic element describes a half-arc to almost a solid sheet and in particular a three-quarter arc, according to the invention, however, a semicircular arc to almost a full arc and in particular a three-quarter arc. In this way, the element movements of the first bimetallic element and the arcuate second bimetallic element add particularly effectively to a common switching movement with temperature change, wherein the bimetal device receives a very compact structure at the same time.

Preferably, the arcuate second bimetallic element at its distal end on a particular substantially linearly shaped switching area, which is in operative connection with the switching device or can be brought. By the movement of the first bimetallic element, coupled with the movement of the second arcuate bimetallic element, a switching movement is very easily transmitted to the switching device via this switching range.

Preferably, the main axis of extension of the switching region and the adjacent tangent of the arcuate second bimetallic element includes an angle of <180 degrees, in particular an angle of ≤90 degrees. In this way, you get a very compact component, coupled with a very effective combination of individual bimetallic movements with temperature changes.

Preferably, the switching range of the arcuate second bimetallic element is arranged at a defined normal temperature T ₀ axis parallel to the main extension axis of the first bimetallic element. In particular, in the case of a substantially full-arc-shaped or full-circle-shaped second bimetallic element, a bimetal device having a very large switching path and at the same time a compact construction of the regulator is thus obtained.

Preferably, the bimetallic device is mounted with a proximal end of the first bimetallic element substantially clamped relative to the switching device. Starting from this clamping point, results in a bimetal with a very large switching path, which can also be arranged in a confined space.

Preferably, in the arcuate second bimetallic element, the element layer having the higher coefficient of thermal expansion is arranged in the region of the inner arc. In this way, a bimetal device is obtained, which expands very strongly when the temperature increases and acts on a switching device arranged in the outer environment of the bimetal device. In a switching device which is arranged substantially within the bimetallic device, in which therefore a contraction of the bimetallic device for activating the switching movement is necessary, preferably the element layer with the higher coefficient of thermal expansion in the region of the outer arc of the second bimetallic element is arranged.

The present invention also relates to a bimetallic regulator with a device for electrically conductive connection of at least one line element to the aforementioned bimetal or to a housing mounted in a contact element of a similar switching device, wherein a clamping device is provided, comprising: a clamping bolt and a clamping bolt receptacle which together define a terminal space into which the conduit member from the outside of the housing is inserted and into which the contact element protrudes from the inside of the housing, wherein the clamping bolt is held in the housing in its axial direction and with a clamping extension restraining against the contact element and wherein an abutment portion of the clamping bolt receptacle such while reducing the clamping space on the clamping extension and the contact element fitting thereto zubewegbar and at least in a clamping position can be fixed, that the conduit element and the contact element are fixed to each other electrically conductive, without a bending load is entered into the contact element.

The advantage of such a device or of a bimetallic regulator designed in this way is that the connection of a line element to the bimetallic regulator is possible, without heat being introduced, for example, by a welding or soldering process. Experience has shown that such a heat input in bimetallic controllers from the prior art has led to a weakening of the usually provided spring elements of the switching device. The use of the device according to the invention avoids this problem. In particular, in interaction with the previously treated bimetal means, a bimetallic regulator thus results with a very accurate and, in particular, precisely adjustable switching behavior.

Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine isometrische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform des Bimetallreglers;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform des Bimetallreglers aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Detailansicht einer Bimetalleinrichtung der Ausführungsform des Bimetallreglers aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Bimetalleinrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine isometrische Darstellung der Ausführungsform des Bimetallreglers gemäß Fig. 1 mit Paternosteranschlussklemmen;

Fig. 6

einen isometrischen Längsschnitt der Darstellung aus Fig. 5; und

Fig. 7

einen isometrischen Längsschnitt der Ausführungsform des Bimetallreglers gemäß Fig. 5 bei Integration in ein Gehäuse.

In the following, the invention will be described with reference to embodiments, which are explained in more detail by the accompanying drawings. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

an isometric view of an embodiment of the bimetallic control;

Fig. 2

a side view of the embodiment of the bimetallic regulator Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a detailed view of a bimetallic device of the embodiment of the bimetallic regulator Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

another embodiment of a bimetal device;

Fig. 5

an isometric view of the embodiment of the bimetallic according to Fig. 1 with paternoster terminals;

Fig. 6

an isometric longitudinal section of the illustration Fig. 5 ; and

Fig. 7

an isometric longitudinal section of the embodiment of the bimetallic according to Fig. 5 when integrated into a housing.

In the following, the same reference numerals are used for the same and the same components, sometimes with the use of high indices to distinguish them.

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the bimetallic controller according to the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of this embodiment and Fig. 3 a detailed view of a bimetallic device 4, as used in this bimetal 1.

In this embodiment, the bimetallic device 4 has two bimetal elements 6, 8, namely a first bimetallic element 6 and an arcuate second bimetallic element 8. The arcuate second bimetallic element here is at least partially in the form of a ¾ circle. These two bimetallic elements 6, 8 are connected to one another at a contact region 14, in particular here the first bimetallic element 6 is arranged with its distal end 7 at the proximal end 9 of the arcuate second bimetallic element 8.

The bimetal device 4 is connected via a switching element 3 with a switching device 2 in operative connection, which establishes an electrical connection between two contact elements 16, 18, thus enabling a switching operation. An adjusting element 20 can be used to adjust this switching process by positioning two contact elements 17, 19 assigned to the contact elements 16, 18 relative to one another. Depending on how this positioning takes place, the switching device 2 triggers the switching operation in the case of small or larger movements of the bimetal device 4.

The bimetallic device 4 is clamped substantially rigidly with a proximal end 5 of the first bimetallic element 6 on a bearing block 22. This bearing block, which consists of a plurality of insulating individual elements 23, carries in addition to the bimetal 4 and the contact elements 16 and 18 and a support plate 24, a fastening of the bimetallic regulator 1 in a housing 40 (see Fig. 7 ) and, moreover, carries the adjusting element 20.

The arcuate second bimetallic element 8 has at its distal end 11 via a switching region 13, via which it is in operative connection with the switching device 2 with the switching element 3. With a change in temperature, the shift range 13 moves due to the resulting movement of the two bimetallic elements 6, 8 to the switching device 2, wherein the switching element 3 triggers the switching process at a certain movement.

In particular in Fig. 2 the structure of the switching device 2 can be seen in detail. It comprises the two contact elements 16 and 18, which can be brought into electrical conduction with one another via associated contact elements 17 and 19 by activation via the switching element 3. The contact element 17 is designed here as a spring element and in particular as a beryllium spring element, so that the electrical conduction opens again in a "retraction" of the switching element 3.

In the Fig. 1 and 2 and in particular in Fig. 3 the different layer structures of the two bimetallic elements 6, 8 of the bimetal device 4 can be seen. The first bimetallic element 6 consists of two element layers 10, 12, wherein the element _layer 10 with the larger coefficient of thermal expansion α _{.DELTA.T10 is arranged} on the underside 21 shown in the drawing _plane and the element _layer 12 with the lower coefficient of thermal expansion _.DELTA.T12 on the upper side 23.

Opposite this, the layer structure of the arcuate second bimetal element 8 is formed. This bimetal element 8 consists of two element layers 10, 12, wherein in the contact region 14, the element _layer 10 with the higher coefficient of thermal expansion α _{.DELTA.T10 is arranged} on the top 23 shown in the drawing _plane and the element _layer 12 with the lower coefficient of thermal expansion _.DELTA.T12 on the bottom 21.

The result of such an opposite arrangement of the two layer structures of the two bimetallic elements 6, 8 is a much stronger deflection (here in Fig. 3 represented by the arrow 26), which leads in the bimetallic regulator 1 shown here to a much more accurate adjustability and a more accurate switchability.

In Fig. 3 is the movement of the bimetallic device 4 and the two bimetallic 6, 8 shown schematically at a certain temperature change .DELTA.T, wherein the end position of the bimetallic device 4 is shown in broken lines at a temperature change .DELTA.T.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the bimetal 4, in which case a plurality of first bimetallic elements 6 and arcuate second bimetallic elements 8 are arranged in series and here in particular meandering. In this way, the in Fig. 3 illustrated switching path 26 at a temperature change .DELTA.T increase almost arbitrarily, with unwanted movements, here, for example, in Fig. 3 shown right drift of the switching range 13, correct. Also here in Fig. 4 shown bimetal 6, 8 each have a layer structure, consisting of at least two element layers 10, 12, as he already with reference to Fig. 3 was explained in detail.

In the Fig. 5 to 7 is the previously discussed embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 3 again in isometric view ( Fig. 5 ) and in a longitudinal section ( Fig. 6 ). The embodiment of the bimetallic regulator 1 has been supplemented here by clamping devices 28 and in particular by two paternoster terminals 30, which allow the simple connection of a line element (not shown) to the bimetallic regulator 1. Were connected in the prior art, the contact elements 16, 18 mostly via a solder joint with further conductive elements (not shown), so here is the connection of the bimetallic regulator 1 and the contact elements 16, 18 on the paternoster terminals 30. The advantage of this connection technique is that no heat energy is introduced by a soldering or welding process into the contact elements 16 and 18 and via these into the switching contacts 17, 19 and in particular the switching contact 17 designed here as Berrylium spring. Especially this heat input has led to deformations in the prior art and to a decrease in the restoring force of the running as a spring element switching contact 17. This artificial aging, which has essentially met a thermal aftertreatment, often led to a malfunction of the bimetal 1.

In principle, it should be noted that the use of this clamping technique by means of the paternoster terminals 30 for connecting a line element to the contact elements 16, 18 is not limited to an application in the bimetallic regulator 1 according to the invention shown here. All, in particular provided with heat-sensitive contact elements or switching contacts components can be equipped with it.

• Einen Klemmbolzen 32 und eine Klemmbolzenaufnahme 34, die zusammen einen Klemmraum 36 definieren, in den das Leitungselement (nicht dargestellt) insbesondere von einer Außenseite 43 des Gehäuses 40 aus einführbar ist und in den das Kontaktelement (16, 18) insbesondere von einer Innenseite 45 des Gehäuses 40 aus hineinragt (siehe insbesondere Fig. 7), wobei der Klemmbolzen 32 insbesondere im Gehäuse 40 in seiner Axialrichtung gehalten ist und mit einem Klemmfortsatz 33 zwängungsfrei am Kontaktelement 16, 18 anliegt, und wobei ein Gegenlagerbereich 35 der Klemmbolzenaufnahme 34 derart unter Reduzierung des Klemmraumes 36 auf dem Klemmfortsatz 33 und das daran anliegende Kontaktelement 16, 18 zubewegbar und wenigstens in einer Klemmstellung festlegbar ist, dass das Leitungselement (nicht dargestellt) und das Kontaktelement 16, 18 miteinander elektrisch leitend fixiert sind, ohne dass eine Biegebelastung in das Kontaktelement 16, 18 eingetragen wird. Die erfindungsgemäße Klemmeinrichtung 28 bzw. die Paternosterklemme 30 haben also neben der einfachen und insbesondere wärmeeintragungsfreien Verbindung eines Leitungselementes mit den Kontaktelementen 16, 18 auch den Vorteil eines zwängungsfreien Anschlusses, so dass in die Kontaktelemente 16, 18 und die zugeordneten Schaltkontakte 17, 19 keine Biegebelastungen eingetragen werden.

The in the Fig. 5 to 7 illustrated clamping devices 28 for electrically conductive connection of at least one line element (not shown) to at least one mounted in a housing 40 contact element 16, 18 of a switching device and here the bimetallic regulator 1 have the following:

• A clamping bolt 32 and a clamping bolt receptacle 34 which together define a clamping space 36 into which the conduit element (not shown) can be inserted, in particular from an outer side 43 of the housing 40 and into which the contact element (16, 18) in particular from an inner side 45 of the Housing 40 protrudes from (see in particular Fig. 7 ), wherein the clamping bolt 32 is held in particular in the housing 40 in its axial direction and with a clamping extension 33 without restraint on the contact element 16, 18, and wherein an abutment portion 35 of the clamping bolt receptacle 34 so reducing the clamping space 36 on the clamping extension 33 and the adjacent thereto Contact element 16, 18 zubewegbar and at least in a clamping position can be fixed, that the conduit element (not shown) and the contact element 16, 18 are electrically conductively fixed to each other, without a bending load in the contact element 16, 18 is entered. The clamping device 28 according to the invention or the paternoster clamp 30 thus have, in addition to the simple and in particular heat-free connection of a line element with the contact elements 16, 18 also the advantage of a non-constraining connection, so that in the contact elements 16, 18 and the associated switching contacts 17, 19 no bending loads be registered.

Preferably, the clamping bolt receptacle 34 is formed as a clamping bolt shoe which at least partially encloses the clamping space 36, wherein at its inner, the clamping extension 33 facing the bottom wall, the counter bearing portion 35 is formed. The clamping bolt receptacle 34 is preferably mounted in the axial direction of the clamping bolt 32 movable on the clamping bolt. As shown here, the clamping bolt 32 is preferably provided with a threaded portion which threadingly engages with a threaded receiving portion of the clamping bolt receptacle 34 is that the abutment portion 35 of the clamping bolt receptacle 34 by a rotation of the clamping bolt 32 on the clamping bolt extension 33 and the contact element 16, 18 adjacent thereto to and from this is movable.

As in the FIGS. 5 and 6 recognizable, the clamping bolt receptacle 34 is preferably formed from a multi-folded metal strip 42. This allows an inexpensive production with good stability and sufficient material for the formation of a threaded receiving area.

The clamping bolt receptacle 34 preferably has at its lower bottom region a cover element 44, which serves as a guide for connecting a line element. The cover member 44 preferably extends axially parallel to the clamping bolt 32 so that it successively covers a receiving opening 48 in the housing 40 with a reduction of the clamping space 36, so here by a rotation of the clamping bolt 32. This prevents the erroneous insertion of the conduit element.

reference numeral

1

bimetallic

2

switching device

3

switching element

4

bimetal

5

proximal end

6

First bimetal element

7

distal end

8th

arcuate second bimetallic element

9

proximal end

10

element layer

11

distal end

12

element layer

13

switching range

14

contact area

16

contact element

17

switching contact

18

contact element

19

switching contact

20

adjustment

21

bottom

22

bearing block

23

top

24

Retaining plate

28

clamper

30

Paternoster terminal

32

clamping bolts

33

Clamping extension

34

Clamping bolt receptacle

36

terminal space

40

casing

42

metal strips

44

cover

Claims (8)

1. Bimetal controller, comprising a switching device (2) and at least one bimetal device (4), which is or can be actively connected to the switching device (2) in such a way as to allow a temperature-dependent switching of the switching device (2), wherein
   the bimetal device (4) has at least one first bimetal element (6) and at least one arcuate, second bimetal element (8), which are connected to each other at a contact region (14) and are formed at the contact region (14) in such a way that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first bimetal element (6) decreases from the first side thereof, e.g. the underside (21) thereof, to the second side thereof that is opposite from the first side, e.g. to the upper side (23), and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the arcuate, second bimetal element (8) increases from the first side thereof that faces away from the first side of the first bimetal element (6), e.g. the underside (21') thereof, to the second side thereof that is opposite from the first side of the second bimetal element (8), e.g. to the upper side (23'), or the coefficient of thermal expansion progresses oppositely in the case of the two bimetal elements (6, 8), and the second bimetal element (8) is formed as a half arc to almost a full arc and is arranged in such a way for the actuation of the switching device (2) that deflections of the bimetal elements (6, 8) are added together, characterized in that
   the contact region (14) is arranged at a distal end (7) of the first bimetal element (6) and a proximal end (9) of the arcuate, second bimetal element (8).
2. Bimetal controller according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the bimetal elements (6, 8) are constructed from in each case at least two element layers (10, 12) with different coefficients of thermal expansion (α_ΔT10, α_ΔT12), the layer structure of the first bimetal element (6) at the contact region (10) progressing oppositely to the layer structure of the arcuate, second bimetal element (8) with respect to the coefficients of thermal expansion (α_ΔT10, α_ΔT12).
3. Bimetal controller according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the first bimetal element (6) and/or the arcuate, second bimetal element (8) is/are formed as a bimetal strip/bimetal strips.
4. Bimetal controller according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the arcuate, second bimetal element (8) has at its distal end (11) a substantially linearly formed switching region (13), which is or can be actively connected to the switching device (2).
5. Bimetal controller according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that
   the principal axis of extent of the switching region (13) and the tangent adjoining thereto of the arcuate, second bimetal element (8) include an angle of < 180°, in particular an angle of ≤ 90°.
6. Bimetal controller according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the bimetal device (4) is mounted with a proximal end (5) of the first bimetal element (6) substantially restrained in relation to the switching device (2).
7. Bimetal controller according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the bimetal device (4) has a plurality of combinations of first bimetal elements (6) and arcuate, second bimetal elements (8) connected in series and arranged in particular in a meandering manner.
8. Bimetal controller according to one of the preceding claims, the bimetal controller (1) being mounted or able to be mounted in a housing (40), having an apparatus
   characterized in that
   said apparatus is provided for the electrically conducting connection of at least one conducting element to the switching device (2), comprising a clamping device (28), which has the following:

   a clamping bolt (32) and a clamping bolt receptacle (34), which together define a clamping space (36), into which the conducting element can be introduced from the outer side of the housing (43) and into which the contact element (16; 18) protrudes from the inner side of the housing (45), the clamping bolt (32) being held in its axial direction in the housing (40) and lying with a clamping continuation (33) against the contact element (16; 18) in an unconstrained manner, and a counter bearing region (35) of the clamping bolt receptacle (34) being able to be moved toward the clamping continuation (33) and the contact element (16; 18) lying on it while reducing the clamping space (36) and able to be fixed at least in one clamping position such that the conducting element and the contact element (16; 18) are fixed with respect to each other in an electrically conducting manner, without a flexural loading being introduced into the contact element (16; 18).

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