EP2880670B1 - Thermal switch and method for adjusting a thermal switch - Google Patents

Thermal switch and method for adjusting a thermal switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2880670B1
EP2880670B1 EP13750274.6A EP13750274A EP2880670B1 EP 2880670 B1 EP2880670 B1 EP 2880670B1 EP 13750274 A EP13750274 A EP 13750274A EP 2880670 B1 EP2880670 B1 EP 2880670B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching
carrier
contact
spring
temperature switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP13750274.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2880670A1 (en
Inventor
Werner Reiter
Peter Klaus SOUKUP
Josef Reithofer
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of EP2880670A1 publication Critical patent/EP2880670A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H61/00—Electrothermal relays
    • H01H61/01—Details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/04—Bases; Housings; Mountings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/12—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/12—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature
    • H01H37/28—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature by adjustment of the position of the fixed contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/12—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature
    • H01H37/30—Means for adjustment of "on" or "off" operating temperature by varying the position of the contact unit in relation to switch base or casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H61/00—Electrothermal relays
    • H01H61/04—Electrothermal relays wherein the thermally-sensitive member is only heated directly

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a temperature switch according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a method for adjusting a temperature switch according to the preamble of patent claim 9.
  • Temperature switches are already well known from the prior art. They consist of a housing in which a switching system and a switching system operating this switching arrangement are arranged.
  • the switching system consists of a first and second carrier, wherein on the first carrier a position immutable fixed contact and on the second carrier is arranged a tongue-shaped protruding from the carrier switching spring with switching contact provided thereon.
  • the switching arrangement acts on the switching spring such that a change in position of the switching contact is effected as a function of the temperature.
  • the switching arrangement is usually formed by a bimetallic element, in particular a bimetallic disc, which is in operative connection via a switching element with the switching spring.
  • temperature switch there are two types of temperature switch, namely as so-called “opener” designated temperature switch, which at low temperatures, for example, room temperature, have a closed electrical contact, which is opened only after exceeding a defined temperature threshold of this electrical contact.
  • opener designated temperature switch
  • normally open contacts are known in which the electrical contact is opened at low temperatures and the electrical contact is closed only after exceeding a defined temperature threshold.
  • a switching hysteresis sets ie the switching from a first switching state to a second switching state takes place at a different temperature value than the switching back from the second to the first switching state.
  • a disadvantage of the previously known temperature switches is that they are insufficiently adjustable in terms of their switching behavior and switching hysteresis and a sufficiently accurate adjustment can only be realized for a temperature switch type for a given temperature switch design, either for a "normally closed” or a normally open ,
  • Such a temperature switch and method for adjusting a temperature switch is from the DE 100 16 141 C1 known.
  • the essential aspect of the temperature switch according to the invention is that the first carrier and the second carrier are formed bendable and that the housing is formed by at least a first, at least one housing opening having housing portion and a second, the housing opening occlusive housing portion, wherein the housing opening for insertion and positioning of adjusting means is formed on the carriers, that the housing opening is provided on the switching arrangement at least partially receiving end of the first housing portion and that the carrier extend laterally into an inner housing formed in the first housing portion.
  • the inventive design of the temperature switch can in each case position an adjusting on a carrier and thereby bend the carrier so that a desired switching behavior, in particular with respect to the desired switching point at which switching from a closed electrical contact into an open electrical contact or vice versa takes place or desired spring forces acting on the bimetallic element and thus act on the switching behavior can be achieved.
  • the switching arrangement is formed by a switching element and a shape-changing bimetallic element.
  • the switching element in this case caused by the change in shape of the bimetallic element portions change in position is transmitted to the switching spring or the switching contact and thus causes a contact closure or a contact opening.
  • the switching element is in operative connection with the bimetallic element and the switching spring such that at Deformation of the bimetallic a change in position of the switch contact takes place.
  • the bimetallic element can be arranged at a distance from the switching spring, for example at a point of the temperature switch at which an optimized heat transfer to the bimetallic element can take place.
  • the first housing portion is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped.
  • a housing region is created, in the interior of which the switching system can already be arranged or mounted and can then be adjusted or measured via an adjustment and measuring method.
  • at least one surface of the first housing section preferably serves as the input for the measurement, this measurement element serving as a contact surface or fixing surface for the switching arrangement or the second housing section receiving or holding the switching arrangement after the measurement.
  • the plane serving as a reference plane during the measuring and adjusting operation is used as a reference for the switching device in the assembled state of the temperature switch.
  • the first housing section has two opposite side sections, on each of which a projection is formed. Opposite these projections, the carrier extending laterally into the interior of the housing can at least partially come into abutment and be supported on it so that a controlled bending of the carrier during the adjustment is made possible.
  • the projections each have at least one projection surface extending at right angles to the vertical axis of the temperature switch and a bending edge formed thereon.
  • This projection surface serves as a contact surface for a portion of the respective carrier, wherein the carrier then around the bending edge can be bent or permanently deformed. This in turn is a controlled bending of the carrier under the action of a bending force on the opposite the projection projecting end of the carrier possible.
  • the first and second carrier is each formed by a strip-shaped flat material having a rectangular cross-section, each having a pair of opposing, spaced broad and narrow sides. Due to the right-angled cross-section, the supports designed in this way are suitable for torsion-proof passage through housing bushings and for controlled bending by means of a large-area contact with the projection surfaces of the side sections of the first housing section.
  • the first and second carrier are formed angled in a first bending region and lie with an adjoining the first bending region intermediate portion each with a broad side opposite to the projection surface of the projection.
  • the first and second carrier each have a second, adjacent to the intermediate region bending region in which the respective carrier is deformed in a direction different from the bending direction of the first bending region bending direction.
  • a bending of the carrier in the direction of the housing opening results, through which a measuring and adjusting arrangement for adjusting and measuring the temperature switch is introduced.
  • the carriers can, by acting on the adjusting means on the same in the direction of the orientation of the carrier in the intermediate region, ie in a horizontal or be deformed substantially horizontal course and thus an adjustment of the temperature switch without excessive, unwanted displacement of the contact contact points between the fixed contact and the switching contact can be achieved.
  • the distance between the two opposite free ends of the carrier is smaller than the width of the housing opening measured in a plane perpendicular to the bending edges.
  • the adjusting and measuring means can be brought to the free ends of the carrier on the housing opening to bend them or to position a measuring means on the running between the free ends of the carrier switching spring to their position at the switching point with respect to a reference plane or to measure their spring force with closed electrical contact or when opening the electrical contact.
  • the switching contact and / or the fixed contact on the contact surface is convexly curved.
  • the contact support points can be prevented when the support is bent, with the contact surface which establishes the electrical contact remaining essentially the same regardless of the bending of the supports.
  • the invention further relates to a method for adjusting a temperature switch comprising a housing, a switching system consisting of a first carrier with a fixed contact and a second carrier, on which a switching spring is arranged with a switching contact.
  • a first, acting on the first carrier adjusting means and a second, acting on the second carrier adjusting means is introduced via a housing opening, wherein in an adjustment step, at least one of the carrier is bent by the action of the adjusting means on this carrier and in a measuring step by means of a Measuring means, the position and / or the spring force of the switching spring is determined.
  • the adjustment process in the adjustment process according to the invention, first the position of the carrier within the housing is changed and then in the measuring step the change of the position of the switching spring or the spring force of the same in the open switching state or in the closed switching state are measured and thereby defines the switching point of the temperature switch defined become.
  • the spring force of the switching spring is preferably determined when the electrical contact is closed or open.
  • a recording of the actual values of the switching behavior or the spring forces of the switching spring is determined at the beginning of the adjustment process.
  • these serve as comparative values as to how the position of the switching spring in the switching point or the spring forces have approached desired setpoint values as a result of the adjustment of the carrier.
  • the bending of a carrier or both carriers takes place about a bending edge by lowering the respective adjusting means to a section of the carrier protruding beyond the bending edge.
  • a measuring step for measuring the position of the switching spring in the switching point and / or for measuring the spring force in the switching point and / or for measuring the spring force when the system Switching contact relative to the fixed contact.
  • the measured values obtained by means of the measuring step can be used to determine the change in the position of the switching spring or of the spring forces caused by the preceding adjustment step and to determine suitable parameters for the next adjustment process, in particular the degree of bending of one or both carriers.
  • an iterative adjustment takes place by alternating the sequence of an adjustment step and a measurement step. This allows a monitored and optimized adjustment of the temperature switch can be achieved with the least possible number of adjustment steps.
  • the bending of the at least one carrier in successive Justier suitsen different sizes i. the degree of bending in successive adjustment steps can be suitably selected depending on the difference of the measured parameters from the desired values of these parameters in order to achieve the smallest possible number of adjustment steps.
  • the degree of bending in successive adjustment steps can be suitably selected depending on the difference of the measured parameters from the desired values of these parameters in order to achieve the smallest possible number of adjustment steps.
  • the adjustment method can be optimized, depending on the distance of the actual values determined in the previous measuring step, from the setpoint values of the switching parameters in such a way that the setpoint parameters of the switching point and / or measuring steps are determined with the least possible number of adjustment steps or measuring steps.
  • the spring force can be achieved at the switching point or when the electrical contact is closed.
  • the adjustment of the temperature switch takes place on different lengths of switching elements.
  • an optimized switching behavior can be achieved with a smaller number of adjustment steps, specifically in that an optimized switching element length is determined depending on the parameter set determined in the first measuring step and the bending of the carrier subsequently takes place taking into account this determined switching element length.
  • the measurement of the temperature switch is effected by the action of the measuring means on a switching element located in the housing, wherein the switching element acts on the switching spring.
  • the manufacturing tolerance of the length of the switching element can be taken into account in the adjustment of the temperature switch equal, so that the switching behavior of the temperature switch can be set by taking into account this manufacturing tolerance more accurate.
  • substantially in the sense of the invention means deviations from respectively exact values by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes which are insignificant for the function.
  • FIG. 1 is a reference numeral 1, an inventive temperature switch in a sectional view through the sectional plane SE shown.
  • the temperature switch 1 has a housing 2 formed in a closed manner, from which contact elements 5, 5 'are brought out at the bottom 1.1 as contact element pair.
  • a switching system 3 consisting of a first carrier 3.1 with a fixed contact 3.2 and a second carrier 3.3, on which a switching spring is arranged 3.4 with a switching contact 3.5, provided.
  • a switching arrangement 4 is provided within the housing 2, which causes a change in position of the switching contact 3.5 depending on the temperature.
  • the switching arrangement 4 in this case acts in particular on the switching spring 3.4 and thereby causes a separation of the switching contact 3.5 from the fixed contact 3.2 by spacing these contacts each other.
  • the housing 2 formed from an electrically insulating material is designed in several parts and consists essentially of a first, a housing opening 2.3 having housing portion 2.1 and a second, the housing opening 2.3 occlusive housing section 2.2.
  • the housing opening 2.3 is in this case provided on the contact elements 5, 5 'opposite top 1.2 of the temperature switch 1 and is closed by the cover-like, second housing section 2.2.
  • the first housing section 2.1 is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped and has a bottom section 2.1.3, which forms the bottom 1.1 of the temperature switch 1.
  • the bottom section 2.1.3 passes laterally into the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 ', which protrude with their longitudinal extension in the direction of the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 relative to the bottom section 2.1.3.
  • the carrier 3.1, 3.3 are guided, through passages 2.4, 2.4 '.
  • the bushings 2.4, 2.4 ' in this case run with their longitudinal extent parallel to the vertical axis HA and are in the area between the Bottom section 2.1.3 and the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'provided.
  • the side section 2.1.2, 2.1.2' is reinforced, ie it has a greater wall thickness.
  • the carriers 3.1, 3.3 are designed in strips and formed from an electrically conductive material.
  • the supports 3.1, 3.3 are guided through the passages 2.4, 2.4 'and formed in a first bending region 3a, 3a' by bending permanently bent, in such a way that the protruding into the interior 2.1.1 section of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 with his the bottom section 2.1.3 facing bottom each with an intermediate section 3b, 3b 'relative to the projection surface 6.1, 6.1' is applied.
  • the projections 6, 6 ' also each have a bending edge 6.2, 6.2', which are formed in the transition region between the respective projection surface 6.1, 6.1 'and an adjoining, parallel to the respective bushings 2.4, 2.4' extending inner surface portion.
  • the supports 3.1, 3.3 are again permanently deformed or bent at a second bending region 3c, 3c' in such a way that the supports 3.1, 3.3 in the two successive first and second bending regions 3a, 3a ' , 3c, 3c 'are deformed into different bending directions.
  • the respective carriers 3.1, 3.3 are bent at an acute angle, preferably at an angle ⁇ between 5 and 15 °, this angle ⁇ between the plane receiving the respective projection surface 6.1, 6.1' and the carrier 3.1, 3.3 forms and opens in the direction of the vertical axis HA out.
  • the bending of the carriers 3.1, 3.3 'in the second bending region 3c, 3c' can be of different sizes and can change independently of one another, in particular in the adjustment process described below.
  • these supports project laterally into the interior 2.1.1 formed in the housing 2 and form tongue-like, bendable sections with their ends protruding at the free end.
  • the bending is preferably carried out around the bending edges 6.2, 6.2 '.
  • the fixed contact 3.2 is provided at the bottom section 2.1.3 facing underside of the free-side end of the first carrier 3.1.
  • the switching spring is arranged 3.4, which extends to the protruding from the second carrier 3.3 free end to the first carrier 3.1 and with the provided on the switching spring 3.4 switching contact 3.5 in the area Fixed contact 3.2 is located.
  • the contact elements 5, 5 ' are designed as separate elements which are connected to the carriers 3.1, 3.3 by conventional joining techniques, for example by welding or soldering.
  • the contact elements 5, 5 'by the shalld solution ends of the first and second carrier 3.1, 3.3 are formed, which protrude on the underside of the housing 2.
  • the temperature switch according to FIG. 1 is designed as a so-called "opener", that is in the idle state of the switching contact 3.5 against the fixed contact 3.2, so that the first carrier 3.1 via the fixed contact 3.2, the closing contact 3.5 and the switching spring 3.4 is electrically connected to the second carrier 3.3.
  • a switching arrangement 4 is provided, which acts on the switching spring 3.4 such that when a defined temperature threshold is exceeded, the electrical contact is opened by lifting the switch contact 3.5 from the fixed contact 3.2.
  • the switching arrangement 4 is in this case formed in the illustrated embodiment by a rod-shaped switching element 4.1 and a bimetallic element 4.2.
  • the switching element 4.1 is in this case formed of a non-conductive material.
  • the bimetallic element 4.2 is in particular designed as a bimetallic disc which, when a specific temperature threshold is exceeded, converts from a concaved state curved in the direction of the upper side 1.2 into a convex state curved in the direction of the lower side 1.1. This transformation takes place abruptly in a snap movement, wherein the change in position of the bimetal 4.2 in the Mitteil Scheme same via the switching element 4.1, which is arranged with its narrow side in this central region of the bimetallic element 4.2 is transmitted to the switching spring 3.4, compared to the switching element 4.1 with the another, opposite narrow side rests.
  • the bimetallic element is arranged on the second housing section 2.2 and held by this.
  • the bimetal element 4.2 receiving second housing section 2.2 is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity and low thermal mass, so that a good, temporally possible instantaneous heat transfer between the second housing section 2.2 and the bimetallic element 4.2 can be done.
  • the adjustment takes place here during the manufacture of the temperature switch 1 before closing the housing opening 2.3 by means of the second housing section 2.2.
  • the housing opening 2.3 is formed such that adjustment and measuring means 10, 11, 12 can be introduced into the interior 2.1.1 from the top side 1.2 of the temperature switch.
  • the width b of the housing opening 2.3 is in this case dimensioned such that it is greater than the distance d of the free ends of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 in which the carrier 3.1, 3.3 receiving Cutting plane SE to each other.
  • adjusting means 10, 11 can be positioned on the areas of the supports 3.1, 3.3 above the bending edges 3.2, 3.2 'and the position of these sections can be changed by bending around the bending edges 3.2, 3.2'.
  • the in the FIGS. 2 and 3 designated by the reference numeral 15 measuring and adjusting arrangement has a first and second adjusting means 10, 11 which are designed to be displaceable in a direction parallel to the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 and to the introduced into the interior 2.1.1 free ends contact surfaces against the carriers Training 3.1, 3.3. Between the first and second adjusting means 10, 11, a measuring means 12 is provided, which is also designed to be displaceable in the direction of the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 and is designed to measure the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 or for measuring the position of the switching spring. The displacement of the adjusting and measuring means 10, 11, 12 takes place relative to a guide and contact element 13.
  • the measuring and adjusting arrangement 15 is inserted into the upper side open temperature switch 1 such that the guide and contact element 13 with its bottom 13.1 in the reference plane BE comes to lie, that is, in sections against the free ends of the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'is applied.
  • the reference plane BE serves as a reference plane for all measurement and adjustment steps.
  • the aim of the adjustment described below is, inter alia, to set the switching hysteresis of the temperature switch 1 targeted, the switching hysteresis is significantly influenced by the switching cycle, which results from the fact that the switching element with closed electrical contact between the switching contact 3.5 and the fixed contact 3.2 is not between the Bimetallic element 4.2 and the switching spring 3.4 is clamped, but rests with its own weight by gravity against the switching spring, the upper side, however, is spaced from the bimetallic element 4.2, so the bimetallic element 4.2 can deform slightly, without resulting in a change in position of the switching element 4.1.
  • the measuring means is guided to the switching spring 3.4 and first determines the spring force in the closed state of the contact.
  • the stroke is determined here in relation to the reference plane BE.
  • the spring force is measured in a further measuring step, which has the switching spring with open, electrical contact.
  • the measuring means 12 is lowered further starting from the switching point in order to simulate the switching stroke of the bimetallic element 4.2.
  • This measured spring force with the contact open corresponds to the force which acts on the bimetal element 4.2 when the contact is open and thus significantly influences the switching hysteresis of the temperature switch 1.
  • the carriers 3.1, 3.3 are iteratively bent so that the switching point, ie the opening of the electrical contact is achieved with a defined stroke of the measuring means 12 relative to the reference plane BE and also the spring forces in the closed state or reach the desired setpoints in the opened state.
  • the setpoints depend largely on the length of the switching element 4.1 to be used and are stored, for example, as a parameter set in the measuring and adjustment apparatus used.
  • the spring forces in the closed or open contact state can not be adjusted independently of each other. However, it is possible that To adjust the spring force to a desired value with open contact and to monitor that the spring force is within a permissible range when the contact is closed.
  • the iterative adjustment takes place, whereby first the first and / or second carrier 3.1, 3.3 are bent by the first or second adjusting means 10, 11 around the bending edges 6.2, 6.2 '.
  • the bending takes place initially with a small step size, ie there is only a slight bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3, as too much bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 can not be reversed without manual intervention or without much effort.
  • the desired setpoint values for the switching point and the spring forces are achieved in compliance with the specified bending direction in the direction of the bottom section 2.1.3.
  • a renewed measurement of the switching point or the spring forces takes place in the closed or in the opened state of the electrical contact.
  • the completed adjustment process can be evaluated on the basis of the change in the measured parameters, and the degree of bending in the subsequent adjustment step, ie the adjustment step or the support 3.1 or 3.3 to be bent, can be determined therefrom.
  • the degree of bending of the respective carrier 3.1, 3.3 in successive Justier suitsen be different.
  • the adjustment can be made to a single, specific length of the switching element 4.1. However, it is also possible to make an adjustment such that it takes place with respect to a length of the switching element to be selected from a set of different, discrete switching element lengths, wherein the selected length of switching element subsequently in the final assembly of Temperature switch 1 is used. In addition, it is also possible that the measurement of the temperature switch 1 using the to be installed in this temperature switch 1 switching element 4.1 is done. For this purpose, the measuring means 12, for example, have a receptacle for the switching element 4.1. As a result, tolerances in the length of the switching element can already be taken into account in the adjustment of the temperature switch and thus a more accurate adjustment of the switching point.
  • the bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 causes a displacement of the contact points of the fixed contact 3.2 relative to the switching contact 3.5, one or both contact surfaces may be convex, so that the bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 leads to tolerable shifts of contact contact points.
  • the setting of the switching point which inevitably at the same time also the spring force is changed, which has the switching spring 3.4 both in the closed state and in the open state.
  • the carrier 3.3 an adjustment of the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 or a compensation of the change in the spring force of the spring force, the (change) results when setting the switching point.
  • the corresponding bending of the carrier 3.1 and 3.3 takes place at the same time, under constant measurement of the switching path of the switching spring 3.4 between opening and closing and the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 with the probe or rod-shaped measuring 12th

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  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Temperaturschalter gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 sowie ein Verfahren zur Justierung eines Temperaturschalters gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 9.The invention relates to a temperature switch according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a method for adjusting a temperature switch according to the preamble of patent claim 9.

Temperaturschalter sind aus dem Stand der Technik bereits hinlänglich bekannt. Sie bestehen aus einem Gehäuse, in dem ein Schaltsystem und eine dieses Schaltsystem betätigende Schaltanordnung angeordnet sind. Das Schaltsystem besteht aus einem ersten und zweiten Träger, wobei an dem ersten Träger ein lageunveränderlicher Fixkontakt und an dem zweiten Träger eine zungenförmig vom Träger abstehende Schaltfeder mit daran vorgesehenem Schaltkontakt angeordnet ist. Die Schaltanordnung wirkt derart auf die Schaltfeder ein, dass in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur eine Lageveränderung des Schaltkontakts bewirkt wird. Die Schaltanordnung wird meist durch ein Bimetallelement, insbesondere eine Bimetallscheibe, gebildet, die über ein Schaltglied mit der Schaltfeder in Wirkverbindung steht. Über das Schaltglied wird die durch eine Temperaturänderung bewirkte Formänderung des Bimetallelements in eine Lageänderung des freien Endes der Schaltfeder bzw. des daran vorgesehenen Schaltkontakts umgesetzt, sodass sich ein temperaturabhängiges Herstellen bzw. Trennen eines elektrischen Kontakts in Abhängigkeit der Form des Bimetallelements ergibt.Temperature switches are already well known from the prior art. They consist of a housing in which a switching system and a switching system operating this switching arrangement are arranged. The switching system consists of a first and second carrier, wherein on the first carrier a position immutable fixed contact and on the second carrier is arranged a tongue-shaped protruding from the carrier switching spring with switching contact provided thereon. The switching arrangement acts on the switching spring such that a change in position of the switching contact is effected as a function of the temperature. The switching arrangement is usually formed by a bimetallic element, in particular a bimetallic disc, which is in operative connection via a switching element with the switching spring. About the switching element caused by a change in temperature shape change of the bimetallic element is converted into a change in position of the free end of the switching spring or the switching contact provided thereon, so that there is a temperature-dependent production or separation of an electrical contact depending on the shape of the bimetallic element.

Grundsätzlich existieren zwei Arten von Temperaturschalter, nämlich als sogenannte "Öffner" bezeichnete Temperaturschalter, die bei niedrigen Temperaturen, beispielsweise Raumtemperatur, einen geschlossenen elektrischen Kontakt aufweisen, wobei erst nach Überschreiten einer definierten Temperaturschwelle dieser elektrische Kontakt geöffnet wird. Des Weiteren sind sogenannte "Schließer" bekannt, bei denen der elektrische Kontakt bei niedrigen Temperaturen geöffnet ist und erst nach Überschreiten einer definierten Temperaturschwelle der elektrische Kontakt geschlossen wird. Sowohl bei den als "Öffner" als auch bei den als "Schließer" bezeichneten Temperaturschaltern stellt sich eine Schalthysterese ein, d.h. das Umschalten von einem ersten Schaltzustand in einen zweiten Schaltzustand erfolgt an einem anderen Temperaturwert als das Rückumschalten vom zweiten in den ersten Schaltzustand. Dies liegt im Wesentlichen daran, dass beispielsweise bei geöffnetem Kontakt die Federkraft der Schaltfeder über das Schaltglied auf das Bimetallelement wirkt und dadurch der Temperaturpunkt des Umschaltens gegenüber dem unbelasteten Bimetallelement, d.h. einem Bimetallelement, das nicht durch die Federkraft der Schaltfeder beaufschlagt ist, verschoben ist. Bei "Öffnern" ist das Bimetallelement beispielsweise bei geschlossenem Kontakt nicht von der Federkraft der Schaltfeder belastet, da das Schaltglied ein Schaltspiel gegenüber dem Bimetallelement aufweist. Somit ergibt sich bei geschlossenem Kontakt ein Zwischenraum zwischen dem Bimetallelement und dem Schaltglied bzw. der Schaltfeder und dem Schaltglied.Basically, there are two types of temperature switch, namely as so-called "opener" designated temperature switch, which at low temperatures, for example, room temperature, have a closed electrical contact, which is opened only after exceeding a defined temperature threshold of this electrical contact. Of Furthermore, so-called "normally open contacts" are known in which the electrical contact is opened at low temperatures and the electrical contact is closed only after exceeding a defined temperature threshold. Both in the "normally closed" and the "normally open" temperature switches, a switching hysteresis sets, ie the switching from a first switching state to a second switching state takes place at a different temperature value than the switching back from the second to the first switching state. This is essentially because, for example, when the contact is open, the spring force of the switching spring acts on the bimetallic element via the switching element and thereby the temperature point of the switching over the unloaded bimetallic element, ie a bimetallic element which is not acted upon by the spring force of the switching spring, is shifted. In the case of "openers", the bimetal element is not loaded by the spring force of the switching spring, for example when the contact is closed, since the switching element has a switching play with respect to the bimetallic element. Thus, when the contact is closed, there is a gap between the bimetallic element and the switching element or the switching spring and the switching element.

Nachteilig an den bislang bekannten Temperaturschaltern ist es, dass diese in Bezug auf deren Schaltverhalten und Schalthysterese nur unzureichend justierbar sind und eine ausreichend genaue Justage nur für einen Temperaturschaltertyp bei vorgegebener Temperaturschalterkonstruktion realisiert werden kann, und zwar entweder für einen "Öffner" oder einen schließer".A disadvantage of the previously known temperature switches is that they are insufficiently adjustable in terms of their switching behavior and switching hysteresis and a sufficiently accurate adjustment can only be realized for a temperature switch type for a given temperature switch design, either for a "normally closed" or a normally open ,

Ein solcher Temperaturschalter und Verfahren zur Justierung eines Temperaturschalters ist aus dem DE 100 16 141 C1 bekannt.Such a temperature switch and method for adjusting a temperature switch is from the DE 100 16 141 C1 known.

Ausgehend hiervon ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, einen Temperaturschalter anzugeben, der im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik hinsichtlich der Schalthysterese bzw. des Schaltverhaltens optimiert einstellbar ist.Based on this, it is an object of the invention to provide a temperature switch, which is optimally adjustable in comparison with the prior art in terms of the switching hysteresis and the switching behavior.

Die Aufgabe wird ausgehend vom Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 durch dessen kennzeichnende Merkmale gelöst. Ein Verfahren zur Justierung eines Temperaturschalters ist Gegenstand des nebengeordneten Patentanspruchs 9.The object is achieved on the basis of the preamble of claim 1 by its characterizing features. A method for adjusting a temperature switch is the subject of the independent patent claim. 9

Der wesentliche Aspekt des erfindungsgemäßen Temperaturschalters besteht darin, dass der erste Träger und der zweite Träger verbiegbar ausgebildet sind und dass das Gehäuse durch zumindest einen ersten, zumindest eine Gehäuseöffnung aufweisenden Gehäuseabschnitt und einen zweiten, die Gehäuseöffnung verschließenden Gehäuseabschnitt gebildet wird, wobei die Gehäuseöffnung zur Einführung und Positionierung von Justiermitteln auf den Trägern ausgebildet ist, dass die Gehäuseöffnung an dem die Schaltanordnung zumindest teilweise aufnehmenden Ende des ersten Gehäuseabschnitts vorgesehen ist und dass sich die Träger seitlich in einen im ersten Gehäuseabschnitt ausgebildeten Innenraum hinein erstrecken. Durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausbildung des Temperaturschalters lassen sich jeweils ein Justiermittel auf einem Träger positionieren und dadurch die Träger derart verbiegen, dass ein gewünschtes Schaltverhalten insbesondere im Bezug auf den gewünschten Schaltpunkt, an dem ein Umschalten von einem geschlossenen elektrischen Kontakt in einen geöffneten elektrischen Kontakt oder umgekehrt erfolgt oder gewünschte Federkräfte, die auf das Bimetallelement einwirken und damit auf das Schaltverhalten einwirken, erreicht werden.The essential aspect of the temperature switch according to the invention is that the first carrier and the second carrier are formed bendable and that the housing is formed by at least a first, at least one housing opening having housing portion and a second, the housing opening occlusive housing portion, wherein the housing opening for insertion and positioning of adjusting means is formed on the carriers, that the housing opening is provided on the switching arrangement at least partially receiving end of the first housing portion and that the carrier extend laterally into an inner housing formed in the first housing portion. The inventive design of the temperature switch can in each case position an adjusting on a carrier and thereby bend the carrier so that a desired switching behavior, in particular with respect to the desired switching point at which switching from a closed electrical contact into an open electrical contact or vice versa takes place or desired spring forces acting on the bimetallic element and thus act on the switching behavior can be achieved.

In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Schaltanordnung durch ein Schaltglied und ein formveränderliches Bimetallelement gebildet. Durch das Schaltglied wird hierbei die durch die Formveränderung des Bimetallelements bewirkte abschnittsweise Lageänderung auf die Schaltfeder bzw. den Schaltkontakt übertragen und damit ein Kontaktschließen bzw. ein Kontaktöffnen bewirkt. Besonders bevorzugt steht das Schaltglied mit dem Bimetallelement und der Schaltfeder derart in Wirkverbindung, dass bei Verformung des Bimetallelements eine Lageveränderung des Schaltkontakts erfolgt. Damit kann das Bimetallelement beabstandet zur Schaltfeder angeordnet werden, beispielsweise an einer Stelle des Temperaturschalters, an der eine optimierte Wärmeübertragung auf das Bimetallelement erfolgen kann.In a preferred embodiment, the switching arrangement is formed by a switching element and a shape-changing bimetallic element. By the switching element in this case caused by the change in shape of the bimetallic element portions change in position is transmitted to the switching spring or the switching contact and thus causes a contact closure or a contact opening. Particularly preferably, the switching element is in operative connection with the bimetallic element and the switching spring such that at Deformation of the bimetallic a change in position of the switch contact takes place. Thus, the bimetallic element can be arranged at a distance from the switching spring, for example at a point of the temperature switch at which an optimized heat transfer to the bimetallic element can take place.

In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der erste Gehäuseabschnitt U-förmig oder im Wesentlichen U-förmig ausgebildet. Dadurch wird ein Gehäusebereich geschaffen, in dessen Innenraum bereits das Schaltsystem angeordnet bzw. angebracht sein kann und anschließend über ein Justier- und Messverfahren justiert bzw.vermessen werden kann. Bevorzugt dient hierbei zumindest eine Fläche des ersten Gehäuseabschnitts als Bezugebene für die Vermessung, wobei diese Bezugebene nach der Vermessung als Anlagefläche bzw. Fixierfläche für die Schaltanordnung bzw. den die Schaltanordnung aufnehmenden bzw. halternden zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt dient. Dadurch wird die während des Mess- und Justiervorgangs als Bezugsebene dienende Ebene als Referenz für die Schaltanordnung im zusammengebauten Zustand des Temperaturschalters verwendet.In a preferred embodiment, the first housing portion is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. As a result, a housing region is created, in the interior of which the switching system can already be arranged or mounted and can then be adjusted or measured via an adjustment and measuring method. In this case, at least one surface of the first housing section preferably serves as the input for the measurement, this measurement element serving as a contact surface or fixing surface for the switching arrangement or the second housing section receiving or holding the switching arrangement after the measurement. Thereby, the plane serving as a reference plane during the measuring and adjusting operation is used as a reference for the switching device in the assembled state of the temperature switch.

Besonders bevorzugt weist der erste Gehäuseabschnitt zwei einander gegenüberliegende Seitenabschnitte auf, an denen jeweils ein Vorsprung ausgebildet ist. Gegenüber diesen Vorsprüngen können die sich seitlich in den Innenraum des Gehäuses hineinerstreckenden Träger zumindest abschnittsweise zur Anlage gelangen und sich daran abstützen, sodass ein kontrolliertes Verbiegen der Träger während der Justage ermöglicht wird.Particularly preferably, the first housing section has two opposite side sections, on each of which a projection is formed. Opposite these projections, the carrier extending laterally into the interior of the housing can at least partially come into abutment and be supported on it so that a controlled bending of the carrier during the adjustment is made possible.

Besonders bevorzugt weisen die Vorsprünge jeweils zumindest eine rechtwinklig zur Hochachse des Temperaturschalters verlaufende Vorsprungsfläche sowie eine daran ausgebildete Biegekante auf. Diese Vorsprungsfläche dient hierbei als Anlagefläche für einen Teilbereich des jeweiligen Trägers, wobei der Träger anschließend um die Biegekante herum verbogen bzw. bleibend verformt werden kann. Damit ist wiederum eine kontrollierte Verbiegung des Trägers bei Einwirkung einer Biegekraft auf das gegenüber dem Vorsprung vorstehende Ende des Trägers möglich.Particularly preferably, the projections each have at least one projection surface extending at right angles to the vertical axis of the temperature switch and a bending edge formed thereon. This projection surface serves as a contact surface for a portion of the respective carrier, wherein the carrier then around the bending edge can be bent or permanently deformed. This in turn is a controlled bending of the carrier under the action of a bending force on the opposite the projection projecting end of the carrier possible.

Besonders bevorzugt wird der erste und zweite Träger jeweils durch ein streifenförmiges Flachmaterial mit rechteckförmigem Querschnitt mit jeweils einem Paar von gegenüberliegenden, beabstandeten Breit- und Schmalseiten gebildet. Die derart ausgebildeten Träger eignen sich aufgrund des rechtseckförmigen Querschnitts zur verdrehsicheren Durchführung durch Gehäusedurchführungen und zur kontrollierten Verbiegung durch eine großflächige Anlage gegenüber den Vorsprungsflächen der Seitenabschnitte des erste Gehäuseabschnitts.Particularly preferably, the first and second carrier is each formed by a strip-shaped flat material having a rectangular cross-section, each having a pair of opposing, spaced broad and narrow sides. Due to the right-angled cross-section, the supports designed in this way are suitable for torsion-proof passage through housing bushings and for controlled bending by means of a large-area contact with the projection surfaces of the side sections of the first housing section.

Besonders bevorzugt sind der erste und zweite Träger in einem ersten Biegebereich abgewinkelt ausgebildet und liegen mit einem an den ersten Biegebereich anschließenden Zwischenabschnitt jeweils mit einer Breitseite gegenüber der Vorsprungsfläche des Vorsprungs an. Durch das formschlüssige Verbiegen der Träger um den Vorsprung, insbesondere durch ein rechtwinkliges oder im Wesentlichen rechtwinkliges Verbiegen wird eine Fixierung des jeweiligen Trägers im Gehäuse, insbesondere auch beim Verbiegen desselben erreicht.Particularly preferably, the first and second carrier are formed angled in a first bending region and lie with an adjoining the first bending region intermediate portion each with a broad side opposite to the projection surface of the projection. By the positive bending of the carrier around the projection, in particular by a right-angled or substantially right-angled fixing of the respective carrier in the housing, in particular also during bending of the same is achieved.

Besonders bevorzugt weist der erste und zweite Träger jeweils einen zweiten, an den Zwischenbereich anschließenden Biegebereich auf, in dem der jeweilige Träger in eine von der Biegerichtung des ersten Biegebereichs unterschiedliche Biegerichtung verformt ist. Insbesondere ergibt sich im zweiten Biegebereich eine Verbiegung der Träger in Richtung der Gehäuseöffnung, durch die eine Mess- und Justieranordnung zur Justierung und Vermessung des Temperaturschalters eingeführt wird. Dadurch können die Träger durch Einwirken der Justiermittel auf dieselben in Richtung der Ausrichtung des Trägers im Zwischenbereich, d.h. in einen horizontalen bzw. im wesentlichen horizontalen Verlauf rückverformt werden und damit eine Justierung des Temperaturschalters ohne übermäßige, ungewünschte Verschiebung der Kontaktauflagepunkte zwischen dem Fixkontakt und dem Schaltkontakt erreicht werden.Particularly preferably, the first and second carrier each have a second, adjacent to the intermediate region bending region in which the respective carrier is deformed in a direction different from the bending direction of the first bending region bending direction. In particular, in the second bending region, a bending of the carrier in the direction of the housing opening results, through which a measuring and adjusting arrangement for adjusting and measuring the temperature switch is introduced. As a result, the carriers can, by acting on the adjusting means on the same in the direction of the orientation of the carrier in the intermediate region, ie in a horizontal or be deformed substantially horizontal course and thus an adjustment of the temperature switch without excessive, unwanted displacement of the contact contact points between the fixed contact and the switching contact can be achieved.

Besonders bevorzugt ist der Abstand der beiden einander gegenüberliegenden freien Enden der Träger kleiner als die in einer Ebene senkrecht zu den Biegekanten gemessene Breite der Gehäuseöffnung. Dadurch können über die Gehäuseöffnung die Justier- und Messmittel an die freien Enden der Träger herangeführt werden, um diese zu verbiegen bzw. ein Messmittel auf die zwischen den freien Enden der Träger verlaufende Schaltfeder zu positionieren, um deren Lage am Schaltpunkt in Bezug auf eine Bezugsebene bzw. deren Federkraft bei geschlossenem elektrischen Kontakt bzw. beim Öffnen des elektrischen Kontakts zu messen.Particularly preferably, the distance between the two opposite free ends of the carrier is smaller than the width of the housing opening measured in a plane perpendicular to the bending edges. As a result, the adjusting and measuring means can be brought to the free ends of the carrier on the housing opening to bend them or to position a measuring means on the running between the free ends of the carrier switching spring to their position at the switching point with respect to a reference plane or to measure their spring force with closed electrical contact or when opening the electrical contact.

Besonders bevorzugt ist der Schaltkontakt und/oder der Fixkontakt an der Kontaktfläche konvex gekrümmt ausgebildet. Dadurch kann bei Verbiegen der Träger eine übermäßige, ungewünschte Verschiebung der Kontaktauflagepunkte verhindert werden, wobei die Kontaktfläche, die den elektrischen Kontakt herstellt, unabhängig von der Verbiegung der Träger im Wesentlichen stets gleich bleibt.Particularly preferably, the switching contact and / or the fixed contact on the contact surface is convexly curved. As a result, excessive deflection of the contact support points can be prevented when the support is bent, with the contact surface which establishes the electrical contact remaining essentially the same regardless of the bending of the supports.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich des Weiteren auf ein Verfahren zur Justierung eines Temperaturschalters umfassend ein Gehäuse, ein Schaltsystem bestehend aus einem ersten Träger mit einem Fixkontakt und einem zweiten Träger, an dem eine Schaltfeder mit einem Schaltkontakt angeordnet ist. Erfindungsgemäß wird über eine Gehäuseöffnung ein erstes, auf den ersten Träger wirkendes Justiermittel und ein zweites, auf den zweiten Träger einwirkendes Justiermittel eingeführt, wobei in einem Justierschritt zumindest einer der Träger durch Krafteinwirkung des Justiermittels auf diesen Träger verbogen wird und in einem Messschritt mittels eines Messmittels die Position und/oder die Federkraft der Schaltfeder bestimmt wird. Vorteilhaft kann dadurch bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Justierverfahren zunächst die Position der Träger innerhalb des Gehäuses verändert und anschließend in dem Messschritt die Änderung der Position der Schaltfeder bzw. die Federkraft derselben im geöffneten Schaltzustand bzw. im geschlossenen Schaltzustand vermessen werden und dadurch der Schaltpunkt des Temperaturschalters definiert bestimmt werden.The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a temperature switch comprising a housing, a switching system consisting of a first carrier with a fixed contact and a second carrier, on which a switching spring is arranged with a switching contact. According to the invention, a first, acting on the first carrier adjusting means and a second, acting on the second carrier adjusting means is introduced via a housing opening, wherein in an adjustment step, at least one of the carrier is bent by the action of the adjusting means on this carrier and in a measuring step by means of a Measuring means, the position and / or the spring force of the switching spring is determined. Advantageously, in the adjustment process according to the invention, first the position of the carrier within the housing is changed and then in the measuring step the change of the position of the switching spring or the spring force of the same in the open switching state or in the closed switching state are measured and thereby defines the switching point of the temperature switch defined become.

Besonders bevorzugt wird vor dem erstmaligen Verbiegen eines Trägers durch das Messmittel die Position der Schaltfeder am Schaltpunkt, an dem eine Trennung des Schaltkontakts vom Fixkontakt erfolgt, in Bezug auf eine Bezugsebene vermessen. Zudem wird bevorzugt die Federkraft der Schaltfeder bei geschlossenem bzw. bei geöffnetem elektrischem Kontakt ermittelt. Dadurch wird zu Beginn des Justierverfahrens eine Aufnahme der Istwerte des Schaltverhaltens bzw. der Federkräfte der Schaltfeder ermittelt. Diese dienen im weiteren Verfahren als Vergleichswerte, inwiefern sich durch die Justierung der Träger die Position der Schaltfeder im Schaltpunkt bzw. die Federkräfte gewünschten Sollwerten angenähert haben.Particularly preferably, before the first bending of a carrier by the measuring means, the position of the switching spring at the switching point, at which a separation of the switching contact takes place from the fixed contact, measured in relation to a reference plane. In addition, the spring force of the switching spring is preferably determined when the electrical contact is closed or open. As a result, a recording of the actual values of the switching behavior or the spring forces of the switching spring is determined at the beginning of the adjustment process. In the further method, these serve as comparative values as to how the position of the switching spring in the switching point or the spring forces have approached desired setpoint values as a result of the adjustment of the carrier.

Besonders bevorzugt erfolgt in dem Justierschritt die Verbiegung eines Trägers oder beider Träger um eine Biegekante durch Absenken des jeweiligen Justiermittels auf einen über die Biegekante vorstehenden Abschnitt des Trägers. Das Vorsehen einer Biegekante ermöglicht ein exaktes Verformen des Trägers an einer definierten Position und damit eine reproduzierbare Verformung in Abhängigkeit der Krafteinwirkung bzw. der Verschiebung des Justiermittels gegenüber der Bezugsebene.Particularly preferably, in the adjusting step, the bending of a carrier or both carriers takes place about a bending edge by lowering the respective adjusting means to a section of the carrier protruding beyond the bending edge. The provision of a bending edge allows a precise deformation of the carrier at a defined position and thus a reproducible deformation as a function of the force or the displacement of the adjusting relative to the reference plane.

Besonders bevorzugt erfolgt im Anschluss an einen oder mehrere Justierschritte jeweils ein Messschritt zur Vermessung der Position der Schaltfeder im Schaltpunkt und/oder zur Vermessung der Federkraft im Schaltpunkt und/oder zur Vermessung der Federkraft bei Anlage des Schaltkontakts gegenüber dem Fixkontakt. Durch die mittels des Messschritts gewonnenen Messwerte lässt sich die durch den vorangegangenen Justierschritt bewirkte Veränderung der Position der Schaltfeder bzw. der Federkräfte ermitteln und daraus geeignete Parameter für den nächsten Justiervorgang, insbesondere den Grad der Verbiegung eines oder beider Träger bestimmen.Particularly preferably, a measuring step for measuring the position of the switching spring in the switching point and / or for measuring the spring force in the switching point and / or for measuring the spring force when the system Switching contact relative to the fixed contact. The measured values obtained by means of the measuring step can be used to determine the change in the position of the switching spring or of the spring forces caused by the preceding adjustment step and to determine suitable parameters for the next adjustment process, in particular the degree of bending of one or both carriers.

Besonders bevorzugt erfolgt eine iterative Justierung durch abwechselnde Abfolge eines Justierschrittes und eines Messschrittes. Dadurch kann eine überwachte und optimierte Justierung des Temperaturschalters mit einer möglichst geringen Anzahl von Justierschritten erreicht werden.Particularly preferably, an iterative adjustment takes place by alternating the sequence of an adjustment step and a measurement step. This allows a monitored and optimized adjustment of the temperature switch can be achieved with the least possible number of adjustment steps.

Besonders bevorzugt ist die Verbiegung des zumindest einen Trägers in aufeinanderfolgenden Justierschritten unterschiedlich groß, d.h. der Grad der Verbiegung in aufeinanderfolgenden Justierschritten kann abhängig von der Differenz der gemessenen Parameter von den Sollwerten dieser Parameter geeignet gewählt werden, um eine möglichst geringe Anzahl von Justierschritten zu erreichen. So kann beispielsweise bei einer großen Differenz zwischen den Soll- und Istwerten eine relativ große Verbiegung der Träger im nachfolgenden Justierschritt bewirkt werden, wohingegen bei nur einer geringen Differenz der Grad der Verbiegung reduziert wird.Particularly preferably, the bending of the at least one carrier in successive Justierschritten different sizes, i. the degree of bending in successive adjustment steps can be suitably selected depending on the difference of the measured parameters from the desired values of these parameters in order to achieve the smallest possible number of adjustment steps. Thus, for example, with a large difference between the desired and actual values, a relatively large bending of the carriers in the subsequent adjustment step can be effected, whereas with only a small difference the degree of bending is reduced.

Besonders bevorzugt werden in Abhängigkeit der Veränderung der Position der Schaltfeder und/oder der Federkraft im Schaltpunkt der oder die im nachfolgenden Justierschritt zu verbiegenden Träger und/oder der Grad der Verbiegung in nachfolgendem Justierschritt festgelegt. Dadurch lässt sich das Justierverfahren abhängig von dem Abstand der im zurückliegenden Messschritt ermittelten Istwerte von den Sollwerten der Schaltparameter derart optimieren, dass mit einer möglichst geringen Anzahl von Justierschritten bzw. Messschritten die Sollparameter des Schaltpunktes bzw. der Federkraft im Schaltpunkt bzw. bei geschlossenem elektrischen Kontakt erreicht werden.Depending on the change in the position of the switching spring and / or the spring force in the switching point, it is particularly preferable to set the carrier or beams to be bent in the subsequent adjusting step and / or the degree of bending in the subsequent adjusting step. As a result, the adjustment method can be optimized, depending on the distance of the actual values determined in the previous measuring step, from the setpoint values of the switching parameters in such a way that the setpoint parameters of the switching point and / or measuring steps are determined with the least possible number of adjustment steps or measuring steps. the spring force can be achieved at the switching point or when the electrical contact is closed.

Besonders bevorzugt erfolgt die Justierung des Temperaturschalters auf unterschiedliche Schaltgliedlängen. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, bei festgelegter Temperaturschalterkonstruktion abhängig von den im ersten Messvorgang gemessenen Werten eine Optimierung auf einen definierten Wert einer Schaltgliedlänge vorzunehmen, wobei diese Schaltgliedlänge aus einer Anzahl mehrerer diskreter Werte von Schaltgliedlängen ausgewählt wird. Somit lässt sich ein optimiertes Schaltverhalten mit einer geringeren Anzahl von Justierschritten erreichten, und zwar dadurch, dass abhängig von dem im ersten Messschritt ermittelten Parametersatz eine optimierte Schaltgliedlänge ermittelt wird und die Verbiegung der Träger anschließend unter Berücksichtigung dieser ermittelten Schaltgliedlänge erfolgt.Particularly preferably, the adjustment of the temperature switch takes place on different lengths of switching elements. Thus, it is possible, for example, to make an optimization to a defined value of a switching element length with a defined temperature switch construction depending on the values measured in the first measuring operation, this switching element length being selected from a number of several discrete values of switching element lengths. Thus, an optimized switching behavior can be achieved with a smaller number of adjustment steps, specifically in that an optimized switching element length is determined depending on the parameter set determined in the first measuring step and the bending of the carrier subsequently takes place taking into account this determined switching element length.

Besonders bevorzugt erfolgt die Vermessung des Temperaturschalters durch Einwirken des Messmittels auf ein im Gehäuse befindliches Schaltglied, wobei das Schaltglied auf die Schaltfeder einwirkt. Hierbei kann die Fertigungstoleranz der Länge des Schaltglieds bei der Justierung des Temperaturschalters gleich mitberücksichtigt werden, sodass das Schaltverhalten des Temperaturschalters durch Berücksichtigung dieser Fertigungstoleranz exakter eingestellt werden kann.Particularly preferably, the measurement of the temperature switch is effected by the action of the measuring means on a switching element located in the housing, wherein the switching element acts on the switching spring. Here, the manufacturing tolerance of the length of the switching element can be taken into account in the adjustment of the temperature switch equal, so that the switching behavior of the temperature switch can be set by taking into account this manufacturing tolerance more accurate.

Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen von jeweils exakten Werten um +/-10%, bevorzugt um +/-5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von für die Funktion unbedeutenden Änderungen.The term "substantially" in the sense of the invention means deviations from respectively exact values by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes which are insignificant for the function.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren näher erläutert. Sie zeigen

Fig. 1
beispielhaft ein erfindungsgemäßer Temperaturschalter in einer Schnittdarstellung;
Fig. 2
beispielhaft ein durch eine Mess- und Justieranordnung vermessener Temperaturschalter bei geöffnetem elektrischem Kontakt;
Fig. 3
beispielhaft ein durch eine Mess- und Justieranordnung vermessener Temperaturschalter bei geschlossenem elektrischem Kontakt.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the figures. they show
Fig. 1
an example of a temperature switch according to the invention in a sectional view;
Fig. 2
by way of example, a temperature switch measured by a measuring and adjusting arrangement when the electrical contact is open;
Fig. 3
by way of example, a temperature switch measured by a measuring and adjusting arrangement when the electrical contact is closed.

In Figur 1 ist mit dem Bezugszeichen 1 ein erfindungsgemäßer Temperaturschalter in einer Schnittdarstellung durch die Schnittebene SE gezeigt. Der Temperaturschalter 1 weist ein geschlossen ausgebildetes Gehäuse 2 auf, aus dem an der Unterseite 1.1 Kontaktelemente 5, 5' als Kontaktelementpaar herausgeführt sind. In dem Gehäuse 2 ist ein Schaltsystem 3 bestehend aus einem ersten Träger 3.1 mit einem Fixkontakt 3.2 und einem zweiten Träger 3.3, an dem eine Schaltfeder 3.4 mit einem Schaltkontakt 3.5 angeordnet ist, vorgesehen. Ferner ist innerhalb des Gehäuses 2 eine Schaltanordnung 4 vorgesehen, die in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur eine Lageveränderung des Schaltkontakts 3.5 bewirkt. Die Schaltanordnung 4 wirkt hierbei insbesondere auf die Schaltfeder 3.4 ein und bewirkt dadurch eine Trennung des Schaltkontakts 3.5 vom Fixkontakt 3.2 durch Beabstandung dieser Kontakte zueinander.In FIG. 1 is a reference numeral 1, an inventive temperature switch in a sectional view through the sectional plane SE shown. The temperature switch 1 has a housing 2 formed in a closed manner, from which contact elements 5, 5 'are brought out at the bottom 1.1 as contact element pair. In the housing 2 is a switching system 3 consisting of a first carrier 3.1 with a fixed contact 3.2 and a second carrier 3.3, on which a switching spring is arranged 3.4 with a switching contact 3.5, provided. Further, a switching arrangement 4 is provided within the housing 2, which causes a change in position of the switching contact 3.5 depending on the temperature. The switching arrangement 4 in this case acts in particular on the switching spring 3.4 and thereby causes a separation of the switching contact 3.5 from the fixed contact 3.2 by spacing these contacts each other.

Das aus einem elektrisch isolierenden Material gebildete Gehäuse 2 ist mehrteilig ausgebildet und besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem ersten, eine Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 aufweisenden Gehäuseabschnitt 2.1 und einem zweiten, die Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 verschließenden Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2. Die Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 ist hierbei an der den Kontaktelementen 5, 5' gegenüberliegenden Oberseite 1.2 des Temperaturschalters 1 vorgesehen und wird durch den deckelartig ausgebildeten, zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2 verschlossen. Der erste Gehäuseabschnitt 2.1 ist U-förmig oder im Wesentlichen U-förmig ausgebildet und weist einen Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 auf, der die Unterseite 1.1 des Temperaturschalters 1 bildet. Der Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 geht seitlich in die Seitenabschnitte 2.1.2, 2.1.2' über, die mit ihrer Längserstreckung in Richtung der Hochachse HA des Temperaturschalters 1 gegenüber dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 überstehen. Die von dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 entfernt liegenden freien Enden der Seitenabschnitte 2.1.2, 2.1.2' sind eben ausgebildet, wobei die ebenen Abschnitte dieser freien Enden eine Bezugsebene BE aufspannen, die senkrecht zur Hochachse HA verläuft. Nach der Herstellung bzw. Justierung des Temperaturschalters liegt gegenüber diesen ebenen Abschnitten der Seitenabschnitte 2.1.2, 2.1.2' der zweite Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2 mit seinem äußeren Rand an und ist in diesen Bereichen durch Verkleben oder Verschweißen mit dem ersten Gehäuseabschnitt 2.1 verbunden. Durch das Vorstehen der Seitenabschnitte 2.1.2, 2.1.2', gegenüber dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 und die deckelförmige Ausbildung des zweiten Gehäuseabschnitts 2.2 wird im Gehäuse 2 ein Innenraum 2.1.1 gebildet, in dem die Schaltanordnung 4 bzw. das Schaltsystem 3 geschützt aufgenommen ist.The housing 2 formed from an electrically insulating material is designed in several parts and consists essentially of a first, a housing opening 2.3 having housing portion 2.1 and a second, the housing opening 2.3 occlusive housing section 2.2. The housing opening 2.3 is in this case provided on the contact elements 5, 5 'opposite top 1.2 of the temperature switch 1 and is closed by the cover-like, second housing section 2.2. The first housing section 2.1 is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped and has a bottom section 2.1.3, which forms the bottom 1.1 of the temperature switch 1. The bottom section 2.1.3 passes laterally into the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 ', which protrude with their longitudinal extension in the direction of the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 relative to the bottom section 2.1.3. The remote from the bottom section 2.1.3 free ends of the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'are planar, wherein the flat portions of these free ends span a reference plane BE, which is perpendicular to the vertical axis HA. After the production or adjustment of the temperature switch is compared to these flat portions of the side portions 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'of the second housing section 2.2 with its outer edge and is connected in these areas by gluing or welding to the first housing section 2.1. By protruding the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 ', compared to the bottom section 2.1.3 and the lid-shaped design of the second housing section 2.2, an interior 2.1.1 is formed in the housing 2, in which the switching arrangement 4 and the switching system 3 protected is included.

In diesen Innenraum 2.1.1 des Gehäuses 2 sind die Träger 3.1, 3.3 hineingeführt, und zwar durch Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4'. Die Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4' verlaufen hierbei mit ihrer Längserstreckung parallel zur Hochachse HA und sind im Bereich zwischen dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 und den Seitenabschnitten 2.1.2, 2.1.2' vorgesehen. Im Bereich der Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4' ist der Seitenabschnitt 2.1.2, 2.1.2' verstärkt ausgebildet, d.h. er weist eine größere Wandungsdicke auf. Dadurch bilden sich in den Innenraum 2.1.1 hineinstehende Vorsprünge 6, 6' aus, die jeweils eine obere Vorsprungsfläche 6.1, 6.1' aufweisen, die parallel zur Bezugsebene BE bzw. senkrecht zur Hochachse HA verlaufen. Die Träger 3.1, 3.3 sind streifenförmig ausgeführt und aus einem elektrisch leitenden Material gebildet. Die Träger 3.1, 3.3 sind durch die Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4' geführt und in einem ersten Biegebereich 3a, 3a' durch Biegen bleibend abgewinkelt ausgeformt, und zwar derart, dass der in den Innenraum 2.1.1 vorstehende Abschnitt der Träger 3.1, 3.3 mit seiner dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 zugewandten Unterseite jeweils mit einem Zwischenabschnitt 3b, 3b' gegenüber der Vorsprungsfläche 6.1, 6.1' anliegt. Die Vorsprünge 6, 6' weisen jeweils zudem eine Biegekante 6.2, 6.2' auf, die im Übergangsbereich zwischen der jeweiligen Vorsprungsfläche 6.1, 6.1' und einer daran anschließenden, parallel zu den jeweiligen Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4' verlaufenden Innenflächenabschnitt gebildet sind. Im Bereich der Biegekante 6.2, 6.2' sind die Träger 3.1, 3.3 an einem zweiten Biegebereich 3c, 3c' wiederum bleibend verformt bzw. verbogen und zwar derart, dass die Träger 3.1, 3.3 in den beiden aufeinanderfolgenden ersten und zweiten Biegebereichen 3a, 3a', 3c, 3c' in unterschiedliche Biegerichtungen verformt sind. Vorzugsweise sind die Träger 3.1, 3.3 im ersten Biegebereich 3a, 3a' um 90° oder im Wesentlichen um 90° verbogen ausgebildet, sodass der innerhalb der Durchführungen 2.4, 2.4' geführte Träger 3.1, 3.3 von einem vertikalen, parallel zur Hochachse HA ausgerichteten Verlauf sich nach dem Biegebereich 3a, 3a' in horizontaler Richtung, d.h. parallel zur Bezugsebene BE zumindest abschnittsweise mit seinem Zwischenabschnitt 3b, 3b' erstreckt. In dem weiteren, zweiten Biegebereich 3c, 3c' werden die jeweiligen Träger 3.1, 3.3 um einen spitzen Winkel, vorzugsweise um einen Winkel α zwischen 5 und 15° verbogen, wobei sich dieser Winkel α zwischen der die jeweilige Vorsprungsfläche 6.1, 6.1' aufnehmenden Ebene und dem Träger 3.1, 3.3 bildet und sich in Richtung der Hochachse HA hin öffnet. Hierbei sei angemerkt, dass die Verbiegung der Träger 3.1, 3.3 im zweiten Biegebereich 3c, 3c' unterschiedlich groß sein kann und sich insbesondere in dem nachfolgend beschriebenen Justierverfahren unabhängig voneinander verändern kann. Durch die zuvor beschriebene Ausbildung der Träger 3.1, 3.3 stehen diese Träger seitlich in den im Gehäuse 2 ausgebildeten Innenraum 2.1.1 hinein und bilden mit ihren freiendseitig abstehenden Enden zungenartige, verbiegbare Abschnitte aus. Die Verbiegung erfolgt dabei vorzugsweise um die Biegekanten 6.2, 6.2'. An der dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 zugewandten Unterseite des freiseitigen Endes des ersten Trägers 3.1 ist der Fixkontakt 3.2 vorgesehen. An der ebenfalls dem Bodenabschnitt 2.1.3 zugewandten Unterseite des zweiten Trägers 3.3 ist die Schaltfeder 3.4 angeordnet, die sich dem vom zweiten Träger 3.3 abstehenden freien Ende zu dem ersten Träger 3.1 hinüber erstreckt und mit dem an der Schaltfeder 3.4 vorgesehenen Schaltkontakt 3.5 im Bereich des Fixkontaktes 3.2 befindet.In this interior 2.1.1 of the housing 2, the carrier 3.1, 3.3 are guided, through passages 2.4, 2.4 '. The bushings 2.4, 2.4 'in this case run with their longitudinal extent parallel to the vertical axis HA and are in the area between the Bottom section 2.1.3 and the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'provided. In the area of the passages 2.4, 2.4 ', the side section 2.1.2, 2.1.2' is reinforced, ie it has a greater wall thickness. As a result, projections 6, 6 'protrude into the interior space 2.1.1 and each have an upper projection surface 6.1, 6.1', which run parallel to the reference plane BE or perpendicular to the vertical axis HA. The carriers 3.1, 3.3 are designed in strips and formed from an electrically conductive material. The supports 3.1, 3.3 are guided through the passages 2.4, 2.4 'and formed in a first bending region 3a, 3a' by bending permanently bent, in such a way that the protruding into the interior 2.1.1 section of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 with his the bottom section 2.1.3 facing bottom each with an intermediate section 3b, 3b 'relative to the projection surface 6.1, 6.1' is applied. The projections 6, 6 'also each have a bending edge 6.2, 6.2', which are formed in the transition region between the respective projection surface 6.1, 6.1 'and an adjoining, parallel to the respective bushings 2.4, 2.4' extending inner surface portion. In the region of the bending edge 6.2, 6.2 ', the supports 3.1, 3.3 are again permanently deformed or bent at a second bending region 3c, 3c' in such a way that the supports 3.1, 3.3 in the two successive first and second bending regions 3a, 3a ' , 3c, 3c 'are deformed into different bending directions. Preferably, the supports 3.1, 3.3 in the first bending region 3a, 3a 'bent by 90 ° or substantially bent by 90 °, so that within the bushings 2.4, 2.4' guided support 3.1, 3.3 of a vertical, parallel to the vertical axis HA aligned course extending after the bending region 3a, 3a 'in the horizontal direction, ie parallel to the reference plane BE at least in sections with its intermediate section 3b, 3b'. In the further, second bending region 3c, 3c ', the respective carriers 3.1, 3.3 are bent at an acute angle, preferably at an angle α between 5 and 15 °, this angle α between the plane receiving the respective projection surface 6.1, 6.1' and the carrier 3.1, 3.3 forms and opens in the direction of the vertical axis HA out. It should be noted here that the bending of the carriers 3.1, 3.3 'in the second bending region 3c, 3c' can be of different sizes and can change independently of one another, in particular in the adjustment process described below. As a result of the above-described design of the supports 3.1, 3.3, these supports project laterally into the interior 2.1.1 formed in the housing 2 and form tongue-like, bendable sections with their ends protruding at the free end. The bending is preferably carried out around the bending edges 6.2, 6.2 '. At the bottom section 2.1.3 facing underside of the free-side end of the first carrier 3.1, the fixed contact 3.2 is provided. At the bottom of the second carrier 3.3 also facing the bottom section 2.1.3, the switching spring is arranged 3.4, which extends to the protruding from the second carrier 3.3 free end to the first carrier 3.1 and with the provided on the switching spring 3.4 switching contact 3.5 in the area Fixed contact 3.2 is located.

Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Kontaktelemente 5, 5' als separate Elemente ausgeführt, die durch herkömmliche Verbindungstechniken, beispielsweise durch Verschweißen oder Löten mit den Träger 3.1, 3.3 verbunden sind. Alternativ hierzu können die Kontaktelemente 5, 5' durch die freiendseitigen Enden der ersten und zweiten Träger 3.1, 3.3 gebildet werden, die unterseitig gegenüber dem Gehäuse 2 vorstehen.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact elements 5, 5 'are designed as separate elements which are connected to the carriers 3.1, 3.3 by conventional joining techniques, for example by welding or soldering. Alternatively, the contact elements 5, 5 'by the freiendseitigen ends of the first and second carrier 3.1, 3.3 are formed, which protrude on the underside of the housing 2.

Der Temperaturschalter gemäß Figur 1 ist als sogenannter "Öffner" ausgebildet, d.h. im Ruhezustand liegt der Schaltkontakt 3.5 gegenüber dem Fixkontakt 3.2 an, sodass der erste Träger 3.1 über den Fixkontakt 3.2, den Schließkontakt 3.5 und die Schaltfeder 3.4 mit dem zweiten Träger 3.3 elektrisch verbunden ist. Im Temperaturschalter 1 ist eine Schaltanordnung 4 vorgesehen, die derart auf die Schaltfeder 3.4 einwirkt, dass bei Überschreiten einer definierten Temperaturschwelle der elektrische Kontakt durch Abheben des Schaltkontakts 3.5 vom Fixkontakt 3.2 geöffnet wird. Die Schaltanordnung 4 ist hierbei im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel durch ein stabförmig ausgebildetes Schaltglied 4.1 und ein Bimetallelement 4.2 gebildet. Das Schaltglied 4.1 ist hierbei aus einem nicht leitenden Material gebildet. Das Bimetallelement 4.2 ist insbesondere als Bimetallscheibe ausgebildet, die bei Überschreiten einer bestimmten Temperaturschwelle eine Umformung von einem konkaven, in Richtung der Oberseite 1.2 gewölbten Zustand in einen konvexen, in Richtung der Unterseite 1.1 gewölbten Zustand vollzieht. Diese Umformung erfolgt hierbei schlagartig in einer Schnappbewegung, wobei die Lageveränderung des Bimetallelements 4.2 im Mitteilbereich desselben über das Schaltglied 4.1, das mit seiner Schmalseite in diesem Mittelbereich des Bimetallelements 4.2 angeordnet ist, auf die Schaltfeder 3.4 übertragen wird, gegenüber der das Schaltglied 4.1 mit der weiteren, gegenüberliegenden Schmalseite anliegt.The temperature switch according to FIG. 1 is designed as a so-called "opener", that is in the idle state of the switching contact 3.5 against the fixed contact 3.2, so that the first carrier 3.1 via the fixed contact 3.2, the closing contact 3.5 and the switching spring 3.4 is electrically connected to the second carrier 3.3. In the temperature switch 1, a switching arrangement 4 is provided, which acts on the switching spring 3.4 such that when a defined temperature threshold is exceeded, the electrical contact is opened by lifting the switch contact 3.5 from the fixed contact 3.2. The switching arrangement 4 is in this case formed in the illustrated embodiment by a rod-shaped switching element 4.1 and a bimetallic element 4.2. The switching element 4.1 is in this case formed of a non-conductive material. The bimetallic element 4.2 is in particular designed as a bimetallic disc which, when a specific temperature threshold is exceeded, converts from a concaved state curved in the direction of the upper side 1.2 into a convex state curved in the direction of the lower side 1.1. This transformation takes place abruptly in a snap movement, wherein the change in position of the bimetal 4.2 in the Mitteilbereich same via the switching element 4.1, which is arranged with its narrow side in this central region of the bimetallic element 4.2 is transmitted to the switching spring 3.4, compared to the switching element 4.1 with the another, opposite narrow side rests.

Das Bimetallelement ist am zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2 angeordnet und durch diesen gehalten. Der das Bimetallelement 4.2 aufnehmende zweite Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2 ist aus einem Material mit hoher thermischer Leitfähigkeit und mit geringer thermischer Masse ausgebildet, sodass ein guter, zeitlich möglichst unverzögerter Wärmeübertrag zwischen dem zweiten Gehäuseabschnitt 2.2 und dem Bimetallelement 4.2 erfolgen kann.The bimetallic element is arranged on the second housing section 2.2 and held by this. The bimetal element 4.2 receiving second housing section 2.2 is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity and low thermal mass, so that a good, temporally possible instantaneous heat transfer between the second housing section 2.2 and the bimetallic element 4.2 can be done.

Nachfolgend soll anhand der Figuren 2 und 3 die Justierung des Temperaturschalters 1 beschrieben werden. Die Justierung erfolgt hierbei während der Fertigung des Temperaturschalters 1 vor dem Verschließen der Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 mittels des zweiten Gehäuseabschnitts 2.2. Die Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 ist derart ausgebildet, dass von der Oberseite 1.2 des Temperaturschalters her Justier- und Messmittel 10, 11, 12 in den Innenraum 2.1.1 eingeführt werden können. Die Breite b der Gehäuseöffnung 2.3 ist hierbei derart dimensioniert, dass diese größer ist als der Abstand d der freien Enden der Träger 3.1, 3.3 in der die Träger 3.1, 3.3 aufnehmenden Schnittebene SE zueinander. Dadurch können justiermittel 10, 11 auf die über die Biegekanten 3.2, 3.2' vorstehenden Bereiche der Träger 3.1, 3.3 positioniert werden und die Lage dieser Abschnitte durch Verbiegen um die Biegekanten 3.2, 3.2' herum verändert werden.The following is based on the FIGS. 2 and 3 the adjustment of the temperature switch 1 will be described. The adjustment takes place here during the manufacture of the temperature switch 1 before closing the housing opening 2.3 by means of the second housing section 2.2. The housing opening 2.3 is formed such that adjustment and measuring means 10, 11, 12 can be introduced into the interior 2.1.1 from the top side 1.2 of the temperature switch. The width b of the housing opening 2.3 is in this case dimensioned such that it is greater than the distance d of the free ends of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 in which the carrier 3.1, 3.3 receiving Cutting plane SE to each other. As a result, adjusting means 10, 11 can be positioned on the areas of the supports 3.1, 3.3 above the bending edges 3.2, 3.2 'and the position of these sections can be changed by bending around the bending edges 3.2, 3.2'.

Die in den Figuren 2 und 3 mit den Bezugszeichen 15 bezeichnete Mess- und Justieranordnung weist ein erstes und zweites Justiermittel 10, 11 auf, die in einer Richtung parallel zur Hochachse HA des Temperaturschalters 1 verschiebbar ausgebildet sind und an den in den Innenraum 2.1.1 eingeführten freien Enden Anlageflächen gegenüber den Trägern 3.1, 3.3 ausbilden. Zwischen den ersten und zweiten Justiermitteln 10, 11 ist ein Messmittel 12 vorgesehen, das ebenfalls in Richtung der Hochachse HA des Temperaturschalters 1 verschiebbar ausgebildet ist und zur Messung der Federkraft der Schaltfeder 3.4 bzw. zur Messung der Position der Schaltfeder ausgebildet ist. Die Verschiebung der Justier- und Messmittel 10, 11, 12 erfolgt relativ zu einem Führungs- und Anlageelement 13. Die Mess- und Justieranordnung 15 wird derart in den oberseitig geöffneten Temperaturschalter 1 eingeführt, dass das Führungs- und Anlageelement 13 mit seiner Unterseite 13.1 in der Bezugsebene BE zu liegen kommt, d.h. abschnittsweise gegenüber den freien Enden der Seitenabschnitte 2.1.2, 2.1.2' anliegt. Die Bezugsebene BE dient im nachfolgenden jeweils als Referenzebene für sämtliche Mess- und Justierungsschritte. Ziel der nachfolgend beschriebenen Justierung ist es u.a., die Schalthysterese des Temperaturschalters 1 gezielt einzustellen, wobei die Schalthysterese maßgeblich von dem Schaltspiel beeinflusst wird, das sich dadurch ergibt, dass das Schaltglied bei geschlossenem elektrischen Kontakt zwischen dem Schaltkontakt 3.5 und dem Fixkontakt 3.2 nicht zwischen dem Bimetallelement 4.2 und der Schaltfeder 3.4 eingespannt ist, sondern mit seinem Eigengewicht durch die Gravitation gegenüber der Schaltfeder anliegt, oberseitig jedoch zum Bimetallelement 4.2 beabstandet ist, sodass sich das Bimetallelement 4.2 geringfügig verformen kann, ohne dass sich eine Lageveränderung des Schaltgliedes 4.1 ergibt.The in the FIGS. 2 and 3 designated by the reference numeral 15 measuring and adjusting arrangement has a first and second adjusting means 10, 11 which are designed to be displaceable in a direction parallel to the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 and to the introduced into the interior 2.1.1 free ends contact surfaces against the carriers Training 3.1, 3.3. Between the first and second adjusting means 10, 11, a measuring means 12 is provided, which is also designed to be displaceable in the direction of the vertical axis HA of the temperature switch 1 and is designed to measure the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 or for measuring the position of the switching spring. The displacement of the adjusting and measuring means 10, 11, 12 takes place relative to a guide and contact element 13. The measuring and adjusting arrangement 15 is inserted into the upper side open temperature switch 1 such that the guide and contact element 13 with its bottom 13.1 in the reference plane BE comes to lie, that is, in sections against the free ends of the side sections 2.1.2, 2.1.2 'is applied. In the following, the reference plane BE serves as a reference plane for all measurement and adjustment steps. The aim of the adjustment described below is, inter alia, to set the switching hysteresis of the temperature switch 1 targeted, the switching hysteresis is significantly influenced by the switching cycle, which results from the fact that the switching element with closed electrical contact between the switching contact 3.5 and the fixed contact 3.2 is not between the Bimetallic element 4.2 and the switching spring 3.4 is clamped, but rests with its own weight by gravity against the switching spring, the upper side, however, is spaced from the bimetallic element 4.2, so the bimetallic element 4.2 can deform slightly, without resulting in a change in position of the switching element 4.1.

Zu Beginn der Justierung des Temperaturschalters 1 erfolgt in einem ersten Schritt die Ermittlung des Schaltpunktes, an dem ein Öffnen des elektrischen Kontakts zwischen dem Fixkontakt 3.2 und dem Schaltkontakt 3.5 messbar ist und der Federkraft der Schaltfeder 3.4 und zwar sowohl im geschlossenen Zustand des Kontakts als auch im geöffneten Zustand. Hierbei wird das Messmittel auf die Schaltfeder 3.4 geführt und zunächst die Federkraft im geschlossenen Zustand des Kontaktes ermittelt. Anschließend wird mittels einer Durchgangsprüfung zwischen den Kontaktelementen 5, 5' ermittelt, bei welchem Hub des Messmittels 12 sich ein Öffnen des elektrischen Kontakts ergibt. Der Hub wird hierbei im Bezug auf die Bezugsebene BE ermittelt. Zuletzt wird in einem weiteren Messschritt die Federkraft gemessen, die die Schaltfeder bei geöffnetem, elektrischen Kontakt aufweist. Hierfür wird das Messmittel 12 ausgehend vom Schaltpunkt noch weiter abgesenkt, um den Schalthub des Bimetallelements 4.2 nachzubilden. Diese gemessene Federkraft bei geöffnetem Kontakt entspricht der Kraft, die bei geöffnetem Kontakt auf das Bimetallelement 4.2 wirkt und dadurch die Schalthysterese des Temperaturschalters 1 signifikant beeinflusst.At the beginning of the adjustment of the temperature switch 1 takes place in a first step, the determination of the switching point at which an opening of the electrical contact between the fixed contact 3.2 and the switching contact 3.5 is measured and the spring force of the switching spring 3.4, both in the closed state of the contact and in the open state. Here, the measuring means is guided to the switching spring 3.4 and first determines the spring force in the closed state of the contact. Subsequently, by means of a continuity test between the contact elements 5, 5 'is determined, at which stroke of the measuring means 12 results in an opening of the electrical contact. The stroke is determined here in relation to the reference plane BE. Finally, the spring force is measured in a further measuring step, which has the switching spring with open, electrical contact. For this purpose, the measuring means 12 is lowered further starting from the switching point in order to simulate the switching stroke of the bimetallic element 4.2. This measured spring force with the contact open corresponds to the force which acts on the bimetal element 4.2 when the contact is open and thus significantly influences the switching hysteresis of the temperature switch 1.

Nach Ermittlung der Istwerte der Federkräfte bzw. des Schaltpunktes werden die Träger 3.1, 3.3 iterativ derart verbogen, dass der Schaltpunkt, d.h. das Öffnen des elektrischen Kontaktes bei einem definierten Hub des Messmittels 12 gegenüber der Bezugsebene BE erreicht wird und auch die Federkräfte im geschlossenen Zustand bzw. im geöffneten Zustand die gewünschten Sollwerte erreichen. Die Sollwerte hängen maßgeblich von der Länge des zu verwendenden Schaltgliedes 4.1 ab und sind beispielsweise als Parametersatz in der verwendeten Mess- und Justierapparatur hinterlegt. Die Federkräfte im geschlossenen bzw. geöffneten Kontaktzustand können nicht voneinander unabhängig justiert werden. Jedoch ist es möglich, die Federkraft bei offenem Kontakt auf einen gewünschten Wert einzustellen und dabei zu überwachen, dass sich die Federkraft bei geschlossenem Kontakt in einem zulässigen Bereich befindet. Da die Federkraft der Schaltfeder 3.4 im geöffneten Kontaktzustand auf das Bimetallelement 4.2 wirkt ergibt sich der Sollwert der Federkraft im geöffneten Kontaktzustand aus der gewünschten Schalttemperatur beim Schließen des Kontaktes. Nach der Erstvermessung des Temperaturschalters 1 erfolgt die iterative Justage, wobei zunächst der erste und/oder zweite Träger 3.1, 3.3 durch die ersten bzw. zweiten Justiermittel 10, 11 um die Biegekanten 6.2, 6.2' verbogen werden. Die Verbiegung erfolgt zunächst mit einer geringen Schrittweite, d.h. es erfolgt lediglich eine geringfügige Verbiegung der Träger 3.1, 3.3, da ein zu starkes Verbiegen der Träger 3.1, 3.3 nicht ohne manuellen Eingriff bzw. ohne größeren Aufwand rückgängig gemacht werden kann. Es ist damit darauf zu achten, dass unter Einhaltung der vorgegebenen Biegerichtung in Richtung des Bodenabschnitts 2.1.3 die gewünschten Sollwerte für den Schaltpunkt und die Federkräfte erreicht werden. Im Anschluss an das erste Verbiegen der Träger 3.1, 3.3 erfolgt eine neuerliche Vermessung des Schaltpunktes bzw. der Federkräfte im geschlossenen bzw. im geöffneten Zustand des elektrischen Kontakts. Dadurch lässt sich der vollzogene Justiervorgang aufgrund der Veränderung der gemessenen Parameter bewerten und daraus der Grad der Verbiegung im nachfolgenden Justierschritt, d.h. die Justierschrittweite bzw. der zu verbiegende Träger 3.1 bzw. 3.3 festlegen. Hierbei kann der Grad der Verbiegung der jeweiligen Träger 3.1, 3.3 in aufeinander folgenden Justierschritten unterschiedlich groß sein.After determining the actual values of the spring forces or the switching point, the carriers 3.1, 3.3 are iteratively bent so that the switching point, ie the opening of the electrical contact is achieved with a defined stroke of the measuring means 12 relative to the reference plane BE and also the spring forces in the closed state or reach the desired setpoints in the opened state. The setpoints depend largely on the length of the switching element 4.1 to be used and are stored, for example, as a parameter set in the measuring and adjustment apparatus used. The spring forces in the closed or open contact state can not be adjusted independently of each other. However, it is possible that To adjust the spring force to a desired value with open contact and to monitor that the spring force is within a permissible range when the contact is closed. Since the spring force of the switching spring acts 3.4 in the open contact state on the bimetallic element 4.2, the nominal value of the spring force in the open contact state results from the desired switching temperature when closing the contact. After the initial measurement of the temperature switch 1, the iterative adjustment takes place, whereby first the first and / or second carrier 3.1, 3.3 are bent by the first or second adjusting means 10, 11 around the bending edges 6.2, 6.2 '. The bending takes place initially with a small step size, ie there is only a slight bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3, as too much bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 can not be reversed without manual intervention or without much effort. It must therefore be ensured that the desired setpoint values for the switching point and the spring forces are achieved in compliance with the specified bending direction in the direction of the bottom section 2.1.3. Following the first bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3, a renewed measurement of the switching point or the spring forces takes place in the closed or in the opened state of the electrical contact. As a result, the completed adjustment process can be evaluated on the basis of the change in the measured parameters, and the degree of bending in the subsequent adjustment step, ie the adjustment step or the support 3.1 or 3.3 to be bent, can be determined therefrom. Here, the degree of bending of the respective carrier 3.1, 3.3 in successive Justierschritten be different.

Die Justierung kann auf eine einzige, bestimmte Länge des Schaltgliedes 4.1 erfolgen. Jedoch ist es auch möglich, eine Justierung derart vorzunehmen, dass diese im Bezug auf eine zu wählende Schaltgliedlänge aus einer Menge unterschiedlicher, diskreter Schaltgliedlängen erfolgt, wobei die gewählte Schaltgliedlänge anschließend bei der Fertigmontage des Temperaturschalters 1 verwendet wird. Zudem ist es auch möglich, dass die Vermessung des Temperaturschalters 1 unter Verwendung des in diesem Temperaturschalter 1 zu verbauenden Schaltgliedes 4.1 erfolgt. Hierzu kann das Messmittel 12 beispielsweise eine Aufnahme für das Schaltglied 4.1 aufweisen. Dadurch können Tolleranzen in der Schaltgliedlänge bereits bei der Justierung des Temperaturschalters berücksichtigt werden und damit eine exaktere Einstellung des Schaltpunktes erfolgen.The adjustment can be made to a single, specific length of the switching element 4.1. However, it is also possible to make an adjustment such that it takes place with respect to a length of the switching element to be selected from a set of different, discrete switching element lengths, wherein the selected length of switching element subsequently in the final assembly of Temperature switch 1 is used. In addition, it is also possible that the measurement of the temperature switch 1 using the to be installed in this temperature switch 1 switching element 4.1 is done. For this purpose, the measuring means 12, for example, have a receptacle for the switching element 4.1. As a result, tolerances in the length of the switching element can already be taken into account in the adjustment of the temperature switch and thus a more accurate adjustment of the switching point.

Da das Verbiegen des Trägers 3.1, 3.3 eine Verschiebung der Auflagepunkte des Fixkontakts 3.2 gegenüber dem Schaltkontakt 3.5 bewirkt, können eine oder beide Kontaktflächen konvex ausgebildet sein, sodass die Verbiegung der Träger 3.1, 3.3 zu tolerierbaren Verschiebungen der Kontaktauflagepunkte führt. Wie vorstehend ausgeführt, erfolgt durch Verbiegen des Trägers 3.1 die Einstellung des Schaltpunktes, wobei zwangsläufig zugleich auch die Federkraft verändert wird, die die Schaltfeder 3.4 sowohl im Schließzustand als auch im geöffneten Zustand aufweist. Durch das Verbiegen des Trägers 3.3 erfolgt eine Einstellung der Federkraft der Schaltfeder 3.4 bzw. eine Kompensation der Änderung der Federkraft der Federkraft, die (Änderung) sich beim Einstellen des Schaltpunktes ergibt. Bevorzugt erfolgt das entsprechende Verbiegen der Träger 3.1 und 3.3 zeitgleich, und zwar unter ständiger Messung des Schaltweges der Schaltfeder 3.4 zwischen Öffnen und Schließen sowie der der Federkraft der Schaltfeder 3.4 mit dem beispielsweise sonden- oder stabförmigen Messmittel 12.Since the bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 causes a displacement of the contact points of the fixed contact 3.2 relative to the switching contact 3.5, one or both contact surfaces may be convex, so that the bending of the carrier 3.1, 3.3 leads to tolerable shifts of contact contact points. As stated above, carried out by bending the carrier 3.1, the setting of the switching point, which inevitably at the same time also the spring force is changed, which has the switching spring 3.4 both in the closed state and in the open state. By bending the carrier 3.3, an adjustment of the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 or a compensation of the change in the spring force of the spring force, the (change) results when setting the switching point. Preferably, the corresponding bending of the carrier 3.1 and 3.3 takes place at the same time, under constant measurement of the switching path of the switching spring 3.4 between opening and closing and the spring force of the switching spring 3.4 with the probe or rod-shaped measuring 12th

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Temperaturschaltertemperature switch
1.11.1
Unterseitebottom
1.21.2
Oberseitetop
22
Gehäusecasing
2.12.1
erster Gehäuseabschnittfirst housing section
2.1.12.1.1
Innenrauminner space
2.1.2, 2.1.2'2.1.2, 2.1.2 '
Seitenabschnittside portion
2.1.32.1.3
Bodenabschnittbottom section
2.22.2
zweiter Gehäuseabschnittsecond housing section
2.32.3
Gehäuseöffnunghousing opening
2.4, 2.4'2.4, 2.4 '
Durchführungexecution
33
Schaltsystemswitching system
3.13.1
erster Trägerfirst carrier
3.23.2
FixkontaktFixkontakt
3.33.3
zweiter Trägersecond carrier
3.43.4
Schaltfederswitching spring
3.53.5
Schaltkontaktswitching contact
3a, 3a'3a, 3a '
erster Biegebereichfirst bending area
3b, 3b'3b, 3b '
Zwischenabschnittintermediate section
3c, 3c'3c, 3c '
zweiter Biegebereichsecond bending area
44
Schaltanordnungswitching arrangement
4.14.1
Schaltgliedswitching element
4.24.2
Bimetallelementbimetallic
5, 5'5, 5 '
Kontaktelementcontact element
6, 6'6, 6 '
Vorsprunghead Start
6.1, 6.1'6.1, 6.1 '
Vorsprungsflächeprojection face
6.2, 6.2'6.2, 6.2 '
Biegekantebending edge
1010
erstes Justiermittelfirst adjustment means
1111
zweites Justiermittelsecond adjustment means
1212
Messmittelmeasuring Equipment
1313
Führungs- und AnlageelementGuiding and contact element
13.113.1
Unterseitebottom
1515
Mess- und JustieranordnungMeasuring and adjusting arrangement
αα
Winkelangle
bb
Breitewidth
dd
Abstanddistance
BEBE
Bezugsebenereference plane
HAHA
Hochachsevertical axis
SESE
Schnittebenecutting plane

Claims (15)

  1. A temperature switch, comprising a housing (2), a switching system (3) consisting of a first carrier (3.1) with a fixed contact (3.2) and a second carrier (3.3), on which a switching spring (3.4) with a switching contact (3.5) is arranged, and a switching arrangement (4) that causes a positional change of the switching contact (3.5) as a function of the temperature, characterized in that the first carrier (3.1) and the second carrier (3.3) are constructed in a bendable manner, and in that the housing (2) is formed by at least one first housing section (2.1) having at least one housing opening (2.3) and a second housing section (2.2) that closes the housing opening (2.3), wherein the housing opening (2.3) is designed for inserting and positioning adjusting means (10, 10') on the carriers (3.1, 3.3), in that the housing opening (2.3) is provided on the end of the first housing section (2.1) that at least partially accommodates the switching arrangement (4), and in that the carriers (3.1, 3.3) laterally extend into an interior (2.1.1) formed in the first housing section (2.1).
  2. Temperature switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching arrangement (4) is formed by a switching element (4.1) and a shape changing bimetallic element (4.2).
  3. Temperature switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the switching element (4.1) is functionally connected to the bimetallic element (4.2) and the switching spring (3.4) in such a way that a positional change of the switching contact (3.5) takes place when the bimetallic element (4.2) is deformed.
  4. Temperature switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing section (2.1) is constructed in a U-shaped or essentially U-shaped manner.
  5. Temperature switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the first housing section (2.1) comprises two opposite lateral sections (2.1.2, 2.1.2'), on which a projection (6, 6') is respectively formed.
  6. Temperature switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection (6, 6') has at least one projection face (6.1, 6.1') extending perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the temperature switch (1) and a bending edge (6.2, 6.2') formed thereon.
  7. Temperature switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second carrier (3.1, 3.3) each are formed by a strip-shaped flat material of rectangular cross section with one pair of opposite and spaced-apart broad sides and narrow sides in each case, wherein the first and the second carrier (3.1, 3.3) are preferably angled in a first bending region (3a, 3a') and, with an intermediate section (3b, 3b') that follows the first bending region (3a, 3a') respectively rest against the projection face (6.1, 6.1') with a broad side.
  8. Temperature switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and the second carrier (3.1, 3.3) comprise a second bending region (3c, 3c'), in which the respective carrier (3.1, 3.3) is deformed in a bending direction that differs from the bending direction of the first bending region (3a, 3a').
  9. A method for adjusting a temperature switch (1) that comprises a housing (2) and a switching system (3) consisting of a first carrier (3.1) with a fixed contact (3.2) and a second carrier (3.3), on which a switching spring (3.4) with a switching contact (3.5) is arranged, characterized in that a first adjusting means (10) acting upon the first carrier (3.1) and a second adjusting means (11) acting upon the second carrier (3.3) are inserted through a housing opening (2.3), in that at least one of the carriers (3.1, 3.3) is bent in an adjusting step due to a force exerted upon this carrier (3.1, 3.3) by the adjusting means (10, 11), and the position and/or the spring force of the switching spring (3.4) is determined in a measuring step by aid of a measuring means (12).
  10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that prior to the initial bending of the carrier (3.1, 3.3) the position of the switching spring (3.4) at the switching point, at which the switching contact (3.5) breaks from the fixed contact (3.2), is measured relative to a reference plane with the aid of the measuring means (12).
  11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring force exerted upon the measuring means (12) by the switching spring (3.4) is measured at the switching point and/or when contact is made between the switching contact (3.5) and the fixed contact (3.2).
  12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in an adjusting step a carrier (3.1, 3.3) or both carriers (3.1, 3.3) are bent about a bending edge (6.2, 6.2') by lowering the respective adjusting means (10, 11) onto a section of the carrier (3.1, 3.3) that protrudes over the bending edge (6.2, 6.2').
  13. The method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that subsequent to one or more adjusting steps a measuring step for measuring the position of the switching spring (3.4) at the switching point and/or for measuring the spring force at the switching point and/or for measuring the spring force when contact is made between the switching contact (3.5) and the fixed contact (3.2) is respectively carried out.
  14. The method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that an iterative adjustment takes place due to the alternating sequence of an adjusting step and a measuring step.
  15. The method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the carrier or the carriers (3.1, 3.3) to be bent in the subsequent adjusting step and/or the degree of bending in the subsequent adjusting step are defined as a function of the position change of the switching spring (3.4) and/or the spring force at the switching point.
EP13750274.6A 2012-07-31 2013-07-30 Thermal switch and method for adjusting a thermal switch Not-in-force EP2880670B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012106978.6A DE102012106978B4 (en) 2012-07-31 2012-07-31 Temperature switch and method for adjusting a temperature switch
PCT/EP2013/066042 WO2014020045A1 (en) 2012-07-31 2013-07-30 Temperature switch and method for adjusting a temperature switch

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EP2880670A1 EP2880670A1 (en) 2015-06-10
EP2880670B1 true EP2880670B1 (en) 2016-05-25

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US (1) US9653245B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2880670B1 (en)
CN (1) CN104685600B (en)
DE (1) DE102012106978B4 (en)
PL (1) PL2880670T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2014020045A1 (en)

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DE102019110709B4 (en) * 2019-04-25 2022-07-07 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Electrical switching device with a shape memory element

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Publication number Publication date
EP2880670A1 (en) 2015-06-10
CN104685600B (en) 2017-06-09
DE102012106978B4 (en) 2014-08-14
US9653245B2 (en) 2017-05-16
DE102012106978A1 (en) 2014-02-06
PL2880670T3 (en) 2016-12-30
WO2014020045A1 (en) 2014-02-06
CN104685600A (en) 2015-06-03
US20150206687A1 (en) 2015-07-23

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