EP4258315A2 - Temperature-dependent switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Temperature-dependent switch (10), which has a first and a second stationary contact (48, 50) and at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) with a movable contact member (40), the at least one switching mechanism (14) being the contact member in its first switching position (40) presses against the first contact (48) and thereby establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two contacts (48, 50) via the contact member (40) and in its second switching position the contact member (40) to the first contact (48) keeps at a distance. The at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) has a first temperature-dependent snap part (30) which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a first switching temperature is exceeded and from its geometric high-temperature configuration back into its geometric configuration when the temperature subsequently falls below a first switch-back temperature Low temperature configuration snapped around. The switch (10) also has a second temperature-dependent snap part (44) which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a second switching temperature is exceeded and snaps back from its geometric high-temperature configuration back into its geometric low-temperature configuration when the switch-back temperature falls below a second . Snapping the first snap part (30) from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration and/or snapping the second snap part (44) from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration brings the at least one switching mechanism (14) from its first switching position to its second Switch position. The second switch-back temperature is lower than the first switch-back temperature and the second snap part (44) is designed to keep the contact member (40) at a distance from the first contact (48) even when the switch (10) is over the first and the heated to the second switching temperature and subsequently cooled to a temperature between the first and the second switch-back temperature.

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature-dependent switch which has a first and a second stationary contact and at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism with a movable contact member, wherein the at least one switching mechanism presses the contact member against the first contact in its first switching position and thereby electrically via the contact member establishes a conductive connection between the two contacts and keeps the contact member at a distance from the first contact in its second switching position. The at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism has a first temperature-dependent snap part, which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a first switching temperature is exceeded and snaps back from its geometric high-temperature configuration back into its geometric low-temperature configuration when the temperature falls below a first switch-back temperature. The switch also has a second temperature-dependent snap part, which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a second switching temperature is exceeded and snaps again from its geometric high-temperature configuration into its geometric low-temperature configuration when the switch falls below a second switch-back temperature. Snapping the first snap part from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration and/or snapping the second snap part from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration brings the at least one switching mechanism from its first switching position to its second switching position.

A generic switch is already available DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 known.

Such temperature-dependent switches are used in a known manner to protect electrical devices from overheating. For this purpose, the switch is electrically connected in series with the device to be protected and its supply voltage and is mechanically arranged on the device in such a way that it is in thermal connection with it.

A temperature-dependent switching mechanism ensures that the two stationary contacts of the switch are electrically connected to one another below the response temperature of the switching mechanism. The circuit is therefore closed below the response temperature and the load current of the device to be protected can flow via the switch.

If the temperature increases above a permissible value, the switching mechanism lifts the movable contact member away from the counter contact, which opens the switch and interrupts the load current of the device to be protected. The device, which is now de-energized, can cool down again. The switch that is thermally coupled to the device also cools down again and would then actually close again automatically.

With the one from the DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 The known switch is a switch in which, in addition to the usual switching mechanism, a second switching mechanism is used, which switches at a higher switching temperature than the first switching mechanism. This additional, second switching mechanism serves, on the one hand, as a safety element that opens the switch even if, for example, the first switching mechanism is tired or has a malfunction for other reasons, or if a safety temperature is exceeded that is above the response temperature of the first switching mechanism.

The first switching mechanism is therefore responsible for the usual opening and closing, whereas the second switching mechanism only becomes active when its own response temperature, which is above the response temperature of the first switching mechanism, is exceeded. The second rear derailleur can also provide a so-called self-holding function. It keeps the switch open even if the first switching mechanism snaps back into its low-temperature configuration when it falls below its switch-back temperature and wants to close the switch. The second derailleur can then prevent the switch from switching back.

The so-called self-holding function is made from the DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 known switch in that the second switching mechanism has a temperature-independent bistable spring part, which holds the second switching mechanism and thus the switch in the open position even when the temperature-dependent snap part of the second rear derailleur jumps back to its low temperature configuration. Switching back does not occur automatically when the switch is in the cool position. Therefore, the device to be protected cannot automatically switch on again after it has been switched off.

This type of self-holding of the switch is a safety function that is intended to prevent damage, as is the case, for example, with electric motors that are used as drive units.

The one from the DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 Known switches can therefore only be closed again by mechanical manipulation from the outside, for example by bringing the temperature-independent bistable spring part back into its first configuration by a targeted shock or by pressure exerted directly on the spring part from the outside.

However, such a mechanically externally caused reversal of the switch is prone to errors, since vibrations that can cause the switch to close can also occur unintentionally, so that the switch may be closed again even if this is not intended. It is also disadvantageous to have to switch the switch back manually, for example by inserting a bolt through the housing of the switch, with which pressure is exerted on the temperature-independent bistable spring part. In principle, contaminants can also penetrate into the interior of the switch through such openings in the housing, which in turn can impair its function.

Another switch with a self-holding function is available DE 10 2013 101 392 A1 known. This switch has a single temperature-dependent switching mechanism with a temperature-independent bimetal snap-action disk and a bistable spring disk that carries a movable contact or a current transmission member. When the bimetal snap washer is heated to a temperature above its response temperature, it lifts the movable contact or current transfer member against the force of the spring washer from one or two mating contacts, thereby pushing the spring washer into its second stable configuration in which the switching mechanism is located its high temperature position located. If the switch and thus the bimetal snap-action disk cool down again, it returns to its first configuration. Due to its design, its edge cannot be supported on a counter bearing, so that the spring washer remains in the configuration in which the switch is open.

Also the one from the DE 10 2013 101 392 A1 The well-known switch remains in its open position after being opened once, even if it cools down again. However, tests by the applicant have shown that this switch also closes again in the event of strong mechanical shocks, so that it may not be optimally usable in some applications from a safety perspective.

It is also known to provide such temperature-dependent switches with a so-called self-holding resistor, which is connected in parallel to the two stationary contacts of the switch so that it takes over part of the load current when the switch opens. Ohmic heat is then generated in this self-holding resistor, which is sufficient to keep the snap-action disk above its response temperature.

A switch with such a latching feature is out of the question EP 0 951 040 B2 known. However, this type of self-holding with a self-holding resistor connected in parallel to the switch is only active as long as the electrical device is still switched on. As soon as the device is switched off from the supply circuit, no more current flows through the temperature-dependent switch, so that the self-holding function no longer applies. After switching the electrical device back on, the switch would be in the closed state again, so that the device could heat up again, which could lead to consequential damage.

Another temperature-dependent switch with a self-holding function is available DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 known. This switch has a temperature-dependent, bistable snap-action disk and a temperature-independent, bistable spring disk. The spring washer is designed as a circular spring snap washer, to which the movable contact member is attached in the middle. In the low-temperature position of the switch, the movable contact element is held against the first by the spring snap disk pressed stationary contact, which is arranged on the inside of a cover of the housing. With its edge, the spring snap disk presses against an inner bottom of a lower part of the housing, which acts as a second contact of the switch. In this way, the self-electrically conductive spring snap disk creates an electrically conductive connection between the two stationary contacts of the switch.

In its low-temperature position, the bimetal snap disk rests loosely on the movable contact. If the temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk increases, it switches to its high-temperature position, in which its edge presses against the inside of the lower part of the housing and its center presses on the spring snap-action disk in such a way that it moves away from its first position switches to its second stable configuration, whereby the movable contact member is lifted from the stationary contact and the switch is opened.

If the temperature of the switch cools down again, the bimetal snap-action disk returns to its low-temperature position. Its edge comes into contact with the edge of the spring snap disk and its center comes into contact with the upper part of the housing. However, the actuating force of the bimetal snap-action disk is not sufficient to allow the spring-action snap-action disk to return to its first configuration.

Only when the switch cools down significantly does the bimetal snap-action disk bend further, so that it can finally press the edge of the spring-action disk so far down onto the inner bottom of the lower part that the spring-action disk returns to its first configuration and the switch closes again.

The one from the DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 The well-known switch remains open after being opened until it has cooled down to a temperature below room temperature, for which a cold spray can be used, for example.

Although this switch meets the relevant safety requirements in many applications, it has been found that bracing the Bimetal snap washer between the upper part of the housing and the edge of the spring snap washer in rare cases the spring snap washer can spring back unintentionally. In addition, in practice it is only relatively difficult, or at least only possible with great effort, to produce a bimetal snap-action disk with such thermal behavior. On the one hand, the bimetal snap-action disk must have a very precise switching behavior when the switching temperature is reached and, on the other hand, it must bend even more in its low-temperature configuration when it reaches a temperature below room temperature than it already did when it reached its switch-back temperature and the corresponding snapping back into its low-temperature configuration has.

In this case, the bimetal snap disk has three functions: 1. snapping into its high-temperature configuration when its switching temperature is reached, 2. snapping back into its low-temperature configuration when the switch-back temperature is reached, and 3. even greater deflection when it cools further below room temperature.

For this purpose, the thermal hysteresis behavior of the bimetal snap-action disk must be designed over a very large temperature range. Guaranteeing this while maintaining precise switching behavior is only possible with great effort.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of developing the temperature-dependent switch mentioned at the beginning in such a way that it can be provided with a self-holding function in a structurally simpler manner that is not susceptible to mechanical shocks.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the switch has a second temperature-dependent snap part in addition to a first temperature-dependent snap part, the switch-back temperature of the second snap part, which is referred to in the present case as the second switch-back temperature, being lower than the first switch-back temperature of the first snap part, which in the present case is the first Switch-back temperature is referred to, and that the second snap part is designed to be the contact member to be kept at a distance from the first stationary contact even if the switch has heated up above the switching temperatures of the two snap-on parts and has subsequently cooled to a temperature between the first and the second switch-back temperature.

The switching process, which causes the switch to open and thus an interruption of the circuit, can therefore be effected in the switch according to the invention by both the first and the second snap part. The two snap parts can therefore be designed in such a way that they snap from their respective low-temperature configuration to their respective high-temperature configuration when similar switching temperatures are reached.

The first switching temperature (switching temperature of the first snap part) and the second switching temperature (switching temperature of the second snap part) can therefore be located in a similar temperature range. The switch is therefore always opened when one of the two switching temperatures is reached.

The self-holding function is effected in the switch according to the invention by the additional second snap part. This second snap part keeps the movable contact member at a distance from the first stationary contact even when the switch cools down again below the switch-back temperature of the first snap part (first switch-back temperature) after it has been opened and the first snap part thus snaps back into its low-temperature configuration. In this case, the first snap part tries to move the movable contact member back towards the first stationary contact of the switch in order to close the switch. However, this is prevented by the second snap part, whose switch-back temperature (second switch-back temperature) is lower than the switch-back temperature of the first snap part, since this is then still in its high-temperature configuration in which it moves the movable contact member against the force of the first snap part keeps a distance from the first stationary contact.

Even mechanical shocks cannot cause the second snap part to snap in the case in which the switch has cooled down to a temperature between the first and the second switch-back temperature after it has been opened. The switch and thus the circuit is only closed again when the switch and thus the second snap part is cooled to a temperature below the second switch-back temperature. Only then does the second snap part snap back into its low-temperature position, whereby the movable contact member is pressed again against the first stationary contact and the circuit is closed.

The switch according to the invention is therefore a switch with a reversible self-holding function.

In contrast to the one from the DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 However, with known switches, the self-holding function can be canceled more easily, namely by cooling the switch to a temperature below the second switch-back temperature. A mechanical reset of the second snap part, as in the one from the DE 10 2007 063 650 B4 known switch is suggested is not necessary.

The switch according to the invention is also compared to that from the DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 known switches are advantageous. In contrast to this already known switch, the self-holding function according to the invention is not effected by one and the same (single) snap part that must also cause the switch to open. Instead, in the switch according to the invention, the opening of the switch can be effected by the first snap part, whereas the self-holding function is effected by the second (extra) snap part.

The switching hysteresis of the second snap part in the switch according to the invention must also be designed over a similarly large temperature range as the switching hysteresis of the single snap part in the switch according to the invention DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 well-known switch. However, the second snap part of the switch according to the invention does not have to have such precise switching behavior, since the accuracy of the switching behavior in the switch according to the invention is via the first snap part can be guaranteed. The two snap parts of the switch according to the invention can therefore be designed much more simply and manufactured more cost-effectively than just one snap part, which has to take over both the switching and the self-holding function in the known switch.

The above task is therefore completely solved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second switching temperature is equal to or higher than the first switching temperature.

In other words, the two snap parts of the switch according to the invention are designed such that the switching temperature of the second snap part, which is essentially responsible for the self-holding function, is the same or higher than the switching temperature of the first snap part.

If the first switching temperature is the same as the second switching temperature or at least similar to it, both snap parts snap simultaneously or at least more or less simultaneously from their low-temperature configuration to their respective high-temperature configuration when the switch is heated. However, it is more or less irrelevant which of the two snap parts snaps first, since in this case the switch is opened as desired anyway.

However, the two snap parts can also be designed such that the switching temperature of the second snap part is higher than the switching temperature of the first snap part. In this case, the first snap part is responsible for opening the switch, since it is already opened when the first switching temperature is reached. This has the particular advantage that the first snap part, whose switching hysteresis is designed for a smaller or narrower temperature range than the switching hysteresis of the second snap part, can be designed with less effort for precise switching behavior when the switching temperature (first switching temperature) is reached exactly.

The switching temperature of the second snap part, i.e. the second switching temperature, can be designed, for example, in the range of the overshoot temperature of the switch. However, the second switching temperature no longer has to be designed so precisely to an exact value that is necessary for safety reasons.

The "overshoot temperature", in the range of which the second switching temperature can be located, is typically the temperature or the temperature range to which the switch typically increases to the maximum after it is switched off. Normally, after the switch is switched off, the temperature continues to rise slightly even if it is already open, as the switch continues to heat up due to the residual heat present.

In a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, it is provided that the second switch-back temperature is lower than room temperature, in particular lower than 15 ° C.

This has the advantage that the switch does not automatically switch back after being opened once in a normal environment with room temperature (17-23°C) and closes the circuit of the device to be protected. This prevents accidental switching back.

In this case, the switch can only be closed again by (intentional) external cold exposure. In principle, it is also possible to design the second snap part in such a way that its switch-back temperature, i.e. the second switch-back temperature, is lower than 10 ° C. In such a case, the switch can only be switched back by placing it in a refrigerator or by applying a cold spray.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one switching mechanism has a temperature-independent spring part which is connected to the movable contact member, the first snap part being exceeded when the first Switching temperature acts on the spring part and thereby lifts the movable contact member from the first contact.

The temperature-dependent switching mechanism can therefore be designed in a conventional manner with a temperature-dependent (first) snap part and a temperature-independent spring part, apart from the additional temperature-dependent second snap part.

It is preferred here that the second snap part is designed to exert an opening force on the movable contact member in its high-temperature configuration, which keeps the contact member at a distance from the first contact, and that the first snap part in its low-temperature configuration, together with the spring part, exerts an opening force that is opposite to the opening force Closing force exerts on the movable contact member, which is smaller in magnitude than the opening force.

This has the advantage that the self-holding function of the switch according to the invention is guaranteed in a mechanically simple manner. If the switch cools down to a temperature between the first and the second switch-back temperature after it has been opened, i.e. after the first and second switching temperatures have been exceeded, the movable contact member is still kept at a distance from the first stationary contact by the second snap part. In this case, the second snap part exerts a spring force (here referred to as “opening force”) on the movable contact member, which is greater than the closing force exerted by the first snap part and the spring part together on the movable contact member.

This can be achieved, for example, by making the spring constant of the second snap part greater than the sum of the spring constants of the first snap part and the spring part. This can be achieved by appropriately shaping the second snap part, for example by having it a slightly larger thickness than the first snap part and the spring part.

According to a further embodiment, the spring part is a bistable spring part with two temperature-independent, stable geometric configurations.

Such a bistable design of the spring part has the advantage that the self-holding of the switch is further improved, since the spring part is prevented from accidentally snapping from its one temperature-independent stable configuration to its other temperature-independent stable configuration.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the first and/or the second snap part is/are designed as a bi- or tri-metal snap disk.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the movable contact member has a first component and a second component connected thereto in a force-fitting, material or form-fitting manner, the first snap part engaging on the first component and the second snap part engaging on the second component.

In this embodiment, the movable contact member is constructed in two parts. The two individual components of the movable contact member can be arranged one above the other. The first component can serve as a first contact mechanism on which the first snap part is arranged. The second component can serve as a second contact mechanism on which the second snap part is arranged. The two components of the movable contact member can, for example, be welded, soldered or crimped together.

The first snap part can be held captively on the first component or first contact mechanism of the movable contact member. The second snap part can be held captively on the second component or second contact mechanism. This has the advantage that the entire rear derailleur, including the first and second snap-on parts, can be prefabricated and inserted into the switch as a complete pre-assembled unit.

If the switching mechanism also has a spring part, this can also be held captively on the first component or the first contact mechanism of the movable component.

In a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, it is preferred that the switch has a housing on which the first and second stationary contacts are provided and in which the at least one switching mechanism is arranged.

This measure is known per se; it ensures that the rear derailleur is protected from contamination. The housing can be an individual housing of the switch or a pocket on the device to be protected from overheating.

It is further preferred if the housing has a lower part closed by an upper part, the first stationary contact or each of the two stationary contacts being arranged on an inside of the upper part.

This measure is also structurally known per se; in the switch according to the invention, it ensures that when the upper part is mounted on the lower part, the geometrically correct association between the first stationary contact or both stationary contacts and the movable contact member is simultaneously established.

According to a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, it is provided that the first snap part is fixed to the movable contact member, but is otherwise freely suspended in the interior of the housing in its geometric low-temperature configuration without being supported on the housing or another part of the switch. The second snap part, however, is preferably arranged in the housing of the switch in such a way that it can be supported on a part of the housing in its geometric low-temperature configuration.

If the first snap part snaps back from its geometric high-temperature configuration to its geometric low-temperature configuration after opening the switch and subsequent cooling to a temperature below the first switch-back temperature, the first snap part cannot be supported on the housing or another part of the switch and therefore cannot Apply closing force to the movable contact member. If the switch has not yet cooled down to a temperature below the second switch-back temperature at this point in time, it is the second snap part is still in its high temperature configuration in which it holds the switch in its open position.

As a result of the measure mentioned, the first snap part in this case does not counteract the second snap part despite its already achieved low-temperature configuration. This not only improves the self-holding function, but also extends the service life of the two snap-in parts, as they do not work against each other unnecessarily.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that a disc-, plate- or ring-shaped support element is arranged locally between the first and the second snap part, which has a hole through which the movable contact member protrudes and on which the second snap part is located at least in its geometric high-temperature configuration.

This support element serves not only to support the second snap part in its geometric high-temperature configuration, in which it holds the switch in its open position and interrupts the circuit. The support element also serves to divide the space within the switch housing, so that the two snap parts are separated from each other.

This has the advantage that the two snap parts do not interact directly with one another and do not unintentionally influence each other when one or both snap parts snap around. The support element thus also prevents damage to the two snap parts that could otherwise occur if they rest directly against one another or act directly on one another.

It is further preferred that the first snap part is arranged locally between the upper part and the support element and the second snap part is arranged locally between the support element and the lower part.

According to this embodiment, the first snap part is arranged in the upper housing area and the second snap part in the lower housing area of the switch, whereby the two housing areas are separated from each other by the support element. Only the movable contact member, on which the two snap parts act, projects through the hole in the support element from the upper housing part into the lower housing part.

According to a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, it is provided that the movable contact member comprises a movable contact part which interacts with the first stationary contact, and that the spring washer interacts with the second stationary contact. It is particularly preferred that the spring part is designed as a bistable spring washer, which, at least in its first configuration, is electrically connected to the second stationary contact via its edge.

In principle, this is already out of the DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 known. This causes the load current of the electrical device to be protected to flow through the spring washer when the switch is closed. At least the first snap part is therefore not subject to current in any position of the switch, which has a positive effect on its service life and switching behavior.

According to an alternative embodiment, the movable contact member comprises a current transmission member that interacts with both stationary contacts.

This has the advantage that the switch can carry significantly higher currents than the one from the DE 10 2007 042 188 B3 well-known switches. In this case, when the switch is closed, the movable contact element ensures an electrical short circuit between the two stationary contacts, so that not only the two snap parts, but also the spring part are no longer subject to the load current of the electrical device to be protected. In principle, such a structure is already available DE 10 2013 101 392 A1 known.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below are not only in the combination specified, but also can be used in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer ersten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer zweiten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer dritten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer vierten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer ersten Schaltstellung; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Schnittansicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer zweiten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Schnittansicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer dritten Schaltstellung;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Schnittansicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer vierten Schaltstellung; und

Fig. 9

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schalters in einer ersten Schaltstellung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a first switching position;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a second switching position;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a third switching position;

Fig. 4

a schematic sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a fourth switching position;

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a first switching position; and

Fig. 6

a schematic sectional view of the second exemplary embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a second switching position;

Fig. 7

a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a third switching position;

Fig. 8

a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a fourth switching position; and

Fig. 9

a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the switch according to the invention in a first switching position.

In Fig. 1 a switch 10 is shown in a schematic, sectioned side view, which is rotationally symmetrical in plan view and preferably has a circular shape.

The switch 10 has a housing 12 in which a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 14 is arranged. The housing 12 includes a pot-like lower part 16 and an upper part 18, which is held on the lower part 16 by a bent or flanged edge 20.

In the in Fig. 1 In the first exemplary embodiment shown, both the lower part 16 and the upper part 18 are made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal. The upper part 18 rests on a shoulder 24 running around the interior of the lower part 16 with the interposition of an insulating film 22.

The insulating film 22 ensures electrical insulation of the upper part 18 from the lower part 16. In addition, the insulating film 22 also ensures a mechanical seal, which prevents liquids or contaminants from outside entering the interior of the housing.

Since the lower part 16 and the upper part 18 in this exemplary embodiment are each made of electrically conductive material, thermal contact can be established with an electrical device to be protected via their outer surfaces. The outer surfaces also serve as the external electrical connection of the switch 10.

Outside on the upper part 18 can, as in Fig. 1 shown, another insulation layer 26 may be attached.

The switching mechanism 14 has a temperature-independent spring part 28 designed as a spring washer and a temperature-dependent snap part 30 designed as a snap disk.

The spring part 28 is preferably designed as a bistable spring washer. The spring washer 28 therefore has two temperature-independent, stable geometric configurations. In Fig. 1 their first geometric configuration is shown.

The temperature-dependent snap part 30, which is referred to here as the first snap part 30, is designed, for example, as a bistable snap disk. The snap disk 30 has two temperature-dependent configurations, a high-temperature geometric configuration and a low-temperature geometric configuration. In the in Fig. 1 In the first switching position of the switching mechanism 14 shown, the first snap disk 30 is in its low-temperature configuration.

The spring washer 28 rests with its edge 32 on an inner floor surface 38 of the lower part 16. The inner bottom surface 34 is essentially concave and at the point where the edge 32 of the spring washer 28 in the in Fig. 1 shown first switching position rests slightly higher than the central area of the inner floor surface 34. The first snap disk 30 lies with its edge 36 in its in Fig. 1 shown low temperature configuration on the spring washer 28.

With its center 38, the spring washer 28 is fixed to a movable contact member 40 of the switching mechanism 14. The first snap disk 30 is also fixed to this contact member 40 with its center 42. In this way, the temperature-dependent switching mechanism 14 is a captive unit consisting of contact member 40, spring washer 28 and first snap-action disk 30. When assembling the switch 10, the switching mechanism 14 can therefore be inserted directly into the lower part 16 as a unit.

Above the first snap disk 30 is in the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, a second snap part 44 is arranged. This second snap part 44 is, similar to the first snap part 30, preferably as a temperature-dependent, bistable snap disk designed. This second snap disk 44 also preferably has two temperature-independent configurations, a geometric high-temperature configuration and a geometric low-temperature configuration. In the in Fig. 1 In the first switching position of the switching mechanism 14 shown, the second snap disk 44 is in its geometric low-temperature configuration.

The second snap disk 44 is located in the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment preferably on the first snap disk 30. The second snap disk 44 is not firmly connected to the first snap disk 30. In the in Fig. 1 In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the second snap disk 44 is also not firmly connected to the movable contact member 40. It is controlled by the rear derailleur 14 in its in Fig. 1 The low temperature configuration shown is only worn or rests on it from above.

Since the second snap disk 44 significantly influences the switching behavior of the switch 10, just like the first snap disk 30, the second snap disk 44 can fundamentally be viewed as part of the rear derailleur 14. Depending on the definition, the second snap disk 44 can also be viewed as a separate component.

The movable contact member 40 has a movable contact part 46 on its upper side. The movable contact part 46 works together with a fixed mating contact 48, which is arranged on the inside of the upper part 18. This counter contact 48 is referred to here as the first stationary contact. The second stationary contact 50 serves as the in Fig. 1 Switch 10 shown is the outside of the lower part 16.

In the in Fig. 1 In the position shown, the switch 10 is in its low-temperature position (first switching position), in which the spring washer 28 is in its first configuration and the two snap-action disks 40, 44 are in their respective low-temperature configuration. The spring washer 28 presses the movable contact part 46 against the first stationary contact 48. In the low-temperature position of the switch 10 according to Fig. 1 is therefore an electrically conductive connection between the first stationary contact 48 and the second stationary contact 50 via the movable contact member 42 and the spring washer 30.

If the temperature of the device to be protected increases and thus the temperature of the switch 10 and the first snap disk arranged therein, it snaps away from the in Fig. 1 shown low-temperature configuration into its concave high-temperature configuration, which is in Fig. 2 is shown.

During this snapping, the first snap disk 30 is supported with its edge 36 on the second snap disk 44, the second snap disk 44 in turn being clamped between the first snap disk 30 and the upper part 18 or the insulating film 22. With its center 42, the first snap disk 30 pulls the movable contact member 40 downwards and lifts the movable contact part 46 from the first stationary contact 48. As a result, it simultaneously bends the spring washer 28 downwards at its center 38, so that the spring washer 28 moves away from its in Fig. 1 shown first stable geometric configuration in their in Fig. 2 shown second geometrically stable configuration snapped around. The circuit is then interrupted.

The switching process that moves the switch 10 from its in Fig. 1 shown closed position into its in Fig. 2 Open position occurs when the switching temperature of the first snap disk 30 is reached or exceeded. This switching temperature is referred to here as the first switching temperature.

The second snap disk 44, on the other hand, is designed such that its switching temperature, at which it snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration to its geometric high-temperature configuration, is slightly higher than the first switching temperature. The switching temperature of the second snap disk 44 is referred to here as the second switching temperature.

Fig. 2 shows the switch 10 in its second switching position, in which the first switching temperature has been reached or exceeded, but the second switching temperature has not yet been reached.

The second snap disk 44 is located in the in Fig. 2 shown, second switching position of the switch 10 is therefore still in its geometric low-temperature configuration, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown. However, since the second snap disk 44 is not firmly connected to the movable contact member 40, the second snap disk 44 in this position does not exert any force on the movable contact member 40 other than that exerted by the spring washer 28 and the first snap disk 30 on the movable contact member 40 force counteracts. The switch 10 is therefore always opened when the first switching temperature is reached.

The temperature of the switch 10 and thus also the temperature of the second snap disk 44 increases after reaching the in Fig. 2 In the switching position shown even further beyond the second switching temperature, the second snap disk 44 also snaps from its position Fig. 2 shown, convex low temperature position in the in Fig. 3 shown, concave high temperature position. It is then supported with its edge 52 on the upper part 18 or the insulating film 22 arranged underneath and presses with its center 54 on the first snap disk 30. As a result, the second snap disk 44 also exerts a force on the movable contact member 40, which movable contact part 46 is spaced from the first stationary contact 48.

Such a further increase in temperature despite the switch 10 already being opened is quite common in practice due to the residual heat that occurs in the electrical device to be protected. This is typically referred to as the overshoot temperature or the overshoot temperature range of the switch 10.

The switching temperature of the second snap-action disk 44 is preferably located at this overshoot temperature or in this overshoot temperature range and is therefore preferably only slightly higher than the first switching temperature of the first snap-action disk 30.

However, it is also fundamentally possible to design the second snap disk 44 in such a way that it moves from its geometric low-temperature configuration to its geometric high-temperature configuration at the same time as the first snap disk 30 snapped. In this case, the second switching temperature would correspond to the first switching temperature. The function of the switch 10 would basically remain the same, since it would also be opened when the first switching temperature was reached. In this case, however, it would come directly from the in Fig. 1 shown, first switching position to that in Fig. 3 shown, third switching position, in which both snap disks 30, 44 are snapped into their high-temperature configuration.

In principle, it would even be possible for the second switching temperature to be lower than the first switching temperature, so that when the switch 10 is heated, the second snap-action disk 44 snaps into its high-temperature configuration in front of the first snap-action disk and opens the switch. However, this would require that the force exerted by the second snap disk 44 in its high-temperature configuration on the movable contact member 40 is greater than the force exerted together by the first snap disk 30 in its low-temperature configuration and the spring washer 28 in its first configuration on the movable contact member 40 .

In principle, however, it is preferred that the first snap disk 30 is responsible for opening the switch 10, i.e. that the first switching temperature is lower than the second switching temperature or at least the same as the second switching temperature.

Since the circuit of the electrical device to be protected is interrupted, the switch 10 now cools down again. As soon as the switch 10 has cooled to or below the switch-back temperature of the first snap disk 30 (first switch-back temperature), it snaps out of its position Fig. 3 shown high temperature position back into its low temperature position and thereby pulls the spring washer 28 upwards again towards its first configuration. However, since the switch-back temperature of the second snap-action disk 44 (second switch-back temperature) is lower than the first switch-back temperature, the second snap-action disk 44 still remains in its high-temperature configuration when the first switch-back temperature is reached. This results in the in Fig. 4 fourth switching position shown, in which the movable contact part 46 remains spaced from the first stationary contact 48 and the switch 10 is therefore still open.

In this case, the second snap disk 44 exerts a greater spring force on the movable contact member 40 than the first snap disk 30 and the spring washer 28 together, which actually try to move the movable contact part 46 in the direction of the first stationary contact 48. According to this first exemplary embodiment of the switch 10, the second snap disk 44 has a higher spring constant than the first snap disk 30 and the spring disk 28 together.

In this way, the second snap disk 44 ensures the self-holding function, which keeps the switch 10 open even after the first switch-back temperature has fallen below. This self-holding function is only deactivated when the switch 10 also cools down to or below the second switch-back temperature. Only then does the second snap disk 44 snap again from its high-temperature configuration to its low-temperature configuration, so that the switch 10 is closed and the in Fig. 1 shown first switching position results.

The second snap-action disk 44 is preferably designed such that its second switch-back temperature is below room temperature. Once the switch 10 has been opened, it can only be switched back by means of external cold treatment, for example using a cold spray.

The switch 10 according to in Fig. 5 The second exemplary embodiment shown is basically based on the same functionality as the switch 10 according to FIG Fig. 1-4 shown, first embodiment. This switch 10 also has, in addition to a spring part 28 designed as a temperature-dependent spring washer, a first snap part 30 designed as a temperature-dependent snap disk and a second snap part 44 also designed as a temperature-dependent snap disk. In this case too, the second snap disk 44 effects the self-holding function of the switch 10, which is caused in particular by the fact that the (second) switch-back temperature of the second snap disk 44 is lower than the (first) switch-back temperature of the first snap disk 30.

The structure of the rear derailleur 14' is the same as in Fig. 5 shown, second embodiment of the switch 10 but slightly different than in the first embodiment.

The movable contact part 46' of the movable contact member 40' has a slightly different shape here. In addition, the movable contact member 40' has a ring 56 which surrounds the contact member 40'. This ring 56 is preferably pressed onto the movable contact part 46 '.

The ring 56 has a circumferential shoulder 58 on which the first snap disk 30 rests with its center 42. According to this exemplary embodiment, the edge 36 of the first snap disk 30 is supported in the in Fig. 5 shown low temperature configuration of the first snap disk 30 not on the housing 12. The edge 36 of the first snap disk 30 is freely hanging in the low-temperature configuration. In the in Fig. 5 In the closed state of the switch 10 shown, the first snap disk 30 therefore exerts no force on the movable contact member 40 '.

The contact pressure between the movable contact part 46 'of the movable contact member 40' and the first stationary contact 48 is at least partially caused by the spring washer 28 when the switch 10 is in the closed state. The spring washer 28 is clamped with its center 38 between the ring 56 and the widened upper section of the contact member 40 '.

The spring washer 28 rests with its edge 32 on a spacer element 60. This spacer element 60 is preferably designed as a spacer ring which is inserted into the lower part 16 of the housing 12. A circumferential shoulder 62 is provided on this spacer element 60, which serves as a support for the edge 32 of the spring washer 28.

The spacer element 60 is clamped between two further spacer rings 64, 66. The spacer ring 64 is arranged above the edge 32 of the spring washer 28 and clamped between the spacer ring 60 and the upper part 18 with the insulating film 22 in between. The spacer ring 66 is arranged below the spacer ring 60 and clamped between it and the lower part 16 of the housing 12.

The movable contact member 40 'points in the in Fig. 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, in addition to the ring 56, there are two separate components, a first component 68, which carries or forms the movable contact part 46 ', and a second component 70. The second component 70 is on an underside of the first component facing away from the first stationary contact 48 68 arranged. The two components 68, 70 of the movable contact member 40' are preferably connected to one another in a force-fitting, material- or form-fitting manner. For example, these two components 68, 70 can be welded, soldered or crimped together. In principle, however, it would also be possible to design the two components 68, 70 of the movable contact member 40 'in one piece or integrally connected to one another.

The second snap disk 44 engages the second component 70 of the movable contact member 40 '. It rests with its center 54 on a circumferential shoulder 72 formed on the second component 70 and is attached or fixed at this point to the movable contact member 40 '.

The edge 52 of the second snap disk 44 lies in the in Fig. 5 shown closed position of the switch 10, in which the second snap disk 30 is in its low-temperature configuration, on the inner bottom surface 34 of the lower part 16. In the closed position of the switch 10, the second snap disk 44 thus ensures, in addition to the spring washer 28, the contact pressure between the movable contact part 46 'and the first stationary contact 48.

Furthermore, a disc-, plate- or ring-shaped support element 74 is arranged in the housing 12, more precisely in the lower part 16. This support element 74 projects laterally from the outside into the interior of the housing 12. At its edge 76 it is clamped between the spacer ring 66 and the spacer ring 60. In its center, the support element 74 has a hole 78 through which the movable contact member 40 'protrudes.

The support element 74 divides the interior of the housing 12 into two areas, an upper area in which the spring washer 28 and the first snap washer 30 are arranged, and a lower area in which the second snap washer 44 is arranged. In other words, the spring washer 28 and the first snap washer 30 are arranged locally between the upper part 18 and the support element 74, whereas the second snap washer 44 is arranged locally between the support element 74 and the lower part 16.

The general functionality of the in Fig. 5-8 The second exemplary embodiment of the switch 10 shown is fundamentally similar to the operation of the switch according to FIG Fig. 1-4 shown first embodiment.

The first snap disk 30 essentially serves to open the switch 10, i.e. to bring it from its first closed switching position into its second open switching position. The second snap disk 44 essentially effects the self-holding function, which keeps the switch 10 open even if the first snap disk 30 snaps back from its high-temperature configuration to its low-temperature configuration after opening the switch 10. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment of the switch 10, it is also provided that the (second) switching temperature of the second snap-action disk 44 is equal to or higher than the (first) switching temperature of the first snap-action disk 30. It is also provided here that the (second) switch-back temperature of the second snap-action disk 44 is lower than the (first) switch-back temperature of the first snap-action disk 30.

If the switch 10 and thus the first snap disk 30 heats up to a temperature above the first switching temperature, the first snap disk 30 snaps out of its position Fig. 5 shown low temperature configuration in their in Fig. 6 high temperature configuration shown. The first snap washer 30 is supported with its edge 36 on the underside of the spring washer 28 and thereby brings the spring washer 30 out of its position Fig. 5 shown, first geometric configuration in their in Fig. 6 shown, second geometric configuration.

Unlike the first exemplary embodiment, the spring washer 28 and the first snap washer 30 exert a spring force on the movable contact member 40 'that is greater than that exerted by the second snap washer 44 on the movable contact member 40' exerted spring force, which acts in the opposite direction. If the second switching temperature is higher than the first switching temperature and the second switching temperature has not yet been reached, the second snap-action disk remains, as in Fig. 6 shown, still in its low-temperature configuration, in which it presses the movable contact member 40 'in the direction of the first stationary contact 48. However, due to the stated force conditions, the movable contact part 46 'is still lifted from the first stationary contact 48 when the first switching temperature is reached (see Fig. 6 ).

In this exemplary embodiment of the switch 10, the spring washer 28 and the first snap washer 30 do not necessarily have to be designed in such a way that their spring force exerted together on the movable contact member 40 'is greater than the spring force exerted by the second snap washer 44 on the movable contact member 40'. If this is not the case, then the (second) switching temperature of the second snap-action disk 44 must be the same or even lower than the (first) switching temperature of the first snap-action disk 30. In this case, if the first switching temperature is reached, the in Fig. 6 shown switching position of the switch 10, but directly to the one in Fig. 7 shown switching position of the switch 10, in which both snap disks 30, 44 are in their high-temperature configuration.

In the first case described above, in which the first switching temperature is lower than the second switching temperature and the spring washer 28 together with the first snap-action disk 30 generates a greater force than the second snap-action disk 44, the switch 10 would initially be in the when the first switching temperature is reached in Fig. 6 shown switching position and only when the second switching temperature is reached in the in Fig. 7 Switch position shown can be brought.

In both cases, the switch 10 is opened when the first switching temperature is reached and the circuit is interrupted.

In the in Fig. 7 In the switching position of the switch 10 shown, the second snap disk 44 is in its high-temperature configuration. She supports herself with her Edge 52 on the support element 74 and presses the movable contact member 40 'down with its center 54.

If the switch 10 then cools down again in the further course, the first snap disk 30 snaps out of its position when the first switch-back temperature is reached Fig. 7 shown high temperature configuration back into its in Fig. 8 shown low temperature configuration. However, since the edge 36 of the first snap disk 30 cannot be supported on a part of the switch in its low-temperature configuration, but is freely hanging in the housing 12, the first snap disk 30 does not exert any force on the movable contact member 40 'in order to move the movable contact part 46'. to move in the direction of the first stationary contact 48.

Since the second snap disk 44 is still in its in position when the first switch-back temperature is reached Fig. 8 High temperature configuration shown remains, this presses the movable contact member 40 'down together with the spring washer 28, which remains in its second geometric configuration, so that the movable contact part 46' remains spaced from the first stationary contact 48.

Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of the switch 10 according to the invention in its closed position (first switching position). Since the interaction of the spring washer 28, the first snap washer 30 and the second snap washer 44 is based on a functional principle that is essentially the same or at least very similar to that in Fig. 5-8 shown second exemplary embodiment, the further switching positions of the switch 10 according to this third exemplary embodiment are not shown again here.

The switch 10 according to in Fig. 9 The third exemplary embodiment shown differs from the previous exemplary embodiments essentially in the structure of the housing 12". The lower part 16" is in turn made of electrically conductive material. The flat upper part 18" here, however, is made of electrically insulating material. It is held on the lower part 16" by a bent edge 80.

Here, too, a spacer ring 64" is provided between the upper part 18" and the lower part 16", which keeps the upper part 18" at a distance from the lower part 16". On its inside, the upper part 18" has a first stationary contact 48" and a second stationary one Contact 50". The stationary contacts 48" and 50" are designed as rivets which extend through the upper part 18" and terminate externally in the heads 82, 84, which serve for the external connection of the switch 10.

The switching mechanism 14" is also designed differently here than before. The movable contact member 40" includes a current transmission member 86, which is in the in Fig. 9 The exemplary embodiment shown is a contact plate, the top of which is coated in an electrically conductive manner, so that it is in the in Fig. 9 shown system on the contacts 48" and 50" ensures an electrically conductive connection between the two contacts 48" and 50".

The current transmission member 86 is connected to the spring washer 28 and the first snap washer 30 via a rivet 88, which is also to be viewed as part of the contact member 40". Similar to before, a second component 70" is arranged on the underside of this rivet 88, which is a circumferential shoulder 72" on which the second snap disk 44 rests with its center 54.

The main advantage of the in Fig. 9 The switch structure shown can be seen in the fact that, in contrast to the first two in Fig. 1-8 shown embodiments of the switch 10, no current flows neither through the spring washer 28 nor through the two snap disks 30, 44 in the closed state of the switch 10. This only flows from the first external connection 82 via the first stationary contact 48", the current transmission element 86 and the second stationary contact 50" to the second external connection 84.

It is understood that the other structure of the switching mechanism 14", in particular the arrangement of the spring washer 28 and the two snap disks 30, 44 does not necessarily have to correspond to the arrangement as shown in Fig. 9 is shown. The arrangement of the spring washer 28 and the two snap disks 30, 44 does not necessarily have to be the same or similar to the arrangement them according to the in Fig. 5-8 shown, second exemplary embodiment was described, but can in principle also correspond to the arrangement as shown in in Fig. 1-4 shown, first embodiment was described.

1. 1. Temperaturabhängiger Schalter (10), der einen ersten und einen zweiten stationären Kontakt (48, 50) sowie zumindest ein temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk (14) mit einem beweglichen Kontaktglied (40) aufweist, wobei das zumindest eine Schaltwerk (14) in seiner ersten Schaltstellung das Kontaktglied (40) gegen den ersten Kontakt (48) drückt und dabei über das Kontaktglied (40) eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen den beiden Kontakten (48, 50) herstellt und in seiner zweiten Schaltstellung das Kontaktglied (40) zu dem ersten Kontakt (48) beabstandet hält, wobei das zumindest eine temperaturabhängige Schaltwerk (14) ein erstes temperaturabhängiges Schnappteil (30) aufweist, das bei Überschreiten einer ersten Schalttemperatur aus seiner geometrischen Tieftemperaturkonfiguration in seine geometrische Hochtemperaturkonfiguration umschnappt und bei einem anschließenden Unterschreiten einer ersten Rückschalttemperatur wieder aus seiner geometrischen Hochtemperaturkonfiguration zurück in seine geometrische Tieftemperaturkonfiguration umschnappt, wobei der Schalter (10) ferner ein zweites temperaturabhängiges Schnappteil (44) aufweist, das bei Überschreiten einer zweiten Schalttemperatur aus seiner geometrischen Tieftemperaturkonfiguration in seine geometrische Hochtemperaturkonfiguration umschnappt und bei einem an-schließenden Unterschreiten einer zweiten Rückschalttemperatur wieder aus seiner geometrischen Hochtemperaturkonfiguration zurück in seine geometrische Tieftemperaturkonfiguration umschnappt, und wobei ein Umschnappen des ersten Schnappteils (30) aus seiner geometrischen Tieftemperaturkonfiguration in seine geometrische Hochtemperaturkonfiguration und/oder ein Umschnappen des zweiten Schnappteils (44) aus seiner geometrischen Tieftemperaturkonfiguration in seine geometrische Hochtemperaturkonfiguration das zumindest eine Schaltwerk (14) aus seiner ersten Schaltstellung in seine zweite Schaltstellung bringt, wobei die zweite Rückschalttemperatur niedriger als die erste Rückschalttemperatur ist, und wobei das zweite Schnappteil (44) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Kontaktglied (40) auch dann zu dem ersten Kontakt (48) beabstandet zu halten, wenn sich der Schalter (10) über die erste und die zweite Schalttemperatur erhitzt und nachträglich auf eine Temperatur zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Rückschalttemperatur abgekühlt hat.
2. 2. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 1, wobei die zweite Schalttemperatur gleich der ersten Schalttemperatur oder höher als diese ist.
3. 3. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 1 oder 2, wobei die zweite Rückschalttemperatur niedriger als Raumtemperatur, insbesondere niedriger als 15°C ist.
4. 4. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 3, wobei das zumindest eine Schaltwerk (14) ein temperaturunabhängiges Federteil (28) auf-weist, das mit dem beweglichen Kontaktglied (40) verbunden ist, wobei das erste Schnappteil (30) bei Überschreiten der ersten Schalttemperatur auf das Federteil (28) einwirkt und dadurch das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) von dem ersten Kon-takt (48) abhebt.
5. 5. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 4, wobei das zweite Schnappteil (44) dazu eingerichtet ist, in seiner Hochtemperaturkonfiguration eine Öffnungs-kraft auf das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) auszuüben, die das Kontaktglied (40) von dem ersten Kontakt (48) beabstandet hält, und dass das erste Schnappteil (30) in seiner Tieftemperaturkonfiguration gemeinsam mit dem Federteil (28) eine der Öffnungskraft entgegengesetzte Schließkraft auf das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) ausübt, die betragsmäßig kleiner als die Öffnungskraft ist.
6. 6. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 4 oder 5, wobei das Federteil (28) ein bistabiles Federteil mit zwei temperaturunabhängigen, stabilen geometrischen Konfigurationen ist.
7. 7. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 6, wobei das erste und/oder das zweite Schnappteil (30, 44) eine Bi- oder Trimetall-Schnappscheibe ist.
8. 8. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 7, wobei das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) ein erstes Bauteil (68) und ein damit kraft-, stoff-, oder formschlüssig verbundenes zweites Bauteil (70) aufweist, wobei das erste Schnappteil (30) an dem ersten Bauteil (68) angreift und das zweite Schnappteil (44) an dem zweiten Bauteil (70) angreift.
9. 9. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 8, wobei der Schalter (10) ein Gehäuse (12) aufweist, an dem der erste und der zweite stationäre Kontakt (48, 50) vorgesehen sind und in dem das zumindest eine Schaltwerk (14) angeordnet ist.
10. 10. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 9, wobei das Gehäuse (12) ein von einem Oberteil (18) verschlossenes Unterteil (16) aufweist, wobei an einer Innenseite des Oberteils (18) der erste stationäre Kontakt (48) oder jeder der beiden stationären Kontakte (48, 50) angeordnet ist.
11. 11. Schalter nach Ausführungsbeispiel 9 oder 10, wobei das erste Schnappteil (30) an dem beweglichen Kontaktglied (40) festgelegt ist, in seiner geometrischen Tieftemperaturkonfiguration ansonsten jedoch frei im Inneren des Gehäuses (12) aufgehängt ist, ohne sich an dem Gehäuse (12) oder einem sonstigen Teil des Schalters (10) abzustützen.
12. 12. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 11, wobei örtlich zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Schnappteil (30, 44) ein scheiben-, platten- oder ringförmiges Abstützelement (74) angeordnet ist, das ein Loch (78) aufweist, durch das das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) hindurchragt, wobei sich das zweite Schnappteil (44) zumindest in seiner geometrischen Hochtemperaturkonfiguration an dem Abstützelement (74) abstützt.
13. 13. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 4 bis 6, wobei das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) ein mit dem ersten Kontakt (48) zusammenwirkendes bewegliches Kontaktteil (46) umfasst, und dass das Federteil (28) mit dem zweiten Kontakt (50) zusammenwirkt.
14. 14. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 12, wobei das bewegliche Kontaktglied (40) ein mit beiden Kontakten (48", 50") zusammenwirkendes Stromübertragungsglied (86) umfasst.
15. 15. Schalter nach einem der Ausführungsbeispiele 1 bis 14, wobei die erste Schalttemperatur höher als die erste Rückschalttemperatur und die zweite Rückschalttemperatur ist, und dass die zweite Schalttemperatur höher als die erste Rückschalttemperatur und die zweite Rückschalttemperatur ist.

The following is a list of further exemplary embodiments:

1. 1. Temperature-dependent switch (10), which has a first and a second stationary contact (48, 50) and at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) with a movable contact member (40), the at least one switching mechanism (14) being in its first switching position the contact member (40) presses against the first contact (48) and thereby establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two contacts (48, 50) via the contact member (40) and in its second switching position the contact member (40) to the first contact ( 48), wherein the at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) has a first temperature-dependent snap part (30), which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a first switching temperature is exceeded and again from its geometric configuration when the temperature falls below a first switch-back temperature High-temperature configuration snaps back into its geometric low-temperature configuration, the switch (10) further having a second temperature-dependent snap part (44) which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a second switching temperature is exceeded and again when the temperature falls below a second switch-back temperature from its geometric high-temperature configuration back to its geometric low-temperature configuration, and wherein snapping the first snap part (30) from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration and / or snapping the second snap part (44) from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration is at least brings a switching mechanism (14) from its first switching position to its second switching position, the second switch-back temperature being lower than the first switch-back temperature, and the second snap part (44) being designed to move the contact member (40) to the first contact ( 48) to be kept at a distance when the switch (10) is over heated the first and second switching temperatures and subsequently cooled them to a temperature between the first and second switch-back temperatures.
2. 2. Switch according to embodiment 1, wherein the second switching temperature is equal to or higher than the first switching temperature.
3. 3. Switch according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the second switch-back temperature is lower than room temperature, in particular lower than 15 ° C.
4. 4. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one switching mechanism (14) has a temperature-independent spring part (28) which is connected to the movable contact member (40), the first snap part (30) being exceeded when the first switching temperature acts on the spring part (28) and thereby lifts the movable contact member (40) from the first contact (48).
5. 5. Switch according to embodiment 4, wherein the second snap part (44) is designed to exert an opening force on the movable contact member (40) in its high-temperature configuration, which keeps the contact member (40) at a distance from the first contact (48), and that the first snap part (30) in its low-temperature configuration, together with the spring part (28), exerts a closing force on the movable contact member (40) which is opposite to the opening force and which is smaller in magnitude than the opening force.
6. 6. Switch according to embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the spring part (28) is a bistable spring part with two temperature-independent, stable geometric configurations.
7. 7. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first and / or the second snap part (30, 44) is a bi- or tri-metal snap disk.
8. 8. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the movable contact member (40) has a first component (68) and a second component (70) connected thereto in a force-fitting, material or form-fitting manner, the first snap-in part (30) at the first component (68) engages and the second snap part (44) engages the second component (70).
9. 9. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the switch (10) has a housing (12) on which the first and the second stationary contact (48, 50) are provided and in which the at least one switching mechanism (14) is arranged.
10. 10. Switch according to exemplary embodiment 9, wherein the housing (12) has a lower part (16) closed by an upper part (18), the first stationary contact (48) or each of the two stationary contacts (18) being on an inside of the upper part (18). 48, 50) is arranged.
11. 11. Switch according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the first snap part (30) is fixed to the movable contact member (40), but in its geometric low-temperature configuration is otherwise freely suspended inside the housing (12) without being attached to the housing (12 ) or another part of the switch (10).
12. 12. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 11, wherein a disc-shaped, plate-shaped or ring-shaped support element (74) is arranged locally between the first and second snap parts (30, 44), which has a hole (78) through which the movable contact member (40) protrudes through, the second snap part (44) being supported on the support element (74), at least in its geometric high-temperature configuration.
13. 13. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the movable contact member (40) comprises a movable contact part (46) which cooperates with the first contact (48), and that the spring part (28) cooperates with the second contact (50).
14. 14. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the movable contact member (40) comprises a current transmission member (86) which interacts with both contacts (48", 50").
15. 15. Switch according to one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first switching temperature is higher than the first switch-back temperature and the second switch-back temperature, and that the second switching temperature is higher than the first switch-back temperature and the second switch-back temperature.

Claims (11)

Temperature-dependent switch (10), which has a first and a second stationary contact (48, 50) and at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) with a movable contact member (40), wherein the switch (10) further has a housing (12) on which the first and second stationary contacts (48, 50) are provided and in which the at least one switching mechanism (14) is arranged, wherein the at least one switching mechanism (14) presses the contact member (40) against the first contact (48) in its first switching position and thereby establishes an electrically conductive connection between the two contacts (48, 50) via the contact member (40) and in its second switching position keeps the contact member (40) at a distance from the first contact (48), wherein the at least one temperature-dependent switching mechanism (14) has a first temperature-dependent snap part (30) which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a first switching temperature is exceeded and from its geometric high-temperature configuration back into its geometric configuration when the temperature falls below a first switch-back temperature Low temperature configuration snaps around, wherein the switch (10) further has a second temperature-dependent snap part (44) which snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration when a second switching temperature that is equal to or higher than the first switching temperature is exceeded and when a second one is subsequently undershot Switch-back temperature, which is lower than the first switch-back temperature, snaps back from its geometric high-temperature configuration back to its geometric low-temperature configuration, wherein the first snap part (30) snaps from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration and/or snapping the second snap part (44) from its geometric low-temperature configuration into its geometric high-temperature configuration brings the at least one switching mechanism (14) from its first switching position into its second switching position, wherein the second snap part (44) is designed to keep the contact member (40) at a distance from the first contact (48) even when the switch (10) heats up above the first and second switching temperatures and subsequently to a temperature between the first and second switch-back temperatures have cooled down, and wherein the first snap part (30) is fixed to the movable contact member (40), but in its geometric low-temperature configuration is otherwise freely suspended inside the housing (12) without being attached to the housing (12) or any other part of the switch (10 ) to support. Switch according to claim 1, wherein the second switch-back temperature is lower than room temperature, in particular lower than 15°C. Switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one switching mechanism (14) has a temperature-independent spring part (28) which is connected to the movable contact member (40), the first snap part (30) acting on the spring part ( 28) acts and thereby lifts the movable contact member (40) from the first contact (48). The switch of claim 3, wherein the spring member (28) is a bistable spring member having two temperature-independent, stable geometric configurations. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and/or the second snap part (30, 44) is a bi- or tri-metal snap disk. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable contact member (40) has a first component (68) and a second component (70) connected thereto in a force-fitting, material- or form-fitting manner, the first snap-in part (30) being on the first Component (68) engages and the second snap part (44) engages the second component (70). Switch according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing (12) has a lower part (16) closed by an upper part (18), the first stationary contact (48) or each of the two stationary contacts being on an inside of the upper part (18). Contacts (48, 50) is arranged. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a disc-shaped, plate-shaped or annular support element (74) is arranged locally between the first and second snap parts (30, 44), which has a hole (78) through which the movable Contact member (40) protrudes through, the second snap part (44) being supported on the support element (74), at least in its geometric high-temperature configuration. A switch according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movable contact member (40) comprises a movable contact member (46) cooperating with the first contact (48), and wherein the spring member (28) cooperates with the second contact (50). Switch according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable contact member (40) comprises a current transmission member (86) which cooperates with both contacts (48", 50"). Switch according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first switching temperature is higher than the first switch-back temperature and the second switch-back temperature, and wherein the second switch temperature is higher than the first switch-back temperature and the second switch-back temperature.

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