EP4325541A1 - Temperature-dependent switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Temperature-dependent switch (100), comprising a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (10) with a switching mechanism unit (16) and with a switching mechanism housing (18) in which the switching mechanism unit (16) is arranged and captively held therein, the switching mechanism housing (18) having a first base body (26) made of electrically conductive material. The temperature-dependent switch (100) further comprises a switch housing (12) with a second base body (14) made of electrically insulating material, in which the switching mechanism housing (18) is arranged and captively held therein, the switch housing (12) having a stationary contact part (36 ) having. The first base body (26) of the rear derailleur housing (18) surrounds the rear derailleur unit (16) from a first housing side (28), a second housing side (30) opposite the first housing side (28) and a second housing side (30) between and transverse to the first and second housing sides (28, 30) extending housing peripheral side (32) and on the first housing side (28) has an opening (34) through which a movable contact part (24) of the switching mechanism unit (16) interacts with the stationary contact part (36). The second base body (14) of the switch housing (12) surrounds the first housing side (28) and the housing peripheral side (32) of the switching mechanism housing (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature-dependent switch.

A variety of temperature-dependent switches are generally already known. An exemplary temperature-dependent switch is in the DE 196 09 310 A1 disclosed.

Such temperature-dependent switches are used in a manner known per se to monitor the temperature of a device. For this purpose, the switch is brought into thermal contact with the device to be protected, for example via one of its outer surfaces, so that the temperature of the device to be protected influences the temperature of the switching mechanism arranged inside the switch.

The switch is typically connected electrically in series via connecting cables into the supply circuit of the device to be protected, so that below the Response temperature of the switch the supply current of the device to be protected flows through the switch.

The one from the DE 196 09 310 A1 Known switch has a switch housing, in the interior of which a switching mechanism is arranged in a hermetically sealed manner. The switch housing is constructed in two parts. It has a lower part made of insulating material and a cover part made of electrically conductive material. The cover part is inserted into the lower part and held by an upper edge of the lower part. The rear derailleur is arranged clamped between the cover part and the lower part. When the switch is manufactured, the rear derailleur is initially inserted loosely into the lower part. The lid part is then placed on top and firmly connected to the lower part.

The temperature-dependent switching mechanism arranged in the switch housing has a spring snap-action disk, to which a movable contact part is attached, and a bimetal snap-action disk placed over the movable contact part. The spring snap disk presses the movable contact part against a stationary counter-contact, which is arranged on the inside of the switch housing on the cover part. With its outer edge, the spring snap disk is supported on a second stationary mating contact, which is inserted into the electrically insulating lower part. The electrical current thus flows from the one stationary counter-contact through the movable contact part and the spring snap-action disk into the second stationary counter-contact. The two stationary mating contacts are connected to respective electrical connections of the switch.

The temperature-dependent bimetal snap-action disk is essentially responsible for the temperature-dependent switching behavior of the switch. This is usually designed as a multi-layer, active, sheet-metal component made of two, three or four interconnected components with different thermal expansion coefficients. The connection of the individual layers made of metals or metal alloys in such bimetal snap disks is usually cohesive or positive and is achieved, for example, by rolling.

Such a bimetal snap-action disk has a first stable geometric configuration (low-temperature configuration) at low temperatures, below the response temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk, and a second stable geometric configuration (high-temperature configuration) at high temperatures, above the response temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk. Depending on the temperature, the bimetal snap-action disk switches from its low-temperature configuration to its high-temperature configuration in the manner of hysteresis. This process is often referred to as "snapping", which is also why it is called a "snapping disk".

If no switch-back lock is provided, the bimetal snap-action disk snaps back into its low-temperature configuration so that the switch is closed again as soon as the temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk drops below the so-called return temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk as a result of the device to be protected cooling down .

In the case of a large number of temperature-dependent switches, the bimetal snap-action disk is preferably inserted into the switch housing as a loose individual part during the manufacture of the switch, with the bimetal snap-action disk, for example with a central through hole provided therein, being placed over the contact part attached to the spring snap-action disk. Only by closing the switch housing is the bimetal snap disk then fixed in position and its position relative to the other components of the rear derailleur is determined. This is also the case with what was mentioned at the beginning DE 196 09 310 A1 well-known switch made.

However, the production of such a switch, in which the bimetal snap-action disk is inserted individually, has proven to be relatively complicated, since several steps are necessary to insert the switching mechanism into the switch housing.

With one of the DE 10 2011 119 632 B3 In the known switch, the bimetal snap-action disk is already connected in advance (outside the switch housing) to the contact part attached to the spring snap-action disk. To do this, the bimetal snap disk is placed over the contact part and then an upper collar of the Contact part folded down. As a result, not only is the spring snap-action disk attached to the contact part, but the bimetal snap-action disk is also held captively on it.

The switching mechanism, which consists of the bimetal snap-action disc, the spring-action snap-action disc and the movable contact part, can be manufactured in advance as a semi-finished product, which forms a captive unit and can be kept separately in stock as bulk goods. When manufacturing the switch, the rear derailleur can then be inserted into the switch housing as a captive unit. This simplifies the production of the switch many times over.

The spring snap washer is from the DE 10 2011 119 632 B3 known switch welded or soldered to the contact part in order to produce the best possible electrical contact between these two components. However, it has been shown that the welded or soldered connection between the contact part and the spring snap-action disk can break, particularly when storing bulk goods for the switching mechanism pre-produced as a semi-finished product. Of course, such defective switches can no longer be used. The problem, however, is that defects in the rear derailleur can often only be identified after the entire switch has been assembled, since a functional test of the rear derailleur is only possible when the switch is fully assembled.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a temperature-dependent switch whose switching mechanism can be pre-produced as a semi-finished product without being susceptible to damage, and with which a functional test of the switching mechanism is possible before its final installation in the switch. Furthermore, the switch should be comparatively easy to install, have a low overall height and be designed to be pressure-stable.

• ein temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk mit einer Schaltwerkseinheit, die ein mit einer Bimetall-Schnappscheibe gekoppeltes, bewegliches Kontaktteil aufweist, und mit einem Schaltwerksgehäuse, in dem die Schaltwerkseinheit angeordnet und darin unverlierbar gehalten ist, wobei das Schaltwerksgehäuse einen ersten Grundkörper aus elektrisch leitfähigem Material aufweist;
• ein Schaltergehäuse mit einem zweiten Grundkörper aus elektrisch isolierendem Material, in dem das Schaltwerksgehäuse angeordnet und darin unverlierbar gehalten ist, wobei das Schaltergehäuse ein stationäres Kontaktteil aufweist, das als Gegenkontakt zu dem beweglichen Kontaktteil fungiert;
  • ein erstes Anschluss-Kontaktteil, das mit dem ersten Grundkörper des Schaltwerksgehäuses elektrisch verbunden ist; und
  • ein zweites Anschluss-Kontaktteil, das mit dem stationären Kontaktteil elektrisch verbunden ist;
  • wobei der erste Grundkörper des Schaltwerksgehäuses die Schaltwerkseinheit von einer ersten Gehäuseseite, einer der ersten Gehäuseseite gegenüberliegenden zweiten Gehäuseseite und einer zwischen und quer zu der ersten und der zweiten Gehäuseseite verlaufenden Gehäuseumfangsseite umgibt und auf der ersten Gehäuseseite eine Öffnung aufweist, durch die das bewegliche Kontaktteil mit dem stationären Kontaktteil zusammenwirkt, und
  • wobei der zweite Grundkörper des Schaltergehäuses die erste Gehäuseseite und die Gehäuseumfangsseite des Schaltwerksgehäuses umgibt.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a temperature-dependent switch, which comprises the following components:

• a temperature-dependent switchgear with a switchgear unit which has a movable contact part coupled to a bimetal snap-action disk, and with a switchgear housing in which the switchgear unit is arranged and captively held therein, the switchgear housing having a first base body made of electrically conductive material;
• a switch housing with a second base body made of electrically insulating material, in which the switching mechanism housing is arranged and captively held therein, the switch housing having a stationary contact part which functions as a mating contact to the movable contact part;
  • a first connection contact part, which is electrically connected to the first base body of the rear derailleur housing; and
  • a second terminal contact part electrically connected to the stationary contact part;
  • wherein the first base body of the switching mechanism housing surrounds the switching mechanism unit from a first housing side, a second housing side opposite the first housing side and a housing peripheral side running between and transversely to the first and second housing sides and has an opening on the first housing side through which the movable contact part can be connected interacts with the stationary contact part, and
  • wherein the second base body of the switch housing surrounds the first housing side and the housing peripheral side of the switching mechanism housing.

The switch according to the invention therefore comprises a switching mechanism which has an additional switching mechanism housing in which the switching mechanism unit, which has the bimetal snap disk and the movable contact part, is captively held. The rear derailleur housing surrounds the rear derailleur unit, namely both from a first housing side and from a second housing side opposite the first housing side, as well as from a housing peripheral side running between and across the first and second housing sides. The rear derailleur housing thus at least partially surrounds the rear derailleur unit from all six spatial directions, so that the rear derailleur cannot fall out of the rear derailleur housing.

The rear derailleur, including the rear derailleur unit and including the rear derailleur housing surrounding the rear derailleur unit, can therefore be pre-produced as a semi-finished product before it is inserted into the switch housing. The rear derailleur, pre-produced as a semi-finished product, can be kept in stock as bulk goods. During this bulk storage, the fragile components of the switching mechanism, in particular the bimetal snap disk and the movable contact part, are protected by the switching mechanism housing. Damage to these fragile components during bulk goods storage is largely ruled out since the fragile components of the switching mechanism are securely encapsulated in the switching mechanism housing.

However, the rear derailleur housing not only offers the advantage of safely storing the rear derailleur unit arranged therein, it also enables a much simpler way of producing the temperature-dependent switch. Unlike a conventional switch housing, the rear derailleur housing that is now additionally provided is not a closed housing in which the rear derailleur is hermetically sealed, but rather a partially open housing that has an opening on the first side of the housing through which the movable contact part of is accessible outside the rear derailleur housing. The rear derailleur, together with the rear derailleur housing, can thus be inserted as a unit into a simplified switch housing, which forms the final switch housing.

While the switching mechanism housing has a first base body made of electrically conductive material, the switch (um) housing has a second base body made of electrically insulating material. An electrically conductive, stationary contact part is arranged on this electrically insulating second base body, which acts as a counter-contact to the movable contact part and interacts with the movable contact part of the rear derailleur through the opening in the rear derailleur housing.

When producing the temperature-dependent switch, the switching mechanism according to the invention, together with its switching mechanism housing, can first be pre-produced as a semi-finished product and then inserted as a whole into the switch housing. This not only simplifies the storage of the switching mechanism, but also the production of the temperature-dependent switch many times over.

The two connection contact parts, one of which is electrically connected to the first base body of the switching mechanism housing and the other is electrically connected to the stationary contact part, are preferably arranged in the electrically insulating, second base body of the switch housing or integrated directly into it. This has the advantage that when the rear derailleur and its rear derailleur housing are inserted, they can be connected directly to the two connection contact parts. This connection of the rear derailleur with the two connection contact parts occurs automatically when the rear derailleur housing is inserted into the switch housing and does not require any additional work steps.

As already mentioned, the rear derailleur housing is a partially open housing. While the second housing side and the housing peripheral side of the rear derailleur housing are preferably each closed housing sides, the first housing side is only a partially closed or a partially opened housing side due to the opening mentioned.

However, the partially opened first housing side of the switch housing is covered by the electrically insulating, second base body of the switch housing. This electrically insulating, second base body functions as a switch housing or as a switch lower part, which at least partially surrounds the first housing side and the housing peripheral side of the switching mechanism housing.

Overall, this creates a switch that is simply constructed from relatively few components and can be produced in comparatively few steps. The rear derailleur used in the switch can be pre-produced together with the rear derailleur housing and kept in stock as bulk material. The housing of the switch, which is made up of the switch housing and the switching mechanism housing, is constructed to be comparatively pressure-stable and can still be designed to be relatively compact/space-saving.

The above-mentioned task is therefore completely solved.

According to one embodiment, a part of the first base body, which forms the second housing side of the switching mechanism housing, forms a freely accessible outside of the switch.

This part of the first base body of the switching mechanism housing is not surrounded by the switch housing when the switch is fully assembled. This part of the switching mechanism housing can therefore serve as a direct electrical connection surface for the first connection contact part.

The mentioned part of the first base body of the switching mechanism housing, which forms a freely accessible outside of the switch, preferably has an outwardly curved, dome-shaped or cup-shaped section. This dome or cup-shaped section of the switching mechanism housing preferably protrudes at least partially from the switch housing. At this point, “curved outwards” means that the dome or cup-shaped section is curved outwards from the perspective of the switch housing, i.e. outwards from the inside of the switch housing. The outside of the switch is convexly curved at this point.

This design of the rear derailleur housing makes the switch extremely pressure-stable. In addition, the dome or cup-shaped section can be used very easily as an external connection surface of the switch.

As an alternative to using the second housing side of the switching mechanism housing, which is freely accessible from the outside, as a connection for the first connecting contact part, the first connecting contact part can also be electrically connected to the first base body of the switching mechanism housing inside the switch housing and outwards through the second base body Switch housing must be guided.

This has the advantage that the first connection contact part can be integrated into the switch housing in advance, i.e. before the rear derailleur is inserted. The first connection contact part is preferably arranged inside the switch housing in such a way that the first connection contact part automatically connects to the electrical conductive first base body of the switching mechanism housing comes into contact when the switching mechanism is inserted into the switch housing.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the second connection contact part is electrically connected to the stationary contact part inside the switch housing and is guided outwards from the switch housing through the second base body.

This means that the second connection contact part can also be integrated into the switch housing in advance, before the rear derailleur is inserted. The second connection contact part and the stationary mating contact are preferably arranged in the switch housing in such a way that contact with the switching mechanism occurs automatically when the switching mechanism housing is inserted into the switch housing.

Since the second base body of the switch housing is made of electrically insulating material, both connection contact parts can be passed through the second base body without causing an electrical short circuit. Preferably, the two connection contact parts are inserted precisely through corresponding openings in the second base body of the switch housing. If these openings are not designed to fit precisely, they should be sealed with additional insulating material so that the interior of the switch is well sealed and no contaminants can penetrate through the switch housing into the interior of the switch.

According to a further embodiment, the switch housing has, on an inside facing the switching mechanism housing, a first connection contact part receptacle, in which the first connection contact part is arranged, and a second connection contact part receptacle, in which the second connection contact part is arranged, on.

The first connection contact part receptacle preferably has a first recess in which the first connection contact part is embedded. The second connection contact part receptacle preferably has a second recess in which the second connection contact part is embedded.

The two connection contact part receptacles are each preferably designed as a type of “contact nest” in which the two connection contact parts are each arranged in a protected manner. The arrangement of the two connection contact parts is such that they automatically come into contact with the rear derailleur when the rear derailleur is inserted into the switch housing during assembly of the switch. The installation and electrical contacting of the switch is therefore very easy.

According to a further embodiment, the first recess and the second recess lie in a common plane.

This means that both connection nests are arranged at the same height. This simplifies the connection of the connection contact parts to the rear derailleur.

According to a further embodiment, the first connection contact part at least partially surrounds the second connection contact part.

The stationary contact part, to which the second connection contact part is connected, is preferably arranged centrally in the switch housing. According to this embodiment, the first connection contact part is designed as a partial circular ring. More specifically, the first connection contact part has a section arranged inside the switch housing, which has the shape of an annular sector. This section may extend along part of the inner wall perimeter of the switch housing and surround the second terminal contact part.

According to a further embodiment, an intermediate layer part made of electrically insulating material is arranged between the second connection contact part and the switching mechanism housing.

This intermediate layer part makes it possible to arrange the electrically conductive first base body of the switching mechanism housing directly on the intermediate layer part. The intermediate layer part insulates the second connection contact part from the electrically conductive first base body of the switching mechanism housing.

According to a further embodiment, the switching mechanism housing rests on the intermediate layer part with a first housing section arranged on the first housing side and with a second housing section arranged on the first housing side either directly on the first connection contact part or with the interposition of a connecting part made of electrically conductive material on the first Connection contact part.

When inserting the rear derailleur housing into the switch housing, an electrical connection is automatically established between the rear derailleur housing and the first connection contact part, while the rear derailleur housing is electrically insulated from the second connection contact part due to the intermediate layer part. A surface of the intermediate layer part is preferably in a plane with a surface of the first connection contact part or a surface of the connection part (if present). The rear derailleur housing can therefore be inserted into the switch housing aligned with this plane.

Preferably, the first connection contact part is electrically connected to the first base body of the rear derailleur housing via the connecting part made of electrically conductive material, which is arranged between the first connection contact part and the first base body of the rear derailleur housing.

This connecting part establishes the electrical contact between the first connection contact part and the first base body of the switching mechanism housing. The connecting part is preferably mounted in the switch housing in advance, before the rear derailleur is inserted.

According to one embodiment, the connecting part is L-shaped in cross section and rests on the first housing side and on the housing peripheral side of the switching mechanism housing.

Such an L-shaped cross section has the advantage that it increases the contact area. This improves the contact between the first connection contact part and the first base body of the rear derailleur housing.

According to a further embodiment, an outer peripheral surface of the switch housing arranged on the peripheral side of the housing rests on an inner peripheral surface of the switch housing arranged inside the switch housing.

Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the switch housing lies precisely against the inner peripheral surface of the switch housing. This essentially has the advantage that the rear derailleur is correctly aligned with respect to the stationary contact part when the rear derailleur housing is inserted into the switch housing. An alignment of the movable contact part of the switching mechanism relative to the stationary contact part occurs automatically when the switching mechanism housing is inserted into the switch housing.

According to a further embodiment, a diameter of the opening is smaller than a diameter of the bimetal snap-action disk measured parallel thereto. The bimetal snap-action disk is therefore held securely in the rear derailleur housing and cannot come out of it even if there is a corresponding shock.

According to a preferred embodiment, the switching mechanism is set up to hold the switch in a low-temperature position below a response temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk, in which the switching mechanism establishes an electrical connection between the first connection contact part and the second connection contact part via the movable contact part, and if the response temperature is exceeded, the switch is moved to a high-temperature position in which the switching mechanism interrupts the electrical connection.

Preferably, the bimetal snap-action disk is designed to snap from a geometrically stable low-temperature configuration into a geometrically stable high-temperature configuration when the response temperature is exceeded, the bimetal snap-action disk being supported in its high-temperature configuration on a support surface arranged on the first housing side of the switching mechanism housing, which is supported on the first The base body of the switching mechanism housing is formed, and thereby keeps the movable contact part at a distance from the stationary contact part.

Since the rear derailleur unit, as already mentioned, is encapsulated in the rear derailleur housing according to the present invention and the bimetal snap disk is supported in its high-temperature configuration on the support surface mentioned inside the rear derailleur housing, a functional check of the rear derailleur can also be carried out with the rear derailleur pre-produced as a semi-finished product carry out, i.e. before the rear derailleur is installed in the switch housing and the switch is completely assembled. The bimetal snap disk can then assume its two temperature-dependent configurations inside the rear derailleur housing.

This is not possible with conventional switches because the bimetal snap-action disk is supported in its high-temperature configuration on the switch housing due to the lack of the switch housing, which is now specially provided, so that a functional check is only possible when the switch is fully assembled.

According to a further embodiment, the switching mechanism unit further has a spring snap disk coupled to the movable contact part, which is supported in the low-temperature position of the switch on an inner surface arranged on the second housing side inside the switching mechanism housing. This inner surface is preferably an inner surface of the electrically conductive first base body of the switching mechanism housing.

The additional provision of such a spring snap-action disk has the particular advantage that the bimetal snap-action disk is thereby relieved. In the low-temperature configuration of the switch, i.e. when the circuit is closed via the switch, the spring snap disk serves as a current-carrying component according to this embodiment. The bimetal snap-action disk, however, is then not a current-carrying component.

In addition, in the low-temperature position of the switch, the spring snap disk generates the closing pressure with which the movable contact part is pressed against the stationary contact part. The bimetal snap-action disk can, however, be mounted with almost no force in the low-temperature position of the switch. This has a positive effect on the service life of the bimetal snap-action disc and causes the switching point, i.e. the Response temperature of the bimetal snap disk does not change even after many switching cycles.

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

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittansicht des temperaturabhängigen Schalters gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei der Schalter in seiner Tieftemperaturstellung gezeigt ist;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Schalters, wobei der Schalter in seiner Hochtemperaturstellung gezeigt ist;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht, die einen Bearbeitungsschritt während der Herstellung des temperaturabhängigen Schalters gemäß dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel veranschaulicht; und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht von oben auf das Schaltergehäuse des temperaturabhängigen Schalters gemäß dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of the temperature-dependent switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, the switch being shown in its low-temperature position;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 1 switch shown, the switch being shown in its high temperature position;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view showing a processing step during the production of the temperature-dependent switch according to in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment; and

Fig. 4

a schematic top view from above of the switch housing of the temperature-dependent switch according to in Fig. 1 shown embodiment.

Fig. 1-2 show an exemplary embodiment of the switch according to the invention, each in a schematic sectional view. The switch is marked in its entirety with the reference number 100.

Fig. 1 shows the low temperature position of switch 100. Fig. 2 shows the high temperature position of switch 100.

The switch 100 has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 10 which is arranged in a switch housing 12. The switch housing 12 has a base body 14 (herein referred to as a “second base body”) made of insulating material, for example plastic. This base body 14 forms the lower part of the switch 100.

The rear derailleur 10 has a functional rear derailleur unit 16 and a rear derailleur housing 18 surrounding this rear derailleur unit 16. The rear derailleur housing 18 at least partially surrounds the rear derailleur unit 16 from all six spatial directions. However, as explained in detail below, the rear derailleur housing 18 is designed as a partially open housing, so that the rear derailleur unit 16 is accessible from at least one spatial direction, preferably from only one spatial direction, from outside the rear derailleur housing 18.

Due to the fact that the rear derailleur housing 18 at least partially surrounds the rear derailleur unit 16 from all six spatial directions, the rear derailleur unit 16 is held captively in the rear derailleur housing 18. The rear derailleur unit 16 cannot therefore be removed from the rear derailleur housing 18.

As long as the rear derailleur 10 is not installed in the switch 100 or its switch housing 12, there is preferably a certain amount of play between the rear derailleur unit 16 and the rear derailleur housing 18. In the in Fig. 1 However, in the installed state of the switch 100 shown, the switching mechanism unit 16 is firmly clamped. In the in Fig. 1 In the low temperature position of the switch 100 shown, the switching mechanism unit 16 is clamped between the switch housing 12 and the switching mechanism housing 18.

The rear derailleur unit 16 is constructed in three parts according to the present exemplary embodiment. The switching mechanism unit 16 has a temperature-dependent bimetal snap-action disk 20, a temperature-independent spring snap-action disk 22 and a movable contact part 24. The bimetal snap disk 20 and the spring snap disk 22 are held captively on the contact part 24. The rear derailleur unit 16 can thus be pre-produced as a semi-finished product and then inserted as a whole into the rear derailleur housing 18.

The rear derailleur 10 together with the rear derailleur unit 16 and the rear derailleur housing 18 also form a semi-finished product for the temperature-dependent switch 100 that is later produced from it. Since both the three components 20, 22, 24 of the rear derailleur unit 16 are captively connected to one another, as is the rear derailleur unit 16 in the rear derailleur housing 18 is held captively, the switching mechanism 10 can be kept in storage as bulk material until it is installed in the temperature-dependent switch 100.

The switching mechanism housing 18 has a base body 26 (herein referred to as the “first base body”) made of electrically conductive material. This first base body 26 of the rear derailleur housing 18 surrounds the rear derailleur unit 16 by a first housing side 28, a second housing side 30 opposite the first housing side 28 and a housing peripheral side 32 running between and transversely to the first and second housing sides 28, 30 (see Fig. 3 ).

Preferably, the rear derailleur housing 18 completely surrounds the rear derailleur unit 16 from both the second housing side 30 and the housing peripheral side 32. The second housing side 30 and the housing peripheral side 32 therefore preferably form closed housing sides of the rear derailleur housing 18. Only the first housing side 28 is a partially open housing side of the rear derailleur housing 18.

In other words, the housing peripheral side 32 surrounds the switching mechanism unit 16 along the entire circumference, i.e. in a total of four spatial directions aligned orthogonally to one another. Furthermore, the switching mechanism housing 18 completely surrounds the switching mechanism unit 16 from a further spatial direction, namely from a spatial direction aligned orthogonally to the second housing side 30. Only from the sixth spatial direction, which is aligned orthogonally to the first housing side 28, does the rear derailleur housing 18 only partially surround the rear derailleur unit 16.

On the first housing side 28, the rear derailleur housing 18 has an opening 34 (see Fig. 3 ), through which the movable contact part 24 is accessible from outside the rear derailleur housing 18. Through this opening 34 in the rear derailleur housing 18, the movable contact part 24 of the switching mechanism 10 interacts with a stationary contact part 36, which is arranged on an inside 38 of the switch housing 12 (see Fig. 1 ). A diameter of the opening 34 in the first base body 26 of the rear derailleur housing 18 is smaller than a diameter of the bimetal snap disk 20 and/or the spring snap disk 22 measured parallel thereto. The movable contact part 24 is therefore from outside the rear derailleur housing 18 through the opening 34 accessible, the bimetal snap washer 20 and the spring snap washer 22 cannot, however, come loose or emerge from the rear derailleur housing 18.

The first base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18 is made of electrically conductive material, for example metal. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the second housing side 30 of this electrically conductive base body 26 forms a freely accessible outside of the switch 100 (see Fig. 1 ). The first housing side 28 and the housing peripheral side 32 of the rear derailleur housing 18 are arranged completely inside the switch housing 12 and are therefore not accessible from outside the switch 100.

The opening 34 arranged on the first housing side 28 in the switching mechanism housing 18 is completely covered by the second base body 14 of the switch housing 12 when the switch 100 is in the assembled state. The rear derailleur housing 18 is arranged in the switch housing 12 and is held captively thereon. For this purpose, an upper, circumferential edge 40 is pressed radially inwards onto the switching mechanism housing 18 during the production of the switch 100. This process, which is shown schematically with the help of arrows 42 Fig. 3 is indicated, is preferably carried out by a hot stamping process. The interfaces between the upper edge 40 of the base body 14 of the switch housing 12 and the base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18 can be additionally sealed using further sealing means, for example using a sealing varnish. The switching mechanism unit 16 inside the switch 100 is therefore hermetically sealed from the outside. Liquids or other contaminants therefore do not enter the interior of the switch.

Before the switch housing 12 is connected and sealed to the derailleur housing 18, the derailleur housing as a whole is connected to the derailleur housing located therein Rear derailleur unit 16, as in Fig. 3 shown inserted into the switch housing 12. The corresponding contacts for the electrical connection of the switching mechanism are already pre-assembled in the switch housing 12, so that the switching mechanism 10 does not have to be connected separately, but its electrical connection is made automatically when the switching mechanism housing 18 is inserted into the switch housing 12.

There are two connection contact parts 44, 46 on the switch housing 12. Both connection contact parts 44, 46 each include a cable lug 48, 50 and a connection conductor 52, 54 connected to the cable lug 48, 50. The connection conductor 52 of the first connection contact part 44 is electrically connected inside the switch 100 to the electrically conductive first base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18. The connecting conductor 54 of the second connecting contact part 46 is electrically connected to the stationary contact part 36 inside the switch 100. Fig. 4 shows the switch housing 12 provided with the two connection contact parts 44, 46 in a plan view from above before the switching mechanism 10 is inserted into the switch housing 12.

The two connection conductors 52, 54 of the connection contact parts 44, 46 are each led from the outside through the housing wall 56 of the second base body 14 into the interior of the switch. The connection conductor 52 of the first connection contact part 44 is arranged in a first connection contact part receptacle 58, which is designed as a first recess/recess 60 on the inside 38 of the switch housing 12. The recess 60, which forms the first connection contact part receptacle 58, is preferably designed such that the connection conductor 52 of the first connection contact part 44 is accommodated therein with a precise fit.

The connection conductor 54 of the second connection contact part 46 is arranged in a second connection contact part receptacle 62. This second connection contact part receptacle 62 is designed as a second recess 64, which is introduced into the inside 38 of the electrically insulating base body 14 of the switch housing 12.

The recesses/recesses 60, 64, which form the two connection contact part receptacles 58, 62, preferably lie in a common plane. The first recess 58 at least partially surrounds the second recess 64 (see Fig. 4 ).

The first recess 60 and the first connection conductor 52 have, when viewed in plan view, the shape of a circular ring sector (see Fig. 4 ). The second recess 64 and the second connection conductor 54 arranged therein, however, can be straight or, as in Fig. 4 shown, be angled.

When the switch 100 is installed, the connecting conductor 52 of the first connecting contact part 44 is connected to the switching mechanism housing 18 via a connecting part 66. This connecting part 66 is a component made of electrically conductive material that establishes electrical contact between the first connection contact part 44 and the electrically conductive base body 26 of the switch housing 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, this connecting part 66 is L-shaped when viewed in cross section in order to be able to provide the largest possible electrical contact area. The connecting part 66 rests directly on the top of the first connecting conductor 52.

In principle, this connecting part 66 is not absolutely necessary, since the first connecting conductor 52 of the first connecting contact part 44 can also be connected directly to the base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18. However, the connecting part 66 also has the advantage that a relatively simple height adjustment is possible with it.

The last-mentioned height compensation is particularly necessary because an intermediate layer part 68 is arranged between the connecting conductor 54 of the second connecting contact part 46 and the base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18. This intermediate layer part 68 is made of electrically insulating material. It ensures electrical insulation of the switching mechanism housing 18 from the second connection contact part 46.

The top of the connecting part 66 is preferably in a plane with the top of the intermediate layer part 68, so that the switching mechanism housing 18 rests flatly with its first housing side 28 on both parts 66, 68.

An outer circumferential surface 70 arranged on the housing circumferential side 32 of the switching mechanism housing 18 lies in the mounted state of the switch 100 on an inner circumferential surface 72 arranged inside the switch housing 12 (cf. Fig. 1 and 3 ). Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 70 fits snugly against the inner peripheral surface 72. The switching mechanism 10 is thus automatically correctly aligned with respect to the stationary contact part 36 when it is inserted into the switch housing 12. More precisely, when assembling the switch 100, the movable contact part 24 of the switching mechanism 10 is aligned with respect to the stationary contact part 36.

In the in Fig. 1 In the low temperature position of the switch 100 shown, the electrical current flows, i.e. from the first connection contact part 44 via the electrically conductive base body 26 of the switching mechanism housing 18, the spring snap disk 22, the movable contact part 24 and the stationary contact part 36 to the second connection contact part 46 .

In the low-temperature position of the switch 100, the temperature-independent spring snap-action disk 22 is in its first configuration and the temperature-dependent bimetal snap-action disk 20 is in its low-temperature configuration. The spring snap disk 22 presses the movable contact part 24 against the stationary contact part 36, which acts as a counter contact. The switch 100 is thus in its closed position, in which an electrically conductive connection is established between the two connection contact parts 44, 46.

The contact pressure between the movable contact part 24 and the stationary contact part 36 is generated by the spring snap disk 22. In this state, however, the bimetal snap disk 20 is mounted in the rear derailleur housing 18 with almost no force.

If the temperature of the device to be protected and thus the temperature of the switch 100 and the bimetal snap-action disk 20 arranged therein increases to the switching temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk 20 or above the switching temperature, the bimetal snap-action disk 20 snaps from its position Fig. 1 shown concave low temperature position in their in Fig. 2 shown convex high temperature position. When this snaps around, the bimetal snap disk 20 is supported with its outer edge 74 on a support surface 76 arranged on the first housing side 28 of the rear derailleur housing 18 (see Fig. 2 ). As a result, at the same time the spring snap disk 22 bends upwards at its center, so that the spring snap disk 22 moves away from its in Fig. 1 shown, first stable geometric configuration in its in Fig. 2 shown, second geometrically stable configuration snapped around.

Fig. 2 shows the high temperature position of the switch 100, in which it is open. The circuit is then interrupted.

When the device to be protected and thus the switch 100 together with the bimetal snap-action disk 20 then cool down again, the bimetal snap-action disk 20 snaps back into its low-temperature position when the switch-back temperature is reached, which is also referred to as the return temperature, as shown, for example Fig. 1 is shown. This makes it possible to achieve reversible switching behavior.

In principle, it is also possible to equip the rear derailleur unit 16 without a spring snap washer 22. In such a case, the switching mechanism unit 16 then “only” has the bimetal snap disk 20 and the movable contact part 24. The bimetal snap disk 20 then not only ensures the switching behavior, but also simultaneously generates the contact pressure between the movable contact part 24 and the stationary contact part 36 in the low-temperature position of the switch 100. The bimetal snap disk 20 is then used as a current-carrying component of the switching mechanism 10 used.

Claims (15)

Temperature-dependent switch (100), comprising: - a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (10) with a switching mechanism unit (16), which has a movable contact part (24) coupled to a bimetal snap disk (20), and with a switching mechanism housing (18), in which the switching mechanism unit (16) is arranged and is held captively therein, the switching mechanism housing (18) having a first base body (26) made of electrically conductive material; - a switch housing (12) with a second base body (14) made of electrically insulating material, in which the switching mechanism housing (18) is arranged and captively held therein, the switch housing (12) having a stationary contact part (36) which acts as a mating contact the movable contact part (24); - a first connection contact part (44) which is electrically connected to the first base body (26) of the switching mechanism housing (18); and - a second connection contact part (46) which is electrically connected to the stationary contact part (36); wherein the first base body (26) of the rear derailleur housing (18) extends the rear derailleur unit (16) from a first housing side (28), a second housing side (30) opposite the first housing side (28) and one between and transverse to the first and second housing sides (28, 30) which surrounds the peripheral side (32) of the housing and has an opening (34) on the first side of the housing (28) through which the movable contact part (24) interacts with the stationary contact part (36), and wherein the second base body (14) of the switch housing (12) surrounds the first housing side (28) and the housing peripheral side (32) of the switching mechanism housing (18). Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 1, wherein a part of the first base body (26), which forms the second housing side (30) of the switching mechanism housing (18), forms a freely accessible outside of the switch (100). Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connection contact part (44) is electrically connected inside the switch housing (12) to the first base body (26) of the switching mechanism housing (18) and through the second base body (14) to the outside is guided out of the switch housing (12). Temperature-dependent switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connection contact part (46) is electrically connected to the stationary contact part (36) inside the switch housing (12) and through the second base body (14) to the outside of the switch housing (12 ) is guided. Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 4, wherein the switch housing (12) on an inside (38) facing the switching mechanism housing (18) has a first connection contact part receptacle (58), in which the first connection contact part (44) is arranged, and a second connection contact part receptacle (62), in which the second connection contact part (46) is arranged. Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 5, wherein the first connection contact part receptacle (58) has a first recess (60) in which the first connection contact part (44) is embedded, and wherein the second connection contact part receptacle (62) has a second recess (64) in which the second connection contact part (46) is embedded. Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 6, wherein the first recess (60) and the second recess (64) lie in a common plane. Temperature-dependent switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection contact part (44) at least partially surrounds the second connection contact part (46). Temperature-dependent switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an intermediate layer part (68) made of electrically insulating material is arranged between the second connection contact part (46) and the switching mechanism housing (18). Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 9, wherein the switching mechanism housing (18) rests with a first housing section arranged on the first housing side (28) on the intermediate layer part (68) and with a second housing section arranged on the first housing side (28) either directly on the first connection -Contact part (44) or with the interposition of a connecting part (66) made of electrically conductive material rests on the first connection contact part (44). Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 10, wherein the first connection contact part (44) is arranged via the connection part (66) made of electrically conductive material, which is arranged between the first connection contact part (44) and the first base body (26) of the switching mechanism housing (18). , is electrically connected to the first base body (26) of the rear derailleur housing (18). Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 11, wherein the connecting part (66) is L-shaped in cross section and rests on the first housing side (28) and on the housing peripheral side (32) of the switching mechanism housing (18). Temperature-dependent switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer peripheral surface (70) of the switching mechanism housing (18) arranged on the housing peripheral side (32) rests on an inner peripheral surface (72) of the switch housing (12) arranged inside the switch housing (12). Temperature-dependent switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching mechanism (10) is designed to hold the switch (100) in a low-temperature position below a response temperature of the bimetal snap-action disk (20), in which the switching mechanism (10) via the movable contact part (24) establishes an electrical connection between the first connection contact part (44) and the second connection contact part (46), and when the response temperature is exceeded, the switch (100) is brought into a high-temperature position in which the switching mechanism (10) the electrical connection is interrupted. Temperature-dependent switch according to claim 14, wherein the bimetal snap disk (20) is designed to snap from a geometrically stable low-temperature configuration to a geometrically stable high-temperature configuration when the response temperature is exceeded, and wherein the bimetal snap disk (20) in its high-temperature configuration on a on the first housing side (28) of the rear derailleur housing (18) is supported on the support surface (76), which is formed on the first base body (26) of the rear derailleur housing (18), and thereby keeps the movable contact part (24) at a distance from the stationary contact part (36 ) holds.

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