EP4539083A1 - Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation - Google Patents

Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4539083A1
EP4539083A1 EP24221096.1A EP24221096A EP4539083A1 EP 4539083 A1 EP4539083 A1 EP 4539083A1 EP 24221096 A EP24221096 A EP 24221096A EP 4539083 A1 EP4539083 A1 EP 4539083A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
temperature
switching mechanism
snap
action disc
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24221096.1A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Marcel P. Hofsaess
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4539083A1 publication Critical patent/EP4539083A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H37/5427—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting encapsulated in sealed miniaturised housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/04—Bases; Housings; Mountings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/64—Contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H2037/5472—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting having an omega form, e.g. the bimetallic snap element having a ring shape with a central tongue
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H2037/5481—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting the bimetallic snap element being mounted on the contact spring

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a temperature-dependent switching mechanism for a temperature-dependent switch.
  • the present invention further relates to a temperature-dependent switch with such a temperature-dependent switching mechanism.
  • Temperature-dependent switches are already known in many different forms. An example of a temperature-dependent switch is shown in DE 10 2011 119 632 B3 revealed.
  • Such temperature-dependent switches are used in a conventional manner to monitor the temperature of a device.
  • 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 located 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 switching mechanism is arranged inside a switch housing.
  • the switch housing is constructed in two parts. It has a lower part which is firmly connected to a cover part with an insulating film in between.
  • the temperature-dependent switching mechanism arranged in the switch housing has a spring snap disc to which a movable contact part is attached, as well as a bimetallic snap disc which is placed over the movable contact part.
  • the spring snap disc 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 disc is supported in the lower part of the switch housing so that the electrical current flows from the lower part through the spring snap disc and the movable contact part into the stationary counter contact and from there into the cover part.
  • the temperature-dependent switching behavior of the switch is primarily due to the temperature-dependent bimetallic snap-action disc.
  • This is usually a multi-layer, active, sheet-metal component consisting of two, three, or four interconnected components with different thermal expansion coefficients.
  • the individual layers of metals or metal alloys in such bimetallic snap-action discs are usually bonded or positively connected, for example, by rolling.
  • Such a bimetallic snap-action disc exhibits a first stable geometric configuration (low-temperature configuration) at low temperatures, below the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc, and a second stable geometric configuration (high-temperature configuration) at high temperatures, above the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc.
  • first stable geometric configuration low-temperature configuration
  • second stable geometric configuration high-temperature configuration
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc jumps from its low-temperature configuration to its high-temperature configuration in a hysteresis-like manner.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc If the temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc rises above its response temperature due to a temperature increase in the device to be protected, it switches from its low-temperature configuration to its high-temperature configuration.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc works against the spring-loaded snap-action disc, lifting the movable contact part from the stationary counter-contact, causing the switch to open and shut down the device to be protected, preventing it from heating up further.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc snaps back into its low-temperature configuration so that the switch is closed again as soon as the temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc drops below the so-called return temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc as a result of the cooling of the device to be protected.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc In its low-temperature configuration, the bimetallic snap-action disc is preferably mounted in the switch housing in a mechanically force-free manner, whereby the bimetallic snap-action disc is also not used to conduct the current.
  • This has the advantage that the bimetallic snap-action disc has a longer service life and that the switching point, i.e., the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc, remains unchanged even after many switching cycles.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc is therefore preferably inserted into the switch housing as a loose individual part during manufacture.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc for example, is slipped over the contact part attached to the spring-loaded snap-action disc using a central through-hole provided therein. Only when the switch housing is closed is the bimetallic snap-action disc then fixed in place and its position relative to the other components of the switching mechanism determined.
  • the production of such a switch, in which the bimetallic snap-action disc is inserted individually has proven to be relatively cumbersome, since several steps are necessary to insert the switch into the switch housing.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc is therefore pre-connected (outside the switch housing) to the contact piece attached to the spring-loaded snap-action disc. To do this, the bimetallic snap-action disc is slipped over the contact piece, and then an upper collar of the contact piece is folded over. As a result, not only is the spring-loaded snap-action disc attached to the contact piece, but the bimetallic snap-action disc is also held captive to it.
  • the switch mechanism consisting of the bimetallic snap-action disc, the spring-loaded snap-action disc, and the contact part, can thus be manufactured in advance as a semi-finished product, forming a captive unit that can be stored separately as bulk material. During switch production, the switch mechanism can then be installed into the switch housing as a captive unit in a single step. This simplifies switch production considerably.
  • the spring snap-action disc on the DE 10 211 119 632 B3 The switch known from the prior art is welded or soldered to the contact part to ensure the best possible electrical contact between the two components.
  • the welded or soldered connection between the contact part and the spring-loaded snap-action disc can break.
  • Such defective switches can then, of course, no longer be used.
  • a particular problem is that such a defect can only be detected after the switch has been assembled, since only then is a functional test of the switchgear possible.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc, the spring-loaded snap-action disc, and the contact part form a captive unit even before installation in the switch housing. This unit can be inserted into the switch housing as a whole during production and can be stored in advance as bulk material.
  • the contact part has a shell made of softer metal and a core made of electrically conductive, harder metal.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring-loaded snap-action disc are slipped onto the casing and molded into the softer metal of the casing.
  • this type of connection often leads to inadvertent detachment of the bimetallic snap disc and/or the spring snap disc from the contact part during storage of the switchgear.
  • the captive unit of the switching mechanism is achieved by connecting the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring-loaded snap-action disc with a rivet.
  • this rivet can also form the movable contact part of the switching mechanism.
  • the rivet is constructed in two parts and has a rivet bolt that interacts with a hollow rivet, or a rivet bolt with an attached counterholder.
  • the pre-produced switching mechanism as a semi-finished product should then be as easy to use as possible in a temperature-dependent switch and enable its production with as few work steps as possible. Furthermore, a functional test of the switching mechanism should be possible even before its installation in the switch.
  • the derailleur comprises an additional derailleur housing in which the derailleur unit, which includes the bimetallic snap-action disc, the spring-loaded snap-action disc, and the contact part, is held captively but with some play.
  • the base body of the derailleur housing is preferably constructed in one piece.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc, the spring-loaded snap-action disc and the contact part form a captively held together switching mechanism unit, which can be pre-produced as a semi-finished product before being inserted into a temperature-dependent switch.
  • the switchgear housing not only offers the advantage of safe storage of the fragile switchgear components during bulk storage, it also enables a much simpler way of manufacturing the temperature-dependent switch in which the switchgear is later used.
  • the additional switch housing is not a closed housing in which the switch mechanism is hermetically sealed, but rather a partially open housing that has a first opening on the first housing side and a second opening on the second housing side through which the contact part is accessible from outside the switch housing.
  • the switch housing, together with the switch housing, can thus be inserted as a unit into a simplified switch housing, which forms the final switch housing.
  • a mating contact can be arranged on this switch housing, which interacts with the externally accessible contact part of the switch mechanism. No modification or further processing of the switch housing is necessary.
  • the switch housing surrounding the switchgear housing only needs to have two contacts that are electrically connected to one another via the switchgear. No further complex components need to be provided on the switch housing. It is therefore also possible to insert the switchgear according to the invention directly into an external switch housing that is designed integrally with the device to be monitored and is considerably simpler than conventional switch housings that hermetically seal the switchgear. Of course, it is also possible to insert the switchgear together with its switchgear housing into a conventional switch housing, as is the case, for example, with the DE 10 2011 119 632 B3 is known.
  • a further advantage of the switching mechanism according to the invention is that its functional testing can be performed even before installation in the switch or switch housing. Due to the switch housing now provided, in which the switching mechanism unit is encapsulated, the snap-action behavior of the bimetallic snap disc can be tested while still in the switching mechanism housing.
  • the derailleur according to the invention has the aforementioned second opening on the second side of the derailleur housing, through which the contact part is accessible from outside the derailleur housing. This second opening offers the advantage of increased freedom of movement of the contact part of the derailleur.
  • the housing peripheral side is designed as closed housing sides and only the first housing side and the second housing side opposite it are designed as partially open housing sides (due to the first and second openings provided thereon).
  • the contact part permanently projects out of the derailleur housing through the first opening or is movable together with the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring snap-action disc within the derailleur housing in such a way that the contact part projects out of the derailleur housing through the first opening upon a corresponding movement.
  • the contact part is thus at least partially directly accessible from the outside, so that the switch housing of the final switch only needs to have a first contact, which is electrically connected to the derailleur housing, and a second contact, which acts as a counter contact to the contact part of the derailleur.
  • the present invention relates not only to the temperature-dependent switching mechanism itself, but also to a temperature-dependent switch which, in addition to the temperature-dependent switching mechanism according to the invention, comprises a switch housing surrounding the switching mechanism, which has a first contact and a second contact, wherein the switching mechanism is designed to establish an electrical connection between the first and the second contact below a response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc and to interrupt the electrical connection when the response temperature is exceeded.
  • the switching mechanism is preferably designed to push the contact part through the first opening against the
  • the first opening in the derailleur housing therefore preferably simplifies the electrical contact between the derailleur and the switch housing when the switch is closed.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc is configured to snap from a low-temperature configuration to a high-temperature configuration when a response temperature is exceeded, and wherein the contact part protrudes from the switchgear housing through the first opening when the bimetallic snap-action disc is in its low-temperature configuration.
  • the contact part can protrude from the switching mechanism housing through the first opening and establish a direct mechanical and at the same time electrical contact with the contact arranged on the switch housing.
  • the contact part is preferably arranged in the second opening or protrudes from the switchgear housing through the second opening.
  • the second opening in the derailleur housing thus creates space for the contact element in the high-temperature position of the derailleur.
  • no additional space needs to be provided within the derailleur housing into which the contact element can "jump in” when the bimetallic snap disc switches from its low-temperature configuration to its high-temperature configuration.
  • a certain degree of freedom of movement of the contact element within the derailleur housing is absolutely necessary during this switching process. Since the contact element can "immerse" itself into the second opening in the high-temperature position of the derailleur, this freedom of movement does not need to be provided by a corresponding enlargement of the derailleur housing.
  • the derailleur housing can thus be designed comparatively compactly.
  • an inner diameter of the first opening as well as an inner diameter of the second opening are each smaller than an outer diameter of the bimetallic snap-action disc measured parallel thereto and/or smaller than an outer diameter of the spring snap-action disc measured parallel thereto.
  • the inner diameter of the first opening and the inner diameter of the second opening each refer to a clear dimension of the respective opening. Unless the respective opening is circular, it refers to the smallest possible diameter at the narrowest point of the respective opening.
  • the inner diameter of the second opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening.
  • the switchgear takes up more space in its low-temperature position on the first side of the switchgear housing than it does in its high-temperature position on the second side of the switchgear housing. Since electrical contact is preferably made through the first opening, the first opening should be large enough to prevent short circuits. For the second opening, it is sufficient if its inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the contact part, so that the contact part fits into the second opening when the switchgear is in the high-temperature position.
  • the second opening is designed as a centrally arranged hole in the second housing side of the derailleur housing.
  • the second opening can, for example, be a cylindrical hole in the derailleur housing.
  • the inner diameter of this hole is preferably larger than an outer diameter of the contact part.
  • the derailleur housing has a side wall forming the peripheral side of the housing, wherein at least one free, upper section of this side wall is bent over and forms the first housing side.
  • the derailleur can be manufactured very easily in this way by flanging at least one upper section of the side wall. This at least one bent upper section of the side wall then at least partially surrounds the derailleur unit from the first housing side.
  • the first housing side is partially open, since the bent upper section of the side wall does not cover the entire first housing side, but rather leaves a first opening there through which the contact part is accessible from outside the derailleur housing.
  • the first opening preferably forms a central part in the middle of the first housing side.
  • the upper edge of the side wall of the derailleur housing can be bent over as a whole so that it radially defines the first opening all around.
  • the at least one free, upper section of the side wall comprises several separate, circumferentially distributed, bent segments that form the first housing side. These individual segments can be bent or flanged much more easily to prevent wrinkling than an entire, circumferentially extending upper edge of the side wall of the derailleur housing.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc is designed to snap from a geometrically stable low-temperature configuration into a geometrically stable high-temperature configuration when a response temperature is exceeded, wherein the bimetallic snap-action disc in its low-temperature configuration is spaced from an inner surface of the at least one bent section arranged in the interior of the switchgear housing and in its high-temperature configuration is supported on the inner surface of the at least one bent section.
  • the bent upper section of the side wall, forming the first side of the derailleur housing not only serves to captively hold the derailleur unit in the derailleur housing, but also, according to this design, acts as a support against which the bimetallic snap-action disc rests from the inside in its high-temperature configuration. This ensures that the derailleur, including its derailleur housing, remains fully functional even without a switch housing. In its high-temperature configuration, the bimetallic snap-action disc can rest against the derailleur housing itself, allowing the contact part connected to the bimetallic snap-action disc to move within the derailleur housing when the bimetallic snap-action disc snaps. A functional test of the derailleur can therefore easily be carried out before the derailleur is installed in the switch.
  • the two configurations of the bimetallic snap-action disc mentioned above refer to different geometric positions of the bimetallic snap-action disc.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc In the low-temperature configuration or low-temperature position, the bimetallic snap-action disc is preferably convexly curved on its upper side. In the high-temperature configuration or high-temperature position, the bimetallic snap-action disc is preferably concavely curved on its upper side.
  • the derailleur housing is designed as a single piece. It preferably consists of a single piece from which all housing sides are integrally formed. This reduces the total number of parts and thus the costs. At the same time, it contributes to a very pressure-resistant construction of the derailleur. This is not only advantageous during storage of the derailleur as bulk material, but also also in the final installed state in which the switching mechanism is installed in the temperature-dependent switch.
  • the base body of the derailleur housing comprises an electrically conductive material.
  • the base body of the derailleur housing is made of an electrically conductive material.
  • This electrically conductive material is particularly preferably a metal.
  • This design allows the switchgear housing to be used as the current-carrying component of the temperature-dependent switch. In principle, it is also possible to use the switchgear housing itself as one of the two electrical contacts in the temperature-dependent switch. This simplifies the switch's design and enables very simple electrical connection.
  • the derailleur housing is designed to be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis.
  • the derailleur located therein is preferably also designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc has a first through-hole and the spring snap-action disc has a second through-hole, wherein the contact part is guided through the first through-hole and the second through-hole, wherein the contact part further has a support shoulder projecting radially from the base body, a first locking element arranged on a first side of the support shoulder, and a second locking element arranged on a second side of the support shoulder opposite the first side.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc is arranged between the first locking element and the support shoulder and is held captive by the first locking element and the support shoulder, but with some play, on the contact part.
  • the spring snap-action disc is arranged between the second locking element and the support shoulder and is held captive by the second locking element and the support shoulder, but with some play, on the contact part.
  • the locking elements can each be one or more retaining claws that protrude radially from the base body of the contact part.
  • the locking elements can each have a flanged collar that extends circumferentially around the base body of the contact part. Both the retaining claws and this bent collar can form individual circumferential sections of the base body or extend around the entire circumference of the base body. In this way, the two snap discs are held captive to the base body, but with some play.
  • the locking elements for holding and locking the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring-loaded snap-action disc are preferably integrally connected to the base body of the contact part, whereby they can be produced by forming a respective part of the base body.
  • the contact part is thus formed as a single piece, and the base body of the contact part is integrally connected to the support shoulder and the locking elements.
  • the contact part, the bimetallic snap-action disc, and the spring-loaded snap-action disc can be combined to form a switching mechanism unit consisting of only three parts, which is implemented as a captive unit.
  • the three-part design of the derailleur unit has the advantage of requiring as few necessary components as possible, as well as the advantage of a mechanically stable and robust design of the derailleur.
  • the first through-hole is arranged centrally in the bimetallic snap-action disc.
  • the second through-hole is preferably arranged centrally in the spring snap-action disc.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring-loaded snap-action disc are preferably each circular disk-shaped. Furthermore, the bimetallic snap-action disc and the spring-loaded snap-action disc are preferably each bistable.
  • bistable means that both snap-action discs each have two different, stable geometric configurations/positions, with the two stable configurations/positions of the bimetallic snap-action disc being temperature-dependent, and the two stable configurations/positions of the spring-action disc being temperature-independent. This ensures that the two snap-action discs remain stable in their respective positions after snapping from one configuration to the other, without undesired snapping back. Snapping of the switching mechanism therefore only occurs when the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc is exceeded and the return temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc is undershot. The spring-action disc snaps into its respective other configuration/position together with the bimetallic snap-action disc.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the switching mechanism according to the invention in a schematic sectional view.
  • the switching mechanism is designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10.
  • the derailleur 10 is a temperature-dependent derailleur. It comprises a functional derailleur unit 12 and a derailleur housing 14 surrounding this derailleur unit 12.
  • the derailleur housing 14 has a one-piece base body that at least partially surrounds the derailleur unit 12 from all six spatial directions.
  • the derailleur housing 14, or the base body forming the derailleur housing is designed as a partially open housing, so that the derailleur unit 12 is accessible from at least two spatial directions, preferably from only two spatial directions, from outside the derailleur housing 14.
  • the derailleur unit 12 is held captively in the derailleur housing 14. As long as the derailleur 10 is not inserted into a temperature-dependent switch, there is preferably a certain amount of play between the derailleur unit 12 and the derailleur housing 14.
  • the derailleur unit 12 is movable within the derailleur housing 14 in the low-temperature position of the derailleur 10.
  • the switching unit 12 is constructed in three parts.
  • the switching unit 12 has a temperature-dependent bimetallic snap-action disc 16, a temperature-independent spring snap-action disc 18 and a contact part 20.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 and the spring snap-action disc 18 are held captively on the contact part 20.
  • the derailleur unit 12 can thus be pre-produced as a semi-finished product and then inserted as a whole into the derailleur housing 14.
  • the derailleur 10 together with the derailleur unit 12 and the derailleur housing 14 then also form a semi-finished product for a temperature-dependent switch that will later be produced from it.
  • the switching mechanism 10 can be stored as bulk material until it is installed in a temperature-dependent switch.
  • the components 16, 18, 20 of the switching mechanism unit 12 themselves do not necessarily have to be captively connected to one another, since this connecting function is already ensured by the switching mechanism housing 14.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 and the spring-loaded snap-action disc 18 can therefore also be loosely mounted on the contact part 20, as long as the three components 16, 18, 20 are held together by the switching mechanism housing 14. Even then, the switching mechanism 10 can be pre-produced and stored as bulk material.
  • the switchgear housing 14 protects the fragile components of the switchgear unit 12, in particular the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 and the spring-loaded snap-action disc 18, from damage during bulk material storage. Installing the switchgear unit 12 in such a switchgear housing 14 also has the advantage that the switchgear 10 can be very easily inserted as a switchgear inlay into a temperature-dependent switch being manufactured. Due to this very simple handling of the switchgear, the assembly process of the temperature-dependent switch can be easily automated.
  • the one-piece base body forming the derailleur housing 14 surrounds the derailleur unit 12 from a first housing side 22, a second housing side 24 opposite the first housing side 22 and a housing side 24 between and transverse to the first and second housing sides 22, 24, in each case at least partially.
  • the derailleur housing 14 completely surrounds the derailleur unit 12 from the housing circumferential side 26.
  • the housing circumferential side 26 therefore preferably forms a closed housing side of the derailleur housing 14.
  • the first housing side 22 and the second housing side 24 are each partially open housing sides of the derailleur housing 14.
  • the housing circumferential side 26 surrounds the derailleur unit 12 along the entire circumference, i.e. from a total of four spatial directions oriented orthogonally to one another.
  • the derailleur housing 14 only partially surrounds the derailleur unit 12 from the two remaining spatial directions, which are orthogonal to the four spatial directions mentioned.
  • the main body of the derailleur housing 14 On the first housing side 22, the main body of the derailleur housing 14 has a first opening 28 through which the contact part 20 is accessible from outside the derailleur housing 14. On the second housing side 24, the main body of the derailleur housing 14 has a second opening 29 through which the contact part 20 is also accessible from outside the derailleur housing 14.
  • the contact part 20 permanently projects outwards through the first opening 28.
  • the contact part 20 is accessible from the outside through the first opening 28 and the derailleur unit 12 is movable within the derailleur housing 14 in such a way that the contact part 20 projects outwards through the first opening 28 upon a corresponding movement within the derailleur housing 14. This is preferably the case in particular when the derailleur 10 is in its Fig. 1 shown low temperature position.
  • the second opening 29, however, is particularly required when the switching mechanism 10 is in its high-temperature position (see Fig. 4 ).
  • This second opening 29 then offers the possibility of greater freedom of movement of the derailleur unit 12 within the derailleur housing 14, since the contact part then also protrudes from the derailleur housing 14 through the second opening 29 in this position of the derailleur 10. protrude or at least partially protrude into the second opening 29.
  • the structure of the derailleur housing 14 can be designed flatter with such a second opening 29 than without such a second opening 29.
  • An inner diameter d 1 of the first opening 28 is smaller than an outer diameter D 3 of the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 and/or the spring snap-action disc 18, measured parallel thereto.
  • an inner diameter d 2 of the second opening 29 is smaller than the outer diameter D 3 of the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 and/or the spring snap-action disc 18.
  • the inner diameter d 2 of the second opening 29 is smaller than the inner diameter d 1 of the first opening 28. However, the inner diameter d 2 of the second opening 29 should be larger than the outer diameter of the contact part 20.
  • the derailleur housing 14 is constructed in one piece and consists of a base body made of an electrically conductive material, for example, metal.
  • the base body of the derailleur housing 14 has a bottom wall 30 and a side wall 32 integrally connected to the bottom wall.
  • the bottom wall 30 forms the second housing side 24 of the derailleur housing 14.
  • the second opening 29 is preferably configured as a central bore formed centrally in the bottom wall 30.
  • the side wall 32 forms the peripheral side 26 of the derailleur housing 14.
  • a free upper section 34 of the side wall 32 is bent toward a central axis 36, which forms the longitudinal axis of the contact part 20.
  • the upper section can be bent over along the entire circumference, so that the circumferential edge 38 of this bent upper section 34 delimits the first opening 28 of the derailleur housing 14 in the radial direction along the entire circumference.
  • the upper section 34 of the side wall 32 has several separate, circumferentially distributed arranged, bent segments 35, as shown in the plan view in Fig. 2 is shown.
  • the spring snap-action disc 18 rests with its outer edge against the switching mechanism housing 14. More precisely, the spring snap-action disc 18 rests with its outer edge on an inner side 40 of the base wall 30 facing the switching mechanism unit 12. In this position of the switching mechanism 10, the spring snap-action disc 18 supports the contact part 20. In this switching mechanism position, the bimetallic snap-action disc 16, on the other hand, is mounted in the switching mechanism housing 14 with more or less no force.
  • the two snap-action discs 16, 18 are preferably circular disk-shaped and each have a centrally located through-hole 42, 44.
  • the through-hole 42 located centrally in the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 is referred to herein as the first through-hole.
  • the through-hole 44 located in the spring snap-action disc 18 is referred to as the second through-hole.
  • the two snap-action discs 16, 18 are placed over the contact part 20 from opposite sides with their respective through holes 42, 44. Thus, the contact part 20 penetrates both snap-action discs 16, 18 at a central point.
  • the contact part 20 has a base body 46, which is preferably solid and made of an electrically conductive material.
  • the base body 46 extends through the two through holes 42, 44.
  • the contact part 20 has a support shoulder 48 projecting radially from the base body 46.
  • the two snap-action discs 16, 18 rest against this support shoulder 48 from opposite sides.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 is arranged on a first side of the support shoulder 48, which Fig. 1 and 2 forms the upper side of the support shoulder 48.
  • the spring snap-action disc 18 is arranged on a second side of the support shoulder 48 opposite the first side, which in Fig. 1 and 2 forms the underside of the support shoulder 48.
  • locking elements 50, 52 are formed on the contact part 20, by means of which the two snap discs 16, 18 are held on the contact part 20.
  • the two locking elements 50, 52 protrude radially from the base body 46 of the contact part 20.
  • the first locking element 50 is arranged on the first side of the support shoulder 48.
  • the second locking element 52 is arranged on the opposite second side of the support shoulder 48.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 is arranged between the first locking element 50 and the support shoulder 48 and is held captively on the contact part 20 due to the radial projection of the first locking element 50 and the support shoulder 48 between the first locking element 50 and the support shoulder 48.
  • the spring snap-action disc 18 is arranged between the second locking element 52 and the support shoulder 48 and is held captively on the contact part 20 due to the radial projection of the second locking element 52 and the support shoulder 48 between the second locking element 52 and the support shoulder 48.
  • the contact part 20, together with the support shoulder 48 and the two locking elements 50, 52, is formed as a single piece.
  • the support shoulder 48 and the two locking elements 50, 52 are thus formed integrally with the base body 46 of the contact part 20.
  • the two locking elements 50, 52 are each designed as a circumferentially extending collar.
  • the circumferentially extending collar forming the first locking element 50 protrudes radially upwards from the base body 46 of the contact part 20.
  • the collar forming the second locking element 52 protrudes radially downwards from the base body 46 of the contact part 20.
  • Both collars can be formed relatively easily by forming a circumferential cut notch into the contact part 20.
  • the cut notches are formed into the contact part after the two snap discs 16, 18 with their through holes 40, 42 have been slipped over the contact part 20.
  • the two locking elements 50, 52 can also each have one or more retaining claws (not shown). Such retaining claws are also preferably formed integrally with the base body 46 of the contact part 20.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 is held on the contact part 20 with greater play than the spring snap-action disc 18. This ensures sufficient freedom of movement of the bimetallic snap-action disc 16. At the same time, the slightly smaller play between the spring snap-action disc 18 and the contact part 20 enables the best possible electrical contact between these two components.
  • Fig. 1 shown low-temperature position into the high-temperature position within the switching mechanism housing 14.
  • sufficient space must be available, in particular, for the contact part 20 so that it does not collide with the bottom wall 30 in the high-temperature position of the switching mechanism 10. This is made possible, as already mentioned, according to the invention by the opening 29 provided in the bottom wall 30.
  • FIG. 3 and 4 An embodiment of a temperature-dependent switch in which the switching mechanism 10 according to the invention can be used is shown in a schematic sectional view.
  • the switch is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 100.
  • Fig. 3 shows the low temperature position of switch 100.
  • Fig. 4 shows the high temperature position of switch 100.
  • the switch 100 has, according to the Fig. 3 and 4 shown embodiment has a switch housing 56, which functions as a surrounding housing for the switching mechanism 10.
  • the derailleur 10 is inserted into the switch housing 56 together with its derailleur housing 14.
  • the derailleur 10 corresponds to the Fig. 1 shown embodiment.
  • the switch housing 56 comprises a pot-like lower part 58 and a cover part 60, which is held to the lower part 58 by a bent or flanged edge 62.
  • the housing is made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal.
  • An insulating film 64 is arranged between the lower part 58 and the cover part 60.
  • the insulating film 64 provides electrical insulation between the lower part 58 and the cover part 60.
  • the insulating film 64 provides a mechanical seal that prevents liquids or contaminants from entering the housing interior.
  • the lower part 58 and the cover part 60 are each made of electrically conductive material, thermal contact with an electrical device to be protected can be established via their outer surfaces.
  • the outer surfaces also serve as the external electrical connection of the switch 100.
  • the outer surface 61 of the cover part 60 can function as the first electrical connection
  • the outer side 59 of the lower part 58 can function as the second electrical connection.
  • a further insulation layer 66 may be arranged on the outside of the cover part 60.
  • the switching mechanism 10 is clamped between the lower part 58 and the cover part 60. It is particularly important that the contact part 20 is aligned with a mating contact 70 located on the inside of the cover part 60.
  • This mating contact 70 is also referred to herein as the first stationary contact.
  • the inside 71 of the lower part 58 serves as the second stationary contact.
  • the temperature-independent spring snap-action disc 18 In the low-temperature position of the switch 100 shown, the temperature-independent spring snap-action disc 18 is in its first configuration and the temperature-dependent bimetallic snap-action disc 16 is in its low-temperature configuration.
  • the spring snap-action disc 18 presses the contact part 20 through the first opening 28 against the mating contact 70.
  • the switch 100 is thus in its closed position, in which an electrically conductive connection is established between the first stationary contact 70 and the second stationary contact 71 via the contact part 20 and the spring snap-action disc 18.
  • the contact pressure between the contact part 20 and the first stationary contact 70 is generated by the spring snap-action disc 18.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 In this state, the bimetallic snap-action disc 16, however, is mounted in the switchgear housing 14 with almost no force.
  • the bimetal snap-action disc 16 snaps from its Fig. 3 shown convex low-temperature position into its concave high-temperature position, which is Fig. 4 is shown.
  • the bimetallic snap disc 16 rests with its outer edge on the first housing side 22 of the derailleur housing 14. More precisely, the bimetallic snap disc 16 rests on an inner surface 72 of the bent upper section 34 arranged inside the derailleur housing 14.
  • the spring snap disc 18 bends downwards at its center at the same time, so that the spring snap disc 18 is released from its Fig. 3 shown, first stable geometric configuration into its Fig. 4 shown, second geometrically stable configuration snaps over.
  • said inner surface 72 is formed jointly by the undersides of the individual segments 35.
  • Fig. 4 shows the high-temperature position of switch 100, in which it is open. The circuit is thus interrupted.
  • the bimetallic snap-action disc 16 snaps back into its low-temperature position when the reset temperature is reached, which is also referred to as the return temperature, as it is used, for example, in Fig. 3 This allows reversible switching behavior to be realized.
  • the switch housing 56 shown is an exemplary switch housing. It is understood that the switching mechanism 10 according to the invention, particularly due to the provision of the extra switching mechanism housing 14, can be used in switch housings of completely different designs.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
EP24221096.1A 2022-12-21 2023-12-06 Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation Pending EP4539083A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102022134380.4A DE102022134380B3 (de) 2022-12-21 2022-12-21 Temperaturabhängige Schaltwerke und temperaturabhängiger Schalter mit einem solchen Schaltwerk
EP23214768.6A EP4391001A1 (fr) 2022-12-21 2023-12-06 Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation

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EP23214768.6A Division EP4391001A1 (fr) 2022-12-21 2023-12-06 Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation

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EP4539083A1 true EP4539083A1 (fr) 2025-04-16

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EP23214768.6A Pending EP4391001A1 (fr) 2022-12-21 2023-12-06 Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation
EP24221096.1A Pending EP4539083A1 (fr) 2022-12-21 2023-12-06 Mécanisme de commutation dépendant de la température et interrupteur dépendant de la température doté d'un tel mécanisme de commutation

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EP (2) EP4391001A1 (fr)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022118405B3 (de) * 2022-07-22 2023-08-24 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk und temperaturabhängiger Schalter mit einem solchen Schaltwerk
DE102022120445B3 (de) * 2022-08-12 2023-11-30 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiger Schalter
DE102022120446B3 (de) * 2022-08-12 2023-11-30 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiger Schalter

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US2861151A (en) * 1957-04-22 1958-11-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Temperature-controlled apparatus
DE2917482A1 (de) 1979-04-30 1980-11-06 Hofsass P Waermeschutzschalter
DE19919648A1 (de) 1999-04-30 2000-12-07 Marcel Hofsaess Gerät mit in einer Tasche vorgesehenem temperaturabhängigen Schaltwerk
WO2006105560A1 (fr) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Antonyan, Armen Relais thermique a bilame
DE102007014237A1 (de) 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Hofsaess, Marcel P. Temperaturabhängiger Schalter und dafür vorgesehenes Schaltwerk
DE102011119632B3 (de) 2011-11-22 2013-04-11 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk
EP2843680A2 (fr) * 2013-08-07 2015-03-04 Thermik Gerätebau GmbH Commutateur thermique
US20150109092A1 (en) * 2013-10-17 2015-04-23 Thermik Geraetebau Gmbh Temperature-dependent switching mechanism
DE102022118405B3 (de) 2022-07-22 2023-08-24 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk und temperaturabhängiger Schalter mit einem solchen Schaltwerk

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JPH0731051A (ja) * 1993-07-05 1995-01-31 Texas Instr Japan Ltd 過昇温防止機能付き過電流保護装置
DE19514853C2 (de) * 1995-04-26 1997-02-27 Marcel Hofsaes Temperaturwächter mit einem bei Übertemperatur schaltenden Bimetall-Schaltwerk
DE19527253B4 (de) * 1995-07-26 2006-01-05 Thermik Gerätebau GmbH Nach dem Baukastenprinzip aufgebauter Temperaturwächter
DE19727197C2 (de) * 1997-06-26 1999-10-21 Marcel Hofsaess Temperaturabhängiger Schalter mit Kontaktbrücke
DE19847209C2 (de) * 1998-10-13 2002-04-25 Marcel Hofsaes Schalter mit einem Isolierstoffträger
DE102019125451B4 (de) * 2019-09-20 2021-04-08 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiger Schalter
DE102019132433B4 (de) * 2019-11-29 2021-08-12 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiger Schalter und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2861151A (en) * 1957-04-22 1958-11-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Temperature-controlled apparatus
DE2917482A1 (de) 1979-04-30 1980-11-06 Hofsass P Waermeschutzschalter
DE19919648A1 (de) 1999-04-30 2000-12-07 Marcel Hofsaess Gerät mit in einer Tasche vorgesehenem temperaturabhängigen Schaltwerk
WO2006105560A1 (fr) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Antonyan, Armen Relais thermique a bilame
DE102007014237A1 (de) 2007-03-16 2008-09-18 Hofsaess, Marcel P. Temperaturabhängiger Schalter und dafür vorgesehenes Schaltwerk
DE102011119632B3 (de) 2011-11-22 2013-04-11 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk
EP2843680A2 (fr) * 2013-08-07 2015-03-04 Thermik Gerätebau GmbH Commutateur thermique
US20150109092A1 (en) * 2013-10-17 2015-04-23 Thermik Geraetebau Gmbh Temperature-dependent switching mechanism
DE102022118405B3 (de) 2022-07-22 2023-08-24 Marcel P. HOFSAESS Temperaturabhängiges Schaltwerk und temperaturabhängiger Schalter mit einem solchen Schaltwerk

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US20240212961A1 (en) 2024-06-27
CN118231183A (zh) 2024-06-21
EP4391001A1 (fr) 2024-06-26
US12586745B2 (en) 2026-03-24
DE102022134380B3 (de) 2024-02-08

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