US3613041A - Thermal-responsive switch - Google Patents

Thermal-responsive switch Download PDF

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Publication number
US3613041A
US3613041A US885026A US3613041DA US3613041A US 3613041 A US3613041 A US 3613041A US 885026 A US885026 A US 885026A US 3613041D A US3613041D A US 3613041DA US 3613041 A US3613041 A US 3613041A
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United States
Prior art keywords
switch
housing
trigger
terminal
assembly
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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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US885026A
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English (en)
Inventor
Walter P Graber
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Kysor Industrial Corp
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Kysor Industrial Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of US3613041A publication Critical patent/US3613041A/en
Assigned to KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF reassignment KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/275—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means with sensing element expanding, contracting, or fusing in response to changes of temperature
    • G05D23/27535—Details of the sensing element
    • G05D23/27537—Details of the sensing element using expansible fluid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • 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

Definitions

  • terminal spring clips such compression being by compressed 166 CT; 337/314, 315, 327, 354, 388, 39 9 biasing means that also functions as a return shifter for the 398; 339/45 R, 45 M, 47 R, 47 C, 48, 49 R, 49 temperature-responsive expansion means.
  • the terminal spring 176 clips are on the inner end of a special end cap removably secured to the switch assembly housing, such clips being [56] References Cited separated by insulating fence means, and being electrically UNITED STATES PATENTS connected to external connector posts also separated by insu- 3 ,082,306 3/1963 Howard 337/398X latingfence means.
  • This invention relates to thermal-responsive switch assemblies, and more particularly to thermal switch assemblies having exceptional stability tional conditions.
  • thermal-responsive switch assembly uniquely constructed to have excellent stability against vibrational failure.
  • the assembly is particularly suitable for detecting overheated conditions in the cooling system of an internal combustion engine.
  • the unit requires no potting. It is capable of simple disassembly for servicing.
  • the internal components are specially retained under compression inside the housing, effecting stable electrical connections between slip-fitted terminal members.
  • the spring functioning to provide this compression action has a dual function, for it also effects a return bias for the components that have extended with temperature actuated expansion.
  • Insulation fences separate the terminal posts on the assembly exterior, and separate the terminal connections on the assembly interior.
  • the thennal switch assembly has a housing enclosing the shiftable components. These components move in response to expansion of an exposed sensor. The components are under compression in the housing, effecting secure electrical engagement between the terminal fingers of an inserted switch device and cooperative spring clip terminals of the housing end cap.
  • the cap has inner insulator fences between its spring clip terminals and outer insulator fences between its outer terminal posts.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the novel switch assembly
  • FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the switch assembly, taken on plane II-II of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the switch assembly in FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the switch assembly taken on plane IV-IV of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of one portion of the end cap structure in the switch assembly
  • FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the element in FIG. 5 taken on plane VI--Vl ofFIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the other portion of the end cap subassembly of the switch assembly
  • FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the end cap portion in FIG. 7, taken on plane VIII-VIII;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a second form of the novel switch assembly.
  • FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the assembly in FIG. 9, taken on plane X X.
  • the novel thermalresponsive switch assembly 10 includes a housing composed of a hollow sleeve or body member 12, illustrated as generally rectangular or square in cross section, 14 threadably attached to this body 12. Threadably engaged with one end of this housing 12, 14 is a temperature sensing and responsive subassembly l6.
  • Subassembly 16 includes a thermally responsive actuating element or button 18 which may be any of several well known, commercially available items containing a thermally expandable material, usually a semisolid, which functions to extend a pushpin 20 therefrom when the temperature of the button increases.
  • Sensor 16 is threadably connected to base 14, with nut 22 forming a locking means therebetween when sensing subassembly 16 is threadably inserted to the desired extent into housing subassembly 11.
  • a ring seal 24 between nut 22 and base 14 seals this connection.
  • housing subassembly'll On the opposite end of housing subassembly'll, and specifically on the open end of body 12 opposite base 14 and sensor subassembly 16, is an end cap subassembly 26 composed of a first inner portion 28 and a second outer portion 30.
  • a plurality of fasteners such as screws 32 secure both elements 28 and 30 to body l2-to close off this open end of the housing.
  • Elements 28 and '30 are formed of a polymeric material having electrical insulating characteristics, e.g. nylon, Teflon, polypropylene, or the like.
  • an electrical switch subassembly 50 Positioned within body 12 is an electrical switch subassembly 50 basically of type in US. Pat No.
  • Switch 50 includes a trigger 56 projecting therefrom toward sensor subassembly l6.
  • trigger 56 is arranged to cooperate with shiftable means affiliated with pushpin 20.
  • This shiftable means includes member 60 engaging pushpin 20 on one end and engaging axially movable member 62 on its opposite axial end. Projecting from opposite axial end of element 62 is a pin 64 aligned with trigger 56.
  • axial movement of pushpin 20 causes axial movement of element 60, which in turn shifts element 62, which in turn shifts pin 64 to shift trigger 56 inwardly of switch 50.
  • This movement of element 62, and thus of the entire shiftable means just noted, is against the bias of compression coil spring 70 abutting an axial face on one end of element 62, and abutting an axial face of sleeve 52 on the opposite end of the'spring.
  • Spring 70 is put under compression with assembly of the mechanism, as explained more fully hereinafter, but this shifting of the components with extension of pushpin 20 causes the spring to be put under further compression so that, with subsequent contraction of the material in bulb l8 and retraction of pushpin 20, the mechanism can be returned by spring 70 to the initial condition.
  • Pin 64 has a portion protruding into engageable position with trigger 56, and also has its opposite end portion in slidable relationship within the nose of hollow element 62.
  • element 62 Within element 62 is an enlarged head 64' on pin 64 limiting extension of pin 64 from element 62, and engaging a second smaller compression coil spring within element 62 and engaging the axial end of element 60 opposite pushpin 20.
  • the purpose of spring 80 is to allow pin 64 to depress trigger 56 until the switch is thrown, after which any excess extension of the shiftable means from excess expansion of the semisolid within sensor 18 compresses spring 80 to prevent damage to the switch by overextension of trigger 56 and the internal mechanism of the switch.
  • the bias of compression spring 80 subsequently returns the pin to its position with head 64' in engagement with the nose of element 62, when the shiftable means is retracted.
  • a coupling or base Vent 12' in housing 12 enables the components within the housing to shift without creating a compressed air pocket.
  • the nose of element 62 and hence pin 64 are kept aligned with trigger 56 by sliding engagement of the nose 62' of element 62 with a surrounding sleeve 76 that rests against sleeve 52.
  • Switch trigger 56' is biased to its most extended position by spring means within switch 50in the fashion illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,840,657. The switch is in one throwncondition normally. When trigger'56 is shifted inwardly of the switch, the
  • a plurality of electrical terminal fingers 78a, 78b, 78c, and 78d is interconnected to 78: to act as a common terminal.
  • this common terminal will be in circuit with terminal finger 78a in one position of the switch, and in circuit with terminal finger 78b in the second position of the switch.
  • These three axially protruding terminal fingers are in sliding contacting engagement with three physically and electrically separated spring clip terminals 80a, 80b, and 80:.
  • the base portions of these spring clip terminals are secured to end cap portion 30 by three studs 82a, 82b, and 82c which also project through the end cap and beyond to form electrical terminal posts as illustrated.
  • the inner ends of these spring clip terminals 80a, 80b, and 80c are configurated to have a limited spring action, preferably by extending slightly diagonally toward the terminal fingers 78a, 78b, and 780, and include generally U-shaped portions providing axially oriented receiving slots between the legs of the U for the terminal fingers 78a, 78b, and 78c.
  • the lengthof compression spring 70 is purposely made of a length to necessitate it being put under compression when end cap assembly 26 is forced into engagement with the end of housing or body 12 for connection of screws 32.
  • terminal fingers 78a, 78b, and 78c are forced into tight engagement with spring clip terminals 80a, 80b, and 80c no matter which position trigger 56 of switch 50 is in, Le. no matter whether the sensor 18 is exposed to a low or high temperature, enabling the assembly to maintain good electrical contact between these slidably interfitted components, in spite of the extensive vibration to which this assembly is normally subjected.
  • Switch 50 is retained in position in its receiving sleeve 52 by having the inner edge of an H-shaped insulating fence 28a (FIGS. 3, 5, and'6) on endcap element 28 engage the axial face of switch 50 from which terminal fingers 78a, 78b, and 78c protrude.
  • This projecting fence therefore serves a dual function.
  • the position of spring clips 80a, 80b, and 80c with respect to this fence are illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 6.
  • an electrical insulating fence 30a is provided on the outer face of end cap portion 30, this fence being composed of three radially extending fence walls separating the three terminal posts to prevent accidental shorting between them.
  • the apparatus is intended to cause an alarm to be activated, or alternately to shut down a vehicular electrical system or the like upon sensing the abnormally high temperature condition.
  • the sensor bulb 18 is positioned within the coolant flow circuit of a vehicle, such attachment being made for example by threadably connecting body 14 with threads 14' to a drilled and tapped hole in the wall of the coolant system. Electrical connections of the controlled circuit are made to terminal posts 82a, 82b, and 82c.
  • extension of pushpin with expansion of the semisolid within bulb 18 causes elements 60, 62, and 64 to extend axially (to the left as the unit is illustrated in FIG.
  • switch trigger 56 to extend again and reverse the switch due to the bias of the internal return spring in switch 50.
  • the switch can remain in a dormant position for many hours, subjected to the vibrations of the engine and vehicle in general, yet be instantly responsive to the condition to be sensed.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 is illustrated another form of the novel device, very similar to the previous form already described, except that the axially shiftable means is capable of activating two switches sequentially. This can, for example, first cause an alarm with a predetermined elevated undesirable temperature, and subsequently shut down the engine with a predetermined higher undesirable temperature condition.
  • This assembly includes the same sensor subassembly 116 and basically the same housing subassembly 111 with its end cap subassembly 126.
  • the pushpin 120 shiftable axially with expansion of the sensor means, engages like element 160 which in turn is axially engaged with a modified element 262.
  • Element 262 supports two pushpins 264 and 264a, each protruding from the forward axial end of element 262, and having respective safety springs 280 and 280a to account for excessive extension of the axially shiftable means. These respective pins 264 and 264a cooperate with switches 250 and 250a respectively which are retained within an axially slidable sleeve 152 by the fence 1280 of end cap portion 128. Switches 250 and 250a include protruding triggers 256 and 256a respectively aligned with pins 264 and 264a to be shifted thereby.
  • terminal fingers of these two switches interengage with terminal spring dips attached to end cap portion in the same fashion as previously, to complete an electrical connection to the three terminal posts 182a, 182b, and l82c.
  • the end cap means is secured to the housing by screws 132, putting the slide connections between the spring clips and the terminal fingers under compression, due to the compression of coil spring 170- between the axial facev of sleeve 152 and an axial face of element 262.
  • Pins 264 and 2640 are made of a difi'erent length to cause triggers 256 and 256a to be thrown sequentially with continued axial extension of the shiftable means in response to expansion of the semisolid sensor material in the sensor assembly 116. Specifically, as pushpin 120 extends away from the sensor bulb, i.e. to the left as the unit is illustrated in H6. 9, and pushes element 160, and as element pushes element 262, first pushpin 264 will engage and axially shift.
  • a thermal-responsive switch assembly comprising: a housing; expandable thermal sensor means at one end of said housing; shiftable means extending from said expandable sensor means in said housing; electrical switch means in said housing including trigger means cooperatively arranged with respect to said shifting means to be shiftably actuated thereby; said switch means having terminal fingers extending therefrom; spring clip terminal means secured in said housing and in engagement with said terminal fingers by a slip fit; and biasing means in said housing arranged to bias said switch means toward said spring clip terminal means sufficiently to put said slip fit engagement under compression.
  • biasing means comprises spring means positioned to bias said switch means as defined, and also to apply a return bias on said shiftable means toward said thermal sensor means.
  • said switch means includes dual trigger means
  • said shiftable means includes dual shifting portions aligned with said dual trigger means but spaced different amounts with respect thereto to activate said dual trigger means sequentially with expansion of said sensor means.
  • each-of said dual shifting portions is compressible between said trigger means and said sensor means to compress and absorb excess expansion of said sensor means toward said shifting portions after shifting ac-' tivation of said trigger means.
  • the assembly in claim 1 including a receptor supporting said switch means and mounted for limited movement in said housing by said biasing means.
  • a thermal responsive switch assembly comprising; a housing; expandable thermal sensor means at one axial end of said housing; end cap means removably secured to the opposite axial end of said housing; switch means in said housing, having limited axial movability therein; said switch means including a trigger means protruding toward said sensor means, and a plurality of terminal elements protruding toward said end cap means; said end cap means having a plurality of terminal members slidably interfitting with said switch terminal elements; compression spring means in said housing positioned to be compressed by said switch means with attachment of said end cap means to said housing for forcibly retaining said terminal elements and tenninal members in en gagement; trigger-shifting pusher means between said sensor means and said trigger means; and said compression spring means operably engaging said pusher means to alternatively be compressed by said pusher means and then to extend to return said pusher means.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
US885026A 1969-12-15 1969-12-15 Thermal-responsive switch Expired - Lifetime US3613041A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US88502669A 1969-12-15 1969-12-15
GB5820671A GB1371635A (en) 1969-12-15 1971-12-15 Thermally responsive switches
CH224272A CH534957A (de) 1969-12-15 1972-02-16 Temperaturgesteuerte Schaltvorrichtung

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US3613041A true US3613041A (en) 1971-10-12

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US885026A Expired - Lifetime US3613041A (en) 1969-12-15 1969-12-15 Thermal-responsive switch

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CH (1) CH534957A (de)
GB (1) GB1371635A (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0013097A3 (de) * 1978-12-29 1980-12-10 Kysor Industrial Corp Temperaturabhängiges fluidisches Steuerventil.
US4483287A (en) * 1982-05-10 1984-11-20 Kysor Industrial Corporation Mechanical engine protection system
US4526140A (en) * 1982-05-10 1985-07-02 Kysor Industrial Corporation Mechanical engine protection system
EP0160710A1 (de) * 1984-05-03 1985-11-13 Deere & Company Reedkontaktschalter mit einem Gehäuse und einem Impulsgeber
EP0166159A3 (en) * 1984-06-22 1987-09-09 Reinhold Barlian Electrical switch
WO2009151999A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2009-12-17 Neilly William C Thermally activated electrical interrupt switch
US20180329439A1 (en) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-15 Rostra Vernatherm, Llc Dual Set Point Temperature Switch

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5213205A (en) * 1988-08-11 1993-05-25 Pittway Corporation Switch enclosure

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10179C (de) * E. AMOUROUX in Paris Apparat zum Untersuchen der Beschaffenheit der Luft in Bergwerken, Brunnen und Abzugkanälen
US2395007A (en) * 1944-04-10 1946-02-19 United Electric Controls Co Automatic circuit controller
US2840657A (en) * 1955-03-23 1958-06-24 Illinois Tool Works Two circuit snap switch
US3082306A (en) * 1961-05-05 1963-03-19 John B Howard Thermo-responsive switch

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10179C (de) * E. AMOUROUX in Paris Apparat zum Untersuchen der Beschaffenheit der Luft in Bergwerken, Brunnen und Abzugkanälen
US2395007A (en) * 1944-04-10 1946-02-19 United Electric Controls Co Automatic circuit controller
US2840657A (en) * 1955-03-23 1958-06-24 Illinois Tool Works Two circuit snap switch
US3082306A (en) * 1961-05-05 1963-03-19 John B Howard Thermo-responsive switch

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0013097A3 (de) * 1978-12-29 1980-12-10 Kysor Industrial Corp Temperaturabhängiges fluidisches Steuerventil.
US4483287A (en) * 1982-05-10 1984-11-20 Kysor Industrial Corporation Mechanical engine protection system
US4526140A (en) * 1982-05-10 1985-07-02 Kysor Industrial Corporation Mechanical engine protection system
EP0160710A1 (de) * 1984-05-03 1985-11-13 Deere & Company Reedkontaktschalter mit einem Gehäuse und einem Impulsgeber
EP0166159A3 (en) * 1984-06-22 1987-09-09 Reinhold Barlian Electrical switch
WO2009151999A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2009-12-17 Neilly William C Thermally activated electrical interrupt switch
US20120068811A1 (en) * 2008-06-10 2012-03-22 Neilly William C Method of thermally operating an electrical interrupt switch
US9076613B2 (en) * 2008-06-10 2015-07-07 William C. Neilly Method of thermally operating an electrical interrupt switch
US20180329439A1 (en) * 2017-05-11 2018-11-15 Rostra Vernatherm, Llc Dual Set Point Temperature Switch
US10359792B2 (en) * 2017-05-11 2019-07-23 Rostra Vernatherm, Llc Dual set point temperature switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1371635A (en) 1974-10-23
CH534957A (de) 1973-03-15

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF MI.

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.;REEL/FRAME:004474/0605

Effective date: 19850822

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KYSOR INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:022416/0346

Effective date: 20081217