Casing and sealed switching device for a temperature dependent switch - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a casing for receiving a temperature-dependent switch, in a hermetically sealed manner.SOLUTION: A casing (100) includes: a first casing part (52) made of metal; a second casing part (54) made of metal which is fixed to the first casing part (52) via hermetically sealing, electrically insulating connection; and a third casing part (56) made of an electrically insulated material which is arranged between the first casing part (52) and the second casing part (54). The first casing part (52) and a second metal casing part (54) together form a receptacle for a temperature-dependent switch (10). When inserted into the receptacle, the switch (10) is electrically connected to the first metal casing part (52) by a first external terminal of the switch and electrically connected to the second metal casing part (54) by a second external terminal of the switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a casing for hermetically sealing a temperature dependent switch.The present invention further relates to a sealed switching device comprising the casing and a temperature dependent switch arranged within the casing. [Background technology]

[0002] An exemplary temperature dependent switch is disclosed in German Patent Publication 37 33 693, which also discloses a casing for receiving the temperature dependent switch in a hermetically sealed manner.

[0003] Such temperature-dependent switches are primarily used in a known manner to monitor the temperature of a device, for which purpose they are placed in direct or indirect thermal contact with the device to be protected, so that the temperature of the device to be protected influences the temperature of a switching mechanism arranged inside the switch.

[0004] The switch is typically connected electrically in series with the supply circuit of the device to be protected via a connecting cable, so that the supply current of the device to be protected flows through the switch below the response temperature of the switching mechanism.

[0005] Such a temperature dependent switch comprises a temperature dependent switching mechanism, which is enclosed in a switch housing and which opens or closes a conductive connection between two external terminals of the switch depending on its temperature; more precisely, the temperature dependent switching mechanism is configured to switch between a closed state and an open state in a manner that is dependent on the temperature, where in the closed state the switching mechanism is assumed to be below a response temperature and the switching mechanism establishes a conductive connection between the two external terminals, and in the open state the switching mechanism is assumed to be above the response temperature and the switching mechanism interrupts the conductive connection.

[0006] To enable the above temperature dependent switching function, the temperature dependent switching mechanism disposed inside the switch housing typically comprises a bimetallic portion which rapidly transforms from its cold state to its hot state upon reaching a response temperature, thereby lifting a movable contact disposed on a device movable relative to the switch housing away from a fixed contact which is typically disposed in a fixed position inside the switch housing and electrically connected to one of the two external terminals of the switch, while the movable contact interacts either through the bimetallic portion or a spring portion associated with the bimetallic portion.

[0007] In certain applications, such switches require special sealing, which usually needs to be provided in addition to the conventional switch housing of the switch. This is necessary, for example, when such temperature dependent switches are applied in corrosive or explosive environments, as well as when the temperature dependent switches are inserted into environments where the switch is exposed to relatively high external pressures.

[0008] In the applications mentioned above, safety reasons may require that the temperature dependent switch be hermetically sealed or hermetically encapsulated.

[0009] In the switch disclosed in the above-mentioned German Patent Publication 37 33 693, this is solved by inserting the switch into a further metal housing. The further metal housing is provided with a separate cover, also made of metal, which is welded to the metal housing after the switch has been inserted. This cover is provided with a pressure-resistant glass feed-through made of glass, through which the connection cable of the switch is routed from the inside to the outside. Before the metal housing is hermetically sealed and after the switch has been inserted, the metal housing is flushed with an inert gas, preferably helium or nitrogen, and if necessary filled with this gas. The connection cable is usually laser-welded and the pressure-resistant glass feed-through is fused to the metal housing.

[0010] In this manner, a hermetically encapsulated temperature dependent switch can be constructed that is extremely pressure resistant and suitable for use in corrosive and potentially explosive environments.

[0011] However, the method for manufacturing the encapsulated temperature-dependent switch disclosed in DE-OS 37 33 693 has various disadvantages. Firstly, the manufacture of the hermetically encapsulated switch described therein requires a high level of manual labor. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent switching mechanism arranged inside the switch housing can be damaged when closing the metal housing or when mounting the glass pressure-glass feedthrough. Such glass melting leads to extremely high temperatures during its manufacture. However, typical temperature-dependent switching mechanisms inserted inside the switch can usually be exposed to temperatures of up to 200° C. to 500° C. without damage to the bimetallic parts inserted therein. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved casing for receiving, in a hermetically sealed manner, a temperature dependent switch, which casing is as simple as possible to manufacture, allows automated handling and preferably does not require exposure to critical (high) temperatures to encapsulate the switch with its switching mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the invention, this object is solved by a casing according to claim 1 comprising the following components: a first casing part made of metal; a second casing part made of metal, fixed to the first casing part by a gas-tight, electrically insulated connection; a third casing portion made of an electrically insulating material disposed between the first casing portion and the second casing portion; The first casing part and the second casing part together form a receiving portion for a temperature-dependent switch, which, when inserted into the receiving portion, is electrically connected to the first casing part by its first external terminal and is electrically connected to the second casing part by its second external terminal.

[0014] Thus, the casing according to the invention is made up of at least three parts: a first casing part made of metal, a second casing part made of metal and a third casing part made of an electrically insulating material, which is arranged between the first and second casing parts and ensures the electrical insulation of these two casing parts. The three casing parts together form a receptacle for a temperature-dependent switch, into which the temperature-dependent switch can be inserted.

[0015] One advantage of the casing according to the invention is that the casing with its three casing parts can be pre-manufactured as a semi-finished product in advance, i.e. before the switch is inserted into the casing. This greatly simplifies the final completion, since the switch only has to be inserted into the pre-manufactured receptacle and hermetically sealed therein in the final work step. This final work step can include the creation of the connection by welding, melting or soldering, which can be easily automated.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the hermetically sealing, material-locking and electrically insulating connection between the first and second casing parts can be made in advance, i.e. before the switch is inserted. The melting process typically required for this, which generates very high temperatures, therefore does not affect the switch itself, which is only inserted into the casing afterwards. The switching mechanism of the switch is therefore not damaged. This is a major difference from, for example, DE-A-37 33 693, where a pressure glass feedthrough made of heated glass can only be produced after the switch has been inserted into the metal housing.

[0017] A further advantage of the casing according to the invention is that, despite the insertion of the switch into the casing, the electrical connection of the switch is very simple, preferably automated and cheap. When the switch is inserted into the casing, the contact of the first external terminal of the switch with the first casing part of the casing and the contact of the second external terminal of the switch with the second casing part of the casing are preferably made automatically by a corresponding electrical contact system. By making corresponding electrical contacts between the two casing parts of the casing, the switch can be electrically connected in a very simple way even after insertion into the casing, for example for connection in series electrically with the supply circuit of the device to be protected.

[0018] In a refinement, the hermetically sealing material lock which provides an electrically insulating connection between the first casing part and the second casing part consists of a glass-to-metal seal.

[0019] Such a glass-to-metal seal allows, on the one hand, an electrically insulating connection between the two casing parts and, on the other hand, a gas-tightly sealed connection between these two casing parts.

[0020] Such a glass-to-metal seal allows a hermetically sealed connection that meets the requirements of DIN EN (German National Standard) 60079-15, whereby a hermetically sealed connection or a hermetically sealed device is understood to mean a connection / device that is constructed so that it cannot be opened and that is effectively sealed by fusing such that the introduction of the outside atmosphere is prevented. Preferably, such a hermetically sealed connection allows a vacuum-tight connection between the first and second casing parts.

[0021] As used herein, the term "airtight" or "hermetically sealed" refers to an airtight connection or seal that prevents the exchange of material from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside. Typically, such an airtight closure is within 1e of the pressure, as determined by a helium leak detector. -7 have a leak rate of less than mbar·l / s. Realizing such hermetically sealed devices / connections according to DIN EN60079-15 is generally only possible by fusing metal-to-metal or glass-to-metal.

[0022] Thus, in a preferred refinement, the glass-to-metal seal consists of glass fused to the first and second casing parts, preferably a fused joint that extends along an annular contour, which means that a hermetically sealed space can be created inside the casing.

[0023] In a refinement, the glass-to-metal seal comprises glass connected / fused to the first casing part, the second casing part and the third casing part.

[0024] This has the advantage that the glass-to-metal seal between the first and second casing parts also simultaneously secures the third casing part of the casing, which means that all three casing parts of the case can be secured to one another by the glass-to-metal seal in advance, i.e. before the switch is inserted into the receiver.

[0025] The glass-to-metal seal is preferably in particular laser welded, which means creating a permanently stable connection that permanently meets the above-mentioned requirements for a gas-tight seal.

[0026] As a further refinement, the first casing part at least partially surrounds the second casing part and / or the third casing part, particularly preferably the first casing part at least partially surrounds both the second casing part and the third casing part.

[0027] The first casing part forms, so to speak, the outermost shell of the casing. Since the first casing part is made of metal, it is possible to further simplify the electrical connection with the first casing part of the switch inserted into the casing, and thus with the first external terminal of the switch.

[0028] In a preferred refinement, the first casing part is substantially pot-shaped.

[0029] The first casing part is therefore particularly suitable for accommodating two other casing parts of the casing, the second casing part and the third casing part can therefore be arranged in a suitable manner on the first casing part in a protected manner.

[0030] In a further refinement, the first casing part comprises a recess forming part of the receptacle on its inside, which is electrically connected to the first external terminal of the switch when the switch is inserted in the receptacle.

[0031] The recess in the first casing part simplifies the electrical contact between the first external terminal of the switch and the first casing part. The inside of the recess preferably serves as a mechanical support for the first external terminal. To improve the mechanical and electrical contact between the inside of the recess and the first external connection of the switch, a solder reservoir can be provided on the inside, so that by inserting a solder pin or a heating stamp into the recess, soldering of the first external connection of the switch with the inside of the recess, i.e. the first casing part of the receiver, can be performed after the switch has been inserted into the receiver.

[0032] In a further refinement, the second casing part and / or the third casing part are annular.

[0033] This makes it possible to provide for a space-saving arrangement of the casing according to the invention. "Annular" in this sense does not necessarily mean circular, but may also be a circular, angular or prismatic closed contour.

[0034] The first and second casing parts are preferably made of metal, while the third casing part is preferably made of ceramic, which is an ideal electrical insulator and also a mechanically strong material, thereby improving the mechanical stability of the receiving part.

[0035] In a further refinement, the second casing part is preferably carried by a third casing part. According to this refinement, the third casing part is inserted into the first casing part and the second casing part is placed on the third casing part. This type of arrangement allows a simple and fast method of assembly of the casing, which can be carried out automatically without further operations.

[0036] In a further refinement, the outside diameter of the third casing part is greater than the outside diameter of the second casing part. In this way, the third housing part can electrically shield the second housing part from the first housing part. The outer edge of the third casing part can rest against an inner wall of the first casing part. This provides for self-centering of the third casing part.

[0037] In a further refinement, the inside diameter of the second casing part is equal to the inside diameter of the third casing part.

[0038] This has the advantage that the second casing part and the third casing part together form a common or aligned inner wall of the receiving part into which the switch can be inserted. This means that the switch can be inserted very easily into the receiving part, whereby the switch is automatically centred or oriented.

[0039] As already mentioned, the present invention relates to a casing having a temperature dependent switch inserted or disposed within the casing as well as the casing itself. A casing with a switch inserted therein is referred to herein as an "encapsulated switching device."

[0040] In a preferred refinement, the temperature dependent switch comprises a temperature dependent switching mechanism and a switch housing in which the switching mechanism is arranged, the first external terminal and the second external terminal being arranged on the switch housing.

[0041] It is preferable that the switch housing comprises a lower portion made of a conductive material and a cover portion made of a conductive material that closes the lower portion and is electrically insulated from the lower portion, the first external terminal being arranged in the cover portion, and the second external terminal being arranged in the lower portion.

[0042] The switch is therefore preferably a switch with a conductive housing. The two parts of the switch housing are preferably electrically insulated from each other by an insulating foil or other insulator. The casing part of the casing preferably completely surrounds the switch housing of the switch, thereby ensuring an airtight seal. Thereby, the first casing part is in contact with the cover part and the second casing part is electrically connected to the lower part of the switch housing.

[0043] In a first refinement, the switch housing is preferably connected at its lower part to the second casing part in a material-locking manner.

[0044] This material locking connection is also preferably implemented as a hermetically sealed connection, which connection comprises a metal fusion and is produced, for example, by welding or soldering. However, this material locking connection is made directly on the switch housing and can only be made after the switch has been inserted into the casing. It is therefore important to ensure that this generates as little heat as possible in order to prevent damage to the switching mechanism arranged inside the switch housing.

[0045] In an alternative refinement, the casing can further comprise a fourth casing part made of metal, which closes the second casing part on at least one side and is fixed to the second casing part in a material-locking manner.

[0046] This material locking connection is also preferably configured as a hermetically sealed connection in the above-mentioned sense. Compared to the above-mentioned direct material locking connection between the switch housing and the second housing part, this refinement has the advantage that there is no direct material locking in the switch housing itself. This further has a particularly gentle effect on the switching mechanism arranged inside the switch housing.

[0047] In a further refinement, the switch housing is clamped in the receiving part of the casing by means of a spring element.

[0048] The spring element preferably acts directly on the switch housing from the outside, thereby improving the contact pressure between the switch housing and the casing, thereby ensuring electrical contact and mechanical fixation of the switch in the receiving part.

[0049] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those to be described below can be used not only in the combinations shown in each case, but also in other combinations, and also alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary temperature dependent switch that may be mounted within a casing in accordance with the present invention, the switch being in its cold state; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the switch shown in FIG. 1, the switch being in its hot state; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a casing according to the invention, without a switch inserted therein; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the casing of FIG. 3 with a switch inserted therein; [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a casing according to the invention, with a switch inserted therein; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary temperature dependent switch, generally designated 10, that may be inserted into and hermetically sealed by a casing in accordance with the present invention.

[0052] Figure 1 shows the switch 10 in a cold state, and Figure 2 shows the switch 10 in a hot state.

[0053] It should be understood that the switch 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is only one example of various possible temperature dependent switches that can be inserted into a casing according to the invention and hermetically sealed against gas leakage by the device. As can be seen in particular from Figures 3-5, the casing of the invention is in principle also suitable for receiving switches of different configurations. However, the switch 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is described below as an example of a possible temperature dependent switch in order to explain the basic structure and function of such a temperature dependent switch.

[0054] Switch 10 includes a switch housing 12 within which is disposed a temperature dependent switching mechanism 14. Switch housing 12 includes a pot-shaped lower portion 16 and a cover portion 18 which is retained to lower portion 16 by a folded or flanged upper edge 20 of lower portion 16.

[0055] In the example of switch 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, both the lower portion 16 and the cover portion 18 are made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal. Disposed between the lower portion 16 and the cover portion 18 is an insulating foil 22. The insulating foil 22 provides electrical insulation of the lower portion 16 from the cover portion 18. Similarly, the insulating foil 22 provides a mechanical seal that prevents liquids or contaminants from entering the interior of the switch housing 12 from the outside.

[0056] In this example, the lower portion 16 and the cover portion 18 are each made of an electrically conductive material so that thermal contact to the protected device can be established through their outer surfaces, which also serve as external electrical terminals for the switch 10. For example, the outer surface 24 of the cover portion 18 can serve as a first external electrical terminal and the outer surface 26 of the lower portion 16 can serve as a second external electrical terminal for the switch 10.

[0057] In the example of the switch 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an insulating layer 28 is further disposed on the outside of the cover portion 18.

[0058] The switching mechanism 14 includes a bimetallic portion 30, a spring portion 32, and a moveable contact 34. The bimetallic portion 30 includes a temperature dependent bimetallic snap-action disk with a central opening therein, which slides over the moveable contact 34.

[0059] The spring part 32 comprises a temperature-independent snap-action spring disc which also fits onto a movable contact part 34 with a central opening therein, but from the opposite bottom side. The two snap-action discs 30, 32 are thus fitted onto the movable contact part 34 from both sides.

[0060] 1, the snap-action spring disk 32 supports the movable contact portion 34 from below by pressing its inner edge region 36 against a circumferential annular collar 38 of the movable contact portion 34 from below, where the snap-action spring disk 32 is supported at its inner circumferential edge 42 on an inner base 44 of the lower portion 16.

[0061] In this state of the switch 10, an inner edge region 40 of the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 preferably rests freely from above and opposite this collar 38 of the movable contact 34. An outer peripheral edge 46 of the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 hangs freely inside the housing 12. In this type of switch 10, the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 is thus accommodated almost effortlessly in the switch housing 12 at low temperatures without being tightly clamped therein.

[0062] 1, the temperature dependent switching mechanism 14 establishes a conductive connection between the two external terminals 24, 26 of the switch 10 by forcing the movable contact portion 34 against a fixed contact portion 48 disposed on the cover portion 18. The contact pressure by which the movable contact portion 34 is forced against the fixed contact portion 48 in the cold state of the switch 10 is provided within the switch 10 by a snap-action spring disc 32.

[0063] Thus, the two portions 16,18 of the switch housing 12 act as electrodes during switching of the switching mechanism 14. At the same time, the two exterior surfaces of these portions 16,18 of the switch housing 12 serve as external terminals 24,26 of the switch 10.

[0064] Starting from a cold state of the switch 10 shown in FIG. 1, if the temperature of the device to be protected, and therefore the temperature of the switch 10 and the bimetallic snap-action disk 30 disposed therein, rises to or exceeds a response temperature of the switching mechanism 14 which corresponds to the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disk 30, the bimetallic snap-action disk 30 will snap from the convex cold configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the concave hot configuration shown in FIG. 2. During this snapping action, the bimetallic snap-action disk 30 rests with its outer peripheral edge 46 on the bottom side 54 of the cover part 18. At its center or its inner edge region 40, the bimetallic snap-action disk 30 presses downwards on the movable contact 34, lifting it from the fixed contact 48. As a result, the snap-action spring disk 32 simultaneously bends downwards at its center, so that it snaps over from its first geometrical configuration shown in Figure 1 to its second geometrical configuration shown in Figure 2. The conductive connection between the two electrodes 50, 52 of the switch 10 previously established via the switching mechanism 14 is thus interrupted.

[0065] Thus, the temperature dependent switching mechanism 14 of the switch 10 is configured to establish and break the conductive connection between the two external terminals 24, 26 in a temperature dependent manner. Below the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc 30, the switching mechanism 14 is in its cold state shown in FIG. 1, in which it establishes a conductive connection between the two external terminals 24, 26. As soon as the response temperature of the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 is exceeded, the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 moves the switching mechanism 14 to the hot state shown in FIG. 2, in which it breaks the conductive connection between the two external terminals 24, 26. When the bimetallic snap-action disc 30 is subsequently cooled below its response temperature, the switching mechanism 14 returns to the cold state shown in FIG. 1, and the switch 10 is again closed.

[0066] 3 shows a first embodiment of a casing according to the invention in a schematic cross-sectional view without a switch inserted therein. The casing is generally designated 100.

[0067] The casing 100 serves to receive the switch 10 and acts as a kind of outer housing additionally surrounding the switch housing 12 of the switch 10. The casing 100 with the switch 10 inserted therein is referred to herein as a "sealed switching device". The casing 100 comprises a first casing part 52 made of metal and substantially pot-shaped. A second casing part 54 and a third casing part 56 are arranged in the first casing part 52. The two casing parts 54, 56 are essentially annular in shape. The two casing parts 54, 56 therefore form a circumferentially closed contour. Each of the two casing parts 54, 56 is provided as a kind of profile ring.

[0068] The second casing part 54 is also made of metal, while the third casing part 56 is made of an electrically insulating material, preferably made of ceramic.

[0069] The third casing part 56 serves to electrically insulate the first casing part 52 from the second casing part 54. The two casing parts 52, 54 are preferably made of steel.

[0070] The second casing part 54 provided as a profile ring is placed on and carried by a third casing part 56 also provided as a profile ring. The third casing part 56 rests on an inner base 58 of the first casing part 52. The outer diameter of the third casing part 56 corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the first casing part 52, so that the third casing part 56 is preferably inserted into the first casing part 52 with a precision fit.

[0071] The two metallic casing parts 52, 54 are permanently connected to one another via a hermetically sealed, material-locked, electrically insulating connection 60. This hermetically sealed, material-locked connection 60 is provided as a fusion joint made of glass. The connection 60 is a hermetically sealed glass-to-metal seal that meets the requirements for tightness as laid down in DIN EN 60079-15.

[0072] The hermetically sealed connection 60 between the two casing parts 52, 54 is preferably produced by laser welding. The hermetically sealed connection 60 extends along a closed annular contour and thus hermetically seals the space between the two casing parts 52, 54 along the entire circumference. At the same time, the third casing part 56 is also connected to the two metallic casing parts 52, 54 by this glass connection 60. The three casing parts 52, 54, 56 of the casing 100 thus form an inseparably connected unit.

[0073] Inside the casing 100, the three casing parts together form a kind of cavity suitable as a receiving part 62 for the temperature dependent switch 10 to be inserted therein.

[0074] In the embodiment shown here, the inside diameter of the second casing part 54 corresponds to the inside diameter of the third casing part 56. This allows for easy insertion of the switch 10 into the receptacle 62. The inside diameters of the two casing parts 54, 56 are preferably slightly larger than the outside diameter of the lower part 16 of the switch 10.

[0075] 4 shows diagrammatically how the switch 10 can be inserted into the receptacle 62 of the casing 100. In this embodiment, the switch 10 is inserted into the receptacle 62 "upside down", meaning that the lower part 16 of the switch 10 points upwards and the cover part 18 of the switch 10 points downwards, facing the bottom of the receptacle 62.

[0076] When inserted in the receiving part 62, the first external terminal 24 of the switch 10, formed by the outside of the cover part 18, contacts the first casing part 52 at a contact point marked 64. At a second contact point marked 66, the second external terminal 26 of the switch 10, formed by the outside of the lower part 16, contacts the second casing part 54 in the circumferential direction. For mechanical stabilization, the switch 10 also rests with the bent upper edge 20 of the lower part 16 on the third casing part 56, but this is not necessary. It is only important that the two external terminals 24, 26 of the switch 10 are each electrically conductively connected to one of the two metallic casing parts 54, 56. In this way, the two casing parts 52, 54 of the casing 100 can be used as external electrical terminals of the switch 10.

[0077] The first casing part 52 comprises a recess 68 in the centre of its base, inside which a first contact point 64 is provided, on which the switch 10 rests with its first external terminal 24 or its cover part 18. To improve the electrical contact, a soldering material can be placed at this contact point 64 and activated by external heat, for example by a heat stamp inserted in the recess 68, to permanently connect the first casing part 52 to the cover part 18 or to the first external terminal 24 of the switch 10 after insertion of the switch 10.

[0078] The second fusion joint is provided at the second contact point 66, which serves to provide a hermetically sealed connection between the second external terminal 26 or the lower portion 16 of the switch 10 and the second casing part 54 of the casing 100. This second fusion joint 70 is also made along a closed annular contour, i.e. along the entire circumference of the switch 10 or along the entire inner circumference of the second casing part 54. Thus, the temperature dependent switching mechanism 14 arranged inside the switch housing 12 is hermetically sealed with the help of the casing 100 according to the invention.

[0079] For further sealing and mechanical stabilization, the switch 10 fixed within the casing 100 may further be covered with a plastic hood 72 .

[0080] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the casing 100, whereby the three casing parts 52, 54, 56 of the casing 100 are configured as before (see Figures 3 and 4), except that now, in the inserted state of the switch 10, the second casing part 54 is no longer directly connected to the lower part 16 or to the second external terminal 26 of the switch 10.

[0081] In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the casing 100 comprises a fourth casing part 74, which serves as a way of closing the second casing part 54. The fourth casing part 74 is also made of metal. The fourth casing part 74 closes the second casing part 54 on one side of its upper side and is connected to the second casing part 54 by a material bond. For this purpose, a fusion joint 76 is provided, which is preferably configured as a circumferential welded connection. In this way, the inside of the casing 100, which serves as the receiving part 62 for the switch, is also hermetically sealed in this embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the casing 100 comprises a spring element 78 which serves to clamp the switch 10 in the receiving part 62. On the one hand, this spring element 78 ensures the electrical contact between the second outer connection part 26 of the switch 10 and the second and fourth casing parts 54, 74, and also generates a contact pressure with which the first external terminal 24 of the switch 10 is pressed against the first casing part 52.

[0083] Both embodiments of the casing 100 presently shown therefore ensure a hermetic sealing or encapsulation of the switch 10, whereby the switching mechanism 14 arranged inside the switch housing 12 is hermetically sealed towards the outside. The interfaces between the individual casing parts 52, 54, 56, 74 are typically realised by hermetically sealed fusion joints provided as metal-to-metal or glass-to-metal joints, respectively. Despite the hermetic sealing within the casing 100, the switch 10 can still be electrically connected in a simple manner.

[0084] Due to the modular construction of the casing 100, the casing is suitable for hermetically enclosing temperature dependent switches of various constructions. The switch 10 shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 2 is only one example that can be hermetically sealed with the casing 100 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A casing (100) for hermetically receiving a temperature dependent switch (10), the temperature dependent switch (10) being configured to switch in a temperature dependent manner between a closed state that establishes a conductive connection between a first external terminal (24) and a second external terminal (26) and an open state that interrupts the conductive connection, the casing (100) comprising: a first casing part (52) made of metal; a second casing part (54) made of metal, fixed to the first casing part (52) by a gas-tight, sealed and electrically insulated connection; a third casing portion (56) disposed between the first casing portion (52) and the second casing portion (54), the third casing portion (56) being made of an electrically insulating material; The casing (100) is characterized in that the first casing portion (52) and the second casing portion (54) together form a receiving portion (62) for a temperature-dependent switch (10), and when the temperature-dependent switch (10) is inserted into this receiving portion, the temperature-dependent switch (10) is electrically connected to the first casing portion (52) by its first external terminal (24) and electrically connected to the second casing portion (54) by its second external terminal (26).

2. 2. The casing of claim 1, wherein the hermetic, electrically insulated portion between the first casing portion (52) and the second casing portion (54) comprises a glass-to-metal seal (60).

3. 3. The casing of claim 2, wherein the glass-to-metal seal (60) comprises glass fused to said first casing portion (52), said second casing portion (54), and said third casing portion (56).

4. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first casing portion (52) at least partially surrounds the second casing portion (54) and / or the third casing portion (56).

5. 2. A casing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first casing portion (52) is pot-shaped.

6. 2. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first casing portion (52) has an inner recess (68) that forms part of the receiving portion (62), the recess (68) being electrically connected to the first external terminal (24) of the switch (10) when the switch (10) is inserted into the receiving portion (62).

7. The casing of claim 1, wherein the second casing portion (52) and / or the third casing portion (56) are annular.

8. The casing of claim 1, wherein said third casing portion (56) is made of ceramic.

9. 2. The casing of claim 1, wherein an inside diameter of the second casing portion (54) is equal to an inside diameter of the third casing portion (56).

10. A sealed switching device comprising a casing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a temperature dependent switch (10), The temperature-dependent switch (10) is configured to switch between a closed state and an open state in a temperature-dependent manner, wherein in the closed state, the temperature-dependent switch (10) establishes a conductive connection between a first external terminal (24) and a second external terminal (28), and in the open state, the temperature-dependent switch (10) interrupts the conductive connection, and the temperature-dependent switch (10) is disposed within a receiving portion (62) of a casing (100), forming a sealed switching device.

11. 11. The sealed switching device of claim 10, wherein the temperature dependent switch (10) comprises a temperature dependent switching mechanism (14) and a switch housing (12), the switching mechanism (14) being disposed within the switch housing (12), and the first external terminal (24) and the second external terminal (26) being disposed on the switch housing (12).

12. 12. The sealed switching device of claim 11, wherein the switch housing (12) comprises a lower portion (16) made of a conductive material and a cover portion (18) made of a conductive material that closes the lower portion (16) and is electrically insulated from the lower portion (16), the first external terminal (24) being disposed on the cover portion (18), and the second external terminal (26) being disposed on the lower portion (16).

13. The sealed switching device of claim 11, wherein the switch housing (12) is connected to the second casing part (54) by welding or soldering.

14. 11. The sealed switching device of claim 10, wherein the casing (100) further comprises a fourth casing part (74) made of metal, the fourth casing part (74) closing the second casing part (54) on at least one side and fixed to the second casing part (54) by welding or soldering.

15. The sealed switching device of claim 11, wherein the switch housing (12) is clamped within the receiving portion (62) by a spring element (78).

Images