Temperature-dependent switch

Abstract

To provide a temperature-dependent switch with a self-holding function, the electrical connection of which can be performed more easily.SOLUTION: A temperature-dependent switch (10) includes a housing (24) and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (12) arranged in the housing (24). The switching mechanism (12) switches, depending on its temperature, between a closed position, in which the switching mechanism establishes an electrically conductive connection between a first external terminal (14) and a second external terminal (16), and an open position, in which the switching mechanism (12) disconnects the electrically conductive connection. An electrical heating resistor component (32) is arranged inside the housing (24), the resistor component being electrically connected in parallel with the switching mechanism (12). The heating resistor component (32) has, on a connection side (42), a first contact area which electrically contacts the upper side (28) of the first external terminal (14), and a second contact area which electrically contacts the upper side (30) of the second external terminal (16).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature dependent switch. [Background technology]

[0002] A number of temperature-dependent switches are already known in principle. An example of a temperature-dependent switch is disclosed in DE-OS 197 52 581. Another example of a temperature-dependent switch is disclosed in DE-OS 198 07 288.

[0003] Temperature-dependent switches of this kind are used in a manner known per se to monitor the temperature of a device. For this purpose, the switch is brought into thermal contact with the device to be protected, for example by one of its outer surfaces, so that the temperature of the protected device affects the temperature of the switching mechanism arranged inside the switch.

[0004] With its external electrical connection, the switch is electrically connected in series with the supply circuit of the protected device by connecting a cable, so that below the response temperature of the switch, the supply current of the protected device passes through the switch.

[0005] A temperature-dependent switching mechanism installed in the switch ensures the temperature-dependent switching behavior of the switch. This temperature-dependent switching mechanism is usually arranged between two electrodes which are in turn electrically connected to one of the two respective external terminals. The temperature-dependent switching mechanism is configured such that at or below the response temperature of the switch, the switching mechanism is in a closed position, where the switching mechanism establishes a conductive connection between the two external electrical connections of the switch, and above the response temperature of the switch, the switching mechanism is switched to an open position, where the conductive connection between the two external electrical connections of the switch is disconnected or interrupted.

[0006] The temperature-dependent switching mechanism thus ensures that in its closed position, below the response temperature of the switch, it closes the supply circuit of the device to be protected, and in its open position, above the response temperature of the switch, it interrupts the supply circuit of the device to be protected. This means that with such a temperature-dependent switch it can be ensured that in the event of unwanted overheating, an electrical device is automatically de-energized by the switch and thus switched off.

[0007] Such temperature dependent switches provide protection against overheating in any type of electrical device.

[0008] The temperature-dependent switching behavior of the switching mechanism of a switch is usually attributed to a temperature-dependent switching element, which is configured to change its geometric shape as a function of its temperature, and which changes its geometric shape when the response temperature of the switch is reached and / or exceeded, thereby bringing the switching mechanism from its closed position to its open position.

[0009] Typically, the temperature dependent switching element is a bimetallic or trimetallic element formed as a multi-layer, dynamic sheet-like element consisting of two, three or more interconnected components having different thermal expansion coefficients. The connection between the individual layers of metal or metal alloy in such a bimetallic or trimetallic element is usually a material bond or interlock, achieved for example by rolling.

[0010] Such bimetallic or trimetallic switching elements have a first stable geometric configuration at a low temperature (low temperature configuration) and a second stable geometric configuration at a high temperature (high temperature configuration), the low temperature being below a response temperature of the switch corresponding to the response temperature of the switching element, and the high temperature being above the response temperature of the bimetallic or trimetallic switching element. Thus, the temperature dependent switching element switches from the low temperature configuration to the high temperature configuration in a hysteretic manner.

[0011] In addition to the temperature-dependent switching element, an additional spring element is also often used in the switching mechanism of such temperature-dependent switches, which generates or at least participates in generating the mechanical closing pressure of the switching mechanism in the closed position. The spring element is a temperature-independent spring element, preferably made of metal. This spring element acts in particular to relieve the load on the switching element in the closed position of the switching mechanism, since the spring element exerts a smaller or even non-existent force in order to generate the mechanical closing pressure in the closed position of the switching mechanism.

[0012] Whether or not such an additional spring element is provided, the switching behavior of the switching mechanism is determined crucially by the temperature-dependent switching element as follows: if, as a result of a temperature rise in the protected device, the temperature of the temperature-dependent switching element rises above the response temperature of the switching element, the switching element snaps from its cold configuration to its hot configuration, thereby bringing the switching mechanism from its closed position to its open position, whereby the current flow through the switch is interrupted. If the temperature of the switch, and thus the temperature of the temperature-dependent switching element, subsequently falls as a result of cooling of the protected device below the so-called springback temperature of the switching element, the switching element changes its geometric shape from its hot configuration to its cold configuration, so that the switching mechanism is once again brought to its closed position, so that current can again flow through the switch.

[0013] However, in some applications such switching may not be desirable: for safety reasons it may be necessary, for example, that the switch is configured not to automatically close when the equipment to be protected cools down again after a temperature-related opening: for example, the switch is intended to be able to close again after the protected device has cooled down, but also after it has been completely removed from the power supply.

[0014] For such cases, a so-called self-holding function has been developed. In the switch known from DE 197 52 581 A1, this self-holding function is provided by a resistor of PTC material (positive temperature coefficient thermistor or PTC thermistor) which is electrically connected in parallel with the switching mechanism and arranged between the two electrodes of the switch.

[0015] As long as the switch remains in its cold configuration or closed position, there is no current flow through the PTC material connected as a parallel resistor. However, when the switch opens, a low self-holding current flows through the parallel resistor, which heats it up and ensures that the switch is kept above the response temperature of the bimetallic switching element. In this case, the self-holding current is so small that the protected electrical device is not further damaged and can cool down. However, the self-holding resistance caused by the PTC element prevents the switch itself from cooling down again and accordingly returning from its hot configuration or open position to its cold configuration or closed position, which would result in the protected electrical device repeatedly switching on and off without the parallel resistor.

[0016] The PTC element thus acts as a heating resistor, heating the switch and keeping it open even after its temperature-induced opening as long as the electrical device to be protected is connected to a power source; this self-holding function is implemented in a very similar way in the switch known from German Patent Publication 198 07 288 A1.

[0017] The two switches known from the abovementioned documents (DE-OS 197 52 581 and DE-OS 198 07 288) differ essentially in the type of functional and structural arrangement of the switching mechanism.

[0018] In the switch known from DE 197 52 581 A1, the spring element and the temperature-dependent switching element in the switch are electrically and mechanically connected in parallel. In this type of switching mechanism configuration, the spring element and the temperature-dependent switching element are usually disk-shaped and are movably connected to one another by a movable contact. The spring element is configured as a spring disk and is fixed centrally on the movable contact. The temperature-dependent switching element is usually configured as a bimetallic snap disk, which slides over the movable contact with a central opening. In the closed position of the switching mechanism, the spring disk presses the movable contact against a fixed mating contact, which is arranged on or forms a first electrode of the switch, is electrically connected to an external terminal of the switch and is supported by its outer edge on a second electrode of the switch, which is electrically connected to a second external terminal of the switch. Thus, in the closed position of the switch, the current flows between the two electrodes via the spring disk, which at the same time generates a contact pressure, with which the movable contact is pressed against the fixed contact. In the closed position of the switching mechanism, the bimetallic snap disk can be mechanically mounted so that it is not subjected to any forces, and preferably no current flows through it, which has a positive effect on its service life.

[0019] In the switch known from DE 198 07 288 A1, the spring element is electrically and mechanically connected in series to the temperature-dependent switching element rather than in parallel. In this type of switch configuration, the spring element is typically formed as an elongated spring tongue made of metal and the temperature-dependent switching element is formed as an elongated spring tongue made of bi- or tri-metal. One end of the spring element is fastened to a first electrode electrically connected to a first external terminal of the switch. An opposite second end of the spring element is rigidly connected to a temperature dependent switching element. A free end of the temperature dependent switching element opposite the end of the switching element fastened to the spring element carries a moveable contact. This movable contact interacts with a fixed contact arranged on a second electrode of the switch electrically connected to the second external terminal. In this type of configuration of the switching mechanism, in the closed position of the switching mechanism, the movable contact is thus pressed against the fixed contact by both the spring element and the temperature-dependent switching element. The spring element and the temperature-dependent switching element thus jointly generate a closing pressure in the closed position of the switching mechanism by their series connection and their fastening to each other.

[0020] Despite the different configuration of the switching mechanism, in the switches known from the aforementioned documents (DE 197 52 581 A1 and DE 198 07 288 A1), in both cases the electrodes are arranged offset from one another in relation to height, with the temperature-dependent switching mechanism being arranged between two electrodes which are provided in the housing of the switch. In both switches the PTC element, which is provided to ensure the self-holding function, is arranged inside the housing, between the two electrodes, spatially parallel to the switching mechanism. The upper side of the PTC element is electrically connected to one electrode. The opposite lower side of the PTC element is electrically connected to the other electrode.

[0021] This type of arrangement of the PTC element must be precisely shaped in terms of its size, because the height of the PTC element must match very precisely to the distance between the two electrodes, and the PTC element must be very precisely mounted so that it makes reliable electrical contact with the two electrodes of the switch.

[0022] In both of the above switch configurations, not only the electrodes but also the external terminals of the switch connected to them are generally offset in height and in each case led horizontally from the housing of the switch. However, in order to make the electrical connection of the switch as easy as possible, it is desirable for the two external terminals to be in a common plane. To ensure this, in conventional switches it is necessary to fold the external terminals, which are usually elongated, flat metal sheets, outside the switch housing in order to make the connection in a common plane. This is cumbersome and, in the worst case, can lead to damage or even destruction of the external terminals. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0023] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-dependent switch that can overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and in particular, to provide a temperature-dependent switch with a self-holding function in which the heating resistance component provided for the self-holding function can be more easily attached, and in particular, the electrical connection thereof can be more easily made. [Means for solving the problem]

[0024] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a temperature-dependent switch as claimed in claim 1. The temperature-dependent switch according to the invention comprises a housing and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism arranged in the housing, which is configured to switch between a closed position, in which a conductive connection is established between a first external terminal and a second external terminal, and an open position, in which the switching mechanism breaks the conductive connection, depending on its temperature. The two external terminals are led out of the housing side by side and parallel to each other, such that an upper side of the first external terminal lies in a common connection plane with an upper side of the second external terminal. An electrically heatable resistive component is arranged inside the housing, which is electrically connected in parallel to the switching mechanism. The heatable resistive component has, on the connection side, a first contact area in electrical contact with an upper side of the first external terminal and a second contact area in electrical contact with an upper side of the second external terminal.

[0025] The heatable resistive component electrically connected in parallel with the temperature-dependent switching mechanism allows the switch according to the invention to have the initially described self-holding function, which prevents undesired switching back of the switch until the protected device is actually de-energized, for example by being disconnected from the voltage network. This is because, when the switching mechanism switches from its closed position to its open position due to an increase in temperature, the conductive connection between the two external terminals established by the switching mechanism is interrupted. Due to the parallel connection of the heatable resistive components, a current nevertheless still flows from one external terminal through the heatable resistive component to the other external terminal. This self-holding current ensures a heating up of the heated resistive component, so that the temperature of the switch and therefore also of the switching mechanism is kept above its response temperature, such that switching back of the switching mechanism to the closed position is avoided by the progression of heat generated by the heated resistive component or the resistive component. Only when the device to be protected is completely switched off or in some other way de-energized, does the heated resistive component cool down, so that the temperature of the switching mechanism can drop to a level below its response temperature, which automatically returns the switching mechanism to the closed position and the switching mechanism re-establishes a conductive connection between the two external terminals.

[0026] Unlike the first-mentioned switch, the upper sides of the two external terminals of the switch are already located inside the housing, in a common connection plane, which makes it easier to electrically connect the switch, and also easier to mount and electrically connect the heating resistor component.

[0027] Unlike the first-mentioned switch, the two contact areas of the heatable resistive component are arranged on the same connection side. Due to the further, already mentioned arrangement of the two upper sides of the external terminal being arranged on the same connection surface, the electrical contact between the heatable resistive component and the two external terminals can be performed on the same side of the heatable resistive component. For example, the heatable resistive component can be located above the two external terminals. In this case, gravity already ensures that for most applications a sufficient contact pressure is generated between the heatable resistive component and the two external terminals.

[0028] With an arrangement of the type according to the invention, the exact distance between the electrodes of the switch does not have to be adapted based on the size of the heating resistive component, as was required in the prior art.

[0029] In this way, the above objective is fully achieved.

[0030] Preferably, the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the heatable resistive component lie in a common contact plane aligned parallel to the connecting surface or coincident with the connecting surface.

[0031] This offers the advantage of surface contact: for example, the heating resistive component may be surface mounted as a surface mounted device (SMD) on two of the external terminals located in a common plane. This ensures good electrical contact and at the same time allows a space-saving arrangement of the heating resistive component within the housing of the switch.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment, the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the heatable resistive component are separated from each other by a gap or a contact interruption element.

[0033] The contact-breaking element may, for example, be an insulator arranged on the connection surface between two contact areas of the heatable resistive component, but in principle it is sufficient to provide two contact areas on the connection side of the heatable resistive component, separated from each other by a gap, which are applied directly to the heatable resistive component.

[0034] This allows the heatable resistive component to be manufactured at low cost, despite the relatively easy type of mounting and electrical contact, and therefore, due to the special type of arrangement and electrical contact of the heatable resistive component, the total cost of the switch does not increase compared to the switches with self-holding function known from the prior art mentioned at the beginning.

[0035] According to yet another embodiment, the heatable resistive component is fixed to the first external terminal by gluing, with a material bond, either directly on top of the first external terminal or by surface mounting, and likewise according to this embodiment, the heatable resistive component is fixed to the second external terminal by gluing, with a material bond, either directly on top of the second external terminal or by surface mounting.

[0036] For this reason, the electrical contact between the heatable resistive component and the two external terminals of the switch can be made purely by surface contact, where the contact surface on which the two contact areas of the heatable resistive component are located is flush with the connection surface on which the upper surfaces of the two external terminals are located.

[0037] To improve the electrical contact and mechanical fastening of the heatable resistive components, the contact areas of the heatable resistive components may also be connected to the respective external terminals of the switch with material bonds, for example, the contact areas of the heatable resistive components may be soldered or welded onto the respective external terminals.

[0038] According to yet another embodiment, the heatable resistive component presses the first and second external terminals with its connecting side with the aid of a compression spring.

[0039] The same compression spring therefore ensures a contact pressure between the heatable resistive component on the one hand and both external terminals on the other hand, which also improves the contact of the heatable resistive component with the two external terminals of the switch while at the same time preventing the spring force of the compression spring from subjecting the heatable resistive component to excessive mechanical loads.

[0040] Unlike the switches known from DE 197 52 581 A1 and DE 198 07 288 A1, the compression spring itself does not have to function as a current-carrying component, since the current flow in the open position of the switching mechanism takes place directly from one external terminal to the other via a heatable resistive component. The compression spring therefore also does not have to be made of a conductive material, but may be manufactured from an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic. This offers the possibility of further cost reductions. Furthermore, the fact that as few components as possible of the switch are de-energized in the open position of the switching mechanism has a further safety advantage.

[0041] Preferably, the compression spring acts on the heatable resistive component on the upper side of the heatable resistive component opposite the connection side.

[0042] In other words, the compression spring is preferably arranged on the side of the heatable resistive component opposite the contact area, in addition to gravity, the compression spring thus ensures a further increase in the contact pressure, whereby the force of the compression spring can act directly on the upper side of the heatable resistive component.

[0043] In principle, the upper side of the heated resistive component on which the compression spring acts may be covered with an insulating layer, unless this is itself made from an electrically insulating material, in order to avoid electrical short circuits due to the compression spring.

[0044] According to yet another embodiment, the heatable resistive component is spatially separated from the switching mechanism by at least one wall inside the housing.

[0045] This ensures that the heating resistive component is electrically isolated from the switching mechanism, which in turn ensures that no mechanical collision between the switching mechanism and the heating resistive component can occur even in the case of vibration. The heating resistive component is preferably disposed in a form-fitting manner in an extra chamber inside the switch housing.

[0046] Preferably, the heatable resistive component comprises a PTC material.

[0047] Particularly preferably, this heatable resistive component consists of a cubic block of PTC material, one side of which, referred to as the "connection side", consists of two metal contact elements made of metal, on which the two contact areas of the heatable resistive component are arranged, the two metal contact elements being arranged at a distance from each other.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment, the housing has an insulating material carrier carrying a first fixed electrode electrically connected to a first external terminal and a second fixed electrode electrically connected to a second external terminal, both electrodes being maintained at a distance from each other along the vertical direction, wherein the temperature-dependent switching mechanism is arranged inside the housing in a recess in the insulating material carrier between the first and second electrodes, the first electrode being aligned laterally with respect to the two electrodes and electrically connected to the first external terminal via a line connection element arranged within the housing, and the first external terminal and the second external terminal being led out through the insulating material carrier at the same height in the vertical direction.

[0049] The line connection element, which is provided inside the housing and electrically connects the first electrode to the first external terminal inside the switch, allows the two external terminals to be led out through the insulating material carrier with a sealing effect at the same height, instead of at different heights as before. In this way, the sealing between the external terminals and the insulating material carrier can be done at the same height, which makes the general mechanical sealing inside the switch much easier and improves the sealing overall.

[0050] Also, the external terminals do not need to be bent to be flush or in the same plane, which advantageously allows electrical connection of the switch in an easy manner without having to rework the external terminals.

[0051] The line connection element is preferably a separate component, which acts as a conductive carrier between the first electrode and the first external terminal, and is electrically connected within the switch to the first electrode on the one hand and to the first external terminal on the other hand.

[0052] Like the switching mechanism, the heatable resistive components according to the present embodiment are preferably arranged on an insulating material carrier, particularly preferably in separate recesses in the insulating material carrier and separated from the switching mechanism by at least one wall.

[0053] According to yet another embodiment, the first external terminal and the second external terminal are arranged parallel to each other inside and outside the insulating material carrier.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the two external terminals are preferably thus led out through the insulating material carrier parallel to one another at the same height, which makes the electrical connection of the switch much easier, since the two external terminals run parallel to one another at the same height, like a plug.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the insulating material carrier forms a lower part of the housing, which is closed by a cover part.

[0056] The cover part is preferably formed as an additional part fixed to an insulating material carrier forming the lower part of the housing, for example by embossing the upper edge of the lower part of the housing. Depending on the embodiment, the cover part may be formed from an electrically conductive material, for example a metal, or from an electrically insulating material, for example a plastic.

[0057] In a first alternative embodiment, the cover part is made of metal and forms the first electrode. According to this embodiment, the cover part therefore has two basic functions. On the one hand, as part of the switch housing, it serves to shield and mechanically seal the interior of the housing, in which the switching mechanism and the insulating material carrier are located, from the outside world. On the other hand, it simultaneously serves as the first electrode for the temperature-dependent switching mechanism. This allows a space-saving embodiment of the switch.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the cover part is made of plastic and the first electrode is arranged clamped between the cover part and the line connection element. Compared to the above-mentioned embodiment in which the cover part is made of metal and forms the electrode of the switching mechanism, an extra part forming the first electrode is required here. On the other hand, the housing with the cover part in addition to the housing lower part or the insulating material carrier may also be entirely made of plastic, allowing a particularly low-cost production of the switch.

[0059] The connecting surface is preferably oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction, the vertical direction being the direction in which the two electrodes of the switch are spaced apart from each other, and the switching mechanism is disposed between the first and second electrodes in the vertical direction.

[0060] Again, it is preferred that a first electrode is disposed on a first side of the switching mechanism and that the second electrode, the first external terminal and the second external terminal are disposed on a vertically opposed second side of the switching mechanism.

[0061] It is also preferred that the first electrode is arranged vertically above the switching mechanism, while the two external terminals together with the second electrode are arranged vertically oppositely below the switching mechanism, which has the advantage that the two external terminals are led out of the insulating material carrier as far down as possible, close to the underside of the switch housing.

[0062] According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the second electrode is arranged on the connection surface and at least a portion of the first electrode is arranged parallel to the connection surface and extends parallel to the connection surface.

[0063] On the one hand, this allows the construction of a very compact and vertically flat switch. On the other hand, the second electrode can be integrally connected with the second external terminal, since it is in one and the same connection plane. For example, one and the same metal sheet can be used as the second electrode and the second external terminal. This again still keeps the number of parts of the switch to a minimum and facilitates the mounting of the second electrode or the second external terminal.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the temperature dependent switching mechanism comprises a temperature dependent switching element, which is configured to change its geometric shape depending on its temperature in order to switch the switching mechanism between a closed position and an open position.

[0065] The temperature dependent switching element is preferably a bimetallic or trimetallic component.

[0066] According to yet another embodiment, the temperature dependent switching mechanism comprises a spring element electrically connected to a first external terminal and configured to create a conductive connection in a closed position of the switching mechanism by generating a mechanical contact pressure, whereby a movable contact portion of the switching mechanism is pressed against a fixed contact portion electrically connected to a second external terminal.

[0067] Providing a spring element in addition to the temperature-dependent switching element in the switching mechanism has the advantage that the temperature-dependent switching element is electrically and mechanically released. Furthermore, this can increase the contact pressure in the closed position of the switching mechanism, which improves the resistance of the switch, in particular, to mechanical shocks. Depending on the configuration of the switching mechanism, as described above, the temperature-dependent switching element and the temperature-independent spring element in the switching mechanism may be mechanically and electrically connected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0068] It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and below can be used alone, not only in their respective specific combinations, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0069] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention, the temperature-dependent switching mechanism of the switch being in its closed position. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, with the temperature dependent switching mechanism of the switch in its open position; [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a heated resistive component used in the switch of the present invention; [Figure 3B] 3B shows a plan view from below of the heating resistive component shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention, the temperature dependent switching mechanism of the switch being in its closed position. [Figure 6] 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 5, with the temperature dependent switching mechanism of the switch in its open position. [Figure 7] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention, the temperature dependent switching mechanism of the switch being in its closed position. [Figure 8] 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a switch according to the invention shown in FIG. 7, with the temperature dependent switching mechanism of the switch in its open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] 1 and 2 each show a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a temperature dependent switch according to the present invention, the switch being generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0071] Figure 1 shows the switch 10 in a closed position, and Figure 2 shows the switch 10 in an open position.

[0072] The switch 10 has a temperature dependent switching mechanism 12 configured to switch the switch 10 from its closed position to its open position, and from the open position to the closed position, depending on its temperature.

[0073] In the closed position of the switch, shown in Figure 1, the switching mechanism 12 establishes a conductive connection between the two external terminals 14, 16 of the switch 10. In contrast, in the open position of the switch 10, shown in Figure 2, the switching mechanism 12 breaks the conductive connection between the first external terminal 14 and the second external terminal 16.

[0074] The first external terminal 14 is conductively connected to a first electrode 18. In the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, this first electrode 18 simultaneously forms the cover of the switch 10. In other words, the first electrode 18 is formed by a cover part 19 made of metal.

[0075] The second external terminal 16 is electrically connected to the second electrode 20. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second electrode 20 is integrally connected to the second external terminal 16, i.e., the same metal sheet forms the second electrode 20 and the second external terminal 16.

[0076] The two electrodes 18, 20 are formed as planar electrodes. The switching mechanism 12 is disposed inside the switch 10 in the space between the two electrodes 18, 20.

[0077] The two electrodes 18, 20 are held apart from one another by an insulating material carrier 22 that forms part of a housing 24 of the switch 10. The insulating material carrier 22 carries the two electrodes 18, 20 and fixes the electrodes 18, 20 in their position. The two electrodes 18, 20 are therefore immovable, fixed electrodes.

[0078] The two electrodes 18, 20 are spaced apart along a vertical direction by an insulating material carrier 22. This vertical direction, indicated by the arrow h in Figures 1 and 2, extends transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the two electrodes 18, 20.

[0079] A first electrode 18 is disposed on an upper side (herein referred to as the "first side") of the switching mechanism 12, and a second electrode 20 is disposed on the opposite side in the vertical direction h to a lower side (herein referred to as the "second side") of the switching mechanism 12.

[0080] The insulating material carrier 22 is essentially pot-shaped. The insulating material carrier 22 forms the lower portion 23 of a housing 24. The insulating material carrier 22 is formed around the second electrode 20 by overmolding or potting such that the second electrode 20 is an integral part with the lower portion 23 of the housing.

[0081] The lower part 23 of the housing is closed by the first electrode 18 formed as a cover part 19. The cover part 19 is surrounded along its entire periphery by an insulating material carrier 22 and is held captively thereon by the hot embossed upper edge and the lower part 23 of the insulating material carrier 22.

[0082] Also integrated into the insulating material carrier 22 is a line connection element 26 made of a conductive material. This line connection element 26 may be, for example, a conductive plate or some other conductor integrated into the insulating material carrier 22, and thus, although located within the housing 24, is electrically isolated from the switching mechanism 12 also located within the housing 24. Note that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the line connection element 26 is formed with an L-shaped cross section.

[0083] The line connection element 26 connects the first electrode 18 to the first external terminal 14. In this way, it is possible to lead the two external terminals 14, 16 at the same height from inside to outside through the insulating material carrier 22, despite the arrangement of the two electrodes 18, 20 offset in the vertical direction h. The first external terminal 14 is therefore arranged "behind" the second external terminal 16 in the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 1 and 2, since the first external terminal 14 is arranged at the same height as the second external terminal 16 and runs parallel to it. The latter can be seen in particular by considering it in combination with the plan view from above shown in Figure 4.

[0084] As shown in Figure 4, the two external terminals 14, 16 run parallel to each other outside the insulating material carrier 22 and can be arranged by the line connection element 26 in a common connection plane E as shown by dashed lines in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, the two upper side parts 28, 30 of the two external terminals 14, 16 are in particular in the common connection plane E. The two external terminals 14, 16 are preferably formed as flat or plate-like connections.

[0085] 1 and 2, the upper side of the second electrode 20 is also disposed within the connection plane E, but the first electrode 18 is disposed offset parallel to the connection plane E in a direction perpendicular to the connection plane E. In addition, the connection plane E is preferably arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction h.

[0086] An electrically heatable resistive element 32 is located on the two external terminals 14, 16. The heatable resistive element 32 is electrically connected in parallel with the switching mechanism 12 and is arranged laterally alongside the switching mechanism 12 within a separate recess 34 in the insulating material carrier 22 within the housing 24, but is spatially separated therefrom.

[0087] The heated resistive component 32 essentially functions as a self-holding function by which the switch 10 remains open after being opened by the switching mechanism 12 until the device to be protected by the switch 10 is de-energized independently of the switch 10.

[0088] The heating resistive component 32 comprises a substantially cubic component 36 made of PTC material. Two contact elements 38, 40 made of electrically conductive material are arranged on the PTC block 36. The two contact elements 38, 40 are formed, for example, as metal sheets and fixed to the PTC block 36. The two contact elements 38, 40 are arranged on the same side 42 of the PTC block 36. This side 42 is referred to as the "connection side" of the heating resistive component 32.

[0089] On the connection side 42, the two contact elements 38, 40 each have a contact area 44, 46. The two contact areas 44, 46 lie in one and the same contact surface K, which in the installed state of the heatable resistive component 32 coincides with the connection surface E. The first contact area 44 is arranged on the first contact element 38 and serves to electrically contact the heatable resistive component 32 at the first external terminal 14. The second contact area 46 is arranged on the second contact element 40 and serves to electrically contact the heatable resistive component 32 with the second external terminal 16.

[0090] The heated resistive element 32 lies flat on top of the two external terminals 14, 16 of the switch 10, with a first contact area 44 present on the upper side 28 of the first external terminal 14 and a second contact area 46 present on the upper side 30 of the second external terminal 16.

[0091] To increase the contact pressure between the two contact areas 44, 46 and the upper sides 28, 30, the heatable resistive component 32 is pressed with its connection side 42 against the two external terminals 14, 16 with the aid of a compression spring 48. This compression spring 48 acts on the heatable resistive component 32 on an upper side 50 lying opposite the connection side 42. On the upper side 50, the heatable resistive component 32 can be covered by an insulating layer 52 to electrically insulate the PTC block 36 from the compression spring 48.

[0092] As regards insulating the two contact elements 38, 40 from one another, a contact interruption element 54 can also be arranged between the contact elements 38, 40 (see Figures 3A and 3B). Alternatively, the two contact elements 38, 40 of the heatable resistive component 32 are separated from one another by a gap.

[0093] The basic arrangement of the two external terminals 14, 16 and the heating resistance component 32 can also be seen from FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a plan view from above of the switch 10, where some components arranged inside the housing 24 (e.g. components 20 and 26) are indicated by dashed lines. The second electrode 20, shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4, extends obliquely or diagonally to the second external terminal 16, but is located together with the second external terminal 16 in the connection plane E, as already mentioned. However, the second electrode 20 does not necessarily have to extend at an angle or diagonally to the second external terminal 16, as shown in FIG. 4. The second electrode 20 may also in principle be aligned with the first external terminal 16. In such a case, the second external terminal 16 preferably extends together with the second electrode 20 in the radial direction of the switch housing 24. A parallel arrangement of the two external terminals 14, 16 is also possible if the second external terminal 16 is arranged centrally, i.e. offset in parallel downwards towards the first external terminal 14 relative to the position shown in Figure 4. With reference to Figure 4, the second external terminal 16 and the second electrode 20 are arranged in line parallel to the first external terminal 14 in the centre of the housing.

[0094] Also in the exemplary embodiment of the switch 10 according to the present invention shown in Figures 5 to 8, the two upper sides 28, 30 of the external terminals 14, 16 are arranged on a common connection plane, and a heatable resistive element 32 is provided to realize the self-holding function of the switch 10, in which the heatable resistive element 32, together with its two contact areas 44, 46, is located on the upper sides 28, 30 of the two external terminals 14, 16, in the common contact plane K. Similar to the configuration of the heatable resistive component 32 outlined in principle in Figures 3A and 3B, this basic principle for positioning and contacting the heatable resistive component 32 is therefore also implemented in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8. The two exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8 differ from the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the functional and structural type of configuration of the switching mechanism 12 and in some features of the housing 24 that will be explained below.

[0095] 1 and 2, the switching mechanism 12 comprises a temperature-dependent switching element 56, which is electrically and mechanically connected in series with a spring element 58. In the first exemplary embodiment, the temperature-dependent switching element 56 is formed as a bimetallic element, which has an elongated spring tongue shape. The spring element 58 is made of metal and is formed as an elongated spring tongue.

[0096] A first end 60 of the spring element 58 is fixed to the first electrode 18 by a material bond. Starting from this first end 60, the spring element 58 projects in the manner of a cantilever into a gap formed by an inner recess 61 of the switch 10. An opposite second free end 62 of the spring element 58 is fixed by a material bond (for example by soldering or welding) to a first end 64 of the temperature-dependent switching element 56. At a second end 66 opposite to the first end 64, the temperature-dependent switching element 56 carries a mobile contact 68 which interacts with a fixed contact 70 arranged on the second electrode 20.

[0097] In the closed position of the spring element 58 and the temperature dependent switching element 56, the movable contact 68 is pressed against the fixed contact 70, thereby closing the switch 10 and establishing a conductive connection between the two external terminals 14, 16.

[0098] Starting from this, an increase in the temperature of the switching element 56, either as a result of an increased current through the switch 10 or as a result of an increase in the outside temperature, first initiates a creep phase of the switching element 56, during which the spring force acting against the force of its spring element 58 weakens. Due to the mechanical series connection of the switching element 56 and the spring element 58, this reduction in the force of the switching element 56 is compensated by the spring element 58, so that the movable contact 68 remains pressed against the fixed contact 70.

[0099] And, when the temperature of the switching element 56 increases further to or beyond the response temperature of the switching element 56, the switching element 56 snaps into its high temperature configuration shown in FIG. 2, thereby bringing the switching mechanism 12 to its open position and interrupting the conductive connection between the two external terminals 14, 16.

[0100] Thus, in the open position of the switch 10 shown in FIG. 2, no current flows anymore from the first external terminal 14 through the switching mechanism 12 to the second external terminal 16. However, a small residual current still flows between the two external terminals 14, 16 through the heated resistive component 32. This residual current automatically heats up the heated resistive component 32. The resulting heat progression is also transferred to the switching mechanism 12 and the associated temperature-dependent switching element 56. The heated resistive component 32 thus provides a so-called self-holding of the switch 10, which keeps it permanently open until an external voltage is no longer present between the two external terminals 14, 16. This is usually only the case when the device monitored by the switch 10 is de-energized, for example by being removed from the power supply.

[0101] Without the heated resistive component 32 electrically connected in parallel with the switching mechanism 12, the switching mechanism 12 would automatically switch to the closed position shown in FIG. 1 as soon as the temperature of the device monitored by the switch 10, and thus the temperature of the switch 10, dropped again.

[0102] In the second exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the temperature-dependent switching behavior of the switch 10 is provided by a structurally and functionally differently configured switching mechanism 12. However, the above-mentioned self-holding principle provided by the heatable resistive element 32 is also retained here. The above-mentioned type of arrangement of the heatable resistive element 32 in one-sided contact with the two external terminals 14, 16 is also implemented in the exemplary embodiment of the temperature-dependent switch according to the invention shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0103] In the switch 10 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the switching mechanism 12 includes a temperature dependent switching element 56 and a temperature dependent spring element 58. The switching element 56 is here formed as a disc-shaped bimetallic element, and is therefore also referred to as a bimetallic disc. The spring element 58 is also disc-shaped, and is preferably formed as a spring snap disc, which has two temperature independent stable configurations and snaps back and forth between the two configurations under the influence of a force.

[0104] In a second exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the switching element 56 and the spring element 58 are electrically and mechanically connected in parallel with each other. The movable contact 68 is fastened to the spring element 58 by a material bond. The switching element 56 formed as a bimetallic disk is made to slide over the movable contact 68 with a hole 72 provided in its center.

[0105] Also, the cover part 19 is preferably made of metal as in the first embodiment and functions as the first electrode 18. As before, the first electrode 18 is conductively connected to the first external terminal 14 by a line connection element 26 embedded in the insulating material carrier 22.

[0106] A metal sheet embedded in the insulating material carrier 22 and at least in some parts with the external terminals 14 , 16 at the connection face E, on which the contact areas 44 , 46 of the heatable resistive component 32 are also arranged, serves as the second electrode 20 .

[0107] Note that, unlike the first embodiment, the fixed contact portion 70 is not formed as a separate component that is connected to the second electrode 20 by material bonding, but is formed by raising the center of the second electrode 20 itself.

[0108] In the closed position of the switch 10 shown in Fig. 5, the disk-shaped spring element 58 rests with its outer edge 74 on the inside of the cover part 19 and thus on the first electrode 18. In this closed position of the switch 10, the temperature-dependent switching element 56 can be mounted without any force and can freely protrude with its outer edge 76 into the recess 61 formed inside the switch 10. The switching element 56 therefore does not have a current flowing through it in the closed position of the switch 10, unlike in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0109] In the closed position of the switch 10, current flows from the first external terminal 14 through the line connection element 26 to the first electrode 18, and from there through the spring element 58, the movable contact 68, the fixed contact 70 and the second electrode 20 to the second external terminal 16.

[0110] Similarly, in the closed position of the switch shown in Figure 5, the temperature dependent switching element 56 does not contribute to the contact pressure by which the moveable contacts 68 are urged against the fixed contacts 70. In the configuration of the switching mechanism 12 shown in Figures 5 and 6, this closing pressure is provided solely by the spring element 58.

[0111] If the temperature of the switch 10, and thus the switching mechanism 12, rises to or beyond the response temperature of the switching element 56, the switching element 56 will snap from its convex position shown in Figure 5 to its concave position shown in Figure 6. In this case, the switching element 56 is supported with its outer edge 76 resting on the insulating material carrier 22 and urges the spring element 58 from its concave position shown in Figure 5 to its convex position shown in Figure 6, causing the moveable contact 68 to lift off the fixed contact 70 and opening the conductive connection established by the switching mechanism 12.

[0112] In the open position of the switching mechanism 12 shown in FIG. 6, current flows between the first external terminal 14 and the second external terminal 16 only through the heated resistive element 32, which heats up as described above and maintains the switch 10 in the open position until power is completely interrupted.

[0113] In the third exemplary embodiment of the switch 10 according to the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switching mechanism 12 is formed functionally similar to the switching mechanism 12 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the switch 10 according to the invention shown in Figures 5 and 6. The switching element 56 and the spring element 58 are mechanically and electrically connected in parallel. Moreover, in the third exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switching element 56 and the spring element 58 are also disk-shaped or circular disk-shaped and are connected by their centers to the movable contact 68.

[0114] However, the switching element 56 and the spring element 58 in this case are located on opposite sides relative to a peripheral collar 74 which forms the outer edge of the movable contact 68 .

[0115] The third embodiment of the switching mechanism 12 of the switch 10 shown in Figures 7 and 8 includes a switching mechanism housing 80 in addition to the switching element 56, the spring element 58 and the moveable contact 68. The switching mechanism housing 80 is preferably made of metal. The switching mechanism housing 80 is used to house the switching mechanism 12 or switching mechanism unit formed by the switching element 56, the spring element 58 and the moveable contact 68.

[0116] The switching mechanism housing 80 is formed as a partially open housing and is preferably made of metal. The switching mechanism unit formed by the switching element 56, the spring element 58 and the movable contact 68 is held captively, but with play, in the switching mechanism housing 80.

[0117] With the aid of such a switching mechanism housing 80, the switching mechanism 12 can be prefabricated as a semi-finished product, kept in inventory as an item, and inserted into the switch housing 24 as a whole.

[0118] 7, the spring element 58 has its outer edge 74 supported inside the switching mechanism housing 80 and urges the moveable contact 68 against the fixed contact 70. Also, in this exemplary embodiment of the switching mechanism 12, in the closed position of the switch 10, the switching element 56 is mechanically attached without any force and has no current flowing through it.

[0119] 7 and 8, the housing 80 of the switching mechanism acts as the first electrode 18 of the switching mechanism 12. The cover part 19 therefore does not have to be made here from a conductive material but may for example be made from a plastic of a similar or even identical material as the insulating material carrier 22 forming the lower part 23 of the housing 24.

[0120] Furthermore, if the cover part 19 is made of plastic, the heatable resistive element 32 also does not need to be electrically insulated from the compression spring 48, and therefore it is possible to omit the insulating layer 52. The heatable resistive element 32 is also arranged with the contact parts 44, 46 of its lower or connecting side 42 directly against the upper sides 28, 30 of the external terminals 14, 16.

[0121] The housing 80 of the switching mechanism, acting as the first electrode 18, is located on the line connection element 26, which, again, is provided in the switch, establishes electrical contact between the first electrode 18 and the first external terminal 14; the two external terminals 14, 16 can be mounted at the same height or the external terminals 14, 16 can be led out at the same height from the insulating material carrier 22.

[0122] In addition, in the closed position of the switch shown in Figure 7, current flows from the first external terminal 14 through the line connection element 26, the switching mechanism housing 80 (first electrode 18), the spring element 58, the movable contact portion 68, the fixed contact portion 70 and the second electrode 20 to the second external terminal 16.

[0123] In the open position of switch 10 shown in Figure 8, temperature dependent switching element 56 has its outer edge 76 supported inside switching mechanism housing 80 and presses upwardly on moveable contact 68, lifting it from fixed contact 70 and interrupting current flow through switching mechanism 12. Thus, spring element 58 is also snapped from its concave position shown in Figure 7 to its convex position shown in Figure 8.

[0124] And the open position is now kept open by the self-maintenance provided by the heating resistance element 32 until there is no longer any potential between the two external terminals 14, 16.

[0125] The three exemplary embodiments shown here therefore differ essentially in the configuration of the switching mechanism 12, whereas the principle of self-holding provided by the heatable resistive element 32, as well as the arrangement and type of electrical contact of the heatable resistive element 32, as well as the mounting of the two external terminals 14, 16 on the common connection plane E, are implemented in a fundamentally similar manner in all three exemplary embodiments by providing a line connection element 26 arranged inside the switch.

Claims

1. a housing (24) and a temperature dependent switching mechanism (12) disposed within the housing (24), the switching mechanism (12) configured to switch, in response to a temperature thereof, between a closed position in which a conductive connection is established between a first external terminal (14) and a second external terminal (16) and an open position in which the switching mechanism (12) breaks the conductive connection; The two external terminals (14, 16) are led out parallel to each other on the outside of the housing so that the upper side (28) of the first external terminal (14) and the upper side (30) of the second external terminal (16) are located within a common connection plane (E); a temperature-dependent switch (10) including an electrically heatable resistive element (32) disposed within the housing (24), the heatable resistive element (32) being electrically connected in parallel with the switching mechanism (12) and having, on a connecting side (42), a first contact area (44) in electrical contact with the upper side (28) of the first external terminal (14) and a second contact area (46) in electrical contact with the upper side (30) of the second external terminal (16).

2. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the first contact area (44) and the second contact area (46) are aligned parallel to or coincident with a connecting surface (E) on a common contact surface (K).

3. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the first contact area (44) and the second contact area (46) are separated from each other by a gap or contact interruption element (54).

4. 2. The temperature-dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the heatable resistive component (32) is located with the first contact area (44) directly on the upper side (28) of the first external terminal (14) or is fastened by material bonding by surface mounting, and the heatable resistive component (32) is located with the second contact area (46) directly on the upper side (30) of the second external terminal (16) or is fastened by material bonding by surface mounting.

5. 2. The temperature-dependent switch according to claim 1, wherein the heatable resistive element (32) is pressed with its connection side (42) against the first and second external terminals (14, 16) with the aid of a compression spring (48).

6. 6. The temperature dependent switch of claim 5, wherein the compression spring (48) acts on an upper side (50) of the heatable resistive element (32) opposite the connection side (32) of the heatable resistive element (32).

7. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the heatable resistive element (32) is spatially separated from the switching mechanism (12) by at least one wall (65) within the housing (24).

8. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein said heatable resistive element (32) is made of a PTC material.

9. 2. The temperature-dependent switch according to claim 1, wherein the housing (24) has an insulating material carrier (22) carrying a first fixed electrode (18) electrically connected to the first external terminal (14) and a second fixed electrode (20) electrically connected to the second external terminal (16), the electrodes being maintained at a distance from each other along the vertical direction (h), wherein the temperature-dependent switching mechanism (12) is arranged inside the housing (24) in a recess (61) of the insulating material carrier (22) between the first electrode (18) and the second electrode (20), the first electrode (18) is aligned laterally with respect to the two electrodes (18, 20) and is electrically connected to the first external terminal (14) via a line connection element (26) arranged in the housing (24), the first external terminal (14) and the second external terminal (16) being led out through the insulating material carrier (22) at the same height with respect to the vertical direction (h).

10. 10. The temperature dependent switch according to claim 9, wherein the first and second external terminals (14, 16) are arranged parallel to each other on the inside and outside of the insulating material carrier (22).

11. 10. The temperature-dependent switch according to claim 9, wherein the insulating material carrier (22) forms a lower part (23) of a housing (24), which lower part (23) is closed by a cover part (19) made of plastic or metal.

12. 10. The temperature dependent switch according to claim 9, wherein the connection faces (E) are arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction (h).

13. 10. The temperature dependent switch according to claim 9, wherein the first electrode (18) is disposed on a first side of the switching mechanism (12) and the second electrode (20), the first external terminal (14), and the second external terminal (16) are disposed on a second side of the switching mechanism (12) that is located on the opposite side in a vertical direction (h).

14. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the temperature dependent switching mechanism (12) includes a temperature dependent switching element (56) configured to change its geometric shape in response to its temperature to switch the switching mechanism (12) between a closed position and an open position.

15. 2. The temperature dependent switch of claim 1, wherein the temperature dependent switching mechanism (12) comprises a spring element (58) electrically conductively connected to the first external terminal (14) in a closed position of the switching mechanism (12) and configured to create a conductive connection by generating a mechanical contact pressure, by means of which a movable contact portion (68) of the switching mechanism (12) is pressed against a fixed contact portion (70) conductively connected to the second external terminal (16).

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