EP0730285B1 - Insulating housing - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical temp. sensitive switching device Ä17Ü is in an encapsulated form and is installed between contact elements Ä24, 25Ü that project from the housing of an electrical equipment. The capsule is formed with a recess Ä33Ü that is engaged by a projection Ä34Ü on the upper contact arm. The lower contact arm also has a projecting lug Ä32Ü. When the capsule is positioned between the contact arms a housing Ä10Ü of insulating material is fitted to enclose the assembly. The internal surface of the housing has features Ä21, 31Ü that engage the contact arms.

Description

The present invention relates to the use of an insulating housing with an interior to accommodate a mechanical and / or switch to be electrically protected with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, the switch two has electrically conductive pads over which a electrical connection of the switch.

The use of such an insulating housing is from the DE 90 04 941 U known.

DE 38 17 080 A1 describes a temperature monitor, at a switch with a temperature-dependent switch in an insulating housing Rear derailleur is arranged. The insulating housing is designed so that it is monitored for connections to one Consumer can be plugged in, from the insulating housing the temperature monitor itself also has two connections protrude that correspond to a desired connection diagram. There is none of the consumer known from this publication standardized connection diagram available so that it does not have a standardized plug can be powered. The implementation the connection diagram of the consumer to the standardized connection diagram takes place via the insulating housing, in the intricately curved Sheet metal parts are present, the one hand the housing of the Contact switchgear and on the other hand connection lugs or Mating connector for the connecting lugs of the consumer or form standardized plug.

Because of the necessary connection technology that the rear derailleur inside the insulating case with the external connections connects, the well-known temperature monitor is a very expensive one Component, since the connection technology is usually only can be done by hand.

A switch with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, such as it is used, for example, for the purpose of the present invention can be known from DE 29 17 482 C2. The desk has a closed housing in which the rear derailleur is arranged. The housing includes an electrically conductive Cover and an electrically conductive lower part, the opposite the lid is insulated. The electrical connection of the switch takes place in the installed state directly over the lid and that Lower part.

Such switches, which are also called temperature monitors, serve the operating temperature and / or the operating current of the electrical consumer to be protected. If the operating temperature of the consumer exceeds one certain limit, the switch that opens to that Purpose in line with the consumer in the supply circuit must be switched. By parallel and / or provided on the switch Series resistors can hold such switches be trained and, if necessary, even if the current switching is too high, if the series resistance heats up too much.

Such consumers are generally from the prior art known. Household appliances in particular are becoming more and more Devices used with electrical consumers, such as. B. Suds pumps for washing machines, motors for compressors Fridges and freezers, transformers for electrical Devices with a voltage different from the mains voltage operated, fan motors and heating coils for hair dryers etc.

For security reasons, more and more people are moving to the Monitor consumer temperature development and this switch off if the heating is too high. For this purpose, temperature monitors used, which has its own housing or support part have and be retrofitted to the consumer. There are bimetal switchgear in these guard housings usually with two lugs, terminals or strands are connected, which sit on the guard housing itself. On such connection element of the temperature monitor is with a corresponding connection element of the consumer connected, wherein the second connection element of the temperature monitor and the second Connection element of the consumer then for electrical supply serve the consumer, who is now in line with the temperature monitor is switched.

Such temperature monitors are usually special developments, each adapted to the consumer to be protected Need to become. It is not just about the connection technology but especially on the good thermal contact attention to the consumer to be monitored. This leads to, that the cost of designing and manufacturing such Temperature monitors are very high. Naturally transferred this cost also depends on the final cost of the temperature monitor protected consumers.

Another cost factor is the installation of the temperature monitor to the consumers to be protected, unless the above mentioned plug technology is used. Often, with this Assembly of braids soldered or inserted into terminal blocks, which also requires labor-intensive manual work.

A temperature monitor is known from DE 90 04 941 U mentioned at the beginning known, which has a frame made of plastic an electrically conductive one from above and one from below Contact plate is snapped on. In the frame is a bimetal rear derailleur arranged, which is clamped between the contact plates is. Contact is made here by creating the upper one Contact plates on the lid and the lower contact plate to the bottom of the rear derailleur.

On the frame locking projections are provided, the hook-like Tabs of the contact plates are reached so that these detents from the top and bottom pressure on the rear derailleur exercise.

When assembling the temperature monitor, the upper one is first Contact plate snapped onto the frame before from the The rear derailleur is inserted into the frame. Finally, the bottom contact plate is placed from below, so that the rear derailleur is jammed between the two contact plates is held, the locking projections of the frame part the Form abutments for the clamping forces.

In the known holder and the assembled from it Temperature monitor is disadvantageous in that the mechanical Tolerances of the sheet metal parts and the plastic frame are very small must be applied so that the necessary contact forces can be. However, since these temperature monitors are mass-produced are the sheet metal parts and plastic frames in very large Quantity produced, the tolerances not always being met become. Furthermore, these items are in large lots delivered to the manufacturers, which always happens that sheet metal parts in the lot during transport or Bend pouring processes.

All of this means that when assembling the known one Temperature monitor comes to high scrap, which is the total Manufacturing costs of the temperature monitor increased.

Another disadvantage of the known temperature monitor is in connection with the required contact security between the bimetal rear derailleur and the ones that form the external connections Contact plates. Because the contact forces through unbent tabs the contact plates are applied, this contacting is sufficient often not the long-term requirements, because the high loads in everyday operation, e.g. B. by continuous vibrations by Devices protected by temperature monitors weaken the snap-in connection. Especially when the tolerances of the mated Contact reliability can add up to components in an unfavorable manner are no longer present after a short period of operation.

It is generally known that in the manufacture of such Temperature monitor the connection technology, so the connection of the If necessary, encapsulated bimetal rear derailleurs with the external connections is very wage-intensive and the storage of many individual parts required. Furthermore, the known temperature monitor or assemble the holder only manually, which is not only high Costs, but also the reject rate further increased.

Based on this, it is an object of the present invention fast and inexpensive with little design effort Installation of the containing a temperature-dependent switch To enable insulating housing on an electrical consumer.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in the above-mentioned Use solved in that the insulating housing at least has an opening through which contact parts of a Holder or an electrical consumer to be protected get directly into contact with the two connection surfaces and pinch the switch between them to effect both the electrical connection to the switching mechanism and its mechanical hold.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved in this way completely solved.

The insulating housing is now designed so that the Switch only needs to be inserted, whereupon the insulating housing then on contact parts of an electrical consumer is postponed. These contact parts come into contact with the two connection surfaces and thus contact that in the Temperature-dependent switching mechanism provided inside the switch. Inserting the switch in the insulating housing can be mechanical take place, it is also possible that the switch with a is molded around a correspondingly shaped insulating housing. Not only the production but also the final assembly and installation on the electrical consumer to be protected or on one the holder provided for this is very simple, can be automated and are therefore inexpensive and fail-safe.

Accordingly, the electrical consumer mentioned is so equipped that two contact parts a receptacle for the Form switches, one of the two connection elements and one of the two contact parts with the consumer and the other Contact part are connected to the other connection element.

The required "wiring" of the consumer can thus be done before installing the temperature monitor only with its insulating housing on the two contact parts must be postponed.

The insulating housing makes it extremely simple Connection technology created that inexpensive and with little Committee is to be realized.

It is then preferred if the insulating housing is a Has inner profile through which the inserted contact parts be pressed onto the connection surfaces.

The advantage here is that not the spring force of the contact parts is crucial for contact security, but that the Contacting through the inner profile of the insulating housing at least is supported.

It is further preferred if the insulating housing at least has a locking element, via which it is associated with an Locking element locked on one of the contact parts.

The advantage here is that the insulating housing and thus that in it recorded switch captive to the electrical consumer are held, this holding force independent is of the contacting force between the contact parts and the pads.

It is further preferred if the insulating housing has an accommodated one Switch holds captive, which is why it prefers has snap-on locking means which have a received Keep the switch captive.

The advantage here is that of an insulating housing and switch existing temperature monitor can be preassembled The switch only has to be inserted into the insulating housing, where it is held captive by the overpressed locking elements becomes. Such temperature monitors can then be used as bulk goods be transported because the switch is mechanically through it surrounding insulating housing is protected. Of course can this push the switch into the insulating housing can be accomplished by manufacturing machines.

It is then further preferred if the insulating housing Has guide channels or grooves for the contact parts, wherein the guide channels or grooves preferably one in the longitudinal direction inclined guide surface to run on the interior or a have guide surface curved in the longitudinal direction.

This measure is particularly advantageous in terms of construction, because the guide surfaces advantageously provide one corresponding contact pressure that the contact parts on the Exercise the contact surfaces of the switch. The leadership channels and / or grooves have the further advantage that the Contact parts are guided when the insulating housing is pushed on, so that they cannot kink or break off.

Overall, it is preferred if the insulating housing is another Has opening for pushing the switch into the interior, the further opening preferably perpendicular to the guide channels and / or grooves.

This measure has the advantage that the switch by the contact parts inserted into the guide channels or grooves not only contacted but also falling out of the Insulated housing is prevented. It can either go all the way further locking means are dispensed with, the switch in one do not hold the insulating housing that has not yet been installed on a consumer, or it is possible to use locking means that are easy to press over be that only during transportation one not yet insulated housing for a consumer secure mechanical hold of the switch inside the insulating housing to care. Overall, this not only simplifies it the construction of the new insulating housing, the individual required assembly steps will also be very simplified.

It is preferred if the insulating housing is complete is made of insulating material and preferably a plastic injection molded part is.

The advantage here is that the insulating housing in a very simple, inexpensive spraying process made from one piece can be.

In the electrical consumer is also advantageous if the two contact parts with their broad sides facing each other Connection lugs are on which a new insulating housing with switch included therein, so that very inexpensive, also otherwise used connecting lugs used can be to the existing of insulating housing and switch Contact temperature monitor electrically and mechanically to keep.

In general, the insulating housing can be designed that the recorded switch is kept loose or by the locking means is firmly clamped. Only through that Inserting the contact parts or connecting lugs of a holder or electrical consumer in the insulating housing the switch contacts, the insulating housing itself through the inner shape ensures that the contact parts on the Terminal pads of the switch pressed and there immovable being held.

Further features and advantages result from the following Description.

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

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht eine Explosionsdarstellung von neuem Isoliergehäuse, Schalter und Halter;

Fig. 2

eine von rechts gesehene Draufsicht auf das Isoliergehäuse aus Fig. 1; und

Fig. 3

in einer Darstellung wie Fig. 1 ein weiteres Isoliergehäuse mit einem aufgenommenen Schalter sowie einem zugeordneten Verbraucher.

The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a new insulating housing, switch and holder in a side view;

Fig. 2

a top view of the insulating housing from FIG. 1 seen from the right; and

Fig. 3

in a representation like FIG. 1, a further insulating housing with an incorporated switch and an associated consumer.

1, a new insulating housing is generally designated 10, the one interior 11 for receiving a switch 12 with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism.

The one shown in Fig. 1 to the right of the insulating housing 10 Switch 12 has an upper pad 13 and a lower one Pad 14, which is part of an electrically conductive Cover part 15 or an electrically conductive lower part 16 are, compared to the cover part 15 in a known manner is isolated. Cover part 15 and lower part 16 form an encapsulated Housing 17 in which the temperature-dependent switching mechanism is arranged in a known manner.

The insulating housing 10 has an opening 18 in which pushable locking means 19 arranged in the form of locking lugs 21 and 22 are. The switch can pass through this opening 18 12 are pushed into the interior 11, where it then passes through the latches 21 and 22 are held captive but loose.

In Fig. 1, a holder 23 is shown on the right, part of a Consumer is or is suitable with one to be protected Is to connect consumers. The holder 23 has two contact parts 24, 25, which are terminal lugs 26, 27 here. The Connection tabs 26, 27 face each other with their broad sides to and have a clear distance 28 from each other, which at 28 'indicated thickness or height of the switch 12 corresponds.

The opening 18 of the insulating housing 10 on the other hand has one clear width 29, which is dimensioned so that the connecting lugs 26, 27 then also inserted into the insulating housing 10 if the switch 12 is located in the interior 11 located.

In the interior 11 of the insulating housing 10 there is also a locking element 31 arranged in the form of a recess with which a further locking element 32 cooperates on the connecting lug 27 in such a way that one pushed onto the connecting lugs 26, 27 Insulating housing 10 is held captive.

Two further locking elements 33, 34 are in the cover part 15 of the Switch 12 or arranged on the connecting lug 26 such that another captive bracket of the insulating housing 10 via the switch 12 held captive therein Holder 23 is realized.

After the assembly just described is done the terminal lug 26 on the cover part 15, while the Terminal lug 27 abuts the lower part 16. To the electrical Contact between the connection surfaces 13, 14 and the connection lugs To increase 26, 27, the insulating housing 10 Guide bevels 35, 36 which are inclined into the interior 11 run. Through these guide slopes 35, 36 are the Connection lugs 26, 27 pressed onto the connection surfaces 13, 14, so that the electrical contact between these parts continues is improved. Because of the applied forces, this becomes However, the insulating housing 10 is not pushed away from the holder 23 again. because of the locking elements 31, 32, 33, 34 a captive Bracket is realized, as already described above has been.

In Fig. 2 it can still be seen that between the locking lugs 21st or 22 guide channels or guide grooves 37, 38 are formed, through which the connecting lugs 26, 27 when the Isoliergehäuses 10 are performed.

The insulating housing 10 is a one-piece injection molded plastic part 39, as a corresponding mass article very much is inexpensive to implement.

In Fig. 3 a further insulating housing 41 is shown, in the Interior 42 a switch 12 is indicated. The switch 12 is held firmly in the interior 42 by a latch 43 which acts like the locking lugs 21, 22 in the insulating housing 10. For locking the switch 12 through an opening 44 from below into the interior 12 until the Latch 43 is suppressed. The interior 42 can then pass through a lid 45 can be closed.

The insulating housing 41 also has guide channels 46, 47, into which the connecting lugs 26, 27 are inserted. The upper Guide channel 46 has a curved guide surface 48 through which the terminal lug 26 when inserted into the Guide channel 46 is bent downward in Fig. 3 so that it with its locking element 34 through a locking opening 49 comes into contact with the cover part 15 of the switch 12. On this way not only becomes a mechanical latching but at the same time a very good electrical contact is achieved.

At the lower terminal lug 27 is in the embodiment 3, a locking part 51 is provided, which when pushed Insulating housing 41 with the lower part 16 of the switch 12 in contact reached. To insert the thickened connecting lug 27 in the guide channel 47, this has one enlarged insertion opening 50.

The guide channels 46, 47 end in grooves 52, 53 in which the Terminal lugs 26, 27 with their front ends 54, 55 for lying come when the insulating housing 41 is fully pushed open has been. These grooves 52, 53 ensure that also with strong vibrations or other mechanical stress the electrical contact between the connecting lugs 26, 27 and the switch 12 is retained.

Since the opening 44 is perpendicular to the guide channels 46, 47 runs, the inserted contact parts 24, 25 also provide for a mechanical fit of the switch 12, so that on the Latch 43 could also be dispensed with if switch 12 and insulating housing 41 are to be stored separately.

3, the holder 23 is on arranged a consumer 57, the two connection elements 58, 59 for connection to an external circuit. While the connecting element 59 directly to the electrical consumer 57 is connected, the connection element 58 is in electrical connection with the connecting lug 27. The second Terminal lug 26, however, is directly connected to the electrical Consumers 57 connected. Due to the chosen arrangement is a switch 12 received between the connecting lugs 26, 27 in series with the consumer 57 between the connection elements 58, 59 switched. It should also be mentioned that the connecting lugs 26, 27 with their broad sides 61, 62 facing each other.

Claims (10)

1. Use of an insulating housing having an inner space (11, 42) for accommodating a switch (12) to be mechanically and/or electrically protected, said switch comprising a temperature-dependent switching device and two electrically conductive connection areas (13, 14) which provide for making electrical contact of the switch (12), characterized in that said insulating housing (10, 41) comprises at least one opening (18, 50) through which contact parts (24, 25) of a holder (23) or an electrical device (57) to be protected make direct contact to said two connection areas (13, 14) and clamp the switch assembly (12) between each other so as to achieve the electrical connection to and mechanical holding of the switching device.
2. Use in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the insulating housing (10, 41) comprises an internal profile by which the inserted contact parts (24, 25) are pressed against the connection areas (13, 14).
3. Use in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insulating housing (10, 41) comprises at least one snap-in locking device (31, 49) for locking said insulating housing with a corresponding snap-in locking device (34) provided on one of the contact parts (24).
4. Use in accordance with any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insulating housing holds an inserted switch assembly in such a way that it cannot be lost.
5. Use in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the insulating housing comprises compressible snap-in locking means (21, 22, 43) holding an inserted switch assembly (12) in such a way that it cannot be lost.
6. Use in accordance with any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insulating housing (10, 41) comprises guide channels and/or grooves (37, 38; 40, 47) for receiving the contact parts (24, 25).
7. Use in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the guide channels and/or grooves (37, 38; 40, 47) comprise a guide surface (35, 36, 48) which is longitudinally inclined towards the inner space (11, 42).
8. Use in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the guide surface (48) is curved in a longitudinal direction.
9. Use in accordance with any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at the insulating housing (10, 41) there is provided a further opening (44) through which the switch assembly (12) can be inserted into the inner space (42).
10. Use in accordance with any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the further opening (44) is perpendicular to the guide channels and/or grooves (46, 47).

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