Patent · US Expired

Thermal protective switch

US4255736A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
7References
18Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 15, 1979
Grant dateMar 10, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 15, 1999

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H37/764
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A thermally sensitive switch is provided with two parallel lead wires or conductive members which are confined within a two section insulated housing. Electrical continuity between members is established by a conductive contact element which bridges the two conductive members to provide a continuous electrical path. The contact element is held in place by a temperature sensitive material which changes state at a predetermined temperature and by a spring element which exerts a force on the pellet through the contact element. When the temperature sensitive material changes state, the spring force drives the contact between the conductive members to effect a snap-action instantaneous interruption of the electrical circuit. The construction and assembly of the components provide for minimizing the production cost of the switch.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.