Thermally responsive switch
US4414524A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1981 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H37/54
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermally responsive switch is particularly adapted to perform a plurality of electrical control functions on an automotive engine in response to changes in engine temperature. The switch is characterized by a structure permitting the switch operating temperatures to be easily matched to the requirements of specific automotive applications. The switch mounts first electrical contacts on an insulating support and incorporates spring means mounted on a carrier, second contacts mounted on the spring means, and thermally responsive, snap-acting bimetallic discs or the like which are easily disposed between the respective spring means and the carrier to move the second contacts relative to the carrier in response to temperature change. The thermally responsive discs are easily retained on the carrier between the spring means and carrier to form a thermally responsive unit having selected thermal response characteristics and the carrier is easily mounted on the insulating support so that the second contacts move between open and closed circuit positions spaced from or engaging the first contacts on the support in response to selected temperature change.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.