US 12,340,961 B2
Temperature-dependent switching mechanism, temperature-dependent switch, and method of manufacturing the same
Marcel P. Hofsaess, Steintahleben (DE)
Filed by Marcel P. Hofsaess, Steintahleben (DE)
Filed on Jul. 21, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/356,635.
Claims priority of application No. 102022118402.1 (DE), filed on Jul. 22, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0029974 A1, Jan. 25, 2024
Int. Cl. H01H 37/52 (2006.01); H01H 11/00 (2006.01); H01H 37/04 (2006.01)
CPC H01H 37/52 (2013.01) [H01H 11/00 (2013.01); H01H 37/04 (2013.01); H01H 2037/525 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A temperature-dependent switching mechanism for a temperature-dependent switch, having:
a temperature-dependent bimetal snap-action disc comprising a first through hole;
a temperature-independent snap-action spring disc comprising a second through hole; and
an electrically conductive contact member comprising a main body that passes through the first through hole and the second through hole;
wherein the electrically conductive contact member comprises a support shoulder projecting radially from the main body, a first locking element projecting radially from the main body and being arranged on a first side of the support shoulder, and a second locking element projecting radially from the main body and being arranged on a second side of the support shoulder opposite the first side,
wherein the temperature-dependent bimetal snap-action disc is arranged between the first locking element and the support shoulder and is held captive, but with clearance, on the main body of the electrically conductive contact member by the first locking element and the support shoulder,
wherein the temperature-independent snap-action spring disc is arranged between the second locking element and the support shoulder and is held captive, but with clearance, on the main body of the electrically conductive contact member by the second locking element and the support shoulder, and
wherein the electrically conductive contact member is integrally formed and the main body is integrally connected to the support shoulder, the first locking element and the second locking element.