| 摘要 |
A thermostatic electrical switch and method of switch assembly are disclosed for a switch which provides an electrically conductive path when the temperature of the switch is below a threshold temperature and which opens the path when the temperature of the switch exceeds the threshold temperature. A conductive base plate has a bimetal thermostatic snap element attached at first end of the snap element to the top of the base plate and making electrical contact therewith. The snap element is generally concave upwardly when its temperature is less than the threshold temperature and snaps to a straightened position when its temperature is above the threshold temperature. An electrical snap contact is mounted on the upper surface of the snap element adjacent a second end of the snap element and is electrically connected to the snap element. A conductive cap covers the snap element and is welded to the base plate around a portion of the periphery of the cap, thereby forming a casing with the base plate. The casing defines a casing cavity, in which is positioned the snap element, and further defines an opening communicating with the casing cavity. An electrically conductive terminal has a connector at a first end and a terminal contact at a second end thereof. A mounting means is positioned in the opening for mounting the terminal, such that the terminal extends through the opening. The terminal contact is in contact with the snap contact when the temperature of the snap element is less than the threshold temperature. An electrical path is thereby provided from the casing to the conductive terminal, via the snap element and the snap contact, until the temperature of the switch exceeds the threshold temperature. When the temperature of the switch exceeds the threshold temperature, the snap element snaps to a straightened position, breaking the conductive path between the terminal contact and the snap contact. |
