US3735310A

US3735310A - Temperature responsive electrical switch assembly

Info

Publication number: US3735310A
Application number: US00170633A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Kochanski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Fasco Controls Corp
Priority date: 1971-08-10
Filing date: 1971-08-10
Publication date: 1973-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-22

Abstract

A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly has a single housing containing a bimetallic switching member and a thermistor; a plurality of adjustable contact members, electrically connected to a first terminal member, are positioned as to be alternately engageable with the bimetallic switching member; the thermistor is resiliently held against and in electrically conductive relationship to the housing by one end of an electrically conductive spring member which has its other end connected to a second electrical terminal member.

Description

United States Patent 1 [111 3,735,310

Kochanski 1 May 22, 1973 [54] TEMPERATURE RESPONSIVE 1,898,174 2/1933 Dublier ..337/92 ELECTRICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY 2,945,933 7/ 1960 Girolamo et al.... ..337/l07 X [76] Inventor: Aloysius J. Kochanski 27312 Spring 1,894,150 1/1933 Beers ..337/380 Drive Southfield Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gilheany Assistant Examiner-F. E. Bell [22] Ffled: 1971 AttorneyLon H. Romanski [21] Appl. No.: 170,633

[57] ABSTRACT Related U.S. Application Data A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly [63] Continuation of 66,227 1970 has a single housing containing a bimetallic switching abandoned member and a thermistor; a plurality of adjustable U S 337/107 337/92 337/380 contact members, electrically connected to a first ter- [51] .Htilh 71/16 minal member are positioned as.to be alternately en- [58] Field of Search ..337/102, 112-, 113, gageabe with bimetallic swmhing member; the 337/107, 364 380, 381, 99, 92, 124, 378, thermistor is resiliently held against and in electrically 105; 219/505, 504., 338/22 23; 3l7/4l conductive relationship to the housing by one end of an electrically conductive spring member which has its [56] References Cited other end connected to a second electrical terminal member.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 Cl 10 D F 3,019,319 1/1962 Anderson ..337 107 x rawmg guns Patented May 22, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORN EY TEMPERATURE RESPONSIVE ELECTRICAL SWITCH ASSEMBLY This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 66,227, filed Aug. 24, 1970 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been found, especially in automotive engine applications, that quite often it is necessary or at least desired that related electrical control circuitry be energized or de-energized in response to parameters of engine temperature as well as to regulate the magnitude of current flow to such related control circuitry. In the past this has often been accomplished by employing, for example, potentiometer type resistors wherein the resistance value thereof is mechanically varied as by a cooperating wiper contact positioned as by a cooperating bimetallic element.

However, in order to accomplish all of these functions it was, aside from the relatively high cost thereof, usually necessary to package such components (those for energizing and de-energizing circuits and those for varying or controlling current flow) in separate housing which, in turn, had to be threadably engaged with individual separately formed internally threaded apertures in the engine block assembly. Not only is this costly, but errors due to localized hot spots in the engine block assembly often cause such separated housings to experience different temperatures whereas in fact the temperature of the overall engine may correspond to only the temperature existing at one or the other of the separated housings.

Accordingly, the invention as herein disclosed and described is primarily concerned with the solution of the above as well as other related problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a temperature responsive electrical switch assembly comprises a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber in said housing, and an electrically conductive member resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor.

Various general and specific objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein for purposes of clarity certain details and elements may be omitted from one or more views:

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a switch assembly, embodying the teachings of the invention, shown schematically connected to related electrical circuitry;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one of the elements shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 3--3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally on the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the major element shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 4 but illustrating a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the elements shown in FIG. 7 but in its free condition;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the element shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 8 and 9 shown generally in a condition as it would appear when assembled into the assembly of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, FIG.

1 illustrates an electrical switch assembly 10, operatively connected to first and second electrical circuit means 12 and 14, carried as by a suitable threaded portion 16 which may comprise a part of an internal combustion engine as employed in automotive vehicles.

The switch assembly 10 is shown as comprising a generally cup-shaped housing or body 18 having an externally threaded portion 20 for threadably engaging the internally threaded portion 16 of the related engine. A bimetallic or thermostatic element 22, having a base 24 and arm 26, is suitably retained in the housing chamber 38 and secured to the lower wall of said housing by any suitable means as, for example, by suitable spot welding as diagrammatically illustrated at 32.

The upper end of chamber 28 is closed off by an electrically non-conductive plate-like cap 34 which has a plurality of

apertures

36, 38 and 40 formed therethrough for the reception therein of eyelet-like portions 42 and 44, of a first terminal member 46, and eyelet portion 48, of a second terminal member 50. As shown, the upper end of housing 18 is formed with an interior shoulder portion 52 against which the terminal mounting plate 34 is situated and securely held in places as by a rolled-over or peened clamping portion 54. Such a clamping portion 54 may be a continuous ring-like configuration or a plurality of individual finger-like members formed integrally with the body 18. As shown, a suitable sealing member 56, coextensive with the upper surface of cover 34, is provided between the upper surface of cover 34 and the clamping portion 54.

Terminal member or plate 46 carries a pair of

contact members

58 and 60 which are respectively threadably engaged internally of and with eyelet portions 42 and 44. Each of the

contact members

58 and 60 are provided with suitable tool-engaging surfaces 62 by which such contact members can be adjustably rotated in order to vary the axial positions thereof and thereby select the particular temperature at which the

contact portions

64 and 66, of thermostatic arm 26, will engage the downwardly depending

portions

68 and 70 of

contact members

58 and 60. As shown, terminal plate 46 also has a blade type male terminal 72 formed therewith adapted for connection to conductor means 74 leading to a related device or control member 76 which, in turn, is connected via conductor means 78 to a source of electrical potential 80 grounded as at 82.

Accordingly, as should be apparent, whenever thermostatic arm 26 is moved to either the left or right as to engage

terminal members

58 or 60, an electrical circuit is completed from source 80, through blade terminal connector 72 terminal plate 46, either

member

58 or 60, arm 26, and housing 18 back to ground as at 84.

In contrast, terminal plate 50 may carry a rivet 86, passing through eyelet 48, peened over so as to contain an end 88, of an electrically conductive spring element 90, in engagement with the lower end of the eyelet 48. Terminal plate 50 also has a blade type male terminal 92 formed therewith adapted for connection to conductor means 94 leading to, for example, an ammeter type gauge 96 which, in turn, is connected via conductor means 98 to a source of electrical potential 100 grounded as at 102. A voltmeter type gauge 104 may also be electrically connected across conductor means 98 and ground 102 as shown.

After the cover 34 has been assembled and secured to the housing 18 and after

contact members

58 and 60 have been adjusted so as to attain the desired closure with contacting

portions

64 and 66, a suitable electrically non-conductive filler material 106, such as an epoxy resin, which serves to hermetically seal the inner chamber 28 as well as

lock members

58 and 60 into their adjusted positions, is poured over the cover 34 and

members

58, 60 and 86 as shown in FIG. 1.

The thermostatic element 22, as also shown in FIG. 2, is comprised of a base 24, which may be generally circular, in which is formed a generally tubular upstanding portion 108 adapted to receive therein a tubular member 1 of electrically non-conductive material such as, for example, nylon. If desired, suitable locating means, such as notches 112 and 114 shown in phantom line in FIG. 2, may be formed in the base 24 so as to be engageable with co-operating locating lugs or the like (not shown) provided in the base of housing 18 in order to thereby automatically assure a particular location of the thermostatic member 22 with respect to the housing 18 upon assembly thereof.

A thermistor 116 is located within the isolating tubular member 110 and held against the inner surface 118 of bottom wall 30 by the lower end of spring contact member 90 so as to be in electrically conductive relationship to both contact member 90 and housing 18.

In one type of thermistor, as depicted herein, the resistance of the thermistor is normally relatively high; however, with the build-up of heat as transmitted to the housing 18, such heat is quickly transmitted to and sensed by the thermistor 116 which responds thereto by reducing its value of resistance in accordance with the magnitude of heat or temperature sensed. Upon high heat, the thermistor 116 tends to approach a condition of a closed no-resistance circuit as between the lower end of spring conductor and surface 118 of wall 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lower end of spring conductor 90 may be formed to be generally of a cupshaped configuration 120 with the lower or bottom end 121 thereof preferably being dished upwardly thereby defining a peripheral circular contacting portion 122 engaging the upper surface 124 of the thermistor 116. Formed integrally with the cup or foot portion 120 is an upwardly extending leg 126 which is preferably formed to have a knee-like configuration with

leg portions

128 and 130 respectively disposed above and below the knee 132.

The spring contact member 90 may be made of, for example, berryllium copper or any other material which has resilient properties and affords good electrical conductivity. In its free state, member 90 would be somewhat longer in overall length and the cup or foot portion 120 would preferably be somewhat inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to have the free left end thereof at a level somewhat below the heel or right end thereof which is joined to leg 126. Consequently, when assembled, the knee 132 and

leg portions

128 and 130 are resiliently flexed exerting a resilient downward force while the depending left end of foot 120 is flexed upwardly thereby assuring a good electrical contact to be made as between the bottom of the foot 120 and the top 124 of thermistor 116.

If desired, a relatively thin layer of silicon jell, thin lead disc, or the like, (which is thermally conductive) may be applied as between the lower surface of thermistor 116 and surface 118 as well as between the lower surface of cup or foot 120 and surface 124 of thermistor 116. Such a layer of jell provides a degree of adherence between opposed surfaces as well as enhances electrical and thermal conductivity between related components.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION Generally as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the application of switch assembly 10 to an automotive vehicle, and more particularly to the internal combustion engine thereof, the blade terminal 72 may be connected via conductor 64 to the related device 76 which may be a transmission control switch responsive to transmission speeds so as to be effective, in combination with switch assembly 10, to open and close related circuit means 77 leading to, for example, means for altering the setting of the related engine ignition advance mechanism.

For example, whenever the engine is at a temperature below a predetermined minimum engine temperature leg 26 of bimetallic member 22 will be in engagement with contacting portion 68 of member 58 thereby closing the circuit therethrough. If during this temperature condition device 76 also becomes closed, circuit means 77 will then become effective to energize the related ignition advance mechanism. However, as engine temperature increases and leg 26 moves away from contacting portion 68 to a point somewhere between contacting

portions

68 and 70 the electrical circuit through

portions

68 and 70 is opened and, consequently, regardless of the condition of device 76, the circuit means 77 becomes incapable of altering the ignition advance mechanism.

Finally, if the temperature of the engine exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature, leg 26 of thermostatic element moves sufficiently to the right causing portion 66 thereof to engage contact portion 70 of member 60 thereby closing the circuit therethrough. If during this temperature condition device 76 also becomes closed, circuit means 77 will then become effective to energize the related ignition advance mechamsm.

Gauge 96, for example, may be a suitable dial type temperature read-out gauge mounted on the vehicle dash panel so that the vehicle operator can be made continually aware of the engine temperature. Generally, such dial type gauges are basically ammeters having a very small resistance value, in an enclosed coil and shunt resistor, and are responsive to the current flow therethrough. That is, if the gauge includes an indicator needle, the greater the current flow so also the greater the deflection of the indicator needle.

Therefore, as previously stated, with relatively low engine temperatures the resistance of thermistor 116, which is in series circuit with gauge 96, is relatively high thereby keeping current flow through the gauge 96 at a minimum. However, as engine temperature increases, the resistance of thermistor decreases thereby permitting a corresponding increase in current flow therethrough as well as through gauge 96.

In view of the above it can be seen that the invention provides a switching assembly which provides a multiple of switching functions as well as providing a control for variable current flow each of which is responsive to a parameter of engine temperature. Further, by having a switching assembly as disclosed herein, the temperature of one particular spot or location of the engine is selected for sensing by the temperature responsive components of the switch assembly. That is, it is assured that by including the control elements within a single housing, as shown, the thermostatic element 22 will be sensitive to precisely the same temperature being sensed by thermistor 116 and vice versa.

FIGS. 4-10 illustrate second and third embodiments of the invention. Elements disclosed therein which are like or similar to those of FIG. 1 are identified with like reference numbers.

Referring now in greater detail to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, it can be seen that the thermostatic element 22a is provided with a relatively small base 24a which may be secured to wall 30 in a fashion similar to base 24, as, for example, by spot welding as indicated at 32a. The electrically conductive spring contact member 90a, having leg portions 128a and 130a joined as by a knee portion 132a, has a hold-down plate 140 formed at the lower end of and integrally with lower leg portion 130a. The hold-down plate 140 is so formed as to have a lower surface 142 thereof held in contact with the upper surface 124 of thermistor 116.

As also shown in FIGS. 5, and 6, the lower holddown plate 140 may be provided with three downwardly depending

legs

144, 146 and 148, integrally formed therewith, and defining a space therebetween sufficient to accommodate. the reception of the thermistor 116 and surrounding tubular insulator 110. As will be noted in FIG. 4, the effective axial length of tubular insulator 110 is such as to enable surfaces 124 and 142 of thermistor 116 and hold-down plate 140 to be in engagement with each other. Further, as also shown in FIG. 4, the effective length of

legs

144, 146 and 148 is such as to be less than the height of thermistor 116 in order to thereby prevent

such legs

144, 146 and 148 from contacting surface 118 of wall 30 and thereby completing an electrical circuit therethrough.

It should be apparent that spring contact member a not only serves to establish a current path between thermistor 116 and terminal member 50 but also provides a hold-down force, because of the resiliency and deflection of member 90a, as well as serves to constrain, by virtue of

legs

144, 146 and 148, the thermistor 116 in a particular location against end wall 30. As described with reference to FIG. 1, a thin layer of thermally and electrically conductive silicon jell, or thin lead disc, may be placed between the lower surface of thermistor 116 and surface 118 as well as between surfaces 124 and 142. The operation of the embodiment of the invention as shown by FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 is, of course, the same as that of FIG. 1.

Referring now in greater detail to the embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein elements like or similar to either FIGS. 1 or 4 are identified with like reference numbers, it can be seen that a spring contact member 90b has a depending leg portion 150 with the upper end 88b thereof secured in conductive relationship to the terminal member 50 by means of the rivet 86. A foot portion 152 disposed at the lower end of leg 150 engages, by its lower surface 154, the upper surface 124 of thermistor 116.

As also shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the electrically conductive spring hold-down member 90b preferably has a generally circular foot 152, integrally formed with leg portion 150, which in its free state assumes a somewhat inclined position, with respect to the horizontal, as shown in FIG. 8. However, during assembly of the components, the foot 152 is resiliently deflected somewhat upwardly (to a position illustrated by both FIGS. 7 and 10) thereby creating a resilient holding force against the top of thermistor 116. Further, the outer dimension of the foot portion 152 is selected so as to at least relatively close to the inner diameter of tubular insulator thereby permitting the foot portion 152, in combination with the tubular insulator 110, to function as a locator for the thermistor 116. As described with reference to FIG. 1, a thin layer of thermally and electrically conductive silicon jell or lead disc may be placed between the lower surface of thermistor 116 and surface 118 as well as between

surfaces

124 and 154. The operation of the embodiment of the invention as shown by FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 is, of course, the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 4.

Although only a select number of embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described, it is apparent that other embodiment and modifications of the invention are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said 7 first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means-being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor.

2. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said moveable temperature responsive means comprises a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of contact with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, and wherein said electrically conductive member is effective for holding said thermistor operatively against said one end .of said chamber of said housing.

3. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of contact with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor.

4. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of engagement with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and

an aperture formed through said base portion of said bimetallic member, said aperture being of a size and configuration to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

5. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a themistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of engagement with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and an open-ended tubular portion formed integrally with said base portion of said bimetallic member, said tubular portion having an internal dimension sufficient to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

6. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly according to claim 5, wherein said electrically conductive member includes a foot portion formed integrally therewith and abutably engaging said thermistor, said foot portion being of such a dimension as to be received within said electrical insulating means.

7. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly according to claim 6, wherein said electrically conductive member comprises a leg-like portion extending from said foot portion to said second contact member, said leg-like portion being of generally bowed configuration in order to provide a degree of resiliency between said thermistor and said contact member.

8. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of contact with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally sur-- rounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and said electrically conductive member comprising a foot portion formed integrally therewith and abutably engaging said thermistor, said foot portion including extending side wall means defining a clearance therebetween sufficient to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

9. A temperature sensitive and responsive probe assembly for use in combination with an associated electrical circuit, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, terminal means carried by said housing and adapted for connection to said associated electrical circuit, a thermistor situated within said chamber, said thermistor and said terminal means being spaced from each other as to be devoid of any physical and electrical contact therebetween, and an electrically conductive extension situated within said chamber and operatively engaging said terminal means and said thermistor, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said electrically conductive extension comprising a resilient portion effective for continually applying a resilient force against said thennistor in order to continually urge said terminal means and said thermistor in directions generally away from each other and thereby assure continued electrical conductivity therebetween.

10. A temperature sensitive probe assembly according to claim 9, wherein said electrically conductive extension also comprises locating means carried thereby, said locating means being effective to operatively engage said thermistor at at least a plurality of generally opposed points generally circumscribing said thermistor and thereby prevent said thermistor from moving out of an established physical relationship to said electrically conductive extension.

Claims

1. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor.

2. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly according to claim 1, wherein said moveable temperature responsive means comprises a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of contact with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, and wherein said electrically conductive member is effective for holding said thermistor operatively against said one end of said chamber of said housing.

4. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of engagement with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and an aperture formed through said base portion of said bimetallic member, said aperture being of a size and configuration to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

5. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable tEmperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of engagement with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and an open-ended tubular portion formed integrally with said base portion of said bimetallic member, said tubular portion having an internal dimension sufficient to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

8. A temperature responsive electrical switch assembly, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, a first terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a first associated electrical circuit, a first contact member carried by said terminal member, a second terminal member carried by said housing and adapted for connection to a second associated electrical circuit, a second contact member carried by said second terminal member, electrically conductive moveable temperature responsive means carried by said housing within said housing, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a first range of temperatures to engage said first contact member and thereby close said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, said moveable temperature responsive means being effective during a second range of temperatures to be in disengagement with said first contact member and thereby open said first associated electrical circuit therethrough, a thermistor situated in said chamber of said housing, and an electrically conductive member operatively resiliently engaging said thermistor and said second contact member, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said second associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said moveable temperature responsive means comprising a bimetallic member having a base portion held against one end of said chamber of said housing, said bimetallic member also comprising a moveable arm portion moveable into and out of contact with said first contact member in accordance with temperature, said electrically conductive member being effective for holding said thermistor against said one end of said chamber of said housing, and further comprising electrical insulating means peripherally surrounding said thermistor to prevent direct contact between said bimetallic member and said thermistor, and said electrically conductive member comprising a foot portion formed integrally therewith and abutably engaging said thermistor, said foot portion including extending side wall means defining a clearance therebetween sufficient to accept therein said thermistor and said electrical insulating means.

9. A temperature sensitive and responsive probe assembly for use in combination with an associated electrical circuit, comprising a housing, a chamber formed within said housing, terminal means carried by said housing and adapted for connection to said associated electrical circuit, a thermistor situated within said chamber, said thermistor and said terminal means being spaced from each other as to be devoid of any physical and electrical contact therebetween, and an electrically conductive extension situated within said chamber and operatively engaging said terminal means and said thermistor, said thermistor being effective to vary the current flow through said associated electrical circuitry in accordance with the temperature sensed by said thermistor, said electrically conductive extension comprising a resilient portion effective for continually applying a resilient force against said thermistor in order to continually urge said terminal means and said thermistor in directions generally away from each other and thereby assure continued electrical conductivity therebetween.