CA2076096C - Control device - Google Patents

Control device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2076096C
CA2076096C CA002076096A CA2076096A CA2076096C CA 2076096 C CA2076096 C CA 2076096C CA 002076096 A CA002076096 A CA 002076096A CA 2076096 A CA2076096 A CA 2076096A CA 2076096 C CA2076096 C CA 2076096C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
switch
housing
housing member
switch blade
snap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002076096A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2076096A1 (en
Inventor
Ronald Lee Hogue
James Paul Frank
Donald Ellsworth Nice
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
General Electric Co
Original Assignee
General Electric Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Electric Co filed Critical General Electric Co
Publication of CA2076096A1 publication Critical patent/CA2076096A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2076096C publication Critical patent/CA2076096C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H01H35/34Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow actuated by diaphragm
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/0006Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches for converting electric switches
    • H01H11/0031Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches for converting electric switches for allowing different types or orientation of connections to contacts
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/0056Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches comprising a successive blank-stamping, insert-moulding and severing operation
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/04Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts
    • H01H11/06Fixing of contacts to carrier ; Fixing of contacts to insulating carrier
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H35/00Switches operated by change of a physical condition
    • H01H35/24Switches operated by change of fluid pressure, by fluid pressure waves, or by change of fluid flow
    • H01H35/26Details
    • H01H35/2607Means for adjustment of "ON" or "OFF" operating pressure
    • H01H35/2628Means for adjustment of "ON" or "OFF" operating pressure by varying the relative position of switch-casing and pressure sensitive element
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00Metal working
    • Y10T29/49Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49004Electrical device making including measuring or testing of device or component part
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00Metal working
    • Y10T29/49Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49105Switch making

Abstract

A pressure sensitive control device having a housing made up of a plurality of housing members, a diaphragm, a bistable snap-disc, a switch and an actuator.
T'he snap-disc moves from one configuration to another upon application of pressure over a predetermined amount to drive the actuator which moves the switch from its normal operating position, which can be either closed or open, to a tripped position, which is opposite its normal operating position. Two adjacent housing members, which support the snap-disc and switch, respectively. are formed with cooperating spacers which allow the spacing of these housing members to be continuously varied over a small range of adjustment to allow the switch point of the control device to be adjusted after partial assembly of the control device. The diaphragm and some of the housing members may be subassembled for testing the components of the control device prior to complete assembly. The switch is initially formed as one piece and electrically halved after subassembly with one of the housing members. A
housing member which is formed for connection to an electrical control circuit to which the control device is to be attached as modular and can be replaced with similar housing members which are configured for connection to different types of mating electrical connectors associated with different control circuits.
Methods of assembly are also enclosed.

Description

r~

CONTROL DEVICE
Background of: the Invention _ 2 0 7 6 p g 6 This invention relates generally to an electrical circuit control device and more particularly to fluid pressure actuated control device and a method of assembling such a control device.
Fluid pressure sensitive control devices typically include a housing having an opening for the communication of fluid pre~osure into the housing and a diaphragm which to moves in response to the fluid pressure. A two position, bistable, snap-acting disc in the housing is movable, for example, frost a generally convex configuration to a generally concave configuration upon application of sufficient pressure to the snap-disc from the diaphragm for actuating a switch in the housing to open or to close an electrical, circuit to which the control device is attached. The: snap-disc moves back to its convex configuration when the pressure applied by the diaphragm falls below a~ certain predetermined value. Control devices of the type t,o which this invention generally relates are used in autot~otive air conditioning systems to control the energization and deenergization of a clutch actuated compressor in response to a preselected low and high value of fluid prea~sure measured at a preselected point in the system, such as in an accumulator in the system. Examples of control devices of the same general type as disclosed herein are disclosed in Poling, U.S. Patent No. 4,200,776, and Johnson, U.S. Patent No. 4,464,551.
The control device is constructed so that the switch 3o is either opened or closed by action of the snap-disc upon the detection of a predetermined level of pressure in the fluid system. In either case, the control device should be set. so that the switch point, that is, the c 20'600 fi instant when the switch first makes or breaks contact to shut or open the electrical circuit occurs when the snap-disc is between its canvez and concave configurations.
Should the switch point be too near the convey or concave configuration of the snap-disc, the switch tends to oscillate between its open and closed positions because of small movements of the snap-disc caused by a slow pressure build-up (or relief) in the control device. Most signficantly, operating temperature conditions encountered by the control device and wear of parts over the life of the control device causes the switch point to drift toward the concave orieiztation of the snap-disc. Therefore, it is necessary to sel: the switch point nearer the convey position of the ::nap-disc to allow for this drift.
In production of control devices, properly setting the switch point is difficult because of the variations in component part sizes naturally arising from manufacturing to:ierances for those parts. Presently, the switch point is suet by attempting to hold part tolerances within limits which will result in the switch point being in one of an acceptable range of positions between the convez and concave configurations of the snap-disc. In some existing control devices, a one-way adjustment of the switch point can be made by fining a pin in a position to engage a movable switch blade of the switch for applying a force to the switch blade in a direction opposite the force transmitted to the switch blade from the snap-disc. The application of this force by the pin adjusts the location of the switch point. Setting the switch point is a delicate procedure involving only a small range of appropriate positions of the pin. An important disadvantage of this approach is that the pin can only be moved in one direction, toward the switch blade. Thus, an overcorrection of the switch point cannot be remedied. In 20'~600~

addition, this approach causes the switch blade to be subject to increased stress. thereby reducing its operating life.
Control devices must have the appropriate connection to the particular electrical control circuit to which they are to be attached. While the interior workings of the control device may be the same for various types of control circuits, changing the connector portion of the device requires a considerable ezpenditure of time and money because them housing is formed as one piece.
Moreover, prior control devices do not allow the device to be tested prior to complete assembly. Thus, a defective diaphragm is not discovered until the device has been completely assembled, requiring that the device either be disassembled or discarded in its entirety.
Further difficulties in assembly of ezisting control devices occur because the switch is assembled as two separate pieces, one of which is a movable switch blade and the other of which is a stationary contact support having a contact engageable by a contact on the switch blade to close tlae switch. Although separation of the switch blade and the contact support is necessary in the device so that completion of the electric circuit is made only when the cons=act on the switch blade engages the contact on the contact support, the additional separate parts complicates and slows down assembly of the control device. In addition, proper alignment of the contact on the stationary contact support and the contact on the switch blade is difficult to attain.
~mma y of the Invention Among t:he several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a control device constructed from standard components which may be easily and precisely adjusted to vary the switch point: the provision of such a control device which can be easily reconfigured for' connection to different types of electrical connectors; the provision of~such a control device which is readily capable of subassembly for testing component parts; the provision of such a control device which may be quickly assembled from fewer component parts:
the provision of such a control device which can be easily and quickly assembled with the contacts of the switch in alignment; and the provision of such a control device employing component parts which are simple in design, and economically manufactured.
Further among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a method of assembling a control device which produces a subassembly prior to completion which can be tested; the provision of such a method of assembly which allows the control device to be configured for connection to different electrical connectors by replacement of one modular component thereof; the provision of such a method of assembly which can be accomplished quickly and accurately.
In general, a control device constructed according to the principles of the present invention comprises a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal azis, the housing including first and second housing members having openings therein defining a portion of the cavity. The housing members are generally adjacent each other and selectively positionable relative each other generally azially of the housing at locations from a first position in which the first and second housing members are closest together. to a second position in which the first and second housing members are furthest apart. A diaphragm disposed in the cavity divides the cavity into a pair of chambers, and a control port in one end of the housing opens into one of: the chambers for communicating fluid pressure into the! one chamber. A snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration is supported by the housing in the cavity, and spans at least in part across the other chamber. The snap-action member is adapted movement conjointly with the first housing member. A pair of terminal means are mounted in the housing generally adjacent the end of the housing opposite the control port. Switch means is disposed in the cavity and movable conjointly with the second housing member such that the selected spacing between the first and second housing members corresponds to the spacing between the switch means and the snap-action means. The switch means includes a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of the terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means. The switch blade is adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages the contact portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage the contact portion. The switch blade is biased in a normal operating position selected from one of the closed and open positions. Interposed between the snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally azially of the housing upon operation of the snap-action member toward the second configuration is actuator means for moving the switch blade between the normal operating position in Which the switch blade is in one of the open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of the open and closed positions.
In another aspect of the present invention, a control device Naming a diaphragm, snap-action member, switch means and actuator means as described above, wherein the housing includes an input housing member disposed _ ._ _ . . _ _ _ . _ _ ., . 03AC06396 generally at one ~snd of the control device, a connector housing member di:~posed generally at the opposite end of the device and intermediate housing member disposed intermediate the input and connector housing members.
Holding means comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to receive the intermediate housing member and at least a portion of the housing members therein. The sleeve is made of a plastically d.eformable material so that the sleeve may be deformed into engagement with at least one of the housing members after reception in the sleeve of the housing members i:or holding the housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another.
Further in regard to the present invention. a control device having housing with a cavity and a central longitudinal axis,, and a diaphragm, snap-action member, actuator means and switch means substantially as described above. The switch means described is initially formed as one piece and comprises a frangible portion connecting the switch blade and the stationary contact support portion upon formation of the switch means which is adapted to be broken after assembly of the switch means in the housing to break electrical connection between the switch blade and the contact portion.
Still further in regard to the present invention, a method of assembling a pressure responsive control device including the step of providing housing including an input housing member having a control port therein adapted to transmit fluid pressure into the housing, an intermediate housing member, and an electrical connector housing member adapted for connecting the control device to an electrical circuit exterior i:he control device. Means for holding the housing members together in a substantially fixed relationship relative each other, a diaphragm, switch means and actuating means for operating the switch means in 2Q7609~
o3ACOS396 response to movement of the diaphragm are also provided.
The input housing member, diaphragm and intermediate housing member are secured with the holding means together in sealing relation to form a subassembly which is tested for leakage. To complete the assembly, the switch means, and the remaining housing members are secured with the holding means.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a control device including steps of providing the housing members, diaphragm, holding means.
switch means and actuating means as described above.
Assembly is continued by securing together the housing members except tlae connector housing member with the holding means, with the diaphragm, the switch means and the actuating means being supported in the housing by the housing members. One electrical connector housing member is selected from a plurality of connector housing members, which connector housing member is constructed for connection to the particular control circuit. The selected connector housing member is then secured by the holding means in substantially fixed relation to the other housing members.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
Brief Descri~tinn of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a control.
device of the present invention as assembled;
FIG. 2 is an exploded longitudinal section of the control device.illustrating its assembly;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of a subassembly of the control device ~o7so~~

FIG. 4 is an elevation of first and second housing members of the control device;
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan of the first housing member;
FIG. 6 is a top plan of a switch prior to assembly in the control device;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of the second housing member showing a switch of a second configuration as supported therein;
FIG. 8 :is a bottom plan of the second housing member;
FIG. 9 is an elevation of the control device turned 90 degrees from its position in Fig. l, with part of the device broken away to show details;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary section of a connector pin in the second housing member; and FIG. 11 is a control device of a second embodiment of the present invention for use in low pressure applications.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
nP~ai~ed Descriot~.'ion of a Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings. and in particular to Fig. 1. a control device indicated generally at 20 is shown to include a housing formed from housing members 22A-2ZD and meta l washer 24, and having a central longitudinal aais 25. The housing members 22A-22D and metal washer 24 are held together in substantially fined relation relative each other in a tubular sleeve 26. More particularly. the housing members include an input nut 22A, an annular snap-disc support housing member 22H (broadly "first housing mE:mber")~ a switch support housing member ~a'~60~

22C (broadly "sec:ond housing member"), and an electrical connector housing member 22D. As assembled, the housing members 22A-22D and washer 24 define a cavity 28 extending longitudinally between the input nut 22A and the connector housing member 22D. A diaphragm 30 comprising a circular disc of flexible material such as plastic is clamped at its peripheral edge margins between the input nut 22A and the metal washer 24. The diaphragm 30 divides the cavity 28 into two chambers, the first chamber 29A being the thin space between the diaphragm 30 and the input nut 22A and the second chamber 29H being the remaining portion of the cavity 28 below (as seen in Fig. 1) the diaphragm. The input nut 22A has been counterbored to form a control port 32 having an outer section 32A formed with threads for connection to a fluid (i.e., gas or liquid) system such as an automotive air conditioning system (not shown), and a narrow inner section 32B which opens into the first chamber 29A for communicating fluid pressure from the system to the first chamber. A valve actuator 39 held in the inner section 32H of the control port is capable of engaging and actuating a check valve (not shown) of a fluid system for opening the check valve and allowing fluid to enter the control device 20,.
Communication of f luid preasure f rom the f luid system to the first chamber 29A results in a pressure differential betwE~en the first and second chambers 29A, 29B
across the diaphragm 30 which presses against an inverted, cup-shaped force l:ransmitting member 38 located between and engaging the diaphragm and a snap-disc 40 (broadly "snap-action member"). The snap-disc 40 is circular and supported at its peripheral edge margins by an annular ledge 42 in the snap-disc support housing member 22B such that the snap-disc spans across the second chamber 29B of the cavity. The snap-disc 40 is operable between two 207fi0~fi configurations, a convey (or "first") configuration in which the disc bows outwardly away from the switch support housing member 22C, and a concave (or "second") configuration in which the snap-disc bows inwardly toward the switch support. housing member 22C.
The snap-disc is shown in its convey configuration in Figs. 3 and 11, and in an unstable configuration intermediate its convez and concave configuration in figs. 1 and 9. Movement of the snap-disc 40 from the convey configuration to the concave configuration is produced by the application of pressure to the snap-disc from the diaphragm 30 through the force transmitting member 38» The metal washer 24 and force transmitting member 38 operate to proportionately reduce the force applied to the snap-disc 40 as a result of the pressure in the first chamber 29A. It is to be understood that other snap-action devices, including but not limited to an annular snap action member or Helleville spring, or a spider or spoke type snap-action member may be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The ledge 42 is generally frustoconically shaped, sloping toward the switch support housing member 22C away from the periphery of the ledge to facilitate the movement of the snap-disc 40 to its concave configuration. However, the control device wall function with the ledge 42 having shapes other than frustoconical.
A pair of terminal pins 48 are mounted on and extend through the inner end of the electrical connector housing member 22D. The opposite end of the connector housing 2ZD is open for receiving an electrical connector of a control circuit of apparatus (not shown) to be controlled by the! control device (e.g.. the compressor of an automotive air conditioning system). The type of connector housing 22D required may differ depending upon the specific type: of electrical connector to which the control device 20 must be connected. As explained more fully below, the <:ontrol device of the present invention is constructed for quick and easy changeover to accommodate different types ot: electrical connectors. A switch 50 held in the switch support housing member 22C includes a resilient switch blade 50A and a stationary contact support portion 50H. The switch blade 50A is a cantilevered arm extending across the second chamber 29H and has a contact 50C at its free a:nd aligned with a contact 50D on the stationary contact; support portion 50H. The switch blade is permanently electrically connected to one of the terminal pins 48, and the contact support portion 50H is permanently electrically connected to the other terminal pin. To selectively achieve electrical connection between the terminal pins 48, thereby completing the electrical circuit to which the control device is attached, the switch blade 50A is movable between an open position in which the outer end of the siaitch blade is spaced from the contact ZO support portion and the contacts 50C, 50D are not engaged, and a closed position in which the contact 50C of the switch blade engages the contact 50D of the contact support portion. The switch SO has a normal operating position which is either closed (as shown in Fig. 1), or open (as shown in Fig. 7). In either case, the switch blade 50A is biased by its own resiliency toward the normal operating position.
A disc-shaped actuator 54 is slidably received in the snap-disc support housing member 22H for movement axially of the housing. A finger 54A of the actuator 54 projects toward and engages the switch blade 50A of the switch, and the opposite end of the actuator engages the snap-disc 40. The actuator 54 moves toward the switch upon the operation of the snap-disc to its concave 20'~649~

configuration, with the finger 54A pushing the switch blade 50A away from its normal operating position in which the switch 50 is either opened or closed, toga trip position in which the switch is in the opposite position. The snap-disc 40 is operable to its concave configuration only when the pressure transmitted from the diaphragm 30 through the force transmitting member 38. to the snap-disc reaches or eaceeds a certain predetermined value. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9, the snap-disc 40 is in an unstable configuration corresponding to the point where the actuator 54 causes the switch blade 50A to break the engagement of the contacts 50C. 50D (i.e., the "switch point").
In the control device 20 described herein, the pressure value triggering operation of the snap-disc 40 may be increased upon assembly about 2 psi to 30 psi f rom the natural sensitivity pressure of the snap-disc. However, the precise range of pressure sensitivity variation may be other than 2-30 ps~i and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Pressure sensitivity of the control device may be adjusted with a spring regulator 58 (Fig. 9) including a thin, inverted V-shaped spring 58A having an opening in its center through which is received the finger 54A of the actuator 54. The spring 58A biases the actuator upwardly against the snap-disc 40 thereby increasing the pressure necessary to operate the snap-disc from its convea configuration to i.ts concave configuration. Referring to Fig . 9, the springy 58A is supported at its right end in a recess 60 formed in the switch support housing member 22C, and at its left end on a set pin 58H held by a friction fit in a hole 62 through the switch support housing member.
The biasing force the spring 58A eaerts against the actuator 54 and hence against the snap-disc 40 may be set after assembly in the sleeve 26 by fizing the set pin 58H
in the hole 62 with a selected amount of the set pin 20'~609~

extending inwardly into the second chamber 29H from the hole. The further the set pin 58 extends from the hole 62, the closer it is to the snap-disc 40 and the greater the force exerted by the spring 58A against the actuator 54 and the snap-disc 40.
To seal i:he housing, the input nut 22A, diaphragm 30 and washer 24 a.re sealed with each other and with the sleeve 26 by a first annular gasket 66 received in an annular rabbet in t:he inner end of the input nut. The first gasket 66 is squeezed between the input nut 22A, and the diaphragm 30 and washer 24, and forced outwardly against the sleeve: 26. A second annular gasket 68 is located between the switch support housing member 22C and the electrical connector housing member 22D for sealing between them and also sealing with the sleeve 26. The second gasket 68 serves to keep moisture and other contaminants out of: the second chamber 298 of the housing.
The control device 20 of the present invention is constructed to allow the switch point of the switch 50 to be set at one of a plurality of positions upon assembly of the control device. The switch point is determined by the separation of the snap-disc 40 from the switch blade 50A.
To that end, the snap-disc support housing member 22B and the switch support housing member 22C are positionable relative each other azially of the housing. The snap-disc 40 and the switch 50 are movable conjointly with the snap-disc support housing member 22H and switch support housing member 22C, respectively. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the snap-disc support housing member 22H is formed with three arcuate ramps 72 (broadly "first spacer means") extending along t:he periphery of the of the housing member. Each ramp 72 is an arcuate. elongate strip formed as one piece with the snap-disc support housing member 22B
which projects outwardly from one end 72A of the ramp where 20'~6Q96 the strip is generally flush with the peripheral edge margin of the snap-disc support housing member, to a position at an opposite end 72B of the ramp which is axially spaced from the peripheral edge margin of the housing member. 1:n the preferred embodiment, three studs 74 (broadly "second spacer means") formed as one piece with the switch support housing member 22C are radially aligned for engagement with respective ramps 72. By changing the angular orientation of the snap-disc support housing member 22B and the switch support housing member 22C relative each other about the central longitudinal axis 25, the location of engagement of the studs 74 along the ramps 72 can be changed. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing members 22B, 22C
are oriented so that the studs 74 rest .on the portion of the ramp 72 furthest away from the remainder of the snap-disc support housing member so that mazimum separation of the housing mecn~bers is attained. The separation may be selectively reduced from that shown in Fig. 4 by turning the snap-disc support housing member 22H relative the switch support housing member Z2C so that the studs 74 engage a different portion of the ramp closer to the snap-disc support housing member 22C. Minimum separation may be achieved by turning the housing members Z2H, 22C so that the studs 74 .engage the flat peripheral edge margins of the snap-disc aupport housing member 22H between the ramps 72.
It is envisioned that the means for adjusting the spacing between the snap-disc support housing member 22B
and the switch support housing member 22C may take on other forms. For eaampl.e, the studs 74 on the switch support housing member 22C: may be replaced by ramps (not shown) similar to the rarnps 72 on the snap-disc support housing member 22B. The ramps an the switch support housing member 22C would be constructed for cooperatively engaging the ._ 207fi0~6 ramps 72 on the snap-disc support housing member 22B so that rotation of the housing members 22B, 22C relative each other would vary the separation of the housing members. and thus the switch point.
Referring to Fig. 2, the control device 20 of the present invention is designed for quick and easy assembly.
and changeover fl~eaibility to produce a control device needed to fit into a particular fluid system. Moreover, the control device is assembled so that during the ordinary course of assembly, a subassembly may be formed and tested prior to completion of the control device assembly. The tubular sleeve 26 is made of a ductile material, such as aluminum, so that it may be crimped to engage and hold the housing members 22A-22D together in a generally fixed relation with respect to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the opening in one end of the tubular sleeve 26 is smaller than the opening in the other end. The input housing member 22A, first gasket 66. diaphragm 30 and metal washer 24 are inserted in that order through the larger opening at the opposite end of the tubular sleeve 26. For the high pressure configuration of the control device 20 shown in Fig. 3, the metal washer 24 constitutes an "intermediate housing member". The end of the sleeve 26 having the smaller opening retains these control device components in the sleeve with the input member 22A
projecting axially out of the sleeve at the folded end. An annular crimp 80 is formed in the sleeve 26 which engages the washer 24 to form a subassembly of the input nut 22A, diaphragm 30 and washer (Fig. 4). The input nut 22A may then be attached to a fluid pressure source to test the diaphragm 30 and the seal of the first gasket 66 prior to complete assembly of the control device.
After testing the subassembly, assembly of the control device 20 continues by inserting the force 20~~49~

transmitting member 38, snap-disc 40 and snap-disc support housing member 2:2H, and actuator 54 into the sleeve 26.
The force transmitting member 38, snap-disc 40 and actuator 54 constitute "actuating means". These'components are followed by the switch support housing member 22C
preassembled with the switch 50. The switch support housing member 22C also carries the spring 58A and set pin 58B, for adjusting the pressure sensitivity of the control device upon assemlbly. At this time, the switch point of the control device may be set by rotating the snap-disc and switch support housing members 22B, 22C relative each other and repeatedly tripping the control device switch 50 until the switch point is appropriately set between the convey and concave configurations of the snap-disc 40. The second gasket 68 and then connector housing member 22D are then inserted into the sleeve 26. A second annular crimp 82 is formed in the sle~ave 26 which engages and holds the switch support housing member 2ZC, and the end of the sleeve opposite the input: nut is deformed against the electrical connector housing member 22D, thereby securing the housing members 22A-22D and other internal components. The precise order of many of the steps may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.
An alternative configuration of the subassembly is shown in Fig. 1.1, which shows a subassembly of a control device used for low pressure (i.e., appro:imately less than 100 psi) applications. The control device shown in Figs.
1-10 and discussed above is used for high pressure applications and includes the metal washer 24 and the force transmitting member 38 which operate to reduce the force transmitted from the diaphragm to the snap-disc 40. In the low pressure configuration, the washer 24 ~and force transmitting membE~r 38 are omitted, and, thus, the "actuating means" includes only the snap-disc 40 and the 2o~soos actuator 54. The diaphragm 30 engages the snap-disc 40 so that force is transmitted directly by the diaphragm to the snap-disc. The actuator 54 is cylindrical, rather than disc-shaped as in the high pressure control device. The subassembly for testing the diaphragm 30 and first gasket seal includes the input nut 22A, the first gasket 66, the diaphragm, the snap-disc 40 and the snap-disc support housing member 22Ei. For the low pressure control device, the snap-disc support housing member 2ZH constitutes "intermediate housing member". The crimp 80 engages the snap-disc support housing member 22H in a circumferential channel 84 of the housing member to secure the subassembly shown in Fig. 11. Except for those components of the low pressure control device discussed above, the components of the low pressure control device are the same as for the high pressure device.
The electrical~connector housing member 22D which is shown in the drawings is constructed to receive a particular type of electrical connector of the exterior electrical control circuit to which the control device is connected. However, different manufacturers of fluid systems frequently employ different electrical connectors.
Changeover to a corresponding different electrical connector housing member (not shown) can be carried out by merely selecting the appropriate connector housing member 22D from a plurality of such connector housing members, inserting am end into the sleeve 26 and deforming the end of the sleeve against the housing member. Such changeover may be accomplished relatively inexpensively because the electrical connector housing member 2ZD is preassembled only with the terminal pins 48. Electrical connection of the pins 48 With t:he stationary contact support 50B and the switch blade 50A, respectively, is achieved upon insertion of the connector housing member 22D into the sleeve 26 20'~6~9b through the provision of a terminal pin receptor 88 attached to the switch support housing member 22C (Fig.
g). The receptor 88 includes two electrically separate portions, each having an opposing pair of spring-acting terminal pin receiving flaps, indicated at 90A and 90B, respectively, with each terminal pin 48 being received between and contacaing a pair of flaps. The terminal pin 48 pushes the flaps (90A or 90B) apart and away from their relaaed position :co that the flaps are biased against the terminal pin to maintain electrical connection.
The switch 50, and receptor 88, which are formed f rom an electrically conductive material such as beryllium copper, are preassembled with the switch support housing member 22C prior ito assembly of the control device as described. As shown in Fig. 6, the switch 50 is initially formed as one piece including the stationary contact support portion 508 and the switch blade 50A. The switch blade 50A and the contact support portion 50H each have feet indicated at 92 and 94, respectively. which are connected by narrow frangible portions 96. The feet 92. 94 each have an opening 98 which is aligned with a correspond-ing opening 100 in the switch support housing member 22C
upon assembly (F:ig. 7) of the switch 50 with the housing member. The receptor 88 is also formed as a single piece with its two sections 88A, 88H connected by narrow frangible portions 102 (shown only after broken in Fig. 8). Openings 104 in the receptor 88 are capable of alignment with t:he openings 100 in the switch support housing member 22C. The switch 50 and receptor 88 are mounted on the switch support housing member 22C and electrically connected to each other by foux pins 108 (one of which is shown in Fig. 10) received in~the openings 100 in the switch support housing member. The ends of the pins 108 are tubular and may be crimped over against the switch ~0'~64~6 50 and receptor 88. respectively, to attach them to the switch support housing member 22C. This much of the preassembly is cacried out with the switch 50 and receptor 88 still configurE:d in single pieces. The frangible portions 96, 102 .of the switch 50 and receptor 88 are then broken to break electrical connection between the switch blade 50A and contact support portion 50B of the switch, and the sections 88A, 88H of the receptor. Thus, preassembly of the switch 50, receptor 88 and switch support housing member 22C may be carried out with a lesser number of pieces. Formation of the switch 50 as a single piece helps to accurately locate the switch blade 50A and contact support member 508 relative each other so that proper alignment of the contacts 50C and 50D is achieved and maintained.
The effective length of the switch blade 50A is increased by the integral feet 92, which remain attached to the switch blade after the frangible portions 96 are broken. Therefore, the stress ezperienced by the switch blade 50A in operation is reduced over construction in which the switch blade is attached to a separate piece of rigid material (e. g., a brass post).
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (26)

1. A control device comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing including first and second housing members having openings therein defining a portion of the cavity, said housing members being generally adjacent each other and selectively positionable relative each other generally axially of the housing at locations from a first position wherein said first and second housing members are closest together, to a second position in which said first and second housing members are furthest apart;
said first housing member including first spacer means and acid second housing member including second spacer means, said first spacer means engaging said second spacer means at a location on said second spacer means selected from a range of possible locations of engagement, said first and second spacer means being constructed and arranged such that said selected location of engagement of said first spacer means with said second spacer means determines the axial position of the first and second housing members relative one another;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers;
a control port in one end of the housing opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;

a bistable snap-action member operable between a first configuration and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber, said snap-action member being adapted for movement conjointly with said first housing member;
a pair of terminal means mounted in the housing generally adjacent the end of the housing opposite the control port;
switch means disposed in the cavity and movable conjointly with said second housing member such that the selected spacing between said first and second housing members corresponds to the spacing between said snap-action means and said switch means, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of said terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, acid switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions.
2. A control device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first spacer means comprises at least one ramp connected to the first housing member, the axial spacing between said first housing member and said second housing member being determined by the angular orientation relative to one another of said first and second housing members about the central longitudinal axis of the housing.
3. A control device comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing including first and second housing members having openings therein defining a portion of the cavity, said housing members being generally adjacent each other and selectively positionable relative each other generally axially of the housing at locations from a first position wherein said first and second housing members are closest together, to a second position in which said first and second housing members are furthest apart;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers;
a control port in one end of the housing opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;
a bistable snap-action member operable between a first configuration and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber, said snap-action member being adapted for movement conjointly with said first housing member;
a pair of terminal means mounted in the housing generally adjacent the end of the housing opposite the control port;
switch means disposed in the cavity and movable conjointly with said second housing member such that the selected spacing between said first and second housing members corresponds to the spacing between said snap-action means and said switch means, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of said terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, said switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions;
said first housing member including first spacer means, and said second housing member including second spacer means, said first spacer means being engageable with said second spacer means for positioning said first and second housing members at a predetermined axial spacing, the spacing between said first housing member and said second housing member being determined by the angular orientation of said first and second housing members about the central longitudinal axis of the housing relative to one another;
said first and second housing members being generally annular, and wherein said first spacer means comprises at least one arcuate ramp formed as one piece with said first housing member and extending along the periphery of said first housing member.
4. A control device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second spacer means comprises at least one stud formed ass one piece with said second housing member and projecting axially outwardly from said second housing member, the stud being disposed generally at the periphery of said second housing member and engageable with the ramp, the spacing of said first and second housing members depending on the location of the stud on the ramp.
5. A control device as set forth in claim 3 comprising at least two of the ramps circumferentially spaced along the periphery of said first housing member by flat portions of said first housing member, each ramp comprising an elongate, arcuate strap extending outwardly from a position generally flush with said first housing member to a position axially spaced from said first housing member.
6. A control device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a connector housing member having said terminal means mounted therein and being adapted for connecting the control device to and electrical circuit exterior of the control device, the control device further comprising means for holding said housing members together in a substantially fixed relation relative each other.
7. A control device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said holding means comprises a tubular sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of said housing members therein, the sleeve being made of a plastically deformable material whereby the sleeve may be deformed into engagement with at least one of said housing members after reception in the sleeve of said housing members for holding said housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another.
8. A control device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises an input housing member having the control port therein, the input housing member and said diaphragm being adapted to he held in the sleeve in a sealing, fixed relation relative each other, the input housing member and diaphragm subassembly thereby constructed being adapted for leak testing prior to completion of the assembly of the control device.
9. A control device comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing comprising a plurality of housing members including at least an input housing members disposed generally at one end of the control device, a connector housing member disposed generally at the opposite end of the device and an intermediate housing member disposed intermediates said input and connector housing members;
holding means comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of all of said housing members therein, the sleeve being made of a plastically deformable material and being deformed into engagement with at least one of said housing members after reception in the sleeve of said housing members for holding said housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers;
the sleeve being deformed to hold the input housing member and diaphragm in sealing relation with each other separate and apart from the other housing members thereby forming a subassembly adapted for leak testing prior to completion of the assembly of the control device;

a control fort in said input housing member opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;
a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber;
a pair of terminal means mounted in said connector housing member;
switch means disposed in the cavity, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of said terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, said switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions.
10. A control device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said housing comprises first and second housing members, said first housing member including first spacer means, and said second housing member including second spacer means, said first spacer means engaging said second spacer means at a location on said second spacer means selected from a range of possible locations of engagement, said first and second spacer means being constructed and arranged such that said selected location of engagement of said first spacer means with said second spacer meant determines the axial spacing of the first and second housing members relative to one another, the spacing between said first housing member and said second housing member being determined by the angular orientation relative to one another of said first and second housing members about the central longitudinal axis of the housing, and wherein the snap-action member is movable conjointly with said first housing member and said switch meant; is movable conjointly with said second housing member such that the spacing between said first and second housing members corresponds to the spacing between the snap-action member and said switch meant.
11. A control device comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing including at least an input hounding member disposed generally at one end of the control device, a connector housing member disposed generally at the opposite end of the device and an intermediate housing member disposed intermediate said input and connector housing members;
holding means comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of said housing members therein, the sleeve being made of a plastically deformable material whereby the sleeve may be deformed into engagement with at least one of said housing members after reception in the sleeve of said housing members for holding said housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers;
a control port in said input housing member opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;
a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber;
a pair of terminal means mounted in said connector housing member;
switch means disposed in the cavity, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of said terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, said switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions;
said housing comprising first and second housing members, acid first housing member including first spacer means, and said second housing member including second spacer means, said first spacer means engaging said second spacer means for positioning said first and second housing members at a predetermined axial spacing, the spacing between said first dousing member and said second housing member being determined by the angular orientation relative to one another of said first and second housing members about the central longitudinal axis of the housing, and wherein the snap-action member is movable conjointly with said first housing member and said switch means is movable conjointly with said second housing member such that the spacing between said first and second housing members corresponds to the spacing between the snap-action member and said switch means;
said first housing member and said second housing member being generally annular, and wherein said first spacer means comprises at least one arcuate ramp formed as one piece with said first housing member and extending along the periphery of said first housing member, said second spacer means comprising at least one stud formed as one piece with said second housing member and projecting axially outwardly from said second housing member, the stud being disposed generally at the periphery of said second housing member and engageable with the ramp, the spacing of said first and second housing members depending on the location on the stud on the ramp.
12. A control device as set forth in claim 11 comprising at least two of the ramps circumferentially spaced along the periphery of said first housing member by flat portions of said first housing member, each ramp comprising an elongate, arcuate strip extending outwardly from a position generally flush with said first housing member to a position axially spaced from said first housing member.
13. A control device comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing comprising a plurality of housing members including at least an input housing member disposed generally at one end of the control device a connector housing member disposed generally at the opposite end of the device and a switch housing member disposed between said input and connector housing members and being separate from said connector housing member;
holding means comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of all of said housing members therein, the sleeve being made of a plastically deformable material and being deformed into engagement with at least one of said housing members after reception in the sleeve of said housing members for holding said housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing they cavity into a pair of chambers;
a control port in said input housing member opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;
a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber;
at least two terminals mounted in said connector housing member;
switch means disposed in the cavity and supported bar said switch housing member, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of the terminals and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, said switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
a receptor mounted on the switch housing and electrically connected to said switch means, the receptor having an opening therein receiving upper portions of the terminals therein and including resilient contact means engaged by the terminals and deflected from a relaxed position such that said resilient contact means bears against the upper portions of the terminals;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions;
the sleeve being deformed to hold the input housing member, diaphragm, actuator means, said switch means, receptor and switch housing together in fixed relation relative to each other separate and apart from the connector housing member.
14. A control device as set forth in claim 13 wherein the sleeve is deformed to hold the input housing member and diaphragm in sealing relation with each other separate and apart from the other housing members thereby forming a subassembly which may be separately tested for leaks.
15. A control device as set forth in claim 13 wherein said receptor means comprises resilient flap means engaging the terminals, said flap means being displaced from its relaxed position by the terminals whereby said flap means is biased against the terminals for maintaining engagement with the terminals.
16. A control device as set forth in claim 15 wherein :said flap means comprises first and second pairs of flaps formed integrally with the receptor, the first pair of flaps being in opposing relation and receiving one of the terminals between them with each flap engaging said one terminal.
17. A control device subassembly comprising:
a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, the housing comprising a plurality of housing members including at least an input housing member disposed generally at one end of the control device, and a switch housing member;
holding means comprising a tubular sleeve adapted to receive at least a portion of said housing members therein, the sleeve being made of a plastically deformable material and being deformed into engagement with at least one of said housing members after reception in the sleeve of said housing members for holding said housing members in substantially fixed relation relative one another;
a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers;
a control pert in said input housing member opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber;
a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber;
switch means supported by the switch housing member in the cavity, said switch means including a resilient switch blade electrically connected to one of said terminal means and a stationary contact support portion electrically connected to the other terminal means, said switch blade being adapted for motion between a closed position in which the switch blade engages said stationary contact support portion and an open position in which the switch blade does not engage said stationary contact support portion, said switch blade being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions;
actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and the switch blade and movable generally axially of the housing upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for moving the switch blade between said normal operating position in which the switch blade is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which the switch blade is in the other of said open and closed positions the sleeve being deformed to hold the input housing and switch housing in the sleeve in a substantially fixed relationship relative to one another, the sleeve being adapted to receive a connector housing member including terminals for connecting the control device into a circuit to be controlled, the connector housing member not forming part of the subassembly, the sleeve being adapted to be deformed to hold the connector housing members in fixed relation to the input and switch housing members.
18. A switch subassembly of the type used in a pressure responsive control device comprising a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers, a control port in one end of the housing opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber, a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber, a pair of terminal means mounted in the housing generally adjacent the end of the housing opposite the control port, switch means disposed in the cavity, said switch means being operable between a closed position and an open position, said switch means being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions, and actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and said switch means and movable generally axially of the hounding upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for operating said switch means between said normal operating position in which said switch means is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which said switch means is in the other of said open and closed positions, said switch subassembly comprising:
a switch lead frame formed as one piece from electrically conductive material, said switch lead frame comprising a switch blade, a stationary contact support portion and a frangible portion connecting the switch blade and said stationary contact support portion upon formation of said switch lead frame;
means for electrically connecting said switch lead frame to said terminal means of the control device; and means for supporting said switch lead frame and said electrical connecting means;
the frangible portion of said switch lead frame being adapted to be broken after assembly of the switch subassembly to break electrical connection between the switch blade and said stationary contact support portion thereby to form said switch means;
said switch lead frame further comprising a first foot portion connected to the switch blade at a proximal end thereof and extending generally toward the stationery contact support portion from the proximal end of the switch blade and a second foot portion connected to the stationary contact support portion generally along an edge of the stationary contact support portion and extending toward the proximal end of the switch blade from the edge of the stationary contact support portion, the first and second foot portions being interconnected by the frangible portion, the frangible portion being substantially narrower in width than the first and second foot portions thereby facilitating breakage of the frangible portion.
19. A switch subassembly of the type used in a pressure responsive control device comprising a housing having a cavity therein and a central longitudinal axis, a diaphragm disposed in the cavity and dividing the cavity into a pair of chambers, a control port in one end of the housing opening into one of said chambers, said control port being adapted for the communication of fluid pressure into said one chamber, a snap-action member operable between a first and a second configuration supported by the housing in the cavity, and spanning at least in part across said other chamber, a pair of terminal means mounted in the housing generally adjacent the end of the housing opposite the control port, switch means disposed in the cavity, said switch means being operable between a closed position and an open position, said switch means being biased in a normal operating position selected from one of said closed and open positions, and actuator means interposed between said snap-action member and said switch means and movable generally axially of the hounding upon operation of said snap-action member toward said second configuration for operating said switch means between said normal operating position in which said switch means is in one of said open and closed positions and a trip position in which said switch means is in the other of said open and closed positions, said switch subassembly comprising:
a switch lead frame formed as one piece from electrically conductive material, said switch lead frame comprising a switch blade, a stationary contact support portion and a frangible portion connecting the switch blade and said stationary contact support portion upon formation of the switch means;
means for electrically connecting said switch lead frame to said terminal means of the control device; and means for supporting said switch lead frame and said electrical connecting means;
the frangible portion of said switch lead frame being adapted to be broken after assembly of the switch assembly to break electrical connection between the switch blade and said stationary contact support portion thereby to form said switch means;
said electrical connection means comprising a receptor formed as one piece from electrically conductive material, the receptor comprising a first section and a second section and a frangible portion connecting the first and second sections, the frangible portion being adapted to be broken after assembly of the switch subassembly to break electrical connection between the first section and the second section.
20. A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said support means comprises a rigid member having surface means engaging and supporting the first and second foot portions, and an opening, the frangible portion being generally in registration with t:he opening thereby facilitating breakage of the frangible portion into the opening.
21. A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said electrical connection means comprises a receptor formed as one piece from electrically conductive material, the receptor comprising a first section and a second section and a frangible portion connecting the first and second sections, the frangible portion being adapted to be broken after assembly of the switch subassembly to break electrical connection between the first section and the second section.
22. A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 21 further comprising linking means for electrically connecting the receptor to said switch lead frame, said linking means mounting said switch lead frame and the receptor on said support means.
23. A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein ;aid linking means comprises a plurality of pins, said switch lead frame, the receptor and said support means having aligned openings therein receiving at least a portion of the pins, each pin having a deformable portion at each end thereof, each deformable portion being deformed against one of said switch lead frame and the receptor thereby making electrical contact with one of said switch lead frame and the receptor and securing ones of said switch lead frame and the receptor to the support means.
24. A switch lead frame such as for a switch of the type used with a pressure responsive control device including the switch and a pressure responsive mechanism for actuating said switch between a closed position in which the switch completes an electrical circuit and an open position in which they electrical circuit including the switch is broken, the switch lead frame comprising;
a switch blade portion including a switch blade having a contact mounted thereon;
a stationary contact support portion having a stationary contact mounted thereon, the switch blade and stationary contact support portion being formed as one piece from electrically conductive material;
a frangible portion connecting the switch blade portion and the stationary contact portion, the frangible portion being adapted to be broken to break electrical connection between the switch blade and said stationary contact support portion thereby to form the switch;
a first foot portion connected to the switch blade at a proximal end thereof and extending generally toward the stationary contact support portion from the proximal end of the switch blade;
and a second foot portion connected to the stationary contact support portion generally along an edge of the stationary contact support portion and extending generally toward the proximal end of the switch blade from the edge of the stationary contact support portion, the first and second foot portions being interconnected by the frangible portion, the frangible portion being substantially narrower in width than the first and second foot portions thereby facilitating breakage of the frangible portion.
25. A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 19 further comprising linking means for electrically connecting the receptor to said switch lead frame, said linking means mounting said switch lead frame and they receptor on said support means.
26. .A switch subassembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein :amid linking means comprises a plurality of: pins" said switch lead frame, the receptor and said a support means having aligned openings therein receiving at least a portion of the pins, each pin having a deformable portion at each end thereof, each deformable portion being deformed against one of said switch lead frame and the receptor thereby making electrical contact with one of said switch lead frame and the receptor and securing one of said switch lead frame and the receptor to the support means.
CA002076096A 1991-09-11 1992-08-13 Control device Expired - Lifetime CA2076096C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US757,821 1991-09-11
US07/757,821 US5198631A (en) 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Pressure responsive control device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2076096A1 CA2076096A1 (en) 1993-03-12
CA2076096C true CA2076096C (en) 2003-08-12

Family

ID=25049345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002076096A Expired - Lifetime CA2076096C (en) 1991-09-11 1992-08-13 Control device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (3) US5198631A (en)
JP (1) JP3450868B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2076096C (en)

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5808255A (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-09-15 Texas Instruments Incorporated Fluid pressure responsive electric switch
US6343414B1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2002-02-05 General Electric Company Snap-disk formation process and machine
EP1131835A4 (en) * 1999-09-22 2007-03-28 Gen Electric Snap-disk forming machine and process control algorithms
US7134354B2 (en) * 1999-09-28 2006-11-14 Rosemount Inc. Display for process transmitter
US6510740B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2003-01-28 Rosemount Inc. Thermal management in a pressure transmitter
US6487912B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2002-12-03 Rosemount Inc. Preinstallation of a pressure sensor module
US6571132B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2003-05-27 Rosemount Inc. Component type adaptation in a transducer assembly
US6511337B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2003-01-28 Rosemount Inc. Environmentally sealed instrument loop adapter
US6765968B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2004-07-20 Rosemount Inc. Process transmitter with local databus
US6484107B1 (en) 1999-09-28 2002-11-19 Rosemount Inc. Selectable on-off logic modes for a sensor module
US6505514B1 (en) 1999-11-19 2003-01-14 Siemens Canada Limited Sensor arrangement for an integrated pressure management apparatus
US6546805B2 (en) 2000-03-07 2003-04-15 Rosemount Inc. Process fluid transmitter with an environmentally sealed service block
US6662662B1 (en) 2000-05-04 2003-12-16 Rosemount, Inc. Pressure transmitter with improved isolator system
US6504489B1 (en) 2000-05-15 2003-01-07 Rosemount Inc. Process control transmitter having an externally accessible DC circuit common
US6480131B1 (en) 2000-08-10 2002-11-12 Rosemount Inc. Multiple die industrial process control transmitter
US6516672B2 (en) 2001-05-21 2003-02-11 Rosemount Inc. Sigma-delta analog to digital converter for capacitive pressure sensor and process transmitter
US6684711B2 (en) 2001-08-23 2004-02-03 Rosemount Inc. Three-phase excitation circuit for compensated capacitor industrial process control transmitters
DE10141609A1 (en) * 2001-08-24 2003-03-06 Bosch Gmbh Robert Power tool with several functional assemblies housed in separate housings
US6552284B1 (en) 2002-02-25 2003-04-22 Derrin T. Drago Water pump low pressure cutoff switch
US6596951B1 (en) 2002-05-17 2003-07-22 Sherwood-Templeton Coal Company, Inc. Snap disc pressure switch
US7109883B2 (en) * 2002-09-06 2006-09-19 Rosemount Inc. Low power physical layer for a bus in an industrial transmitter
US7773715B2 (en) * 2002-09-06 2010-08-10 Rosemount Inc. Two wire transmitter with isolated can output
US6740828B1 (en) 2003-08-08 2004-05-25 Claudio R. Dacal Arm and safety switch
US6881913B1 (en) 2004-02-17 2005-04-19 Dss Operating Valve Company Pressure operated safety switch
US7036381B2 (en) * 2004-06-25 2006-05-02 Rosemount Inc. High temperature pressure transmitter assembly
EP1805845B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2008-09-10 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG Electric switching device comprising magnetic and/or fluidic adjusting elements
CN100593831C (en) * 2005-06-23 2010-03-10 王正宗 Air pressure switch of aerated product
CN100468596C (en) * 2005-07-07 2009-03-11 王正宗 Buffering device for pneumatic switch of air-inflated product
US7525419B2 (en) * 2006-01-30 2009-04-28 Rosemount Inc. Transmitter with removable local operator interface
US7256361B1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2007-08-14 Su-Yun Lee Pressure switch
US8334788B2 (en) * 2010-03-04 2012-12-18 Rosemount Inc. Process variable transmitter with display
US20120255851A1 (en) * 2011-04-05 2012-10-11 Clark Donnell Freeman Combination Pressure and Temperature Sensor for Simultaneous Temperature and Pressure Analyzing in HVAC Ducts
US9470498B1 (en) * 2014-09-05 2016-10-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army High pressure isolated latching safety switch device
ITUA20162076A1 (en) * 2016-03-29 2017-09-29 S I E Srl PRESSURE SWITCH WITH INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTOR.
US11153985B2 (en) * 2017-06-29 2021-10-19 Rosemount Inc. Modular hybrid circuit packaging

Family Cites Families (109)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2779828A (en) * 1954-09-27 1957-01-29 Pass & Seymour Inc Turn knob switch with push-in terminals
US3444341A (en) * 1961-02-23 1969-05-13 Perceptimus J Mighton Pressure actuated switch
US3133171A (en) 1964-03-09 1964-05-12 Custom Component Switches Inc Pressure switch
US3378656A (en) * 1966-01-03 1968-04-16 Texas Instruments Inc Adjustment means for electrical switch
US3419692A (en) * 1967-01-16 1968-12-31 Sigma Netics Inc Pressure responsive actuator wherein a spring is adjusted by rotation of the housing to change actuation pressure
GB1212862A (en) * 1967-05-26 1970-11-18 Lucas Industries Ltd Thrust washers for use with helical springs
US3564977A (en) * 1968-04-01 1971-02-23 Allen Van Cleve Davis Torqueless compression seal
US3531607A (en) * 1968-04-05 1970-09-29 John P Evans Switch assembly
US3720090A (en) * 1968-12-30 1973-03-13 Texas Instruments Inc Switch with improved means and method for calibration
US3665373A (en) * 1970-02-24 1972-05-23 Dynamics Corp America Push-in connector switch
US3673546A (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-06-27 John L Green Electrical connectors
IT964065B (en) * 1971-08-24 1974-01-21 Actuated Controls Ltd IMPROVEMENTS TO PRESSURE SENSITIVE SWITCHES
US3764763A (en) * 1972-01-18 1973-10-09 Eaton Corp Pressure switch
US3848517A (en) * 1972-08-28 1974-11-19 Nason Co Pressure sensitive device for operating a switch or the like
US3889087A (en) * 1972-11-13 1975-06-10 Amp Inc Electromagnetic relay
US3816685A (en) * 1972-12-26 1974-06-11 Texas Instruments Inc Pressure responsive device having improved means for calibration
GB1428632A (en) * 1973-02-20 1976-03-17 Nissan Motor Tyre air pressure sensor
US3890477A (en) * 1973-05-18 1975-06-17 Maytag Co Control device
US4104495A (en) * 1973-10-10 1978-08-01 Eaton Corporation Pressure switch and actuating means responsive to low pressure
US3876845A (en) * 1973-11-16 1975-04-08 Neo Dyn Inc Pressure and temperature actuated switches
US3911238A (en) * 1973-12-06 1975-10-07 Automatic Switch Co Condition responsive control device with capacity for independent adjustment of control points and transducer therefor
US4037317A (en) * 1973-12-27 1977-07-26 Robertshaw Controls Company Method of making fluid operated electrical switch construction
US3983351A (en) * 1973-12-27 1976-09-28 Robertshaw Controls Company Electrical switch construction and method of making the same
US3984649A (en) * 1973-12-27 1976-10-05 Robertshaw Controls Company Fluid operated electrical switch construction
US4172412A (en) * 1973-12-27 1979-10-30 Robertshaw Controls Company Fluid operated diaphragm assembly having a pair of like opposed diaphragms
US3898405A (en) * 1974-01-11 1975-08-05 Ernesto Juan Weber Diaphragm pressure switch with balance plate and adjustable springs
US3916149A (en) * 1974-02-20 1975-10-28 Electro Therm Electric heater element connection assembly
US3963889A (en) * 1974-07-30 1976-06-15 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Low velocity flow switch
US4007344A (en) * 1975-08-12 1977-02-08 Robertshaw Controls Company Pressure operated electrical switch construction
US4081636A (en) * 1976-03-03 1978-03-28 Johnson Controls, Inc. Differential pressure cutout switch
US4202081A (en) * 1976-06-07 1980-05-13 Borg Instruments, Inc. Method of assembling a pressure sensor
US4091249A (en) * 1976-10-06 1978-05-23 Emerson Electric Co. Pressure sensitive electrical switch having a snap element
US4121073A (en) * 1977-02-28 1978-10-17 Texas Instruments Incorporated Condition responsive electrical switch having improved bridging contact means
US4145587A (en) * 1977-07-25 1979-03-20 Ranco Incorporated Snap action switches
US4168415A (en) * 1978-04-11 1979-09-18 Square D Company Pressure switch having modular construction
JPS54162858U (en) * 1978-05-04 1979-11-14
US4243858A (en) * 1979-01-19 1981-01-06 Therm-O-Disc Incorporated Snap disc operated pressure switch
US4195209A (en) * 1978-07-24 1980-03-25 Emerson Electric Co. Pressure responsive electrical switch and means of contact gap setting therefor
US4194103A (en) * 1978-09-13 1980-03-18 Robertshaw Controls Company Electrical switch construction and method of making the same
US4214137A (en) * 1978-10-13 1980-07-22 Product Research And Development Pressure switch with snap element
US4287780A (en) * 1978-11-13 1981-09-08 General Electric Company Snap-action member
US4200776A (en) * 1978-11-13 1980-04-29 General Electric Company Control device with grain oriented snap disk
US4220836A (en) * 1978-12-20 1980-09-02 Ranco Incorporated Pressure responsive control unit employing snap action diaphragm
US4282476A (en) * 1979-03-16 1981-08-04 Frezzolini Electronics, Inc. Variable pressure control switch for battery charging circuit
US4343974A (en) * 1979-05-29 1982-08-10 Hi-Stat Manufacturing Company, Inc. Multi-circuit electrical switch
US4272660A (en) * 1979-07-11 1981-06-09 Stewart-Warner Corporation Vacuum operated switch
US4328406A (en) * 1979-08-02 1982-05-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Condition responsive electrical switch and method of making
US4351105A (en) * 1979-08-06 1982-09-28 General Electric Company Method of making a control device
US4296287A (en) * 1979-11-23 1981-10-20 Texas Instruments Incorporated Weatherproofed condition responsive switch
US4365406A (en) * 1979-11-23 1982-12-28 Kelsey Hayes Company Pressure transducer and method of making same
US4419640A (en) * 1979-12-17 1983-12-06 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. Unitary contact-terminal blades integrally formed in a molded base
US4330695A (en) * 1980-02-27 1982-05-18 General Electric Company Control device
US4306127A (en) * 1980-03-20 1981-12-15 Robertshaw Controls Company Corrosion sensor
US4400602A (en) * 1980-04-16 1983-08-23 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Fluid pressure operated electrical switch
US4346272A (en) * 1980-04-18 1982-08-24 General Electric Company Control device and method of operating
US4638721A (en) * 1980-07-24 1987-01-27 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive device
US4342887A (en) * 1980-08-15 1982-08-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Normally closed pressure responsive switch with improved compact structure
US4339638A (en) * 1980-10-15 1982-07-13 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Electrical switch
US4356365A (en) * 1980-10-24 1982-10-26 Edison International, Inc. Air operated DC switch
US4401964A (en) * 1981-04-15 1983-08-30 Robertshaw Controls Company Combined temperature responsive valve construction and electrical switch construction and method of making the same
US4446614A (en) * 1982-02-16 1984-05-08 General Electric Company Method of manufacturing a control device
US4456801A (en) * 1982-03-08 1984-06-26 The Singer Company Pressure switch
US4464551A (en) * 1982-05-14 1984-08-07 General Electric Company Electric circuit controlling device and method of operating same
US4495389A (en) * 1982-06-11 1985-01-22 Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated Pressure switch
US4473729A (en) * 1982-06-22 1984-09-25 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive switch
US4510763A (en) * 1982-08-25 1985-04-16 General Electric Company Automotive type air conditioning system and method of operating such
US4458117A (en) * 1982-08-25 1984-07-03 General Electric Company Control device and methods of operating such
US4469923A (en) * 1982-12-10 1984-09-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive switch with discrete pressure responsive unit
US4459444A (en) * 1982-12-09 1984-07-10 Texas Instruments Incorporated Condition responsive switch
US4493957A (en) * 1983-03-11 1985-01-15 Red Dot Corporation Multimodal pressure switch
US4532389A (en) * 1983-06-17 1985-07-30 General Electric Company Electric circuit controlling device and method of operating
US4479039A (en) * 1983-10-26 1984-10-23 Robert Shaw Controls Company Electrical switch construction and method of making the same
US4590670A (en) * 1983-10-26 1986-05-27 Robertshaw Controls Company Method of making an electrical switch
JPS612221A (en) * 1984-06-14 1986-01-08 本田技研工業株式会社 Pressure switch
US4581509A (en) * 1984-07-20 1986-04-08 Texas Instruments Incorporated Features of a condition responsive switch
DE8422298U1 (en) * 1984-07-26 1984-10-25 Ranco Inc., 43017 Dublin, Ohio Pressure switch
US4573398A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-03-04 Ranco Incorporated Pressure control device and method of making the same
US4616114A (en) * 1984-11-19 1986-10-07 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive switch having little or no differential between actuation release pressure levels
US4593166A (en) * 1985-02-06 1986-06-03 Tgk Company, Limited Dual action pressure switch
US4591677A (en) * 1985-02-07 1986-05-27 Tgk Company, Limited Three-function pressure switch
US4626636A (en) * 1985-03-25 1986-12-02 Stewart-Warner Corporation Pressure operated switch assembly with external pressure control
FR2585177B1 (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-10-30 Telemecanique Electrique SUPPORT PART FOR MOBILE CONTACTS, PARTICULARLY FOR PROTECTIVE SWITCHING APPARATUS
US4667069A (en) * 1985-08-16 1987-05-19 Ranco Incorporated Multiple disc pressure responsive control device
IT8653186V0 (en) * 1986-03-25 1986-03-25 Greg Di S Greganti E C S A S PRESSURE SENSOR DEVICE FOR TIRES OF VEHICLES
FR2597257B1 (en) * 1986-04-15 1988-08-05 Jaeger MANO-CONTACT WITH TWO INVERTED THRESHOLDS
JPS62268030A (en) * 1986-05-15 1987-11-20 東部電気株式会社 Protector
US4931604A (en) * 1986-11-18 1990-06-05 General Electric Company Control device
US4703140A (en) * 1986-11-18 1987-10-27 General Electric Company Electric circuit controlling device
US4761525A (en) * 1986-12-08 1988-08-02 Philrich Innovators Research Manufacturing And Development, Inc. Electrical switch apparatus having a wire engaging electrical conducting member
EP0276467A3 (en) * 1986-12-22 1989-12-20 OMRON Corporation Pressure sensor and associated switch
US4757165A (en) * 1986-12-23 1988-07-12 Texas Instruments Incorporated Dual condition responsive electrical switch
US4755638A (en) * 1987-05-21 1988-07-05 Geberth John Daniel Jun Pressure operated switch for controlling an airless paint pump
JPH07101583B2 (en) * 1987-07-02 1995-11-01 株式会社不二工機製作所 Two-action pressure switch
JPH07114094B2 (en) * 1987-07-23 1995-12-06 株式会社不二工機製作所 Three-action pressure switch
US4777978A (en) * 1987-10-27 1988-10-18 Hsiao Jin L Pressure regulator with cam mechanism for spring tension adjustment
US4794214A (en) * 1987-10-28 1988-12-27 Texas Instruments Incorporated Fluid pressure responsive electrical switch
US4783580A (en) * 1987-10-28 1988-11-08 Gilbert Bassin Fluid actuated control device
JP2785871B2 (en) * 1988-05-11 1998-08-13 株式会社 不二工機 Refrigerant fluid pressure sensitive switch
US4855545A (en) * 1988-10-24 1989-08-08 Kreuter Mfg. Co., Inc. Pneumatic to electrical switch assembly
US4891479A (en) * 1988-12-14 1990-01-02 The Kathryn L. Acuff Trust No. 2 Control actuator and switch
US5004876A (en) 1988-12-20 1991-04-02 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure responsive switch particularly adaptable for operation as a normally open or a normally closed switch
US4967047A (en) * 1989-01-09 1990-10-30 Acustar, Inc. Switch with post-assembly calibration access
US4948931A (en) * 1989-04-17 1990-08-14 Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated Combined pressure cutoff and pressure relief valve
US4990728A (en) * 1989-05-12 1991-02-05 Eaton Corporation Pressure switch and sub-assembly therefor
US5001317A (en) 1989-06-30 1991-03-19 Louis D. Atkinson Fluid activated switch apparatus
US4998087A (en) 1989-08-09 1991-03-05 Texas Instruments Incorporated Pressure or temperature responsive switch having temperature gradient between sensor and electrical output
US5004873A (en) 1989-09-20 1991-04-02 Eaton Corporation Plural set point pressure responsive switching apparatus utilizing a single pressure sensing driver element
US5015808A (en) 1989-12-22 1991-05-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Normally open pressure switch
US5049708A (en) 1990-05-25 1991-09-17 Baker Gary A Normally closed pressure responsive switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2076096A1 (en) 1993-03-12
JP3450868B2 (en) 2003-09-29
JPH05242758A (en) 1993-09-21
US5198631A (en) 1993-03-30
US5524333A (en) 1996-06-11
US5300741A (en) 1994-04-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2076096C (en) Control device
US3302269A (en) Methods of making condition responsive devices
US4091249A (en) Pressure sensitive electrical switch having a snap element
US4243858A (en) Snap disc operated pressure switch
JP3056794B2 (en) Pressure response switch
US4948931A (en) Combined pressure cutoff and pressure relief valve
US4400601A (en) Combination switch and valve device
US4330695A (en) Control device
US4289963A (en) Control device and method of making the same
US4424506A (en) Snap-acting mechanisms
JP3031679B2 (en) Pressure response switch
JPH04318434A (en) Differential pressur switch device
US5101549A (en) Method for making pressure responsive switch
US6267418B1 (en) Coupling
US4200776A (en) Control device with grain oriented snap disk
US4287780A (en) Snap-action member
US4410776A (en) Control device
CA2318812C (en) Pressure responsive switch and method of making same
EP0849752B1 (en) Block mounting of pressure switch cartridge
US4351105A (en) Method of making a control device
US4214137A (en) Pressure switch with snap element
US5140742A (en) Method of making a pressure operated switch
US4238651A (en) Snap action fluid pressure switch
US5310970A (en) Pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same
US4401964A (en) Combined temperature responsive valve construction and electrical switch construction and method of making the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKEX Expiry