(19)
(11) EP 0 764 960 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
15.03.2000 Bulletin 2000/11

(43) Date of publication A2:
26.03.1997 Bulletin 1997/13

(21) Application number: 96306625.3

(22) Date of filing: 12.09.1996
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01H 35/34, H01H 1/58, H01H 9/04
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB IT NL

(30) Priority: 19.09.1995 US 3993

(71) Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
Dallas Texas 75265 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Sehlhorst, Scott B.
    Lexington, KY 40517 (US)
  • Thayer, James R.
    Versailles, KY 40383 (US)
  • Hancock, John T.
    Versailles, KY 40383 (US)

(74) Representative: Blanco White, Henry Nicholas et al
ABEL & IMRAY 20 Red Lion Street
London WC1R 4PQ
London WC1R 4PQ (GB)

   


(54) Fluid pressure responsive electric switch and method for assembling same


(57) A fluid pressure responsive electric switch (10) is shown having an elongated base (12) in which first and second terminals (34, 48) are mounted by dropping them into respective slots (26, 28). The terminals are provided with tabs (38, 52) to engage with a platform (30) of the base to limit motion in one direction and are in turn engaged by a guide member (62) to prevent motion in an opposite direction. The guide member (62) has a cylindrical force transfer portion (86) aligned with the weld portion (104) of a sensor assembly (92) to transfer force without adversely affecting the calibration of the sensor assembly. Electrical leads (118, 120) have connectors (126, 128) attached to an end thereof along with cylindrical gaskets (134) which form an interference fit in bores (22, 20) of the base to provide an environmental seal at the same time electrical connection is made to the terminals. In a modified embodiment a special thermal isolation fitting (140) is shown particularly adapted for use in sealed refrigeration applications.






Search report