EP0453596B1 - Temperature switch - Google Patents

Temperature switch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0453596B1
EP0453596B1 EP90107825A EP90107825A EP0453596B1 EP 0453596 B1 EP0453596 B1 EP 0453596B1 EP 90107825 A EP90107825 A EP 90107825A EP 90107825 A EP90107825 A EP 90107825A EP 0453596 B1 EP0453596 B1 EP 0453596B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch according
contact
contact parts
parts
injection moulding
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
EP90107825A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0453596A1 (en
Inventor
Ulrika Hofsäss
Marcel Peter Hofsäss
Denise Petra Hofsäss
Henrik Peter Hofsäss
Carola Rika Hofsäss
Benjamin Michael Hofsäss
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.)
HOFSAESS, BENJAMIN MICHAEL
HOFSAESS, CAROLA RIKA
HOFSAESS, DENISE PETRA
HOFSAESS, HENRIK PETER
HOFSAESS, MARCEL PETER
HOFSAESS, ULRIKA
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT90107825T priority Critical patent/ATE120303T1/en
Priority to DK90107825.3T priority patent/DK0453596T3/en
Priority to DE59008766T priority patent/DE59008766D1/en
Priority to ES90107825T priority patent/ES2071697T3/en
Priority to EP90107825A priority patent/EP0453596B1/en
Publication of EP0453596A1 publication Critical patent/EP0453596A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0453596B1 publication Critical patent/EP0453596B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H37/5427—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting encapsulated in sealed miniaturised housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/50—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position
    • H01H1/504—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position by thermal means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H2037/5463—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting the bimetallic snap element forming part of switched circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02—Details
    • H01H37/32—Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/52—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element
    • H01H37/54—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting
    • H01H37/5418—Thermally-sensitive members actuated due to deflection of bimetallic element wherein the bimetallic element is inherently snap acting using cantilevered bimetallic snap elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a temperature switch according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • PTC plates had the advantage that they have a high resistance at the opening temperature of the switch caused by damage to the device to be monitored, so that only a small current flow and little heat generation are possible, while when the device cools the current flow and its heat generation increased, an equilibrium state being set such that the resistance itself can keep the bimetal element in its high temperature position even at low temperatures without the supply of external heat.
  • Conventional ceramic PTC plates are delicate and, in particular, easily fragile so that they can be easily damaged. They are also relatively expensive and their use, in particular their electrical contacting, is complicated.
  • all known bridging resistors must be provided as additional parts in the known switches, since the plates have a necessarily plate-shaped cuboid shape.
  • Such a generic temperature switch is known from DE-OS 21 13 388, in which stationary connection contacts protrude from an opening side into a housing, one of which carries a bimetallic spring with a movable contact, which comes into electrically conductive connection with the stationary counter contact or can open it.
  • the two stationary contact parts are kept at a distance by a ceramic PTC element, with which they are clamped between the walls of the housing, which surrounds all parts, if necessary with the interposition of a spring. Since the housing is a metal housing, at least one of the contact parts is insulated against it by an additional plastic member.
  • a temperature switch which has a support part made of electrically conductive plastic. Stationary connecting parts are connected to this on opposite end faces by eyelets, the clamps or eyelets on the side opposite the connecting parts being mechanically and electrically connected to contact parts present in addition to the connecting parts.
  • a movable contact part protrudes under the stationary counter contact.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object, while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, of creating a generic temperature switch which is reliable and inexpensive to manufacture because it can be fully automated.
  • the two stationary contacts are generally provided with parts which isolate one another and which consist of a functionally shaped part which has hitherto generally been selected from Luroplast or other materials.
  • the invention provides to replace these structural parts, which either keep the stationary contact parts at a distance or keep them, for example by enclosing them, are sprayed around them or the like, by an injection molded part made of plastic, which itself is a finite, albeit relative has high resistance, which preferably has a positive temperature coefficient.
  • the corresponding constructive part of the temperature switch as such is replaced by a corresponding part with the finite resistance, which otherwise fulfills the same mechanical-constructive function, so that no additional part is required to form the high-resistance bridge between the stationary contact parts, such as this is the case in the prior art, where these parts must then also be fixed separately to the stationary contact parts and contacted with them.
  • the holding resistance thus formed by the injection molded part therefore causes self-stabilization when the switch contact is open.
  • the high-resistance according to the invention Injection molded part can be produced at substantially the same cost as the part it replaces, so that a self-holding temperature switch can be created without the increased costs incurred in the previously known self-holding temperature switches.
  • An extremely preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one connecting part for connecting the switch to an external voltage source is extrusion-coated by the injection molded part. This has the advantage of better contact making.
  • Also preferred embodiments of the temperature switch according to the invention are characterized in that at least one of the stationary contact parts is injection molded around and held by the injection molded part and in particular that both stationary contact parts are injection molded around and held by the injection molded part.
  • the injection molded part has a thermoplastic, it being possible in particular to provide that the injection molded part consists of a high-degree of crystallinity, optionally glass-fiber-reinforced, preferably plastic, doped with conductive material.
  • the plastic can preferably be polyphenylene sulfide, oxide, polyethylene or PE compounds or the like.
  • the conductive material can be carbon, such as carbon black, graphite, carbon fibers or a non-oxidizing or poorly oxidizing metal.
  • the molded part can consist of self- or intrinsically conductive polymer, such as polypyrrole, a charge transfer complex based on TCNQ or the like, preferably material is used with preferred conductivity devices so that the conductivity or the resistance of the injection molded part can be designed differently in different directions in the desired manner.
  • Another preferred embodiment provides that the injection molded part closes a housing accommodating the contact and switching parts as a cover.
  • the temperature switch 1 designed according to the invention has a housing 2, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is made of metal to improve the heat transfer into the interior of the housing; instead, the housing can also be made of plastic, which may be at least thermally doped.
  • a holding part 3 which does not consist of metal, but can be a plastic injection-molded part made of high-temperature-resistant plastic, in particular thermoplastic.
  • the part 3 accommodates stationary contact parts 4, 6 in mutually opposing grooves, between which a Plastic injection part 7 is arranged made of high temperature resistant thermoplastic, which mechanically holds the two stationary contacts 4, 6 at a distance from each other.
  • the plastic injection part 7 has a low but finite electrical conductivity, it is high-resistance with a finite resistance.
  • a bimetallic spring 8 for example soldered to the contact part 6, which carries at its free end (at 9) a movable contact member 11 which, in a closed position, has a low-resistance contact between the stationary contact parts 4, 6 via the bimetal spring 8 produces and opens this low-resistance contact in an open position (not shown).
  • the plastic injection molded part 7 has a positive temperature characteristic of the electrical resistance.
  • the temperature switch shown is a so-called self-holding temperature switch, as used for monitoring electrical devices, such as transformers or the like, in relation to temperature.
  • the switch 1 At normal low temperature, the switch 1 is in its closed position, so that an electric current can flow from one of the stationary contact parts 4, 6 to the other contact part and through the device to be monitored, such as the primary winding of a transformer, without the switch according to the invention the current has a noticeable resistance, since the electrical parts forming the main current path have a low specific resistance. If the device to be monitored stops here for some reason, the temperature in switch 1 increases via a switching temperature given to the bimetallic element 8, so that it then lifts the contact element 11 from the stationary contact 4 and thus interrupts the low-resistance current path via it and the contact element 11 between the stationary contact parts 4, 6.
  • the molded part 7 Since the molded part 7 has a finite, albeit relatively high resistance, a small current still flows between the stationary contact parts 4, 6 via the molded part 7 even when the contact member and the bimetal element 8 are open. Due to the resistance of the molded part 7, current flows generated by this heat, which is sufficient to maintain the open position of the bimetal element 8 and the contact member 11, even if the device to be monitored cools down again due to the open position of the bimetal element 8 and the contact member 11. The closed position can only be reached again by disconnecting the contacts 4, 6 from the voltage source, so that no current can flow through the molded part 7, so that heat can no longer be generated, so that the temperature is the switch-back temperature of the bimetal element 8 can distinguish again and can thus return to its closed position.
  • the injection molded part 7 has a positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistance, so that it allows only a small current flow at high temperatures, so that immediately after opening the switch contact due to high temperature, the current flow through the injection molded part 7 does not increase leads to a further excessive temperature increase in the part to be monitored, but the injection molded part 7 itself allows a higher current flow and thus a larger one, which is necessary to maintain the opening point Amount of heat is generated when the part to be monitored continues to cool down due to the power interruption.
  • the self-holding switch according to the invention as is the case with such switches, clocking of the switch by continuously opening and closing the circuit in the case of a defective device is to be avoided and, in such a case, the device is to be kept permanently de-energized.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
  • Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

A temperature switch (1), which has contact parts (4, 6) which can be made contact with from the outside and are stationary, arranged at a distance from one another, is developed further and has a bimetallic spring (8), especially a snap disc, and a moving contact element which can be switched by the bimetallic spring between a closed position and an interruption position, and, in the closed position, causes a low-resistance electrical contact between the contact parts. The further development provides that a plastic injection-moulded part (7) with a finite electrical resistance is arranged at least between the contact parts, at least touching both, which part (7) has a high resistance in comparison with the electrical resistance between the contact parts via the contact element in the closed position of the latter. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Temperaturschalter nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a temperature switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

Es werden in erhöhtem Maße selbsthaltende Temperaturschalter bzw. -wächter verlangt. Es handelt sich hierbei um Temperaturschalter, bei denen zwischen den stationären Kontaktteilen ein hochohmiges wärmeerzeugendes Element angeordnet ist, das bei Öffnungsstellung des Schalters durch die anliegende Spannung und den hierdurch bedingten Stromfluß durch das Element Wärme erzeugt, die die Bimetallfeder in Hochtemperatur und damit den Schalter in Offenstellung hält. Um diese hochohmige Brücke vorzusehen, wurden an herkömmlichen Schaltern zusätzliche separate Widerstände wie Dick- bzw. Dünnschichtwiderstände oder aber keramische PTC-Plättchen vorgesehen. Widerstandselemente mit im wesentlichen temperaturunabhängigem Widerstand, wie die genannten Dünn- bzw. Dickschichtwiderstände, sind insofern nachteilig, als sie eine hohe Wärmeleistung erzeugen müssen, damit sie nach Öffnen des Schalters dauerhaft durch die Wärmeerzeugung diesen offenhalten können. Demgegenüber wiesen PTC-Plättchen den Vorteil auf, daß sie bei der durch einen Schaden am zu überwachenden Gerät bewirkten Öffnungstemperatur des Schalters einen hohen Widerstand haben, damit nur einen geringen Stromfluß und geringe Wärmeerzeugung erlauben, während bei Abkühlen des Gerätes der Stromfluß und ihre Wärmeerzeugung sich erhöht, wobei ein Gleichgewichtszustand derart eingestellt ist, daß ohne Zufuhr äußerer Wärme der Widerstand selbst das Bimetallelement in seiner Hochtemperaturstellung auch bei niederen Temperaturen halten kann. Herkömmliche PTC-Plättchen aus Keramik sind empfindlich und insbesondere leicht zerbrechlich, so daß sie leicht beschädigt werden können. Auch sind sie relativ teuer und ihr Einsatz, insbesondere ihre elektrische Kontaktierung, ist kompliziert. Darüber hinaus müssen sämtliche bekannten Überbrückungswiderstände bei den bekannten Schaltern als Zusatzteile vorgesehen werden, da die Plättchen eine notwendigerweise plattenförmige Quadergestalt haben.There are increasing demands for self-holding temperature switches and monitors. These are temperature switches in which a high-resistance heat-generating element is arranged between the stationary contact parts, which generates heat when the switch is in the open position due to the applied voltage and the current flow through the element which causes the bimetal spring to be at high temperature and thus the switch in Open position holds. In order to provide this high-resistance bridge, additional separate resistors such as thick or thin-film resistors or ceramic PTC plates were provided on conventional switches. Resistance elements with essentially temperature-independent resistance, such as the thin or thick-film resistors mentioned, are disadvantageous in that they have to generate a high thermal output so that they open after opening Switch can keep this open permanently by generating heat. In contrast, PTC plates had the advantage that they have a high resistance at the opening temperature of the switch caused by damage to the device to be monitored, so that only a small current flow and little heat generation are possible, while when the device cools the current flow and its heat generation increased, an equilibrium state being set such that the resistance itself can keep the bimetal element in its high temperature position even at low temperatures without the supply of external heat. Conventional ceramic PTC plates are delicate and, in particular, easily fragile so that they can be easily damaged. They are also relatively expensive and their use, in particular their electrical contacting, is complicated. In addition, all known bridging resistors must be provided as additional parts in the known switches, since the plates have a necessarily plate-shaped cuboid shape.

Aus der DE-OS 21 13 388 ist ein derartiger gattungsgemäßer Temperaturschalter bekannt, bei dem von einer Öffnungsseite her in ein Gehäuse stationäre Anschlußkontakte ragen, deren einer eine Bimetallfeder mit einem beweglichen Kontakt trägt, der mit dem stationären Gegenkontakt in elektrisch leitende Verbindung treten bzw. diese öffnen kann. Die beiden stationären Kontaktteile werden durch ein Keramik-PTC-Element auf Abstand gehalten, mit dem sie gegebenenfalls unter Zwischenschaltung einer Feder zwischen den Wänden des Gehäuses eingeklemmt sind, das sämtliche Teile umgibt. Da das Gehäuse ein Metallgehäuse ist, ist zumindestens eines der Kontaktteile gegen dieses durch ein zusätzliches Kunststoffglied isoliert.Such a generic temperature switch is known from DE-OS 21 13 388, in which stationary connection contacts protrude from an opening side into a housing, one of which carries a bimetallic spring with a movable contact, which comes into electrically conductive connection with the stationary counter contact or can open it. The two stationary contact parts are kept at a distance by a ceramic PTC element, with which they are clamped between the walls of the housing, which surrounds all parts, if necessary with the interposition of a spring. Since the housing is a metal housing, at least one of the contact parts is insulated against it by an additional plastic member.

Die Einführöffnung der stationären Kontaktteile ist durch eine Abdichtmasse verschlossen. Nachteilig bei diesem Stand der Technik ist insbesondere auch, daß keine automatische Herstellung, d.h. kein automatisches Zusammenfügen sämtlicher Teile möglich ist, da zumindestens die stationären Kontaktteile und das PTC-Element vor dem klemmenden Einbringen in das Gehäuse lose, lockere Teile sind, die nicht miteinander verbunden sind und nicht aneinander gehalten sind. Darüber hinaus muß die Schalteinheit notwendigerweise von dem als Halteteil wirkenden Gehäuse umgeben sein. Schließlich ist als zusätzlicher Schritt das Abdichten durch die Abdichtmasse erforderlich. Darüber hinaus gelten gerade hier die vorgenannten Nachteile der PTC-Keramik.The insertion opening of the stationary contact parts is closed by a sealing compound. A disadvantage of this prior art is in particular that no automatic production, i.e. no automatic assembly of all parts is possible, since at least the stationary contact parts and the PTC element are loose, loose parts before the clamping insertion into the housing, which are not connected to one another and are not held together. In addition, the switching unit must necessarily be surrounded by the housing acting as a holding part. Finally, sealing by the sealing compound is required as an additional step. In addition, the aforementioned disadvantages of PTC ceramics apply here.

Aus der US-A-4 862 133 ist ein Temperaturschalter bekannt, der ein Tragteil aus elektrisch leitfähigem Kunststoff aufweist. Mit diesem sind an gegenüberliegenden Stirnseiten durch Ösen stationäre Anschlußteile verbunden, wobei die Klammern bzw. Ösen an der den Anschlußteilen gegenüberliegenden Seite mit zusätzlich zu den Anschlußteilen vorhandenen Kontaktteilen mechanisch und elektrisch verbunden sind. Ein bewegliches Kontaktteil ragt unter den stationären Gegenkontakt. Auf der diesem abgewandten Seite des beweglichen Kontaktteils liegt auf dem Kunststoffteil eine separate Bimetallscheibe auf, die durch Schalten den beweglichen Kontakt gegen den stationären Kontakt drückt bzw. diesen, da er federgelagert ist, bei Zurückspringen freigibt, so daß die niederohmige Verbindung dann geöffnet wird.From US-A-4 862 133 a temperature switch is known which has a support part made of electrically conductive plastic. Stationary connecting parts are connected to this on opposite end faces by eyelets, the clamps or eyelets on the side opposite the connecting parts being mechanically and electrically connected to contact parts present in addition to the connecting parts. A movable contact part protrudes under the stationary counter contact. On the side of the movable contact part facing away from this, there is a separate bimetallic disc on the plastic part which, by switching, presses the movable contact against the stationary contact or, as it is spring-loaded, releases it when it springs back, so that the low-resistance connection is then opened.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, unter Vermeidung der vorgenannten Nachteile einen gattungsgemäßen Temperaturschalter zu schaffen, der zuverlässig und preiswert, weil vollautomatisierbar herstellbar ist.The invention is therefore based on the object, while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, of creating a generic temperature switch which is reliable and inexpensive to manufacture because it can be fully automated.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die genannte Aufgabe bei einem Temperaturschalter der eingangs genannten Art durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.According to the invention, the above object is achieved in a temperature switch of the type mentioned at the outset by the characterizing features of claim 1.

Bei bekannten Temperaturschaltern sind in der Regel die beiden stationären Kontakte voneinander isolierende Teile vorgesehen, die aus einem funktionellen geformten Teil bestehen, welches bisher in der Regel aus Luroplast oder anderen Werkstoffen gewählt wurde. Die Erfindung sieht vor, diese konstruktiven Teile, die entweder die stationären Kontaktteile auf Abstand halten oder diese halten, indem sie diese beispielsweise umfassen, um diese herumgespritzt sind oder dergleichen, durch ein Spritzformteil aus Kunststoff zu ersetzen, welches selbst einen endlichen, wenn auch relativ hohen Widerstand aufweist, der vorzugsweise einen positiven Temperaturkoeffizienten hat. Hierdurch wird das entsprechende konstruktive Teil des Temperaturschalters als solches durch ein entsprechendes Teil mit dem endlichen Widerstand ersetzt, das im übrigen die gleiche mechanisch-konstruktive Funktion erfüllt, so daß zur Bildung der hochohmigen Brücke zwischen den stationären Kontaktteilen kein weiteres zusätzliches Teil erforderlich ist, wie dies beim Stande der Technik der Fall ist, wo diese Teile dann auch separat an den stationären Kontaktteilen festgelegt und mit diesen kontaktiert werden müssen. Der so durch das Spritzformteil gebildete Haltewiderstand bewirkt daher eine Selbststabilisierung bei geöffnetem Schaltkontakt. Das erfindungsgemäße hochohmige Spritzformteil kann im wesentlichen mit den gleichen Kosten hergestellt werden wie das Teil, das es ersetzt, so daß ohne erhöhte Kosten, wie sie bei den bisher bekannten selbsthaltenden Temperaturschaltern anfallen, ein selbsthaltender Temperaturschalter geschaffen werden kann.In the case of known temperature switches, the two stationary contacts are generally provided with parts which isolate one another and which consist of a functionally shaped part which has hitherto generally been selected from Luroplast or other materials. The invention provides to replace these structural parts, which either keep the stationary contact parts at a distance or keep them, for example by enclosing them, are sprayed around them or the like, by an injection molded part made of plastic, which itself is a finite, albeit relative has high resistance, which preferably has a positive temperature coefficient. As a result, the corresponding constructive part of the temperature switch as such is replaced by a corresponding part with the finite resistance, which otherwise fulfills the same mechanical-constructive function, so that no additional part is required to form the high-resistance bridge between the stationary contact parts, such as this is the case in the prior art, where these parts must then also be fixed separately to the stationary contact parts and contacted with them. The holding resistance thus formed by the injection molded part therefore causes self-stabilization when the switch contact is open. The high-resistance according to the invention Injection molded part can be produced at substantially the same cost as the part it replaces, so that a self-holding temperature switch can be created without the increased costs incurred in the previously known self-holding temperature switches.

Eine äußerst bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, daß mindestens ein Anschlußteil zum Anschluß des Schalters an eine externe Spannungsquelle durch das Spritzformteil umspritzt ist. Hierdurch ergibt sich der Vorteil einer besseren Kontaktgabe.An extremely preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one connecting part for connecting the switch to an external voltage source is extrusion-coated by the injection molded part. This has the advantage of better contact making.

Ebenfalls bevorzugte Ausbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen Temperaturschalters zeichnen sich dadurch aus, daß zumindestens eines der stationären Kontaktteile durch das Spritzformteil umspritzt und durch dieses gehalten ist und insbesondere daß beide stationären Kontaktteile vom Spritzformteil umspritzt und durch dieses gehalten sind.Also preferred embodiments of the temperature switch according to the invention are characterized in that at least one of the stationary contact parts is injection molded around and held by the injection molded part and in particular that both stationary contact parts are injection molded around and held by the injection molded part.

In bevorzugter Ausgestaltung ist weiterhin vorgesehen, daß das Spritzformteil einen Thermoplasten aufweist, wobei insbesondere vorgesehen sein kann, daß das Spritzformteil aus einem mit leitfähigem Material dotierten, gegebenenfalls glasfaserverstärkten, vorzugsweise Kunststoff, mit hohem Kristallinitätsgrad besteht. Der Kunststoff kann vorzugsweise Polyphenylensulfid, -oxid, Polyethylen oder PE-Verbindungen oder dergleichen sein. Das leitfähige Material kann Kohlenstoff, wie Leitfähigkeitsruß, Graphit, Kohlenstoffasern oder aber ein nicht oder schlecht oxidierendes Metall sein. Das Formteil kann aus selbst- oder intrinsisch leitendem Polymer, wie Polypyrrol, einem Charge-Transferkomplex auf der Basis von TCNQ oder dergleichen bestehen, wobei vorzugsweise Material mit bevorzugten Leitfähigkeitseinrichtungen eingesetzt wird, so daß die Leitfähigkeit bzw. der Widerstand des Spritzformteils in unterschiedlichen Richtungen in gar gewünschter Weise unterschiedlich ausgebildet werden kann. Als besonders geeignet haben sich die glasfaserverstärkten teilkristallinen Polyphenylensulfid-Formmassen (PPS) Tedar KUI-9553 bis KUI-9555 der Bayer AG, Leverkusen, herausgestellt.In a preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the injection molded part has a thermoplastic, it being possible in particular to provide that the injection molded part consists of a high-degree of crystallinity, optionally glass-fiber-reinforced, preferably plastic, doped with conductive material. The plastic can preferably be polyphenylene sulfide, oxide, polyethylene or PE compounds or the like. The conductive material can be carbon, such as carbon black, graphite, carbon fibers or a non-oxidizing or poorly oxidizing metal. The molded part can consist of self- or intrinsically conductive polymer, such as polypyrrole, a charge transfer complex based on TCNQ or the like, preferably material is used with preferred conductivity devices so that the conductivity or the resistance of the injection molded part can be designed differently in different directions in the desired manner. The glass fiber reinforced partially crystalline polyphenylene sulfide molding compositions (PPS) Tedar KUI-9553 to KUI-9555 from Bayer AG, Leverkusen, have proven to be particularly suitable.

Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausgestaltung sieht vor, daß das Spritzformteil ein die Kontakt- und Schaltteile aufnehmendes Gehäuse als Deckel verschließt.Another preferred embodiment provides that the injection molded part closes a housing accommodating the contact and switching parts as a cover.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Ansprüchen und aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, in der ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung im einzelnen erläutert ist. Dabei zeigt die einzige Figur:
   eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schalters im Längsschnitt.Further advantages and features of the invention result from the claims and from the following description, in which an embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the drawing. The only figure shows:
a preferred embodiment of a switch according to the invention in longitudinal section.

Der erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltete Temperaturschalter 1 weist ein Gehäuse 2 auf, das im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel zur Verbesserung der Wärmeübertragung in das Innere des Gehäuses aus Metall ausgebildet ist; stattdessen kann das Gehäuse auch aus Kunststoff ausgebildet sein, der ggf. zumindestens wärmeleitend dotiert ist. Im Gehäuse 2 ist ein Halteteil 3 angeordnet, das nicht aus Metall besteht, sondern ein Kunststoffspritzteil aus hochtemperaturbeständigem Kunststoff, insbesondere Thermoplast, sein kann. Das Teil 3 nimmt in mit Abstand zueinander gegenüberliegend angeordneten Nuten stationäre Kontaktteile 4, 6 auf, zwischen denen ein Kunststoffspritzteil 7 aus hochtemperaturbeständigem Thermoplast angeordnet ist, das die beiden stationären Kontakte 4, 6 mechanisch auf Abstand zueinander hält. Das Kunststoffspritzteil 7 weist eine geringe, aber endliche elektrische Leitfähigkeit auf, es ist hochohmig mit einem endlichen Widerstand. Fest mit dem stationären Kontaktteil 6 ist eine Bimetallfeder 8 verbunden, beispielsweise am Kontaktteil 6 festgelötet, die an ihrem freien Ende (bei 9) ein bewegliches Kontaktglied 11 trägt, welches in einer Schließstellung einen niederohmigen Kontakt zwischen den stationären Kontaktteilen 4, 6 über die Bimetallfeder 8 herstellt und in einer (nicht dargestellten) Öffnungsstellung diesen niederohmigen Kontakt öffnet.The temperature switch 1 designed according to the invention has a housing 2, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is made of metal to improve the heat transfer into the interior of the housing; instead, the housing can also be made of plastic, which may be at least thermally doped. Arranged in the housing 2 is a holding part 3, which does not consist of metal, but can be a plastic injection-molded part made of high-temperature-resistant plastic, in particular thermoplastic. The part 3 accommodates stationary contact parts 4, 6 in mutually opposing grooves, between which a Plastic injection part 7 is arranged made of high temperature resistant thermoplastic, which mechanically holds the two stationary contacts 4, 6 at a distance from each other. The plastic injection part 7 has a low but finite electrical conductivity, it is high-resistance with a finite resistance. Fixed to the stationary contact part 6 is a bimetallic spring 8, for example soldered to the contact part 6, which carries at its free end (at 9) a movable contact member 11 which, in a closed position, has a low-resistance contact between the stationary contact parts 4, 6 via the bimetal spring 8 produces and opens this low-resistance contact in an open position (not shown).

Das Kunststoffspritzteil 7 weist eine positive Temperaturcharakteristik des elektrischen Widerstands auf.The plastic injection molded part 7 has a positive temperature characteristic of the electrical resistance.

Bei dem dargestellten Temperaturschalter handelt es sich um einen sogenannten selbsthaltenden Temperaturschalter, wie er zur Überwachung elektrischer Geräte, wie von Transformatoren oder dergleichen, gegenüber Temperatur eingesetzt wird.The temperature switch shown is a so-called self-holding temperature switch, as used for monitoring electrical devices, such as transformers or the like, in relation to temperature.

Bei normaler tiefer Temperatur befindet sich der Schalter 1 in seiner dargestellten Schließstellung, so daß von einem der stationären Kontaktteile 4, 6 ein elektrischer Strom zum anderen Kontaktteil und durch das zu überwachende Gerät, wie beispielsweise die primärwindung eines Transformators, fließen kann, ohne daß im erfindungsgemäßen Schalter dem Strom ein merklicher Widerstand entgegengesetzt wird, da die den Hauptstromweg bildenden elektrischen Teile einen geringen spezifischen Widerstand haben. Hält hier nun das zu überwachende Gerät aus irgendeinem Grunde, so steigt die Temperatur im Schalter 1 über eine dem Bimetallelement 8 vorgegebene Schalttemperatur an, so daß dieses dann das Kontaktglied 11 vom stationären Kontakt 4 abhebt und damit den niederohmigen Stromweg über es selbst und das Kontaktglied 11 zwischen den stationären Kontaktteilen 4, 6 unterbricht. Da das Spritzteil 7 einen endlichen, wenn auch relativ hohen Widerstand hat, fließt immer noch ein geringer Strom zwischen den stationären Kontaktteilen 4, 6 über das Spritzteil 7 auch bei Öffnungsstellung des Kontaktglieds und des Bimetallelements 8. Aufgrund des Widerstandes des Spritzteils 7 wird beim Stromfluß durch dieses Wärme erzeugt, welche zur Aufrechterhaltung der Öffnungsstellung des Bimetallelements 8 und des Kontaktglieds 11 ausreicht, auch wenn das zu überwachende Gerät aufgrund der Öffnungsstellung von Bimetallelement 8 und Kontaktglied 11 sich wieder abkühlt. Die Schließstellung kann erst wieder dadurch erreicht werden, indem die Kontakte 4, 6 von der Spannungsquelle getrennt werden, so daß auch über das Spritzteil 7 kein Stromfluß mehr stattfinden kann, damit keine Wärme mehr erzeugt werden kann, so daß die Temperatur die Rückschalttemperatur des Bimetallelements 8 wieder unterscheiden kann und dieses damit wieder in seine Schließstellung zurückgelangen kann.At normal low temperature, the switch 1 is in its closed position, so that an electric current can flow from one of the stationary contact parts 4, 6 to the other contact part and through the device to be monitored, such as the primary winding of a transformer, without the switch according to the invention the current has a noticeable resistance, since the electrical parts forming the main current path have a low specific resistance. If the device to be monitored stops here for some reason, the temperature in switch 1 increases via a switching temperature given to the bimetallic element 8, so that it then lifts the contact element 11 from the stationary contact 4 and thus interrupts the low-resistance current path via it and the contact element 11 between the stationary contact parts 4, 6. Since the molded part 7 has a finite, albeit relatively high resistance, a small current still flows between the stationary contact parts 4, 6 via the molded part 7 even when the contact member and the bimetal element 8 are open. Due to the resistance of the molded part 7, current flows generated by this heat, which is sufficient to maintain the open position of the bimetal element 8 and the contact member 11, even if the device to be monitored cools down again due to the open position of the bimetal element 8 and the contact member 11. The closed position can only be reached again by disconnecting the contacts 4, 6 from the voltage source, so that no current can flow through the molded part 7, so that heat can no longer be generated, so that the temperature is the switch-back temperature of the bimetal element 8 can distinguish again and can thus return to its closed position.

Es ist besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das Spritzformteil 7 einen positiven Temperaturkoeffizienten des elektrischen Widerstandes aufweist, so daß es bei hohen Temperaturen nur einen geringen Stromfluß gestattet, so daß unmittelbar nach dem Öffnen des Schaltkontakts aufgrund von hoher Temperatur nicht der Stromfluß durch das Spritzformteil 7 noch zu einer weiteren übermäßigen Temperaturerhöhung im zu überwachenden Teil führt, sondern das Spritzformteil 7 erst selbst einen höheren Stromfluß zuläßt und damit eine größere, zur Aufrechterhaltung der Öffnungsstelle notwendige Wärmemenge erzeugt, wenn sich das zu überwachende Teil aufgrund der Stromunterbrechung weiter abkühlt. Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen selbsthaltenden Schalter soll, wie dies bei solchen Schaltern der Fall ist, ein Takten des Schalters durch dauerndes Öffnen und Schließen des Stromkreises bei einem defekten Gerät vermieden werden und vielmehr in einem solchen Falle das Gerät dauerhaft stromlos gehalten werden.It is particularly advantageous if the injection molded part 7 has a positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistance, so that it allows only a small current flow at high temperatures, so that immediately after opening the switch contact due to high temperature, the current flow through the injection molded part 7 does not increase leads to a further excessive temperature increase in the part to be monitored, but the injection molded part 7 itself allows a higher current flow and thus a larger one, which is necessary to maintain the opening point Amount of heat is generated when the part to be monitored continues to cool down due to the power interruption. With the self-holding switch according to the invention, as is the case with such switches, clocking of the switch by continuously opening and closing the circuit in the case of a defective device is to be avoided and, in such a case, the device is to be kept permanently de-energized.

Claims (9)

  1. Temperature switch with stationary contact parts (4, 6), a bimetallic spring (8) being firmly connected to a stationary contact part (6) and the bimetallic spring (8) has on its free end (9) a movable contact member (11), which in a closed position produces a low-impedance, electrical contact between the stationary contact parts (4, 6) and in an open position opens said contact, characterized in that between the contact parts (4, 6) there is a high-impedance plastic injection moulding (7) of high temperature-resistant thermoplastic material, which keeps mechanically spaced the two stationary contact parts (4, 6) and the latter are received by a high temperature-resistant plastics part (3) in spaced facing grooves.
  2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the injection moulding (7) has a positive temperature coefficient of the electrical resistance.
  3. Switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the injection moulding is moulded round at least one connecting part for connecting the switch to an external power supply.
  4. Switch according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plastic moulding is moulded round at least one of the stationary contact parts (4, 6) and the latter are held by it.
  5. Switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the injection moulding (7) is moulded round the two stationary contact parts (4, 6) and the latter are held by it.
  6. Switch according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the injection moulding has a thermoplastic material.
  7. Switch according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the injection moulding (7) comprises a plastics material doped with conductive material.
  8. Switch according to claim 7, characterized in that the conductive material is carbon.
  9. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the injection moulding closes as a cover a casing (2) receiving the contact and switching parts (4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14).
EP90107825A 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 Temperature switch Expired - Lifetime EP0453596B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90107825T ATE120303T1 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 TEMPERATURE SWITCH.
DK90107825.3T DK0453596T3 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 temperature switch
DE59008766T DE59008766D1 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 Temperature switch.
ES90107825T ES2071697T3 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 THERMAL SWITCH.
EP90107825A EP0453596B1 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 Temperature switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP90107825A EP0453596B1 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 Temperature switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0453596A1 EP0453596A1 (en) 1991-10-30
EP0453596B1 true EP0453596B1 (en) 1995-03-22

Family

ID=8203908

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90107825A Expired - Lifetime EP0453596B1 (en) 1990-04-25 1990-04-25 Temperature switch

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0453596B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE120303T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59008766D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0453596T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2071697T3 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009053258C5 (en) * 2009-11-05 2016-01-14 Tmc Sensortechnik Gmbh Thermobimetallic switch and method for its assembly

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4205699A1 (en) * 1992-02-25 1994-01-20 Hofsass P Device for protecting a device
GB2275823B (en) * 1993-02-18 1996-11-27 Otter Controls Ltd Improvements relating to electric switches
DE4428226C1 (en) * 1994-08-10 1995-10-12 Thermik Geraetebau Gmbh Temp. monitoring switch e.g. for electric motor or transformer
DE19609310C2 (en) * 1996-03-09 1999-07-15 Thermik Geraetebau Gmbh Switch with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism
CA2208910C (en) * 1996-07-04 2001-11-06 Ubukata Industries Co., Ltd. Thermal protector for electric motors
DE19708436C2 (en) * 1997-03-01 1999-08-19 Hofsaes Temperature-dependent switch with contact bridge and process for its manufacture
DE19727197C2 (en) * 1997-06-26 1999-10-21 Marcel Hofsaess Temperature-dependent switch with contact bridge
DE19816809C2 (en) * 1998-04-16 2001-10-18 Thermik Geraetebau Gmbh Temperature-dependent switch
FR3006127B1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2016-11-25 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur ROTATING ELECTRIC MACHINE COMPRISING A THERMAL PROTECTION MODULE

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL7004367A (en) * 1970-03-26 1971-09-28
DE3122899C2 (en) * 1981-06-10 1984-10-11 Peter 7530 Pforzheim Hofsäss Temperature switch
DE8617033U1 (en) * 1986-06-26 1986-08-14 Temtech-Temperatur-Technik Hans-Peter Bojer, 7530 Pforzheim Bimetal switch
DE8703049U1 (en) * 1987-02-27 1987-04-16 Microtherm Gmbh, 7530 Pforzheim Temperature monitor
JPH0834075B2 (en) * 1988-03-29 1996-03-29 東部電気株式会社 Thermal switch

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009053258C5 (en) * 2009-11-05 2016-01-14 Tmc Sensortechnik Gmbh Thermobimetallic switch and method for its assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK0453596T3 (en) 1995-08-14
EP0453596A1 (en) 1991-10-30
ATE120303T1 (en) 1995-04-15
ES2071697T3 (en) 1995-07-01
DE59008766D1 (en) 1995-04-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0342441B1 (en) Temperature sensitive commutation device
EP0591755B1 (en) Electric radiator for fluids with continuous-flow heaters
DE3433196C2 (en)
DE19922633A1 (en) thermostat
EP0453596B1 (en) Temperature switch
DE69208705T2 (en) Electrothermal relay with stratified heating element
EP0994498B1 (en) Switch with insulating support
EP0951040B1 (en) Thermally actuated switch
DE2625716C3 (en) Power control unit
DE202011110510U1 (en) Miniature circuit breaker
EP0103792B1 (en) Device for switching an electrical connection in accordance with current and/or temperature
DE19957558A1 (en) thermostat
EP2038905B1 (en) Connection pot and switch with connection pot
DE19636640C2 (en) Switch with a security element
EP0740323B1 (en) Thermostat with a bimetal switch device switching at overheating
EP0994497B1 (en) Switch with insulating support
DE19506161C2 (en) Battery pack
DE2625715B2 (en) Power control unit
EP0951041B1 (en) Thermally actuated switch
DE2916639C2 (en) Coil body with a thermal circuit breaker
DE19545998C2 (en) Switch with a switching mechanism that switches in the event of overtemperature
DE1590760A1 (en) Thermal switch
EP0730285A1 (en) Insulating housing
DE19636932C1 (en) Automobile relay with short-circuit protection
DE102011016133A1 (en) Temperature-dependent switch for protecting electrical equipment e.g. high-power electric motor from overheating, has heating resistor which is soldered to a base using solder pads, such that the base is soldered to one of the solder pads

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19911211

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930927

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: HOFSAESS, HENRIK PETER

Owner name: HOFSAESS, MARCEL PETER

Owner name: HOFSAESS, BENJAMIN MICHAEL

Owner name: HOFSAESS, CAROLA RIKA

Owner name: HOFSAESS, ULRIKA

Owner name: HOFSAESS, DENISE PETRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19950322

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 120303

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19950415

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59008766

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19950427

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19950504

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: DR. ING. A. RACHELI & C.

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19950622

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2071697

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20070412

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20070413

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20070413

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20070413

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20070427

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20070502

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070426

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20070613

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070416

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080529

Year of fee payment: 19

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *HOFSASS CAROLA RIKA

Effective date: 20080430

Owner name: *HOFSASS BENJAMIN MICHAEL

Effective date: 20080430

Owner name: *HOFSASS ULRIKA

Effective date: 20080430

Owner name: *HOFSASS HENRIK PETER

Effective date: 20080430

Owner name: *HOFSASS DENISE PETRA

Effective date: 20080430

Owner name: *HOFSASS MARCEL PETER

Effective date: 20080430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080425

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20081101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081101

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080430

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20081231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080430

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20080426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091103