EP0749144A1 - Starter with a contactor having perfectionate means for earthing in rest position, and contactor having such means - Google Patents

Starter with a contactor having perfectionate means for earthing in rest position, and contactor having such means Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0749144A1
EP0749144A1 EP96401250A EP96401250A EP0749144A1 EP 0749144 A1 EP0749144 A1 EP 0749144A1 EP 96401250 A EP96401250 A EP 96401250A EP 96401250 A EP96401250 A EP 96401250A EP 0749144 A1 EP0749144 A1 EP 0749144A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
movable contact
supply terminal
contact
contactor
starter
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP96401250A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0749144B1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Vilou
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.)
Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
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 Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS filed Critical Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
Publication of EP0749144A1 publication Critical patent/EP0749144A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0749144B1 publication Critical patent/EP0749144B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02NSTARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/003Starters comprising a brake mechanism
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02NSTARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/087Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02NSTARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/02Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof
    • F02N15/04Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears
    • F02N15/06Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement
    • F02N15/067Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement the starter comprising an electro-magnetically actuated lever
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H51/00Electromagnetic relays
    • H01H51/02Non-polarised relays
    • H01H51/04Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
    • H01H51/06Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
    • H01H51/065Relays having a pair of normally open contacts rigidly fixed to a magnetic core movable along the axis of a solenoid, e.g. relays for starting automobiles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a motor vehicle starter.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle starter, of the type comprising a contactor provided with a movable contact capable of being displaced in translation by electromagnetic means between a rest position, in which the contact is in abutment against an element fixed conductor connected to the vehicle's electrical ground, and towards which it is stressed by elastic return means, and an active position in which the movable contact establishes an electrical connection between a current input terminal, connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery, and a starter motor supply terminal, of the type in which means are provided which, when the movable contact is in the rest position, allow electrical contact to be established between the supply terminal and the electrical mass of the vehicle via the movable contact, and of the type in which the elastic return means are arranged. between the movable contact and a terminal support block made of insulating material.
  • the starter motor which includes an inductor winding and an induced winding electrically connected in series, finds itself in an electrical short circuit when the power supply terminal is earthed to the electric ground of the vehicle.
  • the starter motor rotor is then braked by self-induction.
  • the invention therefore aims to provide a device for grounding the power supply terminal which is easy to assemble and which has perfect operating guarantees.
  • the invention provides a starter of the type seen above, characterized in that the movable contact and the supply terminal are electrically connected by elastic return means made of conductive materials.
  • the invention also provides a contactor for a starter in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 show a starter switch 10 comprising a cylindrical housing 12 of axis XX, in which is mounted an annular winding 14 which, when it is traversed by an excitation current, causes an axial magnetic flux in the contactor, in particular thanks to a polar mass 16, and the winding is then capable of causing the axial displacement of a mobile core 18.
  • the movable core 18 is therefore capable of sliding between a rest position in which it protrudes axially through a first axial end 20 of the contactor 10, and an active position in which, under the effect of the magnetic field induced by the winding. 14, it is almost entirely received inside the winding 14.
  • a helical compression spring 22 resiliently returns the movable core 18 to its rest position.
  • the casing 12 of the contactor 10 is closed at its second opposite axial end 24 by a block 26 for supporting the terminals 28, 30 provided for the electrical supply of the starter motor (not shown).
  • the support block made of insulating material 26 comprises a cylindrical annular skirt 32 which allows its centering and its fixing to the end 24 of the casing 12 of the contactor 10, and a transverse bottom 34 which axially closes the contactor 10.
  • the terminals 28, 30 are substantially diametrically opposite on the bottom 34, on either side of the axis X-X of the contactor 10.
  • the terminals 28, 30 each have a contact head 36, 38 arranged inside the contactor 10, against the transverse bottom 34 of the support block 26 and a connection pad 40, 42, partly threaded and which extends axially. through the transverse bottom 34 so as to open out of the contactor 10.
  • a first terminal 28 is provided to be connected to the positive terminal (not shown) of a vehicle storage battery and the second terminal 30 is provided to receive a power cable (not shown) from the starter motor.
  • the support block 26 is made of insulating material and it is fixed, for example by crimping, to the end 24 of the contactor 10.
  • a movable contact 44 consisting of a substantially rectangular plate, is capable of being moved axially inside the space 45 delimited by the annular wall 32 and the bottom 34 of the support block 26, between a rest position in which it bears against the pole ground 16 of the contactor 10 and an active position in which the movable contact 44 bears simultaneously against the heads 36, 38 of the terminals 28, 30 so as to establish between these two terminals 28, 30 an electrical connection which supplies the starter motor with electric current from the vehicle's storage battery.
  • the axial displacement of the movable contact 44 is controlled by a rod 46, which is guided axially in the pole mass 16, and the displacements of which are controlled by the movable core 18.
  • the movable contact 44 is slidably mounted on the rod 46.
  • the rod 46 controls the movable contact 44 towards its active position by means of a contact spring 48 which bears on one side against a shoulder 50 of the rod 46 and on the other side against the axial face 52 of the movable contact 44 which bears against the pole ground 16 when the contact 44 is in the rest position.
  • a return spring 54 makes it possible to return the rod 46 and the movable contact 44 to the rest position.
  • the return spring 54 is supported at the bottom of a cylindrical housing 55 arranged at the center of the transverse bottom 34 of the block 26 and axially urges a metal washer 56 which is supported against a second shoulder 58 of the rod 46 and against the face axial 60 of the movable contact which also cooperates with the terminals 28, 30.
  • the metal washer 56 is fixed axially on the rod 46 against the shoulder 58 by a claw washer 62 which is force fitted on the axial end 64 of the control rod 46.
  • FIG. 1 represents more particularly a known embodiment of a contactor which makes it possible to connect the power supply terminal 38 to the electrical ground of the vehicle by means of the movable contact 44.
  • a cut and folded sheet metal part 66 which has an end 68 interposed between the contact head 38 of the terminal 30 and the transverse bottom 34, which comprises a connecting strip 70 which extends axially the along the internal face 72 of the annular wall 32 of the support block 26, and which has a second end 74 curved radially inwards.
  • the second curved radial end 74 is intended to cooperate with the face 52 of the movable contact 44 when it is also in contact with the polar mass 16.
  • the tab 66 being permanently in contact with the supply terminal 30, it is at a high electrical potential when the movable contact 44 establishes contact between the two terminals 28, 30.
  • an insulating plate 76 made of insulating material has been arranged between the curved end 74 and the polar mass 16.
  • This plate 76 is pierced in its center with a hole 78 for the passage of the control rod 46 and it also includes a bore 80 through which extends axially a protuberance 82 of the polar mass 16 intended to come into contact with the face 52 of the movable contact 44.
  • the protrusion 82 is located transversely in the same plane as the curved end 74 of the tab 66 so as to allow the movable contact to be, in the rest position, simultaneously in abutment against the protrusion 82 of the polar mass 16 and against the curved portion 74 of the tab 66 so as to make the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 30 and the electrical ground of the vehicle.
  • the curved end 74 which extends radially inwards prevents simple assembly by axial stacking of the various elements.
  • this arrangement requires the production of a protuberance 82 in the polar mass 16, which implies indexing during assembly to position it opposite the bore 80 of the insulating plate 76 and which does not allows a very small contact surface between the movable contact 44 and the pole ground 16.
  • the starter contactor shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 makes it possible to carry out an electrical grounding of the supply terminal 30 of the contactor by means of the return spring 54.
  • a metal tab 84 having an end 86 interposed between the head 38 of the strip 30 and the transverse bottom 34, a connecting strip 88 and an end 90 which extends to the bottom of the cylindrical spring guide housing 55 return 54 arranged in the transverse bottom 34.
  • the movable contact 44 being urged against the contact heads 36, 38 by the contact spring 48 linked to the rod 46, the rod 46 has an axial displacement stroke greater than that of the movable contact 44.

Abstract

The starter includes the moving contact (44) which, in the rest position, makes contact between the supply terminal (30) and the earth connection (16) by means of a bent connecting plate (70). The helical return spring (54) is placed between the moving contact and an insulating support block (26) for the motor input terminal (28) and the supply terminal (30). The switch (10) has a cylindrical casing (12) closed off at one end by the support block which has an annular sleeve (32) that centres it in the casing and a housing recess (55) for the return spring. The spring may make an alternative connection between the moving contact and the supply by butting against a metallic disc in the housing recess that has a shouldered extension to the supply terminal.

Description

L'invention concerne un démarreur de véhicule automobile.The invention relates to a motor vehicle starter.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un démarreur de véhicule automobile, du type comportant un contacteur muni d'un contact mobile susceptible d'être déplacé en translation par des moyens électromagnétiques entre une position de repos, dans laquelle le contact est en appui contre un élément conducteur fixe relié à la masse électrique du véhicule, et vers laquelle il est sollicité par des moyens de rappel élastique, et une position active dans laquelle le contact mobile établit un raccordement électrique entre une borne d'entrée du courant, reliée à la borne positive de la batterie du véhicule, et une borne d'alimentation du moteur du démarreur, du type dans lequel il est prévu des moyens qui, lorsque le contact mobile est en position de repos permettent d'établir un contact électrique entre la borne d'alimentation et la masse électrique du véhicule par l'intermédiaire du contact mobile, et du type dans lequel les moyens de rappel élastique sont agencés entre le contact mobile et un bloc de support des bornes réalisé en matière isolante.The invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle starter, of the type comprising a contactor provided with a movable contact capable of being displaced in translation by electromagnetic means between a rest position, in which the contact is in abutment against an element fixed conductor connected to the vehicle's electrical ground, and towards which it is stressed by elastic return means, and an active position in which the movable contact establishes an electrical connection between a current input terminal, connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery, and a starter motor supply terminal, of the type in which means are provided which, when the movable contact is in the rest position, allow electrical contact to be established between the supply terminal and the electrical mass of the vehicle via the movable contact, and of the type in which the elastic return means are arranged. between the movable contact and a terminal support block made of insulating material.

Il est connu de prévoir la mise à la masse électrique de la borne d'alimentation du moteur dès l'interruption du contact établi par le contact mobile.It is known to provide for the electrical grounding of the motor supply terminal as soon as the contact established by the movable contact is interrupted.

En effet, une telle disposition permet un freinage efficace et rapide du rotor du moteur du démarreur.Indeed, such an arrangement allows efficient and rapid braking of the rotor of the starter motor.

Ainsi, le moteur du démarreur, qui comporte un bobinage inducteur et un bobinage induit reliés électriquement en série, se retrouve en court-circuit électrique lorsque la borne d'alimentation est mise à la masse électrique du véhicule.Thus, the starter motor, which includes an inductor winding and an induced winding electrically connected in series, finds itself in an electrical short circuit when the power supply terminal is earthed to the electric ground of the vehicle.

Le rotor du moteur du démarreur est alors freiné par auto-induction.The starter motor rotor is then braked by self-induction.

Pour assurer un fonctionnement correct de ce dispositif il est toutefois nécessaire que la mise à la masse de la borne d'alimentation soit interrompue lorsqu'on sollicite le moteur du démarreur sous peine de provoquer un court-circuit.To ensure correct operation of this device, it is however necessary that the grounding of the power supply terminal is interrupted when the starter motor is operated, otherwise the short circuit may result.

Il a déjà été proposé d'utiliser à cet effet le contact mobile, dont la position est représentative de l'état alimenté ou non de la borne d'alimentation, afin d'effectuer la mise à la masse de la borne d'alimentation lorsqu'il est en position de repos.It has already been proposed to use for this purpose the movable contact, the position of which is representative of the state supplied or not of the supply terminal, in order to carry out the grounding of the supply terminal when 'it is in the rest position.

Toutefois, les dispositifs proposés jusqu'ici rendent complexe l'assemblage des composants du contacteur et présentent des problèmes de fiabilité.However, the devices proposed so far make the assembly of the contactor components complex and present reliability problems.

L'invention a donc pour but de proposer un dispositif pour la mise à la masse de la borne d'alimentation qui est facile à assembler et qui présente de parfaites garanties de fonctionnement.The invention therefore aims to provide a device for grounding the power supply terminal which is easy to assemble and which has perfect operating guarantees.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un démarreur du type vu précédemment, caractérisé en ce que le contact mobile et la borne d'alimentation sont reliés électriquement par des moyens de rappel élastique en matériaux conducteur.To this end, the invention provides a starter of the type seen above, characterized in that the movable contact and the supply terminal are electrically connected by elastic return means made of conductive materials.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • les moyens de rappel élastique comportent un ressort hélicoïdal de compression en matériau conducteur en appui par une première extrémité axiale contre le contact mobile et par sa seconde extrémité contre une patte métallique de raccordement électrique reliée à la borne d'alimentation ;
  • le contacteur comporte un carter sensiblement cylindrique, fermé à une extrémité axiale par le bloc-support des bornes qui comporte une jupe annulaire de centrage et de fixation sur le carter et un fond transversal, chacune des bornes comporte une tête de contact agencée contre le fond transversal et un plot de raccordement qui débouche axialement dans la face externe du fond transversal, le ressort de rappel est agencé axialement dans le contacteur et il est guidé à sa seconde extrémité axiale dans un logement sensiblement cylindrique aménagé sensiblement au centre du fond transversal ;
  • la patte métallique comporte une première extrémité qui est reçue dans le logement et contre laquelle la seconde extrémité du ressort de rappel est en appui axial, et une seconde extrémité qui est reliée à la première par une bande de liaison coudée, qui est percée d'un trou pour le passage du plot de raccordement de la borne d'alimentation, la seconde extrémité est serrée entre la tête de contact de la borne d'alimentation et la face interne du fond transversal du bloc.
According to other characteristics of the invention:
  • the elastic return means comprise a helical compression spring of conductive material bearing by a first axial end against the movable contact and by its second end against a metal tab for electrical connection connected to the supply terminal;
  • the contactor comprises a substantially cylindrical casing, closed at an axial end by the terminal support block which comprises an annular skirt for centering and fixing on the casing and a transverse bottom, each of the terminals has a contact head arranged against the bottom transverse and a connection pad that opens axially in the external face of the transverse bottom, the return spring is arranged axially in the contactor and it is guided at its second axial end in a substantially cylindrical housing arranged substantially in the center of the transverse bottom;
  • the metal tab has a first end which is received in the housing and against which the second end of the return spring is in axial support, and a second end which is connected to the first by a bent connecting strip, which is pierced with a hole for the passage of the connection stud of the supply terminal, the second end is clamped between the contact head of the supply terminal and the internal face of the transverse bottom of the block.

L'invention propose également un contacteur pour un démarreur conforme aux enseignements de l'invention.The invention also provides a contactor for a starter in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une représentation en coupe axiale partielle d'un contacteur de démarreur selon l'état de la technique ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 représentant un contacteur conforme aux enseignements de l'invention illustré en position de repos ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2 représentant le contacteur selon l'invention en position active ;
  • la figure 4 est une représentation en perspective d'une patte métallique de raccordement selon l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a partial axial sectional representation of a starter switch according to the prior art;
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 showing a contactor according to the teachings of the invention illustrated in the rest position;
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 showing the contactor according to the invention in the active position;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective representation of a metal connecting tab according to the invention.

Les figures 1 à 3 représentent un contacteur 10 de démarreur comportant un carter cylindrique 12 d'axe X-X, dans lequel est monté un bobinage annulaire 14 qui, lorsqu'il est parcouru par un courant d'excitation, provoque dans le contacteur un flux magnétique axial, notamment grâce à une masse polaire 16, et le bobinage est alors susceptible de provoquer le déplacement axial d'un noyau mobile 18.Figures 1 to 3 show a starter switch 10 comprising a cylindrical housing 12 of axis XX, in which is mounted an annular winding 14 which, when it is traversed by an excitation current, causes an axial magnetic flux in the contactor, in particular thanks to a polar mass 16, and the winding is then capable of causing the axial displacement of a mobile core 18.

Le noyau mobile 18 est donc susceptible de coulisser entre une position de repos dans laquelle il dépasse axialement au travers d'une première extrémité axiale 20 du contacteur 10, et une position active dans laquelle, sous l'effet du champ magnétique induit par le bobinage 14, il est presque entièrement reçu à l'intérieur du bobinage 14.The movable core 18 is therefore capable of sliding between a rest position in which it protrudes axially through a first axial end 20 of the contactor 10, and an active position in which, under the effect of the magnetic field induced by the winding. 14, it is almost entirely received inside the winding 14.

Un ressort hélicoïdal de compression 22 rappelle élastiquement le noyau mobile 18 vers sa position de repos.A helical compression spring 22 resiliently returns the movable core 18 to its rest position.

Le carter 12 du contacteur 10 est fermé à sa seconde extrémité axiale opposée 24 par un bloc 26 de support de bornes 28, 30 prévues pour l'alimentation électrique du moteur de démarreur (non représenté).The casing 12 of the contactor 10 is closed at its second opposite axial end 24 by a block 26 for supporting the terminals 28, 30 provided for the electrical supply of the starter motor (not shown).

Le bloc support en matériau isolant 26 comporte une jupe annulaire cylindrique 32 qui permet son centrage et sa fixation à l'extrémité 24 du carter 12 du contacteur 10, et un fond transversal 34 qui ferme axialement le contacteur 10.The support block made of insulating material 26 comprises a cylindrical annular skirt 32 which allows its centering and its fixing to the end 24 of the casing 12 of the contactor 10, and a transverse bottom 34 which axially closes the contactor 10.

Les bornes 28, 30 sont sensiblement diamétralement opposées sur le fond 34, de part et d'autre de l'axe X-X du contacteur 10.The terminals 28, 30 are substantially diametrically opposite on the bottom 34, on either side of the axis X-X of the contactor 10.

Les bornes 28, 30 comportent chacune une tête de contact 36, 38 agencées à l'intérieur du contacteur 10, contre le fond transversal 34 du bloc support 26 et un plot de raccordement 40, 42, en partie fileté et qui s'étend axialement au travers du fond transversal 34 de manière à déboucher à l'extérieur du contacteur 10.The terminals 28, 30 each have a contact head 36, 38 arranged inside the contactor 10, against the transverse bottom 34 of the support block 26 and a connection pad 40, 42, partly threaded and which extends axially. through the transverse bottom 34 so as to open out of the contactor 10.

Une première borne 28 est prévue pour être reliée à la borne positive (non représentée) d'une batterie d'accumulateurs du véhicule et la seconde borne 30 est prévue pour recevoir un câble d'alimentation (non représenté) du moteur du démarreur.A first terminal 28 is provided to be connected to the positive terminal (not shown) of a vehicle storage battery and the second terminal 30 is provided to receive a power cable (not shown) from the starter motor.

Le bloc support 26 est réalisé en matériau isolant et il est fixé, par exemple par sertissage, à l'extrémité 24 du contacteur 10.The support block 26 is made of insulating material and it is fixed, for example by crimping, to the end 24 of the contactor 10.

Un contact mobile 44, constitué d'une plaque sensiblement rectangulaire, est susceptible d'être déplacé axialement à l'intérieur de l'espace 45 délimité par la paroi annulaire 32 et le fond 34 du bloc de support 26, entre une position de repos dans laquelle il est en appui contre la masse polaire 16 du contacteur 10 et une position active dans laquelle le contact mobile 44 est en appui simultanément contre les têtes 36, 38 des bornes 28, 30 de manière à établir entre ces deux bornes 28, 30 un raccordement électrique qui permet d'alimenter le moteur du démarreur en courant électrique provenant de la batterie d'accumulateur du véhicule.A movable contact 44, consisting of a substantially rectangular plate, is capable of being moved axially inside the space 45 delimited by the annular wall 32 and the bottom 34 of the support block 26, between a rest position in which it bears against the pole ground 16 of the contactor 10 and an active position in which the movable contact 44 bears simultaneously against the heads 36, 38 of the terminals 28, 30 so as to establish between these two terminals 28, 30 an electrical connection which supplies the starter motor with electric current from the vehicle's storage battery.

Le déplacement axial du contact mobile 44 est commandé par une tige 46, qui est guidée axialement dans la masse polaire 16, et dont les déplacements sont commandés par le noyau mobile 18.The axial displacement of the movable contact 44 is controlled by a rod 46, which is guided axially in the pole mass 16, and the displacements of which are controlled by the movable core 18.

De manière connue, le contact mobile 44 est monté coulissant sur la tige 46.In known manner, the movable contact 44 is slidably mounted on the rod 46.

La tige 46 commande le contact mobile 44 vers sa position active par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort de contact 48 qui est en appui d'un côté contre un épaulement 50 de la tige 46 et de l'autre côté contre la face axiale 52 du contact mobile 44 qui est en appui contre la masse polaire 16 lorsque le contact 44 est en position de repos.The rod 46 controls the movable contact 44 towards its active position by means of a contact spring 48 which bears on one side against a shoulder 50 of the rod 46 and on the other side against the axial face 52 of the movable contact 44 which bears against the pole ground 16 when the contact 44 is in the rest position.

Cette disposition constructive, combinée au montage avec jeu radial de contact mobile 44 sur la tige 46, permet un léger rotulage du contact mobile 44 et ainsi assure un contact électrique parfait contre les têtes 36, 38 des bornes 28, 30, même dans le cas où celles-ci présenteraient une usure inégale.This constructive arrangement, combined with mounting with radial clearance of movable contact 44 on the rod 46, allows slight swiveling of the movable contact 44 and thus ensures perfect electrical contact against the heads 36, 38 of the terminals 28, 30, even if they show uneven wear.

Un ressort de rappel 54 permet de ramener la tige 46 et le contact mobile 44 en position de repos.A return spring 54 makes it possible to return the rod 46 and the movable contact 44 to the rest position.

Le ressort de rappel 54 est en appui au fond d'un logement cylindrique 55 agencé au centre du fond transversal 34 du bloc 26 et sollicite axialement une rondelle métallique 56 qui est en appui contre un second épaulement 58 de la tige 46 et contre la face axiale 60 du contact mobile qui coopère par ailleurs avec les bornes 28, 30.The return spring 54 is supported at the bottom of a cylindrical housing 55 arranged at the center of the transverse bottom 34 of the block 26 and axially urges a metal washer 56 which is supported against a second shoulder 58 of the rod 46 and against the face axial 60 of the movable contact which also cooperates with the terminals 28, 30.

La rondelle métallique 56 est fixée axialement sur la tige 46 contre l'épaulement 58 par une rondelle à griffes 62 qui est emmanchée à force sur l'extrémité axiale 64 de la tige de commande 46.The metal washer 56 is fixed axially on the rod 46 against the shoulder 58 by a claw washer 62 which is force fitted on the axial end 64 of the control rod 46.

La figure 1 représente plus particulièrement un mode de réalisation connu d'un contacteur qui permet de relier la borne d'alimentation 38 à la masse électrique du véhicule par l'intermédiaire du contact mobile 44.FIG. 1 represents more particularly a known embodiment of a contactor which makes it possible to connect the power supply terminal 38 to the electrical ground of the vehicle by means of the movable contact 44.

A cet effet, il est prévu une pièce en tôle découpée et pliée 66 qui comporte une extrémité 68 interposée entre la tête de contact 38 de la borne 30 et le fond transversal 34, qui comporte une bande de liaison 70 qui s'étend axialement le long de la face interne 72 de la paroi annulaire 32 du bloc de support 26, et qui comporte une seconde extrémité 74 recourbée radialement vers l'intérieur.For this purpose, there is provided a cut and folded sheet metal part 66 which has an end 68 interposed between the contact head 38 of the terminal 30 and the transverse bottom 34, which comprises a connecting strip 70 which extends axially the along the internal face 72 of the annular wall 32 of the support block 26, and which has a second end 74 curved radially inwards.

La seconde extrémité radiale recourbée 74 est destinée à coopérer avec la face 52 du contact mobile 44 lorsqu'il est par ailleurs en contact avec la masse polaire 16.The second curved radial end 74 is intended to cooperate with the face 52 of the movable contact 44 when it is also in contact with the polar mass 16.

La patte 66 étant en permanence au contact de la borne d'alimentation 30, elle se trouve à un potentiel électrique élevé lorsque le contact mobile 44 établit le contact entre les deux bornes 28, 30.The tab 66 being permanently in contact with the supply terminal 30, it is at a high electrical potential when the movable contact 44 establishes contact between the two terminals 28, 30.

Il faut donc éviter tout contact de l'extrémité recourbée 74 de la patte 66 avec la masse polaire 16 qui est reliée à la masse électrique du véhicule.It is therefore necessary to avoid any contact of the curved end 74 of the tab 66 with the pole ground 16 which is connected to the electrical ground of the vehicle.

A cet effet, on a aménagé, entre l'extrémité recourbée 74 et la masse polaire 16, une plaque d'isolation 76 en matériau isolant.To this end, an insulating plate 76 made of insulating material has been arranged between the curved end 74 and the polar mass 16.

Cette plaque 76 est percée en son centre d'un trou 78 pour le passage de la tige de commande 46 et elle comporte également un perçage 80 au travers duquel s'étend axialement une excroissance 82 de la masse polaire 16 destinée à venir en contact avec la face 52 du contact mobile 44.This plate 76 is pierced in its center with a hole 78 for the passage of the control rod 46 and it also includes a bore 80 through which extends axially a protuberance 82 of the polar mass 16 intended to come into contact with the face 52 of the movable contact 44.

L'excroissance 82 se situe transversalement dans le même plan que l'extrémité recourbé 74 de la patte 66 de manière à permettre au contact mobile d'être, en position de repos, simultanément en appui contre l'excroissance 82 de la masse polaire 16 et contre la partie recourbée 74 de la patte 66 de manière à réaliser le raccordement électrique entre la borne d'alimentation 30 et la masse électrique du véhicule.The protrusion 82 is located transversely in the same plane as the curved end 74 of the tab 66 so as to allow the movable contact to be, in the rest position, simultaneously in abutment against the protrusion 82 of the polar mass 16 and against the curved portion 74 of the tab 66 so as to make the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 30 and the electrical ground of the vehicle.

Cet agencement présente de nombreux inconvénients.This arrangement has many drawbacks.

En effet, il est nécessaire d'utiliser une plaque d'isolation 76 sous peine de voire apparaître des arcs électriques entre l'extrémité 74 de la patte 66 et la masse polaire 16.In fact, it is necessary to use an insulation plate 76 on pain of even appearing electric arcs between the end 74 of the tab 66 and the pole ground 16.

Par ailleurs, l'extrémité recourbée 74 qui s'étend radialement vers l'intérieur empêche un montage simple par empilement axial des différents éléments.Furthermore, the curved end 74 which extends radially inwards prevents simple assembly by axial stacking of the various elements.

De plus, cet agencement nécessite la réalisation d'une excroissance 82 dans la masse polaire 16, ce qui implique une indexation lors de l'assemblage pour la positionner en vis-à-vis du perçage 80 de la plaque isolante 76 et ce qui ne permet qu'une très faible surface de contact entre le contact mobile 44 et la masse polaire 16.In addition, this arrangement requires the production of a protuberance 82 in the polar mass 16, which implies indexing during assembly to position it opposite the bore 80 of the insulating plate 76 and which does not allows a very small contact surface between the movable contact 44 and the pole ground 16.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, le contacteur de démarreur représenté sur les figures 2 et 3 permet de réaliser une mise à la masse électrique de la borne d'alimentation 30 du contacteur par l'intermédiaire du ressort de rappel 54.In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the starter contactor shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 makes it possible to carry out an electrical grounding of the supply terminal 30 of the contactor by means of the return spring 54.

A cet effet, une patte métallique 84 comportant une extrémité 86 interposée entre la tête 38 de la bande 30 et le fond transversal 34, une bande de liaison 88 et une extrémité 90 qui s'étend au fond du logement 55 cylindrique de guidage du ressort de rappel 54 agencé dans le fond transversal 34.To this end, a metal tab 84 having an end 86 interposed between the head 38 of the strip 30 and the transverse bottom 34, a connecting strip 88 and an end 90 which extends to the bottom of the cylindrical spring guide housing 55 return 54 arranged in the transverse bottom 34.

En position de repos du contact mobile 44, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2, la liaison électrique est ainsi réalisée entre la borne d'alimentation 30 et la masse polaire 16 qui est à la masse électrique du véhicule par l'intermédiaire de la patte 84, du ressort de rappel 54, des rondelles métalliques 62, 56 et par le contact mobile 44.In the rest position of the movable contact 44, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the electrical connection is thus produced between the supply terminal 30 and the pole ground 16 which is to the electrical ground of the vehicle by means of the tab 84, the return spring 54, the metal washers 62, 56 and by the movable contact 44.

Lorsque le démarreur est sollicité par le conducteur, le contact mobile 44 est sollicité par la tige de commande 46 vers sa position active qui est représentée sur la figure 3 et dans laquelle le contact mobile 44 est en appui par sa face axiale 60 contre les bornes 28, 30.When the starter is acted on by the driver, the movable contact 44 is acted upon by the control rod 46 towards its active position which is shown in FIG. 3 and in which the movable contact 44 is supported by its axial face 60 against the terminals 28, 30.

Le contact mobile 44 étant sollicité contre les têtes de contact 36, 38 par le ressort de contact 48 lié à la tige 46, la tige 46 possède une course de déplacement axiale supérieure à celle du contact mobile 44.The movable contact 44 being urged against the contact heads 36, 38 by the contact spring 48 linked to the rod 46, the rod 46 has an axial displacement stroke greater than that of the movable contact 44.

Ainsi, lorsque le contact mobile arrive en contact contre les bornes 28, 30, la tige 46 poursuit son déplacement de gauche à droite en considérant la figure de manière à comprimer le ressort de contact 48, ce qui provoque la rupture du contact entre la rondelle métallique 46 et la contact mobile 44.Thus, when the movable contact comes into contact against the terminals 28, 30, the rod 46 continues to move from left to right, considering the figure so as to compress the contact spring 48, which causes the contact between the washer to break. metallic 46 and movable contact 44.

Ainsi, dès le contact du contact mobile 44 avec les bornes 28, 30, la liaison électrique entre le contact mobile et la borne d'alimentation 30 est interrompue ce qui évite le passage d'un courant trop important par l'intermédiaire de la patte 84, du ressort de rappel 54 et des rondelles métalliques 56 et de fixation 62 qui n'ont pas vocation à transmettre des courants importants.Thus, as soon as the movable contact 44 comes into contact with the terminals 28, 30, the electrical connection between the movable contact and the supply terminal 30 is interrupted, which prevents the passage of an excessive current through the tab. 84, the return spring 54 and the metal washers 56 and the fixing 62 which are not intended to transmit large currents.

Claims (4)

Démarreur de véhicule automobile, du type comportant un contacteur (10) muni d'un contact mobile (44) susceptible d'être déplacé en translation par des moyens électromagnétiques entre une position de repos dans laquelle le contact (44) est en appui contre un élément conducteur fixe (16) relié à la masse électrique du véhicule et vers laquelle il est sollicité par des moyens de rappel élastique (54), et une position active, dans laquelle le contact mobile établit le raccordement électrique entre une borne d'entrée (28) du courant, reliée à la borne positive de la batterie du véhicule, et une borne d'alimentation (30) du moteur du démarreur, du type dans lequel il est prévu des moyens qui, lorsque le contact mobile (44) est en position de repos, permettent d'établir un contact électrique entre la borne d'alimentation (30) et la masse électrique du véhicule par l'intermédiaire du contact mobile (44), et du type dans lequel les moyens de rappel élastique (54) sont agencés entre le contact mobile (44) et un bloc de support (26) des bornes (28, 30) réalisé en matière isolante, caractérisé en ce que le contact mobile (44) et la borne d'alimentation (30) sont reliés électriquement par des moyens de rappel élastique (54) en matériau conducteur.Motor vehicle starter, of the type comprising a contactor (10) provided with a movable contact (44) capable of being displaced in translation by electromagnetic means between a rest position in which the contact (44) is in abutment against a fixed conductive element (16) connected to the electrical ground of the vehicle and towards which it is stressed by elastic return means (54), and an active position, in which the movable contact establishes the electrical connection between an input terminal ( 28) of the current, connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery, and a supply terminal (30) of the starter motor, of the type in which means are provided which, when the movable contact (44) is in rest position, make it possible to establish an electrical contact between the supply terminal (30) and the electrical ground of the vehicle via the movable contact (44), and of the type in which the elastic return means (54) s have terminals (28, 30) made of insulating material between the movable contact (44) and a support block (26), characterized in that the movable contact (44) and the supply terminal (30) are connected electrically by elastic return means (54) of conductive material. Démarreur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de rappel élastique comportent un ressort hélicoïdal (54) de compression en matériau conducteur en appui par une première extrémité axiale contre le contact mobile (44) et par sa seconde extrémité contre une patte métallique de raccordement électrique (84) reliée à la borne d'alimentation (30).Starter according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return means comprise a helical spring (54) of compression made of conductive material supported by a first axial end against the movable contact (44) and by its second end against a metal tab electrical connection (84) connected to the power supply terminal (30). Démarreur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le contacteur comporte un carter (12) sensiblement cylindrique, fermé à une extrémité axiale (24) par le bloc-support (26) des bornes (28, 30) qui comporte une jupe annulaire (32) de centrage et de fixation sur le carter (12) et un fond transversal (34), en ce que chacune des bornes (28, 30) comporte une tête de contact (36, 38) agencée contre le fond transversal (34) et un plot de raccordement (40, 42) qui débouche axialement dans la face externe du fond transversal (34), en ce que le ressort de rappel (54) est agencé axialement dans le contacteur (10) et en ce qu'il est guidé à sa seconde extrémité axiale dans un logement (55) sensiblement cylindrique aménagé sensiblement au centre du fond transversal (34).Starter according to claim 2, characterized in that the contactor comprises a housing (12) substantially cylindrical, closed at an axial end (24) by the support block (26) of the terminals (28, 30) which comprises an annular skirt (32) for centering and fixing on the casing (12) and a transverse bottom (34 ), in that each of the terminals (28, 30) comprises a contact head (36, 38) arranged against the transverse bottom (34) and a connection stud (40, 42) which opens axially into the external face of the bottom transverse (34), in that the return spring (54) is arranged axially in the contactor (10) and in that it is guided at its second axial end in a substantially cylindrical housing (55) arranged substantially in the center of the transverse bottom (34). Démarreur selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la patte métallique (84) comporte une première extrémité (90) qui est reçue dans le logement (55) et contre laquelle la seconde extrémité du ressort de rappel (54) est en appui axial, et une seconde extrémité (86) qui est reliée à la première par une bande de liaison coudée (88), qui est percée d'un trou pour le passage du plot de raccordement (42) de la borne d'alimentation (30), et en ce que la seconde extrémité (86) est serrée entre la tête de contact (38) de la borne d'alimentation (30) et la face interne du fond transversal (34) du bloc (26).Starter according to claim 3, characterized in that the metal tab (84) has a first end (90) which is received in the housing (55) and against which the second end of the return spring (54) is in axial support, and a second end (86) which is connected to the first by a bent connecting strip (88), which is pierced with a hole for the passage of the connection stud (42) of the supply terminal (30), and in that the second end (86) is clamped between the contact head (38) of the supply terminal (30) and the internal face of the transverse bottom (34) of the block (26).
EP96401250A 1995-06-12 1996-06-11 Starter with a contactor having perfectionate means for earthing in rest position, and contactor having such means Expired - Lifetime EP0749144B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9507046 1995-06-12
FR9507046A FR2735186B1 (en) 1995-06-12 1995-06-12 STARTER PROVIDED WITH A CONTACTOR COMPRISING IMPROVED ELECTRICAL GROUNDING MEANS IN THE REST POSITION AND CONTACTOR PROVIDED WITH SUCH MEANS.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0749144A1 true EP0749144A1 (en) 1996-12-18
EP0749144B1 EP0749144B1 (en) 2001-11-28

Family

ID=9479960

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96401250A Expired - Lifetime EP0749144B1 (en) 1995-06-12 1996-06-11 Starter with a contactor having perfectionate means for earthing in rest position, and contactor having such means

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5757256A (en)
EP (1) EP0749144B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69617321T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2735186B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2908160A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-09 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Starting device e.g. six pole type electromagnet, for motor vehicle, has electric joining element modifying electric state of windings of rotor, when starter drive assembly is in position, to generate electromagnetic braking of rotor
WO2008056075A2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur Starting device for a combustion engine mainly for an automobile vehicle
FR2918126A1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-02 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Direct drive type electrical starting device for heat combustion engine of motor vehicle, has assembly including element arranged for modifying winding's electric status when assembly is in disengaged position, to generate rotor braking
FR2926334A1 (en) * 2008-01-14 2009-07-17 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Starting device for internal combustion engine of motor vehicle, has contactor permitting power supply to dynamo field coil and grounding of armature winding to generate braking of rotor driven by rotation through self-induction

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2755535B1 (en) * 1996-11-07 1998-12-04 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur STARTER CONTACTOR COMPRISING AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL CIRCUIT INTEGRATED WITH THE CONTACTOR, AND VEHICLE STARTER COMPRISING SUCH A CONTACTOR
JP4031889B2 (en) 1999-07-29 2008-01-09 株式会社日立製作所 Magnetic switch for starter
JP2006286258A (en) * 2005-03-31 2006-10-19 Denso Corp Electromagnetic switch for starter
JP2007134122A (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-31 Denso Corp Electromagnetic switch
DE102008043186A1 (en) * 2008-10-27 2010-04-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electromagnetic switch for a starting device and method for switching the electromagnetic switch
UA111081C2 (en) * 2012-07-02 2016-03-25 Шалтбау Гмбх Electrical contactor with flywheel drive and method for switching an electrical contactor on and off
DE112017008162T5 (en) * 2017-11-21 2020-09-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Electromagnetic switching device for starters

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3284742A (en) * 1964-08-17 1966-11-08 Square D Co Electromagnetic contactor
EP0155983A1 (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-10-02 Etudes Et Commercialisation D'appareils Nouveaux Speciaux, Ecans Electronically controlled electromagnetic battery switch
GB2193845A (en) * 1986-08-07 1988-02-17 Magneti Marelli Spa Electric switch

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2838997A1 (en) * 1978-09-07 1980-03-20 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SEALED HOUSING FOR A DISC-SHAPED SEMICONDUCTOR BODY HAVING AT LEAST ONE PN TRANSITION

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3284742A (en) * 1964-08-17 1966-11-08 Square D Co Electromagnetic contactor
EP0155983A1 (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-10-02 Etudes Et Commercialisation D'appareils Nouveaux Speciaux, Ecans Electronically controlled electromagnetic battery switch
GB2193845A (en) * 1986-08-07 1988-02-17 Magneti Marelli Spa Electric switch

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2908160A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-09 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Starting device e.g. six pole type electromagnet, for motor vehicle, has electric joining element modifying electric state of windings of rotor, when starter drive assembly is in position, to generate electromagnetic braking of rotor
WO2008056075A2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur Starting device for a combustion engine mainly for an automobile vehicle
WO2008056075A3 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-11-27 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Starting device for a combustion engine mainly for an automobile vehicle
FR2918126A1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-02 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Direct drive type electrical starting device for heat combustion engine of motor vehicle, has assembly including element arranged for modifying winding's electric status when assembly is in disengaged position, to generate rotor braking
FR2926334A1 (en) * 2008-01-14 2009-07-17 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur Starting device for internal combustion engine of motor vehicle, has contactor permitting power supply to dynamo field coil and grounding of armature winding to generate braking of rotor driven by rotation through self-induction

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2735186A1 (en) 1996-12-13
DE69617321D1 (en) 2002-01-10
FR2735186B1 (en) 1997-07-18
DE69617321T2 (en) 2002-05-16
EP0749144B1 (en) 2001-11-28
US5757256A (en) 1998-05-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0828275B1 (en) Starter contactor having an electronic circuit integrated to the contactor, and vehicle starter having such a contactor
EP3459100B1 (en) Breaker device intended to be linked to an electrical circuit
EP0749144B1 (en) Starter with a contactor having perfectionate means for earthing in rest position, and contactor having such means
FR2904471A1 (en) Starter for engine has terminal bolt which is secured in contact cover to extend in axial direction of motor with end portion protruding from end wall of contact cover
FR2759810A1 (en) CONTACTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER COMPRISING IMPROVED MEANS OF PROTECTION OF AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT
EP0768695A1 (en) Contactor for starter with improved fixed contacts, and starter for motor vehicle equipped with such a contactor
FR3071659A1 (en) PYROTECHNIC CUTTING DEVICE
EP1925011B1 (en) Heat engine starter switch comprising improved winding electrical connection means
EP1324469B1 (en) Electric commutator motor featuring an electromagnetic interference reduction device
EP2192605B1 (en) Device for disconnecting an electric circuit and electricity distribution box comprising such a disconnecting device
EP0891627B1 (en) Modular electric switch
FR2867602A1 (en) Commutator for use in e.g. window regulator, has set of metal segments arranged on circumference of support ring, and set of capacitors arranged between support ring and metal segments
FR3072497B1 (en) ELECTRIC POWER DISCONNECT FOR A PROTECTION MODULE AND PROTECTIVE MODULE HAVING SUCH DISCONNECT
EP1668660B1 (en) Electric starter for a motor vehicle, comprising a hybrid contactor with a solid-state relay built into the cap
EP0708500A1 (en) Male electrical connector
FR2797091A1 (en) CONTACTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER COMPRISING ELECTRICAL GROUNDING MEANS IN THE REST POSITION AND STARTER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A CONTACTOR
EP0859393B1 (en) Starter contactor for motor vehicule with perfectionated means for centring a stationary core
EP0778601A1 (en) Starter contactor provided with a stop for movable contact made by deformation and the vehicle starter equipped with such a contactor
EP0778600A1 (en) Starter contact with integrated return spring and vehicle starter equipped with such a contactor
FR3140489A1 (en) Surge protection device and method of manufacturing such a device
EP1501112B1 (en) Improved magnetic sub-unit and circuit breaker comprising this sub-unit
EP3185275B1 (en) Device for joining a bimetal strip and a component forming a support for said bimetal strip, and electrical protection unit comprising same
EP2248141B1 (en) Dual-contact contactor and arc blowout chimney
FR2481010A1 (en) Power socket cross coupled safety lock - prevents power reaching socket unless correct plug is inserted by cross switching of input supply and incorporates earth leakage trip
FR2805660A1 (en) Car starter motor contact assembly having contact unit cap cover and upper outer sections with a metallic strip cap non parallel to the cap

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): DE GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19970617

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010125

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69617321

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020110

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

Effective date: 20020128

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20030603

Year of fee payment: 8

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: 20040611

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

Effective date: 20040611

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: 20050611

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080613

Year of fee payment: 13

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: 20100101