EP3061112B1 - Electrical fastener assembly with thermal fuse - Google Patents
Electrical fastener assembly with thermal fuse Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3061112B1 EP3061112B1 EP13785587.0A EP13785587A EP3061112B1 EP 3061112 B1 EP3061112 B1 EP 3061112B1 EP 13785587 A EP13785587 A EP 13785587A EP 3061112 B1 EP3061112 B1 EP 3061112B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electrical
- terminal
- fastener assembly
- washer
- solder
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 53
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000031070 response to heat Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000003685 thermal hair damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
- H01R13/713—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being a safety switch
- H01R13/7137—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being a safety switch with thermal interrupter
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
- H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
- H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
- H01H37/761—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
- H01H85/02—Details
- H01H85/0241—Structural association of a fuse and another component or apparatus
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
Definitions
- Electrical power systems such as those found in an aircraft power distribution system, employ electrical bus bars for delivering power from electrical power sources to electrical loads.
- high voltage components may be shunted across unintended electrical contacts, resulting in high current flow at the failure of the power distribution system.
- the high current flow in turn, generates excessively high levels of heat, and may lead to possible electrical or thermal damage.
- WO 2013/025175 A1 discloses an air heater fuse for diesel engines and an electrical fastener assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.
- US 3385940 A discloses a thermal switch for preventing damage to a combustion engine.
- the described embodiment of the present invention is directed to an electrical fastener assembly, which may be used, for example, in a power distribution system for an aircraft. While this description is primarily directed toward a power distribution system for an aircraft, it is also applicable to any environment using electrical fastener assemblies for electrically connecting portions of one electrical network to another
- an aircraft 10 is shown having at least one gas turbine engine, shown as a left engine system 12 and a right engine system 14.
- the power system may have fewer or additional engine systems.
- the left and right engine systems 12, 14 may be substantially identical, and may further comprise at least one electric machine, such as a generator 18.
- the aircraft is shown further comprising a plurality of power-consuming components, or electrical loads 20, for instance, an actuator load, flight critical loads, and non-flight critical loads.
- Each of the electrical loads 20 are electrically coupled with at least one of the generators 18 via a power distribution system, for instance, bus bars 28.
- the operating left and right engine systems 12, 14 provide mechanical energy which may be extracted via a spool, to provide a driving force for the generator 18.
- the generator 18, in turn, provides the generated power to the bus bars 28, which delivers the power to the electrical loads 20 for load operations.
- Additional power sources for providing power to the electrical loads 20, such as emergency power sources, ram air turbine systems, starter/generators, or batteries, are envisioned. It will be understood that while one embodiment of the invention is shown in an aircraft environment, the invention is not so limited and has general application to electrical power systems in non-aircraft applications, such as other mobile applications and non-mobile industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary electrical fastener assembly 24 comprising an electrically conductive DC power contactor 26 having at least one electrical terminal 32, at least a second electrical terminal, shown as an electrically conductive bus bar support 28, and solder washer assembly 30.
- the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26 may be electrically coupled with the bus bar support 28, via the solder washer assembly 30.
- the solder washer assembly 30 is positioned between, and physically separating, the terminal 32 and the bus bar support 28.
- the electrical terminal 32, solder washer assembly 30, and bus bar support 28 are shown having openings 36 for receiving a removable coupling via a mechanical fastener, such as a contactor fixing screw 34 or threaded stud.
- solder washer assembly 30 is described, alternative geometric shapes are envisioned wherein, for example, the solder assembly 30 may comprise one or more blocks without an opening 36 and positioned aside from the contactor fixing screw 34, physically separating the terminal 32 from the bus bar support 28.
- the solder washer assembly 30 is illustrated as a washer-type and may comprise an outer interface collar 38, shown shaped as a ring, an inner separator, such as an insulating ring 40, also shaped as a ring, and an electrically conductive and meltable element, such as solder ring 42 or disk, received in between the collar and ring 38, 40.
- the interface collar 38, insulating ring 40, and solder ring 42 When assembled, the interface collar 38, insulating ring 40, and solder ring 42 also define an opening 36 which extends axially through the center of solder washer assembly 30. While an interface collar 38, insulating ring 40, and solder ring 42 are described, alternative geometric shapes are envisioned.
- the interface collar 38 comprises an electrically conductive material, and is shown including a radial sidewall 44 and bottom plate 46 that extends radially inward toward the opening 36.
- the bottom plate 46, sidewall 44, and insulating ring 40 may collectively define a reservoir 47 capable of containing at least a volume of liquid equal to the volume of the melted solder ring 42.
- the solder ring 42 may be configured to abut at least a portion of the bottom plate 46 such that the solder 42 and plate 46 are in electrically coupled.
- the insulating ring 40 may comprise a nonconductive material that, when assembled, lines the opening 36 of the solder washer assembly 30 to inhibit radial electrical contact between the interface collar 38 and/or the solder ring 42, and an object received into the opening 36 (for example, the contactor fixing screw 34). Additionally, as shown, the axial height of the solder ring 42 is greater than the axial height of either the interface collar 38 or insulating ring 40, and the axial height of the insulating ring 40 may be greater than the axial height of the interface collar 38.
- solder is described, alternative electrically conductive and meltable elements are envisioned.
- One example melting point for the solder ring 42 may be between 200 and 250 degrees Celsius; however various solder alloys and/or alloy combinations are envisioned such that the melting point of the meltable element may be defined with reference to desired thermal operating or failure conditions of the electrical fastener assembly 24.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of the assembled electrical fastener assembly 24.
- the assembly 24 may further comprise an electrically insulating sleeve 48, a compressive or biasing element, shown as a Belleville washer 50, and an optional electrically insulating washer 52.
- the bus bar support 28 further comprises a fastener base, such as a screw base 54 or screw nut, configured to securely receive the fastener.
- the screw base 54 may be fixedly attached to, or integrated with, the bus bar support 28, and provide insulating qualities to insulate a coupled screw 34 from the bus bar support 28.
- the screw base 54 may comprise of an insulating material or the screw base 54 may be affixed to the bus bar support 28 via an insulating adhesive. Additional insulating methods and/or materials are envisioned.
- the Belleville washer 50 is configured such that it may have a biasing force toward an expanded state when not under an opposite axial pressure or compressive force, and wherein the axial length of the washer 50 is longer in the expanded state than when under a compressed state.
- the Belleville washer 50 may fluidly switch between the compressed and expanded states, depending on the pressure or force acting opposite to the biasing force. While a Belleville washer 50 is described, additional biasing elements are envisioned having a biasing force opposed which may act opposite to a retaining pressure or retaining force, and wherein the axial length of the element is longer when not exposed to a retaining force than the axial length of the element when exposed to a retaining force.
- alternative biasing elements may include mechanical springs.
- the contactor fixing screw 34 is shown at least partially received within the insulating sleeve 48 such that the at least a portion of the screw 34 is electrically insulated by the insulating sleeve 48. While the insulating sleeve 48 is illustrated only enveloping a portion of the contactor fixing screw 34, embodiments of the invention are envisioned wherein the whole screw 34 is received within the sleeve 48. Alternatively, the insulating sleeve 48 may be replaced by an insulating coating or resin. In this alternative example, wherein the whole contactor fixing screw 34 is insulated by, for example, a sleeve 48, coating, or resin, the other insulating elements 40, 52, 54 may optionally provide insulating properties.
- the electrical fastener assembly 24 is assembled, as illustrated, by layering, from bottom to top, the bus bar support 28, the solder washer assembly 30, the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26, the Belleville washer 50, and the insulating washer 52, such that the layering aligns the openings 36 of each washer and element 28, 30, 32, 50, 52.
- the contactor fixing screw 34 (having the insulating sleeve 48) is axially received through the openings 36 and removably coupled with the screw base 54 such that the coupling provides sufficient mechanical constriction to axially force and/or couple the elements 28, 30, 32, 50, 52 together, and to compress the Belleville washer 50.
- biasing force of the Belleville washer 50 biases the terminal 32 and bus bar support 28 toward each other, and is opposite to the structural retaining force of the solder washer assembly 30, and specifically the structural retaining force of the solder ring 42.
- This biasing force is overcome by the contactor fixing screw 34 having been secured to the screw base 54, compressing the Belleville washer 50 against the terminal 32 and the solder ring 42.
- the combination of the insulating sleeve 48, insulating washer 52, insulating ring 40, and screw base 54 are configured to electrically isolate the contactor fixing screw 34 from both the terminal 32 and the bus bar support 28.
- the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26 and the bus bar support 28 of the electrical fastener assembly 24 may only be electrically connected through the solder ring 42 and interface collar 38 of the solder washer assembly 30.
- the point of failure may be in thermal contact, or thermally connected with, the electrical fastener assembly 24. Excessive heat from the point of failure may be thermally conducted to the solder washer assembly 30 via the DC contactor 26 (and terminal 32) and/or the bus bar support 28. If the heat conducted is sufficiently greater than the melting point of the solder, the solder ring 42 may melt. The melting of the solder ring 42, which was at least a portion of the electrical connection between the DC contactor 26 and the bus bar support 28, breaks the electrical connection between the terminal 32 of the contactor 26 and the support 28. The breaking of the electrical connection will disrupt the current flow of the electrical fault, failure, or short, and thus, render the system safe.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative configuration of the above described embodiment wherein the melting of the solder ring 142 of the electrical fastener assembly 124 has broken the electrical connection between the DC contactor 26 and bus bar support 28.
- Parts having an alternative configuration will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the primary parts applies to the alternative configuration, unless otherwise noted.
- the solder ring 142 has been melted due to thermal conduction from a failure condition, and the melted ring 142 has been contained in the reservoir 47.
- the conductive melted solder ring 142 fluid has cascaded away from the terminal 32 due to gravity , and consequently, the bus bar support 28 is no longer in physical or electrical contact with the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26.
- the washer 150 is shown in an axially expanded state.
- the biasing force of the Belleville washer 150 forces the terminal 32 away from the washer 150 until the terminal 32 is retained or supported by the insulating ring 40, which is now the tallest aspect of the solder washer assembly 30 once that the solder ring 150 has melted, thus maintaining physical separation between the terminal 32 and bus bar support 28.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative electrical fastener assembly 224 illustrative of the context of the invention,.
- the illustrative example is similar to the first embodiment; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the first embodiment applies to the second embodiment, unless otherwise noted.
- a difference between the first embodiment and the illustrative example is that the meltable element does not provide an electrically conductive path, as in the first embodiment, but rather provides a retaining force for securing the electrically conductive path between the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26 and the bus bar support 228, and wherein the melting of the meltable retainer releases the electrically conductive path between the terminal 32 and support 228.
- the terminal 32 and bus bar support 228 may be in direct electrical contact.
- the electrical fastener assembly 224 may include multiple biasing elements, such as Belleville washers 50, and the bus bar support 228 further comprises a solder assembly 230 having an axially extending insulating ring 240 and a screw base 254, at least a portion of which may be axially retained or affixed, relative to the bus bar support 228, by a meltable retainer, such as a solder ring 242, or a thermally-releasing glue or adhesive.
- the meltable retainer does not need to have electrically conductive properties.
- an (optional) insulating sleeve 48, insulating washer 52, and insulating ring 240 electrically isolate the contactor fixing screw 34 from both the DC contactor 26 and the bus bar support 228.
- the electrical fastener assembly 224 is assembled, as illustrated, by layering, from bottom to top, the bus bar support 228, a Belleville washer 50, the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26, a second Belleville washer 50, and the insulating washer 52, such that the layering aligns the openings 36 of each washer and element 228, 32, 50, 52.
- the contactor fixing screw 34 (having the insulating sleeve 48) is axially received through the openings 36 and removably coupled with the screw base 254 such that the coupling provides sufficient mechanical constriction to axially force the elements 228, 32, 50, 52 together, and to compress the Belleville washer 50.
- the biasing force of the Belleville washer 50 biases the terminal 32 and bus bar support 228 away from each other, and is opposed to, and overcome by, the retaining force of the contactor fixing screw 34 having been secured to the screw base 254, which is retained or anchored by the solder ring 242.
- the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26 and the bus bar support 228 are electrically coupled, allowing power to be transferred between the components 32, 228.
- a failure condition may generate excessive heat, which, when sufficiently conducted along the electrically conductive path to the bus bar support 228, may melt the solder ring 242, releasing the affixed screw base 254.
- the screw base 254 and terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26, which are no longer axially retained by the bus bar support 228 via the screw base 254, are forced upward due to the biasing force of the Belleville washers 50, both physically and electrically separating the terminal 32 from the bus bar support 228.
- the breaking of the electrical connection will disrupt the current flow of the electrical fault, failure, or short, and thus, render the system safe during an overheating condition.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative configuration of the above described illustrative example wherein the melting of the solder ring 342 of the electrical fastener assembly 324 has broken the electrical connection between the DC contactor 26 and bus bar support 228.
- the solder ring 342 has been melted due to thermal conduction from a failure condition, releasing the screw base 254.
- each Belleville washers 50 have an axially expanded state, which has physically and electrically separated the terminal 32 of the DC contactor 26 from the bus bar support 228.
- one embodiment of the invention contemplates a solder washer assembly 30 without an interface collar 38, wherein the melted solder ring 142 is allowed to otherwise flow away from the electrical fastener assembly 124, without constraint.
- a solder washer assembly 30 as shown, or without an interface collar 38 may allow for side-mounting of the electrical fastener assembly 24, as any melted solder ring 142 would simply flow away from the contact junction.
- more or fewer biasing elements such as the Belleville washers 50, may be used to allow for increased or decreased expansion while in an expanded state, compared to that expansion illustrated and described above.
- the design and placement of the various components may be rearranged such that a number of different in-line configurations could be realized.
- the embodiment disclosed herein provide an electrical fastener assembly.
- One advantage that may be realized in the above embodiment is that the above described embodiment provides for meltable interconnection points between various high current components of an electrical power distribution system which will disrupt current flow in a fault, failure, short, or otherwise over-temperature condition. This purposeful disruption may prevent further damage to the electrical system or larger structure, such as an aircraft, by preventing or limiting smoke and fire, which may lead to one or more catastrophic failures.
- Another advantage to the above described embodiment is that embodiment may be installed at any or all relay points in the electrical system wherein two terminals are coupled together. This may allow for a very robust system wherein excessive thermal conditions may be quickly located (and safely interrupted) due to the proximity of one or more electrical fastener assemblies to any given failure point.
- the above described embodiment thus, provides for increased safety for an aircraft electrical power distribution system and hence improve the overall safety of the aircraft and air travel.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Fuses (AREA)
- Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Patch Boards (AREA)
Description
- Electrical power systems, such as those found in an aircraft power distribution system, employ electrical bus bars for delivering power from electrical power sources to electrical loads. In the event of an electrical short or other failure condition, high voltage components may be shunted across unintended electrical contacts, resulting in high current flow at the failure of the power distribution system. The high current flow, in turn, generates excessively high levels of heat, and may lead to possible electrical or thermal damage.
-
WO 2013/025175 A1 discloses an air heater fuse for diesel engines and an electrical fastener assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. -
US 3385940 A discloses a thermal switch for preventing damage to a combustion engine. - The invention is defined by the independent claims. In the following description, anything referred to as an embodiment which does not fall within the scope of the claims is to be understood as an example useful for understanding the invention.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a top down schematic view of the aircraft and power distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrical fastener assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a solder washer assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical fastener assembly wherein the solder ring has not melted, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical fastener assembly wherein the solder ring has melted, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical fastener assembly wherein the solder ring has not melted, in accordance with an example illustrative of the context of the invention. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical fastener assembly wherein the solder ring has melted, in accordance with the example illustrative of the context of the invention. - The described embodiment of the present invention is directed to an electrical fastener assembly, which may be used, for example, in a power distribution system for an aircraft. While this description is primarily directed toward a power distribution system for an aircraft, it is also applicable to any environment using electrical fastener assemblies for electrically connecting portions of one electrical network to another
- As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , anaircraft 10 is shown having at least one gas turbine engine, shown as aleft engine system 12 and aright engine system 14. Alternatively, the power system may have fewer or additional engine systems. The left andright engine systems generator 18. The aircraft is shown further comprising a plurality of power-consuming components, orelectrical loads 20, for instance, an actuator load, flight critical loads, and non-flight critical loads. Each of theelectrical loads 20 are electrically coupled with at least one of thegenerators 18 via a power distribution system, for instance,bus bars 28. - In the
aircraft 10, the operating left andright engine systems generator 18. Thegenerator 18, in turn, provides the generated power to thebus bars 28, which delivers the power to theelectrical loads 20 for load operations. Additional power sources for providing power to theelectrical loads 20, such as emergency power sources, ram air turbine systems, starter/generators, or batteries, are envisioned. It will be understood that while one embodiment of the invention is shown in an aircraft environment, the invention is not so limited and has general application to electrical power systems in non-aircraft applications, such as other mobile applications and non-mobile industrial, commercial, and residential applications. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplaryelectrical fastener assembly 24 comprising an electrically conductiveDC power contactor 26 having at least oneelectrical terminal 32, at least a second electrical terminal, shown as an electrically conductivebus bar support 28, andsolder washer assembly 30. Theterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26 may be electrically coupled with thebus bar support 28, via thesolder washer assembly 30. In this sense, thesolder washer assembly 30 is positioned between, and physically separating, theterminal 32 and the bus bar support 28. Theelectrical terminal 32,solder washer assembly 30, andbus bar support 28 are shown havingopenings 36 for receiving a removable coupling via a mechanical fastener, such as acontactor fixing screw 34 or threaded stud. Additionally, while asolder washer assembly 30 is described, alternative geometric shapes are envisioned wherein, for example, thesolder assembly 30 may comprise one or more blocks without anopening 36 and positioned aside from thecontactor fixing screw 34, physically separating theterminal 32 from thebus bar support 28. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , thesolder washer assembly 30 is illustrated as a washer-type and may comprise anouter interface collar 38, shown shaped as a ring, an inner separator, such as aninsulating ring 40, also shaped as a ring, and an electrically conductive and meltable element, such assolder ring 42 or disk, received in between the collar andring interface collar 38, insulatingring 40, andsolder ring 42 also define anopening 36 which extends axially through the center ofsolder washer assembly 30. While an interface collar 38, insulatingring 40, andsolder ring 42 are described, alternative geometric shapes are envisioned. - It is envisioned the
interface collar 38 comprises an electrically conductive material, and is shown including aradial sidewall 44 andbottom plate 46 that extends radially inward toward theopening 36. Thebottom plate 46,sidewall 44, and insulatingring 40 may collectively define areservoir 47 capable of containing at least a volume of liquid equal to the volume of the meltedsolder ring 42. Thesolder ring 42 may be configured to abut at least a portion of thebottom plate 46 such that thesolder 42 andplate 46 are in electrically coupled. Theinsulating ring 40 may comprise a nonconductive material that, when assembled, lines theopening 36 of thesolder washer assembly 30 to inhibit radial electrical contact between theinterface collar 38 and/or thesolder ring 42, and an object received into the opening 36 (for example, the contactor fixing screw 34). Additionally, as shown, the axial height of thesolder ring 42 is greater than the axial height of either theinterface collar 38 orinsulating ring 40, and the axial height of theinsulating ring 40 may be greater than the axial height of theinterface collar 38. - While solder is described, alternative electrically conductive and meltable elements are envisioned. One example melting point for the
solder ring 42 may be between 200 and 250 degrees Celsius; however various solder alloys and/or alloy combinations are envisioned such that the melting point of the meltable element may be defined with reference to desired thermal operating or failure conditions of theelectrical fastener assembly 24. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of the assembledelectrical fastener assembly 24. As shown, theassembly 24 may further comprise an electrically insulatingsleeve 48, a compressive or biasing element, shown as a Bellevillewasher 50, and an optional electrically insulatingwasher 52. Also shown, thebus bar support 28 further comprises a fastener base, such as ascrew base 54 or screw nut, configured to securely receive the fastener. It is envisioned thescrew base 54 may be fixedly attached to, or integrated with, thebus bar support 28, and provide insulating qualities to insulate a coupledscrew 34 from thebus bar support 28. For instance, thescrew base 54 may comprise of an insulating material or thescrew base 54 may be affixed to thebus bar support 28 via an insulating adhesive. Additional insulating methods and/or materials are envisioned. - The Belleville
washer 50 is configured such that it may have a biasing force toward an expanded state when not under an opposite axial pressure or compressive force, and wherein the axial length of thewasher 50 is longer in the expanded state than when under a compressed state. The Bellevillewasher 50 may fluidly switch between the compressed and expanded states, depending on the pressure or force acting opposite to the biasing force. While a Bellevillewasher 50 is described, additional biasing elements are envisioned having a biasing force opposed which may act opposite to a retaining pressure or retaining force, and wherein the axial length of the element is longer when not exposed to a retaining force than the axial length of the element when exposed to a retaining force. For instance, alternative biasing elements may include mechanical springs. - The
contactor fixing screw 34 is shown at least partially received within theinsulating sleeve 48 such that the at least a portion of thescrew 34 is electrically insulated by theinsulating sleeve 48. While theinsulating sleeve 48 is illustrated only enveloping a portion of thecontactor fixing screw 34, embodiments of the invention are envisioned wherein thewhole screw 34 is received within thesleeve 48. Alternatively, theinsulating sleeve 48 may be replaced by an insulating coating or resin. In this alternative example, wherein the wholecontactor fixing screw 34 is insulated by, for example, asleeve 48, coating, or resin, the otherinsulating elements - The
electrical fastener assembly 24 is assembled, as illustrated, by layering, from bottom to top, thebus bar support 28, thesolder washer assembly 30, theterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26, the Belleville washer 50, and theinsulating washer 52, such that the layering aligns theopenings 36 of each washer andelement openings 36 and removably coupled with thescrew base 54 such that the coupling provides sufficient mechanical constriction to axially force and/or couple theelements washer 50. In this sense, biasing force of the Belleville washer 50 biases theterminal 32 and bus bar support 28 toward each other, and is opposite to the structural retaining force of thesolder washer assembly 30, and specifically the structural retaining force of thesolder ring 42. This biasing force is overcome by thecontactor fixing screw 34 having been secured to thescrew base 54, compressing the Belleville washer 50 against theterminal 32 and thesolder ring 42. - The combination of the
insulating sleeve 48, insulatingwasher 52, insulatingring 40, andscrew base 54 are configured to electrically isolate thecontactor fixing screw 34 from both theterminal 32 and thebus bar support 28. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, theterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26 and thebus bar support 28 of theelectrical fastener assembly 24 may only be electrically connected through thesolder ring 42 andinterface collar 38 of thesolder washer assembly 30. - During aircraft operation, voltage and current traverse through the
DC contactor 26,solder washer assembly 30, andbus bar support 28. However, in the instance of an electrical fault, failure, or short in thepower distribution system 22, large amounts of current shunted over an unintended power connection may generate excessive heat in a component electrical or thermal damage. - In this instance of electrical failure, the point of failure may be in thermal contact, or thermally connected with, the
electrical fastener assembly 24. Excessive heat from the point of failure may be thermally conducted to thesolder washer assembly 30 via the DC contactor 26 (and terminal 32) and/or thebus bar support 28. If the heat conducted is sufficiently greater than the melting point of the solder, thesolder ring 42 may melt. The melting of thesolder ring 42, which was at least a portion of the electrical connection between theDC contactor 26 and thebus bar support 28, breaks the electrical connection between the terminal 32 of thecontactor 26 and thesupport 28. The breaking of the electrical connection will disrupt the current flow of the electrical fault, failure, or short, and thus, render the system safe. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative configuration of the above described embodiment wherein the melting of thesolder ring 142 of theelectrical fastener assembly 124 has broken the electrical connection between theDC contactor 26 andbus bar support 28. Parts having an alternative configuration will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the primary parts applies to the alternative configuration, unless otherwise noted. As shown, thesolder ring 142 has been melted due to thermal conduction from a failure condition, and the meltedring 142 has been contained in thereservoir 47. Thus, as illustrated, the conductive meltedsolder ring 142 fluid has cascaded away from the terminal 32 due to gravity , and consequently, thebus bar support 28 is no longer in physical or electrical contact with the terminal 32 of theDC contactor 26. - Additionally, since the
solid solder ring 42 may no longer be structurally supporting the terminal 32 and opposing the biasing force of theBelleville washer 150, thewasher 150 is shown in an axially expanded state. The biasing force of theBelleville washer 150 forces the terminal 32 away from thewasher 150 until the terminal 32 is retained or supported by the insulatingring 40, which is now the tallest aspect of thesolder washer assembly 30 once that thesolder ring 150 has melted, thus maintaining physical separation between the terminal 32 andbus bar support 28. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternativeelectrical fastener assembly 224 illustrative of the context of the invention,. The illustrative example is similar to the first embodiment; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the first embodiment applies to the second embodiment, unless otherwise noted. A difference between the first embodiment and the illustrative example is that the meltable element does not provide an electrically conductive path, as in the first embodiment, but rather provides a retaining force for securing the electrically conductive path between the terminal 32 of theDC contactor 26 and thebus bar support 228, and wherein the melting of the meltable retainer releases the electrically conductive path between the terminal 32 andsupport 228. Another difference between the first embodiment and the illustrative example is that the terminal 32 andbus bar support 228 may be in direct electrical contact. - As illustrated, the
electrical fastener assembly 224 may include multiple biasing elements, such asBelleville washers 50, and thebus bar support 228 further comprises asolder assembly 230 having an axially extending insulatingring 240 and ascrew base 254, at least a portion of which may be axially retained or affixed, relative to thebus bar support 228, by a meltable retainer, such as asolder ring 242, or a thermally-releasing glue or adhesive. In the illustrative example, the meltable retainer does not need to have electrically conductive properties. - In this example, an (optional) insulating
sleeve 48, insulatingwasher 52, and insulatingring 240 electrically isolate thecontactor fixing screw 34 from both theDC contactor 26 and thebus bar support 228. - In this example, the
electrical fastener assembly 224 is assembled, as illustrated, by layering, from bottom to top, thebus bar support 228, aBelleville washer 50, theterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26, asecond Belleville washer 50, and the insulatingwasher 52, such that the layering aligns theopenings 36 of each washer andelement openings 36 and removably coupled with thescrew base 254 such that the coupling provides sufficient mechanical constriction to axially force theelements Belleville washer 50. In this sense, the biasing force of theBelleville washer 50 biases the terminal 32 andbus bar support 228 away from each other, and is opposed to, and overcome by, the retaining force of thecontactor fixing screw 34 having been secured to thescrew base 254, which is retained or anchored by thesolder ring 242. - During aircraft operation, the
terminal 32 of theDC contactor 26 and thebus bar support 228 are electrically coupled, allowing power to be transferred between thecomponents bus bar support 228, may melt thesolder ring 242, releasing the affixedscrew base 254. Thescrew base 254 andterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26, which are no longer axially retained by thebus bar support 228 via thescrew base 254, are forced upward due to the biasing force of theBelleville washers 50, both physically and electrically separating the terminal 32 from thebus bar support 228. The breaking of the electrical connection will disrupt the current flow of the electrical fault, failure, or short, and thus, render the system safe during an overheating condition. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative configuration of the above described illustrative example wherein the melting of thesolder ring 342 of theelectrical fastener assembly 324 has broken the electrical connection between theDC contactor 26 andbus bar support 228. As shown, thesolder ring 342 has been melted due to thermal conduction from a failure condition, releasing thescrew base 254. Thus, each Belleville washers 50 have an axially expanded state, which has physically and electrically separated theterminal 32 of theDC contactor 26 from thebus bar support 228. - Many other possible embodiments and configurations in addition to that shown in the
figures 3 and4 are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, one embodiment of the invention contemplates asolder washer assembly 30 without aninterface collar 38, wherein the meltedsolder ring 142 is allowed to otherwise flow away from theelectrical fastener assembly 124, without constraint. Additionally, asolder washer assembly 30 as shown, or without aninterface collar 38 may allow for side-mounting of theelectrical fastener assembly 24, as any meltedsolder ring 142 would simply flow away from the contact junction. In another example, more or fewer biasing elements, such as theBelleville washers 50, may be used to allow for increased or decreased expansion while in an expanded state, compared to that expansion illustrated and described above. Additionally, the design and placement of the various components may be rearranged such that a number of different in-line configurations could be realized. - The embodiment disclosed herein provide an electrical fastener assembly. One advantage that may be realized in the above embodiment is that the above described embodiment provides for meltable interconnection points between various high current components of an electrical power distribution system which will disrupt current flow in a fault, failure, short, or otherwise over-temperature condition. This purposeful disruption may prevent further damage to the electrical system or larger structure, such as an aircraft, by preventing or limiting smoke and fire, which may lead to one or more catastrophic failures. Another advantage to the above described embodiment is that embodiment may be installed at any or all relay points in the electrical system wherein two terminals are coupled together. This may allow for a very robust system wherein excessive thermal conditions may be quickly located (and safely interrupted) due to the proximity of one or more electrical fastener assemblies to any given failure point. The above described embodiment, thus, provides for increased safety for an aircraft electrical power distribution system and hence improve the overall safety of the aircraft and air travel.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims.
Claims (9)
- An electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) for coupling first and second terminals (32, 28), comprising:a fastener (34) coupling the first and second terminals (32, 28) to each other;an electrically conductive, meltable element (42) electrically coupling the first terminal (32) and second terminal (28) prior to melting; anda separator (40) having a portion located between the first and second terminals (32) and maintaining them physically separated;wherein a conductive path is defined by at least the first terminal (32), second terminal (28), and meltable element (42), with the meltable element (42) melting in response to heat along the conductive path to disrupt the conductive path in response to an overheating condition while the separator maintains the first and second terminals physically separated;characterized in that the electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) further comprises a reservoir (47) and the electrically conductive, meltable element (42) is located within the reservoir (47).
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of claim 1, wherein the first and second terminals (32, 28) each have an opening, and the fastener (34) comprises a threaded stud received within the openings and a nut threaded onto the stud to secure the first and second terminals to the threaded stud.
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of claim 2, wherein at least one of the meltable element (42) or separator (40) defines a washer having an opening, wherein the threaded stud is received within the opening.
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir (47) has a volume greater than a volume of the meltable element (42).
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of any preceding claim, comprising a washer located between the first and second terminals and defining the reservoir (47).
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of any preceding claim, wherein a height of the conductive path is greater than a height of the separator (40).
- The electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of any preceding claim, wherein the meltable element (42) comprises solder.
- An electrical overload protection apparatus comprising:a first terminal (32) comprising a threaded stud;a second terminal (28) having an opening receiving the threaded stud; andthe electrical fastener assembly (24, 124) of claim 1; whereinthe fastener (34) is a nut threadably received on the threaded stud and securing the second terminal (28) onto the first terminal (32);the electrically conductive, meltable element (42) and the separator (40) are comprised in a washer (30) having an opening receiving the threaded stud and positioned between the first and second terminals (32, 28); andthe reservoir (47) is defined by the washer (30), and the electrically conductive, meltable element (42) upon melting is received in the reservoir (47).
- The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a volume of the reservoir (47) is greater than a volume of the electrically conductive, meltable element (42).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2013/052789 WO2015059435A1 (en) | 2013-10-25 | 2013-10-25 | Electrical fastener assembly with thermal fuse |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3061112A1 EP3061112A1 (en) | 2016-08-31 |
EP3061112B1 true EP3061112B1 (en) | 2020-04-08 |
Family
ID=49515400
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13785587.0A Active EP3061112B1 (en) | 2013-10-25 | 2013-10-25 | Electrical fastener assembly with thermal fuse |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3061112B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2016540343A (en) |
CN (1) | CN105637609B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2927552A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015059435A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3678265B1 (en) * | 2019-01-03 | 2023-12-27 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | High amperage component electrical mechanical installation |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6705396B2 (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2020-06-03 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Thermal fuse and electrical junction box |
WO2019197042A1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-17 | Abb Schweiz Ag | Arrangement for connecting a circuit breaker to a conducting layer of a laminated busbar and switchgear comprising such an arrangement |
EP3757379B1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2022-09-14 | HIDRIA d.o.o. | Electric air heating device comprising a tightening device with integrated fuse, engine and vehicle comprising the same |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3385940A (en) * | 1966-10-21 | 1968-05-28 | Roper John | Thermal switch |
JPS4631868Y1 (en) * | 1968-01-12 | 1971-11-04 | ||
JPS61126729A (en) * | 1984-11-21 | 1986-06-14 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Fusible link |
DE19741829A1 (en) * | 1997-09-23 | 1999-03-25 | Pudenz Wilhelm Gmbh | Fuse for protecting electrical circuits, esp. in motor vehicles |
JP2001035332A (en) * | 1999-07-15 | 2001-02-09 | Yazaki Corp | Connection terminal and circuit breaker device |
CN2427015Y (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2001-04-18 | 许秀清 | Fuse hold-down apparatus |
DE10113733B4 (en) * | 2001-03-21 | 2010-12-16 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Screw contact device, in particular for motor vehicle starters |
US7172462B1 (en) * | 2005-08-15 | 2007-02-06 | Yazaki North America, Inc. | Fuse |
US7192319B1 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-03-20 | Cooper Technologies Company | Insulated cable termination assembly and method of fabrication |
SI23826A (en) * | 2011-08-18 | 2013-02-28 | Hidria AET Družba za proizvodnjo vžigalnih sistemov in elektronike d.o.o. | Air heater fuse for diesel engines |
CN102354641A (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2012-02-15 | 中国北车股份有限公司大连电力牵引研发中心 | Fuse |
-
2013
- 2013-10-25 WO PCT/GB2013/052789 patent/WO2015059435A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-10-25 CA CA2927552A patent/CA2927552A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-10-25 CN CN201380080484.9A patent/CN105637609B/en active Active
- 2013-10-25 EP EP13785587.0A patent/EP3061112B1/en active Active
- 2013-10-25 JP JP2016524997A patent/JP2016540343A/en not_active Ceased
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3678265B1 (en) * | 2019-01-03 | 2023-12-27 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | High amperage component electrical mechanical installation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN105637609B (en) | 2017-12-15 |
CN105637609A (en) | 2016-06-01 |
CA2927552A1 (en) | 2015-04-30 |
WO2015059435A1 (en) | 2015-04-30 |
EP3061112A1 (en) | 2016-08-31 |
JP2016540343A (en) | 2016-12-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3061112B1 (en) | Electrical fastener assembly with thermal fuse | |
US10044020B2 (en) | Cell connector for a battery system or for a battery cell of an electrical energy store, battery and motor vehicle | |
RU2586994C2 (en) | Surge protection, comprising at least one arrester | |
CN104160460A (en) | Surge protection device | |
CN105337169A (en) | Combined surge protection device with integrated spark gap | |
JP6376405B2 (en) | Battery module | |
KR20130112732A (en) | Thermal decoupling of battery cells in the event of a fault | |
CN101635233A (en) | Insulating enclosed type pagoda-shaped fuse | |
CN109070756B (en) | High voltage battery system including safety device | |
US10315500B2 (en) | Electrical energy storage for a motor vehicle | |
CN101689441B (en) | Polarity reversal protection unit | |
JP2011504282A (en) | Surge arrester with thermal overload protection | |
EP4078628A1 (en) | Deadfront arrester with disconnector device | |
US10062895B2 (en) | Securing device | |
CN111599641A (en) | Circuit breaker element with a tubular separating element having a variable wall thickness | |
US20140159855A1 (en) | Air heater fuse for diesel engines | |
US20220238969A1 (en) | Electrical-accumulator-isolating device and method | |
US20200144807A1 (en) | Redundant protection system for a hybrid electrical system | |
KR102333913B1 (en) | Energy storage system explosion proof device | |
EP3857587B1 (en) | Switch with pyrotechnic actuator | |
CN209805028U (en) | Automatic disconnect-type power line and battery package with overcurrent protection | |
KR101967562B1 (en) | Electric safety arrangement comprising a metal foam, and method for interrupting an electric current using said safety arrangement | |
US20230223665A1 (en) | Thermally Disconnecting High Power Busbars For Battery System Propagation Control | |
CN111599642B (en) | Electrical circuit breaker with tubular or rod-shaped upsetting region with variable cross-sectional diameter | |
WO2023152907A1 (en) | Electrical circuit switching device |
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 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20160525 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20180614 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20191028 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1255495 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602013067725 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200408 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200408 Ref country code: SE 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: 20200408 Ref country code: PT 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: 20200817 Ref country code: LT 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: 20200408 Ref country code: IS 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: 20200808 Ref country code: NO 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: 20200708 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: 20200709 Ref country code: FI 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: 20200408 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1255495 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200408 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV 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: 20200408 Ref country code: HR 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: 20200408 Ref country code: BG 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: 20200708 Ref country code: RS 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: 20200408 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL 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: 20200408 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602013067725 Country of ref document: DE |
|
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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200408 Ref country code: CZ 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: 20200408 Ref country code: RO 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: 20200408 Ref country code: ES 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: 20200408 Ref country code: AT 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: 20200408 Ref country code: SM 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: 20200408 Ref country code: EE 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: 20200408 Ref country code: DK 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: 20200408 |
|
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 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK 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: 20200408 Ref country code: PL 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: 20200408 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210112 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI 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: 20200408 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201025 Ref country code: MC 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: 20200408 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201025 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR 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: 20200408 Ref country code: MT 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: 20200408 Ref country code: CY 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: 20200408 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK 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: 20200408 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230414 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230920 Year of fee payment: 11 |