Patent ID: 6660976
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: F25B,F25D,H01H

Abstract:
A device (1) for controlling service loads (2) of an electric household appliance, said device comprising:a control unit (3); thermally activated actuating means (6) for selectively connecting/disconnecting respective auxiliary switches (9) of said service loads (2); and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistive unit (4) connected in series with said control unit (3) and located close to said thermally activated actuating means (6) for generating, when supplied with electric current, sufficient heat to activate said thermally activated actuating means (6); wherein said thermally activated actuating means (6) comprise: at least one temperature deformable element (7) which selectively assumes a first shape (7a) below a predetermined temperature, and at least one second shape (7b) above said predetermined temperature; at least one movable control member (8) for controlling said auxiliary switches (9) and rotating with respect to a predetermined axis of rotation; and kinematic connecting means (10) between said temperature deformable element (7) and said movable control member (8) for imparting to said movable control member (8) a rotation of a predetermined angle whenever said temperature deformable element (7) changes from said first shape (7a) to said at least one second shape (7b).