EP0780862B1 - Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Netzschalters besonders für elektrische Haushaltgeräte und dergleichen und so hergestellter Schalter - Google Patents

Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Netzschalters besonders für elektrische Haushaltgeräte und dergleichen und so hergestellter Schalter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0780862B1
EP0780862B1 EP96120812A EP96120812A EP0780862B1 EP 0780862 B1 EP0780862 B1 EP 0780862B1 EP 96120812 A EP96120812 A EP 96120812A EP 96120812 A EP96120812 A EP 96120812A EP 0780862 B1 EP0780862 B1 EP 0780862B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blades
strips
electric
switch
supporting strips
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96120812A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0780862A2 (de
EP0780862A3 (de
Inventor
Alberto Bassi
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.)
ITW Fastex Italia SpA
Original Assignee
ITW Fastex Italia SpA
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 ITW Fastex Italia SpA filed Critical ITW Fastex Italia SpA
Publication of EP0780862A2 publication Critical patent/EP0780862A2/de
Publication of EP0780862A3 publication Critical patent/EP0780862A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0780862B1 publication Critical patent/EP0780862B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/0056—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches comprising a successive blank-stamping, insert-moulding and severing operation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
    • H01H19/54—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
    • H01H19/60—Angularly-movable actuating part carrying no contacts
    • H01H19/62—Contacts actuated by radial cams

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of producing an electric supply switch, particularly for electric household appliances and similar, and to the switch produced thereby; the switch being of the type comprising at least a pair of movable contacts comprising two elastic, electrically conductive blades projecting from a supporting base, having partially superimposed free ends, and which are connected and/or disconnected by respective cam means.
  • switches of the above are known in which the contacts are fitted to the partially superimposed free ends of a pair of flexible elastic blades (leaf spring switch); and the contacts are normally moved from a stable rest position - which may be either open or closed - to another alternative stable position by means of a rotary cam integral with a rotary shaft operated manually by the user.
  • the blades are fitted individually to an insulating resin support so that the free ends with the contacts project; and the two blades are connected to two end contact tabs, which are fitted with respective known terminals, one connected to the mains or a voltage source, and the other to a user device such as an electric motor, heating element, etc..
  • a method of producing an electric supply switch particularly for electric household appliances and similar, and a switch produced thereby; the method comprising a step wherein a flat grid of electrically conductive strips is cut from a metal sheet to form a no matter how complex electric circuit comprising a pair of supporting strips connected to each other by at least one auxiliary strip and by at least one functional strip parallel to the auxiliary strip and in which an intermediate transverse cut is made to form a pair of blades connected in projecting manner to the supporting strips and having abutting free ends at said cut; the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:
  • the present invention also relates to the switch produced using the method according to the invention.
  • Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates a non-limiting elementary conducting grid by which to form an electric switch according to the method of the present invention.
  • Conducting grid 1 comprises a number of electrically conductive metal strips 2 formed in a single blanking operation from a metal sheet; a so-called auxiliary strip 3 which conducts no current in the finished switch; and a functional strip 4 parallel to auxiliary strip 3. The ends of strips 3 and 4 are connected to a pair of opposite supporting strips 5 and 6.
  • Figure 2 shows a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of conducting grid 1 in Figure 1, wherein two lateral auxiliary strips 7 and a number of parallel functional strips 8 are connected to supporting strips 5 and 6.
  • Strips 3-8 are all coplanar, and, during the blanking operation, functional strips 4 or 8 are cut transversely and substantially centrally to form pairs of blades 9a, 9b, the blades in each pair of which remain connected in projecting manner to respective supporting strips 5 and 6, and have respective free ends 10a, 10b facing each other, so that each pair of blades is predisposed to form a switch 11 of the finished switch.
  • end tab connectors or contact terminals 12 are formed projecting from, and bent roughly 90° in relation to the plane of, conducting grid 1.
  • a bend 14 is formed in some of the blades, e.g. blades 9a, or at any rate at least one of the blades in each pair is so deformed that ends 10a, 10b lie in different, contiguous or noncontiguous, planes, and, according to the non-limiting embodiment shown, blades 9a are separated perpendicularly by a small gap from respective blades 9b to form normally-open switches (with the blades parted).
  • normally-closed switches (with ends 10a and 10b of the blades contacting) may also be formed.
  • auxiliary strips 3 or 7 are deformed using a special tool (not shown) by which each auxiliary strip is subjected lengthwise to stress F ( Figure 1) and bent to form a loop-shaped bend 15, which shortens auxiliary strips 3 or 7 to bring the supporting strips, and hence blades 9a, 9b connected to them, closer together by a sufficient length to superimpose ends 10a and 10b and so form an adequate electrical contact portion between the blades.
  • a special tool not shown
  • conducting grid 1 shortened as described above, is placed inside a mold on an injection press (not shown) and molded, using electrically insulating synthetic resin, to a respective container 18 ( Figure 3). More specifically, conducting grid 1 is embedded in a base or bottom wall 19 located inside the container and forming one piece with the lateral walls 20.
  • gaps are formed in predetermined portions of supporting strips 5 and 6 and/or auxiliary strips 3, 7 to electrically insulate the various functional parts of the electric circuit, and in particular the conductor portions forming independent switches. More specifically, by means of punches on the mold, holes 22 ( Figures 2, 3) are formed in opposite strips 5 and 6 to electrically separate blades 9a from blades 9b and from any other blades by which they might be shortcircuited, for which purpose, base wall 19 is formed with ready-made openings/holes for exposing the portions to be punched. Wall 19 also comprises an opening 23 at and for permitting access for the control of blades 9a, 9b, and which is so sized that the supporting strips and at least part of blades 9a, 9b are embedded inside wall 19.
  • Switches 11 are operated by means of a shaft 24 rotating in known manner on two opposite walls of container 18, and which in turn is either operated manually by the user or powered in any known manner.
  • Shaft 24 is fitted with a number of known rotary cams 25, one for each switch, and each of which cooperates with a respective flexible blade 9a or 9b to flex it and so bring respective contact ends 10a and 10b into contact with each other depending on the profile of the cam.
  • each blade 9a or 9b remains in a rest position clear of contact end 10b or 10a, so that the respective switch remains open.
  • shaft 24 is so assembled as to flex the blades in each pair away as opposed to towards each other.
  • contact terminals 12 project from base wall 19 in two rows on either side of blades 9, and are connected to the terminals (not shown) of wires connected to the mains on one side and to the user equipment on the other.
  • Wall 19 also comprises projections 21 for enclosing the bends 15 (Figure 2) shortening strips 7.
  • the method of producing an electric switch according to the present invention may also be used to advantage for forming complex conducting grids, one of which, indicated by 30, is shown in the partially sectioned view in Figure 4.
  • Grid 30 comprises a number of similar or dissimilar sections 31, 32, 33, etc., each of which in turn comprises a group of switches 34a, 34b formed by known blanking operations similar to that described above. More specifically, each section 31, 32, 33 comprises two lateral auxiliary strips 36 and 37 connected to the ends of intermediate transverse supporting strips 38 to which the outer ends 39 of the blades in each group of switches 34a, 34b are connected.
  • bends 40 similar to bends 15 in Figure 2 are formed in strips 36 and 37 to shorten the portions of strips 36 and 37 relative to each group of switches 34a, 34b, so that the facing ends 42a and 42b of the blades in each group of switches are superimposed to form an electric contact portion 43.
  • conducting grid 30 is molded into a supporting wall 44 of a container 46 ( Figure 5) of electrically insulating synthetic resin to form a switch 41 with a number of independent sections, in each of which the group of switches 34a, 34b is activated by a respective shaft 48a, 48b fitted with a number of cams 47 rotated independently about their axis by the user.
  • Wall 44 comprises a number of projections 45 enclosing the bends 40 formed in strips 36 and 37.
  • gaps are formed in both lateral strips 36, 37 and transverse strips 38 to electrically separate the sections of switch 41 and, within each section, the parts supplying different equipment.
  • Figure 5 shows a number of the holes 49 formed in wall 44 at the molding step to permit the passage, at the next step, of punches by which to form respective holes for electrically and mechanically interrupting strips 36, 37, 38.
  • Containers 18 and 46 comprise members enabling removable fitment to the casing of a household appliance, and which provide for fast assembly and removal of the containers for troublefree access to the switches with no tools required.
  • Said fastening members comprise T-shaped tabs 50 ( Figures 3, 5) formed in one piece on the outer surface of a wall 20, 51 of container 18, 46, e.g. on the wall facing control shaft/s 24, 48.
  • Tabs 50 extend parallel to and a small distance from wall 20, 51, and fit on to respective projections (not shown) on the appliance or inside through openings to form a known bayonet connection.
  • a retaining tooth 52 is formed in one piece with one end of wall 20, 51, and flexes past a fixed stop on the appliance, e.g. an edge of one of said through openings, for preventing free withdrawal of the switch.
  • the present invention therefore provides for producing a single or multiple switch in considerably less time as compared with currently used methods.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
  • Tumbler Switches (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines elektrischen Netzschalters, insbesondere für elektrische Haushaltsgeräte und dergleichen; wobei das Verfahren einen Schritt umfaßt, bei dem ein ebenes Gitter (1; 30) aus elektrisch leitfähigen Streifen (2) aus einem Blech ausgeschnitten wird, um in beliebiger Weise eine komplexe elektrische Schaltung zu bilden, umfassend ein Paar von Haltestreifen (5, 6; 38), die durch wenigstens einen Hilfsstreifen (3, 7; 36, 37) und durch wenigstens einen zu dem Hilfsstreifen parallelen Funktionsstreifen (4, 8; 34a, 34b) miteinander verbunden sind, und bei dem ein Zwischenschnitt in Querrichtung ausgeführt wird, um ein Paar von hervorstehend mit den Haltestreifen (5, 6) verbundenen und aneinanderstoßende freie Enden (10a, 10b; 42a, 42b) an dem Schnitt aufweisenden Lamellen (9) zu bilden;
       wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß es die folgenden Schritte umfaßt:
    a) das Biegen von wenigstens einer der Lamellen, so daß vorbestimmte Abschnitte der aneinander anstoßenden freien Enden (10a, 10b; 42a, 42b) in verschiedenen Ebenen liegen;
    b) das Ausbilden einer schlingenförmigen Biegestelle (15, 40) in dem Hilfsstreifen zum Kürzen des Hilfsstreifens und zum Führen der Hilfsstreifen (5, 6) um ein ausreichendes Stück näher zueinander, um die vorbestimmten Endabschnitte (10a, 10b; 42a, 42b) der Lamellen übereinanderzulegen und dadurch einen elektrischen Blattfederschalter (11) zu bilden;
    c) das Anformen eines elektrisch isolierenden Harzbehälters (18; 46) in dessen eine untere Wand (19; 44) die Schaltung eingebaut ist, an die in den Schritten a) und b) modifizierte elektrische Schaltung;
    d) das Ausbilden eines Zwischenraums (22; 49) in den Haltestreifen und/oder in dem Hilfsstreifen zum elektrischen Trennen der Lamellen (9);
    e) das Ausstatten des Behälters (18; 46) mit einer drehbaren Welle (24; 48a, 48b), die mit wenigstens einem Nocken (25) ausgestattet ist, der durch eine Öffnung (23) in der Wand hindurch eine der Lamellen (9a) berührt und biegt, um den elektrischen Schalter (11) zu öffnen und zu schließen.
  2. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines elektrischen Mehrfachschalters (41), insbesondere für elektrische Haushaltsgeräte und dergleichen; wobei der Schalter ein ebenes Gitter (30) aus elektrisch leitfähigen Streifen umfaßt, die aus einem Blech ausgeschnitten werden, um in beliebiger Weise eine komplexe elektrische Schaltung zu bilden, umfassend ein Paar von Haltestreifen (38), die an beiden Enden mit zwei seitlichen Streifen (36, 37) verbunden sind, wobei die Haltestreifen ebenfalls paarweise durch getrennte Gruppen von zu den seitlichen Streifen parallelen Gruppen von Streifen miteinander verbunden sind; wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß es die folgenden Schritte umfaßt:
    a) das Ausführen eines Zwischenschnitts in Querrichtung in jedem der Gruppen (34a, 34b) von parallelen Streifen, um Paare von jeweils vorspringend mit den Haltestreifen verbundenen Lamellen zu bilden, wobei die Lamellen aneinanderstoßende freie Enden (42a, 42b) an dem Schnitt aufweisen;
    b) das Ausbilden einer schlingenförmigen Biegestelle (15, 40) in den seitlichen Streifen (36, 37) in einer Zwischenstellung zwischen den Haltestreifen zum Führen der Hilfsstreifen um ein ausreichendes Stück näher zueinander, um die vorbestimmten Endabschnitte der Lamellen übereinanderzulegen und deutlich getrennte Gruppen von elektrischen Blattfederschaltern zu bilden;
    c) das Spritzgießen der in den Schritten a) und b) modifizierten elektrischen Schaltung in eine untere Wand (44) eines Behälters (46) aus elektrisch isolierendem Harz;
    d) das Ausbilden von Zwischenräumen an vorbestimmten Stellen (49) der Haltestreifen und der seitlichen Streifen zum elektrischen Trennen der Lamellen voneinander und von den seitlichen Streifen;
    e) das Ausstatten des Behälters mit einer drehbaren Welle (48a, 48b), die mit einer Anzahl von Nocken (47) ausgestattet ist, für jede Gruppe der Schalter; wobei jeder Nocken durch eine Öffnung in der Wand hindurch eine Lamelle in jeder Gruppe berührt und biegt, um jeden der elektrischen Schalter zu öffnen und zu schließen.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Schritt a) auch den Vorgang des Biegens von nur einer Lamelle (9a) in den Paaren umfaßt, so daß die Lamelle parallel zu der anderen Lamelle (9b) versetzt ist.
  4. Elektrischer Netzschalter, insbesondere für elektrische Haushaltsgeräte und dergleichen; umfassend ein ebenes Gitter (1) aus elektrisch leitfähigen Streifen (2), die aus einem Blech ausgeschnitten werden, um in beliebiger Weise eine komplexe elektrische Schaltung zu bilden, umfassend ein Paar von Haltestreifen (5, 6), die durch einen Hilfsstreifen (3, 7) und durch wenigstens einen zu dem Hilfsstreifen parallelen Streifen (4, 8) miteinander verbunden sind; dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der parallele Streifen einen quer verlaufenden Zwischenschnitt umfaßt, um ein Paar von jeweils vorspringend mit den Haltestreifen verbundenen Lamellen (9) zu bilden, wobei die Lamellen aneinanderstoßende freie Enden (10a, 10b) an dem Schnitt aufweisen; und dadurch, daß der Hilfsstreifen eine schlingenförmige Biegestelle (15, 40) zum Kürzen des Hilfsstreifens und zum Führen der Hilfsstreifen um ein ausreichendes Stück näher zueinander umfaßt, um die vorbestimmten Endabschnitte der Lamellen übereinanderzulegen und einen elektrischen Blattfederschalter zu bilden.
  5. Schalter nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die elektrische Schaltung in eine flache Wand (19, 44) eines Behälters (18, 46) aus elektrisch isolierendem Harz spritzgegossen wird; und dadurch, daß die Haltestreifen und/oder der Hilfsstreifen an wenigstens einer Stelle (22, 49) unterbrochen sind, um die Lamellen und den Hilfsstreifen elektrisch zu trennen; und dadurch, daß eine drehbare Welle (24, 48) an dem Behälter befestigt ist und wenigstens einen Nocken (25, 47) umfaßt, der durch eine Öffnung (23) in der Wand hindurch eine (9a) der Lamellen berührt und biegt, um den elektrischen Schalter zu öffnen und zu schließen.
  6. Schalter nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Behälter (18, 46) Elemente zum lösbaren Befestigen an einem Gehäuse eines elektrischen Haushaltgeräts umfaßt; wobei die Elemente T-förmige Nasen (50) umfassen, die einstückig an der Außenseite einer Wand (20, 51) des Behälters (18, 46), d.h. an einer zu der Steuerwelle (24, 48) weisenden Wand, ausgebildet sind; wobei die Nasen (50) parallel zu der und in einem kleinen Abstand von der Wand (20, 51) verlaufen und an entsprechenden Vorsprüngen an dem Haushaltgerät oder durch Öffnungen hindurch im Innern befestigt sind, um eine Bajonettverbindung zu bilden; wobei an einem Ende der Wand (20, 51) ein Haltezahn 52 ausgebildet ist, der sich an einem festen Anschlag an dem Gehäuses des Geräts, z. B. einem Rand von einer der durchgehenden Öffnungen, vorbei biegt, um das ungehinderte Herausziehen des Schalters zu verhindern.
EP96120812A 1995-12-22 1996-12-23 Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Netzschalters besonders für elektrische Haushaltgeräte und dergleichen und so hergestellter Schalter Expired - Lifetime EP0780862B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT95TO001042A IT1281101B1 (it) 1995-12-22 1995-12-22 Procedimento di costruzione di un commutatore elettrico di alimentazione, particolarmente per elettrodomestici e simili
ITTO951042 1995-12-22

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0780862A2 EP0780862A2 (de) 1997-06-25
EP0780862A3 EP0780862A3 (de) 1998-05-20
EP0780862B1 true EP0780862B1 (de) 2001-08-16

Family

ID=11414060

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96120812A Expired - Lifetime EP0780862B1 (de) 1995-12-22 1996-12-23 Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Netzschalters besonders für elektrische Haushaltgeräte und dergleichen und so hergestellter Schalter

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0780862B1 (de)
DE (1) DE69614492T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2161960T3 (de)
IT (1) IT1281101B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19833983A1 (de) 1998-07-29 2000-02-03 Ego Elektro Geraetebau Gmbh Verfahren zur Herstellung eines elektrischen Schaltgeräts und elektrisches Schaltgerät
DE19905288A1 (de) † 1999-02-06 2000-08-10 Eaton Corp Kontaktfeder-Einheit für einen elektrischen Schalter
DE10317276A1 (de) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-21 E.G.O. Elektrogerätebau GmbH Anordnung von Schalteinrichtungen
DE102005013988A1 (de) * 2005-03-26 2006-09-28 Ellenberger & Poensgen Gmbh Schutzschalter und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1001629B (it) * 1972-11-13 1976-04-30 Amp Inc Telaio di conduttori per disposi tivo commutatore
US3945808A (en) * 1974-04-15 1976-03-23 Amp Incorporated Lead frame adapted for electrical switch package
GB1493377A (en) * 1974-10-17 1977-11-30 Amp Inc Electrical lead frame
DE3484436D1 (de) * 1983-12-19 1991-05-16 Miraco Inc Herstellungsverfahren eines schnappschalters.
DE9116925U1 (de) * 1991-09-26 1994-10-20 Kontakt Geräteschalter GmbH i. A. Deutschneudorf i.L., 09548 Deutschneudorf Elektrischer Schalter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0780862A2 (de) 1997-06-25
DE69614492T2 (de) 2002-05-29
DE69614492D1 (de) 2001-09-20
EP0780862A3 (de) 1998-05-20
ITTO951042A1 (it) 1997-06-22
IT1281101B1 (it) 1998-02-11
ES2161960T3 (es) 2001-12-16
ITTO951042A0 (it) 1995-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0139450B1 (de) Elektrische Motoren
FI97429B (fi) Suojattu kontaktorikatkaisinlaite
US4419640A (en) Unitary contact-terminal blades integrally formed in a molded base
US4184733A (en) Segmented fanning strip
JPH10242592A (ja) 電気回路のためのプリント基板及びその製法
EP0321286B1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung für elektrische Verdrahtung von Montagestrukturen
US5408385A (en) Control device and method of making the same
CA2129408C (en) Snap-fit terminal assembly
US4389549A (en) Side actuated miniature dip switch
JPH10247538A (ja) プリント板又は電気装置のためのソケツト端子
KR20010080181A (ko) 전기 터미널을 포함하는 구성 부품을 전기 회로와접속하기 위한 구성
EP0780862B1 (de) Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Netzschalters besonders für elektrische Haushaltgeräte und dergleichen und so hergestellter Schalter
US4055734A (en) Keyboard switch assembly with hinged pushbuttons and cantilevered terminal members
US6331742B1 (en) Electric motor connector module
US4326110A (en) Preprogrammed slide switch assembly
US4837411A (en) Spring switch
US20010039139A1 (en) Insulation-displacement terminal contact, and a connecting terminal
US2879345A (en) Selective switching apparatus
US6441332B1 (en) Switch assembly incorporating contact wedge
JP2704492B2 (ja) プログラマブル入出力電気コネクタ
PL185975B1 (pl) Urządzenie sterujące elektryczne, zwłaszcza do elektrycznych urządzeń grzejnych
US3158703A (en) Control station comprising in combination a receptacle with removably plugged-in switch unit
US6541723B1 (en) Cover for a rotary switch
US6265681B1 (en) Rotary electric switch
US5890282A (en) Making an integrated control and panel assembly

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: A2

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980616

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20001130

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 ES FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69614492

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20010920

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2161960

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20051214

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20051216

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

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

Effective date: 20061223

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070831

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: 20061223

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20071226

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20070102

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080131

Year of fee payment: 12

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: 20090701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20081224

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20081224