EP1165267A1 - A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members - Google Patents

A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members

Info

Publication number
EP1165267A1
EP1165267A1 EP00976054A EP00976054A EP1165267A1 EP 1165267 A1 EP1165267 A1 EP 1165267A1 EP 00976054 A EP00976054 A EP 00976054A EP 00976054 A EP00976054 A EP 00976054A EP 1165267 A1 EP1165267 A1 EP 1165267A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
matrix
anvil
parts
joining
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00976054A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1165267B1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Dubugnon
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.)
Bollhoff Attexor SA
Original Assignee
Bollhoff Attexor SA
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 Bollhoff Attexor SA filed Critical Bollhoff Attexor SA
Publication of EP1165267A1 publication Critical patent/EP1165267A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1165267B1 publication Critical patent/EP1165267B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/03—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal otherwise than by folding
    • B21D39/031—Joining superposed plates by locally deforming without slitting or piercing

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members, metal or non-metal.
  • Said stop means could e.g. have the form of a cage fixed on and surrounding said second tool-part. This cage also has the function of stopping the vertical movement of the matrix parts especially when the punch and the joint are retracted from the matrix at the end of the joint forming procedure.
  • This type of tools are generally used in a method of the single stroke type which means that the whole procedure of making the joint takes place during one single relative movement between the first and second tool parts i.e. the punch and the co-acting die or matrix.
  • a primary object of the present invention is to give the possibility to reduce the total diameter of the second tool-part keeping the strength of the tool, essentially of the matrix elements.
  • Figure 1 shows in section a second tool part according to the prior art.
  • Figures 2a to 2c show in perspective and partly in section a second tool part according to the invention.
  • Figures 3a and b show in perspective a second tool part according to the invention without the cage.
  • Figure 4a shows in perspective a cage and an anvil.
  • Figure 4b shows in perspective a matrix part.
  • Figure 5 shows a top view of a second tool part according to the invention indicating the movement of one matrix part.
  • Figure 1 shows in section a second tool part according to the prior art.
  • a fixed cage 3 is surrounding the anvil portion 1.
  • the thickness (in the radial direction) of the vertical wall of the cage is designated c.
  • the diameter of the anvil 1 is 2f.
  • the thickness of the matrix part in the radial direction in the section is designated a.
  • the lateral expansion of the die is 2b.
  • An overlapping e between the cage and the matrix parts have to be arranged so that the matrix parts will be blocked for vertical movement in both rest position and expanded position.
  • the total diameter of the second tool part will be 2(f+a+2b+e+c).
  • the initial opening of the die has e.g. a diameter of 5 mm which means that f equals 2.5 mm.
  • the lateral expansion will be let say 2 mm so that the opening before retraction of the joint will have a diameter of 7 mm.
  • the measure b has to be 1 mm plus a smaller security margin.
  • the measure b is imposed by the joint to make.
  • the measure f is a fixed value.
  • the overlapping e is for security reasons also a more or less fixed value. This means that if one wishes to reduce the total diameter of the tool according to the prior art it is only possible to decrease the measures a and c. Now, there will be a problem because both these measures are critical when it comes to the strength of the matrix part.
  • the inventive idea is directed to a solution eliminating the overlap e in the radial direction in a way which will create considerable advantages and open new design possibilities.
  • the total diameter of the tool according to the invention will be 2(f+a+b+c).
  • an application of the inventive idea opens the possibility to increase the thickness c of the cage wall and/or the thickness a of the matrix parts thereby increasing the strength and lifetime of the tool.
  • the tools will be less brittle.
  • the created margins could of course instead be used for the design of a tool with a decreased overall diameter. Any combinations of these two effects could of course also be achieved so that you get a stronger tool with a smaller diameter.
  • the matrix parts can also be made more compact in the vertical direction. Additionally the matrix parts will be blocked from rotation around the anvil 1 due to the new arrangement of the overlapping.
  • the matrix parts can be designed with smaller dimensions in the vertical direction. Another advantage is that there will be no rotation of the matrix parts around the anvil part. Additionally the tool can be used closer to edges and angles on the workpiece or more generally can be used in positions where prior art tools can not work. The tilting of the matrix parts can be avoided. The tool will have a better over all stability.
  • FIGS 2a to 2c show in perspective and partly in section a second tool part according to the invention.
  • the anvil 1 is surrounded by the support surface 7.
  • a cage 3 is used as stop means and to block the vertical movement of the matrix parts 2.
  • Each matrix part is provided with a groove 8 for the surrounding elastic element 5, cf. figure 3a.
  • Figures 3a and b show in perspective a second tool part according to the invention without the cage 3.
  • Figure 3a shows the rest position for the matrix parts around the anvil 1.
  • Figure 3b shows the second tool part in its expanded position.
  • Each matrix part 8 is provided with sideways protruding portions 11 cooperating with edges 10 in a guiding slot 9 for each matrix part 2 arranged in the horizontal top surface 12 of the cage 3, cf. figures 4 and 5.
  • Figure 4a and b shows in perspective a cage 3 and an anvil 1.
  • the horizontal top surface 12 of the cage 3 has in this case been provided with three guiding slots 9, one for each of three matrix parts 2. It should be noted that in principle there could be two, three or more slots and matrix parts according to the invention.
  • Figure 5 shows a top view of a second tool part according to the invention indicating the movement of one matrix part. It can be seen that the overlapping is effective during the full movement.

Abstract

A tool for joining two or several sheet formed members, comprising a first tool-part with a punch and a second tool-part provided with a support surface (7) from which an anvil (1) erects. A matrix comprising at least two matrix-parts (2) being arranged around said anvil (1), each matrix-part (2) comprising a foot arranged sliding against said support surface (7) and being applied against the lateral surface of said anvil (1) by means of elastic means (5). A stop means (3) limiting the lateral displacement of the is also arranged. The stop means is characterised in that it has a top surface (12) provided with at least two guiding slots (9) for the matrix-parts (2) with edges (10) parallel to a radius of said second tool-part.

Description

A TOOL FOR JOINING TWO OR SEVERAL OVERLAYING SHEET FORMED MEMBERS
Technical field
This invention relates to a tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members, metal or non-metal.
Background art
From the prior art tools are known for making joints between sheet material, comprising a first tool-part with a punch and a sometimes a so called side pressing element and a second tool-part provided with a support surface from which an anvil erects. A matrix comprising at least two matrix-parts is arranged around said anvil, each matrix-part comprising a foot arranged sliding against said support surface. The matrix parts are being applied against the lateral surface of said anvil by means of some elastic means. The elastic means could have the form of a ring made of an elastomer surrounding the matrix-parts.
Means for limiting the lateral displacement of the matrix-parts is also provided. Said stop means could e.g. have the form of a cage fixed on and surrounding said second tool-part. This cage also has the function of stopping the vertical movement of the matrix parts especially when the punch and the joint are retracted from the matrix at the end of the joint forming procedure.
This type of tools are generally used in a method of the single stroke type which means that the whole procedure of making the joint takes place during one single relative movement between the first and second tool parts i.e. the punch and the co-acting die or matrix.
For the compression of the bottom wall at the end of the stroke the anvil is co- acting with the punch.
Brief description of the invention
A primary object of the present invention is to give the possibility to reduce the total diameter of the second tool-part keeping the strength of the tool, essentially of the matrix elements.
The present invention, which provides a solution to the said technical problem is characterised according to the appended claims.
Brief description of the figures
Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming part thereof and wherein:
Figure 1 shows in section a second tool part according to the prior art.
Figures 2a to 2c show in perspective and partly in section a second tool part according to the invention.
Figures 3a and b show in perspective a second tool part according to the invention without the cage. Figure 4a shows in perspective a cage and an anvil.
Figure 4b shows in perspective a matrix part.
Figure 5 shows a top view of a second tool part according to the invention indicating the movement of one matrix part.
Detailed description of the invention
The following description of the invention will concentrate on the second tool part, i.e. the matrix-anvil combination. As punches and sidepressing elements according to prior art could be used together with the second tool part according to the invention the detailed description of these parts will be left out here.
Figure 1 shows in section a second tool part according to the prior art. A fixed cage 3 is surrounding the anvil portion 1. The thickness (in the radial direction) of the vertical wall of the cage is designated c. The diameter of the anvil 1 is 2f. The thickness of the matrix part in the radial direction in the section is designated a. The lateral expansion of the die is 2b.
An overlapping e between the cage and the matrix parts have to be arranged so that the matrix parts will be blocked for vertical movement in both rest position and expanded position.
Thus, the total diameter of the second tool part will be 2(f+a+2b+e+c).
In a practical example the initial opening of the die has e.g. a diameter of 5 mm which means that f equals 2.5 mm. During the formation of the joint the lateral expansion will be let say 2 mm so that the opening before retraction of the joint will have a diameter of 7 mm. In that case the measure b has to be 1 mm plus a smaller security margin. Thus the measure b is imposed by the joint to make.
The measure f is a fixed value. The overlapping e is for security reasons also a more or less fixed value. This means that if one wishes to reduce the total diameter of the tool according to the prior art it is only possible to decrease the measures a and c. Now, there will be a problem because both these measures are critical when it comes to the strength of the matrix part.
The inventive idea is directed to a solution eliminating the overlap e in the radial direction in a way which will create considerable advantages and open new design possibilities.
By giving the upper part of the cage and the side portions of the matrix parts a special form described more in detail below the necessary overlapping has been moved to the side portions of the matrix parts. This means that the width h of the part 6 of the foot of the matrix part 2 in figure 1 can be reduced. Theoretically the portion 6 can be eliminated because it has no function according to the invention in the creation of the overlap.
Thus, the total diameter of the tool according to the invention will be 2(f+a+b+c).
Thus, an application of the inventive idea opens the possibility to increase the thickness c of the cage wall and/or the thickness a of the matrix parts thereby increasing the strength and lifetime of the tool. The tools will be less brittle. The created margins could of course instead be used for the design of a tool with a decreased overall diameter. Any combinations of these two effects could of course also be achieved so that you get a stronger tool with a smaller diameter. As a secondary effect the matrix parts can also be made more compact in the vertical direction. Additionally the matrix parts will be blocked from rotation around the anvil 1 due to the new arrangement of the overlapping.
When the dimension in the radial direction of the portion 6 of the foot of the matrix parts 2 according to figure 1 is decreased or when the portion 6 is completely eliminated there will of course be an increased tendency of the matrix part to tilt when forces are applied in the vertical direction during the formation of the joint. This tendency is balanced by the guiding effect of the upper part of the cage according to the invention.
One advantage with the invention is that the matrix parts can be designed with smaller dimensions in the vertical direction. Another advantage is that there will be no rotation of the matrix parts around the anvil part. Additionally the tool can be used closer to edges and angles on the workpiece or more generally can be used in positions where prior art tools can not work. The tilting of the matrix parts can be avoided. The tool will have a better over all stability.
Figures 2a to 2c show in perspective and partly in section a second tool part according to the invention. The anvil 1 is surrounded by the support surface 7. As according to the prior art a cage 3 is used as stop means and to block the vertical movement of the matrix parts 2. Each matrix part is provided with a groove 8 for the surrounding elastic element 5, cf. figure 3a.
Figures 3a and b show in perspective a second tool part according to the invention without the cage 3. Figure 3a shows the rest position for the matrix parts around the anvil 1. Figure 3b shows the second tool part in its expanded position. Each matrix part 8 is provided with sideways protruding portions 11 cooperating with edges 10 in a guiding slot 9 for each matrix part 2 arranged in the horizontal top surface 12 of the cage 3, cf. figures 4 and 5. Figure 4a and b shows in perspective a cage 3 and an anvil 1. The horizontal top surface 12 of the cage 3 has in this case been provided with three guiding slots 9, one for each of three matrix parts 2. It should be noted that in principle there could be two, three or more slots and matrix parts according to the invention. The co-operation between the sideways protruding portions 11 of the matrix parts and the edges 10 in the guiding slot 9 will guide the movement of the matrix part in the radial direction of the tool part. It will also block any rotation of the matrix parts around the anvil 1 , and finally it will create the necessary overlapping between the cage and the matrix part blocking the vertical movement of the matrix part which is especially important at the end of the joint forming process.
Figure 5 shows a top view of a second tool part according to the invention indicating the movement of one matrix part. It can be seen that the overlapping is effective during the full movement.

Claims

Claims
1. Tool for joining two or several sheet formed members, comprising a first tool-part with a punch and a second tool-part provided with a support surface (7) from which an anvil (1) erects, a matrix comprising at least two matrix-parts (2) being arranged around said anvil (1), each matrix-part (2) comprising a foot arranged sliding against said support surface (7) and being applied against the lateral surface of said anvil (1) by means of elastic means (5), stop means (3) limiting the lateral displacement of the matrix-parts (2) characterised in that the stop means has a top surface (12) provided with at least two guiding slots (9) with edges (10) parallel to a radius of said second tool-part.
EP00976054A 1999-11-16 2000-11-16 A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members Expired - Lifetime EP1165267B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9904167 1999-11-16
SE9904167A SE9904167D0 (en) 1999-11-16 1999-11-16 Atool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members
PCT/EP2000/011528 WO2001036124A2 (en) 1999-11-16 2000-11-16 A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1165267A1 true EP1165267A1 (en) 2002-01-02
EP1165267B1 EP1165267B1 (en) 2004-02-04

Family

ID=20417758

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00976054A Expired - Lifetime EP1165267B1 (en) 1999-11-16 2000-11-16 A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1165267B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5113968B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE258832T1 (en)
AU (1) AU1395901A (en)
DE (1) DE60008081D1 (en)
SE (1) SE9904167D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2001036124A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10318060A1 (en) * 2003-04-17 2004-11-18 Eckold Gmbh & Co Kg Die for a tool set for mechanical joining
DE102006024112A1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Eckold Gmbh & Co Kg Die for mechanical joining
PL2517804T3 (en) * 2008-06-27 2014-06-30 Attexor Clinch Systems S A Spring element for tools making joints of clinch type
JP5279531B2 (en) * 2009-01-29 2013-09-04 日新製鋼株式会社 Method for caulking and joining metal plates
SE0900538A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-05-25 Hans Bergkvist Apparatus for joining two or more overlapping material parts and method for manufacturing the apparatus
JP2013202662A (en) * 2012-03-29 2013-10-07 Nisshin Steel Co Ltd Method of caulking and joining metal sheet
BR112016009982A8 (en) * 2013-11-04 2020-04-07 Bollhoff Attexor Sa tool for forming rivet type joints
US10328481B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2019-06-25 Btm Company Llc Clinching punch and apparatus
DE102018103309A1 (en) * 2018-02-14 2019-08-14 Eckold Gmbh & Co. Kg Die for a joining tool

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2704785B1 (en) * 1993-05-04 1995-07-21 Homax Ag Improvements to tools for the realization of assembly points of sheets by cold creep.
DE59711026D1 (en) * 1996-10-09 2003-12-24 Eckold Vorrichtung Durchsetzfügematrize

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0136124A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2003513806A (en) 2003-04-15
WO2001036124A3 (en) 2001-11-15
JP5113968B2 (en) 2013-01-09
AU1395901A (en) 2001-05-30
EP1165267B1 (en) 2004-02-04
WO2001036124A2 (en) 2001-05-25
DE60008081D1 (en) 2004-03-11
ATE258832T1 (en) 2004-02-15
SE9904167D0 (en) 1999-11-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR910006547B1 (en) Apparatus for joining sheet material
US5528815A (en) Clinching tool for sheet metal joining
EP1165267B1 (en) A tool for joining two or several overlaying sheet formed members
US5432989A (en) Apparatus and method for joining sheet material
US6196043B1 (en) Double vee lockbead for sheet metal forming
JPS6018259B2 (en) Method and device for joining thin metal plates
US5208973A (en) Apparatus for joining sheet material
EP0523134B1 (en) Clinching tool for sheet metal joining
RU1773238C (en) Device for fastening sheets together
US5203069A (en) Method of producing a telescopic cover with rounded corners
US4829867A (en) Paper punch apparatus with improved punch element
US5361620A (en) Method and apparatus for hemming sheets of metal material
WO2015132356A1 (en) Tool slide
EP2138249B1 (en) Tool for making joints of clinch type
US4261558A (en) Device for laterally clamping workpieces on a machine tool
JP2004314178A (en) Die for tool used for mechanical connection
CN117377557A (en) Ram guide for a crimper
RU2216426C2 (en) Method and apparatus for working blank
JP3561295B2 (en) Work coupling device
AU643992B2 (en) Clinching tool for sheet metal joining
KR101884880B1 (en) Temporary reinforcing structures
JPS60231529A (en) Tool for deep drawing
JPH0261855B2 (en)
SU1147479A2 (en) Die for cutting edges of hollow parts
DE2420343A1 (en) VEHICLE DISC BRAKE

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

D17D Deferred search report published (deleted)
17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020809

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

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;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20040204

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: 20040204

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: 20040204

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: 20040204

Ref country code: CH

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: 20040204

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: 20040204

Ref country code: BE

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: 20040204

Ref country code: FR

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: 20040204

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: 20040204

Ref country code: LI

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: 20040204

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60008081

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040311

Kind code of ref document: P

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

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: 20040504

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: 20040504

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: 20040504

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040505

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040515

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20040204

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
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: IE

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

Effective date: 20041116

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20041116

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20041116

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20041130

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

Effective date: 20041105

EN Fr: translation not filed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20041116

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20040704