EP1473372B1 - Apparatus for transporting metallic parts - Google Patents

Apparatus for transporting metallic parts Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1473372B1
EP1473372B1 EP03008400A EP03008400A EP1473372B1 EP 1473372 B1 EP1473372 B1 EP 1473372B1 EP 03008400 A EP03008400 A EP 03008400A EP 03008400 A EP03008400 A EP 03008400A EP 1473372 B1 EP1473372 B1 EP 1473372B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transport
chamber
transport chamber
chassis
carriage
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 - Fee Related
Application number
EP03008400A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1473372A1 (en
Inventor
Karl-Heinz Lemken
Johann Duin
Georg Cluse
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.)
Ipsen International GmbH
Original Assignee
Ipsen International GmbH
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 Ipsen International GmbH filed Critical Ipsen International GmbH
Priority to DE50303571T priority Critical patent/DE50303571D1/en
Priority to AT03008400T priority patent/ATE328124T1/en
Priority to EP03008400A priority patent/EP1473372B1/en
Priority to US10/808,028 priority patent/US20040213647A1/en
Priority to RU2004110912/11A priority patent/RU2004110912A/en
Priority to CNA2004100334992A priority patent/CN1540272A/en
Publication of EP1473372A1 publication Critical patent/EP1473372A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1473372B1 publication Critical patent/EP1473372B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0006—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces
    • C21D9/0018—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces for charging, discharging or manipulation of charge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D3/00—Charging; Discharging; Manipulation of charge
    • F27D3/0024—Charging; Discharging; Manipulation of charge of metallic workpieces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D3/00—Charging; Discharging; Manipulation of charge
    • F27D3/12—Travelling or movable supports or containers for the charge
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0006—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces
    • C21D9/0025—Supports; Baskets; Containers; Covers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment process.
  • Such a device is known, for example, from EP 1 229 137. It serves to transfer metallic workpieces between individual heat treatment chambers, which can be approached in a predeterminable sequence as part of a heat treatment process and loaded and unloaded via the transport device.
  • the device for transporting is equipped with a transport chamber which is thermally insulated and vacuum-tight. Heat treated workpieces can thus be removed from the heat treatment chamber without the disturbing influence of incalculable external influences, transferred to the transport chamber and transported for further treatment to another heat treatment chamber.
  • the transport chamber of the above-described transport device is designed for the hot transport of heat-treated workpieces.
  • the transport chamber by means of a designated cooling fan is first to cool.
  • the transport chamber is to be set under atmospheric pressure, so that the cold batch can be introduced into the transport chamber.
  • the transport chamber is then to be heated and evacuated, so that after completion of the treatment process within the first heat treatment chamber, a transport of the treated workpieces to the next heat treatment chamber, free from external influences, can take place.
  • the transport chamber for the re-admission of a cold batch must be cooled accordingly and brought to atmospheric pressure.
  • the invention proposes a device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment process, comprising a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight transport chamber for hot transports, a transport device for cold transports, a first movably arranged chassis for the transport chamber and a second movable arranged chassis for the transport device and a common drive for the transport chamber and the transport device, wherein the two chassis are coupled to each other.
  • the proposed transport device has a transport chamber for hot transport on the one hand and a transport device for cold transports on the other.
  • Cold batches to be transported can thus advantageously be transferred by means of the transport device, so that it is not necessary for the transport of a cold batch to cool the transport chamber and bring it to atmospheric pressure.
  • the device according to the invention thus allows both the transport of cold and hot batches, whereby a simultaneous use of transport chamber and transport device can be done.
  • the particular advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the possibility of being able to differentiate between hot transport on the one hand and cold transport on the other hand. Only cold workpieces can be transported in a simple manner, without it being necessary for this purpose to first shut down a heated and under vacuum transport chamber, ie to cool and bring to ambient pressure. This saves not only energy but also time, especially with regard to the necessary subsequent to a cold transport reheating and evacuation of the transport chamber, so that the device of the invention overall a significantly increased transport capacity is achieved. In addition, a simultaneous transport of hot and cold batch can take place with the device according to the invention, whereby a further transport capacity increase can be achieved.
  • a common drive for loading or unloading either the transport chamber or the transport device, it is only necessary to move the device according to the invention correspondingly far, so that as needed, the transport device or the transport chamber can be coupled to the respective treatment chamber. It is of course also possible, in a first step, to couple a treatment chamber to the transport chamber and, in a second step, to move the device only so far that one and the same treatment chamber can then be coupled to the transport device.
  • the device has a first movably arranged chassis for the transport chamber and a second movably arranged chassis for the transport device, wherein it is preferably provided that the first chassis for this purpose relatively movable arranged support frame for the transport chamber and the second chassis for this purpose relatively movable having arranged support frame for the transport device.
  • two separate chassis are provided.
  • Advantages of this embodiment is the ability to couple different chassis by combining together. This is particularly advantageous in terms of retrofitting since this type of configuration allows the connection of an already existing device, which has only one transport chamber for heat transport, with a transport device of the type described above.
  • a transport device to be assembled as required has, for example, a transport chamber and a total of two transport devices, wherein the two transport devices are arranged left and right of the transport chamber, so that overall results in a device for transporting metallic workpieces having a centrally disposed between two transport devices transport chamber.
  • the individual chassis can be coupled to each other in a conventional manner, wherein it is preferably provided that the chassis carrying the transport chamber has a corresponding drive.
  • This chassis can insofar be referred to as a pulling device, whereas the coupled and not having a separate drive chassis for the transport device serve as a hitch.
  • the device has a movably arranged chassis.
  • the device according to the invention has a common chassis for both the transport chamber and for the transport device.
  • the chassis is thus according to this embodiment, an overall frame, which can be made in particular cost.
  • relatively movable trained support frames for the transport chamber on the one hand and the transport device on the other are arranged on this common frame.
  • the transport chamber and the transport device can be moved independently of each other relative to the chassis, whereby a needs-oriented orientation of either the transport chamber or the transport device relative to the respectively approaching transport chamber is made possible.
  • a common drive or a separate drive for a method of the transport chamber or the transport device relative to the chassis can be provided depending on the embodiment, either a common drive or a separate drive.
  • a respective separate drive for a method of the support frame relative to the respective chassis is provided, because this creates a simplified coupling possibility.
  • the transport chamber and the transport device are each equipped with a separate charging system. Described is a corresponding charging system in EP 1 229 137, to which reference is expressly made at this point.
  • the transport device is a transport chamber.
  • Transport chambers also use as a transport device, all means for heating or evacuation of the transport chamber can be omitted. Also, it is not necessary to provide a drive unit, since the further serving as a transport device for cold batches transport chamber is to be coupled to a transport chamber provided with a drive.
  • the invention also proposes a plant for heat treatment, in particular metallic workpieces, having a plurality of separately arranged treatment chambers, this plant comprising transport devices of the aforementioned type. Enabled by such systems a simplified and less time-consuming and costly process implementation for the heat treatment of metal workpieces. It is envisaged that the transport chamber and the transport device can be loaded and unloaded independently of each other, so that either the transport chamber or the transport device can either be moved up to a treatment chamber and loaded or unloaded, depending on the procedure.
  • the transport device is designed to be loading and unloading on both sides.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous if treatment chambers are arranged on both sides of the travel path for the transport device, so that it is possible without complicated maneuvering to use one and the same transport device for loading or unloading the treatment chambers arranged on both sides.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 1 Shown in Fig. 1 is an inventive device 1 for transporting particular metallic workpieces.
  • the device 1 comprises on the one hand a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight formed transport chamber 2 for hot transports and on the other hand, a transport device 3 for cold transports. Worn are the transport chamber 2 of a chassis 5 and the transport device 3 of a chassis 4.
  • a hinged Lostician 6 the two chassis 4 and 5 are coupled together, so that a total of a common chassis unit is formed.
  • the articulated Lostician serves to compensate for unevenness of the rails, so that it is ensured in any case that the chassis 4 and 5 carrying rollers 7 in any case have contact with the rail 8.
  • chassis 4 and 5 can also be provided for the transport chamber 2 and the transport device 3 a common Provide chassis, which then carries both the transport chamber 2 and the transport device 3.
  • the device 1 according to the invention is driven by means of a drive not shown in detail in FIG. 1, which is part of the chassis 5 carrying the transport chamber 2.
  • This chassis 5 thus serves as a pulling device for the chassis 4, which can be referred to as a trailer device due to the force-transmitting coupling.
  • the particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that the arrangement of a transport device serving only cold load transport creates the possibility of not having to heat and cool the transport chamber 2 designed for transporting heat continuously. It is also unnecessary with the additional use of the transport device 3 a repeated evacuation of the transport chamber 2, which is advantageously not only energy but also time-saving.
  • a loading system in the form of a pressure chain 9 is provided for loading and unloading of the transport device 3.
  • This advantageously enables easy loading of the receiving means 3, preferably designed in the form of a loading table, whereby the pressure chain 9 is preferably arranged in such a way that loading and unloading of the transport device 3 on both sides is possible.
  • batch guides 10 are provided with inlet slopes.

Abstract

The device (1) has a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight transport chamber (2) for heat transports. A transport device (3) is provided for cold transports and a common drive is provided for the transport chamber and the transport device. A carrying rack is located relative to a mobile carriage for the transport chamber and the transport device. Another carriage supports the rack for the transport device. An independent claim is also included for a system for heat treatment of metallic work pieces.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke, insbesondere während eines Wärmebehandlungsprozesses.The invention relates to a device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment process.

Bekannt ist eine derartige Vorrichtung beispielsweise aus der EP 1 229 137. Sie dient dem Transfer metallischer Werkstücke zwischen einzelnen Wärmebehandlungskammem, die im Rahmen eines Wärmebehandlungsprozesses in vorgebbarer Reihenfolge angefahren und über die Transportvorrichtung be- und entladen werden können.Such a device is known, for example, from EP 1 229 137. It serves to transfer metallic workpieces between individual heat treatment chambers, which can be approached in a predeterminable sequence as part of a heat treatment process and loaded and unloaded via the transport device.

Um sicherzustellen, daß nach Abschluß eines in einer Wärmebehandlungskammer durchgeführten Behandlungsvorganges die Werkstücke nicht unplanmäßig und unkontrolliert abkühlen und/oder der die Wärmebehandlungskammer umgebenden Atmosphäre ausgesetzt werden, ist die Vorrichtung zum Transportieren mit einer Transportkammer ausgerüstet, die wärmeisoliert und vakuumdicht ausgebildet ist. Wärmebehandelte Werkstücke können so ohne den störenden Einfluß nicht kalkulierbarer Außeneinwirkungen aus der Wärmebehandlungskammer entnommen, in die Transportkammer übergeben und zur Weiterbehandlung zu einer anderen Wärmebehandlungskammer transportiert werden.In order to ensure that after completion of a treatment process carried out in a heat treatment chamber, the workpieces do not cool uncontrollably and uncontrollably and / or are exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the heat treatment chamber, the device for transporting is equipped with a transport chamber which is thermally insulated and vacuum-tight. Heat treated workpieces can thus be removed from the heat treatment chamber without the disturbing influence of incalculable external influences, transferred to the transport chamber and transported for further treatment to another heat treatment chamber.

Gebildet ist die aus der EP 1 229 137 vorbekannte Vorrichtung zum Transportieren aus einem relativ zu den einzelnen Wärmebehandlungskammern verfahrbar angeordneten Fahrgestell, das eine wärmeisoliert und vakuumdicht ausgebildete Transportkammer trägt. Mittels des Fahrgestells kann die Transportkammer bedarfsgerecht an die einzelnen Wärmebehandlungskammern herangefahren werden, wobei die Transportkammer für ein exaktes Ankoppeln an die Wärmebehandlungskammem relativ verfahrbar zum Fahrgestell angeordnet ist, so daß die Transportkammer auch quer zur Fahrtrichtung des Fahrgestells ausgerichtet werden kann.Formed from EP 1 229 137 previously known device for transporting from a relative to the individual heat treatment chambers movable arranged chassis carrying a thermally insulated and vacuum-tight formed transport chamber. By means of the chassis, the transport chamber can be adjusted as needed be moved to the individual heat treatment chambers, wherein the transport chamber is arranged for precise coupling to the heat treatment combs relatively movable to the chassis, so that the transport chamber can also be aligned transversely to the direction of travel of the chassis.

Die Transportkammer der vorbeschriebenen Transporteinrichtung ist ausgelegt für den Warmtransport wärmebehandelter Werkstücke. Um Kaltchargen unbeeinflußt, beispielsweise zu Beginn eines Wärmebehandlungsprozesses zu transportieren, ist die Transportkammer mittels eines dafür vorgesehenen Kühlgebläses zunächst abzukühlen. Zudem ist die Transportkammer unter Atmosphärendruck zu setzen, damit die Kaltcharge in die Transportkammer eingeführt werden kann. Sobald die Kaltcharge in die erste Wärmebehandlungskammer übergeben ist, ist die Transportkammer sodann aufzuheizen und zu evakuieren, so daß nach einer Beendigung des Behandlungsprozesses innerhalb der ersten Wärmebehandlungskammer ein von äußeren Einflüssen befreiter Transport der behandelten Werkstücke zur nächsten Wärmebehandlungskammer stattfinden kann. Sobald der Wärmebehandlungsprozeß insgesamt abgeschlossen ist muß die Transportkammer für die erneute Aufnahme einer Kaltcharge entsprechend abgekühlt und auf atmosphärischen Druck gebracht werden.The transport chamber of the above-described transport device is designed for the hot transport of heat-treated workpieces. To cold loads unaffected, for example, to transport at the beginning of a heat treatment process, the transport chamber by means of a designated cooling fan is first to cool. In addition, the transport chamber is to be set under atmospheric pressure, so that the cold batch can be introduced into the transport chamber. Once the cold batch has been transferred to the first heat treatment chamber, the transport chamber is then to be heated and evacuated, so that after completion of the treatment process within the first heat treatment chamber, a transport of the treated workpieces to the next heat treatment chamber, free from external influences, can take place. Once the heat treatment process has been completed as a whole, the transport chamber for the re-admission of a cold batch must be cooled accordingly and brought to atmospheric pressure.

Die im Rahmen der Durchführung eines Wärmebehandlungsprozesses wiederholt durchzuführende Erwärmung bzw. Abkühlung der Transportkammer ist in nachteiliger Weise sehr energieaufwendig und kostenintensiv. Gleiches gilt für das Evakuieren und Fluten der Transportkammer, was im Rahmen einer Verfahrensdurchführung gleichfalls wiederholt durchgeführt werden muß. Dabei ist ferner von Nachteil, daß ein Evakuierungsvorgang als solcher ebenso wie das Aufwärmen der Transportkammer sehr zeitintensiv ist, was zu einer insgesamt verlängerten Verfahrensdurchführung führt.The repeated heating or cooling of the transport chamber to be carried out in the context of carrying out a heat treatment process is disadvantageously very energy-consuming and cost-intensive. The same applies to the evacuation and flooding of the transport chamber, which must also be carried out repeatedly as part of a process implementation. It is also a disadvantage that an evacuation process as such, as well as the warm-up of the transport chamber is very time-consuming, resulting in a total lengthened process implementation.

Hiervon ausgehend stellt sich der Fachmann die Aufgabe, eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke bereitzustellen, die unter Vermeidung der vorgenannten Nachteile bei gleichzeitiger Kosteneinsparung eine erhöhte Transportkapazität ermöglicht.On this basis, the skilled artisan task of providing a device for transporting metallic workpieces, which allows an increased transport capacity while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages while saving costs.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird mit der Erfindung vorgeschlagen eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke, insbesondere während eines Wärmebehandlungsprozesses, aufweisend eine wärmeisoliert und vakuumdicht ausgebildete Transportkammer für Warmtransporte, eine Transporteinrichtung für Kalttransporte, ein erstes verfahrbar angeordnetes Fahrgestell für die Transportkammer und ein zweites verfahrbar angeordnetes Fahrgestell für die Transporteinrichtung sowie einen gemeinsamen Antrieb für die Transportkammer und die Transporteinrichtung, wobei die beiden Fahrgestelle miteinander koppelbar sind.To solve this problem, the invention proposes a device for transporting metallic workpieces, in particular during a heat treatment process, comprising a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight transport chamber for hot transports, a transport device for cold transports, a first movably arranged chassis for the transport chamber and a second movable arranged chassis for the transport device and a common drive for the transport chamber and the transport device, wherein the two chassis are coupled to each other.

Erfindungsgemäß verfügt die vorgeschlagene Transportvorrichtung über eine Transportkammer für Warmtransporte einerseits und eine Transporteinrichtung für Kalttransporte andererseits. Zu transportierende Kaltchargen können so in vorteilhafterweise mittels der Transporteinrichtung transferiert werden, so daß es für den Transport einer Kaltcharge nicht erforderlich ist, die Transportkammer abzukühlen und auf Atmosphärendruck zu bringen. Energie- und zeiteinsparend erlaubt die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mithin sowohl den Transport von Kalt- als auch von Warmchargen, wobei auch eine gleichzeitige Verwendung von Transportkammer und Transporteinrichtung erfolgen kann.According to the invention, the proposed transport device has a transport chamber for hot transport on the one hand and a transport device for cold transports on the other. Cold batches to be transported can thus advantageously be transferred by means of the transport device, so that it is not necessary for the transport of a cold batch to cool the transport chamber and bring it to atmospheric pressure. Save energy and time, the device according to the invention thus allows both the transport of cold and hot batches, whereby a simultaneous use of transport chamber and transport device can be done.

Der besondere Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung liegt in der Möglichkeit begründet, zwischen Warmtransport einerseits und Kalttransport andererseits unterscheiden zu können. Lediglich kalt zu transportierende Werkstücke können so auf einfache Weise transportiert werden, ohne daß es hierfür erforderlich wäre, eine aufgeheizte und unter Vakuum stehende Transportkammer zunächst herunterzufahren, d. h. abzukühlen und auf außenatmosphärischen Druck zu bringen. Dies spart insbesondere mit Blick auf die im Anschluß an einen Kalttransport notwendigerweise durchzuführende Wiederaufheizung und Evakuierung der Transportkammer nicht nur Energie sondern auch Zeit, so daß mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung insgesamt eine deutlich erhöhte Transportkapazität erreicht wird. Zudem kann mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ein gleichzeitiger Transport von Warm- und Kaltcharge stattfinden, wodurch eine weitere Transportkapazitäterhöhung erreicht werden kann.The particular advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the possibility of being able to differentiate between hot transport on the one hand and cold transport on the other hand. Only cold workpieces can be transported in a simple manner, without it being necessary for this purpose to first shut down a heated and under vacuum transport chamber, ie to cool and bring to ambient pressure. This saves not only energy but also time, especially with regard to the necessary subsequent to a cold transport reheating and evacuation of the transport chamber, so that the device of the invention overall a significantly increased transport capacity is achieved. In addition, a simultaneous transport of hot and cold batch can take place with the device according to the invention, whereby a further transport capacity increase can be achieved.

Vorgesehen ist für die Transportkammer und die Transporteinrichtung ein gemeinsamer Antrieb, so daß in vorteilhafterweise ein gleichzeitiges Verfahren sowohl der Transportkammer als auch der Transporteinrichtung sichergestellt ist. Für ein Be- bzw. Entladen entweder der Transportkammer oder der Transporteinrichtung ist es lediglich erforderlich, die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung entsprechend weit zu verfahren, so daß bedarfsgerecht die Transporteinrichtung oder die Transportkammer an die jeweilige Behandlungskammer angekoppelt werden kann. Auch ist es natürlich möglich, in einem ersten Schritt eine Behandlungskammer mit der Transportkammer zu koppeln und in einem zweiten Schritt die Vorrichtung nur derart weit zu verfahren, daß ein und dieselbe Behandlungskammer alsdann mit der Transporteinrichtung gekoppelt werden kann.Provided for the transport chamber and the transport device is a common drive, so that advantageously a simultaneous method of both the transport chamber and the transport device is ensured. For loading or unloading either the transport chamber or the transport device, it is only necessary to move the device according to the invention correspondingly far, so that as needed, the transport device or the transport chamber can be coupled to the respective treatment chamber. It is of course also possible, in a first step, to couple a treatment chamber to the transport chamber and, in a second step, to move the device only so far that one and the same treatment chamber can then be coupled to the transport device.

Erfindungsgemäß verfügt die Vorrichtung über ein erstes verfahrbar angeordnetes Fahrgestell für die Transportkammer und über ein zweites verfahrbar angeordnetes Fahrgestell für die Transporteinrichtung, wobei vorzugsweise vorgesehen ist, daß das erste Fahrgestell ein hierzu relativ verfahrbar angeordnetes Traggestell für die Transportkammer und das zweite Fahrgestell ein hierzu relativ verfahrbar angeordnetes Traggestell für die Transporteinrichtung aufweist. Bei dieser Ausgestaltungsform sind mithin zwei separate Fahrgestelle vorgesehen. Vorteile dieser Ausgestaltungsform ist die Möglichkeit, unterschiedliche Fahrgestelle durch Kombination aneinander koppeln zu können. Insbesondere im Sinne einer Nachrüstung ist dies von Vorteil, denn erlaubt diese Art der Ausgestaltung die Verbindung einer bereits bestehenden und lediglich eine Transportkammer für Warmtransporte aufweisenden Vorrichtung mit einer Transporteinrichtung der vorbeschriebenen Art. Auch kann durch die Möglichkeit der Aneinanderkopplung bedarfsgerecht eine Transportvorrichtung zusammengestellt werden, die beispielsweise über eine Transportkammer und insgesamt zwei Transporteinrichtungen verfügt, wobei die beiden Transporteinrichtungen links wie rechts der Transportkammer angeordnet sind, so daß sich insgesamt eine Vorrichtung zum Transportieren metallischer Werkstücke ergibt, die eine mittig zwischen zwei Transporteinrichtungen angeordnete Transportkammer aufweist.According to the invention, the device has a first movably arranged chassis for the transport chamber and a second movably arranged chassis for the transport device, wherein it is preferably provided that the first chassis for this purpose relatively movable arranged support frame for the transport chamber and the second chassis for this purpose relatively movable having arranged support frame for the transport device. In this embodiment, therefore, two separate chassis are provided. Advantages of this embodiment is the ability to couple different chassis by combining together. This is particularly advantageous in terms of retrofitting since this type of configuration allows the connection of an already existing device, which has only one transport chamber for heat transport, with a transport device of the type described above. Also, the possibility of coupling together allows a transport device to be assembled as required has, for example, a transport chamber and a total of two transport devices, wherein the two transport devices are arranged left and right of the transport chamber, so that overall results in a device for transporting metallic workpieces having a centrally disposed between two transport devices transport chamber.

Gekoppelt werden können die einzelnen Fahrgestelle aneinander auf herkömmliche Art und Weise, wobei vorzugsweise vorgesehen ist, daß das die Transportkammer tragende Fahrgestell über einen entsprechenden Antrieb verfügt.The individual chassis can be coupled to each other in a conventional manner, wherein it is preferably provided that the chassis carrying the transport chamber has a corresponding drive.

Dieses Fahrgestell kann insofern als Zugeinrichtung bezeichnet werden, wohingegen die angekoppelten und nicht über einen separaten Antrieb verfügenden Fahrgestelle für die Transporteinrichtung als Anhängeeinrichtung dienen.This chassis can insofar be referred to as a pulling device, whereas the coupled and not having a separate drive chassis for the transport device serve as a hitch.

Alternativ zur vorbeschriebenen Ausgestaltungsform kann vorgesehen sein, daß die Vorrichtung ein verfahrbar angeordnetes Fahrgestell aufweist. Gemäß dieser Ausgestaltungsform verfügt die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung über ein gemeinsames Fahrwerk sowohl für de Transportkammer als auch für die Transporteinrichtung. Das Fahrgestell bildet gemäß dieser Ausführungsform mithin ein Gesamtgestell, das insbesondere kostengünstig hergestellt werden kann. Angeordnet sind auf diesem gemeinsamen Gestell relativ verfahrbar ausgebildete Traggestelle für die Transportkammer einerseits und die Transporteinrichtung andererseits. Ermöglicht wird durch diese Art der Anordnung, daß die Transportkammer und die Transporteinrichtung unabhängig voneinander relativ zum Fahrgestell verfahren werden können, wodurch eine bedarfsgerechte Ausrichtung entweder der Transportkammer oder der Transporteinrichtung gegenüber der jeweils anzufahrenden Transportkammer ermöglicht wird.Alternatively to the above-described embodiment can be provided that the device has a movably arranged chassis. According to this embodiment, the device according to the invention has a common chassis for both the transport chamber and for the transport device. The chassis is thus according to this embodiment, an overall frame, which can be made in particular cost. Are arranged on this common frame relatively movable trained support frames for the transport chamber on the one hand and the transport device on the other. Made possible by this type of arrangement that the transport chamber and the transport device can be moved independently of each other relative to the chassis, whereby a needs-oriented orientation of either the transport chamber or the transport device relative to the respectively approaching transport chamber is made possible.

Für ein Verfahren der Transportkammer oder der Transporteinrichtung relativ gegenüber dem Fahrgestell kann je nach Ausgestaltungsform entweder ein gemeinsamer Antrieb oder ein jeweils separater Antrieb vorgesehen sein. Vorzugsweise ist im Falle der Verkopplung einzelner Fahrgestelle ein jeweils separater Antrieb für ein Verfahren des Traggestells gegenüber dem jeweiligen Fahrgestell vorgesehen, denn wird hierdurch eine vereinfachte Ankopplungsmöglichkeit geschaffen.For a method of the transport chamber or the transport device relative to the chassis can be provided depending on the embodiment, either a common drive or a separate drive. Preferably, in the case of the coupling of individual chassis, a respective separate drive for a method of the support frame relative to the respective chassis is provided, because this creates a simplified coupling possibility.

Für ein Be- und Entladen sind die Transportkammer und die Transporteinrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Merkmal der Erfindung jeweils mit einem separaten Ladesystem bestückt. Beschrieben ist ein entsprechendes Ladesystem in der EP 1 229 137, auf die an dieser Stelle ausdrücklich verwiesen wird.For loading and unloading the transport chamber and the transport device according to a further feature of the invention are each equipped with a separate charging system. Described is a corresponding charging system in EP 1 229 137, to which reference is expressly made at this point.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß die Transporteinrichtung eine Transportkammer ist. Insbesondere aus Kostengründen ist dies von Vorteil, denn lassen sich der Einfachheit halber vorbeschriebene Transportkammern auch als Transporteinrichtung verwenden, wobei sämtliche Einrichtungen zur Aufheizung oder Evakuierung der Transportkammer entfallen können. Auch ist es nicht erforderlich, eine Antriebseinheit vorzusehen, da die im weiteren als Transporteinrichtung für Kaltchargen dienende Transportkammer an eine mit einem Antrieb versehene Transportkammer anzukoppeln ist.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the transport device is a transport chamber. In particular, for cost reasons, this is advantageous, because the sake of simplicity can be described above Transport chambers also use as a transport device, all means for heating or evacuation of the transport chamber can be omitted. Also, it is not necessary to provide a drive unit, since the further serving as a transport device for cold batches transport chamber is to be coupled to a transport chamber provided with a drive.

Vorgeschlagen wird mit der Erfindung ferner eine Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung insbesondere metallischer Werkstücke mit einer Mehrzahl von separat angeordneten Behandlungskammern, wobei diese Anlage Transportvorrichtungen der vorgenannten Art umfaßt. Ermöglicht wird durch derartige Anlagen eine vereinfachte und weniger zeit- wie kostenaufwendige Verfahrensdurchführung zur Wärmebehandlung metallischer Werkstücke. Vorgesehen ist dabei, daß die Transportkammer und die Transporteinrichtung unabhängig voneinander be- und entladbar sind, so daß je nach Verfahrensdurchführung wahlweise entweder die Transportkammer oder die Transporteinrichtung an eine Behandlungskammer herangefahren und be- bzw. entladen werden kann.The invention also proposes a plant for heat treatment, in particular metallic workpieces, having a plurality of separately arranged treatment chambers, this plant comprising transport devices of the aforementioned type. Enabled by such systems a simplified and less time-consuming and costly process implementation for the heat treatment of metal workpieces. It is envisaged that the transport chamber and the transport device can be loaded and unloaded independently of each other, so that either the transport chamber or the transport device can either be moved up to a treatment chamber and loaded or unloaded, depending on the procedure.

Gemäß einem weiteren Merkmal der Anlage ist vorgesehen, daß die Transporteinrichtung beidseitig be- und entladbar ausgebildet ist. Diese Ausgestaltungsform ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn beidseitig des Fahrweges für die Transportvorrichtung Behandlungskammem angeordnet sind, so daß es ohne aufwendigen Rangieraufwand möglich ist, ein und dieselbe Transporteinrichtung für das Be- bzw. Entladen der beidseitig jeweils angeordneten Behandlungskammem zu verwenden.According to a further feature of the system it is provided that the transport device is designed to be loading and unloading on both sides. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if treatment chambers are arranged on both sides of the travel path for the transport device, so that it is possible without complicated maneuvering to use one and the same transport device for loading or unloading the treatment chambers arranged on both sides.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der Beschreibung anhand der Fig. 1, die eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeigt.Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description with reference to FIG. 1, which shows a device according to the invention.

Dargestellt in Fig. 1 ist eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 zum Transportieren insbesondere metallischer Werkstücke. Die Vorrichtung 1 umfaßt einerseits eine wärmeisoliert und vakuumdicht ausgebildete Transportkammer 2 für Warmtransporte sowie andererseits eine Transporteinrichtung 3 für Kalttransporte. Getragen sind die Transportkammer 2 von einem Fahrgestell 5 und die Transporteinrichtung 3 von einem Fahrgestell 4. In einem gelenkigen Lospunkt 6 sind die beiden Fahrgestelle 4 und 5 miteinander gekoppelt, so daß insgesamt eine gemeinsame Fahrgestell-Einheit entsteht. Der gelenkige Lospunkt dient dabei dem Ausgleich von Schienenunebenheiten, so daß in jedem Fall gewährleistet ist, daß die die Fahrgestelle 4 und 5 tragenden Rollen 7 in jedem Fall Kontakt zur Schiene 8 haben.Shown in Fig. 1 is an inventive device 1 for transporting particular metallic workpieces. The device 1 comprises on the one hand a heat-insulated and vacuum-tight formed transport chamber 2 for hot transports and on the other hand, a transport device 3 for cold transports. Worn are the transport chamber 2 of a chassis 5 and the transport device 3 of a chassis 4. In a hinged Lospunkt 6, the two chassis 4 and 5 are coupled together, so that a total of a common chassis unit is formed. The articulated Lospunkt serves to compensate for unevenness of the rails, so that it is ensured in any case that the chassis 4 and 5 carrying rollers 7 in any case have contact with the rail 8.

Alternativ zur Verkopplung zweier Fahrgestelle 4 und 5 kann auch vorgesehen sein, für die Transportkammer 2 und die Transporteinrichtung 3 ein gemeinsames Fahrgestell vorzusehen, welches dann sowohl die Transportkammer 2 als auch die Transporteinrichtung 3 trägt.Alternatively to the coupling of two chassis 4 and 5 can also be provided for the transport chamber 2 and the transport device 3 a common Provide chassis, which then carries both the transport chamber 2 and the transport device 3.

Angetrieben wird die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 über einen in der Fig. 1 nicht näher dargestellten Antrieb, der Bestandteil des die Transportkammer 2 tragenden Fahrgestells 5 ist. Dieses Fahrgestell 5 dient mithin als Zugeinrichtung für das Fahrgestell 4, welches infolge der kraftübertragenden Ankopplung als Anhängereinrichtung bezeichnet werden kann.The device 1 according to the invention is driven by means of a drive not shown in detail in FIG. 1, which is part of the chassis 5 carrying the transport chamber 2. This chassis 5 thus serves as a pulling device for the chassis 4, which can be referred to as a trailer device due to the force-transmitting coupling.

Bezüglich des genauen Aufbaus und der Funktionsweise der Transportkammer 2 sowie des die Transportkammer 2 tragenden Fahrgestells 5 wird auf den Inhalt der europäischen Patentanmeldung EP 1 229 137 A1 verwiesen.With regard to the exact structure and operation of the transport chamber 2 and the carriage 5 carrying the transport chamber 2, reference is made to the content of the European patent application EP 1 229 137 A1.

Der besondere Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung besteht darin, daß die Beiordnung eines lediglich dem Kaltchargentransport dienenden Transporteinrichtung die Möglichkeit schafft, die für Warmtransporte ausgelegte Transportkammer 2 nicht ständig aufheizen und abkühlen zu müssen. Auch erübrigt sich mit der zusätzlichen Verwendung der Transporteinrichtung 3 ein wieder holtes Evakuieren der Transportkammer 2, was in vorteilhafterweise nicht nur energie- sondern auch zeitsparend ist.The particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that the arrangement of a transport device serving only cold load transport creates the possibility of not having to heat and cool the transport chamber 2 designed for transporting heat continuously. It is also unnecessary with the additional use of the transport device 3 a repeated evacuation of the transport chamber 2, which is advantageously not only energy but also time-saving.

Für eine Be- und Entladung der Transporteinrichtung 3 ist ein Ladesystem in Form einer Druckkette 9 vorgesehen. Diese ermöglicht in vorteilhafterweise ein einfach durchzuführendes Beschicken der vorzugsweise nach Form eines Ladetisches ausgebildeten Aufnahme der Transporteinrichtung 3. Dabei ist die Druckkette 9 vorzugsweise derart angeordnet, daß ein beidseitiges Be- und Entladen der Transporteinrichtung 3 möglich ist. Zur Sicherung der Charge auf der Transporteinrichtung 3 sind zudem Chargenführungen 10 mit Einlaufschrägen vorgesehen.For loading and unloading of the transport device 3, a loading system in the form of a pressure chain 9 is provided. This advantageously enables easy loading of the receiving means 3, preferably designed in the form of a loading table, whereby the pressure chain 9 is preferably arranged in such a way that loading and unloading of the transport device 3 on both sides is possible. To secure the batch on the transport device 3 also batch guides 10 are provided with inlet slopes.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Transportvorrichtungtransport device
22
Transportkammertransport chamber
33
TransporternrIchtungTransportation direction
44
Fahrgestellchassis
55
Fahrgestellchassis
66
Lospunktmoving point
77
Rollerole
88th
Schienerail
99
Druckkettepressure chain
1010
Chargenführungbatch management

Claims (9)

  1. Device for transporting metal workpieces, particularly during a heat treatment process, comprising a transport chamber (2) which is constructed so as to be heat-insulated and vacuum-tight for transport of hot products, a transport arrangement (3) for transport of cold products, a first movably disposed carriage (5) for the transport chamber (2) and a second movably disposed carriage (4) for the transport arrangement (3) as well as a common drive for the transport chamber (2) and the transport arrangement (3), wherein the two carriages (4, 5) can be coupled to one another.
  2. Device as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the first carriage (5) has a supporting frame disposed so as to be movable relative thereto for the transport chamber (2) and the second carriage (4) has a supporting frame disposed so as to be movable relative thereto for the transport arrangement (3).
  3. Device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first carriage (5) for the transport chamber (2) and the second carriage (4) for the transport arrangement (3) are constructed so that they are combined with one another to form a complete chassis.
  4. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport chamber (2) and the transport arrangement (3) each have a separate loading system.
  5. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport arrangement (3) has a loading table.
  6. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport arrangement (3) is a transport chamber.
  7. Installation for the heat treatment in particular of metal workpieces, with a plurality of separately disposed treatment chambers, comprising a transport (1) device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6.
  8. Installation as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the transport chamber (2) and the transport arrangement (3) can be loaded and unloaded independently of one another.
  9. Installation as claimed in any one of Claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the transport arrangement (3) can be loaded and unloaded on both sides.
EP03008400A 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Apparatus for transporting metallic parts Expired - Fee Related EP1473372B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE50303571T DE50303571D1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Device for transporting metal workpiece pieces
AT03008400T ATE328124T1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING METAL WORKPIECES
EP03008400A EP1473372B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Apparatus for transporting metallic parts
US10/808,028 US20040213647A1 (en) 2003-04-11 2004-03-23 Device for the transport of metallic work pieces
RU2004110912/11A RU2004110912A (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-09 DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTATION OF METAL Billets AND INSTALLATION FOR THERMAL PROCESSING OF SUCH Billets
CNA2004100334992A CN1540272A (en) 2003-04-11 2004-04-12 Appts. for transporting metal workpiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03008400A EP1473372B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Apparatus for transporting metallic parts

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1473372A1 EP1473372A1 (en) 2004-11-03
EP1473372B1 true EP1473372B1 (en) 2006-05-31

Family

ID=32981743

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03008400A Expired - Fee Related EP1473372B1 (en) 2003-04-11 2003-04-11 Apparatus for transporting metallic parts

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20040213647A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1473372B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1540272A (en)
AT (1) ATE328124T1 (en)
DE (1) DE50303571D1 (en)
RU (1) RU2004110912A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100494416C (en) * 2008-02-27 2009-06-03 江苏丰东热技术股份有限公司 Thermal treatment vacuum furnace material transferring device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009014665A1 (en) 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Ipsen International Gmbh Operating method for loading and unloading metallic materials in e.g. atmosphere furnace to perform heat treatment of metallic materials, involves starting operating cycle by loading load on plane moving perpendicular to chamber
CN102732688A (en) * 2012-06-19 2012-10-17 无锡宇吉科技有限公司 Walking mechanism of trolly-type heat treatment furnace

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3014708A (en) * 1957-11-18 1961-12-26 Elek Ska Svetsningsaktiebolage Process and apparatus for subjecting materials in the solid state to high temperatures at sub-atmospheric pressures
JPH06174377A (en) * 1992-12-04 1994-06-24 Komatsu Ltd Multipurpose controlled atmosphere heat treatment equipment
US5567381A (en) * 1995-03-20 1996-10-22 Abar Ipsen Industries, Inc. Hybrid heat treating furnace
IT1293740B1 (en) * 1997-07-21 1999-03-10 Refrattari Brebbia S R L AUTOMATIC PLANT FOR HEAT TREATMENTS OF METALLIC MATERIALS, IN PARTICULAR STEEL.
EP1555330B1 (en) * 2001-01-26 2007-05-09 Ipsen International GmbH Installation and process for the transport of metallic workpieces and installation for the heat treatment of metallic workpieces
US6676355B1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2004-01-13 American Airlines, Inc. Apparatus and method to effectuate pre-lift positioning for a drop furnace cage

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100494416C (en) * 2008-02-27 2009-06-03 江苏丰东热技术股份有限公司 Thermal treatment vacuum furnace material transferring device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040213647A1 (en) 2004-10-28
RU2004110912A (en) 2005-10-20
ATE328124T1 (en) 2006-06-15
DE50303571D1 (en) 2006-07-06
EP1473372A1 (en) 2004-11-03
CN1540272A (en) 2004-10-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE602006000999T2 (en) GLASS BENDING AND GLASS COOLING METHOD AND DEVICE WITH TWO SUPPLEMENTS
DE3132373A1 (en) OVEN FOR HEATING SLABS, BLOBS AND BLANKS
AT516682B1 (en) Loading system and loading method for forging machines
DE60114204T2 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BENDING A GLASS PAN
DE2809955A1 (en) LIFTING BEAM CONVEYOR
EP2283946A2 (en) Method and device for producing parabolic guides and parabolic springs for, in particular, vehicle chassis, vehicle bodies and the like
DE3607454A1 (en) Dividing-up installation for plate-like workpieces
EP1473372B1 (en) Apparatus for transporting metallic parts
EP1425426A2 (en) Device for quenching and tempering long-length rolling stock
DE19526616A1 (en) Oblong profiled component machining system
DE3708050C2 (en)
EP0857152B1 (en) Method and device for extracting rolling pallets in compact storage technology, and rolling pallet therefor
DE2722712A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE OF TILES AND THE LIKE
AT524961B1 (en) Arrangement with several tempering stations for the heat treatment of components and their handling
DE3520403C2 (en)
EP1464905B1 (en) Apparatus for transporting metallic workpieces
EP3838853A1 (en) Method for heating small glass panes
DE10065709B4 (en) coating plant
EP2297761B1 (en) Method and device for producing vacuum interrupters or assemblies of vacuum interrupters, and vacuum interrupter
EP0634371B1 (en) Method and apparatus for three-dimensional forming of plates, in particularly glass-plates
DE3728628C2 (en)
DE69914677T2 (en) Improvement of heating furnaces for ironworks products
EP1232809B1 (en) Extruder with at least one extraction device
DE3439969A1 (en) Method and apparatus for separating heated or rolled material
DE102021133071A1 (en) Forming device and method for forming a thin glass

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

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031126

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT DE FR GB IT

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT DE FR GB IT

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: 20060531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

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

Effective date: 20060614

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 50303571

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060706

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
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: 20070301

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080418

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20080415

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20080422

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080412

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20080421

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Effective date: 20090411

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20091231

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20090411

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20091103

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: 20090411

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20091222

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

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20090411