EP1728888B1 - Device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously running metallic strip - Google Patents

Device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously running metallic strip Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1728888B1
EP1728888B1 EP06447053A EP06447053A EP1728888B1 EP 1728888 B1 EP1728888 B1 EP 1728888B1 EP 06447053 A EP06447053 A EP 06447053A EP 06447053 A EP06447053 A EP 06447053A EP 1728888 B1 EP1728888 B1 EP 1728888B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sheet
cavity
slits
inner box
under pressure
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06447053A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1728888A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Bregand
Jean Crahay
Arnaud Hennion
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.)
Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques CRM ASBL
Original Assignee
Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques CRM ASBL
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 Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques CRM ASBL filed Critical Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques CRM ASBL
Publication of EP1728888A1 publication Critical patent/EP1728888A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1728888B1 publication Critical patent/EP1728888B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23CCOATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C2/00Hot-dipping or immersion processes for applying the coating material in the molten state without affecting the shape; Apparatus therefor
    • C23C2/14Removing excess of molten coatings; Controlling or regulating the coating thickness
    • C23C2/16Removing excess of molten coatings; Controlling or regulating the coating thickness using fluids under pressure, e.g. air knives
    • C23C2/18Removing excess of molten coatings from elongated material
    • C23C2/20Strips; Plates
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23CCOATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C2/00Hot-dipping or immersion processes for applying the coating material in the molten state without affecting the shape; Apparatus therefor
    • C23C2/003Apparatus
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23CCOATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
    • C23C2/00Hot-dipping or immersion processes for applying the coating material in the molten state without affecting the shape; Apparatus therefor
    • C23C2/50Controlling or regulating the coating processes
    • C23C2/52Controlling or regulating the coating processes with means for measuring or sensing
    • C23C2/524Position of the substrate
    • C23C2/5245Position of the substrate for reducing vibrations of the substrate

Definitions

  • the document JP-A-55 110766 discloses an installation for performing a high speed spinning operation while preventing web vibration and oxidation of the coating metal by using a sealing box which includes the spin nozzles and which operates by means of a static pressure fluid bag at the exit of the strip.
  • Spin nozzles using nitrogen are installed in front of the strip coming out of the coating bath.
  • the sealing box is installed to surround the nozzles and the band.
  • In the upper central part of the sealing box is installed near the band a pair of contactless guides, free of sliding.
  • the spin gas is supplied to the static pressure pad (i.e., to the non-contacting guides) via a filter and a pump to prevent the ingress of air and allow the static pressure to stabilize the shape of the bandaged.
  • the static pressure cushion approaches the band, the effect is increased, allowing the nozzle to approach the surface of the band, increase the wringing force, avoid deterioration of the coating metal melted and increase the production yield.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Coating With Molten Metal (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Strip Materials And Filament Materials (AREA)
  • Advancing Webs (AREA)

Abstract

The pneumatic stabiliser, designed to deliver a gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide under pressure to at least one side of a continuously-running metal strip (1), especially a steel strip leaving a hot galvanising bath of molten zinc (2), consists of a housing (5) with at least two tranverse gas outlet slits (6) covering the width of the strip with the space between the slits covered by a perforated plate (8). The plate covers a housing cavity (7) with side walls (17) and a back (27), containing a moving plate (9) connected to a passive damper (10) essentially in the form of a damped harmonic oscillater. The gas flows from the slits can be delivered perpendicular or at an oblique angle to the moving strip's surface.

Description

Objet de l'inventionObject of the invention

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif pneumatique dissipatif permettant de stabiliser une bande métallique en défilement continu passant dans des essoreurs à l'issue d'une opération de revêtement au trempé.The present invention relates to a dissipative pneumatic device for stabilizing a metal strip in continuous scrolling through wipers after a dip coating operation.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement le domaine de la galvanisation au trempé à chaud d'une bande d'acier en mouvement continu. La stabilisation pneumatique de la bande est effectuée à la sortie du bain de métal liquide, dans le voisinage du dispositif d'essorage.The invention relates more particularly to the field of hot dip galvanizing of a steel strip in continuous motion. The pneumatic stabilization of the strip is effected at the outlet of the bath of liquid metal, in the vicinity of the wiper device.

Arrière-plan technologique et état de la techniqueTechnological background and state of the art

On connaît la technique dite de "revêtement au trempé", qui constitue une méthode à la fois simple et efficace pour déposer un revêtement à la surface d'un objet. Selon cette technique, après une éventuelle préparation de la surface, on immerge l'objet à revêtir dans un bain comprenant le produit que l'on veut déposer sur ledit objet. L'objet est ensuite extrait du bain avec enlèvement de l'excès de liquide et le revêtement est rendu solide, par exemple par séchage, solidification, polymérisation, etc.The technique known as "dip coating" is known, which constitutes a method that is both simple and effective for depositing a coating on the surface of an object. According to this technique, after a possible preparation of the surface, the object to be coated is immersed in a bath comprising the product that is to be deposited on said object. The object is then removed from the bath with removal of the excess liquid and the coating is made solid, for example by drying, solidification, polymerization, etc.

L'une des applications les plus répandues de cette technique est le revêtement de pièces en acier au moyen d'un métal tel que le zinc qui lui servira ensuite de protection contre la corrosion.One of the most widespread applications of this technique is the coating of steel means of a metal such as zinc which will then serve as protection against corrosion.

Après passage dans le bain de métal liquide, la bande revêtue subit l'opération d'essorage. Cette opération est l'une des plus importantes dans le procédé de revêtement au trempé car elle permet la maîtrise de l'épaisseur finale de revêtement. D'une part, l'essorage doit être homogène sur toute la "section", c'est-à-dire la largeur pour une bande et la circonférence pour un fil, et sur toute la longueur du produit à revêtir. En même temps, cette opération doit limiter strictement le dépôt à la valeur visée, que l'on exprime d'habitude soit en terme d'épaisseur déposée - typiquement de 3 à 20 µm -, soit en poids de la couche déposée par unité de surface - typiquement en gr/m2.After passing through the liquid metal bath, the coated strip undergoes the spinning operation. This operation is one of the most important in the dip coating process because it allows control of the final coating thickness. On the one hand, the spin must be homogeneous over the entire "section", that is to say the width for a band and the circumference for a wire, and the entire length of the product to be coated. At the same time, this operation must strictly limit the deposit to the target value, which is usually expressed either in terms of thickness deposited - typically from 3 to 20 μm - or by weight of the deposited layer per unit surface area - typically in gr / m 2 .

Actuellement, l'essorage est généralement réalisé au moyen de lames ou jets de gaz linéaires dans le cas des bandes et circulaires dans le cas de fils issus de fentes et dirigés le plus souvent perpendiculairement à la surface à traiter. Les lames de gaz agissent comme des "racleurs pneumatiques" et présentent l'avantage de fonctionner sans contact mécanique et donc sans risque de griffer l'objet traité. De telles lames sont appelées "essoreurs à gaz" ou encore "couteaux d'essorage". Le gaz sous pression mis en oeuvre est soit de l'air, soit un gaz neutre tel que l'azote dans les applications les plus délicates comme le traitement des bandes d'acier destinées à la fabrication de pièces visibles pour la carrosserie d'automobiles.Currently, the spin is generally performed by means of blades or linear gas jets in the case of strips and circular in the case of son from slots and usually directed perpendicular to the surface to be treated. The gas blades act as "pneumatic scrapers" and have the advantage of operating without mechanical contact and therefore without the risk of scratching the treated object. Such blades are called "gas wipers" or "spin knives". The pressurized gas used is either air or a neutral gas such as nitrogen in the most delicate applications such as the treatment of steel strips intended for the manufacture of visible parts for the automobile bodywork. .

L'épaisseur du revêtement dépend notamment d'une part de la distance entre la bande et les couteaux d'essorage et, d'autre part, de la pression exercée par le jet de gaz comprimé sur la bande.The thickness of the coating depends in particular on the one hand of the distance between the band and the spinning knives and, on the other hand, the pressure exerted by the jet of compressed gas on the band.

Or, il est connu qu'un certain nombre de caractéristiques de l'installation telles que la présence de dispositifs de refroidissement, l'excentricité de certains rouleaux, l'usure des roulements, etc., induisent des vibrations de la bande passant dans les essoreurs. Ces vibrations provoquent au final des variations d'épaisseur du revêtement qui affectent la qualité du produit et imposent une surconsommation de zinc pour garantir une épaisseur minimale de revêtement au client.However, it is known that a number of characteristics of the installation such as the presence of cooling devices, the eccentricity of certain rollers, the wear of bearings, etc., induce vibrations of the band passing through the wipers. These vibrations eventually cause variations in the thickness of the coating which affect the quality of the product and require overconsumption of zinc to guarantee a minimum thickness of coating to the customer.

Le document JP-A-56 153136 propose de disposer au moins une paire de stabilisateurs ou amortisseurs pneumatiques à des positions telles que l'on divise la distance entre les deux rouleaux, c'est-à-dire le rouleau de fond et le rouleau supérieur, qui sont des points fixes pour la bande, en un nombre 1/(n+1), le nombre n étant un entier allant de 1 à 6 ou 0, ou encore à plusieurs positions séparées de plus d'un mètre des deux points fixes précités. La pression statique entre le stabilisateur pneumatique et la bande est maintenue entre 30 et 50 mm de colonne d'eau.The document JP-A-56 153136 proposes to have at least one pair of pneumatic stabilizers or dampers at positions such that the distance between the two rolls, that is to say the bottom roll and the top roll, which are fixed points for the band, in a number 1 / (n + 1), the number n being an integer ranging from 1 to 6 or 0, or to several positions separated by more than one meter from the two aforementioned fixed points. The static pressure between the pneumatic stabilizer and the belt is maintained between 30 and 50 mm of water column.

Le document JP-A-56 084452 propose d'utiliser un stabilisateur pneumatique dans lequel une partie du fluide injecté s'écoule le long de la bande en direction opposée de celui provenant des essoreurs. La collision des deux jets permet l'augmentation de la pression statique du stabilisateur ainsi que de sa surface d'application.The document JP-A-56 084452 proposes the use of a pneumatic stabilizer in which a part of the injected fluid flows along the strip in the direction opposite to that coming from the wipers. The collision of the two jets makes it possible to increase the static pressure of the stabilizer as well as of its application surface.

Le principal inconvénient de ce type de système est que le stabilisateur agit essentiellement comme un ressort en compression, qui tend à faire passer la bande par un point fixe. Il s'ensuit que le spectre de vibration de la bande, et notamment sa fréquence propre, peut être modifié sans toutefois réduire significativement l'énergie globale de vibration impliquée. On peut notamment observer un accroissement de l'amplitude des modes de vibration dont les noeuds sont situés au niveau du stabilisateur. Ce type de stabilisateur n'est ainsi pas à même d'empêcher l'apparition de phénomènes de résonance.The main disadvantage of this type of system is that the stabilizer acts essentially as a compression spring, which tends to cause the band to pass through a fixed point. It follows that the vibration spectrum of the band, and in particular its natural frequency, can be modified without, however, significantly reducing the overall vibrational energy involved. We can notably observe an increase in the amplitude of the modes of vibration of which the nodes are located at the level of the stabilizer. This type of stabilizer is thus not able to prevent the appearance of resonance phenomena.

De plus, l'objectif étant de stabiliser la bande dans les essoreurs, il est nécessaire que ce type de stabilisateur se situe à leur voisinage, impliquant de souffler un gaz sous pression sur un revêtement non encore solidifié, ce qui risque d'affecter l'aspect du produit final.In addition, the objective being to stabilize the band in the wipers, it is necessary that this type of stabilizer is in their vicinity, involving blowing a gas under pressure on a coating not yet solidified, which may affect the aspect of the final product.

Le document JP-A-55 110766 décrit une installation permettant de réaliser une opération d'essorage à grande vitesse tout en prévenant les vibrations de la bande et l'oxydation du métal de revêtement en utilisant une boîte d'étanchéisation qui englobe les buses d'essorage et qui fonctionne au moyen d'un coussin de fluide de pression statique à la sortie de la bande. Les buses d'essorage utilisant de l'azote sont installées en face de la bande sortant du bain de revêtement. La boîte d'étanchéisation est installée de manière à entourer les buses et la bande. Dans la partie centrale supérieure de la boîte d'étanchéisation est installée à proximité de la bande une paire de guides sans contact, libres de glissement. Le gaz d'essorage est fourni au coussin de pression statique (c'est-à-dire aux guides sans contact) via un filtre et une pompe pour empêcher la pénétration d'air et permettre à la pression statique de stabiliser la forme de la bande. Lorsque le coussin de pression statique approche de la bande, l'effet est accru, ce qui permet à la buse de s'approcher de la surface de la bande, d'augmenter la force d'essorage, éviter la détérioration du métal de revêtement fondu et augmenter le rendement de production.The document JP-A-55 110766 discloses an installation for performing a high speed spinning operation while preventing web vibration and oxidation of the coating metal by using a sealing box which includes the spin nozzles and which operates by means of a static pressure fluid bag at the exit of the strip. Spin nozzles using nitrogen are installed in front of the strip coming out of the coating bath. The sealing box is installed to surround the nozzles and the band. In the upper central part of the sealing box is installed near the band a pair of contactless guides, free of sliding. The spin gas is supplied to the static pressure pad (i.e., to the non-contacting guides) via a filter and a pump to prevent the ingress of air and allow the static pressure to stabilize the shape of the bandaged. When the static pressure cushion approaches the band, the effect is increased, allowing the nozzle to approach the surface of the band, increase the wringing force, avoid deterioration of the coating metal melted and increase the production yield.

Par ailleurs, on connaît également un certain nombre de méthodes de contrôle ou suppression des vibrations affectant une bande métallique en défilement continu basées sur la mise en oeuvre de moyens électromagnétiques (voir par exemple les documents JP-A-10 298728 , JP-A-5 001362 , JP-A-9 143652 , JP-A-10 87755 , JP-A-8 010847 ).Moreover, a number of methods for controlling or eliminating vibrations affecting a metal strip in continuous scrolling based on the use of electromagnetic means are also known (see, for example, the documents JP-A-10 298728 , JP-A-5 001362 , JP-A-9 143652 , JP-A-10 87755 , JP-A-8 010847 ).

Les méthodes électromagnétiques sont basées sur le principe suivant. Des conducteurs dans lesquels circulent un courant de fréquence élevée sont installés des deux côtés de la bande d'acier. Ils induisent dans la bande des courants en opposition de phase, les courants de Foucault. L'interaction entre les courants inducteurs et les courants de Foucault induits génère une pression magnétique tendant à stabiliser la bande d'acier. Une autre solution consiste à utiliser des électroaimants. Cependant, les méthodes de ce type impliquent un contrôle supplémentaire à cause de la force d'attraction magnétique, qui tend à rendre la bande instable. Par ailleurs, il est connu que les courants de haute fréquence mis en oeuvre provoquent une élévation de température dans la bande, ce qui est contraire à ce que l'on recherche dans cette étape du procédé.Electromagnetic methods are based on the following principle. Conductors in which a high frequency current flows are installed on both sides of the steel strip. They induce in the band currents in phase opposition, the eddy currents. The interaction between the inductive currents and the induced eddy currents generates a magnetic pressure tending to stabilize the steel strip. Another solution is to use electromagnets. However, methods of this type imply additional control because of the magnetic attraction force, which tends to make the band unstable. Furthermore, it is known that the high frequency currents used cause a rise in temperature in the band, which is contrary to what is sought in this step of the process.

Buts de l'inventionGoals of the invention

La présente invention a pour but de proposer une solution au problème de stabilisation d'une bande métallique en défilement continu qui permette de s'affranchir des inconvénients de l'état de la technique.The object of the present invention is to propose a solution to the problem of stabilizing a metal strip in continuous scrolling which makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art.

En particulier, la présente invention vise à stabiliser la bande à la sortie du bain de métal liquide grâce à des moyens pneumatiques, passifs ou actifs, qui permettent de dissiper l'énergie de vibration générée dans la bande par l'installation.In particular, the present invention aims to stabilize the strip at the exit of the liquid metal bath through pneumatic means, passive or active, which allow to dissipate the vibration energy generated in the band by the installation.

De plus, l'invention a encore pour but d'éviter la mise en oeuvre de jets de gaz supplémentaires à proximité immédiate des essoreurs qui seraient susceptibles d'affecter l'aspect du produit final.In addition, the invention also aims to avoid the implementation of additional gas jets in the immediate vicinity of the wipers that could affect the appearance of the final product.

Enfin, l'invention poursuit également le but d'être compatible avec le refroidissement de la bande requis à la sortie du bain de revêtement au trempé à chaud.Finally, the invention also pursues the goal of being compatible with the cooling of the band required at the exit of the coating bath by hot dipping.

Principaux éléments caractéristiques de l'inventionMain characteristic elements of the invention

Un premier objet de la présente invention, énoncé dans la revendication 1, se rapporte à un dispositif dissipatif de stabilisation pneumatique d'une bande métallique en défilement continu, sous forme d'une boîte comprenant au moins deux fentes, pour le soufflage d'un gaz sous pression sur au moins un côté de la bande, qui s'étendent transversalement essentiellement sur la largeur de la bande, séparées par une certaine distance dans la direction longitudinale et essentiellement parallèles entre elles, caractérisé en ce que la boîte comprend en outre, dans l'espace situé entre deux fentes successives, une cavité fermée par une paroi arrière et des parois latérales, ouverte à l'avant, face à la bande et limitée dans la direction longitudinale au moins par lesdites fentes.A first object of the present invention, set forth in claim 1, relates to a dissipative device for pneumatically stabilizing a metal strip in continuous scrolling, in the form of a box comprising at least two slots, for blowing a tube. pressurized gas on at least one side of the strip, which extend transversely substantially across the width of the strip, separated by a distance in the longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to each other, characterized in that the box further comprises in the space between two successive slots, a cavity closed by a rear wall and side walls, open at the front, facing the strip and limited in the longitudinal direction at least by said slots.

Des modalités préférées d'exécution de ce dispositif sont détaillées dans les revendications 2 à 16.Preferred embodiments of this device are detailed in claims 2 to 16.

Les revendications 17 à 27 se rapportent à des procédés pour la mise en oeuvre des différentes formes d'exécution préférées du dispositif de stabilisation susmentionné, en ce compris des modalités préférées de ces différents procédés.Claims 17 to 27 relate to methods for carrying out the various preferred embodiments of the above-mentioned stabilizing device, including preferred methods of these different methods.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

La figure 1 représente une vue en coupe verticale du dispositif de stabilisation pneumatique d'une bande métallique à amortissement passif selon la présente invention.The figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the pneumatic stabilization device of a passive damping metal strip according to the present invention.

La figure 2 représente une vue en élévation correspondante du dispositif de la figure 1.The figure 2 represents a corresponding elevational view of the device of the figure 1 .

La figure 3 représente une vue en coupe verticale du dispositif de stabilisation pneumatique d'une bande métallique à amortissement actif selon la présente invention.The figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the pneumatic stabilization device of an active damping metal strip according to the present invention.

Les figures 4 et 5 représentent une vue en coupe de deux formes d'exécution préférées de l'invention en variante du dispositif de stabilisation pneumatique d'une bande métallique à amortissement passif représenté sur la figure 1.The Figures 4 and 5 are a sectional view of two preferred embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the pneumatic stabilization device of a passive damping metal strip shown in FIG. figure 1 .

Description de formes d'exécution préférées de l'inventionDescription of preferred embodiments of the invention

Pour fixer les idées, la figure 1 représente une forme d'exécution préférée du dispositif de l'invention disposé en face de la bande d'acier 1 en mouvement continu vers le haut, après passage au rouleau de fond 4 du bain de zinc liquide 2 et après essorage 3.To fix ideas, the figure 1 represents a preferred embodiment of the device of the invention arranged opposite the steel strip 1 in continuous upward movement, after passage to the bottom roller 4 of the liquid zinc bath 2 and after spinning 3.

Le dispositif de l'invention se présente essentiellement sous la forme d'une boîte 5 comportant sur sa face avant au moins deux fentes 6 orientées vers la bande 1, par lesquelles est soufflé un gaz comprimé permettant le maintien d'une pression supérieure à la pression atmosphérique ambiante entre la face avant dudit dispositif et la bande. Entre ces deux fentes est aménagée une cavité 7 dans la boîte, ladite cavité étant soit complètement ouverte, soit partiellement obstruée du côté de la bande 1 par une grille, c'est-à-dire une plaque 8 munies d'ouvertures 8'. Cette cavité 7 a pour rôle de dissiper l'énergie de vibration de la bande essentiellement par un effet de viscosité du gaz. Le nombre et la forme des ouvertures 8' permet de moduler la dissipation d'énergie. L'objectif poursuivi par l'installation de la grille 8, 8' est de créer une perte de charge locale maîtrisée.The device of the invention is essentially in the form of a box 5 having on its front face at least two slots 6 oriented towards the band 1, by which is blown a compressed gas for maintaining a pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure between the front face of said device and the strip. Between these two slots is arranged a cavity 7 in the box, said cavity being either completely open or partially obstructed on the side of the strip 1 by a grid, that is to say a plate 8 provided with openings 8 '. This cavity 7 serves to dissipate the vibration energy of the strip essentially by a viscosity effect of the gas. The number and shape of the openings 8 'makes it possible to modulate the dissipation of energy. The objective pursued by the installation of the grid 8, 8 'is to create a controlled loss of local load.

La largeur des fentes 6 doit être significativement plus faible que la largeur de la cavité 7 (par exemple 10 fois plus petite).The width of the slots 6 must be significantly smaller than the width of the cavity 7 (for example 10 times smaller).

Avantageusement, les fentes 6 auront une extrémité en forme de trompette permettant d'exploiter l'effet Coanda ou effet de collage, permettant d'éjecter le fluide sur une plus grande surface de bande qu'une fente habituelle à bords nets. De plus, ce type de forme permet de réduire très fortement le gradient de pression au niveau de la bande, en face de chaque fente, où l'on observe un pic de gradient de pression très important avec les fentes habituellement utilisées. Ainsi, il est possible de placer le dispositif de l'invention au voisinage des essoreurs, où le zinc n'est pas encore solidifié.Advantageously, the slots 6 will have a trumpet-shaped end making it possible to exploit the Coanda effect or gluing effect, making it possible to eject the fluid over a larger strip surface than a usual slot with sharp edges. In addition, this type of shape makes it possible to very greatly reduce the pressure gradient at the level of the strip, in front of each slot, where a very large pressure gradient is observed with the slots that are usually used. Thus, it is possible to place the device of the invention in the vicinity of the wipers, where the zinc is not yet solidified.

Deux modes de réalisation encore préférés de l'invention peuvent être envisagés, différant par la nature de l'amortissement réalisé.Two more preferred embodiments of the invention may be envisaged, differing in the nature of the damping achieved.

Amortissement passifPassive amortization

Pour accroître la dissipation d'énergie dans la cavité 7, cette dernière peut être équipée d'une paroi arrière mobile 9. Dans le cas de l'utilisation d'un système d'amortissement passif, la paroi 9 est reliée à un système dissipatif d'énergie 10 essentiellement composé d'un ressort et d'un amortisseur (du type dash-pot).To increase the energy dissipation in the cavity 7, the latter can be equipped with a wall movable rear 9. In the case of the use of a passive damping system, the wall 9 is connected to a dissipative energy system 10 consisting essentially of a spring and a damper (of the dash-pot type ).

Avantageusement, le système d'amortissement est ajusté de manière à amortir les vibrations de la bande dans une gamme de fréquence comprise entre 1 et n fois la fréquence propre de la bande (n entier).Advantageously, the damping system is adjusted so as to damp the vibrations of the band in a frequency range between 1 and n times the natural frequency of the band (n integer).

La fréquence propre de la bande dépend de ses dimensions, de la dimension du brin, de la tension de ligne ainsi que de la nature et la position des différents appuis sur la bande. Dans les cas les plus usuels, la première fréquence propre de la bande est comprise entre 0,5 et 1 Hz. On observe que le spectre de vibration présente des harmoniques d'amplitude significative entre cette fréquence et n fois cette fréquence (n = 2, 3, etc.), c'est-à-dire typiquement de 0,5 Hz à 5 Hz voire de 0,5 Hz à 10 Hz.The natural frequency of the band depends on its dimensions, the size of the strand, the line voltage as well as the nature and position of the different supports on the band. In the most usual cases, the first natural frequency of the band is between 0.5 and 1 Hz. It is observed that the vibration spectrum has harmonics of significant amplitude between this frequency and n times this frequency (n = 2 , 3, etc.), that is to say typically from 0.5 Hz to 5 Hz or even from 0.5 Hz to 10 Hz.

Amortissement actifActive depreciation

Dans le cas de l'utilisation d'un système d'amortissement actif, un dispositif de mesure du mouvement de la bande pilote un déplacement de la paroi mobile 9. Comme tout système d'amortissement actif, il est composé d'au moins un capteur 11 et un actionneur 12 piloté par un système de contrôle 13. Le déplacement, la vitesse ou l'accélération de la bande 1 sont mesurés par le (ou les) capteur(s) 11. Le signal du capteur est transmis à l'entrée du contrôleur 13. La sortie du contrôleur 13 est connectée à l'actionneur 12. Ce dernier convertit le signal de commande qu'il reçoit, de préférence selon une loi de régulation en boucle ouverte ou fermée, en une force mécanique appliquée sur la paroi mobile 9. Ainsi l'élément actif réagit à la vibration initiale en générant une force de réaction de manière à annuler ou atténuer cette vibration. La régulation est paramétrée de manière à optimiser l'amortissement au niveau de la paroi mobile 9.In the case of the use of an active damping system, a device for measuring the movement of the strip drives a displacement of the movable wall 9. Like any active damping system, it is composed of at least one sensor 11 and an actuator 12 controlled by a control system 13. The displacement, the speed or the acceleration of the band 1 are measured by the (or) sensor (s) 11. The signal of the sensor is transmitted to the controller input 13. The output of the controller 13 is connected to the actuator 12. The latter converts the control signal which it receives, preferably according to an open or closed loop control law, into a mechanical force applied to the actuator 12. movable wall 9. Thus the active element reacts to the initial vibration by generating a reaction force so as to cancel or attenuate this vibration. The regulation is parameterized so as to optimize the damping at the mobile wall 9.

Par exemple, le capteur 11 est un capteur de distance sans contact de type triangulation laser, l'actionneur 12 étant un vérin électromagnétique.For example, the sensor 11 is a non-contact distance sensor of the laser triangulation type, the actuator 12 being an electromagnetic jack.

Autres formes d'exécutionOther forms of execution

Sur les figures 4 et 5, on a représenté d'autres modalités d'exécution avantageuses du dispositif de stabilisation pneumatique d'une bande métallique selon la présente invention. Ces modalités d'exécution peuvent aussi bien être utilisées dans le cadre d'un système d'amortissement passif que dans celui d'un système d'amortissement actif.On the Figures 4 and 5 there are shown other advantageous embodiments of the pneumatic stabilization device of a metal strip according to the present invention. These methods of execution can be used both in the context of a passive damping system and in that of an active damping system.

Sur la figure 4, la cavité 7 se trouvant dans la boîte 5 et les conduits d'amenée du gaz comprimé par les fentes 6 ne forment pas deux éléments distincts. Dans la cavité 7 se trouve une deuxième boîte interne (ou un sabot) 5' présentant une face avant sous forme d'une plaque 18 pleine, c'est-à-dire dépourvue d'orifices tels que les orifices 8' représentés sur les figures 1 à 3. Le sabot 5' peut se déplacer dans la direction perpendiculaire à la bande 1. Pour fixer les idées, sur la figure 4, cette boîte 5' a été connectée à l'arrière à un système dissipatif d'énergie 10 (amortissement passif). Toutefois, elle peut également être utilisée dans un système d'amortissement actif tel que décrit ci-dessus. Les conduits d'injection du gaz 6' sont formés pour partie par les parois latérales 17' de la boîte 5', ce qui permet de moduler la section de passage de ces conduits quand la boîte 5' se déplace par rapport à la bande. Dans cette forme d'exécution, en utilisation, c'est toute la boîte 5' qui est mobile et non uniquement une paroi arrière située dans la cavité 7 comme sur les figures 1 à 3.On the figure 4 , the cavity 7 in the box 5 and the gas supply ducts compressed by the slots 6 do not form two separate elements. In the cavity 7 is a second inner box (or shoe) 5 'having a front face in the form of a plate 18 full, that is to say without holes such as the orifices 8' shown on the Figures 1 to 3 . The shoe 5 'can move in the direction perpendicular to the band 1. To fix the ideas, on the figure 4 this box 5 'has been connected at the rear to a dissipative energy system 10 (passive damping). However, it can also be used in an active damping system as described above. The gas injection ducts 6 'are formed in part by the side walls 17' of the box 5 ', which makes it possible to modulate the passage section of these ducts when the box 5' moves relative to the strip. In this embodiment, in use, the entire box 5 'is movable and not only a rear wall located in the cavity 7 as on the Figures 1 to 3 .

Dans une variante représentée sur la figure 5, la boîte 5' est fixe et présente un conduit 7' la traversant de part en part en son centre et débouchant au niveau d'une ouverture 18' sur la face avant 18 de la boîte 5'. Ce conduit peut être obstrué à l'arrière par un élément tel qu'une sphère 37 solidaire du système dissipatif 10. L'augmentation de la pression de gaz comprimé dans ce conduit sous l'effet des mouvements de la bande 1 peut provoquer le décollement de l'obturateur 37 de l'extrémité arrière du conduit, ce qui permet l'injection de gaz vers la bande également au travers du conduit central 7' qui est alors relié au système d'alimentation.In a variant shown on the figure 5 , the box 5 'is fixed and has a conduit 7' passing right through it at its center and opening at an opening 18 'on the front face 18 of the box 5'. This duct may be obstructed at the rear by an element such as a sphere 37 integral with the dissipative system 10. The increase in the pressure of compressed gas in this duct under the effect of the movements of the band 1 may cause the separation shutter 37 of the rear end of the duct, which allows the injection of gas to the band also through the central duct 7 'which is then connected to the supply system.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif représenté sur la figure 4 ou 5 est le suivant. Lorsque la bande se rapproche de la face avant 18 de la boîte 5', la perte de charge entre le coussin d'amortissement et son environnement augmente. La pression dans le coussin augmente donc. L'élément 37 de la partie centrale 5' de la boîte 5 (figure 5) ou l'entièreté de celle-ci (figure 4) recule, de sorte que la section de passage nette des conduits d'alimentation en gaz comprimé augmente. En conséquence, la perte de charge entre l'environnement et le coussin diminue et le débit de gaz augmente. La pression dans le coussin augmente à son tour et repousse la bande. Un équilibre s'installe donc entre les différentes forces en présence.The operation of this device represented on the figure 4 or 5 is the next. As the band approaches the front face 18 of the box 5 ', the pressure drop between the cushion and its environment increases. The pressure in the cushion therefore increases. The element 37 of the central part 5 'of the box 5 ( figure 5 ) or the whole of it ( figure 4 ) backs off, so that the clear passage section of the compressed gas supply ducts increases. As a result, the pressure drop between the environment and the cushion decreases and the gas flow increases. The pressure in the cushion increases and repels the band. A balance is thus established between the different forces in presence.

Claims (22)

  1. Dissipative device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously moving metal sheet (1) in the form of a box (5) comprising at least two slits (6), for blowing a gas under pressure over at least one side of the sheet (1), which extend transversally mainly along the width of the sheet (1), separated by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction and mainly parallel to each other, characterised in that the box (5) also comprises in the space located between two successive slits, a cavity (7, 7') closed of by a back wall (27, 37) and side walls (17), open to the front facing the sheet (1) and limited in the longitudinal direction at least by said slits (6).
  2. Device as in Claim 1, characterised in that the front opening of the cavity (7) is blocked by a plate (8) equipped with openings (8').
  3. Device as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that it is adapted so as to be positioned on both sides of the sheet, in a symmetrical manner or not to the line followed by the sheet.
  4. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the slits (6) are linked to injection conduits (6') of the gas under pressure orientated mainly perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the sheet (1).
  5. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the slits (6) are linked to injection conduits (6') of the gas under pressure orientated obliquely to the perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the sheet (1).
  6. Device as in Claim 5, characterised in that the injection conduits (6') of the gas under pressure are orientated towards the inside of the zone of the sheet facing the device.
  7. Device as in Claim 5 or Claim 6, characterised in that the angle of orientation of the injection conduits to said perpendicular, which is not necessarily identical for all said conduits, is comprised between 10 and 80°, and preferably between 30 and 60°.
  8. Device as in any of the above claims, characterised in that the edges of the slits (6) are widened towards the outside or are shaped in the form of a trumpet so as to have a pressure gradient at the flattened outlet as a result of a sticking effect or Coanda effect.
  9. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, in front of its back wall (27), the cavity (7) comprises a movable plate (9) in the transverse direction, making the volume of the cavity (7) variable and linked to a system of passive damping (10) which is mainly able to be modelled in the form of a damped harmonic oscillator, the cavity (7) being usable for creating and adjusting a cushion to damp the vibrations to which the sheet is subjected, located between the sheet and the device.
  10. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that in front of its back wall (27), the cavity (7) contains a movable plate (9) in the transverse direction, making the volume of the cavity (7) variable and linked to a system of active damping (11, 12, 13), the cavity (7) being usable for creating and adjusting a cushion to damp the vibrations to which the sheet is subjected, located between the sheet and the device.
  11. Device as in Claim 9, characterised in that the passive damping system (10) is configured so as to damp the vibrations of the sheet in a frequency range of between 1 and n times (n being an integer) the sheet's inherent frequency, preferably between 0.5 Hz and 5 Hz and more preferably between 0.5 Hz and 10 Hz.
  12. Device as in Claim 10, characterised in that the system of active damping comprises at least one sensor (11) measuring a signal or a physical information characteristic of the vibrations of the sheet (1) such as a position or a movement, a speed or an acceleration and an actuator (12) controlled by a control system (13) and is configured so that the signal from the sensor (11) is continuously transmitted to the input of the controller (13) whose output is connected to the actuator (12) and so that the actuator (12) converts the signal that it receives from the controller (13), according to a regulation rule according to an open or closed loop, into a mechanical force applied to the movable plate (9).
  13. Device as in Claim 12, characterised in that the sensor (11) is a remote sensor without any contact of a laser triangulation type and the actuator (12) is an electromagnetic jack.
  14. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said cavity (7) comprises a closed inner box (5') whose side walls (17') form with the side walls (17) of the cavity (7) injection conduits (6') of the gas under pressure by the slits (6) towards the sheet, the inner box (5') being movable in the transverse direction to the sheet and linked on a back surface to a passive (10) or active (11, 12, 13) damping system, the transverse movements of the inner box (5') being capable of working with the passive (10) or active (11, 12, 13) damping system to which said box (5') is linked on its back surface to create and adjust a damping cushion for the vibrations to which the sheet is subjected, positioned between the sheet and the device.
  15. Device as in Claim 14, characterised in that it is configured so that the flow section of the injection conduits (6') varies with the relative position of the inner box (5') to the sheet (1).
  16. Device as in any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said cavity (7) comprises an inner box (5') whose side walls (17') form with the side walls (17) of the cavity (7) injection conduits (6') of the gas under pressure by the slits (6) towards the sheet, the inner box (5') being fixed and comprising a central conduit (7') crossing it transversally right through, emerging at an opening (18') on the front surface (18) of the inner box (5') and on its back surface at an opening (27') which can be blocked by a movable element (37) fixed to a passive (10) or active (11, 12, 13) damping system, said central conduit (7') being connected to the compressed gas supply when the opening (27') is not blocked by the movable element (37), the use of the transverse movements of the movable element (37) for blocking the opening (27') of the central conduit of the inner box (5') on its back surface and on the back surface of the fixed inner box (5') working together with the blocking element (37) linked to the passive (10) or active (11, 12, 13) damping system to inject compressed gas from the supply system to the sheet via said central conduit (7') permitting the creation and adjustment of a cushion to damp the vibrations to which the sheet is subjected, positioned between the sheet and the device.
  17. Use of the device as in any of the above claims with a metal sheet (1) containing steel, aluminium, zinc, copper or one of their alloys.
  18. Use as in Claim 17, characterised in that the thickness of the metal sheet (1) is between 0.15 and 5 mm.
  19. Use as in Claim 17 or Claim 18, characterised in that the metal sheet is subjected to a continuous hot dip coating process with a moving speed of the sheet of between 2 and 10 m/s.
  20. Use as in Claim 19, characterised in that the molten coating metal contains zinc, aluminium, tin or an alloy of at least two of these metals.
  21. Use as in Claim 19 or Claim 20, characterised in that the thickness of the metal coating layer obtained after wiping is between 3 and 20 µm.
  22. Use as in any of Claims 17 to 21, characterised in that the gas under pressure is air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
EP06447053A 2005-06-02 2006-04-13 Device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously running metallic strip Not-in-force EP1728888B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE2005/0277A BE1016623A4 (en) 2005-06-02 2005-06-02 DEVICE FOR THE PNEUMATIC STABILIZATION OF A METAL STRIP IN CONTINUOUS SCROLL.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1728888A1 EP1728888A1 (en) 2006-12-06
EP1728888B1 true EP1728888B1 (en) 2008-08-13

Family

ID=35431126

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06447053A Not-in-force EP1728888B1 (en) 2005-06-02 2006-04-13 Device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously running metallic strip

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1728888B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE404707T1 (en)
BE (1) BE1016623A4 (en)
DE (1) DE602006002174D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2312103T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114411079B (en) * 2022-01-10 2023-01-24 山东恩光新材料有限公司 Air cooling device

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS55110766A (en) * 1979-02-16 1980-08-26 Nippon Steel Corp Wiping device for molten metal plating equipment
JPS5911662B2 (en) * 1979-12-14 1984-03-16 新日本製鐵株式会社 How to prevent strip vibration
JPS56153136A (en) * 1980-04-30 1981-11-27 Nippon Steel Corp Noncontact type vibration damping method for strip
JPS57101657A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-06-24 Nippon Steel Corp Apparatus for wiping molten plating
JP2570924B2 (en) 1991-06-25 1997-01-16 日本鋼管株式会社 Method for preventing vibration and warpage of steel sheet passing continuously
JP3233781B2 (en) 1994-06-28 2001-11-26 三菱重工業株式会社 Strip shape straightening device
JP3222739B2 (en) 1995-11-16 2001-10-29 川崎製鉄株式会社 Method and apparatus for preventing vibration of metal strip in hot-dip metal plating line
JP3625961B2 (en) 1996-09-19 2005-03-02 三菱化学株式会社 Method for producing graft copolymer resin
JPH10298728A (en) 1997-04-23 1998-11-10 Nkk Corp Method for controlling vibration and shape of steel sheet
GB2334351B (en) * 1998-02-11 2002-04-17 British Steel Plc Controlling webs
JP3617473B2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2005-02-02 Jfeスチール株式会社 Method for producing hot dip galvanized steel sheet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1728888A1 (en) 2006-12-06
DE602006002174D1 (en) 2008-09-25
ATE404707T1 (en) 2008-08-15
ES2312103T3 (en) 2009-02-16
BE1016623A4 (en) 2007-03-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2435592B1 (en) Method and device for the liquid metal coating of fibers made of a ceramic material
EP2376662A1 (en) Method and section for cooling a moving metal belt by spraying liquid
EP2279278B1 (en) System and method for guiding a galvanising product wiping device
EP0134172B1 (en) Tempering of glass objects by means of a two-component jet
CA1145210A (en) Process for the continuous cladding of part of at least one surface of a metallic substrate, and means used in said process
FR2796139A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPRESSING THE VIBRATION OF STRIPS IN GAS BLOWING ZONES, ESPECIALLY COOLING ZONES
EP0931846B1 (en) Process for the metallic coating of fibres by liquid means
EP1728888B1 (en) Device for the pneumatic stabilisation of a continuously running metallic strip
EP1655383B1 (en) Process and device for limiting the vibrations of aluminium or steel sheets during gas cooling
WO2008110673A1 (en) Method and equipment for the continuous deposition of a coating on a strip type substrate
FR2484383A1 (en) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING A METAL STRIP UNDER STATIC PRESSURE OF GAS
EP0761829B1 (en) Cooling device for rolled products
FR2797277A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF A METAL SURFACE COATING ON A SLIP
EP2276867B1 (en) Device and method for positioning two baffles associated with wiping of a galvanising product
EP0720663A1 (en) Method for dimensioning an electroplating enclosure with a magnetic wiping device for electroplated metallurgical products
CA3011266C (en) Device for hydrodynamic stabilisation of a continuously travelling metal strip
FR2807070A1 (en) PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR MAKING A METAL COATING ON AN OBJECT COMING OUT OF A BATH OF MELTED METAL
EP1343920B1 (en) Installation for producing a metal strip with protective coating
BE1015409A3 (en) Checking the thickness of liquid layer on the surface of an object emerging stretch of bath.
BE1018202A3 (en) Device for spin hydrodynamics a band metal scroll contunu.
FR2714088A1 (en) A method of controlling and controlling the dewatering of a fibrous suspension on a forming table of a paper machine and apparatus for carrying out the method.
CH684884A5 (en) Spraying machine for cutting by electroerosion with a wire electrode.
EP1027471A1 (en) Device for producing a coating bar for use in the paper industry
EP1351786B1 (en) Nozzle equipped with a bar for introducing molten metal into an ingot mould for continuous metal casting
FR2640898A1 (en)

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 BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20061220

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20070424

AKX Designation fees paid

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

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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 BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

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

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602006002174

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080925

Kind code of ref document: P

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

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2312103

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Effective date: 20080813

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

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: 20080813

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

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: 20080813

Ref country code: IE

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: 20080813

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081113

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

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090113

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

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: 20090514

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

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

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

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: 20081113

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: 20090430

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

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

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

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: 20081114

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: CH

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

Effective date: 20100430

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20100430

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

Ref country code: HU

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: 20090214

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

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

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

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: 20080813

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20150423

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20150331

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20150421

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: 20150331

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20160501

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

Effective date: 20160413

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20160413

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20161230

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20160501

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20160413

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20160502

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

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20180323

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180326

Year of fee payment: 13

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20180504

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180320

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006002174

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20190430

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: 20191101

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20190430

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: 20190413

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20200828

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: 20190414