EP1985742B1 - Kleiderbehandlungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Kleiderbehandlungsvorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1985742B1
EP1985742B1 EP08007970A EP08007970A EP1985742B1 EP 1985742 B1 EP1985742 B1 EP 1985742B1 EP 08007970 A EP08007970 A EP 08007970A EP 08007970 A EP08007970 A EP 08007970A EP 1985742 B1 EP1985742 B1 EP 1985742B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
water supply
generating device
steam generating
treating apparatus
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.)
Active
Application number
EP08007970A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1985742A1 (de
Inventor
Sang Hun Bae
Dong Geun Lee
Seon Il Heo
Yeon Sik Choi
Sang Jin Kim
Ju Han Yoon
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.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
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
Priority claimed from KR1020070040316A external-priority patent/KR100845872B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020070040319A external-priority patent/KR100833866B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020070097258A external-priority patent/KR101443616B1/ko
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP1985742A1 publication Critical patent/EP1985742A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1985742B1 publication Critical patent/EP1985742B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/081—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus, and more particularly, to a clothes treating apparatus capable of collecting water from a steam generating device which generates steam.
  • Clothes treating apparatuses are apparatuses for treating clothes through washing, drying, refreshing and other processes.
  • Such clothes treating apparatuses include washing machines, laundry dryers, clothes refreshers, and so on.
  • a washing machine is operated to wash laundry by use of water.
  • the washed laundry has wrinkles, and the wrinkles are not removed during a drying process in a laundry dryer.
  • wrinkles Besides the washed laundry, when clothes are kept and used, the clothes may have wrinkles, crumples and fold marks (hereinafter, commonly referred to as "wrinkles"). Accordingly, there have been demands for development of devices capable of also easily removing wrinkles generated by common usage and storage of the clothes.
  • WO 2006/126803 A shows a conventional steam generating device with a rectangular flat shape and a water tap providing water via a pipe to the steam generator
  • EP 1 696 066 A discloses a water supply unit (tap), which is connected via a water supply hose with a steam generator having a water supply port at its highest location.
  • the steam discharge port is located on a different side of the steam generator.
  • WO 2006/101377 A describes a washing machine having a steam generator connected to a water supply valve via a water supply pipe.
  • EP 1 734 170 A describes a washing machine having a steam generator providing steam to the drum via a pipe. In the water supply line, there is a valve for preventing water from flowing back.
  • EP 1 441 059 A describes a dryer having a steam generator and a pump providing water from a water container to the steam generator.
  • EP 1 813 704 A describes a T-shape steam generator having a water supply port connected to a water tap.
  • the steam supply port is located at the highest portion of the housing of the T-shape steam generator.
  • WO 2007/145448 A describes a water supply device, a pump and a steam generator, wherein a pump provides water from the water supply device to the steam generator. The water is supplied to the steam generator at the lowest portion of the steam generator.
  • EP 1 862 581 A describes a method for operating a home dryer or washing machine having a steam generator, which is connected via a pump and a magnetic valve to a water tank.
  • the magnetic valve operates as backflow inhibitor.
  • the present invention is directed to a clothes treating apparatus that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of inhibiting or removing wrinkles generated at clothes.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of collecting water from a steam generating device mounted in the clothes treating apparatus after operation of the steam generating device is terminated.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of inhibiting back flow of water even when a water supply source for supplying water to the clothes treating apparatus is demounted.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of inhibiting erroneous operation of a water level sensor mounted in a steam generating device and damage of a heater.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes treating apparatus capable of using as much water as possible supplied from a water supply source.
  • the water supply port is positioned above a highest water level of the steam generating device.
  • the clothes treating apparatus further comprises a pump provided between the water supply source and the steam generating device to selectively supply or collect water through the water supply port.
  • the water supply hose further has the other end connected to an outlet port of the pump.
  • the outlet port of the pump is positioned below the water supply port of the steam generating device.
  • the pump is capable of being rotated in forward and reverse directions.
  • the steam generating device may include a housing formed with the water supply port, and a water pipe having a first end communicating with the water supply port and a second end positioned below the water supply port.
  • the steam generating device may further include a water level sensor to sense a water level in the housing, and a heater.
  • the water pipe has a lower end positioned below a lower end of the water level sensor and above an upper end of the heater.
  • the housing may include an upper housing formed with the water supply port, and a lower housing mounted with the heater.
  • the lower housing may include a main portion mounted with the heater, and an expanded portion coupled to the upper housing, the expanded portion having a width larger than the main portion.
  • the lower end of the water pipe is positioned on a left side or a right side of the heater.
  • the water pipe is formed integrally with the housing.
  • the water pipe is extended from the water supply port, and is bent downward.
  • the clothes treating apparatus may further comprise a water supply unit capable of supplying water from the water supply source to the steam generating device while leaving little water in the water supply source.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a laundry dryer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the laundry dryer shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a steam generating device to supply steam to the laundry dryer shown in FIG. 1 , and a water supply source to supply water to the steam generating device;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the steam generating device and the water supply source shown in FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the steam generating device shown in FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the steam generating device shown in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an upper housing of the steam generating device shown in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a modified example of the steam generating device shown in FIG. 5 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the water supply source
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a "B" portion in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the pipe member in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating a second embodiment of the pipe member in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of a water supply source in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing pin and an inner sealing member in FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a separation inhibiting member for inhibiting separation of an elastic member in FIG. 13 .
  • a clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine, a laundry dryer, a clothes refresher, and so on.
  • a laundry dryer will be exemplarily explained.
  • the present invention is not limited to a laundry dryer, and can also be applied to other types of clothes treating apparatuses, such as a washing machine or a clothes refresher.
  • a laundry dryer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a cabinet 10 defining an exterior appearance of the laundry dryer, a drum 20 rotatably mounted in the cabinet 10, and a motor 70 and a belt 68 to drive the drum 20.
  • a heater 90 (hereinafter, referred to as “hot air heater”) is mounted in a predetermined portion of the cabinet 10 to create air of high temperature (hereinafter, referred to as “hot air”) by heating the air.
  • a hot air supply duct 44 is mounted in a predetermined portion of the cabinet 10 to supply the hot air generated from the hot air heater 90 to the drum 20.
  • the damp air heat-exchanged with the laundry in the drum 20 is discharged outside the drum 20 through the exhaustion duct 80, and the damp air is sucked by the blower unit 60.
  • this embodiment shows and describes an indirect drive type laundry dryer in which the drum 20 is rotated by the motor 70 and the belt 68, however the present invention is not limited to the indirect drive type.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a direct drive type laundry dryer in which the drum 20 is directly rotated by directly connecting the motor to a rear surface of the drum 20.
  • the cabinet 10 defining the exterior appearance of the laundry dryer includes a base 12 forming a bottom surface, a pair of side covers 14 vertically mounted to the base 12, a front cover 16 mounted to front surfaces of the side covers 14, a rear cover 18 mounted to rear surfaces of the side covers 14, and a top cover 17 mounted to top surfaces of the covers 16 and 18.
  • a control panel 19 having various operational switches is generally positioned on the top cover 17 or the front cover 16. This embodiment shows that the control panel 19 is positioned on the front cover 16.
  • An air inlet 182 and an air outlet 184 are provided at the rear cover 18. External air is drawn through the air inlet 182, and the air in the drum 20 is discharged outside through the air outlet 184. It is preferred that a lifter 22 is mounted in the drum 20 so that the laundry is turned over to enhance drying efficiency.
  • a front supporter 30 and a rear supporter 40 are provided between the drum 20 and the cabinet 10. More particularly, the front supporter 30 is provided between the drum 20 and the front cover 16, and the rear supporter 40 is provided between the drum 20 and the rear cover 18.
  • the drum 20 is rotatably mounted between the front supporter 30 and the rear supporter 40, and sealing members (not shown) for inhibiting water leakage are provided between the front supporter 30 and the drum 20 and between the drum 20 and the rear supporter 40.
  • the front supporter 30 and the rear supporter 40 shield a front surface and a rear surface of the drum 20, respectively, to form a drying chamber, and support a front end and a rear end of the drum 20.
  • An opening 162 is formed at the front cover 16 to communicate the drum 20 with the outside of the laundry dryer.
  • the opening 162 is selectively opened and closed by a door 164.
  • a lint duct 50, through which the air in the drum 20 is discharged outside, is connected to the front supporter 30, and a lint filter 52 is mounted in the lint duct 50.
  • a portion of the blower unit 60 is connected to the lint duct 50, and an opposite portion of the blower unit 60 is connected to the exhaustion duct 80.
  • the exhaustion duct 80 is in communication with the air outlet 184 provided at the rear cover 18.
  • the blower unit 60 operates, the air in the drum 20 flows through the lint duct 50, the exhaustion duct 80 and the air outlet 184 in order, and is discharged outside. At this time, foreign substances including lint are filtered out by the lint filter 52.
  • the blower unit 60 typically includes a blower 62 and a blower housing 64.
  • the blower 62 is commonly connected to the motor 70 for driving the drum 20 to be driven.
  • An opening portion 42 including a plurality of through-holes is formed at the rear supporter 40, and the hot air supply duct 44 is connected to the opening portion 42.
  • the hot air supply duct 44 is in communication with the drum 20, and serves as a path for supplying hot air to the drum 20.
  • a hot air heater (not shown) is mounted in a predetermined portion of the hot air supply duct 44.
  • the steam generating device 200 is mounted in a predetermined portion of the cabinet 10 to generate steam and supply the steam to the drum 20.
  • this embodiment shows that a water supply source 300 storing water is removably mounted in the laundry dryer to supply water to the steam generating device 200 (the steam generating device 200 is not directly connected to a water tap).
  • the reason for supplying water to the steam generating device 200 by use of the water supply source 300 is that the laundry dryer having no water washing process is not necessarily needed to be directly connected to a water tap, which might cause increase in installing costs due to an additional water supply hose, control unit and so on.
  • the water supply source 300 is removably mounted in the laundry dryer to supply water to the steam generating device 200.
  • the water supply source 300 is positioned at the front side of the cabinet 10.
  • a water supply path 210 is mounted in the laundry dryer so as to supply water from the water supply source 300 to the steam generating device 200.
  • the water supply source 300 is formed with a space to hold water thereinside, and an outlet hole (not shown) at a predetermined portion, through which water flows out to the water supply path 210.
  • the outlet hole is separably connected with the water supply path 210.
  • the water supply source 300 is mounted in a drawer 100 so as to be put in or drawn out of the laundry dryer at the front surface of the front cover 16.
  • a guide part 110 is mounted in the laundry dryer so as to guide the drawer 100 toward the water supply path 210.
  • the water supply path 210 serves as a path for supplying water flowing out of the water supply source 300 to the steam generating device 200, and is mounted between the water supply source 300 and the steam generating device 200.
  • a pump 120 is mounted in the water supply path 210, so as to smoothly supply water from the water supply source 300 to the steam generating device 200.
  • the laundry dryer may be designed such that water is supplied from the water supply source 300 to the steam generating device 200 by use of a height difference between the water supply source 300 and the steam generating device 200.
  • a height difference between the water supply source 300 and the steam generating device 200 is structurally limited.
  • the compact pump 120 is mounted in the water supply path 210 so as to smoothly supply water to the steam generating device 200.
  • the pump 120 capable of being rotated in forward and reverse directions is mounted, there is an advantage such that water is not only supplied from the water supply source 300 to the steam generating device 200 but also can be easily collected from the steam generating device 200 to the water supply source 300.
  • the reason for collecting water from the steam generating device 200 when the steam generating device 200 is in a non-operating state is to inhibit a problem such that residual water in the steam generating device 200 may be rotten and the rotten water may be supplied into the laundry dryer.
  • the water supply path 210 includes a connecting port 211 mounted to the guide part 110, corresponding to the outlet hole of the water supply source 300, a water supply hose 213 to connect the pump 120 and the steam generating device 200, and a connecting pipe 212 to connect the pump 120 and the connecting port 211.
  • the steam generating device 200 is formed with a water supply port 501 at an upper portion thereof, and one end portion of the water supply hose 213 is connected to the water supply port 501. Accordingly, the water supply hose 213 connected to the water supply port 501 formed at the upper portion of the steam generating device 200 forms a backflow inhibiting means.
  • the water supply port 501 formed at the upper portion of the steam generating device 200 is positioned above a highest water level (A) to which water can be supplied to the steam generating device 200.
  • A water level
  • This is for inhibiting the water in the steam generating device 200 from flowing back due to a hydraulic pressure and leaking through the pump 120 when the water supply source 300 is removed from the cabinet 10.
  • the water supply port 501 is formed above the highest water level of the steam generating device 200, although water remains in the steam generating device 200, a hydraulic pressure of the residual water is inhibited from being exerted to the water supply hose 213 through the water supply port 501.
  • the other end portion of the water supply hose 213 is connected to the pump 120.
  • the residual water in the water supply hose 213 inhibits deformation or damage of the pump 120, which might be caused by operation of the pump 120 without water.
  • the steam generating device 200 has a T-shape overall.
  • the steam generating device 200 includes a lower housing 400 which holds water and has a water chamber 410 mounted with a heater 420 for heating the water, and an upper housing 500 which is provided above the water chamber 410 and has a steam chamber 510 for storing steam generated by heating the water.
  • the lower housing 400 and the upper housing 500 of the steam generating device 200 may be provided separately from each other as described above, or may be formed unitarily with each other.
  • the lower housing 400 includes a first portion 401 which is mounted with the heater 420 and has a predetermined horizontal length and a vertical length larger than the horizontal length (hereinafter, the first portion will be referred to as a "main portion"), and a second portion 402 which is extended upward from a top of the main portion 401 to be coupled to the upper housing 500 and has a width larger than the main portion 401 (hereinafter, the second portion will be referred to as an "expanded portion").
  • the heater 420 is mounted in the main portion 401 of the water chamber 410, the relatively small amount of water is held in the main portion 401, and the relatively large amount of water is held in the expanded portion 402 and the upper housing 500.
  • the expanded portion 402 is formed to be slanted downward toward a center portion thereof. This is for inhibiting foreign substances such as lime from being deposited to an electrode of a water level sensor 520 mounted in the steam generating device 200.
  • the lower housing 400 is provided with a drain part 430 through which the water in the water chamber 410 is discharged outside.
  • the drain part 430 is provided with an opening/closing member 431 to open or close the drain part 430. If the opening/closing member 431 opens the drain part 430, the water in the water chamber 410 can be discharged outside.
  • the steam generating device 200 is used successively, foreign substances such as lime are accumulated in the steam generating device 200. Since the foreign substances are discharged together with the water when the water in the water chamber 410 is discharged outside through the opened drain part 430, the foreign substances can be inhibited from being accumulated in the steam generating device 200.
  • the opening/closing member 431 may be configured as a drain cap which is manually handled to open or close the drain part 430 by a user or a repairman, or may be configured as a device which is automatically operated to perform the opening/closing operation.
  • the opening/closing member 431 may be configured as a solenoid valve.
  • the opening/closing member 431 may be formed by using a siphon principle.
  • the steam generating device 200 of this embodiment has a T-shape overall, a horizontal length of the steam generating device 200 can be reduced while the steam generating device 200 holds the same amount of water as a conventional one. Accordingly, interference between the drum 20 and the steam generating device 200 can be decreased.
  • the steam generating device 200 of this embodiment is controlled to generate the same amount of steam as a conventional one, the amount of water and a time necessary to generate steam can be reduced.
  • the upper housing 500 is provided with the aforementioned water supply port 501, through which water is supplied to the upper housing 500, and a steam discharge port 502, through which steam is discharged out of the upper housing 500, at predetermined portions.
  • the upper housing 500 has an upwardly-protruding portion, and the water supply port 501 and the steam discharge port 502 are provided at the protruding portion.
  • the aforementioned water supply hose 213 is connected to the water supply port 501 for water supply, and a steam hose 215 is connected to the steam discharge port 502 for steam supply.
  • the upper housing 500 has the water supply port 501 connected with the water supply hose 213 and the steam discharge port 502 connected with the steam hose 215, the water supply hose 213 and the steam hose 215 can be inhibited from interfering with other components mounted in the laundry dryer when the steam generating device 200 is mounted into the laundry dryer.
  • the upper housing 500 is mounted with the aforementioned water level sensor 520 and a temperature sensor 530.
  • the water level sensor 520 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the water supply port 501.
  • the water level sensor 520 is disposed at a deviated position from the water supply port 501 in the water supply direction. This is for inhibiting water discharged from the water supply port 501 from splashing and touching the water level sensor 520, thereby inhibiting erroneous operation of the water level sensor 520.
  • the water level sensor 520 is mounted adjacent to an inner wall of the upper housing 500 and positioned above the expanded portion 402 of the lower housing 400 rather than above the main portion 401. According to another aspect, it is also preferred that the water level sensor 520 is mounted at a predetermined distance from an inner wall of the main portion 401 defining the water chamber 410.
  • Such a mounting structure of the water level sensor 520 can effectively inhibit water or bubbles scattered at the beginning of heating operation of the heater 420 mounted in the main portion 401 from splashing to the water level sensor 520 and causing erroneous operation of the water level sensor 520.
  • the steam generating device 200 of this embodiment has a receiving part 526 which protects the water level sensor 520.
  • the receiving part 526 surrounds electrode parts 521, 522 and 523 of the water level sensor 520, and has an opened bottom.
  • the electrode parts of the water level sensor 520 include a common electrode 521, a low water level electrode 522 and a high water level electrode 523.
  • the water level sensor 520 senses a high water level or a low water level depending on whether electric current flows between the common electrode 521 and the high water level electrode 523 or electric current flows between the common electrode 521 and the low water level electrode 522.
  • the upper housing 500 is provided with the steam discharge port 502 to discharge steam.
  • the upper housing 500 is further provided with a separator 540 at a position adjacent to the steam discharge port 502 so as to separate a specific region, from which steam is discharged outside, from other regions.
  • the separator 540 inhibits the scattered water from being introduced into the drum 20 through the steam discharge port 502. If water is introduced into the drum 20, stains may be generated at the laundry. Such a problem can be inhibited by the separator 540.
  • the separator 540 has a structure of accommodating the steam discharge port 502 and permitting steam to flow thereinto. It is preferred that the separator 540 is configured as a partition wall which is formed with openings 545 so that steam passes therethrough.
  • water is supplied to the water chamber 410 through the water supply hose 213, and steam in the steam chamber 510 is discharged to the drum 20 through steam discharge lines including the steam discharge port 502 and the steam hose 215.
  • water in the steam generating device 200 may be rotten.
  • the water in the steam generating device 200 is required to be collected to the water supply source 300.
  • the pump 120 mounted in the water supply path 210 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pump 120 is rotated to supply water to the steam generating device 200.
  • the steam generating device 200 is provided with a water pipe 550 which has one end communicating with the water supply port 501 and the other end positioned below the water supply port 501.
  • the water pipe 550 is required in order to remove the residual water in the steam generating device 200.
  • the water pipe 550 is extended from the top of the upper housing 500.
  • the water pipe 550 is formed integrally with the upper housing 500 by injection molding or the like.
  • the lower end of the water pipe 550 is positioned below the lower end of the low water level electrode 522 of the water level sensor 520. This is for inhibiting the residual water in the steam generating device 200 after collected from the steam generating device 200 from touching the low water level electrode 522, thereby inhibiting generation of scales on the low water level electrode 522.
  • the water level sensor 520 may be operated erroneously when sensing a low water level by electric current flow between the common electrode 521 and the low water level electrode 522.
  • the lower end of the water pipe 550 is positioned above the upper end of the heater 420. This is for leaving water to a certain extent in the steam generating device 200 so that the heater 420 can be immersed in water even after water is collected from the steam generating device 200.
  • the reason for leaving a certain amount of water in the steam generating device 200 is to inhibit the heater 420 from being overheated, when water is collected from the steam generating device 200 at inadequate circumstances or the steam generating device 200 is operated unexpectedly before water is supplied to the steam generating device 200.
  • the overheated heater 420 may cause a fire or damage of the heater 420 itself or other components mounted in the steam generating device 200.
  • the lower end of the water pipe 550 is positioned on the left side or right side of the heater 420. This is for inhibiting steam or water boiled up by the heater 420 from flowing out through the water supply port 501.
  • the water pipe 550 may be formed to be extended from the water supply port 501 and bent downward. In such a case, it is preferred that the water pipe 550 is provided separately from the upper housing 500 and connected to the water supply port 501. Also, it is preferred that the water pipe 550 is made of a copper material which resists rust.
  • water pipe 550 By providing the water pipe 550, one end of which communicates with the water supply port 501 and the other end of which is positioned below the water supply port 501, water can be collected from the steam generating device 200 while a certain amount of water is left behind in the steam generating device 200, thereby inhibiting supply of steam generated from rotten water to the drum 20.
  • This embodiment of the present invention shows that the water supply source 300 is configured as a cartridge which holds a predetermined amount of water.
  • FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away perspective view showing the interior of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a "B" portion in FIG. 9 .
  • the laundry dryer according to the present invention comprises the cartridge 300 which is removably connected to the pump 120. Water is supplied to the cartridge 300 so as to be supplied to the steam generating device 200.
  • the cartridge 300 includes a lower housing 310 to practically hold water, and an upper housing 320 removably coupled to the lower housing 310.
  • the cartridge 300 is constituted by the lower housing 310 and the upper housing 320 which can be disassembled from each other, it is easy to remove contaminants from the cartridge 300 and to separate a filter 330, which will be described later, from the cartridge 300 to clean and reuse the filter 330.
  • the upper housing 320 is mounted with the first filter 330.
  • the first filter 330 is mounted to a water inlet part 322 of the upper housing 320 so as to perform first-stage filtering operation for water supplied to the cartridge 300.
  • the lower housing 310 is provided with a water path 360, through which water in the cartridge 300 is selectively supplied outside.
  • An opening/closing unit 380 (refer to FIG. 13 ) is provided in the water path 360, so as to inhibit the water in the cartridge 300 from flowing outside when the cartridge 300 is removed from the laundry dryer and permit the water in the cartridge 300 to flow outside when the cartridge 300 is mounted in the laundry dryer.
  • a second filter (not shown) is connected to the water path 360 to filter the water flowing through the water path 360. More preferably, the second filter is removably connected to the water path 360.
  • the concrete constitution of the opening/closing unit 380 mounted in the water path 360 will be explained in detail later.
  • a water-softening member may be provided in the cartridge 300 to soften the water in the cartridge 300.
  • the water-softening member may be removably mounted in the cartridge 300. When hardness of water supplied to the steam generating device 200 is large, the water-softening member serves to remove calcium ions and magnesium ions included in water beforehand, to thereby inhibit generation of lime.
  • the water supply unit 340 includes a pipe member 342 which is removably connected to the water path 360 for communicating the interior of the cartridge 300 with the exterior to discharge water, and a fixing member 349 which selectively fixes the pipe member 342 to the water path 360.
  • the water path 360 for communicating the interior of the cartridge 300 with the exterior includes an inner path 362 (refer to FIG. 11 ) which is inserted into the cartridge 300 by a predetermined length, and an outer path 366 (refer to FIG. 11 ) which communicates with the inner path 362 and is extended outside the cartridge 300 by a predetermined length.
  • the pipe member 342 is removably connected to the inner path 362.
  • the pipe member 342 includes a connecting part 343 removably connected to the inner path 362, and an extended part 348 extended from the connecting part 343.
  • the extended part 348 is bent from the connecting part 343, preferably at an angle of 90°.
  • the fixing member 349 may be configured as a protrusion which is protruded from an outer peripheral surface of the inner path 362, and the connecting part 343 of the pipe member 342 is formed with a slot 350 corresponding to the protrusion 349.
  • the slot 350 includes an insertion portion 352 into which the protrusion 349 is inserted, and a fixing portion 354 which is extended from the insertion portion 352 so as to fix the protrusion 349.
  • the fixing portion 354 is formed to be bent from the insertion portion 352.
  • the extended part 348 of the pipe member 342 is arranged perpendicularly to the bottom of the cartridge 300. This is for minimizing a flowing distance of the water moving through the pipe member 342, thereby more easily discharging the water.
  • the extended part 348 of the pipe member 342 is set to be located substantially perpendicularly to the bottom of the cartridge 300.
  • the present invention may be constituted such that the end of the extended part 348 is located as close to the bottom of the cartridge 300 as possible (first embodiment), or the end of the extended part 348 is contacted with the bottom of the cartridge 300 (second embodiment) when the pipe member 342 is connected to the inner path 362.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view showing an extended part 348a according to the first embodiment of the pipe member 342
  • FIG. 12 is a side view showing an extended part 348b according to the second embodiment of the pipe member 342.
  • the pipe member 342 may be formed such that the end of the extended part 348a is located adjacent to the bottom of the cartridge 300 when the pipe member 342 is connected to the inner path 362.
  • the end of the extended part 348a is positioned at a predetermined gap (C) from the bottom of the cartridge 300.
  • the gap (C) is set to be 1 to 2 mm, so as to smoothly discharge the water near the bottom of the cartridge 300 through the pipe member 342.
  • the gap (C) is not limited to 1 to 2 mm.
  • the second embodiment of the pipe member 342 will now be described with reference to FIG. 12 .
  • the pipe member 342 may be formed such that the end of the extended part 348b is contacted with the bottom of the cartridge 300.
  • the end portion of the extended part 348b is formed with a plurality of holes 344. Accordingly, the water in the cartridge 300 can flow into the pipe member 342 through the holes 344, and can be discharged outside through the pipe member 342. Since the end of the extended part 348b is contacted with the bottom of the cartridge 300, the second embodiment can use a little more water near the bottom of the cartridge 300, when compared to the above-described first embodiment.
  • the opening/closing unit 380 which permits the water in the cartridge 300 to be discharged only when the cartridge 300 is connected to the pump 120.
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the opening/closing unit provided in the water path of the cartridge according to the present invention.
  • the opening/closing unit 380 includes an opening/closing pin 370 which is mounted in the water path 360 to selectively open or close the water path 360 for communicating the interior of the cartridge 300 with the exterior, and an elastic member 364 to apply an elastic force to the opening/closing pin 370.
  • the opening/closing pin 370 is illustrated in FIG. 14 in detail.
  • the opening/closing pin 370 includes a moving part 374 and an opening/closing part 372 coupled to the moving part 374.
  • the moving part 374 has blades formed in a substantially cross shape. Water can flow through spaces between the blades of a cross shape.
  • the opening/closing part 372 is made of a rubber material.
  • An inner sealing member 376 is provided between the moving part 374 and a blocking wall 367 formed in the outer path 366.
  • An outer sealing member 369 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer path 366.
  • the elastic member 364 applies an elastic force to the opening/closing pin 370 in the water path 360 so that the opening/closing pin 370 is elastically biased to the outer path 366, and the opening/closing part 372 of the opening/closing pin 370 and the inner sealing member 376 close the outer path 366.
  • the inner sealing member 376 is formed in a ring shape. The inner sealing member 376 comes into close contact with the blocking wall 367 by the elastic force of the elastic member 364, and closes the outer path 366.
  • the connecting port 211 is provided with a protrusion at a center portion thereof.
  • the protrusion provided in the connecting port 211 pushes the opening/closing pin 370 toward the interior of the cartridge 300, and accordingly the opening/closing pin 370 is moved toward the inner path 362 against the elastic force of the elastic member 364.
  • the opening/closing unit 380 is provided with a stopper 390 which inhibits separation of the elastic member 364 when the pipe member 342 is removed.
  • the stopper 390 may be press-fitted in the end portion of the inner path 362.
  • one end of the elastic member 364 is supported by the opening/closing pin 370, and the other end of the elastic member 364 is supported by the pipe member 342 (not by the stopper 390), as shown in FIG. 11 or 12 .
  • the elastic member 364 may be easily damaged or missing.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the stopper 390.
  • the stopper 390 has a diameter a little larger than an inner diameter of the inner path 362 so as to be press-fitted in the inner path 362. Such press-fitting of the stopper 390 in the inner path 362 inhibits the stopper 390 from being easily separated from the inner path 362.
  • the stopper 390 is formed with an opening 392, through which water can flow.
  • a user Before driving the laundry dryer, a user dismantles the cartridge 300 from the cabinet 10, and fills water into the cartridge 300. Then, a user mounts the cartridge 300 to the cabinet 10.
  • a user operates the laundry dryer to perform a steam supply mode
  • water is supplied from the cartridge 300 to the steam generating device 200 by the pump 120.
  • the water in the steam generating device 200 is heated, and steam is supplied to the drum 20.
  • the water supply unit 340 is provided in the cartridge 300, the water held in the cartridge 300, even near the bottom of the cartridge 300, can be used as much as possible.
  • the pump 120 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pump 120 is rotated to supply the water, so as to collect the residual water in the steam generating device 200 to the cartridge 300.
  • a certain amount of water corresponding to a water level between the heater 420 and the water level sensor 520 remains in the steam generating device 200 by the water pipe 500 provided in the steam generating device 200.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Polarising Elements (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung, die umfasst:
    eine Trommel (20), um Wäsche zu halten;
    eine Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200), um der Trommel (20) Dampf zuzuführen;
    eine Wasserzufuhrquelle (300), um der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) Wasser zuzuführen;
    einen Wasserzufuhranschluss (501), der in einem oberen Abschnitt der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) ausgebildet ist, um zu verhindern, dass Wasser von der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) zurückfließt, wenn die Wasserzufuhrquelle (300) entfernt wird,
    gekennzeichnet durch
    eine Pumpe (120), die zwischen der Wasserzufuhrquelle (300) und der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) verbunden ist, wobei sich ein Auslassanschluss (121) der Pumpe (120) an einer Stelle unterhalb des Wasserzufuhranschlusses (501) befindet, und
    einen Wasserzufuhrschlauch (213), der zwischen dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) und dem Auslassanschluss (121) verbunden ist.
  2. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) oberhalb eines höchsten Wasserpegels der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) positioniert ist.
  3. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Pumpe (120) wahlweise betätigt wird, um Wasser durch den Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) zuzuführen oder zu sammeln.
  4. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Pumpe (120) in Vorwärts- und Rückwärtsrichtung gedreht werden kann.
  5. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) ein Gehäuse aufweist, das mit dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) ausgebildet ist, und ein Wasserrohr (550) aufweist, wovon ein erstes Ende mit dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) kommuniziert und ein zweites Ende unter dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) positioniert ist.
  6. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) ferner einen Wasserpegelsensor (520) aufweist, um einen Wasserpegel in dem Gehäuse zu erfassen, und das Wasserrohr (550) ein unteres Ende besitzt, das unter einem unteren Ende des Wasserpegelsensors (520) positioniert ist.
  7. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) ferner eine Heizeinrichtung (420) aufweist und das Wasserrohr (550) ein unteres Ende besitzt, das über einem unteren Ende der Heizeinrichtung (420) positioniert ist.
  8. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Gehäuse ein oberes Gehäuse (500), das mit dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) ausgebildet ist, und ein unteres Gehäuse (400), an dem die Heizeinrichtung (420) montiert ist, aufweist.
  9. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei das untere Gehäuse (400) einen Hauptabschnitt (401), an dem die Heizeinrichtung (420) montiert ist, und einen erweiterten Abschnitt (402), der mit dem oberen Gehäuse (500) gekoppelt ist, aufweist, wobei der erweiterte Abschnitt (402) eine Breite besitzt, die größer als jene des Hauptabschnitts (401) ist.
  10. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei das untere Ende des Wasserrohrs (550) auf einer linken Seite oder einer rechten Seite der Heizeinrichtung (420) positioniert ist.
  11. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Wasserrohr (550) einteilig mit dem Gehäuse ausgebildet ist.
  12. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei sich das Wasserrohr (550) von dem Wasserzufuhranschluss (501) erstreckt und nach unten gebogen ist.
  13. Kleidungsstück-Behandlungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, die ferner umfasst:
    eine Wasserzufuhreinheit (340), die der Dampferzeugungsvorrichtung (200) Wasser von der Wasserzufuhrquelle (300) zuführen kann, wobei die Wasserzufuhreinheit (340) ein Rohrelement (342) enthält, wovon ein Ende mit dem Boden der Wasserzufuhrvorrichtung (300) in Kontakt ist oder wovon ein Rohrelement (342) über einen vorgegebenen Spalt (C) in Bezug auf den Boden der Wasserzufuhrquelle (300) positioniert ist, um etwas Wasser in der Wasserzufuhrquelle zurückzulassen.
EP08007970A 2007-04-25 2008-04-24 Kleiderbehandlungsvorrichtung Active EP1985742B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020070040316A KR100845872B1 (ko) 2007-04-25 2007-04-25 스팀건조기
KR1020070040319A KR100833866B1 (ko) 2007-04-25 2007-04-25 스팀건조기
KR1020070097258A KR101443616B1 (ko) 2007-09-27 2007-09-27 의류처리장치 및 상기 의류처리장치에 구비되는스팀발생장치

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1985742A1 EP1985742A1 (de) 2008-10-29
EP1985742B1 true EP1985742B1 (de) 2010-09-22

Family

ID=39637070

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08007970A Active EP1985742B1 (de) 2007-04-25 2008-04-24 Kleiderbehandlungsvorrichtung

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20080276659A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1985742B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE482309T1 (de)
DE (1) DE602008002626D1 (de)

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7913419B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2011-03-29 Whirlpool Corporation Non-tumble clothes dryer
DE102007007354B4 (de) 2006-02-20 2013-10-10 Lg Electronics Inc. Wäschetrockner und Verfahren zur Steuerung
KR100830514B1 (ko) 2006-06-12 2008-05-21 엘지전자 주식회사 건조기 및 그 제어방법
KR101341461B1 (ko) * 2006-12-15 2013-12-16 엘지전자 주식회사 스팀 건조기
US7997006B2 (en) * 2007-01-12 2011-08-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry machine and control method thereof
KR101348719B1 (ko) 2007-03-06 2014-01-16 엘지전자 주식회사 이물질 채집 장치
KR101441917B1 (ko) * 2007-03-06 2014-09-29 엘지전자 주식회사 이물질 채집 장치 및 이를 적용한 세탁기
KR101348718B1 (ko) 2007-03-06 2014-01-10 엘지전자 주식회사 이물질 채집 장치 및 이를 구비한 세탁기
KR101432585B1 (ko) * 2007-03-06 2014-08-22 엘지전자 주식회사 이물질 채집 장치 및 이의 청소방법
KR101360205B1 (ko) * 2007-03-06 2014-02-12 엘지전자 주식회사 이물질 채집 장치 및 이를 적용한 세탁기
ES2374767T3 (es) 2008-04-30 2012-02-21 Lg Electronics Inc. Lavadora.
EP2113596B1 (de) 2008-04-30 2011-11-16 LG Electronics Inc. Waschmaschine
KR101608760B1 (ko) 2008-04-30 2016-04-04 엘지전자 주식회사 의류처리장치
CN103270373B (zh) * 2010-12-29 2015-11-25 阿塞里克股份有限公司 包括蒸汽产生器的烹调设备
DE102011087608B3 (de) * 2011-12-01 2013-01-03 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wäschetrockner mit passivem Löschsystem
WO2014075897A1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2014-05-22 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A laundry washing and/or drying machine
EP2821540B1 (de) * 2013-07-03 2020-10-14 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Haushaltsgerät zur Wäschetrocknung mit einer Dampfdüseneinheit
CN106702676B (zh) * 2015-07-27 2020-11-10 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种用于洗衣机的蒸汽发生装置及洗衣机
KR102407647B1 (ko) * 2015-08-17 2022-06-10 엘지전자 주식회사 건조기
US11377775B2 (en) * 2018-06-27 2022-07-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine
KR102688977B1 (ko) * 2018-06-27 2024-07-26 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기
CN112726135B (zh) * 2020-12-24 2023-04-14 云米互联科技(广东)有限公司 衣物处理装置、加热元件的防结垢方法

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4495960A (en) * 1982-09-24 1985-01-29 Whirlpool Corporation Suds return valve for automatic washers
EP1441059B1 (de) 2003-01-25 2012-01-18 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Verfahren zur Behandlung von Textilien in einem Haushaltswäschetrockner
US7406842B2 (en) * 2003-08-13 2008-08-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine
KR100698147B1 (ko) 2005-02-25 2007-03-26 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기의 제어방법
KR100763386B1 (ko) * 2005-02-25 2007-10-05 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기의 제어방법
KR100808176B1 (ko) 2005-03-25 2008-02-29 엘지전자 주식회사 드럼세탁기용 스팀발생장치
DE112006000052B4 (de) 2005-05-23 2011-07-07 Lg Electronics Inc., Seoul Wäschemaschine mit Dampfgenerator
KR101235193B1 (ko) 2005-06-13 2013-02-20 삼성전자주식회사 세탁기 및 그 제어방법
KR20070078329A (ko) 2006-01-26 2007-07-31 엘지전자 주식회사 스팀발생장치 및 이를 이용한 세탁기
EP1862581B2 (de) 2006-06-01 2020-09-09 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Haushaltsgeräts, insbesondere eines Trockners oder einer Waschmaschine, und Haushaltsgerät
AU2007259558B2 (en) 2006-06-12 2010-10-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry dryer and method for controlling the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080276659A1 (en) 2008-11-13
ATE482309T1 (de) 2010-10-15
EP1985742A1 (de) 2008-10-29
DE602008002626D1 (de) 2010-11-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1985742B1 (de) Kleiderbehandlungsvorrichtung
US7987616B2 (en) Laundry machine
EP1936023B1 (de) Dampftrockner
EP1932963B1 (de) Waschmaschine
EP1900865B1 (de) Wäschetrockner
US9657429B2 (en) Laundry machine
US8196439B2 (en) Laundry machine including a support module with a drawer based detachable water supply
US20090307921A1 (en) Laundry dryer and method for controlling the same
US8176656B2 (en) Laundry dryer
EP1990467B1 (de) Waschmaschine
KR100845872B1 (ko) 스팀건조기
JP2006262969A (ja) ドラム式洗濯機
KR101241897B1 (ko) 건조기
KR100833866B1 (ko) 스팀건조기
KR100925434B1 (ko) 스팀발생장치
KR101265611B1 (ko) 건조기
KR100983279B1 (ko) 건조기
KR101342366B1 (ko) 스팀 건조기
KR101265610B1 (ko) 건조기
KR101443616B1 (ko) 의류처리장치 및 상기 의류처리장치에 구비되는스팀발생장치

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 HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090428

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO 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 HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602008002626

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20101104

Kind code of ref document: P

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: 20100922

Ref country code: NO

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: 20101222

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20100922

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

Ref country code: HR

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

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

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: 20100922

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: 20101223

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: 20100922

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

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

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: 20110124

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

Effective date: 20100922

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: 20110122

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

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

Effective date: 20100922

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20110102

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: 20110623

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: 20100922

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008002626

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110623

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: 20110430

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

Ref country code: MT

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: 20100922

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20110424

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: 20120430

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20120430

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: 20110424

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: 20100922

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: 20100922

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: 20101222

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: 20100922

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

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: NL

Payment date: 20170310

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180501

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: 20180501

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20220307

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20220316

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Effective date: 20230424

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: 20230424

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: 20230424

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20230430

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240305

Year of fee payment: 17