EP2115207A2 - Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles - Google Patents

Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles

Info

Publication number
EP2115207A2
EP2115207A2 EP07825729A EP07825729A EP2115207A2 EP 2115207 A2 EP2115207 A2 EP 2115207A2 EP 07825729 A EP07825729 A EP 07825729A EP 07825729 A EP07825729 A EP 07825729A EP 2115207 A2 EP2115207 A2 EP 2115207A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
refrigerant
heat exchanger
articles
drum
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07825729A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2115207B1 (fr
Inventor
Fulvio Nuzzo
Tiziano Cotti
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.)
F M B FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA SpA
Original Assignee
F M B FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by F M B FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA SpA filed Critical F M B FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA SpA
Publication of EP2115207A2 publication Critical patent/EP2115207A2/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2115207B1 publication Critical patent/EP2115207B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • D06F43/00—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents
    • D06F43/08—Associated apparatus for handling and recovering the solvents
    • D06F43/086—Recovering the solvent from the drying air current
    • D06F43/088—Condensing 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
    • D06F43/00—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents
    • D06F43/007—Dry cleaning methods
    • 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
    • D06F43/00—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents
    • D06F43/08—Associated apparatus for handling and recovering the solvents
    • D06F43/086—Recovering the solvent from the drying air current

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a machine for dry-cleaning articles such as clothes, household linen, towels, curtains and the like.
  • the present invention relates to the drying circuit of such a machine which is also designed to simultaneously perform an action, also known as abatement, removing from the articles the solvent used for dry-cleaning.
  • prior art dry-cleaning machines comprising a drying and abatement circuit which, also integrating the drum in which the articles are treated, comprise a fan for circulation of the air, a condenser for condensing the solvent contained in the air and a heating element for heating the air before reintroducing it into the drum in which, thanks to its high temperature, it can remove the dry- cleaning solvent from the articles by vaporisation.
  • the condenser usually consists of the evaporator of a refrigeration circuit whilst the condenser of the same circuit forms the above-mentioned air heating element.
  • additional heating elements are used, positioned in series relative to the refrigeration system condenser.
  • Such additional heating elements are usually of the type with an electric heating element or steam powered.
  • heating elements are not without disadvantages. Irrespective of the specific type selected, it involves considerable energy absorption with consequent increases in the costs per dry-cleaning cycle.
  • the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantage with a machine for dry-cleaning articles such as clothes, household linen, towels, curtains and the like, which allows the effective and economical execution of dry-cleaning and drying cycles for said articles, the machine being simple and economical to make and easy and practical to use.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for dry-cleaning articles.
  • the method according to the present invention is described in claim 10 and any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 10.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the machine for dry-cleaning articles in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the machine of Figure 1.
  • the numeral 1 denotes as a whole the machine for dry-cleaning articles in accordance with the present invention.
  • the machine 1 comprises a drum 2 or container in which the articles to be dry-cleaned are inserted.
  • the drum 2 rotates, driven by motor elements of the substantially known type not described or illustrated, about an axis of rotation A.
  • the machine 1 comprises a closed circuit 3 for the circulation of air for drying the articles contained in the drum 2 which are not illustrated.
  • the drum 2 is positioned in the closed circuit 3.
  • the closed circuit 3 comprises a filtering zone 4 designed to catch any materials carried by the air flow, such as hairs and threads detached from the articles during drying.
  • the circuit 3 Downstream of the filtering zone 4, on the circuit 3 there is a fan 5 for moving the air. Downstream of the fan 5, again according to the direction of the arrows FA, the circuit 3 comprises an ascending duct 6 which conveys the air to a condensation battery 7 and to a heating element 8.
  • the condensation battery 7 is designed to condense the solvent in vapour form transported by the flow of drying air, whilst the heating element 8 is designed to raise the temperature of the air circulating along the circuit 3.
  • the solvent is sent to and drained from the drum 2 respectively from and to the collection tank 12.
  • the circuit 3 Downstream of the heating element 8 the circuit 3 comprises a descending duct 13 which introduces the heated air into the drum 2, thus closing the circuit 3.
  • the machine 1 comprises a refrigeration system 14 along which a respective refrigerant flows.
  • the refrigeration system 14 comprises, positioned one after another, a refrigerant compressor 15, a first condenser 16, a refrigerant receiver 17, a filter
  • the refrigeration system 14 for catching any impurities, a refrigerant expansion valve 19 and a first evaporator 20 for the refrigerant.
  • the above-mentioned elements of which the refrigeration system 14 consists are in fluid connection with one another by means of a plurality of pipes having numerous on - off and check valves. Both the pipes and the valves are described in detail below.
  • the first evaporator 20 and the first condenser 16 of the refrigeration system 14 are integrated in the closed circuit 3 to perform a heat exchange with the air circulating in it, and they respectively form the heating element 8 and the condensation battery 7.
  • the first condenser 16 and the first evaporator 20 are therefore two heat exchangers which, in the circuit 3, form respective means for the treatment of the air circulating in the circuit 3.
  • the refrigeration system 14 also comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger 22 which is positioned outside the circuit 3, so that it does not perform any heat exchange with the air circulating in the circuit 3.
  • the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 comprises a respective fan, not illustrated, designed to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange by establishing a forced air flow.
  • the machine 1 comprises a computerised control and operating unit for controlling the opening and closing of the on - off valves according to the different machine 1 operating steps.
  • a first element 23 for detecting the air temperature hereinafter indicated simply as the sensor 23.
  • the articles must be dried to remove the liquid solvent used for dry-cleaning from them.
  • the articles are struck by a flow of hot air.
  • the air treatment that is to say, basically its heating and the removal from it, by condensation, of the vaporised solvent, involves special operating steps by the refrigeration system 14 described above.
  • a first step of heating the air from an ambient temperature t 0 to a predetermined temperature ti is carried out by activating the passage of the refrigerant through the first condenser 16 forming the circuit 3 heating element 8, but without allowing the refrigerant to circulate through the first evaporator 20 forming the circuit 3 condensation battery 7.
  • the air circulating in the circuit 3 is heated after the heat exchange which takes place at the heating element 8 and, therefore, its temperature is raised.
  • a second step with simultaneous heating of the air and condensing of the vapour contained in it takes place starting from the temperature ti until the air reaches a temperature t 2 higher than t ⁇ .
  • the refrigerant passes through both the first condenser 16 to heat the air, and through the first evaporator 20 to condense the solvent contained in the air in vapour form.
  • the first step of only heating the air is therefore a transient step in which the air is heated from the temperature t 0 to the temperature ti.
  • the refrigerant coming out of the compressor 15 flows along the pipe Tl as far as the point Pl of intersection with the pipes T2 and T3. From the point Pl, with the valve V4 open and the valve V5 closed, the refrigerant flows to the first condenser 16, in the direction indicated by the arrow Fl.
  • the refrigerant As it passes through the first condenser 16, the refrigerant is condensed, transferring heat to the air circulating in the closed circuit 3, therefore said air is heated. As it comes out of the first condenser 16, the refrigerant flows along the pipe T4 according to the direction indicated by the arrow F2 until it reaches the point P2 of intersection of the pipe T4 with the pipes T5 and T6.
  • a check valve 21 is advantageously positioned on the pipe T5 close to the point of intersection P3.
  • the refrigerant receiver 17 is of the known type and therefore its functions in the refrigeration system 14 are not described in detail.
  • the refrigerant coming out of the receiver 17 flows along the pipe T7 according to the direction indicated by the arrow F4 and reaches the expansion valve 19.
  • a filter 18 Positioned along the pipe T7 there is a filter 18 for filtering the refrigerant coming out of the receiver 17, catching any impurities present in it.
  • the refrigerant performs a heat exchange with the outside air, absorbing heat from it and evaporating.
  • the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 forms a second evaporator, alternative to the first evaporator 20.
  • the refrigerant does not flow through the first evaporator 20.
  • the refrigerant comes out of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 through the pipe TlO along which it flows according to the direction indicated by the arrow F6 to the point P4 of intersection with the pipes T3, T6 and TIl.
  • the refrigerant flows along the pipe T12 according to the direction indicated by the arrow F8 until it goes back into the compressor 15.
  • the air circulating in the closed circuit 3 is heated by heat exchange with the heating element 8 consisting of the refrigeration system 14 first condenser 16.
  • the transient cycle described above is repeated until the sensor 23 located downstream of the fan 5 detects air temperature values lower than a predetermined value t 2 , for example between 3O 0 C and 4O 0 C. Reaching the temperature value t 2 confirms the end of the transient step and the start of a refrigeration system 14 regular operation step.
  • a predetermined value t 2 for example between 3O 0 C and 4O 0 C.
  • the computerised control and operating unit referred to but not illustrated issues the command to close the valve V6 and simultaneously open the valve Vl.
  • the refrigerant which expanded in the expansion valve 19 flows along the pipe T8 according to the direction indicated by the arrow F9, reaching the first evaporator 20 integrated in the drying circuit 3.
  • the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the moist hot air circulating in the closed circuit 3 and so causing the vaporised solvent present in said hot air to condense.
  • Most of the thermal power removed from the air at the first evaporator 20 is the latent heat of vaporisation.
  • the refrigerant evaporated in the first evaporator 20 then flows along the pipe Tl 3, according to the direction indicated by the arrow FlO, towards the point
  • Machine 1 operation involves transient safety steps during which the refrigeration system 14 cycle is subject to transient modifications compared with its regular operation just described, so as to bring within predetermined safety ranges several parameters such as the air temperature in the circuit 3 or the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigeration system 14.
  • a first transient safety step starting with normal regular operation, if the refrigerant coming out of the compressor 15 reaches a pressure value greater than a predetermined calibration value P 1 of a first pressure switch 24, the computerised control and operating unit closes the valve V4 and, at the same time, opens the valve V5.
  • the refrigerant coming out of the compressor 15, having reached the point Pl of intersection is diverted along the pipe T3 along which it flows according to the direction indicated by the arrow FIl and, having reached the point P4 of intersection, because the valves V3 and V7 are closed, it flows directly towards the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, through the pipe TlO. This time, it flows along the pipe TlO according to the direction indicated by the arrow F12, that is to say, in the opposite direction to that during the transient starting step described above.
  • the computerised unit switches on the respective fan, not illustrated, belonging to the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, so as to make the release of heat to the outside even more efficient.
  • the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 forms a second condenser for the refrigerant, alternative to the first condenser 16.
  • the refrigerant flows along the pipe T6' according to the direction indicated by the arrow F13 and is reintroduced into the receiver 17.
  • the refrigerant again flows through the pipe T7 and from there towards the expansion valve 19.
  • the first transient safety step is concluded as soon as the pressure switch 24 and/or the pressure switch 25 detect refrigerant pressure values less than their respective calibration values P 1 and p 2 .
  • a second transient safety step is implemented, starting with normal regular operation, if a second temperature detection element 26 detects a temperature greater than a predetermined safety value ts for the refrigerant entering the first condenser 16.
  • ts is advantageously approximately 95 0 C.
  • the computerised control and operating unit In the second transient safety step, if it is detected that the refrigerant has reached the temperature value ts, the computerised control and operating unit, not illustrated, by closing on — off valve V2 and simultaneously opening valve V3, diverts the flow coming out of the first condenser 16 along the pipe T6 along which it flows according to the direction indicated by the arrow F13. Having reached the point P4 of intersection, since both of the valves V5 and V7 are closed, the refrigerant flows directly towards the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, through the pipe TlO, along which it flows according to the direction indicated by the arrow F12.
  • the refrigerant transfers heat to the outside before returning to the receiver 17 and, from there, to the expansion valve 19.
  • the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 forms a second condenser for the refrigerant, alternative to the first condenser 16.
  • the computerised control and operating unit returns the valves V2 and V3 to their respective configurations adopted during regular operation of the refrigeration system 14, that is to say: valve V2 open and valve V3 closed.
  • the refrigeration system 14 comprises two additional pressure switches: a third safety pressure switch 27, positioned along the pipe Tl, and a fourth pressure switch 28 for minimum pressure, positioned along the pipe TIl, upstream of the compressor 15.
  • the third safety pressure switch 27 is designed, through the computerised control and operating unit with which it is connected, to stop machine 1 operation if the pressure of the refrigerant exceeds a predetermined safety pressure value.
  • the fourth pressure switch 28 is designed, through the computerised control and operating unit with which it is connected, to stop machine 1 operation if the pressure of the refrigerant is lower than a predetermined pressure value below which the refrigeration system 14 could be damaged.
  • valve means for the refrigeration system 14 form valve means for the refrigeration system 14.
  • valve means together with the computerised control and operating unit referred to but not illustrated, form control means for regulating the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration system 14.
  • Figure 1 does not illustrate means for introducing the solvent into and/or extracting it from the drum 2, since these are of the substantially known type and are not useful to an understanding of the present invention.
  • HFC 134a gas By way of example only, it was proven that using HFC 134a gas
  • the machine operating temperatures are as follows: t ! between 30 and 40 °C, ts between 90 and 100 0 C. Tests have shown optimum machine operation with the air temperature ti set at around 36 0 C and the maximum temperature ts of the refrigerant set at around 95 °C.
  • temperature t 2 is closely linked to the type of articles being dry- cleaned and to the temperatures they can tolerate without deteriorating.
  • An average drying air temperature t 2 able to allow effective drying of articles is, for example, around 70 0 C.
  • the present invention allows the treatment of the air for drying dry-cleaned articles without the need for thermal power in addition to that supplied by the refrigeration system normally coupled to the machine.
  • the machine 1 comprises a circuit 100 for cooling the solvent fed to the drum 2, the circuit 100 extending from the pipe T7, downstream of the filter 18 according to the direction indicated by the arrow F4.
  • the circuit 100 comprises an on - off valve V8, a cooler 101 and, inserted between them, an expansion valve 102.
  • the cooler 101 comprises a coil heat exchanger 103 outside which there flows the above-mentioned solvent to be sent into the drum 2.
  • Figure 2 does not illustrate the respective solvent feed and extraction ducts to and from the cooler 101, since they are considered to be of the substantially known type.
  • the on - off valve V8 the refrigerant coming out of the filter 18 is diverted to the cooling circuit 100 and expands at the expansion valve 102.
  • the refrigerant which expanded in the valve 102 flows along the circuit 100, reaching the cooler 101, where it evaporates, absorbing heat from the solvent circulating outside the coil heat exchanger 103, thus causing the solvent to cool.
  • the circuit 100 joins the pipe T12 again and the refrigerant then flows towards the compressor 15.
  • Use of the solvent cooling circuit 100 disclosed by the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 advantageously allows the temperature of the solvent to be kept within required values, thus guaranteeing, when necessary, the availability of low temperature solvent, for example for dry-cleaning delicate articles.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine (1) de nettoyage à sec et de séchage d'articles tels que des vêtements, du linge de maison, des serviettes, des rideaux et analogues. Cette machine comprend : un tambour rotatif (2) destiné à contenir les articles ; un circuit fermé (3) permettant la circulation de l'air utilisé pour sécher les articles ; et un système de réfrigération (14) servant à traiter l'air de séchage.
EP07825729A 2007-01-29 2007-11-15 Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles Active EP2115207B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000054A ITBO20070054A1 (it) 2007-01-29 2007-01-29 Macchina per il lavaggio a secco di articoli
PCT/IB2007/003619 WO2008139256A2 (fr) 2007-01-29 2007-11-15 Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2115207A2 true EP2115207A2 (fr) 2009-11-11
EP2115207B1 EP2115207B1 (fr) 2012-12-12

Family

ID=40002691

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07825729A Active EP2115207B1 (fr) 2007-01-29 2007-11-15 Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20100043150A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2115207B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2676150A1 (fr)
IT (1) ITBO20070054A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008139256A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2004650A1 (de) * 1969-02-13 1970-09-03 Apaw S.A., Freiburg (Schweiz) Maschine zur Trockenreinigung von Textilien, insbesondere von Kleidungsstücken
DE2426741C3 (de) * 1974-06-01 1982-02-25 Hoechst Ag, 6000 Frankfurt Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Textilien, Leder und Pelzen mit organischem Lösemittel und zum Destillieren des Lösemittels
FR2467009A1 (fr) * 1979-10-10 1981-04-17 Amaten Procede et machine de traitement en milieu solvant
US4499743A (en) * 1982-10-08 1985-02-19 Maestrelli S.P.A. Clothing drycleaning machine
IT1169156B (it) * 1983-01-24 1987-05-27 Firbimatic Srl Dispositivo accessorio per l'abbattimento dei valori di solvente in macchine per il lavaggio a secco di indumenti e simili
JPH0415194Y2 (fr) * 1986-07-07 1992-04-06
CA1266987A (fr) * 1986-11-26 1990-03-27 Maria Luisa Luppi Machine de degraissage a sec
SU1744158A1 (ru) * 1986-12-16 1992-06-30 Центральный научно-исследовательский институт бытового обслуживания Машина дл химической чистки текстильных изделий
JP3138149B2 (ja) * 1994-07-27 2001-02-26 三洋電機株式会社 ドライクリーナ
JP2005024113A (ja) * 2003-06-30 2005-01-27 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 乾燥機
JP2005095291A (ja) * 2003-09-24 2005-04-14 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 洗濯乾燥機
US20050199016A1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2005-09-15 Masaya Tadano Dry cleaner and drying machine
JP2006181219A (ja) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-13 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 乾燥機
JP4108072B2 (ja) * 2004-09-07 2008-06-25 三洋電機株式会社 乾燥機
US7882716B2 (en) * 2005-02-16 2011-02-08 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Dry-cleaning machine

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2008139256A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2676150A1 (fr) 2008-11-20
US20100043150A1 (en) 2010-02-25
WO2008139256A3 (fr) 2009-02-19
EP2115207B1 (fr) 2012-12-12
ITBO20070054A1 (it) 2008-07-30
WO2008139256A2 (fr) 2008-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8910394B2 (en) Tumble dryer comprising a heat pump and heating system and method for operating the same
KR101287789B1 (ko) 공기 흐름에 의해 물품을 처리하기 위한 가전 제품 및, 가전 제품 내의 공기 흐름에 의한 물품 처리 방법
CN101356311B (zh) 具有另外冷凝器的家用干衣机
CN110331566B (zh) 烘干系统及其使用方法
US8438751B2 (en) Dryer with heat recovery and method of operation thereof
EP2513368B1 (fr) Appareil électroménager comprenant un système d'expansion
EP2386678B1 (fr) Sèche-linge à cycle fermé et procédé de séchage de vêtements utilisant un tel sèche-linge
EP2519686B1 (fr) Sèche-linge à pompe à chaleur
EP2385169A1 (fr) Machine à laver avec système de pompe à chaleur et procédé de fonctionnement de la machine à laver
JP2005279257A (ja) 乾燥装置及びその運転方法
EP2598685B1 (fr) Machine et procede pour le nettoyage a sec d'articles
EP2115207B1 (fr) Machine de nettoyage a sec d'articles
EP2716807A1 (fr) Sèche-linge à pompe à chaleur et procédé de fonctionnement du sèche-linge doté de la pompe à chaleur
EP2366828B1 (fr) Sèche-linge doté d'un système de refroidissement du condensateur amélioré
CN113532044A (zh) 包括具有压缩机的热泵回路的家用干燥机及操作其的方法
US6609310B2 (en) Method and apparatus for safety control of the drying cycle in hydrocarbon-solvent dry-cleaning machines
EP3533920B1 (fr) Sèche-linge à pompe à chaleur
ES2403460T3 (es) Procedimiento de control del funcionamiento de una secadora de ropa con bomba de calor y secadora de ropa con bomba de calor asociada
JP2011083505A (ja) 乾燥機
EP3351678A1 (fr) Machine permettant de sécher le linge comprenant une unité de pompe à chaleur et son procédé de fonctionnement
CN113756068A (zh) 具有包括膨胀装置的热泵的家用器具、特别是洗涤物烘干机
JPH09225187A (ja) 溶剤系ドライクリーニング装置

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090717

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

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 MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20100226

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
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 MT NL 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: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 588395

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20121215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007027364

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130207

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20130323

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20121212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 588395

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20121212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

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: 20130313

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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

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: 20130412

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

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: 20130312

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

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20130412

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: 20121212

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: 20121212

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20121212

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

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: 20121212

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130913

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: 20121212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602007027364

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20131115

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: 20131130

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20131130

Ref country code: MC

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: 20121212

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: 20131115

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: 20131115

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: 20121212

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: 20131115

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; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20071115

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: 20121212

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20181127

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20190131

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602007027364

Country of ref document: DE

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: 20200603

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20191130

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20231129

Year of fee payment: 17