EP2222940B1 - Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device - Google Patents

Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2222940B1
EP2222940B1 EP08837604A EP08837604A EP2222940B1 EP 2222940 B1 EP2222940 B1 EP 2222940B1 EP 08837604 A EP08837604 A EP 08837604A EP 08837604 A EP08837604 A EP 08837604A EP 2222940 B1 EP2222940 B1 EP 2222940B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crankshaft
input shaft
phase shift
camshaft
planetary gear
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08837604A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2222940A1 (en
Inventor
Xiaolan Ai
Donald Remboski
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.)
JTEKT Bearings North America LLC
Original Assignee
Koyo Bearings North America LLC
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 Koyo Bearings North America LLC filed Critical Koyo Bearings North America LLC
Publication of EP2222940A1 publication Critical patent/EP2222940A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2222940B1 publication Critical patent/EP2222940B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02Valve drive
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01LCYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F01L1/00Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
    • F01L1/02Valve drive
    • F01L1/024Belt drive

Definitions

  • Camshaft phase shifting devices are used in internal combustion engines to vary valve timing to improve fuel consumption and to improve exhaust gas quality. It is possible with current camshaft shifters to time the operation of the valves for maximum comfort and/or for maximum torque and the highest performance. Camshaft phase shifting devices used today are driven by a crankshaft though a synchronous belt or chain drive.
  • the use of positive/synchronous engagement drive systems i.e. toothed belt drives and chain drives
  • the cost, however, associated with positive engagement drive systems is higher than that of the non-positive engagement drive systems such as flat belt or V-belt drive systems, known as non-synchronous belts.
  • camshaft phasing device that is suitable for being driven by a simple non-positive/non-synchronous belt drive for packaging and cost savings, and yet is adjustable to achieve and maintain desired valve timing, while being electronically controlled for simplicity and high precision.
  • German patent application DE 100 37 942 A1 discloses, for example, a valve control system for an internal combustion engine.
  • the system has a rotor rotated by an engine crankshaft, a camshaft rotated according to the rotation of the rotor to open and close an inlet valve and an outlet valve and a rotation phase controller for variably controlling a rotation phase of the camshaft relative to the rotor, whereby the rotation phase controller is arranged between the rotor and the camshaft.
  • the rotation phase controller has a coupling that can be optionally set into a hold state, in which relative rotation between the rotor and camshaft is prevented in at least one direction, or a disengaged state in which the relative rotation can take place, and a generator of holding torque in the direction in which relative motion is prevented in the hold state.
  • the present disclosure relates to a phase shift device for an internal combustion engine, and in particular, relates to a non-toothed, belt driven phase shift device.
  • the belt driven phase shift device comprises a non-toothed belt and an epiclyclic gear train operatively connected to an input shaft and an output shaft.
  • the input shaft is connected to the crankshaft via the non-toothed belt and the output shaft is connected to a camshaft.
  • the camshaft phase device further includes sensors and a controller, through which the positions of the input and output shafts and the positions of the camshaft and crankshaft are detected and tracked. Should the desired relationship in positions between the crankshaft and camshaft become unsynchronized as determined by an error signal exceeding a tolerance band, correction or compensation is applied to the output shaft through the gear train.
  • the phase shift device of the present disclosure includes an adequate slew rate to achieve real-time compensation for mismatches in relative angular positions between the camshaft and crankshaft resulting from the operation of the non-toothed belt drive system.
  • a drive system for an internal combustion engine E is schematically shown as 10 ( Figure 1 ).
  • the drive system comprises a crankshaft 12 and crankshaft pulley 14; an air-conditioning compressor 16 and compressor pulley 18; a power steering pump 20 and pump pulley 22; a water pump 24 and pump pulley 26; an alternator 28 and alternator pulley 30; tensioner 32 and tension pulley 34; input shafts 36 and associated pulleys 38 and a non-toothed belt 40.
  • the non-synchronous belt 40 operatively connects associated pulleys 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 wherein the crankshaft 12, via its pulley 14. drives the non-synchronous belt 40.
  • the input shaft 36 couples with the input pulley 38 at an end of the input shaft 36.
  • An output shaft 42 couples with a camshaft 44 at an end of the output shaft 42.
  • an electro-mechanic phase shift device of the present disclosure is shown located at the end of a camshaft 44 of the internal combustion engine E.
  • the phase shift device 46 comprises an epicyclic gear train generally shown as 48; a motor generally shown as 50; sensors 51 and associated target wheels 47, 49 in operative connection with the input shaft 36 and the output shaft 42 and an engine control unit ECU.
  • the epicyclic gear train 48 co-axially aligns around the input shaft 36 and the output shaft 42.
  • the epicyclic gear train 48 comprises a first branch in the form of an input sun gear 52, a second branch in the form of an output sun gear 54, and a control branch in the form a carrier 56.
  • the gear train 48 also comprises a first planet gear 58 and a second planet gear 60.
  • the first planet gear 58 may comprise a set of first planet gears
  • the second planet gear 60 may comprise a set of second planet gears.
  • the sets of first planet gears and second planet gears 60 are equally spaced within the carrier 56.
  • the input sun gear 52 meshes with the first set of planet gears 58
  • the output sun gear 54 meshes with the second set of planet gears 60.
  • Each planet gear 58 in the first planet gear set couples to, and thus rotates as a unit with, a corresponding planet gear 60 in the second planet gear set.
  • Planet gears 58, 60 together form a planetary gear pair to rotate about a common axis at the same angular velocity.
  • the planetary gear pairs are supported by a set of planet shafts 62 ( Figure 2 ), through bearings 64.
  • the carrier 56 is supported in a housing 66 though bearings 68.
  • planet gears 58, 60 are substantially identically formed and are integrated as a single gear 70.
  • the single gear 70 has a first gear end 72 and a second gear end 74 correlating to planet gears 58, 60, respectively.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a set of single gears 70 positioned 180 degrees apart.
  • the input shaft 36 connects to input pulley 38 at one end and to the input sun gear 52 at the other end.
  • the input shaft 36 is supported in the housing 66 though bearings 64.
  • the output shaft 42 connects to the output sun gear 54 at one end and couples to camshaft 44 at the other end.
  • the output shaft 42 is supported in the housing 66 through bearings 64.
  • the first and second sun gears 52, 54 may be integrally formed, respectively, from the input shaft 36 and output shaft 42.
  • the motor 50 includes a rotor 76 and a stator 78.
  • the rotor 76 fits over the carrier 56 to establish a firm mechanical connection, so that the carrier 56 rotates with the rotor 76 as a unit.
  • the stator 78 mounts to the housing 66.
  • the input shaft 36 and output shaft 42 may extend beyond the input sun gear 52 and the output sun gear 54 with one piloted on the other through bearing 80 ( Figure 2 ).
  • Input shaft 36 is allowed to rotate with respect to the output shaft 42 when phase shift between the two shafts 36, 42 is desirable.
  • an angular position limiting device generally shown as 82 ( Figs. 1 , 4-6 ) is employed to provide mechanical stops in both rotating directions.
  • the limiting device 82 rotatably couples the input sun gear 52 with the output sun gear 54.
  • the limiting device 82 in an embodiment, comprises a slot 84 positioned on a face 86 of the input sun gear 52 and comprises an extension 88 protruding from another face 90 of the output sun gear 54 such that the extension 88 slidably engages with the slot 84.
  • the extension 88 comprises pins protruding from the output sun gear 54.
  • crankshaft 12 drives the input shaft 36 via the serpentine belt 40 through crankshaft pulley 14 and input pulley 38.
  • the input shaft 36 drives the output shaft 42 through the gear train 48.
  • Sensors 51 monitor the angular velocities and positions of the input shaft 36 and output shaft 42 via target wheels 47, 49. The sensors 51 then communicate the shaft information to the engine control unit ECU.
  • the effective creep rate defined as a percentage pitch line velocity loss with respect to pitch line velocity of the crankshaft pulley 14 is denoted below as " ⁇ ".
  • the pulley size for the crankshaft 12 and the input shaft 36 such that the resulting angular velocity ratio ⁇ according to equation (1) is substantially close to 2.
  • ⁇ C angular speed of the carrier 56
  • ⁇ S1 angular speed of the input shaft 36
  • ⁇ S2 angular speed of the output shaft 42
  • N S1 , N S2 number of teeth for the first and second sun gears 52, 54, respectively
  • N P1 , N P2 number of teeth for the first and second sun gears 52, 54, respectively
  • N P1 , N P2 number
  • N P1 , N P2 number of teeth for the first and second planet gear ends 72, 74, respectively.
  • the sensitivity of the speed ratio ( ⁇ C / ⁇ S1 ) to creep rate at its nominal value ⁇ 0 is ⁇ ⁇ C / ⁇ S ⁇ 1 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇
  • i b 0.96
  • ⁇ 0 1 %
  • ⁇ 0 ⁇ 25 %
  • a controller operatively connects to the engine control unit ECU and the motor 50.
  • the controller is configured to receive engine operating signals generated by the engine control unit ECU and to receive signals from position sensors 51 coupled to the input shaft 36 and to the output shaft 42 and in response thereto generates and sends a command signal to the motor 50 to command the motor 50 to control the planetary gear train 48 through the carrier 56 to adjust the phase shift angle between the camshaft 12 and the crankshaft 44.
  • Figure 4 shows another control structure for achieving the desired angular position of the output shaft 42.
  • Figure 4 shows a torque-based control structure, generally shown as 92, suitable for use with the camshaft phasing device 46 of the present disclosure for achieving the desired angular position of the output shaft 42 with respect to the position of the crankshaft 12.
  • the main control variable is the camshaft angle which is defined as the angular position of the camshaft 44 with respect to the position of the crankshaft 12.
  • the control torque based control structure 92 comprises a controller 94 operatively connected to the engine E and the engine control unit 96 (ECU).
  • the controller 94 Based on information the controller 94 receives from the engine control unit 96, the controller 94 generates a torque command signal 98, such as a voltage signal.
  • the received information includes, but is not limited to: a camshaft phase shift set point (reference); the actual camshaft phase shift angle measured from angular position sensor signals; a camshaft torque load and a camshaft angular position.
  • the actual camshaft phase shift angle is compared to a reference value to generate a differential (error) signal.
  • the differential or error signal is then fed to a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) compensator 100 of the controller 94 to generate a feed back torque signal 102.
  • PID proportional-integral-derivative
  • This feed back torque signal 102 can be used to generate the torque command signal 98 to command the motor 50 to control to adjust the camshaft phase angle such that the error signal to the input of the PID compensator 100 or lead/lag compensator is reduced to an acceptable level. In doing so, the desired cam phase shift is achieved.
  • the compensator 100 may comprise a proportional-and-derivative compensator (PD), a lead/lag compensator or a lead compensator.
  • the control system may experience disturbances as the camshaft torque varies as a function of the cam phase angle during valve lift events.
  • the controller 94 may further include a feed forward branch or block 104 for processing and computing the anticipated torque disturbances.
  • the resulting feed forward torque signal 106 generated from the anticipated torque disturbance is fed forward to, and combined with, the output signal of the PID compensator 100 (or lead/lag compensator), forming the torque command signal 98.
  • the anticipated torque disturbance also referred to as feed forward torque, is determined from two components, T rq_static and T rq_friction .
  • T rq_static is calculated from the frictionless static equilibrium condition of the three-branch gear drive.
  • T rq_friction is the component required to overcome the frictional torque for current camshaft torque load.
  • the sign of T rq_friction is determined by the relative speed between the carrier 56 and the input shaft 36 (or the output shaft 42).
  • T cam is the camshaft torque load, which is a function of the phase angle of the camshaft.
  • the cam phase angle can be expressed by an analytical equation or as a look-up table.
  • the function sgn(v) represents the sign of the relative speed v between the carrier 56 and the input shaft 36.
  • the function f ( T cam ) represents the magnitude of frictional torque T rq_friction .
  • T ffwd can be determined in dynamometer test as a function of engine torque and speed. The calibrated test data can then be stored in on-board memory devices (not shown) for real-time access.
  • control structure 92 automatically controls the motor speed ⁇ C such that the speed relationship set forth by equation (3) is maintained.
  • controller 94 adjusts the motor speed ⁇ C to cause the cam phase angle change over a small period of time to achieve the desired cam phase angle at the end of the shifting event.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
  • Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
  • Retarders (AREA)
EP08837604A 2007-10-09 2008-10-09 Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device Not-in-force EP2222940B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US97856807P 2007-10-09 2007-10-09
PCT/US2008/079274 WO2009049001A1 (en) 2007-10-09 2008-10-09 Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2222940A1 EP2222940A1 (en) 2010-09-01
EP2222940B1 true EP2222940B1 (en) 2011-05-18

Family

ID=40350039

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08837604A Not-in-force EP2222940B1 (en) 2007-10-09 2008-10-09 Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20100218738A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP2222940B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP2010540844A (ko)
KR (1) KR20100100754A (ko)
CN (1) CN101821484A (ko)
AT (1) ATE510109T1 (ko)
WO (1) WO2009049001A1 (ko)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4505546B1 (ja) * 2009-12-07 2010-07-21 正夫 櫻井 可変バルブタイミング装置
US8667937B2 (en) 2011-03-07 2014-03-11 Caterpillar Inc. Apparatus for sensing cam phaser position
DE112014002843T5 (de) * 2013-07-10 2016-03-03 Borgwarner Inc. Stellungsregelung einer Stellwelle für elektrische Phasenversteller und Verfahren zur Kalibrierung
JP6226021B2 (ja) * 2016-04-28 2017-11-08 株式会社明電舎 試験システムのダイナモメータ制御装置
DE102019113300B3 (de) * 2019-05-20 2020-07-09 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Verfahren zum Betrieb eines elektromechanischen Nockenwellenverstellers

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3603296A (en) * 1970-04-02 1971-09-07 Gen Motors Corp Engine camshaft and accessory drive
JPS5877110A (ja) * 1981-11-04 1983-05-10 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd 内燃機関の動弁機構
JPS59150911A (ja) * 1983-02-16 1984-08-29 Yamaha Motor Co Ltd 内燃機関のカム軸駆動用同期ベルトの張力調節装置
US4615308A (en) * 1983-03-11 1986-10-07 Mazda Motor Corporation Auxiliary mechanism driving device in a V-type engine
JP2604397B2 (ja) * 1988-01-28 1997-04-30 マツダ株式会社 V型エンジン
JPH02204603A (ja) * 1989-01-31 1990-08-14 Mazda Motor Corp V型エンジンの動弁装置
US5121717A (en) * 1990-11-28 1992-06-16 Ford Motor Company Internal combustion engine camshaft phase shift control system
DE19717668A1 (de) * 1996-04-26 1997-11-06 Phat Chon Dipl Ing Chau Riemen mit Anzeigevorrichtung(en)
JP3985305B2 (ja) * 1997-10-07 2007-10-03 マツダ株式会社 回転位相制御装置
EP0918142B1 (en) * 1997-11-21 2003-10-15 Mazda Motor Corporation Apparatus for controlling rotational phase
DE19804943A1 (de) * 1998-02-07 1999-08-12 Bosch Gmbh Robert Brennkraftmaschine
JP2001107712A (ja) 1999-08-03 2001-04-17 Unisia Jecs Corp 内燃機関のバルブタイミング制御装置
DE19943917A1 (de) * 1999-09-14 2001-03-15 Volkswagen Ag Verfahren zur Überwachung des Verschleißes eines mit einem Zahnriemen ausgestatteten Nockenwellenantriebes
JP2001099249A (ja) * 1999-10-01 2001-04-10 Bando Chem Ind Ltd エンジン用ベルト伝動システム
DE10054796A1 (de) * 2000-11-04 2002-06-13 Ina Schaeffler Kg Vorrichtung zur Drehwinkelverstellung einer Welle gegenüber ihrem Antrieb
DE102004018947A1 (de) * 2004-04-20 2005-11-17 Daimlerchrysler Ag Verstellgetriebe für eine Nockenwellenanordnung
JP4293050B2 (ja) * 2004-05-12 2009-07-08 トヨタ自動車株式会社 可変圧縮比内燃機関のバルブタイミング制御システム
JP2006056972A (ja) * 2004-08-19 2006-03-02 Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd 導電性シームレスベルト
JP4626345B2 (ja) * 2005-03-09 2011-02-09 株式会社ジェイテクト 車両のステアリング装置
JP2006275274A (ja) * 2005-03-30 2006-10-12 Jtekt Corp 回転伝動装置
US20060254548A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Andrzej Dec Belt drive kit and module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2010540844A (ja) 2010-12-24
US20100218738A1 (en) 2010-09-02
ATE510109T1 (de) 2011-06-15
WO2009049001A1 (en) 2009-04-16
KR20100100754A (ko) 2010-09-15
EP2222940A1 (en) 2010-09-01
CN101821484A (zh) 2010-09-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9664254B2 (en) Split ring carrier with eccentric pin with spring compliance and speed dependence
US7308877B2 (en) Variable valve timing controller for internal combustion engine
EP2222940B1 (en) Non-synchronous belt driven camshaft phase shift device
CN106195134B (zh) 弹簧加载的行星齿轮组件
US20160327124A1 (en) Off-axis-loaded anti-backlash planetary drive for e-phaser
US20150315939A1 (en) Split ring gear planetary cam phaser
US20100064997A1 (en) Continuous camshaft phase shifting apparatus
EP1898058A1 (en) Variable valve timing controller for internal combustion engine
US20080071463A1 (en) Variable valve timing controller for internal combustion engine
US8813703B2 (en) Method for adjusting a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, camshaft adjustment system, and internal combustion engine having an adjustable crankshaft
US20190301313A1 (en) Electric camshaft phase-shifter with single shaft
US20190107016A1 (en) Tapered roller drive for electric vct phaser
US20110011359A1 (en) Control structure for electro-mechanical camshaft phase shifting device
KR20110104009A (ko) 소형 전기 캠 페이저
US20050229881A1 (en) Device for adjusting the phase position between the camshaft and the crankshaft
CN107923272A (zh) 用于电动相位器的行星齿轮的行程止动件
JP4013274B2 (ja) 内燃機関用バルブタイミング制御装置
JP3136779B2 (ja) 可変バルブタイミング機構の油圧制御装置
JP2001065373A (ja) 可変バルブタイミング機構の油圧制御装置
WO2020188849A1 (ja) 可変バルブタイミング制御装置
CN115788617A (zh) 一种可变气门正时系统及其相位控制方法、发动机及车辆
CN114810268A (zh) 具有可移除固定件的电气致动可变凸轮轴正时调相器
CN111828120A (zh) 传动结构、系统、凸轮轴扭矩的调整方法及发动机
JPH1089019A (ja) 車両用エンジンのバルブオーバラップ調整システム
JP2012237243A (ja) 内燃機関のバルブタイミング調整装置

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: 20100507

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

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602008007100

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20110518

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: 20110919

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110818

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: 20110518

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: 20110918

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: 20110518

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: 20110819

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: 20110829

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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

Effective date: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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

Ref country code: RO

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

Effective date: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20110518

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: 20120221

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: 20111031

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: 20110518

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008007100

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20120629

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: 20120501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008007100

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120501

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20111102

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: 20111009

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: 20110518

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: 20111009

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: 20121009

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

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: 20110818

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: 20121031

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20121031

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20121009

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: 20110518

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: 20110518