EP2455534A1 - Waschmaschine - Google Patents

Waschmaschine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2455534A1
EP2455534A1 EP10192060A EP10192060A EP2455534A1 EP 2455534 A1 EP2455534 A1 EP 2455534A1 EP 10192060 A EP10192060 A EP 10192060A EP 10192060 A EP10192060 A EP 10192060A EP 2455534 A1 EP2455534 A1 EP 2455534A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
washing machine
tub
closure element
machine according
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
EP10192060A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2455534B1 (de
Inventor
Daniele Striato
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.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
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 Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to PL10192060T priority Critical patent/PL2455534T3/pl
Priority to EP10192060.1A priority patent/EP2455534B1/de
Priority to CN201110372061.7A priority patent/CN102560972B/zh
Publication of EP2455534A1 publication Critical patent/EP2455534A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2455534B1 publication Critical patent/EP2455534B1/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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D06F39/086—Arrangements for avoiding detergent wastage in the discharge conduit

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a washing machine having a valve.
  • washing machine in this context also comprises a washing machine having dryer function.
  • US 3,770,001 B discloses a check valve assembly for a washing machine.
  • a ball valve is arranged between a lower portion of the tub and a draining unit of the washing machine.
  • a valve seat is formed by a pliable resilient seat member with a lip which interacts with an upper tubular member formed of resilient material. When the ball of the valve engages with the lip of the seat member, the tubular member defines a backup seat for engagement with the inwardly extending lip of the seat member to ensure a high pressure seal against backflow of fluid into the tub.
  • water when reference is made to “water”, the term “water” may denote water as such, washing water, washing liquid, washing liquor or the like. Also in the following, when reference is made to “washing machine”, the term “washing machine” may denote a front-loading type or a top-loading type washing machine, both having or not having a dryer function.
  • a washing machine comprises a tub, a draining unit fluidly connected to the tub for draining fluid from the tub, and a valve arranged between the tub and the draining unit.
  • the valve comprises a valve body, a valve seat and a movable closure element adapted to be releasably engaged with the valve seat to close or open the valve.
  • the valve is adapted to shut off or seal the tub interior from the draining unit during a heating phase in a washing cycle of the washing machine, such that water in the draining unit is not heated.
  • the valve is closed when feeding fresh water into the tub, such that used or dirty water from the draining unit does not reenter the tub during a washing or rinsing phase.
  • the valve seat comprises a gasket having at least two lips.
  • the valve seat is formed by a gasket having at least two sealing lips.
  • only one gasket is preferably provided with the at least two lips, i.e. the gasket is a one-piece construction.
  • the assembly time for the present valve is reduced due to reduced number of individual parts.
  • At least one lip of the gasket is rigid, stiff, inelastic or inflexible.
  • at least one lip of the gasket is substantially not deformed when the movable closure element engages or is engaged with the valve seat or the at least one lip.
  • one of the lips (the lip that is first contacted by the movable closure element in the valve closing sequence) is more resilient than the other lip or lips.
  • the at least one rigid and/or less resilient lip provides a stop element or a stop/end position for the movable closure element. This arrangement prevents that the closure element passes the valve seat or that the closure element enters the valve aperture too far and gets stuck in the valve aperture.
  • valve seat This is particularly advantageous when during a washing cycle the closure element is pressed or pushed into the valve seat, e.g. due to pressure (differences) between tub and draining unit.
  • pressure differences
  • a ball of a ball valve is pushed into its seat or a swing of a swing check valve. Consequently maintenance for the valve is reduced or the valve is maintenance-free.
  • At least one lip of the gasket is resilient.
  • at least one lip of the gasket is deformable or is deformed when the movable closure element engages or is engaged with the valve seat.
  • the resilient lip abuts or lies against the closure element.
  • the resiliency of at least one lip provides that the lip is deformed or bent such that it abuts tightly or closely against the closure element.
  • Such resiliency is advantageous for example when the surface of the closure element is not perfectly smooth or is not perfectly clean, e.g. due to detergent deposited on the closure element.
  • the at least one resilient lip provides that the valve seat is flexible and can adapt itself to the shape of the closure element.
  • the shape and surface of the closure element does not have to be exactly matched to the sealing contour of valve seat (in the force-free state) as the resilient lip compensates for possible irregularities or dimensional deviations of the shape or surface of the closure element.
  • a ball of a ball valve it is not required for a ball of a ball valve to be a perfect sphere to provide in any angular or rotated position a perfect seal with the valve seat.
  • the production of the closure element is less time-consuming and less expensive, while at the same time the at least one resilient lip provides an improved water tightness of the valve.
  • the gasket is resilient, in particular at least a portion of the gasket adjacent to the valve body is resilient.
  • the gasket is basically formed as a diaphragm or plate with the valve aperture or valve seat arranged therein.
  • a border area or rim of the gasket is attached to the valve housing and supports the portion of the gasket adjacent to the valve seat or aperture, i.e. supports the at least two lips.
  • the border of the gasket gives in to the pressure and is (slightly) deformed (additionally to an optional resilient lip).
  • the gasket provides additional resiliency or elasticity for the valve, in particular for the valve seat, to hold the closure element, which provides an improved water tightness of the valve.
  • the at least two lips are arranged in a staggered or stepped way.
  • the valve aperture or valve seat is adapted to a shape or form of the movable closure element, e.g. a ball, such that a close contact of the at least two lips with the movable closure element is provided.
  • a spherical closure element like a ball a diameter or cross-section of the valve aperture is successively or stepwise increased as seen from the tub side. In other words, when seen from downstream the valve seat, the diameter or cross section of the valve aperture is successively decreased.
  • the shape of the aperture is matched to the shape of the closure element to provide an improved water tightness.
  • valve, valve seat or gasket comprises at least two sealing planes or sealing lines or contours.
  • the movable closure element is engaged with or contacts each of the at least two lips.
  • sealing contours or lines of the lips are spaced apart from each other.
  • the contours or lines are spaced by a gap. This means that preferably the lips are spaced from each other by a gap between the lips along a path of closure movement of the moveable closure element.
  • valve body and the valve seat are integrally formed, i.e. they are formed in one-piece.
  • valve body and the gasket with the at least two lips are formed in one piece, which reduces the number of elements to be assembled substantially and thus reduces the assembly time for the valve.
  • the fact that the valve body and the gasket with at least two lips are preferably formed in one piece increases the, watertightness of the assembly.
  • a two-component injection cast or injection mold can be used in which at least two mold components having different resiliency characteristics are used for the at least two lips.
  • at least two of the lips have different material thickness and provide different mechanical elasticity in this manner.
  • the valve comprises at least one stop element arranged upstream and/or downstream the valve seat.
  • the stop element provides a predetermined end or stop position for the closure element which is defined by the position of the stop element.
  • the upstream stop element prevents that the movable closure element passes the valve aperture or allows the moveable closure element to enter the valve aperture only up to the predetermined end position, such that the closure element does not become stuck in the valve aperture or valve seat.
  • at least one of the lips is the upstream stop element or provides an end stop position for the closure element.
  • valve body is formed by the sump container or a portion thereof or by a portion of a draining suction duct connecting the tub to a draining pump.
  • the valve is closed and opened in dependency of a water level and/or a pressure difference between the tub and the valve body.
  • the valve may be adapted to be self-actuated in dependency of a water level, advantageously by a closure element which is floating in or on the water.
  • the closure element floats on the water that fills the draining unit or a sump and is eventually pressed towards the valve seat by the rising water level, i.e. by buoyant force, and seals thereby a valve opening in the valve seat.
  • the tub is shut off from the draining unit, wherein a simple and robust valve is provided which is maintenance-free or substantially maintenance-free.
  • the movable closure element is for example spring-loaded to keep it shut, wherein e.g. the suction force during a draining cycle opens the valve.
  • the valve is a check valve, in particular a ball check valve, a lift check valve or a swing check valve.
  • the movable closure element has a spherical or substantially spherical shape, such that it engages with the valve seat in any (rotated) position.
  • the diameter of the movable closure element may be between 1.2 to 1.7 times the diameter of the valve aperture, preferably between 1.3 to 1.5 times, more preferably at least 1.4 times the diameter of the valve aperture.
  • the closure element is formed by a hinged flap, e.g. like in a swing check valve, which is closed by buoyant force and water pressure.
  • a recirculation circuit is fluidly connected to a lower portion of the tub for recirculating fluid from the lower portion of the tub into the tub.
  • an inlet to the recirculation circuit is positioned downstream the valve seat.
  • the valve body may have further ports for fluid connection, for example an opening in fluid connection to a duct which itself is connected for example to a pressure sensor for detecting the water level in the tub.
  • the valve body acts as a manifold for fluidly connecting a plurality of elements and functional components of the washing machine.
  • each isolated feature of the claims or description can be added or any arbitrary combination of isolated or individual features can be added to or provided in the claims.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a part of an exemplary internal structure of a top-loading washing machine 1 in a perspective view (for more clarity, the housing of the washing machine has not been represented).
  • a drum 4 is rotatably or rotatable supported in a tub 2, wherein the inside of the drum 4 is accessible via an opening in the tub 2 and a lid 6 in the drum 4.
  • a valve 7, preferably a valve body 8 thereof, is attached or connected to a lower portion of the tub 2, preferably via a flange portion 10.
  • a draining unit 17 of the washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a draining suction pipe 18, a draining pump (not shown) and a drain filter housing 24 upstream the draining pump.
  • the draining suction pipe 18 is located downstream the valve 7 and advantageously leads to the drain filter housing 24 of the draining unit 17.
  • the draining pump is advantageously arranged downstream the valve 7 and the drain filter housing 24, and is adapted to pump water out of the tub 2 during a draining phase of a washing cycle.
  • a duct 20 is attached to the valve 7 and is connected to or leads to a pressure control (e.g. a pressostat; not shown) for detecting the water level in the tub 2 of the washing machine 1.
  • Fig. 2a shows a perspective, partially cross-sectional side view of the valve 7 of Fig. 1 in an opened position.
  • the valve 7 advantageously comprises a gasket 16 having two lips 12a, 12b which form the valve seat of the valve 7.
  • the lisps 12a and 12b and the gasket 16 are made in a single-piece construction (i.e. they are made in a single body).
  • the gasket 16 is advantageously attached to the lower rim of an extension of the tub 2 which extends at the bottom of the tub 2.
  • the valve body 8, receiving a closure element 14, e.g. a valve ball, is preferably attached to the tub extension at the gasket 16.
  • the valve body 8 may advantageously also be considered as forming part of the draining unit 17, preferably being a portion of the draining suction pipe 18, wherein the body 8 and pipe 18 may be preferably integrally formed as one piece.
  • the draining suction pipe 18 has preferably a section formed as a bellow, which serves for dampening vibrations of the tub 2 from being transferred to the draining pump.
  • an opening 26 in the valve body 8 fluidly connects the interior of the valve body 8 to the duct 20.
  • the duct 20 is advantageously connected to a pressure control for detecting the water level in the tub 2.
  • the closure element 14 (e.g. a ball) is a movable closure element adapted to engage with the two lips 12a, 12b to close the valve 7, in particular to close the valve aperture 13.
  • the closure element 14 is preferably made of floatable material, e.g. plastic, and floats on the water while rising and descending in dependency of the water level in the valve body 8. When the water level rises, the closure element 14 is raised towards the valve seat until the closure element surface closes the aperture 13 at the valve seat ( Fig. 2b ).
  • the draining suction pipe 18 is advantageously pipe-shaped and forms (at least part of) the sump and the valve body 8 connected to the lowest point of the tub 2.
  • the draining suction pipe 18 may have different shapes, at least in the region directly below the opening to the tub 2. Both lips 12a, 12b extend into the valve body 8 or towards the aperture 13. Further, the lower lip 12a is advantageously more flexible or less rigid than the upper lip 12b; preferably, the lower lip 12a is resilient or elastic, while the upper lip 12b is rigid or inflexible.
  • the valve 7 preferably further comprises a stop element 22 to prevent the closure element 14 to pass the aperture 13 or to provide an end position for the closure element 14.
  • the closure element 14 When the closure element 14 moves, preferably vertically or substantially vertically, towards the aperture 13 or valve seat, the closure element first contacts the lower more resilient lip 12a.
  • the lip 12a is deformed to closely abut or lie against the surface of the closure element 14.
  • the closure element 14 abuts against the upper rigid lip 12b as depicted in Fig. 2b which prevents that the closure element 14 is pushed or pressed further up or into the aperture 13.
  • the second lip 12b prevents that the closure element 14 gets stuck in the valve seat or gasket 16.
  • the stop element 22 In case the closure element 14 is pushed with higher pressure force against the valve seat, i.e. against the lips 12a, 12b, the stop element 22 provides (if present) that the closure element 14 does not become stuck in the aperture 13.
  • Fig. 3a shows a perspective, partially cross-sectional side view of a ball valve 7' according to a second embodiment in an opened position.
  • Elements or features which functionally and/or structurally correspond to the first embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals.
  • the second embodiment of the valve 7' advantageously comprises an inlet 28 of a recirculation circuit (not shown), which is attached to the valve body 8' downstream the valve seat or gasket 16.
  • the recirculation circuit is adapted to recirculate water from a lower portion of the tub 2 back into the tub 2 and onto laundry in the tub 2 / drum 4.
  • the valve may advantageously comprise a filter element 30 arranged upstream the recirculation inlet 28 to prevent foreign objects to enter the recirculation circuit.
  • the closure element 14 engages with the valve seat, i.e. with the lips 12a, 12b of the gasket 16, e.g. due to a rising water level in the draining unit 17 or valve body 8'.
  • the valve 7' is closed as depicted in Fig. 3b .
  • the recirculation pump (not shown) and/or the draining pump is operated during a washing operation, the ball is at least partially opened, such that water from the tub is recirculated back into the tub 2 or is transported to the outside of the washing machine via the draining unit 17.
  • the inlet of the recirculation circuit is arranged upstream the valve seat, e.g. the recirculation inlet is connected to the tub 2.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Check Valves (AREA)
EP10192060.1A 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine Active EP2455534B1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10192060T PL2455534T3 (pl) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Pralka
EP10192060.1A EP2455534B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine
CN201110372061.7A CN102560972B (zh) 2010-11-22 2011-11-22 洗衣机

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10192060.1A EP2455534B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2455534A1 true EP2455534A1 (de) 2012-05-23
EP2455534B1 EP2455534B1 (de) 2017-01-11

Family

ID=44019402

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10192060.1A Active EP2455534B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2455534B1 (de)
CN (1) CN102560972B (de)
PL (1) PL2455534T3 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016043595A1 (en) * 2014-09-17 2016-03-24 Sensorutvikling As Leakage prevention module
EP3258002A1 (de) * 2016-06-13 2017-12-20 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Haushaltsgerät und verfahren zur herstellung eines haushaltsgeräts

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016216737B4 (de) * 2016-09-05 2018-03-15 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Wäschepflegegerät mit einer Steuerung

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3429444A (en) * 1966-10-31 1969-02-25 Whirlpool Co Cone filter for an automatic washer
US3770001A (en) 1971-07-06 1973-11-06 Maytag Co Valve construction
DE4442089A1 (de) * 1994-11-25 1996-05-30 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Ablaufvorrichtung für den Laugenbehälter einer Waschmaschine
EP0849390A2 (de) * 1996-12-18 1998-06-24 Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH Trommelwaschmaschine mit einer mehrteiligen Flüssigkeitsleitung
US20030024571A1 (en) * 2001-07-11 2003-02-06 Simmons John M. Check valve
WO2009068589A1 (en) * 2007-11-28 2009-06-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A washing machine

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3429444A (en) * 1966-10-31 1969-02-25 Whirlpool Co Cone filter for an automatic washer
US3770001A (en) 1971-07-06 1973-11-06 Maytag Co Valve construction
DE4442089A1 (de) * 1994-11-25 1996-05-30 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Ablaufvorrichtung für den Laugenbehälter einer Waschmaschine
EP0849390A2 (de) * 1996-12-18 1998-06-24 Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH Trommelwaschmaschine mit einer mehrteiligen Flüssigkeitsleitung
US20030024571A1 (en) * 2001-07-11 2003-02-06 Simmons John M. Check valve
WO2009068589A1 (en) * 2007-11-28 2009-06-04 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A washing machine

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016043595A1 (en) * 2014-09-17 2016-03-24 Sensorutvikling As Leakage prevention module
US10435872B2 (en) 2014-09-17 2019-10-08 Sensorutvikling As Leakage prevention module
EP3258002A1 (de) * 2016-06-13 2017-12-20 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Haushaltsgerät und verfahren zur herstellung eines haushaltsgeräts
EP3699348A1 (de) * 2016-06-13 2020-08-26 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Haushaltsgerät und verfahren zur herstellung eines haushaltsgeräts

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102560972A (zh) 2012-07-11
PL2455534T3 (pl) 2017-07-31
CN102560972B (zh) 2016-09-14
EP2455534B1 (de) 2017-01-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2447410B1 (de) Waschmaschine
US11490778B2 (en) Dish washer with eccentric protrusion in power transfer assembly
US9127393B2 (en) Washing machine
US7367134B2 (en) Dishwasher vent assembly
EP2455532B1 (de) Waschmaschine
US10568488B2 (en) Spray arm and dishwasher
US10799084B2 (en) Dishwasher drain assemblies having overmolded volutes
US8020412B2 (en) Washing machine with odor removal function
CN109082848A (zh) 壁装式洗衣机及其门
US20120024021A1 (en) Washing machine
CN109082854A (zh) 壁装式洗衣机及其门
EP2455534A1 (de) Waschmaschine
EP2503050B1 (de) Waschmaschine mit einem Filterelement
KR102046052B1 (ko) 실링부재 및 이를 포함하는 식기세척기
EP2935680B1 (de) Verbessertes ablasssystem für die wäschebehandlungsanwendung
EP2583612A1 (de) Geschirrspüler
KR20100086621A (ko) 드럼 세탁기
EP2128326A1 (de) Abfluss einer Waschmaschine mit Entlüftung mit Ventil, Herstellungsverfahren dafür und Waschmaschine mit einem derartigen Abfluss
JP4400318B2 (ja) ポンプおよびこのポンプを備えた食器洗い機
KR0119569Y1 (ko) 자동으로 밥짓는 기계
US3498327A (en) Pump outlet valve means
WO2014075948A1 (en) Washing machine having a flap at the tub drain hose
WO2014075946A1 (en) Washing machine having a flap at the tub drain outlet
KR960009917Y1 (ko) 식기세척기의 배수장치
KR19990010340U (ko) 2조식 수동세탁기의 배수장치

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20121123

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20150707

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20161026

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): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM 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: 861386

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170115

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: 602010039473

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170111

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 861386

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170111

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: 20170111

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

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: 20170111

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: 20170412

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: 20170111

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: 20170411

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: 20170111

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: 20170511

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: 20170411

Ref country code: RS

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: 20170511

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602010039473

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: EE

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

Effective date: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

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: SM

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20171012

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

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: 20170111

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

Effective date: 20170111

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

Effective date: 20171122

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20171130

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20171130

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: 20171122

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20180731

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20171130

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: MT

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

Effective date: 20171122

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: 20171130

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20171122

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20171130

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20171122

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; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20101122

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170111

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

Ref country code: MK

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: 20170111

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: 20170111

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

Ref country code: AL

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: 20170111

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20211118

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20211119

Year of fee payment: 12

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

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20211116

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602010039473

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20221122

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20230601