EP2478819B1 - A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof - Google Patents

A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2478819B1
EP2478819B1 EP12151540.7A EP12151540A EP2478819B1 EP 2478819 B1 EP2478819 B1 EP 2478819B1 EP 12151540 A EP12151540 A EP 12151540A EP 2478819 B1 EP2478819 B1 EP 2478819B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispensing device
movable member
actuating element
lid
activating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12151540.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2478819A1 (en
Inventor
Alberto Lavazza
Andrea Rotta
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.)
T&P SpA
Original Assignee
T&P 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 T&P SpA filed Critical T&P SpA
Priority to PL12151540T priority Critical patent/PL2478819T3/pl
Publication of EP2478819A1 publication Critical patent/EP2478819A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2478819B1 publication Critical patent/EP2478819B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4409—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants by tipping containers or opening their lids, e.g. with the help of a programmer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/449—Metering controlling devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a washing agent dispensing device of a similar type is disclosed, for example, in document US3,827,600 .
  • the present invention also relates to a method of operation of the dispensing device and to a related washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher.
  • Washing machines known in the art comprise a control system for managing and controlling the operation of the washing machine, said control system being adapted to implement at least one wash program.
  • washing machines in particular dishwashers, currently available on the market are usually fitted with at least some of the following wash programs:
  • washing machines comprise a tub in which crockery is cleaned during a wash step of the above-mentioned wash program by a wash liquid, in particular water added with a detergent agent.
  • the wash program also includes at least one rinse step, wherein the crockery is subjected to the action of a rinse liquid, in particular water added with a rinse aid agent.
  • washing machines are fitted with suitable dispensing devices, which comprise distinct compartments or reservoirs adapted to contain different washing agents specific for said steps of a wash program; said washing agents typically consist of a (powder) detergent, which is dispensed during the wash step, and a liquid additive, such as rinse aid, which is dispensed during the rinse step, in particular during a hot rinse step.
  • a (powder) detergent which is dispensed during the wash step
  • a liquid additive such as rinse aid
  • a known dispensing device generally consists of a body usually housed in the inner panel of the front door of the dishwashing machine; said body comprises at least one compartment for the dose of detergent required by the wash step, said compartment being provided with a lid which is opened at the appropriate instant of the wash program by the machine's programming device.
  • the body of the dispensing device usually also includes a dispenser of liquid additive, such as a rinse aid agent, to be dispensed during the rinse step.
  • a dispenser of liquid additive such as a rinse aid agent
  • some dispensing devices may be fitted with an additional compartment, distinct from the one containing the detergent intended for the wash step.
  • the lid that closes the wash detergent compartment usually extends to cover also said additional compartment.
  • washing machines in particular dishwashers, known in the art suffer from many drawbacks.
  • a further drawback of prior-art solutions is that they require that the quantity of washing agents, in particular of rinse aid agent, that must be dispensed during the rinse step be set beforehand (e.g. mechanically) by the user, without offering the latter the possibility of having said dispensing process handled electronically and dynamically by the washing machine itself according to the specific requirements of a certain wash program.
  • Said washing machine comprises a washing agent dispensing device which includes:
  • the dispensing device described in US patent application No. US2004118434 does not allow for a controlled, metered and measured release of said rinse aid agent contained in a second compartment of the dispensing device.
  • the above-described dispensing device upon actuation of the second shape memory element, causes a second cover to open and releases the entire quantity of rinse aid agent previously poured by the user into the second compartment of the dispensing device; as a consequence, the dispensing device described in US patent application No. US2004118434 does not allow to obtain a release handled in an electronic, dynamic and measured manner by the washing machine itself.
  • FIG. 1 designates as a whole a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, according to the present invention.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises an electric or electronic control system SC for handling and controlling the operation of the washing machine 1, said control system SC being adapted to implement at least one wash program.
  • the washing machine 1 further comprises a tub 2 in which crockery is cleaned through washing means comprising a wash liquid; in particular, said at least one wash program comprises a wash step, wherein the wash liquid consists of water added with a detergent agent, and a rinse step, wherein the wash liquid consists of water added with a rinse aid agent.
  • said at least one wash program comprises a wash step, wherein the wash liquid consists of water added with a detergent agent, and a rinse step, wherein the wash liquid consists of water added with a rinse aid agent.
  • the same detergent can be used as the one employed for the wash step.
  • Said wash liquid (water added with detergent agent and/or rinse aid agent) is sprayed onto the crockery to be washed by means of at least one sprayer 3a, 3b; in particular, Fig. 1 shows a first sprayer 3a associated with a lower rack 4a and a second sprayer 3b associated with an upper rack 4b, said racks 4a, 4b being adapted to receive the crockery to be washed and rinsed.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a circuit for distributing the wash liquid inside said washing machine 1; in particular, said distribution circuit may comprise at least one delivery duct 5 associated with a pump 6, which allow the wash liquid to flow from a pit 7 to said first sprayer 3a and second sprayer 3b.
  • said distribution circuit may comprise at least one delivery duct 5 associated with a pump 6, which allow the wash liquid to flow from a pit 7 to said first sprayer 3a and second sprayer 3b.
  • the washing machine 1 also comprises a dispensing device 10 for dispensing washing agents during the various steps of at least one wash program; the perspective view of Fig. 2 shows in particular a rear portion of the dispensing device 10.
  • said dispensing device 10 is housed in the inner panel 9 of a front door 8 for loading the dishwasher 1, and said rear portion is that portion of the dispensing device 10 which is inserted into said inner panel 9.
  • Figs. 3a to 7a show rear views of the dispensing device 10 of the present invention in different operating conditions
  • Figs. 3b to 7b are sectional views of the dispensing device 10 corresponding to the operating conditions illustrated in Figs. 2a to 6a .
  • Figs. 2 to 7b show that, in accordance with the present invention, the dispensing device 10 comprises:
  • Said at least one compartment 11 can be designed in a manner such as to comprise a first compartment (not shown in the drawings) for containing a detergent agent for a wash step, and a second compartment (not shown in the drawings) for containing a detergent agent for a prewash step.
  • the lid 12 rotates about an axis, designated X in Fig. 2 , for causing said compartment 11 to open in order to release the detergent agent during a wash step; said lid 12 (which in Figs. 5b and 6b is shown in the wide open position) is preferably adapted to close the compartment 11 against the action of a spring (not shown) reacting between the dispensing device 10 and the lid 12 itself.
  • a spring not shown
  • the dispensing device 10 comprises a locking mechanism 13 for holding the lid 12 in the closed position; said locking mechanism preferably comprises an arm 13 adapted to rotate about a pin P, which arm is fitted with a tooth 13D adapted to engage with a serration 12D of the lid 12.
  • the tooth 13D of the arm 13 and the serration 12D of the lid 12 are visible in Figs. 3b , 4b and 7b ; it should also be noted that the arm 13 has been drawn with a dashed line in Figs. 3a to 7a , in that said arm 13 is associated with a front portion of the dispensing device 10 and is not therefore directly visible in the rear views of the dispensing device 10 shown in Figs. 3a to 7a .
  • the arm 13 is provided with an appendix 13A that protrudes from a slot 10F of the dispensing device 10, so as to allow the arm 13 to be manually operated by a user in order to open the lid 12 manually.
  • the dispensing device 10 comprises a container 20 for a rinse aid agent, in particular said container 20 being associated with release means 21 which allow the rinse aid agent to be dispensed during a rinse step,
  • said release means comprise a rod 21 associated with a small pump (not shown in the drawings) for pumping a predetermined quantity of rinse aid agent at each activation of the release means.
  • the rod 21 can be associated with a valve (also not shown in the annexed drawings) instead of said small pump.
  • the vertical movement of the rod 21 is limited by a pair of supports 14 (well visible in Fig. 2 ) associated with the dispensing device 10.
  • the dispensing device 10 further comprises activating means 30, 31 for activating said locking mechanism 13 in order to open the lid 12.
  • said activating means comprise a movable member 30 rotatably mounted about a pin P and an actuating element 31 secured through a first end 31A to the dispensing device 10 and through a second end 31B to the movable member 30, said actuating element 31 being adapted to drive the movable member 30:
  • the actuating element 31 consists of a single shape memory element, in particular of the monostable type, and the dispensing device 10 comprises power supply means including an electric circuit (not shown in the drawings) connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B of the shape memory element 31.
  • power supply means including an electric circuit (not shown in the drawings) connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B of the shape memory element 31.
  • the activation of the actuator through an electric circuit always causes the actuator to move from a first original condition to a second operating condition; when no longer activated, the actuator always returns into the first original condition.
  • the actuating element 31 can be in a first operating condition (shown in Figs. 3a , 5a and 7a ), wherein it is not activated and has a certain first length L1; upon activation of the electric circuit connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B, the actuating element 31 can switch to a second operating condition (shown in Figs. 4a and 6a ), wherein it is activated and has a certain second length L2, shorter than said first length L1.
  • said first length L1 and second length L2 are represented by a dash-dot-dot line.
  • the shape memory actuating element 31 according to the present invention can become shorter following the activation of the electric circuit connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B.
  • said first end 31A and second end 31B of the actuating element 31 are positioned on substantially opposite sides relative to said pin P.
  • the first end 31A of the actuating element 31 is associated with the dispensing device 10; it is however clear that the first end 31A of the actuating element 31 may also be directly associated with the washing machine 1.
  • the arm 13 and the movable member 30 are associated with each other through the pin P, which is common to both such components; it is however clear that the arm 13 and the movable member 30 may alternatively be associated with each other in a different manner.
  • the movable member 30 comprises a branch 30D, the movable member 30 and said branch 30D being so designed as to form a substantially L-shaped body.
  • Said branch 30D of the movable member 30 is adapted to abut on said release means 21, in particular on the rod 21 associated with a small pump, in order to dispense the rinse aid agent contained in the container 20.
  • said elastic means comprise a tongue 40 with a first portion 41A secured to the dispensing device 10 and a second portion 41B adapted to abut on the movable member 30, in particular on said branch 30D of the movable member 30.
  • the second portion 41B of the tongue 40 abuts on the branch 30D on a side opposite to the release means 21.
  • said first portion 41A is secured to the rear part of said dispensing device 10, in particular in the area corresponding to the compartment 11; said dispensing device 10 also includes retainers 15 for limiting the movements of the tongue 40.
  • said rod 21 comprises:
  • the actuating element 31 When the actuating element 31 is activated, it moves the movable member 30 in a first rotation direction S1 (see Fig. 4a ) and causes the activation of the locking mechanism or arm 13; as a result, the rotation of the movable member 30 in said first rotation direction S1 allows the tooth 13D of the arm 13 to be disengaged from the serration 12D of the lid 12 (see Fig. 4b ), thus opening the lid 12 (visible in Fig. 5b ).
  • the movable member 30 undergoes the thrust exerted by the elastic means 40 and rotates in a second direction S2, thus overcoming the so-called "dead centre” and getting in a situation wherein said first end 31A and second end 31B of the actuating element 31 are aligned above the pin P (see Fig. 5a ).
  • the activation of the actuating element 31 causes further movement of the movable member 30 in a second rotation direction S2, which in turn moves and activates said release means 21 to release the rinse aid agent contained in the container 20.
  • the repeated activation of the actuating element 31 allows to obtain successive actuations of said release means 21, in particular of the small pump associated with the rod 21, by the branch 30D of the movable member 30; said successive actuations allow to obtain a measured and metered release of the rinse aid agent contained in the container 20, said release being correlated to the number of activations of the actuating element 31.
  • the user can close the lid 12 again in order to bring the dispensing device 10 back into the initial condition shown in Fig. 3a , i.e. with the tooth 13D of the arm 13 engaged with the serration 12D of the lid 12, and with the movable member 20 (associated with the arm 13 through the pin P) in an operating condition wherein said first end 31A and second end 31B of the actuating element 31 are aligned under the pin P.
  • the dispensing device 10 is shown in Figs. 7a and 7b in a condition that precedes the closing of the lid 12 by the user; in fact, the serration 12D of the lid 12 is near the tooth 13D of the arm 13.
  • said dispensing device 10 comprising:
  • said method of operation comprises the steps of:
  • said actuating element 31 consists of a single shape memory element and said steps a) and c) of activating the actuating element 31 are carried out by activating power supply means comprising an electric circuit (not shown in the drawings) connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B of the actuating element 31 or single shape memory element.
  • activating power supply means comprising an electric circuit (not shown in the drawings) connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B of the actuating element 31 or single shape memory element.
  • said step c) is carried out by repeatedly activating the actuating element 31, so that the release means 21, in particular a small pump associated with a rod 21, is actuated multiple times in succession by the movable member 30; this allows to obtain a measured and metered release of the rinse aid agent contained in the container 20, suited to the type of wash program being executed.
  • said repeated activation of the actuating element 31 is obtained by repeatedly activating the electric circuit connected to the first end 31A and/or to the second end 31B of the shape memory element 31.
  • the washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use in particular a dishwasher
  • the method of operation of said dispensing device and the related washing machine ensure that the washing agents are released into the wash liquid reliably and constantly over time.
  • washing machine itself to handle the delivery of a predetermined quantity of washing agents, in particular of a rinse aid agent, in an electronic and dynamic manner, without the user having to set said delivery beforehand (e.g. mechanically).
  • the repeated activation of the actuating element 31 allows to obtain successive actuations of the release means 21, in particular of a small pump associated with a rod 21, by the movable member 30. This in turn allows to obtain a metered release of the rinse aid agent contained in the container 20 as suited to the type of wash program being executed.
  • a further advantage of the dispensing device, of the method of operation thereof and of the washing machine for household use according to the present invention is that the implementation of a single actuating element 31, in particular a single shape memory element, for releasing both the detergent agent and the rinse aid agent lowers the production costs of the dispensing device 1 and hence of the washing machine; in addition, such a solution turns out to be particularly flexible and comfortable.

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
EP12151540.7A 2011-01-24 2012-01-18 A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof Active EP2478819B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL12151540T PL2478819T3 (pl) 2011-01-24 2012-01-18 Urządzenie dozujące środek myjący do maszyny do mycia do użytku domowego, w szczególności do zmywarki do naczyń i zawierająca je maszyna do mycia

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO2011A000051A IT1404247B1 (it) 2011-01-24 2011-01-24 Dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio per una macchina di lavaggio di uso domestico, in particolare una lavastoviglie, e relativa macchina di lavaggio

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2478819A1 EP2478819A1 (en) 2012-07-25
EP2478819B1 true EP2478819B1 (en) 2014-12-31

Family

ID=43975631

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12151540.7A Active EP2478819B1 (en) 2011-01-24 2012-01-18 A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2478819B1 (it)
IT (1) IT1404247B1 (it)
PL (1) PL2478819T3 (it)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2918215B1 (en) * 2014-03-14 2018-10-17 Bonferraro S.p.A. Dishwasher including detergent dispenser
WO2021098167A1 (zh) * 2019-11-19 2021-05-27 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 分配器及洗涤电器
CN110840365B (zh) * 2019-11-19 2021-04-20 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 分配器和洗涤电器

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3827600A (en) * 1972-01-10 1974-08-06 Whirlpool Co Apparatus for dispensing a liquid and another material
DE3304037A1 (de) * 1983-01-10 1984-07-12 Aweco Apparate- und Gerätebau GmbH & Co KG, 7995 Neukirch Vorrichtung fuer die zugabe bzw. dosierung von zwei detergentien
IT1265750B1 (it) * 1992-12-16 1996-12-02 Eltek Spa Dispositivo dispensatore di sostanze liquide e/o in polvere, in particolare per macchine di lavaggio
IT1271120B (it) * 1994-12-06 1997-05-26 Tecnolplastica Prealpina S P A Cassetto dosatore per macchine lavastoviglie utilizzabile come dosatore a doppio o a singolo scatto
US5603431A (en) * 1995-04-14 1997-02-18 Maytag Corporation Control mechanism for dispensing fluent materials
WO2002057627A1 (en) * 2001-01-17 2002-07-25 M 2 Medical A/S Shape memory alloy actuator
US7270135B2 (en) * 2002-10-15 2007-09-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Dishwasher dispensing assembly actuator mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITTO20110051A1 (it) 2012-07-25
IT1404247B1 (it) 2013-11-15
EP2478819A1 (en) 2012-07-25
PL2478819T3 (pl) 2015-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2562601C (en) An integrated washing agent dispenser, in particular for a dishwasher
US7063092B2 (en) Washing agent dispensing device for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
EP1226779A2 (en) Washing agents dispenser for a household washing machine, namely a dishwasher
EP2387936B1 (en) Dishwasher with detergent dispenser
EP1450661B1 (en) Dispenser device particularly for dishwashing machines
EP2478819B1 (en) A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof
EP3864213B1 (en) Multiple use detergent dispenser
EP1455631B1 (en) A dispenser of washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dish-washer
US3419190A (en) Treating agent dispensing means for automatic washing machine
US10646099B2 (en) Dispensing device
KR100892672B1 (ko) 식기 세척기용 디스펜서
WO2020069801A1 (en) A dishwasher comprising a detergent dispenser
US11653814B2 (en) Dishwasher, method for operating a dishwasher, and computer program product
US3038641A (en) Apparatus for dispensing particulate material
EP2918215B1 (en) Dishwasher including detergent dispenser
US20190335975A1 (en) Device for dispensing cleaning agents
EP1245180A2 (en) Household dishwashing machine with dispenser device for washing agents
EP2101627B1 (en) A dishwasher
KR20170025986A (ko) 식기세척기
TR202010332A2 (tr) Deterjan dağitici i̇çeren bi̇r bulaşik maki̇nesi̇
ITTO20010085A1 (it) Macchina lavastoviglie domestica con dispositivo dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio, e relativo programma di lavaggio.
US11091871B2 (en) Pivoted faucet in a lid of a top load washing machine

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: 20130125

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A47L 15/44 20060101AFI20140723BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140807

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: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 703857

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012004572

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150219

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: 20141231

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: 20150331

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: 20141231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20141231

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: 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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20150401

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: 20141231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 703857

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141231

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: 20141231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

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

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: 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: 20150430

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: 20141231

Ref country code: LU

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: 20150118

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012004572

Country of ref document: DE

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20150131

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20150131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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: 20151001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20151117

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: 20150118

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: 20150302

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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

Effective date: 20160118

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: 20160118

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20120118

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

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: 20150501

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: 20141231

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: 20141231

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230519

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240201

Year of fee payment: 13

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

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20240109

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20240105

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240129

Year of fee payment: 13