EP2672876A1 - Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher - Google Patents

Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher

Info

Publication number
EP2672876A1
EP2672876A1 EP12708935.7A EP12708935A EP2672876A1 EP 2672876 A1 EP2672876 A1 EP 2672876A1 EP 12708935 A EP12708935 A EP 12708935A EP 2672876 A1 EP2672876 A1 EP 2672876A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuator
cover
releasing device
energization
dispensing
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
EP12708935.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2672876B1 (en
Inventor
Giuseppe Marone
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.)
Bitron SpA
Original Assignee
Bitron 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 Bitron SpA filed Critical Bitron SpA
Priority to PL12708935T priority Critical patent/PL2672876T3/en
Publication of EP2672876A1 publication Critical patent/EP2672876A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2672876B1 publication Critical patent/EP2672876B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly for a dishwasher.
  • the invention relates to a dispensing device comprising a first releasing device for a detergent, including a receptacle for the detergent and an associated openable cover, and a second releasing device for a rinsing agent, the releasing devices being intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator is able to modify the state of the first releasing device without changing the state of the second releasing device, and a successive energization of the actuator is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device of the type defined above which has a highly simplified structure and can be produced in a reasonably economical way.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device of this type which can enable the dispensing of the detergent to be divided into stages, for example for a pre- wash stage and subsequently for the actual washing stage.
  • the associated detergent receptacle when the cover of the first releasing device is in the aforesaid pre- opening condition, the associated detergent receptacle remains substantially closed, and therefore the detergent is not released into the wash chamber of the machine. In this case, the complete dispensing of the detergent takes place as a result of the de-energization of the actuator immediately after the aforesaid first energization.
  • the associated detergent receptacle when the cover of the first releasing device is in the aforesaid pre- opening condition, the associated detergent receptacle is open, but to a lesser degree, such that only a limited quantity of the detergent contained therein can be dispensed into the wash chamber of the machine.
  • the dispensing of the detergent by the first releasing device is completed on the de-energization of the actuator immediately after the first energization.
  • the actuator remains energized between the first energization of the actuator and the immediately successive de-energization. It is also possible for the actuator to be made in such a way that a reduced amount of electrical energy is required to maintain its state of energization.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of an integrated dispensing device according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing in a schematic way an embodiment of a retaining mechanism which, in an integrated dispensing device according to the invention, couples the actuator to the cover of the first releasing device;
  • Figure 4 is a partial view, in cross section taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3, showing the aforesaid retaining device in a first operating condition;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic and partly sectional view showing the procedures for coupling the actuator device of an integrated dispenser according to the invention to the detergent releasing device and to the rinsing agent releasing device, in a first operating condition;
  • Figure 6 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 5, and shows a second operating condition
  • Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 4, and shows the condition of the aforesaid retaining mechanism resulting from a first energization of the actuator device;
  • Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, and shows the condition of the aforesaid retaining mechanism following the first energization of the actuator device;
  • Figure 9 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 6, and shows a further operating condition of the actuator.
  • Figure 10 is a time diagram illustrating the procedures for energizing the actuator device and the integrated dispensing device according to the invention.
  • the number 1 indicates the whole of an integrated dispensing device for washing agents for a dishwasher, made according to the present invention.
  • the integrated dispensing device 1 comprises a housing la of moulded plastic material, in which a releasing device 2 for dispensing a detergent, particularly a powder detergent, and an adjacent second releasing device 3 for dispensing a rinsing agent are formed in a known way.
  • the releasing device 2 for the detergent comprises an essentially bowl-shaped receptacle 4 ( Figure 2) associated with a cover 5 ( Figure 1).
  • This cover is, for example, mounted rotatably about an axis indicated by A-A in Figure 1.
  • the cover 5 could also be coupled to the body la in a translatable or rotatable- translatable way.
  • the cover 5 is associated with a resilient member such as a torsion spring which tends to cause the cover to move from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to an open position by oscillation about the axis A-A in the direction of the arrow B of Figures 1 and 3.
  • a resilient member such as a torsion spring which tends to cause the cover to move from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to an open position by oscillation about the axis A-A in the direction of the arrow B of Figures 1 and 3.
  • the releasing device 2 for the rinsing agent is also of a known type. It comprises a receptacle 6 ( Figure 2) for containing a quantity of rinsing agent corresponding to a plurality of doses.
  • shut-off valve indicated as a whole by 7 in Figures 2, 5, 6 and 9.
  • this valve which is normally closed, is interposed on a conduit adapted to enable the receptacle 6 to communicate with the wash chamber of the machine.
  • valve 7 is positioned near the lower part of the receptacle 6 for the rinsing agent.
  • valve 7 comprises a valve seat 8, and a plug 9 carried by an operating rod 10, whose axial position is controllable by means of an actuator device indicated as a whole by 1 1 ( Figures 2, 5, 6 and 9).
  • the actuator 1 1 is of the electrically operable type and, as described more fully below, also controls the activation of the release device 2 for the detergent.
  • the actuator device 11 is of the solenoid type, and comprises a winding or solenoid 12, an associated frame 13 of material capable of conducting a magnetic flux, and a core 14 which is movable within the solenoid.
  • the frame 13 and the winding 12 are mounted in a fixed position in the housing la of the integrated dispensing device 1, these elements being conveniently inclined, in a substantially vertical plane, with respect to the horizontal direction, at an angle which is advantageously in the range from 30° to 60°, and preferably approximately 45°.
  • the core 14 is axially movable with respect to the above elements within the solenoid 12, in a corresponding inclined direction.
  • the frame 13 has an upper branch 13a in which an aperture 13b is formed.
  • a portion 13c of the frame 13, surrounding the aperture 13b, has an essentially trunco-conical outwardly projecting shape ( Figures 5, 6 and 9).
  • the end portion 14a of the core 14 facing the formation 13c of the frame 13 is also of essentially trunco-conical shape.
  • a point 15a of a lever 15 extends through the aperture 13b of the magnetic frame 13, the lever extending radially from the periphery of a shaft 16 mounted rotatably in the housing la of the integrated dispensing device 1 about a fixed axis indicated by C-C (see also Figure 3), in a position conveniently close to the axis A-A of oscillation of the cover 5.
  • a radial arm 17, terminating in a hammer head formation 18, extends from the shaft 16.
  • two retaining members 19 and 20 substantially parallel to and facing each other, of which the first is shorter than the second, extend from the cover 5 of the releasing device of the detergent 3.
  • These retaining elements 19 and 20 have respective bevelled retaining catches 19a, 20a at their distal ends, these catches essentially facing each other.
  • the hammer head formation 18 has two opposite bevelled ends 18a and 18b, facing the retaining element 19 and the retaining element 20 respectively.
  • the cover 5 of the releasing device 2 for the detergent is closed ( Figures 1 and 3) and the actuator 1 1 is de-energized ( Figure 5)
  • the end 18a of the hammer head formation 18 is engaged with the catch 19a of the retaining element 19 of the cover 5, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the hammer head formation 18 therefore retains the cover 5 in the closed condition.
  • the point 15a of the lever 15 bears on the end 14a of the movable core 14 until the actuator 11 is de-energized.
  • This core 14 is also coupled to the shut-off valve 7, in the way which will now be described with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 9.
  • the lower end of the core 14 has a radially projecting disc-shaped formation 14b, which extends between two opposing retaining arms 21a extending from a plate-like element 21 which is integral with the operating rod 10.
  • the retaining arms 21a are essentially parallel to each other and to the axis of the core 14, and their distal ends are provided with respective retaining catches 21b which face each other.
  • a helical spring 22 tends to move the plate-like element 21 away from the actuator 1 1 by pushing it towards bearing surfaces formed by a casing 23 ( Figure 2) which encloses the whole device 1 1.
  • the terminal disc-shaped formation 14b of the core 14 extends between the plate-like element 21 and the retaining catches 21b, with an ample clearance in the direction of the axis of the core 14. Additionally, when the actuator 11 is de-energized ( Figures 2 and 5) the disc-shaped formation 14b bears against the plate-like element 21, in a position spaced apart from the retaining catches 21b.
  • the integrated dispensing device according to the invention as described above operates, essentially, in the following manner. At the start of a washing cycle of a dishwasher, the integrated dispensing device is in the conditions shown in Figures 1 to 5.
  • the cover 5 of the detergent releasing device is retained in the closed position by the engagement of the end 18a of the hammer head element 18 with the retaining catch 19a ( Figures 3 and 4), and the core 14 bears on the plate-like element 21 ( Figures 2 and 5), which is held against the stop surfaces of the casing 23 by the spring 22.
  • the valve 7 which controls the supply of the rinsing agent is closed.
  • a control unit for the operation of the dishwasher causes a first energization of the actuator 11 by sending a current to the solenoid 12.
  • the core 14 is then "pulled” upwards against the action of gravity.
  • the movement of the core 14 causes a rotation of the lever 15 (in the anticlockwise direction as seen by an observer of Figures 5 and 6) and a corresponding rotation of the shaft 16, together with the arm 17 and the associated hammer head formation 18.
  • the extent of the movement of the cover 5 depends on the length of the retaining element 20 relative to that of the retaining element 19.
  • the core 14 returns to the condition of Figures 2 and 5, by gravity and/or by the action of resilient means associated with the lever 15, while the shaft 16 and the associated arms 15 and 17 rotate (in a clockwise direction as seen by an observer of Figures 5 and 6) under the action of an associated return spring (not shown).
  • the de-energization of the solenoid 12 of the actuator 11 does not change the condition of the control valve 7 for the dispensing of the rinsing agent, which remains closed.
  • the control unit of the dishwasher causes a second de-energization of the solenoid 12: the core 14 is again "pulled” upwards and causes a rotation of the lever 15, the shaft 16 and the arm 17 with the hammer formation 18.
  • This rotation of the arm 17 and of the hammer head formation 18 can now move through a greater angle than in the rotation resulting from the first energization of the solenoid 12, since the rotation of the hammer head formation 18 is no longer limited by the presence of the retaining element 20, 20a.
  • the second energization of the solenoid 12 therefore causes a greater upward travel of the core 14, such that its terminal disc-shaped formation 14b engages the catches 21b of the plate-like element 21 and pulls the latter, together with the shaft 10 and the plug 9, away from the valve seat 8.
  • the valve 7 is thus opened in order to dispense a dose of rinsing agent.
  • the cover 5 of the detergent releasing device can be returned manually to the closed position, after a new quantity of detergent has been placed in the associated receptacle 4 ( Figure 2).
  • Figure 2 the cover 5 is closed, the chamfers or bevels of the retaining catches 20a, 19a and the corresponding chamfers or bevels of the ends 18a, 18b of the hammer head formation 18 make it possible to restore the initial situation shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

The dispensing device (1) comprises a first releasing device (2) for a detergent, including a receptacle (4) and an associated openable cover (5), and a second releasing device (3) for a rinsing agent. These releasing devices (2, 3) are intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator (11) which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator (11) is able to modify the state of the first releasing device (2) without changing the state of the second releasing device (3), and a successive energization of the actuator (11) is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device (3). The actuator (11) is coupled to the cover (5) of the first releasing device (3) through a disengageable and re-engageable retaining mechanism (17-20), configured in such a way that a first energization and the successive de-energization of the actuator (11) cause the passage of the cover (5) to a pre-opening condition and an increased opening condition, respectively.

Description

Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly for a dishwasher.
More specifically, the invention relates to a dispensing device comprising a first releasing device for a detergent, including a receptacle for the detergent and an associated openable cover, and a second releasing device for a rinsing agent, the releasing devices being intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator is able to modify the state of the first releasing device without changing the state of the second releasing device, and a successive energization of the actuator is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device.
There is a wide range of known integrated dispensing devices of the type defined above, for dispensing, typically, a powder detergent and subsequently a liquid rinsing agent, also known as "rinse aid". An example of a dispensing device of the type defined above is described in patent application EP 0 602 572 Al . This prior art device comprises a single electrically operable actuator coupled to the closing cover of the detergent releasing device and to the rinsing agent releasing device by means of a rather complicated mechanism, including a plurality of levers, two of which are coupled together by means of a heart- shaped cam device.
One object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device of the type defined above which has a highly simplified structure and can be produced in a reasonably economical way.
A further object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device of this type which can enable the dispensing of the detergent to be divided into stages, for example for a pre- wash stage and subsequently for the actual washing stage. These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by means of an integrated dispensing device for washing agents of the type defined initially, characterized in that the aforesaid actuator is coupled to the cover of the first releasing device by means of a releasable retaining mechanism configured in such a way that a first energization and the successive de-energization of the actuator can cause the passage of the cover to a pre- opening condition and an opening condition, respectively.
In one embodiment, when the cover of the first releasing device is in the aforesaid pre- opening condition, the associated detergent receptacle remains substantially closed, and therefore the detergent is not released into the wash chamber of the machine. In this case, the complete dispensing of the detergent takes place as a result of the de-energization of the actuator immediately after the aforesaid first energization.
In another embodiment, when the cover of the first releasing device is in the aforesaid pre- opening condition, the associated detergent receptacle is open, but to a lesser degree, such that only a limited quantity of the detergent contained therein can be dispensed into the wash chamber of the machine. In this case, the dispensing of the detergent by the first releasing device is completed on the de-energization of the actuator immediately after the first energization.
In this second embodiment, it is therefore possible to supply detergent in a limited quantity in a pre- wash stage, with subsequent dispensing for the actual washing stage.
In the second embodiment described above, the actuator remains energized between the first energization of the actuator and the immediately successive de-energization. It is also possible for the actuator to be made in such a way that a reduced amount of electrical energy is required to maintain its state of energization.
Further characteristics and advantages of the device according to the invention will be made clear by the following detailed description, which is provided purely by way of non- limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of an integrated dispensing device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing in a schematic way an embodiment of a retaining mechanism which, in an integrated dispensing device according to the invention, couples the actuator to the cover of the first releasing device;
Figure 4 is a partial view, in cross section taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3, showing the aforesaid retaining device in a first operating condition;
Figure 5 is a schematic and partly sectional view showing the procedures for coupling the actuator device of an integrated dispenser according to the invention to the detergent releasing device and to the rinsing agent releasing device, in a first operating condition;
Figure 6 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 5, and shows a second operating condition;
Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 4, and shows the condition of the aforesaid retaining mechanism resulting from a first energization of the actuator device;
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, and shows the condition of the aforesaid retaining mechanism following the first energization of the actuator device;
Figure 9 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 6, and shows a further operating condition of the actuator; and
Figure 10 is a time diagram illustrating the procedures for energizing the actuator device and the integrated dispensing device according to the invention.
In Figures 1 and 2, the number 1 indicates the whole of an integrated dispensing device for washing agents for a dishwasher, made according to the present invention.
The integrated dispensing device 1 comprises a housing la of moulded plastic material, in which a releasing device 2 for dispensing a detergent, particularly a powder detergent, and an adjacent second releasing device 3 for dispensing a rinsing agent are formed in a known way. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the releasing device 2 for the detergent comprises an essentially bowl-shaped receptacle 4 (Figure 2) associated with a cover 5 (Figure 1). This cover is, for example, mounted rotatably about an axis indicated by A-A in Figure 1. The cover 5 could also be coupled to the body la in a translatable or rotatable- translatable way.
In a known way, the cover 5 is associated with a resilient member such as a torsion spring which tends to cause the cover to move from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to an open position by oscillation about the axis A-A in the direction of the arrow B of Figures 1 and 3.
The releasing device 2 for the rinsing agent is also of a known type. It comprises a receptacle 6 (Figure 2) for containing a quantity of rinsing agent corresponding to a plurality of doses.
The dispensing of the rinsing agent into the wash chamber of the dishwasher is controlled by means of a shut-off valve indicated as a whole by 7 in Figures 2, 5, 6 and 9. In a known way, this valve, which is normally closed, is interposed on a conduit adapted to enable the receptacle 6 to communicate with the wash chamber of the machine.
Conveniently, the valve 7 is positioned near the lower part of the receptacle 6 for the rinsing agent.
With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 9, the valve 7 comprises a valve seat 8, and a plug 9 carried by an operating rod 10, whose axial position is controllable by means of an actuator device indicated as a whole by 1 1 (Figures 2, 5, 6 and 9).
The actuator 1 1 is of the electrically operable type and, as described more fully below, also controls the activation of the release device 2 for the detergent. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the actuator device 11 is of the solenoid type, and comprises a winding or solenoid 12, an associated frame 13 of material capable of conducting a magnetic flux, and a core 14 which is movable within the solenoid.
The frame 13 and the winding 12 are mounted in a fixed position in the housing la of the integrated dispensing device 1, these elements being conveniently inclined, in a substantially vertical plane, with respect to the horizontal direction, at an angle which is advantageously in the range from 30° to 60°, and preferably approximately 45°. The core 14 is axially movable with respect to the above elements within the solenoid 12, in a corresponding inclined direction.
In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 13 has an upper branch 13a in which an aperture 13b is formed. A portion 13c of the frame 13, surrounding the aperture 13b, has an essentially trunco-conical outwardly projecting shape (Figures 5, 6 and 9). In a corresponding way, the end portion 14a of the core 14 facing the formation 13c of the frame 13 is also of essentially trunco-conical shape.
A point 15a of a lever 15 extends through the aperture 13b of the magnetic frame 13, the lever extending radially from the periphery of a shaft 16 mounted rotatably in the housing la of the integrated dispensing device 1 about a fixed axis indicated by C-C (see also Figure 3), in a position conveniently close to the axis A-A of oscillation of the cover 5.
In Figure 2, the assembly comprising the shaft 16, the lever 15, the actuator 11 and the valve device 7 is shown in an inclined position. In Figures 5, 6 and 9, the same assembly is shown in a rotated position, wherein the axis of the movable core 14 is vertical, in order to facilitate the illustration of the relative movements included in its operation.
With reference to Figure 3, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment a radial arm 17, terminating in a hammer head formation 18, extends from the shaft 16.
In the proximity of the arm 17, two retaining members 19 and 20, substantially parallel to and facing each other, of which the first is shorter than the second, extend from the cover 5 of the releasing device of the detergent 3. These retaining elements 19 and 20 have respective bevelled retaining catches 19a, 20a at their distal ends, these catches essentially facing each other.
As shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4, the hammer head formation 18 has two opposite bevelled ends 18a and 18b, facing the retaining element 19 and the retaining element 20 respectively. When the cover 5 of the releasing device 2 for the detergent is closed (Figures 1 and 3) and the actuator 1 1 is de-energized (Figure 5), the end 18a of the hammer head formation 18 is engaged with the catch 19a of the retaining element 19 of the cover 5, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The hammer head formation 18 therefore retains the cover 5 in the closed condition. In this condition, as shown in Figure 5, the point 15a of the lever 15 bears on the end 14a of the movable core 14 until the actuator 11 is de-energized.
This core 14 is also coupled to the shut-off valve 7, in the way which will now be described with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 9.
In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the lower end of the core 14 has a radially projecting disc-shaped formation 14b, which extends between two opposing retaining arms 21a extending from a plate-like element 21 which is integral with the operating rod 10. The retaining arms 21a are essentially parallel to each other and to the axis of the core 14, and their distal ends are provided with respective retaining catches 21b which face each other. A helical spring 22 tends to move the plate-like element 21 away from the actuator 1 1 by pushing it towards bearing surfaces formed by a casing 23 (Figure 2) which encloses the whole device 1 1. The terminal disc-shaped formation 14b of the core 14 extends between the plate-like element 21 and the retaining catches 21b, with an ample clearance in the direction of the axis of the core 14. Additionally, when the actuator 11 is de-energized (Figures 2 and 5) the disc-shaped formation 14b bears against the plate-like element 21, in a position spaced apart from the retaining catches 21b. The integrated dispensing device according to the invention as described above operates, essentially, in the following manner. At the start of a washing cycle of a dishwasher, the integrated dispensing device is in the conditions shown in Figures 1 to 5. The cover 5 of the detergent releasing device is retained in the closed position by the engagement of the end 18a of the hammer head element 18 with the retaining catch 19a (Figures 3 and 4), and the core 14 bears on the plate-like element 21 (Figures 2 and 5), which is held against the stop surfaces of the casing 23 by the spring 22. The valve 7 which controls the supply of the rinsing agent is closed.
During the washing cycle, at a time indicated by ti in Figure 10, a control unit for the operation of the dishwasher causes a first energization of the actuator 11 by sending a current to the solenoid 12. The core 14 is then "pulled" upwards against the action of gravity. The movement of the core 14 causes a rotation of the lever 15 (in the anticlockwise direction as seen by an observer of Figures 5 and 6) and a corresponding rotation of the shaft 16, together with the arm 17 and the associated hammer head formation 18. The end 18a of the hammer head formation 18 is then disengaged from the retaining catch 19a, and the cover 5, being pushed by the spring which tends to move it away from the closed position, undergoes a small degree of rotation, in the direction indicated by the arrow B in Figure 3, about the axis A- A, until the end 18b of the hammer head formation 18 engages with the retaining catch 20a (Figure 7). The cover 5 is then retained again, in a new position defined above as the "pre-opening" position.
The extent of the movement of the cover 5 depends on the length of the retaining element 20 relative to that of the retaining element 19.
The condition of retention of the cover 5 shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the condition of the actuator 1 1 shown in Figure 6, in which the movable core 14 has been moved upwards by the energization of the solenoid 12, but its disc-shaped formation 14b, which has approached the retaining catches 21b, is still at a certain distance from these catches. In this condition, therefore, the valve 7 controlling the supply of the rinsing agent remains in the initial closed condition. At a successive time, indicated by t2 in Figure 10, the control unit of the machine causes the first de-energization of the solenoid 12. The core 14 returns to the condition of Figures 2 and 5, by gravity and/or by the action of resilient means associated with the lever 15, while the shaft 16 and the associated arms 15 and 17 rotate (in a clockwise direction as seen by an observer of Figures 5 and 6) under the action of an associated return spring (not shown).
This rotation of the shaft 17 causes the end 18b of the hammer head formation 18 to be disengaged from the retaining catch 20 and causes the final release of the cover 5 which is free to reach its fully open position, under the action of the resilient means associated with it.
The de-energization of the solenoid 12 of the actuator 11 does not change the condition of the control valve 7 for the dispensing of the rinsing agent, which remains closed.
At a successive time, indicated by t3 in Figure 10, the control unit of the dishwasher causes a second de-energization of the solenoid 12: the core 14 is again "pulled" upwards and causes a rotation of the lever 15, the shaft 16 and the arm 17 with the hammer formation 18. This rotation of the arm 17 and of the hammer head formation 18 can now move through a greater angle than in the rotation resulting from the first energization of the solenoid 12, since the rotation of the hammer head formation 18 is no longer limited by the presence of the retaining element 20, 20a. The second energization of the solenoid 12 therefore causes a greater upward travel of the core 14, such that its terminal disc-shaped formation 14b engages the catches 21b of the plate-like element 21 and pulls the latter, together with the shaft 10 and the plug 9, away from the valve seat 8. The valve 7 is thus opened in order to dispense a dose of rinsing agent.
The dispensing of the rinsing agent continues until a successive time, indicated by t4 in Figure 10, in which the control unit of the machine causes a second de-energization of the solenoid 12 of the actuator 1 1 and the return of the core 14, the plate-like element 21, the shaft 10 and the plug 9 to their respective initial positions, 'thus closing the rinsing agent dispensing valve 7. As shown in Figure 10, it is possible to send additional pulses (for energization and de- energization) to the solenoid 12 in order to cause additional dispensing of rinsing agents if required.
At the end of the washing cycle, the cover 5 of the detergent releasing device can be returned manually to the closed position, after a new quantity of detergent has been placed in the associated receptacle 4 (Figure 2). When the cover 5 is closed, the chamfers or bevels of the retaining catches 20a, 19a and the corresponding chamfers or bevels of the ends 18a, 18b of the hammer head formation 18 make it possible to restore the initial situation shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining the same, the forms of embodiment and the details of construction may be varied widely with respect to those described and illustrated, which have been given purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Integrated dispensing device (1) for dispensing washing agents in a washing machine, in particular a dishwashing machine, comprising a first releasing device (2) for a detergent, including' a receptacle (4) for the detergent and an associated openable cover (5), and a second releasing device (3) for a rinsing agent; the releasing devices (2, 3) being intended to be activated at successive times in a washing cycle by successive energizations of a single electrically operable actuator (11) which is mechanically coupled thereto in such a way that a first energization of the actuator (11) is able to modify the state of the first releasing device (2) without changing the state of the second releasing device (3), and a successive energization of the actuator (1 1) is such as to cause the activation of the second releasing device (3),
the integrated dispensing device (1) being characterized in that the actuator (11) is coupled to the cover (5) of the first releasing device (3) through a disengageable and re- engageable retaining mechanism (17-20), configured in such a way that a first energization and the successive de-energization of the actuator (11) cause the passage of said cover (5) to a pre-opening condition and an increased opening condition, respectively.
2. Dispensing device according to Claim 1, wherein the actuator (1 1) is coupled to the cover (5) of the first releasing device (2) through a rocker lever (15-17), one arm (17) of which has an engaging formation (18) adapted to successively engage with first and second retaining members (19, 20), respectively, of the cover (5), when the cover (5) is in the closed condition and, respectively, in the pre-opening condition.
3. Dispensing device according to Claim 2, wherein the engaging formation (18) is essentially shaped like a hammer head, and has two ends (18a, 18b) protruding transversely with respect to the arm (17).
4. Dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (1 1) comprises an electrically operable movable member (14), the movable member (14) being coupled to a valve device (7) of the second releasing device (3) through a drive device (21, 10) adapted to allow the opening of said valve device (7) only when the movable member (14) travels through a distance exceeding a predetermined value.
5. Dispensing device according to Claim 4, wherein the actuator (11) and its movable member (14) are positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle to the horizontal direction, the upper part of the actuator (11) being coupled to the cover (5), the lower part of the actuator (1 1) being coupled to the releasing device (3).
EP20120708935 2011-02-08 2012-02-08 Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher Not-in-force EP2672876B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL12708935T PL2672876T3 (en) 2011-02-08 2012-02-08 Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO2011A000101A IT1404048B1 (en) 2011-02-08 2011-02-08 INTEGRATED DISPENSER DEVICE FOR WASHING AGENTS FOR A WASHING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A DISHWASHER MACHINE.
PCT/IB2012/050565 WO2012107886A1 (en) 2011-02-08 2012-02-08 Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwashing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2672876A1 true EP2672876A1 (en) 2013-12-18
EP2672876B1 EP2672876B1 (en) 2015-05-20

Family

ID=43976433

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20120708935 Not-in-force EP2672876B1 (en) 2011-02-08 2012-02-08 Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20130306115A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2672876B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20140016261A (en)
CN (1) CN103369998B (en)
IT (1) IT1404048B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2672876T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2012107886A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITTO20120379A1 (en) 2012-04-30 2013-10-31 Elbi Int Spa COMBINED GROUP FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF WASHING AND OZONE AGENTS FOR A WASHING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A DISHWASHER MACHINE.
PL227509B1 (en) * 2013-11-26 2017-12-29 Bitron Poland Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Integrated proportioner of washing agent, in particular for the dishwashing machine
WO2016075644A1 (en) 2014-11-12 2016-05-19 Bitron S.P.A. Washing agent dispensing device and dishwashing machine comprising this device
PL227422B1 (en) * 2014-12-12 2017-11-30 Bitron Poland Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Device for dosing detergents and rinsing agents, preferably for dishwashing machine
ITUB20151329A1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-11-29 Bitron Spa Electric actuator in direct current, in particular for household appliances
CN105534460B (en) * 2016-01-22 2019-10-18 宁波欧琳实业有限公司 Water tank cleaner
PL230510B1 (en) * 2016-08-17 2018-11-30 Bitron Poland Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Device that doses detergent to a dishwasher
DE102016125845A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2018-07-05 Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh Device for dispensing cleaning agents
PL423109A1 (en) * 2017-10-09 2019-04-23 Bitron Poland Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Device that doses detergent, in particular to a dishwasher
WO2021098166A1 (en) * 2019-11-19 2021-05-27 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 Distributor and washing appliance

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2489858A1 (en) * 1980-09-05 1982-03-12 Esswein Sa Detergent and rinsing-agent dispenser for dishwashing machine - has single electromagnet releasing both agents in successive operations
IT1239896B (en) * 1990-05-17 1993-11-15 DISPENSER OF STORED SUBSTANCES
ES2098014T3 (en) * 1992-01-21 1997-04-16 Miele & Cie DISHWASHER OR WASHING MACHINE WITH A DOSING DEVICE.
IT1265750B1 (en) 1992-12-16 1996-12-02 Eltek Spa DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LIQUID AND/OR POWDERED SUBSTANCES, PARTICULARLY FOR WASHING MACHINES
IT1267190B1 (en) * 1994-12-07 1997-01-28 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISPENSING DETERGENT AND A RINSING AGENT OF A DISHWASHER MACHINE
IT1289806B1 (en) * 1996-12-27 1998-10-16 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISPENSING OF WASHING AGENTS, FOR DISHWASHER MACHINES.
ITTO20030986A1 (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-10 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING DOSED OF A WASHING OR RINSE LIQUID AGENT FOR A WASHING MACHINE.
ITTO20050555A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-06 Eltek Spa DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION
ITTO20070062U1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2008-11-10 Elbi Int Spa DISPENSER DEVICE FOR A WASHING AND / OR RINSING AGENT, PARTICULARLY FOR A DISHWASHER MACHINE AND PROVIDED WITH A PERFECT MANUAL OPENING MECHANISM
ITTO20070597A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2009-02-10 Eltek Spa IMPLEMENTATION DEVICE
IT1391200B1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-11-18 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING AT LEAST ONE WASHING AGENT IN A DISHWASHER MACHINE
IT1397289B1 (en) * 2009-12-02 2013-01-04 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A WASHING AGENT IN A WASHING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR A DISHWASHER MACHINE.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2012107886A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1404048B1 (en) 2013-11-08
US20130306115A1 (en) 2013-11-21
CN103369998A (en) 2013-10-23
WO2012107886A8 (en) 2012-12-20
ITTO20110101A1 (en) 2012-08-09
CN103369998B (en) 2016-05-04
WO2012107886A1 (en) 2012-08-16
EP2672876B1 (en) 2015-05-20
KR20140016261A (en) 2014-02-07
PL2672876T3 (en) 2015-10-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2672876B1 (en) Integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher
US6923191B2 (en) Washing agents dispenser device for a domestic washing machine, namely a dishwasher
EP0457137A1 (en) Dispenser of stored materials and products
US10238267B2 (en) Integrated washing agent dispenser, in particular for a dishwasher
CA2562601C (en) An integrated washing agent dispenser, in particular for a dishwasher
US7934623B2 (en) Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
US2312077A (en) Process timer
WO2001072198A1 (en) Washing agent dispensing device for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
US7270135B2 (en) Dishwasher dispensing assembly actuator mechanism
EP2680736B1 (en) An integrated device for dispensing washing agents for a washing machine, in particular for a dishwashing machine
US2591507A (en) Sanitary liquid dispensing machine
US3125249A (en) Dishwasher with improved treating agent dispenser mechanism
ITTO961086A1 (en) DEVICE FOR DISPENSING WASHING AGENTS, FOR TABLEWARE WASHING MACHINES.
EP2478819B1 (en) A washing agent dispensing device for a washing machine for household use, in particular a dishwasher, and washing machine thereof
US7823236B2 (en) Actuation device and method
US3062412A (en) Detergent cup trip mechanism
ITTO940997A1 (en) DEVICE FOR DISPENSING DETERGENT AND A RINSING AGENT OF A DISHWASHER MACHINE
US3419192A (en) Treating agent dispenser for automatic washing machine
FR2532667A1 (en) Washing machine additive discharge control mechanism

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: 20130820

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

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20141203

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: 727289

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150615

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: 602012007414

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 727289

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150520

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: 20150520

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

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: 20150820

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: 20150921

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 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: 20150520

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: 20150920

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: 20150820

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: 20150821

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012007414

Country of ref document: DE

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20160223

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

Effective date: 20150520

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

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20160208

Year of fee payment: 5

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: 20160229

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: 20150520

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

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20160120

Year of fee payment: 5

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20160502

Year of fee payment: 5

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20160208

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: 20160208

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: 20160229

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20160229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20161028

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20160208

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20160208

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20160229

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602012007414

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20170901

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: 20150520

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: 20150520

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: 20120208

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: 20160229

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: 20150520

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

Ref country code: PL

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

Effective date: 20170208

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: 20150520

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170208