EP1372226B1 - Switch-connector assembly for flat antenna - Google Patents

Switch-connector assembly for flat antenna Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1372226B1
EP1372226B1 EP03290817A EP03290817A EP1372226B1 EP 1372226 B1 EP1372226 B1 EP 1372226B1 EP 03290817 A EP03290817 A EP 03290817A EP 03290817 A EP03290817 A EP 03290817A EP 1372226 B1 EP1372226 B1 EP 1372226B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit
plug
antenna
hole
ground plane
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03290817A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1372226A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Christophe Villain
Bertrand Cupif
Frédéric VOGEL
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.)
TCT Mobile Ltd
Original Assignee
TCT Mobile Ltd
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 TCT Mobile Ltd filed Critical TCT Mobile Ltd
Publication of EP1372226A1 publication Critical patent/EP1372226A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1372226B1 publication Critical patent/EP1372226B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/42—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency comprising impedance matching means or electrical components, e.g. filters or switches
    • H01R24/46—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency comprising impedance matching means or electrical components, e.g. filters or switches comprising switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/50—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency mounted on a PCB [Printed Circuit Board]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
    • Y10S439/944—Coaxial connector having circuit-interrupting provision effected by mating or having "dead" contact activated after mating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices that combine both a connector and a switch for disconnecting an "antenna circuit", in particular of the "patch antenna” type referred to in the flat antenna suite, from the power supply circuits thereof, while connecting these same circuits to a plug allowing an external connection of these circuits.
  • This plug is for example connected itself to a cable to power a more efficient antenna than the original flat antenna.
  • Such devices are for example useful for connecting a mobile phone to a fixed base.
  • Such a device currently known is shown in its disconnected state in FIG. 1, and in its connected state in FIG.
  • the flat antenna 101 is fixed on a support 102, as well as the ground plane 103 which completes the antenna to obtain the desired radiation pattern.
  • the antenna is fed by a spring connector 104 and the ground plane by a spring connector 105, from the transmission and / or reception circuits of the radio frequency signals which are themselves fixed on a printed circuit board 106.
  • the radio frequency signal arrives on this printed circuit by a circuit 107 and the ground by a circuit 108.
  • the radio frequency signal is then conveyed from this circuit 107 to the spring connector 104 via a switch 109 formed of a spring leaf 110 which, depending on its position, can provide continuity between the circuit 107 and a circuit 111 on which the spring-loaded connector 104 abuts.
  • the continuity between the lamella 110 and the circuit 111 is ensured by a conductive part 112 fixed in the body 113 isolating the switch.
  • a metal rod 114 perpendicular to the plane of the circuit 106 is fixed on the flexible blade 110.
  • the radio frequency signal which arrives via the conductor 107, passes through the blade 110, the workpiece 112, the conductor 111 and the spring connector 104 to be finally applied to the antenna. plate 101.
  • a plug 116 comprising an outer envelope 117 and a central conductor 119 forming a core and separated from the outer conductive envelope by an insulating layer 118 is used.
  • This plug is conically shaped, so as to enter a hole 120 formed in the support 102 to the right of the switch 109 and also located at the separation level between the flat antenna 101 and the ground plate 103.
  • the end of the central conductor 119 of the plug 116 protrudes at the tip of this conical portion at a hole in the outer casing 117.
  • the end of the core 119 presses the rod 114, which causes the blade 110 to bend and interrupts the transmission of the radio frequency signal towards the workpiece 112, and therefore to the flat antenna 101.
  • the radio frequency signal is then applied against the core 119 of the plug, so that it can be transmitted to the circuits connected to this card, which are not shown in the figure.
  • the conical portion of the casing 117 of the plug is placed in a depression formed in the upper portion of the conductive pot 115 of the switch 119, and adapted to the conical shape of the end of the plug.
  • the contact is established between the casing 117 of the plug and the pot 115 of the switch, which establishes the ground connection between the circuit 108 and the outer casing of the plug.
  • the invention proposes a connector-switch combination for alternately connecting a ground circuit respectively to a ground plane or to a ground plane.
  • the external envelope of a plug and a radio frequency circuit respectively to an antenna circuit or the core of said plug, this ground plane and this antenna circuit being carried by the same insulating plane support having a hole allowing to leave passing said plug, the ground circuit being connected to said ground plane by a first spring connector separate from the switching means of the handset, characterized in that the plane support comprises a hollow cylindrical protrusion having an internal cavity opening into said hole, that this hole has an oval hollow periphery adapted to the ogival shape of said plug, that the antenna circuit and the ground plane extend inwardly of the hole being in conformity with said oval hollow periphery, and that the handset further comprises a second spring connector placed in said internal cavity and comprising a rod with a flange and urged in one direction by a spring to make contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is removed, and to make contact with said core by cutting contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is depressed in the hole by pushing said rod in the other direction.
  • the plane support comprises a hollow cylindrical protrusion having an internal
  • the handset comprises a printed circuit board coplanar with said plane support supporting said ground circuit and said radio frequency circuit; said cylindrical protrusion coming to rest on the printed circuit board and the second spring connector also coming to rest on the printed circuit board at the radio frequency circuit by its end opposite to that making it possible to establish contact with the sheet.
  • the extension of the antenna circuit to the inside of the hole is sufficiently long to serve as a stopper to said central rod via the flange carried by this central rod.
  • the device according to the invention also comprises a planar antenna 201 and a ground plane 203 fixed on a support 202, as well as a printed circuit board 106 which comprises a radio frequency signal circuit 207 and a ground circuit 208.
  • Plug 116 intended to connect to this device is identical to that of Figures 1 and 2.
  • the ground circuit 208 is connected to the ground plane 203 via a spring connector 105, in the same manner as in FIG. 1. However, this circuit 208 is only connected to the spring connector 105.
  • the support 202 comprises a protrusion 213 in the form of a cylinder perpendicular to the plane of this support, that of the printed circuit board 106, and that of the antenna and the ground plane.
  • This protrusion is hollow and its axis coincides with that of the plug 116 in the position where it is connected to the device.
  • the inner cavity of the cylinder 213 contains a second spring contactor 204 whose base is in direct contact with the circuit 207 receiving the radio frequency signal.
  • the upper end of the internal cavity of the cylinder 213 comes to the surface of the support 202 forming a conical cavity 220.
  • the conductive foil forming the flat antenna 201 is pressed into the shape of this conical cavity 220 to open into the internal cylindrical cavity of the cylinder 213.
  • the metal sheet composing the ground plane 203 is pressed to the shape of the conical cavity 220 to open into this internal cylindrical cavity of the cylinder 213.
  • the lengths of the portions 227 of the flat antenna on the one hand, and 228 of the ground plane on the other hand, which open into this interior are such that the end of the flat antenna is located closer to the circuit board 106 than is the end of the ground plane.
  • the spring contact 204 comprises, in known manner, a movable rod 224 which is pushed upwards by a spring 225.
  • This rod has at its upper end, a little lower than this one, a flange 226 which is wider. that the space between the ends 227 and 228 respectively of the flat antenna and the ground plane which open into the internal cavity of the protrusion 213.
  • the rod 224 makes contact with the flat antenna 201 without making contact with the ground plane 203, because of the different dimensions, explained above, of the ends of these two members.
  • the flat antenna 201 is thus powered by the spring connector 204 from the circuit 207, and the ground plane 203 is connected to the ground circuit 208 via the connector. spring 205.
  • the plug When the plug is fully inserted into the oval hole 220, it is locked in the connected position by mechanical means such as those mentioned above, and the ground contact is then established between the ground plane 203 and the outer shell 117 of the sheet through part 228 of the ground plan.
  • the flat antenna 201 is itself connected to the outer casing 117 via its portion 227. It can be seen that in this connected position the flat antenna forms with the ground plane a single ground plane. enlarged and substantially continuous, which improves all the performance of the whole.
  • the oval hole 220 is much smaller than the oval hole 120 of the prior art, which increases the dimensions of the flat antenna and therefore its efficiency.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Waveguide Aerials (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)

Abstract

The combined connector switch connects an earth circuit (208) and an earth plane (203) to an external plug envelope (117) and a radio frequency circuit (207). The earth circuit is connected to the earth plane by a spring connector. The support plane is a hollow cylindrical cavity (213) with an internal cavity (22). The plug activates a spring switch mechanism (224).

Description

La présente invention se rapporte aux dispositifs qui combinent à la fois un connecteur et un interrupteur pour déconnecter un « circuit antenne » notamment de type « patch antenna » dénommée dans la suite antenne plate, des circuits d'alimentation de celle-ci, tout en connectant ces mêmes circuits à une fiche permettant une connection extérieure de ces circuits. Cette fiche est par exemple reliée elle-même à un câble pour alimenter une antenne plus efficace que l'antenne plate initiale. De tels dispositifs sont par exemple utiles pour raccorder un téléphone portable à une base fixe.The present invention relates to devices that combine both a connector and a switch for disconnecting an "antenna circuit", in particular of the "patch antenna" type referred to in the flat antenna suite, from the power supply circuits thereof, while connecting these same circuits to a plug allowing an external connection of these circuits. This plug is for example connected itself to a cable to power a more efficient antenna than the original flat antenna. Such devices are for example useful for connecting a mobile phone to a fixed base.

Un tel dispositif actuellement connu est représenté dans son état déconnecté sur la figure 1, et dans son état connecté sur la figure 2.Such a device currently known is shown in its disconnected state in FIG. 1, and in its connected state in FIG.

L'antenne plate 101 est fixée sur un support 102, ainsi que le plan de masse 103 qui complète l'antenne pour obtenir le diagramme de rayonnement souhaité. L'antenne est alimentée par un connecteur à ressort 104 et le plan de masse par un connecteur à ressort 105, depuis les circuits d'émission et/ou de réception des signaux radio fréquence qui sont eux-mêmes fixés sur une plaque de circuit imprimé 106.The flat antenna 101 is fixed on a support 102, as well as the ground plane 103 which completes the antenna to obtain the desired radiation pattern. The antenna is fed by a spring connector 104 and the ground plane by a spring connector 105, from the transmission and / or reception circuits of the radio frequency signals which are themselves fixed on a printed circuit board 106.

Le signal radio fréquence arrive sur ce circuit imprimé par un circuit 107 et la masse par un circuit 108. Le signal radio fréquence est alors acheminé depuis ce circuit 107 jusqu'au connecteur à ressort 104 par l'intermédiaire d'un interrupteur 109 formé d'une lamelle à ressort 110 qui peut, selon sa position, assurer la continuité entre le circuit 107 et un circuit 111 sur lequel vient s'appuyer le connecteur à ressort 104.The radio frequency signal arrives on this printed circuit by a circuit 107 and the ground by a circuit 108. The radio frequency signal is then conveyed from this circuit 107 to the spring connector 104 via a switch 109 formed of a spring leaf 110 which, depending on its position, can provide continuity between the circuit 107 and a circuit 111 on which the spring-loaded connector 104 abuts.

La continuité entre la lamelle 110 et le circuit 111 est assurée par une pièce conductrice 112 fixée dans le corps 113 isolant de l'interrupteur. Une tige métallique 114 perpendiculaire au plan du circuit 106 est fixée sur la lame flexible 110.The continuity between the lamella 110 and the circuit 111 is ensured by a conductive part 112 fixed in the body 113 isolating the switch. A metal rod 114 perpendicular to the plane of the circuit 106 is fixed on the flexible blade 110.

Lorsqu'une pression est exercée sur l'extrémité de cette tige, elle fait fléchir la lame 110 et coupe la communication entre cette lame et la pièce 112. Le corps 113 est lui-même entouré par un pot 115 conducteur qui est relié au circuit de masse 118 pour pouvoir obtenir la reprise de masse comme décrit ci-après.When pressure is exerted on the end of this rod, it bends the blade 110 and cuts the communication between this blade and the part 112. The body 113 is itself surrounded by a pot 115 conductor which is connected to the circuit of mass 118 to obtain the mass recovery as described below.

Dans l'état déconnecté illustré sur la figure 1, le signal radio fréquence, qui arrive par le conducteur 107, passe par la lame 110, la pièce 112, le conducteur 111 et le connecteur à ressort 104 pour être finalement appliqué à l'antenne plate 101.In the disconnected state illustrated in FIG. 1, the radio frequency signal, which arrives via the conductor 107, passes through the blade 110, the workpiece 112, the conductor 111 and the spring connector 104 to be finally applied to the antenna. plate 101.

Pour pouvoir utiliser une antenne extérieure, ou éventuellement un circuit de mesure, on utilise une fiche 116 comportant une enveloppe extérieure 117 et un conducteur central 119 formant âme et séparé de l'enveloppe extérieure conductrice par une couche isolante 118.In order to be able to use an external antenna, or possibly a measurement circuit, a plug 116 comprising an outer envelope 117 and a central conductor 119 forming a core and separated from the outer conductive envelope by an insulating layer 118 is used.

Cette fiche est de forme conique, de manière à pouvoir rentrer dans un trou 120 ménagé dans le support 102 au droit de l'interrupteur 109 et situé également au niveau de séparation entre l'antenne plate 101 et la plaque de masse 103. L'extrémité du conducteur central 119 de la fiche 116 vient faire saillie à la pointe de cette partie conique au niveau d'un trou ménagé dans l'enveloppe extérieure 117.This plug is conically shaped, so as to enter a hole 120 formed in the support 102 to the right of the switch 109 and also located at the separation level between the flat antenna 101 and the ground plate 103. The end of the central conductor 119 of the plug 116 protrudes at the tip of this conical portion at a hole in the outer casing 117.

Lorsqu'on abaisse la fiche pour venir l'insérer dans le trou 120, l'extrémité de l'âme 119 vient faire pression sur la tige 114, ce qui fait fléchir la lame 110 et interrompt la transmission du signal radio fréquence vers la pièce 112, et donc vers l'antenne plate 101. Le signal radio fréquence est par contre alors appliqué à l'âme 119 de la fiche, de manière à pouvoir être transmis vers les circuits connectés à cette fiche, qui ne sont pas représentés sur la figure.When the plug is lowered to insert it into the hole 120, the end of the core 119 presses the rod 114, which causes the blade 110 to bend and interrupts the transmission of the radio frequency signal towards the workpiece 112, and therefore to the flat antenna 101. The radio frequency signal is then applied against the core 119 of the plug, so that it can be transmitted to the circuits connected to this card, which are not shown in the figure.

Simultanément, la partie conique de l'enveloppe 117 de la fiche vient se placer dans une dépression ménagée dans la partie supérieure du pot conducteur 115 de l'interrupteur 119, et adaptée à la forme conique de l'extrémité de la fiche. De cette manière, le contact est établi entre l'enveloppe 117 de la fiche et le pot 115 de l'interrupteur, ce qui établit la connexion de masse entre le circuit 108 et l'enveloppe extérieure de la fiche.Simultaneously, the conical portion of the casing 117 of the plug is placed in a depression formed in the upper portion of the conductive pot 115 of the switch 119, and adapted to the conical shape of the end of the plug. In this way, the contact is established between the casing 117 of the plug and the pot 115 of the switch, which establishes the ground connection between the circuit 108 and the outer casing of the plug.

Des moyens mécaniques non représentés, mais connus de l'homme de l'art, permettent d'assurer la fixation mécanique de ces pièces ensemble.Mechanical means not shown, but known to those skilled in the art, allow to ensure the mechanical attachment of these parts together.

Ce système fonctionne bien, mais il présente l'inconvénient d'être d'une taille importante et de réduire en conséquence la surface de l'antenne plate, ce qui diminue donc les performances de celle-ci.This system works well, but it has the disadvantage of being of a large size and consequently reduce the surface of the flat antenna, which therefore reduces the performance thereof.

Pour pouvoir diminuer les dimensions de ce système et pouvoir augmenter la surface, et donc l'efficacité, de l'antenne plate, l'invention propose un combiné connecteur-interrupteur pour connecter alternativement un circuit de masse respectivement à un plan de masse ou à l'enveloppe externe d'une fiche, et un circuit radio fréquence respectivement à un circuit antenne ou à l'âme de ladite fiche, ce plan de masse et ce circuit antenne étant portés par un même support plan isolant comportant un trou permettant de laisser passer ladite fiche, le circuit de masse étant connectée audit plan de masse par un premier connecteur à ressort distinct des moyens de commutation du combiné, caractérisé en ce que le support plan comprend une excroissance cylindrique creuse comportant une cavité interne débouchant dans ledit trou, que ce trou comporte une périphérie creuse ovale adaptée à la forme ogivale de ladite fiche, que le circuit antenne et le plan de masse se prolongent vers l'intérieur du trou en étant conformes à ladite périphérie creuse ovale, et que le combiné comporte en outre un deuxième connecteur à ressort placé dans ladite cavité interne et comprenant une tige centrale munie d'une collerette et poussée dans un sens par un ressort pour établir le contact avec le circuit antenne lorsque ladite fiche est enlevée, et pour établir le contact avec ladite âme en coupant le contact avec le circuit antenne lorsque ladite fiche est enfoncée dans le trou en poussant ladite tige dans l'autre sens.In order to be able to reduce the dimensions of this system and to be able to increase the surface, and therefore the efficiency, of the flat antenna, the invention proposes a connector-switch combination for alternately connecting a ground circuit respectively to a ground plane or to a ground plane. the external envelope of a plug, and a radio frequency circuit respectively to an antenna circuit or the core of said plug, this ground plane and this antenna circuit being carried by the same insulating plane support having a hole allowing to leave passing said plug, the ground circuit being connected to said ground plane by a first spring connector separate from the switching means of the handset, characterized in that the plane support comprises a hollow cylindrical protrusion having an internal cavity opening into said hole, that this hole has an oval hollow periphery adapted to the ogival shape of said plug, that the antenna circuit and the ground plane extend inwardly of the hole being in conformity with said oval hollow periphery, and that the handset further comprises a second spring connector placed in said internal cavity and comprising a rod with a flange and urged in one direction by a spring to make contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is removed, and to make contact with said core by cutting contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is depressed in the hole by pushing said rod in the other direction.

Selon une autre caractéristique, le combiné comprend une plaque de circuit imprimé coplanaire au dit support plan supportant ledit circuit de masse et ledit circuit radio fréquence; ladite excroissance cylindrique venant s'appuyer sur la plaque de circuit imprimé et le deuxième connecteur à ressort venant lui aussi s'appuyer sur la plaque de circuit imprimé au niveau du circuit radio fréquence par son extrémité opposée à celle permettant d'établir le contact avec la fiche.According to another characteristic, the handset comprises a printed circuit board coplanar with said plane support supporting said ground circuit and said radio frequency circuit; said cylindrical protrusion coming to rest on the printed circuit board and the second spring connector also coming to rest on the printed circuit board at the radio frequency circuit by its end opposite to that making it possible to establish contact with the sheet.

Selon une autre caractéristique, le prolongement du circuit antenne vers l'intérieur du trou est suffisamment long pour servir d'arrêtoir à ladite tige centrale par l'intermédiaire de la collerette portée par cette tige centrale.According to another feature, the extension of the antenna circuit to the inside of the hole is sufficiently long to serve as a stopper to said central rod via the flange carried by this central rod.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement dans la description suivante, faite en regard des figures annexées qui représentent :

  • Les figures 1 et 2, des vues en coupe d'un dispositif connu, dans deux états respectivement non connecté et connecté ; et
  • Les figures 3 et 4, des vues en coupe d'un dispositif selon l'invention, dans les mêmes états non connecté et connecté.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear in the following description, with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • Figures 1 and 2, sectional views of a known device, in two states respectively unconnected and connected; and
  • Figures 3 and 4, sectional views of a device according to the invention, in the same states unconnected and connected.

Le dispositif selon l'invention, représenté schématiquement et en coupe sur les figures 3 et 4, comprend lui aussi une antenne plane 201 et un plan de masse 203 fixés sur un support 202, ainsi qu'une plaquette de circuit imprimé 106 qui comporte un circuit de signal radio fréquence 207 et un circuit de masse 208.The device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically and in section in FIGS. 3 and 4, also comprises a planar antenna 201 and a ground plane 203 fixed on a support 202, as well as a printed circuit board 106 which comprises a radio frequency signal circuit 207 and a ground circuit 208.

La fiche 116 destinée à venir se connecter sur ce dispositif est identique à celle des figures 1 et 2.Plug 116 intended to connect to this device is identical to that of Figures 1 and 2.

Le circuit de masse 208 est relié au plan de masse 203 par l'intermédiaire d'un connecteur à ressort 105, de la même manière que sur la figure 1. Toutefois ce circuit 208 est seulement connecté au connecteur à ressort 105.The ground circuit 208 is connected to the ground plane 203 via a spring connector 105, in the same manner as in FIG. 1. However, this circuit 208 is only connected to the spring connector 105.

Le support 202 comprend une excroissance 213 en forme de cylindre perpendiculaire au plan de ce support, de celui de la plaque de circuit imprimé 106, et de celui de l'antenne et du plan de masse. Cette excroissance est creuse et son axe est confondu avec celui de la fiche 116 dans la position où celle-ci est connectée sur le dispositif.The support 202 comprises a protrusion 213 in the form of a cylinder perpendicular to the plane of this support, that of the printed circuit board 106, and that of the antenna and the ground plane. This protrusion is hollow and its axis coincides with that of the plug 116 in the position where it is connected to the device.

La cavité intérieure du cylindre 213 contient un deuxième contacteur à ressort 204 dont la base est en contact direct avec le circuit 207 recevant le signal radio fréquence.The inner cavity of the cylinder 213 contains a second spring contactor 204 whose base is in direct contact with the circuit 207 receiving the radio frequency signal.

L'extrémité supérieure de la cavité interne du cylindre 213 vient déboucher à la surface du support 202 en formant une cavité conique 220.The upper end of the internal cavity of the cylinder 213 comes to the surface of the support 202 forming a conical cavity 220.

La feuille conductrice formant l'antenne plate 201 est emboutie à la forme de cette cavité conique 220 pour venir déboucher à l'intérieur de la cavité cylindrique interne du cylindre 213.The conductive foil forming the flat antenna 201 is pressed into the shape of this conical cavity 220 to open into the internal cylindrical cavity of the cylinder 213.

De la même manière, la feuille métallique composant le plan de masse 203 est emboutie à la forme de la cavité conique 220 pour déboucher dans cette cavité cylindrique interne du cylindre 213.In the same way, the metal sheet composing the ground plane 203 is pressed to the shape of the conical cavity 220 to open into this internal cylindrical cavity of the cylinder 213.

Les longueurs des parties 227 de l'antenne plate d'une part, et 228 du plan de masse d'autre part, qui débouchent dans cet intérieur sont telles que l'extrémité de l'antenne plate soit située plus près du circuit imprimé 106 que ne l'est l'extrémité du plan de masse.The lengths of the portions 227 of the flat antenna on the one hand, and 228 of the ground plane on the other hand, which open into this interior are such that the end of the flat antenna is located closer to the circuit board 106 than is the end of the ground plane.

Le contact à ressort 204 comporte, de manière connue, une tige mobile 224 qui est poussée vers le haut par un ressort 225. Cette tige comporte à son extrémité supérieure, un peu plus bas que celle-ci, une collerette 226 qui est plus large que l'espace existant entre les extrémités 227 et 228 respectivement de l'antenne plate et du plan de masse qui débouchent dans la cavité interne de l'excroissance 213.The spring contact 204 comprises, in known manner, a movable rod 224 which is pushed upwards by a spring 225. This rod has at its upper end, a little lower than this one, a flange 226 which is wider. that the space between the ends 227 and 228 respectively of the flat antenna and the ground plane which open into the internal cavity of the protrusion 213.

De cette manière, sous la poussée du ressort 225 la tige 224 vient faire contact avec l'antenne plate 201 sans faire contact avec le plan de masse 203, en raison des dimensions différentes, explicités plus haut, des extrémités de ces deux organes.In this way, under the thrust of the spring 225, the rod 224 makes contact with the flat antenna 201 without making contact with the ground plane 203, because of the different dimensions, explained above, of the ends of these two members.

Dans le cas non connecté représenté sur la figure 3, l'antenne plate 201 est donc alimentée par le connecteur à ressort 204 à partir du circuit 207, et le plan de masse 203 est relié au circuit de masse 208 par l'intermédiaire du connecteur à ressort 205.In the unconnected case shown in FIG. 3, the flat antenna 201 is thus powered by the spring connector 204 from the circuit 207, and the ground plane 203 is connected to the ground circuit 208 via the connector. spring 205.

En faisant descendre la fiche 216 dans le trou ovale 220, comme représenté sur la figure 4, l'extrémité de l'âme 119 de la fiche 116 vient appuyer sur l'extrémité de la tige 224, ce qui la pousse vers le bas en comprimant le ressort 225. Cette action entraîne d'une part la déconnexion de l'antenne plate 201 de la tige 224 et donc du circuit d'alimentation radio fréquence 207, et la connexion de cette tige 224 à l'âme 119 de la fiche 116. Cette fiche est donc alimentée par le signal radio fréquence appliqué au circuit 207, par l'intermédiaire du connecteur à ressort 204.By lowering the plug 216 into the oval hole 220, as shown in FIG. 4, the end of the core 119 of the plug 116 presses on the end of the rod 224, which pushes it downwards in compressing the spring 225. This action causes on the one hand the disconnection of the flat antenna 201 of the rod 224 and therefore of the radio frequency supply circuit 207, and the connection of this rod 224 to the core 119 of the plug 116. This plug is therefore powered by the radio frequency signal applied to the circuit 207, via the spring connector 204.

Lorsque la fiche est entièrement insérée dans le trou ovale 220, celle-ci est verrouillée en position connectée par des moyens mécaniques tels que ceux cités plus haut, et le contact de masse est alors établi entre le plan de masse 203 et l'enveloppe extérieure 117 de la fiche par l'intermédiaire de la partie 228 du plan de masse.When the plug is fully inserted into the oval hole 220, it is locked in the connected position by mechanical means such as those mentioned above, and the ground contact is then established between the ground plane 203 and the outer shell 117 of the sheet through part 228 of the ground plan.

En outre l'antenne plate 201 est elle-même reliée à l'enveloppe extérieure 117 par l'intermédiaire de sa partie 227. On constate que dans cette position connectée l'antenne plate forme avec le plan de masse un plan de masse unique, agrandi et sensiblement continu, ce qui améliore d'autant plus les performances de l'ensemble.In addition, the flat antenna 201 is itself connected to the outer casing 117 via its portion 227. It can be seen that in this connected position the flat antenna forms with the ground plane a single ground plane. enlarged and substantially continuous, which improves all the performance of the whole.

En outre, conformément au but principal de l'invention, le trou ovale 220 est beaucoup plus petit que le trou ovale 120 de l'art antérieur, ce qui augmente les dimensions de l'antenne plate et donc son efficacité.In addition, in accordance with the main object of the invention, the oval hole 220 is much smaller than the oval hole 120 of the prior art, which increases the dimensions of the flat antenna and therefore its efficiency.

Enfin l'ensemble des organes participant à la connexion et à la déconnexion est en nombre beaucoup plus restreint, ce qui augmente la simplicité, et donc la fiabilité, de l'ensemble tout en en diminuant le coût de réalisation.Finally all the bodies involved in the connection and disconnection is much smaller, which increases the simplicity, and therefore the reliability of the whole while reducing the cost of implementation.

Claims (4)

  1. A combined connector-switch set for alternately connecting a ground circuit 208 to a ground plane (203) or to the external envelope (117) of a plug (116) respectively, and a radio frequency circuit (207) to an antenna circuit (201) or to the core (119) of said plug respectively, this ground plane and this antenna circuit being borne by a same insulating planar support (202) including a hole (220) providing passage for said plug (116),
    - the ground circuit (208) being connected to said ground plane (203) by a first spring connector (105) distinct from the switching means of the combined set,
    characterized in that
    - the planar support comprises a hollow cylindrical protrusion (213) including an internal cavity opening into said hole (220),
    - said hole includes an oval hollow periphery adapted to the ogived shape of said plug (116),
    - the antenna circuit and the ground plane extend towards the inside of the hole while being conformable to said oval hollow periphery,
    - the combined set further includes a second spring connector (204) placed in said internal cavity and comprising a central rod (224) provided with a flange (226) and urged in one direction by a spring member (225) for establishing contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is removed, and for establishing contact with said core by cutting off the contact with the antenna circuit when said plug is pushed into the hole by urging said rod in the other direction.
  2. The combined set according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a printed circuit board (106) parallel to said planar support (202) and supporting said ground circuit (208) and said radio frequency circuit (207); wherein said cylindrical protrusion (213) will press on the printed circuit board (106) and the second spring connector (204) will also press on the printed circuit board (106) at the radio frequency circuit (207) with its end opposite to the one allowing contact to be established with the plug (116).
  3. The combined set according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an extension (227) of the antenna circuit (201) towards the inside of the hole (220) is sufficiently long so as to be used as a stop for said central rod (224) via the flange (226) borne by this central rod.
  4. The combined set according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the antenna circuit is of the patch antenna type called a flat antenna.
EP03290817A 2002-06-13 2003-04-01 Switch-connector assembly for flat antenna Expired - Lifetime EP1372226B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0207272A FR2841038B1 (en) 2002-06-13 2002-06-13 CONNECTOR-SWITCH COMBINATION FOR FLAT ANTENNA
FR0207272 2002-06-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1372226A1 EP1372226A1 (en) 2003-12-17
EP1372226B1 true EP1372226B1 (en) 2006-06-07

Family

ID=29559158

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03290817A Expired - Lifetime EP1372226B1 (en) 2002-06-13 2003-04-01 Switch-connector assembly for flat antenna

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6712628B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1372226B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100342584C (en)
AT (1) ATE329388T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60305792T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2266744T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2841038B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1372226E (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102025020B (en) * 2009-09-18 2014-03-26 上海莫仕连接器有限公司 Modular antenna apparatus of mobile communication device
US8628358B2 (en) * 2010-04-16 2014-01-14 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Electrical connector having movable central contact

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2307113B (en) * 1995-11-08 1999-04-28 Itt Ind Ltd Improvements in or relating to coaxial connectors
US6224407B1 (en) * 1997-12-17 2001-05-01 The Whitaker Corporation Coaxial switch connector assembly
EP1041680B1 (en) * 1999-03-30 2007-11-28 The Whitaker Corporation Electrostatic discharge protection for a coaxial connector
TW488116B (en) * 2000-03-31 2002-05-21 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Receptacle for coaxial plug connector
JP3711002B2 (en) * 2000-08-31 2005-10-26 ヒロセ電機株式会社 Coaxial connector with switch
US6473045B1 (en) * 2001-07-09 2002-10-29 Tyco Electronics Corporation Coaxial connector assembly and antenna assembly having a switching function

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2841038B1 (en) 2004-08-27
ES2266744T3 (en) 2007-03-01
EP1372226A1 (en) 2003-12-17
CN1467871A (en) 2004-01-14
US20030232531A1 (en) 2003-12-18
DE60305792D1 (en) 2006-07-20
FR2841038A1 (en) 2003-12-19
CN100342584C (en) 2007-10-10
DE60305792T2 (en) 2007-06-14
PT1372226E (en) 2006-10-31
ATE329388T1 (en) 2006-06-15
US6712628B2 (en) 2004-03-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0580505B1 (en) Adaptation system between an antenna connector and a socket of a radio telephone
FR2778500A1 (en) PLATE ANTENNA
FR2621742A1 (en) ANTENNA FOR VEHICLE
FR2825517A1 (en) Plate antenna, uses passive component facing radiating element with electromagnetic rather than mechanical coupling to simplify construction
FR2793955A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING A COAXIAL LINE TO A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
EP2572406A1 (en) Antenna interface for a radio receiver
WO1995013637A9 (en) High frequency coaxial-type connector-switch component
EP1372226B1 (en) Switch-connector assembly for flat antenna
EP2404348B1 (en) Methode of realizing an antenna operating in a given frequnecy band from a dual band antenna
FR2679086A1 (en) Sending (transmission) and receiving apparatus with antenna
FR2740912A1 (en) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO COAXIAL CONNECTORS
FR2733348A1 (en) Surface mounted miniature coaxial switch for electrically connecting radio transmitter to antenna, e.g. on vehicle
EP1250731B1 (en) Coaxial electrical connector and assembly comprising same
US7131846B2 (en) Integrated unit with antenna and switch
EP0821837B1 (en) Miniature coaxial switch connector with a plunger and passive contact tongues
EP0955699A1 (en) Electrical connection device with built-in switch
FR2733349A1 (en) Surface mounted coaxial switch for electrically connecting radio transmitter to antenna, e.g. on vehicle
EP0739058A1 (en) Switch connector or miniature coaxial reversing switch with a printed circuit board
FR2733351A1 (en) Miniature Printed circuit Board switch for antenna/Transmitter Connection
EP1510013B1 (en) Mobile telephone comprising correct operation verification means
FR2828586A1 (en) Battery recharging mobile telephone connection having male plug front inserted female socket cavity with contact wedge receptacle and outer flexible strip contact socket support contained/front end strip retained.
FR2778499A1 (en) Miniaturized antenna contained within portable telephone handset
EP4386990A1 (en) Antenna and associated coupler for realizing an offset of an antenna function and corresponding communication device
FR2786935A1 (en) Connector with channel switching device includes pair of blades which exert pressure on base of hollow body inside which they are mounted
FR2808641A1 (en) Reduced electromagnetic radiation mobile telephone having housing with upper ear piece/lower microphone and antenna swinging around lower mounted housing towards lower position.

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): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040617

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TAM HOLDINGS LIMITED

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TCL & ALCATEL MOBILE PHONES LIMITED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: SWITCH-CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FLAT ANTENNA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060607

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: 20060607

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: 20060607

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: 20060607

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: 20060607

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: 20060607

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: 20060607

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60305792

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060720

Kind code of ref document: P

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

Ref country code: DK

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

Effective date: 20060907

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: 20060907

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20060906

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Effective date: 20060906

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2266744

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20070330

Year of fee payment: 5

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

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

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20070420

Year of fee payment: 5

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070308

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: TCL & ALCATEL MOBILE PHONES LIMITED

Effective date: 20070430

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20070430

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20070430

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: 20070430

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

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20060908

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

Ref country code: BG

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

Effective date: 20060907

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: 20060607

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Effective date: 20081001

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081001

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20070430

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: 20080401

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: 20060607

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20070401

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

Ref country code: TR

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

Effective date: 20060607

Ref country code: HU

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

Effective date: 20061208

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20090924 AND 20090930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20120607 AND 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Owner name: TCT MOBILE, LTD.

Effective date: 20130328

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Owner name: Z124, GB

Effective date: 20130917

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: Z124, GB

Effective date: 20130917

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20160323

Year of fee payment: 14

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170324

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20171229

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: 20170502

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

Effective date: 20180401

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: 20180401

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20190418

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20190521

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20190424

Year of fee payment: 17

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60305792

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FI

Ref legal event code: MAE

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

Ref country code: FI

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

Effective date: 20200401

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20201103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20210826

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20200402