EP2183822A2 - Electrical contact - Google Patents

Electrical contact

Info

Publication number
EP2183822A2
EP2183822A2 EP08786714A EP08786714A EP2183822A2 EP 2183822 A2 EP2183822 A2 EP 2183822A2 EP 08786714 A EP08786714 A EP 08786714A EP 08786714 A EP08786714 A EP 08786714A EP 2183822 A2 EP2183822 A2 EP 2183822A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
section
electrical
extensions
male
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
EP08786714A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2183822B1 (en
Inventor
Bruce Kent
Andrew Mcquilken
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.)
Harwin PLC
Original Assignee
Harwin PLC
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 Harwin PLC filed Critical Harwin PLC
Publication of EP2183822A2 publication Critical patent/EP2183822A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2183822B1 publication Critical patent/EP2183822B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/04—Pins or blades for co-operation with sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/16—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for manufacturing contact members, e.g. by punching and by bending
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/428—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members
    • H01R13/432—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members by stamped-out resilient tongue snapping behind shoulder in base or case
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/10—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
    • H01R4/18—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
    • H01R4/183—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section
    • H01R4/184—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section comprising a U-shaped wire-receiving portion
    • H01R4/185—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section comprising a U-shaped wire-receiving portion combined with a U-shaped insulation-receiving portion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electrical contacts and a method of manufacture of such contacts.
  • An electrical connection can be made between two electrical devices usually using a male and female electrical contact.
  • One part of the connection has a male contact with an electrical pin and the other part is a female contact in the form of a socket for receiving the male contact.
  • Known male and female contacts include a tubular shaped contact section which has a square or circular cross section and receives a conducting portion of a male contact.
  • the forces exerted by the conducting portion of the male contact on the contact section can vary in such configurations and affect the stress /strain of the contact section thereby affecting the performance and durability of the connector.
  • the present invention comprises a female contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact, the contact section comprising a channel having a triangular cross section.
  • Contact elements for contacting the electrical pin are positioned in the channel and these are preferably evenly distributed in the triangular portion.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the step of forming a contact section with a triangular cross section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact. This is preferably formed by carrying out a bending and cutting process from a single sheet of material.
  • the present invention provides a male electrical contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for cooperating with a female contact, the contact section comprising a contact pin having a triangular cross section. That is, the outer surfaces of the pin are aligned to form a triangular shape.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a male electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the step of forming a contact pin with a triangular cross section for inserting into a female contact. This is preferably formed by carrying out a bending and cutting process from a single sheet of material.
  • a bending and cutting process from a single sheet of material.
  • Fig 2 is a perspective view of two female contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken from the reel of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a view from above one of the contacts shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of one of the contacts shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along line V-V in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line VI-VI in 4;
  • Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line VII-VII in 4;
  • Fig. 8 is a simplified elevational view showing one arrangement of a plurality of connectors located within a connector housing;
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified elevational view showing another arrangement of a plurality of connectors located within a connector housing
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a reel for supplying male contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 11 is a first perspective view of two female contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken from the reel of Fig. 10;
  • Fig. 12 is a second perspective view of one of the female contacts shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 13 is a view from above the contacts shown in Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 14 is a side view of one of the contacts shown in Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line XVI-XVI in 14;
  • Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line XVII-XVII in
  • each electrical contact 10 is identical to the next and therefore a single reference numeral will be used to refer to each contact in the following description.
  • the electrical contacts 10 are formed from a conductive material such as beryllium copper. Other materials may be used.
  • a suitable protective paper such as interleave paper 11 is provided in the reel to protect the electrical contacts.
  • a sheet of the conductive material can be pressed to form various shaped portions which are subsequently folded into the shape of the electrical contact. Accordingly the electrical contacts 10 are advantageously formed from a single sheet of conductive material improving the manufacturing process.
  • the electrical contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are shown in more detail in Fig. 2 to 6. Two contacts are shown in Fig. 2 but each is identical. Only one of the contacts will be discussed in more detail although the description applies to each contact.
  • the electrical contact 10 is the female portion of an electrical connector which forms a connection with a male contact (not shown). It comprises a contact section 20 for receiving and contacting an electrical pin or plug (not shown) of the male contact and a connection section 30 for connecting to a conducting wire (not shown).
  • the contact section 20 has a channel of triangular cross section. The triangular shape of the channel can be created in the manufacturing process by folding two extensions of a sheet (not shown) of conductive material towards each other such that the channel has a base 21 and a first and second side 22,23. A small gap 24 will exist at the top of the first and second side 22,23 but this can be kept as small as possible.
  • the base 21 and first and second side 22,23 of the channel each comprise a cut away portion 25 to create an electrical finger or element 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a.
  • the electrical elements 21a,22a,23a are movable and at least part of each contact is disposed within the channel. This can be achieved when manufacturing by bending the elements towards the centre of the channel and away from each planar surface of the base 21, first and second side 22,23 of the channel. Sufficient forces are provided such that the elements 21a,22a,23a remain at least partially bent inwards in their rest position.
  • the elements 21a,22a,23a point in a direction away from the entrance of the contact section 20 such that they converge in the direction of insertion of a pin of a male contact.
  • the elements 21a,22a,23a converge towards a central longitudinal axis A of the contact section 20.
  • the contact section 20 has three flat electrical elements 21a,22a,23a 5 which are evenly distributed in the channel and would be evenly distributed around a pin of a male contact when received by the female contact 1.
  • Each element 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a has a similar cross section to that of the base, first, and second side of the channel thus in this case the section is rectangular. Since the elements 21a,22a,23a are formed from flat sides, they themselves are flat. This differs to a circular cross section channel which can
  • the deflection stress/strain of the element 21a,22a,23a would be reduced when the pin of the male contact is mated with the female contact 10. This allows for less permanent set for a given deflection of the three elements and hence a greater number of contact mating
  • the contact 10 having a triangular cross section, they can be arranged adjacent each other in a housing 40 as shown in Figure 8. However, it is possible to arrange the contacts 10 close together when each contact is orientated at 180 degrees to the adjacent contact 10. For example, as shown in Figure 9 which shows one possible configuration, the contacts 10a, 10b are arranged in a housing 50 with the base
  • connection section 30 can formed from the same sheet (not shown) of conductive material that is used for the contact section 20 and follows from the channel in the contact section 20 to provide a connection channel.
  • a first and second U-shaped portion 31, 32 is formed from the sheet by bringing legs projecting away from the connection channel towards each other to create a two U- shapes 31,32.
  • the end of the legs in the portion 31 are spaced further than the ends of the legs in portion 32. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the legs in portion 31 and portion 32 can be varied such that the ends of the legs in portion 32 are spaced apart further than those in portion 31.
  • connection section provides electrical connection to a circuit by receiving a conducting wire (not shown) for which electrical connection is to be made with the received pin of the male contact.
  • the U shaped portions 31,32 can be crimped by any suitable means such as crimping pliers to engage the wire.
  • the electrical contact 10 is preferably contained in a housing.
  • a retaining member
  • contact 10 to retain the contact 10 in the housing. Furthermore, particular sections of the contact 10 may be provided with certain finishes to improve their durability and performance. For example, part or the entire contact 10 may be gold plated to improve conductivity.
  • the male contact designed to cooperate with the female contact 10 hereinbefore described will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 18.
  • the male contact includes a triangular cross section which can be received by the female contact described hereinbefore and replaces a male contact with circular cross section.
  • the male contact can be formed in a similar manner by means of folding a sheet of material in a particular manner to form the contact. Thus the contact can be manufactured easily from a single sheet of material (as will be explained below).
  • a reel 100 of male electrical contacts 60 is provided wherein each electrical contact 60 is identical to the next and therefore a single reference numeral will be used to refer to each contact in the following description.
  • the electrical contacts 10 are formed from a conductive material such as beryllium copper. Other materials may be used.
  • a suitable protective paper such as interleave paper 11 is provided in the reel to protect the electrical contacts.
  • the paper 11 is the same as that used in Figure 1.
  • a sheet of the conductive material can be pressed to form various shaped portions which are subsequently folded into the shape of the electrical contact. Accordingly the electrical contacts 10 are advantageously formed from a single sheet of conductive material improving the manufacturing process.
  • the electrical contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are shown in more detail in Fig. 11 to 15. Two contacts are shown in Fig. 11 but each is identical. Only one of the contacts will be discussed in more detail although the description applies to each contact.
  • the electrical contact 10 is the male portion of an electrical connector which forms a connection with a female contact such as that described hereinbefore. It comprises a contact section 70 which is inserted into a female contact and contacts an electrical conductor in the female contact and a connection section 80 for connecting to a conducting wire (not shown).
  • the contact section 70 generally has a triangular cross section.
  • the triangular shape of the channel can be created in the manufacturing process by folding a sheet (not shown) of conductive material in two places towards each other such that the channel has a base 71 and a first and second side 72,73.
  • Each of the base 71, first and second side 72,73 have a narrow portion which form extensions 71a,72a,73a.
  • the extensions can be formed prior to bending by cutting away portions of the conductive material to leave three extension pieces which are parallel to each other.
  • the narrow portions extend away from the part of the material forming the base, first and second side. When the first and second side 72,73 are bent towards each other with respect to the base 71, this also brings extensions 72a, 73a towards each other.
  • the extensions 71a,72a,73a can be crimped to create a contact pin with a triangular cross section by bending the extensions inwards towards a central longitudinal axis B of the contact 60 and then bending them to be parallel with the central longitudinal axis B. Accordingly, the extensions 71a,72a,73a comprise an angled portion and a rectilinear portion.
  • the crimping step results in the extensions 71a,72a,73a being biased towards each other such that the extensions 71a,72a,73a remain in this configuration in their rest position.
  • the contact pin is therefore formed of three surfaces arranged generally at 120 degrees to each other.
  • the three extensions 71a,72a,73a that form the contact pin would physically contact the elements 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a of the female contact 10 described previously and this would provide a reliable electrical connection between the male and female contacts.
  • Each extension 71a,72a,73a has a similar cross section to that of the base 71, first 72, and second side 73 of the channel thus in this case the section is rectangular.
  • extensions 71a,72a,73a are formed from flat sides, they themselves are substantially flat. This differs to a circular pin which can be found in conventional male contacts where the pin is has a solid circular cross section. Although the contact pin is substantially flat, the end portions of the extensions
  • 71a,72a,73a can be tapered inwards towards the central longitudinal axis B such that the ends of the extensions 71a,72a,73a abut each other. Furthermore, the width of the extensions is constant except for the end portions where the sides of each extension converge towards the end of the extension. This enables the end portions to be bent inwards towards the central longitudinal axis such that they cooperate with each other at the end of the contact pin leaving a negligible gap at the end of the contact pin.
  • connection section 80 can be formed from the same sheet (not shown) of conductive material that is used for the contact section 70 and follows from the channel in the contact section 70 to provide a connection channel.
  • a first and second U-shaped portion 81, 82 (see Figures 16 and 17) is formed from the sheet by bringing legs projecting away from the connection channel towards each other to create a two U- shapes 81,82.
  • the end of the legs in the portion 81 are spaced further than the ends of the legs in portion 82.
  • the spacing between the legs in portion 81 and portion 32 can be varied such that the ends of the legs in portion 82 are spaced apart further than the those in portion 31.
  • the length of the legs can also vary.
  • Figure 18 shows an embodiment of a male contact with the U-shaped legs 92 being shorter than the legs 82 in Figure 12. Otherwise, the elements of the contact are the same in both embodiments.
  • connection section provides electrical connection to a circuit by receiving a conducting wire (not shown) for which electrical connection is to be made with the received pin of the male contact.
  • the U shaped portions 81,82 can be crimped by any suitable means such as crimping pliers to engage the wire.
  • the electrical contact 60 is preferably contained in a housing (not shown).
  • a retaining member 83 is provided on the contact 60 to retain the contact 60 in the housing.
  • particular sections of the contact 60 may be provided with certain finishes to improve their durability and performance. For example, part or the entire contact 60 may be gold plated to improve conductivity. It will be appreciated that although the contacts are shown as forming part of a reel in Fig. 10, it is possible for the contacts to be provided loose.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

A female contact is provided for an electrical connector having a contact section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact, the contact section comprising a channel having a triangular cross section. From another aspect a male electric contact for an electrical connector is provided having a contact section for cooperating with a female contact, the contact section comprising a contact pin having a triangular cross section. Each of the contacts can be formed from a single conductive sheet by a cutting and bending process thereby providing ease of manufacture and a relatively low cost contact.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONTACT
The present invention relates to electrical contacts and a method of manufacture of such contacts. An electrical connection can be made between two electrical devices usually using a male and female electrical contact. One part of the connection has a male contact with an electrical pin and the other part is a female contact in the form of a socket for receiving the male contact.
Known male and female contacts include a tubular shaped contact section which has a square or circular cross section and receives a conducting portion of a male contact. The forces exerted by the conducting portion of the male contact on the contact section can vary in such configurations and affect the stress /strain of the contact section thereby affecting the performance and durability of the connector.
From a first aspect, the present invention comprises a female contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact, the contact section comprising a channel having a triangular cross section.
Contact elements for contacting the electrical pin are positioned in the channel and these are preferably evenly distributed in the triangular portion.
From a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the step of forming a contact section with a triangular cross section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact. This is preferably formed by carrying out a bending and cutting process from a single sheet of material. One of the advantages is the ease of manufacture of such a contact. From a third aspect, the present invention provides a male electrical contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for cooperating with a female contact, the contact section comprising a contact pin having a triangular cross section. That is, the outer surfaces of the pin are aligned to form a triangular shape.
From a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a male electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the step of forming a contact pin with a triangular cross section for inserting into a female contact. This is preferably formed by carrying out a bending and cutting process from a single sheet of material. One of the advantages is the ease of manufacture of such a contact.In order that the present invention be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a perspective view of a reel for supplying female contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig 2 is a perspective view of two female contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken from the reel of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 is a view from above one of the contacts shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a side view of one of the contacts shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line VI-VI in 4; Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line VII-VII in 4; Fig. 8 is a simplified elevational view showing one arrangement of a plurality of connectors located within a connector housing;
Fig. 9 is a simplified elevational view showing another arrangement of a plurality of connectors located within a connector housing;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a reel for supplying male contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig 11 is a first perspective view of two female contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken from the reel of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a second perspective view of one of the female contacts shown in Fig.
11;
Fig. 13 is a view from above the contacts shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a side view of one of the contacts shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line XVI-XVI in 14; Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view of the contact taken along the line XVII-XVII in
14; Referring to Fig. 1, a reel 1 of female electrical contacts 10 is provided wherein each electrical contact 10 is identical to the next and therefore a single reference numeral will be used to refer to each contact in the following description. The electrical contacts 10 are formed from a conductive material such as beryllium copper. Other materials may be used. A suitable protective paper such as interleave paper 11 is provided in the reel to protect the electrical contacts.
In the manufacturing process (not shown), a sheet of the conductive material can be pressed to form various shaped portions which are subsequently folded into the shape of the electrical contact. Accordingly the electrical contacts 10 are advantageously formed from a single sheet of conductive material improving the manufacturing process.
The electrical contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are shown in more detail in Fig. 2 to 6. Two contacts are shown in Fig. 2 but each is identical. Only one of the contacts will be discussed in more detail although the description applies to each contact.
The electrical contact 10 is the female portion of an electrical connector which forms a connection with a male contact (not shown). It comprises a contact section 20 for receiving and contacting an electrical pin or plug (not shown) of the male contact and a connection section 30 for connecting to a conducting wire (not shown). The contact section 20 has a channel of triangular cross section. The triangular shape of the channel can be created in the manufacturing process by folding two extensions of a sheet (not shown) of conductive material towards each other such that the channel has a base 21 and a first and second side 22,23. A small gap 24 will exist at the top of the first and second side 22,23 but this can be kept as small as possible. The base 21 and first and second side 22,23 of the channel each comprise a cut away portion 25 to create an electrical finger or element 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a. The electrical elements 21a,22a,23a are movable and at least part of each contact is disposed within the channel. This can be achieved when manufacturing by bending the elements towards the centre of the channel and away from each planar surface of the base 21, first and second side 22,23 of the channel. Sufficient forces are provided such that the elements 21a,22a,23a remain at least partially bent inwards in their rest position. The elements 21a,22a,23a point in a direction away from the entrance of the contact section 20 such that they converge in the direction of insertion of a pin of a male contact. The elements 21a,22a,23a converge towards a central longitudinal axis A of the contact section 20.
Accordingly, the contact section 20 has three flat electrical elements 21a,22a,23a 5 which are evenly distributed in the channel and would be evenly distributed around a pin of a male contact when received by the female contact 1. Each element 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a has a similar cross section to that of the base, first, and second side of the channel thus in this case the section is rectangular. Since the elements 21a,22a,23a are formed from flat sides, they themselves are flat. This differs to a circular cross section channel which can
10 be found in conventional female contacts where the elements have an arc section.
With the three element configuration in the preferred embodiment, the deflection stress/strain of the element 21a,22a,23a would be reduced when the pin of the male contact is mated with the female contact 10. This allows for less permanent set for a given deflection of the three elements and hence a greater number of contact mating
15 cycles with a reduced loss in contact element normal force. A greater number of operations are therefore possible. This is achieved while still maintaining other high reliability performance factors comparable to those only usually obtainable from multi- finger circular contacts. Further, the design of the female contact also benefits the manufacturing process due to less unwanted distortion.
20 In addition, with the contact 10 having a triangular cross section, they can be arranged adjacent each other in a housing 40 as shown in Figure 8. However, it is possible to arrange the contacts 10 close together when each contact is orientated at 180 degrees to the adjacent contact 10. For example, as shown in Figure 9 which shows one possible configuration, the contacts 10a, 10b are arranged in a housing 50 with the base
25 21 of one contact 10a (viewed in cross section) being aligned next to an apex 26 of another adjacent contact 10b and this can be repeated for a larger housing. It should be noted that all the parts of the contact as shown and described in Figure 2 to 7 have not been shown in Figure 8 and 9 but only a simplified view is shown for ease of explanation.
30 The connection section 30 can formed from the same sheet (not shown) of conductive material that is used for the contact section 20 and follows from the channel in the contact section 20 to provide a connection channel. A first and second U-shaped portion 31, 32 is formed from the sheet by bringing legs projecting away from the connection channel towards each other to create a two U- shapes 31,32. The end of the legs in the portion 31 are spaced further than the ends of the legs in portion 32. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the legs in portion 31 and portion 32 can be varied such that the ends of the legs in portion 32 are spaced apart further than those in portion 31.
In use, the connection section provides electrical connection to a circuit by receiving a conducting wire (not shown) for which electrical connection is to be made with the received pin of the male contact. The U shaped portions 31,32 can be crimped by any suitable means such as crimping pliers to engage the wire.
The electrical contact 10 is preferably contained in a housing. A retaining member
33 is provided on the contact 10 to retain the contact 10 in the housing. Furthermore, particular sections of the contact 10 may be provided with certain finishes to improve their durability and performance. For example, part or the entire contact 10 may be gold plated to improve conductivity.
It will be appreciated that although the contacts are shown as forming part of a reel in Fig. 1, it is possible for the contacts to be provided loose.
Turning to another aspect, a male contact designed to cooperate with the female contact 10 hereinbefore described will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 18. The male contact includes a triangular cross section which can be received by the female contact described hereinbefore and replaces a male contact with circular cross section. The male contact can be formed in a similar manner by means of folding a sheet of material in a particular manner to form the contact. Thus the contact can be manufactured easily from a single sheet of material (as will be explained below).
Referring to Fig. 10, a reel 100 of male electrical contacts 60 is provided wherein each electrical contact 60 is identical to the next and therefore a single reference numeral will be used to refer to each contact in the following description. The electrical contacts 10 are formed from a conductive material such as beryllium copper. Other materials may be used. A suitable protective paper such as interleave paper 11 is provided in the reel to protect the electrical contacts. The paper 11 is the same as that used in Figure 1. In the manufacturing process (not shown), a sheet of the conductive material can be pressed to form various shaped portions which are subsequently folded into the shape of the electrical contact. Accordingly the electrical contacts 10 are advantageously formed from a single sheet of conductive material improving the manufacturing process. The electrical contacts according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are shown in more detail in Fig. 11 to 15. Two contacts are shown in Fig. 11 but each is identical. Only one of the contacts will be discussed in more detail although the description applies to each contact.
The electrical contact 10 is the male portion of an electrical connector which forms a connection with a female contact such as that described hereinbefore. It comprises a contact section 70 which is inserted into a female contact and contacts an electrical conductor in the female contact and a connection section 80 for connecting to a conducting wire (not shown).
The contact section 70 generally has a triangular cross section. The triangular shape of the channel can be created in the manufacturing process by folding a sheet (not shown) of conductive material in two places towards each other such that the channel has a base 71 and a first and second side 72,73. Each of the base 71, first and second side 72,73 have a narrow portion which form extensions 71a,72a,73a. The extensions can be formed prior to bending by cutting away portions of the conductive material to leave three extension pieces which are parallel to each other. The narrow portions extend away from the part of the material forming the base, first and second side. When the first and second side 72,73 are bent towards each other with respect to the base 71, this also brings extensions 72a, 73a towards each other. The extensions 71a,72a,73a can be crimped to create a contact pin with a triangular cross section by bending the extensions inwards towards a central longitudinal axis B of the contact 60 and then bending them to be parallel with the central longitudinal axis B. Accordingly, the extensions 71a,72a,73a comprise an angled portion and a rectilinear portion.
Sufficient forces are provided. The crimping step results in the extensions 71a,72a,73a being biased towards each other such that the extensions 71a,72a,73a remain in this configuration in their rest position. The contact pin is therefore formed of three surfaces arranged generally at 120 degrees to each other. The three extensions 71a,72a,73a that form the contact pin would physically contact the elements 2 Ia, 22a, 23 a of the female contact 10 described previously and this would provide a reliable electrical connection between the male and female contacts. Each extension 71a,72a,73a has a similar cross section to that of the base 71, first 72, and second side 73 of the channel thus in this case the section is rectangular. Since the extensions 71a,72a,73a are formed from flat sides, they themselves are substantially flat. This differs to a circular pin which can be found in conventional male contacts where the pin is has a solid circular cross section. Although the contact pin is substantially flat, the end portions of the extensions
71a,72a,73a can be tapered inwards towards the central longitudinal axis B such that the ends of the extensions 71a,72a,73a abut each other. Furthermore, the width of the extensions is constant except for the end portions where the sides of each extension converge towards the end of the extension. This enables the end portions to be bent inwards towards the central longitudinal axis such that they cooperate with each other at the end of the contact pin leaving a negligible gap at the end of the contact pin.
The deflection stress/strain of the element 21a,22a,23a in the female contact 10 is reduced when the particular shape of contact pin of the male contact 60 is mated with the female contact 10. This allows for less permanent set for a given deflection of the three elements and hence a greater number of contact mating cycles with a reduced loss in contact element normal force. A greater number of operations are therefore possible. This is achieved while still maintaining other high reliability performance factors comparable to those only usually obtainable from multi-finger circular contacts in conventional contacts. The connection section 80 can be formed from the same sheet (not shown) of conductive material that is used for the contact section 70 and follows from the channel in the contact section 70 to provide a connection channel. A first and second U-shaped portion 81, 82 (see Figures 16 and 17) is formed from the sheet by bringing legs projecting away from the connection channel towards each other to create a two U- shapes 81,82. The end of the legs in the portion 81 are spaced further than the ends of the legs in portion 82. It will be appreciated that the spacing between the legs in portion 81 and portion 32 can be varied such that the ends of the legs in portion 82 are spaced apart further than the those in portion 31. The length of the legs can also vary. Figure 18 shows an embodiment of a male contact with the U-shaped legs 92 being shorter than the legs 82 in Figure 12. Otherwise, the elements of the contact are the same in both embodiments.
In use, the connection section provides electrical connection to a circuit by receiving a conducting wire (not shown) for which electrical connection is to be made with the received pin of the male contact. The U shaped portions 81,82 can be crimped by any suitable means such as crimping pliers to engage the wire. The electrical contact 60 is preferably contained in a housing (not shown). A retaining member 83 is provided on the contact 60 to retain the contact 60 in the housing. Furthermore, particular sections of the contact 60 may be provided with certain finishes to improve their durability and performance. For example, part or the entire contact 60 may be gold plated to improve conductivity. It will be appreciated that although the contacts are shown as forming part of a reel in Fig. 10, it is possible for the contacts to be provided loose.

Claims

1. A female electrical contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact, the contact section forming a channel having a triangular cross section.
2. The contact according to claim 1, wherein the contact section comprises a base and two upstanding portions from the edges of the base.
3. The contact according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact section is formed from a single electrically conductive sheet.
4. The contact according to claim 3, wherein the contact section is formed by bending two extensions from the conductive sheet towards each other.
5. The contact according to claim 2, 3, or 4 wherein contact section comprises at least two inwardly directed conductive fingers.
6. The contact according to claim 5 wherein the contact section comprises three conductive fingers, each finger being formed respectively from cutaway portions of the base, and two upstanding portions.
7. The contact according to claim 5 or 6 wherein each finger is arranged to converge towards a central longitudinal axis of the contact section.
8. A female electrical contact substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. A connector having a connector housing comprising a female electrical contact according to any preceding claim.
10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein there is a plurality of female electrical contacts arranged adjacent each other within the connector housing.
11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein, each contact is arranged at 180 degrees to an adjacent contact.
12. A method of manufacturing a female electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the steps of: forming a contact section with a triangular cross section for receiving an electrical pin of a male contact.
13. The method according to claim 11 wherein the forming step comprises bending two extensions from a single electrically conductive sheet towards each other to create a base portion and two upstanding portions.
14. The method according to claim 12 further comprising the step of providing inwardly directed fingers in the contact portion by bending inwards cutaway portions of the base portion, and the two upstanding portions.
15. A male electrical contact for an electrical connector having a contact section for cooperating with a female electrical contact, the contact section comprising a contact pin having a triangular cross section.
16. The contact according to claim 15, wherein the contact pin is formed from a plurality of extensions.
17. The contact according to claim 16, wherein the contact section further comprises a base and two upstanding portions from the edges of the base, the extensions extending from the respective base and two upstanding portions
18. The contact according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the contact section is formed from a single electrically conductive sheet.
19. The contact according to claim 18, wherein the contact section is formed by bending two portions of the conductive sheet towards each other.
20. The contact according to any of claims 16 to 19 wherein sides of an end portion of the extension are tapered inwards.
21. The contact according to any of claims 16 to 20 wherein an end portion of the extension converges towards a central longitudinal axis of the contact section.
22. A male electrical contact for an electrical connector formed from crimping together a plurality of extensions such that the extensions are aligned with each toher and biased towards each other to form an elongate contact pin.
23. A male electrical contact substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. A connector having a connector housing comprising a male electrical contact according to any preceding claim.
25. A method of manufacturing a male electrical contact for an electrical connector, comprising the steps of: forming a contact pin with a triangular cross section for inserting into a female contact as defined in any of claims 1 to 8.
26. The method according to claim 25 wherein the forming step comprises cutting away parts of the single conductive sheet to form extensions and bending respective portions containing the cut away extensions towards each other to create a base portion and two upstanding portions.
27. The method according to claim 26 wherein the forming step further comprises cutting away sides of the of the extensions to form a tapered end portion.
28. The method according to claims 26 or 27 wherein the forming step further comprises bending the end of the extension towards a central longitudinal axis.
EP08786714.9A 2007-08-01 2008-07-31 Electrical contact Not-in-force EP2183822B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0714969A GB0714969D0 (en) 2007-08-01 2007-08-01 Electrical terminal
PCT/EP2008/060092 WO2009016243A2 (en) 2007-08-01 2008-07-31 Electrical contact

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2183822A2 true EP2183822A2 (en) 2010-05-12
EP2183822B1 EP2183822B1 (en) 2015-09-30

Family

ID=38529105

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08786714.9A Not-in-force EP2183822B1 (en) 2007-08-01 2008-07-31 Electrical contact

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2183822B1 (en)
GB (1) GB0714969D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2009016243A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2501063B (en) * 2012-03-22 2018-06-06 Harwin Plc Electrical contact and method of manufacture
JP7186951B2 (en) * 2019-04-26 2022-12-12 住友電装株式会社 Connector housing storage structure and connector cover storage structure

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE703904C (en) * 1938-10-28 1941-03-19 Aeg Spring-loaded socket for insulating housing
GB826825A (en) * 1958-05-02 1960-01-20 Belling & Lee Ltd Improvements in or relating to electrical sockets
US3281760A (en) * 1962-10-11 1966-10-25 Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co Ltd Electrical connection elements and connectors
FR1440488A (en) * 1964-10-17 1966-05-27 Harting Elektro W Contact socket for electrical outlets
US5209680A (en) * 1992-01-10 1993-05-11 Molex Incorporated Male electrical terminal with anti-overstress means
TW367108U (en) * 1996-10-30 1999-08-11 Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd Terminal structure for electric connector
DE19826828C2 (en) * 1998-06-16 2000-06-08 Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag One-piece contact spring
DE60211979T2 (en) * 2001-03-06 2006-12-28 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Electrical contact, in particular contact pin

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2009016243A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0714969D0 (en) 2007-09-12
WO2009016243A3 (en) 2009-07-30
EP2183822B1 (en) 2015-09-30
WO2009016243A2 (en) 2009-02-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5964620A (en) Insulation displacement connector
US10541490B2 (en) High-current electrical terminal
US6790101B1 (en) Female terminal with sacrificial arc discharge contacts
EP0944130A2 (en) Crimp connection
KR101923712B1 (en) Electrical connector terminal
US6447345B2 (en) Receptacle terminal
US9397412B2 (en) IDC contact element for an electrical plug
WO1999021256A2 (en) Hermaphroditic electrical terminal connection
US4288141A (en) Insulation displacement contact for an electrical connector
WO2005069445A1 (en) Electrical connector with spring back/self rejection feature
CA3021611A1 (en) Plug contact
WO2013108928A1 (en) Flat circuit body with terminal and manufacturing method thereof
EP0952631B1 (en) Male contact
JPH05144484A (en) Insulation rejecting type probe and connector using this probe
US20110092105A1 (en) Cable connector with improved contacts ensuring reliable connection with cables
US8272901B2 (en) Crimp contacts and electrical connector assemblies including the same
EP2183822B1 (en) Electrical contact
US20220006214A1 (en) Electrical Terminal For Flat Flexible Cables
CA1139387A (en) Insulation displacing electrical contact and method of making
US10446944B1 (en) Devices, systems, and methods for increasing terminal electrical contact
JPH0773064B2 (en) Pressure contact terminal of electrical connector
US11303055B2 (en) Socket contact having spring device
US20040002253A1 (en) Electrical connector with spring back/self rejection feature
CN110649398B (en) Connecting structure of cable and terminal
US6979237B2 (en) Electrical connector having receptacle contacts

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: 20100223

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20100427

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: 20150515

GRAR Information related to intention to grant a patent recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR71

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150819

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 HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 752929

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20151015

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: 602008040428

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: LT

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

Effective date: 20150930

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: 20151231

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: 20150930

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: 20151230

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: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 752929

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150930

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

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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

Ref country code: CZ

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

Effective date: 20150930

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: 20160130

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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

Ref country code: RO

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

Effective date: 20150930

Ref country code: PL

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

Effective date: 20150930

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: 20160201

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: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008040428

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

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

Ref country code: 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: 20150930

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20160701

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

Ref country code: SI

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

Effective date: 20150930

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: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008040428

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: 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: 20150930

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: 20160731

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20170201

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20160731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

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: 20160731

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20160731

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: 20150930

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: 20080731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

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

Ref country code: MT

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

Effective date: 20160731

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: 20150930

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: 20150930

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20221028

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20221130

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Effective date: 20230731

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: 20230731

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: 20230731