CA1242495A - Electrical connector module with multiple connector housing - Google Patents
Electrical connector module with multiple connector housingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242495A CA1242495A CA000487886A CA487886A CA1242495A CA 1242495 A CA1242495 A CA 1242495A CA 000487886 A CA000487886 A CA 000487886A CA 487886 A CA487886 A CA 487886A CA 1242495 A CA1242495 A CA 1242495A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slots
- subhousings
- wire
- subhousing
- aligned
- 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
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
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
-
- 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
- H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
- H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
- H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
- H01R4/2437—Curved plates
- H01R4/2441—Curved plates tube-shaped
-
- 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
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/50—Bases; Cases formed as an integral body
-
- 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
- H01R43/01—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for connecting unstripped conductors to contact members having insulation cutting edges
- H01R43/015—Handtools
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
- Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Terminal connecting blocks or modules are widely used in the telecommunications industry to interconnect equipment and distribution lines, particularly in signal switching or distribution applications. Their primary function is the solderless connection of two or more wires. Such modules provide for a quick, mechanically secure and electrically sound connection. In addition, they provide for relatively simple and fast disconnection, as needed where frequent rewiring is necessary. Thus there is disclosed an electrical connector apparatus com-prising a plurality of metal split cylinder means each including a slot for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection; a non-conductive housing configured to provide a plurality of cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with said split cylinder slot; said subhousings aligned in two rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart to form a plurality of inter subhousing slots and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that one slot of each subhousing is aligned with one of said inter subhousing slots whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said subhousing slots before being inserted in said split cylinders. Thus the dis-closed connector module, installation tool and method of installation provides that a plurality of wires may be secured in place for installation via the wire gripping slots in a single series of operations, and then fully installed in a series of installation operations such that switching back and forth between wire placement and installation with the wire installing tool is not required where two or more wires are sought to be installed sequentially.
Terminal connecting blocks or modules are widely used in the telecommunications industry to interconnect equipment and distribution lines, particularly in signal switching or distribution applications. Their primary function is the solderless connection of two or more wires. Such modules provide for a quick, mechanically secure and electrically sound connection. In addition, they provide for relatively simple and fast disconnection, as needed where frequent rewiring is necessary. Thus there is disclosed an electrical connector apparatus com-prising a plurality of metal split cylinder means each including a slot for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection; a non-conductive housing configured to provide a plurality of cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with said split cylinder slot; said subhousings aligned in two rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart to form a plurality of inter subhousing slots and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that one slot of each subhousing is aligned with one of said inter subhousing slots whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said subhousing slots before being inserted in said split cylinders. Thus the dis-closed connector module, installation tool and method of installation provides that a plurality of wires may be secured in place for installation via the wire gripping slots in a single series of operations, and then fully installed in a series of installation operations such that switching back and forth between wire placement and installation with the wire installing tool is not required where two or more wires are sought to be installed sequentially.
Description
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MODULE WITH MllLTIPLE
CONNE CTOR HOUS I NGS
Background of the Invention Terminal connecting blocks or modules are widely used in the telecommunications industry to inter-connect equipment and distribution lines, particularly in signal switching or distribution applications. Their primary function is the solderless connection of two or more wires.
Apart from their primary function, connecting modules of the kind the present invention is concerned with provide for a quick, mechanically secure and electrically sound connection. In addition, they pro-vide for relatively simple and fast disconnection, as needed where frequent rewiring is necessary. Quick con-nection is provided by eliminating as much pre-connection and post-connection conditioning as possible.
Stripping, bending or trimming operations should be unnecessary, such that connection may be accomplished with few movements. Mechanically secure and electri-cally sound connections are provided by interference, clamp or like connection methods in which the connection module exerts a positive grip on an installed wire con-ductor.
To provide a connecting module having such qualities, it is known to utilize a metal split cylinder having an axially extending narrow seam or slot. A wire is connected to the cylinder by moving it laterally of its axis into the slot so that the edges of the slot slice through the insulation and establish contact with the conductor with a positive gripping force as provided by the resilience of the cylinder cross section. It is also known to support a cylinder in an insulating housing of generally cylindrical shape with a rec-4~
tangular cross-section, in a coaxial orientation, to form a connector module. The housing is slotted along diagonally opposite corners and the cylinder aligned therein such that one corner slot is aligned with the wire receiving slot in the cylinder. Installation of a wire is accomplished by laying it to extend through the housing slots, over the cylinder, and using an impact tool to drive the wire down into the split cylinder, which preferably includes a cutting edge opposite the wire receiving slot to trim or sever the excess wire length. An installed wire is thus shielded from others by the housing such that shorting and interference problems are avoided. In actual practice, a plurality of housings are mounted to extend orthogonally ~rom a planar member to form a multiple connector terminal con-necting panel. An example of such a panel is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 321,107, to Vachhani, filed Nov. 31, 1981, and entitled "Electrical Connector Module ", now U.S. Patent 4,662,699.
Although the Vachhani panel provides for the quick and secure solderless cross connection of a large number of wires at a central location with relatively high density, it does have certain disadvantages. For one, assembly of the panel requires that individual modules be mounted one at a time, such that assembly is time consuming and correspondingly expensive. For another, the diagonal orientation of the wire slots together with the side by side orientation of the housings generally requires that wires be positioned and installed one at a time, such that a technician must continually switch between positioning and inserting operations. This has been recognized as time inef~
ficient in the consecutive installation of large numbers ~' ~2~
of wires. Another undesireable aspect of the Vachhani module relates to stresses exerted on the split cylinder by the wire insertion tool. It has been found that due to the impact operation of the tool and the relati-vely pliable housing material used ~or the modules thatthe wire receiving cylinder was susceptible to connection threatening deformation during installation of a wire.
In addition, the Vachhani tool needs to be oriented with respect to a housing for proper operation, which has been also recognized as undesireable. Finally, the tool includes ~oving parts and is thus relatively expensive.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an electrical lS connector panel and a tool for installing or inserting wires in the panel which alleviates or eliminates the above described disadvantages of the Vachhani apparatus.
According to one aspect of the invention a plurality of metal split cylinders of the above described type are provided and mounted in a non-conductive housing to form a connector module. The housing is formed to support the split cylinders in a plurality of cylindrical subhousings formed in two rows, with each of the subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of the subhousing slots coaxially extending with the slot in the split cylinder, and with the subhousing slots aligned transversely to the rows.
The subhousings in each row are laterally spaced apart to form a plurality oE inter subhousing slots and the subhousings in different rows are laterally offset so that one slot of each subhousing is aligned with one of the inter subhousing slots. According to this aspect of the invention a plurality of wires to be installed may be laid side by side and parallel in the subhousing slots in one series of operations, and installed in another series of operations, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between wire placement and inser-tion operations where two or more wires are to beinstalled in the panel sequentially.
Accordiny to another aspect of the invention the module housing includes a snap mounting arrangement comprising one or more flexible bridges and shoulders disposed on the side of the housing and longitudinally spaced apart. The bridges include a bridge member spaced apart from the side of the housing and supported on opposite ends so that it may flex toward the housing when compressed. The panel member provided for sup-porting the housing includes an aperature sized toreceive the housing with the aperature including one or more tabs positioned to engage the bridge or bridges and compress them inwardly as the housing is slid into the aperature, and to engage a transverse edge of the bridges when the housing is mounted. A shoulc1er is pro-vided to stop the housing in the mounting position such that the housing is snapped into place and immovably retained by the shoulders on one side of the housing and the transverse edge of the briclges of the other. Thus, the present invention provides for the mounting of a plurality of connectors to a panel simultaneously, as opposed to mounting single connector modules one at a time, thus resulting in substantial tirne savings in pane:L assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the inven-tion the housiny is constructed of a relatively rigid plastic non~conducting rnaterial, and a simple wire insertion or installation tool with no moving parts is provided to insert wires. The wire insertion tool includes a central post sized to fit inside the split cylinder and a cylindrical member coaxially extending around the post and sized to fit around the outside perimeter of the cylinder between the cylinder and the housing. A shoulder is provided on the tool and is axially displaced from the tip, the shoulder being of sufficient radius to engaye the end transverse edges oE
a subhousing with the tip o-E the tool extending in and around the split cylinder mounted therein. Thus, wires to be installed may be laid across the top of the cylinder extending through the subhousing slots and pressed into the cylinder with the tool, which by virtue is its cylindrical configuration does not need to be oriented, and which does not include moving parts.
Furthermore, the operation of the tool provides that the subhousing absorbs certain stresses from the tool as the wire is being inserted to avoid derormation of the split cylinder.
According to still another aspect of the invention the end portions of each subhousing cylinder are funnel shaped to facilitate insertion of the tool into the ends of the subhousings, and to guide the tool into proper axial orientation with the split cylinder.
2S In addition, at least one slot of each subhousing inclu-des arcuate axially extending lips on each side of the slot, with the width of the passa~eway formed between the lips being slightly less than the diameter of a wire to be installed, so that the lips provide a mechanical grip and strain relieE Eor the wire during and after installacion.
Thus, the present invention provides an electrical connector panel eliminating or alleviating the problems above discussed with respect to the Vachhani apparatus. More specific details, aspects and salient features of the construction and operation of the inven~
tion are set forth in the ensuing drawing and specifica-tion.
BrieE Description of the Drawinc3 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a connector module according to the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the electrical connector module according to the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view of the con-nector module according to the present invention taken along the lines 3-3 of Figure l;
FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of a por-tion of the connector module according to the present invention taken along the lines 4-4 showing the installation tool according to the present invention inserted therein; and FIGURE 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the installation tool according to the present invention;
and FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view of the con-nector module of the present invention taken along the lines 6-6 of FIGURE 3.
Detailed Description of the Invention The electrical connector apparatus of the present invention is provided for use in an access mernber such as the cluick-cross connect panel or in a terminal block to electrically connect various electri-cal lead wires or circuits with certain other electrical lead wires or circuits. In actual practice, the lead wires may be part of a communication circuit such as a telephone line or a data transmission circuit. Where the leads are telephone lines, the electrical connector module of the present invention is utilized to patch or cross-connect such lines to accommodate growth of telephone usage, changes in telephone number, relocation of users, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 an electrical con nector module according to the present invention is illustrated, in perspective and plan views. Connector module 10 is mounted in a relatively flat panel member 11, in an aperature 12, of generally the same cross-section as connector module 10. Module 10 includes a housing 15 molded of a relatively rigid non-conductive plastic. Housing 15 includes a plurality of generally cylindrical subhousings 20, extending on either side from panel member 11 (see FIG. 3), each of which sup-ports a centrally positioned split cylinder connector me~ber 18. Each of subhousings 20 are formed to include funnel shaped end portions 17 as may be seen best with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, to facilitate entry and alignment of an insertion tool, as will be described in more detail below. Although partially asymmetrical in certain detail, tha module is identical on each side of the panel member with respect to the function and construction of the operative portions of subhousings 20.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 it may be seen that connector member 18 includes a first end 30 including a collar 31, a wire engaging slot 33 and a wire trimming edge or blade 34. The other end of con-nector member 18 includes a pair of tine members 37 and 38 cut from the sidewalls of the cylinder, a wire engaging slot 39 and a further trimming blade 40. Each end of connector member 18 further includes wlre guide sections 41 and ~2 narrowing toward the respective slots 33 and 39, and a transverse cut 35 st:ructurally i90-5 lating the cross sectional resilience of the oppositeends.
To accomodate the mountiny of a connector member 18 in the cylindrical subhousing 20, ths housing includes an annular retaining portion 50 extending 10 inward from the sidewall of subhousing 20 and having a radius slightly smaller than that of connector member 18. A pair of diametrically opposed and longitudinally extending grooves 51 and 52, having a width slightly larger than that of tines 37 and 38 respectively, are 15 provided in retaining portion 50. The mounting o:E con-nector member 18 may thus be accomplished by inserting the member tine-end first into the subhousing such that tines 37 and 38 are compressed as they pass through the upper portion of retaining portion 50, and snap into 20 place in grooves 51 and 52. Connector member 18 is thus axially retained in place by shoulder member 31 on one side of retaining portion 50 and by tines 37 and 38 on the other side, which also provide rotational restric--tion. A connector is thus positioned in a subhousing 20 25 to provide Eunctionally identical wire engaging slots on both ends, and both sides of panel mernber 11.
As may be seen best with reference to Figure 1, both ends oE subhousings 20 include a pair o:E
diametrically opposed axially extending slots 61 and 62 30 i n the cylinc]er walls with one of the slots on each end aligned with one of slots 33 or 39 and the other slots on each end aligned with the recesses Eorrned by trimming blades 3'1 or ~U. Preferably, the subhousing slots and ~ ~L a~ 35 connector members slots coextend for a minimum of two or three diameters of the wire siz~ to be conn~cted, such that two or three wires may be connected to connector member 18 on either end thereof, as explained below.
Further inter subhousiny slots 63 are provided, coaxially extending with associated cylinder wall slots 61 or 62.
As shown best in FIG. 6, slots 61, 62 and 63 have yenerally the same width, which is slightly greater then the diameter of the wire to be installed, so as to not engage the wire during installation. Slots 61, however, are preferably Eormed to include relatively thin arcuate axially extending lips 55 and 56 along each opposite edge, with the width of the opening bet-ween the lips 55 and 56 being slightly less than thediameter of a wire to be installed, such that when a wire is inserted transverse to its axis it is gripped by the slot 61, thereby providing a mechanical strain relief for a wire. Although the invention is not limited to specific dimensions, it provides a slot (61, 62, 63) width of .045", an inter lip opening width of .025", and a lip radius of .010" for .032" to .035"
insulated wire. These relative ratios of dimensions have been found to permit wires to be relatively easily manually pulled or pressed in between the lips without undue force during preliminary placement, and to avoid deformation or weakening of the conductor du~ing installation. Moreover, the arranyement provides that the wire may slide downward between the Lips via the force applied by the insertion tool, which force is applied on only the portion of the wire lying inside the subhousing. It shall be noted that slots 61, 62 and 63 are identical for a particular end of a housing 15 so that all strain relief slots 61 are on a common side of the subhousings 20.
Housing 15 includes four flexible bridge mem-5 bers 70-73 and a pair of shoulders 74 and 75 to accom-modate snap-in mounting oE housiny 15 in aperature 12 o~
panel 11~ Reinforcement wedges 69 may be pro~,7ided integral with housing 15 to add to the structural strength of the end subhousings. Each of bridges 70-73 is supported in a spaced apart relationship with the main body of housing 15 and includes a respective ramping portion 76-79, the cross section of which may be best seen in Figure 3. Four corresponding tab members 80-83 are provided on the panel member 11 to extend i nto aperature 12. Installation of housing 15 in panel 11 is thus accomplished by inserting the unshouldered end of housing 15 into aperature 12, such that ramps 76-79 engage the respective tabs 80-83 and compress the bridge members 70~73 as the housing 15 is pushed down into the aperature 12, with tabs 80-83 snapping over the top edge of the bridge members as shoulder members 74 and 75 engage panel member 11. Housing 15 is thus irremovably retained in a mounted position on panel member 11.
The tool provided for and the method for i nstalling wires in a connector member 18 will now be explained with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
In Figure 5, the wire installing tool according to the present invention is shown in cutaway perspective view.
The tool 90 i ncludes a shaEt 91 to be connected to a handle (not shown), for example a conventional screwdriver handle. The end of shaft 91 i ncludes a tip portion 92 inclucling a cylindrical member 93 having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the extent of a subhousing 20 surrounding the connector member 18, and an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of a connecting member 18. A
center post or punch member 94 is concentrically S disposed within cylindrical member 93, and has a radius slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the connec-tor member 18. Punch member 94 includes a smaller diameter portion 100 which is spaced axially apart from the end of punch member 94 so that when the tool is fully inserted the smaller diameter portion is axially beyond the end of connector member 18. A bored apera-ture 101 is provided and extends from the inside of tool 90 to the outside of both sides of tip 92. The arrange-ment of smaller diameter portion 100 and aperature 101 facilitates the movement of plastic and metal residue produced by wire trimming up between members 94 and 95 out of aperature 101, so that the tool does not jam with residue. Member 93 further includes a shoulder 95 of generally the same outside diameter of a subhousing 20, such that when the tool is inserted into a subhousing the shoulder rests on the end edges thereof, and such that the tip 92 of the tool extends downwardly inside and around a connector member 18.
Installation of wires and connectors l8 may be accomplished using tool 90 as follows. As for example shown in Figure 1, a wire to be installed may be layed in slots 61, 62 and 63 (leftrnost wire), and manually pulled down across the top of connecting member L8 (rightmost wire) with the excess wire extending out-wardly frorn the slot adjacent the trimming blade 34 or~0, as determined by which end oE housing 15 the wire is installed in. It will be noticed that for any given side of housing 15 that each connector member 18 is aligned with its wire receiving slot facing in the same direction such that wires to be installed are all layed in with the excess wire extending from the same face of S the housing. As explained above, each of lipped slots 61 provide a wire restriction which is preEerably slightly less wide than the out side diameter of the insulation on a wire to be installed. Thus, a wire may be manually positioned for insertion by pressing or pulling it into engagement with a slots 61 across the top of a connector member 18, and retained there until fully installed with tool 90. Once fully installed, the gripping force of the lipped slots 61 provide an effective strain relief so that if wires are pulled or bumped after installation the connection with the con-nector member 18 is not disturbed.
With a wire or wires properly positioned in slots 61, 62 and 63 of one or more subhousings, tool 90 is inserted into the end of a subhousing, as facilitated by the subhousings reatively large funnel shaped ends 17. As the tool 90 moves into the subhousing, the fun-nel shape aids in axially aligning the tool 90 with respect to the connecting member 18, so that the tool 90 engages the wire and pushes it into the wire receiving slot 33 or 3~. The trimming blade 3~ or ~0 of a connec-tor member 18 severs the excess length of wire and as the wire slides in the slot 33 or 3~ such that the insu-lation of the wire is pierced by the inside edges of a respective 33 or 3~ slot in order to make an intimate electrical contact and a mechanical connection with the connecting member 18, as illustrated in YIG. 2. The excess length of wire sheared off by cutting edge 3~ or ~0 may be easily removed manually. As explained above, trimming residue may travel up the inside of tip 92 of ~2~ 3~
tool 90 and out aperature 101. Also, it shall be seen that tool 90 pushes the wire further into lipped slot 61 so that the wire extends substantially transversely from the subhousing when installed.
Thus, it shall be seen then that the above-described connector module, installation tool and method of installation provides that a plurality of wires may be secured in place for installation via the wire gripping slots in a single series o~ operations, and then fully installed in a series of installation opera-tions such that switching back and forth between wire placement and installation with the wire installing tool is not required where two or more wires are sought to be installed sequentially. Also, it shall be seen that two or three wires may be installed in a given slot either sequentially or simultaneously. r~oreover, it shall be seen that the installation tool of the present invention is completely symetrical such that the installation tool does not need to be oriented other than being axially aligned with a subhousing and connector member.
Significant time savings in wire installation and savings in tool costs are thus accomplished. Still further, it shall be seen that construction of the housing 15 with a rigid plastic material ln conjunction with the operation of the installation tool results in the absorbtion by the housing oE most of the force applied via the tool, such that deformation or clamacJe to the connector members 18 is avoided. Last, but not least, it shall be seen that the connector module oE the present invention rnay be easily mounted on a panel 11 in a snap in fashion.
CONNE CTOR HOUS I NGS
Background of the Invention Terminal connecting blocks or modules are widely used in the telecommunications industry to inter-connect equipment and distribution lines, particularly in signal switching or distribution applications. Their primary function is the solderless connection of two or more wires.
Apart from their primary function, connecting modules of the kind the present invention is concerned with provide for a quick, mechanically secure and electrically sound connection. In addition, they pro-vide for relatively simple and fast disconnection, as needed where frequent rewiring is necessary. Quick con-nection is provided by eliminating as much pre-connection and post-connection conditioning as possible.
Stripping, bending or trimming operations should be unnecessary, such that connection may be accomplished with few movements. Mechanically secure and electri-cally sound connections are provided by interference, clamp or like connection methods in which the connection module exerts a positive grip on an installed wire con-ductor.
To provide a connecting module having such qualities, it is known to utilize a metal split cylinder having an axially extending narrow seam or slot. A wire is connected to the cylinder by moving it laterally of its axis into the slot so that the edges of the slot slice through the insulation and establish contact with the conductor with a positive gripping force as provided by the resilience of the cylinder cross section. It is also known to support a cylinder in an insulating housing of generally cylindrical shape with a rec-4~
tangular cross-section, in a coaxial orientation, to form a connector module. The housing is slotted along diagonally opposite corners and the cylinder aligned therein such that one corner slot is aligned with the wire receiving slot in the cylinder. Installation of a wire is accomplished by laying it to extend through the housing slots, over the cylinder, and using an impact tool to drive the wire down into the split cylinder, which preferably includes a cutting edge opposite the wire receiving slot to trim or sever the excess wire length. An installed wire is thus shielded from others by the housing such that shorting and interference problems are avoided. In actual practice, a plurality of housings are mounted to extend orthogonally ~rom a planar member to form a multiple connector terminal con-necting panel. An example of such a panel is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 321,107, to Vachhani, filed Nov. 31, 1981, and entitled "Electrical Connector Module ", now U.S. Patent 4,662,699.
Although the Vachhani panel provides for the quick and secure solderless cross connection of a large number of wires at a central location with relatively high density, it does have certain disadvantages. For one, assembly of the panel requires that individual modules be mounted one at a time, such that assembly is time consuming and correspondingly expensive. For another, the diagonal orientation of the wire slots together with the side by side orientation of the housings generally requires that wires be positioned and installed one at a time, such that a technician must continually switch between positioning and inserting operations. This has been recognized as time inef~
ficient in the consecutive installation of large numbers ~' ~2~
of wires. Another undesireable aspect of the Vachhani module relates to stresses exerted on the split cylinder by the wire insertion tool. It has been found that due to the impact operation of the tool and the relati-vely pliable housing material used ~or the modules thatthe wire receiving cylinder was susceptible to connection threatening deformation during installation of a wire.
In addition, the Vachhani tool needs to be oriented with respect to a housing for proper operation, which has been also recognized as undesireable. Finally, the tool includes ~oving parts and is thus relatively expensive.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an electrical lS connector panel and a tool for installing or inserting wires in the panel which alleviates or eliminates the above described disadvantages of the Vachhani apparatus.
According to one aspect of the invention a plurality of metal split cylinders of the above described type are provided and mounted in a non-conductive housing to form a connector module. The housing is formed to support the split cylinders in a plurality of cylindrical subhousings formed in two rows, with each of the subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of the subhousing slots coaxially extending with the slot in the split cylinder, and with the subhousing slots aligned transversely to the rows.
The subhousings in each row are laterally spaced apart to form a plurality oE inter subhousing slots and the subhousings in different rows are laterally offset so that one slot of each subhousing is aligned with one of the inter subhousing slots. According to this aspect of the invention a plurality of wires to be installed may be laid side by side and parallel in the subhousing slots in one series of operations, and installed in another series of operations, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between wire placement and inser-tion operations where two or more wires are to beinstalled in the panel sequentially.
Accordiny to another aspect of the invention the module housing includes a snap mounting arrangement comprising one or more flexible bridges and shoulders disposed on the side of the housing and longitudinally spaced apart. The bridges include a bridge member spaced apart from the side of the housing and supported on opposite ends so that it may flex toward the housing when compressed. The panel member provided for sup-porting the housing includes an aperature sized toreceive the housing with the aperature including one or more tabs positioned to engage the bridge or bridges and compress them inwardly as the housing is slid into the aperature, and to engage a transverse edge of the bridges when the housing is mounted. A shoulc1er is pro-vided to stop the housing in the mounting position such that the housing is snapped into place and immovably retained by the shoulders on one side of the housing and the transverse edge of the briclges of the other. Thus, the present invention provides for the mounting of a plurality of connectors to a panel simultaneously, as opposed to mounting single connector modules one at a time, thus resulting in substantial tirne savings in pane:L assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the inven-tion the housiny is constructed of a relatively rigid plastic non~conducting rnaterial, and a simple wire insertion or installation tool with no moving parts is provided to insert wires. The wire insertion tool includes a central post sized to fit inside the split cylinder and a cylindrical member coaxially extending around the post and sized to fit around the outside perimeter of the cylinder between the cylinder and the housing. A shoulder is provided on the tool and is axially displaced from the tip, the shoulder being of sufficient radius to engaye the end transverse edges oE
a subhousing with the tip o-E the tool extending in and around the split cylinder mounted therein. Thus, wires to be installed may be laid across the top of the cylinder extending through the subhousing slots and pressed into the cylinder with the tool, which by virtue is its cylindrical configuration does not need to be oriented, and which does not include moving parts.
Furthermore, the operation of the tool provides that the subhousing absorbs certain stresses from the tool as the wire is being inserted to avoid derormation of the split cylinder.
According to still another aspect of the invention the end portions of each subhousing cylinder are funnel shaped to facilitate insertion of the tool into the ends of the subhousings, and to guide the tool into proper axial orientation with the split cylinder.
2S In addition, at least one slot of each subhousing inclu-des arcuate axially extending lips on each side of the slot, with the width of the passa~eway formed between the lips being slightly less than the diameter of a wire to be installed, so that the lips provide a mechanical grip and strain relieE Eor the wire during and after installacion.
Thus, the present invention provides an electrical connector panel eliminating or alleviating the problems above discussed with respect to the Vachhani apparatus. More specific details, aspects and salient features of the construction and operation of the inven~
tion are set forth in the ensuing drawing and specifica-tion.
BrieE Description of the Drawinc3 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a connector module according to the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the electrical connector module according to the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view of the con-nector module according to the present invention taken along the lines 3-3 of Figure l;
FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of a por-tion of the connector module according to the present invention taken along the lines 4-4 showing the installation tool according to the present invention inserted therein; and FIGURE 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the installation tool according to the present invention;
and FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view of the con-nector module of the present invention taken along the lines 6-6 of FIGURE 3.
Detailed Description of the Invention The electrical connector apparatus of the present invention is provided for use in an access mernber such as the cluick-cross connect panel or in a terminal block to electrically connect various electri-cal lead wires or circuits with certain other electrical lead wires or circuits. In actual practice, the lead wires may be part of a communication circuit such as a telephone line or a data transmission circuit. Where the leads are telephone lines, the electrical connector module of the present invention is utilized to patch or cross-connect such lines to accommodate growth of telephone usage, changes in telephone number, relocation of users, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 an electrical con nector module according to the present invention is illustrated, in perspective and plan views. Connector module 10 is mounted in a relatively flat panel member 11, in an aperature 12, of generally the same cross-section as connector module 10. Module 10 includes a housing 15 molded of a relatively rigid non-conductive plastic. Housing 15 includes a plurality of generally cylindrical subhousings 20, extending on either side from panel member 11 (see FIG. 3), each of which sup-ports a centrally positioned split cylinder connector me~ber 18. Each of subhousings 20 are formed to include funnel shaped end portions 17 as may be seen best with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, to facilitate entry and alignment of an insertion tool, as will be described in more detail below. Although partially asymmetrical in certain detail, tha module is identical on each side of the panel member with respect to the function and construction of the operative portions of subhousings 20.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 it may be seen that connector member 18 includes a first end 30 including a collar 31, a wire engaging slot 33 and a wire trimming edge or blade 34. The other end of con-nector member 18 includes a pair of tine members 37 and 38 cut from the sidewalls of the cylinder, a wire engaging slot 39 and a further trimming blade 40. Each end of connector member 18 further includes wlre guide sections 41 and ~2 narrowing toward the respective slots 33 and 39, and a transverse cut 35 st:ructurally i90-5 lating the cross sectional resilience of the oppositeends.
To accomodate the mountiny of a connector member 18 in the cylindrical subhousing 20, ths housing includes an annular retaining portion 50 extending 10 inward from the sidewall of subhousing 20 and having a radius slightly smaller than that of connector member 18. A pair of diametrically opposed and longitudinally extending grooves 51 and 52, having a width slightly larger than that of tines 37 and 38 respectively, are 15 provided in retaining portion 50. The mounting o:E con-nector member 18 may thus be accomplished by inserting the member tine-end first into the subhousing such that tines 37 and 38 are compressed as they pass through the upper portion of retaining portion 50, and snap into 20 place in grooves 51 and 52. Connector member 18 is thus axially retained in place by shoulder member 31 on one side of retaining portion 50 and by tines 37 and 38 on the other side, which also provide rotational restric--tion. A connector is thus positioned in a subhousing 20 25 to provide Eunctionally identical wire engaging slots on both ends, and both sides of panel mernber 11.
As may be seen best with reference to Figure 1, both ends oE subhousings 20 include a pair o:E
diametrically opposed axially extending slots 61 and 62 30 i n the cylinc]er walls with one of the slots on each end aligned with one of slots 33 or 39 and the other slots on each end aligned with the recesses Eorrned by trimming blades 3'1 or ~U. Preferably, the subhousing slots and ~ ~L a~ 35 connector members slots coextend for a minimum of two or three diameters of the wire siz~ to be conn~cted, such that two or three wires may be connected to connector member 18 on either end thereof, as explained below.
Further inter subhousiny slots 63 are provided, coaxially extending with associated cylinder wall slots 61 or 62.
As shown best in FIG. 6, slots 61, 62 and 63 have yenerally the same width, which is slightly greater then the diameter of the wire to be installed, so as to not engage the wire during installation. Slots 61, however, are preferably Eormed to include relatively thin arcuate axially extending lips 55 and 56 along each opposite edge, with the width of the opening bet-ween the lips 55 and 56 being slightly less than thediameter of a wire to be installed, such that when a wire is inserted transverse to its axis it is gripped by the slot 61, thereby providing a mechanical strain relief for a wire. Although the invention is not limited to specific dimensions, it provides a slot (61, 62, 63) width of .045", an inter lip opening width of .025", and a lip radius of .010" for .032" to .035"
insulated wire. These relative ratios of dimensions have been found to permit wires to be relatively easily manually pulled or pressed in between the lips without undue force during preliminary placement, and to avoid deformation or weakening of the conductor du~ing installation. Moreover, the arranyement provides that the wire may slide downward between the Lips via the force applied by the insertion tool, which force is applied on only the portion of the wire lying inside the subhousing. It shall be noted that slots 61, 62 and 63 are identical for a particular end of a housing 15 so that all strain relief slots 61 are on a common side of the subhousings 20.
Housing 15 includes four flexible bridge mem-5 bers 70-73 and a pair of shoulders 74 and 75 to accom-modate snap-in mounting oE housiny 15 in aperature 12 o~
panel 11~ Reinforcement wedges 69 may be pro~,7ided integral with housing 15 to add to the structural strength of the end subhousings. Each of bridges 70-73 is supported in a spaced apart relationship with the main body of housing 15 and includes a respective ramping portion 76-79, the cross section of which may be best seen in Figure 3. Four corresponding tab members 80-83 are provided on the panel member 11 to extend i nto aperature 12. Installation of housing 15 in panel 11 is thus accomplished by inserting the unshouldered end of housing 15 into aperature 12, such that ramps 76-79 engage the respective tabs 80-83 and compress the bridge members 70~73 as the housing 15 is pushed down into the aperature 12, with tabs 80-83 snapping over the top edge of the bridge members as shoulder members 74 and 75 engage panel member 11. Housing 15 is thus irremovably retained in a mounted position on panel member 11.
The tool provided for and the method for i nstalling wires in a connector member 18 will now be explained with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.
In Figure 5, the wire installing tool according to the present invention is shown in cutaway perspective view.
The tool 90 i ncludes a shaEt 91 to be connected to a handle (not shown), for example a conventional screwdriver handle. The end of shaft 91 i ncludes a tip portion 92 inclucling a cylindrical member 93 having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the extent of a subhousing 20 surrounding the connector member 18, and an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of a connecting member 18. A
center post or punch member 94 is concentrically S disposed within cylindrical member 93, and has a radius slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the connec-tor member 18. Punch member 94 includes a smaller diameter portion 100 which is spaced axially apart from the end of punch member 94 so that when the tool is fully inserted the smaller diameter portion is axially beyond the end of connector member 18. A bored apera-ture 101 is provided and extends from the inside of tool 90 to the outside of both sides of tip 92. The arrange-ment of smaller diameter portion 100 and aperature 101 facilitates the movement of plastic and metal residue produced by wire trimming up between members 94 and 95 out of aperature 101, so that the tool does not jam with residue. Member 93 further includes a shoulder 95 of generally the same outside diameter of a subhousing 20, such that when the tool is inserted into a subhousing the shoulder rests on the end edges thereof, and such that the tip 92 of the tool extends downwardly inside and around a connector member 18.
Installation of wires and connectors l8 may be accomplished using tool 90 as follows. As for example shown in Figure 1, a wire to be installed may be layed in slots 61, 62 and 63 (leftrnost wire), and manually pulled down across the top of connecting member L8 (rightmost wire) with the excess wire extending out-wardly frorn the slot adjacent the trimming blade 34 or~0, as determined by which end oE housing 15 the wire is installed in. It will be noticed that for any given side of housing 15 that each connector member 18 is aligned with its wire receiving slot facing in the same direction such that wires to be installed are all layed in with the excess wire extending from the same face of S the housing. As explained above, each of lipped slots 61 provide a wire restriction which is preEerably slightly less wide than the out side diameter of the insulation on a wire to be installed. Thus, a wire may be manually positioned for insertion by pressing or pulling it into engagement with a slots 61 across the top of a connector member 18, and retained there until fully installed with tool 90. Once fully installed, the gripping force of the lipped slots 61 provide an effective strain relief so that if wires are pulled or bumped after installation the connection with the con-nector member 18 is not disturbed.
With a wire or wires properly positioned in slots 61, 62 and 63 of one or more subhousings, tool 90 is inserted into the end of a subhousing, as facilitated by the subhousings reatively large funnel shaped ends 17. As the tool 90 moves into the subhousing, the fun-nel shape aids in axially aligning the tool 90 with respect to the connecting member 18, so that the tool 90 engages the wire and pushes it into the wire receiving slot 33 or 3~. The trimming blade 3~ or ~0 of a connec-tor member 18 severs the excess length of wire and as the wire slides in the slot 33 or 3~ such that the insu-lation of the wire is pierced by the inside edges of a respective 33 or 3~ slot in order to make an intimate electrical contact and a mechanical connection with the connecting member 18, as illustrated in YIG. 2. The excess length of wire sheared off by cutting edge 3~ or ~0 may be easily removed manually. As explained above, trimming residue may travel up the inside of tip 92 of ~2~ 3~
tool 90 and out aperature 101. Also, it shall be seen that tool 90 pushes the wire further into lipped slot 61 so that the wire extends substantially transversely from the subhousing when installed.
Thus, it shall be seen then that the above-described connector module, installation tool and method of installation provides that a plurality of wires may be secured in place for installation via the wire gripping slots in a single series o~ operations, and then fully installed in a series of installation opera-tions such that switching back and forth between wire placement and installation with the wire installing tool is not required where two or more wires are sought to be installed sequentially. Also, it shall be seen that two or three wires may be installed in a given slot either sequentially or simultaneously. r~oreover, it shall be seen that the installation tool of the present invention is completely symetrical such that the installation tool does not need to be oriented other than being axially aligned with a subhousing and connector member.
Significant time savings in wire installation and savings in tool costs are thus accomplished. Still further, it shall be seen that construction of the housing 15 with a rigid plastic material ln conjunction with the operation of the installation tool results in the absorbtion by the housing oE most of the force applied via the tool, such that deformation or clamacJe to the connector members 18 is avoided. Last, but not least, it shall be seen that the connector module oE the present invention rnay be easily mounted on a panel 11 in a snap in fashion.
Claims (15)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Electrical connector apparatus for providing electrical connection for a plurality of insulated wires of a predetermined size comprising:
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing of unitary construc-tion configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with a wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent rows with said subhousing slots aligned trans-versely to said rows and with contiguous subhousings in opposing rows having common insulating wall portions, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart in close proximity to form a plurality of inter-subhousing slots each sized to receive one of said wires therein; and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots on diametrically opposed sides of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slot spaced apart a distance sized to receive one of said insulated wires; and each of said wire receiving slots including strain relief means for retaining one of said insulated wires inserted within said wire receiving slot whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said wire receiving slots before being inserted in said split cylinder means.
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing of unitary construc-tion configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with a wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent rows with said subhousing slots aligned trans-versely to said rows and with contiguous subhousings in opposing rows having common insulating wall portions, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart in close proximity to form a plurality of inter-subhousing slots each sized to receive one of said wires therein; and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots on diametrically opposed sides of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slot spaced apart a distance sized to receive one of said insulated wires; and each of said wire receiving slots including strain relief means for retaining one of said insulated wires inserted within said wire receiving slot whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said wire receiving slots before being inserted in said split cylinder means.
2. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said strain releif means comprises a pair of opposing lips protruding into said one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with the wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means to pinch and grip the insulation of an inserted wire.
3. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 1 wherein opposing surfaces of subhousings within a same row are generally parallel and transverse to said row with said opposing parallel surfaces defining said intersubhousing slots.
4. Electrical connector apparatus for providing electrical connection for a plurality of insulated wires of a predetermined size comprising:
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing of unitary construction configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with a wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows and with contiguous subhousings in opposing rows having common insulating wall portions, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart in close proximity to form a plurality of intersubhousing slots each sized to receive one of said wires therein;
and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots on diametrically opposed sides of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slots spaced apart a distance sized to receive one of said insulated wires; and each of said wire receiving slots including strain relief means for retaining one of said wires inserted within a wire receiving slot whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said wire receiving slots before being inserted in said split cylinder means;
panel means for supporting said housing with one end of said housing accessible on each side of said panel means; and bracket means for demountably supporting said panel means in a spaced relationship with a bracket supporting surface.
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing of unitary construction configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means, each of said subhousings including slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with a wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows and with contiguous subhousings in opposing rows having common insulating wall portions, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart in close proximity to form a plurality of intersubhousing slots each sized to receive one of said wires therein;
and the subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots on diametrically opposed sides of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slots spaced apart a distance sized to receive one of said insulated wires; and each of said wire receiving slots including strain relief means for retaining one of said wires inserted within a wire receiving slot whereby wires to be connected may be laid side by side in said wire receiving slots before being inserted in said split cylinder means;
panel means for supporting said housing with one end of said housing accessible on each side of said panel means; and bracket means for demountably supporting said panel means in a spaced relationship with a bracket supporting surface.
5. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said strain relief means comprises a pair of opposing lips protruding into said one of said subhousing slots coaxially extending with the wire engaging slot in said split cylinder means to pinch and grip the insulation of an inserted wire.
6. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 4 wherein opposing surfaces of subhousings within a same row are generally parallel and transverse to said row with said opposing parallel surfaces defining said inter-subhousing slots.
7. Electrical connector apparatus for providing electrical connection for a plurality of insulated wires of a predetermined size comprising:
a non-conductive housing of unitary construc-tion having a plurality of integrally formed subhousings with said subhousings aligned in narrowly spaced apart offset honeycomb fashion in two rows with opposing sur-faces of subhousings in a row defining a plurality of intersubhousing slots extending through said row and with opposing offset subhousings sharing a common wall portion;
said subhousings having diametrically opposed slots with diametrically opposed slots of subhousings in one row aligned in communication with intersubhousing slots of the other rows; said aligned slots cooperating to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slot spaced apart sufficient to receive said insulated wire; and said wire receiving slot including strain relief means for retaining one of said insulated wires inserted therein;
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection, said cylinder means disposed within said subhousings with the wire engaging slot of said cylinder means aligned in communication with one of said diametrically opposed slots.
a non-conductive housing of unitary construc-tion having a plurality of integrally formed subhousings with said subhousings aligned in narrowly spaced apart offset honeycomb fashion in two rows with opposing sur-faces of subhousings in a row defining a plurality of intersubhousing slots extending through said row and with opposing offset subhousings sharing a common wall portion;
said subhousings having diametrically opposed slots with diametrically opposed slots of subhousings in one row aligned in communication with intersubhousing slots of the other rows; said aligned slots cooperating to define a complete wire receiving slot for each subhousing with opposing surfaces of said wire receiving slot spaced apart sufficient to receive said insulated wire; and said wire receiving slot including strain relief means for retaining one of said insulated wires inserted therein;
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection, said cylinder means disposed within said subhousings with the wire engaging slot of said cylinder means aligned in communication with one of said diametrically opposed slots.
8. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said strain relief means comprises a pair of opposing protruding lips, one lip extending from each side of the one of said diametrically opposed slots aligned in communication with said wire engaging slot of said split cylinder means, said lips spaced apart so that said lips pinch and grip the insulation of an inserted wire.
9. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said opposing surface of said subhousing defining said intersubhousing slots are generally flat parallel surfaces having a length approximately equal to a length of said split cylinder means wire engaging slot.
10. Electrical connector apparatus for providing electrical connection for a plurality of insulated wires of a predetermined size comprising:
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each having a first end and an axially disposed second end with each of said first and second ends having means for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means; each of said subhousings having first ends and second ends with said first ends of said subhousings having slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said slots coaxially extending with a wire receiving slot in said first ends of said split cylinder means; said second ends of said subhousings having slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said slots coaxially extending with a wire receiving slot in said second ends of said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent parallel rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart with opposing surfaces defining a plurality of intersubhousing slots each sized to receive said wire of predetermined size lying transverse to said rows and subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to form a complete wire receiving slot for each sub-housing; and each of said wire receiving slots for said subhousings including strain relief means for retaining one of said wires within said slots.
a plurality of metal split cylinder means each having a first end and an axially disposed second end with each of said first and second ends having means for receiving and engaging an insulated wire to form an electrical connection;
a non-conductive housing configured to provide a plurality of integrally formed, closely packed cylindrical subhousings each for concentrically supporting one of said split cylinder means; each of said subhousings having first ends and second ends with said first ends of said subhousings having slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said slots coaxially extending with a wire receiving slot in said first ends of said split cylinder means; said second ends of said subhousings having slots on diametrically opposed sides with one of said slots coaxially extending with a wire receiving slot in said second ends of said split cylinder means;
said subhousings aligned in two closely adjacent parallel rows with said subhousing slots aligned transversely to said rows, the subhousings in each row laterally spaced apart with opposing surfaces defining a plurality of intersubhousing slots each sized to receive said wire of predetermined size lying transverse to said rows and subhousings in different rows laterally offset so that said slots of each subhousing are aligned in communication with one of said intersubhousing slots to form a complete wire receiving slot for each sub-housing; and each of said wire receiving slots for said subhousings including strain relief means for retaining one of said wires within said slots.
11. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 10 comprising:
a panel for supporting said housing with said first ends of said subhousings accessible on one side of said panel and with said second ends of said subhousings accessible on another side of said panel;
said panel having an aperture sized to receive said housing with said subhousings generally normal to said aperture;
said housing having a plurality of flexible bridge members supported on said housing and spaced therefrom and aligned to oppose a plurality of tabs protruding into said aperture and rigidly secured to said panel; said tabs sized to engage a surface of said bridge members as said housing is urged into said aperture with said tabs flexing said bridge members and said bridge members flexing back after said bridge members have passed said tabs.
a panel for supporting said housing with said first ends of said subhousings accessible on one side of said panel and with said second ends of said subhousings accessible on another side of said panel;
said panel having an aperture sized to receive said housing with said subhousings generally normal to said aperture;
said housing having a plurality of flexible bridge members supported on said housing and spaced therefrom and aligned to oppose a plurality of tabs protruding into said aperture and rigidly secured to said panel; said tabs sized to engage a surface of said bridge members as said housing is urged into said aperture with said tabs flexing said bridge members and said bridge members flexing back after said bridge members have passed said tabs.
12. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical subhousings are provided with frustoconical inside surface portions coaxially aligned with a cylindrical axis of said subhousings and with a base end of said frustoconical surface disposed at an end of said subhousings, whereby a funnel shaped guide is formed to facilitate the insertion and alignment of an insertion tool.
13. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said cylindrical subhousings are provided with frustoconical inside surface portions coaxially aligned with a cylindrical axis of said subhousings and with a base end of said frustoconical surface disposed at an end of said subhousings, whereby a funnel shaped guide is formed to facilitate the insertion and alignment of an insertion tool.
14. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the inside surfaces of the ends of said subhousings are funnel shaped so that the insertion and alignment of an insertion tool is facilitated.
15. Electrical connector apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said interior surface of cylindrical subhousings are funnel shaped for receiving a tool and directing said tool to be in alignment with said sub-housings and said split cylinder means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US63714684A | 1984-08-02 | 1984-08-02 | |
| US637,146 | 1984-08-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242495A true CA1242495A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=24554737
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000487886A Expired CA1242495A (en) | 1984-08-02 | 1985-07-31 | Electrical connector module with multiple connector housing |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0197234B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6193564A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR860002159A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE61160T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU580081B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1242495A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3581931D1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL75982A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4671595A (en) * | 1985-10-21 | 1987-06-09 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Multigauge-multiwire insulation displacement terminal |
| US4663838A (en) * | 1985-10-21 | 1987-05-12 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Insertion tool tips |
| US4709463A (en) * | 1985-11-08 | 1987-12-01 | Northern Telecom Limited | Apparatus for connecting conductors to terminals of a cross-connect connector for communication lines |
| AU599555B2 (en) * | 1987-12-14 | 1990-07-19 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Two step wire connection and cut-off terminal |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3147058A (en) * | 1961-04-13 | 1964-09-01 | Siemon Co | Electrical connectors |
| GB1171724A (en) * | 1967-06-15 | 1969-11-26 | Amp Inc | Electrical connector housing. |
| US3514743A (en) * | 1968-09-23 | 1970-05-26 | Deltrol Corp | Socket for plug-in electrical components with snap-in attachment to mounting panel |
| US3596233A (en) * | 1969-07-31 | 1971-07-27 | Alcon Metal Products Inc | Electrical socket with snap-in retaining means |
| US3708852A (en) * | 1971-07-06 | 1973-01-09 | Dracon Ind | Termination tool |
| US3877773A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-04-15 | Amp Inc | Double-ended conductor-in-slot connecting device |
| US4103985A (en) * | 1977-02-22 | 1978-08-01 | Bunker Ramo Corporation | Connector adapter constructions with improved connection and connector mounting arrangement |
| US4186984A (en) * | 1977-12-05 | 1980-02-05 | Amp Incorporated | Strain relief cover for a barrel terminal |
| CA1111541A (en) * | 1978-05-05 | 1981-10-27 | Robert P. Reavis, Jr. | Terminal cover |
| US4286836A (en) * | 1979-07-17 | 1981-09-01 | Teletype Corporation | Connector block with strain prevention |
| US4305635A (en) * | 1979-11-02 | 1981-12-15 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Flat conductor flat cable adaptor |
| US4295704A (en) * | 1979-12-03 | 1981-10-20 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Side probeable connector using flat cable |
| US4283105A (en) * | 1979-12-07 | 1981-08-11 | Amp Incorporated | Terminal for cross connect apparatus |
| CA1194950A (en) * | 1981-11-13 | 1985-10-08 | Vasantrai A. Vachhani | Electrical connector module |
-
1985
- 1985-07-30 AU AU45606/85A patent/AU580081B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1985-07-31 IL IL75982A patent/IL75982A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-07-31 CA CA000487886A patent/CA1242495A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-08-01 KR KR1019850005590A patent/KR860002159A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1985-08-01 DE DE8585850253T patent/DE3581931D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-08-01 EP EP85850253A patent/EP0197234B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-08-01 AT AT85850253T patent/ATE61160T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-08-02 JP JP60169917A patent/JPS6193564A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS6193564A (en) | 1986-05-12 |
| KR860002159A (en) | 1986-03-26 |
| AU580081B2 (en) | 1988-12-22 |
| IL75982A (en) | 1990-07-26 |
| EP0197234B1 (en) | 1991-02-27 |
| EP0197234A2 (en) | 1986-10-15 |
| ATE61160T1 (en) | 1991-03-15 |
| DE3581931D1 (en) | 1991-04-04 |
| JPH0415586B2 (en) | 1992-03-18 |
| AU4560685A (en) | 1986-02-06 |
| IL75982A0 (en) | 1985-12-31 |
| EP0197234A3 (en) | 1988-09-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |