CN113948930A

CN113948930A - Termination tool and method for terminating wires to telecommunications modules

Info

Publication number: CN113948930A
Application number: CN202010689944.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘志辉; 王京; 伍文勇
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2020-07-17
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2022-01-18

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tool for terminating different types of jacks, the tool comprising: a base supporting a first type of jack and a second type of jack; a slider mounted within a slot defined in the base, the slider directly engaging the first type of jack when terminated thereto; when terminating the second type of jack, the slider receives a termination device that directly engages the second type of jack; and a pivotable lever arm coupled to the housing and the slider, the pivotable lever arm configured to linearly move the slider between an initial position and a final position. The tool may be a dual purpose tool having a configuration that allows a user to terminate different types of receptacles by adding a termination device as a lacing fixture.

Description

Termination tool and method for terminating wires to telecommunications modules

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a tool capable of terminating wires of a cable to two different types of telecommunications modules, and a method of performing such termination using the tool.

Background

In various network communication terminals, such as computers, routers, servers, switches, etc., it is common to electrically connect a user terminal to an external cable by inserting a plug connector into a communication module (e.g., a wall-mounted socket connector).

In the prior art, methods for terminating wires of a cable to a telecommunications module typically require specific tools for a specific type of telecommunications module. As such, multiple tools or tool components may be required to terminate various types of communication modules.

Accordingly, there is a need for tools and methods that ameliorate these disadvantages of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tool for terminating a cable having a plurality of wires with different types of telecommunications modules, each telecommunications module having a plurality of connection terminals. The tool is capable of terminating two different types of jacks.

The tool may include a base, a slide mounted to the base, and a pivotable lever arm coupled to the base and the slide. The base of the tool may define recesses for receiving the first type of socket and the second type of socket. If the first type of jack is terminated, only a slider may be used. If the second type of jack is terminated, a termination device including lacing fixtures for holding the wires of the cable may be added to the slider. In some embodiments, termination devices may be added to the slider and the second type of jack may include lacing fixtures for holding the wires of the cable. In this way, the tool may be a dual purpose tool having a configuration that allows a user to terminate different types of jacks by adding a termination device that may become a lacing fixture.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tool for terminating different types of jacks. The tool may include a housing having a base supporting a first type of jack and a second type of jack. The tool may also include a slide. The slider may be mounted within a slot defined in the base.

In some examples, the slider may directly engage the first type of jack when terminating the first type of jack.

In some examples, the slider may receive a termination device that directly engages the second type of jack when terminating the second type of jack.

The tool may include a pivotable lever arm that may be coupled to the housing and the slide. The pivotable lever arm may be configured to linearly move the slider between the initial position and the final position.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of terminating a cable having a plurality of wires with a telecommunications module having a plurality of connection terminals. The method may comprise the steps of: providing a tool, the tool comprising: a base; a slider mounted in a slot defined in the base; and a pivotable lever arm coupled to the base and the slider.

The method may comprise the step of attaching the termination device to the slider. The termination device may have a lacing fixture that holds the plurality of wires of the cable.

The method may further comprise the steps of: the telecommunications module is inserted vertically into the base adjacent to the lacing fixture.

The method may further comprise the steps of: the pivotable lever arm is pressed to move the slider into engagement with the telecommunications module to terminate the plurality of wires of the cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the telecommunications module.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of using a termination tool with different types of jacks. The termination tool may include a housing having a base, a pivotable lever arm attached to the housing, and a slider mounted on the base of the termination tool. The slider may be attached to a pivotable lever arm by a link.

The method includes the step of arranging the termination tool into a first type of jack configuration, the step comprising: mounting a first termination device at a distal end of a base of a termination tool, wherein the first termination device has a first plurality of wires of a first cable; horizontally inserting a first type of jack into the base of the housing and between the slider and the first termination device; pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the slider toward the first-type jack to respectively terminate the first plurality of wires of the first cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the first-type jack; the pivotable lever arm is opened and the first type of jack and the first termination device are removed.

The method may further include the step of arranging the termination tool into a second type of jack configuration, the step comprising: attaching a second end fitting to a slider positioned on a base of the housing; inserting a second type of receptacle vertically into the base of the housing adjacent the second end fitting at the distal end of the base; pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the second termination device into engagement with the second type of receptacle to respectively terminate the second plurality of wires of the second cable to the connection terminals of the second type of receptacle; the pivotable lever arm is opened and the second type of jack is removed.

In some examples, the second termination device may be configured to retain a second plurality of wires of a second cable. In some examples, the second type of jack may be configured to retain a second plurality of wires of a second cable.

These and other features and advantages will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. Various other aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. The brief description of the drawings is as follows:

fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary termination tool including a pivotable lever arm and a slider in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the termination tool of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the termination tool of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the termination tool of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary vertical communications module according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vertical communication module of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the vertical communication module of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows an end view of the vertical communications module of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of the vertical communication module of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 shows a bottom exploded view of the vertical communication module of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view including a termination device according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the termination device of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 illustrates another perspective view of the termination device of fig. 11 showing the cutting apparatus prior to insertion into the termination device.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a termination device in which the cutting apparatus of figure 13 is mounted.

Figure 15 shows a top view of the termination device of figure 11.

Fig. 16 illustrates a rear perspective view of the termination device of fig. 11.

Fig. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the termination device of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the termination device of fig. 11 mounted on a termination tool and connected to the slide of fig. 1.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 1 with the termination device of fig. 11 mounted thereon.

Fig. 20 illustrates another perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 shows a top view of the termination tool of fig. 19.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of the termination tool with the vertical-type telecommunications module mounted thereon with the termination device and the slide in an initial position prior to termination.

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 22 with the pivotable lever arms depressed to move the termination device and slider to a final position to terminate the vertical-type telecommunications module.

Fig. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal communication module according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 25 shows another perspective view of the horizontal communication module of fig. 24.

Fig. 26 illustrates another perspective view of the horizontal telecommunications module, showing the mating contacts.

Fig. 27 shows a top view of the termination tool of fig. 1 including another termination device for use with a horizontal telecommunications module in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 27.

Fig. 29 shows another perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 27.

Fig. 30-31 illustrate perspective views of the termination device of fig. 27.

Fig. 32 shows a perspective view of the termination device of fig. 30 showing a cutting apparatus prior to insertion of the termination device.

Fig. 33 shows a perspective view of the termination device of fig. 30 with a cable mounted thereon.

Fig. 34 shows a perspective view of the termination device and horizontal communication module on the termination tool in an initial position prior to termination.

Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 34 with the pivotable lever arm depressed so that the slider presses the horizontal telecommunications module into engagement with the termination device and to a final position.

Figures 36 through 38 illustrate perspective views of another termination device including a lacing fixture, according to principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 39 shows the termination device of fig. 36 mounted on a termination tool.

Fig. 40 shows a perspective view of a termination tool having a vertical telecommunications module and a termination device mounted thereon prior to termination.

Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of the termination tool of fig. 40 with the pivotable lever arms depressed to move the termination device and slider to a final position to terminate the vertical communications module.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structures.

The present disclosure relates to a tool capable of terminating two different jack types (i.e., telecommunications modules). That is, two different types of receptacles may be arranged and configured to be seated in the tool by the lacing fixture. In the example provided, the two different types of jacks are RJ-45 type jacks, typically terminated to a cable at four twisted pairs of ends of the cable.

The tool may be a dual purpose tool having a configuration that allows a user to terminate different forms of receptacles by adding an insert that becomes a lacing fixture. That is, the tool can be used in two different configurations, such that separate tools are not required to terminate two different types of communication modules, thereby saving cost and time.

The tool capable of terminating the wires of the cable to the telecommunications module can be used in a single operation. The communication module can be easily and quickly mounted on or removed from the tool, thereby saving operating time and improving work efficiency.

Further, the method for terminating the electric wire of the cable to the communication module according to the present disclosure may be reliably and stably performed, thereby improving reliability of network wiring.

Fig. 1-2 illustrate a tool 10 (e.g., crimp tool, termination tool) for terminating wires of a cable to two different types of telecommunications modules. The tool 10 may be used with a termination device. In the preferred embodiment, the termination device includes a wire pushing portion and a wire cutting portion, but alternatives are possible. In some embodiments, the termination device may further include a wire retention portion.

The tool 10 may include a base 12 having a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. The tool 10 may also include a slide 18, a pivotable lever arm 20, and a link 22. A link 22 is pivotally connected to the pivotable lever arm 20 and the slide block 18.

Referring to fig. 3, an exploded view of the tool 10 is shown. The base 12 of the tool 10 may include two substantially

identical halves

12a, 12b that are assembled together by fasteners such as bolts 24. Each

half

12a, 12b may define a notch 26 that together form a guide slot 28 when the

halves

12a, 12b are assembled together.

The slider 18 may include a slide foot 30 that is received within the guide slot 28 for slidably engaging the slider 18 relative to the base 12. In this way, the slider 18 can stably linearly slide on the base 12.

The pivotable lever arm 20 may be connected to the base 12 by a pivot 32, the pivot 32 being mounted in a first opening 34 defined in the pivotable lever arm 20 at the first end 14 of the tool 10. The pivotable lever arm 20 is also coupled to the slide block 18 by a link 22.

In some examples, the link 22 may include two

links

22a, 22b connected together via a fastener 24. The first ends 36 of the

links

22a, 22b may be coupled to the pivotable lever arm 20 by inserting the fasteners 24 through the holes 38 of the two

links

22a, 22b and through the second opening 40 of the pivotable lever arm 20. The second ends 42 of the

links

22a, 22b may define the apertures 38 for receiving the fasteners 24. The fastener 24 may be received within an opening 44 defined in a first end 46 of the slider to couple the link 22 to the slider 18. Because the link 22 is connected to the pivotable lever arm 20 and the slider 18, the slider 18 may move linearly on the base 12 as the pivotable lever arm 20 rotates relative to the base 12. That is, the pivotable lever arm 20 is rotatable about the pivot axis 32 from a maximally open working position towards a closed working position to linearly move the slide block 18 between the initial position and the final position.

In certain examples, the slider 18 may include a dovetail tongue portion 48 at a second end 50 thereof. Dovetail tongue portion 48 may have a protrusion 52 extending from a forward surface 54 of dovetail tongue portion 48, but alternatives are possible. The slide 18 of the tool 10 may be arranged and configured so that two different types of receptacles may be terminated. In this way, a separate base 12 or slide 18 is not required to achieve the two different configurations.

Turning to fig. 4, a cross-sectional view of the tool 10 is provided. The base 12 includes a seat 56 that can fit both vertical and horizontal communications modules. The base 12 defines a recess 58 that can receive a vertical communications module.

Fig. 5-10 illustrate an exemplary vertical communication module 60 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The vertical communication module 60 may include a body 62 having a first end 64 and a second end 66. The vertical communication module 60 may include a plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 (e.g., connection terminals) mounted at the first end 64 of the body 62. In the illustrated example, eight insulation displacement connectors 68 are shown. The body 62 of the vertical communication module 60 may define a port 70 at the second end 66 thereof. The vertical communication module 60 includes eight mating contacts 72 mounted on a support member 74. The insulation displacement connector 68 may be housed within a first housing piece 76 and a second housing piece 78. First housing piece 76 may include a latch 80 for latchingly engaging a latch recess 82 on an opposite side of vertical communication module 60.

The upright communication module 60 also includes a plurality of upstanding walls 82, each upstanding wall 82 having a receiving slot 84. In some examples, wires of the cable may be placed in the vertical communication module 60. That is, the electric wire may be wire-bundled in the receiving groove 84 of the vertical communication module 60. In some examples, the wires may be held by the vertical communication module 60 in parallel with each other in the lateral direction. A plurality of upstanding walls 82 are arranged parallel to one another. The insulation displacement connectors 68 are respectively mounted in the receiving grooves 84. Each insulation displacement connector 68 is electrically connected with a mating contact 72 in the body 62.

As shown in fig. 9-10, each insulation displacement connector 68 includes a pair of connection arms 86 extending from a base 88. The wires of the cable may be placed and held between the two attachment arms 86 of the insulation displacement connector 68 to electrically connect the wires to the insulation displacement connector 68, respectively. The vertical communication module 60 may be positioned within the recess 58 of the base 12 such that the port 70 of the vertical communication module 60 faces a bottom 90 of the recess 58 (see fig. 4). In certain examples, the insulation displacement connector 68 may be oriented 90 degrees relative to the port 70. A termination device 92 may be added to the slider 18 when the tool 10 is used to terminate wires of a cable to the vertical communications module 60.

Referring to fig. 11-17, an exemplary termination device 92 is shown, the termination device 92 being used with, for example, a jack of the vertical communications module 60.

In some examples, the termination device 92 may include a wire cutting portion 13 (see fig. 14) and a wire pushing portion 15.

In other examples, the termination device 92 includes a lacing fixture 94 (e.g., end fitting, wire retention portion) configured to retain a plurality of wires of a cable until the plurality of wires are terminated to the vertical communications module 60 and trimmed. An exemplary lacing fixture 94 will be described below with reference to figures 36-39.

The termination device 92 may be arranged and configured to terminate wires of the cable to the plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60. The termination device 92 includes two termination segments 96 positioned parallel to each other. During use, the termination segment 96 is configured to separately push the plurality of wires held by the vertical communication module 60. A cable retention section 98 is located between the two termination sections 96 to retain the cable.

The termination device 92 includes a cutting apparatus 100 made of a metal such as stainless steel, copper, or the like. The cutting apparatus 100 is positioned in the wire cutting portion 13 of the termination device 92. In some examples, the cutting apparatus 100 is a separate part from the termination device 92.

The termination 92 includes a first support wall 102 and a second support wall 104 parallel to the first support wall 102. A plurality of wire pushing walls 106 are located between the first support wall 102 and the second support wall 104. Each wire pushing wall 106 is adapted to push wires into the holding portion 17 formed between two connection arms 86 of the insulation displacement connector 68 of the vertical telecommunications module 60 during termination to electrically connect the wires to the holding portion 17, respectively. Each wire pushing wall 106 defines a recess 108 for receiving an insulation displacement connector 68 of the vertical telecommunications module 60.

The cutting apparatus 100 may be disposed in both of the termination segments 96 adjacent to the first support wall 102 and the second support wall 104. The cutting device 100 is configured to cut off a portion or end of the wires of the cable after terminating the wires to the insulation displacement connectors 68, respectively.

The termination device 92 has a body 110 with a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, a first side 116, a second side 118, a first end 120, and a second end 122. The termination 92 may also include a protrusion 124 extending from the bottom surface 114 of the body 110.

Referring to fig. 18, the protrusion 124 is adapted to be inserted into the guide slot 28 when the termination 92 is mounted on the seat 56 of the base 12. The protrusion 124 may be inserted within the guide slot 28 such that the termination 92 may move linearly on the seat 56. The termination 92 is shown attached to the slider 18 by a coupling 126. The coupling device 126 is provided for releasably connecting the slider 18 to the termination device 92. That is, the coupling device 126 provides a removable interlocking connection between the slider 18 and the termination device 92.

In some examples, the detachable interlocking connection is a slidable detachable interlocking connection. In some examples, the slidably removable interlocking connection comprises a tongue-and-groove connection. In some examples, the tongue and groove form a dovetail connection. In some examples, the detachable interlocking connection is a snap-fit connection. It will be appreciated that the coupling device 126, in the form of a detachable interlocking connection, may be configured in a variety of different configurations so long as it allows the slider 18 to be removably coupled to the termination device 92.

As shown in fig. 19-20, the coupling device 126 includes dovetail features that cooperate between the slider 18 and the termination device 92. The dovetail feature in the form of a male feature may include a dovetail tongue portion 48 disposed on the slider 18, and the mating dovetail feature in the form of a female feature includes a dovetail-like receptacle 128 (e.g., a dovetail slot portion) and is disposed at the second end 122 of the termination device 92. When the coupling device 126 is connected to provide a dovetail connection between the slider 18 and the termination device 92, the dovetail tongue portion 48 can be received within the dovetail receptacle 128.

Returning to FIG. 3, dovetail tongue portion 48 includes a longitudinal tongue portion 130, and longitudinal tongue portion 130 has a pair of angled or sloped surfaces 132 forming a dovetail shape, thereby enabling dovetail tongue portion 48 to form a connection with dovetail receptacle 128.

In certain examples, the dovetail tongue portion 48 of the slider 18 can be slidably mounted within the groove 134 defined by the dovetail receptacle 128 when the termination device 92 is mounted on the base 12. In some examples, when the pivotable lever arm 20 is pressed, the slider 18 may engage the second end 122 of the termination device 92 when the termination device 92 is mounted on the base 12 such that the dovetail tongue portion 48 engages the dovetail receptacle 128. When the protrusion 124 of the termination 92 engages and bottoms out in the guide slot 28, the termination 92 reaches its seated position on the base 12. The tabs 124 of the termination 92 allow the termination 92 to slide freely within the guide slots 28.

When the dovetail tongue 48 is slidably mounted within the groove 134 of the dovetail receptacle 128, the protrusion 52 of the slider 18 may engage a cavity 136 defined in the dovetail receptacle 128 of the termination device 92 to help limit movement between the slider 18 and the termination device 92 when coupled together. The dovetail-like receptacle 128 of the termination device 92 is sized and shaped to mate with the dovetail tongue 48 of the slider 18 when the slider 18 is mounted to the termination device 92. The slider 18 is adapted to be connected to the termination device 92 as a single piece to operatively function as a pusher. That is, the termination device 92 and the slider 18 may slide together such that the slider 18 becomes a pusher with the termination device 92 to push the wire to terminate the vertical telecommunications module 60.

Referring to fig. 21, the base 12 of the tool 10 defines a recess 58 for receiving a vertical communication module 60 in a vertical direction. In some examples, the horizontal communications module may be mounted on the base 12 and not engage the recess 58.

Referring to fig. 22-23, once the upright communication module 60 is equipped with the cable 138, the upright communication module 60 may be positioned within the recess 58 of the base 12 such that the port 70 of the upright communication module 60 faces the bottom 90 of the recess 58. The slider 18 and termination device 92 are configured to move between an initial position (shown in fig. 22) and a final position (shown in fig. 23). In the initial position, the termination segments 96 are pre-assembled with the plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60 in an initial engaged state.

To terminate the wires of the cable 138, the pivotable lever arm 20 may be depressed to move both the termination device 92 and the slider 18 toward the vertical communications module 60. The slider 18 and the termination device 92 move together as a single piece. The pivotable lever arm 20 may be depressed so that the slider 18 and termination device 92 are in a final position to terminate and trim the plurality of wires of the cable 138 to the plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60. Once terminated, the pivotable lever arm 20 may be opened and the vertical communication module 60 may be removed from the tool 10.

Referring to fig. 24-26, after terminating the vertical communication module 60, the tool 10 may also be used to terminate the horizontal communication module 140 by merely removing the termination device 92 and the vertical communication module 60.

The horizontal communication module 140 includes eight mating contacts 142. The horizontal communication module 140 requires electrical wires of the cable 144 (see fig. 33) to be electrically connected to the connection terminals 146 (e.g., insulation displacement connectors) of the horizontal communication module 140. The connection terminals 146 are partially exposed from the rear surface of the main body 148 of the horizontal communication module 140, and are electrically connected to the mating contacts 142 in the main body 148, respectively.

Horizontal communication module 140 further includes a pair of upstanding walls 150 arranged parallel to each other, and each upstanding wall 150 has a receiving slot 152. The connection terminals 146 are mounted in the receiving slots 152 and each connection terminal 146 is electrically connected with the mating contact 142 in the body 148, wherein the connection terminals 146 comprise similar insulation displacement connectors as the vertical communication module 60.

In some examples, the slider 18 extends longitudinally a greater distance along the base 12 than the longitudinal extension of a horizontal communications module 140 placed on the base. In some examples, the length L1 of the slider 18 from end to end may be at least 1.0 times longer than the length L2 of the horizontal communications module 140. In some examples, the length L1 of the slider 18 is at least 1.5 times longer than the length L2 of the horizontal communication module 140. In some examples, the length L1 of the slider 18 is 0.25 to 1.5 times longer than the length L2 of the horizontal communication module 140. In some examples, L1 of the slider 18 is 10% -50% greater than the length L2 of the horizontal communications module 140.

As shown in fig. 27-29, the tool 10 is configured for use with another exemplary termination device 154. The termination device 154 includes a wire cutting portion 13a, a wire pushing portion 15a and a wire holding portion 21. The termination 154 may be arranged and configured to terminate the horizontal communications module 140.

The termination arrangement 154 comprises a first support wall 101 and a second support wall 103 parallel to the first support wall 101. The wire pushing portion 15a includes a plurality of wire pushing walls 106 positioned between the first support wall 101 and the second support wall 103. Each wire pushing wall 106 is provided with a recess 105 for receiving an insulation displacement connector of a horizontal telecommunications module 140. The termination arrangement 154 may also include a cutting device 166 (e.g., a blade) disposed between the second support wall 103 and the wire pushing wall 106. The notch 105 may be positioned between the cutting device 166 and the first support wall 101.

The second end 16 of the base 12 of the tool 10 may include a recess 156 for receiving an arcuate portion 158 of the termination device 154 so that the termination device 154 may be stably placed on the seat 56 of the base 12.

As shown in fig. 30-33, the termination arrangement 154 includes two termination portions 160 and a connecting portion 162 connected between the two termination portions 160. The two terminating portions 160 are arranged parallel to each other in the first direction (longitudinal direction). Each termination section 160 is configured to individually hold a plurality of wires 164 of the cable 144. The plurality of wires 164 may extend in the second direction (transverse direction) and be parallel to each other. That is, a plurality of first retaining grooves 107 are formed in the first edge of the first support wall 101, each first retaining groove 107 being aligned with a corresponding wire pushing wall 106. Similarly, a plurality of second retaining grooves 109 are formed in the first edge of the second support wall 103, each second retaining groove 109 being aligned with a respective wire pushing wall 106. With this configuration, the electric wire 164 held in the first holding groove 107 and the second holding groove 109 can be seated on the electric wire pushing wall 106.

The arc portion 158 may be formed on the connection portion 162 and extend in a third direction (height direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions to hold the cable 144 extending in the third direction.

The cutting device 166 may be positioned in each of the terminating segments 160 in a first direction. During termination, the cutting device 166 is configured to cut off the ends of the plurality of wires 164. An example of such a termination and horizontal COMMUNICATION MODULE is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 10,439,352 entitled "TERMINATING APPARATUS FOR TERMINATING WIRES TO a COMMUNICATION MODULE," issued on 2019, 10 and 8, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As shown in fig. 34-35, horizontal communication module 140 may be mounted on seat 56 of base 12 for termination. Fig. 34 shows termination 154 and horizontal communication module 140 in an initial position prior to engagement. Fig. 35 shows termination 154 and horizontal communication module 140 in a final position in which pivotable lever arm 20 is depressed to linearly move slider 18 on base 12 into engagement with horizontal communication module 140. This allows the termination device 154 and the horizontal communication module 140 to be pressed into a final engagement state in which the plurality of wires 164 are reliably electrically connected to the connection terminals 146, respectively, and trimmed. The front surface 54 presses the second end 170 of the horizontal communication module 140 and the protrusion 52 is received in the port 172.

Referring again to fig. 24, the body 148 of the horizontal communication module 140 has a first end 168 and a second end 170, and the connection terminal 146 may be mounted on the first end 168 of the body 148 such that the connection terminal 146 faces an opposite side of the port 172 defined at the second end 170 of the body 148.

Referring to fig. 36-38, another exemplary termination device 92a for use with a jack (e.g., vertical communication module 60) is shown.

The termination device 92a may include a wire cutting portion 13b and a wire pushing portion 15 b. The termination device 92a also includes a wire retention portion 21a forming a lacing fixture 94 (e.g., an end fitting) configured to retain a plurality of wires 123 of a cable 125 for termination to the vertical communications module 60 and trimming by the cutting apparatus 100. In some examples, lacing fixture 94 may be integrally formed with termination device 92.

The termination device 92a may be arranged and configured to terminate a plurality of wires 123 of the cable 125 to a plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60. The cutting apparatus 100 is configured to cut off a portion or end of the wires 123 of the cable 125 after the wires 123 are respectively terminated to the insulation displacement connectors 68.

In some examples, the cutting apparatus 100 is integrally formed with the termination device 92a, but alternatives are possible. In some examples, the cutting apparatus 100 is a separate component from the termination device 92 a.

The termination device 92a includes two termination segments 96 positioned parallel to each other. The termination section 96 is configured to individually hold a plurality of wires 123 extending in a longitudinal direction and parallel to each other. The cable retaining section 98 is positioned between the two termination sections 96 to retain the cable 125.

The termination 92a includes a first support wall 127 and a second support wall 129 parallel to the first support wall 127. The termination device 92a further includes a plurality of wire pushing walls 106 located between the first support wall 127 and the second support wall 129. Each wire push wall 106 defines a notch 108 to receive the insulation displacement connector 68 of the vertical communication module 60.

A plurality of first retaining grooves 131 are formed in the first edge of the first support wall 127, each first retaining groove 131 being aligned with a respective wire pushing wall 106. Similarly, a plurality of second retaining grooves 133 are formed in the first edge of the second support wall 129, each second retaining groove 133 being aligned with a respective wire pushing wall 106. The plurality of electric wires 123 may be bundled in the first and second holding

grooves

131 and 133. With this configuration, the electric wire 123 held in the first holding groove 131 and the second holding groove 133 can be seated on the wire pushing wall 106.

The termination device 92a may include many of the same features of the termination device 92 described above with reference to fig. 11-17, except for the wire retaining portion 21 a.

The termination 92a may include a protrusion 124 extending from the bottom surface 114 of the body 110. The termination device 92a may be attached to the slider 18 by a coupling device 126.

Referring to fig. 39, termination 92a is shown mounted on base 12. The termination device 92a is shown attached to the slider 18 by a linkage 126. The slider 18 is adapted to be connected to the termination device 92a as a single piece to operatively serve as a lacing fixture. That is, the termination device 92a and the slider 18 may slide together, making the slider 18 a lacing fixture for terminating the vertical communications module 60.

Referring to fig. 40-41, once the vertical communication module 60 is equipped with the cable 125, the vertical communication module 60 may be positioned in the recess 58 of the base 12 such that the port 70 of the vertical communication module 60 faces the bottom 90 of the recess 58. The slider 18 and termination device 92a are configured to move between an initial position (as shown in fig. 39) and a final position (as shown in fig. 41). In the initial position, the termination segments 96 are pre-assembled with the plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60 in an initial engaged state.

To terminate the wires of the cable 125, the pivotable lever arm 20 may be depressed, thereby moving the termination device 92a and the slider 18 toward the vertical communication module 60. The slider 18 and the termination device 92a move together as a single piece. The pivotable lever arm 20 can be depressed so that the slider 18 and termination device 92a are in a final position to terminate and trim the plurality of wires 123 of the cable 125 and terminate them to the plurality of insulation displacement connectors 68 of the vertical communications module 60. Once terminated, the pivotable lever arm 20 may be opened and the vertical communication module 60 may be removed from the tool 10.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of using a termination tool with different types of jacks. The method may comprise the steps of: 1) arranging the termination tool into a first type of jack configuration, the steps comprising: a) mounting a first termination device at a distal end of a base of a termination tool, wherein the first termination device may have a first plurality of wires of a first cable; b) inserting a first type of receptacle horizontally into a base of a housing of a termination tool and between a slider and a first termination device; c) pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the slider toward the first-type jack to respectively terminate the first plurality of wires of the first cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the first-type jack; d) opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the first type of jack and the first termination device; 2) arranging the termination tool into a second type of jack configuration, the steps comprising: a) attaching a second end fitting to a slider positioned on a base of the housing; b) inserting a second type of receptacle vertically into the base of the housing adjacent the second end fitting at the distal end of the base; c) pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to engage the second termination device with the second type of jack to respectively terminate the second plurality of wires of the second cable to the connection terminals of the second type of jack; d) opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the second type of jack.

In some examples, the second termination device may include a wire retention portion that retains a second plurality of wires of the second cable. In some examples, the second type of jack may hold a second plurality of wires of a second cable. In some examples, the method may include the step of cutting the lower end portions from the first and second pluralities of wires during termination.

The present disclosure may also include a method of terminating different types of jacks with a termination tool. The method may comprise the steps of: 1) mounting a first termination device at a distal end of a base of a termination tool; 2) inserting a first type of receptacle horizontally into the base of the housing and between the slider and the first termination device; 3) terminating the first type of jack by pressing the pivotable lever arm to the closed position to move the slider into engagement with the first type of jack to respectively terminate the first plurality of wires of the first cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the first type of jack; 4) opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the first type of jack and the first termination device; 5) attaching a rear end of a second termination device to a front end of a slider positioned on the base of the housing; 6) inserting a second type of jack vertically into the base of the housing at the distal end of the base adjacent the front end of the second termination device; 7) pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to slide the slider and the second termination device, wherein a front end of the second termination device engages the second type of jack to terminate the second plurality of wires of the second cable to the connection terminals of the second type of jack, respectively; 8) opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the second type of jack.

In some examples, the second termination device may include a wire retention portion that retains a second plurality of wires of the second cable. In some examples, the second type of jack may hold a second plurality of wires of a second cable.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of terminating a cable having a plurality of wires with a telecommunications module having a plurality of connection terminals. The method may comprise the steps of: 1) providing a tool comprising a base, a slide mounted within a slot defined in the base, and a pivotable lever arm coupled to the base and the slide; 2) attaching a termination device to the slider, the termination device may have a lacing fixture that holds a plurality of wires of the cable; 3) inserting a telecommunications module vertically into the base adjacent to the lacing fixture; 4) the pivotable lever arm is pressed to engage the slider with the telecommunications module to terminate the plurality of wires of the cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the telecommunications module.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A tool for terminating different types of jacks, the tool comprising:

a base supporting a first type of jack and a second type of jack;

a slider mounted within a slot defined in the base, the slider directly engaging the first type of jack when terminated thereto; when terminating the second type of jack, the slider receives a termination device that directly engages the second type of jack; and

a pivotable lever arm coupled to the housing and the slider, the pivotable lever arm configured to linearly move the slider between an initial position and a final position.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first-type receptacle has a first body including a first end and a second end, and a first insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the first body such that the first insulation displacement connector faces an opposite side of a first port defined at the second end of the first body; and/or

The second type of jack having a second body including a first end and a second end, and a second insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the second body, the second body defining a second port at the second end of the second body, wherein the second insulation displacement connector is oriented 90 degrees relative to the second port; and/or

The termination device comprises a lacing fixture for holding a plurality of wires of a cable, wherein the plurality of wires extend parallel to each other; and/or

The termination device includes at least one cutting device to cut off a portion of the plurality of wires after the plurality of wires are respectively terminated to the plurality of connection terminals of the second type of jack.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the at least one cutting device is integrated with the termination arrangement; and/or

Said slider including a dovetail tongue portion and said termination device including a dovetail groove portion for receiving said slider dovetail tongue portion, wherein said slider becomes a lacing fixture terminating said second type of receptacle when said slider and said termination device are engaged on said base; and/or

The base defines a recess for receiving the second type of receptacle in a vertical direction.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the slider extends longitudinally along the base a distance greater than a distance that the first-type receptacle extends longitudinally along the base, wherein the first-type receptacle is positioned horizontally on the base to engage a termination device; and/or

The length from one end to the other end of the sliding block is at least 1.0 time longer than that of the first type jack; and/or

The length from one end to the other end of the sliding block is at least 1.5 times longer than that of the first type jack; and/or

The length from one end to the other end of the slider is 0.25 to 1.5 times longer than the length of the first type jack; and/or

The length from one end to the other end of the slider is 10% to 50% greater than the length of the first-type jack; and/or

The tool receiving another termination device for the first type of jack; and/or

The tool defining a recess in the base for receiving the second type of receptacle; and/or

The second type of jack holds a plurality of wires of a cable to terminate the wires to connection terminals of the second type of jack.

5. A method of using a termination tool for different types of jacks, the termination tool including a housing having a base, a pivotable lever arm attached to the housing, and a slider mounted on the base of the termination tool, the slider being attached to the pivotable lever arm via a link, the method comprising:

arranging said termination tool in a first type of jack configuration, comprising:

mounting a first termination device having a first plurality of wires of a first cable at a distal end of a base of the termination tool;

inserting a first type of receptacle horizontally onto the base of the housing and between the slider and the first termination device;

pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the slider toward the first-type jack to respectively terminate a first plurality of wires of a first cable to a plurality of connection terminals of the first-type jack; and

opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the first type of jack and the first termination device; and

arranging said termination tool into a second type of jack configuration, comprising:

attaching a second end fitting to the slider on the base of the housing;

inserting a second type of receptacle vertically into the base of the housing adjacent the second end fitting at the distal end of the base;

pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the second termination device into engagement with the second type of receptacle to respectively terminate the second plurality of wires of the second cable to the connection terminals of the second type of receptacle; and

opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the second type of receptacle.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: cutting lower end portions from the first and second plurality of wires during termination; and/or

The first-type jack includes a first body having a first end and a second end, and a first insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the first body such that the first insulation displacement connector faces in an opposite direction from a first port defined at the second end of the first body; and/or

The second type of jack includes a second body having a first end and a second end, the second body defining a second port at the second end of the second body, and a second insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the second body, wherein the second insulation displacement connector is oriented 90 degrees with respect to the second port; and/or

The second termination device has a second plurality of wires of a second cable; and/or

The second type of jack holds a second plurality of wires of a second cable.

7. A method of terminating different types of jacks using a termination tool, the termination tool including a housing having a base, a pivotable lever arm attached to the housing, and a slider mounted on the base of the termination tool, the slider being attached to the pivotable lever arm by a link, the method comprising:

mounting a first termination device at a distal end of a base of the termination tool;

terminating the first type of jack by pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to move the slider into engagement with the first type of jack to respectively terminate the first plurality of wires of the first cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the first type of jack;

opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the first type of jack and the first termination device;

attaching a rear end of a second termination device to a front end of a slider positioned on a base of the housing;

inserting a second type of jack vertically into the base of the housing at a distal end of the base adjacent a front end of the second termination device;

pressing the pivotable lever arm to a closed position to slide the slider and the second termination device, wherein a front end of the second termination device engages the second type of jack to terminate a second plurality of wires of a second cable to connection terminals of the second type of jack, respectively; and

opening the pivotable lever arm and removing the second type of receptacle.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of: cutting ends from the first and second plurality of wires during termination; and/or

The first type of jack includes a first body having a first end and a second end, and a first insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the first body such that the first insulation displacement connector faces in an opposite direction from a first port defined at the second end of the first body, and wherein the second type of jack includes a second body having a first end and a second end defining a second port at the second end of the second body, and a second insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the second body, wherein the second insulation displacement connector is oriented 90 degrees relative to the second port; and/or

The second termination device holds a second plurality of wires of a second cable; and/or

The second type of jack holds a second plurality of wires of a second cable.

9. A method of terminating a cable having a plurality of wires with a telecommunications module having a plurality of connection terminals, the method comprising:

providing a tool comprising a base, a slide mounted within a slot defined in the base, and a pivotable lever arm coupled to the base and the slide;

attaching a termination device to the slider, the termination device having a lacing fixture for holding a plurality of wires of a cable;

inserting a telecommunications module vertically into the base adjacent to the lacing fixture; and

pressing the pivotable lever arm to move the slider into engagement with the telecommunications module to terminate the plurality of wires of the cable to the plurality of connection terminals of the telecommunications module.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the communication module comprises a body having a first end and a second end, the body defining a port at the second end of the body, and an insulation displacement connector mounted at the first end of the body, wherein the insulation displacement connector is oriented 90 degrees with respect to the port.