EP0125564A1 - Connector panel - Google Patents
Connector panel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0125564A1 EP0125564A1 EP84104972A EP84104972A EP0125564A1 EP 0125564 A1 EP0125564 A1 EP 0125564A1 EP 84104972 A EP84104972 A EP 84104972A EP 84104972 A EP84104972 A EP 84104972A EP 0125564 A1 EP0125564 A1 EP 0125564A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- base
- panel
- openings
- retaining member
- 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.)
- Ceased
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Classifications
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- 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
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
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- 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
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4361—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion
- H01R13/4362—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion comprising a temporary and a final locking position
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/16—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for telephony
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a connector panel and more particularly to a connector panel having an array of connector elements of the type usable in the telecommunications or data transmission field for terminating or cross:connecting various selected conductors.
- the panel includes improved means for mounting the connectors in such array.
- Connector panels having an array of connector elements are available in the prior art. Most of these comprise a relatively flat panel member having a plurality of openings provided with contact terminals.
- the portion of the connector element which - faces the top side of the connector panel is provided with means for terminating a conductor wire from a telecommunication or data transmission line.
- the portion of the contact terminal extending from the rearward side of the panel is also provided with means facilitating its connection with a second conductor element either by soldering, conventional wire wrap techniques or other connection means.
- the individual contact elements are retained within the connector panel in these prior art devices in a variety of ways.
- the conductor elements are inserted into openings within a base portion of the panel member and a second portion or keeper having a plurality of openings corresponding to the openings in the base is positioned over the connector elements. This second portion or keeper is retained by a further cover means.
- the present invention differs from the prior art by providing a connector panel for use in the telecommunications and data transmission fields which embodies a plurality of split cylinder type connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector panel array embodying an improved and unique means for loading and retaining the individual connector elements within the panel. Although the device of the present invention has utility in a variety of applications, it has particular utility in the telecommunications area for use with a telephone connector block.
- the device of the present invention includes a first housing member comprising a base having a first set of connector receiving cavities or openings extending therethrough from the top to the bottom. Openings which are transversely aligned are connected with adjacent openings by a laterally extending groove or slot disposed in the top portion of the base and extending partially through the thickness of the base.
- a plurality of connector elements each having a split cylinder contact end are mounted within the panel. Each of these connector elements includes an intermediate mounting strip or support portion disposed near the lower end of the connector for insertion into the lateral slot or groove extending between the plurality of openings.
- individual connector elements may be mounted or loaded within the groove whereas in other cases two or more individual connector elements may be joined together at their lower end by the support portion for mounting or loading into the groove.
- the end of the connector element opposite the split cylinder connector can also be provided with a connector end if desired.
- the connector panel also includes a top or connector retaining member having a second set of connector cavities or openings extending from its top surface to its bottom surface with the openings being appropriately spaced for registration with the connector receiving openings in the base housing.
- This connector retaining member is positioned over the base housing and lowered so that the split cylinder connector ends extend through the openings in the top member.
- Means are associated with the top and base housing members for securely connecting these sections together in fixed relationship.
- this connecting means includes a plurality of tab portions positioned along an edge of the top section for engagement with corresponding openings in a side or shoulder portion of the base section.
- the base section or housing also includes a fanning strip portion extending upwardly from each side edge for the purpose of guiding conductors to be terminated into appropriate position on the connector panel.
- These fanning strip portions extend upwardly past the top section and include a beveled base to provide improved lead-in and better alignment of the conductor wires with respect to such connector members.
- a connector panel for use in the telecommunications or data transmission fields having an improved means for loading and retaining a plurality of connector elements within the panel.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector panel having an array of connector elements of the split cylinder type.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a slot portion with each of the openings to assist in supporting the connector elements.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector element usable with the connector panel of the present invention.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a connector panel having an array of split cylinder type connectors and a pair of fanning strips on opposite sides of such panel to facilitate better lead-in and alignment of conductor wires with the individual connector elements.
- the connector panel of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and identified by general reference numeral 10.
- This connector panel 10 includes a first or base housing portion 11 and a top or connector receiving housing portion 15 adapted for connection with the base portion 11.
- a plurality of connector elements 20 are designed for placement within corresponding connector receiving openings 19 disposed within the base portion 11.
- the top or connector retaining portion is positioned over the loaded connector elements 20 so that the openings 16 in the top portion 15 align with the connector elements 20.
- the top portion 15 is then lowered over the loaded connector elements 20 to a position where a connecting edge 21 disposed on each side of the connector receiving portion 15 snaps into and interlocks with corresponding connection means provided in the base portion 11.
- the base portion 11 includes a pair of fanning strips 18, 18 extending upwardly from each side edge of the base housing 11.
- These fanning strips 18 include a plurality of laterally spaced individual fanning elements 31 having openings therebetween to permit the feeding and guiding of individual conductor wires to the connector elements 20.
- the base portion includes an elongated, centrally disposed base housing 22.
- this base housing 22 includes a plurality of elongated, raised rib portions extending substantially the entire length of the base housing 22. Disposed between these ridge portions 24 are a plurality of elongated recessed portions 25.
- the centrally positioned base housing 22 is also provided with a set of connector receiving openings 19 ( Figure 1). As illustrated best in Figures 4, 5 and 6, these connector receiving openings include several cavity portions.
- a first cavity portion includes the opening or hole 28 which extends entirely through the base housing 22 from its top surface to its bottom surface.
- this opening 28 extending through the base housing 22 is shown as having a generally square cross-section, although it can be circular or of various other shapes.
- a second cavity portion comprises the generally elongated slot or groove 26 extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base housing 22.
- this transverse slot or groove 26 extends substantially across the entire width of the base housing 22 and intersects adjacent, laterally spaced openings 28.
- the slot 26 extends between and joins adjacent openings 28 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing portion 22.
- the slot 26 extends from the top surface of the base housing 22 downwardly toward the bottom of the housing 22 and terminates at a closed inner end.
- the slot 26 includes a short, beveled lead-in edge 30 which extends from the top surface of the base housing 22 to the transverse slot 26.
- This beveled lead-in edge 30 permits the connector elements 20 ( Figure 1) to be more easily loaded into the base housing 22.
- a third cavity portion comprises the portion 29 illustrated best in Figures 4 and 5.
- This portion 29 is an enlargement of the transverse slot 26 in the area adjacent the opening 28.
- This enlarged section 29 provides a lead-in for the connector elements 20 during the loading process.
- the base portion 14 also includes a pair of upwardly extending fanning strips 18 integrally formed with the side edges of the base housing 22.
- Each of these fanning strips 18 is comprised of a plurality of individual fanning elements 31 spaced laterally from one another. This permits the conductors intended for connection with the connector elements 20 to be positioned between the fanning elements 31 so as to separate certain of the leads from one another and to group the same according to certain circuitry patterns.
- an improved feature of the fanning elements 31 is the provision of a beveled surface 32 formed at the base of the fanning strip. This beveled surface 32 permits a better lead-in to, and therefore alignment with, the various connector elements 20.
- the top or connector retaining portion of the panel includes a centrally disposed top housing 15 which includes a set of connector receiving openings 16. These openings 16 are positioned for alignment with the openings 28 ( Figure 4) in the base housing 22. As shown best in Figure 9, the openings 16 include an upper, generally cylindrical portion 34 and a generally frustro-conical lower portion 35 with the smaller end of the portion 35 in communication with the cylindrical portion 34 and the wider end of the portion 35 terminating at the bottom surface of the top housing l5. Disposed between adjacent openings 16 in a transverse direction are a plurality of elongated ribs 36 extending the length of the housing 15.
- ribs 36 are positioned and sized so as to cooperate with and fit into the corresponding recessed portions 25 ( Figure 2 and 3) in the base housing 22.
- the portion at the bottom surface of the top housing 15 where the openings 16 are located are adapted to be aligned with the corresponding ribs 24 ( Figures 2 and 3) of the housing 22.
- the cooperation between these corresponding ribs and grooves helps to maintain the top housing 15 in fixed position with respect to the bottom housing 22 when assembled.
- the portions 35 of the opening 16 are beveled in the manner illustrated so as to facilitate easy entry and lead-in of the connector elements 20 when the connector panel is assembled in the manner described in greater detail below.
- the dimensions of the upper portion 34 of the opening 16 approximate the external dimensions of the connector elements 20 to provide a relatively snug fit with minimal tolerance.
- each side edge of the top housing portion 15 is provided with a connection member 21 integrally joined in its upper edge to a portion of the top housing 15.
- the lower edge of the connection member 21 is spaced from the adjacent side of the top housing 15 so as to permit some flexibility.
- a plurality of outwardly extending tab portions 38 are integrally formed at various points along the member 21 to facilitate connection of the top housing 15 with the base housing 22.
- the side portion of the base housing 22 is provided with a plurality of corresponding openings 39 ( Figure 1 and 3) to receive the tabs 38 in interlocking relationship.
- the housing portion 15 as having the tab members 38 and the base housing 22 as having a plurality of correspondingly spaced openings 39, these elements could be reversed.
- the base housing 22 would include a plurality of tab elements and a side connection edge of the top housing 15 would embody a plurality of correspondingly spaced tab receiving openings.
- each of the connector elements would have a generally cylindrical upper connector end 40 which is preferably of the split cylinder type.
- Each of the connector elements would also have a generally flat, vertically disposed intermediate section joined at its top edge to the lower end of the cylindrical connector end 40.
- the intermediate section 41 lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector element and is used to join two adjacent connector elements such as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. It is also contemplated, however, that the intermediate section 41 could be associated with a single upper contact end 40 as illustrated in Figure 13 or more than two connector elements.
- the intermediate portion 41 electrically joins the contact portions 40, 40, thus providing a common electrical conductor between these two elements.
- Each of the connector elements also includes a lower portion integrally joined with the bottom edge of the intermediate portion 41.
- these lower portions include the short tab elements 42, 42 which simply extend into the opening 28 in the base housing 22 to help retain and align the connector elements with respect to the housing members 22 and 15.
- the lower portions comprise split cylinder type connector elements 44, 44. With this structure, the elements 44, 44 extend below the bottom surface of the base housing 22 for connection with conductor elements in a conventional manner.
- the lower portion comprises the elongated wire wrap end 45. This end is integrally joined with the intermediate portion 41 and extends below the bottom surface of the base housing 22 for connection with a conductor member via a conventional wire wrap process.
- the individual connector elements 20 are first loaded into the base housing 22 by inserting the intermediate portions 41 ( Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14) into the elongated transverse.slots 26.
- the connector elements 20 are positioned so that the lower elements 42 ( Figure 11), 44 ( Figure 12) or 45 ( Figure 13) extend into or through the openings 28.
- the connector elements are propped up in this fashion with the bottom edge of the connector elements 40 resting on the raised portions 24 of the base housing 22.
- the top housing portion 15 is placed over the loaded connector elements so that they are in registration with the enlarged opening portions 35 on the bottom surface of the housing 15.
- FIG. 15 An end view, partially in section of a loaded and assembled connector panel is illustrated in Figure 15 showing a conductor wire 46 extending through adjacent fanning elements 31 and into one of the connectors 20.
Abstract
A connector panel for terminating and/or crossconnect- ing telecommunications or data transmission circuits including a base (11) having a first set of connector receiving openings (19), a plurality of connectors (20) adapted for connection with the base (11), a connector retaining member (15) having a second set of connector receiving openings (16), and elements (38, 39) for securing the connector retaining member (15) and the base (11) together.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a connector panel and more particularly to a connector panel having an array of connector elements of the type usable in the telecommunications or data transmission field for terminating or cross:connecting various selected conductors. The panel includes improved means for mounting the connectors in such array.
- Connector panels having an array of connector elements are available in the prior art. Most of these comprise a relatively flat panel member having a plurality of openings provided with contact terminals. In these prior art structures, the portion of the connector element which - faces the top side of the connector panel is provided with means for terminating a conductor wire from a telecommunication or data transmission line. In many cases, the portion of the contact terminal extending from the rearward side of the panel is also provided with means facilitating its connection with a second conductor element either by soldering, conventional wire wrap techniques or other connection means. The individual contact elements are retained within the connector panel in these prior art devices in a variety of ways. In U.S. Patent No. 3,976,350 issued to Keglewitsch, the conductor elements are simply inserted into openings in the panel and retained therein by a shoulder portion. In U.S. Patent No. 4,084,877 to Knickerbocker, the contact terminal is inserted into an opening in the connector panel and retained therein by a tab portion extending through an opening in the connector. In U.S. Patent No. 3,932,017 to Dechelette, the connector elements are simply inserted into an opening in a connector panel and retained therein via a force fit. In U.S. Patent No. 4,006,957 to Narozny, the conductor elements are inserted into openings within a base portion of the panel member and a second portion or keeper having a plurality of openings corresponding to the openings in the base is positioned over the connector elements. This second portion or keeper is retained by a further cover means.
- The present invention differs from the prior art by providing a connector panel for use in the telecommunications and data transmission fields which embodies a plurality of split cylinder type connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector panel array embodying an improved and unique means for loading and retaining the individual connector elements within the panel. Although the device of the present invention has utility in a variety of applications, it has particular utility in the telecommunications area for use with a telephone connector block.
- Specifically, the device of the present invention includes a first housing member comprising a base having a first set of connector receiving cavities or openings extending therethrough from the top to the bottom. Openings which are transversely aligned are connected with adjacent openings by a laterally extending groove or slot disposed in the top portion of the base and extending partially through the thickness of the base. A plurality of connector elements each having a split cylinder contact end are mounted within the panel. Each of these connector elements includes an intermediate mounting strip or support portion disposed near the lower end of the connector for insertion into the lateral slot or groove extending between the plurality of openings. In some cases, individual connector elements may be mounted or loaded within the groove whereas in other cases two or more individual connector elements may be joined together at their lower end by the support portion for mounting or loading into the groove. The end of the connector element opposite the split cylinder connector can also be provided with a connector end if desired.
- The connector panel also includes a top or connector retaining member having a second set of connector cavities or openings extending from its top surface to its bottom surface with the openings being appropriately spaced for registration with the connector receiving openings in the base housing. This connector retaining member is positioned over the base housing and lowered so that the split cylinder connector ends extend through the openings in the top member. Means are associated with the top and base housing members for securely connecting these sections together in fixed relationship. In the preferred embodiment, this connecting means includes a plurality of tab portions positioned along an edge of the top section for engagement with corresponding openings in a side or shoulder portion of the base section.
- The base section or housing also includes a fanning strip portion extending upwardly from each side edge for the purpose of guiding conductors to be terminated into appropriate position on the connector panel. These fanning strip portions extend upwardly past the top section and include a beveled base to provide improved lead-in and better alignment of the conductor wires with respect to such connector members.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector panel for use in the telecommunications or data transmission fields having an improved means for loading and retaining a plurality of connector elements within the panel.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector panel having an array of connector elements of the split cylinder type.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a slot portion with each of the openings to assist in supporting the connector elements.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector element usable with the connector panel of the present invention.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a connector panel having an array of split cylinder type connectors and a pair of fanning strips on opposite sides of such panel to facilitate better lead-in and alignment of conductor wires with the individual connector elements.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
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- Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the connector panel of the present invention showing the first or base portion of the panel with a plurality of connector elements loaded therein and the second or connector retaining portion ready for connection with the base portion.
- Figure 2 is a view, partially in section, of the base portion as viewed along section line 2-2 of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a view, partially in section, of the base portion as viewed along section line 3-3 of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 is a top elevational view of a portion of the first or base housing of the connector panel of the present invention.
- Figure 5 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 5-5 of Figure 4.
- Figure 6 is a view, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 6-6 of Figure 4.
- Figure 7 is a bottom elevational view of a portion of the first or base housing of the connector panel of the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a view, partially in section, of the connector retaining portion of the connector panel as viewed along the section line 8-8 of Figure 1.
- Figure 9 is a view, partially in section, of the connector retaining portion of the connector panel as viewed along the section line 9-9 of Figure 1.
- Figure 10 is a bottom elevational view of the connector retaining portion of the conductor panel of the present invention.
- Figure 11 is a front elevational view of a pair of connector elements usable with the connector panel of the present invention.
- Figure 12 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a pair of connector elements usable with the connector panel of the present invention.
- Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a single connector element usable with the connector panel of the present invention.
- Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the connector elements illustrated in Figure 11.
- Figure 15 is an end view, partially in section, of the fully assembled connector panel of the present invention.
- The connector panel of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and identified by
general reference numeral 10. Thisconnector panel 10 includes a first or base housing portion 11 and a top or connector receivinghousing portion 15 adapted for connection with the base portion 11. A plurality ofconnector elements 20 are designed for placement within correspondingconnector receiving openings 19 disposed within the base portion 11. After an entire array ofconnector elements 20 have been loaded into the base portion 11 as illustrated in Figure 1, the top or connector retaining portion is positioned over the loadedconnector elements 20 so that theopenings 16 in thetop portion 15 align with theconnector elements 20. Thetop portion 15 is then lowered over the loadedconnector elements 20 to a position where a connectingedge 21 disposed on each side of theconnector receiving portion 15 snaps into and interlocks with corresponding connection means provided in the base portion 11. As further illustrated in Figure 1, the base portion 11 includes a pair offanning strips fanning strips 18 include a plurality of laterally spacedindividual fanning elements 31 having openings therebetween to permit the feeding and guiding of individual conductor wires to theconnector elements 20. - With more specific reference to Figures 2-7, the base portion includes an elongated, centrally disposed
base housing 22. As illustrated best in Figures 2 and 3, thisbase housing 22 includes a plurality of elongated, raised rib portions extending substantially the entire length of thebase housing 22. Disposed between theseridge portions 24 are a plurality of elongatedrecessed portions 25. The centrally positionedbase housing 22 is also provided with a set of connector receiving openings 19 (Figure 1). As illustrated best in Figures 4, 5 and 6, these connector receiving openings include several cavity portions. A first cavity portion includes the opening orhole 28 which extends entirely through thebase housing 22 from its top surface to its bottom surface. In the preferred embodiment, thisopening 28 extending through thebase housing 22 is shown as having a generally square cross-section, although it can be circular or of various other shapes. A second cavity portion comprises the generally elongated slot or groove 26 extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of thebase housing 22. In the preferred embodiment, this transverse slot orgroove 26 extends substantially across the entire width of thebase housing 22 and intersects adjacent, laterally spacedopenings 28. Thus, theslot 26 extends between and joinsadjacent openings 28 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of thehousing portion 22. Theslot 26 extends from the top surface of thebase housing 22 downwardly toward the bottom of thehousing 22 and terminates at a closed inner end. As also illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, theslot 26 includes a short, beveled lead-inedge 30 which extends from the top surface of thebase housing 22 to thetransverse slot 26. This beveled lead-inedge 30 permits the connector elements 20 (Figure 1) to be more easily loaded into thebase housing 22. - A third cavity portion comprises the
portion 29 illustrated best in Figures 4 and 5. Thisportion 29 is an enlargement of thetransverse slot 26 in the area adjacent theopening 28. Thisenlarged section 29 provides a lead-in for theconnector elements 20 during the loading process. As illustrated generally in Figure 1, and more specifically in Figures 2 and 3, thebase portion 14 also includes a pair of upwardly extending fanningstrips 18 integrally formed with the side edges of thebase housing 22. Each of these fanningstrips 18 is comprised of a plurality of individual fanningelements 31 spaced laterally from one another. This permits the conductors intended for connection with theconnector elements 20 to be positioned between the fanningelements 31 so as to separate certain of the leads from one another and to group the same according to certain circuitry patterns. As best illustrated in Figure 3, an improved feature of the fanningelements 31 is the provision of abeveled surface 32 formed at the base of the fanning strip. Thisbeveled surface 32 permits a better lead-in to, and therefore alignment with, thevarious connector elements 20. - As illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the top or connector retaining portion of the panel includes a centrally disposed
top housing 15 which includes a set ofconnector receiving openings 16. Theseopenings 16 are positioned for alignment with the openings 28 (Figure 4) in thebase housing 22. As shown best in Figure 9, theopenings 16 include an upper, generallycylindrical portion 34 and a generally frustro-conicallower portion 35 with the smaller end of theportion 35 in communication with thecylindrical portion 34 and the wider end of theportion 35 terminating at the bottom surface of the top housing l5. Disposed betweenadjacent openings 16 in a transverse direction are a plurality ofelongated ribs 36 extending the length of thehousing 15. Theseribs 36 are positioned and sized so as to cooperate with and fit into the corresponding recessed portions 25 (Figure 2 and 3) in thebase housing 22. Similarly, the portion at the bottom surface of thetop housing 15 where theopenings 16 are located are adapted to be aligned with the corresponding ribs 24 (Figures 2 and 3) of thehousing 22. The cooperation between these corresponding ribs and grooves helps to maintain thetop housing 15 in fixed position with respect to thebottom housing 22 when assembled. Theportions 35 of theopening 16 are beveled in the manner illustrated so as to facilitate easy entry and lead-in of theconnector elements 20 when the connector panel is assembled in the manner described in greater detail below. The dimensions of theupper portion 34 of theopening 16 approximate the external dimensions of theconnector elements 20 to provide a relatively snug fit with minimal tolerance. - With reference to Figures 1, 8, 9 and 10, it can be seen that each side edge of the
top housing portion 15 is provided with aconnection member 21 integrally joined in its upper edge to a portion of thetop housing 15. The lower edge of theconnection member 21 is spaced from the adjacent side of thetop housing 15 so as to permit some flexibility. A plurality of outwardly extendingtab portions 38 are integrally formed at various points along themember 21 to facilitate connection of thetop housing 15 with thebase housing 22. The side portion of thebase housing 22 is provided with a plurality of corresponding openings 39 (Figure 1 and 3) to receive thetabs 38 in interlocking relationship. Although the preferred embodiment shows thehousing portion 15 "as having thetab members 38 and thebase housing 22 as having a plurality of correspondingly spacedopenings 39, these elements could be reversed. In such a structure, thebase housing 22 would include a plurality of tab elements and a side connection edge of thetop housing 15 would embody a plurality of correspondingly spaced tab receiving openings. - The connector elements illustrated generally in Figure 1 by the
reference numeral 20 are illustrated more specifically in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14. Although a variety of connector elements may be utilized, it is contemplated that each of the connector elements would have a generally cylindricalupper connector end 40 which is preferably of the split cylinder type. Each of the connector elements would also have a generally flat, vertically disposed intermediate section joined at its top edge to the lower end of thecylindrical connector end 40. In the preferred embodiment, theintermediate section 41 lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector element and is used to join two adjacent connector elements such as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. It is also contemplated, however, that theintermediate section 41 could be associated with a singleupper contact end 40 as illustrated in Figure 13 or more than two connector elements. In the structures illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, theintermediate portion 41 electrically joins thecontact portions intermediate portion 41. In Figure 11 these lower portions include theshort tab elements opening 28 in thebase housing 22 to help retain and align the connector elements with respect to thehousing members type connector elements elements base housing 22 for connection with conductor elements in a conventional manner. In Figure 13, the lower portion comprises the elongated wire wrap end 45. This end is integrally joined with theintermediate portion 41 and extends below the bottom surface of thebase housing 22 for connection with a conductor member via a conventional wire wrap process. - To assemble the connector panel of the present invention, the
individual connector elements 20 are first loaded into thebase housing 22 by inserting the intermediate portions 41 (Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14) into theelongated transverse.slots 26. Theconnector elements 20 are positioned so that the lower elements 42 (Figure 11), 44 (Figure 12) or 45 (Figure 13) extend into or through theopenings 28. The connector elements are propped up in this fashion with the bottom edge of theconnector elements 40 resting on the raisedportions 24 of thebase housing 22. When the entire array of connectors has been loaded into thebase housing 22 in this fashion, thetop housing portion 15 is placed over the loaded connector elements so that they are in registration with theenlarged opening portions 35 on the bottom surface of thehousing 15. When thehousing 15 is properly aligned, it is moved downwardly over theupper portions 40 of the connector elements so that thetab portions 38 snap into the correspondingopenings 39 in the side walls of the base 11. When this is done, theupper portions 40 of theconnector elements 20 will extend above the top surface of thehousing 15 to provide connection access to conductor elements in a conventional manner. An end view, partially in section of a loaded and assembled connector panel is illustrated in Figure 15 showing aconductor wire 46 extending through adjacent fanningelements 31 and into one of theconnectors 20. - Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications could'be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.
Claims (20)
1. A connector panel comprising:
a base (11) having a first set of connector receiving openings (19) extending therethrough, each of said openings being in communication with a corresponding slot portion (26) extending partially through said base and disposed on at least one side of said opening;
a plurality of connector elements (20) disposed within said connector receiving openings (19), each of said connector elements having a contact end (40) adapted for electrical connection with a conductor wire and a support portion (41) adapted for engagement with said corresponding slot portion (26);
a connector retaining member (15) having a second set of connector receiving openings (16) extending through said retaining member and being spaced in substantial conformity with said first set of connector receiving openings (19), said connector retaining member (15) adapted for connection with said base (11) whereby said contact ends (40) of said connector elements (20) extend through said second set of connector receiving openings (16); and
means (38, 39) for securing said connector retaining member (15) to said base (11).
2. The connector panel of claim 1 wherein said slot portions (26) are in communication with and extend between adjacent openings (19) in said base (11).
3. The connector panel of claim 1 or 2 wherein said first set of connector receiving openings (19) are arranged in a configuration comprising a plurality of aligned rows and columns.
4. The connector panel of claim 2 or 3 wherein said slot portions (26) corresponding to each of said openings (19) in each of said aligned, rows are in communication with and extend between adjacent openings (19) in said base (11).
5. The connector panel of claim 3 wherein said slot portions (26) corresponding to the openings (19) in each of said aligned rows join with one another to form a single slot section.
6. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 5 wherein said connector retaining member (15) includes a flexible edge portion (21) along each of its side edges and said base (11) includes an upwardly extending shoulder portion (31) along each of its side edges and wherein said means for securing said connector retaining member (15) to said base (11) includes a plurality of connection tabs (38) disposed in one of said flexible edge portion (21) and said shoulder portion (31) and a plurality of cooperating openings (39) disposed in the other of said flexible edge portion and said shoulder portion.
7. The connector panel of claim 6 wherein said flexible edge portion (21) is spaced from the side edges of said connector retaining member (15) and is integrally joined with said side edge along one of its side edges.
8. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 7 wherein said support portion (41) includes a flat portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said connector element (20).
9. The connector panel of claim 8 wherein at least some of said connector elements (20) are joined together in pairs by their respective support portions (41).
10. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said base (11) includes a fanning strip (31) along each of its side edges.
11. The connector panel of claim 10 wherein the base of said fanning strip is beveled.
12. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the contact end X40) of said connector elements (20) is a split cylinder type of-connector.
13. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the top surface of said base (11) and the bottom surface of said connector retaining member (15) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending cooperating ribs (36) and grooves (25) to assist in aligning said base (11) and connector receiving member (15) and retaining the same with respect to one another.
14. The connector panel of any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the openings (16) in said second set of openings include beveled portions (35) joining the same with the bottom surface of said connector retaining member (15).
15. A connector element adapted for use with a connector device which includes a base (11) having a first opening (19) extending therethrough and a slot portion (26) extending partially through said base and disposed on at least one side of said opening, a connector retaining member (15) having a second opening (16) adapted for alignment with said first opening (19) whereby the connector element (20) extends through said second opening (16), and means (38, 39) for securing said connector retaining member (15) to said base (11), said connector element (20) comprising:
a first contact end (40) adapted for electrical connection with a conductor wire; and
a support portion (41) disposed at generally right angles to the longitudinal axis of the connector element (20).
16. The connector element of claim 15 wherein said support portion (41) includes a flat portion lying in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector element.
17. The connector element of claim 15 or 16 wherein a pair of said connector elements (20) are joined together by their respective support portions (41).
18. The connector element of any of claims 15 to 17 wherein said contact end (40) is a split cylinder connector.
19. The connector element of any of claims 15 to 18 including a second contact end (44, 45) disposed on the end of said connector element (20) opposite said first contact end (40).
20. The connector element of claim 19 wherein said second contact end '(44) is a split cylinder connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US49250483A | 1983-05-06 | 1983-05-06 | |
US492504 | 1995-06-20 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0125564A1 true EP0125564A1 (en) | 1984-11-21 |
Family
ID=23956512
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP84104972A Ceased EP0125564A1 (en) | 1983-05-06 | 1984-05-03 | Connector panel |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0125564A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS6063883A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2770984A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0573239A1 (en) * | 1992-06-01 | 1993-12-08 | Xerox Corporation | Coplanar sliding electrical connector |
EP0723316A2 (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 1996-07-24 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Plate connector |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE962906C (en) * | 1954-07-28 | 1957-05-02 | Standard Elek K Ag | Attachable coupling part for switch blade strips |
US3471822A (en) * | 1967-07-26 | 1969-10-07 | Amp Inc | Terminal junction system for electrical conductors |
US4006957A (en) * | 1974-09-25 | 1977-02-08 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Connector |
-
1984
- 1984-05-03 EP EP84104972A patent/EP0125564A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1984-05-04 AU AU27709/84A patent/AU2770984A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1984-05-07 JP JP9085184A patent/JPS6063883A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE962906C (en) * | 1954-07-28 | 1957-05-02 | Standard Elek K Ag | Attachable coupling part for switch blade strips |
US3471822A (en) * | 1967-07-26 | 1969-10-07 | Amp Inc | Terminal junction system for electrical conductors |
US4006957A (en) * | 1974-09-25 | 1977-02-08 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Connector |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0573239A1 (en) * | 1992-06-01 | 1993-12-08 | Xerox Corporation | Coplanar sliding electrical connector |
EP0723316A2 (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 1996-07-24 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Plate connector |
EP0723316A3 (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 1997-12-17 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Plate connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2770984A (en) | 1984-11-08 |
JPS6063883A (en) | 1985-04-12 |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19850315 |
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Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED |
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18R | Application refused |
Effective date: 19870610 |
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RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: VACHHANI, VASANTRAL AMBAVI Inventor name: BODIMER, GILBERT DANIEL |