EP0614248A2 - Local area network interface - Google Patents
Local area network interface Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0614248A2 EP0614248A2 EP94201481A EP94201481A EP0614248A2 EP 0614248 A2 EP0614248 A2 EP 0614248A2 EP 94201481 A EP94201481 A EP 94201481A EP 94201481 A EP94201481 A EP 94201481A EP 0614248 A2 EP0614248 A2 EP 0614248A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- wall box
- edge card
- data connector
- box
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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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
- H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
- H01R13/74—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
- H01R13/741—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means
- H01R13/743—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means integral with the housing
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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
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
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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
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
- H01R13/6592—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a shielded cable
- H01R13/6593—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a shielded cable the shield being composed of different pieces
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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
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
- H01R13/6658—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit on printed circuit board
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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
- H01R2201/04—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for network, e.g. LAN connectors
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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
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/60—Contacts spaced along planar side wall transverse to longitudinal axis of engagement
- H01R24/62—Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an interface for accommodating communication network systems where more than one type of interface device is utilized in the same local area. Modular connections allow adaptation between two different interface devices using two different telecommunication cables.
- Communication network systems vary in scope and design as directed by the manufacturers of the interfacing devices. Some network interface devices utilize shielded systems whereas others utilize an unshielded system. Several designs of interfacing devices are known in the art.
- US-A-4 501 459 and 4 193 654 relate to shielded connectors for coupling two shielded cables of a shielded information network system.
- These connectors are hermaphroditic in nature, that is, two identical connectors are utilized for the connection, and each connector can accommodate four lines of information.
- Connectors for unshielded network interfaces are also known, for example, US-A-4 210 376; 4 221 458; 4 292 736 and 4 231 628 relate to data network connectors or modular jacks, which are mountable to printed circuit boards, and are capable of accommodating between four and eight lines of communication. These connectors include stamped and formed contacts for receiving a mating plug.
- Edge card connectors for interconnecting printed circuit boards to multi-conductor cable are also known in the art.
- US-A-3 860 318 shows an edge connector having stamped and formed contacts providing interconnection to circuit board traces on one end, while on the opposite end, providing a barrel-type insulation displacement device for terminating individual conductors.
- GB-A-1 171 549 describes an adaptor for enabling a standard electronic module, which can be slid into racks or crates to form a complete system of electronic apparatus and which has pin contacts on the back of the module, to be connected to a rack or crate utilizing edge connector strips.
- a local area network receptacle assembly for interconnection of electronic equipment to a local area network, including a modular electrical connector having at least one signal carrying contact disposed at a front mating face for interconnection with at least one mating contact of a complementary connector, the modular electrical connector being electrically connected to a shielded cable having individual data communication conductors which form the network, the modular electrical connector being enclosed by a wall box having at least two identical cavities each having an open front face and a partially open rear face.
- the present invention consists in an interface interconnection system for providing an interface to a communications network, comprising a data connector engageable by a complementary connector for connecting an electronic component to the network, said data connector including an insulating terminal support housing having a front mating face and a rear face and mounting a plurality of terminals having contact portions engageable with contacts of the complementary connector, said data connector also having an edge card which extends rearwardly and which has data traces electrically connected to terminals of the terminal support housing, a wall box housing the data connector in the wall box with its front face accessible to the complementary connector, and an edge card connector mounted in the wall box for terminating a multi-conductor communications cable of the network, the edge card of the data connector being plugged into the edge card connector.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an interface interconnection system for interconnecting two different interface systems. More specifically there is shown a two-cavity wall box 2 for receiving from the rear two edge connectors 150A and 150B, the edge connector 150A interconnecting an unshielded cable 120 and the edge connector 150B interconnecting a shielded cable 130.
- the edge connectors 150A and 150B are inserted from the rear of the wall box and are locked in position within the wall box.
- the modular jack interface assembly 390 and the data interface assembly 200 are each interconnected with an edge card and each interface assembly 390, 200 may be inserted through the front of a wall box for interconnection with the respective edge connectors 150A, 150B.
- a face plate 400 is then placed over the completed assembly to cosmetically blend the entire system in with the wall.
- FIG 2 there is shown the system of Figure 1 completely assembled.
- a shielded cable 130 is shown entering the wall box from the rear interconnected to data interface assembly 200.
- unshielded cable 120 inserted into the wall box from the rear and interconnected with modular jack assembly 390.
- Modular plug 490 is shown poised for reception into modular jack assembly 390.
- Figure 3 there is shown the assembly of Figure 2 with the face plate exploded away from the completed assembly, showing the adaptor inserts 300, 380 in an assembled configuration.
- the wall box 2 will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 4-4C.
- the wall box 2 is shown as having two receiving cavities 12 and 14.
- the wall box 2 is generally comprised of two endwalls 6 and two sidewalls 4 with two mounting bosses 10 extending from opposite endwalls 6.
- the upper cavity 12 is defined by sidewalls 16, floor 18, ceiling 20 and backwall 28.
- backwall 28 does not extend from the ceiling 20 to the floor 18, but rather, extends only from the ceiling 20, the wall 28 ending with a lower edge 50.
- Located on the edge 50 of wall 28 is a latch receiving area defined by side edges 52 and upper edge 54.
- lower cavity 14 is defined by sidewalls 22, floor 24, ceiling 26 and rearwall 30.
- rearwall 30 does not extend from the ceiling 26 to the floor 24, but rather, terminates with edge 58 providing a cavity 56 for receiving either edge connector 150A or 150B from the rear.
- edge 58 of wall 30 is a latch-receiving area defined by side edges 60 and upper edge 62.
- aperture 32 Located in the center of wall 28 is aperture 32 having a locking tab 34, and located in the center of wall 30 are apertures 36, 40 having locking tabs 38, 42 respectively. Included in the lower mounting boss 10 is an aperture 44 having a locking tab 46.
- alignment arms 64 and 78 Extending forwardly from the sidewalls 16 of upper cavity 12 and forwardly from the sidewalls 22 of the lower cavity 14 are alignment arms 64 and 78, respectively.
- the alignment arms 64 each have a surface 70 which is recessed from the associated sidewall 16 and extends rearwardly into the cavity to a contiguous lead-in surface 66.
- the lead-in surface 66 then extends rearwardly back to a point planar with the sidewall 16, the sidewall 16 then being recessed back to a surface 72, the sudden recess causing a locking surface 68.
- Such alignment arm 78 has a like configuration to that of the arms 64 having a recessed surface 84, a lead-in surface 80 and a locking back surface 82, as shown in Figure 4A.
- wall box 2 has a wall 28 and a wall 112 extending downwardly through the center of the box, and extending rearwardly from wall 28 is floor 92. Located directly above wall 92 are ribs 94. Extending rearwardly from wall 112 is a floor 96 and directly below floor 96 are ribs 98. Extending from, and contiguous with lower floor portion 24 is a floor 110 extending rearwardly of the wall box.
- the rearward part of the upper cavity is flanked by a pair of recessed walls 76, the recessed walls 76 being offset from walls 72 forming a shoulder 74.
- the lower cavity portion is flanked by a pair of recessed walls 90, the walls 90 being recessed from walls 86 forming a shoulder 88.
- floor 96 extending rearwardly from wall 112. At the rearward edge of floor 96 are located two cable cut-out portions 100 and 102.
- the rear plan view of wall box 2 shows floor 96 once again with cable cut-out portions 100 and 102.
- Floor 92 is also shown extending from wail 28, floor 92 having a cable cut-out portion 104 laterally aligned with cut-out portion 100 in floor 96.
- Floor 110 is also shown having a cable cut-out portion 106 which is laterally aligned with cable cut-out portion 102 in floor 96.
- Figure 4C also shows in greater detail the card edge connector receiving areas 48 and 56.
- the entire wall box 2 is a one-piece molded unit plated with a metallic coating to shield the entire box.
- the preferred embodiment utilizes a nickel over cooper plating, although other combinations of metals could be utilized without varying from the scope or intent of the instant invention.
- the data interface assembly 200 comprising housing 202, terminals 214, stuffer cap 220, upper and lower shield members 260, 230, and printed circuit board 280.
- the housing 202, terminals 214 and stuffer cap 220 are similar in design to those disclosed in U.S.-A-4 193 654 and 4 501 459.
- the insulative housing 202 has a floor 205 and upstanding sidewalls 204, sidewalls 204 extending forwardly defining a mating end 203.
- the housing 202 also has two shield receiving slots 208 located therein.
- Located in the floor 205 are terminal receiving slots 210.
- the contact terminal 214 is shown having a resilient contact portion 218 and an insulation displacement portion 216, the portion 216 having an insulation displacement slot 217. Shown disposed above the housing 202 in Figure 7 is stuffer cap 220 having alignment ribs 222 and conductor receiving slots 226.
- a lower shielding member 230 comprising a floor member 240 and upstanding sidewalls 232. Extending forwardly from the sidewalls 232 are shielding wing portions 234 having stamped out of the wing portions 234, two locking lances 236. Located in the upstanding sidewalls 232 are two pairs of locking slots 248 and 250. Extending forwardly from the floor 240 are two shielding wing portions 238 and stamped from the floor portion 240 is a locking lance 242 and a printed circuit board mounting tab 246.
- the lower shielding portion 230 further includes a printed circuit board receiving slot 244.
- an upper shielding portion 260 Shown disposed above the stuffer cap 220 in Figure 7 is an upper shielding portion 260, the shielding portion 260 having forwardly extending shielding wings 262. Extending outwardly from the side edges of the shielding member are two locking tabs 270. Stamped from the shielding member 260 are locking lance 264 and printed circuit board mounting tab 266. On the rearward portion of the upper shield member 260 is located a printed circuit board receiving slot 268.
- Printed circuit board 280 having mounting tabs 282, wire receiving holes 288 and a recessed portion 286.
- Printed circuit board 280 also includes printed circuit traces 284 ( Figure 9) disposed thereon.
- the adapter 300 comprises sidewalls 304 and endwalls 302. Extending forwardly from the sidewalls 304 are two locking latches 306 comprising a lead-in section 308 and a back latching surface 310 ( Figure 9). Although adaptor 300 is molded from a plastic material, the complete interior portion of the adaptor is plated with conductive material 312 for shielding purposes. Referring more specifically to Figure 14, on the interior of the endwalls 302 there is located two locking shoulders 320 extending from the interior of the endwalls 302.
- T-bar 314 Extending from the interior of one of the sidewalls 304 is a T-bar 314 having a leg portion 318 and a lead-in surface 316. Opposed from the T-bar 314 is a T-slot 326 having a lead-in surface 328 and a backwall 330 ( Figure 12). Defined by the sidewalls and the interior surfaces of the adaptor 300 is a data interface assembly receiving area 322.
- the modular jack 390 is similar in design to those disclosed in U.S.-A-4 210 376; 4,221,458; 4,231,628; and 4,292,736.
- the modular jack 390 has a plug-receiving opening 394 on the forward surface of the modular jack 390.
- Modular jack 390 further comprises a locking shoulder 392 and stamped and formed contacts 395 .
- the modular jack adaptor 380 comprises latch members 382, modular jack latch members 384 and modular plug opening 386.
- the removable shield members 350 are shown comprising sidewall 352, front wall 354 and opposite sidewall 356.
- a connection tab 364 having a connecting slot 366 therein.
- a wire-receiving slot 358 Extending from the forward edge of sidewall 356 is a connection tab 368 having a connection slot 370 therein.
- a second wire-receiving slot 360 is located in sidewall 356 in alignment with wire-receiving slot 358.
- Located in sidewall 356 and laterally opposed from wire-receiving slot 360 is wire opening 372. Stamped out of the front wall 354 is a shielding tongue 362.
- the connector 150 comprises top edge 152, bottom edge 154, sidewalls 160, shoulders 174, recessed sidewalls 162 and a backwall 158. Extending inward from the backwall 158 are terminal-receiving slots 172 for receiving contact terminals 180.
- Contact terminals 180 comprise a barrel-type insulation displacement terminal 182, and a resilient contact portion 184.
- a stuffer cap 190 which has a stuffer post 192 with a surrounding circular aperture 194. The outer diameter of stuffer post 192 is smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel insulation displacement section 182.
- the stuffer cap 190 further includes wire-receiving slot 196.
- card edge connector 150A or 150B includes a latch 164 extending from the backwall 158 and disposed above the top wall 152.
- the latch 164 comprises a lead-in section 166 with a latching back surface 168.
- the instant embodiment can be used as a network interface outlet for any combination of network interface devices. That is two unshielded cables 120 could be interconnected to two unshielded modular jacks 390, or two shielded cables 130 could be interconnected to two data interface assemblies 200 or one unshielded cable 120 and one shielded cable 130 could be interconnected to respective interface assemblies 390, 200, and either interface assembly 390 or 200 can be interconnected to either cavity 12, 14 as the adaptor inserts 380, 300 and the edge connectors 150A, 150B are interchangeable in either of the cavities 12, 14.
- the housing 202 In order to interconnect a shielded cable 130, it is first necessary to assemble the shielded data interface assembly 200. Referring to Figure 7, the housing 202 must first have the terminals 214 installed therein, the side edges of the terminal 214 being received in the terminal grooves 210 in floor 205. When the terminals 214 are fully installed, the resilient contact portion 218 is disposed in the forward mating end 203. The individual conductors 224 may then be terminated to the barrel portion of the terminal 216 by placing the individual conductors in the wire-receiving slots 226 of the stuffer cap 220.
- the cap 220 With the four conductors in place in the respective wire-receiving slots 226, as shown in Figure 7, the cap 220 is then lowered onto the housing 202, the locating ribs 222 being disposed in the stuffer cap receiving slots 212 which aligns stuffer posts (not shown) in the stuffer cap with the barrel terminals 216 which forces the individual conductors 224 into the barrel 216 terminating respective conductors into respective slots 217.
- the upper and lower shielding covers 260, 230 are then installed over the housing 202 completely shielding the contact terminals 214.
- the lower cover 230 is first placed over the lower portion of the housing, the mounting lugs 206 fitting into the mounting slots 248 on the sidewalls 232.
- the upper shield 260 may then be installed over the housing 202, the shielding wings 262 being placed into the receiving slots 208 and the locking tabs 270 being placed in the mounting slots 250.
- the edge card 280 is then connected to the shielding members, the cutout portion 286 of the edge card 280 sliding over the upper and lower shield members 260, 230 and sliding into slots 268 and 244 of upper and lower shield 260, 230, respectively.
- edge card mounting tabs 282 In alignment with mounting tabs 266 and 246 of the shielding members.
- the tabs 282 are then soldered to mounting tabs 266, 246 to mechanically mount the edge card 280 to the shielding members 230, 260 and to electrically interconnect ground traces 290 on edge card 280 to the shield members 260, 230.
- the individual conductors 224 may then be soldered in place to solder pads 288 in edge card 280 interconnecting the individual conductors 224 to the traces 284.
- the contact resilient portion 218 is electrically interconnected to the conductive traces 284 on the edge card 280 via the contact terminal 214 and the individual conductors 224, and the shielding members 230, 260 are commoned to the grounding traces 290.
- the completed data interface assembly 200 may then be installed in a respective data connector adaptor 300 as shown in Figure 9.
- the data interface assembly 200 is installed into the assembly receiving area 322, the assembly 200 sliding into the receiving area until the mounting tabs 236 latch over the locking shoulders 320 of the adaptor 300 which also places mounting tabs 242 in abutment with the front surfaces 332 ( Figure 13) of the adaptor 300.
- latching tabs 236 are in their locked position over the shoulders 320, they are also resiliently biased against the interior surface of endwalls 302.
- edge card connector 150B The individual conductors 132 of shielded cable 130 are then terminated to the contact terminals 180 of edge card connector 150B.
- the edge card connectors 150A, 150B are identical in design, the only distinguishing feature is whether the connector is used with a shielded or an unshielded cable.
- connector 150 generally. However, when a particularly located connector is to be noted, the postscript will also be utilized.
- Each individual conductor 132 would be placed in the wire-receiving slots 196 of the stuffer cap 190 ( Figure 6) and would be terminated in the individual insulation displacement barrels 182, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
- the edge card connector 150B could be inserted from the rear side of wall box 2 through either of the connector-receiving areas 48 or 56 ( Figure 4C). If the edge card connector 150B is placed in the upper cavity 48, the edge card connector 150B moves forwardly until the shoulder 174, between sidewalls 160, 162, abuts shoulder 74 in the wall box 2, as shown in Figures 4A and 4D.
- the bottom surface 154 lies along the floor 18 and when shoulders 174 abut the shoulder 74 the latch member 164 latches in place such that latch member 164 fits into the latch-receiving slot defined by surfaces 52 and 54 ( Figure 4) which locks the edge card connector 150B in place.
- the assembled data interface assembly 200 and adaptor 300 may then be installed into upper cavity 12 from the front side of the wall box 2.
- the printed circuit board 280 first enters the cavity and begins entry into edge connector opening 170.
- the latch 306 then begins engagement along surfaces 70 of alignment arms 64 which aligns the assembly 200 and adaptor 300 in the proper vertical orientation.
- Continued insertion of the adaptor causes the lead-in sections 308 of the adaptor 300 to ride up on the ramp 66 of the alignment arm 64 and finally lock itself, with back latching surface 310 adjacent shoulder 68 of wall box 2, as shown in Figures 4A and 4D.
- a shield member 350 would then have to be installed from the rearward side of the wall box 2 to shield the back side of data assembly 200.
- the cable 130 would first be disposed in the opening 372 of the shielding member 350 with the cable shielding braid 134 adjacent the resilient tongue 362 as shown in Figure 10.
- the shielding member 350 would then be installed into the back portion of wall box 2, the sidewall 354 being placed between floor 92 and ribs 94 and sidewall 352 being placed above but adjacent to floor 96.
- the shielding member 350 is inserted into the wall box until tab 368 is inserted into aperture 32 and slot 370 is locked onto the locking tab 34; and locking tab 364 is disposed in slot 36 with the slot 366 engaging the cab 38.
- the data connector assembly 200 is redundantly grounded, each level of grounding being commoned to a common potential.
- the assembly 200 includes a first level grounding as the shielding members 230, 260 surround the housing 202.
- the assembly 200 includes a second level of grounding as the wall box 2 and the adaptor 300 are plated and commoned to one another at their point of joinder, that is, between front edge 307 of adaptor 300, and front edge 7 of wall box 2.
- the two levels of grounding are commoned to one potential, as tabs 236 on lower shielding member 230 are resiliently biased against the interior of sidewalls 302.
- the shielded cable 130 will be oriented downwardly as shown in Figure 4D with the cable 130 disposed in cable cutouts 104 and 100. With the shielded cable 130 disposed in this manner, the back edge of wire entry slot 102 backs up the shielded cable 130, so that, the resilient tongue 362 maintains adequate contact with the shielding braid.
- a second edge card connector will be inserted into the back side of the wall box 2 as previously described, and into the lower connector-receiving area 56.
- a second shielding member 350 would then be utilized, its orientation being as shown in Figure 10. It should be noted that the shield member 350 can be used in either upper 12 or lower 14 cavity, by simply inverting the shielding member.
- the shielding member 350 would be installed from the back side of the wall box with the sidewall 352 disposed between the ribs 98 and the floor 96 and the sidewall 356 disposed below but adjacent to floor 110. With the second shielded cable 130 inserted in the opening 372, the second shielding member 350 would be inserted until the tab 364 extends into aperture 40 and until tab 368 extends into aperture 44, slots 366, 370 engaging tabs 42, 46 respectively.
- a second shielding member 350 would not be added to the back side of wall box 2 as previously described. Rather, the individual conductors 122 of the unshielded cable 120 would be terminated to the edge card connector 150A and the connector would be installed into receiving area 56, shoulders 174 abutting shoulder 88 of wall box 2. Furthermore, bottom surface 154 would be disposed adjacent to floor 110 and latch member 164 would be locked in place in the slot defined by surfaces 60 and 62.
- the modular jack interface assembly 390 would then be installed onto the adaptor 380, the latching members 384 locking onto shoulders 392 of the modular jack 390.
- the adaptor 380 is aligned with plug receiving opening 394 for reception of a modular plug.
- the modular jack 390 and adaptor 380 would then be installed into cavity 14 with the edge card 396 first mating with the edge card opening 70 of the connector 150A.
- the connector 390 has signal carrying contacts 395.
- the latch arms 382 are then aligned with alignment arms 78, the ramps 388 in sliding engagement with surfaces 84 of alignment arms 78 until the latch arms 382 are locked behind surfaces 82 as shown in Figure 11.
- the face plate 400 may then be placed over the wall box 2 face plate openings 402 and 404 slidably received over adaptors 380 and 300 respectively. As installed the assembly is ready for reception of a modular plug data connector 490 as shown in Figure 2. The assembly is also ready for reception of a data interface connector of the type disclosed in U.S.-A-4,193,654 and 4,501,459.
- Hermaphroditic data connector 500 when interconnected to data interface assembly 200 interconnects like terminals in connector 500 with terminals 214, and commons like shielding wings with shielding wings 538 and shielding wings 262.
- the T-bar overlaps T-slot 326, and likewise the T-slot of data connector 500 overlaps T-bar 314.
- the instant embodiment allows versatility with respect to data interfacing assemblies, and also allows for local access to any combination of shielded and unshielded systems.
- the system allows for easy installation and connect/disconnect.
- the system also allows for interchangability between shielded and unshielded systems as either cavity of the wall box may be used for either system and as the same edge card connectors are utilized in both systems.
- the assembly allows for interconnection to existing data interconnection systems.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an interface for accommodating communication network systems where more than one type of interface device is utilized in the same local area. Modular connections allow adaptation between two different interface devices using two different telecommunication cables.
- Communication network systems vary in scope and design as directed by the manufacturers of the interfacing devices. Some network interface devices utilize shielded systems whereas others utilize an unshielded system. Several designs of interfacing devices are known in the art.
- For example, US-A-4 501 459 and 4 193 654 relate to shielded connectors for coupling two shielded cables of a shielded information network system. These connectors are hermaphroditic in nature, that is, two identical connectors are utilized for the connection, and each connector can accommodate four lines of information.
- Connectors for unshielded network interfaces are also known, for example, US-A-4 210 376; 4 221 458; 4 292 736 and 4 231 628 relate to data network connectors or modular jacks, which are mountable to printed circuit boards, and are capable of accommodating between four and eight lines of communication. These connectors include stamped and formed contacts for receiving a mating plug.
- Edge card connectors for interconnecting printed circuit boards to multi-conductor cable are also known in the art. For example, US-A-3 860 318 shows an edge connector having stamped and formed contacts providing interconnection to circuit board traces on one end, while on the opposite end, providing a barrel-type insulation displacement device for terminating individual conductors.
- GB-A-1 171 549 describes an adaptor for enabling a standard electronic module, which can be slid into racks or crates to form a complete system of electronic apparatus and which has pin contacts on the back of the module, to be connected to a rack or crate utilizing edge connector strips.
- There is disclosed in US-A-4 407 559 a local area network receptacle assembly for interconnection of electronic equipment to a local area network, including a modular electrical connector having at least one signal carrying contact disposed at a front mating face for interconnection with at least one mating contact of a complementary connector, the modular electrical connector being electrically connected to a shielded cable having individual data communication conductors which form the network, the modular electrical connector being enclosed by a wall box having at least two identical cavities each having an open front face and a partially open rear face.
- The present invention consists in an interface interconnection system for providing an interface to a communications network, comprising a data connector engageable by a complementary connector for connecting an electronic component to the network, said data connector including an insulating terminal support housing having a front mating face and a rear face and mounting a plurality of terminals having contact portions engageable with contacts of the complementary connector, said data connector also having an edge card which extends rearwardly and which has data traces electrically connected to terminals of the terminal support housing, a wall box housing the data connector in the wall box with its front face accessible to the complementary connector, and an edge card connector mounted in the wall box for terminating a multi-conductor communications cable of the network, the edge card of the data connector being plugged into the edge card connector.
- In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the total system embodying the invention.
- Figure 2 shows the assembled system of Figure 1 ready for the reception of a network interface.
- Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 showing the face plate exploded away from the wall jack.
- Figure 4 is a plan view of the front of the wall box.
- Figure 4A is a cross section through
lines 4A-4A of Figure 4. - Figure 4B is a cross section through
lines 4B-4B of Figure 4. - Figure 4C is a plan view of the rear of the wall box.
- Figure 4D shows the cross section of Figure 4A showing the data interface devices fully assembled.
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a conductor to card edge interconnection device.
- Figure 6 shows a cross section of the conductor to card edge connector through lines 6-6 of Figure 5.
- Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the hermaphroditic data connector.
- Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the hermaphroditic electrical connector fully assembled.
- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the hermaphroditic electrical connector ready for insertion in a respective adaptor insert.
- Figure 10 is a diagrammatical sketch of the configuration of the shields when the system is used for two shielded interconnection data interface assemblies.
- Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view through the modular jack adaptor insert showing the locking lances locking the modular jack to the adaptor insert.
- Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view through the shielded data interface assembly showing the locking lances on the data interface assembly in a locked configuration with the adaptor insert.
- Figure 13 is a front plan view of the shielded data interface assembly adaptor insert.
- Figure 14 is a rear plan view of the data interface assembly adaptor insert.
- Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the data interface assembly inserted in a respective adaptor insert ready for interconnection with a mating hermaphroditic electrical connector.
- Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an interface interconnection system for interconnecting two different interface systems. More specifically there is shown a two-
cavity wall box 2 for receiving from the rear twoedge connectors 150A and 150B, theedge connector 150A interconnecting anunshielded cable 120 and the edge connector 150B interconnecting a shieldedcable 130. Theedge connectors 150A and 150B are inserted from the rear of the wall box and are locked in position within the wall box. The modularjack interface assembly 390 and thedata interface assembly 200 are each interconnected with an edge card and eachinterface assembly respective edge connectors 150A, 150B. Aface plate 400 is then placed over the completed assembly to cosmetically blend the entire system in with the wall. - Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown the system of Figure 1 completely assembled. A shielded
cable 130 is shown entering the wall box from the rear interconnected todata interface assembly 200. Also shown isunshielded cable 120 inserted into the wall box from the rear and interconnected withmodular jack assembly 390.Modular plug 490 is shown poised for reception intomodular jack assembly 390. Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown the assembly of Figure 2 with the face plate exploded away from the completed assembly, showing theadaptor inserts - The
wall box 2 will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 4-4C. Referring first to Figure 4 thewall box 2 is shown as having two receivingcavities wall box 2 is generally comprised of twoendwalls 6 and twosidewalls 4 with twomounting bosses 10 extending fromopposite endwalls 6. Theupper cavity 12 is defined bysidewalls 16,floor 18,ceiling 20 andbackwall 28. It will be noticed thatbackwall 28 does not extend from theceiling 20 to thefloor 18, but rather, extends only from theceiling 20, thewall 28 ending with alower edge 50. As such, there is an opening from the front of the wall box completely through to the rear of the wall box, providing anopening 48 for eitheredge connector 150A or 150B. Located on theedge 50 ofwall 28 is a latch receiving area defined byside edges 52 andupper edge 54. - Similarly
lower cavity 14 is defined bysidewalls 22,floor 24,ceiling 26 andrearwall 30. Once again,rearwall 30 does not extend from theceiling 26 to thefloor 24, but rather, terminates withedge 58 providing acavity 56 for receiving eitheredge connector 150A or 150B from the rear. Also defined onedge 58 ofwall 30 is a latch-receiving area defined byside edges 60 andupper edge 62. - Located in the center of
wall 28 isaperture 32 having alocking tab 34, and located in the center ofwall 30 areapertures locking tabs lower mounting boss 10 is anaperture 44 having alocking tab 46. - Extending forwardly from the
sidewalls 16 ofupper cavity 12 and forwardly from thesidewalls 22 of thelower cavity 14 arealignment arms alignment arms 64 is shown in greater detail . Thealignment arms 64 each have asurface 70 which is recessed from the associatedsidewall 16 and extends rearwardly into the cavity to a contiguous lead-insurface 66. The lead-insurface 66 then extends rearwardly back to a point planar with thesidewall 16, thesidewall 16 then being recessed back to asurface 72, the sudden recess causing alocking surface 68.Such alignment arm 78 has a like configuration to that of thearms 64 having arecessed surface 84, a lead-insurface 80 and a lockingback surface 82, as shown in Figure 4A. - As shown in Figure
4A wall box 2 has awall 28 and awall 112 extending downwardly through the center of the box, and extending rearwardly fromwall 28 isfloor 92. Located directly abovewall 92 areribs 94. Extending rearwardly fromwall 112 is afloor 96 and directly belowfloor 96 areribs 98. Extending from, and contiguous withlower floor portion 24 is afloor 110 extending rearwardly of the wall box. - Referring again to Figures 4A and 4B, the rearward part of the upper cavity is flanked by a pair of recessed
walls 76, the recessedwalls 76 being offset fromwalls 72 forming ashoulder 74. Likewise, the lower cavity portion is flanked by a pair of recessedwalls 90, thewalls 90 being recessed fromwalls 86 forming ashoulder 88. Also shown in 4B isfloor 96 extending rearwardly fromwall 112. At the rearward edge offloor 96 are located two cable cut-outportions wall box 2 showsfloor 96 once again with cable cut-outportions Floor 92 is also shown extending fromwail 28,floor 92 having a cable cut-outportion 104 laterally aligned with cut-outportion 100 infloor 96.Floor 110 is also shown having a cable cut-outportion 106 which is laterally aligned with cable cut-outportion 102 infloor 96. Figure 4C also shows in greater detail the card edgeconnector receiving areas - Finally, the
entire wall box 2 is a one-piece molded unit plated with a metallic coating to shield the entire box. The preferred embodiment utilizes a nickel over cooper plating, although other combinations of metals could be utilized without varying from the scope or intent of the instant invention. - Referring next to Figure 7 the
data interface assembly 200 is shown in greater detail, theassembly 200 comprisinghousing 202,terminals 214, stuffercap 220, upper andlower shield members circuit board 280. Thehousing 202,terminals 214 andstuffer cap 220 are similar in design to those disclosed in U.S.-A-4 193 654 and 4 501 459. - The
insulative housing 202 has afloor 205 andupstanding sidewalls 204,sidewalls 204 extending forwardly defining amating end 203. Thehousing 202 also has twoshield receiving slots 208 located therein. Located in thefloor 205 are terminal receivingslots 210. Located on the outside of thehousing 202, as an extension of thesidewalls 204, areribs 206. Disposed along the internal surface ofsidewalls 204 and generally laterally aligned withribs 206 arechannels 212. - The
contact terminal 214 is shown having aresilient contact portion 218 and aninsulation displacement portion 216, theportion 216 having aninsulation displacement slot 217. Shown disposed above thehousing 202 in Figure 7 isstuffer cap 220 havingalignment ribs 222 andconductor receiving slots 226. - Shown disposed below the
housing 202 in Figure 7 is alower shielding member 230 comprising afloor member 240 andupstanding sidewalls 232. Extending forwardly from thesidewalls 232 are shieldingwing portions 234 having stamped out of thewing portions 234, two lockinglances 236. Located in theupstanding sidewalls 232 are two pairs of lockingslots floor 240 are two shieldingwing portions 238 and stamped from thefloor portion 240 is alocking lance 242 and a printed circuitboard mounting tab 246. Thelower shielding portion 230 further includes a printed circuitboard receiving slot 244. - Shown disposed above the
stuffer cap 220 in Figure 7 is anupper shielding portion 260, the shieldingportion 260 having forwardly extending shieldingwings 262. Extending outwardly from the side edges of the shielding member are two lockingtabs 270. Stamped from the shieldingmember 260 are lockinglance 264 and printed circuitboard mounting tab 266. On the rearward portion of theupper shield member 260 is located a printed circuitboard receiving slot 268. - Also shown in Figure 7 is a printed
circuit board 280 having mountingtabs 282,wire receiving holes 288 and a recessedportion 286. Printedcircuit board 280 also includes printed circuit traces 284 (Figure 9) disposed thereon. - Referring now to Figures 9, 13 and 14 there is shown in greater detail the data interface
assembly adaptor insert 300. Theadapter 300 comprisessidewalls 304 andendwalls 302. Extending forwardly from thesidewalls 304 are two lockinglatches 306 comprising a lead-insection 308 and a back latching surface 310 (Figure 9). Althoughadaptor 300 is molded from a plastic material, the complete interior portion of the adaptor is plated withconductive material 312 for shielding purposes. Referring more specifically to Figure 14, on the interior of theendwalls 302 there is located two lockingshoulders 320 extending from the interior of theendwalls 302. Extending from the interior of one of thesidewalls 304 is a T-bar 314 having aleg portion 318 and a lead-insurface 316. Opposed from the T-bar 314 is a T-slot 326 having a lead-insurface 328 and a backwall 330 (Figure 12). Defined by the sidewalls and the interior surfaces of theadaptor 300 is a data interfaceassembly receiving area 322. - Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown a
modular jack 390 and amodular jack adaptor 380. Themodular jack 390 is similar in design to those disclosed in U.S.-A-4 210 376; 4,221,458; 4,231,628; and 4,292,736. Themodular jack 390 has a plug-receivingopening 394 on the forward surface of themodular jack 390.Modular jack 390 further comprises a lockingshoulder 392 and stamped and formed contacts 395 . Themodular jack adaptor 380 compriseslatch members 382, modularjack latch members 384 andmodular plug opening 386. - Referring now to Figure 10, the
removable shield members 350 are shown comprisingsidewall 352,front wall 354 andopposite sidewall 356. Extending fromsidewall 352 is aconnection tab 364 having a connectingslot 366 therein. Also located insidewall 352 is a wire-receivingslot 358. Extending from the forward edge ofsidewall 356 is aconnection tab 368 having aconnection slot 370 therein. A second wire-receivingslot 360 is located insidewall 356 in alignment with wire-receivingslot 358. Located insidewall 356 and laterally opposed from wire-receivingslot 360 iswire opening 372. Stamped out of thefront wall 354 is a shieldingtongue 362. - Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown in detail the card edge connector either 150A or 150B, which is similar in design to that disclosed in U.S.-A-3 860 318.
- The
connector 150 comprisestop edge 152,bottom edge 154,sidewalls 160, shoulders 174, recessedsidewalls 162 and abackwall 158. Extending inward from thebackwall 158 are terminal-receivingslots 172 for receivingcontact terminals 180.Contact terminals 180 comprise a barrel-typeinsulation displacement terminal 182, and aresilient contact portion 184. Also shown in Figure 6 is astuffer cap 190 which has astuffer post 192 with a surroundingcircular aperture 194. The outer diameter ofstuffer post 192 is smaller than the inside diameter of the barrelinsulation displacement section 182. Thestuffer cap 190 further includes wire-receivingslot 196. Referring again to Figure 5,card edge connector 150A or 150B includes alatch 164 extending from thebackwall 158 and disposed above thetop wall 152. Thelatch 164 comprises a lead-insection 166 with a latching backsurface 168. - The instant embodiment can be used as a network interface outlet for any combination of network interface devices. That is two
unshielded cables 120 could be interconnected to two unshieldedmodular jacks 390, or two shieldedcables 130 could be interconnected to twodata interface assemblies 200 or oneunshielded cable 120 and one shieldedcable 130 could be interconnected torespective interface assemblies interface assembly cavity edge connectors 150A, 150B are interchangeable in either of thecavities - In order to interconnect a shielded
cable 130, it is first necessary to assemble the shieldeddata interface assembly 200. Referring to Figure 7, thehousing 202 must first have theterminals 214 installed therein, the side edges of the terminal 214 being received in theterminal grooves 210 infloor 205. When theterminals 214 are fully installed, theresilient contact portion 218 is disposed in theforward mating end 203. Theindividual conductors 224 may then be terminated to the barrel portion of the terminal 216 by placing the individual conductors in the wire-receivingslots 226 of thestuffer cap 220. With the four conductors in place in the respective wire-receivingslots 226, as shown in Figure 7, thecap 220 is then lowered onto thehousing 202, the locatingribs 222 being disposed in the stuffercap receiving slots 212 which aligns stuffer posts (not shown) in the stuffer cap with thebarrel terminals 216 which forces theindividual conductors 224 into thebarrel 216 terminating respective conductors intorespective slots 217. - The upper and lower shielding covers 260, 230 are then installed over the
housing 202 completely shielding thecontact terminals 214. Thelower cover 230 is first placed over the lower portion of the housing, the mountinglugs 206 fitting into the mountingslots 248 on thesidewalls 232. Theupper shield 260 may then be installed over thehousing 202, the shieldingwings 262 being placed into the receivingslots 208 and the lockingtabs 270 being placed in the mountingslots 250. Theedge card 280 is then connected to the shielding members, thecutout portion 286 of theedge card 280 sliding over the upper andlower shield members slots lower shield card mounting tabs 282 in alignment with mountingtabs tabs 282 are then soldered to mountingtabs edge card 280 to the shieldingmembers edge card 280 to theshield members individual conductors 224 may then be soldered in place to solderpads 288 inedge card 280 interconnecting theindividual conductors 224 to thetraces 284. As finally assembled, the contactresilient portion 218 is electrically interconnected to the conductive traces 284 on theedge card 280 via thecontact terminal 214 and theindividual conductors 224, and the shieldingmembers - The completed
data interface assembly 200 may then be installed in a respectivedata connector adaptor 300 as shown in Figure 9. Thedata interface assembly 200 is installed into theassembly receiving area 322, theassembly 200 sliding into the receiving area until the mountingtabs 236 latch over the lockingshoulders 320 of theadaptor 300 which also places mountingtabs 242 in abutment with the front surfaces 332 (Figure 13) of theadaptor 300. When latchingtabs 236 are in their locked position over theshoulders 320, they are also resiliently biased against the interior surface ofendwalls 302. As the interior ofadaptor 300 is completely plated with platingmaterial 312, thetabs 236, biased against theendwalls 302, common the shieldingmembers plating material 312. - The
individual conductors 132 of shieldedcable 130 are then terminated to thecontact terminals 180 of edge card connector 150B. Theedge card connectors 150A, 150B are identical in design, the only distinguishing feature is whether the connector is used with a shielded or an unshielded cable. When referring to the design aspects of the connectors, as in Figures 5 and 6, reference will be made toconnector 150, generally. However, when a particularly located connector is to be noted, the postscript will also be utilized. - Each
individual conductor 132 would be placed in the wire-receivingslots 196 of the stuffer cap 190 (Figure 6) and would be terminated in the individual insulation displacement barrels 182, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. With theindividual conductors 132 terminated to thecontact terminals 180, the edge card connector 150B could be inserted from the rear side ofwall box 2 through either of the connector-receivingareas 48 or 56 (Figure 4C). If the edge card connector 150B is placed in theupper cavity 48, the edge card connector 150B moves forwardly until theshoulder 174, betweensidewalls shoulder 74 in thewall box 2, as shown in Figures 4A and 4D. When installing the edge connector 150B, thebottom surface 154 lies along thefloor 18 and whenshoulders 174 abut theshoulder 74 thelatch member 164 latches in place such thatlatch member 164 fits into the latch-receiving slot defined bysurfaces 52 and 54 (Figure 4) which locks the edge card connector 150B in place. - The assembled
data interface assembly 200 andadaptor 300 may then be installed intoupper cavity 12 from the front side of thewall box 2. The printedcircuit board 280 first enters the cavity and begins entry intoedge connector opening 170. Thelatch 306 then begins engagement alongsurfaces 70 ofalignment arms 64 which aligns theassembly 200 andadaptor 300 in the proper vertical orientation. Continued insertion of the adaptor causes the lead-insections 308 of theadaptor 300 to ride up on theramp 66 of thealignment arm 64 and finally lock itself, with back latchingsurface 310adjacent shoulder 68 ofwall box 2, as shown in Figures 4A and 4D. - A
shield member 350 would then have to be installed from the rearward side of thewall box 2 to shield the back side ofdata assembly 200. Thecable 130 would first be disposed in theopening 372 of the shieldingmember 350 with thecable shielding braid 134 adjacent theresilient tongue 362 as shown in Figure 10. The shieldingmember 350 would then be installed into the back portion ofwall box 2, thesidewall 354 being placed betweenfloor 92 andribs 94 andsidewall 352 being placed above but adjacent tofloor 96. The shieldingmember 350 is inserted into the wall box untiltab 368 is inserted intoaperture 32 andslot 370 is locked onto thelocking tab 34; andlocking tab 364 is disposed inslot 36 with theslot 366 engaging thecab 38. - It should be noted that the
data connector assembly 200 is redundantly grounded, each level of grounding being commoned to a common potential. Theassembly 200 includes a first level grounding as the shieldingmembers housing 202. Theassembly 200 includes a second level of grounding as thewall box 2 and theadaptor 300 are plated and commoned to one another at their point of joinder, that is, betweenfront edge 307 ofadaptor 300, andfront edge 7 ofwall box 2. Furthermore the two levels of grounding are commoned to one potential, astabs 236 onlower shielding member 230 are resiliently biased against the interior ofsidewalls 302. - The shielded
cable 130 will be oriented downwardly as shown in Figure 4D with thecable 130 disposed incable cutouts cable 130 disposed in this manner, the back edge ofwire entry slot 102 backs up the shieldedcable 130, so that, theresilient tongue 362 maintains adequate contact with the shielding braid. - If a second shielded cable is to be used, a second edge card connector will be inserted into the back side of the
wall box 2 as previously described, and into the lower connector-receivingarea 56. Asecond shielding member 350 would then be utilized, its orientation being as shown in Figure 10. It should be noted that theshield member 350 can be used in either upper 12 or lower 14 cavity, by simply inverting the shielding member. The shieldingmember 350 would be installed from the back side of the wall box with thesidewall 352 disposed between theribs 98 and thefloor 96 and thesidewall 356 disposed below but adjacent tofloor 110. With the second shieldedcable 130 inserted in theopening 372, thesecond shielding member 350 would be inserted until thetab 364 extends intoaperture 40 and untiltab 368 extends intoaperture 44,slots tabs - If an
unshielded cable 120 and a modularjack interface assembly 390 were to be installed incavity 14, asecond shielding member 350 would not be added to the back side ofwall box 2 as previously described. Rather, the individual conductors 122 of theunshielded cable 120 would be terminated to theedge card connector 150A and the connector would be installed into receivingarea 56, shoulders 174 abuttingshoulder 88 ofwall box 2. Furthermore,bottom surface 154 would be disposed adjacent tofloor 110 andlatch member 164 would be locked in place in the slot defined bysurfaces - The modular
jack interface assembly 390 would then be installed onto theadaptor 380, the latchingmembers 384 locking ontoshoulders 392 of themodular jack 390. As installed, theadaptor 380 is aligned withplug receiving opening 394 for reception of a modular plug. Themodular jack 390 andadaptor 380 would then be installed intocavity 14 with theedge card 396 first mating with theedge card opening 70 of theconnector 150A. Theconnector 390 has signal carrying contacts 395. Thelatch arms 382 are then aligned withalignment arms 78, theramps 388 in sliding engagement withsurfaces 84 ofalignment arms 78 until thelatch arms 382 are locked behindsurfaces 82 as shown in Figure 11. - The
face plate 400 may then be placed over thewall box 2face plate openings adaptors plug data connector 490 as shown in Figure 2. The assembly is also ready for reception of a data interface connector of the type disclosed in U.S.-A-4,193,654 and 4,501,459. - Hermaphroditic data connector 500 (Figure 15) when interconnected to
data interface assembly 200 interconnects like terminals inconnector 500 withterminals 214, and commons like shielding wings with shieldingwings 538 and shieldingwings 262. When thedata connector 500 is inserted the T-bar overlaps T-slot 326, and likewise the T-slot ofdata connector 500 overlaps T-bar 314. - Thus, the instant embodiment allows versatility with respect to data interfacing assemblies, and also allows for local access to any combination of shielded and unshielded systems. As each of the elements are modular in nature, the system allows for easy installation and connect/disconnect. The system also allows for interchangability between shielded and unshielded systems as either cavity of the wall box may be used for either system and as the same edge card connectors are utilized in both systems. Finally, the assembly allows for interconnection to existing data interconnection systems.
Claims (16)
- An interface interconnection system for providing an interface to a communications network, comprising a data connector (200,390) engageable by a complementary connector (490,500) for connecting an electronic component to the network, said data connector including an insulating terminal support housing (202) having a front mating face and a rear face and mounting a plurality of terminals (214,395) having contact portions engageable with contacts of the complementary connector (490,500), said data connector also having an edge card (280,396) which extends rearwardly and which has data traces (284,398) electrically connected to terminals (214,395) of the terminal support housing (202), a wall box (2) housing the data connector (200,390) in the wall box with its front face accessible to the complementary connector, and an edge card connector (150A,150B) mounted in the wall box for terminating a multi-conductor communications cable (120,130) of the network, the edge card (280,396) of the data connector being plugged into the edge card connector (150A,150B).
- A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the edge card connector (150A,150B) is attached to the wall box (2) by resilient latch means (164).
- A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall box (2) has two data connector receiving cavities (12,14) accessible from a front side of the box (2) and associated with an edge card connector receiving section accessible from the rear of the box (2), the edge card receiving section communicating with the associated data connector receiving cavity (12,14) via an opening (48,56) through which the mating face of the edge card connector (150A,150B) is accessible.
- A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the edge card receiving section is formed in part by a receiving platform (18,24) for mounting of the edge card connector (150A,150B).
- A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, including an insulating adaptor (300,380) secured to the data connector and having means (306,382) for attaching the resulting assembly to the wall box (2) for mounting the data connector to the wall box with its front mating face accessible to the complementary connector.
- A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the insulating adaptor (300,380) associated with the data connector (200,390) plugged into the edge card connector (150A,150B) of the edge card receiving section encloses the associated data connector receiving cavity (12,14).
- A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wall box (2) includes at least one cable cut-out section (100,102,104,106) adjacent the rear thereof and in which can be positioned the communications cable so as to exit the wall box transversely to the mating direction of the edge card(s) (280,396).
- A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one cable cut-out section is disposed in a wall section (92,96,110) of the wall box extending from the rear of the wall box adjacent to the edge card receiving section(s).
- A system as claimed in any preceding claim 1 to 8, wherein the wall box (2) is conductively shielded.
- A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the wall box (2) is plastic, overplated with a conductive material.
- A system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said at least one cable cut-out section (100,102,104,106) includes edges overplated with the conductive material, whereby the shielding braid (134) of a shielded communications cable (120,130) disposed in the cut-out section is engageable against the plated edges.
- A system as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one shield contact means (362) is arranged to contact the shielding braid of the shielded communications cable (120,130) and common the braid to the conductive wall box (2).
- A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein a shielding plate (350) is positioned over a rear side of the wall box (2).
- A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the shielding plate (350) has shield contact means (362) for commoning the shielding braid (134) of the shielded communications cable (120,130) to the wall box (2).
- A system as claimed in claims 12 to 14, wherein the shield contact means comprises a resilient tongue (362) engageable with the shielding braid.
- A system as claimed in any preceding claim 1 to 15, wherein a face plate (400) covers a front of the wall box (2) and allows pluggable access to the data connector(s) (200,290).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US87418186A | 1986-06-13 | 1986-06-13 | |
US874181 | 1986-06-13 | ||
EP87904196A EP0274487B2 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP87904196A Division EP0274487B2 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
EP87904196.0 Division | 1987-06-11 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0614248A2 true EP0614248A2 (en) | 1994-09-07 |
EP0614248A3 EP0614248A3 (en) | 1994-12-21 |
EP0614248B1 EP0614248B1 (en) | 1996-11-20 |
Family
ID=25363168
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94201482A Expired - Lifetime EP0614249B1 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
EP87904196A Expired - Lifetime EP0274487B2 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
EP94201481A Expired - Lifetime EP0614248B1 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94201482A Expired - Lifetime EP0614249B1 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
EP87904196A Expired - Lifetime EP0274487B2 (en) | 1986-06-13 | 1987-06-11 | Local area network interface |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (3) | EP0614249B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2627908B2 (en) |
DE (3) | DE3751960T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1987007775A1 (en) |
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WO1997040549A1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-30 | Asea Brown Boveri Ab | A set of devices for transferring electric signals |
EP1037313A1 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-09-20 | FCI Besançon SA | Female connector and process for mounting this connector |
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DE4006024C2 (en) * | 1990-02-26 | 1994-02-10 | Quante Ag | Junction box for the connection of telephone sets and / or additional telephone devices |
GB9115020D0 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1991-08-28 | Mod Tap W Corp | Electrical connection system |
ATE121573T1 (en) * | 1991-07-25 | 1995-05-15 | Siemens Ag | SHIELDED CONNECTION DEVICE. |
EP0709930A3 (en) * | 1994-10-28 | 1997-09-10 | Whitaker Corp | Capacitive trace coupling for reduction of crosstalk |
US5587884A (en) * | 1995-02-06 | 1996-12-24 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector jack with encapsulated signal conditioning components |
WO1996024968A1 (en) * | 1995-02-06 | 1996-08-15 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector jack assembly for signal transmission |
DE19534038C2 (en) * | 1995-09-14 | 1998-07-23 | Gaertner Karl Telegaertner | Junction box for a data network |
FR2739730B1 (en) * | 1995-10-09 | 1999-01-29 | Amp France | EXTRAPLATE SOCKET FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
BE1010447A3 (en) * | 1996-08-01 | 1998-08-04 | Gaertner Karl Telegaertner | Connection box for a data network |
GB2351854B (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2001-06-27 | Lucent Technologies Inc | Distribution cable module |
EP1128488B1 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2015-02-11 | Tyco Electronics AMP España S.A. | Electrical connector for high speed signal transmission |
JP2001257039A (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2001-09-21 | Tyco Electronics Amp Espanola Sa | Electric connector |
US6945821B2 (en) | 2002-04-15 | 2005-09-20 | Crest Health Care | Connector |
US7375951B2 (en) | 2006-07-07 | 2008-05-20 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Load control device having a split enclosure |
US20070279887A1 (en) * | 2006-05-30 | 2007-12-06 | Thomas Sullivan | Wall plate assembly with integral digital extender |
CN101621170B (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2011-06-22 | 台达电子工业股份有限公司 | Power supply and modular power connection interface thereof |
US9343839B2 (en) | 2011-09-16 | 2016-05-17 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Wall-mount box with isolated interior regions |
CN106877086A (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2017-06-20 | 中国船舶工业系统工程研究院 | A kind of test interface of case type test equipment |
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- 1987-06-11 WO PCT/US1987/001405 patent/WO1987007775A1/en active IP Right Grant
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- 1987-06-11 DE DE3751961T patent/DE3751961T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US4407559A (en) * | 1981-04-09 | 1983-10-04 | Communications Systems, Inc. | Connector device with flush mounting receptacle, cover plate and terminal board |
EP0175868A2 (en) * | 1984-09-28 | 1986-04-02 | STEWART STAMPING CORPORATION (a Delaware Corporation) | Jack and connector |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
TECHNICAL DIGEST. WESTERN ELECTRIC., no.74, July 1984, NEW YORK, USA pages 13 - 14 R.R. GOODRICH (AT&T TECHNOLOGIES) 'Electrical adapter connector' * |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1997040549A1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-30 | Asea Brown Boveri Ab | A set of devices for transferring electric signals |
US6257936B1 (en) | 1996-04-23 | 2001-07-10 | Abb Ab | Set of devices for transferring electric signals |
EP1037313A1 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-09-20 | FCI Besançon SA | Female connector and process for mounting this connector |
FR2791184A1 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-09-22 | Berg Electronics Sa | FEMALE CONNECTOR AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING THE CONNECTOR |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0614249A2 (en) | 1994-09-07 |
DE3750980D1 (en) | 1995-02-23 |
DE3751960T2 (en) | 1997-06-05 |
DE3750980T2 (en) | 1995-08-24 |
JP2627908B2 (en) | 1997-07-09 |
DE3750980T3 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
EP0614249B1 (en) | 1996-11-20 |
EP0614249A3 (en) | 1994-12-21 |
DE3751961T2 (en) | 1997-06-05 |
WO1987007775A1 (en) | 1987-12-17 |
DE3751960D1 (en) | 1997-01-02 |
JPH01500385A (en) | 1989-02-09 |
EP0614248B1 (en) | 1996-11-20 |
EP0274487B2 (en) | 2005-09-07 |
EP0614248A3 (en) | 1994-12-21 |
EP0274487B1 (en) | 1995-01-11 |
EP0274487A1 (en) | 1988-07-20 |
DE3751961D1 (en) | 1997-01-02 |
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