EP1133023A2 - Compensation device for an electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The compensation device (116) is electrically connected to the conductive elements connecting 2 sets of terminals in an electrical connector and fitted with components (133,135,137,139) for modifying the electrical characteristics of the connector. An Independent claim for an electrical connector provided with a compensation device is also included.

Description

The present invention relates to a Compensation device for an electrical Connector and one with such a device equipped electrical connector.

Electrical parameters such as the Crosstalk properties of an electrical connector, in telecommunications or data transmission networks is useful can significantly affect the Network performance impact. For example it has become common to use "RJ" type connectors, in particular of the RJ45 type, in telecommunications or To use data transmission systems, the Wiring in the system using cables is effected with twisted double lines. Industry and authorities have different categories of benefits required. For example, the so-called Standard of "Category 5" that has been in use for several years is common from that electrical connectors such as Example sockets used in the wiring of Data networks are used under mandatory Test conditions meet certain performance criteria should. Such criteria include the jack when connected to a specified Connector in an electrical circuit from should be of such a nature that the Crosstalk between pairs of conductors in Circuits containing the socket and the plug should not exceed prescribed values. It Various types of bushings have been designed to to meet the performance criteria of category 5. to Time however becomes another "Category 6" suggested the stricter performance requirements contains. To meet Category 5 standards did it e.g. usually proven sufficient a simple compensation means such as that Cross conductors inside the connector too use. It seems that to fulfill the Category 6 performance criteria Compensation mechanisms must be used. by the Small dimensions of the RJ45 connector will however, relatively difficult to add additional circuit components to integrate. In addition, machines for Manufacture of components for electrical connectors of this type and often expensive to assemble, and if any additional compensation components substantial costs may arise when refitting existing machines Manufacture and assembly of components.

In one aspect of the invention, a Compensation device (116 or 216) for use with an electrical connector (8) with a first and second set of ports (160, 162) through electrically conductive elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) are provided, the Compensation device with the conductive elements is electrically connectable and components (133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147) to modify the electrical performance of the connector having.

The device is preferably in shape a cap with electrical contacts for connection with the conductive elements before, either directly at positions between the respective first and second set of connectors or on one or several of the connections of the first and second set of connections. With a particularly practical shape the device is used as an isolation structure trained the ladder or others, the contacts forming or containing electrical components and attachable to the connector. The Insulation structure can be attached to the connector in this way be a movement between a first state, where the ladder or its other electrical Devices engaged with the connector states and a second state in which the States do not intervene, can take place. For example, the insulation structure can be pivoted on be attached to a body of the connector. suitable Locking devices can be provided to the device and an insulation body of the connector.

The invention is particularly suitable, but not only for RJ45 connectors. It is also particularly, but not exclusively, useful in a connector where the connector is from a Texture is where the first set of Ports (160) as one essentially two-dimensional array of contacts is present in the essentially on a surface part of the connector are arranged, the contacts (120) of the Device in a corresponding array, causing them to go through with the connectors of the first set a relative movement of the device in the direction of Part of the surface can be brought into contact. In In such a case, the relative movement of the Device towards the connector alike the locking of the compensation device and the Effect connector with each other.

The invention is particularly useful when the Connections to which the device is attached Insulation displacement contacts are, the Contacts of the device in a suitable form run so that they can deal with these Can connect insulation displacement contacts. On in any case, the arrangement is preferably such that wires or other conductors with the connections of the Connector can be connected before the Compensating device is attached, and / or that an attachment and removal of such conductors is enabled while the compensation device is appropriate.

The contacts of the device can be one forked form to intervene in the respective Connections of the connector between opposite Have arm parts of the connector.

The contacts of the device can also are designed as leaf spring assemblies to Example to hang up on the IDC contacts Better take misalignments into account.

The connector can be an RJ45 connector with eight be conductive elements, of which parts side by side lie essentially in a single plane and at least one pair is crossed to one To provide crosstalk compensation. Preferably is every outermost pair of the conductive parts Elements crossed, and an innermost pair of conductive elements is crossed, with the Device is constructed so that a first, second, third and fourth capacities (154, 150, 156, 152) is formed when attaching the device on the connector parallel to the first set of Connections (160) are created, the first Capacitance (154) then parallel to one of the conductive Elements (14) and a conductive element (26) in addition the other outermost conductive element (24) the second capacitance (150) parallel to the other of the outermost conductive elements (24) and the conductive element (12) next to the one outermost conductive element (14), the third capacitance (156) parallel to the next-but-one conductive element (16) next to the one outermost conductive element (14) and the third next conductive element (18) next to the other outermost conductive element (24) and the fourth capacity (152) parallel to the next conductive element (22) next to the other outermost conductive element (14) and the third next conductive element (20) next to the one outermost conductive element (14).

The invention also provides one electrical connector ready with one Compensation device as described above Is provided.

FIG. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer RJ45-Buchse und einer gemäß der Erfindung konstruierten Kompensationsvorrichtung im montierten Zustand;

FIG. 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer RJ45-Buchse und einer alternativen Kompensationsvorrichtung, die gemäß der Erfindung konstruiert ist, im montierten Zustand.

FIG. 3 eine Unterseitenansicht eines Teils der RJ45-Buchse von FIG. 1 oder FIG. 2, wobei interne Kontakte der Buchse gezeigt sind;

FIG. 4 eine Draufsicht eines Kontakts der RJ45-Buchse;

FIG. 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kontakts von FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 ein Diagramm der elektrischen Verbindungen, im Gebrauch, die mit den Kontakten des RJ45 von FIG. 1 und 2 hergestellt werden;

FIG. 7 eine perspektivische Unterseitenansicht der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 eine perspektivische Oberseitenansicht der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 eine perspektivische Oberseitenansicht eines inneren Teils der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 eine perspektivische Unterseitenansicht der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 2; und

FIG. 11 eine perspektivische Oberseitenansicht der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 2; und

FIG. 12 ein Diagramm von Verbindungen, die im Gebrauch zwischen dem Verbinder und der Kompensationsvorrichtung von FIG. 1 auftreten.

The invention is further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an RJ45 socket and a compensation device constructed according to the invention in the assembled state;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an RJ45 socket and an alternative compensation device constructed in accordance with the invention, in the assembled state.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of part of the RJ45 socket of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, showing internal contacts of the socket;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a contact of the RJ45 socket;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the contact of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the electrical connections in use associated with the RJ45 contacts of FIG. 1 and 2 are manufactured;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the compensation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the compensation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an inner portion of the compensation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the compensation device of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the compensation device of FIG. 2; and

FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram of connections in use between the connector and the compensation device of FIG. 1 occur.

Certain forms of the invention are common Forms of RJ45 connectors applicable. For example describe U.S. Patents 5,299,956, 5,186,647 and 5,580,270 RJ45 sockets used and this disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference expressly referred to part of the Form disclosures of this document. As Example of an RJ45 to which the invention is applicable the drawings show such a connector 8.

The connector 8 is an RJ45 socket with a Insulation body 10 in which eight electrically conductive Elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 (FIG. 3) are accommodated. The elements have on each first ends bifurcated insulation displacement contacts 28, which are designed so that isolated Wire conductors in slots defined by the contacts can be pressed so that the insulation of the conductor through the edges of the respective slots defining contacts is intersected while an electrical between the conductors and these edges Contact is established. The contacts 28 are open an upper side of a connector 114 Connector body attached.

At second, opposite ends are the Elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 as Spring contacts 30 formed, these are in a Socket 48 of the body 10 extend so that parts of which are arranged so that an electrical Connection with contact elements of a (not shown) Plug is made when the plug is in the Version is introduced.

The contacts 28 define a first set 160 of terminals (FIG. 12) of the connector 8, and the Contacts 30 a second set 162 of connections (FIG. 3) of the connector 8.

Elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 are arranged so that transverse to the direction of their Extension seen main parts of it in a linear Array are arranged. In FIG. 3 include these Main parts essentially every entire element, with only upward parts are excluded, which the Define contacts 28. They also extend into FIG. 3 the main parts essentially in one common level. It is possible to draft a Arrange connector as shown so that the parts of these main parts, which are the contacts 30 define directly in a version like that in FIG. 1 Extend illustrated, and for clearer Representation of the nature of the elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 are the elements as for this Purpose CONFIG. Depends on the Orientation of the socket 48 with respect to the plane that the parts 40 of the elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 in addition to the contacts 28 contains the elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 but around the Line A-A in FIG. 3 at an angle of about 90 degrees bent to arrange them correctly in the socket. In the latter case, the contacts 30 are then in one Plane included, correspondingly at an angle of about 90 degrees to the plane containing the parts 40 is arranged. This arrangement is used in the connector 8 shown used.

An exemplary contact element 16 is in more detail in FIG. 4 and 5.

The elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 are in the usual use of the connector 8 so connected that they have signals in four circuit paths 32, 34, 36, 38, as shown in the diagram in FIG. 6 is shown. Thus, the signal path 32 contains the two innermost elements 18, 20, the circuit path 34 the two outermost elements 12, 14 on one side this, the circuit path 36 the two outermost Elements 24, 26 on their other side and the Circuit path 38, elements 16 and 22, respectively between elements 14 and 18 or elements 20, 24. This arrangement is in accordance with the convention in the Communication industry designed, but known problematic. The resulting branch of the Circuit path 38 so that it has signal-carrying components has (which by the parts 40 at least the Elements 16 and 22 are formed) that are relatively wide apart, but relatively close to each signal-carrying components of the other three Signal paths lie (which in particular by at least the parts 40 of the elements 14, 18, 20 and 24 are formed at least at relatively high levels Signal frequencies an essential crosstalk between the circuit paths.

It is known that crosstalk that occurs in Signals are created that are routed through circuit paths be the essential, adjacent spaced and parallel conductors can be reduced, by placing the ladder at a suitable point, such as Example in the middle, to be crossed or them otherwise arranged to be first and second Define pairs of sections of the route, the first pair before and the second pair after Crossover, with each pair embracing Sections Sections of the respective circuit routes that are in spaced apart, generally parallel, but the Sections are arranged so that the relative phase of signals in use between sections of the first pair, which is used in the Sections of the second pair are created is opposite. When applied to conductors such as for example the elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 leads in a connector as shown this means generally for the production of antiphase crosstalk signal components in the Circuit paths that tend to delete, especially so reduce the amount of crosstalk. This The effect may be mainly on the capacitive Coupling between the circuit paths, although an inductive coupling is also relevant or in certain cases may even be predominant.

In the connector 8 shown, the Mechanism for reducing crosstalk above used by the parts 40 of the inner elements 18, 20 at the crossover point 60 approximately in the middle are crossed along their lengths and the parts 40 of elements 12, 14 and elements 24, 26 in the direction of ends of the parts 40 of the elements 14, 24 and at Crossovers 62, 64, which are in places along the Lengths of the parts 40 of the respective elements 12, 26 that transversely with the crossing of the elements 18, 20 are aligned, positioned, crossed become. This leads to the provision of several Sets of first and second pairs of Circuit path sections as described above. As Example is in FIG. 6 a pair of Circuit sections 34a, 38a as sections of FIG Circuit paths 34, 38 and another, associated Pair of second circuit sections 34b, 38b of the Circuit paths 34, 38 marked. Sections 34a, 38a; 34b, 38b, the respective first and second pairs of Represent circuit sections as described above. The sections 34a, 34b are part of the elements 14 and 12 and sections 38a, 38b as parts of the Elements 16 formed.

To provide another electrical Compensation for connector 8 becomes separable Compensation device 116 provided. Now particularly with reference to FIG. 7 to 9 is the Device 116 in the form of an isolation structure 118 in front that defines a cap that is over the top a connector 114 of the connector body to the connector body Cover can be positioned. Structure 118 exists in two parts, with an outer part 121 and an inner part 123. The outer part 121 has having a generally rectangular planar roof portion 125 a depending peripheral edge part 127. The inner Part 123 also has a generally rectangular shape planar shape and is exactly in the outer part 121 housed so as to be surrounded by the peripheral part 127 become. On an underside of structure 118 on the inner part 123 is an array of contacts 120 provided that are positioned and dimensioned that they have an electrical connection with individual of the Insulation displacement contacts 28 of the connector 8 can enter when the device 116 on the Connector 114 is positioned.

The device 116 has electrical conductors and possibly compensation circuits such as Example capacitors or the like that the Provision of compensation for the connector 8 support. In this case the contacts are 120 in two parallel and spaced rows 129, 131 the exposed outer surface 140 of the inner Part 123 of the structure 118 arranged, and on the part 123 are conductive tracks 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147 provided and electrically connected to the Contacts. Of these are the conductive tracks 133, 135, 137, 139 on the Surface 140 of inner part 123 and the conductive tracks 141, 143, 145, 147 on the opposite inner surface 142 of the Part 123 (FIG. 9).

The contacts 28 of the connector 8 are in two Rows essentially on a common level arranged, and in positions that correspond to the positions of the Contacts 120 of the device 116 correspond so that by moving the device 116 to engage the Connection part 114 of the connector body 10, the contacts 28 in locking engagement with each of the Contacts 120 can be brought. The contacts 120 are forked. These contacts 120 and the forked ones Contacts 28 fit into each other and are flexible to releasably lock each other.

If the contacts 28, 120 on the last described are engaged, the Contacts 28 and thus the contact elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 with individual contacts 120 and assigned conductive tracks 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147 to the diagram shown in FIG. 11 shown way connected. Here are the couples interlocked contacts 28, 120 in the rows 129, 131 as from the direction "B" in FIG. 1 off shown viewed. The couple in the row 129 are labeled RH1, RH2, RH3 and RH4, and the Pairs in row 131 are called LH1, LH2, LH3 and LH4 designated. The pairs RH1, RH2, RH3 and RH4 lie respective of the pairs LH1, LH2, LH3 and LH4 and are spaced from them.

The main parts of the conductive traces 133, 135 are linear and extend from respective pairs LH2, RH1 part of the way via part 123 in an angle of 45 degrees to the directions of the Extension of parallel rows 129, 131 and in adjacent, spaced arrangement. The main parts of conductive traces 139, 137 are linear and parallel to the main parts of tracks 133, 135 and extend one from respective pairs LH4, RH3 Part of the way over part 123 at an angle of 45 degrees to the directions of extension of the parallel rows 129, 131 and in adjacent, spaced arrangement. The main parts of the lanes 141, 143, 145 and 147 extend in one to the angle of the main parts the paths 133, 135, 137, 139 opposite angles, so that the pair of lanes 133, 135 the pair of Tracks 141, 143 at an angle of about 90 degrees crosses and the pair of lanes 137, 139 the pair of tracks 145, 147 at an angle of about 90 degrees crossed.

The main parts of the conductive traces 141, 143 are linear and extend from respective pairs LH1, RH2 part of the way via part 123 in an angle of 45 degrees to the directions of the Extension of parallel rows 129, 131 and in adjacent, spaced arrangement. The main parts the conductive traces 145, 147 are linear and parallel to the main parts of tracks 141, 143 and extend one from respective pairs LH3, RH4 Part of the way over part 123 at an angle of 45 Degree to the directions of extension of the parallel Rows 129, 131 and in adjacent, spaced Arrangement.

FIG. 12 shows the assignment of individual ones Elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to individual the Contact pairs RH1, RH2, RH3, RH4, LH1, LH2, LH3 and LH4, that arises. Due to the narrow distance between the conductive traces in each pair of traces 133, 135; 137, 139; 141, 143; and 145, 147 each pair substantial capacity, with the result that these respective capacities 150, 152, 154 and 156 parallel to the contacts 28 of the connector 8 represent (see FIG. 6). These act Provision of further crosstalk compensation for the connector 8. In particular, the capacity 150 between the elements 12 and 24, the capacity 152 parallel to elements 20 and 22, capacitance 154 parallel to elements 14 and 26 and the capacity 156 parallel to the contact elements 16 and 18 provided.

The in FIG. 2, 10 and 11 Compensation device 216 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1, 7, 8 and 9 shown device 116, and like parts are identified by the same reference numbers. The Device 216 has a structure 218 with a inner part 123 as in device 116 which in an outer part 221 attached to the part 121 to the extent that it has a roof part 225 and a drooping peripheral edge 227 of similar shape like the roof part 125 and the edge part 127. The however, outer part 221 has on opposite Sides two locking parts 251, which are in parallel, extend spaced arrangement and compliant with engaged the body 10 of the connector 8 can be made detachable with the device 216 Lock connector. In particular, are on the inner surfaces of the locking parts 251 seats 255 provided that is detachable in one Snap-in arrangement with seats (not shown) the outer surface of the body 10 can be brought.

If the connector's contacts are different are configured, such as if they are in a RJ45 or otherwise not crossed as described other arrangements may of course be of compensation components necessary.

The invention is generally applicable to such provision of circuitry that Capacities and / or inductors for the purpose of Compensation will be introduced. This compensation can to be practically the only compensation by the combination of the connector 10 and the Device 16 or 216 is provided, but can in connection with other compensation means, such as Example crossing the conductors in the connector, Act. The compensation can serve the purpose of Provision of crosstalk reduction in serve electrical circuits when in use of the connector, the conductive elements of the connector included, but can also be used to hire others Properties, such as the impedance of the Connector 10, are suitable. While it is convenient to be reactive Elements by webs such as the webs 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147 (the for Example obtained on a double-sided circuit board be trained), but you can also do otherwise be formed.

The principles of the invention can also be applied to connectors other than RJ45 connectors are used.

Although the devices 116, 216 described for a detachable attachment to the connector 8 are designed, for example otherwise trained, such as pivotable attached to the connector.

The arrangement of RJ type connectors with Insulation displacement contacts such as the Insulation displacement contacts 28 is usually in such a way that these are arranged in rows such as the described rows 129, 131 are arranged. In in this case, the body 10 may have a trough between the Define rows and electrical lines for Connection to the insulation displacement contacts 28 can be accommodated, the Device 116, 216 the connections with these Cover contacts.

The contacts 28 can be formed by other forms of Contacts are replaced, and contacts 120 be appropriately trained to work with them get connected. The contacts 120 can, for example Leaf spring contacts. The invention was achieved only by way of examples described, and it is understood that many Modifications and variations are made to it can without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention to depart from all the novel features and Combinations of features described herein.

In the present description and the the following claims are intended to include the word "and" Variants such as "comprises" and "comprising" mean that an integer or a step or a mentioned mentioned group of integers or steps are included, but not every other integer or any other step or group of whole Numbers or steps are excluded if with compatible with the context.

Claims (15)

Compensation device (116 or 216) for Use with an electrical connector (8) with. a first and a second set of connections (160, 162) by electrically conductive elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) are connected, the compensation device being electrically connected to the conductive elements can be connected and components (133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147) Modification of the electrical properties of the Has connector. Compensation device according to claim 1 in Form a cap with electrical contacts (120) for Connect to the conductive elements either directly between the respective first and second set of connectors or with an or several of the connections of the first and second set of connections. Compensation device according to claim 1 or 2, which is formed as an insulation structure (118) is that carries electrical components that the Form or contain contacts (120), and the separable can be attached to the connector (8). Compensation device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 with a means (251) for attachment the device on an insulation body (10) of the Connector. Compensation device according to one of the above Claims, wherein the connector is of a nature where the first set of ports (160) is as an essentially two-dimensional array of Contacts is provided, which is essentially at be arranged on a surface part of the connector, wherein the contacts (120) of the device are in one corresponding array, which means that they are separated by a Relative movement of the device in the direction of Part of the surface with the connections of the first set can be brought into contact. Compensation device according to claim 5 with Arranged locking parts (251), whereby the Relative movement of the device (116 or 216) in Direction of the connector (8) locking the Compensation device and the connector with each other causes. Compensation device according to one of the above Claims, wherein the first set of connections of the Connector device insulation displacement contacts (28) and the contacts of the device (120) are such that they deal with these Can connect insulation displacement contacts. Compensation device according to one of the above Claims that are designed so that they with the Connector interacts to connect wires or other conductors to the connectors of the connector before connecting the compensation device enable and / or attachment and removal to allow such leaders while the Compensation device is attached. Compensation device according to one of the above Claims, wherein the components are conductive tracks (133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147) include the Capacities (150, 152, 154, 156) to effect the Modification of the electrical properties of the Define connector. Compensation device according to claim 9, wherein the railways provide crosstalk compensation. Compensation device according to claim 10, the connector being an RJ45 connector with eight is conductive elements, parts of which side by side essentially in a single plane lie and at least one pair of them is crossed over to provide crosstalk compensation. Compensation device according to claim 11, each outermost pair of the conductive parts Is crossed and an innermost pair of conductive elements is crossed, the Device is constructed so that a first, second, third and fourth capacities (154, 150, 156, 152) is formed when attaching the device the connector parallel to the first set of Connections (160) are created, the first Capacitance (154) then parallel to one of the conductive Elements (14) and a conductive element (26) in addition the other outermost conductive element (24) the second capacitance (150) parallel to the other of the outermost conductive elements (24) and the conductive element (12) next to the one outermost conductive element (14) is applied, the third Capacity (156) parallel to the second next conductive element (16) next to the one outermost conductive element (14) and the third next conductive element (18) next to the other outermost conductive element (24) is applied and the fourth Capacity (152) parallel to the next conductive element (22) next to the other outermost conductive element (14) and the third next conductive element (20) next to the one outermost conductive element (14) is applied. Electrical connector with a Compensation device according to one of claims 1 to 12 is equipped. Compensation device essentially like above with reference to the accompanying drawings described. Electrical connector with a Compensation device essentially as above with Described with reference to the accompanying drawings Is provided.

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