EP1627451A2

EP1627451A2 - Communications interface

Info

Publication number: EP1627451A2
Application number: EP04732613A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eduard Frias Valero
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP Espana SA
Current assignee: TE Connectivity AMP Espana SLU
Priority date: 2003-05-23
Filing date: 2004-05-13
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Also published as: WO2004105194A3; WO2004105194A2

Abstract

A communications interface (1) for connecting a communications device to a communications cable has connectors which are matable with co-operating connectors of the communications device. A housing encloses terminals of the interface and has access openings (9) therein via which the communications cable can extend into the housing for connection to the terminals. In preferred forms, a carrier member (100) is releasably securable to the interface (1) and at least one cable clamp component (69,71) for clamping a cable to the interface, or other component for the interface, is releasably secured to the carrier member (100). A component selected for fixing to the interface (1) can be released from the carrier member (100) and fixed to the interface as required.

Description

Communications Interface

The present invention relates to a communications interface for connecting a computer, telephone or other communications device to the cable of a network and, more particularly, to a communications interface which facilitates connection of cabling introduced to the interface at different angles.

EP -A-1098 410 discloses an electrical installation for connecting a plug connector to data and electrical supply cables and comprises an insert member housed in a box and having a connector which is matable with a connector plug. The box has openings formed in opposite walls of the box through which the cable is guided into the housing for connection to terminal strips. Contacts of the plug receiving connector are connected to the terminal strips. A bridge like structure comprising a pair of strain relief members is securable to the insert member in a position in which the strain relief members are aligned with a selected opening via which the cable extends into the box. In order to install two separate cables and connect them to the terminal strips, both cables must be secured to the same bridge like structure by the respective strain relief members prior to securing the bridge structure to the insert member. This can be a disadvantage if an installer wishes to install the cables one at a time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communications interface for connecting a communications device to a communications cable in which one or more cables can be readily installed from different incoming directions and which can be readily and easily assembled. Another object of the invention is to provide such an interface which is easily reusable.

Accordingly, the present invention consists in a communications interface for connecting a communications device to a communications cable, comprising a body having at least one connector matable with a co-operating connector of the communications device and a plurality of terminals connected to contacts of the connector(s), a housing enclosing the terminals and having access openings therein via which the communications cable can extend into the housing for connection to the terminals, a cable clamp device for attaching the cable to the body and engagable with securing means on the body for securing the cable clamp device to the body in a position corresponding to a selected one of the access openings, characterised in that the cable clamp device is a discrete cable clamp for one or more communications cables which is engagable with one of a plurality of the securing means arranged about the body for attaching the cable clamp to the body in a position in which it co-operates with a selected access opening. In preferred forms, this invention is further characterised by a carrier member releasably secured to the interface and at least one cable clamp component and/or other component for the interface releasably secured to the carrier member so that a component selected for fixing to the interface can be released from the carrier member.

Another aspect of the present invention consists in a communications interface for connecting a communications device to a communications cable, comprising a body having at least one connector matable with a co-operating connector of the communications device and a plurality of terminals connected to contacts of the connector(s), a housing enclosing the terminals and having access openings therein via which the communications cable can extend into the housing for connection to the terminals, at least one cable clamp device for attaching the cable to the body and engageable with securing means on the body for securing the cable clamp device to the body in a position corresponding to a selected one of the access openings, characterised by a carrier member releasably secured to the interface and at least one cable clamp component and/or other component for the interface releasably secured to the carrier member so that a component selected for fixing to the interface can be released from the carrier member.

The provision of a discrete cable clamp or strain relief clamp which is engageable with one of a plurality of the securing means arranged about the body for attaching the cable clamp to the body in a position in which it co-operates with a selected opening, facilitates the installation of the or each cable in the discrete cable clamp prior to securing the clamp to the body. The discrete cable clamp is more easier to manipulate and enables the cable(s) to be installed in the interface more rapidly and easily. Furthermore, multiple cables can be installed in the interface one at a time. Advantageously, the or each discrete cable clamp may be releasably engageable with the securing means. This enables the cable clamp to be released from the securing means and be engaged with another securing means about the body for attaching the cable clamp in an alternative position in which it co-operates with another selected opening. It also enables the cable to be readily released from the securing means so that it can be replaced by another cable.

The preferred provision of a carrier member releasably secured to the interface and at least one cable clamp component and/or other component for the interface releasably secured to the carrier member, facilitates handling and assembly of the communications interface. The carrier member avoids possible lose of one or more components because it enables the component(s) and the rest of the interface to be handled easily as a single unit which is advantageous for the purpose of transportation, storage and assembly. During assembly of the interface, the carrier member may be simply released from the interface and the component(s) selected for fixing to the interface can be detached from the carrier member, as required, and fixed to the interface.

The carrier member may be formed as a one piece moulding with the component(s) for the interface moulded integrally with the carrier member, the or each component being moulded so as to be readily breakable from the carrier member. With such a carrier member, the component(s) can be simply and easily released from the carrier member by breaking out the component(s) from the carrier member. Forming the carrier member as a single piece enables it to be manufactured without any additional processing of the component(s).

The carrier member may comprise a carrier frame which is releasably securable to the interface and which has a central part. The component(s) may be formed between the central part and the carrier frame. Lines of weakness between the component(s) and the carrier frame and central part allow the component(s) to be easily and rapidly released from the carrier member ready for fixing to the interface, as required. The communications interface may include at least two or more cable clamps which are individually engageable with selected securing means. When more than one cable clamp is used, at least one component for the interface may comprise a closure means fixable to either cable clamp for closing the co-operating openings of the housing when the cable clamp is not being used to secure a cable. The provision of such closure means is advantageous in that it prevents electromagnetic interference at the frequency range of interest from penetrating into or being emitted from the housing.

The or each cable clamp may be adapted to clamp two cables. In this case, at least one component for the interface may comprise a cable support which is fixable to the cable clamp for enabling the clamp to be used only with a single cable only.

The cable clamp device may comprise a discrete cable clamp for one or more communications cables which is engageable with one of a plurality of the securing means arranged about the body for attaching the cable clamp to the body in a position in which it co-operates with a selected access opening.

The or each discrete cable clamp may include a spring device for resiliently and electrically contacting the shield of the cable and connecting it to metal parts of the interface. Without such a spring device, the cable may relax over time and the contact between the metal screen and clamp may be adversely affected. The spring device ensures a long life contact between the cable screen and cable clamp which, in turn, ensures that the transfer impedance of the interface does not deteriorate with use.

Conveniently, the or each discrete cable clamp includes grounding means to which a ground wire of the cable may be electrically connected and which is electrically connectable with the body of the interface when the cable clamp is engaged with the securing means. Such grounding means allows the ground wire of the cable to be attached to the cable clamp which is advantageous because the ground wire need not be removed in the event that the cable clamp with the cable has to be released from the first selected securing means and has subsequently to be engaged with an alternative securing means about the body. Preferably, the terminals to which the communications cable is connectable comprise insulation displacement contacts (IDC) for enabling easy connection of the wires of the cable to the terminals.

In the preferred embodiment, the communications interface is a communications outlet capable of being used in category 6 applications. The or each connector is a category 6 modular connector and the or each cable is a category 6 multicore data cable.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of the rear side of the communications interface according to one embodiment, Figure 2 is another perspective view from above the rear side of the communications interface shown in Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the rear side of the communications interface of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front side of the communications interface,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear side of the interface with the housing detached ,

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the rear side of the interface without the housing

Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 6 with the cable clamps detached,

Figure 8 is an axial section of the interface, Figure 9 is a perspective view from one side of a first one of the cable clamps shown in Figure 7,

Figure 10 is perspective view from the other side of the first cable clamp,

Figure 11 is an fragmentary cross section of a cable clamp,

Figure 12 is a plan view of the rear side of the interface as shown in Figure 3 but with the housing rotated 180 degrees,

Figure 13 is a perspective view from one side of a second one of the cable clamps shown in Figure 7,

Figure 14 is perspective view from the other side of the second cable clamp, Figure 15 is another perspective view from above of the rear side of the interface without the housing,

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the cable support,

Figure 17 is a perspective view from above of the blanking part Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views of the interface as shown in Figure 6,

Figure 20 is an axial section of the interface without housing,

Figure 21 is another perspective of the interface without housing,

Figure 22a and 22b are fragmentary cross-sections illustrating parts of the securing means, Figure 23 is perspective view from above of the housing of the interface shown in figure 1, and

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the front side of the communications interface with the carrier member secured to the front side,

Figure 25 is a perspective view similar to Figure 24 with the carrier member released, Figure 26 is a perspective view of the rear of the carrier member shown in Figure 25,

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the rear of the interface shown in Figure 24, and

Figure 28 is fragmentary perspective view of the detail A of Figure 27 illustrating securing means for securing the carrier member

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the embodiment illustrated is a communications outlet 1 for connecting a telephone, computer or other communications device to standard category 6 data communications cabling (not shown).

As shown particularly in Figures 1 to 7, the outlet comprises a body 2 having two connectors 3, more particularly, two RJ45 modular connector sockets 3, mounted to the body so as to be accessible from the front side 4 of the outlet 1 and matable with co-operating connectors of the communications device (not shown). Contacts 6 of the pair of RJ45 connectors 3 are electrically connected to terminals 7,8 disposed on the rear side 9 of the body which terminals are electrically connected to data communications cable(s). A housing 11 encloses the terminals 7,8 and has a pair of access openings 9,10 therein via which the communications cable(s) can extend into the housing 11 for connection to the terminals. The outlet 1 includes a pair of discrete cable clamps 12,13 which are individually enagageable with securing means 14,15 arranged at spaced apart locations on the rear side 9 of the body 2, and opposite one another, for attaching cables to the body. Each cable clamp 12,13 includes a grounding means in the form of a ground screw 16 mounted in the cable clamp and engageable with the body 2 when the cable clamp is attached to the body.

The body 2 includes an outer frame 17 which borders the periphery of the front side 4 of the body to enable the outlet 1 to be screwed to an installation box (not shown).

As shown particularly in Figures 24 to 28, a carrier member 100 is releasably secured to the front side of the outlet 1 for carrying components 69, 71 which may be selected for fixing to the outlet 1. The components 69, 71 are releasably secured to the carrier member 100. As will be explained more fully below, the carrier member 100 including the components 69, 71 , is released from the outlet preparatory to assembly of the outlet and installation of the cables(s).

With the cable clamps 12,13 and housing 11 initially detached from the body 2 as shown in Figure 7, one or a pair of cables (not shown) can be installed in the outlet by first fixing the cable(s) to the cable clamp 12, electrically connecting a ground wire of the cable to the ground screw 16, and subsequently engaging both cable clamps 12,13 to the securing means on the body. A blanking part 71 is fixed to the clamp 13 not fitted with a cable (see Figure 6). Wires of the cable are then connected to the terminals 7 on the rear side of the body. Once the terminals have been isolated, the housing is then fixed to the rear side of the body 2 to enclose the terminals with the cable clamp 12 holding the cable co-operating with one of the access openings of the housing such that the cable(s) can extend into the housing via the opening 10 (see Figures 1-3 and 5). The other access opening 9 is closed by the blanking part 71 on the other clamp cable 13. The outer frame 17 is then screwed to the open side of an installation box so as to enclose the outlet in the box with the RJ45 connectors 3 accessible from the front side of the box. Figures 1 to 4 show the communications outlet completely assembled. δ

Also, a pair of cables can be installed in the outlet 1 by fixing one cable to one cable clamp 12 and the other to the other cable clamp 13 and engaging the cable clamps to the securing means 14,15 on either side of the rear of the body 2. After connecting the cables to the terminals 7,8 the housing 11 is then fixed to the rear of the body 2 with the cable clamps 12,13 co-operating with the access openings 9,10 of the housing such that the pair of cables can extend into the housing via the access openings. The pair of cables can extend into the housing at 90 degrees relative to one another through openings 9,10 at the bottom left and bottom right sides of the rear of the body as indicated by symbols (A) and (B) shown on Figure 3.

The outlet 1 will now be described in greater detail with reference in particular to Figures 7 and 8. The body 2, including the outer frame 17, is formed from die cast metal. The outer frame 17 includes self-centring protrusions 19 located at its corners and about the centre of each of its side edges for fixing the position of the outlet 1 on an installation box (not shown). Locating slots 20,120 are stamped near the corners of the outer frame 17 and centrally between the corners for screwing the frame to the box. As will be explained more fully, the central slots 120 also serve a securing means for securing a carrier member to the front side of the outlet 1. The corners of the frame are formed with folds or indents 21 so that they are breakable from the rest of the frame using pliers or a similar tool to facilitate fixing of the outlet to the installation box (not shown).

As shown more particularly in Figure 8, the two RJ45 connectors 3 are supported within a metal mounting 22 of the body 2 in the front side 4 of the body 2 and are mounted on a printed circuit board 23 (PCB) which is fixed below the mounting. The terminals 7,8 for connection to the cables comprise insulation displacement contact (IDC) blocks are mounted on the opposite side of the PCB 23 from the connectors 3, in pairs, about the outer region of the rear side 9 of the body. The terminal pairs 7,8 are arranged in a V shape formation and oppose one another leaving a central area of the rear side of the body free for the wires of the cables to be connected to the terminals 7,8. These terminals are electrically connected to the contacts 6 of the RJ45 connector sockets 3 via tracks on the printed circuit board 23. A plastic cover 24 is housed on the central area of the rear side 9 of the body 2 between the pairs of IDC blocks 7,8 so as to isolate the cables from the PCB 23. As shown more particularly in figure 7, the body 2 includes two rectangular platforms 25,26 or steps on left and right sides of the rear side 9 of the body 2 for supporting the cable clamps 12,13 on the body. The metal mounting 22 has two cantilever arms 29,30 which are arranged on the same sides of the body as the platforms 25, 26 such that the free ends 31 ,32 of the arms project upward above the platforms via holes 33 formed in the platforms. Locating bosses 35,36 are formed on the platforms 25,26 either side of the holes 33 and project upwards above the free ends 31 ,32 of the cantilever arms 29,30 to positions proximate to left and right side edges of the plastic cover 24. Pairs of latching cavities 37,38 are formed on the plastic cover 24 spaced inwards from the left and right side edges. The cantilever latch 29,31 , locating bosses 35 and cavities 37 together serve as securing means 14 for individually attaching a discrete cable clamp 12 to the left of the rear side of the body and the cantilever latch 30,32, locating bosses 36 and cavities 38 together serve as a securing means 15 for individually attaching the discrete cable clamp 13 to the right side of the rear side 9.

Referring to figure 5, a plastic isolator 40 is mounted on each pair of IDC blocks 7,8 and is arranged to isolate the IDC terminals 7,8 and cable wires connected thereto from the housing 11 which is formed of die cast metal. As shown in Figure 23, the housing 11 has a pair of access openings 9,10 formed in right and left sidewalls 40,41 of the housing. The openings 9,10 are rectangular like in shape and open ended. The openings 9,10 are arranged such that the central axes extending there through are inclined at 90 degrees relative to one another.

Two guide holes 27,28 are formed on the rear side 9 of the body 2 diagonally opposing one another. A locating pin 42 is formed on the underside of the housing 11 for locating with one of the two guide holes 27,28 (see Figure 5). Also formed on the underside of the housing 11 , is a captive locking screw 43 for locking the housing 11 to the rear of the body. This ensures that the locking screw is not lost. As explained below, the captive screw 43 is engageable to the body via a throughhole 60 of the cable clamp 12 when the clamp is attached to the body. The cable clamps 12,13 will now be described. Each cable clamp is formed from die cast metal. As shown particularly in figures 9 and 10, the first cable clamp 13 has an elongated base portion 44 which has a screw hole 80 formed at one end 45 of the base portion which accommodates the grounding screw 16 for electrical connection to metal parts of the body 2. A square like plate 46 is integrally formed with a central part of a longitudinal top side edge 47 of the base portion 44 and projects perpendicularly from the side edge 47 to one side of the base portion. Two spaced apart tabs 48 for engaging either pair of cavities 37,38 in the plastic cover 24 of the body protrude from a straight side edge of the base plate 46 which edge is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the base portion 44. Formed centrally in the base portion 44 is a recess accessible from beneath the base portion 45 containing a latching member 50 for latching with the cantilever arm (see Figure 7).

Integrally formed on top of the plate 46 is a groove like chamber 51 ,52,53 for accommodating two cables one above the other. The groove like chamber is defined by a curved base 51 and upstanding guide and sidewalls 52,53 on opposite longitudinal sides of the curved base. The guide wall 52 is located about the plate whereas the sidewall 53 is positioned on the base portion 44. An arcuate clamp 54 is attached at one end by a screw 55 to the top of the sidewall 53 and has a tongue 56 at its opposite end which is arranged in a v-shaped guide slot 57 formed in the upper end of the guide wall. This prevents undesired lateral motion when screwing the clamp 54 to fit the cable and avoids excessive slanting which would worsen the cable clamping.

As best shown in Figure 11 , housed in the curved base 51 is a u-shaped spring device 58 which is arranged such that its two free ends project upwardly out of spaced apart slots 59 formed in the curved base 51 for resiliently and electrically contacting the screen(s) of the cable(s) fixed in the chamber. The spring device 58 provides a long life contact between the screen of the cable and metal parts of the outlet 1 to ensure that the transfer impedance of the outlet does not increase with time. Increases in transfer impedance can occur when a fixed clamp is used because the cable relaxes with time causing the contact to deteriorate. The groove like chamber is arranged with its longitudinal axis at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the base portion 44 as measured from the end 45 such that, when the cable clamp 13 is engaged with the securing means 15 on the right side of the rear of the body 2, it can co-operate with an access opening 9 at the bottom right (B) of the rear side 9. When the cable clamp 13 is rotated 180 degrees and engaged with the securing means 14 on the left of the rear side, it can co-operate with an access opening 9 at the top left(C) (see Figures 3 and 12).

The second of the pair of cable clamps is shown in Figures 13 and 14. The second cable clamp 12 is, for the most part, similar in structure to the first cable clamp 13 shown in Figures 9 and 10 and like parts of the clamps will be referred to using the same reference numerals. However, the groove like chamber of the second cable clamp 12 is arranged such that its longitudinal axis is 135 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the base portion as measured from the end 45. This enables the second clamp 12 engaged with the securing means 15 on the right side of the rear of the body to co-operate with an access opening 10 at the top right (D) of the rear side 9.

When the second clamp is rotated 180 degrees and engaged with the securing means 14 on the left side, for example, as shown in Figure 6, it can co-operate with an access opening 10 at the bottom left (A) (see Figure 3). Also, the base portion has through hole 60 formed at the end 66 of the base portion 45, opposite the end 45, for receiving the captive screw 43 of the housing 11 (see Figures 5 & 23).

Different components for the outlet 1 can be fixed to the outlet 1 to adapt the outlet as required. As will be explained more fully below with reference to Figures 24 to 28 , the components 69, 71 are carried on the carrier member 100 which is releasably secured to the outlet 1 and are releasably secured to the carrier member 100 such that a component 69, 71 selected for fixing or attaching to the outlet can be released from the carrier member 100, as required.

The clamps can be adapted so that they can each clamp a single cable. For this purpose, at least one component for the outlet 1 comprises a cable support 69, as shown in Figure 16, made of die cast metal, which can be fixed on top of the curved base 51. The inner sides of the guide and sidewalls 52,53 contain vertical grooves 67 for receiving interference protrusions 68 located on opposite longitudinal sidewalls of the cable support 69. This enables the cable support 69 to be rigidly fixed to the cable clamp. The bottom wall of the cable support includes a groove 70 which, when the cable support 69 is fixed on the cable clamp, defines a slot. The support 69 can be removed from the cable clamp by means of screw of similar tool pressing in the slot.

Another component for the outlet comprises a blanking part 71 which can be fixed to the cable clamp in order to close off an access opening of the housing which cooperates with a cable clamp which is fitted with a cable. The blanking part is shown in Figure 17. It is formed from die cast metal and comprises two parallel arms 72,73 integrally formed with a cross member. The inner opposing faces 74,75 of the arms are shaped so as to mate with the opposite ends of the groove chamber. The blanking part is arranged so that one arm 72 is directly adjacent the access opening when fitted to the clamp and includes a rectangular member 76 on its side facing the opening which member closes the opening.

As shown in Figures 24 to 27, the carrier member 100 for carrying the components 69,71 is releasably secured to the front side 4 of the outlet 1 on the outer frame 17. In this particular embodiment, the carrier member 100 includes components 69,71 comprising two cable support parts 69 and one blanking part 71 which are releasably secured to the carrier member 100 so that a blanking or support part 69,71 selected for fixing to the cable clamp 12, 13 can be released from the carrier member 100.

As shown particularly in Figure 25, the carrier member 100 is formed as single piece from a metal cast with the component(s) 69,71 moulded integrally with the carrier member 100 so as to be readily breakable from the carrier member. It comprises an annular carrier frame 101 which is releasably securable to the outlet 1 and which surrounds a central part 102 which is in the form of a spider 102. The components 69,71 are supported between respective spider legs 103 and corresponding fingers 104 extending radially inwardly from the carrier frame 101. The components 69,71 are formed between the free ends of the spider legs and corresponding fingers 104. Lines of weakness between the components 69,71 and the legs and fingers enable the components to be readily breakable from the carrier member 100. Slots 120 of the outer frame 17 of the outlet serve as securing means for securing a pair of lugs 106 formed on the carrier frame 101. The lugs together with the securing means function as a bayonet type fitting.

As shown particularly in Figures 27 and 28, each slot 120 comprises two adjacent near circular cut outs 107 and a third smaller part circular cut out bridging the two other cut outs 107 so as to form a notch 108. The lugs 106 extend inwardly from opposite positions of the carrier frame 101 and include a downwardly extending cylindrical body with a semi-circular disc integrated with the free bottom end of the lugs 106. They are configured such that they can be inserted through either of the larger spaced apart cut-outs 107 of the slots 120 and then engaged with the notches 108 by twisting the carrier frame 101 accordingly so as to releasably secure the carrier member 100 to the outlet 1.

The rear side of the spider legs 103 are generally concave like in shape such that when the carrier member 100 is released from the outlet 1 and placed on a flat supporting surface with its front side up, the components parts 69,71 can be released from the carrier member 100 by simply pressing down on the spider 102 so as to cause the lines of weakness to break.

Preparatory to assembly of the outlet 1 , the carrier member 100 including the components 69,71 is first releasably secured to the outlet 1 . This is achieved by positioning the carrier member 100 over the outlet 1 with its rear side facing the front side 4 of the outlet and with the lugs 106 aligned above the larger cut outs 107 of respective slots 120 (Figure 28). The carrier member 100 is then lowered towards the front side 4 of the outlet such that the lugs 106 pass through the larger cut outs 107 of the slots 120. Then, the carrier member 100 is twisted round in a plane parallel with that of the front side 4 of the outlet so that the cylindrical portions of the lugs 106 pass into the notches 108 thereby securing the carrier member 100 to the outlet 1 (Figure 24 and 28).

The method of assembly of the interface ready for connecting one or more cables to the outlet will now be described. Initially the carrier member including the components 69,71 is secured to the front side 4 of the outlet 1 as described in the preceding paragraph and as shown in Figure 24. In order to release a component 69,71 selected for fixing to the outlet 1 , the carrier member 100 is first released from the outlet 1 by twisting the carrier member 100 so as to release the lugs 106 from the notches 108 and align them with larger adjacent cut outs 107 of the slots 20. As the carrier member 100 is lifted away from the front side 4 of the outlets the lugs 106 pass through the larger cut outs 107 and the carrier member 100 is released from the outlet 1 .

In order to release the components 69, 71 from the carrier member 100, the carrier member is placed on a supporting surface rear side down (not shown) and the front side of the spider 102 is pressed downwardly so as to provide stress on the lines of weakness 105 between the components 69,71 and the carrier frame 101 and spider 102 and thereby break out the components 69,71 from the carrier member 100. Alternatively, the components 69,71 may be individually broken out from the carrier member 100 as required by holding the frame 101 and pushing out the selected component 69,71.

The outlet 1 can be used as a communications interface for connecting a communications device to a shielded category 6 cable entering into the outlet at different angles. As will be explained in more detail, a single cable clamp 12,13 can be used to attach one or two cables to the body 2 with the cable or cables extending into the housing via either single access opening 9,10 at either the bottom left (A), bottom right (B), top left (C) or top right (D) of the rear of the body as indicated in figures 3 and 12. Alternatively, two cables can be individually attached to the body 2 using two cable clamps 12, 13 with the cables extending into the housing via a pair of access openings 9,10 either at the bottom left (A) and bottom right (B) or at the top left (C) and top right (D) (see Figures 3 and 12). Since the or each cable enters the outlet at an angle, excessive stress on the cable and possible kinks therein are avoided.

The method of connecting a single cable to the outlet 1 in a position in which it extends into the housing via an access opening 9 at the bottom left (A) will now be described using an outlet 1. component. First, the cable is fitted in the second cable clamp 12 which is detached from the body 2. For this purpose, a cable support 69, which has been released from the carrier member 100 in the aforementioned manner, is fixed on the curved base 51 of the chamber by fitting the interference protrusions 68 into the grooves 67 of the guide and sidewalls 52,53. The cable is mounted on the cable support 69 and then fixed by the clamp 54 in the groove like chamber by tightening the clamp screw 55. Twisted pairs of the shielded cable are pulled apart and untwisted in preparation for connection to the terminals 7,8 of the outlet 1 and the ground wire is placed around the grounding screw 16 of the clamp 12.

The second cable clamp 12 is then engaged with the securing means 14 on the left side of the rear of the body 2 in order to attach the cable clamp to the body in a position in which it can co-operate with an access opening 10 of the housing 11 in the bottom left position (A). The clamp 12 is engaged with the securing means by inserting the tabs 48 into the cavities 37 of the plastic cover 24 and seating the base portion 44 on the platform 25 so that the locating bosses 35 locate within the base portion and the lead in edge 31 of the cantilever latching arm 29 enters the recess in the base portion and snaps over the latch member 50 therein to secure the cable clamp 12 to the body 2. Figures 22a, which is a fragmentary cross section of the detail A of Figure 8, and Figure 22b illustrate in detail the securing means and clamp engaged together.

The twisted pairs are then stuffed into the pair of IDC blocks 7 and, as a result, the sheaths of the individual wires are cut and the wires make electrical contact with the terminals 7. The plastic isolators 40 are then mounted on each pair of IDC blocks 7,8 for isolating the nude crimped wire and IDC blocks from the metal housing 11 , when the housing is fixed to the body.

Prior to engaging the first clamp 13 to the securing means 15 on the right side of the rear of the body 2, a blanking part 71 , which has been released from the carrier member 100 in the aforementioned manner, is fixed to the groove chamber. The housing 11 is then fixed to the rear of the body by the locating pin 42 in the guide hole 27 on the right side of the rear and by passing the captive screw 43 though the hole 60 of the cable clamp 12 and screwing it to the body. The cable extends into the housing 11 via the access opening 10 at the bottom left (A) side and the blanking part 71 of the clamp 13 closes the other access opening 9 which opening is positioned on the bottom right side (B) (see Figure 3). The outlet is now completely assembled and there are no significant holes in the outlet through which electromagnetic interference in the required frequency range of operation can penetrate which would otherwise affect the operation of the outlet.

Alternatively, if the second cable clamp 12 with the cable is engaged in the securing means 15 on the right side and the first cable clamp 13 is engaged in the securing means 14 on the left side, the second clamp 12 can co-operate with an opening 10 at the top right (D) so that the cable can extend into the housing via the opening 10 at the top right. The first clamp 13 will then close the access opening 9 at the top left (C) (see Figure 12). In such a case, the housing 11 must be rotated 180 degrees prior to fixing to the body 2 so that the access openings 9,10 occupy the top left and top right positions.

Alternatively, if the cable is fixed to the first cable clamp 13 and the blanking part 71 is fitted to the second cable clamp 12, the cable can extend via the opening at the bottom right (B) when the first cable clamp 13 is engaged with the securing means 15 on the right and at the top left (C) when engaged with the securing means 14 on the left. The second cable clamp 12 accordingly closes openings 10, 9 on the bottom left (A) and top right (D) when engaged with the securing means 14, 15 on the left and right sides.

The method of connecting two cables to the outlet 1 in a position in which they extend into the housing via a single access opening is the same as the aforementioned method of connecting a single cable to the outlet but the cable support is not fitted to the cable clamp and the cables are fitted one above the other in the chamber of the clamp.

Alternatively, a single cable can be fixed in each cable clamp 12,13, in which case, the cables can extend into the housing 11 via access openings 9,10 at the bottom left (A) and bottom right (B) when the first and second clamps 13,12 are engaged with right and left securing means 15, 14 and top left (C) and top right (D) when the first and second clamps are engaged with the left and right securing means and the housing rotated 180 degrees.

Whilst a particular embodiment has been described, it would be understood that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It would, for example, be obvious to those skilled in the art that the communications interface is not restricted to a communications outlet used in category 6 applications as illustrated and described herein and that the interface may include other types of connectors and terminals as well as cable clamps that are adapted for attaching cable other than category 6 cable to the body.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A communications interface for connecting a communications device to a communications cable, comprising a body having at least one connector matable with a co-operating connector of the communications device and a plurality of terminals connected to contacts of the connector(s), a housing enclosing the terminals and having access openings therein via which the communications cable can extend into the housing for connection to the terminals, a cable clamp device for attaching the cable to the body and engagable with securing means on the body for securing the cable clamp device to the body in a position corresponding to a selected one of the access openings, characterised in that the cable clamp device is a discrete cable clamp for one or more communications cables which is engagable with one of a plurality of the securing means arranged about the body for attaching the cable clamp to the body in a position in which it co-operates with a selected access opening.

2. A communications interface as claimed in claim 1 , characterised by a carrier member (100) releasably secured to the interface and at least one cable clamp component (69,71) and/or other component for the interface releasably secured to the carrier member so that a component (69,71) selected for fixing to the interface can be released from the carrier member.

3. A communications interface for connecting a communications device to a communications cable, comprising a body (2) having at least one connector (3) matable with a co-operating connector of the communications device and a plurality of terminals (7,8) connected to contacts (6) of the connector(s), a housing (11) enclosing the terminals and having access openings (9,10) therein via which the communications cable can extend into the housing for connection to the terminals (7,8), at least one cable clamp device (12,13) for attaching the cable to the body (2) and engageable with securing means (14,15) on the body for securing the or each cable clamp device to the body in a position corresponding to a selected one of the access openings, characterised by a carrier member (100) releasably secured to the interface and at least one cable clamp component (69,71) and/or other component for the interface releasably secured to the carrier member so that a component (69,71) selected for fixing to the interface can be released from the carrier member.

4. A communications interface as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the carrier member (100) is formed as a one piece moulding with the component(s) (69,71) moulded integrally with the carrier member so that the or each component (69,71) is readily breakable from the carrier member (100).

5. A communications interface as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the carrier comprises a carrier frame (101) which is releasably securable to the interface and which has a central part (103), wherein the or each component (69,71) is formed between the central part (103) and the frame (101) and wherein lines of weakness are formed between said component(s) (69,71) and said carrier frame (101 and central part (103) so as to enable the component(s) (69,71) to be easily breakable from the carrier member (100).

6. A communications interface according to any preceding claim, including at least two cable clamps (12,13) and wherein at least one component (71) comprises a closure means (71) fixable to either cable clamp (12,13) for closing an opening (9,10) of the housing (11) co-operating with said cable clamp when said cable clamp is not being used to clamp a cable.

7. A communications interface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each cable clamp (12,13) is adapted to clamp (12,13) two cables and wherein at least one component comprises a cable support (69) which is fixable to the or each cable clamp (12,13) for enabling the clamp to clamp a single cable only.

8. A communications interface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including at least two cable clamps (12,13) which are individually engageable with selected securing means (14,15).

9. A communications interface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each cable clamp device (12,13) is a discrete cable clamp for one or more communications cables which is engageable with one of a plurality of the securing means (14,15) arranged about the body (2) for attaching the cable clamp (12,13) to the body in a position in which it co-operates with a selected access opening (9,10).

10. A communications interface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each discrete cable clamp (12,13) is releasably engageable with the or each securing means (14,15).

11. A communications interface as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the or each discrete cable clamp (12,13) includes a spring device ((58) for resiliently and electrically contacting the shield of the cable and connecting it to metal parts of the interface.

12. A communications interface as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the or each discrete cable clamp (12,13) includes a grounding means (16) which is electrically connectable with the cable and which is electrically connectable with the body (2) of the interface when the cable clamp (12,13) is engaged with the selected securing means (14,15).

13. A communications interface as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the terminals (7,8) comprise insulation displacement contacts (IDC) for enabling easy connection of wires of the cable to the terminals.

14. A communications interface as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each connector (3) is a category six modular connector and the or each cable is a category six multicore data cable.

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