EP3657611A1 - Connector with multiple outputs - Google Patents

Abstract

- Connector with multiple outputs - The invention relates to a connector (1) comprising electrical terminals (7) and a first and a second cover (10, 11) movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which said hoods (10, 11) contribute to forming a housing (12), characterized in that said first and second hoods (10, 11) respectively comprise at least a first and a second portion (13, 14) breakable which overlap at least partially in the closed configuration, so that said covers (10, 11) can form in closed configuration different openings for passage of said cable (8) depending on whether the first and / or the second breakable portion (13, 14) is detached from the cover (10, 11) correspondent.- Telecommunication and / or data network connectors.

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of connectors, more specifically to connectors relating to telecommunications and / or data transmission, in order for example to allow the connection and routing of VDI streams (“ Voice Data Images ”). ) in buildings (housing or buildings in the tertiary or industrial sector for example).

The present invention relates more particularly to a telecommunication and / or data network connector comprising on the one hand electrical terminals to which electrical conductors of an electrical cable are intended to be respectively connected, and on the other hand at least a first and a second cover movable relative to each other between an opening configuration allowing the connection of said conductors to said terminals and a closing configuration in which said covers contribute to forming a housing receiving said electrical conductors and terminals.

It is known practice to use connectors allowing, for example, within a dwelling or an office, to connect equipment (computer, telephone, router, etc.) to a telecommunications and / or data transmission network. . Known in particular are connectors equipped with a connection plug (for example an RJ45 female plug) intended to be connected to a cable itself connected to the network concerned. Said connector can be provided with standardized attachment means of the “ Keystone ” type allowing it to be associated by snap-fastening to a strip forming for example a wall plate.

We know in particular an RJ45 connector of the “ Keystone ” type provided with insulation displacement terminals and a system of “ butterfly ” levers helping to ensure a simple and rapid connection of the RJ45 connector in question to the various wires of the cable to be connected to the connector. This known RJ45 connector is generally satisfactory but nevertheless presents serious drawbacks.

A major drawback of this known RJ45 connector is related to the fact that the design of this connector does not allow it to adapt optimally to all installation configurations and constraints likely to be encountered in practice. Indeed, depending on the configuration of the installation, and the constraints of the building concerned, the cable leaving the connector may have to be oriented in a specific way, for example in a right or left lateral direction, or in an axial direction in the continuity of the connector, or up or down. Known standard RJ45 connectors are not suitable for all of these potential installation situations, and are generally designed to implement a single, only axial cable outlet, which is not necessarily suitable for all situations encountered in practice. .

However, it has been proposed, in order to remedy this drawback, a “ Keystone ” type connector with “ butterfly ” levers provided with several cable passages, allowing the cable to exit in several different respective directions. This connector makes it possible to solve the problem set out above but still has serious drawbacks, however.

The main drawback of this multi-output connector is that its design and construction do not allow housing to accommodate the connection terminals which is completely closed once the cable is connected to the connector via one of the passages cable available. This absence of possibility of obtaining a completely closed housing is a source of risks in terms of safety of use and reliability (possibility of intrusion of foreign bodies, dust or other, in the housing), and does not make it possible to obtain optimal performance in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) when the connector concerned is shielded.

This known multiple output connector also has a relatively complex construction and is also not easily, quickly and optimally adaptable to all installation situations likely to be encountered in practice.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector whose design allows easy and rapid installation whatever the environment concerned (box , taken wall, trunking ...) and the related constraints, while minimizing the bulk and preserving the reliability, the safety of use of the connector, as well as its level of performance in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) when the connector is fully or partially shielded.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector allowing easy and rapid installation even in the most spatially constraining environments.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector, the construction of which is extremely simple, durable and economical.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector which is particularly compact and robust.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector which makes it possible to route the cable in multiple directions depending on the installation environment, while maintaining an optimal level of reliability and safety, especially in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance when the connector is shielded.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector, the manufacture of which can be easily industrialized, at low cost.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector which can be used without tools.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new telecommunication and / or data network connector which has a reusable character.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new telecommunications and / or data network connector whose design is compatible with the applicable norms and standards.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a telecommunication and / or data network connector comprising on the one hand electrical terminals to which electrical conductors of an electrical cable are intended to be respectively connected, and on the other hand at least a first and a second cover movable relative to each other between an opening configuration allowing the connection of said conductors to said terminals and a closing configuration in which said covers contribute to forming a housing receiving said electrical conductors and terminals, characterized in that said first and second covers respectively comprise at least a first and a second breakable portion which overlap at least partially in the closed configuration, so that said covers can form different openings in the closed configuration passage of said cable depending on whether the first and / or the second breakable portion is detached from the corresponding cover, said different passage openings allowing a passage of the cable in different respective orientations.

• Figure 1 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective plongeante de trois-quarts face, un exemple de connecteur conforme à l'invention, avec ses premier et deuxième capots en configuration de fermeture.
• Figure 2 illustre le connecteur de la figure 1, cette fois selon une vue schématique en perspective plongeante de trois-quarts arrière.
• Figure 3 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 et 2 selon une vue schématique en perspective de trois-quarts arrière en contre-plongée.
• Figure 4 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont sort un câble électrique selon une direction axiale.
• Figure 5 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont sort un câble électrique selon une direction latérale gauche.
• Figure 6 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont sort un câble électrique selon une direction latérale droite.
• Figure 7 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont sort un câble électrique selon une direction verticale ascendante.
• Figure 8 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont sort un câble électrique selon une direction verticale descendante.
• Figure 9 illustre le connecteur des figures 1 à 3 dont les premier et deuxième capots sont cette fois en configuration d'ouverture.
• Figure 10 est identique à la figure 9, à la différence près qu'elle représente en outre de manière schématique un câble et ses fils en vue d'un montage correspondant à celui de la figure 8.
• Figure 11 est une vue schématique en coupe du connecteur des figures 1 à 3 en configuration fermée.
• Figure 12 illustre selon une vue schématique en coupe, une ouverture de passage de câble, correspondant à la figure 4, qui peut être obtenue en détachant de manière appropriée les portions sécables des premier et deuxième capots.
• Figure 13 illustre selon une vue schématique en coupe, une ouverture de passage de câble, correspondant à la figure 7, qui peut être obtenue en détachant de manière appropriée les portions sécables des premier et deuxième capots.
• Figure 14 illustre selon une vue schématique en coupe, une ouverture de passage de câble, correspondant à la figure 8, qui peut être obtenue en détachant de manière appropriée les portions sécables des premier et deuxième capots.
• Figure 15 illustre, selon une vue schématique en coupe analogue à celle des figures 11 à 14, un autre mode de réalisation d'un connecteur conforme à l'invention, qui se distingue du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 14 essentiellement par le fait que le connecteur ne permet pas de sortie de câble verticale ascendante.
• Figure 16 illustre une ouverture de passage axiale qui peut être obtenue avec le connecteur de la figure 15.
• Figure 17 illustre une ouverture de passage verticale descendante qui peut être obtenue avec le connecteur de la figure 15.
• Figure 18 illustre, selon une vue schématique en coupe, l'association d'un connecteur conforme au mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 14 dans un bandeau mural par mise en œuvre d'un mécanisme d'encliquetage à languette flexible de type « Keystone ».

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of purely illustrative and nonlimiting example, in which:

• Figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic view in plunging perspective of three-quarter face, an example of connector according to the invention, with its first and second covers in the closed configuration.
• Figure 2 illustrates the connector of the figure 1 , this time in a schematic view in plunging perspective from three-quarter rear.
• Figure 3 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 and 2 according to a schematic perspective view of rear three-quarter view from below.
• Figure 4 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 from which an electrical cable exits in an axial direction.
• Figure 5 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 from which an electrical cable exits in a left lateral direction.
• Figure 6 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 from which an electric cable exits in a right lateral direction.
• Figure 7 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 from which an electrical cable exits in an ascending vertical direction.
• Figure 8 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 from which an electrical cable exits in a downward vertical direction.
• Figure 9 illustrates the connector of Figures 1 to 3 whose first and second covers are this time in the opening configuration.
• Figure 10 is identical to the figure 9 , with the difference that it also schematically represents a cable and its wires for an assembly corresponding to that of the figure 8 .
• Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view of the connector of the Figures 1 to 3 in closed configuration.
• Figure 12 illustrates in a schematic sectional view, a cable passage opening, corresponding to the figure 4 , which can be obtained by appropriately detaching the breakable portions of the first and second covers.
• Figure 13 illustrates in a schematic sectional view, a cable passage opening, corresponding to the figure 7 , which can be obtained by appropriately detaching the breakable portions of the first and second covers.
• Figure 14 illustrates in a schematic sectional view, a cable passage opening, corresponding to the figure 8 , which can be obtained by appropriately detaching the breakable portions of the first and second covers.
• Figure 15 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view similar to that of figures 11 to 14 , another embodiment of a connector according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 essentially by the fact that the connector does not allow a vertical ascending cable outlet.
• Figure 16 illustrates an axial passage opening which can be obtained with the connector of the figure 15 .
• Figure 17 illustrates a vertical downward opening which can be obtained with the connector of the figure 15 .
• Figure 18 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view, the association of a connector according to the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 in a wall panel using a “Keystone” type flexible latching mechanism .

The invention relates to a connector 1 for telecommunications and / or data network. The connector 1 according to the invention can therefore be used in the field of telecommunications and / or data processing and / or multimedia, and it makes it possible to provide a connection interface between a piece of equipment (computer, telephone, router, etc.). .) and a network, to ensure the transmission of data of all kinds, for example VDI data (voice, data, images) between the network concerned and the equipment connected to the network via connector 1, which therefore forms an interface or a connection port. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the connector 1 is of the " Keystone " type, that is to say that it has a design with standardized attachment means, known in the field under the name " Keystone " , for attaching the connector to a strip 2 also provided with complementary standardized fastening means. More specifically, the connector 1 in this case comprises a lower locking pin 3, a flexible tab 4 which also carries a locking pin 4A, as well as for example lateral stops 30, 40 for immobilizing the connector 1 relative to the strip 2. The locking pins 3 and 4A can thus snap into corresponding counter-forms formed in strip 2. The principle of the “ Keystone ” design, well known as such, is explained for example in the patent US-5,624,274 . The invention is of course not limited to a " Keystone " type connector and the connector 1 can adopt any other design, standardized or not, depending on the desired end use.

As illustrated in the figures, the connector 1 advantageously comprises a connection plug 5 to which is intended to be connected a complementary plug (not shown) of an item of equipment.

The connection plug 5 can be constituted by a male plug intended to be inserted into a female plug connected to the equipment, or on the contrary by a female plug intended to receive a complementary male plug connected to the equipment to be connected via the connector 1. Preferably, the connection plug 5 is in the form of a female socket, for example closed by a movable valve 5A protecting from dust. The connection plug 5 comprises for example a plurality of electrical contacts (not visible in the figures) arranged in a row in a direction D1 corresponding to the width of the connection plug 5. In a particularly preferred manner, the connection plug 5 is of the type RJ45. The invention is however not limited to the use of a connection plug 5 of the RJ45 type, and any other type of male or female connection plug useful in a VDI network, of the RJ type (for example RJ12, RJ11, RJ9 ...) or not (USB ...) is possible without leaving the framework of the invention. As illustrated in the figures, the connection plug 5 is advantageously integrated in a housing 6 which forms the main body of the connector 1. The housing 6 advantageously has a substantially parallelepiped shape, with lower, upper, rear 6A and front 6B sides separated by side faces, the plurality of electrical contacts arranged in a row of the connection plug 5 extending parallel to the lower face and to the upper face.

As illustrated in the figures, the connector 1 comprises electrical terminals 7 to which said connection plug 5 is advantageously electrically connected, and more precisely the plurality of electrical contacts of said connection plug 5. The the electrical terminals 7 in question are advantageously arranged on one of the faces of the housing 6, and more precisely on the rear face 6A opposite the front face 6B of the housing 6 where the connection plug 5 opens. preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the housing 6 thus comprises the lower face carrying the locking lug 3, an opposite upper face carrying the locking tab 4, a front face 6B corresponding to the entry of the connection plug 5 (possibly provided of a movable valve 5A) and an opposite rear face 6A at the level of which the electrical terminals 7 are electrically connected to the connection plug 5.

Of course, other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The electrical terminals 7 are intended to ensure the permanent electrical connection of the connector 1 to the network or equipment concerned via an independent electrical cable 8. More specifically, the electric cable 8 is advantageously and conventionally formed of a tubular insulating sheath within which are arranged electrical conductors 8A, themselves formed for example by electric wires individually coated with an insulating sheath. In the case illustrated in the figures where the connector 1 is equipped with a connection plug of the RJ45 type, the electrical connection cable 8 is advantageously a multi-pair cable, that is to say a cable containing sheathed electrical wires grouped in twisted pairs. The electrical conductors 8A of the electrical cable 8 are intended to be electrically connected to the electrical terminals 7 of the connector.

Advantageously, the connector 1 implements a connection of electrical conductor 8A / electrical terminals 7 connection of IDC type (“ Insulation Displacement Terminal ”), the principle of which is well known as such in the field. The IDC connector system is thus based on the implementation of a push button fitted with housings intended to receive the wires individually, and insulation displacement terminals against which the push button carrying the wires is intended to be pressed, in order to strip the latter to establish an electrical connection between the wires and the insulation displacement terminals. In this particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the terminals 7 are therefore insulation displacement terminals, and are formed for this purpose for example by pairs of metal blades each electrically connected to the connection plug 5, and more precisely to the electrical contacts of the latter. In this particular embodiment, the connector 1 also comprises a pusher 9 intended to carry the conductors 8A according to an arrangement combined with that of said self-stripping terminals 7. The pusher 9 is for example in the form of an independent plate which receives a free and stripped end of the cable 8 and is provided with a series of notches forming housings 9A intended to each receive one of the emerging conductors 8A of said stripped end of the cable 8. The pusher 9 carrying the conductors 8A is intended to be pressed against the terminals 7 insulation displacement, so as to individually press each wire forming conductor 8A against the blades of one of the terminals 7 insulation displacement, which allows strip the wire concerned and establish an electrical connection between the terminal 7 concerned and the wire forming conductor 8A.

This advantageous design makes it possible to use the connector 1 according to the invention without any tool other than possibly a cutting pliers, which makes it possible to considerably facilitate the connection of the connector to the cable 8 and allow any subsequent disassembly for re-use. The invention is however absolutely not limited to the implementation of an IDC type system, nor to a connector without tools, nor to a removable or reusable connector, and it is for example entirely possible as an alternative to use, for example, a “ KRONE® ” type device, or any other suitable connection device, without going beyond the ambit of the invention.

As illustrated in the figures, the connector 1 also comprises at least a first cover 10 and a second cover 11 movable relative to one another between an opening configuration (illustrated in figures 9 and 10 ) allowing the connection of conductors 8A to terminals 7 and a closing configuration (illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 and 11 to 18 ) in which said covers 10, 11 contribute to forming a housing, preferably closed, receiving said conductors 8A and electrical terminals 7. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first cover 10 and the second cover 11 are both mobile, and more precisely are both mounted movable relative to the main body formed by the housing 6. It is however perfectly conceivable that only one of the two covers 10, 11 is movable relative to the housing 6 and that the other is fixed relative to the box 6 without departing from the scope of the invention. Preferably, each of said covers 10, 11 is movable in rotation, and is preferably pivotally mounted relative to the housing 6. It is however perfectly conceivable that the first and the second cover 10, 11 are movable in a translational movement, or a movement combining translation and rotation, instead of pure rotation as illustrated in the figures, without departing from the scope of the invention. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, each of said first and second cover 10, 11 is pivotally mounted relative to said connection plug 5 (and to the housing 6 which incorporates the latter) along respectively a first axis XX 'and a second pivot axis YY 'parallel to said direction D1 corresponding to the width of the connection plug 5. In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, each of said first and second pivot axes X-X', YY 'thus extends substantially parallel to the mean plane P1 of longitudinal extension of the flexible tongue 4. Preferably, said first and second pivot axes X-X ', YY' are parallel to the horizontal plane when the connector 1 is installed in the functional position.

As illustrated in figures 9 and 10 , the first and second covers 10, 11 each occupy, in the opening configuration, an opposite deployed position freeing access from the outside to the pusher 9 and to the electrical terminals 7, thus allowing a user to install the conductors 8A on the pusher 9 and to position the latter carrying the conductors 8A facing and against the electrical terminals 7, with a view to electrically connecting the conductors 8A to the electrical terminals 7, which are themselves electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the plug connection 5. The first and second covers 10, 11 can then be brought back by pivoting towards one another to reach the closing configuration illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 8 and 11 to 18 . In this closed configuration, the first and second covers 10, 11 are combined to form together a cover in the form of a shell which preferably includes fully and advantageously in a completely closed manner, an interior space 12 in which are arranged the electrical terminals 7 and the conductors 8A connected to said terminals 7, as well as preferably the pusher 9 in the case where such a pusher is provided. The housing 12 is thus advantageously delimited, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, by on the one hand the rear face 6A of the housing 6 containing the connection plug 5 and on the other hand the closed casing obtained by bringing together the first and second covers 10, 11 in the closed configuration. Said covers 10, 11 thus contribute to forming the housing 12, which is preferably substantially entirely closed as illustrated in the figures.

Preferably, said first and second covers 10, 11 ensure, in addition to their function of forming a wall delimiting the housing 12, a function of participation in the establishment of the electrical connection between the conductors 8A and the electrical terminals 7. To this end, said first and second covers 10, 11 are advantageously designed to, in the closed configuration, push and / or hold said push button 9 carrying said conductors 8A towards said insulation displacement terminals 7 in order to electrically connect said terminals 7 to said conductors 8a. To perform this function, at least one of said first and second covers 10, 11 is for example provided with pressing portions 11A, 11B intended to engage the pusher 9 during the transition from the opening configuration to the closing configuration to press the latter against the electrical terminals 7 and thus make each of the conductors 8A carried by the pusher 9 cooperate with the blades of the self-stripping electrical terminals 7.

• en dehors de la zone de chevauchement des première et deuxième portions sécables 13, 14 : soit par le premier capot 10 seul soit par le deuxième capot 11 seul, selon la zone concernée,
• et dans la zone de chevauchement : par une double paroi avec deux couches parallèles disposées l'une en regard de l'autre et de préférence l'une contre l'autre, lesdites couches étant respectivement formées par la première portion sécable 13 et la deuxième portion sécable 14, éventuellement séparées par une lame d'air.

In order to allow the passage of the cable 8 through the wall of the housing 12 formed by the meeting of the first and second covers 10, 11 in the closed configuration, the invention provides for providing several cable passages, advantageously corresponding to different outlet orientations. of the cable 8. For this, the first and second covers 10, 11 respectively comprise at least a first breakable portion 13 and a second breakable portion 14 which overlap at least partially, and preferably only partially, in the closed configuration. The implementation of such an overlap of the first and second breakable portions 13, 14, preferably partial overlap (but a substantially complete overlap can also be envisaged), makes it possible to obtain different configurations of cable passage, while maintaining a complete closure of the housing 12, as will emerge in more detail from the description which follows. The term “ overlap ” here designates the fact that the first and second portions 13, 14 are arranged, at least locally, parallel to one another and substantially one against the other, preferably with a minimum spacing between said first and second breakable portions 13, 14 in their overlapping zone. This minimum spacing can for example correspond to a mounting clearance, or be a little more important depending on the chosen design. Thus, the first and second breakable portions 13, 14, belonging respectively to the first and second covers 10, 11, are locally superimposed on each other in a mutual overlap zone. Because of this characteristic, the wall of the housing 12 resulting from the meeting of the first and second covers 10, 11 is formed:

• outside the overlapping area of the first and second breakable portions 13, 14: either by the first cover 10 alone or by the second cover 11 alone, depending on the area concerned,
• and in the overlap zone: by a double wall with two parallel layers arranged one opposite the other and preferably one against the other, said layers being respectively formed by the first breakable portion 13 and the second breakable portion 14, possibly separated by an air knife.

1. A. la première portion sécable 13 est maintenue attachée au premier capot 10 tandis que la deuxième portion sécable 14 est détachée dans sa totalité du deuxième capot 11 ;
2. B. la première portion sécable 13 est maintenue attachée au premier capot 10 tandis que la deuxième portion sécable 14 est détachée en partie seulement du deuxième capot 11 ;
3. C. la première portion sécable 13 est détachée dans sa totalité du premier capot 10 tandis que la deuxième portion sécable 14 reste attachée au deuxième capot 11 ;
4. D. la première portion sécable 13 est détachée en partie seulement du premier capot 10 tandis que la deuxième portion sécable 14 reste attachée au deuxième capot 11 ;
5. E. les première et deuxième portions sécables 13, 14 sont toutes deux détachées dans leur totalité de leur capot 10, 11 respectif ;
6. F. chacune desdits première et deuxième portions sécables 13, 14 est détachée seulement partiellement de son capot 10, 11 respectif.

As is apparent from the examples illustrated in the figures, the first and second breakable portions 13, 14 overlap at least partially in the closed configuration so that the said covers 10, 11 can form in the closed configuration different openings for the passage of the cable 8, depending on whether the first breakable portion 13 and / or the second breakable portion 14 is (are) detached (s), totally or partially, from the corresponding cover 10, 11. In other words, the invention is based on the idea of locally overlapping breakable portions belonging one to the first cover 10 and the other second cover 11, so as to allow different combinations each corresponding to an opening of separate cable passage 8, said different passage openings according to the invention allowing cable 8 to pass in different respective orientations. Said respective different orientations are for example formed by different directions and / or directions of exit of the cable 8 from said connector 1, that is to say advantageously not confused, non-parallel (for the directions and sense), and / or not similarly oriented (for the senses). In summary, advantageously, said first and second breakable portions 13, 14 overlap locally when they are still attached respectively to said first and second covers 10, 11, and can be detached from the latter in several different combinations, thus resulting in create openings for the cable passage 8 different from each other and which may allow the passage of the cable 8 in different directions and / or directions, in particular not confused (e) s, not parallel, and / or not oriented similarly. Preferably, at least two of said passage openings obtained according to respective combinations in which the first and / or the second breakable portion 13, 14 have been detached, are advantageously distinct and distant from each other, and still more preferential allow a passage of the cable 8 in different respective orientations, and in particular in different directions and / or direction of exit of the cable 8. These combinations are for example the following:

1. A. the first breakable portion 13 is kept attached to the first cover 10 while the second breakable portion 14 is detached in its entirety from the second cover 11;
2. B. the first breakable portion 13 is kept attached to the first cover 10 while the second breakable portion 14 is only partially detached from the second cover 11;
3. C. the first breakable portion 13 is detached in its entirety from the first cover 10 while the second breakable portion 14 remains attached to the second cover 11;
4. D. the first breakable portion 13 is only partially detached from the first cover 10 while the second breakable portion 14 remains attached to the second cover 11;
5. E. the first and second breakable portions 13, 14 are both detached in their entirety from their respective covers 10, 11;
6. F. each of said first and second breakable portions 13, 14 is only partially detached from its respective cover 10, 11.

Thanks to this technical measure consisting in overlapping a first breakable portion 13 forming part of the first cover 10 and a second breakable portion 14 forming part of the second cover 11, the invention makes it possible, in an extremely simple and effective manner, to produce according to the combination selected from, for example, the six combinations A to F mentioned above, different cable passages allowing the cable 8 to reach the interior of the housing 12 while preferably retaining a completely closed character to said housing 12. Thus, advantageously, according to that one detaches said first breakable portion 13, said second breakable portion 14, or both said first and second breakable portions 13, 14 (which, as a reminder, overlap locally when they are not detached from the covers), it is possible to obtain several possible combinations leading to passage openings allowing an exit of the cable 8 according to different respective orientations, and in particular according to different directions and / or direction of exit of the cable 8 (in particular not confused, non-parallel, and / or not oriented similarly). The connector 1 of the invention thus makes it possible to adapt to any space configuration for passing said cable 8 in an appropriate orientation, while advantageously benefiting from the modularity and the practicality of the “ Keystone ” type connectors .

The invention thus makes it possible for the wall of the housing 12 formed by the union of the first and second covers 10, 11 in the closed configuration to remain fully closed in all circumstances, which makes it possible to protect the connection area of the electrical conductors. 8A at the electrical terminals 7, and to promote optimal performance in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) when the connector 1 is a shielded connector whose first and second covers 10, 11 are for example made of metal or coated with a metallized coating. As illustrated in the figures, each of said first and second covers 10, 11 advantageously forms a substantially entirely closed half-shell, said first and second breakable portions 13, 14 respectively forming part of the first and second covers 10, 11 which is connected to the rest of the cover by a weakening zone (for example a thinned and / or precut zone). This weakening zone advantageously allows manual detachment of the breakable portion 13, 14 concerned, without tools. The invention is however not limited to the use of breakable portions 13, 14 detachable manually, and can alternatively use first and second breakable portions 13, 14 requiring the use of a tool (pliers and / or cutting tool for example) to separate the breakable portion 13, 14 concerned from the rest of the cover 10, 11 of which it is a part.

Advantageously, the first cover 10 without the first breakable portion 13 (which has been detached by the user) and the second cover 11 with the second breakable portion 14 (so that the second cover 11 is intact) define in the closed configuration a first opening for the passage of said cable 8, as illustrated for example in the figure 13 and at the figure 16 . Conversely, the first cover 10 with the first breakable portion 13 (that is to say the first cover 10 intact) and the second cover 11 without the second breakable portion 14 (which has been detached by the user) delimit in configuration closing a second opening for the passage of said cable 8 which is different from said aforementioned first opening, as illustrated for example in figures 14 and 17 . The first and second passage openings obtained depending on whether the first or the second breakable portion 13, 14 have been detached are advantageously distinct and distant from each other, and even more preferably allow cable 8 to pass. according to different respective orientations, and in particular according to different directions and / or direction of exit of the cable 8. Thus, in the examples illustrated in the figures, the combination of a first cover 10 without its first breakable portion 13 and a second cover 11 intact allows for example to obtain a cable passage opening 8 oriented vertically upwards to allow a vertical ascending cable outlet ( figure 13 ) or an axially oriented passage opening, that is to say in the extension of the connection plug 5 ( figure 16 ). As for the combination of the first cover 10 intact and the second cover 11 devoid of its second breakable portion 14, it makes it possible for example to obtain an opening for the passage of the cable 8 directed vertically downwards ( figure 14 ) to allow an output of the downward vertical cable 8 ( figures 14 and 17 ).

Advantageously, the first cover 10 comprises at least a first back panel 100 extended by a first front panel 101 inclined relative to said first back panel 100, for example at an angle of approximately 90 ° as illustrated in the figures. The first back panel 100 forms for example an upper wall for the housing 12 and extends for this purpose substantially along a mean plane advantageously parallel to the above-mentioned plane P1. As for the first front panel, it advantageously extends along a mean plane substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned plane P1, for example substantially parallel to the rear face 6A of the housing 6 so as to form a substantially vertical facade when the connector is installed in functional position. The first back panel 100 and the first front panel 101 are advantageously connected by a curved portion, and advantageously come integrally with each other to form a one-piece central panel.

Advantageously, and in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first breakable portion 13 forms at least part of the first front panel 101, that is to say that the first breakable portion 13 forms at least part of the first front panel 101 In accordance with the first embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the first breakable portion 13 is part not only of the first front panel 101 but also of the first back panel 100, that is to say that the first breakable portion 13 advantageously extends both on the first back panel 100 and on the first front panel 101, straddling said back 100 and front 101 panels. On the contrary, according to the second embodiment of the Figures 15 to 17 , the first breakable portion 13 is only part of the first front panel 101 and therefore does not extend in this case to the first back panel 100. The configuration adopted for the first embodiment thus makes it possible to produce a passage opening in the upper wall of the housing 12, in order to bring the cable 8 vertically upwards, while in the second embodiment the configuration chosen makes it possible to produce an axial passage opening, allowing the cable to exit in the extension of the plug connection 5.

Advantageously, the second cover 11 is of design substantially similar to that of the first cover 10, that is to say that the second cover 11 comprises at least a second back panel 110 extended by a second front panel 111 inclined relative to said second panel back 110, for example at an angle substantially equal to 90 degrees, said second back panel 110 and front panel 111 preferably coming integrally from one another, being connected by a curved portion and forming together a one-piece central panel . The second breakable portion 14 advantageously forms part of at least one of said second back panel 110 and second front panel 111, and preferably forms part of both the second back panel 110 and the second front panel 111, it that is to say, it straddles these two back 110 and front 111 panels.

As illustrated in the figures, the first and second front panels 101, 111 are advantageously arranged one opposite the other in the closed configuration so that the first and second breakable portions 13, 14 overlap locally at least in the region corresponding to the front panels 101, 111. Preferably, the first and second covers 10, 11 are arranged so that the first front panel 101 is located outside while the second front panel 111 is inside, and is thus facing the inside of the housing 12. The invention is not however limited to such a configuration , and it is perfectly conceivable that it is on the contrary the second front panel 111 which is arranged outside and the first front panel 101 inside.

Advantageously, the first front panel 101 extends between an edge 101A connected to the first back panel 100 and a free edge 101B, the first breakable portion 13 being delimited in part by said free edge 101B. Thanks to this characteristic, the use of the connector 1 is facilitated because the user can easily detach the first breakable portion 13 from the rest of the cover 10 in a manual manner only, without tools. Advantageously, the first breakable portion 13 is also delimited by a first line of weakness 130 formed at least in said first front panel 101, and preferably also in said first back panel 100. Thus, the first breakable portion 13 is bordered on the one hand by the free edge 101B and on the other hand by the first weakening line 130 which extends from or near one of the ends of the free edge 101B, follow the outline of the first breakable portion 13 and join the other end of the free edge 101B or an area close to the other end in question.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the first breakable portion 13 is advantageously formed by at least two breakable flaps 13A, 13B preferably arranged in the extension of one another. As illustrated in the figures, one (13A) of said flaps advantageously forms part of both the first back 100 and front 101 panels, while the other (13B) of said flaps preferably forms part only of the first front panel 101. preferably the other of said flaps 13A also extends to the free edge 101B of the first front panel 101 and is detachable from the latter independently of the other flap 13A. In other words, the first breakable portion 13 includes two flaps 13A, 13B which are individually breakable, one of said flaps 13A, however, being able to be detached from the first cover 10 only if the other flap 13B has already been detached from the first cover 10. It is however perfectly possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for each of said breakable flaps 13A, 13B to be individually detachable from the first cover 10, even if the other flap has not been previously detached.

• deux bords latéraux parallèles,
• un premier bord extrêmal de forme courbe, par exemple en forme de demi-cercle, s'étendant vers l'extérieur du premier volet 13A
• et un deuxième bord extrêmal opposé également en forme de demi-cercle mais orienté cette fois vers l'intérieur dudit premier volet sécable 13A.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the first breakable flap 13A extends both over the first back panel 100 and the first front panel 101 and is delimited by:

• two parallel side edges,
• a first end edge of curved shape, for example in the shape of a semicircle, extending towards the outside of the first flap 13A
• and a second opposite extreme edge also in the shape of a semicircle but this time oriented towards the inside of said first breakable flap 13A.

In other words, the first breakable flap 13A is advantageously in the form of a curved tongue extending between a rounded convex outer end and a rounded concave inner end.

As for the second breakable flap 13B, it is preferably arranged in the extension of the first breakable flap 13A and is in the form of a tongue extending between a rounded convex inner end delimited by the contour of the rounded concave end of the first flap 13A, and an outer end corresponding substantially to the free edge 101B. The contour of each of said breakable flaps 13A, 13B is advantageously formed by a respective line of embrittlement, said lines of embrittlement of the first breakable flap 13A and of the second breakable flap 13B contributing at least in part to form the first line of embrittlement 130 of the first breakable portion 13, which is formed jointly by the two flaps 13A, 13B. In other words, the first breakable portion 13 is in this case advantageously formed by two breakable tabs (flaps 13A, 13B) arranged in the extension of one another and separated in this case by a line segment 13C of embrittlement in the form of a portion of a circle, which segment 13C corresponds to the rounded concave inner end of the first flap 13A and to the rounded convex inner end of the second flap 13B.

Advantageously, and in accordance with the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the second front panel 111 extends in turn between an edge 111A connected to the second back panel 110 and a free edge 111B, said second breakable portion 14 being delimited by at least said free edge 111B. This particular arrangement makes it possible, as explained above in relation to the first breakable portion 13, to facilitate the detachment of the second breakable portion 14 from the second cover 11, in particular promoting the possibility of manual detachment, without tools.

Advantageously and as illustrated in the figures, the second breakable portion 14 is also delimited by a second weakening line 140 formed at least in said second front panel 111, and preferably also in said second back panel 110. The second weakening line 140 can be made, like the first line of embrittlement 130, by a thinned and / or precut area. Thus, the second breakable portion 14 is advantageously bordered on the one hand by the free edge 111B and on the other hand by the second weakening line 140 which extends from or near one of the ends of the free edge 111B , follow the outline of the second breakable portion 14 and join the other end of the free edge 111B or an area close to the other end in question.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the second breakable portion 14 is advantageously formed by at least two breakable flaps 14A, 14B preferably arranged in the extension of one another. As illustrated in the figures, one (14A) of said flaps advantageously forms part of both the second back 110 and front 111 panels, while the other (14B) of said flaps preferably forms part only of the second front panel 111. De preferably the other of said flaps 14A also extends to the free edge 111B of the second front panel 111 and is detachable from the latter independently of the other flap 14A. In other words, the second breakable portion 14 includes two flaps 14A, 14B individually breakable, one of said flaps 14A can however be detached from the second cover 11 only if the other flap 14B has already been detached from the second cover 11. It is however perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, for each of said breakable flaps 14A, 14B to be individually detachable from the second cover 11, even if the other flap has not not previously detached.

• deux bords latéraux parallèles,
• un premier bord extrêmal de forme courbe, par exemple en forme de demi-cercle, s'étendant vers l'extérieur du premier volet 14A
• et un deuxième bord extrêmal opposé également en forme de demi-cercle mais orienté cette fois vers l'intérieur dudit premier volet sécable 14A.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , the second breakable flap 14A extends both over the second back panel 110 and the second front panel 111 and is delimited by:

• two parallel side edges,
• a first end edge of curved shape, for example in the shape of a semicircle, extending towards the outside of the first flap 14A
• and a second opposite extreme edge also in the shape of a semicircle but this time oriented towards the inside of said first breakable flap 14A.

In other words, the first breakable flap 14A of the second breakable portion 14 is advantageously in the form of a curved tongue extending between a rounded convex outer end and a rounded concave inner end.

As for the second breakable flap 14B of the second breakable portion 14, it is preferably arranged in the extension of the first breakable flap 14A and is in the form of a tongue extending between a rounded convex interior end delimited by the contour of the rounded concave end of the first flap 14A, and an outer end corresponding substantially to the free edge 111B. The outline of each of said breakable flaps 14A, 14B is advantageously formed by a respective weakening line, said weakening lines of the first breakable flap 14A and of the second breakable flap 14B contributing at least in part to form the second weakening line 140 of the second breakable portion 14, which is formed jointly by the two flaps 14A, 14B. In other words, the second breakable portion 14 is in this case advantageously formed by two breakable tabs (flaps 14A, 14B) arranged in the extension of one another and separated in this case by a line segment 14C of embrittlement in the form of a portion of a circle, which segment 14C corresponds to the rounded concave inner end of the first shutter 14A and to the rounded convex inner end of the second shutter 14B.

The implementation of the first and second breakable portions 13, 14 overlapping thus allows, in the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures, to form different openings for passage of the cable 8 according to different respective orientations which are in this case all arranged in a same plan, and this by implementing covers 10, 11 preferably only two in number, which simplifies construction and improves reliability and ease of use. In order to allow cable passages 8 in other planes, the cowling formed by the meeting in the closed configuration of said first and second covers 10, 11 is advantageously designed to form at least one lateral cable passage opening, preferably closed by a corresponding breakable portion. For this, the first cover 10 comprises for example a first side panel 102, as well as preferably a second side panel 103. The first side panel 102 advantageously has a free edge 102A in which is formed a first notch, preferably having a contour substantially in a semicircle. The second cover 11 advantageously comprises a third side panel 112 with a free edge 112A in which is formed a second notch, which also preferably has a shape substantially in a semicircle. The second cover 11 also advantageously comprises a fourth opposite side panel 113, so as to have a general shape substantially identical to that of the first cover 10. Advantageously, said first and second notches carried respectively by the free edge 102A of the first side panel 32 and the free edge 112A of the third side panel 112 are arranged opposite one another in the closed configuration, to form together a passage opening of said cable 8. This passage opening is for example used in the configuration of the figure 6 . A similar arrangement can be implemented with the second and fourth panels 103, 113 to allow a lateral exit of the cable 8 on the other side, as illustrated by the figure 5 . Advantageously, the connector 1 comprises a third breakable portion 15 attached to one or the other of said first and second covers 10, 11 to close, in the closed configuration, the opening for passage of the cable 8 formed by said first and second notches mentioned above. In the same way, a fourth breakable portion 16 can also be provided for closing in the closed configuration the opening for passage of the cable 8 formed by the two notches carried respectively by the free edges of the second and fourth side panels 103, 113.

Ultimately, the invention allows, in the preferred embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 and 18 , to implement a fully closed housing 12, which is particularly favorable in terms of reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (when the connector 1 is shielded), while allowing the manual production (without tools) of five different openings for the passage of the cable 8, namely an axial opening ( figure 4 ), a left side opening ( figure 5 ), a right side opening ( figure 6 ), an upper opening ( figure 7 ) and a lower opening ( figure 8 ). These different openings are obtained in an extremely simple manner thanks to the use of first and second breakable portions 13, 14 which overlap and which are advantageously each formed by at least two detachable flaps 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B.

The operation of connector 1 in accordance with the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 14 and 18 is for example the following.

A user strips the end of the cable 8 to make apparent the twisted pairs of wires enclosed by the latter. Each wire is positioned in a notch in the pusher 9 and the excess wire portions are cut by means of pliers flush with the pusher 9. The pusher 9 thus carrying the wires is then pressed against the insulation displacement terminals 7. Previously or at this stage, the user detaches by hand the flap or flaps 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B allowing him to achieve the desired cable passage configuration. For example, the user detaches the flap 13B from the first cover 10 and the flap 14B from the second cover 11, in order to release an axial passage opening corresponding to the configuration of the figures 4 and 12 .

The user then only has to fold the covers 10, 11 towards each other until reaching the closing configuration, which simultaneously makes it possible to press the pusher 9 and the conductors 8A carried by the latter against the insulation displacement terminals 7, in order to establish an electrical contact between the connection plug 5 and the conductors 8A. The sub-assembly thus obtained can then be associated with the strip 2 and be locked to the latter by means of the lug system 3 and flexible tab 4.

Claims (15)

Connector (1) for telecommunications and / or data network comprising on the one hand electrical terminals (7) to which are intended to be respectively connected electrical conductors (8A) of an electrical cable (8), and on the other share at least a first and a second cover (10, 11) movable relative to each other between an opening configuration allowing the connection of said conductors (8A) to said terminals (7) and a closing configuration in which said covers (10, 11) contribute to forming a housing (12) receiving said conductors (8A) and electrical terminals (7), characterized in that said first and second covers (10, 11) respectively comprise at least a first and a second breakable portion (13, 14) which overlap at least partially in the closed configuration, so that said covers (10, 11) can form in closed configuration different openings for the passage of said cable (8) depending on whether the first and / or the D the second breakable portion (13, 14) is detached from the corresponding cover (10, 11), the said different passage openings allowing the cable (8) to pass in different respective orientations. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first cover (10) without the first breakable portion (13) and the second cover (11) with the second breakable portion (14) define, in the closed configuration, a first opening of passage of said cable (8), while the first cover (10) with the first breakable portion (13) and the second cover (11) without the second breakable portion (14) define in the closed configuration a second opening for the passage of said cable (8) different from said first opening. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first cover (10) comprises at least a first back panel (100) extended by a first front panel (101) inclined relative to said first back panel (100) , said first breakable portion (13) forming at least part of said first front panel (101), while said second cover (11) comprises at least a second back panel (110) extended by a second front panel (111) inclined relatively said second back panel (110), said first and second front panels (101, 111) being arranged opposite one another in the closed configuration, said second breakable portion (14) forming part of the second back panel (110) and of the second front panel (111 ). Connector (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said first breakable portion (13) is also part of said first back panel (100). Connector (1) according to claim 3 or 4 characterized in that said first front panel (101) extends between an edge (101A) connected to the first back panel (100) and a free edge (101B), said first breakable portion (13) being delimited by said free edge (101B) and a first weakening line (130) formed at least in said first front panel. Connector (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that said first line of weakness (130) is also provided in said first back panel (100). Connector (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that said first breakable portion (13) is formed by at least two breakable flaps (13A, 13B) arranged in the extension of one another, one (13A) said flaps forming part of both the first back (100) and front (101) panels, while the other (13B) of said flaps is part of the first front panel (101), extends to said free edge (101B ) from the latter and is detachable from the latter independently of the other flap (13A). Connector (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7 characterized in that said second front panel (111) extends between an edge (111A) connected to the second back panel (110) and a free edge (111B), said second breakable portion (14) being delimited by said free edge (11B) and a second line of weakness (140) formed in said second front panel (111) and in said second back panel (110). Connector (1) according to claim 8 characterized in that said second breakable portion (14) is formed by at least two breakable flaps (14A, 14B) arranged in the extension of one another, one of said flaps ( 14A) forming part of both said second back panel (110) and front panel (111), while the other (14B) of said flaps is part of the second front panel (111), extends to said free edge (11B ) from the latter and is detachable from the latter independently of the other flap (14A). Connector (1) according to one of claims 3 to 9 characterized in that the first cover (10) comprises a first side panel (102) with a free edge (102A) in which is formed a first notch, said second cover ( 11) comprising a third side panel (112) with a free edge (112A) in which is formed a second notch, said first and second notches being arranged opposite one another in the closed configuration to together form an opening passage of said cable (8). Connector (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that it comprises a third breakable portion (15) attached to one or the other of said first and second covers (10, 11) to close the opening in the closed configuration cable passage (8) formed by said first and second notches. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said terminals (7) are insulation displacement, said connector (1) comprising a pusher (9) intended to carry said conductors (8A) in an arrangement conjugated to that of said terminals (7) insulation displacement insulation, at least one of said first and second covers (10, 11) being designed to, in the closed configuration, push and / or maintain said pusher (9) carrying said conductors (8A) towards said insulation displacement terminals ( 7) in order to electrically connect said terminals (7) to said conductors (8A). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connection plug (5), for example of the RJ45 type, to which is intended to be connected a complementary plug of an equipment, said plug connection (5) being electrically connected to said terminals (7). Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said connection plug (5) comprises a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in a row in a direction (D1) corresponding to the width of said plug (5), each of said first and second hoods (10, 11) being pivotally mounted relative to said connection plug (5) along respectively a first and a second pivot axis (X-X ', Y-Y') parallel to said direction (D1) corresponding to the width of the connection plug (5). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is of the "Keystone" type .

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