JP2007027116A - Connection device for insulated electric conductor and connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-size connection device for ensuring perfect security protection meeting standards in high-speed data transfer. <P>SOLUTION: The connection device comprises a housing 2 where a plurality of contact elements 3 extends each of which includes at least one first and at least one second pressure contact points or holed contact points 3.1, 3.2. The first and second contact points 3.1, 3.2 of each contact element 3 are electrically connected to each other. The contact elements are arranged in pairs in a known form of themselves. According to this invention, the contact elements are formed in asymmetry with transition portions 3.3 extending between the pressure contact points or the holed contact points in such a manner that the transition portions 3.3 of both contact elements in a pair 11 approach each other more than the transition portions of the contact elements in another pair 11 adjacent thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection device and a connection system for a plurality of electrically isolated conductors.

  For connection of telephone lines or data lines in telephone exchanges or distribution systems, connection devices, for example connector blocks, are often provided. These generally include a plurality of guides for a first line (“input line”), a plurality of guides for a second line (“output line”), and a first line to a second line. And a contact element for connecting to each other. Solder is not used because of the insulated conductor, and a connection device based on the “pressure welding (IDC)” technology is preferred. Each contact element preferably has at least two pressure contacts, or less preferably, two piercing contacts, or one pressure contact and one piercing contact.

  This type of device is known in various embodiments, many of which are commercially available. Documents describing this type of device include, for example, EP-A-0 321 151, DE-A-2 301 398 and DE-A-196 52 422.

  The multiplex connector block known from European published document 0 994 528 is based on the pressure welding technique and is characterized in that part of it is a housing. In addition to the pressure contact on one side (on the input line side), a blade is also applied to the contact element. This makes it possible to simultaneously cut the conductors to a required length when connecting the conductors to be connected without requiring a complicated tool. An integrated terminal box is also known from US 4,964,812.

  In the case of a connection device of the type described above, at least some of the following problem areas are included respectively.

  1. Crosstalk behavior between adjacent contact element pairs. This is particularly important for data transmission. The higher the data transmission rate, the greater the problem. Therefore, in order to ensure the security of data transmission, the contact elements of the connection device for higher transmission frequencies must be located as far apart as possible, or compensation functions must be provided in all contact banks. I must. However, this is undesirable or often not feasible for space and cost reasons.

  2. Easy connectability. Of course, the connection procedure should be as easy and reasonable as possible. It should not require complex tools.

  3. Manufacturing cost. There is tremendous pressure on the market for prices for telecommunications equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,296 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,273 disclose connecting devices with disconnect contacts. This type of cutting contact comprises two separate contact elements, each comprising a pressure contact and a spring-loaded end contact, the spring-loaded end contacts of both contact elements being pressed together by the force of the spring. The A separate element may be inserted between the two end contacts. Such elements can be electrically isolated, so that the electrical circuit can be disconnected. A separate element of this kind can be designed, for example, as a printed circuit, for example to incorporate a function as overload protection or a function for receiving signals. According to the two documents mentioned above, since the two contact elements are formed here asymmetrically, the distance between the end contacts inside the cutting contact pair is the distance between adjacent end contacts between the cutting contact pairs. Resulting in reduced crosstalk.

  In addition to this, a similar connecting device can be found in US Pat. Here, since two contact elements facing each other are connected by a bridge, a one-piece U-shaped connection contact element is formed.

  This type of connecting device with a cutting contact is advantageous for special applications based on their versatile functions, but is complexly manufactured, includes many individual components, and is geometric For this reason, it needs a housing made of several parts. In addition to this, for geometric reasons as well, the input and output lines are routed in the same direction on the same side of the housing and require that the lines be accurately cut by separate cutters. However, contact between conductors can become uncontrolled.

  What is common to all devices according to the above document is that they are not suitable for high transmission rates, for example 100 Mbit / s or more, based on crosstalk behavior unless they are very large. In addition, the device is partly very complex to manufacture (i.e. expensive) and the wiring is partly precise.

The object of the present invention is therefore to produce a connection device that ensures a satisfactory data transmission security according to the standard, in a small dimension, for a high transmission rate. Preferably, easy connectability and low manufacturing costs should also be ensured.
EP-A-0 321 151 DE-A-2 301 398 DE-A-196 52 422 European published document 0 994 528 US 4,964,812 US Patent Document 5,556,296 US Patent Document 5,160,273 US 5,967,826

  The device according to the invention has a housing which is part of it, wherein there are a plurality of integral contact elements, each of which is at least one first and at least one second pressure contact or Each includes a perforated contact. There is a transition portion between the first contact and the second contact of each contact element. The contact elements are arranged in pairs in a manner known per se. In accordance with this invention, the contact element is here configured such that the transition portions are configured such that the transition portions of both contact elements in a pair are closer than the transition portions of different pairs of adjacent contact elements. And is made asymmetric.

Because of these different distances between the transition portions, the crosstalk behavior between adjacent pairs is reduced when the distance between the contacts is constant. The different distances between the transition parts are due to the asymmetric design of the contact elements. This provides a series of advantages. A first advantage is that the pressure contacts or perforated contacts can be equally spaced if so desired. By having an asymmetric shape, the parts of the contact element that are mainly related to the crosstalk behavior and where the current flows are nevertheless optimized, i.e. as far as possible from each other between different pairs. It is ensured that they are spaced apart. This makes it possible to meet the requirements for higher data transmission rates without changing the dimensions compared to existing connection devices. For example, according to the present invention, the connecting device corresponds to category 5 according to ISO / IEC 11801 (2002), which can have known dimensions from existing devices of category 3. Thus, existing system plugs, sockets, etc. may be utilized for higher category 5. The invention also allows a category 6 connection device to be realized in a narrow space, and for this, preferably a screening plate is used between the contact element pairs.

  The measure according to the invention makes it possible to make the housing a single part. There are significant advantages to manufacturing the housing as a single, eg, injection molded part. That is, the manufacturing cost is lower than in the case of a housing composed of a plurality of parts. The structure according to the invention allows the contact element to be easily inserted into a single part housing. Thus, in order to assemble the connection device, a single chamber for the contact elements must be provided in the single part housing.

  In addition to this, as a further advantage, the contact elements may be designed as a plane and can lie in a common plane. This is particularly advantageous for manufacturing. That is, all contact elements or at least a group of contact elements can be stamped together from one metal plate. After possible deformation, in particular by embossing and / or shearing, these contact elements can be inserted together in a housing and held together by a conveying strip (bridge).

  If the contact element comprises at least one essentially flat part, the contact element connects two pressure contacts or pierced contacts and is relative to a plane extending perpendicular to the flat part, for example It becomes asymmetric.

  It is possible for the contact elements to include elements that protrude from the contact element surface and deviate from the planar configuration created, for example, by embossing. Such an element may be designed as a latch fastener that prevents the longitudinal displacement of the contact element inserted into the housing. There may be a reinforcement as a further contact surface element protruding from the contact element surface, which increases the mechanical stability at the critical point, which makes it possible to use very thin metal plates. . This type of reinforcement can in particular serve to ensure the force of the two forks of the pressure contact.

  It is possible for the first conductor and the second conductor to extend essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the contact element in a manner known per se in the area where they are in contact. . In addition, when these first and second conductors are in contact with each other, they are generally passed through both sides of the housing (“front” and “rear”). Although this type of construction is preferred, it is also possible to use the invention for connection devices in which the first conductor and the second conductor are not parallel (angled connection device). This can be achieved, for example, with a bent contact element.

  Each pair of contact elements corresponding to each other (ie, all “left” or all “right” contact elements of each pair) is often designed identically. Every pair includes first and second contact elements, respectively, which differ in shape or orientation. Thus, within the contact element pair, the contact elements whose orientation is defined are not the same according to the present invention. However, in many preferred embodiments, the first and second contact elements of each pair of contact elements are mirrored to each other.

Thus, there may be two types of contact elements, “right” and “left” contact elements, or first and second contact elements. The first and second contact elements may be identical in shape and simply differ in their orientation. That is, the second contact element is, for example, a first contact element that rotates 180 degrees about a longitudinal axis. This is particularly applicable when the contact element does not include any elements protruding from the plane (latch fasteners, reinforcements, etc.).

  A screening element can be inserted in the intermediate space (enlarged for this purpose) between the transitions of adjacent pairs of contact elements. These are particularly advantageous in the case of connected devices and are expected for high data transmission rates. That is, a more compact structure is possible while conforming to a standard (for example, category 6).

  The housing, which is known per se, may include an insertion slot for the conductor. By inserting the insulated conductor into the insertion slot and pushing it into contact, the conductors come into contact. This is because the contact cutting terminals or drilling tips project into these slots. With the help of a wiring tool, the conductors can be slid, i.e. connected.

  The housing may further include a fastener for attaching to the installation channel. They may be asymmetric in such a way that they can be fastened to the installation channel in two orientations. A first side (for the wiring of the first, “input” line) in the first direction and a wiring for the second direction (here, the “output” line) in the other direction ) The second side is located at the front, so that it is easily accessible. A fastener of this type is known, for example, from EP-A-0 994 528, with particular reference to FIG. 1 and its description here.

  According to a preferred embodiment, each contact element is assigned at least one and often two cutters. This, or these, causes the excess length of the conductor to be cut directly into the wiring. As a result of the cutter being incorporated into the connecting device, the wiring tool can be designed very simply. Nevertheless, only one work step is required to wire or cut excess length. If the cutter is provided on the wiring tool, the solution is in contrast more complicated.

  The cutter or at least one cutter may be provided as a separate component from the contact element. This has advantages with respect to manufacturing technology. That is, the cutter (or its blade) must, of course, meet the requirements given to a different plane than the pressure contact or piercing contact. It is known from the prior art that the cutter is constructed with the contact element as a single part. In this case, if the contact elements (with blades) are shaped in three dimensions and are therefore not formed on a single surface, they can only comply with the above requirements. Thus, after manufacturing by stamping from a metal plate according to the prior art, some of the element has to be re-formed and is expensive. A further advantage of having a cutter as a separate component is that the choice of material can be optimized when the components are contact elements and cutters. Thus, for example in the case of a cutter, a harder material can be selected than for the contact element itself.

  A structure in which the contacting conductor does not contact the cutter after the wiring operation is particularly preferable. The cutter does not contribute to crosstalk behavior, the placement capacitance is smaller, and losses are minimized. Furthermore, the cutter potential is not relevant at this time, and in principle it is possible for electrical contact to exist between the cutters of adjacent contact elements. A cutting element forms several cutters, which in some cases extend in a direction transverse to the direction of the conductor and cut a surplus length of several adjacent conductors The connecting device may be designed in such a manner as to include the blade.

  In addition to the housing, the contact element and, if applicable, the cutter, the connection device can include further components.

  For example, one of the sides (typically the second “output” conductor side) may have a wiring lid that serves as a cover that can be written or printed. With this component, the insertion slot can be covered and conductor pairs can be written or printed according to their function.

  As a further additional component, it is typically possible for the connection device for the first “input” conductor side to comprise a second cover that may include strain relief elements for a plurality of stranded cables. It is.

  In addition, a gel or anti-change grease due to the outside air that serves as a corrosion protection can be present in one of the wiring lid and / or cover or directly in the insertion slot for the conductor. is there.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The connection device 1 according to FIG. The connecting device 1 includes a housing 2 that contains a plurality of chambers for contact elements in a manner known per se. The chamber is located between the insertion slots 2.1 that serve as a guide for contacting electrically insulated conductors (not shown). The contact elements are arranged in pairs. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element pairs 11 are numbered 2.2. The insertion slots 2.1 in the illustrated embodiment are equally spaced. That is, the distance between the two insertion slots 2.1 of the pair is the same as the distance from one insertion slot to the closest insertion slot of the adjacent pair. Transversely to the contact element, the housing includes a fastener 2.3 that serves for attachment in the installation channel. In addition to the housing and contact elements, the connecting device includes cutters 4, 5. These functions are further described later. In addition, a marking cover 6 for the second line (output line) and a cable cover 7 for the first line (input line) are shown. The cable cover 7 comprises a strain relief shackle 7.1 on which an input cable comprising several conductors can be mechanically guided and / or mounted.

In FIG. 2, only a part of the housing 2 is shown. It is thus possible to see the contact elements 3 arranged in pairs adjacent to each other, as well as the first cutter 4 and the second cutter 5. There is a first cutter 4 and a second cutter 5 for each contact element. The contact element is essentially flat and defines a contact element surface. The cutter is preferably arranged parallel to the contact element surface and is electrically insulated from the contact element. The structure and arrangement of the contact elements in the contact element pair 11 can be seen particularly well in FIGS. Each contact element forms a first pressure contact 3.1, a second pressure contact 3.2, and a transition portion 3.3 extending therebetween. The pressure contacts 3.1, 3.2 can be shaped in a manner known per se and can be provided for contacting an insulated conductor with a certain diameter or diameter range several times. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure contact has a reinforcement 3.4 which is created by embossing and is mechanically stable even when using very thin metal plates. To ensure correctness and sufficient tightening force. The embossed portion, which can be seen in the same way (in this case as a rectangular element) in the area of the pressure contact, serves to adjust the width of the contact slot independently of the punching tool. In the area of the transition part 3.3, the contact element includes a latching fastener 3.5 formed by shearing, which latching fastener 3.5 is inserted into the chamber of the housing 2 and then into the housing 2 Fastened with latch teeth 2.4 to prevent the contact elements from shifting towards their longitudinal axis. While “shearing” as opposed to punching, the material is not completely removed, at the same time the latch fastener is bent. Two latch fasteners 3.5 are shown for each contact element. If the chamber is asymmetric and is shaped to form a stop for the latch elements during insertion, it is sufficient to have one latch fastener for each latch element.

  The contact elements are asymmetrically shaped, and the transition part 3.3 of the two contact elements of the contact element pair is more than the transition part of the adjacent pair of contact elements, especially when the pressure contacts are arranged at equal intervals. , In such a manner that they are close to each other. This is in contrast to the prior art, in which the contact elements are each symmetrical (where the symmetry plane is a plane extending longitudinally perpendicular to the contact element plane).

  Based on the elements resulting from the embossing (latch fasteners 3.5, stiffeners 3.4), the first and second contact elements 3 of all contact element pairs differ only in their orientation. Not geometrically different. In the illustrated example, the first and second contact elements are mirror-inverted with respect to each other.

  During the wiring operation, the conductor is inserted from the outside into the insertion slot 2.1 of the housing, so that in a known manner per se, the pressure contact 3.1, so that the pressure contact contacts the conductive interior of the conductor. The insulation is locally interrupted and shifted by the cutter of 3.2. During wiring, the excess length of the conductor is simultaneously cut by the cutters 4 and 5. The cutter is configured and arranged in such a manner that the conductor does not contact after the wiring operation. This is particularly clearly shown in FIG. 5 which illustrates the connected conductor 12, a part of the contact element 3 and the cutter 4.

  The cutter in the illustrated embodiment includes a recess 4.1 based on the fact that a safety distance between the conductor and the cutter is ensured, so that no electrical contact occurs between the conductor and the cutter. It is also ensured that there is no.

  FIG. 6 shows how a device according to the invention can be made particularly simply by using essentially flat contact elements. The housing 1 is preferably manufactured as a single injection molded part. In order to produce the contact element 3, the first cutter 4 and the second cutter 5, a primary product is produced by embossing each from a metal plate, for example a steel plate, after punching. This includes a plurality of contact elements / cutters held together by bridges 13, 14 or 15. If so desired, the primary product is cut to a length corresponding to the length of the connecting device and then pushed into the chamber of the housing provided for this purpose in the orientation according to FIG. Be turned. There, the bridge was cut immediately. By pushing the cutter into the plastic housing (by barb), the cutter is held in the housing.

  The contact element does not include a portion that is bent more than 90 degrees with respect to the contact element surface, in contrast to a contact element according to EP 0 994 528, for example. It is only in this case that contact elements (and also cutters) can be produced by stamping and embossing alone.

  FIG. 7 shows two connection devices when the covers 6, 7 are attached to the installation channel 21. Fastener 2.3 engages in opening 21.1 provided in the side wall of the cable channel for this purpose, whereby the connecting device is attached.

In FIG. 8, a housing 31 of an alternative embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention is shown. This connection device differs from that described above in that there is a screening element between each pair of contact elements (not shown). This is formed by the screening wall 32.1 present on the screening element 32. For the screening wall in the housing 31, a special insertion slot 31.1 is provided between the contact element pairs. As a result, the screening element can be inserted into the housing from the outside. The screening wall 32.1 shields adjacent pairs of contact elements, particularly in areas where the pressure contacts are closer in space than in the transition area. All screening walls 32.1 are electrically connected to each other. In addition to this, the screening element 32 as a whole is grounded via a fork contact 32.2 which contacts the side wall of the installation channel 21 with the device installed.

  The embodiment according to FIG. 8 corresponds to category 6, for example. The contact elements may be identical to the contact elements shown in FIG. 4 and the distance between the contact element pairs is in some cases longer than in the above-described embodiments. Of course, it is also possible to use different types of asymmetric contact elements. In contrast to the category 5 device with 10 contact element pairs described above, in the device of the same overall width according to FIG. 8, only 8 pairs are provided.

  In FIG. 9, an example contact element pair is shown in which the input and output conductors are at an angle to each other. In order to produce these angled contact elements 42, one more processing step is required than in the embodiment described above, and in some cases the idea according to the invention is even if the housing is not a single part. Is also realized in this embodiment. Again, the transition part 41.3 of a pair of two contact elements based on an asymmetric structure (with respect to a plane connecting the pressure contacts and extending perpendicular to the flat part) is a different pair of adjacent contacts. It is closer than the total distance to the element.

  10 and 11 show a plug of a connection system that can be used to make contact between a two-core cable and a contact element pair via a pressure contact rather than a direct contact of the cable core (corresponding to a conductor). Show. The plug has a plug housing 51 with at least two plug contacts 52. The plug can be plugged into a connecting device on the output conductor side, for example, and the housing includes a holding tongue 51.1 that is inserted, for example, into the connecting device and guides and holds the plug there. During insertion into the connecting device, the plug contact 52 and the contact element come into contact. This can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 11 in which a part of the contact element 2 is shown in addition to the plug contact 52. In FIG. 11, FIG. A shows a side view of a contact element with a plug contact. FIG. B is a view of this arrangement as viewed from obliquely above, and FIG. C represents a view of the cross section along the line CC (in FIG. A) of this arrangement as seen from above.

  The plug contact on the end side includes a wire-like part 52.1 provided between the forks of the pressure contact 3.2 for the purpose of forming an electrical contact. The wire-like portion has a circular or rectangular cross section, for example, and its diameter corresponds to, for example, the diameter of the conductor from which the insulator has been removed. The wire-like part extends between two parallel tongues 52.3 forming a plane. Here, this plane extends perpendicular to the contact element surface. At the other end, the plug contact includes a cable contact portion 52.4 on which at least one pressure contact 52.5 can be included.

  It is also possible to envisage a plug with more than two plug contacts, for example four plug contacts.

FIG. 2 shows a connection device according to the invention with two covers. FIG. 2 shows a connection device according to the invention in which the contact elements and cutters are not covered in some areas. It is a figure which shows the cross section of a connection apparatus. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of two contact element pairs in the connection apparatus according to this invention. It is a figure which shows clearly the relative position of the contact element after a wiring operation | movement, a cable, and a cutter. FIG. 3 shows a primary product produced by stamping and embossing with a number of contact elements and cutters together with a housing for a connection device according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows two connection devices in the installation channel. FIG. 2 shows a housing and screening element of an embodiment of a connection device according to the invention with a shield between a pair of contact elements. FIG. 6 shows a pair of contact elements for a variant of the connection device according to the invention, in which the input conductor and the output conductor are positioned at an angle with respect to each other. It is a figure which shows the plug for the patch cable for connecting to the connection apparatus according to this invention. FIG. 11 is three separate views showing plug contacts for the plug according to FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  2 housing, 3 contact element, 3.1 first pressure contact, 3.2 second pressure contact, 3.3 transition part, 3.4 reinforcement, 3.5 latch fastener, 4 first cutter, 5 Second cutter.

Claims (19)

  A connection device for insulated electrical conductors, comprising a single part housing (2, 31) and a plurality of single part contact elements (3) held by said housing, each of which At least a first pressure contact or perforated contact (3.1) for contacting one conductor and at least a second pressure contact or perforated contact (3.2) for contacting a second conductor A transition portion (3.3) extending between the first pressure contact or piercing contact and the second pressure contact or piercing contact, the contact element (3) comprising a contact element pair (11) Wherein the transition element (3.3) of two contact elements of at least one contact element pair (11) in at least a certain area is one of the two contact elements. Than the transition part (3.3) Characterized in that it is shaped asymmetrically in such a way that the position close to the transition portion (3.3) of the contact element adjacent to the adjacent contact element pair (11), the connecting device.   The contact element comprises a flat part, the contact element connecting the pressure contact and / or the perforated contact (3.1, 3.2) and in a plane extending perpendicular to the flat part; The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the connection device is asymmetric.   The housing (2) forms a row of first insertion slots (2.1) and a row of second insertion slots (2.1), wherein a first insulated conductor is the first insulation The first insulated contact is made accessible by a first pressure contact or perforated contact inserted into the first insertion slot, the second insulated conductor being in contact with the second insertion slot. 3. Connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact element (3) is arranged in such a way that it can be contacted by a second pressure contact or perforated contact that is inserted.   4. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein at least one cutter (4, 5) for cutting off the extra length of the conductor is assigned to all contact elements.   The first cutter (4) for cutting the extra length of the first conductor and the second cutter (5) for cutting the extra length of the second conductor are all contact points. The connection device according to claim 4, wherein the connection device is assigned to an element.   The cutter (4, 5) assigned to a contact element or at least one of the cutters (4, 5) assigned to the contact element is configured as a separate component. The connection device according to 4 or 5.   Connection according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one cutter (4, 5) configured as a separate component is flat and arranged parallel to the first contact element surface. apparatus.   The housing (2) and the cutter (4, 5) configured as separate components are shaped and arranged in a manner such that the contacting conductors do not contact the cutter after cutting an extra length The connection device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein   9. The connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover (6, 7) for covering the contacts after the wiring operation.   10. Connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that said cover (7) or at least one cover comprises a fixing element (7.1) for mounting a cable as a tension relief device.   The said contact element (3) comprises a latch fastener (3.5) for preventing longitudinal movement of said contact element (3) arranged in said housing (2). The connection device according to any one of 1 to 10.   The first and second pressure contacts or perforated contacts (3.1, 3.2) are such that the first and second conductors are guided on the side of the housing located opposite each other The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the connection device is arranged as follows.   13. Connection device according to claim 12, characterized in that the contact elements are configured as a plane and are located in a common plane.   14. A contact element (3) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the contact element (3) is flat except for possible elements created by embossing and / or shearing a punch from a metal plate. Connection device.   15. A connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a conductive screening wall (32.1) arranged between the contact element pairs.   16. Connection device according to claim 15, characterized in that the housing (31) comprises an insertion slot (31.1) into which a screening wall (31.1) can be inserted from the outside.   The screening wall (32.1) is formed on a single screening element (32), and the screening element (32) is preferably contact means (32.1) for grounding the screening wall (32.1). The connecting device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it includes 2).   18. A connection system comprising a connection device according to claim 1, wherein at least the second contacts (3.2) of all contact elements (3) are pressure contacts, for connecting cables. The plug system comprises at least two conductors, the plug comprising a plug contact (52) that allows direct contact by the second contact (3.2).   19. Connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that the plug contact comprises a wire-shaped part (52.1) for insertion between the cutters of the second contact (3.2).

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