JP2852970B2 - Modular power supply system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a modular power supply system.

(Prior art) For example, modular furniture units such as wall panels are widely used for architectural design, especially for shops, because of their ease of installation, convenience of rearranging the floor plan after installation, and good appearance. in use. One problem with using modular wall panels is to provide adequate power to the area enclosed by the panels while taking advantage of the flexibility of panel installation.
This problem is addressed, for example, in U.S. Pat.
060,294 and related U.S. Patent No. 4,3, issued January 25, 1983.
The conventional power distribution system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 70,008 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,206 issued Apr. 22, 1980 solves this to some extent.

In the system of the above patent, the same power supply block is fixed within the bottom of each panel unit, adjacent to its opposite end. The power supply block is interconnected by three wires running the length of the panel in the bottom and receives a panel-to-panel jumper connector or power-in connector on one of the opposite vertical sides of the block. Designed. Via this connector, power is supplied by three conductor cables from the branch circuit of the basic power distribution system. The power block is further designed to receive a duplex outlet connector on any vertical plane. Through this connector,
Outlet power reaches the area enclosed by the panel. By these means, a duplex outlet can be provided at each end of the panel unit,
Furthermore, along the length of the variable run of the panel unit, on both sides of the panel unit, it can be limited by an acceptable number of outlets that can be connected to a single branch circuit. If the number of outlets installed along the panel run reaches an acceptable limit, it is necessary to break the continuity of the system and start a new run from a separate power-in connector coming from a different branch circuit of the mains supply. is there.

Improvements to the three-wire distribution system for modular panels include installation of longer panel runs and placement of more duplex outlets with fewer power-in connections from separate branches of the basic distribution system.
It was devised to make it possible. Such an improved system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,313, issued February 2,1982.
No. 646, No. 4,367,370 issued on Jan. 4, 1983, Apr. 1988
Typified by the system disclosed in US Pat. U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,367,370 and 4,740,1
The No. 67 system uses power blocks at both ends of the panel unit. These power blocks are designed to receive a panel connector to the panel jumper cable, a cable connector and a power-in cable connector that interconnect the panel unit power blocks, and a duplex outlet connector on both vertical planes. I have. In the system of U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,646, the power block is integrally formed with a single duplex outlet.

A common feature of the three patents is that each of the power distribution systems is powered via a five-wire cable and the power blocks are interconnected by the five-wire cable. The basic power distribution system preferably includes a three-phase system. Five wires provide three wires, one shared neutral ground wire, and one safety ground wire. Duplex outlets can be selectively connected between any of the three available wires and the neutral wire. The 5-wire panel distribution system allows for the installation of panel runs with more than one circuit in the panel.

In order to overcome the limitations imposed by the load capacity of the shared neutral conductor, U.S. Pat.
No. 609 discloses a seven-wire power distribution system for modular panels. The power distribution system provides three wires, three neutral wires and one safety ground wire for each available wire.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) When the number of conductors increases in a panel power distribution system originally designed to accommodate a three-wire power distribution system, a method for accommodating an additional number of conductors in an available space. Challenges arise. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,609, the power block includes seven vertically arranged parallel conductive plates. Each conductive plate is formed with a protrusion protruding outward from both sides near one end thereof, and the two protrusions are spaced along a length of the plate protruding outward from both sides of the plate. Each projection is surrounded by an insulating shroud to prevent accidental contact. The vertical space between the boards is expanded as needed to provide space for horizontal walls separating the vertically arranged insulating shrouds, and the height of the power block is made available for wiring channels in the lower edge of the panel Extending substantially the entire height. Also, the outward projections and insulating shrouds increase the thickness of the power supply block and reduce the thickness of the duplex outlet used with the power supply block when the surface of the duplex outlet unit must be flat with the bottom of the panel unit. I need.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a 10-wire power distribution system for a modular wall panel unit. This power distribution system allows the outlets to be grounded on both ends and on both sides of the lower end of the panel unit, with the four outlets comprising (a) a separate pair of wire and neutral conductor, or (b) wire and neutral. Connected at the user's choice to the wire and neutral conductor pair, which can be selected from the same pair of conductors or (c) a combination of four independent pairs of wire and neutral conductor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compact, space-saving, 10-wire power distribution system for modular furniture units that fits within the space available within a panel unit of existing design.

It is another object of the present invention that the inner conductive wire is always on (including when the plug-in component is inserted or pulled out).
It is to provide a power distribution system with provision for plug-in components that are protected from accidental contact.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a modular power supply system according to the present invention includes: a modular power supply system having a power block for receiving and electrically connecting a plug-in component; The blocks correspond to the plurality of bus bars arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals and correspond to the plurality of bus bars to access the corresponding bus bar among the plurality of bus bars in response to receiving the plug-in component. An opening corresponding to the adjacent bus bar is provided on the housing surface of the power supply block with a plurality of openings provided on a straight line orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the bus bars.

The present invention relates to a power distribution system for modular furniture units, and more particularly to a system for pre-wiring modular furniture units that can provide power to as many as four duplex outlets per panel unit. . Each duplex outlet can have four (a) separate pairs of wire and neutral, or (b) the same pair of wires and neutral, or (c) four wires of neutral and wires, depending on the user's choice. Supplied by a selectable combination from separate pairs and further provides a safety ground conductor and an insulated ground conductor. None of these ground conductors carry load current to the outlet.

The present invention includes a 10-wire power distribution system for modular furniture units, such as wall panels. This system provides four wires, four independent neutral wires, and two independent ground wires. One of the ground wires includes a safety ground wire for use by an outlet unit of the power distribution system.
The other includes an insulated ground wire for special circuits.

This system facilitates power access to the area enclosed by the panels and allows for the construction of a series of panel units in various configurations. Thus, the continuity of the power distribution system is maintained by conveniently installed plugs of jumpers. This power distribution system is designed to fit within the space available within the bottom of the existing panel design and the placement of outlets (shown for illustration as duplex outlets) on both ends and on both sides of each panel unit Including measures for: At the installer's option, each of the four possible outlets of the panel unit is powered by independent pairs of wires and neutral conductors. Alternatively, all four outlet units
Supplied by the same pair of wire and neutral conductor. Or,
The four outlet units are supplied from different combinations of four independent pairs of wires and neutral conductors. Both the safety ground conductor and the insulated ground conductor are included in the power distribution system. Each line of the power distribution system and the neutral conductor accessible by the corresponding contact of the plug-in component, as well as the contact of the plug-in component, are always shielded from accidental contact.

In short, the power distribution system includes a pair of identical power supply blocks in each panel unit. Each power supply block is located near both ends of the panel unit in its lower end. Each power block includes ten flat rectangular busbars formed from an insulating material and extending parallel to the length of the block in a vertical configuration. The two center busbars in the vertical arrangement are conductors for a separate safety ground lead and the insulated ground lead of the system. Two pairs of busbars, directly above and below the center pair, are the conductors for two of the four independent circuits of the system. The outermost two pairs in the vertical arrangement are the conductors for the remaining two circuits of the system. According to the width of the wall panel, the facing busbar ends in the panel can be connected together by ten insulated wires spanning parallel to the separating length, or spanning in a narrow panel. it can. These busbars can extend over essentially the full width of the panel.

Near each end of the power supply block adjacent to the end of the panel unit, there are two rows of vertically arranged parallel openings in both sides of the insulating cover. Each of these rows has five openings. The openings in each row are aligned with every other bar of the bus bar. Therefore, access to each of the busbars is independent of the opening from either side of the power supply block.
Available through one. The perimeter of each of the openings is to prevent accidental contact with the underlying bus bar and to provide keyed access for entry of a complementary insulating shroud surrounding the male contact on the plug-in component , Notched, or serrated outlines. 2 of 5 openings
One row provides access to the busbar by the male contacts of the connector for the panel-to-panel jumper cable. The male contacts on the jumper cable connector
They are arranged in two parallel rows corresponding to the opening rows in the power supply block. Each male contact set includes four fingers formed along the sides of the conductive plate and projecting outwardly therefrom. When mated, these fingers extend across the width of the busbar and alternately contact the opposing surface of the busbar.

Along the face of the power supply block housing, there are ten notched openings, eight of which are arranged in four vertically arranged rows of two openings each. The other two are
Spaced along a horizontal centerline. One pair of four rows is located in the lower right quadrant of the power supply block plane, and the other pair of four rows is symmetrically located in the diagonally opposite upper left quadrant of the power supply block plane. Each of these openings is aligned with a separate one of the wires or neutral bus bars in the power supply block. Thus, as described below, access to the separate and neutral conductors by the male contact pairs of the plug-in duplex outlet unit or the basic power-in connector is made possible. Two centerline openings provide access to the safety ground busbar and the insulated ground busbar.

Outlet units are offered in two types. The first outlet type has a pair of male contacts arranged to make contact with the line closest to the center pair of bus bars of the power supply block and one of the two pairs of neutral bus bars. When plugged into the power block in one direction,
The male contacts make contact with the closest line above the center pair of busbars and the neutral busbar pair. When this first type of outlet unit is turned end-to-end and plugged into a power supply block, its male contacts make contact with the nearest line and neutral bus bar pair below the center pair of bus bars. . The second type of outlet unit is the second type
The type differs from the first type in that male contacts of the type are arranged to contact the lines of the power supply block and the outermost pair of neutral bus bars. When plugged in one direction into the power block, the male contacts of the second type outlet unit make contact with the lowermost outer pair of wires and neutral busbars. When bent end-to-end and plugged into a power supply block, the male contacts of the second type of outlet unit make contact with the uppermost outer pair of wires and neutral busbars.

These two types of outlet units can be installed in four directions of the power supply block of the panel unit in different directions. Thus, the four outlet units are connected to four pairs of separate wires and a neutral busbar. Alternatively, the four outlet units can all be of the same type and installed in the same direction. Thus, all four are connected to the same pair of wire and neutral conductor. Again, to connect the four outlet units to a selected pair of wires and neutral conductors,
Any combination resulting from four independent pairs of wires and neutral conductors can be installed in different orientations and in different combinations of the two types of outlet units.

Power is supplied from the basic power distribution system to the panel power distribution system by a power-in connector. This power-in connector plugs into any surface of the power supply block in the space for the outlet unit. This power-in connector includes eight sets of male contacts. These male contacts are arranged in a pattern that combines the pattern of contact arrangement in both directions for both types of outlet units. The power-in connector also includes two additional sets of male contacts for separately contacting the safety ground conductor and the insulated ground conductor of the power distribution system. The ten sets of male contacts of the power-in connector are routed via appropriate conduits to four separate lines of the basic power distribution system and to the neutral, safety and insulated ground wires.

The arrangement of the contacts for the cable connectors of the two vertical rows of the distribution system, together with the four-finger male contacts of the connector and other plug-in components, makes the construction of a 10-wire distribution system at a lower height. to enable. The arrangement of all of the contacts for the power supply block of the power distribution system substantially along the longitudinal centerline of the power supply block allows for the construction of the power distribution system at a lower thickness. These height and thickness reductions are important to enable the construction of a 10-wire power distribution system that can fit within the available space of existing modular panel designs. Furthermore, the arrangement of the connector and its parts implemented according to the invention is particularly suitable for electrical applications requiring a high density of contact arrangements.

Another configuration of the units of the power distribution system for use in a wall panel unit that is too narrow to accommodate the entire power distribution system is also disclosed.

(Example) Next, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Details of a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS.
This is generally described below with reference to the figures. For illustration,
Modular furniture units are shown as wall panels and outlet units are shown as duplex receptacles. It should be understood that the system can be used in non-panel modular furniture units, including wall panels. Further, it should be understood that the system can be used with other receptacles, such as simplex, triplex, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, each panel unit in the modular wall system includes a pair of identical power blocks 10, 10 '. Each power supply block is located near the opposite ends of the panel unit and within its lower end. Each power block provides a means for interconnecting adjacent wall units, and typically two duplex outlet units, to provide interconnection to the desired electrical equipment. The basic power-in connector 42 shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 4D and the detailed diagram of FIG. 9 replaces one of the duplex outlets in one panel unit to supply power to the system. .

Figure 1 shows a typical modular wall panel unit
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a power distribution (power supply) system 67 of the present invention installed in the lower end of 62. In this figure, the power block 10 on the left side of the panel is hidden by the panel to panel or jumper cable connector 25 and the duplex outlet unit 44 or 45. At the opposite end of the panel, jumper cable connector 25 and duplex outlet unit 44 or 45
Shown away from 10, 10 ', the underlying power block 10' can be seen. A power block at each end of the panel unit can receive a jumper cable connector 25 and a duplex outlet unit 44 or 45 on both sides of the panel.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the power distribution system removed from the wall panel unit. This figure shows the duplex outlets 44 or 45 mounted on both sides of the left power block 10 and the outlet units 44 or 45 mounted on both sides of the right power block 10 '.
The direction of is shown. The direction of the jumper cable connector 25 attached to the front of the power supply block 10 'is also shown. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power distribution system removed from the wall unit, showing a perspective view of the two power supply units 10, 10 '. These power supply units 10, 10 '
Are interconnected by wires (not visible) inside unit 73.

FIG. 2A shows a locking mechanism of the present invention applied to the jumper cable connector 25 of FIG.

Cable connector 410 is designed to mate with a power supply block 411 that includes conductors coupled by its contacts. Power supply block 41 for easy understanding
1 is rotated with respect to the cable connector 410. The contact portion of the connector projects through the rear surface of the housing and is surrounded by insulating silos 412, 413 and the like.

The connector contacts are arranged in two vertical rows,
The contact portion protruding from the rear surface of the connector housing fits with the silo via openings 414 and 415 in the housing surface of the power supply block 411 near the end. The openings 414, 415, etc. are arranged in a pattern conforming to the pattern in which the connector contacts are arranged. The latch mechanism of the present embodiment is composed of two main parts. The first main part includes a latch plate 420 that is pivotally mounted to an end 421 of the connector housing 422. The second main portion includes a post 423 that protrudes outwardly from the housing surface of the power supply block 411 from a position adjacent to the row of openings in the power supply block housing including the opening 415. An intermediate position side of the post 423 facing the connector end 421 is formed by an inclined portion 424 as shown in FIG. 1A.

The wings 425 and 426 are provided at ends of the inclined portion 424. The inclined portion 424 is inclined from the outside toward the connector end 421, and as shown in FIGS.2B and 2D,
It ends at shoulder 427 away from power block 411. The lower end of the latch plate 420 has an outwardly projecting shoulder with a beveled end 431.
Ends at 429. When the connector is mated to the power supply block, the outer ends of the wings 425 and 426 enter recesses 425 ', 426' (shown by dashed lines) in the rear surface of the connector housing 422 and open insulating silos 412, 413, etc., with openings 414, 415, etc. The end 431, as shown in FIG.
And passes over ramp 427.

When the connector is fully mated with the power supply block, the wings 425, 426 are fully inserted into the recesses of the connector housing and restrain longitudinal movement of the connector relative to the power supply block. Upper shoulder 429 and lower shoulder 427 of the latch plate 420
And keep the connector in position in the power block.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the latch locking means of this embodiment comprises a straight intermediate span 439 and a generally U-shaped bail 432 having two downwardly bent parallel legs 433 and 434. . 2B and 2D, the legs 433 of the bail 432
And 434 form a loop 435 with bail 432 and leg 433
Connector 4 by pin 436 through loop 435 at the end of 434
It is pivotally mounted on 10. Each of the two pins 436 has a depth approximately halfway through the connector housing 422,
It is placed in a shoulder well 437 with a planar wall. Well 437
Are longitudinally spaced along a line between the two rows of contacts and the insulating silos 412, 413, etc. Groove 438 is open through end 421 and the outer surface of the connector housing, slopes from near the top end of housing end 421, and intersects well 437 slightly above pin 436. Accordingly, the bail 432 is free to swing outward from the connector to a vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2B. The legs 433 and 434 of the bail 432 are hidden within the groove 438 and extend over the top of the latch plate 420 along the bail portion 439 or the end 421 of the connector housing (FIG. 2C). Veil 432 is restricted vertically by wall 441 of well 437 and horizontally by floor 442 of groove 438.

2B-2D show a flexible tongue 443 for attaching the latch plate 420 to the end 421 of the connector housing. In the figure, a shoulder 427 at the lower end of the inclined portion 424 on the post 423 of the power supply block 411 and a shoulder 429 at the lower end of the latch plate 420 are shown. FIG. 2B shows the connector 410 separated from the power supply block 411. 2C and 2D show the connector fully fitted to the power supply block 411. FIG. FIG. 2C shows the shoulder 42 on the latch plate 420 and the lower end of the ramp 424.
7 shows the connector latched to the power supply block by engagement with 7. FIG. 2C also shows the two restricted positions of the bail 432. In the under-restricted position, span 439 extends above the upper end of latch plate 420 to inhibit forward movement of the upper end of latch plate 420 in the direction of ramp 424. This causes the shoulders 427 and 428 to engage and lock. When the bail swings out of the connector and the span 439 clears the upper end of the latch plate 420, the latch is unlocked and the upper end of the latch plate 420 is free to move forward. As a result, the lower shoulder 427 swings the shoulder 429, releasing the latch to allow the connector to be disconnected from the power block. 2D
The figure shows the latch plate 420 in the latch release position.

Next, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, 4A-D, FIG. Schematic diagrams showing the electrical connections that can be made at one end of the modular wall panel unit in the 10-wire power distribution system of the present invention are shown in FIGS.
4C is shown in FIG. FIG. 4D is a wiring diagram of the present system. As mentioned above, the system has two identical,
Includes power blocks 10, 10 'of opposite orientation. The power block housing consists of two mating housing halves made of insulating material
Molded at 71,72. The housing halves 71, 72 are hereinafter often referred to as "front" housing halves and "rear" housing halves, respectively. In FIG. 3, the front housing half 71 of the power supply block 10 faces forward, and the rear housing half 72 of the power supply block 10 'also faces forward. The two housing halves 71, 72 of the power supply block form a thin elongated box when assembled.

The wires 28, shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 4D, are interconnected like the busbar wires of the power supply blocks 10, 10 'and provide protection over the width of the panel unit separating the power supply blocks 10, 10'. Covered by a metal sheath (best shown in FIG. 3). The sheath 73 is preferably formed of a single piece of metal. The sheath has heretofore been formed on a pair of upwardly extending sides 74, 74b. Each side has a slot for receiving complementary ridges 75'-76 'molded on opposite ends of the power block housing halves 71, 72 (FIG. 5) and the slot 77, as best seen in FIG. 3A. Tongue 60, including sheath 73, including 75-76
Isolate from 60 '. Some of the ridges 75 ', and ridges 7
One half of 6 'is better shown in FIG. Slots 75-76 and ridges 75'-76 'inserted therein
Properly positions the sheath 73 relative to the power supply blocks 10, 10 'and reinforces the strength of the assembly 67 when the sheath is assembled to the power supply block by fasteners 78. These fasteners fit into holes 7 at the ends of the sheath portions 74, 74b.
9, and through aligned holes (not shown) at the ends of the power supply block housing halves 71,72.

The strength of the assembly 67 is further increased by the brackets 81, 81 '.
(Figure 3B). These brackets have an assembly mounting bracket on the far end
68, 68 'includes upwardly facing U-shaped brackets 82, 82'. Brackets 81 and 81 'are sheath 73
The power supply blocks 10, 10 'are attached to the opposite ends of the power supply blocks 10, 10' by fasteners 83. These fasteners pass through holes in the brackets 82, 82 'and aligned holes at both ends of the power block housing halves 71, 72.

As best shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 6A, and shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 4D, the power supply block 10 comprises ten parallel,
Includes vertically aligned busbars 11-20. Access to these bus bars is provided by a series of openings in each of the housing halves 71,72. At one end of each half of the power supply block housing, a respective array 71b, 72b of ten openings penetrates. These ten apertures are arranged in two vertically positioned rows 23,24. Each row has five openings. The rows of openings 23, 24 in the plane of the power supply block housing, as with the other openings described below, do not completely pass through both housing halves.

It should be particularly noted that the chirality or laterality of the opening pattern in the plane of the housing half 71 is preserved in the plane of the housing half 72, as best seen in FIG. That is, the opening row 23 is to the left of the opening row 24 in the housing half 71, and the opening of the row 23 faces the even-numbered bus bars 11 to 20. Similarly, in the housing half 72, the opening row 23b is on the left of the opening row 24b, corresponding to the row 23, and the opening of 23b is corresponding to the bus bars 11 to 20 of the power supply block 10, and ′ Bus bars 11 ′ to 20 ′. Also, the opening of the power supply block 10
The chirality of the patterns 31 to 34 and 35 to 38 and the patterns of the corresponding arrays 71a and 72a of the openings 31b to 34b and 35b to 38b of the power supply block 10 'are the same. Such preservation of the chirality of the opening pattern in the opposing faces of the power block housing allows any plug-in component of the system to fit on either side of the power block. However, the pattern of each arrangement 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b of openings in the housing halves 71, 72 has the same chirality, but the housing halves 71, 72 are not right-handed or left-handed in themselves. Note that The same elements 71, 72 form both power supply blocks 10, 10 '.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply block 10. Sixth
The figure is a perspective view of the inner surface of the power supply block housing half 71. The ends of the bus bars 11 to 20 of the power supply block 10 face similar ends of the corresponding bus bars of the power supply block 10 ′ at the opposite end of the panel unit, and extend in parallel across the width of the panel unit. They are interconnected by insulated wires 28. As shown in FIG.
20 have crimp terminals 86, respectively. This is for attachment to the end of the wires 28 that interconnect similar bus bars in the power block at the opposite end of the panel unit. The odd-numbered busbars 11-20 are slightly longer than the even-numbered busbars. Thus, each of the ten terminals 86 is alternately arranged in one of two vertically aligned rows. Each row includes five terminals 86. The busbar is
It is preferably made of copper or a copper alloy, and the ends of the busbar are preferably chamfered to facilitate mating of the contact element with the busbar.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the bus bars 11 to 20 are respectively
Parallel channel 11b on rear half 72 of power block housing
~ 20b invades to a depth of half the width of the busbar. Each of the channels 11b-20b branches to an open-ended trough 87 or 87 '. The odd-numbered busbars 11-20 are slightly longer than the even-numbered busbars, and the channels 11b-20b alternate in length accordingly. Thus, each of the troughs 87 'is longer than each of the troughs 87. The longer terminal 86 of the busbars 11-20 is located in the shorter trough 87 and the shorter terminal 86 of the busbar is located in the longer trough 87 '. Front housing half 71 includes channels corresponding to and corresponding to channels 11b-20b. The bus bars 11 to 20 extend the channels 11 to the rest of their width when the housing halves 71, 72 are assembled.
It falls into b-20b. FIG. 6 shows the bus bars 11-20 seated in the channels of the housing half 71 corresponding to the channels 11b-20b of the housing half 72.

FIG. 6A is an assembled part of the power supply block 10. FIG. The pattern of the opening rows 23, 24 of the housing half 71 and the pattern of the opening rows 23, 24 on the outwardly facing surface of the housing half 72 are shown. For clarity, only the opening and the outline of the portion of the busbar 11-20 accessible through the opening are shown in FIG. 6A. Busbars accessible from the opening and the rearward facing surface 71 are indicated by dashed lines. 6A
As can be seen, the openings in column 23 provide access to odd numbered busbars, and the openings in column 24 provide access to even numbered busbars. FIG. 6A demonstrates the internesting of the openings from the opposing faces of the power block.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the left hand ends of busbars 13, 14, 15 are formed with narrowed tongues 88, 89, 91. These tongues are located on the vertical ends of the housing halves 71, 72.
Protrude outward beyond 92, 92b. The tongues (tongues or projections) 88, 89, 91 are provided on the vertical sides 92,
It is surrounded by an insulating silo shaped to fit the silo halves 93, 93b on 92b. Silo 93 is contoured to mate with an L-shaped plug at the end of a three-wire cord extending upwardly within the vertical end of the wall panel unit.
Neither plugs nor cords are shown in the figure. The plug is
In order to supply power from the L2, N2 circuit of the present system to a lighting device or other device located along the upper end of the panel unit, two cord wires are connected via the tongues 88, 89 to the bus bar 13, Connect to 14. The third wire of the cord is connected to the bus bar 15 via a tongue 91 by a plug to ground the lighting device.

The short tongue 193 is used to cut into a recess (not shown) in the housing half 71 so that the bus bar 11, 12, 14,
Protrude sideways from 16-20 opposing ends. With this invasion,
Each busbar is positioned vertically, channel 11
b, 12b, etc. are limited to the channels of the housing half 71. Busbar 13 is positioned longitudinally and is confined by upward bends in the busbar adjacent to tongue 88 in channels 13b of half 72 and channels corresponding to 13b of half 71. This tang invades the channel 13b and the dependent bend in the channel in the opposite half 71.

The bus bar 15 is formed with two downward offsets spaced along its length. by this,
The plane of that part of the busbar within these offsets is
It can move on the vertical center line of the halves 71 and 72. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the tongues 58, 59 protrude outward from the opposite side surfaces of the offset portion bus bar 15. The corresponding tongues 58 ', 59' (FIG. 6) project outwardly from the opposite sides of the offset portion of the bus bar 15. Tongue 58
59 'extend through a slot 94 in the plane of the housing halves 71,72. At this time, these tongues are exposed to contact the ground contact point of the duplex outlet unit 44 or 45, as described below. Fifth
In the figure, only one of the slots 94 can be seen. An upward offset is formed in the portion of the bus bar 16 near the end connected to one of the wires 28. As a result, the plane of this offset portion is the housing half 71,
Can move on 72 center lines. Tongue 60, 60 '
Protrudes outwardly from opposite sides of the offset portion of the bus bar 16 through slots 77 in the plane of the housing halves 71, 72, as shown in FIG. Tongue 60, 6
0 'provides access to the system's insulated ground lead for contacting a dedicated plug-in component (not described here) used to power electronics that require a dedicated ground lead.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6A, the openings in rows 23, 24, 31-40 in the plane of the housing half 71 for receiving the male contacts of the various plug-in components may be such openings. Have a serrated or notched perimeter to prevent accidental contact with the busbar accessible through the busbar. The male contacts of the plug-in components that connect to the busbar through such openings, respectively,
It is surrounded by an insulating silo 93, as seen in components 44, 45 of FIG. These insulated silos have a profile that is complementary to the profile of the opening and have the purpose of preventing accidental contact with the male contacts during installation or removal of the plug-in component. These safety features will be described more fully later. Regarding the outline of the opening, the notch with the notched wall is the fifth,
Whenever shown on one of the housing halves 71 or 72 in FIG. 6, that depression indicates that it is open towards the face of the housing in which it is shown, and will be described here.

For example, the opening 31 in the plane of the housing half 71 is formed with a notched wall. When the housing half 71 is assembled with the housing half 72, the housing half 72
The inner straight wall cavity 31c is located directly opposite the opening 31. The cavity 31 is closed at the bottom and when the male contact is inserted through the opening 31, the busbar 11
A male contact is provided to receive that portion of the insulating silo extending beyond. Similar straight wall cavities, such as 32c, 37c, 38c, can be
Opposed directly to the opening in the plane of 71, it is located in the housing half 72. In FIG. 5, only a few of such cavities are labeled. Cavities 31c, 32
The straight wall cavities corresponding to c and the like are located in the housing half 71 directly facing the openings 31b, 32b and the like in the housing half 72. The cavity of half 71
In FIG. 6, it is only partially seen at 95 and 96. The openings and the internesting of each cavity are shown in FIGS. 6A, 8A, 15-19.

Mounting posts 101, 102 for fixing either the duplex outlet units 44 or 45 or the base power-in connector 42 project outwardly from the surface of the housing half 71. The posts 101, 102 recess into complementary recesses in the rear surface of the housing for the duplex outlet unit and in the rear surface of the power-in connector. The posts 101, 102 have a step 103 shaped at the corner facing upwards to prevent reverse connection of the power-in connector 42 (if such an element is installed in the power supply block). . On the right hand side of the post 101, upper and lower wings 104, 105 are formed, which wings are vertically offset from that part of the post 101, which is similar in shape to the post 102. On the side wall of the post 101 connecting the wings 104 and 105, a stepped inclined portion 106 is formed. This slope acts as a strike for a latch toggle formed on the end of the housing of the connector 25, as will be described below. Posts similar to the mounting posts 101, 102 are molded on the surface of the housing half 72. However, posts on half 72 similar to post 101 are seen to the right when half 72 is viewed in elevation, and posts similar to post 102 are seen to the left.

Details of the construction of the plug-in panel for the panel element 25 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 4D, 7, 7A and 8.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the openings in rows 23 and 24 are aligned with every other busbar 11-20, and the individual relationship of each of the busbars is a flexible 10-wire panel to panel jumper. This is enabled by ten individual male contacts 26 supported by a plug-in connector 25 for cable 126. This is best seen in FIGS. The male contacts of the connector 25 extend outwardly from the rear surface of the connector housing, and each contact is surrounded by an insulating silo 93 sized to fit within the opening of the power block housing with minimal clearance. Each of the male contacts 26 of the connector 25 is connected by one of the conductors 27 of the jumper cable 126 to a similarly positioned male contact of the same connector (not shown) at the opposite end of the jumper cable. Panel-to-panel jumper cable connections between power distribution systems of adjacent wall panel units establish circuit continuity between the panel units. The bus bars of all power supply blocks of the distribution system all have the same order of vertical arrangement.

7 and 8 show a panel-to-panel or jumper cable connector 25. FIG. In particular, FIG. 7 better illustrates the same general configuration of male contacts 26 used in all plug-in components of the system. Contact 26 may be stamped and formed from a resilient conductive alloy plate having a generally square shape, and may be provided with a desired electrical and electrical connection as is well known in the art.
It preferably has mechanical properties. The lower part of this metal plate has four parallel fingers 110 to 11 hanging from the back beam 109.
Formed into three. Each of the fingers 110-113 is bent out of the plane of the beam 109 to form a spring arch 114 at the base of the finger. This arch bends the free end 115 of the finger back to the plane of the beam 109 when the end of the finger is displaced therefrom. Arch 114
The directions of bending alternate from side to side of the plane of the beam 109 along the length of the beam. The free ends of the fingers are bent outward from the plane of the beam 109. This facilitates the passage of a finger beyond the end of the busbar and into one of the power supply blocks of the power distribution system (if contacted with it).
Upon contact with the busbar, the fingers 110-113 extend alternately across opposing surfaces of the busbar and exert pressure on those surfaces. The busbar then moves along the plane of beam 109,
Pulled through those fingers.

The form of construction of the contact 26 saves space and the beam 109
The stress of the fingers 110-113 also provides the advantage of creating a counterbalance torque in the beam 109 when the finger contacts the busbar. Therefore, upon contact with the bus bar, the contact does not exert any stress on the housing. In the housing, contacts are installed,
It does not rely on such stresses to maintain contact pressure on the busbar. In this way, the contact pressure is not weakened by any changes in housing dimensions resulting from loosening of the housing. The contacts 26 and similar contacts of the power distribution system attached to the conductor are formed with tabs 116 projecting laterally from the upper end of the beam 109 and having crimp terminals 117 formed on the ends for attachment of the wires 27. .

In FIGS. 7, 7A and 8, the housing of the connector 25 is constituted by a body portion 118 and a cover plate 119. Both are molded from an insulating material. The inside of the body part 118 includes ten slots 121. These slots are arranged in two parallel rows 23 corresponding to the openings in the power supply block 10,
Arranged in 24. Each row has five slots each to receive ten contacts 26. Slot 121
Open along the length of their bottom, through the rear surface of the housing half 118, and open at the end into the interior of the body 118. The sides of the slot 121 are grooved as at 122, 122 'to provide clearance for the spring arch 114 of the contact fingers 110-113 (when the contact 26 is inserted therein). . The ends of the slots in row 23 open toward the sides of box-shaped cavity 123 at the end of body 118 adjacent to the jumper cable. Row 24 slots are parallel with cavity 123 between row 23 slots.
Open toward the end of the channel 124 that extends toward the side of. The outer perimeter of cavity 123 ends with ten aligned U-shaped spacers 125. These spacers guide the ten electric wires 27 to the body part 118 while maintaining the parallel with the attached electric wires 27 after the contact 26 is installed.
Wire extending between connectors 25, 25 'at both ends of the wire
The part 27 is a flat cable 12 as shown in FIG.
Wrapped in a flexible polymer material to form 6.

3 and 5, the openings in row 23 for receiving jumper cable contacts 26 are to the left of the openings found in row 24. To ensure electrical continuity between adjacent furniture units, connectors 25, 25 '
Includes a reverse insertion prevention function. Therefore, connector 25
Is received only in the side power blocks 10, 10 ',
Connector 25 'is received on side 72 of power supply blocks 10, 10'. In this way, a "right hand" connector and a "left hand" connector are obtained. However, once the connectors 25, 25 '
Is terminated to the cable 126, the cable 126 is connected to the panel 67.
"Left and right" results in the fact that it can be used on either end and on any side. For assembly, the cover of each connector 25, 25 'is marked with an arrow to indicate the geometric direction.

7 and 7A, each finger 110-1 of the contact 26
13 penetrates the rear surface 27 of the housing half 118 when their contacts are fully inserted into the housing,
It then extends beyond the plane. These contact fingers are surrounded by an insulating silo 131 molded on the rear surface 127 of the housing. The construction of each of the insulating silos 131 and similar insulating silos of the other plug-in elements of the system is the same, with two opposed shells 13 spaced apart.
Includes 1a and 131b. These shells provide grooves 130 that are wide enough to clear the thickness of the busbar of power supply block 10 or 10 '. The walls of the shells 131a, 131b are relatively thin and are rotating to provide an internal passage. Within these internal passages, the fingers 110-113 extend with sufficient clearance to allow finger flexing when in contact with the busbar. finger
The outer walls of such passages, covering 110-113, are each 11
0b, 111a, 112b, 113a. The end of such a passage is covered by an overturned lip extending to the end of the groove 130. The contact finger is accessible only through the groove 130. This groove is too narrow for penetration by a 1/4 inch probe according to UL standards or a human finger. In this way, the contact finger is always protected from being touched by a human hand.

The outer shape of each of the various openings in the plane of the power supply block into which the insulating silo 131 and the like are inserted is complementary to the outer shape around the insulating silo. These openings are sized to allow the insulating silo to pass therethrough with a close gap, and the insulating silo can be positioned at any angle with respect to the power block housing opening.
The large end of the 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) diameter test probe is dimensioned so that no part of it can be inserted to a depth where it can contact the underlying busbar. Thus, the busbar is also always protected against contact by human fingers during installation or removal of the plug-in element or even when no plug-in element is installed in the power supply block.

FIG. 7B shows a partial perspective view of contact 510, with dashed line 607 indicating a flat bus bar.

When the finger is deformed by engaging with the bus bar, the fingers 610 to 6
13 exerts forces in opposite directions on the beam 609, but since the final force is zero, no lateral force is applied to the beam.
The moment applied to the beam by the force generated by fingers 610 and 613 at the opposite ends of the beam increases the magnitude of the force applied to the beam by internal finger pairs 611 and 612. The force generated by the inner finger pair imparts a moment to the beam. The beam offsets the moment applied to it by the force of finger pairs 610 and 613. Thus, beam 609 does not rotate or translate in any way when contacting the bus bar. Also, the beams do not react against the housing.

In this embodiment, the beam 609 is formed by a tab 616 that projects laterally from the upper end of the beam and has a crimp terminal 617 for attaching a wire 527. As the terminal 617, another known terminal can be used. The bus bar 607 is shown in FIG.
As shown in Figure G, the contacts of fingers 610-613 are contained within an insulated housing as if they were within a conductor housing. Therefore, human fingers contact during mating or unmating
Contact to prevent touching 510 or busbar 607
Only 510 housings need be provided.

In FIG. 7C, the silo 531 has opposed shells 531a and 531b spaced to obtain a groove 530 having a width greater than the thickness of the bus bar 607. The wall thickness of shells 531a and 531b is relatively thin, extending fingers 610-613 to form internal channels 610b, 61a, 612b, 613a that are deformable when in contact with busbars. The end of such a channel is covered by overturn lips 610c, 611c and extends from the outer surface of the channel to the end of groove 530. Contact fingers 610-613 have grooves 530
And the groove 530 is narrow enough to insert a person's finger, so it is always protected from human hands and the 1/4 inch diameter test prog.

Busbar 607 is contained within insulating housing 540 and has access to fingers of contacts 510 through opening 541 of housing 540. Opening 541 is aligned with bus bar 607 and has a profile that is complementary to silo 531. End 543 of the lower end of opening 541
And 546 are in the plane slightly lower than the lower surface of the bus bar 607,
This gives a gap between the parts 543b and 544b of the silo 531. The surface portions 545 and 546 of the opening are stepped from the end surfaces 543 and 544, and provide a gap between the portions 545b and 546b of the silo 531. The longitudinal end of the bus bar 607 is preferably chamfered to facilitate the fitting with the contact 510. Movement of the fingers 610-613 across the bus bar 607 exerts a wiping action on the corresponding contact surface.

The upper end of opening 541 is also wavy, providing a gap for portions 549a and 550a of insulating silo 531. Opening541
Is dimensioned such that the silo 531 passes closely.

FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view taken along 1D-1D of FIG. 7C, and shows a state where a test probe 552 having a 1/4 inch diameter is inserted into the opening 541. It can be seen that no part of the probe can penetrate to a position where it contacts the bus bar 607.
Therefore, the bus bar is always protected from contact with human fingers.

FIG. 7G shows a silo 531 with contacts 510 inserted into openings 541 of housing 540, with fingers 610 of contacts 510 in electrical contact with bus bar 607 (shown in dashed lines).
And 611. As can be seen from FIGS. 7E and 7G, each channel has its own spring arm
There is enough clearance to deflect upon contact with 607. 7G
The figure further shows a second opening 541 on the opposite side of the housing 540 and another bus bar 607 therein.

FIG. 7H shows another embodiment 700 of the contact, with the spring arches of the outermost beams 710,713 pointing in one direction and the spring arches 714 of the innermost beams 711,712 pointing in the opposite direction. The shape of the silo 731 and the corresponding complementary opening 7241 in the housing 740 are configured to match the shape of the contact 700 and exhibit the same advantages and safety features as described above.

Referring to FIG. 8, the end of connector 25 mates with a latch plate 133 attached to the connector by a flexible tongue (not shown). This enables toggling before and after the latch plate. housing
The side of the plate 133 adjacent the rear surface of the 118 is finished with an inclined lip 134. This lip is provided on the inclined portion 106 (5th position) of the mounting post 101 on the power supply block housing.
(See Figure) and plugged into the power supply block, it is associated with the lower side of its ramp to lock connector 25 in place. This connector can be unlocked for removal from the power block by moving the outer edge of plate 133 forward. As a result, the lip 134 is disengaged from the lower side of the inclined portion 106, and the connector can be removed from the power supply block.

To remove the connector 25 from the power block,
Helped by 135. The ends of the bail are bent back into parallel arms 136, 136 '. A loop is formed at the end of each arm. The bail arms 136, 136 '
It fits in grooves 137, 137 'in housing 118 and is pivotally retained therein by pins (not shown) passing through the arm loops. Cover plate matching grooves 137, 137 '
When the cover plate is attached to the housing 118 by the slits 138, 138 'in 119, the bail arm 1
A swivel movement before and after 36, 136 'becomes possible. Grooves 137, 13
7 'opens through the end of the housing 118. Therefore,
If the connector is installed in the power supply block, the bail 13
5 can be folded flat against the housing.
In doing so, the center of the bail extends beyond the outer surface of the latch plate 133. In this portion of the bail, the latch plate 133 cannot pivot forward to release the lip 134 from the lower end of the ramp 106. To remove the connector from the power block, the bail 135 is swung outward from the connector housing. Thereby, the latch plate 133 can be toggled forward to release contact with the ramp 106, and can provide a convenient handle for withdrawing the connector from the power block.

The details of the construction of the basic power-in connector 42 are described in the third,
This will be described with reference to 4, 4A, 4D, and 9 to 11A. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper left hand quarter of the central part of the housing surface of the power supply block 10 has four openings 31-34. These openings are arranged in two vertical rows, each row having two openings. Four openings 35-38 arranged in two vertical rows of two openings in each row are located symmetrically with the openings 31-34 in the lower right quarter of the power supply block housing. Openings 31-34 are busbars 11-
14 and the opening 35-38, the bus bar 17-
Aligned with 20, allowing access to their busbars via male contacts or basic power-in connectors on plug-in duplex outlet units. As a result, power from the basic power distribution system is supplied to the panel power distribution system. Additional openings 39, 40 respectively aligned with the busbars 15, 16 allow access to the busbars described above by male contacts of the basic power-in connector. Although one modular wall system requires only one basic power-in connector 42, the present power distribution system, as described herein, can be installed in any furniture unit designed to receive a receptacle outlet. Note that the interconnection with the power supply can be easily realized.

Basic power-in connector 42 schematically shown in FIGS. 4A, 4D
Is shown in detail in FIGS. 9-11A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the power-in connector 42 viewed from the front. The housing of connector 42 is made of insulating material and metal front cover.
A base 140 comprising 141 is included. Power-in connector is 10
Includes insulated wires. With this connector, one set 43
(Fig. 4A) 10 male contacts (see Fig. 7
(Having essentially the same configuration as the contacts 26 already described) are connected to the basic system. Each contact set is surrounded by one of ten insulating silos 31'-40 '. These silos are formed on the back of the connector housing in a pattern that is consistent with the layout pattern of the openings 31-40. Each of the silos 31'-40 'is dimensioned to fit within one of the openings 31-40 with minimal clearance. To illustrate the present invention, the contacts and each silo are arranged in the following order.

Silo Basic system conductor 31 'Wire 4 (L4) 32' Neutral 4 (N4) 33 'Wire 2 (L2) 34' Neutral 2 (N2) 39 'Safety ground (SG) 40' Insulated ground (IG) 35 ' Neutral 1 (N1) 36 'Wire 1 (L1) 37' Neutral 3 (N3) 38 'Wire 3 (L3) When the power-in connector 42 is plugged into the surface of the power supply block 10, the bus bars 11 to 20 Are connected to the basic power supply system in the same order as the male contacts of the connector 42. Electrical wires connecting a set of male contacts (not shown) of the connector 42 to the basic power distribution system are protected by a metal tube 142 that extends through an opening in the plane of the cover 141 and extends from the connector.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the basic portion 140 of the housing of the connector 42. The pattern of the arrangement of the insulating silos 31'-40 'for the male contacts of the connector 42 is clearly illustrated in FIG. Due to the symmetry of the pattern in which the insulating silos 31'-40 'are arranged, these insulating silos fit into the openings 31-40 or 31b-40b of the power supply block housing halves 71 or 72 (see FIG. 5). be able to. Alternatively, the connector can be turned end-to-end and
1'-40 'can fit openings 31-40 in reverse order, but this is inappropriate. Improper mounting of the connector 42 in the power supply block is prevented by forming recesses 143, 143 'at both ends of the base 140, each having a complementary profile, and the profile of the mounting posts 101, 102. In this way, the connector can be prevented from being reversely connected (directivity).
A slit 144 extends through the wall, along the centerline of the base 140 in each of the depressions 143, 143 ', and into the base 140 to accommodate the tongues 58, 59 on the SG busbar 15. Also,
9 and 10, holes 145 through which fasteners are passed to secure connector 42 to mounting post 102 can be seen. A similar hole is provided in the concave portion 143.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a base 140 of the connector 42, and FIG.
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view thereof. Both figures show the internal structure of the base. The base 140 may be considered to be formed from four levels of thickness. The lowest thickness level, the area with the thinnest base, is the floor of the cavities 146, 147, 148. The second thickness level may be considered the top plane of two diagonally opposed mesas 149 or 150.
Various slits are formed in these mesas for receiving the male contacts of the connector 42. The vertical ends of the mesas 149, 150 define the walls of the cavities 146-148. The third thickness level may be considered a top plane of the end regions 152, 153. The fourth thickness level may be considered as a plane of the upper end sides of the side walls 154, 155 of the base 140. These several thickness levels of the base 140 provide space in the connector for the installation of the ten sets of male contacts and their connecting wires.

The slits 31d-34d, 39 extend through the mesas 149 and each have a base at a location above the insulating silos 31'-34 ', 39'.
Open to the back of 140. Slits 35d-38d, 40d are mesa 150
And open to the rear of base 140 at the locations of insulating silos 35'-38 ', 40', respectively. The slits 31d to 40d and the male contacts fitted therein have essentially the same configuration as the slit 122 and the contacts 26 described with reference to FIG.

The circuit continuity with the base power distribution system is controlled by either a jumper cable connected to the active power distribution system of an adjacent panel unit via a connector 25 or a power-in connector 42 connected to the power supply block 10 '. Assuming that it is established within the power block 10
Can receive, on both sides, either of two types of plug-in outlet units 44 or 45 (shown schematically in FIGS. 4B, 4C and shown in detail in FIGS. 12-14).

An outlet unit 44, hereinafter often referred to as a type "A" outlet unit, is shown schematically in FIGS. 4B and 4D and in detail in FIG. As described herein, the outlet unit 44 is configured to provide electrical interconnection to either the L1 or N1 conductor in a first direction or the L2 or N2 conductor in a second direction. You. Unit 44
Include male contacts 49,53. These male contacts are substantially identical to the male contact sets of connectors 25,42. Contacts 49 and 53 may be isolated insulated silos 33 ″, 3 ″ in the same manner as described above for connectors 25 and 42.
4 "(see FIG. 2). Insulated silos 33" and 34 "are located at a location on the back of the outlet housing that corresponds to openings 36 and 35 in the plane of the power supply block 10 in one direction. Outlet unit
44 is flipped end-to-end, or "flip"
When done, the insulated silos 33 "and 34" correspond to the openings 33 and 34 in the power supply block housing, respectively. Thus, when the outlet unit 44 is mounted in the power supply block 10 in the first direction, the contacts 49, 53
They come into contact with the bus bars 17, 18, respectively. Thus, the outlet contacts 46, 47 are connected to the N1 conductor of the present system, and the outlet contacts 51, 52 are connected to the L1 conductor of the present system. Contacts when mounted in a second orientation
49 and 53 contact the bus bars 13 and 14, respectively. Thus, contacts 46 and 47 are connected to the N2 lead of the system, and contacts 51 and 52 are connected to the L2 lead of the system.

The outlet unit 45, hereinafter often referred to as a type "B" outlet unit, schematically shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D and shown in detail in FIGS. 13 and 14, is substantially similar to the outlet unit 44. However, the male contacts 49 'and 53', corresponding to the contacts 49 and 53 of the outlet unit 44, are included in the insulated silos 32 "and 31", which are in one direction of the unit 45. The outlet unit 44 differs from the outlet unit 44 in that it extends from the position corresponding to the openings 38 and 37 from the rear surface of the housing of the unit 45. When flipped end-to-end, i.e., "flip" in the second direction, the insulating silos 31 "and 32"
They correspond to the openings 32 and 31 of the power supply block 10, respectively. Thus, when the outlet unit 45 is mounted in the power supply block 10 in the first direction, the contacts 49 ',
53 'contact the bus bars 19, 20, respectively. Therefore, outlet contacts 46 'and 47'
Outlet contacts 51 'and 52' are respectively connected to the N3 conductor and the L3 conductor. When the outlet unit 49 is mounted in the power supply block 10 in the second direction, the contacts 49 ', 53' make contact with the bus bars 12, 11, respectively. Therefore, contacts 46 'and 47' are
To the N4 conductor, the contacts 51 ', 52' are connected to the L4 conductor of the system.

Outlet units 44 and 45 include identical ground contacts 57 contained within the outlet unit housing along the longitudinal centerline of the housing to make contact with the system ground line. An opening in the back of the outlet unit housing aligned with the contact 57 is formed there by one of two tongues 58 or 59 formed on the bus bar 15 to project forward from the face of the housing of the power supply block 10. To allow access to If either an A-type or B-type outlet unit is installed in the power supply block in the first orientation, the tongue 58 will be connected to the contact 57 to connect the contacts 55, 56 to the safety ground conductor of the system. Contact. This is as shown on the right hand side in each of FIGS. If either outlet unit type is installed in the power supply block in the second direction, the tongue 59 contacts the contact 57 to connect the contacts 55, 56 to the safety ground conductor of the system. This is as shown on the left hand side of each of FIGS.

FIGS. 12-14 further show details of two types of outlet units 44, 45 used in the present system.
For illustrative purposes, outlet units 44, 45 are shown as duplex receptacles. It should be understood that the receptacle can also be simplex, triplex, etc. Both types of outlet units 44 and 45 have a base 16 made of insulating material.
Use the same housing, including the 0 and cover 161. No.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the type B connector 45 with the cover 160 removed and rotated to show its lower surface. All four insulated silos, 31 ", 32" of unit 45, and 33 ", 34" of unit 44, are molded in one quarter on the rear surface of base 160. Only insulated silos 31 ", 32" and 33 "
It can be seen in Figures 12-14. Cover 161 includes two identical sets of openings. Each set has a D-shaped opening 16
2. Includes a T-shaped opening 163 and a square opening 164 for receiving either a normal plug type such as a two prong non-directional plug, a two prong directional plug or a three prong chamfered plug. . The lower surface of the cover 161 includes a plurality of pedestals 161a, 1
61b, means for retaining each contact element within the housing 160 and for maintaining electrical contact with the selected busbar element when a plug (not shown) is inserted into / removed from the duplex receptacle. Is configured to provide. Cover 161 further includes staking posts 161c for securing cover 161 to base 160. FIGS. 15-19 show each pedestal 161b in a position against each ground contact element 54, and FIG. 20 shows a plurality of pedestals 161a.

A passage 165 having enlarged width end portions 166, 167 extends along a longitudinal centerline of the base 160. Ground contacts 55-57 formed as a unitary structure 54 fit within passage 165 with contacts 55, 57 occupying passage portion 166 and contact 56 occupying passage portion 167. Contact 55 ~ 5
7 is a U-shaped configuration having contacts 55 and 56 opened on the surface of the outlet unit aligned with the opening 162 in the cover 161. Both ends of the base 160 traverse the width of the base to form end shelves 168, 168 'having a height 169 equal to the height of the mounting posts 101 and 102 (FIG. 5) on the power block surface. Make stairs inward. Base 160
Is thickened at opposing ends along the centerline of its base to provide reinforced mounting blocks 171, 171 '. These mounting blocks have recessed holes through which fasteners can reach through the mounting posts 101, 102 to secure the outlet unit within the power supply block. The wall of the mounting block 171 ', which forms the end wall of the passage section 166, has one of the grounding tongues 58 or 59 when the outlet unit is installed in the power supply block.
Can be slotted along the centerline to fit into
Ground contact facing the outlet unit downward
57 then contacts the portion of tongue 58 or 59 that protrudes into passage portion 166.

Four generally square piers 173 extend upward from the floor of base 160. Each pier is aligned with one of the insulating silos 31 "-34" protruding from the rear surface of the base 160. Slots 31d to 34d having the same shape as the slots described in FIG.
It extends through a pier 173 located at 1 "-34" and opens to the rear of the base 160 in the enclosure formed by the insulating silos 31 "-34".

In FIG. 12, contacts 46, 47 and 49 are strips 48
From an integral structure. Contact 46 and
Each of the 47 comprises three leaves bent upwardly from the lower edge of the strip 48 and gathered at its outer edge. The contacts 46 and 47 are
Contact one of the prongs of the non-directional plug between the outer sides of leaves 177 and 176. The prongs of the directional plug for connection to the neutral wire make contact between the opposing surfaces of the leaves 176 and 177. The end of the strip 48 extending beyond the contact 47 is bent into an L-shape with legs 170 extending transversely to the axes of the contacts 46 and 47 and legs 178 extending outward in a direction parallel to the axes of the contacts 46 and 47. . A contact 49 for contacting the N1 or N2 bus bar 19 or 12 of the power block is formed along the lower edge of the leg 178,
Facing downward from its lower edge. Contacts 46-49
Fits in a base 160 with contacts 46 and 47 located in the T-slot of cover 161. The portion of the strip connecting the contacts 46 and 47 extends between the opposite sides of the partitions 179-183. The leg 170 runs along the wall of the bulkhead 183 and the leg 17
8 enters slot 34d along its side facing partition 183.

The contacts 51-53 are formed as an integral structure from the strip 50. Contacts 51 and 52 are each formed from a single leaf bent upwardly from the lower end of strip 50 in opposed relation to strip 50. The portion of the strip 50 that extends beyond the contact 52 is bent perpendicular to the axis of the contact 51, 52 to form a leg 184 that extends across the axis of the contact 51, 52.

The end portion of leg 184 is bent back vertically along a line parallel to the axis of contacts 51, 52 to form end leg 185. The contact 53 for contacting the L1 or L2 bus bar 17 or 13 projects downward from the edge of the leg 185.

Contacts 51-53 are recessed into the open ends of bases 160 of contacts 51 and 52 which are aligned with slots 164 of cover 161 and face upward. The portion of the strip 50 that connects the contacts 51 and 52 is the wall 1 that forms one side of the passage 165.
It extends along the 86 plane. Contacts 51 and 52 are each a wall
Fits within gaps 187 and 188 in 186 and is retained there by mounting posts 189. This mounting post is located on the floor of the base 160 facing the gap 187 and the peer facing the gap 188.
It extends upward from the ridge formed on the surface of 173. Arm 184
Extends along the internally facing wall of the bulkhead 183, and the arm 185 enters 34d along its side adjacent the internally facing wall of the bulkhead 183.

Referring to FIG. 13, the assembly of the contacts 46 ', 47', 49 'and 51', 52 'in the outlet unit 45 is such that the arms 170' and 184 'shown in FIG. 13 are shown in FIG. Contacts 46, 47, 49 in outlet unit 44, except that they are longer than corresponding arms 170 and 184.
And substantially the same configuration as the assembly of 51 and 52. When the assembly of contacts 46 ', 47', 49 'is installed in base 160, contacts 46' and 47 'in that base are provided.
The arrangement of the contact 46 and the contact 46 described with reference to FIG.
It becomes the same as the arrangement of 47. However, due to the longer arm 170 ', the contact 49' is located within the slot 32d. That is, it enters the slot from its end adjacent to the facing wall of partition 183. Contact 49 'is in contact with either N3 or N4 busbar 19 or 12. Similarly, if the assembly of contacts 51'-53 'is installed in base 160, the arrangement of contacts 51' and 52 'there will be the arrangement of contacts 51 and 52 described with reference to FIG. Will be the same as Also in this case, since the length of the arm 184 'is longer, the contact 53' is arranged in the slot 31d. That is, it enters slot 34d through its end adjacent to the interior facing wall of partition 183. Contact 53 'is L
Contact with either 3 or L4 busbar 20 or 11.
Contact assemblies 46 ', 47', 5 installed in base 160
1 'to 52' are shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of the power supply block 10 showing an outlet unit 44 'of the type shown in FIG.
This outlet unit is installed in the plane facing the power supply block. Outlet unit 44 ',
44 'is located with contacts 49 and 53 both facing right when viewed from the rear of the unit 44. Outlet unit contacts 53 and 49 shown on the right
Are in contact with L2, N2 busbars 13 and 14, respectively.
Opening 33 of power supply block housing half 71 (see FIG. 5)
And enter 34. The outlet unit contacts 53 and 49 shown on the left respectively correspond to the openings 33 in the housing half 72.
b and 34b, again in contact with the bus bars 13 and 14. Thus, the contacts of both outlet units
52 is connected to the L2 lead of the present system, and the contacts 47 of both outlet units are connected to the N2 lead of the present system.

FIG. 16 shows outlet units 44, 44 installed in the power supply block. Contact 49 of both units and
53 is facing left when viewed from the back of the outlet unit 44. The contacts 53 and 49 of the outlet unit 44 shown on the right respectively enter the openings 35 and 36 of the power supply block housing half 71 (see FIG. 5) and
Contact with 17 and 18. The contacts 53 and 49 of the outlet unit 44 shown on the right enter openings 35b and 36b, respectively, of the power supply block housing half 72, again in contact with the bus bars 17 and 18. Thus, the contacts 52 of both outlet units are connected to the L1 lead of the present system, and the contacts 47 of both outlet units are connected to the N1 lead of the present system.

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view of a power supply block 10 having an outlet unit 44 of the type shown in FIG. This outlet unit is installed in the power supply block housing half 71 in the same unit 44 direction as shown in FIG. The contacts 52 and 47 of the unit 44 are thus connected to the L1 and N1 conductors of the system, respectively. FIG. 17 further includes an outlet unit 44 'of the type shown in FIG. This outlet unit is installed in the power supply block housing 72 in the same direction as shown in FIG. The contacts 52 and 47 of the unit 44 'are thus each connected to the L2
And N2 conductor.

FIG. 18 is a vertical sectional view of a power supply block having a duplex outlet unit 45, 45 'of the type shown in FIG. These outlet units are installed in the facing surfaces of the power supply block. The outlet unit 45 shown on the right was installed with its contacts 49 'and 53' located to the left when looking at the back of the unit 45. The contacts 49 'and 53' are connected to the bus bar 19 and
To make contact with 20, each enters openings 37 and 38 of power block housing half 71 (see FIG. 5). This connects the contacts 52 'and 47' of the right hand unit 45 to the L3 and N3 conductors of the system, respectively.

The outlet unit 45 'shown on the left in FIG.
Looking at the back of the unit 45, its contacts 49 'and
53 'was located to the right. Contacts 53 'and 4
9 'enters openings 31b and 32b in power block housing half 72, respectively, to contact busbars 11 and 12. As a result, the contact 52 'of the left hand unit 45'
And 47 'are connected to the L4 and N4 conductors of the system, respectively.

FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view of a power supply block 10 having an outlet unit 44 of the type shown in FIG. This outlet unit is installed in the power supply block housing half 71 in the same unit 44 direction as shown in FIG. The contacts 52 and 47 of the unit 44 are thus connected to the L1 and N1 conductors of the system, respectively.

In FIG. 19, the outlet unit 45 'is installed in the power supply block housing half 72 in the same direction as the unit 45' shown on the left of FIG. This connects the contacts 52 'and 47' of the unit 45 to the L4 and N4 conductors of the system, respectively.

FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view of a power supply block 10 having an outlet unit of the type shown in FIG. This outlet unit is installed in the plane facing the power supply block in the same direction as shown in FIG. Jumper cable connector 25 is shown installed within housing half 71 of the power supply block. The vertical spacing between the contacts 53 of each outlet unit 44 'is not clear in FIG. 5, but is clearly shown in FIG. The contacts 49 of each outlet unit 44
Similarly separated vertically, these contacts are
Not shown in FIG.

The power distribution system 67 of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
Installed within the lower end of a typical modular wall panel unit 62. At the lower end of the panel unit 62, the upper and lower vertical rails 63, 64 are fixedly separated by vertical brackets 65, 65 'and define a channel extending in the length direction of the panel unit and open on one side. Adjustable foot pads 66, 66 'extend downward from bottom rails 64 near both ends of the panel unit to support the panel against the floor. The power distribution system 67 is installed in a channel defined by the rails 63 and 64. The vertical centerline of the power distribution system is aligned with the vertical centerlines of the upper and lower rails. As already explained, the system
67 includes identical but oppositely oriented power blocks.
These power supply blocks are located near both ends of the panel unit.

Therefore, the power supply block and the interconnect wiring
As shown in the figure, it is assembled as a unit 67.
The unit 67 is installed in the panel during manufacture of the panel. The unit 67 is fixed in the wiring channel of the panel by fasteners. These fasteners are unit
Attach mounting brackets 68, 68 'at each end of 67 to the vertical arm 65, 65' of the panel unit. Once the desired combination of plug-in elements has been installed at the panel installation site, the wiring system can be hidden by a decorative panel. 1
The ends of two such covers can be seen at 69 in FIG.

FIG. 21 is another embodiment of the power distribution system of the present invention. It is designed for use in wall panels that are too narrow to accommodate the system described above. This embodiment includes one power supply block unit 10 'for interconnecting the panel to the panel connector 25 and up to two duplex outlet units, and a block portion 210 for connecting the panel to the panel connector 25. Portion 210 includes post portion 201 and secures connector 25 thereto in the manner described above.

FIG. 22 shows still another embodiment of the power distribution system of the present invention. It is designed primarily for use in wall panels that are too narrow to accommodate any of the systems described above. This embodiment provides a two-way connector for connecting two panel-to-panel connectors 25, 25 '.
And two block portions 210, 210 '. Parts 210, 210 '
Includes post portions 201, 201 ', each connector 25,
25 'is fixed there by the method described above. This embodiment provides only a "penetrate" capability.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a modular power supply system that has a high flexibility in system construction, has a compact and high-density configuration, and enables reliable operation while preventing malfunction. can get.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system incorporated in the bottom end of a modular wall panel unit showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the system of the present invention before installation of the wall unit of FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electrical connector and a receptacle used in a power supply system of a modular wall panel related to the latch and the locking handle of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a detailed configuration of the latch and the locking handle of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a longitudinal view of the connector and receptacle shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2B showing the handle attached to the connector and latch attached to the receptacle shown in FIG. 2B in a position to lock and unlock; FIG. 2D shows the latch released to disconnect the connector from the receptacle, with the handle in the unlocked position, FIG. Figure 2 similar to FIG Duplex outlets and cable connector that has been removed from the power source block is removed, Figures 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view showing details of the protective metal sheath, Figure 4 and Figure 4A, second
4C is a schematic diagram of the power supply system of the present invention, FIG. 4D is an electrical schematic diagram of the power supply system, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply block, and FIG. 6 is a half of the power supply block with a bus bar attached. FIG. 6A is a view showing the arrangement of openings of the assembled power supply block, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the housing of the jumper cable connector, and FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the back of the housing shown in FIG. FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the contact of the present invention, FIG. 7C is a partial perspective view of the protection means surrounding the contact portion shown in FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7D is a part of the contact protection means shown in FIG. 7B. 7E is a partial sectional view of the protection means, FIG. 7F is a sectional view taken along line 1D-1D of FIG. 7C, FIG. 7G is a sectional view of the contact shown in FIG. 7B in the housing, FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the contact and protection means, and FIG. FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a jumper cable, FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of two jumper cable connectors attached to a power supply block, FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a power-in connector, and FIG. 10 is a power-in connector shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the housing, FIG.
FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a duplex outlet of the first type of the present invention with the front cover removed, FIG. Is a perspective view of a duplex outlet of a second type of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the inside of a housing of the duplex outlet, and FIGS.
19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a power supply block having a duplex outlet, FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of a power supply block having an outlet unit shown in FIG. 12, and FIGS. 21 and 22 are power supplies according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing a supply system. 10, 10 '... power supply block, 25, 25' ... connector, 44, 45 ... duplex outlet unit, 62 ... modular wall panel unit, 67 ... power supply system.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (31) Priority number 394,781 (32) Priority date August 16, 1989 (33) Priority country United States (US) (72) Inventor John Ruwis Heims, Junior United States of America Pennsylvania 17036 Hammerstown Oakshire Yard 4 (72) Inventor James Shannon Hower United States of America 17036 Hamelstown Oakshire Yard Drive 4 (72) Inventor Douglas James Park United States 17055 Mechanicsburg Floren Circle 733 (72) Inventor Ronald March Webber Pennsylvania, USA 17042 Lebanon Enem Street 142 5 (56) References JP-A-63-62974 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H02G 3/22-3/28

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A modular power supply system having a power supply block for receiving and electrically connecting a plug-in component, wherein the power supply block includes a plurality of bus bars arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, and An opening corresponding to the adjacent bus bar is arranged on the housing surface of the power supply block corresponding to the plurality of bus bars so as to access the corresponding bus bar among the plurality of bus bars in response to the reception. And a plurality of openings provided on a straight line perpendicular to the direction.