MXPA96005899A - Electrical interconnection assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interconnect assembly for use in a space divider wall system, which includes a plurality of erect, modular wall panels, having opposite end edges that extend vertically and a guide area extending at least partially between said opposite edges for supporting electrical conductors and junction blocks, said assembly adapted to be mounted on said guide and comprising: first and second connecting blocks for receiving electrical receptacles; a first connector associated with said first joint block at its lower portion, and a second connector, having a different shape and configuration of the shape and configuration of said first connector, associated with said second joint block in its upper portion to mechanically secure said joint blocks together in a vertically stacked relationship, with which said first joint block is positioned on said second junction block, a pair of first connector blocks, each connector block electrically connected to one end of a different block of said first and second joint blocks, and a second dual connector block, electrically connectable to both of said pair of first connector blocks , and comprising only a conduit section to provide energy to said first and second connecting blocks

Description

ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The invention relates to electrical interconnection systems and more particularly to such systems for use in distributing electric power to modular wall panels or the like. Prior Art Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units that are joined together in various configurations to divide a work space into smaller offices or work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels are equipped with guides, for example along a lower edge of the modular panels, to house electrical wiring and junction blocks in order to provide electrical contacts and electrical power connections to adjacent panels. The guide of a modular wall unit can be provided with a male connector at one end and a female connector at another end and a pair of connecting blocks, each provided with electrical contacts, arranged at spaced positions along the guide . Conduits, which extend between the junction blocks and between the connectors and the junction blocks, provide electrical interconnection between these units.

The modular panels of a space divider system can be configured such that adjacent panels are in a straight line or in various angular positions with respect to each other. It is common to set up intersecting walls in such a way that three or four modular wall panels intersect at right angles. Each of the panels typically requires electrical contacts, and may require contacts on both sides of the panels. In any case, electrical power must be provided to all panels and often only one of the panels in the multiple panel junction is connected to a source of electrical power. Under such circumstances, interconnection wiring becomes a considerable problem, and special modifications may have to be made to wall panel power systems used in such a configuration. Since the interchangeability of the wall panel is highly desirable, such tailor-made modifications are preferably avoided. Furthermore, the modification of the panels on the site of the installation is cumbersome and expensive. U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434, issued to Byrne, whose subject matter is incorporated herein by reference, has attempted to overcome this problem by providing an interconnection system in each wall panel comprising an electrical junction block having four connectors. of receptacle formed in integral form. The electric connection block receives electrical contact receptacles. A pair of interconnects are electrically connected to the joint block to be connected to similar end connectors of adjacent panels. However, even with this system, it was found that placing additional junction blocks and electrical cables, for example for a power source dedicated to computers and / or other peripheral equipment, adjacent to the junction blocks and cables previously installed in a panel Wall was a very long and difficult operation. The preexisting link blocks themselves or can be modified at the site to support additional joint blocks. Such modifications were previously made in the factory and then installed on the site, which was both time-consuming and labor-intensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other problems with the prior art are overcome by means of an interconnection system comprising a single construction block arrangement that does not require special couplers to connect to it other junction blocks and in which all the Existing connectors are available for use in the various different panel configurations. An electrical interconnect assembly for each panel includes an electrical junction block having a plurality of receptacle connectors integral with it for interchangeably receiving electrical contact receptacles and power cables. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, each junction block is a two-sided junction block having two opposite-directional electrical connectors and a single internal receptacle connector on each side of the junction block to accommodate electrical contact receptacles or any combination of power cables and receptacles that may be required to obtain a desirable interconnection arrangement. Two or more joint blocks can be arranged such that one joint block is mechanically (and in some cases electrically) joined to another joint block. The blocks can be joined together in a side-by-side relationship and / or in a stacked relation. Any number of joint blocks can be joined together in a building block arrangement. An upper surface of the joint block includes an interconnection assembly for connection either to the guide of a wall panel or to another joint block. According to another aspect of the invention, a lower portion of the joint block includes an assembly for linking with the upper portion of an adjacent joint block, such that two or more adjacently located joint blocks can be stacked. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the joining blocks may be located in a side-by-side relationship through a lateral interconnect assembly associated with each joint block. The side interconnect assembly may include male or female end terminals located on at least one side of each joint block, and a male or female intermediate connection pin. The connecting plug connects mechanically and / or electrically a connecting block with another connecting block in side-by-side relationship. Each joint block, in addition or alternatively, may have a lip for receiving a dual flange member to jointly hold the joining blocks together. When more than two joint blocks are connected in the side-to-side relationship, either or both of the joint assemblies may be used. According to another aspect of the invention, when two or more junction boxes are provided in a stacked relationship, a double pin configuration having a single cable entry can be provided to simultaneously connect the stacked junction blocks. The dual pin connector for the stacked joint blocks may be non-adjustable, where the spacing between the stacked joint blocks will always remain the same, or it may be adjustable from about 2 to about 8 inches to accommodate various spacings between joint blocks located vertically. The dual plug connector would normally carry twice as many electric wires as the single plug connector. According to another aspect of the invention, when two tie blocks are stacked, a socket can be provided having an electrically coupled connector to either the upper or lower tie block, and a stretched socket portion extending from the tie block electrically connected to the other joint block. This arrangement advantageously allows the energy of one source to be arranged in a contact opening where the energy of the other source would normally be located. This prevents additional openings from being cut in the guiding covers of the wall panels, where an electrical contact has been previously cut or otherwise provided. According to another aspect of the invention, an L-shaped or T-shaped joint block is provided to allow another joint block to be directly connected at an angle thereto. This allows a joint block system to be installed in internal corners of computer spaces or other office furniture that requires electrical power. The terminals of the L-shaped or T-shaped blocks can be such that a direct connection between the other terminal blocks is possible, or that a male / female adapter can be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An illustrative embodiment of the invention is described in the following detailed description., with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a plurality of adjacent wall panels and electrical connection assemblies arranged in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an orthographic view of a joint block having an end connector or a dual flange for connection to an additional joint block; Figure 3 is a orthographic view of a receptacle for connection to the joint block of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the receptacle of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded orthographic view of two joint blocks being connected to each other by a double male plug adapter; Figure 6 is a side view of two joint blocks having interconnecting assemblies for joining the blocks together in a stacked relation; Figure 7 is a side view showing a plurality of joint blocks stacked together and located in a side-by-side relationship using the dual terminal male adapter and interconnect assemblies of the present invention; Figure 8 is a side view of two joint blocks in a stacked relationship having a single connector pin to supply separate electrical circuits to each joint block; Figure 9 is an orthographic view of a second embodiment of the simple plug connector of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a orthographic view of a stacked binding block assembly having a stretched receptacle for attachment thereto; Figure 11 is an orthographic view of the stacked union block assembly having the stretched receptacle attached thereto; Figure 12 is an orthographic view of the stretched receptacle; Figure 13 is a side view of the stretched receptacle of Figure 12; Fig. 14 is a orthographic view of two stacking block assemblies stacked for connection to each other; Figure 15 is a top view of a T-shaped joint block according to a further aspect of the invention; Fig. 16 is a top view of an L-shaped joint block according to a further aspect of the invention; and Fig. 17 is a side view taken along lines 17-17 of Figs. 15 and 16, showing the end connection of the T-shaped or L-shaped terminal. Detailed Description Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in FIG. elevation of adjacent modular wall panels 101, 102, 103 of a re-accommodatable wall system. The wall panels are provided with electrical interconnection assemblies 105, 107 and 109 in a guide area formed along the bottom edge of the panels 101, 102 and 103. Each of the panels is provided with substantially flat support legs. 112 that allow the passage of electrical conduits in the guide. Guide covers, used in the usual way, have been omitted from the drawing of figure 1 to better show the electrical connection assemblies. Each of the electrical interconnection assemblies 105, 107, 109 is provided with a pair of junction blocks 120, a female electric connector block 140 and a corresponding male connector block 145. The connector blocks 140, 145 are connected to pairs of associated connecting blocks 120 by means of conduit sections 142 and 147, respectively. Each of the pairs of tie blocks 120 is shown in Figure 1 to be provided with a pair of electrical contact receptacles 150. The pairs of tie blocks 120 are of double sides and corresponding pairs of contact receptacles are provided in the opposite side of each of the wall panels 101, 102 and 103 (not shown in the drawings) to allow various electrical equipment to be connected to the contacts from either side of the panel. Additional details relating to the interconnection assembly 105 are illustrated in the amplified orthographic views shown in Figures 2 and 5. The interconnection assembly 105 includes a junction block 122 having a lower wall 126, an upper wall 128 and the wall 130, which form an open spatial area 132 on each side of the junction block 122 (only one side of which is illustrated in Figure 2).

In addition, block 122 includes a pair of female connector blocks 134 that extend outward from a first end 135 of joint block 122, and a second pair of female connector blocks 134A capable of joining open end 135A of joint block 122. Each pair of female connector blocks 134, 134A can be independently interconnected with electrical cable within ducts 142, 147 or can be connected to a double male connector assembly, as further described in connection with Figure 5. Moreover, a pair of female connector blocks 134 can be electrically connected to another pair of female connector blocks 134A through internal wiring (not shown) in the joint blocks. In order to releasably secure the joint block 122 to a wall panel guide or to the underside of an upper joint block 250 (FIG. 6), a pair is integrally mounted on the upper part of the upper wall 128. of L-shaped fitting nipples 175, 176 and interlocking latch members 178, 180. The joint block 122 can also be provided with connecting nipples 182, 184 to secure pre-formed halves of the connecting block 122 in the form of together along a seam line 186, as further illustrated in Figures 2 and 5. It should be noted that the two halves of the joint block 122, as defined by the seam line 186, are identical and therefore a description with respect to one half of the joint block also refers to the other half. A female receptacle connector 188 is located within each half of the joint block 122 within the open spatial area 132. Electrical contact receptacle blocks 200 (Figures 3 and 4) are adapted to link the female receptacle connectors 188. Of this In this manner, each of the connecting blocks 122 is adapted to support, if desired, two electrical contact receptacle blocks 200, one on each side of the joint block 122. The pairs of female connector blocks 134, 134A are provided, each, with a pair of side tabs 190 having upper and lower recessed areas 191, for linking with tabs 225 of a male connector 220 that is part of a cable assembly (Figure 1) or for linkage with tabs 225 of a set double male connector 218, as shown in figure 5. Tabs 190, which are made of resilient plastic material and formed integral with the housing to which they are connected, are pro viewed with an inclined end surface, extending outwards 192. When end surfaces 192 are linked by flanges 225 of male connector assembly 220 or double male connector assembly 218, flanges 190 will be deviated inwardly, allowing 225 tabs link the recess areas 191 to provide locking linkage of the male and female connectors. The pairs of female connector blocks 134, 134A are each provided with two columns of a plurality of female connector terminals 194 and a wedge nipple 195. The male connector portion 220 is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals 222 and a wedge opening 224 for receiving the wedge nipple 195. Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, a tie block connector 230 includes a hollow tubular portion 232 having a pair of upper flanges 234, 235 and a pair of lower flanges 236, 237. An upper flange 234 and a lower flange 236 are located within a groove (not shown) in the opening 136 of the second end of joint block 135A. The tabs 235 and 237 are located within a slot (not shown) of a first end 135 of another joint block 122A. The junction block connector 230 is attached to the end 135A and the end 135 of the junction blocks 122 and 122A, respectively, when the halves of the junction block are separated, such as in a factory installation. The pair of female connector blocks 134A has upper nipples 138 and lower nipples 139 for alternate placement within upper and lower slots (not shown) in the opening 136 of the second end of joint block 135A, such that the junction block 122 or 122A can function as a single junction block. Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, an electrical contact receptacle block 200 is shown for connection to the female receptacles 188 of the junction blocks 122, 122A and 250, 250A (FIG. 7). The receptacle block 200 includes a first open end 201 and a second open end 202. The first and second open ends 201, 202 include a plurality of male terminals 203 for connection to a plurality of female terminals (not shown) located on the connectors of female receptacle 188 in the connecting blocks. A top receptacle portion 204 includes a pair of receptacles 205 for receiving receptacle pins (not shown) of electrically operated equipment. An upper wall 206 and a lower wall 207 are spaced so as to provide a loose fit between the upper wall 128 and the lower wall 126 of the connecting blocks. The receptacle 200 is provided with a spring latch 208 disposed in the recess 210 in the bottom surface 207 of the receptacle 200. The bottom surface 207 links the bottom wall 126 when the receptacle 200 is installed in one of the joint blocks. The closure flange 131 on the bottom wall 126 will be aligned with the recess 210 when the receptacle 200 is inserted between the upper and lower walls 128, 126, causing the spring latch 208 to be depressed. The receptacle 200 can then be moved further. either to the left or to the right (depending on which side of the junction block the receptacle 200 is installed) to link one of the open ends 201, 202, such that the male connectors 203 link female connectors (not shown) with a female receptacle 188. Recesses 212 are provided in receptacle 200 to accommodate closing flange 131 in lower wall 126 and movement to the left or right by a sufficient distance will cause spring latch 208 to be moved beyond the closing tab 131, causing the spring latch 208 to return to its extended position. Therefore, the receptacle 200 will be retained in a closed position. The receptacle 200 can be removed by depressing the spring latch 208 and sliding the receptacle 200 to the left or right to align the closure flange 131 with the recess 210. Turning now to Figure 6, a modified union block 250 is shown. for attachment to a junction block 122, 122A or another modified junction block 250. The junction block 250 is equivalent to junction block 122, with a few exceptions. Similar parts are referred to with similar reference numbers in both joint blocks. The joint block 250 includes a lower stacker assembly 252. The lower stacker assembly 252 includes a retainer tab 254, a left support bracket 256, and a right support bracket 258 integrally formed with a bottom surface of the bottom wall 126. lower stacker assembly 252 is preferably built of the same material as the joint blocks, but can also be constructed of other materials. The lower tie block 122 is secured in position relative to the upper tie block 250 by bonding the support brackets 256, 258 with L-shaped fitting nipples 175, 176, respectively, and by tongue bonding. retainer 254 with latching members 178, 180, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,993,576, issued February 19, 1991, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. By this arrangement and the arrangement shown in Figure 5 previously described, a first set of stacked tie blocks 260, composed of the joint block 122 and the modified joint block 250, stacked together, is attached to a second set of stacked junction blocks 262, composed of the junction block 122A and the modified junction block 250A, as shown in Figure 7. A double male connector assembly 218 mechanically and preferably electrically connects the blocks 250 and 250A, and the blocks 122 and 122A. Other double male connector assemblies 218 may be provided at opposite ends of the blocks 250, 250A, 122, 122A to provide more spaces for receptacles. Similarly, the blocks 250 and 250A can be stacked one on top of the other to provide any number of vertically extending receptacles, as desired, and can be connected laterally so as to provide any number of horizontally extending receptacles, as shown in the lines ghosts in figure 7. Instead of the double male assembly 218, the connector of connecting blocks 230 can be used to alternately connect two joint blocks laterally together. Moreover, although the male connector 218 is shown as a separate element for each of the stackable assemblies, the male connector 218 can be formed in one piece and have several terminals, ie four terminals for interconnecting four joint blocks, or any number of terminals to interconnect any number of joint blocks that extend vertically and horizontally. Turning now to FIG. 8, a lower block 122 and an upper block 250 are joined together in a stacked relationship. A dual male connector block 270 has a single conduit section 272 to provide power to both junction blocks 122 and 250. The conduit section 272 carries twice the electrical cord (not shown) as a configuration of a single male connector block. The dual male connector block 270 includes a first male connector portion 274 and a second male connector portion 276 for connection to a female connector block 134 of the joint block 122 and the female connector block 134 of the joint block 250, respectively. The provision of a single conduit 272, with twice as many cables as the dual male connector block 270, saves space and installation time when the various parts described are installed, and allows the connector blocks 134 of each joint block to be electrically connected. independently. Referring now to Figure 9, a dual male connector block 280 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The dual male connector block 280 has a first telescopic portion 282 received within a second telescopic portion 286. The first telescopic portion 282 has a first male connector portion 288 and the second telescopic portion 286 has a second male connector portion 290. The connecting portions male 288, 290 are identical to the male connector portion 220 previously described, as shown in a partially broken view in Figure 9. The interspace area 292 is provided for storing the excess length of electrical wiring 294 in a coiled relationship u another configuration The excess length of electrical wiring 294 can be removed when the telescopic portions 282, 286 are extended. This arrangement is similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,579,403 (dated April 2, 1986), and entitled "Electrical Junction Assembly with Adjustable Connectors". A single conduit such as the conduit 272 shown in Fig. 8 or a double conduit can be provided to the telescopic male connector block 280 to provide electric power to the male connector portions 288, 290. The dual male, telescopic connector arrangement allows adjustment of two union blocks spaced vertically. It is contemplated that the dual male connector block 280 is capable of extending in a range of about two to about eight inches. In an arrangement where three or more joint blocks are mechanically connected in a stacked relation, a dual, telescopic male connector block 280 can be used to supply power to any two joint blocks. Referring now to figures 10 and 11, a first junction block 122 receives a second junction block 250 in a stacked array, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Each junction block 122, 250 includes a conduit section 142 and an electrical connector block male 145. Male connector blocks 145 are similar in construction to male connector blocks 145 described in U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434. When stacked systems are installed, such as those shown in Figures 10 and 11, a system is usually already in place. When the second system is installed in a stacking array, for example when a set of dedicated lines is needed for a computer or other equipment that requires special electrical service, sometimes only one contact in a guide opening in the wall panel will be used Instead of creating a separate contact opening in the wall panel guide, a stretched receptacle 300 can be provided. The stretched receptacle 300 is identical to receptacle 200 shown in Figures 3 and 4, with a few exceptions, and therefore parts similar are referred by similar reference numbers. The only difference between the receptacle 300 and the receptacle 200 is that the receptacle 300 has a stretched portion that places the upper receptacle portion 204 in alignment with the stacked junction block, as shown in Figure 11.

Details of the stretched receptacle 300 are shown in Figures 12 and 13, and include a stretched portion 302 integrally connected between a top receptacle portion 204 and a front wall 214. L-shaped clamps 304 are integrally attached to the front wall 214 and extend downwardly thereof, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. One arm of each L-shaped bracket 304 forms a space 306 between the lower wall 207 and the brackets 304. The space 306 is approximately equal to thickness of the bottom wall 126 of the joint blocks 122, 250. When the stretched receptacle 300 is installed in Figure 11, the space 306 is occupied by the thickness of the bottom wall 126 of the joint block 122. This arrangement provides strength Additional anti-torque that can be applied against the flange 131 when an electrical plug (not shown) is inserted into the upper receptacle portion 204. In use, when a dedicated parallel line With stacked junction blocks is attached below a line and an array of pre-existing junction blocks, a pre-existing receptacle 200 is removed from the pre-existing upper tie block, and a stretched receptacle 300 is connected to the block. Recently installed lower tie assembly, such that the upper receptacle portion 204 of the stretched receptacle 200 is in alignment with the pre-existing guide aperture. It will be obvious that the procedure can be reversed when a dedicated parallel line and an array of tie blocks are installed on a line and an array of pre-existing tie blocks, the stretched socket would extend downwardly such that the socket portion 204 extends below the dedicated junction block. Referring now to Figure 14, there are shown therein two pairs of stacked junction blocks 122, 250, laterally spaced apart from each other. Conduit sections 142 interconnected male electrical connector blocks 145 with stacked junction blocks 122, 250. Male connector blocks 145 are in turn adapted for connection to pairs of female connector blocks 134A to form a continuous system of stacked junction blocks . The system can be continued as required by a particular table or wall panel configuration. It is contemplated that any combination of receptacles 200, 300 may be provided throughout the entire length of the system of stacked tie blocks. Referring now to Figures 15 and 17, there is shown a plan view of a T-shaped connector block 350 having a connecting block portion 352 and a male electrical connector block portion 354. The block portion 352 is similar in accordance with the previously described junction block 122 and, therefore, similar elements are identified by similar reference numerals. The dual male block portion 354 is integrally joined to the joint block portion 352 and is similar in connection to the double male connector assembly 218 previously described. Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown an L-shaped connector block 375 having a connecting block portion 352 identical to the joint block portion 352 of FIG. 15 and a portion of the male electrical connector block. 376. The connector block 376 is similar in construction to one side of the double male connector assembly 218 and includes a male connector portion 220. The male connector portions 220 of the T-shaped connecting blocks 350 and the connecting block in the form of L 375 are adapted for connection to a pair of female connector blocks 134 or 134A of a joint block 122 or 250. This arrangement allows joining blocks to extend around internal and / or external corners of wall panels or other equipment. office. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are only illustrative of the invention, and that numerous other arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. An electrical interconnection assembly for use in a space partition wall system, which includes a plurality of modular, erect wall panels having opposite end edges that extend vertically and a guide area extending between said walls. opposing edges to support electrical conductors and connecting blocks, said assembly adapted to be mounted on said guide and comprising: first and second connecting blocks for receiving electrical receptacles; first connector means located on an upper surface of said first joint block for selectively connecting said first joint block to either said guide or to said second joint block; and second connector means located in a lower portion of said second joint block for linking said first connector means of said first joint block, whereby said first and second joint blocks may be located within said guide in a stacked relationship.