WO2003090316A1

WO2003090316A1 - Cable connecting device and partition structure including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2003090316A1
Application number: PCT/KR2003/000695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae-Uk Lee
Original assignee: Jae-Uk Lee
Priority date: 2002-04-15
Filing date: 2003-04-08
Publication date: 2003-10-30
Also published as: KR20020035535A; AU2003221099A1; KR100414037B1; CN1647320A; TW200408177A

Abstract

A cable connector for providing a communication network comprises a first connector (10) forming a plurality of firs arrays (11) with first terminals (11a), a second connector (5) forming a plurality of second arrays (6) and at least one twig array (7) with second terminals (6a). The first and second terminals (6a, 11a) are formed with the same number, intervals and arranging patterns in each array. The first and second arrays (6, 11) and twig arrays (7) are formed with a plurality of rows arranged at the same intervals. The second connector (5) is provided with at least one more array than the first connector (10). Thus, the first connector (10) is selectively connected to the second arrays (6) and twig arrays (7) of the second connector (5) for altering the electrical connection. A plurality of modular communication cable units are installed in a manner such that the first connector of the front cable unit is connected to the second connector of next cable unit. At each junction point, it is possible to provide the required number of enabled twig connectors depending on the required number of workstations.

Description

CABLE CONNECTING DEVICE AND PARTITION STRUCTURE INCLUDING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cable connecting device for providing various electrical connections in a communication system and its application to a partition structure. More particularly, the cable connecting device enables selective electrical connections, by way of telephone or LAN, in a communication system, depending on a user's requirement, by shifting the position of connecting ports.

2. Related Prior Art

Generally, an indoor wiring system interconnects a plurality of computers by way of concentrating equipment such as a Hub, thereby forming a network. Such a wiring system provides communication signals, whether voice and data, and electric power to each workstation through communicating cable. Voice signals are transmitted via a telephone, and data signals are transmitted via a local area network or a computer modem.

Once a wiring system is completed for providing communication, it is difficult to alter the arrangement of the system because indoor communicating cable is usually installed inside of the wall partitions or underneath the carpet or floor. Although some wiring systems employ connecting devices with the communicating cable, most connecting devices have difficulties in satisfying a desired rearrangement of an indoor wiring system. Thus, it is both disadvantageous and costly to remove a wiring system and install a new arrangement. In order to solve the aforementioned problems, many kinds of interconnecting devices and wiring systems are suggested. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,160,276 and U.S. Patent No. 6,299,490 disclose communication cable connectors and a wiring system arrangement for providing voice and data signals to individual workstations. However, these inventions have disadvantages in that it is hard to vary workstation arrangements due to a fixed number of breakout ports. From an economic viewpoint, a good connecting device and wiring system is not possible because each connector provides a certain number of regular breakouts regardless of demand. If it is necessary to increase the number of connecting ports in order to extend capacity at certain positions, additional interconnecting modules are required. Therefore, it is preferable to provide cable connecting devices and wiring systems that allow alternative distributions for signal connections.

If a workstation arrangement is modified, it will take only a few minutes to rearrange signal distributions by simply altering corresponding connectors without wasting extra cables usually needed for rearrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, an objective of the present invention is to provide a new functional cable connector having twig connectors for effectively distributing signals and data to workstations.

Another objective and feature is to provide a communication cable connector and wiring assembly including a first connector and second connector associated with at least one twig connector.

The first connector forms a plurality of first arrays arranged with first terminals. The required number of first terminals in the first array is determined by the communication device. The second connector forms a plurality of second arrays and at least one twig array, each of which consist of at least one second terminal. The first and second terminals arranged on each array of the same numbers and intervals of the first and second terminals, respectively. The second connector is provided with at least one more array than the first connector, and the first arrays and second arrays included a twig array are forming a plurality of rows arranged in the same intervals, so that the first connector is selectively connected to the second connector for altering the electrical connection.

Since the second connector has at least one more row than the first connector, it is possible to vary the connecting positions.

The advantage of this invention is that the number of enabled twig connectors at each connecting location is easily determined by selectively positioning the connection of the first and second connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front view of a cable connector prior to providing an electrical connection in the communication system of the present invention.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the cable connector prior to providing an electrical connection in the communication system of the present invention.

Fig. 2b is a perspective view of the cable connector providing an electrical connection in the communication system of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the cable connector providing an electrical connection to lines LI through L4.

Fig. 4 is a front view of a cable connector providing an electrical connection to lines L2 through L4 and a twig connector PI .

Fig. 5 is a front view of a cable connector providing an electrical connection to lines L3 through L4 and twig connectors PI and P2.

Fig. 6 illustrates an application of cable connectors providing an electrical connection by multiple cable units with twig connectors PI, P2 and P3. Fig. 7 is wall partition illustrating another application of the present invention.

Identical numeral characters are used for the corresponding parts throughout the drawings. As shown in Figs. 3 through 7, exemplifications are set out to illustrate the preferred embodiments, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention introduces a new cable connecting device comprising: a first connector forming a plurality of first arrays with first terminals, a second connector forming a plurality of second arrays with terminals and at least one twig array. The number of second terminals arranged on each array is the same as that of the first terminals, arranged on each array so that the first arrays of the first connector mate with the second arrays of the second connector for providing proper electrical connections. However, the second connector has at least one more array than the first connector. Due to the extra array in the second connector, the first connector is able to selectively connect to the second connector by shifting position vertically. In this way, the unselected connecting arrays in the second connector remain on standby in "Dummy" mode.

Each second array at one cable end is connected to the corresponding first array at the other cable end. Each twig array (7) is connected to the corresponding twig connector (3).

The first connector (10) is positioned at the second connector (5) with twig arrays to provide the desired communicating connection. At this point, if the number of twig arrays (7) is selected to be enabled, the same number of unselected arrays in the second connector will not be connected to the first arrays of the first connector, but will remain on standby in Dummy mode.

Now, referring to Fig. 1, a cable connector for providing various electrical connections in the communication system is disclosed. A first connector (10) disposed at the proximal end of the first cable (2) forms a plurality of first connecting arrays. The first connecting array has a plurality of pins or male terminals (11), forming certain arrangement. A second connector disposed at the proximal end of the second cable (1) forms a plurality of second arrays with twig arrays. In order to provide proper connections, the connecting terminals of each array have the same number and pattern of arrangement. The second connector has at least one more array than the first connector because the second connector includes at least one twig array. The second connecting terminal is a plugging hole or female terminal (6). The first connector (10) enables selective connection to the second connector (5) by shifting position vertically to alter the electrical connecting condition. Due to the extra number of connecting arrays in the second connector, the first connector may be shifted or slid vertically. Generally, a plurality of communicating cables having first and second connectors is used for transmitting data and signals from the Hub to workstations. Usually, it is possible to use multiple cable connecting units in a wiring system. At this point, the first connector of the front cable is matched to the second connector of the following cable unit.

An exemplary configuration is cited here for illustrating a typical connector which comprises a first connector (10) having four first connecting arrays and a second connector (5) having four second connecting arrays same number as the first connector with two more twig- connecting arrays (7). Because the second connector (5) has six arrays - that is, two more arrays than the first connector (10) - it is possible for the first connector to vary from the connecting positions of the second connector (5). As shown in Figs. 2a and 2b, a perspective view of a cable connector is presented before and after providing an electrical connection in the communication system.

The output (first) connector (10) has a plurality of output (first) connecting arrays (11) with male terminal pins (11a). The input (second) connector (5) has a plurality of input (second) connecting arrays (6) with female terminal holes (6a) and a least one twig array (7). The input connecting arrays in the input connector form a plurality of female terminal holes (6a) that have the same number and arrangement pattern of male terminal pins (11a) in the output array (6). At this point, the output connector (10) can be female terminal holes (6a) and the input connector (5) can be male terminal pins (11a) or vise versa. In this example, the output connector (10) employs eight male terminal pins (11a), and the input connector (5) employs eight female terminal holes (6a). For the telephone connection, the output connector (10) has four male terminal pins (11a), and the input connector (5) has four female terminal holes (6a). The number of male and female terminals (6a, 11a) varies depending on the connecting devices employed. As discussed hereinabove, the input connector (5) forms at least one more connecting array (6) than the output connector (10), with at least one twig-connecting array (7). Due to the extra number of connecting arrays (6) in the input connector (5), the output connector (10) may be shifted or slid vertically for selectively altering the electrical connection. At this moment, the unselected arrays of the input connector (5) cannot transmit data or signals, and would remain on standby in Dummy mode. When the output connector (10) is connected to the input connector (5), the output connector (10) is inserted from the top of the housing of the input connector (5) and set in proper position to effect the desired electrical connection. Then, the input and output connectors are squeezed together to properly engaged the pins (11a) and holes (6a).

In this instance, the output connector (10) has four rows of output connecting arrays (11), with eight male terminal pins (11a), and the input connector (5) has six rows of input connecting arrays (6) with eight female terminal holes (6a).

The male terminal pins (11a) and female terminal holes (6a) in each array have the same intervals and arrangement of patterns to match one another. Each row - that is, each of the first and second connecting arrays of the first and second connectors (5, 10) - is arranged with the same intervals to match one another. In this way, the first connector (10) will match the second connector (5) when the first connector (10) is shifted downward or upward by one-row intervals. The twig array is connected to the twig connector.

Once the first connector (10) is inserted from the top of the second connector (5), it will be properly positioned at the desired electrical connection. Then, both first and second connectors (5, 10) are squeezed and slid in the longitudinal direction to engage each other.

After both first and second connectors (5, 10) properly engage each other, two pairs of fasteners (8) are screwed down to secure both connectors (5, 10) to maintain the good electrical connection.

The structure of the second connector (5) provides a space for receiving the first connector (10), a pair of guide straps (5a) disposed at both the sides and bottom edges of a frame, and four fasteners (8a) and fastener holes (8b) for retaining the first connector (10) at the proper position. Both lateral walls of the interior of the second connector (5) have a series of protruded stoppers with constant intervals. Each of the stoppers is aligned to the same level as the female terminal holes (6a).

The structure of the first connector (10) forms a drawer shape, with a pair of straps at both bottom edges to mate with a pair of guide straps (5a) of the second connector (5). The top opening of the second connector (5) is a little wider than that of the first connector (10). The top opening of the second connector (5) is a little thicker than that of the drawer shape of the first connector (10). Both bottom edges of the straps of the first connector (10) have a series of notches at constant intervals. Each notch is aligned to the same level as the male terminal pins (11a). When the first connector (10) is inserted from the top of the housing of the second connector (5), the notches on both strap edges of the first connector (10) are latched to the protruded stoppers of the second connector (5) to properly align the position. The first connector (10) may be inserted and slid down at a constant interval to stop at the correct position of the desired electrical connection. Once the first connector (10) is positioned for the desired electrical connection, both first and second connectors (5, 10) are squeezed and slid in the longitudinal direction to properly engage each other. Thereafter, the fasteners (8) are secured to prevent the connectors from disengaging and to maintain connection. Another method of connection is that the first connector (10) is faced toward the second connector (5), and the connectors are rotated in the opposite direction from each other until the first connecting arrays of the first connector (10) match with the proper position of the second connecting arrays (6) of the second connector. Then, both first and second connectors are squeezed together to properly engage the pins (11a) and holes (6a) with one another. For this method, the first connecting arrays (11) of the first connector (10) and second connecting arrays

(6) of the second connector must be arranged radially.

Referring to Figs. 3 through 5, some practical arrangements of electrical connections are presented for communicating system. As seen in Fig. 3, four of the first arrays of the first connector (10) are directly connected to four of the second arrays (L1-L4) of the second connector (5). Both twig connectors (PI, P2) are not enabled, but all signals and data pass downstream through connected array lines 1 to 4 (LI to L4).

As shown in Fig. 4, the first connector (10) is shifted downward one interval to provide a different position of electrical connection. The first connector (10) connects the second through fourth line of the second arrays (L2~L4) of the second connector (5) and one twig array (7). In this way, the first connector connects three lines of the second connector (5) and one twig array

(7) for enabling a twig connector (PI) and disconnecting a line (LI) of the second connector (5). Therefore, the disconnected line (LI) will not receive data and signals from upstream, and will remain on standby in Dummy mode.

As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector (10) is shifted downward two intervals to provide another different position of electrical connection. The first connector (10) connects the third and fourth lines of the second arrays (L3~L4) of the second connector (5) and two twig arrays (7). Both twig connectors (PI, P2) are enabled at the expense of the disconnected first and second lines (LI, L2) of the second connector (5). Therefore, the disconnected lines (LI, L2) will not receive data and signals from upstream, and will remain on standby in Dummy mode.

As seen in Fig. 6, a practical application for utilizing this invention is presented by connecting a plurality of communication modular cable units (1, 2). In this case, the twig connectors PI through P3 are enabled at the expense of disconnected lines LI through L3. At each junction, the number of enabled twig connectors (P) is adjusted and controlled by altering the connecting position of the first and second connectors depending on the required number of workstations.

Finally, the most desirable wiring connecting system of the present invention is shown in Fig. 7. The communication cable units (1, 2) are installed through wall partitions (15) for wiring the workstations. A plurality of modular communication cable units are installed in a manner such that the output connector of the front cable unit is connected to the input connector of the next cable unit to provide the required number of breakouts at the junction points depending on the required number of enabled twig connectors for connecting to the workstations. At each junction point, the required number of enabled twig connectors is the same as that of the disconnected lines, which do not receive data and signals from upstream and remain on standby in Dummy mode.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cable connector for providing various electrical connections in a communication system comprises: a first connector (10) forming a plurality of first arrays (11) for providing electrical connection, each of said first arrays (11) consisting of at least one first terminal (11a), a second connector (5) forming a plurality of second arrays (6) and at least one twig array (7), each of said second arrays (6) and said twig array (7) consisting of at least one second terminal (6a), said first terminal (11a) and said second terminal (6a) formed with the same number, interval and arranging pattern as each of the first and second arrays and twig arrays, respectively and said first arrays (11) of first connector (10) and second and twig array (6, 7) of second connector (5) formed with a plurality of rows arranged at the same intervals, so that said first connector is selectively connected to said second connector (5) for altering electrical connection.

2. A cable connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first connector (10) is inserted and slid to said second connector (5) for providing desired electrical connection by shifting position, said first terminals (11a) and said second terminals (6a) being either male or female, respectively, or vice versa, for engaging each other, and a fastening means for maintaining a good electrical connection.

3. A modular communication cable unit having first and second connectors installed in a wall partition system, the modular communication cable unit comprises: a first connector forming a plurality of first arrays for providing electrical connection, each of said first arrays consisting of first terminals, a second connector forming a plurality of second arrays and at least one twig array, each of said second arrays and said twig array consisting of second terminals, said second connector providing at least one more array than said first connector, said first terminals and said second terminals formed with the same numbers, intervals and arranging patterns as each first and second arrays and twig arrays, said first arrays (11) of first connector (10) and second and twig array (6, 7) of second connector (5) forming a plurality of rows arranged with the same intervals and arranging patterns, so that said first connector is selectively connected to said second array of the second connector for altering electrical connection, and a plurality of modular communication cable units installed in a manner such that the first connector of the front cable unit is connected to the second connector of the next cable unit to provide the required number of enabled twig connectors at each junction point depending on the required number of workstations and corresponding number of disconnected lines on standby in Dummy mode.

4. A modular communication cable unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein between said plurality of modular communication cable units consists of junction points at the mounting position of each partition.