[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electrical connector module, and more
particularly, to an electrical connector module designed primarily for use in the
communications or data transmission industries to provide access to and electrically
connect one or more of a plurality of electrical circuits or leads to one or more
other such circuits or leads.
[0002] In the communications industry, and particularly in the telephone industry, it is
often necessary to electrically connect a relatively large number of first circuits
or leads with a similar number of second circuits or leads. These are commonly referred
to as incoming and/or outgoing leads. As a result of growth, relocation or reassignment,
changing of telephone numbers, etc., these electrical connections between the incoming
leads and the outgoing leads undergoes change on a regular basis. To facilitate this
relatively constant change, the prior art provides circuit access members such as
connector panels or terminal blocks. These panels and terminal blocks provide for
termination of the incoming and outgoing leads at the rear face of the panel or terminal
block. This termination is normally accomplished by conventional techniques such as
wire wrap, soldering or the like. The front side of such panel or terminal block provides
means for electrically accessing each of the individual incoming or outgoing leads
via a connector element. In some cases, this access was provided by a wire wrap pin
with the connections between such pins being made via the conventional wire wrap or
soldering process. These systems, however, were highly inefficient and time consuming
because of the relatively frequent changes in connections required as a result of
growth, relocation or reassignment, changes in telephone numbers, etc.
[0003] In an effort to overcome theinefficiencies of using a wire wrap process, leads in
many of the access members were accessed via a receptacle. A plurality of patch cords
of fixed length with patch plugs engageable with the receptacles were then used to
access the particular circuits or leads and electrically connect the same with a second
circuit or lead. With these patch cords, an incoming lead could be patched or electrically
connected to a remotely located outgoing circuit much more efficiently than using
a wire wrap or soldering process. In some cases, however, the connectors associated
with the circuits desired to be connected were only a few inches apart, while in other
cases they were several feet or more apart, thus requiring a substantially longer
patch cord. As a result of these differing conditions, a relatively large inventory
of different lengths of patch cord had to be kept available in order to accommodate
the various distances between the connectors desired to be connected.
[0004] Because of these disadvantages, connectors were developed which eliminated the need
for patch cords of fixed lengths. These connectors provided means for directly connecting
one end of a jumper or connecting wire to a first connector element,and means for
directly connecting the opposite end of the jumper or connecting wire to a second
connector. A tool was also provided for use with these connectors to connect the jumper
wire to the connector elements and to sever excess wire after the connection had been
made. With these connectors, a single spool of wire could be used to make the various
connections desired, thus eliminating the need for maintaining an inventory of patch
cords. Two such connectors were used for this purpose are identified inU.S. Patent
Nos. 3,518,618 and 4,283,105. Although these connectors were satisfactory in many
respects, they inherently embodied several limitations. First, because of their particular
configuration and operation, the density of an array of such connectors was limited.
Secondly, unlike the connectors utilizing patch plugs and patch cords, the above described
connectors were not insulated. Thus, inadvertent shorting or interference with connected
circuits was common as a result of manually brushing across another connector or inadvertently
causing a conductive material to come in contact with another connector element. This
was and continues to be a particularly serious problem in data transmission circuits
where such a short can result in the loss of data. Thirdly, many of the prior art
connectors did not provide for the connection of multiple wires to an individual connector
without using two patch plugs stacked together. Thus, if it was desired that a particular
first lead or circuit be connected to more than one second lead or circuit, a commoning
bar or other similar means was necessary. Fourthly, neither of the above connectors
provided strain relief means for reducing the possibility of jumper wires being inadvertently
pulled from the connectors.
[0005] Accordingly, there has been a need in the art for an improved electrical connector
module usable in the communications or data transmissions industries which eliminates
the disadvantages of having to maintain an inventory of several different lengths
of patch cords and which also eliminates the various other limitations of known connectors
of the type described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to an improved electrical connector module of the type
which is adapted for use in the communications or data transmission industries to
connect a plurality of first circuits or leads with a plurality of second circuits
or leads. Specifically, the present invention is adapted for use in a connector panel
or terminal block to cross-connect various telephone circuits or leads. In contrast
to the prior art, the improved connector module of the present invention includes
a structure which allows for the density of an array of such modules to be increased
over other possible arrangements of prior art connectors in an array layout. Additionally
the improved module of the present invention utilizes a split cylinder connector and
an insulated housing to electrically insulate various connector elements from.one
another and to substantially eliminate inadvertent shorting of circuits. Further,
the improved connector of the present invention is capable of accepting a multiplicity
of wires, thus eliminating the need for adjacent connector elements to be electrically
connected by a commoning bar or for the use of stacked patch plugs. Still further,
the improved module of the present invention facilitates color coding to assist in
identification of various incoming and outgoing leads, and includes strain relief
means for the jumper wires.
[0007] More specifically the preferred embodiment of the improved module of the present
invention includes a double ended split cylinder connector. One end of this connector
is disposed on the backside of a quick connect panel or terminal block for termination
of various incoming or outgoing circuits. The other end is disposed on the front face
of the connector panel or terminal block to provide access for cross connection of
surch circuits. Although some of the functional features of the split cylinder connector
are conventional in the art, several novel features exist. One of these features includes
an improved means for retaining and securely supporting the double ended split cylinder
connector within the panel or terminal block to adequately resist wire insertion forces
from both ends. A further novelty relates to an improved wire cut-off feature.
[0008] The above-mentioned double ended split cylinder connector is mounted in an elongated
insulated housing which is in turn securely mounted within an opening in the connector
panel or terminal block. This housing includes a central section with a centrally
located cylindrical opening to accept and retain the double ended connector. The portion
of the housing on the front side of the panel or terminal block is provided with a
plurality of side walls which are spaced from the outer cylindrical surface of the
split cylinder connector. A pair of diametrically opposed, elongated slots are provided
at the corners of the housing by the edges to facilitate the connection of a jumper
or connecting wire with the split cylinder connector. These slots are provided on
the diagonal of the generally square shaped upper portion of the housing to provide
improved strain relief means. The diagonally disposed slots also facilitate an increase
in the density of an array of the connectors by enabling the same to be positioned
in side-by-side relationship to one another. Although the connector module of the
present invention can be used individually, the advantages of such module are best
realized when a plurality are combined in an array. As will be seen in the description
below, the connector modules of the present invention also facilitate color coding
to assist in identifying certain leads and distinguishing those leads from others.
[0009] Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved
electrical connector module usable in a connector panel or terminal block of the type
used in the communications or data transmissions industries to connect various first
leads with selected second leads.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connector
module capable of being arranged in an array to increase the density of such modules.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connector
module which includes an insulated housing and which is capable of substantially eliminating
inadvertent shorting of the leads.
[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical
connector embodying a double ended split cylinder connector with improved means for
retaining the same within an insulated housing.
[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector
module usuable in a connector array and enabling color coding to assist in the identification
of certain electrical leads.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connector
module with an insulated housing having an improved strain relief means.
[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference
to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016]
Figure 1 is a pictorial view showing a connector panel with an array of the improved
electrical connector modules of the present invention inserted therein.
Figure 2 is a top elevational view of the portion of an array of the electrical connector
modules of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a pictorial view showing the double ended split cylinder connector, the
insulated housing and a portion of the panel member.
Figure 4 is a top elevational view of one of the electrical connector modules of the
present invention.
Figure 5 is a bottom elevational view of._one of the electrical connector modules
of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a view, partially in section, of the improved electrical connector module
of the present invention as viewed along the section line 6-6 of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a view, partially in section, of the improved electrical connector module
of the present invention as viewed along the section line 7-7 of Figure 4.
Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the double ended split cylinder connector
used in the electrical connector module of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of one of the retaining tines as viewed along the
section line 9-9 of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an elevational side view of a portion of the split cylinder connector
as viewed along the line 10-10 of Figure 8.
Figure 11 is a view, partially in section, showing the retaining relationship between
the retaining tine of the split cylinder connector and the insulated housing.
Figure 12 is a top elevational view similar to that of Figure 2 showing an array of
the electrical connector modules of the present invention with a jumper or connecting
wire inserted therein.
Figure 13 is an elevational view of the back side of the connector panel showing a
wire connected with the bottom end of the split cylinder connector.
Figure 14 is a top elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the electrical connector
module of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a top elevational view of an array of the electrical connector modules
of Figure 14.
Figure 16 is an alternate embodiment of the split cylinder connector usable in the
electrical connector module of the present invention.
Figure 17 is an elevational view of the tool used to insert an insulated wire into
the split cylinder connector to terminate the same.
Figure 18 is an enlarged side view of the operative end of the insertion tool.
Figure 19 is an enlarged end view of the operative.end of the insertion tool.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The electrical connector module of the present invention is adapted for use in an
access member such as a quick cross connect panel or in a terminal block to electrically
connect various electrical leads or circuits with certain other electrical leads or
circuits. In the preferred embodiment, certain of these leads may be referred to as
incoming leads while others are often referred to as outgoing leads. In actual practice,
these incoming and outgoing leads may represent communication circuits such as telephone
lines or various types of data transmission circuits. Where the leads are telephone
lines, the electrical connector module of the present invention is utilized to patch
or cross connect such lines to accommodate growth of telephone usage, changes in telephone
number, relocation of users, etc. Reference numeral 10 in Figure 1 represents a quick
cross connect panel adapted for use as described above. This panel 10 includes a relatively
flat panel member 11 and a plurality of electrical connector modules 12. As illustrated
in Figure 1, the modules 12 are arranged in side-by-side adjacent relationship with
respect to one another in an array. As will be described in greater detail below,
the modules 12 may be color coded to identify various types of incoming or outgoing
leads or circuits to distinguish those from others. Each of the individual electrical
connector modules 12 is inserted into and retained within a hole or opening 13 in
the panel member 11. In Figure 1 a portion of the modules 12 have been removed from
the panel 11 to show these holes 13.
[0018] Reference is next made to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 showing the specific details of the
electricla connector module of the present invention. As illustrated specifically
in Fig. 2, each of the modules 12 is intended for positioning in side-by-side relationship
with respect to another. Each module 12 includes a housing 16 constructed of a non-conductive
material and a centrally position split cylinder connector member 18. As illustrated
best in Figure 3, the housing 16 includes a centeral portion 25, a pair of upwardly
extending side wall portions 19 and 20 and a pair of downwardly extending side wall
retaining sections 26 and 27. The centrally positioned portion 25 is defined by four
flat side wall surfaces extending at right angles with respect to the plane of the
panel member 11. In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of each side wall of
the central portion is the same, thus giving the portion 25 a square cross sectional
configuration. When the module 12 is disposed in an array as illustrated in Figures
1 and 2, the side walls of the central portion 25 are closely adjacent to a corresponding
side wall of an adjacent module and a lower surface of the portion 25 engages the
top surface of the panel 11. The portion 25 includes a cylindrical opening 31 (Figure
6) to facilitate insertion of the connector 18.
[0019] Each of the upwardly extending side wall portions 19 and 20 is integrally formed
with the central section 25 and each includes a pair of integrally joined side wall
sections disposed at right angles with respect to each other. Each of these side wall
sections extends upwardly inthe same plane as a corresponding side wall of the central
portion 25. As illustrated, a portion of the corner 23 joining adjacent side wall
sections of the side wall sections 19 and 20 is cut away, so that its outer edge is
spaced inwardly from the outer corner of the central section 25. As shown in Figure
2, these cut away corners 23 are recessed to provide an opening at the corners between
diagonally adjacent modules 12 (Figure 2). This opening provides exit space for jumper
or connecting wires 14 (Figure 1) which extend through the wire gripping slot 22.
[0020] Adjacent edges of the side wall sections 19 and 20 are spaced from each other to
define a pair of slots or grooves 21 and 22. The slot 21 is normally wider than the
slot 22 and has a width which is at least as wide as the outer diameter of the insulated
connector wire 14 (Figures 1 and 22) used to make the electrical connection between
desired leads. The slot 22 has a width which is less than the exterior diameter of
the jumper wire and functions as a strain relief wire gripping slot to grip such wire
and prevent the same from being inadvertently pulled from the connector 18. The slot
22 includes an enlarged portion 24 at the top whose width approximates the outside
diameter of teh jumper wire. This enlarged pprtion assists in guiding the jumper wire
into and aligning the same with respect to the strain relief slot 22. The slot 22
is formed in the diagonal of the housing 16. This provides several advantages. First,
it enables a plurality of modules 12 to be arranged in an array. Secondly, because
the respective edges of the slot are greater on the diagonal, the wire gripping surfaee
force of the slot 22 is greater. Thirdly, positioning the slot 22 on the diagonal
permits a larger range of jumper wires because of the longer side wall portions adjacent
to the slot 22.
[0021] As illustrated in Figure 7 which is a sectional view along the section line 7-7 of
Figure 4, the depth of the slot 21 is less than the slot.22. For example, the wire
gripping slot 22 extends downwardly to the top portion of the central section 25,
while the wire exit slot 21 which is wider than the insulated jumper wire stops short
of the section 25 and extends downwardly only to the shoulder portion 33. During the
wire insertion procedure, this shoulder portion 33 causes the free, cut off end of
the jumper wire to be bent upwardly as the wire is forced into the module, thereby
facilitating easy removal of the portion of the wire which is severed.
[0022] Each of th retaining sections 26 and 27 of the housing 16 include a pair of side
wall portions which are integrally joined and disposed at right angles with respect
to each other. The side wall portions of the retaining sections 26 and 27 are generally
parallel to the side walls of the central section 25, are spaced inwardly therefrom
and extend downwardly from the section 25 in a direction opposite that of the side
walls 19 and 20. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the side walls of the sections 26 and
27 and the side walls of the central section 25 are joined by a shoulder 43 extending
at right angles with respect to the side walls of the sections 25, 26 and 27. The
retaining sections 26 and 27 are spaced from each other by the slots 29, 29 (Figures
3 and 5) to permit the sections 26 and 27 to be moved inwardly toward each other during
insertion of the housing 16 into the panel 11. Each of the retaining sections 26 and
27 includes a retaining rib or edge 28 extending outwardly about its lower periphery
for engagement with a portion of the panel 11 to prevent the housing 16 from being
removed from the panel 11 after it has been inserted.
[0023] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11, each of the retaining sections 26 and 27 includes
an elongated groove 32 to assist in retaining the split cylinder connector 18 within
the housing 16. Each of the grooves 32 includes a shoulder portion 34 adapted for
engagement by a retaining tine 45 extending outwardly from the connector 18. As shown
best in Figure 11, this shoulder portion34 is beveled at a negative angle to insure
engagement between the end of the tine 45 and the shoulder 34 to prevent inadvertent
removal of the connector 18 from the housing 16. In the preferred embodiment, the
included angle "A" formed between the beveled shoulder 34 and the interior surface
31 is less than 90 degrees. As illustrated best in Figures 5 and 7, the intrnal surface
of the retaining members 26 and 27 have a generally cylindrical configuration extending
from the surface 31 of the section 25 to permit a relatively tight fit between such
surface and the outer cylindrical surface of the split cylinder connector 18. When
the housing 16 and the cylinder 18 are inserted within the panel 11, this tight fitting
relationship keeps the retaining ribs 28, 28 engaged with the bottom surface of the
panel 11 and precludes inadvertent removal of the module 12 from the panel 11.
[0024] The split cylinder connector 18, which is best illustrated with reference to Figures
2-8, includes a generally cylindrical upper portion 35, a generally cylindrical lower
portion 39 and an enlarged collar section 46. The upper cylindrical section 35 includes
an elongated slot 42 for piercing the insulation of an insulated wire 14 and for gripping
and making electrical contact with such wire. A pair of guide sections 36, 36 are
integrally formed with the slot 42 and are positioned at the top end of the cylindrical
section 35. A cutting edge 38 is also disposed near the top edge of the upper cylinder
35 and opposite the slot 42. As will be described in greater detail during a discussion
of the operation of the module 12, the edge 38 functions to sever the wire 14 during
insertion into the upper cylindrical portion 35. In the preferred embodiment, the
edge 38 is disposed above the interaction between the sections 36, 36 and the slot
42 to permit the wire 14 to be severed prior to insertion into the slot 42.
[0025] The lower cylindrical section 39 also includes an elongated slot 44 for piercing
the insulation of the jumper wire and for gripping and making electrical contact with
such wire. A pair of entrance or guide edges 40, 40 are positioned at the bottom edge
of the cylinder 39 and are integrally formed with the opposing edges of the slot 44.
As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 8, a cutting edge 41 similar to the edge 38 is also formed
in the bottom surface of the cylindrical member 39.
[0026] A pair of flared retention tines 45, 45 are cut from opposing side portions of the
cylindrical portion 39 and are prestressed so that they are disposed outwardly from
the outer cylindrical surface of the section 39 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 8.
As shown best in Figures 3 and 9, each of the tines 45, 45 is curved or coined so
as to substantially conform to the curved inner surface of the grooves 32 (Figures
5). This increases the surface area engageable with the shoulder 34 (Figure 11) and
improves the retaining ability of the tines 45, 45.
[0027] The split cylinder connector 18 also includes an enlarged peripheral rib or collar
section 46 adapted for engagement with the seating surface 30 (igures 4, 6 and 7)
of the central section 25 when the connector 18 is inserted therein. As shown best
in Figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, a partial cross slit 50 is made in the connector 18 immediately
below the collar 46. The collar 46 is then split and the corners flared out as illustrated
by the reference numerals 48, 48 in Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8. In the preferred embodiment,
the collar 46 is split in the same general location as the slot 42. To facilitate
the flaring of the edges 48, 48 a vertical cut 49 (Figures 7 and 10) is also made
on opposite sides of the collar 46. With the above structure, a significantly increased
bearing area is provided for engagement with the seating section 30. The flared out
portions 48, 48 provide a corresponding buttom seating surface 47 for engagement with
this supporting surface 30. It has been found that this particular arrangement provides
a substantially improved support and stability for the connector 18 when retained
within the housing 16. As seen best in Figure 6, the distance between the bottom seating
surface 47, 47 and the top ends of the ribs 45, 45 should be approximately the same
distanee as between the seating surface 30 and the beveled shoulder portions 34, 34.
[0028] Figure 12 shows a plurality of adjacent modules 12 illustrating the manner in which
a jumper wire 14 is inserted and retained within one of the modules, while Figure
13 shows a wire 53 inserted and retained within the connector portion 39 on the back
side of the panel 11. In both cases, the wire is inserted with a tool similar to that
illustrated in Figures 17, 18 and 19. Such tool includes a handle 60, an elongated
intermediate section 61 and an end section shown in Figures 18 and 19. The end section
includes an open portion 68 defined by the peripheral side wall 62 and the centally
positioned post 66. Each of the corners 65 of the side wall 62 is angled to fit within
the interior of the housing 16 (Figure 3). A pair of diametrically opposed recessed
portions 64, 64 are provided at two of the corners 65 to receive the wire 14 during
the insertion process.
[0029] To insert the insulated wire 14 on the front side of the panel as shown in Figure
12, a section of the wire is laid across the top surface of the module 12 such that
a portion of the wire contacts both the cut-off edge 38 and the guide edges 35, 35
in the area of the slot 42. The enlarged portion 24 and the slot 21 assists in this
alingment. It should be noted that the portion of the wire 14 to be severed is that
portion engaging the cutting edge 38 while the portion making electrical contact with
the connector 18 is that porting engaging the edges 36, 36. The tool is then appropriately
positioned over the wire 14 with the recessed portions 64, 64 (Figure 19) aligned
with the wire and the side wall 62 disposed between the inner surface of the housing
side walls 19 and 20 and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 39 of the connector
18. A downward force then causes the wire 14 to be inserted into the module 12 to
the position illustrated in Figure 12. During the application of such force, the wire
14 is cut by the cutting edge 38 while th portion of the wire engaging the guide surfaces
36, 36 is forced between the contact slot 42. During downward movement of the wire
14, the edges of the slot 42 pierce the insulation of the wire and make electrical
contact with the conductor portion 17. The tool also causes a portion of the wire
to be forced between thewire gripping or strain relief slot 22, thus causing the operative
end of the wire 14 to be retained by the slot 22 in the manner illustrated in Figure-,12.
This end of thewire 14 then extends upwardly in the area between diagonally adjacent
modules 12 formed by the recessed edges 23, 23 for connection to a second module.
The cut off end of the wire is also forced downwardly by the tool; however, because
of the shoulder portion 33 (Figure 7), the cut off end of the wire is forced upwardly.
This facilitates easy manual removal of the wire end which has been servered.
[0030] Figure 13 shows a wire 53 connected with the back side of the panel member 11. This
wire 53 is connected in a manner similar to the connection on the front side of the
panel by using the tool illustrated in Figures 17 to 19. First, thewire is laid across
the connector cylinder 39 so that portions of the wire 53 engage the edge 41 and the
edges 40, 40 in the area of the slot 44. The tool is then appropriately aligned and
an insertion force is exerted. The force severs the portion of the wire engaging the
edge 41 and cause the edges of the slot 44 to pierce the insulation of the wire 53
and contact the conductive portion 57.
[0031] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the electrical connector
module of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 14 illustrates an alternate
embodiment of a signle module, while Figure 15 illustrates an array of a plurality
of such modules. The structure of Figures 14 and 15 include a pair of insulated side
walls 51, 51 which are separated at their adjacent corner by a sire gripping slot
52. Similar to the preferred embodiment described above, the slot 52 is positioned
on the diagonal of a module having a square cross sectional configuration. The opposite
ends of each of theside walls 51, 51 includes a recessed surface 58, 58 to allow for
the modules to be positioned in an array as illustrated in Figure 15. These recessed
corners provide sufficient food for the jumper wire to loop upwardly after insertion
into the wire gripping slot 52. The alternate embodiment of the module illustrated
in Figures 14 and 15 also includes a split cylinder connector 55. In this embodiment,
however, the diameter of the element 55 can be larger than the connector 18 shown
in Figure 3 because of the absence of the second side wall sections of the side walls
51, 51. In the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15, the center of the connector cylinder
55 is off-set toward the corner of the module opposite the slot 52. Thus, with the
alternate embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, a larger connector 55 can be used without
decreasing the density of the connectors for a given area.
[0032] Figure 16 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a split cylinder connector. The
connector 18 (Figure 3) of the preferred embodiment inlcudes a double ended connector
having a split cylinder type of connecting means at both ends. In the alternate embodiment
of Figure 16, however, the lower end of the connector includes an elongated portion
59 adapted for connection with a lead via conventional wire wrapping. It is contemplated
that this alternate embodiment of Figure 16 could be utilized with the improved module
housing described above.
[0033] Having described the structure of the preferred and alternate embodiments, the assembly
of the module of the present invention can be described as follows. To : assemble
a panel 10 of the type illustrated in Figure 1, a plurality of the insulated housing
elements are first inserted into the holes 13 in the panel member 11. As pointed out
previously, one of the advantages of the electrical connector module of the present
invention is that it is capable of assisting in the identification of particular incoming
or outgoing leads by the color coding. Thus, these housings can be color coded and
arranged for insertion into the panel to facilitate such identification. The individual
housings in an array can also be oriented so that the jumper wires from the modules
will all extend in a particular direction. For example, if modules in one array are
to be connected with modules in a second array, the modules may be oriented such that
the jumper wires, when inserted, extend in a general direction toward the outer array.
[0034] The insertion can be done either with the tool illustrated in Figures 17-19 or any
other similar tool with an elongated end to fit within the housing side walls. The
lower portion of the housing, specifically the retaining sections 26 and 27, are forced
into the hole 13 in the panel 11 until the retaining edges 28, 28 snap outwardly into
engagement with the lower surface of the panel 11 as .illustrated in Figures 6 and
7. The split cylinder connector 18 is then inserted into the cylindrical opening 31
within the housing 16. This insertion can also be accomplished with the tool of Figures
17-19 or other appropriate means. The . connector 18 is forced into the central opening
of the housing 16 until the retaining tines 45 snap outwardly into engagement with
the retaining grooves 32, 32 and the retaining shoulder portions 34, 34 as.illustrated
in Figures 6 and 11. The module is then totally installed. After all of the modules
12 have been inserted within the panel 11, the panel is ready for operation. As described
above, a plurality or set of wires or leads 53 representing a plurality of circuits
are first connected to the ends of the connector 18 positioned on the backside of
the panel.11 (Figure 1). After these connections have been made, the ends of the connectors
on the top side or front face of the connector panel 11 can be connected. This includes
connecting insulated jumper wires 14 from one connector to another, thereby connecting
the respective leads associated with those connectors. It should be noted that several
wires can be connected to each of the connector elements on the top side of the panel,
thus facilitating the connection of one lead to a plurality of other leads.
[0035] While the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is
contemplated that various changes and modifications could be made without deviating
from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope
of the invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description
of the preferred embodiment.
1 . An electrical connector module adapted for connection with an access member (10)
for providing electrical access to a circuit, said electrical connector module comprising:
a housing (16) constructed of an electrically non-conductive material;
means (26...28) for retaining said housing (16) in fixed relationship relative to
said access member (10);
a connector element (18) having a first portion (39) adapted for electrical connection
with said circuit and a second portion (35) adapted for selective electrical connection
with an insulated wire (14), said first and second portions being electrically connected;
means (30, 32, 34, 45, 46) for retaining said connector element (18) in fixed relationship
relative to said housing (16);
said housing (16) including first and second side wall portions (19, 20) surrounding
a portion (35) of said connector element (18) and being disposed such that the sides
of said side wall portions adjacent to said connector element (18) form an angle with
respect to each other of less than 180° and each side wall portion (19, 20) having
a first edge parallel to and spaced from the first edge of the other to form a wire
gripping slot (22) for gripping the insulated wire (14).
2. The electrical connector module of claim 1, wherein said housing (16) includes
a central portion (25) having a generally square cross-sectional configuration and
wherein said first and second side wall portions (19, 20) are integrally formed with
and extend upwardly from said central portion (25).
3. The electrical connector module of claim 2, wherein said access member (10) comprises
a panel member (11) of finite thickness having top and bottom surfaces and a plurality
of access openings (13) and said means for retaining said housing (16) in said access
member (10) includes a pair of side wall retaining sections (26, 27) integrally formed
with and extending downwardly from said central portion (25) in a direction generally
opposite that of said first and second side wall portions (19, 20).
4. The electrical connector module of claim 3, wherein said pair of side wall retaining
sections (26, 27) are configured for insertion into and retention within one of said
access openings (13) and each includes a retaining rib (28) about its lower periphery
for engagement with the bottom surface of said panel member (11) adjacent to said
access opening (13), said side wall retaining sections (26, 27) being spaced from
each other to facilitate limited movement toward each other and insertion into said
access opening (13).
5. The electrical connector module of claim 4, wherein said central portion (25) includes
a generally cylindrical hole (31) extending therethrough for receiving said connector
element (18) and said connector element includes an elongated cylindrical element
(39) adapted for insertion into and retention within said hole (31), at least one
end of said connector element (18) having split cylinder connector means.
6. The electrical connector module of claim 5, wherein said means for retaining said
connector element (18) in fixed relationship relative to said housing (16) includes
an enlarged collar section (46) having a portion extending outwardly from the outer
surface of said tubular sleeve (39) for engagement with a first surface (30) of said
central portion (25) and a pair df retaining tines (45) formed in said cylindrical
element, each of said tines (45) having a first end integrally joined with said cylindrical
element (39) and a second end disposed outwardly from the outer surface of said tubular
sleeve for engagement with a shoulder portion (34) formed within said cylindrical
hole (31).
7. The electrical connector module of claim 6, wherein said shoulder portion (34)
is defined by the end of an elongated groove (32) disposed in the surface of said
cylindrical hole (31).
8. The electrical connector module of claim 7, wherein said shoulder portion (34)
is disposed at an angle of less than 900 relative to the inner-surface of said cylindrical hole (31).
9. A housing (16) for an electrical connector (18) adapted for connection with an
access panel member (11) of finite thickness having a top and a bottom surface and
at least one access opening (13) extending through said panel member (11), said housing
(16) being constructed of a non-conductive material and comprising:
a central portion (25) adapted for engagement with a top surface portion of said panel
member (11) and including means (30, 32, 34, 45, 46) for retaining a connector element
(18);
first and second side wall portions (19, 20) extending upwardly from said central.portion
(25) in spaced relationship to said connector element (18) to at least partially surround
said connector element (18), said first and second side wall portions (19, 20) extending
upwardly from said central-portion (25) at least as far as the outermost portion of
said connector element (18) and each having a first edge parallel to and spaced from
the first edge of the other to form a wire gripping slot (22);
means (26...28) for retaining said housing (16) in fixed relationship relative to
said panel member (11) including at least two retaining sections (26, 27) integrally
formed with and extending downwardly from said central portion (25) in a direction
generally opposite that of said first and second side wall portions (19, 20), said
retaining sections (26, 27) being configured for insertion into and retention within
an access opening (13) of said panel member (11) and including a retaining rib (28)
about its lower periphery for engagement with a bottom surface portion of said panel
member (11), said retaining sections (26, 27) being spaced from each other to facilitate
limited movement toward each other and insertion into the access opening (13) of said
panel member (11).
10. The housing of claim 9, wherein said central portion (25) has a generally square
cross-sectional configuration.
11. The electrical connector module of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said first and
second side wall portions (19, 20) are disposed at an angle with respect to each other
of about 90°.
12. The electrical connector module of claim 11, wherein said first and second side
wall portions (19, 20) extend above the uppermost portion of said connector element
(18).
13. The electrical connector module of claim 12, wherein said housing (16) includes
a central portion (25) having a generally square cross-sectional configuration and
wherein said first and second-side wall portions (19, 20) are integrally formed with
and extend upwardly from said central portion (25).
.14. The electrical connector module of claim 13, wherein said central portion (25)
includes four side walls and wherein said first and second side wall portions (19,
20) lie in the same plane and are outward extensions of at least two of said four
side walls.
15. The electrical connector module of claim 14, wherein each of said first and second
side wall portions (19, 20) includes first and second integral side wall sections
disposed at right angles with respect to each other and comprise outward extensions
of two adjacent side walls of said central portion (,25).
16. The electrical connector module of claim 15, wherein each of said first side wall
section is joined with its corresponding second side wall section at a point spaced
inwardly from the intersection of the two adjacent side walls of the central portion
(25) from which the first and second side wall portions (19, 20) extend.
17. The electrical connector module of claim 16, wherein each of said first and second
side wall portions (19, 20) includes a second edge parallel to and spaced from the
second edge of the other to form a wire exit slot (21), said wire exit slot (21) having
a width ho less than the width of said insulated wire (14).
18. The electrical connector module of claim 17, wherein , the depth of said wire
exit slot (21) is less than said wire gripping slot (22).
19. An electrical connector access means for providing electrical access to a plurality
of circuits including an access panel member (11) having a top and bottom surface,
a plurality of access openings (13) extending through said panel member (11) and arranged
in a series of columns and rows and a plurality of electrical connector housings (16)
disposed in each of said access openings (13), each of said housings (16) as defined
in any of claims 9 to 18.
20. The electrical connector access means of claim 19, wherein said housings (16)
are arranged such that said wire gripping slots (22) are diagonally disposed with
respect to the columns and rows of said access openings.(13).
21. The electrical connector access means of claim 19 or 20, wherein said housings
(16) are color coded to identify the circuits with which they are associated.
22. An electrical connector (18) of the split cylinder connector type having a tubular
sleeve (35, 39) and a longitudinally extending wire receiving slot (42, 44) extending
the entire length of said connector (18), said connector being adapted for insertion
into and retention within a cylindrical opening (31) in an access member (11, .16)
with first and second surfaces (30, 34), said electrical connector (18) comprising;
means (30, 32, 34, 45, 46) for retaining the connector (18) within the opening (31)
of said access member (11, 16) including an enlarged collar section (46) having a
portion extending outwardly from the outer surface of said tubular sleeve (35, 39)
for engagement with said first surface (30) of said access member in an area adjacent
said opening (31), said tubular sleeve including a transverse cut (50) perpendicular
to said wire receiving slot (42, 44) and near the edge of said collar section (46)
engaging said first surface (30), the edges (48) of said enlarged collar section (46)
in the area of intersection between the transverse cut (50) and the wire receiving
slot (42, 44) being bent outwardly from each other to provide an increased support
surface (47) between said enlarged collar section (46) and said first surface (30),
said retaining means ..1: further including a pair of elongated tines (45) each formed
by a pair of cuts in the side surface of said tubular sleeve (35, 39) in a direction
generally parallel to said wire receiving slot (42, 44) the ends of said tines (45)
farthest from said enlarged collar section (46) being integrally joined with said
tubular sleeve (35, 39) and the ends of said tines (45) closest to said enlarged collar
section (46) being severed from said tubular sleeve (35, 39) and disposed outwardly
from the outer surface of said tubular sleeve (39) for engagement with said second
surface (34) of said access member (11, 16) upon insertion of the electrical connector
(18) into said access opening (31).
23. An electrical connector (18) of the split cylinder connector type.having a tubular
sleeve (35, 39) and a longitudinally extending wire receiving slot (42, 44), said
electrical connector (18) comprising:
a pair of guide surfaces (36) converging from one end of said tubular sleeve (35,
39) to said wire receiving slot (42, 44) for cutting through the insulated portions
of an insulated wire (14) and guiding the insulated wire (14) into said wire receiving
slot (42, 44); and
a wire cutting notch disposed in said tubular sleeve (35, 39) diametrically opposite
from said wire receiving slot (42, 44) and having a wire cutting edge (38) for severing
said insulating wire (14) upon insertion thereof into said tubular sleeve (35, 39)
said wire cutting edge (38) being disposed near said one end of said tubular sleeve
(35, 39) such that upon insertion of the insulated wire (14) into said tubular sleeve'(35,
39)., the'insulated wire (14) is severed by said wire cutting edge (38) prior to insertion
into said wire receiving slot (42, 44).