CN1080003C - Modular telecommunications terminal block - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular telecommunication terminal box system which comprises more than one terminal box which can be repeatedly installed on one installation guide rail (24) and can be disassembled from the installation guide rail (24). A casing (12) whose inside is provided with a telephone exchange wire coil and a service wire coil is used by each terminal box (10). An exchange wire which is connected to each terminal box (10) is inserted into the casing through a hole channel, and enters an exchange wire coil (20) which can move between an opening position and a closing position. The exchange wire can be connected to one exchange wire contact element in each terminal box (10) by manually pressing the exchange wire coil (20) in the closing position or by installing the terminal box on the installation guide rail (24). A service wire is singly connected to the inside of each terminal box, and is connected with service wire contact elements (66, 68). A linking module is inserted into an access jack (120) to provide connection among the exchange wire contact element (170) and the service wire contact elements (66, 68).

Description

Modular Telecom Junction Box

The present invention relates to junction boxes for connecting wire pairs. In particular, it relates to telecommunications junction boxes for connecting telephone service lines to telephone switching distribution cables.

Telecommunications junction boxes are used to provide convenient electrical connections between telephone subscriber service lines (the "service" side) and telephone switching distribution cables (the "switching" side). Such junction boxes typically connect as many as 25 distribution cables on the switch side, which may have thousands of pairs, to as many as 25 individual service pairs on the service side.

Junction boxes are typically configured to terminate 5, 10 or 25 wire pairs in standard, multiple housed units. In most cases, it is not possible to match the number of wiring pairs terminated with the standard number. For example, if there are 7 pairs to be terminated, even though 3 of the 10 pair terminals will not be used, a 10 pair junction box that is closest to the standard junction box size must be installed.

The splice cables that provide the switch-side connection from the distribution cable to the junction box are typically permanently connected to the junction box during connection of the splice cable to the junction box, and in this regard, the switch-side wire pairs are difficult to replace. The permanent connection protects both the splice cable and the switch side of the junction box from the environment and ensures a physically secure connection designed to withstand repeated installation and removal of the connection on the business side.

When a connection fails on the switch side of a junction box, the entire junction box of 5, 10 or 25 pairs must be replaced, requiring a new junction box and significant installation time and resources. Even if only a single connection fails on the switching side, the connection between the splice cable and the failed junction box must be physically severed and the old junction box scrapped. Also, when replacing a junction box, all existing service side connections must be disconnected. A new junction box can then be permanently installed on the splice cable and connect all of the service side wiring, this method uses efficient resources and results in multiple junction boxes being scrapped due to only a single failure.

The service side (side) of the junction box is usually used the most, as the service side of the junction box is used to repeatedly connect and disconnect telephone service to and from distribution cables. The service line pairs are usually connected to the junction box through some type of terminal. The terminals are easily connected and disconnected in the field such as a simple terminal post, where a disassembled service wire is connected to the terminal post and then reinforced with some type of cap. Another common type of terminal is an insulation stripping terminal, where the service wires do not need to be stripped before being connected to the junction box, and the insulation is separated by blades or sharp surfaces when the service wires are secured to the terminal. Also, in this insulation stripping type of terminal, some type of cap is usually used to secure the service line in the field.

While the caps typically used in the post or insulation-displacement type terminals provide some protection from the environment, moisture, contamination, chemicals, sharps, and even insects may still come into contact with the terminal. The terminal connections thus lead to corrosion or other degradation of the contacts. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that, in addition to the traditional aerial location of such junction boxes, underground, and even underwater junction box locations are more and more frequently required for telephone wiring applications. Efforts have therefore been made to better insulate the terminals in the junction box from the environment in order to prevent such aging. One such approach has been to use various media such as grease or jelly to surround the terminals making the electrical connections.

In order to properly test these connections and determine whether a problem involving either the switching side or the business side must be disconnected so that either side can be evaluated independently. Usually, the business side is disconnected because it is not possible to disconnect the wires on the switching side. In this case, it would take additional time to disconnect the service side wire, unpack the wire, and connect the wire to test equipment in order to evaluate the problem. Once the problem is resolved, the test fixture must be removed and the service side wires connected to the junction box. This process requires a valid time.

Therefore, there currently exists a need for an improved telecommunications junction box for connecting wires from the switch side to the service side so that individual wires can be added or removed as required while maintaining resistance to moisture and other environmental factors Boxes, moisture and other environmental factors make connections where susceptible to aging over time and limit the applications where these junction boxes can be used reliably. Additionally, there currently exists a need for an improved telecommunications junction box that allows testing of a service side or switch side without disconnecting or switching the side wires.

The present invention provides a modular telecommunications junction box system comprising a variable number of individual junction boxes for connecting service conductors to telephone switching cables such that while maintaining an insulating medium in each junction box , A single (personal) junction box can be added or removed as needed. This medium, which may be grease or jelly, provides strength against moisture and other environmental elements which make the connections there (junction box) susceptible to aging over time.

In a preferred embodiment, each individual junction box of the modular telecommunications junction box of the present invention utilizes a separate housing of dielectric material. For example, each individual junction box is connected to a mounting rail and held in place by a flexible clip integral to the housing. Each housing constitutes a separate receptacle to insulate the medium flowing in the cavity of the housing during wire connection and disconnection.

The connecting switch cable conductors are provided via a switch reel which is movable relative to the housing and arranged on the switching side of the housing. In turn connection to the service line is provided by a service line reel movably disposed in a cavity within the housing, accessible from the opposite service side of the housing.

More specifically, a pair of switch wire access slots are provided on the housing to receive a pair of switch wires. In the cavity of the housing, the exchange line reel can be found at the place closest to the exchange line entry and exit slot. The switch reel is movable between an open position and a closed position and mounts each switch wire into a respective switch wire conduit. The swap spool is held in place at a position selected by a retaining stub that slides into two stops in the housing corresponding to the open or closed selected position of the swap spool. Any one of the short column slots.

When the switch reel is in the open position, the switch wire guide can receive each switch wire through the switch wire entry and exit slots in the housing. The switch wire reel has two slots for installing insulation piercing electrical contact blades (insulation piercing electrical contact blades). The insulating through-hole contact blade is integral with a switch wire engaging contact held in a slot in the access receptacle.

The junction box can be easily mounted on the mounting rail by hooking a flange disposed proximate to the business end of the junction box on the edge of the mounting rail. The exchange end of the junction box is then pushed into position on the other edge of the mounting rail until the necessary flexible clips integral to the housing snap into place. Thus, each junction box end is secured to the mounting rail.

When the swap party is pushed into the mounting rail, the swap spool is forced up and into the closed position by pressure from the mounting rail. When the switch wire reel is moved to the closed position, the insulation piercing contact blade penetrates the insulation of the switch wire and contacts the conductive portion of the switch wire. As a result, the switch cord contacts the switch cord engagement contacts in one of the slots of the access jack.

Once the service line is installed on the mounting rail, it can be terminated on the service side of the junction box. When terminated, each service line will be in conductive communication with a service line engaging contact held in the slot of the outlet receptacle. A link module is inserted into the access jack, which has two sets of contacts forming a conductive path between each service line and the corresponding switch line. Each set of contacts can be accessed through the "T-shaped access" hole on the top of the link module.

The linking module may include various types of plug-in components including a bridge module connecting only the service side to the switching side. Another embodiment includes a protector module that connects the service side and the switching side when inserted into the outlet, and includes a dual gas discharge tube and a ground connection contact. The ends of each bimorph gas discharge tube are soldered to a set of contacts, and the ground junction contacts are conductively connected to the center of the gas discharge tube.

Another embodiment of the link module is a bidirectional test module. The bidirectional test module includes a set of business line test contacts and a set of exchange line test contacts. The bidirectional test module housing includes a bayonet contact. Each service line and switch line test contact is formed with a slot which, when the bayonet (pin) contact is inserted, clamps the bayonet contact (head) and connects the service side to the switch side. The bayonet contacts are automatically inserted into the test contacts when the cover of the bidirectional test module is closed. Thus, when the cover is closed, the switching side is connected to the business side. When the cover is closed, the bi-directional test module is sealed with a gasket. The gasket provides gasket internals to keep the module from the environment.

When the cover is opened, the exchange side is no longer connected to the service side, and the ends of the service line test contacts and the exchange line test contacts are exposed above the gasket, so that spring clip type or equivalent test connectors can be easily Easily connects to business line test contacts or swap line test contacts for testing.

Another bi-directional test module embodiment includes a secured bi-directional test module that connects the service and switching sides when inserted into an outlet, and includes a dual gas discharge tube and a ground bond contact. Each dual gas discharge tube end is welded to a set of contacts, and a ground connection contact is conductively connected to the center of the gas discharge tube.

When the protector module or protected bi-directional test module is ready for use, the ground bonding contact must be at earth potential. For this purpose, the mounting rail is connected to earth during installation. Therefore, the mounting rail provides the necessary earth connection point for each junction box. When the junction box is mounted on the mounting rail, a junction box ground connector held in the switch reel is connected to the mounting rail ground connector. The junction box ground connector is conductively connected to a ground connection contact held in the central slot of the access socket. Therefore, when the protector module is inserted into the access socket by hand, the ground connection contact enters the central groove of the access socket, and connects the protector module with the earth through the installation guide rail. Among the many functions of this embodiment, the gas discharge tube and ground junction contact connections operate together with two sets of contacts to shunt the voltage to earth, with the result that, for example, there is a conductive path between the service side and the switching side. The voltage is booming.

Space is provided in the exchange reels, cavities containing service reels and linking modules for insulating media such as grease or jelly are introduced to surround each reel and contact group, and to hold in these reels Full wire connection channel. The medium flows around the respective coil during wire termination without forcing the medium out of the housing.

The business line can be removed and reconnected many times through the channel on the business side and the business line plate.

The junction box can be installed and removed from the mounting rail as many times as required while retaining the insulating medium therein. Removal from the mounting rail is accomplished by raising the clamps and releasing the junction box from the mounting rail. No special tools are required. Once removed, the swap cord spool can be moved back to the open position for removal of the swap cord. When removed, the junction box can be reused.

A reliable, easy-to-connect structure is a further feature of the junction box of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the invention will be understood by viewing the ensuing detailed description of the invention.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved telecommunications junction box having significantly improved resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals and other such impurities while maintaining a relatively simple construction .

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the service side of a preferred embodiment of the modular junction box of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a switch side of a preferred embodiment of the multiple modular junction box system of the present invention showing a pair of switch side wires connecting a junction box.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the basic components of the junction box including the service side reel and the exchange side reel of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating a housing of a junction box and housing insertion in accordance with the present invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior (construction) of a junction box according to the present invention, which illustrates the position of the exchange-side reel before terminating the exchange wire and the position of the service-side reel before terminating the service wire.

6 is a sectional view showing the interior (construction) of a junction box according to the present invention, which illustrates the position of the exchange side reel after termination of the exchange conductor and the position of the service side reel after termination of the service conductor.

Figure 7 is a (partial) sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in Figure 6, showing a cross-section of the exciter and service side reel according to the invention.

Fig. 8 is a (partial) sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6, showing a cross-section of an exchange coil according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of the ground connection between the terminal box and the mounting rail according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows a bottom view of a detail of the ground connection between the junction box and the mounting rail.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the basic components of a security module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the basic components of a bidirectional test module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the interior (construction) of a bidirectional test module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 in FIG. 13 according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-section of the bidirectional test module.

Figure 15 is an exploded view of the basic components of a protected bidirectional test module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the modular junction box system of the present invention is illustrated. As shown, several individual junction boxes are used in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of which may vary from 1 to 25 or more in a particular application. A junction box is shown when removed from the mounting rail.

A separate junction box housing 12 is used for each junction box 10 in the modular system of the present invention. The service side of the junction box is illustrated and has service pair tunnels 14 along one of its front faces. As will be described in greater detail below, the wire pair tunnel 14 provides service wire access into the interior cavity within the housing 12 . Housing 12 is composed of a dielectric material suitable for fabrication in the desired shape. Any of several commercially available thermoplastic resins can readily be used because of their relatively low cost and ease of manufacture. However, other dielectric materials may also be used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the junction box 10 of the present invention includes a switch tray 20 in part of the bottom portion. The switch reel 20 is preferably made of the same dielectric material which may be the same as the housing 12 . The crossover tray also includes a ground connector guide 22 protruding downward from the base of the switch tray 20 .

Most of the ground connector guides 22 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10 support the ground connectors 18 connected to the mounting rails 24 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 . The junction box is mounted on a modified standard DIN mounting rail 24 so as to enclose the rail ground connector 26 which, when installed, is connected to "earth" by connecting the conductive mounting rail 24 to earth. The mounting rail 24 may be made of steel, aluminum or any other suitable conductive material. The ground connector 18 supported by the ground connector guide 22 provides this conductive connection to the rail ground connector. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a detailed portion of the ground connector guide 22 and ground connector 18 prior to connecting the mounting rail 24 to the rail ground connector 26 . FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view showing ground connector guide 22 and ground connector 18 connecting mounting rail 24 to rail ground connector 26 .

As illustrated in Figure 1, the junction box 10 is positioned at the front flange 28 of the business side closest to the junction box, the front flange 28 of the business side closest to the junction box, and the front flange 28 of the business side closest to the junction box. The rear clamp 30 and the ground connector guide 22 on the replacement side are fixed to the mounting rail. The front flange 28 has an inner flange which holds the front end of the box in place by gripping the mounting rail between the box itself and its substructure. Rear clip 30 provides an inner flange which secures the rear of the junction box to mounting rail 24 . Junction box ground connector guide 22 (as illustrated in FIG. 9 ) and rail ground connector 26 guide the junction box onto mounting rail 24 . The junction box is secured to the mounting rail by first securing the front flange 28 to the mounting rail. Once the junction box ground connector 18 and ground connector guide 22 have been strictly aligned with the rail ground connector 26, downward pressure is applied to the back portion of the junction box to push the rear clamp 30 on the edge of the mounting rail until The rear clip engages the mounting rail - snapping the junction box securely in place. When the junction box is snapped in place, a ground connection is made.

The installation may include only the front flange 28 and the rear clamp 30, depending on the junction box application in which no ground connection is required. In addition, it is intended to use another mounting device instead of the clip and flange combination, such as using a clamping mechanism at both ends of the junction box to fasten the junction box to the mounting rail; Fasten the junction box upside down; alternatively, use an industrial hook and eye anchor such as VELCRO to fasten the junction box to the mounting rail.

In order to remove the junction box 10 of the present invention from the mounting rail 24, any tool with a flat end such as a screwdriver can be used to apply force to pry the rear clamp 30 from the mounting rail 24, so that the rear clamp 30 is released from the mounting rail 24 , and the entire junction box is removed from the mounting rail.

In this manner, any number of junction boxes may be coupled along the mounting rails as desired to provide access to additional service lines from splice cables secured to one switch distribution cable. In this embodiment, a single junction box should be provided for each switch pair and service pair. A single mounting rail can be used or multiple mounting rails can be used, depending on the configuration. The junction boxes can be snapped or removed in place along the mounting rail 24 to change the number of junction boxes as desired. Additionally, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the wires on the switch side of the junction box and the wires on the service side of the junction box may be repeatedly connected and disconnected.

For other types of applications, a single service line tunnel could also be used instead of a pair of tunnels 12 for each junction box, or additional service line tunnels could be provided into each junction box if necessary in a particular application. Therefore, the configuration of the service line tunnels and their configuration on the mounting rail 24 is only an illustrative preferred embodiment and can be changed as needed in a particular application.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , each housing 12 includes a wire driver 32 at its top end. As discussed in more detail below, the remainder of the actuator 32 extends through the housing 12 into the interior cavity of the service side. As illustrated in FIG. 1 by the location of wire driver 32 which has been omitted for illustration, the driver 32 protrudes from the interior of housing 12 through an aperture 34 in the interior of housing 12 . Wire actuator 32 is preferably made of the same dielectric material as housing 12, which may be the same. The wire driver 32 is preferably of such a shape that it can be easily attached and screwed by hand holding a screwdriver, wrench or other tool. Alternatively, the actuator 32 may be adapted to be grasped and twisted by a user of the junction box. Rotating the exciter a fixed amount, preferably indicated by a visual marking on the housing and the exciter, achieves the connection of the service line to the exchange line in a manner discussed in more detail below.

Referring to Figure 2, a number of preferred embodiments of the junction box of the present invention showing one side of the switch are illustrated. The junction box 10 of the present invention utilizes a junction box housing 12 having switch pair openings 36 along its back surface. As discussed in more detail below, the switch wire pair tunnel 36 provides access for switch wires into an interior cavity inside the housing 12 .

For other types of applications, it is also possible to use a single switch wire tunnel for each junction box instead of a pair of tunnels 36, or to provide additional switch wire tunnels into each junction box if necessary in a particular application . Accordingly, the configuration of the switch wire tunnels and their configuration on the mounting rail 24 is merely an illustrative preferred embodiment and may vary as desired in a particular application.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2 , junction box 10 includes a link module 16 having a test inlet 44 (shown in FIG. 1 ) including two "Tee-in" test inlets. Cap 42. As will be discussed in more detail below, the linking module provides the connection between the service side and the switching side of the junction box and can be provided in several configurations. The linking module preferably includes a basic configuration referred to herein as a bridge module having contacts (shown in FIG. 4) that provide a connection between the service side conductors and the switch side conductors. Another embodiment of a linking module, referred to herein as a protector module, protects service lines and switching lines from voltage spikes. Both the bridge module and the protector module provide test access 44 to allow testing of the service side and the switch side without opening the junction box or disconnecting the service side wires or the switch side wires.

Referring to Figure 3, an exploded view of the basic components of a junction box housing containing the switch side reel and service side reel of the present invention is illustrated. The junction box of the present invention includes a path for one of two wire connections between the switch side and the service side. To simplify the description and avoid unnecessarily cluttering the drawings, only those elements defining a single conductive path through the junction box are described, although the detailed description applies equally to both conductive paths.

As illustrated, the switch wire reel 20 includes a switch wire conduit 92 which houses the switch wire after it has been inserted into one of the switch wire pair openings 36 (as illustrated in FIG. 2 ). The switch line reel 20 includes a contact blade receiving slot 94 for receiving a switch line contact blade (as explained below), and a ground connector receiving slot 98 which terminates at the ground connector guide 22, and accommodate the ground connector (not shown).

A service wire reel 50 is provided which is threadably engaged with the wire driver 32 . In more detail, the service cord reel 50 has a threaded bore 34 at its top end for receiving a matching sized threaded end of the wire driver 32 . As will be described later, the wire driver 32 includes a plug 54 for retaining the insulating medium inside the housing 12 . The service line tray 50 also has a wire receiving hole 56 for receiving a service line inserted into the housing. The wire-receiving channel 56 is sealed with a perforated gasket 58 intended to retain the insulating medium within the housing 12, as described below.

Each wire receiving hole 50 extends to the central part of the wire reel 50 through the flange extension 60 of the service wire reel 50 . A first contact blade receiving slot 62 is provided in the reel at a first location along the bore 56 , and a second contact blade receiving slot 64 is provided at a second location along the bore 56 . The first and second contact blade accommodation grooves 62, 64 accommodate first and second insulation breaking contact blades 66, 68, respectively. The service wire reel 50 containing the first and second insulation-disconnecting contact blades 66, 68 is retained inside the junction box housing bushing 70. Respectively for each set of contact knife housing bushing 70, the first and second contact knife retaining grooves 72, 74 are provided. The first and second contact blade retaining grooves accommodate the first and second insulation-cutting contact blades 66,68. Housing bushing 70 also retains line of service connector contacts 76 . Each service line splice contact 76 is integrally formed with first and second insulation disconnecting contact blades 66,68. Thus, when any one of the insulation disconnecting contact blades 66, 68 is in conductive communication with a service line, it is also in conductive communication with the corresponding service line splice contact 76.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the housing bushing 70 retains a switch line tap contact 80 and a ground tap contact 84 in addition to the tap contact 76 . The connector contacts are inserted into the bottom of the 5-pin access socket 120 when the housing sleeve is placed into the housing 12 . In more detail, the service line connector contact 76 is retained in the service line connector contact slot 122 and the switch line connector contact 80 is retained in the switch line connector contact slot 124 . The ground lug contact 84 is retained within the centrally located ground lug contact slot 130 .

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the switch reel 20 is inserted into the space formed between the housing 12 and a housing bushing 70 that enters the housing 12 . When inserted, the switch line contact blade receiving slot 94 accommodates the switch line insulation disconnection contact blade 170 . The insulation disconnecting contact blade 170 is integrally formed with the exchange line splice contact 80 and is made of a metal conductor so as to disengage from the splice contact when the insulation disconnecting contact blade 170 perforates its insulation during termination as described below. 80 to swap wires to provide good electrical contact.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the junction box of the present invention includes a bridge module 40 embodiment of the link module. The bridge module 40 is used for the path of each of the two wire connections between the switch side and the service side. To simplify the description and avoid unnecessarily cluttering the drawing, only those components defining a single conductive path through the bridge module are illustrated, although the detailed description applies equally to both conductive paths.

The bridge module 40 includes a set of integrally formed bridge contacts 110 . Each set of bridge contacts 110 includes a service line tap contact 114 and a switch line tap contact 116 . The contacts (heads) are held within the bridge module using a hard sealant such as a non-conductive epoxy, the top surface of which is illustrated as sealant 38 . The hard sealant occupies only a part of the interior of the bridge module 40, and the remaining part including about one-third of the interior of the bridge module 40 at the top is filled with insulating jelly. Accordingly, test probes may be inserted into the test inlet 44 of the Tee-in to form conductive contacts with the set of bridge contacts 110 .

FIG. 4 also illustrates a gasket 118 that is used to provide a seal between the selected link module and the 5-pin access socket 120 of the housing 12 . The gasket is constructed of plastic materials familiar in the art and can act as an environmental barrier between the 5-pin access (channel) socket 120 and the outside environment. The gasket provides a seal such that once the link module is snapped into place on the 5-pin access insert 120, no environmental contaminants and moisture can enter the header contact area.

As largely explained in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the installation of the switching line on the switching side is illustrated. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the junction box of the present invention illustrating the position of the reel for exchanging one line before stopping the exchanging line. With regard to the installation of the switch side conductors, an internal switch side cavity 160 is preferably formed by the bottom and back of the housing liner 70, the sides and back of the housing 12, and the top of the switch reel 20. The exchange reel 20 passes through the combined action of the exchange reel brake stub (retaining stub) 176 (retaining stub) 176 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) consistent with the first and second exchange reel brake slots (Vetaining slot) 178, 180, remain in place inside the cavity. The switch reel 20 is movable to an open or closed position via a switch reel actuator slot 164 integrally formed with the switch reel 20 . The energizer slot 164 can be manipulated with a simple tool such as a screwdriver to push the switch cord spool into the open position from the top off the housing 12, as shown in FIG. In the open position, the swap spool is gripped by the swap spool detent stud 176 and the swap spool detent slot 178 .

Once the exchange line reel 20 is moved into the open position, the exchange line 162 can enter the exchange line channel 36 in the housing 12, and be transported into the exchange line receiving channel 166 in the exchange line reel 20, and finally enter the exchange line of the housing liner 70. The wire is received in the channel 168 until it is sealed at the base of the channel. Preferably, if two conductive paths are to be used, the two switch side wires are inserted into the switch side reel before the junction box is snapped into place on the mounting rail.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the junction box of the present invention illustrating the position of the switch side reel after termination of a switch line. Figure 8 shows a second view of the cross-section of an exchange line reel taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6 after terminating an exchange line. As illustrated, the swap line may terminate when the junction box 10 is snapped into place on the mounting rail 24 . When the junction box 10 is mounted on the mounting rail, the switch reel 20 is forced upward into the closed position. When the swap spool is pushed upwards, the swap spool detent (clamp) stub 176 is forced out of the swap spool detent slot 178 and into the swap spool detent slot 180 . The switch wire can also be terminated by manually pushing the switch wire reel into the closed position and then installing the junction box on the mounting rail.

During closing of the switch reel, the switch line is brought into conductive communication with the switch line connector contacts 80 as described below. The switch line 162 is sealed in the switch line conduit 92 . When the swap wire reel is forced upward into the closed position, the swap wire insulation disconnection contact blade 170 is forced into the swap wire 162 while advancing into the swap wire contact blade receiving slot 94 . The insulation cutting contact switch blade 170 is used to switch the insulation cutting contact of the wire and make the contact with the metal conductor of the wire. The switch line tap contact 80 is synchronously put into conductive communication with the switch line because it is in conductive communication with the insulation disconnecting contact blade 170 .

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the installation of a line of business on the business side. As largely illustrated in FIG. 5, the cross-sectional view showing the interior of the junction box of the present invention illustrates the location of the service side wire tray prior to terminating the service line. As mentioned, the internal service cavity 150 is preferably integrally formed by the top and sides of the housing 12 and the top of the housing liner 70 . The service line reel 50 is opened by turning the wire actuator 32 until the service line reel 50 is fully retracted towards the top of the housing 12 . Once the service line reel 50 has been retracted into the out-of-the-way position, the service side wire 152 can enter the perforated seal 58 and move into the service line receiving tunnel 56 until sealed at the base of the tunnel. In practice, the two service side conductors are inserted into the service side reel before the wire driver 32 is used to terminate the conductors.

Figure 6 illustrates the position of the service side reel after terminating a service line, and Figure 7 shows the wiring actuator and service side reel obtained by cutting along the straight line 7-7 in Figure 6 after terminating a service line 2nd view of the section. As mentioned above, when the service line tray 50 is in the closed position, the first and second contact blade receiving grooves 62, 64 accommodate the first and second insulation breaking contact blades 66, 68, respectively. The first and second insulation disconnecting contact blades 66, 68 are each integrally formed with a service line splice contact 76 and are formed of metallic conductors to provide a connection from the service line when the blades 66, 68 penetrate its insulation. Good electrical contact of connector contacts 76 to service lines. Thus, once an insulation disconnecting contact blade is in conductive communication with a service line, it is also in conductive communication with the corresponding service line splice contact 76 .

Which of the two blades 66, 68 makes electrical contact with the wire will be determined by the diameter of the wire. That is to say, whether the wire is inserted into the first slot 62 or the second slot 64 will depend on the diameter of the wire. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , it is safe enough for a heavy gauge wire to simply move forward along the bore 56 to reach the slot 62 and thus make electrical contact with the blade 66 . A small gauge wire in turn will reach the second slot 64 and make electrical contact with the second longer blade 68 .

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the top portion of housing 12 above cavity 150 is provided with an annular groove 154 surrounding bore 34. As shown in FIG. The top end of the wire driver 32 is provided with a mating annular flange (flange) which fits in the annular groove 154 . This will thus prevent vertical movement of the wire driver 32 during its rotation, in contrast to prior art driver type connectors which screw down into the socket to make contact with a service line.

Once the switch line and service line have been terminated as described in FIGS. to switch line connector contact 80. The service line is conductively connected to the service line connector contact (point) 76 at the service line connector contact slot 122 in the 5-pin access socket 120 . The ground connector 18 is conductively connected to the ground tab contact 84 at the ground tab contact slot 130 .

To conductively connect the service side to the switching side using the bridge module 40 , the bridge module 40 is plugged into the 5-pin access jack 120 . The set of bridge contacts 110 completes a conductive circuit between the exchange side and the service side. Once connected, the tee-in test inlet 44 (shown in FIG. 2) can be used to perform a diagnostic test to verify the signal provided by the connection.

In an alternative, the bridge module can also be removed and replaced with a protector module 140 as illustrated in FIG. 11 . When the protector module 140 is inserted into the 5-pin access jack 120, it can perform the same function as the bridge module 40 by connecting the service side and the exchange side, but the protector module 140 also includes a gas discharge tube 142 and a Ground joint contact 144 . The gas discharge tube 142 has three conductive rings, one ring 146 around the circumference of each end of the tube and a third ring 148 around the middle of the tube. Each ring is soldered and conductively secured to a contact. Thus, each set of contacts 110 is conductively connected to the end rings, respectively, while the ground tab contacts 144 are conductively connected to the middle ring. Among its many functions, the gas discharge tube and ground junction contact connection 144 performs in cooperation with the contact 110 to shunt voltage to ground as a result of, for example, voltage spikes on the conductive path. Thus, once the protector module is inserted into the 5-pin access jack 120, the two main conductive paths between the switch side and the service side are protected from intermittent disruptive voltage levels. The use and operation of the gas discharge tube in this manner and its use in the protection of signal lines are well known in the art.

As in bridge module 40 of the present invention, contacts 110 and gas discharge tube 142 in protector module 140 are retained inside the protector module with a hard sealant such as non-conductive epoxy. The hard sealant occupies only an interior portion of the security module 140 as used in bridge modules. The remaining inner upper third of the security module 140 is filled with an insulating medium. Accordingly, a test probe may be inserted into the test inlet 44 of the T-junction to make conductive contact with the set of contacts 110 for performing a diagnostic test on the connection. The bridge module 40 and the protector module 140 can be used interchangeably through the housing 12, and the 5-pin access jack 120, depending on the application desired by the user.

In an alternative, the bridge module can be removed and replaced with a bidirectional test module 200 as illustrated in FIG. 12 . When a bi-directional test module is inserted into the 5-pin access jack 120, it will perform the same function as the bridge module 40 by connecting the service side to the switch side, but it contains a configuration of these contacts that allows the test switch side or business side without disconnecting the wires on the switching side or business side. The bidirectional test module also includes a protected embodiment, which will be described further below.

The bidirectional test module 200 includes a path for one of two wire connections between the switch side and the service side. To simplify the description, and avoid unnecessarily cluttering the drawing, only those components that define a single conductive path through the bidirectional test module are illustrated, although the detailed description applies equally to both conductive paths.

The bidirectional test module 200 includes a housing 202 and a hinged cover 204 . The test module housing 202 and hinged cover 204 are preferably made of the same dielectric material as the housing 12 (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Hinge 206 is integral with cover 204 such that the hinge and cover are formed from a single unit. The hinged cover 204 is rotatably secured to the housing by pins 208 which are integral with the housing. The hinge cover 204 includes bayonet contacts 210 that are secured vertically to the interior of the hinge cover and are constructed of a metallic conductive material such as brass, although other sufficiently conductive materials will adequately perform this function.

Inside the housing 202, two sets of test contacts are fixed. Each set of test contacts includes a service line test contact 214 and a switch line test contact 216 . Each contact is constructed of a metallic conductive material similar to bayonet contacts 210 . A set of bends creates an area 218 into which a dual gas discharge tube can be inserted for a protected embodiment of a bi-directional test module (further described below). Corresponding to a slot 222 at each contact, a second set of bends 220 is provided, which allow the bayonet contacts 210 to be inserted into the service line test contacts 214 and cross line test contacts 216 synchronously. The top ends of service line test contacts 214 and exchange line test contacts 216, closest to cover 204, terminate at flanges 224, which provide a convenient grip for securing spring clip type test leads, or other Similar test leads are used to test the business side or the switching side.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing the inside of the bidirectional test module. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view cut along line 14 - 14 in FIG. 13 showing a cross-section of the bidirectional test module 200 . As illustrated in FIG. 13 , the contacts are retained inside bidirectional test module 200 using a hard sealant such as non-conductive epoxy, the top surface of bidirectional test module 200 being illustrated as sealant 230 . The hard sealant occupies a portion of the bidirectional test module 200 interior. The rest of the interior of the bidirectional testing module 200 is sealed by a gasket 232 . The gasket is secured to the top edge of the housing 202 . Gasket 232 provides a seal between cover 204 and housing 202 when cover 204 is closed, thus forming an environmental seal that protects the contents of the bidirectional test module from the environment. In more detail, the gasket 232 provides an environmental shield, (shield), that protects the connections between the service line test contacts 214 , the exchange line test contacts 216 , and the bayonet contacts 210 . Thus, when the cover is closed and the bayonet contacts are inserted into the slots 222 provided in the service line test contacts 214 and the exchange line test contacts 216, the connection formed between the service side and the exchange side will be protected by the gasket from environmental impact. It is best to fill the interstitial space between the sealant and the gasket with an insulating medium to further protect the joint from the environment.

As illustrated in Figure 13, the cover 204 can be pried off using any flat tool such as a screwdriver. Once opened, the flange 204 at the top of each contact is exposed above the washer 232 so that a spring clip type or equivalent test connector can be easily connected to the service line test contacts 214 or the exchange line test contacts 216 for testing. Even when the bi-directional test module is in the open position, the contents of the module under the gasket are substantially protected from the environment because usually only two slots are filled by the bayonet contacts being opened.

The cover may be provided with a test inlet 44 "into the tee". Thus, once the business side and the switching side are connected by the bayonet contacts, test probes can be inserted into the "into tee" test inlets 44 to make conductive contact with them without opening the cover of the bidirectional test module.

In an alternative, the bidirectional test module 200 can be removed and replaced with a protected bidirectional test module 240 as illustrated in FIG. 15 . When the protected bidirectional test module 240 is inserted into the 5-pin access jack 120, it performs the same function as the bidirectional test module 200 by connecting the service side and the exchange side, and also includes a gas discharge tube 142 and a ground connection Contacts 144, which are substantially implemented as described in FIG. 11.

The gas discharge tube 142 has three conductive rings, one ring 146 around each top circumference of the tube and a third ring 148 around the middle of the tube. Each ring is soldered or conductively secured to a contact. Thus, in one embodiment, the swap line test contacts 216 are conductively connected to the top rings respectively, while the ground tab contacts 144 are conductively connected to the middle ring 148 . In another aspect (embodiment), the line of business test contacts 214 are each conductively connected to the top ring, while the ground tap contacts are conductively connected to the middle ring. Thus, once the protected bi-directional test module is inserted into the 5-pin access jack 120 and the cover 204 is in the closed position, the two main conductive paths between the switch side and the service side are protected from intermittent disruptive voltages. flat impact. The use and operation of a gas discharge tube and its use in this way for the protection of signal lines is well known in the art.

When the cover of the protected bidirectional test module is in the open position, the flange 224 at the top of each contact is exposed above the gasket 232 so that a spring clip type or equivalent test connector can be easily connected to the business Wire test contacts 14 or swap wire test contacts 216 are used for testing.

As in bi-directional test module 200, service line test contact 214 and exchange line test contact 216, ground joint contact 144, and gas discharge tube 142 are retained on the ground by a hard sealant such as a non-conductive epoxy. protected bi-directional test module 240 internally. As in the bidirectional test module 200, the hard sealant occupies only a portion of the interior of the bidirectional test module 240 to be protected. The remainder of the interior of the bidirectional test module 240 is sealed by a gasket 232 . Gasket 232 protects the joint between service line test contact 214 , switch line test contact 216 , and bayonet contact 210 . Thus, when the cover is closed and the bayonet contacts are inserted into the slots 222 provided in the service line test contacts 214 and the exchange line test contacts 216, the connection formed between the service side and the exchange side will be protected from the environment by the gasket 232 Impact. Preferably, the interstitial space between the sealant and the gasket is filled with an insulating medium to further protect the joint from the environment.

In addition, when the cover is in the closed position, test probes can be inserted into the test inlet 44 "into the T-junction" to perform a test on the connection between the service side and the switching side while maintaining the connection between the two sides. diagnostic test. The bi-directional test module 200 and the protected bi-directional test module 240 through the housing 12, and the 5-pin access jack 120 can be used interchangeably, depending on the application desired by the user.

Referring to FIG. 5, before using the junction box of the present invention for exchange line and service line connection, and preferably during the manufacture or assembly of the junction box, a suitable insulating medium is injected into cavities 150 and 160 And above the hard sealant inside the bridge module 40 and the protector module 140, so as to fill all the holes and wire tunnels in the junction box. Additionally, voids in bidirectional test module 200 or protected bidirectional test module 240 may be filled in a similar manner. Any of a number of well known commercially available greases, jellies and other insulating media may be used, depending on the particular requirements of the application.

The tack and adhesive qualities of the medium should be such that the wires can be inserted into the holes 56, 166 and 44 and removed therefrom without unduly sticking to the medium. The medium should flow sufficiently to flow around the exchange reel 20 and service reel 50 as they move therethrough. The medium passes through the wire driver 32 and can be injected into the cavity 150 through a central opening there. The central hole in the wire driver 32 is then fixed with a pin 54 to ensure that the medium remains in the cavity once the cavity is filled. Similarly, the perforated gasket 58 also helps prevent the media from escaping through the service line receiving channel 56 . In order to fill the bridge module 40 and the security module 140 , the medium is also injected into the test inlet 44 and into the cavity 160 via the exchange line receiving channel 166 . The medium is also injected through the gasket 232 to fill up the bidirectional test module 200 and the protected bidirectional test module 240 . The injection of the medium can be carried out after the terminal box has been assembled. Alternatively, in the case of a solidified medium such as a jelly, the medium can be pumped after being pre-cured outside the junction box, or can be injected in an uncured state that is substantially allowed to solidify.

In the field, with the switch cord reel 20 configured in the first position as illustrated in FIG. This wire can be easily inserted into the interior of the switch reel 20 moving only a very modest amount of insulation. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the open position, the diameter of the wire blocks the opening 166 to prevent the insulating medium from flowing therethrough. Once the swap cord has been inserted into the swap cord channel 166, installation simply pushes the swap cord reel 20 into the closed position. This can also be performed in conjunction with snapping the reel into place on the mounting rail 24 as shown in FIG. 6 . This movement drives the swap wire spool upwards. In this position, the wire is forced into the contact using the switch wire insulation cut contact knife 170 . Insulation cutting blades 170 cut through the insulation on the wires providing good electrical contact to the inner conductive core of each wire. As the swap reel moves from the open position to the closed position, the insulating medium only moves from the cavity to the bore 166 during closing due to the flowable nature of the medium. Thus, despite forcing the switch reel 20 upwards and connecting the wires thereto, the volume of insulating medium in the cavity 160 remains substantially constant, thereby avoiding medium outflow and/or creating any voids which would allow Ingress of moisture or impurities from the environment.

This medium is also retained within cavity 150 when connecting and disconnecting lines of business in the field. Since the service line tray 50 is configured in the first position illustrated in FIG. In this position, the wires can be easily inserted into the interior of the coil 50 with only a very modest amount of insulation removed. As can be understood from Fig. 5, in the first position, the protruding portion 60 of the mounting flange of the gasket 58 with the perforated coil 50 will block the wire access groove 14 below the tunnel 56 to prevent the insulating medium from flowing out there. . Once the wires have been inserted into the holes 56, the junction box user turns the wiring actuator 32, which in turn drives the service wire reel downward due to the threaded engagement of the actuator 32 and the reel components. A plug 54 is used to prevent medium from flowing out through the central part of the actuator. The actuator 32 is rotated until the reel 50 is driven down to the second position illustrated in FIG. 6 . In this position, the wires have been forced into contact with the insulation disconnection blades 64,66. The insulation cutting blades 64, 66 will cut to the inner conductive core of the wire through the insulation on the service wire providing good electrical contact.

During the downward movement of the service line reel 50, from the first position shown in FIG. 5 to the second position shown in FIG. moves from the bottom to the top. In this regard, a vertical channel 54 (as seen very clearly in FIG. 3 ) may be provided in the service line reel 50 so as to facilitate the in-line Disk components flow around. Thus, despite forcing the service line reel 50 downward and the wires being connected thereto, the volume of insulating medium in the cavity 150 remains substantially constant to avoid outflow of the medium and/or any generation that would allow the ingress of moisture or moisture from the environment. porosity of impurities.

Unlike conventional junction boxes, once installed, the junction box can be removed from the mounting rail and swapped for one wire to be removed and replaced as needed while maintaining the insulating medium inside the junction panel.

As clearly illustrated in FIG. 2 , in order to remove the junction box 10 from the mounting rail 24, a tool such as a screwdriver can be used to apply force to push the rear side clip 30 away from the mounting rail so that the rear side clip 30 The mounting rail 24 can be disengaged, and then the entire junction box can be removed from the mounting rail.

As best illustrated in Figure 5, once the junction box is removed from the mounting rail, the conductors of the swap side can be removed and/or replaced. To remove the wires on the swap side, a downward force is applied to the swap reel 20 by inserting a flat tool such as a screwdriver into the swap reel actuator slot 164 . This downward pressure forces the switch wire reel 20 into the open position, which then disengages the switch wire from the switch wire insulation cut contact blade 170 . Once disengaged, the swap wire can be removed from the junction box. Additionally, new exchange cords can be plugged into the exchange cord reel for installation, if desired. As a result, the junction box can be used repeatedly for the same or different installations, providing maximum flexibility.

The conductor on the service side can be removed by receiving the movement of the wiring actuator. The reverse rotation of the wiring actuator will force the service line disk upwards, making the service line break away from the first and the second insulation cut-off contact switch blades 64,66. Once disengaged, the service line can be pulled out of the junction box housing. In this way service lines can be terminated, removed and replaced in the same junction box as required.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the junction box of the present invention will provide significantly improved environmental protection and allow multiple connections and disconnections of exchange and service lines to the junction box without significant loss of dielectric and environmental protection. Accompanied by loss. In addition, the present invention provides a junction box. It is simple to use, mechanically simple, and not prone to failure even after repeated connections and disconnections. In addition, the junction box of the present invention provides a bridge module or a protector module for conveniently and safely connecting the switching side and the business side, and also provides a 5-pin access jack for use by other modules as required.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an exploded view of the present invention is illustrated which demonstrates the ease of manufacture of the present invention. Each of the components of the junction box in housing 12 is moved into position and fits within housing gasket 70 and housing 12 as illustrated. It will therefore be appreciated that, in addition to providing the features described above, the present invention can be manufactured in an inexpensive and efficient manner and is readily compatible with existing manufacturing techniques.

While the foregoing description has been of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the junction box of the invention may be modified in various ways; yet remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the specific configuration of the enclosure, enclosure liner, switch reel, ground connection on the mounting rail, and service reel may all be varied due to special manufacturing considerations or for other reasons without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the invention has been described as a junction box suitable for use with insulated switch-side and service-side conductors, the invention can equally be used with bare switch or service wires. Alterations and modifications may be made to the above described preferred embodiments as will come to be understood by those skilled in the art, and the above description of the invention is therefore illustrative in nature.

Claims (14)

1. A junction box for connecting a telecommunication service line and a telecommunication switching line, comprising: a shell; a line of service termination device disposed in the housing, said line of service termination device comprising a line of service contact element; means for terminating a switching line, said switching line terminating means comprising a switching line contact element; and a detachable linking module connected to the housing, the linking module containing movable contact means for electrically linking said service line terminating means and said exchange line terminating means, wherein said contact means is in a first position and It can be moved between the second position, the first position forms a conductive path between the service line termination device and the exchange line termination device, and the second position breaks the conductive path, so that the service signal and the exchange signal can be tested separately . 2. The junction box according to claim 1, wherein said linking means in said first position further provides a test lead hole for a conductive path formed between a service line termination means and a switch line termination means Provides a signal test path. 3. The junction box according to claim 1, wherein said linking means comprises: a detachable module having a service line test element and a switch line test element therein; a module cover having a first open position and a second closed position; a connection contact secured to the inside of said module cover, wherein said connection contact provides a conductive bridge between said service line test element and said switch line test element when said cover is closed, and Wherein, when the cover is opened, between the service line and the exchange line, the conductive bridge is disconnected, and a test head can be connected to the service line test element in order to test the service signal and a test head can be connected to The exchange test element is used to test the exchange signal. 4. The junction box according to claim 3, wherein said linking means further comprises: a gas discharge tube having a first end electrically connected to one of said line-of-service test element and said switch-side test element and electrically connected to a ground connection contact for providing a connection to ground Terminal 2; and a means for establishing a conductive connection between said ground connection contact and earth such that when said gas discharge tube stores excess voltage across said conductive bridge, the excess voltage passes through said gas discharge tube part ways to the earth. 5. The junction box according to claim 1, wherein said conductive path formed within said link means is enclosed by a flowable electrically insulating medium. 6. A modular junction box adapted to be releasably mounted to a mounting member, comprising: a housing having an access jack; a means for terminating a service line inside said housing, said service line terminating means comprising a service line contact element accessible via said entry and exit jack; mounting means for releasably mounting the junction box to the mounting member; means for terminating a switching line upon activation of said mounting means, said switching line terminating means comprising a switching line contact element accessible via said access socket; and means adapted to mate with said access receptacle for linking said service line contact element and said exchange line contact element such that a conductive path is formed therebetween. 7. A junction box according to claim 6, wherein said linking means includes a test lead hole for providing access to a conductive path formed between the service line and the switch line. 8. The junction box according to claim 6, wherein said linking means comprises a module having a set of integrally formed contacts comprising a service line splice contact and an exchange line connection contact such that When the module is inserted into the access jack, a conductive path is formed between the service line and the exchange line through the set of integral contacts. 9. The junction box of claim 8, wherein said mounting rail is electrically connected to earth ground, and said linking means further comprising: a gas discharge tube having a first end electrically connected to said set of integrally formed contacts, and a second end electrically connected to a ground connection contact for providing a connection to earth; as well as a means for creating an electrically conductive connection between said ground connection contact and said mounting rail electrically connected to earth such that when an overvoltage occurs across said set of integrally formed contacts, This excess pressure is shunted to earth via the gas discharge tube. 10. The junction box of claim 6, wherein said switch wire terminating means comprises: a switch wire reel having a switch wire conduit therethrough; and a slot in said reel extending across said conduit, wherein said switch line contact element is a metal element disposed in said access socket, a portion of which extends into said Inside the exchange reel, the reel has a slotted insulation cutting blade extending towards said slot in said conduit. 11. A junction box according to claim 10, wherein said switch wire termination device is actuated to the closed position when the junction box is mounted on the mounting rail. 12. The junction box of claim 6, wherein said mounting means comprises: a front flange proximate said line-of-service termination device that secures a front side of the junction box to said mounting rail; and a rear clamp located proximate to the switch wire termination device, the clamp secures a rear side of the junction box to the mounting rail, wherein when the rear side of the junction box is mounted on the mounting rail, The switch line termination device is energized into a closed position. 13. The junction box of claim 12, wherein said mounting means further comprises: a ground connector guide integrally formed with said switch reel; a ground connector disposed within said ground connector guide and integrally formed with ground connection contacts disposed within said access receptacle; a mounting rail electrically connected to earth and having a slot for receiving said ground connector guide, wherein said ground connector is guided by said ground connector when the rear side of the junction box is mounted on said mounting rail A guide is guided into the mounting rail groove and connected to the ground. 14. The junction box according to claim 6, wherein said means for terminating service lines comprises a first cavity, wherein said means for terminating exchange lines comprises a second cavity, and wherein said means for terminating exchange lines comprises a second cavity, and wherein said means for Said means of linkage includes a third cavity, wherein said first, second and third cavities are filled with a flowable electrically insulating medium.

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