CN1128491C - Enhanced performance telecommunications connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector made up of a plug (100) and outlet (300) which, when mated, define four shielded quadrants, each of which houses a pair of contacts (160, 350). Shield members (132, 134) within the plug overlap and shield members (336, 330) within the outlet overlap. In addition, shield members (336, 330) within the outlet overlap adjacent shield members in the plug when mated. Overlapping the shield members at each shield member junction provides enhanced shielding and reduced crosstalk.

Description

Shielded Telecom Connectors

Cross-references to related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application Serial No. 09/007,313, filed January 15,1998.

field of invention

The present invention relates generally to telecommunications connectors, and more particularly to having enhanced telecommunications plugs and outlets.

current technology

Telecommunications systems have evolved with the ability to transmit voice and/or data signals over transmission lines at increasingly high frequencies, and several industry standards have been established specifying various performance levels for twisted-pair cabling components. Considered by many to be the international reference program for commercial standard telecommunications components and equipment, the primary reference standards are ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A(/568) Standard for Telecommunications Racking Cables for Commercial Buildings and Common Racks for Customer Premises Cable standard 150/IEC11801 (/11801). For example, Category 3, 4, and 5 cables and connection hardware are specified in /568 and /11801 and other national and regional specifications. In these specifications, the transmission requirements for Class 3 components are specified up to 16MHZ. Transmission requirements for Class 4 components are specified up to 20MHZ. Transmission requirements for Class 5 components are specified up to 100MHZ. New standards continue to be developed, and it is currently expected that future standards will specify a transmission requirement of at least 600MHZ. To achieve such transmission rates, fully shielded twisted pair cables are necessary, where each twisted pair is individually wrapped in a foil or shield. In addition, all twisted pairs are coiled together in a layer of foil or shield.

The above-mentioned transmission requirements also stipulate the limitation on near-end crosstalk (NEXT). Telecommunications connectors are all paired and grouped, generally consisting of an end and a ring connector. As the size of telecommunications connectors shrinks, adjacent pairs of connectors are placed closer to each other creating crosstalk between adjacent pairs of connectors. To satisfy near-end crosstalk requirements, various techniques are employed in the art.

US Patent 5,593,311 discloses a shielded compact data connector for reducing crosstalk between connector contacts. Pairs of contacts are placed in metal channels. When the connectors are mated, the channels abut against each other to enclose each pair in a metal barrier. One disadvantage of the design of US Pat. No. 5,593,311 is that the metal channels connect at a butt; one surface abuts an adjacent surface without overlapping. Since all components have some manufacturing tolerance, there may be gaps between the barriers, reducing the shielding effect. Another disadvantage is that the wires with the foil removed can expose each other at the rear of the connector, which can cause crosstalk. Accordingly, a need has been felt in the art for a connector having improved pair shielding.

Summary of the invention

The enhanced telecommunications connector of the present invention overcomes or alleviates the above and other deficiencies and deficiencies of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shielded telecommunications connector comprising: a conductive core having parallel core sidewalls, a horizontal shield connected to and perpendicular to said sidewalls, a vertical shield connected to and perpendicular to said horizontal shield, said vertical shield being located between said side walls; at least one contact bracket comprising a contact having an insulating movement electrically connected to a conductor a contact, said contact bracket being located on said horizontal shield between said vertical shield and one of said side walls; At least one end cap positioning the conductor relative to the insulation moving contact; the horizontal shield extending beyond the length of the end cap.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications connector for mounting in a printed circuit board, the connector comprising: a conductive housing having a top cover, a bottom cover and connecting the top cover and the bottom The side wall of cover, and has a back cover, and described back cover has an outer baffle, an inner baffle and the center baffle that connects described outer baffle and inner baffle, and described top cover, bottom cover, side the walls and the rear cover are in electrical contact; a vertical barrier extending between said top and bottom covers; a horizontal barrier between said top and bottom covers and between said side walls, The horizontal baffle and the vertical baffle form four quadrants, and each quadrant includes a contact member corresponding to a tip and a ring pair; it is characterized in that the first side of the horizontal baffle is in contact with the inner baffle; and A plurality of the contacts protrude from the bottom of the conductive housing, a first set of contacts is located between the outer baffle and the inner baffle, and a second set of contacts is located between the inner baffle and the bottom between.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shielded telecommunications connector comprising: a conductive core having core sidewalls and a horizontal shield connected to said sidewalls, comprising at least one of a contact A contact bracket having an insulated moving contact electrically connected to a conductor, said contact bracket being located on the horizontal shield between said side walls; characterized in that it accommodates said a wire and at least one end cap of said insulation moving contact, said end cap positioning said wire relative to said insulation moving contact; said horizontal shield extending beyond the length of said end cap.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention can be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following figures, like parts are numbered the same throughout the several figures.

1 is a perspective view of an assembled plug according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cover of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the plug contact bracket shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Fig. 1 including the end cap;

Fig. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the plug assembly procedure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 12A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the plug shown in Figure 1;

Figure 12B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the plug shown in Figure 1;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outlet;

Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet shown in Fig. 13;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet core of Figure 13;

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet top cover shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet bottom cover shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet contact bracket of Fig. 13;

Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet shown in Fig. 13 including the end cap;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the outlet assembly procedure shown in Figure 13;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the outlet assembly procedure shown in Figure 13;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the outlet assembly procedure shown in Figure 13;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the outlet shown in Figure 13 installed in a panel;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the plug shown in Fig. 1 cooperating with the outlet shown in Fig. 13 installed in the panel;

Figure 25 is a side view of the plug shown in Figure 1;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along line 26-26 in Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view along line 27-27 in Figure 25;

Figure 28 is a side view of the plug shown in Figure 1 and the outlet shown in Figure 13;

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view along line 29-29 in Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view along line 30-30 in Figure 28;

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view along line 31-31 in Figure 28;

Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view along line 32-32 in Figure 28;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a first variation embodiment of a plug assembled according to the present invention;

Fig. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the plug and dead bolt shown in Fig. 33;

Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover of the plug shown in Fig. 33;

Figure 36A is a perspective view of the bottom cover of the plug shown in Figure 33;

Fig. 36B is an exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Fig. 33 including the end cap;

Figure 37 is another exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Figure 33;

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 33;

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 33;

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 33;

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the assembly procedure of the plug shown in Fig. 33;

Figure 42 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 43 is a perspective view of the two plugs shown in Figure 33 mated with the outlet shown in Figure 42 mounted in the panel;

Figure 44 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of the plug shown in Figure 44;

Figure 46 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover and dead bolt shown in Figure 44;

Figure 47 is a side view of the plug shown in Figure 44 and the outlet shown in Figure 42;

Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view along line 48-48 in Figure 47;

Figure 49 is a perspective view of an outlet core for a printed circuit board according to the present invention;

Figure 50 is a perspective view of the core of the outlet shown in Figure 49;

Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of an outlet for a printed circuit board;

Figure 52 is another perspective view of the outlet shown in Figure 51;

Figure 53 is a perspective view of the bottom contact bracket at the exit of Figure 51;

Figure 54 is a perspective view of the top contact bracket of the outlet shown in Figure 51;

Figure 55 is a perspective view of the two printed circuit board outlet cores shown in Figure 49 mounted on a simplified printed circuit board;

Figure 56 is a perspective view of the two printed circuit board outlets shown in Figure 49 mounted on a simplified printed circuit board;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the plug 900 shown in FIG. 44 mated with the outlet 1000 shown in FIG. 56;

58A is another perspective view of the plug 900 shown in FIG. 44 mated with the outlet 1000 shown in FIG. 56;

Figure 58B is a rear view of the plug of Figure 44 mated with the outlet 1000 of Figure 56;

Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view along line 59-59 in Figure 58B;

Figure 60 is a front view of the outlet 1000 of Figure 51;

Figure 61A is a cross-sectional view along line 61A-61A in Figure 60;

FIG. 61B is a cross-sectional view along line 61B-61B in FIG. 60 .

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled plug 100 according to the present invention. The plug 100 includes a top cover 102 , a bottom cover 104 and a core 106 . The top cover 102, bottom cover 104, and core 106 are all conductive to provide the shielding described herein. These conductive elements may be made of metal, metallized plastic, or other known conductive materials. The core 106 supports an insulating (eg, plastic) contact carrier 108 . Each contact carrier 108 includes two contacts 110 forming a pair. A boot 112 provides strain relief and is made of flexible plastic or rubber. Also shown in FIG. 1 is the cable 10 entering the protective cover 112 . A locking tongue 114 is provided on the top cover 102 to connect the plug 100 to the outlet 300 described herein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plug 100 . Deadbolt 114 consists of a lock body 116 secured to the top cover at fulcrum 118 . A front edge 120 is provided on the bottom of the lock body 116 to fit a slot in the outlet 300 . This secures the plug 100 to the outlet 300 . An important feature of the deadbolt 114 is a deadbolt extension 122 that connects the lock body 116 to the top cover 102 . The deadbolt extension 122 is a flexible arch that bends when pressure is applied to the lock body 116 . Telecommunications plugs are often pulled through wall voids during installation. The deadbolt extension 122 reduces the possibility of the plug 100 becoming caught on other cables, corners, posts, etc. FIG. The top cover 102 includes a semicircular slot 129 and the bottom cover 104 includes a similar semicircular slot 129 that accommodates a circular front edge 113 (FIG. 7) in the protective cover 112 as described below. The two top cover latches 128 can be engaged with the two bottom cover grooves 130 to secure the top cover 102 to the bottom cover 104 .

The plug core 106 includes a first flat baffle 132 and a second flat baffle 134 substantially perpendicular to the first flat baffle. The plug core 106 also includes sidewalls 136 . The top and bottom of each side wall 136 includes a raised ridge 140 . The raised ridge 140 can protrude from the sidewall 136 and overlap an edge 142 of the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 . Ridge 140 is shown as having a generally triangular cross-sectional view, but it is understood that different geometries may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Ridges 140 function to position core 106 in the top and bottom covers and overlap the edges of the top and bottom covers, thereby providing better shielding than butt joints. The second flat baffle 134 also includes a raised ridge 144 on the top and bottom surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, the central ridge 144 is triangular in shape, however it is understood that other geometries may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the central ridge 144 can cooperate with the channel 178 in the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 .

Two ribs 146 are formed on the inner side of each side wall 136 and are parallel to and spaced apart from the first flat baffle 132 . Similar ribs are formed on each surface of the second flat baffle 134 . The contact carrier 108 has a planar base plate 148 on the first flat shield 132 . The base plate 148 includes two flanges 150 protruding from the base plate and stops 152 adjacent to the flanges 150 . The flange 150 is positioned behind the rib 146 to retain the carrier 108 to the first flat fence 132 when the contact carrier is installed in the core 106 . The contact carrier is slid into the core 106 until the stop 152 hits the end of the rib 146 . In this position, the second flange 156 is below the nub 154 on the second flat baffle 134 . The contact carrier 108 also includes a front edge 158 that may extend substantially perpendicular to the planar base plate 148 and extend beyond the edge of the first planar barrier 132 to prevent the contact carrier 108 from sliding out of the core 106 . Additional details of the contact carrier 108 and contacts 160 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 . The inner side of each side wall 136 and each side of the second flat barrier 134 also includes a first rib 149 and a second rib 147, which can be used to secure an end cap as described with reference to FIGS. 6-10 to the plug core. body 106.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 102 . The top cover includes a barrier contact 164 that electrically connects the ground plane of the cable 10 to the plug core 106 . The barrier contact 164 is electrically conductive and is preferably made of metal. The stop contact 164 has an arcuate portion 166 that generally conforms to the shape of the cable 10 . The arcuate portion 166 includes barbs 168 that can pierce the ground plane and the cable jacket of the cable 10 . This electrically and mechanically connects the barrier contact 164 to the cable 10 . The barrier contact 164 includes a tab 170 with two holes 172 formed therein to receive two posts 176 formed on the top cover 102 . A friction fit between the post 176 and the hole 172 may secure the barrier contact 164 to the top cover 102 . A tab 174 extends from the tab 170 and contacts the plug core 106 . A channel 178 is formed in the top cover 102 to receive the central ridge 144 on the plug core 106 . This allows the central ridge 144 to be overlapped by the sidewalls of the channel 178 and provides better shielding than conventional butt joints. A recess 162 is disposed on the front face 103 of the top cover 102 to accommodate the second flat baffle 134 . Front face 103 of plug 102 also includes three slotted areas 163 to receive extensions on front face 317 of outlet 300 as described below. The top cover 102 includes side wall slots 139 to receive the rear extension 137 on the plug core 106 (FIG. 6) to create an overlap between the rear of the plug core side wall 328 and the plug top cover. The top cover 102 also includes a side wall 105 having a top side wall extension 143 that mates with an outlet side wall slot 343 ( FIG. 4 ) to fit between the top plug cover 102 side wall 105 and the bottom plug cover 104 side wall 107 Form a lap.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cover 104 . The bottom cover 104 is similar to the top cover 102, using the same bezel contacts 164 in the same manner. The bottom cover 104 also includes a channel 178 for receiving the central ridge 144 on the second flat baffle 134 . As noted above, this allows the intermediate ridge 144 to be overlapped by the sides of the channel 178 with better shielding than conventional butt joints. A groove 162 is provided on the front face 103 of the bottom cover 104 to accommodate the second flat bezel 134 . Bottom cover 104 includes sidewall 107 having sidewall grooves 139 similar to those of top cover 102 to accommodate rear extension 137 on sidewall 136 . In addition, the bottom cover 104 includes a second sidewall slot 343 to accommodate the sidewall extension 143 on the top cover 102 . The front face 103 of the bottom cover 104 is similar to that of the top cover 102 and includes a groove 163 to accommodate the extension on the front face 317 of the outlet 300 . The front surface 103 of the bottom cover 104 further includes a front edge 165 separated by the groove 163 , and the front edge overlaps the outer surface of the bottom wall 332 of the outlet core 306 .

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the contact bracket 108 . The contact carrier includes two channels 186 that can each receive a contact 160 . Each contact 160 has a generally flat body 180 , a contact end 182 and an end 183 . The end includes an insulation displacement contact 184 which pierces the insulated conductors of the cable 10 to make electrical contact with the conductors as in the prior art. Wire insulation in insulation displacement contacts 184 is described herein with reference to FIGS. 8-10 . Each insulation displacement contact is at a 45 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of body 180 . As shown in FIG. 1 , plug 100 includes four contact carriers 108 having a pair of contacts 160 for a total of eight contacts.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of plug 100 including end cap 186 . Each pair of contacts 160 has an end cap 186 . As is known in the art, an end cap may compress the wire against an insulation displacement contact to pierce the wire insulation and conductively connect the wire to the insulation displacement contact. The end cap 186 includes a first front edge 188 and a second front edge 190 which straddle the ribs 149 , 147 over the plug core 106 . The first front edge 188 and the second front edge 190 have an angled surface, as do the first rib 149 and the second rib 147, to facilitate installation of the end cap 186 as described below. Each end cap 186 also includes two contact holes 192 for receiving the insulation displacement contacts 184 and a pair of wire holes 194 for receiving the wires from the cable 10 . The wire holes 194 are aligned with the insulation displacement contacts 184 in the plug core 106 . The plug in Figure 6 is in the state it is normally seen by consumers. The end cap 186 is seated in the plug core 106 and held in the first position. The first front edge 188 is positioned above the first rib 149 to retain the end cap 186 in the first position, and the second front edge 190 is positioned below the first rib 149 to prevent accidental removal of the end cap 186 from the plug core 106 .

FIG. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the plug 100 . As shown in FIG. 7 , each end cap 186 is in the first position by the first front edge 188 and the second front edge 190 straddling the first protrusion 149 . The protective cover 112 includes a cylindrical front edge 113 which is adapted to fit into slots 129 in the top cover 102 and bottom cover 104 . Slot 115 is formed in protective cover 122 and is perpendicular to front edge 113 to allow front edge 113 to expand during installation of protective cover 112 to reduce the force required to install and remove protective cover 112 .

The installation of the wires to the plug 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8-12 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the cable 10 includes eight conductors 198 . Each pair of conductors 198 is surrounded by a conductor pair shield 200 . The ground plane 196 is also housed in the cable 10 and pulled back over the jacket of the cable 10 . Wires 198 are inserted into wire holes 194 in end cap 186 . As noted above, each wire hole 194 is aligned with an insulation displacement contact 184 such that each wire 198 is positioned on an insulation displacement contact 184 . It will be appreciated that the boot 112 is placed over the cable 10 before the wires 198 are inserted into the end cap 186 . FIG. 9 shows wires 198 positioned in wire holes 194 . Once the wires 198 are seated in the end caps 186, a force is applied to each end cap 186 toward the plug core 106 in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9 . A single piece hand tool can be used to apply force to all four end caps 186 simultaneously to provide easy installation.

Figure 10 shows the end cap 186 in the second position. The first front edge 188 and the second front edge 190 now ride over the second rib 147 to retain the end cap 186 in the second position. In this state, the wire 198 located in the wire hole 194 is driven onto the insulation displacement contact 184 . As is known in the art, the insulation displacement contact 184 separates the insulation on each wire 198 such that conductive contact is made between the wire 198 and the contact 160 . An important feature of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 is the use of blocking regions 206 . The length of the first flat baffle 132 and the second flat baffle 134 is such that a portion of the first flat baffle 132 and the second flat baffle extend beyond the rear of each end cap 186 to form a blocking area 206 . Each wire pair is located within the barrier area 206 . The barrier 206 is important because the wire pair boot 200 is removed during installation so that the individual wires can be inserted into the wire holes 194 . Even assuming the installer removes more than necessary lengths of the wire pair boot 200 , the small amount of exposed wire will create crosstalk between adjacent wire pairs at frequencies greater than 600 MHZ. In a non-ideal installation situation, the installer will remove more wire pair boots 200 . Thus, the blocking area 206 can reduce crosstalk and improve connector performance under ideal or non-ideal installation conditions. The length of the blocking area, measured from the rear of the end cap 186, should be greater than the bare length of the wire 198 under worst-case installation conditions (with the wire pair boot removed).

The next step in the installation process is to place the top cover 102 and bottom cover 104 on the plug core 106 as shown in FIG. 11 . The top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 each include a protrusion 202 that can mate with a similarly shaped slot 204 on the plug core 106 to mount the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 to the plug core 106 . In addition, the top cover latch 128 can cooperate with the bottom cover hole 130 to fix the top cover 102 to the bottom cover 104 . The barbs 168 on the barrier contact 164 can pierce the ground plane 196 and the cable jacket to mechanically and electrically connect the barrier contact 164 to the cable 10 . The final step in plug assembly is securing the boot 112 to the plug. As shown in Figure 12, the protective sleeve 112 snaps onto the top and bottom covers. The front edge 113 on the inner surface of the protective cover 112 can fit into the groove 129 on the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 .

Figure 12A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the protective cover 112 includes two L-shaped channels 197 that accommodate the posts 124 formed on the top cover 102 and the posts 126 formed on the bottom cover 104 (FIG. 12B). Protective cover 112 is secured to top cover 102 and bottom cover 104 by placing posts 124 and 126 in channels 197 and rotating protective cover 112 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an outlet 300 for use with plug 100 . The outlet 300 includes a top cover 302 , a bottom cover 304 and a core 306 . The top cover 302, bottom cover 304, and core 306 are all conductive to provide the shielding effect described herein. These conductive elements may be made of metal, metallized plastic or any other known conductive material. Core 306 may support contact carrier 308 . Each contact carrier includes a contact 310 . A door 311 may also optionally be provided to prevent impurities such as dust from entering the outlet 300 .

The top cover 302 includes a pair of elastic arms 312 with grooves 314 thereon. The groove 314, as will be described below with reference to Figure 23, accommodates the edge of a panel. Another groove 315 is formed in the bottom of the outlet core 306 to accommodate the other edge of the panel. The grooves 314 and 315 lie in a plane at an oblique angle to the front face 317 of the outlet 300 . When mounted in a panel, this allows the outlet to face the ground and provides a gravity fed design. Gravity feeding can reduce the bend angle of the cable connected to the plug 100 and reduce the possibility of the cable being bent beyond the maximum bend radius causing signal degradation or loss. Additionally, grooves 314 and 315 are both in a plane parallel to front face 317 of outlet 300 . A member 316 connects the ends of the resilient arm 314 and includes a slot 318 on its front face. Slot 318 accommodates a side of an identification icon 324 (shown in FIG. 4 ). An identification icon 324 may rest on the support surface 320 and engage a slot 322 . Both support surfaces 320 and slots 322 are formed on the outlet core 306 .

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet 300 . The top cover 302 includes a top cover latch 128 that fits into the bottom cover aperture 130 as described above. The outlet core 306 is generally rectangular and includes side walls 328 , a top wall 330 and a bottom wall 332 . A first flat baffle 334 extends from the rear of the outlet core and terminates inside the outlet core 306 as described below. The second flat baffle 336 extends the entire length of the outlet core 306 but includes an open area that receives the plug 100 and overlaps the second flat baffle 134 in the plug 100 . The side wall 328 includes a slot 338 for receiving the first flat fence 132 of the plug 100 . Sidewall 328 and second flat baffle 336 include ribs 340 for securing contact carrier 308 to outlet core 306 . The second flat baffle 336 includes a baffle extension 342 that is reduced in thickness and extends from and parallel to the second flat baffle 336 . As described in detail below, the barrier extension 342 overlaps the edge of the second flat barrier 134 when the plug 100 is mated with the outlet 300 . The second flat baffle 336 also includes ridges 337 on the top and bottom thereof to cooperate with the channels 178 formed in the outlet top cover 302 and the outlet bottom cover 304 . Additionally, the side wall 328 and second flat baffle 336 can protrude from the front face 317 of the outlet 300 and fit into the slot 163 formed in the front face 103 of the outlet 100 . The top wall 330 can extend beyond the front face 317 of the outlet 300 and overlap the front face 103 of the plug canopy 102 . The front edge 165 on the plug bottom cover 104 can overlap the bottom wall 332 .

Door 311 includes two arms with inwardly facing pins 364 received in holes 366 in outlet core 306 . A pair of slots 368 are formed on the inner side of the door 311 to accommodate the first flat baffle 336 in the outlet core 306 . An identification icon 370 may be mounted to the front of door 311 as described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 08/652,230, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of outlet core 306 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the first flat baffle 336 and the second flat baffle 338 include a baffle extension 342 ′ that can engage the ends 133 of the first flat baffle 132 and the second flat baffle 134 in the plug 100 . And 135 overlap. The thickness of the baffle extension 342' is less than the thickness of the first flat baffle 336 or the second flat baffle 338. The hooks 344 on the top and bottom of the outlet core 306 are mateable with the openings 346 in the top cover 302 and the bottom cover 304 .

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 302 . The top cover 302 includes the barrier contact 164 as described above with reference to the plug 100 . Due to the different geometry of the outlet 300 , the top cover 302 also includes a protrusion 348 to support the barrier contact 164 . The top cover 302 includes a slot 303 in a top wall 301 and a side wall 307 for receiving an extension 327 on an outlet core 306 (FIG. 19). Sidewall 307 includes protrusions 309 that are received in slots 313 on bottom cover 304 . A channel 178 is provided in the top wall 301 to accommodate the ridge 337 of the second flat baffle 336 .

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cover 304 . Bottom cover 304 includes barrier contacts 164 as described above with reference to plug 100 . Due to the different geometry of the outlet 300 , the bottom cover 304 also includes a protrusion 348 to support the flapper contact 164 . Slot 303 is formed in bottom cap bottom wall 323 and side wall 321 and accommodates extension 327 on side wall 328 of outlet core 306 (FIG. 19). The side wall 321 also includes a slot 313 for receiving the protrusion 309 on the top cover 302 . A channel 178 is provided in the bottom wall 323 to accommodate the ridge 337 on the second flat baffle 336 .

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the contact bracket 308 . The contact carrier is insulative and includes a generally rectangular housing 352 having a pair of slots 354 formed therein for receiving contacts 350 . A slot 354 is formed through one surface of the housing 352 so that a portion of the contact 350 protrudes from the surface of the housing 352 as shown in FIG. 14 . One end of the contact 350 includes an insulation moving contact 356 for piercing the insulation of a wire to make a conductive contact. The insulating moving contact 356 is at a 45 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the contact 350 . The contact 350 also includes a spring portion 358 that protrudes beyond the surface of the housing 352 as shown in FIG. 14 . When the plug and outlet are mated, the contact 110 in the plug 100 may contact the spring portion 358 of the contact 350 in the outlet 300 and deflect the spring portion 358 toward the housing 352 . The spring portion 358 biases the contact 110 and ensures a good conductive contact between the plug 100 and the outlet 300 . The shroud 352 includes a shoulder 360 that contacts the rib 340 on the outlet core 306 to secure the bracket 308 to the outlet core 306 .

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the outlet 300 . The end cap 186 is used to mount the wires to the insulating moving contact 356 . The end caps 186 are the same as those described in connection with the plug 100 . The outlet 300 includes a first protrusion 149 and a second protrusion 147 formed on the side wall 328 and a second flat baffle 336 . As described in connection with plug 100 , end cap 186 is held in the first position by first front edge 188 and second front edge 190 straddling first rib 149 . The wire aperture 194 can receive the wire 198 and align with the insulation moving contact 356 . As noted above, the side walls 328 include extensions 327 at the top, bottom and rear thereof to mate with the slots 303 on the outlet top cover 302 and the outlet bottom cover 304 .

The process of installing the wires to the outlet 300 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 20-22 . As shown in FIG. 20 , the cable 10 includes eight wires 198 . Each pair of wires 198 is enclosed by a pair of wire shields 200 . A ground plane 196 is also contained within the cable 10 and is pulled back onto the jacket of the cable 10 . Wires 198 are inserted into wire holes 194 of end cap 186 . As noted above, each wire aperture 194 is aligned with an insulation moving contact 356 so that each wire 198 is positioned on an insulation moving contact 356 .

FIG. 21 shows wires 198 positioned in wire holes 194 . Once the wires 198 are seated in the end caps 186, force pushes each end cap 186 toward the outlet core 306 in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 21 . As described in connection with plug 100, a single piece of tool can apply force to all four end caps at once. Figure 21 shows the end cap 186 in a second position. The first front edge 188 and the second front edge 190 now straddle the second rib 147 to retain the end cap 186 in the second position. In this state, the wire 198 in the wire hole 194 is driven onto the insulation moving contact 356 . As is known in the art, the insulation moving contact 356 separates the insulation on each wire 198 to allow conductive contact between the wires 198 and the contact 350 . Outlet 300 also includes a barrier 206 similar to that described with reference to plug 100 . A portion of the first flat baffle 336 and the second flat baffle 338 extend beyond the end cap 186 to provide the blocking area 206 with the advantages described with reference to the plug 100 .

The next step in the installation process is to place the top cover 302 and bottom cover 304 on the outlet core 306 as shown in FIG. 22 . The openings 346 on the top cover 302 and bottom cover 304 rest on corresponding hooks 344 . The top cover 302 and bottom cover 304 can then be rotated toward each other and the top cover latch 128 engages the bottom cover opening 130 to secure the top cover 302 to the bottom cover 304 . The barbs 168 on the barrier contact 164 can pierce the ground plane 196 and the cable 10 jacket to mechanically and electrically connect the barrier contact 164 to the cable 10 .

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of outlet 300 installed in panel 400 . As shown in Figure 23, the opening of the outlet 300 is at an angle to the panel. This angle is formed by the groove 314 on the outlet cap 302 and the groove 315 on the outlet core 306 lying on a plane inclined to the outlet face 317 . As previously mentioned, this creates a gravity feed tendency in which the cable connected to a plug mating with the outlet 300 is inclined towards the ground, thereby reducing bends in the cable. Identification icon 324 also acts as a lock that secures outlet 300 in panel 400 . To mount outlet 300 in panel 400, spring arm 312 is deflected until both groove 314 and groove 315 are aligned with the panel opening edge. Here, arm 312 returns to its original position. When identification icon 324 is in slot 318 and slot 322 , this prevents arm 312 from deflecting toward outlet core 306 , thereby locking outlet 300 in panel 400 . FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the plug 100 mated with the outlet 300 . Front edge 120 cooperates with slot 326 to secure plug 100 to outlet 300 . In another embodiment, the outlet 300 can also be installed as a flat structure, wherein the outlet face is parallel to the panel 400 as described above.

The present invention provides a reinforced telecommunications plug and outlet in which each pair of contacts is individually shielded. There are no two individual shields that are butted at a joint point, but all apparent joints between individual shields (not integral) that have some form of overlap. Figures 25-32 illustrate overlapping shield joints. FIG. 25 is a side view of the plug 100 . Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of Fig. 25 and showing the overlap between multiple header shields. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25. FIG. Outlet 300 is similar to plug 100 in that top cover 302 and bottom cover 304 include channel 178 for receiving ridge 337 on second flat barrier 336 . Top cover 302 and bottom cover 304 include slots 303 for receiving extensions 327 on outlet core side walls 326 . Extension 309 on outlet top cover 302 is received in slot 313 in outlet bottom cover 304 .

28 is a side view of plug 100 mated to outlet 300 and FIGS. 29-32 are cross-sectional views of the view of FIG. 28 . Figure 29 shows the overlap between the shield in the outlet core and the plug core. As shown in FIG. 29, the second planar shield includes an offset rib 207 that overlaps the edge of the barrier extension 342 along its length. The offset ribs 207 can also provide a keyed retention feature so that the plug can only be installed in the outlet 300 in one orientation. Similarly, the first planar shield 132 includes an offset rib 209 on its edge to engage the channel 338 which also provides keying. Figure 30 shows the overlap between the outlet core, outlet top cover and outlet bottom cover. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the plug and outlet showing how the outlet top cover 319 and outlet side wall 318 overlap the front face 103 of the plug 100 . 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 28 showing the front edge 165 of the bottom cover which may extend below the bottom wall 332 of the outlet core. Accordingly, the contact carriers are enclosed in quadrants where all shield contacts overlap to some extent and the amount of shielding between pairs is increased compared to shielding structures using butt joints.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the assembled plug 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Plug 500 is similar to plug 100 but includes two pairs of contacts instead of four. The plug 500 includes a top cover 502 , a bottom cover 504 and a core 506 . The top cover 502, bottom cover 504 and core 506 are all conductive to provide the shielding effect described herein. These conductive elements may be made of metal, metallized plastic or any other known conductive material. The core 506 may support an insulating (eg, plastic) contact carrier 508 . Each contact carrier 508 includes two contacts 510 that form a pair. A sheath 512 provides strain relief and is made of pliable plastic or rubber. FIG. 33 also shows cable 514 entering sheath 512 . A locking tongue 516 is disposed on top cover 502 to mechanically connect plug 500 to outlet 700 and conductively connect the cable ground plane to outlet 700 as described herein.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the plug 500 . The deadbolt 516 is conductive (eg, metal) and is secured to the top cover 502 at the deadbolt engagement pawl 570 and the deadbolt engagement strut 572 . A portion of the lock body 518 includes a deadbolt extension 524 for mating with an opening 740 in the outlet 700 . In addition to mating the plug 500 to the outlet 700 , the deadbolt extension 524 can make conductive contact from the cable ground plane to the outlet core 706 in the outlet 700 . The top cover 502 includes a semicircular slot 526 and the bottom cover 504 includes a similar semicircular slot 526 that accommodates a circular front edge 513 in the sheath 512 as described below (FIG. 37). The two top cover latches 528 can be matched with the bottom cover slots 530 to fix the top cover 502 to the bottom cover 504 .

Plug core 506 includes a flat baffle 532 . Plug core 506 also includes sidewalls 534 . The top 536 and bottom 538 of the side walls 534 serve to position the core 506 within the top cover 502 and bottom cover 504 and overlap the edges of the top cover 502 and bottom cover 504, thereby providing better shielding than butt joints. Two ribs 552 are formed on the inner side surface of each side wall 534 and are parallel to and spaced apart from the flat baffle 532 . The contact bracket 508 has a flat base 542 that can rest on the flat fence 532 . The base 542 includes two flanges 544 protruding from the base 542 , wherein the flanges 544 have an inclined portion 545 at one end and a stopper 547 at the other end. When the contact carrier 508 is installed in the core 506 , the flange 544 sits under the rib 552 to retain the contact carrier 508 to the flat baffle 532 . The contact bracket 508 can be slid into the core 506 until the stop 547 contacts the end of the rib 552 . In this position, a tab 546 is provided so that when the contact carrier 508 is slid into the core 506 , the tab 546 contacts a similarly shaped slot in the flat fence 532 and positions the contact carrier 508 in the core 506 . The contact carrier 508 also includes a front edge (shown at 36B ) that extends substantially perpendicular to the flat base 542 and extends beyond the edge of the flat barrier 532 to prevent the contact carrier 508 from sliding out of the core 506 .

Slot 550 is provided in flat baffle 532 to accommodate rib 736 on the sidewall of outlet 700 and to create an overlap between the sidewall of outlet 700 and flat baffle 532 . The inner side of each side wall 534 also includes a first rib 556 and a second rib 554 for securing an end cap 558 as shown below with reference to FIGS. 36-39 .

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 502 and deadbolt 516 . Lock tongue 516 includes a barrier contact 560 that conductively connects the ground plane of cable 514 to outlet core 706 of outlet 700 . Shield contact 560 is conductive and is preferably made of metal. The barrier contact 560 has an arcuate portion 562 that generally conforms to the shape of the cable 514 . Arc portion 562 includes barbs 564 that can pierce the ground plane and cable jacket of cable 514 . This electrically and mechanically connects the barrier contact 560 to the cable 514 . The arcuate portion 562 can engage the lower neck 573 of the top cover 502 when the latch 516 is engaged with the top cover 502 . When assembled, the arcuate portion 560 is positioned inside the plug 500 and the remainder of the locking tongue 516 is positioned outside the plug 500 . The lock tongue 516 includes a first receiving hole 566 and a second receiving hole 568 formed in the lock body 518 . The first accommodating hole 566 is used for accommodating the claw 570 formed on the top cover 502 , and the second accommodating hole 568 is used for accommodating a pole 572 formed on the top cover 502 . The strut 572 includes a neck 574 and a head 576 . The first accommodating hole 566 has a slot 567 , and the second accommodating hole 568 has a slot 569 , which are respectively used to cooperate with the neck 571 of the claw 570 and the neck 574 of the pole 572 . By aligning the first receiving hole 566 with the slope of the claw 570 , aligning the second receiving hole 568 with the head 576 of the pole 572 , and then sliding the lock tongue 516 toward the pole 572 , the lock tongue 516 can be matched with the top cover 502 , In this way, the neck 571 of the claw 570 is slidably engaged with the groove 567 , and the neck 574 of the strut 572 is slidably engaged with the groove 569 . The top cover 502 also includes a knob 578 located below the latch 516 . The protrusion 582 can mate with a similarly shaped slot 584 in the side wall 534 . A knob 578 is formed on the top cover 502 below the lock body 518 to limit the movement of the lock tongue 516 toward the top cover 502 . Top cover 502 includes side groove 583 for receiving and engaging side wall 534, wherein groove 583 includes a raised ridge having a slope 588 (FIG. 36A) and a ridge 590 (FIG. 36A), wherein side wall 534 is received in The ridge and the slope of the ridge allow the side wall 534 to straddle the ridge, thereby connecting the two together in an overlapping manner.

FIG. 36A is a perspective view of the bottom cover 504 . Bottom cover 504 includes a slot 585 similar to slot 583 in top cover 506 , wherein slot 585 includes a rib 586 , a rib slope 588 and a land 590 for receiving sidewall 534 of core 506 . The sidewall 534 can be received at the rib 586 , and the sidewall 534 straddles the slope 588 of the rib to the land 590 . This allows the sidewall 534 to be overlapped by the slot 584 of the bottom cover 504 . Bottom cover 508 also includes a protrusion 582 for mating with a similarly shaped slot 584 in each side wall 534 . The bottom cover includes a side wall 596 with a side wall groove 598 having a shoulder similar to that on the top cover 506 for receiving the side wall 534 so that the side wall 534 rests against the shoulder. Wall 534 and bottom cover 508 overlap. Bottom cover 504 may include a front edge 165 as described with reference to plug 100 to overlap the bottom of outlet 700 .

FIG. 36B is an exploded perspective view of plug 500 including end cap 558 . Each pair of contacts is provided with an end cap. As is known in the art, end caps may force the wire against an insulation moving contact to pierce the insulation and conductively connect the wire to the insulation moving contact. End cap 558 includes a first front edge 600 and a second front edge 602 that ride over ribs 554 and 556 on plug core 506 . The first front edge 600 and the second front edge 602 have an angled surface, and the first rib 556 and the second rib 554 similarly have an angled surface for mounting the end cap 558 as described below. Each end cap 558 also includes a contact opening 604 to accommodate the insulating moving contact 184 (shown in FIG. 5 ) and a pair of wire holes 606 to accommodate wires from the cable 514 . The wire hole 606 is aligned with the insulation moving contact 184 (FIG. 5). The state shown by the plug in Fig. 36B is the state normally seen by consumers. The end cap 558 is seated in the plug core 506 and held in the first position. The first front edge 600 is positioned above the first rib 556 to retain the end cap 558 in the first position, and the second front edge 602 is positioned below the first rib 556 to prevent the end cap 558 from being accidentally removed from the plug core 506 .

FIG. 37 is another exploded perspective view of the plug 500 . As shown in FIG. 37 , each end cap 558 is in the first position by a first front edge 600 and a second front edge 602 straddling the first raised bar 556 . Sheath 512 includes a cylindrical edge 513 that fits into a slot 526 in top cover 502 and bottom cover 504 .

The process of installing the wires into the plug 500 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 38-41. As shown in FIG. 38 , cable 514 includes four wires 608 . Each pair of wires 608 is enclosed by a wire pair sheath 610 . The ground plane 612 is also housed in the cable 514 and is pulled back over the jacket of the cable 514 . Wires 608 are plugged into wire holes 606 in end cap 558 . As noted above, each wire aperture 606 is aligned with an insulating contact 184 such that each wire is positioned over an insulating moving contact 184 (shown in FIG. 5 ). It will be appreciated that the sheath 512 is placed over the cable 514 before the wire is inserted into the end cap 558 . Once the wires are seated in the end caps 558, force pushes each end cap toward the plug core 506 in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 38 . A single piece of hand tool can apply force to all four end caps 558 simultaneously to facilitate installation.

Figure 39 shows the end cap in a second position. The first front edge 600 and the second front edge 602 now straddle the second rib 554 to hold the end cap 558 in the second position. In this state, the wire 608 located in the wire hole 606 can be driven onto the insulation moving contact 184 . As is known in the art, the insulation moving contact 184 separates the insulation on each wire 608 so that conductive contact between the wires 608 and the contact 160 can be achieved. An important feature of the present invention shown in FIG. 39 is the use of barrier regions 614 . The length of the flat baffle 532 can extend beyond the rear of each end cap 558 to form a blocking area 614 . Each pair of wires is located on the blocking area 614 . The barrier area 614 is important because during installation the wire pair sheath 610 is removed so that individual wires can be inserted into the wire holes 606 . Even assuming that the installer removed only a required length of the wire pair sheath 610, the small amount of wires exposed would create crosstalk at frequencies greater than 600 NHZ between adjacent wire pairs. In less than ideal installation situations, the installer will remove more wire pair jackets 610 . The blocking area 614 can thus reduce crosstalk and enhance connector performance in ideal or undesirable installation situations. The blocking area 614 should have a length that is greater than the length of the wires 608 exposed in the worst-case installation (with the wire pair sheath removed) measured from the rear of the end cap 558 .

The next step in the installation process is to place the top cover 502 and bottom cover 504 on the plug core 506 as shown in FIG. 40 . The top cover 502 and the bottom cover 504 each include a plurality of protrusions 582 that cooperate with similarly shaped slots 584 on the plug core 506 to secure the top cover 502 and the bottom cover 504 to the plug core 506 . In addition, the top cover latch 528 can cooperate with the bottom cover opening 530 to secure the top cover 502 to the bottom cover 504 . The locking tongue 516 is secured to the top cover 502 by the alignment of the detent 570 with the first receiving hole 566 and the slidable engagement of the neck 571 with the slot 567 which is integral with the first receiving hole 566 . During mating of the deadbolt 516 to the top cover 502 , the strut 572 is received in the second receiving hole 568 such that the neck 574 of the strut 572 slidably engages the slot 569 . The deadbolt 516 is shown in FIG. 40 in a first position with the lock body 518 resting on the head 576 due to the lock 516 being made of resilient material and due to the interlocking of the neck 571 with the slot 567 . The shutter contact 560 of the deadbolt 516 is placed under the neck 616 of the top cover 502 so that the shutter contact 560 can engage the cable 514 . The barbs 564 on the barrier contact 560 can pierce the ground plane 612 and the cable jacket to mechanically and electrically connect the barrier contact 560 to the cable 514 . The final step in plug assembly is securing boot 512 to plug 500 . As shown in FIG. 41, the sheath 512 snaps onto the top and bottom covers. Front edge 513 on the inside surface of sheath 512 can fit into groove 526 formed in top cover 502 and bottom cover 504 .

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the assembled outlet of the first alternative embodiment, generally indicated at 700 , wherein outlet 700 is used with plug 500 . Outlet 700 is similar to outlet 300 except that second flat baffle 336 is replaced by vertical baffle 732 . The outlet 700 includes a top cover 702 , a bottom cover 704 and a core 706 . The top cover 702, bottom cover 704, and core 706 are all conductive to provide shielding as described herein. These conductive elements may be made of metal, metallized plastic or any other known conductive material. The core 706 may support an insulating contact carrier 708 . Each contact carrier includes a contact 710 . A door 711 may also optionally be provided to prevent impurities such as dust from entering the outlet 700 .

The top cover 702 includes a pair of resilient arms 712 with grooves 714 formed therein. The groove 714 can accommodate a panel edge as described with reference to FIG. 23 . Another groove 715 is formed in the bottom of the outlet core 706 to accommodate the other side of the panel. The grooves 714 and 715 may lie in a plane that is inclined at an angle to the front face 717 of the outlet 700 . When mounted in a panel, this allows the outlet to face the ground and allows for a gravity fed design. The gravity feed reduces the bend angle of the cable connected to the plug 500 and reduces the likelihood that the cable will bend out of a minimum radius of curvature resulting in signal attenuation or loss. Alternatively, the grooves 714 and 715 may lie in a plane parallel to the front face 717 of the outlet 700 . A member 716 is connectable to the end of the resilient arm 714 and includes a slot 718 on its front face. Slot 718 accommodates a side of an identification icon 724 (shown in FIG. 43). The identification icon 724 is located on the supporting surface 720 and can fit into a groove 722 . A support surface 720 and a slot 722 are formed on the outlet core 706 .

The top cover 702 and bottom cover 704 in Figure 42 are the same as described with reference to Figures 14-16. The outlet core in FIG. 42 is generally rectangular and includes side walls 726 , top wall 728 and bottom wall 730 . One notable difference between outlet 300 shown in FIG. 13 and outlet 700 shown in FIG. Performance is enhanced by contact pair isolation. Each core half is designed to accommodate a two-pair plug 500 of FIG. 33 . The side walls 726 and vertical baffle 732 include ribs 736 for fitting the slot 550 in the flat baffle 532 to form an overlapping shield member.

An important feature of the outlet 700 is the opening 740 formed in the outlet core 706 . Opening 740 is designed to receive latch extension 524 of plug 500 and function to lock plug 500 to outlet 700 . The deadbolt extension 524 is introduced into the opening 740 and as shown in FIG. When the deadbolt extension 524 is inserted into the opening 740 , the front sloped surface 1202 allows the deadbolt extension 524 to slidably engage with the outlet core 706 by locking the deadbolt extension 524 with a shoulder 1204 of the front 1200 . To release plug 500 , latch 516 is pressed against top cover 502 to disengage opening 568 from front edge 1200 . In a similar manner to the outlet 300 shown in FIG. 13 , the top cover 702 , bottom cover 704 and core 706 of the outlet 700 have overlapping joints to better shield and isolate contact pairs for enhanced performance.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the two plugs 500 shown in FIG. 33 mated with the outlet 700 . In FIG. 43 , the outlet 700 is mounted in a panel 800 . The opening of the outlet 700 is at an angle to the panel. This angle is formed by the groove 714 on the outlet cap 702 and the groove 715 on the outlet core 706 lying in a plane at an oblique angle to the outlet surface 717 . As previously mentioned, this creates a gravity feed tendency wherein the cable connected to a plug mated with outlet 700 is angled toward the ground, thereby reducing bends on the cable. This reduces the possibility of the cable bending below the minimum radius of curvature. Identification icon 724 may also function as a lock to secure outlet 700 in panel 800 . To mount the outlet 700 in the panel 800, the spring arm 712 can be deflected until both grooves 714, 715 are aligned with the panel opening edge. At this point, the arm 712 returns to its original position. This prevents arm 712 from deflecting toward outlet core 706 when identification icon 724 is in recess 718 , 722 , thereby locking outlet 700 in faceplate 800 . In this embodiment, using two pairs of plugs 500 in the outlet 700 can occupy the same space as using four pairs of plugs 100 in the outlet 300 . The advantage is that the user can choose whether to insert one or two plugs 500 in the outlet 700, regardless of whether the installation requires additional space.

Figure 44 is a perspective view of an assembled plug 900 according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. The plug 900 mates with the outlet 700 and is generally similar to the plug 100 described herein, except that there is a space in the first flat baffle for receiving the vertical baffle 732 in the outlet 700 . The plug 900 includes a top cover 902 , a bottom cover 904 and a core 906 . The top cover 902, bottom cover 904, and core 906 are all conductive to provide shielding as described herein. These conductive elements may be made of metal, metallized plastic or any other known conductive material. The core 906 may support an insulating (eg, plastic) contact carrier 908 . Each contact carrier 908 includes two contacts 910 forming a pair. A sheath 912 can provide strain relief and can be made of bendable plastic or rubber. Also shown in FIG. 44 is a cable 914 entering the sheath 912 . A latch 916 is provided on top cover 902 to connect plug 900 to outlet 700 shown in FIG. 42 as described herein.

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of another plug 900 . Plug 900 is similar to plug 100 in that it includes four pairs of contacts. First flat baffle 930 (eg, horizontal) includes an opening for receiving vertical baffle 732 in outlet 700 . The deadbolt 916 consists of a lock body 918 secured to the top cover where the deadbolt engages the detents 920 . Lock tongue 916 includes a lock tongue extension 922 for engaging opening 740 formed in outlet 700 . In addition to securing plug 900 to outlet 700 , deadbolt extension 922 may provide conductive contact from the cable ground plane to outlet core 706 . The top cover 902 includes a semicircular slot 924 and the bottom cover 904 includes a similar semicircular slot 924 that accommodates a circular front edge in the sheath 912 (513 on the sheath 512 in FIG. 37 ) as described herein. part). The two top cover latches 926 can engage with the two bottom grooves 928 to secure the top cover 902 to the bottom cover 904 .

Plug core 906 includes a flat baffle 930 . Formed in flat baffle 930 is a slot 909 (similar to slot 550 ) for receiving rib 736 in outlet 700 of mating plug 900 . Plug core 906 also includes side walls 932 . The top and bottom of each side wall 932 includes a raised ridge 934 . The raised ridge 934 can protrude from the side wall 932 and overlap an edge 936 of the top cover 902 and the bottom cover 904 . Ridges 934 are shown as having a generally triangular cross-section, although it is understood that different geometries may be used without departing from the invention. The raised ridges 934 function to position the core 906 in the top and bottom covers and overlap the edges of the top and bottom covers, thereby providing better shielding than butt joints. A central baffle 938 is disposed within the core 906 . The central baffle 938 is parallel to the side walls 932 . Center baffle 938 also includes raised ridges 940 formed on the top and bottom surfaces. As shown in Figure 45, the central ridge 940 is triangular in shape, however it is understood that other geometries may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The central ridge 940 can cooperate with the channel 942 formed in the top cover 902 and the bottom cover 904 .

On the inner surface of each side wall 932 are formed two ribs 944 parallel to and spaced from the flat baffle 930 . Similar ribs are formed on each surface of the center baffle 938 . The contact bracket 908 has a flat base 946 on the flat fence 930 . The base 946 includes two flanges 948 extending from the base and a stop 950 proximate the flanges. When the contact carrier is installed in the core 906 , the flange 948 sits under the rib 944 to retain the contact carrier 908 at the flat baffle 930 . The contact carrier is slid into the core 906 until the stop 950 contacts the end of the rib 944 . In this position, a tab 952 is provided so that when the contact carrier 908 is slid into the core, the tab 952 contacts a similarly shaped slot in the flat barrier 930 and positions the contact carrier 908 in the core 906 . The contact carrier 908 also includes a front edge 954 extending substantially perpendicular to the flat base 946 and extending beyond the edge of the flat barrier 930 to prevent the contact carrier 908 from sliding out of the core 906 . The inner side of each side wall 932 and each side of the center wall 938 also includes a first rib 956 and a second rib 958 for securing an end cap to the plug core 906 . Similar to the bottom cover 904 , a channel (not shown) is formed in the top cover 902 to accommodate the ridge 940 of the center shield 938 on the plug core 906 . Front face 903 of plug 900 also includes three recessed areas 960 that accommodate extensions on front face 717 of outlet 700 as described herein. The top cover 902 includes side wall slots to receive rear extensions on the plug core 906 to form an overlap between the rear of the plug core side wall 932 and the plug core top cover (not shown). As with plug 100 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , plug 900 also includes a similar overlap between wall extensions (not shown) on side wall 962 of top cover 902 and outlet side wall grooves that cooperate to form a connection at the top of the plug. An overlap is formed between the side wall 962 of the cover 902 and the side wall 964 of the bottom cover 904 . Bottom cover 904 and top cover 902 include protrusions 961 to mate with similarly shaped slots 963 in sidewall 932 of core 906 .

Bottom cover 904 is similar to top cover 902 . The bottom cover also includes a channel 942 for receiving a raised ridge 940 on the center baffle 938 . As noted above, this allows the central ridge 940 to be flanked by the channel 942, thereby providing better shielding than conventional butt joints. The bottom cover 904 includes sidewalls 964 having sidewall slots 966 for receiving sidewall extensions (not shown) on the top cover 902 . The front 903 of the bottom cover 904 is similar to that on the top cover 902 and includes a slot 960 for receiving the vertical flat baffle 732 of the outlet 700 so that the front 903 of the plug 900 can mate with the vertical flat baffle 732 in an overlapping manner. The front 903 of the bottom cover 904 also includes a front edge 968 partitioned by the slot 960 , which can overlap the outer surface of the bottom wall 730 of the outlet core 760 .

The contact carrier 908 includes two channels 970 that can each accommodate a contact 972 . Each contact 972 has a generally planar body, a contact end and an end (as shown in FIG. 5 ). The end includes an insulation moving contact which pierces the insulation of the individual wires in the cable 914 to make conductive contact with the wires as in the prior art. The installation of electrical wires in insulation moving contacts is described herein with reference to FIGS. 8-10 . Each insulating movable contact forms an angle of 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the contact body. As shown in FIG. 44, the plug 900 includes four contact carriers 908, each having a pair of contacts 972 for a total of eight contacts.

FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover 902 and deadbolt 916 . Lock tongue 916 includes a barrier contact 974 that mechanically connects the cable ground plane to outlet core 706 of outlet 700 . By employing the deadbolt assembly shown in FIG. 46, a more direct conductive path from the cable ground plane to the outlet core 706 can be obtained in accordance with the present invention. The barrier contact 974 is conductive and is preferably made of metal. The barrier contact 974 has an arcuate portion 976 formed to conform to the shape of the cable 914 . Arc portion 976 includes barbs 978 that can pierce the ground plane and cable jacket of cable 914 . This electrically and mechanically connects the barrier contact 974 to the cable 914 . The curved portion 976 can engage the lower neck 980 of the top cover 902 when the deadbolt 916 is attached to the top cover 902 . Neck 980 is roughly semicircular, but neck 980 can also have other forms within the scope of the present invention, but preferably neck 980 and baffle contact 974 have a similar shape so that when deadbolt 916 When mated with the top cover 902, a suitable connection can be formed between the two. Lock tongue 916 includes a first opening 982 , a second opening 984 having a slot 986 integrally connected thereto, and a pair of third openings 988 . The first opening 982 is used for receiving the claw 990 on the top cover 902 , and the second opening 984 is used for receiving the pole 920 formed on the top cover 902 . The strut 920 includes a neck 992 and a head 994 . Integrally connected to the second opening 984 is a slot 986 for engaging the neck 992 of the strut 920 . The engagement of the bolt 916 with the top cover 902 can be achieved by aligning the head 994 of the pole 920 with the second opening 984 and the claw 990 with the first opening 982 and sliding the bolt 916 toward the pole 920 so that the pole 920 The neck 992 of the slidably fits with the groove 986, and the claw 990 is placed in the first opening 982. The top cover 902 also includes a pair of knobs 996 formed on the top cover 902 , wherein the lock body 918 can contact the knobs 996 when the lock body 918 is pressed against the top cover 902 . As noted above, the opening 988 can fit over the front edge 1200 formed in the housing 700 .

The enhanced telecommunications plug of Figure 44 and the outlet of Figure 42 can provide individual shielding for each pair of contacts. An overlap between elements shielding each pair of contacts can be formed, thereby providing a contact-pair shielding effect that is superior to that achieved by conventional butt joints between elements. Figures 47-48 illustrate overlapping of elements. FIG. 47 is a side view of plug 900 and outlet 700 . FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 48 - 48 of FIG. 47 and shows the overlap between the respective header shields and the outlet 700 . The ribs 736 on the outlet sidewall 726 serve to secure the plug 900 to the outlet core 706 . The ribs 736 function to engage the slots 909 in the flat baffle 930 of the plug 900 to slide the flat baffle into the outlet core 706 and fixedly connect to the outlet core 706 . Ribs 340 are formed on the outlet sidewall 726 and on the vertical flat baffle 732 of the outlet core 706 to hold the contact carrier 708 . According to the invention, each contact carrier is enclosed in a quadrant region where all shield contacts overlap to a certain extent and the amount of shielding between contact pairs is increased compared to a shielding arrangement with pair contacts. The vertical flat barrier 732 of the outlet 700 and the flat barrier 930 of the plug 900 can produce a four-quadrant system as shown in FIG. Enhanced shielding performance.

Figure 49 is a perspective view of another outlet 1000 suitable for mounting on a printed circuit board. The outlet 1000 includes a top cover 1008 , a bottom cover 1004 , side covers 1002 and a rear cover 1005 . The top cover 1008, bottom cover 1004, side covers 1002 and rear cover 1005 are all conductive to provide the shielding effect described herein. These conductive elements can be metal, metallized plastic or any other known conductive material. The outlet 1000 can support an insulating contact carrier 1012 . Each contact 1000 may support an insulating contact carrier 1012 . Each contact carrier 1012 includes a contact 1014 .

The outlet 1000 is generally rectangular and includes a vertical flat baffle 1010 that extends substantially the entire length of the outlet 1000 so as to divide the outlet 1000 into left and right halves. The vertical flat barrier 1010 acts to isolate the contact pairs, thereby enhancing the performance of the connector. Each outlet half is designed to accommodate one or two pairs of plugs 500 of FIG. 33 . Although outlet 1000 has been described with reference to plug 500, it is understood that outlet 1000 may be used to mate with plug 900 in a similar manner. Sidewall 1002 and vertical flat baffle 1010 include ribs 1016 for engaging slot 500 formed in flat baffle 532 of plug 500 to create an overlap between the outlet and plug shield.

An important feature of outlet core 1000 is the formation of openings 1032 in outlet 1000 . Opening 1032 is defined by a four-sided housing 1028 located on top cover 1008 . Opening 1032 is designed to receive latch extension 524 of plug 500 and function to lock plug 500 to outlet 700 . The deadbolt extension 524 is introduced into the opening 1032 and as shown in FIG. 59 , the bottom side of the housing 1028 includes a front edge 1200 for engaging the deadbolt extension 524 . When the deadbolt extension 524 is inserted into the opening 1032 , the front sloped surface 1202 allows the deadbolt extension 524 to slideably engage the outlet 1000 by locking the deadbolt extension 524 with the front shoulder 1204 . The top cover 1008 of the outlet 1000 includes a front edge 1022 to fit a similarly shaped slot 1024 in the rear cover 1005 .

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the bottom of outlet 1000 . The bottom 1004 includes a rear stepped portion 1034 extending outward. The side 1061 of the rear step is an extension of the side wall 1002 , and the middle 1062 of the step is an extension of the vertical baffle 1010 . Both the side edge 1061 and the side wall 1002 have a front edge 1036 on which a raised ridge 1040 formed on the rear cover 1005 overlaps. The side 1061 also includes a slot 1066 to fit the inner bezel 1056 of the back cover 1005 (shown in FIG. 51 ).

Extending from the bottom cover 1004 of the core 1000 are a pair of struts 1044 to secure the outlet 1000 to a circuit board. The struts 1044 are shown as generally triangular, however other shapes are suitable within the scope of the invention. Also shown in FIG. 50 is an insulating film 1046 having a first opening 1048 for receiving the post 1044 and a second opening 1050 for receiving the contact 1052 thereon.

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of outlet 1000 . The rear cover 1005 includes an outer bezel 1054 and an inner bezel 1056 substantially parallel to the outer bezel 1054 . Between the outer baffle 1054 and the inner baffle 1056 is a center baffle 1058 which is integrally connectable to the outer baffle 1054 and the inner baffle 1056 . Central baffle 1058 is substantially perpendicular to outer baffle 1054 and inner baffle 1056 . Back cover 1005 may be provided for conductive shielding between top contact 1068 and bottom contact 1070 . The plug flat baffle mated with the outlet 1000 and the central piece 1062 of the rear step 1034 together form an effective and continuous shielding effect between the contact pairs of the outlet 1000 . According to the present invention there is a quadrant system so that each pair of contacts is arranged in a quadrant so as to be conductively shielded from other contact pairs by the outlet 1000 of the present invention and the overlapping structural seam thereon. The outer baffle 1054 includes a slot 1024 for receiving a similarly shaped front edge 1022 of the top cover 1008 . The outer baffle 1054 also includes two ridges 1040 to overlap the sidewall 1002 and the front edge 1036 of the extension 1061 . The inner baffle 1056 has a central ridge 1060 to match the similarly shaped groove 1065 of the middle portion 1062 of the rear step 1034 and the baffle 1010 . When the back cover 1005 is inserted into the outlet 1000, an overlap between the seams of the back cover 1005 and the outlet 1000 can be formed so that each pair of contacts 1014 is enclosed in a quadrant, while all baffle connections have some degree of overlap , so that the degree of shielding between the contact pair can be enhanced compared with the butted shielding structure. FIG. 51 also shows a top contact assembly 1068 and a bottom contact assembly 1070 . The contacts 1014 are positioned in the contact bracket 1012 such that when the contacts 1014 move down through the quadrants formed by the overlap between a cover 1005 and the outlet 1000, the contacts are substantially perpendicular to the contact bracket 1012 .

FIG. 52 is another exploded perspective view of the outlet 1000 showing the rear of the outlet 1000 and the vertical bend of the contact 1014 . A horizontal barrier 1071 is provided in outlet 1000 to match the flat barrier of the plug (eg, flat barrier 932 of plug 900). As shown in Figure 59, the horizontal baffle 1071 at one end has a slot 1086 to fit the inner baffle 1056, the other end has a front edge 1088 to fit a similarly shaped slot 1090 in the plug flat baffle, and has a slot 1092 to fit A similarly shaped front edge 1094 in the flat baffle. The slots 1072 in the contact bracket 1012 are for fitting the rib 1018 in the outlet core 1000 so that the contact bracket 1012 slides into the outlet core 1000 and securely connects to the outlet core 1000 . FIG. 53 is a perspective view of bottom contact assembly 1070 . Bottom contact assembly 1070 includes a contact carrier 1012 having slots 1072 and contacts 1014 disposed in channels 1074 . The bottom contact assembly 1070 also includes a shelf 1076 . The contacts 1014 are bent downwardly over the shelf 1076 and face downwardly so that each contact is approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the contact body. FIG. 54 is a perspective view of top contact assembly 1068 . Top contact assembly 1068 includes a contact carrier 1012 having slots 1072 and contacts 1014 disposed in channels 1074 . Top contact assembly 1068 also includes an extended shelf 1078 . The contacts 1014 are bent downwardly over the shelf 1078 and face downwardly so that each contact forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the contact body.

55 is a perspective view of a pair of outlets 1000 of FIG. 49 and a simplified printed circuit board 1080 having a series of openings 1082 for receiving contacts 1014 of outlets 1000 and a series of second openings 1084 for receiving posts 1044 of outlets 1000 . To mount the outlet 1000 on the printed circuit board 1080, both the contact 1014 and the post 1044 are aligned with the first opening 1082 and the second opening 1084, respectively, and then each inserted into a corresponding opening. An insulating film 1046 (shown in FIG. 49 ) on the bottom cover 1004 of the outlet 1000 stops between the outlet 1000 and the printed circuit board 1080 to prevent short circuits. FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a pair of outlets 1000 mounted to a simplified circuit board 1080 . FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the plug 900 of FIG. 44 mated with the outlet 1000 of FIG. 49 . As shown in FIG. 59 , the tongue extension 922 of the plug 900 is inserted into the opening 1032 of the outlet core 1000 . The bottom side of the housing 1028 of the outlet 1000 includes a front edge to engage the latch extension 922 . When the bolt extension 922 is inserted into the opening 1032, the front sloped surface allows the bolt extension to slideably engage the outlet core 1000 by locking it with the front shoulder portion (shown in FIG. 59).

58-61 illustrate component overlap between plug 900 when mated with outlet 1000 . FIG. 58A is another perspective view of plug 900 mated with outlet 1000 . FIG. 58B is a rear view of plug 900 mated with outlet 1000 . 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 59-59 in FIG. 58B showing the overlap between the structural components of plug 900 and outlet 1000. FIG. Likewise, the figure shows the engagement of the bolt extension 922 with the front edge of the opening 1032 of the outlet core 1000 . An important aspect of the present invention is that this cooperation between the deadbolt extension and the outlet core provides a more direct conductive path from the cable 514 ground plane to the outlet core 1000 .

Outer baffle 1054 and inner baffle 1056 effectively shield top and bottom contacts 1068 and 1070 . Horizontal barrier 1071 overlaps flat barrier 932 of header 900 and horizontal barrier 1071 overlaps inner barrier 1056 to shield top contact 1068 from bottom contact 1070 . The top cover 1008 and outer barrier 1054 of the outlet 1000 also overlap to effectively shield the contacts.

FIG. 60 is a front view of outlet 1000 . 61B is a cross-sectional view along line 61B-61B in FIG. 60 and shows the overlap between the outer baffle 1054, inner baffle 1056, and center baffle 1058 of the back cover 1005 and the side walls 1002 and vertical shield 1010. catch. This bonding is to enhance shielding protection for each contact pair in each shielded quadrant. Fig. 61B is a cross-sectional view along line 61A-61A of Fig. 60, illustrating shield bonding in accordance with the present invention.

While the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, various changes and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention has been described herein by way of illustration only and not limitation of the invention.

Claims (30)

1. A shielded telecommunications connector comprising; An electrically conductive core having parallel core sidewalls, a horizontal shield attached to and perpendicular to the sidewalls, a vertical shield attached to and perpendicular to the horizontal shield, the vertical shield positioned on the between the side walls; at least one contact carrier including a contact having an insulated moving contact electrically connected to a conductor, said contact carrier being positioned between said vertical shield and one of said side walls on the horizontal shield; characterized in that, at least one end cap for receiving said wire and said insulation moving contact, said end cap positioning said wire relative to said insulation moving contact; The horizontal shield extends beyond the length of the end cap. 2. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The side walls extend beyond the length of the end cap. 3. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The vertical shield extends beyond the length of the end cap. 4. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The contact bracket has a front end and a rear end; said insulating moving contact is located between said front end and said rear end; and The horizontal shield protrudes the entire length of the contact carrier. 5. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The contact bracket includes a rib that cooperates with the conductive core and positions the contact bracket relative to the conductive core. 6. The telecommunications connector of claim 5, wherein, The rib is perpendicular to the base of the contact bracket, the rib cooperating with an edge of the horizontal shield. 7. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The contact bracket has a front end and a rear end; said insulating moving contact is located between said front end and rear end, and The vertical shield extends the entire length of the contact carrier. 8. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, one of the side walls has a side wall ridge facing the vertical shield; said vertical shield has a vertical shield ridge facing said at least one of the side walls; the end cap includes a first rib under the sidewall ridge and another first rib under the vertical shield ridge to retain the end cap on the conductive core; 9. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein, The end cap includes a second rib located above the sidewall ridge and another second rib located above the vertical shielding ridge. 10. A telecommunications connector for mounting in a printed circuit board, said connector comprising: A conductive housing has a top cover, a bottom cover and side walls connecting the top cover and the bottom cover, and has a rear cover, and the rear cover has an outer baffle, an inner baffle and a side wall connected to the outer baffle. a center baffle of baffles and inner baffles, said top cover, bottom cover, side walls and back cover being in electrical contact; a vertical baffle extending between said top and bottom covers; a horizontal baffle , between the top cover and the bottom cover and between the side walls, the horizontal baffles and vertical baffles form four quadrants, each quadrant contains a contact piece corresponding to a tip and ring pair; its characteristics is that The first edge of the horizontal baffle is in contact with the inner baffle; and a plurality of the contacts protrude from the bottom of the conductive housing, and a first set of contacts are located on the outer baffle and the inner baffle between the plates, the second contact is located between the inner baffle and the bottom. 11. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said side wall is integral with said top cover. 12. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said top cover is integral with said vertical barrier. 13. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said horizontal barrier is integral with said vertical barrier. 14. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said horizontal barrier is integral with said side wall. 15. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said outer barrier is integral with said central barrier. 16. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said inner shield is integral with said center shield. 17. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said top cover joins said rear cover at an overlapping joint. 18. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said sidewall joins said rear cover at an overlapping joint. 19. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said vertical barrier joins said rear cover at an overlapping joint. 20. The telecommunications connector of claim 10, wherein said horizontal barrier joins said rear cover at an overlapping joint. 21. A shielded telecommunications connector comprising: An electrically conductive core having core side walls and a horizontal shield connected to said side walls, at least one contact carrier including a contact having an insulated moving contact electrically connected to a conductor The contact bracket is located on the horizontal shield between the side walls; characterized in that, at least one end cap for accommodating said wire and said insulation moving contact, said end cap positioning said wire relative to said insulation moving contact; said horizontal shield extending beyond the length of said end cap outside. 22. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein said side wall extends beyond the length of said end cap. 23. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, The contact bracket has a front end and a rear end; said insulating moving contact is located between said front end and said rear end; and The horizontal baffle extends the entire length of the contact carrier. 24. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, The contact bracket includes a rib that cooperates with the conductive core and positions the contact relative to the conductive core. 25. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein said rib is perpendicular to the base of said contact carrier, said rib mating with an edge of said horizontal shield. 26. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, one of the side walls has a side wall ridge; The end cap includes two first ribs located below the sidewall ridges. 27. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, The end cap includes two second ribs each positioned above the sidewall ridge. 28. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, The at least one contact bracket includes a first contact bracket and a second contact bracket, the first contact bracket is located on the top surface of the horizontal shield, and the second contact bracket A bracket is located on the bottom surface of the horizontal shield. 29. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 21, wherein, The at least one contact carrier includes two contacts. 30. The shielded telecommunications connector of claim 29, wherein: One of the two contacts constitutes a tip connector and the other constitutes a ring connector of a pair of twisted wires.

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