GB2042821A - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector for mating engagement with an associated connector in telephone interconnection systems comprises a support 12, a first element 34 having a set of electrical contacts lesser in number than the contacts of the complementary connector, the element 34 being constructed and arranged for disposition at any preselected one of a predetermined plurality of positions on the support 12 for adapting the electrical connector for mating engagement with only selected ones of the fixed contact elements of the complementary electrical connector according to the position of the first element 34 on the support 12 to change the circuit through the connectors. Complementary mounting devices are provided on the support 12 and the first element 34 for releasably securing element 34 at any one of a number of preselected positions. A second element 14, including an associated set of electrical contacts 36, is supported by the support 12 in a fixed position for mating engagement with selected contact elements of a second complementary electrical connector 16. Conductor wires 56 electrically interconnect the two sets of electrical contacts of the first and second elements 34, 14. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Electrical connector TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to modular electrical connectors useful, for example, in telephone interconnection systems or the like.

More particularly, the invention is directed to new and improved modular connector designs facilitating prompt field service connection and reconnection of electrical circuits in selected circuit patterns with a minimum of effort and time by relatively unskilled personnel.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRiOR ART In telephone interconnection systems and similar environments, individual telephones are required to have one or more specific features according to customer requirements, such as preselected telephone number, multiple-lines, a hold button, etc. The individual telephones must be joined to the system so as to accommodate these requirements. Often, however, these customer requirements change after a period of time necessitating a service call to reconnect the individual telephones into the system according to the new requirements. Heretofore, it has been commonplace to handwire and solder leads to the electrical connectors, and thus both installation and later reinstallations have required a tedious unsoldering and resoldering of wires to connector leads according to the modified requirements.

Modularization of telephone interconnection systems has become increasingly popular in order to reduce hardware requirements and the service expense inherent in performing individual conductor terminations. For these reasons, modularized or standardized telephone jack connectors are presently being incorporated into individual telephone units, and standardized telephone plugs have been adopted for terminating both ends of the telephone cord. The interconnection between the conductors and the telephone unit is then effected by the simple mating of a modular plug and jack. In addition, a variety of junction boxes, bridging adapters and other devices have been developed which incorporate modular jack connectors for receiving such plugs, the modular jack connectors being prewired in accordance with the above to one or more standardized connectors disposed in the device.Such standard telephone plugs and jacks are known in the art and are described in Federal Communications Commission Regulations published in the Federal Register, Monday, July 12,1976.

In lieu of utilizing the above described prewired junction boxes and the like, a standardized connector already widely in use, such as the connector sold by Bunker Ramo Corporation under the trademarks "57" and "157" Series, may be individually adapted to the above modular concept and utilized in accordance with the previously described telephone interconnection technique.

One form of such an adaptation is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,070,548, issued January 24, 1978, to Alan Henry Kasper and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. As disclosed in the aforementioned patent, plural conductors electrically interconnect the electrical contacts of the modular connector with one preselected set of contacts in the standardized connector which supports the modular connector, thereby electrically connecting the telephone unit with the desired signal outputs of the telephone switching equipment system. These conductors are generally soldered or otherwise permanently attached to both the modular connector and to the preselected set of contacts in the standardized connector.

It has been found desirable in some instances to eliminate the soldering or other permanent attachment of the conductors to the preselected set of contacts of the standardized connector as well as to provide a full complement of electrical contacts therein which are selectively and releasably engageable with the conductors. Such a capability would reduce the requirement of maintaining a large inventory of pre-wired connectors having different wiring arrangements.

It would also eliminate the alternative procedure of detaching the permanently terminated conductors and resoldering them to a different set of contacts on the standardized connector in order to provide electrical interconnection between the single telephone unit and different signal outputs of the telephone signalling and switching system coupled to the standardized connector.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a primary objective of the present invention to provide a new and improved electrical connector of modular design.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved field serviceable electrical connector facilitating electrical connection of a standardized adapter element mounted thereon with any selected set of a plurality of sets of electrical contact sets supported by the connector.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector having a first adapter element releasably securable to any selected set of a plurality of sets of electrical contacts supported by the connector and further having a second adapter fixedly secured to the connector to enable prompt and easy coupling of any preselected set of the connector electrical contact sets to a standard modular adapter.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an electrical connector is provided with position adjustable contact elements for engaging selective second contact elements of a complementary electrical connector. The connector includes a housing which has an elongated cavity. The housing is comprised of a top portion having an elongated end opening communicating with the cavity, and a bottom portion having an elongated end opening communicating with the cavity. A movable insert member is constructed and arranged for disposition through the top opening of the housing to any preselected one of a predetermined plurality of positions along the length of the cavity.

Contacts are supported by the insert member for mating engagement with selected contact elements of a complementary electrical connector positionable into the end opening in the bottom portion of the housing, according to the position of the insert member within the cavity. Mounting means is provided for releasably securing the insert member at any one of said preselected positions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes a plurality of sets of recesses formed on opposite sides of the cavity, and spring elements are disposed on opposite sides of the insert member for positioning into and out of the recesses. The spring elements are biased outwardly into the recesses and the insert member can be removed from the cavity by pinching the spring elements inwardly toward each other.

In another embodiment of the invention, the insert member has recesses on opposite sides thereof, and the housing has spring elements defining the preselected position for the insert member, the spring elements being biased inwardly toward the insert member for positioning in the recesses thereof.

An adapter connector member is releasably mounted on the housing at a position spaced from the housing cavity, and contact means are supported by the adapter connector member for mating engagement with contact elements of a second complementary electrical connector. The contact means of the adapter connector member is electrically connected to the contacts on the insert member.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an electrical connector comprises first contact means having plural sets of electrical contacts supported by a support means. A first adapter means is provided with an associated set of electrical contacts and is constructed and arranged for releasable electrical engagement with any selected set of the plural sets of contacts. A second adapter means is supported by the support means and includes an associated set of electrical contacts for electrical connection to a mating connector means.

Conductor means are provided for electrically connecting the associated sets of contacts of the first and second adapter means.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, mounting means are provided for releasably securing the first adapter means along the support means for electrical engagement with any one selected set of the plural sets of the first contact means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attended advantages thereof, will become apparent and best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, setting forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of the invention in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:: Figure 1 is a partially exploded side elevational view of one embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention, with the adapter connector secured to the right hand end thereof; Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the fully assembled connector assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 1, particularly illustrating the selected insert positions within the housing, but with the conductors between the insert member and adapter connector member omitted to facilitate the illustration; Figure 4 is a side elevational view, with a portion broken away, of the connector assembly of Figure 1 in its fully assembled condition;; Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along line 5-5 of Figure 4, through the insert member and illustrating the mounting means for the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a side elevational view, similar to that of Figure 4, illustrating a second embodiment of the mounting means between the insert member and housing of the connector assembly of the present invention; Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a top plan view similar to that of Figure 3 but illustrating a third embodiment of the mounting means between the insert member and housing; Figure 9 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a partially exploded, side elevational view of one preferred embodiment of the modular connector of the present invention depicting in addition a mating connector about to be placed in engagement therewith; Figure 12 is a side elevational view, with a portion of the cover broken away, of the connector of Figure 11 in its fully assembled condition and illustrating the mating connector element engaged therewith; Figure 1 3 is a rear elevational view of the fully assembled connector of Figure 12 taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 12; Figure 14 is an exploded side elevational view, partly in section, of a connector of the present invention and particularly illustrating one embodiment of the mounting means of the invention; ; Figure 1 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Figure 14 with the connector in its fully assembled position; Figure 1 6 is an exploded side elevational view, with some parts in cross-section, of a second embodiment of the present invention and particularly illustrating a second embodiment of the mounting means; and Figure 1 7 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 of Figure 16 but showing the connector fully assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings in greater detail, and first to Figures 1 and 2, the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is generally designated 10 and includes an electrical connector, generally designated 12, which has position adjustable contact elements for engagement with a first complementary electrical connector (not show in the drawings). The electrical connector 12 includes an adapter electrical connector member, generally designated 14, which includes a dielectric body 1 5 adapted to receive a second complementary electrical connector 1 6 which terminates a multi-conductor table 1 8. In the illustrated form the cable 18 may lead to a single telephone station.

The connector 12 is elongated and preferably is a ribbon-type connector of the Amphenol 57 Series or 1 57 Series connectors manufactured and distributed by Amphenol North America Division of Bunker Ramo Corporation. It is envisioned, however, that the present invention may be utilized with any type of ribbon or elongate connector.

The ribbon connector 12 includes an elongated housing shell, generally designated 20, which has a bottom portion 22 interconnected with a top portion 24. The housing shell 20 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape, and the bottom and top portions 22 and 24, respectively, are adapted to define an interior open-ended elongated cavity 26 (Figure 3). The bottom portion 22 includes an elongated bottom end opening 27 (Figure 5) for receiving the first complementary connector (not illustrated) within the cavity 26.

The top portion 24 similarly includes an elongated end opening 28 (Figure 3) which communicates with the cavity 26. Mounting flanges 30 and 32 are provided on the forward and rearward ends, respectively, of the connector 12.

Insert means in the form of a dielectric insert body or element 34 is constructed and arranged for disposition at any preselected one of a predetermined plurality of position within the cavity 26. The insert means or member 34 may be constructed from any electrically insulating material which can be preformed for disposition in the connector 1 2 and preferably retained by the housing top portion 24. The insert member 34 is sized and shaped to project outwardly through the top end opening 28 and inwardly into the cavity 26 for mating engagement with selected contact elements of the first complementary connector received through the bottom end opening 27 of the housing bottom portion 22.The length of the insert member 34, that is the dimension thereof from left to right in Figures 1, 3 and 4, is substantially less than the length of the top opening 28 and cavity 26. The insert member includes a plurality of (e.g. eight) contact elements 36 (Figure 5), each of which includes an active contact portion 38 projecting into the cavity 26 and a terminal contact portion 40 projecting outwardly from the top end opening 28. The insert member 34 is adapted to be movable so that it may be located at any one of a plurality of discrete selected positions along the length of the end opening 28, as described in greater detail hereinafter.In this manner, the position of the insert member 34 may be adjusted along the length of the top portipn 24 of the housing shell 20 so as to selectively vary the interengagement of the contact elements 36 with the contact elements of the first complementary connector (not illustrated) inserted into the cavity 26.

The adapter connector member 1 4 preferably is mounted to the rear of the connector 12. For this purpose, a mounting bracket 42 is secured to the flange 32 by a rivet 44 (Figure 1). The bracket 42 includes a pair of side projections 46 which are received in a pair of grooves disposed in the respective side walls 48, 50 (Figure 2) of the dielectric body 1 5. The dielectric body has a plurality of contact elements 52 (Figure 2) supported therein, and a recess 54 is provided for receiving the second complementary connector 1 6 (Figure 1). In this manner, the contact elements of the complementary connector 16may be engaged with the contact elements 52 by insertion of the connector 1 6 into the recess 54.

Each contact element 52 is electrically engaged with a contact element 36 of the insert member 34 by an electrical conductor 56 (Figure 1) there being at least as many contact elements 36 on the insert member 34 as there are contact elements 52 on the adapter connector member 1 5. Further details of the mounting brackets 42. the dielectric body 1 5 and the second complementary connector 1 6 may be seen in United States Patent No. 4,070,548, issued January 24, 1 978, to Allen Henry Kasper and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Said patent and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.The mounting arrangement of the adapter connector 1 4 to the connector 12 and a telephone station secured to the cable 18 can be seen in said referenced and incorporated patent.

The connector assembly 10 also includes a hood 58 for covering the connectors 12 and 14, the insert member 34 and the conductors 56. The hood 48 is substantially identical to the hood disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 4,070,548 and preferably is constructed of a resilient material, such as a plastic material similar to Valox 310. The hood 58 includes a forward flange 60 which has a slot therein for receiving the forward flange 30 of the connector 12. Means such as a screw or bolt 62 may also be provided for firmly securing the flange 30 within the flange 60, by the bolt 62 extending through a hole 63 in flange 30. Further details of the hood 58 may be found in the aforementioned patent.

Referring to Figures 3-5 wherein the first embodiment of the connector assembly 10 of the present invention is illustrated, the insert member 34 is longitudinally movable within the elongated end opening 28 in the top portion 24 of the housing between discrete selected positions therealong. Mounting means is provided for maintaining the insert 34 in cooperative engagement with the shell top portion 24 of the housing at each of the selected positions. The mounting means includes means for disengaging the insert member 34 from the shell top portion 24 to permit movement of the insert member 34 to any one preselected position along the length of cavity 26. The mounting means preferably includes a plurality of engaging elements disposed opposite each other on the insert member 34 and the shell top portion 24.More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-5, a plurality of paired recesses 64 are disposed opposite each other at spaced position along the longitudinal side edges 68, 70 (Figure 3) of the shell top portion 24 along the inside of the top opening 28.

Each opposed pair of recesses 64 defines one of the discrete predetermined plurality of positions at which the insert member 34 may be located within the cavity 26. A pair of opposed resilient spring members 66 are provided on the insert member 34, one spring member 66 on each opposite side of the insert member. Each spring member 66 is formed by a U-shaped wire spring having legs 72 (Figure 5) secured at their ends to the insert member 34. The insert member 34 is releasably mounted within the cavity 26 by the spring members 66 being resiliently biased outwardly into the recesses 64. The insert member 34 thus can be moved longitudinally along the cavity 26 to any preselected position defined by the opposed pairs of recesses 64 by pinching the spring members inwardly toward one another and sliding the insert member 34 along the cavity longitudinally of the connector member 12.

Referring more particularly to Figure 5, the interior transverse dimension of the shell top portion 24 is slightly greater than the interior transverse dimension of the shell bottom portion 22 so as to define a pair of parallel longitudinal channels 74 along the inner sides of the shell top portion 24, a bottom longitudinal edge 76 of each channel 74 forming an elongated ledge. The insert members 34 includes a pair of bosses 78 on opposite sides thereof which ride along the longitudinal ledges 76 for free movement therealong when the springs 76 are disengaged from the recesses 64.In this manner, the insert member 34 is firmly maintained within the connector 12 and is freely movable along the length of the cavity 26, the free sliding movement of the insert member 34 being interrupted by the engagement of the springs 66 with a pair of recesses 64 at any one of the discrete selected positions defined thereby. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the insert member 34 includes a plurality of spaced ribs 80 on the top opposite sides thereof to define four pairs of channels 84 (Figure 5) therebetween which receive, respectively, four pairs of contact elements 36. The complementary ribbon connector (not illustrated), which matingly engages the connector 12 within the cavity 26 through the bottom opening 27, preferably includes a plurality (generally 25) pairs of contact elements aligned in two opposing rows.As can be seen from the above the pairs of recesses 64 preferably are arranged in six discrete positions along the length of cavity 26. Therefore, the present embodiment permits the engagement of the contact elements 36 of the insert member 34 with six different sets of contact elements of the complementary ribbon connector, thereby permitting the connector 12 to be engaged with any one of six circuits leading from the ribbon connector to its interconnected telephone signal and switching equipment.

The connection of the connector 12 from one circuit of the complementary ribbon connector to the other is changed by removing the hood 58 from the connector assembly 10. The insert member 34 and associated components thereof then are exposed and the pair of springs 66 may be displaced by pinching the springs inwardly towards each other for disengagement from the particular pair of opposing recesses 64. The insert member 34 then can be slidingly moved along the longitudinal ledges 76 along the cavity 26 to another desired location, whereupon the springs 72 can be released and engaged within a newly aligned pair of recesses 64.The insert member 34 therefore is repositioned relative to the housing or shell 20 so that when the complementary ribbon connector is remated with the connector 12, the contact elements 36 engage a new set of corresponding contact elements on the complementary ribbon connector and thereby complete a new circuit through the connector assembly 1 0.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein a different mounting means arrangement is utilized. Like numerals will be applied for corresponding components described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5. In this particular embodiment, the connector assembly 10 is substantially identical to the connector assembly shown in Figures 1-5 except for the mounting means arrangement. The mounting means illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 includes the plurality of pairs of recesses 64 (Figure 3) disposed along the longitudinal side edges 68, 70 of the shell top portion 24, and a pair of resilient spring members 66' are disposed on opposite sides of the insert member 34. Each resilient spring member 66' is comprised of a spring clip 84 having a pair of bifurcated legs 86 and 88. The base of each leg 86 is secured to the insert member 34 for movement therewith, while the leg 88 comprises a latching leg which is generally cantilevered and dispose outwardly relative to the leg 86 as seen in Figure 7. A latching element in the form of an outwardly directed lip 90 projects into the channel 74 of the shell top portion 24 for biased engagement against the inner surface thereof. In this manner, the insert member 34 is freely movable between the positions defined by the pairs of recesses 64, and when the insert member 34 is positioned whereby the pair of latching legs 88 are disposed opposite a pair of recesses 64, the spring biased legs 88 move outwardly into the recesses. Such engagement maintains the insert member 34 in a selected position within the cavity 26.In order to move the insert member 34 to another selected position, the legs 88 are displaced inwardly toward each other, thereby permitting the insert member 34 to be freely moved along the length of the cavity 26 of the connector 12.

Referring to Figures 8-10, a third embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein a third mounting means arrangement is utilized. Here again, like numerals are applied to similar components corresponding to those previously described in relation to Figures 1-5. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-10, the top shell portion 24 includes a plurality of pairs of resilient fingers, generally designated 92, disposed opposite each other at spaced positions along the longitudinal side edges 68, 70 of the top opening 28. Each spring finger 92 includes an angularly inwardly directed portion 94 and an upwardly directed portion 96 extending from the inner end of portion 94.Therefore, each spring finger 92 projects inwardly toward the longitudinal center line of the shell top portion 24 and extends over the top end opening 28. The insert member 34 includes a pair of recesses 98 (Figure 10) disposed on opposite sides thereof for receiving and engaging a pair of the spring fingers 92.

As described in the previous embodiments, the insert member 34 of Figures 8-10 is freely movable along the cavity 26 until the pair of recesses 98 of the insert member are aligned with a pair of the spring fingers 92. With this arrangement, the spring fingers 92, which are biased inwardly toward the insert member 34, then engage the recesses 98 to maintain the insert member 34 in a preselected position. When it is desired to move the insert member 34 to another selected position along the shell top portion 24 longitudinally along the cavity 26, the upper end portions 96 of the respective opposed pair of spring fingers 92 are displaced outwardly away from each other to disengage the spring fingers 92 from the recesses 98. In this manner, the insert 34 then becomes freely movable to another position for engagement with a different pair of spring fingers 92.

It should be noted that while the mounting means of the above embodiments disclose specific engaging element arrangements, the present invention is to be limited thereby. It is contemplated that any arrangement of engaging elements disposed along the longitudinal side edges of the cavity 26 and along the opposing sides of the insert member 34 may be utilized whereby the insert member may be maintained at selected positions along the length of the connector 12 and be freely movable between such selected positions so as to engage selectively varied sets of contact elements of a complementary ribbon connector mated with the connector 12.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a further preferred embodiment of the connector of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 110. The connector 110 is adapted for electrically interconnecting a single electrical appliance, and more particularly a single telephone unit, with any one of a plurality of signal outputs of an electrical telephone system coupled to the connector 110. In this respect, the connector 110 is related to the electrical connector described in U.S. Patent No.

4,070,548, issued January 24, 1978, to Alan Henry Kasper and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and the disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in the drawings, the electrical connector 110 includes a support means 112 and first contact means shown generally at 11 3. The first contact means 11 3 preferably includes a plurality of sets of electrical contacts 114 supported by the support means 112, as described in greater detail below. The lower extensions of the first contact means 113, concealed by the support means 112, are adapted to project into an open lower cavity of the support means for connection to a mating connector (not shown).The mating connector (not shown) includes a full complement of contacts for mating with each set of the plural contact sets of contact means 11 3. The mating connector (not shown) snugly interfits with the lower peripheral flange of the support means 11 2 in known fashion.

A single electrical appliance such as a telephone unit (not illustrated) is electrically coupled by a cable conductor 11 5 to a single standardized, single unit modular connector element 116. A primary purpose of the invention is to electrically interconnect the single unit modular element 11 6 with any one of a plurality of signal outputs of the electrical system coupled to the sets of electrical contacts 114. To achieve this purpose, a first adapter means 1 20 is provided, having an associated set of electrical contacts 122 (Figures 1 5 and 17). The adapter means 120 is constructed and arranged for disposition with its associated contacts 122 positioned in releasable electrical engagement with any selected set of the plural sets of electrical contacts 114.The contacts 122 are likewise electrically interconnectable with the single standardized connector element 11 6 through a second adapter means and flexible conductor means presently to be described. Mounting means, as illustrated in Figures 14-1 7 and as described in detail below, are provided for releasably securing the adapter means 120 along the support means 112 to provide firm electrical engagement between the contacts 122 and any selected set of the plural sets of contacts 114.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second adapter means 124 is provided to electrically and mechanically couple the contacts 122 with the standardized connector element 11 6. The second adapter means 1 24 is carried by the support means 112 and is preferably in the form of a standardized adapter element 126 constructed to matingly receive and electrically engage the connector element 11 6. The second adapter element 126 includes an associated set ol electrical contacts 1 27 (Figure 13) for electrical connection to the like contacts of the connector element 116. The contact elements 127 are in turn coupled to the contact elements 122 by a conductor means which in the present case preferably constitutes flexible wires 128.In this manner, the adapter element 120 may be moved to any selected position along the support means 112 to engage a selected set of the contacts 114.

This arrangement permits electrical interconnection between the connector element 11 6 and any selected signal output of an electrical system electrically coupled to the contacts 114.

Referring to the more specific structure of the connector 110 as illustrated in Figures 11-13, the support means 112 is preferably a standardized multi-contact connector unit sold under the trade name, Amphenol 57 Series or 1 57 Series, manufactured and distributed by The Amphenol North American Division of Bunker Ramo Corporation. In the preferred form, the support means 112 includes an elongated housing shell 1 30. The housing shell 130 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape, and includes a lower extending flange portion 132 adapted to define an interior elongated cavity for receiving a complementary mating connector (not illustrated).

Such complementary mating connector is electrically engaged to an electrical system having a plurality of signal outputs, and the insertion of the complementary connector into the cavity defined by the lower portion 132, electrically couples such signal outputs to the contact elements 114 of the support means 112. An elongated dielectric body 1 36 is retained within the housing shell 1 30 and is adapted to support the electrical contacts 14. The insert 136 preferably includes a plurality of spaced barriers 140 which define a plurality of pairs of channels 142 for receiving and supporting the electrical contacts 114 in fixed positions in electrical isolation from one another and the metal shell housing 130.In addition, the shell 130 includes mounting flanges 144 and 146 projecting from its forward and rearward ends, respectively, for purposes to be described below.

Referring now to Figures 11, 15 and 17, the electrical contacts 114 preferably include a plurality of pairs of contact elements 148. Each contact element 148 includes an active contact portion 1 50 projecting into the cavity defined by the shell 130, and a terminal contact portion 1 52 projecting into a channel 142 of the insert 1 36.

The contact elements 1 48 are preferably arranged in tandem pairs on either side of the insert 136 to thereby provide two rows of opposed, paired electrical contacts 114. A set of the electrical contacts 114 may comprise one or more pairs of the contact elements 148 depending on the number of functional requirements of the particular electrical appliance coupled to the connector element 11 6, as described above. Each function generally requires a single conduit represented by one pair of the contact elements 148, and when the electrical appliance comprises a single telephone unit, one of these functions consists of a telephone line circuit.Each pair of the contact elements 48 is also electrically engageable with a signal output of the electrical system to which the support means 112 is electrically engaged. Thus, a set of electrical contacts 114 may provide one or more functions represented by one or more signal outputs of the electrical system, and the pairs of contact elements 148 of each set of contacts 114 are preferably arranged adjacent each other.

The first adapter means 120 is provided to electrically interconnect any selected set of the contacts 114 with the standardized connector element 11 6. In the preferred embodiment, the single adapter element 120 consists of a single dielectric body constructed to straddle the insert 136 and define a plurality of channels 154 for mounting the electrical contacts 1 22. Each electrical contact 122 preferably includes a terminal contact portion 1 56 mounted in the upper portion of the adapter element 120, and an essentially J-shaped active contact portion 1 58 is disposed in the lower portion of the channel 1 54 for direct electrical engagement with a contact element 148.The number of contacts 122 disposed in the adapter element 120 may vary generally from one to four pairs of contacts 122, depending on the number of pairs of the contact elements 148 in one set of the contacts 114. The first adapter element 1 20 is preferably directly supported on the insert 1 36 and is positionable at any selected location therealong by the interengagement of the active contact portions 1 58 with respective active contact portions 1 52 within the appropriate insert channels 142.

Mounting means, as described in greater detail below, may also be provided for firmly and releasably securing the adapter element 1 20 in position along the insert member 136.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 11-13, also includes the second adapter means 124. As previously mentioned, the second adapter means 124 preferably includes a second adapter element 126 sized and shaped to matingly receive the standardized connector element 116. However, an alternate embodiment (not illustrated) is envisioned wherein the first adapter element 120 may be constructed and arranged to directly matingly receive the standardized connector element 11 6 which would obviate the need for a separate second adapter element 126.

The second adapter element 126 is preferably directly supported on the support means 112 by a mounting bracket 1 60 secured to the flame 146.

The bracket 1 60 preferably includes a pair of spaced side projections 1 66. The second adaptor element 1 26 is constructed in the form of a single dielectric body which includes a pair of grooves in its respective sidewalls 1 62, 1 64 for receiving the side projections 1 66 of the bracket 160. In this manner, the second adapter element 126 may be slidably mounted to the bracket 160 and the support means 112.

The dielectric body of the second adapter element 126 supports the set of electrical contacts 127 and defines an aperture 1 68 for receiving the single standardized connector element 11 6. Each electrical contact 127 is adapted for electrical engagement with an electrical contact (not illustrated) in the single connector element 11 6 and is electrically engaged to an electrical contact 122 of the first adapter element 120 by one of the conductors 128. In preferred form, there are at least as many electrical contacts 122 in the first adapter element 120 as there are electrical contacts 127 in the second adapter element 126. Further details regarding the mounting bracket 1 60 may be found in the previously referenced and incorporated U.S.

Patent No. 4,070,548, and further details regarding the second adapter element 126 and the standardized connector element 11 6 may also be found in the same referenced patent as well as in the aforementioned Federal Communications Commission Regulations.

Referring now to Figures 1 4-1 7, mounting means are provided for releasably securing the first adapter means 1 20 in position along the support means 112 for electrical engagement with any one selected set of the plural sets of electrical contacts 114. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the mounting means includes a mounting member 1 70 which is engageable with both the support means 112 and the first adapted means 120 to securably hold the first adapter means 120 in any selected position on the support means 112.In the illustrated form of the invention, the mounting member 1 70 may conveniently comprise an elongated hood member 1 72 sized and shaped to concurrently provide environmental protection for the connector 110 as well as to secure the first adapter means 1 20 to any selected position on the support means 112.

The hood member 1 72 is preferably constructed from a relatively rigid material, such as metal or plastic, and includes a top wall 174, a pair of opposed sidewalls 176, 178, a front wall 180 and an open rear end. The top wall 174 is extended rearwardly to cover the upper portion of the second adapter element 126, and the sidewalls 1 76, 1 78 are sized to provide sufficient room within the hooded connector 110 for the first adapter element 1 20 and the conductors 128. The hood member 172 is slidably engageable with the support means 11 2 and includes a forwardly disposed member 1 82 which has a slot therein for receiving the forward flange 144 of the shell 130.An aperture 184 is provided within the forward member 182 for the insertion of a screw or like member to secure the flange 144 therewithin. Disposed on the lower inner surface of each sidewall 1 76, 1 78 is an elongated guide rail 186 for slidable engagement with the cooperating upper ledge 1 88 of the shell's top portion 134.

In this particular embodiment of the invention, the first adapter element 120' includes on either side thereof a recessed portion 1 90, an adjacent land surface 191, and a shoulder 193 therebetween. Disposed on the upper inner surface of each sidewall 176, 178 of the hood member 172 is an elongated embossment 192 which is slidingly engageable within the recessed portion and against the shoulder 1 93 of the first adapter element 120'.In this manner, when the first adapter element 120' is positioned along the support means 1 12 to electrically engage a selected set of the electrical contacts 1 14, the embossments 192 slidably engage the sidewalls of the first adapter element 120' within the recessed portions 190 as the hood member 1 72 is slidably engaged with the support means 112, thereby acting to hold the first adapter element 120' in its selected position.

Referring to Figures 13, 16 and 17, a further embodiment of the mounting means of the invention is disclosed. In this embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes detent means 194 for positively indexing the first adapter means 120" with the support means 112 at each of a plurality of locations defined by the plurality of sets of electrical contacts 114. In one form of the invention, the detent means 1 94 may consist of a plurality of interengageable indexing elements disposed opposite each other on the support means 112 and the first adapter means 1 18.To provide such interengageable indexing elements, the support means 112 includes a support member 1 95 which is preferably an elongate upward extension of the shell 1 30. The support member 195 includes opposing sidewalls 196 and 198 on either side of the insert member 136.

Spaced longitudinally along each sidewall 1 96 and 1 98 are a plurality of window apertures 200 positioned opposite each other, each pair of opposed apertures 200 being associated with one set of the contacts 114. The spacing of the window apertures 200 may vary depending on the number of pairs of contact elements 1 48 in each set of electrical contacts 11 4. The greater the number of pairs of contact elements 148 in each set of the contacts 1 14, the greater the distance between adjacent window apertures 200.

Disposed on either side of the first adapter element 120" opposite the support member sidewalls 196, 198 are resilient latching members 202. Each latching member 202 includes a latching arm 204 disposed adjacent the opposing sidewall 1 96 or 1 98 and a latching element 206 mounted at the end thereof for engagement within a window aperture 200. The latching arm 204 is biased outwardly away from the adapter element 120" so as to maintain its latching element 206 within a window 200 when the arm 204 is aligned opposite therefrom. The latching element 206 may be removed from its engaged aperture 200 by displacing the resilient arm 204 inwardly toward the first adapter element 120".In this manner, when the first adapter element 120" is engaged with a set of the electrical contacts 1 14, the latching elements 202 engage the window apertures 200 associated with that particular set of electrical contacts 114. When it is desired to move the first adapter element 120" for engagement with a different set of the electrical contacts 114, the latching arms 204 are depressed inwardly, and the first adapter element 120" is moved upwardly relative to the support means 112 to disengage its contacts 122 from the set of contacts 114. The first adapter element 120" is then moved to a new position along the support means 11 2 with the latching element 202 being aligned with another set of the window apertures 200.

In this second embodiment of the mounting means, the hood member 172' includes a longitudinal guide rail 208 on the inner surfaces of its sidewalls 1 76', 1 78' for engagement with the upper longitudinal edges 210 of the support member sidewalls 196, 1 98. In addition, the guide rails 208 project sufficiently inwardly to overlap the upper portion 212 of the latching members 202 to insure against inadvertent disengagement of the latching elements 206 from the window apertures 200 and dislodging of the first adapter element 120" from its engaged position with a set of the electrical contacts 114.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides an electrical connector capable of electrically interconnecting a single electrical appliance, such as a telephone unit, with any one of a plurality of signal outputs of an electrical system coupled to the connector. The connector of the invention permits the selective changing of the electrical interconnection between the appliance and the various available signal outputs of the system without disconnecting the connector from the system as well as without disconnecting and reattaching the conductors within the connector itself. The connector of the invention more particularly provides an adapter for use with a standardized multi-contact connector unit for selectively engaging any desired set of the plural sets of contacts within the standardized unit.This arrangement may then be utilized to interconnect a single standardized connector element coupled to an electrical appliance with an electrical system's signal outputs. Thus, standardized and modular connector components presently being utilized in the telephone interconnection art may be coupled to the connector of the present invention without adjusting or changing connections of the conductors within the connector. As a result, changing of telephone line circuits leading to a single telephone unit may be performed in the field and be effect quickly, easily and without the use of tools. Finally, the possibility of damaging the conductors and the electrical contacts within the connector when changing such circuits is eliminated in the present invention since the conductor terminations therein are not altered.

This advantageous feature reduces the cost and complexity of rearranging circuits from telephone signalling and switching systems to individual telephone units.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein but may be modified within the scope of the appended

Claims (14)

claims. CLAIMS

1. An electrical connector for mating with a complementary connector having a plurality of fixed contact elements, comprising: support means; first adapter means, including an associated set of electrical contacts lessee in number than the contacts of said complementary connector, constructed and arranged for disposition at any preselected one of a predetermined plurality of positions on said support means, for adapting the electrical connector for mating engagement with only selected ones of the fixed contact elements of said complementary electrical connector according to the position of said first adapter means on said support means to change the circuit through the connectors; complementary mounting means on said support means and said first adapter means for releasably securing said first adapter means at any one of said preselected positions; second adapter means, including an associated set of electrical contacts, supported by said support means in a fixed position for mating engagement with selected contact elements of a second complementary electrical connector; and conductor means for electrically interconnecting said associated sets of electrical contacts of said first and second adapter means.

2. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a mounting member engageable with said support means and said first adapter means.

3. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a hood member slidably engageable with said support means and said first adapter means and adapted for concurrently providing environmental protection for said first contact means and said contacts of said first adapter means at any said position on said support means.

4. The electrical connector as described in Claim 3, wherein said first adapter means comprises an adapter element having opposite sidewalls defining recessed portions therein, and wherein said hood member includes a pair of spaced sidewall members and engaging means disposed on the opposed inner surfaces of said sidewall member for engaging said recessed portions of said opposed sidewalls.

5. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises detent means for positively indexing said first adapter means with said support means at each of a plurality of locations defined by said plural sets of contacts of said first contact means.

6. The electrical connector as described in Claim 5, wherein said support means includes an elongate support member, and wherein said indexing means comprises: a pair of spaced sidewalls extending from said support member and defining a plurality of paired, opposed apertures at spaced locations therealong; and a pair of resilient latching members disposed on opposite sides of said first adapter means for location within a respective pair of said apertures for securely latching said first adapter means to said support means, said latching members being resiliently displaceable out of engagement with said apertured sidewalls to permit movement of said first adapter element to another selected location.

7. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, wherein said support means comprises a metallic housing element and a dielectric insert element disposed within said housing element for supporting said first contact means in electrical isolation from said housing element.

8. The electrical connector as described in Claim 7, wherein said housing element is an elongate shell peripherally enclosing said insert element, and wherein said plural sets of contacts of said first contact means are arranged in tandem along the length of said insert element.

9. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, wherein said support means defines a cavity, and said first adapter means comprises insert means including an insert element constructed and arranged for disposition at any preselected one of a predetermined plurality of positions within said cavity.

10. The electrical connector as described in Claim 9, wherein said mounting means includes complementary opposed engaging elements on said insert means and said support means, including resilient means to hold said insert means at said one preselected position.

11. The electrical connector as described in Claim 10, wherein said engaging elements include means defining a recess formed on the inside of said cavity at said one preselected position and a spring element disposed on said insert means movable into and out of said recess, said spring element being biased outwardly into the recess.

12. The electrical connector as described in Claim 10, wherein said engaging elements include means defining a pair of opposed recesses formed on opposite sides of said cavity at said one preselected position and a pair of spring elements disposed on opposite sides of said insert means movable into and out of said recesses, said spring elements being biased outwardly into the recesses whereby said insert means can be removed from said cavity by pinching said spring elements toward each other.

13. The electrical connector as described in Claim 10, wherein said engaging elements include means defining a recess formed on the.outside of said insert means and a spring element disposed on said support means adjacent said one preselected position, said spring element being biased inwardly into said recess.

14. The electrical connector as described in Claim 10, wherein said engaging elements include means defining a pair of oppositely directed recesses formed on opposite sides of said insert means and a pair of spring elements disposed on said support means on opposite sides of said cavity adjacent said one preselected position, said spring elements being biased inwardly into said recesses.

1 5. The electrical connector as described in Claim 10, wherein said cavity is elongated and said mounting means includes a plurality of sets of said engaging elements along said cavity defining said predetermined positions.

1 6. The electrical connector as described in Claim 9, wherein said support means includes a top portion and an interconnected bottom portion, said top portion having an end opening adapted to receive said insert means, and said bottom portion having an end opening adapted to receive said complementary electrical connector.

1 7. The electrical connector as described in Claim 1, including means for releasably mounting said second adapter means on said support means.