HK1134731B - Connector block - Google Patents

Description

Connector block

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector block for terminating a plurality of insulated conductors of two or more electronic data cables.

Background

When a cable is formed from twisted pairs of conductors having multiple strands, electromagnetic coupling, also known as crosstalk (XT), between the pairs of conductors can be reduced by having each pair of conductors have a different twist rate. However, when similar cables are adjacent, the twisted pairs with the same twist rate are very close, which increases crosstalk between twisted pairs with uniform twist rates in adjacent cables; crosstalk between cables is also referred to as alien crosstalk (AXT).

Connector blocks (also referred to as terminal blocks) are useful for simultaneously terminating and joining many pairs of wires. Existing wire blocks are affected by detrimental electromagnetic coupling between wires. This situation is particularly acute at high frequencies and when multiple cables, each containing several wires, are tightly bundled together. These unwanted electromagnetic couplings may also include alien crosstalk.

In general, it is desirable to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned difficulties, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector block for terminating insulated conductors of a first data cable and a second data cable, comprising:

(a) a plurality of slots arranged in series as a first group and a second group along a common side of the connector block; and

(b) a plurality of insulation displacement contacts having bifurcated contact portions extending at least partially into respective ones of the slots for electrically terminating the insulated conductors,

wherein the groups are separated by an isolation gap to reduce alien crosstalk between the conductors of the first data cable and the conductors of the second data cable, wherein the conductors of the first data cable are coupled to the insulation displacement contacts of the first group of slots and the conductors of the second data cable are coupled to the insulation displacement contacts of the second group of slots.

Preferably, the conductors of the first and second data cables are arranged as twisted pairs and the slots are arranged in pairs to receive the conductors of the respective twisted pairs.

Preferably, the separation gap is greater than the distance between adjacent pairs of slots.

Preferably, the distance between said adjacent pairs of slots is greater than the distance between said slots in one of said pairs of slots.

Preferably, the separation gap is greater than 17 mm.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of terminating a plurality of insulated conductors of first and second electronic data cables using a connector block according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the insulated conductors of each of the cables being provided as twisted pairs, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) terminating a first twisted pair of wires of the first cable having a first twist rate in a first pair of slots of a first set of slots; and

(b) terminating a first twisted pair of wires of the second cable having substantially the first twist rate in a first pair of slots of a second set of slots,

wherein the position of the first pair of slots in the second set of slots corresponds to the position of the first pair of slots in the first set of slots.

Preferably, steps (a) and (b) are repeated for the second, third and fourth twisted pairs of the first and second cables.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a connector block;

FIG. 2 is a first end view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second end view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the connector block shown in FIG. 1 coupling the insulated conductors of two data cables;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front component of another connector block including a plurality of insulation displacement contacts coupled thereto; and

fig. 10 is an exploded view of the front piece of the connector block shown in fig. 9.

Detailed Description

The connector block 10 shown in fig. 1-7 is used to terminate the insulated conductors of four data cables (not shown). The connector block 10 includes a generally rectangular housing 11, the housing 11 having a front side 60, a back side 62, a top side 64, and a bottom side 66. The length of the housing 11 extends from a first end 68 to a second end 70. The housing 11 preferably includes a front piece 72, the front piece 72 being connected to a bottom piece 74. In one embodiment, the front piece 72 is connected to the bottom piece 74 by a snap-fit connection. It will be appreciated that the front member 72 defines the front side 60 of the housing 11, while the bottom member 74 defines the back side 62 of the housing 11.

As shown particularly in fig. 1, the connector block 10 includes two adjacent sets 12, 14 of insulation displacement contact slots 16. The slots 16 in each set 12, 14 are arranged in two rows 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b, which are arranged side-by-side along the front side 60 of the housing 11 in the manner shown in fig. 4. In the arrangement described, the rows 12a and 14a of slots extend along the front side 60 of the housing 11 in a straight line adjacent the top side 64 of the housing 11. Similarly, the slots of rows 12b and 14b extend along the front side 60 of the housing 11 in a line abutting the bottom side 66 of the housing 11.

As shown particularly in fig. 4 and 5, the connector block 10 includes a plurality of Insulation Displacement Contacts (IDCs) 20 sandwiched between a front piece 72 and a bottom piece 74. Each IDC20 is preferably formed from a contact element that is bifurcated to define two opposing contact portions 21, 23 separated by a slot into which the insulated wires can be pressed so that the edges of the contact portions engage and displace the insulation and so that the contact portions resiliently engage and form an electrical connection with the wires of the insulated wires. For example, US 4452502 and US 4405187 teach the IDC 20. For example, the two opposing contact portions 21, 23 of the IDC20 are separated in the respective slots 16 of the front member 74 of the housing 11 in the manner shown in fig. 1.

The IDCs 20 are arranged in a fixed position relative to the insulated contact slots 16 such that the contact portions 21, 23 of each IDC20 extend into the respective slot 16. As shown particularly in fig. 8, each of the slots 16 in the first row 12a is adapted to receive an end of a respective insulated conductor 80 of a first data cable 82. The end of each insulated wire 80 can be electrically connected to a corresponding IDC20 by pressing the end of the wire 80 between the opposing contact sections 21, 23. Similarly, each slot of the slots 16 in the second row 14a is adapted to receive an end of a respective insulated conductor 84 of a second data cable 86. The end of each insulated wire 84 can be electrically connected to a corresponding IDC20 by pressing the end of the wire 84 between the opposing contact sections 21, 23. The insulated conductors of other data cables (not shown) may also be electrically connected to the corresponding IDCs 20 of the slots 16 of the second row 12b of the first set 12 and the corresponding IDCs 20 of the slots 16 of the second row 14b of the second set 14 in the manner described above.

The IDCs 20a of the first row of slots 12a are electrically connected with the respective IDCs 20b of the second row of slots 12b by spring finger contacts 25a, 25b extending therebetween. Thus, the insulated conductor 80 of the first data cable 82 of the IDC20 a electrically connected to the slot 16 of row 12a is electrically connected to a corresponding insulated conductor of another data cable (not shown) electrically connected to the IDC20b of the slot 16 of row 12 b. Similarly, the insulated conductors 84 of the second data cable 86 electrically connected to the IDCs 20a of the row 14a of slots 16 are electrically connected to corresponding insulated conductors of another data cable (not shown) that is electrically connected to the insulation displacement contacts 20b of the row 14b of slots 16. An example of such an arrangement of slots 16 and IDCs 20 of the connector block 10 is disclosed in US4,541,682.

It is important that the connector block 10 is designed to reduce alien crosstalk between the first and second data cables 80, 86 when they are electrically connected to the IDCs 20 of the slots 16 of the rows 12a, 14b of the first and second sets 12, 14. By separating the rows 12a, 14a with isolation gaps 22a, alien crosstalk may be reduced. Similarly, the connector block 10 is designed to reduce alien crosstalk between data cables electrically connected to the IDCs 20 of the first and second sets of rows 12b, 14b by separating the rows 12b, 14b with isolation gaps 22 b. For example, the separation gap 22 is greater than 17 mm.

As particularly shown in fig. 8, the isolation gap 22 is selected to reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent cables 82, 86 by increasing the distance "X" between the centers of the twisted pairs of slots 16 of adjacent sets 12, 14. For example, the separation gap 22 is greater than 17 mm. Advantageously, the isolation gaps 22 reduce alien crosstalk to a level that makes the connector block 10 suitable for use with devices compatible with class 6 (Category 6) communication standards, as well as other high bandwidth communication standards such as 10 gigabytes.

The length "X" of the isolation gap 22 is preferably selected to be as large as possible given the space requirements of the insulation displacement contact 20. The length "X" of the isolation gap 22 is preferably selected to be as large as possible given the space constraints of the equipment in which the connector block 10 is installed. For example, in the case where the mounting apparatus is a communication rack (communication rack) or a mounting bar structure.

As shown particularly in fig. 8, the insulated conductors 80, 84 of the first and second data cables 82, 86 are provided as twisted pairs. The twisted pairs of each data cable 82, 86 have different twist rates. One example of such a cable is the category 6 cable manufactured by ADC Communications Pty Ltd. However, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be applicable to cables comprising, for example, more or fewer twisted pairs of conductors.

As shown in particular in fig. 7, the insulation displacement contact slots 16 in the slots 16 of each row 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b are arranged in pairs in the following manner:

1.12ai、12aii、12aiii、12aiv；

2.12bi、12bii、12biii、12biv；

3.14ai, 14aii, 14aiii, 14 aiv; and

4.14bi、14bii、14biii、14biv。

the connector block 10 is used to terminate the conductors 80 of the four twisted pairs 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d of the first cable 82 in the respective pairs of slots 12ai, 12aii, 12aiii, 12aiv of the slot 16 of the first row 12a in the manner shown in fig. 8. Advantageously, twisted pair 80a terminated at location 12ai has a first twist rate; twisted pair 80b terminating at location 12aii has a second twist rate; twisted pair 80c terminating at location 12aiii has a third twist rate; and twisted pair 80d terminating at location 12aiv has a fourth twist rate. The connector block 10 is also used to terminate four twisted pairs 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d from the second cable 86 in respective pairs of slots 14ai, 14aii, 14aiii, 14aiv in a similar manner. Advantageously, the twisted pairs of the second cable 84 are arranged such that the twisted pair 84a terminated at the location 14ai has a first twist rate; twisted pair 84b terminating at location 14aii has a second twist rate; twisted pair 84c terminating at location 14aiii has a third twist rate; and twisted pair 84d terminating at location 14aiv has a fourth twist rate. The described arrangement of twisted pairs of the first and second cables 82 and 86 advantageously provides a minimum isolation distance of 17mm between the nearest center distances of the twisted pairs in adjacent cables, thereby minimizing alien crosstalk.

Advantageously, the twisted pairs of two adjacent cables 82, 86 are terminated in the connector block 10 in the following manner:

a. twisted pair 80a terminated to the first twist rate of paired slots 12ai is matched to twisted pair 84a terminated to the first twist rate of paired slots 14 ai.

b. Twisted pair 80b, which terminates at the second twist rate of paired slots 12aii, is matched to twisted pair 84b, which terminates at the second twist rate of paired slots 14 aii.

c. Twisted pair 80c, which terminates at the third twist rate in paired slot 12aiii, is matched to twisted pair 84c, which terminates at the third twist rate in paired slot 14 aiii.

d. Twisted pair 80d, which is terminated to the fourth twist rate of paired slots 12aiv, is matched to twisted pair 84d, which is terminated to the fourth twist rate of paired slots 14 aiv.

As shown in fig. 4, the twisted pairs of two adjacent cables 82, 86 having a common twist rate are disposed in pairs of slots provided at a maximum distance "Y" therebetween. The length "X" of the separation gap 22a is preferably greater than 17 mm. The isolation gap 22a advantageously reduces alien crosstalk to a level where: the connector block 10 is suitable for use with devices compatible with the category 6 communication standard and other high bandwidth communication standards.

Similarly, the connector block 10 is used to terminate four twisted pairs from a third cable (not shown) in the paired slots 12bi, 12bii, 12biii, and 12biv and four twisted pairs from a fourth cable (not shown) in the paired slots 14bi, 14bii, 14biii, and 14 biv. Advantageously, the twisted pairs of two adjacent cables are terminated in the connector block 10 in the following manner:

a. the twisted pair of the first twist rate terminated to the paired slots 12bi is matched to the twisted pair of the first twist rate terminated to the paired slots 14 bi.

b. The twisted pair wire terminated to the second twist rate of the paired slots 12bii is matched to the twisted pair wire terminated to the second twist rate of the paired slots 14 bii.

c. The twisted pair terminated to the third twist rate of the paired slots 12biii is matched to the twisted pair terminated to the third twist rate of the paired slots 14 biii.

d. The twisted pair terminated to the fourth twist rate of the paired slots 12biv is matched to the twisted pair terminated to the fourth twist rate of the paired slots 14 biv.

As shown in fig. 4, the twisted pairs of adjacent third and fourth cables having a common twist rate are disposed in pairs of slots provided at a maximum distance "Y" therebetween. The length "X" of the separation gap 22b is preferably greater than 17 mm. The isolation gap 22b advantageously reduces alien crosstalk to a level where: the connector block 10 is suitable for use with devices compatible with the category 6 communication standard and other high bandwidth communication standards.

As particularly shown in fig. 4, the distance "a" between the nearest centers of the slots 16 of adjacent twisted pairs is preferably 5.5 mm. The distance "B" between the nearest centers of the twisted pairs is preferably 3 mm. Distance "a" is preferably greater than distance "B".

The connector block 10 includes a clip 24 for coupling the connector block to a rack-mount structure, such as a pair of securing bars clamped by the clip 24. The connector block 10 may alternatively be secured to the mounting structure by any other suitable means. The clip 24 is located on the back side 62 of the connector block 10 and is connected to the bottom piece 74.

As shown particularly in fig. 6, the connector block 10 also includes first and second cable managers 26 and 28 located on the top side 64 of the bottom piece 74 of the housing 11 for positioning cables into fixed positions to be provided to the slots 16 of the respective rows 12a and 14 a. The connector block 10 also includes third and fourth cable managers 32 and 34 located on the bottom side 66 of the bottom piece 74 of the housing 11 for positioning cables into fixed positions to be provided to the slots 16 of the respective rows 12b and 14 b.

Each cable manager 26, 28, 32, 34 includes a projection 38 extending outwardly from the respective side 30, 36 of the housing 11. The ends of the projections 38 include flanges 40 that are substantially parallel to the respective sides 30, 36 of the housing 11. The cable managers 26, 28, 32, 34 are generally T-shaped. The distance between the flange 40 and the respective side 30, 36 of the housing 11 is preferably less than the width of the data cables 82, 86 and greater than the width of the conductors 80, 84.

As shown particularly in fig. 8, the first cable manager 26 is coupled to the top side 64 of the bottom member 74 between the pair of slots 12aii and 12 aiii. For example, the first cable manager 26 is designed to be positioned between the second and third twisted pairs 80b, 80c of the first cable 82. When so positioned, the projections 38 are located in the "V" formed between the jacket of the cable 82 and the second and third twisted pairs 80b, 80 c. In this position, the end of the sleeve abuts the flange 40 or the projection 38. In either case, once the ends of the wires 80 are terminated in the respective slots 16, the cable manager 26 holds the ends of the cables 82 in a fixed position. With this arrangement, the cable manager 26 may maintain the cables 82 flush with the top side 64 of the housing 11. For example, when multiple connector blocks 10 are stacked on top of one another, the cable manager 26 prevents interference between cables.

In the illustrated arrangement, the length of the first twisted pair 80a is preferably the same as the length of the fourth twisted pair 80 d. Similarly, the length of the second twisted pair 80b is preferably the same as the length of the third twisted pair 80 c.

Similarly, the second cable manager 28 is coupled to the top side 64 of the bottom piece 74 between the pair of slots 14aii and 14 aiii. For example, the second cable manager 28 is designed to be located between the second and third twisted pairs 84b, 84c of the second cable 86. When so positioned, the projections 38 are positioned in the "V" formed between the jacket of the cable 86 and the second and third twisted pairs 84b, 84 c. In this position, the end of the sleeve abuts the flange 40 or the projection 38. In either case, once the ends of the wires 84 are terminated in the respective slots 16, the cable manager 28 holds the ends of the cables 86 in a fixed position. In this arrangement, the cable manager 28 may maintain the cables 86 flush with the top side 64 of the housing 11.

In this arrangement, the first twisted pair 84a is preferably the same length as the fourth twisted pair 84 d. Similarly, the second twisted pair 84b is preferably the same length as the third twisted pair 84 c.

The third and fourth cable managers are coupled to the bottom side 66 of the bottom piece 74 between the pairs of slots 12bii and 12biii, and between the pairs of slots 14bii and 14biii, respectively. The third and fourth cable managers 32, 34 are arranged similarly to the first and second cable managers 26, 28 and will not be further described herein.

The flange 40 is of sufficient size and width to prevent misalignment of the twisted pairs caused by cable movement. For example, the cable managers 26, 28, 32, 34 may prevent interference between cables when multiple connector blocks 10 are stacked on top of each other.

The cable managers 26, 28, 32, 34 are preferably integrally formed with the connector block 10. Alternatively, the cable managers 26, 28, 32, 34 may be attached to the body of the connector block 10 at a later time.

As shown particularly in fig. 6, the connector 10 further includes top spacers 50a, 50b coupled to the top side 64 of the bottom piece 74 of the housing 11. The connector 10 also includes bottom spacers 50c, 50d coupled to the bottom side 66 of the bottom piece 74 of the housing 11. When multiple connector blocks 10 are stacked on top of one another, the bottom spacers 50c, 50d of one connector block 10 abut the top spacers 50a, 50b of the connector block 10 below. The spacers 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d thereby separate the stacked connector blocks 10. The spacers 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d separate the stacked connector blocks 10 at a minimum distance to prevent significant interference between the conductors of adjacent cables coupled to adjacent connector blocks 10. The spacers 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d preferably prevent alien crosstalk between wires of adjacent cables coupled to adjacent connector blocks 10.

The connector block 100 shown in fig. 8 and 9 is used to terminate the insulated conductors of ten data cables (not shown). The connector block 100 includes 5 adjacent sets 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 of insulation displacement contact slots 16. The connector block 100 operates in a similar manner to the connector block 10, whereby the reference numerals of the common components are the same. For example, the connector block 100 may be designed to reduce alien crosstalk by including isolation gaps 22 between adjacent groups 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 of insulation displacement contact slots 16. Advantageously, the isolation gap 22 reduces alien crosstalk to a level that: the connector block 100 is adaptable for use with devices compatible with the category 6 communication standard and other high bandwidth communication standards.

The length "X" of the isolation gap is selected to reduce alien crosstalk by increasing the distance between the slots 16 corresponding to adjacent cables. The isolation gap 22 preferably increases the distance between the slots for twisted pairs of equal twist rate.

The length "X" of the isolation gap 22 is preferably chosen to be as large as possible given the space requirements of the insulation displacement contacts 20a, 20 b. The value of the length "X" of the isolation gap 22 is preferably selected to be as large as possible given the space constraints of the equipment in which the connector block 10 is installed. For example, where the mounting device is a telecommunications rack or mounting pole structure.

The connector block 10, 100 includes holes 50 to allow connection to a cable manager using fastening tabs (not shown). The connector block 10, 100 also includes internal rails on its inner side walls (not shown) to facilitate connection to a cable manager using side clips.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above in connection with the drawings are given by way of example only and that modifications and additional elements thereof may be provided to enhance the performance of the device. In further embodiments of the invention, standard connector blocks 10, 100 having regularly spaced (i.e., no pre-formed insulation spacers 28, as shown in fig. 1) insulation displacement contact slots 16 may be used, and the isolation gap 22 may be formed by leaving a selected number of unconnected slots 16 between the cable sets, where the selected number is selected to reduce alien crosstalk below a specified level. Preferably, the number of unconnected slots is large enough to reduce alien crosstalk below the level required by the category 6A standard.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection block 10, 100 is adapted to be mounted on a vertical pole, in a rack or in a telecommunications cabinet.

Advantageously, the twisted pairs may be terminated in the connector block by other forms of IDC, including non-separable IDCs, as well as other forms of electrical contacts known in the art.

Throughout the specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or any known subject matter referred to in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the following statement: i.e. that which is previously published (or information derived therefrom) or that which forms part of the common general knowledge in the art to which this specification relates.

Claims (14)

1. A connector block for terminating insulated conductors of first and second data cables, comprising:

(a) a plurality of pairs of slots disposed in series along a common side of the connector block, each pair of slots comprising two slots spaced apart a first distance, adjacent pairs of slots spaced apart a second distance, the pairs of slots being divided into a first group and a second group, the first and second groups being separated by an isolation gap having a third distance, the third distance being greater than the second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance;

(b) a plurality of insulation displacement contacts having bifurcated contact portions extending at least partially into respective ones of the slots for terminating the insulated wires,

a plurality of cable managers for positioning the cables in fixed positions to be provided to respective pairs of slots of the first and second sets of pairs of slots;

wherein the cable managers are integrally formed on respective sides of the connector block;

wherein each cable manager includes a protrusion extending outwardly from a side surface of the connector block and a flange coupled to an end of the protrusion; and is

Wherein the flange is parallel to the side surface of the connector block, and wherein the wires of the first data cable are coupled to the insulation displacement contacts of the first set of paired slots, and the wires of the second data cable are coupled to the insulation displacement contacts of the second set of paired slots.

2. The connector block of claim 1, wherein the conductors of the first and second data cables are arranged as twisted pairs and the paired slots are configured to receive the conductors of the respective twisted pairs.

3. The connector block of claim 2, wherein the third distance is of sufficient size to inhibit alien crosstalk between the first twisted pair of the first data cable and the first twisted pair of the second data cable, wherein the first twisted pair of the first data cable having a first twist rate terminates on a first pair of slots of one of the first set of pairs and the first twisted pair of the second data cable having the first twist rate terminates on a first pair of slots of one of the second set of pairs.

4. The connector block of claim 3 wherein the position of the first pair of slots of the first set of pairs of slots corresponds to the position of the first pair of slots of the second set of pairs of slots.

5. The connector block of claim 1 wherein the third distance of the isolation gap is greater than 17 millimeters.

6. The connector block of claim 1 wherein the second distance between adjacent pairs of slots is 5.5 millimeters.

7. The connector block of claim 1 wherein the first distance between the slots of one of the pairs of slots is 3 millimeters.

8. The connector block of claim 1 wherein the isolation gap renders the connector block suitable for use in equipment compatible with a category 6 communication standard.

9. The connector block of claim 1, wherein each set of paired slots comprises two parallel rows of paired slots.

10. The connector block of claim 9, wherein a first row of paired slots of the first set of paired slots is adapted to terminate the wires of the first data cable and a second row of paired slots of the first set of paired slots is adapted to terminate wires of a third data cable.

11. The connector block of claim 9, wherein a first row of paired slots of the second set of paired slots is adapted to terminate the wires of the second data cable and a second row of paired slots of the second set of paired slots is adapted to terminate wires of a fourth data cable.

12. The connector block of claim 1 comprising means for coupling the connector block to a structure for supporting a plurality of connector blocks.

13. The connector block of claim 12, wherein the structure is a communications rack.

14. The connector block of claim 1, comprising means for coupling the connector block to a cable manager.