MXPA00012039A - Telecommunications patch panel with angled connector modules and method of assembling such a panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunications patch panel is provided having a plurality of connector modules rotatably mounted to a frame member. Each connector module has a front face and an opposite facing rear face, and each front face includes a plurality of connector jacks. Eachrear face includes a plurality of wire termination blocks. The wire termination blocks are electrically connected to the connector jacks. Each connector module is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the frame member. A lock selectively locks each connector module to the frame member as desired. The connector jacks and the connector modules are arranged in linear arrays perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Description

CONNECTION PANEL FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS WITH MODULES CONNECTORS IN ANGLE AND METHOD TO MOUNT TAL PANEL Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a panel of connections for telecommunications, more particularly, to a panel of connections for interconnection including a structure with assemblies on one side and sites for termination of wiring on an opposite side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Local area networks and telecommunications connections often use patch panels, especially at customer premises, to allow interconnection between telecommunications equipment. Connection panels typically include sites for front and rear connection. Subsequent connections are typically a more permanent type of connection, such as insulator displacement connectors for connecting to copper-based twisted pair telecommunications cables. The front connections of the connection panel Ref: 125390 could include some variety of assemblies to receive a male plug from a connecting cable or other transmission cable. The coupler and the male plug allow quick connection and disconnection in an ordinary way between two assemblies in the same connection panel, or between a junction box in the connection panel and another conjunctor in a nearby connection panel, with the connection cable. One type of connector arrangement and male plug for a connection panel is an RJ45 type connector. The U.S. Patent No. 5,639,261 is an example of an interconnection panel that includes rear insulator displacement connectors, and front connector assemblies to receive male plugs of connection cables. There is a growing need for cable management to protect and organize several cables. An area where damage and / or loss of performance of copper-based twisted pair cables could occur is when excessive cable bending occurs. This is especially a concern as higher frequencies are used, such as category 5 and higher. Falling below the minimum radii of curvature of the cables can adversely affect the operation with the transmission of signals through the copper cable connection cables. Therefore, there is a need for connection panels that direct the handling of the cable with respect to that indicated above.

Brief Description of the Invention A connection panel for telecommunications according to one aspect of the invention includes a connector module, and a structural member for mounting the connector module. The connector module includes a connector connector along a front face. A rear face includes a connection site for connecting to a conductor cable or other transmission cable. Each connector module defines an axis of rotation with respect to the structural member, generally parallel to the front face. The connector module is positioned in one of the three positions, a position parallel to the structural member, a first position angled with respect to the structural member, and a second position angled with respect to the structural member when the second angle position is in a opposite direction to the first position at an angle. A plurality of connector modules is preferably provided in at least one linear array. Preferably, a plurality of connector assemblies are provided in each connector module. The connector assemblies are preferably arranged in linear arrays, generally perpendicular to each axis of rotation of the module or connector modules. The locks are provided to fix the connector modules to the structural member in one of the selected positions. According to another aspect of the present invention, a telecommunications patch panel includes a plurality of connector modules, which include linear arrays of connector assemblies with each linker connected to a wiring termination block. The connector modules are mounted to a structural member, where each of the linear arrays of the connector assemblies is positioned at an angle with respect to a front face of the structural member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a connection panel and a portion of a frame for housing the connection panel according to the present invention, with two connector modules angled to the left and two connector modules angled to the right, when the panel is mounted horizontally to the frame; Figure 2 is a top view of the connection panel of Figure 1, showing the front and rear connections to the cables; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connection panel of Figure 1, showing all connector modules extending parallel to the structure; Figure 4 is a top view of the connection panel of Figure 3, showing the front and rear connections to the cables; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connection panel of Figure 1, showing all the connector modules angled to the left side of the structure; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the connection panel of Figure 1, showing all connector modules angled towards the right side of the structure; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connection panel of Figure 1; Figure 8 is an exploded top view of the connection panel of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the attachment clip of the connection panel of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the brackets of the connection panel of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector module of the connection panel of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a top view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a front view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a side view of the connector module of Figure 11, an opposite side that is a mirror image; Figure 15 is a rear view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 16 is a bottom view of the connector module of Figure 11; and Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the circuit module of the connector module of the Figure 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, a mode of the connection panel 20 for use in the telecommunication equipment connection is shown. The connection panel 20 is especially useful for interconnecting equipment through one or more patch panels 20 or other panels. The connection panel 20 is mounted to a frame 22 of conventional construction, such as with fasteners 26 which pass through the holes 28 of the connection panel 20, to receive them in the holes 24 of the frame 22. The connection panel 20 includes a plurality of connector assemblies 30, such as RJ45 connector assemblies, on a front side 21. The connection panel 20 further includes a plurality of connection sites 31, such as terminating or wiring connection blocks 31 mounted on a opposite rear side 23. Preferably, the termination blocks 31 include connectors of the insulation displacement type 110. The termination blocks 31 allow the connection of the signal transmission cables 46, each containing a plurality of lead wires 48. connector assemblies 30 allow the connection of cables or connecting cords 44 for signal transmission, including leads and incl. in addition, terminal male plugs 42 of the connector. The circuitry electrically connects each termination block 31 to a connector connector 30. The connection panel 20 includes a plurality of connector modules 32, wherein each connector module 32 includes a plurality of connector assemblies 30. Connector modules 32 of the connector panel connections 20 are arranged in a linear array. Each connector module 32 includes a linear array of the connector assemblies 30. A linear array of the assemblies 30 is shown by connector module 32. Two or more arrangements could be provided. Alternative embodiments include patch panels 20 with a single connector module 32. Also, each connector module 32 could be constructed with a single connector junctor 30. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each connector module 32 is mounted in an orientation at an angle with respect to the structure 34. Specifically, the structure 34 includes a plane or front face 36, and each connector module 32 includes a front plane or face 37, where each front face 37 of the connector modules 32 is at an angle with respect to the front face 36 of the structure 34. The connector modules 32a, 32b are angled to the left of the structure 34, and the connector modules 32c, 32d are angled to the right. Alternatively set, connector modules 32a, 32b are angled clockwise, and connector modules 32c, 32d are angled counterclockwise, as seen from the top of the structure 34 described in Figure 2. If the connection panel 20 was oriented vertically, then the connector module 32a, 32b would be at an upward (or downward) angle, and the connector modules 32c, 32d would be at a downward (or ascending) angle. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the angle of travel of each connector module 32 with respect to the structure 34 is approximately 15 degrees. In the case of connecting cables 44a, 44b are angled to the left, and the connecting cables 44c, 44d are angled to the right, such an angle provides protection against jerks, thus helping to avoid damage and / or loss of cable performance. The placement of the cable provided by the angled connector modules 32 helps to reduce the probability of falling below the minimum bend radius of the cables, since each cable travels to other assemblies or other equipment. Such protection against tugs is advantageous in a perpendicular mounting of the male plug of the connector with respect to the cable path, as illustrated in Figure 4. Figures 3 and 4 are provided to illustrate the advantageous features of the connection panel. according to the invention. Preferably, the connector modules 32 are capable of rotating with respect to the structure 34. In Figures 3 and 4, each connector module 32 has its front face 37 positioned generally parallel to the front face 36 of the structure 34. Such an arrangement is useful when a termination tool (not shown) is used to mount the cables 48 to each termination block 31, in the case of insulator displacement connectors. A lock 40, generally shown in Figures 1 and 2, holds each connector module 32 to the structure 34 during the termination operation. The latch 40 is capable of disengagement to allow rotation of each connector module 32, as desired. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, connector modules 32a, 32b are rotated to the left, and connector modules 32c, 32d are rotated to the right. One or more connector modules 32 may be to the left in the positions shown in Figures 3 and 4, if desired. Alternatively, all the connector modules 32 can be turned to the left as shown in Figure 5, or to the right as shown in Figure 6. In order to keep the connector modules in the rotated positions, the lock 40 is reactivated. , one or more of the connector modules 32 and structure 34 can be constructed in a permanent angle configuration with respect to the front face 36 of the structure 34.

In Figures 2 and 4, the cables 44 are shown as being directed away from the connection panel 20. It is noted that the opposite ends of the cables 44 can be connected to other connector assemblies 30 of the connection panel 20. Also, the panel of connections 20 is useful both in interconnection systems and in interleaving systems, as desired. Providing protection against jerks so as not to fall below the minimum bend radii is also a problem with fiber optic cables. The telecommunications patch panel 20 of the present invention is also useful in fiber applications with fiber optic connectors configured appropriately. The safety 40 is a preferred feature of the connection panel 20. However, a connection panel 20 where the latch is not activated, or a connection panel 20 where it does not appear secure are advantageous arrangements. In these cases, each connector module 32 is possible to place it on the left (completely or partially), to the right (completely or partially) or parallel, as desired. For the connector modules that are capable of freely rotating, the modules 32 could be moved to a new position from an original position to provide the protection against jerks, as the connection cables 44 are added or changed. Referring now to the Figures 7 to 17, the additional details of the connection panel 20 are shown. Each connector module 32 includes tips 50 extending in opposite directions and defining a rotation axis 52 (see Figure 11). Each axis of rotation 52 is generally perpendicular to the linear array defined by the connector assemblies 30. The pins 52 are received in holes 54 of the structure 34. The rotatable assembly of each connector module 32 to the structure 34 could also be made with a fastener passing through the holes 54. The structure 34 generally includes an upper portion 34a and an opposite lower portion 34b. The end bracket portions 34c, 34d at opposite ends of the structure 34 include holes 28, indicated above, for mounting to the frame. The end posts 34e are continuous with the portions of the end brackets 34c, 34d. The intermediate posts 34f extend between the upper and lower portions 34a, 34b. The posts 34e, 34f and the upper and lower portions 34a, 34b define a linear array of openings, each receiving a connector module 32. The holes 54 of the structure 34 are positioned in the upper and lower portions 34a, 34b for fastening the connector modules 32 capable of rotating independently on each respective axis of rotation 52. The axes of rotation 52 extend transversely with respect to the linear arrays of the connector assemblies 30, and a linear array is also defined by the plurality of connector modules 32. A plurality of fastening clips 60, and brackets 76 are assembled to the structure 34. Each fastening clasp 60 includes a rod 62, two separate ears 64, 66, a first end capable of engaging with tool 68, and an opposite end 70. Each ear 64, 66 has two ends that extend in directions opposite. The end 70 is received in the hole 56 in a respective or intermediate end post 34e, 34f. The tool engaging end 68 is received in an opening 80 of the bracket 76. The bracket 76 is mounted in the upper and lower portions 34a, 34b of the structure 34 with two fasteners 82, positioned through the openings 58. Each fastener 82 is received in a hole 78 in the bracket 76. Once the brackets 76 are mounted to the structure 34, the fastening clip 60 is capable of rotating between a non-fixed position and a fixed position. The fixed position is shown in the Figures. The non-fixed position is when the rod 62 is rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis, such as with a flathead screwdriver received at the end capable of engaging with tool 68. Each connector module 32 includes detents 84, 86 on each end. The latch 40 is constructed where the ears 64, 66 are received in the detents 84, 86, when the connector module 32 is fixed in the position shown in Figure 3. When the connector modules 32 are rotated out of the plane 36 of the structure 34, only one ear 64, 66 is received in one of the detents 84, 86. When the latch 40 is rotated 90 degrees from the position shown in the Figures, none of the ears 64, 66 is received in any of the the detents 84, 86, to thereby allow free rotation of the connector modules 32. The latches 40 associated with the intermediate posts 34f of the structure 34 each attach two adjacent connector modules 32. Each connector module 32 includes a circuit module 90 and a face plate 92. The circuit module 90 includes a printed circuit board 94 that has a flat construction in general. As shown in Figure 17, the tips 96 of each termination block 31 project through the printed circuit board 94 and are soldered to the board. As shown in Figure 15, the connector assemblies 30 include tips 98 projecting through the printed circuit board 94, and the tips are welded to the plate. The connector assemblies 30 also include two lugs 102 that rapidly disconnect the assembly of the printed circuit board 94 through the openings 100, as shown in Figure 15. The printed circuit board 94 includes circuitry paths for electrically linking each connector junctor 30 with one of the terminal blocks 31. The connector assemblies 30 are shown in the Figures with the hook receiving the portion of the connector that faces vertically downwards. The faceplate 92 rapidly disconnects the assemblies to the circuit module 90 preferably. The opposite ends 110 of the faceplate 90 include internal snap fasteners 112 for rapidly disengaging the engagement fit from one edge of the printed circuit board 94. ( See, for example, Figure 12). Such construction allows repair or replacement of the circuit module 90 or the faceplate 92, as desired.

The front plate 92 includes a central opening 108 to expose the connector assemblies 30. The faceplate 92 further includes outwardly facing projections 114 at each end 110, which limit the amount of rotation of the connector module 32 during use. Each projection 114 engages an end 116 of the bracket 76, so as to limit the amount of rotation of the connector module to approximately plus or minus 15 degrees in the preferred embodiment. Each faceplate includes a front area for the designation band 120, to mark the connector assemblies 30. Examples of connector assemblies 30 and termination blocks 31 are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,700,167; 5,674,093; 5,639,261; 5,591,045; 5,310,363; 5, 299, 956; and 3, 611, 264. The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims appended below. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A connection panel for telecommunications, characterized in that it comprises: a connector module having a front face and an opposite rear face of the cover, the front face of the connector module includes a connector connector for receiving a male plug of a first conductor cable, rear face includes a connection site for connecting to a second conductor cable, the connection site is electrically connected to the connector connector, the connector module defines an axis of rotation generally parallel to the front face; a structural member having a front face, the connector module is rotatably mounted to the structural member for movement on the axis of rotation, wherein the front face of the connector module is placed in at least one of three selectable positions, a first position wherein the front face of the connector module is generally parallel to the front face of the structural member, a first angle position where the front face of the connector module is at a first angle with respect to the front face of the structure, and a second position at an angle where the front face of the connector module is at a second angle with respect to the front face of the structure in a direction opposite the first angular position.

2. The telecommunication connection panel of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises brackets extending from the structural member for mounting to a frame.

3. The telecommunications connection panel of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a latch for selective attachment of the connector module to the structural member in one of the three selectable positions. The telecommunications connection panel of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of connector assemblies, wherein the plurality of connector assemblies are arranged in a linear array, generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The telecommunication patch panel of claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of connector modules, each of the plurality of connector modules includes a plurality of connector assemblies, the connector modules are arranged in at least one linear array . 6. The telecommunications connection panel of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of connector modules. 7. The telecommunications connection panel of claim 1, characterized in that the connector connector is a RJ45 connector. 8. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, characterized in that the connection site is in a cabling termination block. The telecommunication patch panel of claim 1, characterized in that the connector module includes a printed circuit board, a faceplate, and a spring closing arrangement for quickly disconnecting the faceplate fit with the circuit board In printed form, the connector connector is mounted to the printed circuit board on one side of the printed circuit board, the connection site includes an insulator displacement connector mounted to the printed circuit board on a side opposite the connector connector , the front plate includes an opening to expose the connector connector. 10. A telecommunications patch panel, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of connector modules, each connector module having a front face and an opposite rear face of the cover, each front face includes a plurality of connector assemblies defining at least one arrangement linear, each rear face includes a plurality of cable connection sites, the cable connection sites are connected to the connector assemblies for the transmission of the telecommunication signals between them, each connector module defines an axis of rotation in general parallel to the front face, the linear arrangements of the connector assemblies are generally perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the connector modules; a structural member having a front face and a linear array of openings, each of the connector modules is mounted to the structural member in one of the openings for rotational movement on the respective axes of rotation. The telecommunication patch panel of claim 10, characterized in that each of the connector modules is positioned in at least one of the three selectable positions, a first position where the front face of the connector module is generally parallel to the face front of the structural member, a first angle position where the front face of the connector module is at a first angle with respect to the front face of the structure, and a second angle position where the front face of the connector module is at a second angle with respect to the front face of the structure in a direction opposite to the first position at an angle. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises brackets extending from the structural member for mounting to a frame. 13. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a latch for the selective attachment of the connector module to the structural member. The telecommunication patch panel of claim 10, characterized in that the connector assemblies are sized to receive copper cable male plugs for telecommunications, and the connection sites for the cable include wiring termination blocks configured and arranged for receive copper cables for telecommunications. 15. A panel of connections for telecommunications, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of connector modules, each connector module has a front face and an opposite rear face of the cover, each front face includes a plurality of connector assemblies that define at least one arrangement linear, each rear face includes a plurality of cabling termination blocks, the cabling termination blocks are electrically connected to the connector assemblies, each connector module defines an axis of rotation generally parallel to the front face, the linear arrangements of the connector assemblies are generally perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the connector modules; a structural member having a front face, each of the connector modules is mounted to the structural member for rotational movement on the respective axes of rotation, each of the connector modules is positioned in one of the three selectable positions, a first position where the front face of the connector module is generally parallel to the front face of the structural member, a first angle position where the front face of the connector module is at a first angle with respect to the front face of the structure, and a second position in angle where the front face of the connector module is at a second angle with respect to the front face of the structure in a direction opposite to the first angle position; a projection to limit the rotation of each of the connector modules to a predetermined range of movement; a plurality of latches for selectively securing each of the connector modules to the structural member in one of the three selectable positions. 16. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 15, characterized in that at least one latch fixes two connector modules adjacent to the structural member. 17. A telecommunications patch panel, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of connector modules, each connector module includes at least one linear array of the connector assemblies, each connector connector is connected to a wiring termination block; a structural member that has a front face that defines a frontal plane, the connector modules are mounted to the structural member, each of the linear arrays of the connector assemblies define a line from a first connector of the linear array connector to a last connector of the linear array connector, each line is positioned at an angle with respect to the frontal plane of the frontal face. 18. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 17, characterized in that the connector modules are mounted with the ability to rotate the structural member. 19. A method for mounting a telecommunications patch panel, characterized in that it comprises: providing a structural member that includes a plurality of connector modules, each connector module having a front face and an opposite rear face of the cover; each face includes a plurality of connector assemblies that define at least one linear array, each rear face includes a plurality of connection sites, the connection sites are electrically connected to the connector assemblies, each connector module defines an axis of rotation in Generally parallel to the front face, the linear arrays of the connector assemblies are generally perpendicular to the respective axes of rotation; mounting a cable to one of a plurality of connection sites in one of the selected connector modules; mount a connection cable to the connector connector on the selected connector module connected to the connection site mounted on the cable; unsecure the selected connector module from a fixed condition with respect to the structural member; rotating the selected connector module with respect to the structural member to a rotated position; and reassuring the selected connector module in a rotated position with respect to the structural member.