Modular interconnect block with protector structure
AssigneeADC Telecommunications, Inc.
InventorLoren A. Singer, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A distribution frame comprising interconnect block modules for use in telecommunications is disclosed. The frame is front accessible for both wiring and test access. The structure incorporates a reversible wire guide to facilitate wiring of a module from either the right or left hand side of a particular mounting bracket. The individual modules incorporate an overload protector element which utilizes a printed circuit board as a primary contact structure. The individual modules also use split cylinder insulation displacement connectors which are readily accessible from the front of the module and terminate in spring fingers which make contact to the overload protector elements.
Claims23
A distribution frame module, comprising:
- (a) a generally rectangular module block having a front face with a plurality of first apertures and a plurality of second apertures in close proximity to each of the first apertures and a plurality of third apertures which are in open communication with said first apertures;
- (b) a plurality of wire connectors mounted in recessed position in the second apertures, said connectors each having a wire terminating end and a spring contact finger end, the spring contact finger end including a spring contact finger;
- and
- (c) an overload protector element having an external contact, the element being mounted in recessed position in one of the first apertures with said external contact extending into a recessed position in one of the third apertures to contact at least one of said spring contact fingers also extending into the recessed position in said one of the third apertures.
A distribution frame wherein electrical lines forming portions of an electrical network are interconnected at said frame, said frame comprising:
- means for protecting said network from transient electrical signals:
- means for connecting said lines to said protecting means;
- a module with a front face, said module including means for holding said protecting means and said connecting means said module further including means for accessing said protecting means and said connecting means through said front face, said module also including means for routing said lines from behind said front face to said connecting means;
- a bracket which supports said module;
- means for grounding said protecting means to said bracket;
- and
- means for attaching said grounding means to said bracket;
- whereby said electrical lins are kept behind said front face while said protecting means and said connecting means are accessed through said front face.
A module for mounting on a bracket of a distribution frame, said module interconnecting first wires from an incoming feed cable to second wires from distribution lines, said module comprising:
- means for interconnecting a pair of said first wires with a pair of said second wires, said interconnecting means including means for protecting said first wires of said incoming feed cable and said second wires of said distribution lines from harmful signals;
- means for grounding said protecting means;
- and
- a primary structure having a front face and a rear, first and second opposite sides, and first and second opposite ends, said primary structure holding said interconnecting means and said grounding means, said primary structure further including first means for routing said first wires of said feed cable, said first routing means including a recess and an opening communicating with said recess, said first routing means further including a plurality of grooves communicating between said recess and said interconnecting means, said primary structure also including second means for routing said second wires of said distribution lines to said interconnecting means.
A module for mounting to a bracket of a distribution frame, said module interconnecting first wires from an incoming feed cable to second wires from distribution lines, said module comprising:
- means for protecting said first wires of said incoming feed cable and said second wires of said distribution lines from a transient signal carried along the other, said protecting means including a circuit board having means for shunting to ground when sufficiently heated, said protecting means further including means for covering at least portions of opposite sides of said circuit board, said circuit board having contacts extending beyond said covering means;
- means for connecting a pair of first wires with a pair of second wires, said connecting means including four connectors spaced about said protecting means, each of said connectors including a spring finger for contacting one of said contacts on said circuit board, each of said connectors further including means for retaining at least one of said lines;
- means for grounding said protecting means;
- a primary structure having a front face and a rear, first and second opposite sides, and first and second opposite ends, said primary structure holding said protecting means, said interconnecting means, and said grounding means, said primary structure further including first means for routing said first wires of said feed cable and second means for routing said second wires of said distribution lines, said first routing means including an aperture and a wire distribution recess, said aperture opening into said recess, said first routing means further including a plurality of wire grooves leading from said recess to at least two of said connectors, said wire grooves including first means for relieving strain on said first wires extending therealong, said second routing means including a plurality of passageways extending from the first end of said primary structure to a different two of said connectors, said second routing means further including second means for relieving strain on said second wires extending therealong.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.