Modular jack patching device

#This invention relates generally to patching devices for use in the telecommunications field. More particularly, this invention relates to devices for accessing, monitoring, testing and patching of telecommunication circuits wherein the devices comprise discrete pre-emptive patching modules which are easily snap fit onto a suitable panel.

#Modular jack distribution systems allow standard 25 pair (50 pin) telephone connectors (Telco) cabeling systems to be redistributed for multiple modular jack access. These devices allow efficient break-out, interconnection and patching for modems, terminals, CPU's and the like. In particular, panel systems of this type provide quick and efficient means for monitoring, isolating, testing and patching of four, six and eight wire communications circuits.

#Patching devices for telecommunications signalling applications have been in use for many years. The earliest widespread use of patch connectors for signalling circuits consisted of "Bantam" jack fields: plugs with a single probe element consisting of a series of aligned but electrically isolated cylindrical conductors designed to mate with appropriately spaced contact spring fingers in a female receptacle with a circular opening. The receptacle spring fingers are configured many ways including those with switchable connections activated by the insertion of the cylindrical plug. Electrical schematics for various prior art Bantam jack configurations are described in "DSX Digital Signal Cross-Connect", Catalogue No. 218 9/86, pp. 54-55 published by ADC Telecommunications, Minneapolis, Minn. Although Bantam jacks are still in use for signal applications between telephone company central office facilities, their cost and physical limitations with respect to ease of cable and patch cord terminations (wrapped wire and solder terminals) and a maximum of only two switchable connection points per connector have inhibited their acceptance and use for commercial and industrial wiring applications. Also, because temporary shorts occur between tip and ring conductors as the plug is inserted, Bantam connectors present an electrical hazard to some types of voltage sensitive equipment. Instead, the connector of choice for administering patching functions for private data and voice communications networks operating over unshielded twisted pair wiring are the well known modular jack connectors used for residential and commercial telephone outlets.

#Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several figures:

#FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a dual pre-emptive jack module (shown without wire leads) in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the module of FIG. 1;

#Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, a patching module in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 10. Module 10 includes four discrete components, namely a one-piece molded housing 12, a pair of jack inserts 14 and 16 and a printed circuit board 18. It will be appreciated that FIG. 8 depicts housing 12 prior to installation of both jack inserts 14, 16 and circuit board 18. FIGS. 7A-7C depict circuit board 18, while FIGS. 9 and 10 are side-elevation and end views respectively showing installation of jack inserts 14, 16 and circuit board 18 onto housing 12.

#Housing 12 includes a front face 20, a rear face 22, a pair of end surfaces 24, 26 and a pair of side surfaces 28, 30. Front face 20 of housing 12 includes a pair of oppositely disposed openings 32, 34 which are sized and configured to receive a standard modular plug well known in the industry as a Type RJ45 modular plug. As is known, a modular plug is snap-fit in opening 32 or 34 in a conventional manner. In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, openings 32 and 34 are arranged in a back-to-back orientation which allows for a short, data worthy transmission path between jacks via the printed circuitry on circuit board 18 as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. It will be appreciated that the term "back-to-back" means that modular telecommunications plugs inserted into openings 32 and 34 will have their respective snap-locking mechanisms in facing relationship as shown by the T-shaped portions 36 and 38 of each respective openings 32, 34, which are also in facing relationship. Finally, front face 20 also includes a pair of rectangular openings 40 and 42 in alignment with openings 32, 34 and at either end of housing 12. Openings 40, 42 are provided for the purpose of facilitating removal of jack inserts 14 and 16 for replacement or repair.

#As best shown in FIG. 8, rearward surface 22 of housing 12 similarly includes openings 132, 134 which extend from rearward surface 22 to the rearside of front surface 20. Each opening 132, 134 is associated with a plurality of spaced walls 140 defining therebetween eight spaced channels 142 which are sized to receive a resilient pin 44 from jack insert 14 or 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 9). A ridge 46 extends upwardly from rearward surface 22 and runs along rearward surface 22 between all of the channels 142. Each ridge 46 includes a recess 47 transverse to the length of ridge 46 and sized and positioned to receive and support an individual resilient pin 44. Also extending upwardly from rearward surface 22 and arranged at the corners of a rectangle are four spaced latches 48. Each latch 48 includes a shoulder portion 50. It will be appreciated that the linear distance defined between each shoulder 50 and the top surface of each ridge 46 is equal to the thickness of circuit board 18 (said thickness being shown in FIG. 7B). A pair of oppositely disposed positioning tabs 52 also extend upwardly from rearward surface 22 and are disposed approximately half way between opposing pairs of latches 48. Tabs 52 are sized and positioned to receive a pair of complimentary oriented openings 54 in circuit board 18 and thereby align and position circuit board 18 on rearward surface 22 of housing 12 (see FIGS. 7A-7C).