EP3691036B1 - Universal connection module for electrical connector, and device for transferring data comprising such a module - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to the field of data transfer devices comprising an RJ45 connector.

State of the prior art

In the field of data transfer, the use of RJ45 type connectors is widespread, these connectors having both low cost and remarkable reliability.

In reference to the figure 1 , an RJ45 type connector generally consists of a male connector 91 or female connector 92. When the connector 91 is male, it is designed to be plugged into a corresponding female connector 92.

Each connector 91/92 typically includes connecting strips 911/921 which come into contact with each other when the male connector 91 is plugged into the female connector 92 (see Figures 1 and 2 ).

According to a first female connector architecture 92, illustrated in figure 2 , this comprises a printed circuit 922 and connection plugs 923 fixed on the printed circuit 922. The plugs 923 make it possible to hold conductive wires of the cable 93 and to establish an electrical connection between these wires and the connection strips 921 of the connector 92, via tracks (not shown) of the printed circuit 922.

According to a second known architecture, illustrated in figures 3 And 4 , the cable 93 is connected to a module 94 intended to be assembled to a dedicated RJ45 connector 95. By dedicated connector, we mean a connector 95 comprising a receiving member 951 of such a module 94. In the example of the figure 4 , connector 95 is female.

In the prior art, the module 94 typically comprises plugs 941 provided, on the one hand, to hold the conductive wires of the cable 93 and, on the other hand, to establish an electrical connection between these conductive wires and contact tabs 952 provided in the receiving member 951 of the connector 95.

Such a module 94 makes it possible to connect the cable 93 successively to different types of connectors without modifying the connection of the conductive wires.

Such an architecture is relatively complex since the electrical connection between the conductive wires of the cable 93 and the printed circuit 953 of the connector 95 requires several contact parts, in this case said plugs 941 of the module 94 and said tabs 952 of the connector 95.

Patent publications EP2806500 , US2014/273605 And DE102010021871 each disclose a module comprising a base provided with a connecting face on which pins are exposed for establishing contact with contact elements of a printed circuit when the base is in a contact position.

The present invention aims in particular to simplify the architecture of such a universal connection device.

Disclosure of the invention

• une embase comportant une face de liaison, cette embase étant apte à être placée dans une position de contact dans laquelle la face de liaison est en vis-à-vis de pistes d'un circuit imprimé du connecteur,
• des fiches de raccordement reçues par l'embase, chaque fiche comportant une première extrémité agencée pour recevoir un fil conducteur du câble et une deuxième extrémité débouchant sur ladite face de liaison de manière à établir un contact entre cette deuxième extrémité et une piste du circuit imprimé lorsque l'embase est dans la position de contact,
• un couvercle s'emboîtant avec l'embase, ce couvercle comportant des rainures agencées pour recevoir chacune une portion d'un fil conducteur respectif, dans lequel l'embase comprend une empreinte en vis-à-vis des rainures du couvercle de manière à enfermer les fils conducteurs dans leur rainure respective. Selon l'invention, l'embase comprend en outre des parois latérales au droit de la face de liaison et des butées reliées à ces parois latérales, ces butées étant configurées pour coopérer avec le circuit imprimé de manière à maintenir l'embase dans la position de contact.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a data transfer device according to claim 1. This device comprising a male or female RJ45 connector, a cable and a module for connecting the cable to the RJ45 connector. The connection module comprising:

• a base comprising a connecting face, this base being able to be placed in a contact position in which the connecting face is opposite tracks of a printed circuit of the connector,
• connection plugs received by the base, each plug comprising a first end arranged to receive a conductive wire of the cable and a second end opening onto said connection face so as to establish contact between this second end and a track of the printed circuit when the base is in the contact position,
• a cover fitting with the base, this cover comprising grooves arranged to each receive a portion of a respective conductive wire, in which the base comprises an imprint facing the grooves of the cover so as to enclose the conductive wires in their respective groove. According to the invention, the base further comprises side walls at right angles to the connecting face and stops connected to these side walls, these stops being configured to cooperate with the printed circuit so as to maintain the base in the contact position.

Such a module makes it possible to establish electrical contact between a conductive wire of the cable and a track of the printed circuit by means of a single part, in this case a connection plug.

This simplifies the architecture of a universal connection module, improves the robustness of the module and limits manufacturing costs.

In addition, such an architecture makes it possible to simplify the connection of the module to a connector. The connection can be carried out using a single translation movement.

In one embodiment, the second end of each plug may be resilient such that, when the base is in the contact position, said second end exerts a bearing force against the corresponding track.

More generally, each plug may be arranged to establish a spring contact between the second end and the corresponding track when the base is in the contact position.

According to the invention, the module further comprises a cover fitting into the base.

The cover according to the invention comprises grooves arranged to each receive a portion of a respective conductive wire.

Such a cover allows to isolate each conductive wire from each other and facilitates the assembly of the module.

Preferably, the cover may comprise housings receiving the first end of the plugs such that, when the cover is fitted with the base, the first end of each plug is in contact with a portion of a conductive wire received in a corresponding groove.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to optimize and guarantee the establishment of contact between each plug and the corresponding conductive wire.

According to the invention, the base comprises an imprint facing the grooves of the cover so as to enclose the conductive wires in their respective groove.

Preferably, the first end of each plug comprises two arms arranged to grip a conductive wire of the cable.

In one embodiment, the base may comprise one or more elements for guiding and/or snapping the module relative to the connector, these elements being capable of positioning and/or maintaining the base in the contact position.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] est une vue en perspective de connecteurs mâle et femelle selon l'art antérieur ;
• [Fig. 2] est une vue schématique en perspective de parties de connecteurs mâle et femelle selon l'art antérieur;
• [Fig. 3] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un câble relié à des fiches de raccordement d'un connecteur selon l'art antérieur ;
• [Fig. 4] est une vue schématique en perspective de parties de connecteurs mâle et femelle et d'un module de raccordement selon l'art antérieur;
• [Fig. 5] est une vue schématique en perspective de connecteurs mâle et femelle et d'un module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 6] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un circuit imprimé de connecteur et d'un module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 7] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 8] est une vue schématique en perspective et en éclaté montrant des fiches ainsi qu'une embase et un couvercle formant un module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 9] est une vue schématique en perspective et en éclaté montrant l'embase portant les fiches, ainsi que le couvercle du module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 10] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un circuit imprimé de connecteur et d'une fiche de raccordement d'un module selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 11] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un câble relié à un couvercle d'un module de raccordement selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 12] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un outil d'assemblage d'un module de raccordement selon l'invention, montrant le module avant assemblage d'une embase et d'un couvercle ;
• [Fig. 13] est une vue schématique en perspective de l'outil d'assemblage, montrant le module en cours d'assemblage ;
• [Fig. 14] est une vue schématique en perspective de l'outil d'assemblage, montrant le module après assemblage de l'embase et du couvercle ;
• [Fig. 15] est une vue schématique en perspective de l'outil d'assemblage, montrant une barrette constituée de plusieurs embases.

The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of male and female connectors according to the prior art;
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic perspective view of parts of male and female connectors according to the prior art;
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic perspective view of a cable connected to connection plugs of a connector according to the prior art;
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic perspective view of parts of male and female connectors and of a connection module according to the prior art;
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic perspective view of male and female connectors and a connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 6 ] is a schematic perspective view of a connector printed circuit and a connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a schematic perspective view of a connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 8 ] is a schematic perspective and exploded view showing plugs as well as a base and a cover forming a connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 9 ] is a schematic perspective and exploded view showing the base carrying the plugs, as well as the cover of the connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 10 ] is a schematic perspective view of a connector printed circuit and a connection plug of a module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 11 ] is a schematic perspective view of a cable connected to a cover of a connection module according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 12 ] is a schematic perspective view of a tool for assembling a connection module according to the invention, showing the module before assembly of a base and a cover;
• [ Fig. 13 ] is a schematic perspective view of the assembly tool, showing the module being assembled;
• [ Fig. 14 ] is a schematic perspective view of the assembly tool, showing the module after assembly of the base and cover;
• [ Fig. 15 ] is a schematic perspective view of the assembly tool, showing a strip made up of several bases.

Detailed description of embodiments

There figure 5 shows a data transfer device according to the invention.

This device comprises a female electrical connector 200 of RJ45 type arranged to receive a corresponding male connector 300. When the connector 300 is plugged into the connector 200, electrical signals can be transferred from one to the other via connection strips (not shown) according to principles well known in the prior art. Such a connection typically makes it possible to transfer data from a cable 101 connected to one of these connectors 200 to a cable 301 connected to the other of these connectors 300.

This device has the particularity of comprising a module 100 for connecting the cable 101 to the connector 200 as described below. The cable 101 is therefore in this case connected to the connector 200 indirectly, via the module 100.

Such a module 100 allows an operator to connect the cable 101 to different types of connectors without rewiring. Indeed, such a module 100 can be connected to a connector 200, or disconnected therefrom, without modifying the connection of the cable 101 to this module 100.

The invention relates more specifically to the architecture of the module 100. The invention is however not limited to a module 100 for connecting a cable 101 to a connector 200 of the type shown in figure 5 The connector 200 may consist of any other type of connector, in particular male or female, of the RJ45, USB type or forming any other type of interface, provided that this connector 200 comprises a printed circuit capable of receiving or exchanging electrical data with the module 100 according to the principles described below.

Of course, the invention also covers any data transfer device comprising such a module 100.

THE Figures 6 and 7 show a module 100 according to the invention, a cable 101 connected to this module 100 and a printed circuit 102 of a connector which consists of the connector 200 illustrated in the figure 5 . In these different figures, the printed circuit 102 is shown detached from the module 100.

The module 100 and the printed circuit 102 are intended to be secured to each other so as to transfer data. To do this, the connector comprises typically a housing (not shown) capable of receiving the module 100 in a configuration allowing such data transfer.

In the example illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 , the module 100 comprises a base 1, connection plugs 2 and a cover 3.

The base 1 has a connecting face 11 (visible in figures 6 , 8 And 9 ) intended to be located opposite the printed circuit 102 when the module 100 is plugged into the connector, in said configuration authorizing a transfer of data between the module 100 and the printed circuit 102 of the connector (see above).

More precisely, when the module 100 is plugged into the connector, the base 1 is placed in a contact position in which the connecting face 11 is opposite tracks of the printed circuit 102.

The base 1 is arranged to receive the plugs 2, in particular within openings passing through the base 1 from the connecting face 11 to an opposite face located opposite the cover 3 (see Figures 8 And 9 , and below).

A particular geometry of sheet 2 is visible at Figures 8 And 10 .

In this example, each plug 2 comprises a first end 21 formed by two arms 211 and 212 (cf. figure 10 ). These arms 211 and 212 are arranged to grip a conductive wire 111 of the cable 101.

Each plug 2 also comprises a second end 22, opposite the first end 21. In this example, the second end 22 comprises an elastic tab, capable of deformation relative to the first end 21.

Such a geometry of plug 2 allows its insertion into one of the openings of the base 1 provided for this purpose, so that the second end 22 opens onto the connecting face 11, this in such a way as to establish contact between this second end 22 and a track 112 of the printed circuit 102 when the base 1 is in the contact position.

In reference to the figure 10 , we see that such a plug 2 allows, thanks to its geometry, to establish a spring contact between its second end 22 and a corresponding track 112 when the base 1 is in the contact position.

In other words, the elasticity conferred by the geometry of the plug 2, in particular the presence of a tab forming its second end 22, allows the latter to exert a bearing force against the track 112 when the base 1 is in the contact position.

In particular, in order to protect the conductive wires 111 of the cable 101, the base 1 is surmounted by the cover 1 so as to together form a housing in which the conductive wires 111 are enclosed.

In reference to the figures 9 And 11 , the cover 3 comprises grooves 31 arranged to each receive a portion of a respective conductive wire 111.

The assembly of the cover 3 and the base 1 is carried out after arranging the conductive wires 111 in their respective groove 31 according to a configuration such as that illustrated in figure 11 . From such a configuration, the base 1 equipped with the plugs 2 - see the figure 9 which shows the base 1 with the plugs 2 in their respective opening - is assembled with the cover 3.

The base 1 preferably comprises an imprint facing the grooves 31 of the cover 3 so as to close the grooves 31 and/or to enclose the conductive wires 111 in their respective groove 31 when the base 1 and the cover 3 are assembled. Alternatively, the imprint can be replaced by a face of any geometry, for example flat.

As is evident from the figure 9 , the first end 21 of the plugs 2 opens at the level of the face of the base 1 located opposite the cover 3, thus allowing them to come into contact with the conductive wires 111.

In this regard, the cover 3 preferably comprises housings arranged to receive the first end of the plugs 2 so that, when the cover 3 is assembled with the base 1, the first end of each plug 2 is in contact with a portion of a conductive wire 111 received in a corresponding groove 31.

Thus, when assembling the base 1 with the cover 3, the arms 211 and 212 of each plug 2 are simultaneously housed in the corresponding housings of the cover 3 and enclose a conductive wire 111 located in the corresponding groove 31.

Such a module 100 therefore makes it possible to establish contact between the cable 101 and the printed circuit 102 via the plugs 2, the second end 22 of which is in contact with tracks 112 of the printed circuit 102 when the base 1 is in the contact position.

In order to place the base 1 in the contact position, the latter may comprise one or more guiding and/or snap-fastening elements of the module 100 relative to the connector. An advantageous function of such guiding and/or snap-fastening elements is to position and/or maintain the base 1 in the contact position.

In the example of realization of the figure 6 , the base 1 comprises side walls 12 at right angles to the connecting face 11. These side walls 12 constitute guide elements making it possible to position the base 1 so as to place the second end 22 of the plugs 2 opposite the tracks 112 of the printed circuit 102.

The printed circuit 102 is inserted by a translational movement relative to the connecting face 11, and more particularly by sliding one relative to the other, to be arranged in the contact position. The translational movement is carried out perpendicular to the orientation of the pins 2 (orientation defined by the direction passing through the first end 21 and the second end 22 of the pins 2). Such a movement is carried out in a particularly simple manner, while ensuring satisfactory electrical contact at the connector 200.

In this example, the base 1 also comprises stops 13 connected to the side walls 12. These stops 13 are arranged to hold the printed circuit 102 against the connecting face 11 when the base 1 is in the contact position. More particularly, the stops 13 are configured to cooperate, in particular by contact, with the printed circuit 102 so as to maintain the base 1 in the contact position.

Thus, in the contact position, the printed circuit 102 is interposed between the stops 13 and the second end 22 of the plugs 2. The stops 13 are more particularly configured to allow contact, in particular fixed contact, between the second end 22 of the plugs 2 and the tracks 112 of the printed circuit 102. The spring or elastic function of the plugs 2 as described above makes it possible to keep the printed circuit 102 in compression against the stops 13.

In reference to the figure 8 , the base 1 may comprise fingers 14 allowing the assembly of several modules 100 one behind the other in order to facilitate their transport. These fingers 14 are preferably arranged to be introduced into the tool 40 (see below) as can be a block of staples in a stapler.

In reference to the figure 12 , the assembly of data transfer devices according to the invention can be facilitated by using a tool 40 configured to assemble a base 1 and a cover 3, more precisely a base 1 equipped with plugs 2 and a cover 3 receiving the conductive wires 111 of a cable 101 according to the principle illustrated in FIG. figure 11 .

THE Figures 12 to 14 show an assembly sequence using such a tool 40.

A base 1 equipped with plugs 2 is first placed in the tool 40; separately, for example beforehand, the conductive wires 111 of a cable 101 are placed in the grooves of a cover 3 ( figure 12 ).

The cover 3 receiving the conductive wires 111 is then introduced into the tool 40 opposite the base 1 ( figure 13 ).

For this purpose, the tool 40 comprises elements for receiving the base 1 and the cover 3 between respective jaws of the tool 40.

After placing the base 1 and the cover 3 between the jaws of the tool 40, the latter is actuated, typically using a lever 41 (visible in the figure 12 ). Actuation of the tool 40 makes it possible to press the cover 3 against the base 1 and to assemble these. During this operation, the portion of the conductive wires 111 emerging from the grooves 31 towards the outside of the cover 3 (portion of the wires 111 visible on the figure 11 ) and the fingers 14 are simultaneously cut by a cutting member of the tool 40 (see Figures 13 and 14 ).

The assembly sequence which has just been described makes it possible to obtain a subassembly consisting of a module 100 and a cable 101, which can be implemented in a data transfer device according to the invention.

The assembly can be optimized by pre-assembling a series of bases 1A, 1B, 1C... in the form of a strip B1 (see figure 15 ). Two adjacent bases 1A, 1B, 1C... can be assembled using fingers 14.

In reference to the figure 15 , such a strip B1 is inserted into a reserve of the tool 40 after having equipped each base 1A, 1B, 1C... with connection plugs.

In this case, when the tool 40 is actuated, a cover is assembled with the base 1A located between the jaws of the tool 40 and this base 1A is separated from the bases 1B, 1C... of the bar B1 by cutting the two fingers 14.

Regarding the undescribed functions of the tool 40, it may operate in a manner similar to an office stapler.

Claims (5)

1. Data-transferring device, comprising a RJ45 connector (200) male or female, a cable (101) and a module (100) for connecting the cable (101) to the RJ45 connector (200), the module (100) for connecting comprising:

   - a base (1) comprising a mating face (11), this base (1) being able to be placed in a contact position in which the mating face (11) is facing tracks (112) of a printed circuit board (102) of the RJ45 connector (200),

   - connecting pins (2) that are accommodated by the base (1), each pin (2) comprising a first end (21) that is arranged to receive a conductive wire (111) of the cable (101) and a second end (22) that protrudes from said mating face (11) so that a contact is established between the second end (22) and a track (112) of the printed circuit board (102) when the base (1) is in the contact position, and,

   - a cover (3) that interlocks with the base (1), this cover (3) comprising grooves (31) each of which is arranged to receive one segment of one respective conductive wire (111),

   in which the base (1) comprises an imprint facing the grooves (31) of the cover (3) so as to enclose the conductive wires (111) in their respective groove (31),

   characterized in that the base (1) comprises sidewalls (12) perpendicular to the mating face (11) and stops (13) that are joined to these sidewalls (12), these stops (13) being configured to interact with the printed circuit board (102) so as to keep the base (1) in the contact position.
2. Data-transferring device according to Claim 1, wherein the second end (22) of each pin (2) is elastic so that, when the base (1) is in the contact position, said second end (22) exerts a force that keeps it in abutment against the corresponding track (112).
3. Data-transferring device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein each pin (2) is arranged to establish a spring contact between the second end (22) and the corresponding track (112) when the base (1) is in the contact position.
4. Data-transferring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (3) comprises housings that accommodate the first end of the pins (2) so that, when the cover (3) is interlocked with the base (1), the first end of each pin (2) makes contact with one segment of one conductive wire (111) accommodated in a corresponding groove (31).
5. Data-transferring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (21) of each pin (2) comprises two arms (211, 212) that are arranged to grip one conductive wire (111) of the cable (101).

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