Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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=
VERTICAL T-JUNCTION BLOCK ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to electrical power distribution systems and, more
particularly, to systems having junction block assemblies and the requirement
of providing
vertically disposed electrical connections to at least some of the junction
block assemblies.
Background Art
Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units.
These
units are often joined together in various configurations, so as to divide a
workplace into
smaller offices or work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels may be
equipped with
means for receiving general building power and, possibly, general
communications. Such
building power may, for example, be conventional AC power received either
under floor
or from relatively permanent walls or the like. In various types of
environments
comprising electrical equipment, or wherein electrical apparatus are otherwise
employed,
interconnections of electrical components to incoming utility power are
typically provided
by means of cables or wires. For example, in office systems compromising
modular
furniture components, it is often necessary to provide electrical
interconnections between
incoming power supplies and various types of electrical devices typically used
in an office
environment, such as electric typewriters, lamps, etc. Computer-related
devices, such as
video display terminals and similar peripherals, are also now commonly
employed in
various office and industrial environments.
One advantage inherent in modular office systems is the capability to
rearrange
furniture components as necessitated by changes in space requirements,
resulting from
changes in the number of personnel and other business-related considerations.
However,
these modular systems must not only allow for change in furniture
configurations, but also
must provide for convenient interconnection of electrical devices to utility
power,
regardless of the spacial configuration of the modular systems and resultant
variable
distances between electrical devices.
In providing the interconnection of electrical apparatus and power inputs, it
is
necessary to include an arrangement for feeding the incoming utility power to
the power
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,
outlets. In stationary structures, such as conventional industrial buildings
and the like, a
substantial amount of room would normally exist behind stationary walls and
other areas
in which to provide the requisite cabling for interconnecting incoming utility
power to
electrical receptacles mounted in the walls. Such systems, however, can be
designed so as
to remain stationary throughout their lifetime, without requiring general
changes in the
office or industrial environment areas.
In addition to receiving electrical power from the general incoming building
power
supply, modular office systems typically require communications connections
for office
equipment such as telephones, interne communications and the like. The
problems
associated with providing distribution of communications essentially
correspond to the
same problems existing with respect to distribution of conventional electrical
power.
In this regard, it is known to provide modular wall panels with areas
characterized
as raceways. Often, these raceways are located along bottom edges of modular
panels.
The raceways are adapted to house electrical cabling and electrical junction
blocks. The
cabling and junction blocks are utilized to provide electrical outlets and
electrical power
connections to adjacent panels. However, it is also apparent that to the
extent reference is
made herein to providing electrical outlets and electrical power connections
for adjacent
panels, the same issues exist with respect to providing communications among
panels.
Still further, it is known that the raceway of one modular wall unit may be
provided with a male connector at one end, and a female connector at another
end. Pairs
of junction blocks, each provided with electrical outlets, made to be disposed
at spaced-
apart positions along the raceway. Conduits may be extended between the
junction blocks
and between the connectors in the junction blocks.
In this manner, electrical
interconnection is provided between the units.
The modular panels of a space-divider may be configured, such that adjacent
panels are in a straight line, or at various angular positions relative to
each other. It is
common to configure intersecting walls in such a fashion that three or four
modular wall
panels may intersect at right angles. Each of the panels typically requires
electrical
outlets, and may require outlets on both sides of the panels. In any event,
electrical power
has to be provided to all of the panels, and often only one of the panels at
the multiple
panel junction is connected to a power supply source. Under such
circumstances, the
interconnecting wiring becomes a significant problem. That is, special
modifications may
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have to be made to power systems of wall panels to be used in such a
configuration.
Because interchangeability of wall panels is highly desirable, custom
modifications are
preferably avoided. Still further, modifications of wall panels on site at the
installation
facility is complex and may be relatively expensive.
In addition to the foregoing issues, problems can arise with respect to the
use of
junction blocks and the amount of room which may exist within a raceway. That
is,
raceways require sufficient room so as to provide for junction blocks,
electrical outlet
receptacle blocks, and cabling extending between junction blocks and between
adjacent
panels.
One example of a prior art system is illustrated in Propst's, et al., U.S.
Patent No.
4,382,648 issued May 10, 1983. In the Propst, et al. system, mating connectors
of
opposing panels are engaged when the panels are aligned in a straight line.
When the
panels are positioned in an intersecting relationship, specially manufactured
couplers are
utilized. One type of special coupler is used when the panels are positioned
at right
angles. Another type is used with adjoining panels arranged at angles other
than right
angles. Consequently, costly inventory of couplers must be maintained. The
Propst, et al.
system uses a double set of connectors comprising a male and female connector
for each
conductor to be interconnected. When a single one of these prior art panels
intersects two
adjacent panels, one of the specially manufactured couplers connects the
female terminals
to one of the adjacent panels, and another of the couplers connects the male
terminals to
the adjacent panel.
A further system is disclosed in Driscoll, U.S. Patent No. 4,135,775, issued
January 23, 1979. In the Driscoll system, each panel is provided with an
electrical outlet
box in its raceway. Panels of different widths are provided with a pair of
female
connectors. Outlet boxes of adjacent panels are interconnected by means of
flexible
cables having male connectors at both ends. When three or four panels are
adjoined in an
intersecting arrangement, two cables may be connected the pair of female
connectors at
one end of an outlet box. In this manner, connection of two adjacent panels is
facilitated.
With respect to both of the foregoing systems, and other than in the special
intersecting relationship, one half of the double set of terminals of these
systems is
superfluous. There is a distinct disadvantage in modern day systems, where
several
independent electrical circuits are needed in a wall panel system, with each
requiring
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separate connectors. Space for such circuits and their connectors is very
limited in the
raceway areas of modern, thin-line wall panels.
Other systems also exist with respect to electrical connectors, junction
boxes, and
the like. For example, Rodrigues, U.S. Patent No. 1,187,010 issued June 13,
1916,
discloses a detachable and interchangeable electrical switch plug adapted for
use in
connection with various electrically heated appliances. A clamping device is
positioned in
a fixed, but detachable relationship to one end of the plug. Means are
provided to enclose
and prevent sharp flexure of the cord comprising a flexible enclosing tube
gripped under
tension by the other end of the clamping device. The plug and the clamping
device may
be simultaneously removed from the socket.
Finizie, U.S. Patent No. 2,540,575, issued February 6, 1951, discloses a cord
guide
member for utensil plugs. The concept is to reduce wear on the cord and the
connector
plug, and to provide a connection which will withstand heavy pulling strains
without
injury. Strain relief is also provided. A sectional body is equipped
anteriorally adjacent
one end of the body with terminals. The other end of the body contains an
anterior
chamber or socket. A pivotable cord-guiding member having a pivot member is
movably
mounted in the socket. A wedge-shaped strain relief insert is received within
a wedge-
shaped recess in the pivot member. A cord extends into the pivot member and
includes
wires passing from the cord toward the terminals. The incoming portions of the
wires are
moved around the insert and firmly wedged within the recess.
Byrne, U.S. Patent No. 4,551,577, issued November 5, 1985, describes a
retractable power center. The power center provides for conveniently located
electrical
power source receptacles adapted to be mounted on a work surface. In one
embodiment,
the power center includes a rectangular housing received within a slot in a
work surface.
A clamping arrangement is utilized to secure the housing to the work surface.
A lower
extrusion is connected to the lower portion of the housing. A movable power
carriage
mounts the receptacles and a catch assembly releasably maintains a carriage in
a closed
and retracted position. In response to manual activation, the catch assembly
is released
and springs tensioned between the carriage and the extrusion exert forces so
as to extend
the carriage upward into an extended, open position. In the open position, the
user can
energize the desired electrical devices from the receptacles, and then lower
the carriage
into the retracted position.
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Byrne, U.S. Patent No. 4,959,021, issued September 25, 1990, discloses a
pivotable power feed connector having a pivotal connector adapted to be
connected to a
flexible conduit or cable. The cable has a series of conductors extending
there through.
The connector is pivotably connected to a block assembly through which the
conductors
extend. The block assembly, in turn, is connectable to a contact block, with
the
conductors conductively connected to a set of prong terminals extending
outwardly from
the block. A cover is secured over the block so as to prevent the prong
terminals from
being exposed during assembly and disassembly.
The cover automatically exposes the prong terminals as the power feed
connector
is moved into engagement with a receptacle in a modular office panel. The
connector
allows the conduit or cable to be swiveled to an arc of approximately 180
degrees to any
desired position. The connector is also manually removable from
interconnection with the
block assembly. Such removal allows the conduit or cable to be pulled back
from the
conductors and cut to a desired length. The connector includes a power feed
cover which
can be utilized in part to maintain the connector in either of two spatial
configurations
relative to the block assembly.
Nienhuis, et al., U.S. Patent No. 5, 013,252, issued May 7, 1991, discloses an
electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server located
within a wall
panel unit. The server includes four receptacle module ports oriented in an h-
shaped
configuration. A first receptacle port is located on the first side of the
wall panel unit and
opens toward a first end of the unit. A second receptacle unit is also located
on the first
side of the wall panel unit, and opens toward a second end of the wall panel
unit. A third
receptacle port and a second sided wall panel unit opens toward the first end
of the wall
panel unit, while correspondingly, a fourth receptacle port on the second side
of the wall
panel unit opens toward the second end of the wall panel unit. First and
second harnesses
are each electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power
distribution server. They
extend to opposite ends of the wall paneled unit and include connector ports
on the second
ends thereof for providing electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel
units. The
Nienhuis, et al. patent also discloses a system with a wall panel connector
interchangeably
usable with the interconnection of two, three or four units. The connector
includes a hook
member for connecting together adjacent vertical members of frames of adjacent
wall
panel units at a lower portion thereof. A draw naught for connecting together
adjacent
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vertical members of frames of adjacent wall panel units and an odd proportion
thereof is
provided by vertical displacement thereof.
Lincoln, et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,073,120, issued December 17, 1991,
discloses a
power distribution assembly having a bussing distribution connector. The
connector
includes a series of bus terminals positioned within an electrically
insulative housing. A
series of electrical terminals are positioned in the housing for distributing
more than one
electrical circuit. At least one ground terminal, one neutral terminal, and
three hot
terminals are provided. A grounding shell partially surrounds the bus
connector and
includes a grounding tab grounding the one ground terminal to the metallic
grounding
shell. In another embodiment, two bus connectors are interconnected together,
so as to
provide for an increased number of output ports.
Byrne, U.S. Patent No. 5,096,431, issued March 17, 1992, discloses an outlet
receptacle with rearrangeable terminals. The receptacle is provided with input
terminals to
selected positions, for engagement with terminals of an electrical junction
block. The
block includes a series of terminals representing a plurality of different
electrical circuits.
The receptacle block has neutral, ground and positive flexible positive
conductor bars
electrically connected to neutral, ground and positive electrical terminals.
Input terminals
of the block are formed integral with the flexible conductor bars and levers
are provided
for moving the terminal ends of the conductor bars to physically different
positions. In
one configuration, the receptacle block housing is provided with openings at
opposing
ends, and the flexible conductor bars have terminal ends controlled by levers
at both ends
of the outlet receptacle block. In another configuration, the block has output
terminals in a
front wall, and the input terminals of the receptacle block are formed as ends
of the
flexible bars and extend at an approximately 90 degree angle to the bars. They
further
send through openings in the back wall of the outlet receptacle for engagement
with
terminals of a junction block. Levers are provided in the back wall of the
receptacle block
for positioning the terminal ends in alignment with different terminals of the
junction
block, and windowed openings in the front wall expose indices on the levers
identifying
selected circuits.
Byrne, U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434, issued March 17, 1992, discloses an
electrical
interconnection assembly for use in wall panels of a space divider wall
system. The
system includes junction blocks having several receptacle connectors, so as to
provide a
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plurality of electrical outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction
block is
connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction block
to
oppositely directed connector blocks for connection to adjoining panels. The
assembly of
the junction block and connector blocks allows electrical power to be supplied
to one end
of the panel and conducted to and through the junction block to other panels.
The
receptacle connectors on the junction block each have one type of terminal
configuration,
e.g., a female electrical terminal configuration. One of the connector blocks
is provided
with the identical terminal configuration. The other connector block is
provided with a
matching terminal configuration, e.g., a male electrical terminal
configuration. When two
wall panels are joined at their respective edges, the male connector block may
be readily
connected to the female connector block in the adjacent panel. When two panels
are
joined to a third panel, all at one point, the arrangement of this invention
allows the male
connector block to be connected to the female connector block of one of the
other two
panels, and the male connector of the other of the two panels may be connected
to one of
the receptacle connectors of the junction block on either of the other two
panels, in this
manner establishing a three way interconnection arrangement. In a similar
fashion, a
fourth, or other additional panels may be added to the junction and plug into
receptacle
outlets of other panels in order to provide an arrangement of panels that is
totally
interconnected, electrically.
Snodgrass, et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,164,544, issued November 17, 1992,
describes
an electrified space dividing panel having a panel member, raceway, modular,
or electric
system disposed in a raceway and raceway covers for gaining access to the
system. The
system includes a single terminal block having end and side sockets, with
first and second
electrical receptacles being respectively removeably engaged with the end
socket and the
side sockets, such that the first and second electrical receptacles are
disposed in
horizontally spaced, side-by-side relation and project outwardly for
predetermined light
dimensions through receptacle openings in one of the raceway covers. The
raceway can
include a web having an opening which cooperates with a support ear on the
first
receptacle during engagement of the first receptacle with an end socket, so as
to provide
additional lateral support for the electrical receptacle when a plug is
removed there from.
Kilpatrick, et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,178,555, discloses a kit which includes
a
junction box for installation along a raceway. The kit includes a mounting
bracket having
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a first adjustable mounting mechanism for locating the bracket along the
raceway. This
provides an initial adjustment, and a second adjustable mounting mechanism is
provided
for securing the junction box to the mounting bracket. This adjustably locates
the junction
box along the mounting bracket, and provides a second or final adjustment to
accurately
locate the junction box between two pre-measured lengths of cable.
Byrne, U.S. Patent No. 5,259,787, issued November 9, 1993, discloses an
electrical
junction block mounting assembly, which may be utilized for mounting the
junction block
within a raceway. The assembly includes a cantilever beam formed on an outer
wall of the
junction block. This beam is provided with a transversely extending channel
for
engagement with a support structure. The beam is attached to the junction
block by means
of a resilient hinge section, and is provided with a first arm section
extending between the
hinge section and the channel, and a second arm section extending beyond the
channel.
The first arm section has a sloping surface sloping away from the outer
channel between
the hinge section of the panel. The second armed section has a sloping surface
sloping
toward the wall beyond the channel. The surfaces will contact a mounting rail
or similar
structure during installation of the junction block. In this manner, the
hinged cantilever
beam is deflected until the rail is in alignment with the channel for
engagement with the
structural support member.
One issue which exists with respect to power distribution systems for use in
raceways and other configurations relates to directional connections of
interconnected
power and jumper cable assemblies. That is, in a power distribution system,
whether used
within a raceway of an office panel, or in a "stand alone" configuration, the
distribution
system may advantageously require electrical connections not only within a
substantially
horizontal plane, but also vertically disposed connections. However, known
junction
block assemblies utilized in known distribution systems are not known to
include such an
activity capability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a prior art, fragmentary elevation view of a plurality of adjacent
wall
panels and electrical connection assemblies arranged in the panels;
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FIG. 2 is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of one of the electrical
interconnection assemblies of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a prior art cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a prior art, enlarged perspective view of an outlet receptacle shown
in
FIG. 5 is a prior art side elevation view of the outlet receptacle of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a prior art, fragmentary plan view of raceway areas of four wall
panels,
illustrating wall panel interconnections;
FIG. 7 is a prior art, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7
of FIG.
2;
FIG. 8 is a prior art, perspective view of a receptacle contact blade shown in
FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an inverted front elevation view of a vertical junction block
assembly in
accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a left-side end view of the junction block assembly shown in FIG.
9;
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the junction block assembly shown in FIG
9;
FIG. 13 is a right-side end view of the junction block assembly shown in FIG
9.
FIG. 14 is underside view of the junction block assembly in FIG. 9.
FIG. 15 is a perspective, partial and exploded view of the junction block
assembly
shown in FIG 9, and further showing an internal wiring assembly positional for
insertion
into the mirror housing;
FIG. 16 is a perspective and exploded view of the junction block shown in FIG.
9
and showing the mirror housing, shown in FIG. 16, internal wiring assembly
also shown in
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the fully assembled vertical junction block
assembly shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 17, of the junction block
assembly
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FIG. 19 is a plan view of the junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9, the
view
being similar to the view of FIG. 10;
FIG. 20 is an enlarged view looking into the vertical junction block connector
of
the junction block assembly shown in FIG. 9, with the enlarged view
corresponding to the
FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of a vertical
junction
block connector, similar to FIG. 20, but having a differing keying arrangement
from the
keying arrangement of the connection block connector shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a plan view of a junction block assembly substantially
corresponding to
FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block connector shown in
FIG.
22, but showing an alternative keying arrangement for the connector terminals;
FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block connector similar
to that
FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the vertical junction block connector similar
to that
of FIG. 24, but showing a still further embodiment of a keying arrangement for
the vertical
FIG. 26 is a perspective view and a partially exploded view of the vertical
junction
block connector shown in FIG. 9, and showing a partial view of a vertical
cable assembly
having a cable connector adapted to connect to the vertical junction block
connector, and
further showing the relative positioning of a receptacle block to be inserted
and electrically
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fully assembled junction block assembly,
vertical cable assembly and receptacle block shown in FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a perspective and partially exploded view of the junction block
assembly shown in FIG. 9, with the receptacle block of FIG. 26 electrically
connected
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FIG. 29 is a front-elevation view of a par distribution system as positioned
within
the raceway, and having a vertical injunction block assembly, horizontal cable
assembly,
and vertical cable assembly, with a conventional junction block assembly
connected to an
opposing cable connector of the vertical cable assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a
vertical
T-junction block assembly as illustrated in several embodiments shown in FIGS.
9-29.
For purposes of brevity and description, the vertical T-junction block
assemblies will be
described herein with alternative terms, such as "vertical junction block
assembly" and
"junction block assembly." These vertical junction block assemblies
advantageously
provides the capability of electrically engaging an electrical outlet
receptacle block within
a junction block, and also provide the capability of an electrical
interconnection with a
cable assembly (which can be in the form of a jumper cable assembly or a cable
assembly
having active electrical components, such as another junction block assembly)
disposed in
a vertical direction. This capability of vertical interconnection is provided
along with the
capability of horizontally disposed electrical interconnections to separate
cable assemblies.
For purposes of describing power distribution configurations where vertical
junction block assemblies in accordance with the invention may be utilized,
the following
paragraphs describe prior art electrical interconnection assemblies which
could be adapted
for use within wall panels of a space divider wall system. These assemblies
are shown in
the prior art drawings of FIGS. 1-8. Specifically, FIGS. 1-8 describe and
depict a junction
block with several receptacle connectors, so as to accommodate a series of
electrical
outlets on both sides of a wall panel. The junction block is connected by
means of
conduits extending from both ends of the junction block to associated
connector blocks for
connection to adjoining panels. Following the description of the prior art
electrical
interconnection assemblies, the vertical junction block assemblies in
accordance with the
invention will be described with respect to FIGS. 9-29.
FIG. 1 is a prior art fragmentary elevational view of adjacent modular wall
panels
101, 102, 103 of a rearrangeable wall system. The wall panels are provided
with electrical
interconnection assemblies 105, 107 and 109 in a raceway area formed along the
lower
edge of panels 101, 102 and 103. Each of the panels is provided with
substantially flat
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support legs 112 which allow for passage of electrical conduits in the
raceway. Raceway
covers, customarily used, have been omitted from the drawing in FIG. 1 to
better show the
electrical junction assemblies. Each of the electrical interconnection
assemblies 105, 107,
and 109 is provided with a junction block 120, a female electrical connector
block 140 and
a matching male connector block 145. The connector blocks 140, 145 are
connected to
associated junction blocks 120 by means of conduit sections 142 and 147,
respectively.
Each of the junction blocks 120 is shown in FIG. 1 to be provided with a pair
of electrical
outlet receptacles 150. Junction blocks 120 are double sided and corresponding
pairs or
outlet receptacles are provided on the opposite side of each of the wall
panels 101, 102 and
103 (not shown in the drawing) to allow various electrical equipments to be
plugged into
the outlets from either side of the panel.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the electrical
interconnection
assemblies, for example assembly 107. The junction block 120 is provided with
support
lugs 122 by which the junction block is supported by standard fasteners
extended through
support tables extending from the bottom edge of the wall panel, e.g., wall
panel 102.
Junction block 120 comprises an elongated housing having opposing ends 121 and
123
and a symmetrical center section comprising four female receptacle connectors
126. Only
one of the receptacle connectors 126 is fully exposed in FIG. 2. There is a
pair of
connectors 126 on each side of the housing and the connection on each side
face in
opposite directions. Support flanges 130 are provided adjacent each of the
female
connectors to provide support for electrical outlet receptacles engaged with
the connectors
126. In this manner, junction block 120 is adapted to support four electrical
outlet
receptacles, two on each side of a wall panel to which junction block 120 is
attached. The
junction block assembly further comprises end connector block 140, provided
with a
female connector 141, and connected via a standard electrical conduit 142,
which may be
a flexible conduit, to end 123 of junction block 120. Similarly, connector
block 145,
provided with a male connector 146 is connected via flexible conduit 147 to
end 121 of
junction block 120. In a straight line connection arrangement, as depicted for
example in
FIG 1, wherein a plurality of panels are positioned adjacent each other,
electrical power is
transmitted between panels by connection of male connector block 145 to female
connector block 140 of the adjacent junction assembly.
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,
Electrical power is transmitted through the junction assembly by means of
electrical wires disposed in the conduits 142, 147, terminated on connectors
141 and 146,
respectively, and connected to receptacle connectors 126 in junction block
120.
Accordingly, electrical power is transmitted through interconnecting panels
and is at the
same time made available at electrical outlet receptacles in each panel.
Conduit 147,
provided with the male connector block 145, may be a fixed-length conduit and
conduit
142 may be of a length such that female connector block 140 is positioned at
substantially
the same distance from the panel edge in each panel independent of the width
of the panel.
Thus, female connector block 140 will always be accessible to male connector
block 145
independent of the width of the panels. To accommodate panels of different
widths,
conduit 142 may be an expandable flexible conduit, such as are well known in
the art. In
that case, connector block 140 may be provided with an inner spatial area 136,
as shown in
a partially broken-away view in FIG. 2. The inner spatial area 136 is provided
for storage
of excess length of electrical wiring 138 in a coiled or other configuration.
The excess
length of electrical wiring 138 may be withdrawn when conduit 142 is expanded
to an
extended length. This arrangement is similar to that disclosed in my earlier
patent, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,579,403 (dated Apr. 1, 1986) and entitled ELECTRICAL JUNCTION
ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE CONNECTORS.
The conduit 147 is preferably a flexible conduit which may be bent to
accommodate a connection to adjacent panels which are disposed at angular
positions with
respect to each other, rather than in a straight line. The junction assemblies
of this
invention readily accommodate an arrangement in which three or more panels are
disposed in an intersecting relationship, as will be discussed further herein
with respect to
FIG. 6. In such a configuration, the male connector block 145 of one of the
panels may be
connected to one of the female receptacle connectors 126 of a junction block
assembly in
an adjacent wall panel. For this purpose, the female connector 141 of
connector block 140
and female receptacle connectors 126 on junction block 120 have been made
identical.
Similarly, the male connector 146 on connector block 145 has been made
identical to the
male connector of electrical outlet receptacle 150, shown in FIG. 1. Greater
detail of the
receptacle 150 is shown in FIG. 4 and is described below. As may be seen from
FIG. 2,
the female connectors 126 and 141 are each provided with a pair of side
flanges 129
having upper and lower recessed areas 128, for engagement with flanges 148 of
a male
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,
connector to provide a locking arrangement. Figures 129, which are made of a
resilient
plastic material and formed integral to the housing to which they are
connected, are
provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface 135. When surfaces
135 are
engaged by flanges such as flanges 148 of connector 146 on connector block
145, the
The electrical outlet receptacle 150, shown in FIG. 4, is provided with male
connectors 151 at both ends, allowing the receptacle to be plugged into any
one of the four
female receptacle connectors 126 of junction block 120. As shown in FIG. 2,
junction
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of junction block 120 taken along line 3-3 of
FIG.
2. FIG. 3 shows two of the four receptacle connectors 126 of connector block
120. One
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of the two connectors 126 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on each side of the
central housing
section 131, which contains a plurality of wires 133. An eight-wire system is
shown in
this illustrative embodiment. Each of the male and female connectors are
provided with
eight separate terminals, and eight separate electrical wires 133 extend
through the
connector blocks 140, 145, the conduits 142, 147 and the central section 131
of the
junction block 120. By way of example, these may include two ground terminal
wires,
three neutral wires and three positive wires representing three separate
circuits, with a
shared ground for two of the circuits. Similarly, 10- or 12-wire systems may
be readily
accommodated, having corresponding number of terminals on each of the
connectors and
providing a greater number of separate circuits. The four female receptacle
connectors
126 are each connected to the wires 133 by means of a plurality of contact
blades,
described later herein with respect to Figs. 7 and 8. Each wire, together with
the connector
block terminals and receptacle connector terminals to which it is connected,
is referred to
herein as a circuit element. A particular circuit may be selected for use by
one of the
receptacles 150 by appropriate wiring connections internal to the receptacle.
Since all of
the circuits are connected to each one of the receptacle connectors 126 of
junction block
120, a connector block 145 of an adjacent panel, equipped with a male
connector, may be
connected to any one of the receptacle connectors 126. In this manner,
electrical power
may be provided to receptacle connectors to junction block 120 and to
associated
connector blocks 140, 145 and hence to any adjacent panels to which these
connectors
may be connected. Similarly, a connector block 145 equipped with a male
connector
connected to one of the female connectors 126 may receive electrical power for
distribution to a panel to which the connector block 145 belongs. Such
interconnecting
arrangements are described further herein with respect to FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 2. Shown
in
FIG. 7 is a contact blade structure 170 which is one of eight such blades
disposed in
central housing section 131. Each such blade is in electrical contact with one
of the
conductors 133. Connection to conductor 133 is made by means of a crimped
connection
of blade extension member 172 to conductor 133. As may be more readily seen
from the
perspective view of FIG. 8, the extension member 172 is part of a center
section 173
which is connected to left-hand upper and lower contact blades 174 and right-
hand upper
CA 02783123 2012-07-16
and lower contact blades 175. The upper and lower contact blades on each side
from the
female opening part of the conductor 126 for engagement with blades of a male
connector.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of raceway areas of four wall panels
illustrating
the connections of interconnection assemblies of the invention in a
configuration in which
the four panels are disposed at right angles to each other. As will be
apparent from the
following description, the specific angle at which the panels are positioned
is not
particularly significant. Each of the four panels is provided with an
interconnection
assembly, as shown in FIG. 2, comprising a junction block 120, a male
connector block
145, and a female connector block 140 attached to the junction block 120 by
means of
flexible conduits 147 and 142, respectively. The junction block 120 is
disposed within
each panel raceway near one edge of the panel. Panels 200, 201, 202 are
positioned such
that the end at which these panels are joined to other panels is the end near
which the
junction block 120 is positioned. One of the panels, panel 203, is positioned
with an
opposite orientation in which the end near which the junction block 120 is
located is
positioned opposite the point of junction of the four panels. The flexible
conduit 147,
provided with the male connector block 145, extends beyond the end of the
panel in which
it is positioned, and the flexible conduit 142, provided with a female
connector block 140,
is terminated just short of the end of the panel.
Thus, as is also shown in FIG. 1, a connection is made between panels by
extending the flexible conduit 147 with male connector block 145 into the
raceway area of
the adjacent panel to engage the female connector block 140 at the end of
flexible conduit
142. In the configuration of FIG. 6, the male connector block 145 of panel 202
and its
associated flexible conduit 147 extend into the raceway area of panel 202 to
engage
female connector block 140 of panel 203. It will be apparent that the
connection as shown
between panel 202 and 203 may be made whenever these panels are adjacent and
independent of the angle at which the panels are disposed with respect to each
other. In
the configuration of FIG. 6, the flexible conduit 147, with its male connector
block 145,
associated with the panel 200 are extended into the raceway area of panel 202
for
engagement with one of the female receptacle connectors 126 of junction block
120 in
panel 202. In this manner, an electrical connection is established among the
junction
blocks of the three panels 200, 202, and 203. Thus, electrical power provided
from an
external source to any one of these three may be distributed to the other two
by means of
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CA 02783123 2012-07-16
the connection arrangement shown by way of example in FIG. 6. In the
arrangement of
FIG. 6, flexible conduit 147 and its male connector block 145 of panel 202 is
connected to
one of the female connectors 126 of junction block 120 of panel 200 thereby
establishing
an electrical connection between panels 200 and 201. This connection, in
combination
with the other connections shown in FIG. 6 and described in the previous
sentences,
completes an arrangement for establishing an electrical connection from any
one of four
panels to the entire four-panel configuration. Additional connections may be
envisioned
by connections of male connectors 145 from other panels into additional ones
of the
female receptacle connectors 126 of the junction blocks 120 of any of the
panels 201
through 203, should one choose to provide an arrangement of more than four
intersecting
panels. Furthermore, additional conduits, such as conduit 210 shown in FIG. 6,
may be
connected by means of a male connector to any of the receptacle connectors 126
to
provide electrical power to lamps or other fixtures.
The principles of the invention will now be described with respect to the
vertical
junction block assembly 200 and other embodiments of vertical junction block
assemblies
as illustrated in FIGS. 9-29. Turning first to FIGS. 9-14, the vertical
junction block
assembly 200 is adapted to provide for both horizontal cable assembly
connections and
vertically disposed cable assembly connections. As shown in FIGS. 9-14, the
vertical
junction block assembly 200 includes two pairs of upwardly extending support
lugs 202.
The support lugs 202 are known in the art and provide a means for connecting
the vertical
junction block assembly 200 to a raceway bracket or the like. The junction
block
assembly 200 is constructed of a rear housing half 202 and a front housing
half 206. The
housing halves 206 for a top surface 208 and a bottom surface 210. Further,
the housing
halves 204, 206 form a front surface 212.
In addition to the foregoing elements, the junction block assembly 200 also
includes at least one receptacle block region 214 which extends inwardly
through a lateral
face or front surface 212. If desired, the junction block assembly 200 can
also include a
similar receptacle block region 214 which extends through an opposing lateral
face of the
block assembly 200. The receptacle block regions 214 provide an area for
mechanically
and electrically receiving receptacle blocks as described in subsequent
paragraphs herein.
For purposes of securing the receptacle blocks to the junction block assembly
200 in a
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CA 02783123 2012-07-16
=
releasable manner, receptacle block latches 216 may be utilized. On of the
receptacle
block latches 216 is shown in FIG. 212. These latches are known in the art.
As further shown in several of the views of FIGS. 9-14, the junction block
assembly 200 also includes a vertically disposed connector housing 218.
Correspondingly, the junction block assembly 200 includes a horizontal
connector housing
220. The connector housings 218, 220 provide an area for housing terminal sets
of the
junction block assembly 200 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
For purposes of securing a connector assembly to the vertical connector
housing
218, a vertical latch 222 is utilized. The vertical latch 222 is known in the
art and has been
utilized in other junction block assembly systems. In addition to the vertical
latch 222, the
junction block assembly 200 also includes a pair of horizontal latches 224,
primarily
shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 14. The horizontal latches 224, like the vertical
latch 222,
are utilized to releasably and mechanically secure a horizontal cable assembly
connector
to the horizontal connector housing 220.
As shown specifically in the exploded view of FIG. 15, the vertical junction
block
assembly 200 also includes an internal wiring assembly 226. The internal
wiring
assembly 226 is utilized to electrically transmit power between the horizontal
connector
housing 220 and the vertical connector housing 218. Also, the wiring assembly
226 is
utilized to selectively transmit power from external sources to receptacle
blocks which are
mechanically and electrically received within the receptacle block regions
214. Turning
specifically to the wiring assembly 226 shown in FIG. 15, the assembly
includes a series
of H-connectors 228. The H-connectors 228 form a horizontal female terminal
group 229.
The female terminal group 229 comprises a first female terminal set 30 and a
second
female terminal set 232. Extending inwardly as part of the first female
terminal set 230 is
a junction block receptacle terminal group 298, again consisting of female
terminals.
Another junction block receptacle terminal group 298 extends inwardly from the
first
female terminal set 230. The junction block receptacle terminal groups 298 are
positioned
so as to receive corresponding male terminal groups of receptacle blocks, when
the
receptacle blocks are inserted within the receptacle block regions 214.
The internal wiring assembly 226 further includes an internal sheathed wire
set
234, comprising a set of internal sheathed wires 236. The wires 236 are
connected at one
end to a vertical female terminal set 238. At the other end, the internal
sheathed wires 236
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CA 02783123 2012-07-16
,
,
are connected to the series of H-connectors 228 and horizontal female terminal
group 229.
As shown particularly in FIG. 16, when the junction block assembly block 200
is
assembled, the terminal sets 230, 232 and 238 all rest within terminal slots
240, again as
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
In addition to the internal wiring assembly 226, the junction block assembly
200
also includes a horizontal junction block terminal housing 242, as
specifically shown in
FIG. 16. The horizontal terminal housing 242 is utilized to house the
horizontal female
terminal group 229. In addition to the horizontal junction block terminal
housing 242, the
junction block assembly 200 also includes a vertical junction block terminal
housing 244,
for housing the vertical female terminal set 238. Still further, the
horizontal junction block
terminal housing 242 includes a set of horizontal terminal slots 246, while
the vertical
junction block terminal housing 244 includes a set of vertical terminal slots
248. With
respect to all the foregoing elements, FIGS. 17 and 18 show the junction block
assembly
200 in accordance with the invention, in perspective views and in a fully
assembled state.
For purposes of security and safety, the vertical junction block terminal
housing
244 can be constructed with a series of "keys" which essentially comprise
physical
structure which prohibit electrical and mechanical interconnection of the
vertical junction
block terminal housing 244 to an external cable assembly connector, other than
one having
a "matching" set of keys. In this manner, incompatible cable assembly
connectors are
prohibited from being connected to the vertical junction block terminal
housing 244. It
should be noted that although not expressly described herein, similar types of
keys can
also be utilized for the horizontal junction block terminal housing 242.
The concepts associated with the keying arrangements are illustrated in
FIGS. 19-25. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate a vertical junction block terminal
housing 244
having a particular key configuration. As earlier stated, the junction block
assembly 200
includes a series of horizontal terminal slots 246, and a series of vertical
terminal slots
248. With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the vertical junction block terminal
housing 244
includes an upper key 250 which is essentially formed at the top of the
uppermost vertical
terminal slot 248. The upper key, in this particular instance, is formed with
an upper
surface having an upperwardly concave shape. An intermediate key 252 is also
provided.
The intermediate key 252 consists of a projecting stub 252 located between the
second and
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CA 02783123 2012-07-16
third vertical terminal slots 248, with the first terminal slot being
considered the
uppermost terminal slot 248.
FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative keying arrangement for the vertical
junction block
terminal housing 244. Specifically, FIG. 21 includes a second upper key 254.
In this
particular instance, the second upper key 254 has substantially the same shape
as the upper
key 250 shown in FIG. 20. However, the housing 244 of FIG. 21 includes a
second
intermediate key 256 positioned differently from the intermediate key 252 of
FIG. 20.
Specifically, the second intermediate key 256 is formed as a stub located
between the third
and fourth vertical terminal slots 248, counting from the top.
FIG. 22 illustrates a somewhat different configuration, with the horizontal
electrical connection being formed as first male terminal set 258 and second
male terminal
set 260. Correspondingly, the vertical connections are shown as being formed
by a
vertical male terminal set 262, with corresponding vertical male terminals
264. Further, as
shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 24, the vertical junction block terminal
housing 244
includes a third upper key 266 having the configuration of a pair of outwardly
projecting
tabs on each side of the uppermost vertical terminal slot 248. Further, FIG.
24 illustrates a
third intermediate key 268 located between the second and third vertical
terminal slot 248.
Correspondingly, FIG. 23 includes a fourth upper key 270, substantially
corresponding to
the third upper key 266. However, the fourth intermediate key 272 is located
between the
fourth and fifth vertical terminal slot 248.
Still further, FIG. 25 illustrates a further alternative keying arrangement
for the
vertical junction block terminal housing 244. Specifically, FIG. 25 illustrate
a fifth upper
key 274, substantially corresponding to the fourth upper key 270 of FIG. 23.
However,
the fifth intermediate key 276 shown in FIG. 25 differs from the fourth
intermediate key
272. Specifically, the fifth intermediate key 256 is a stub located between
the third and
fourth vertical terminal slots 248.
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate the relative positioning and assembly of the
vertical
junction block assembly 200 with a receptacle block and a vertical cable
assembly.
Specifically, FIG. 26 illustrated an exploded view, and FIG. 27 illustrates a
fully
assembled view. With reference thereto, a vertical cable assembly 280 is shown
in a
position to be mechanically and electrically connected to the vertical female
terminal set
238 of the vertical junction block assembly 400. The vertical cable assembly
280 includes
CA 02783123 2012-07-16
a vertical cable 282, connected to a vertical cable connector 284. The cable
connector 284
includes a pair of connecting tabs 286 which are utilized to receive the
vertical latch 222
so as to secure the vertical cable assembly 280 in a releasable manner to the
vertical
junction block terminal housing 244.
Also as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is a receptacle block 288. The receptacle
block
288 is known in the art and has been substantially, previously described
herein. The
receptacle block 288 includes a pair of three-prong receptacles 290. Extending
outwardly
from opposing ends of the receptacle bock 288 are receptacle block male
terminal groups
292. The receptacle block male terminal groups 292 are adapted to be
electrically
connected to the junction block receptacle terminal groups 298.
FIG. 28 illustrates the vertical junction block assembly 200, vertical cable
assembly 280 and receptacle block 288 in a partially assembled state within an
office
panel 302. The office panel 302 includes a raceway 304. Also as shown in FIG.
28 is a
horizontal cable assembly 306 having a horizontal cable 308 and a horizontal
cable
connector 310. The horizontal cable connector 310 includes a horizontal cable
connector
terminal group 312. The horizontal cable connector terminal group 312 is
adapted to
mechanically and electrically connect to either the first female terminal set
230 or second
horizontal female terminal set 232, for purposes of electrical connection to
the receptacle
block 288.
FIG. 29 substantially shows the overall power distribution system shown in
FIG. 28. However, the other end of the vertical cable assembly 280 includes a
further or a
second cable connector 314 connected to the vertical cable 282 at an opposing
end thereof.
The second cable connector 314 is connected to a conventional junction block
assembly
316, corresponding to junction block assemblies previously described herein.
The
junction block assembly 316 is connected to the cable connector 314 through
junction
block terminals 320. Also shown with the conventional junction block assembly
316 is a
conventional receptacle block 318.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that still other
embodiments
of vertical junction block assemblies in accordance with the invention can be
designed.
That is, the principles of a junction block assembly in accordance with the
invention are
not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will
be apparent
to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the
above-described
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CA 02783123 2012-07-16
illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing
from the
spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
22
