Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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This invention relates to connectors with insulation -
displacincl terminals, particularly, although not exclusively, for
connecting wires of telecommunications systemsO The connector of the
invention is particularlv suited to -the cornection of the Tip and
Ring conductors of telephone systems.
There are many existing connectors, of varying forms,
with various clisadvantages, the disadvantages differing with the form
of the connector. Typical disadvantages are lack of effective
guidance of conductors into a connector; inability to test other than
ln by piercing the insulation of conductors exterior to the connector,
resulting in a perforated insulation; need to separately pair up Tip
ancl Ring conductors for connection; use of two connectors for a butt
connection; inability to interconnect three conductors; inadequate
sealinq anainst water inqress. The particular disadvantages
pertaininq to any particular connector vary, and other disadvantages
can also be present.
Ideally a connector should make a variety of
connections, e.g. butt, bridge and tap, with various types of
plastic, paper and pulp insulation~ Connectors should be reliable
2n over a long period of time and also have a high level of
environmental protection. As they are used in large numbers, they
should be inexpensive and easy to install.
The present invention provides a connector with
improved mechanical and electrical characteristics; is easily
manufactured and inexpensive; is small in size; and can be provided
with eas~y access which facilitates testing.
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A connector9 in accordance with the invention,
comprises a hody and a cap, the cap interrelating with the body and
held toqether by interlocking formations. Insulation displacing
terminals are retained in the cap, the insulated conductors bein~ inserted
laterally into the body. Final assembly of the connector forces the
terminals into electrical contact with the conductors. The terminals may
be in pairs, For certain forms of interconnections, for example a butt
connection, and in a strip of four terminals, the strip bent into a
U-shape for other forms of interconnections such as bridge and full tap.
The body has two versions, each with four en-try apertures, one version
also havin~ a side slot for a tap connection. A sealing compound is
normally added before or after the connector parts are assembled.
Various features and details of the invention will be
appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments, with
respect to the accompanying drawin~s, in which:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the two parts of a
connector of one form;
Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 and illustrates the
alternative form of body;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the body of the connector of
Fiqure l;
Figure 4 is a front view of the body of Fi~ure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-section on the line V-V of Figure 3
Fiqure 6 is a cross-section on the line VI-VI of Figure 1~;
Fiqure 7 is a cross-section on the line VII-VII of Figure 3;
Figure ~ is a bottom plan view of the body of Figure 3;
Fiqure 9 is a top plan view of the body of the connector of
Figure 2;
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Fiqure 1n is a front view of the body of Figure 9;
Fi~ure 11 is a cross-section on the line XI-XI of Figure 9;
Figure 12 is a cross-section on the line XII-XII o~
Fi~ure 1n;
Figure 13 is a cross-section on the line XIII-XIII of
Figure 9;
Fi~ure 14 is a bottom plan view of the body of Figure 9;
Figure 15 is a top plan view of an alternative form of body,
similar in many respects to that of the connector of Figure l;
Figure 16 is a front view of the body of Figure 15;
Fiqure 17 is a cross-section on the line XVII-XVII of Figure
15;
Figure 18 is a cross-section on the line XVIII-XVIII of
Fi~ure 15;
Figure 19 is a bottom plan view of the body of Fi~ure 15;
Figure 20 is a plan view of one form of cap as in the
; connectors of Fiqures l and 2;
Figures 21:, 22 and 23 are side views and end view in the
directions of arrows A, B and C respectively, in Figure 20;
~ : 2n Fi~ures 24 and 25 are cross-sections on the lines XXIV-XXIV
; and XXV-XXV respectively in Figure 20;
Fi~ure 26 is a plan view of a further form of cap;
Fi~ure 27 is a view on the front of the cap of Figure 26, in
the direction of arrow D in Figure 2h and is also a view on the back
as in the direction of arrow E in Figure 26;
: Figure 28 is an end view in the direction of arrow F in
~; Fi~ure 2~;
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Figure 29 is a cross-section on the line XXIX-XXIX of Figure
2t~;
F19ure 3n is a cross-section on the line XXX-XXX of Fi~ure
2t~;
Figures 31 and 32 are side view and top plan view
respectively of a terminal form as used with the connector of Figure 1;
FigLIres 33, 3q and 35 are side view, top plan view and end
view respectively of a terminal form as used with the connector of Figure
2;
Figure 36 (a) and (b) are face and side views respectively
of the end of one form of electrical probe;
Figures 37 (a), (b) and (c) are diagrammatic illustrations
of various forms of connections to be made with connectors of the present
invention.
As previously stated, a connèctor comprises a body and a
cap, the body heing capable of having forms depending, amongst other
things, on the use. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two alternate connectors.
Figure 1 illustrates a connector having a body 10 and cap 11 which
interrelate to form the connector. The cap holds four terminals 12 in two
2n pairs 13 and 14, the pairs beinq in parallel, spaced apart relationship
and with the terminals of one pair offset laterally to the other. Four
conductors 35 are shown inserted. In the connector illustrated in Figure
2, an alternative form of body 15 is used, with the same cap 11 as in
Figure 1. Four terminals 12 are in the cap, the terminals in one strip
which is bent in a U-shape with the two legs of the U in parallel spaced
apart relationship, a pair of terminals 12 in each leg and the terminals
in one leg offset laterally relative to the terminals in the other leg.
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In this arranqement one continuous conductor 36 and the end of a conductor
37 are shown inserted.
One form of the body 10 of the connector of Figure 1 is
illustrated in more detail in Figures 3 to 8. The body 10, as appreciated
from Figure 1, is of hollow box-like form having a re'latively thick front
wall 16, sides 17 and back 18, all extending up from a bottom surface or
web 19. In the front wall are four apertures 20~ The forward ends of the
apertures 20 are chamfered at 21, to aid in inserting conductors into the
apertures.
The bottom web 19 has three upstanding ribs 22, 23 and 24
extending laterally and apertures 25 extend through the ribs, aligned with
apertures 20. The rihs define two lateral channels 26. A peripheral
channel or space 27 extends all round inside the front wall and sides.
Extendinq between the back 1~ and the rib 24 are separators 28. Adjacent
to the top eclqe of each, side 17, on the inside thereof, is an inwardly
pro~jecting rib 29. These ribs 29 are of a truncated conical
cross~section, as seen in Figures 5 and 7.
The body 15 of the connector of Figure 2 is illustrated in
more detail in Fiqures 9 to 14. The body 15 is similar in most respects
2n to that of bod,y 10 and where applicable the same reference numerals have
been applied to the same items. Thus there is the thick front wall 16,
sides 17 and back 18, extending up from the bottom web 19. Apertures 20,
chamfered at 21 are in the front wall 16 and the three upstanding ribs 22,
: 23 and 24 define channels 26 and have apertures 25 therein.
Inwardl,y extending ribs 29 extend along the inside of each side 17,
ad~jacent to the top edge. Thus far the bodies 10 and 15 are the same.
A difference in body 15 is the slot or groove 30 in one of the sides 17,
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the right hand side in Fiqures 9 and 10 for the particular embodiment
illustrated. The slot 3n extends laterally to break through into the
apertures 20 and 25 closest to the related side having the slot 30. This
is seen in Figures 10 and 11. In this particular example the separators
28 are not provided. The slot 30 extends through the front wall 16 and
the side 17, being tapered inwardly, to form a converg-lng slot. However,
at the back, the slot is reduced in width, at 31. This reduces
substantially the relative deflection of the body when the body and cap
are fully assembled. Also, the escape of grease is reduced when the end
1n aperture is not used to receive a continuous conductor.
At the forward ends of the bores 25 in the ribs 22 chamfers
32 can he formed, seen in Figures 3 and 9, and also in Figures 6 and 12.
These chamfers cooperate with ribs on one form of cap, as will be
descrihed.
Figures 15 to 19 illustrate a modified form of the body 10
illustrated in Figures 3 to 8. To a major extent the body of Figures 15
to 1g is the same as that of Figures 3 to 8. Certain modifications have
been made however to improve dielectric separation between conductors, and
between conductors and terminals, and to improve sealing against moisture.
Where features are common, common references are used. The body 10 is of
box-like form havinq a relatively thick front wall 16, sides 17 and back
18, all extending up from a bottom web 19. In the front wall are four
apertures 2n. The forward ends of the apertures are chamferedS at 21, to
aid in inserting conductors.
Extending up from the bottom web 1~ are ribs 35, 36 and 37.
The rear rib 37 is integral with the back wall for the height of the
central bodyg which is very approximately, in the example illustrated,
about halF the heiqht of the back wall. Ribs 35 and 36 are parallel to
the front and back walls, front rib 35 connected to center rib 36 by
sections 38, and central rib 36 connected to the rear rib 37 by
sections 39. Apertures 25 extend through the ribs 35, 36 and 37, in
aliqnment with apertures 2n. A channel 40 extends along the front
and each side. Adjacent to the top edge of each side 17, on the
inside, is an inwardly projecting rib 29 of truncated cross-section.
In this embodiment, short channels are formed or
cdefined by khe ribs 35, 36, 37 and sections 38 and 39. The channels
1n connect or communicate with the apertures 25, for the passage of
terminals, in the cap~ to make contact with conductors. Thus, as
seen in Fiqure 1~ particularly, four channels 42, 43, 44 and 45 are
formed, channels 42 43 form one pair, in alignment, and positionecl to
intercept alternate aPertures 25 between ribs 35 and 36. Channels 44
and 45 form a second pair, in alignment, and positioned to intercept
the other alternate apertures 25, between ribs 36 and 37. Channels
42 and 45 extend into channel 40.
The arrangement of individual channels 42 to 45, instead of
continuous channels 26 as in Figure 3, ensures that if an installer does
20 not push a conductor right in, a cut end of a conductor is not exposed
close to a terminal. For example, in Figure 3, if in the rear
channel 26, the terminals contact conductors in the second and fourth
apertures 25, counting from the left, then a conductor in either the
first or third aperture (or both), if not full~y inserted, could have
its end exposed in the channel~ There could result a low level of
dielectric separation, below an acceptable level. This is avoided in
the form as in Figures 15 to 19.
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A further feature is that with the rear rib 37 being
integral with the back 18, protection is provided~ to the cut ends of the
conductors, from any moisture getting down between the back of the cap and
the hack of the body.
Also seen in Fi~ures 18 and 19 is a modification to the
bottom of the body. Ribs or rails~ am ~ are provided at each edge of
the bottom surface ~ of the body 10. In the example an outer rib
extends along the front and back edges and a second rib ~ ?extends
parallel to each rib ~. Ribs ~ define a channel into which a tap can be
1n positioned. Alon~ the center line there are two sets of protrusions,
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a pair of circular protrusions ~ and an elongate protrusion ~. The
tape has apertures through which the protrusions ~a-n ~pass.
Protrusions ~. act as rive-ts in that the outer ends are deFormed and
enlarged over the tape to hold the hody over the t~ss. The center
protrusion acts as a pressure member for the pliers or other
mechanism for squeezin~ cap and body into a complete installation.
; The connector bodies are attached to the tape, and
conveniently automatic insertion of terminals and positioning of the cap
can be carried out. The cap will be in the first stage of assembly to the
2n body. The connectors on a tape can be fed through a tool which makes the
final crimp or assembly after insertion of the conductors, followed by
removal of the connector from the tape. An alternative is to attach the
bodies to a tape by an adhesive, for example, but the protrusions and
apertures ensure a specific spacing, important if automated
preassembly is desired.
Figures 2~ to 25 illustrate in more detail one form of cap
11, which is common to the bodies, 1n and 15. The cap is also of hollow,
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hox-like, form, havinq front wall 50, side walls 51 and back wall 52, all
dependinq from a top web 53. In the example illustrated3 the front wall
has four slots 5a extending from a t>ottom edge up towards the top web
53. These slots 54 deFine three rihs 55 and at the top of each slot,
extendinq laterally from the ribs 55 and the exposed edges 56 of the
front wall 50, are srnall protrusions 57.
On each side wall 51 there are two sets of protrusions.
Near the lower edge 60 there is a single protrusion in the form of a
tapered rib 61. Closer to the top web are two spaced protrusions 62, in
the form of elongate ribs.
The back wall 52 has a large recess or groove 63 extending
from a l-ottom etlge up towards the top web, as seen in Figure 25 most
clearly. The width of the recess or groove 63 is slightly greater than
the dimension between the opposed edges 55 in the front wall 50 and the
depth of the groove ~3 is about the same as the depths of the slots 54.
On the inside of the ribs 55 are short ribs 64, as seen in
Figures 20, 22 and 24. These ribs are spaced and shaped so as to
cooperate with the chamfers 31 on the rib 22 in the body 10 dS in Figures
3 tn 8. Thus the opposed surfaces 72 slide down in contact with the
chamfers 31 on assembly of cap to body. Extending laterally on the inner
surface of the top web 53 are two ribs 65, spaced a short distance from
the front and back walls. A further two ribs 67 are positioned between
ribs 65 and three channels 68, 69 and 70 are thereby defined. The
channels 68, fi9 and 70 are interconnected at one end by a groove 71.
Figures 26 to 30 illustrate an alternative form of cap 11,
which can also he common to the bodies 10 and 15. The cap of Figures to
26 3n is very similar to that of Figures 20 to 25, and similar
references are used where applicable~ The cap is of hollow, box-like
form, with front wall 5n, side walls 51 and back wall 529 all
dePending from a top web 53O However, while in the form of cap
illustratecl in Fi~ures 20 to 25, there are slcts 54 defining ribs 55,
in the front wall, in the example of Figures 26 to 30, the front wall
5n is of reduced hei~ht, effectively forming one aperture extending
the width of the cap, instead of a plurality of apertures, as
represented by the slots 54 in the cap of Figures 20 to 25. The back
wall 52 is of reduced height, in the same manner as the front wall
ln 50.
As in the cap of Figures 2n to 25~ on each side wall 51
there are two sets of protrusions. Near the lower edge 60 there is a
sinqle protrusion in the form oF a tapered rib 61~ Closer to the top
web are two spaced protrusions 62, in the form of elongate ribs.
Extending laterally on the inner surface of the top web
53 are two ribs 65 spaced a short distance in from the back and front
walls. A further rib 72 is positioned between the si~h~s 65, to
define two channels 68 and 69.
The channels 68 and 69 are interconnected at each end
by grooves 71. The center rib 72 has a slot or channel 73 at its
center, and short slots 74 at each end.
Before considering the assembly of a body and cap, it
is convenient to consider the terminals for use in the connector.
Figures 31 and 32 illustrate one form of insulation displacing
terminal 12 suitable for use with a connector as illustrated in
Fi~ure 1. Two terminals 12 form a pair, referenced as 13,
corresponding to one of the pairs in Figure 1. The terminals each
comprise two opposed cantilevered beams or legs 80 extending from a
base 81. Each leg has its outer surface extending first upward and
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22~4
inward from the hdse and then upward and outward, forming a neck at
the con~juction. These terminals are more fully described in
application Serial No 355,309 filed July 3, l980~
At the lower edge of each end of the base a triangular
portion 82 i s bent out of the plane of the base, to form a sprag.
For a connector as in Figure 1, a pair of terminals is inserted into
each channel h8, 69 in the cap 11. One pair is inserted with an end
face of the base against one side wall and the other pair is inserted
with the end face at the other end in contact with the other side
wall. This is indicated in dotted outline in Figure 1. The caps,
and the bodies, are molded of a plastic material, and on insertion of
the terminal pairs in a cap, the sprags 82 dig into the plastic and
retain the terminals in the channels 68, 69.
Figures 33, 3~ and 35 illustrate an alternate fornl of
terminal arrangement For the connector of Figure 2. Four terminals 12 are
in one strip, the terminals basically of the same form as in Figures 21
and 22. The strip is bent into a U shape with two parallel spaced apart
legs 83 and 84. The strip is hent such that the terminals 12 in one leg
are offset laterally relative to the terminals 12 in the other leg, as
2n seen in Figures 33 and 34. The lower corners at each end again have
triangular portions bent out to form sprags 82. The legs 83 and 84 are
~ioined by the intermediate portion of the base, identified at 85. For a
connector as in Figure 2, a terminal arrangement as in Figures 33, 34 and
35 is inserted into a cap 11. The legs 83 and 84 go into the channels 68
and 69 and the portion 85 goes into a groove 71. The terminals are
retained in position hy the sprags 82.
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Assuminq tha-t terminals have been pre-assembled to a
cap, the terminals either of the form as illustrated in Figures 31
and 32 or 33, 34 and 35, or of some other form, the cap is assembled
to the body in two stages. For supplying to users, the body and cap,
with inserted terminals, are pushed together so that l;he cap enters
the body, open end first. The tapered ribs 51 are pushed past the
ribs 2~ in the body, the ribs 29 residing between the tapered ribs 51
and the elongate ribs 52. This holds the cap and body togëther but
in an "open" or "non-connecting" condition.
1n In this condition conductors can be inserted through the
apertures 2n. Considerinq a connector as in Figure 1 first, for a typical
connection, four insulated conductors are inserted, a Tip and Ring of a
first pair and a Tip and Rin~ of a second pair. The Tip and Ring
conductors alternate, that is the Tip conductors have a Ring conductor
hetween. The unstripped, i.e. insulated, conductors pass separately and
individually through the apertures 20 and the apertures 25 until the ends
of the conductors touch the back 18 of the body. The conductors traverse
the channels 26 ard 27, or slots 42-45, depending on the body form. The
contact between conductor ends and the back 18 gives a definitive
positioning of the conductors in the connector.
The cap is then pushed fully into the body as by a tool such
as a parallel movement pliers. As the cap is pushed in the terminals 12
displace the insulation of the conductors and make contact with the metal
conductor core, the terminals being ~uided in the channels 26 or slots
42-45. ~or a normal butt connection the terminals in one channel ~6,
or slots 42 and 43, connect one pair of conductors, for example the two
Rin~ conductors, and the terminals in the other channel 26, or slots 44
and 45 connect the other pair of conductors~ i.e. the Tip conductors, If
12
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desired, only two conductors can be connected, by inserting the conductors
in two of the apertures 20 spaced by one aperture 20. When fully
inserted, the elongate ribs 52 extend below the ribs 29 on the body.
Generally it is arranged that the cap is flush with the body when fully
and correctlY installed or crimped thus giving an indication of correct
installation. The separators 2~, in the example of Figures 3 to
~, prevent dielectric hreakdown between the ends of adjacent conductors.
Additional protection against dielectric breakdown, between two terminal
pairs, can be obtained by forming a rib or protrusion on the top surface
oF rib 23 in the body, indicated in dotted outline at 38 in Figures 3 and
6. This protrusion fits into the channel 70, Figures 20 and 24.
For a connector of the type as in Figure 2, it depends on
whether a bridge or tap connection is required. For a bridge three
conductors are inserted in three of the apertures 20, passing through the
apertures 25. The cap is then fully inserted and the terminals displace
: the insulation and make contact. As the terminal arrangement is as in
Figures 33, 34 and 35, all three conductors are interconnected. These
~; will be all Ring or all Tip conductors, for a telephone use. Generally
two connectors would be used, one for Tip conductors and one for Ring
conductors.
For a tap connection, the continuous conductor is inserted
into the body through the slot 30 in the side of the body. The conductor
snaps through the slot 3n into the aperture 25 and the body is thus
retained on the conductor. ~ith the cap in the initial assembly condition
this slot is still open. The continuous conductor finishes up extending
through the end apertures 20 and 25 at the related side. One or more
; conductors are then inserted through apertures 20 and 25 and the cap
2 6 4
pushed fully in. The terminals clisplace the insulation and make contact.
Again, as the terminal arrangement is as in figures 33, 34 and 35, all the
conductors are interconnected. For telephone use one connector would be
used for Tip conductors and another connector for Ring concluctors. As the
cap is pushed fully in, with the elongate ribs 52 engaging under the ribs
29, the side wall 41 of the cap at the side of the groove or slot 3n
closes off this slot.
Normally a predetermined amount of a sealing compound is
inJected into the body prior to the pre-assembly of the body and cap.
This compound completely fills the cavity inside the connector and extends
into the apertures 20 around the conductors, when the connectors are
finally installed or crimped. A pumping action which occurs when the cap
and body are fl~lly installed or crimped, forces the compound in-to the
various ~aps and clearances around the conductors, including into the
various orifices in the body and gaps between the body and
cooperating surfaces of the cap.
It is advantageous to provide test ports, either in the body
or the cap. Test ports in the body are seen in detail in Figures 15 and
17. The test ports, indicated at 90, are provided in the bottoln web of
2n the body. The test ports are ali~ned with the terminals in the cap and
enable electrical test connections, via probes. In the example
illustrated in Figures 15 and 17, the terminals would be extended, as
shown in dotted outline at 87 in Figures 31 and 32, to enable contact to
be made. In the example illustrated in Figures 15 and 17, the ports are
rectan~ular, and as seen in Figure 17, have inwardly directed flaps 91.
The flaps 91 serve two purposes. Firstly they prevent, or at least
considerably reduce, the issue of grease through the ports when the
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connector is finally crimped or assembled. Also, when d probe is pushed
in, the flaps deflect slightly and wipe grease off the probe when the
prohe is withdrawn, retaininq it in the connector~ One particular form of
probe end 92 for use with ports 9n is illustrated in Figures 36 (a) and
(b). The probe end is generally oblong in cross-section, slightly
narrower than the length of the port and slightly thinner than the width
of the port but sli~htly thicker than the width of the gap between the
flaps 91. Other forms of ports, and probes, can be used. Ports can also
be provided in the cap as indicated in dotted outline at 93 in Figure 1.
Ports 90 are also indicated in the body 15 in Figure 9.
While the provision of test ports is not essential~ it is
preferred. The ability to test by inserting probes through a port is a
considerable advanta~e as compared with a contempary system in which
sharply pointed probes are used to pierce the insulation of the
conductors external to the connector. This leaves a permanent
perforation in the insulation, with possible ingress of moisture.
The test ports can also be used with connectors not filled with
grease. In some instances, only a test port is required.
The present connector has many advantages over existing
connectors. In effect a family of connectors is provided which are
suitable, or adaptable, to various types of connection, or
interconnection, with various forms of conductors. For convenience, it is
desirable to keep the number of different parts to a minimum, both for
cost and for minimum stock. As described previously there are
various forms of body and cap, which can be provided both with and
without test ports.
One advantage is that the conductors, in making cornections
for telephone systems, are inserted as pairs, for a butt connectionO
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Thusl a first pair of conductors, comprising a Tip conductor and a Ring
conductor, is insertecl in adjacent apertures 2n. Then the second pair of
conductors is inserted. In many forms of known connectors, it is
necessary for the installer or repairer to separate pairs of conductors,
match the two Tip conductors together and insert them into a connector,
make the connection, then match up the two Ring conductors, insert into a
connector and make the connection. As often a very large number of
connections are being made at one time even slight reductions in time and
improvements in ease of insertion and assembly represent substantial
overall gains and improvements, in time and costs. Also, convenience of
application of connectors also assists in obtaining improved quality of
connection.
As described above, depending upon the type of connection to
be made, not all of the apertures 2n, 25, will be used. Thus, in the cap
11, not all of the slots 54 will be used. In the example of a
connector with a body as in Figures 3 to 8 or 9 to 14, with a cap as
in Fi~ures 20 to 25, lateral, or sideways, distortion of a rib 55,
from a slot occupied by a conductor towards a slot unoccupied by a
conductor, is prevented as the ribs 54 are in engagement with the
chamfers 31. Thus the alignment of the ribs 55, which provide s-train
relief, is maintained. This effect is also obtained if two
conductors of different diameters occupy adjacent apertures 20, 25.
Thus the connector will accept and efficiently connect two, three, or
four conductor, and also accept and connect conductors of differing
sizes, an advanta~e over other connectors. However, in extremely low
temperatures, the flow of grease into the apertures 20 and 25, around
the conductors can be restricted by the ribs 64, and a cap of the
lfi
form of Fit~ures 2~ to 3n9 can be used. The cap of the form of
Figures 26 to 3n can also be used at other than low temperatures.
The connector has9 in effect, a kwo stage assembly or
installation. There is an initial stage in which the particular
terminal arran~ement is in position in the cap and the cap is
assembled to the hody to a first position, the tapered ribs 51 beyond
the ribs 29. The sealing compound, if used, is injected, with the
body, usually hefore such initial sta~e. The connectors can be
packaged for storage. The second stage occurs when conductors have
1n been inserted and the body and cap then pushed or crimped completely
together.
The connector is small and compact. In many instances
only one connector is requireci instead of two. Particularly in
telecommunications, where large number of connectors are use(l to
connect conductors of cables, improved ease of connection, reduction
in connection time, reduction in the number of connectors and minimal
size are all very important factors.
Conveniently, the body can be molded of a translucent
or opaque rnaterial and the cap of a coloured material. A proper,
fully inserted assembly or "crimp" can be ascertained as when
surfaces of the coloured part move into contact with the translucent
part, the coloured part becomes very visible on a proper crimp. The
presence of a sealing compound enhances this effect.
Fi~ure 37 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate very
diagrammatically the various types of connections which can be made,
and particularly exemplified by telephone conductors. In Figure
37 (a), two butt connections are made, between two Tip conductors 95
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and 9h and between two Rinq conductors 97 and 98. In Figure 37 (b),
a hridge connection is made between three conductors 99~ 100 and 101.
For telephones, if these are Tip conductors, then another bridge
connection is made for Ring conductors 1029 103 and 104. In Figure
37 (c~, a tap is made -to a continuous Tip conductor 105, with one or
two conductors 106 and 1n7 ancl a further tap to a cortinuous Ring
conductor 1n8 by one of two conductors 109 and 110. The conductors
are not necessarily shown in the actual positions as assumed in the
connector, but are illustrative only.
While the connector has been described with the cap
beinq inserted into the body, it will be appreciated that only minor
modifications need he made to reverse this and have the body inserted
into the cap. The main chancles are in the ribs 29, 51 and 52, ribs
51 and 52 beinn put on the outside of the bocly and ribs 29 on the
inside of the cap. Also, the form and arrangement of the ribs 29, 51
and 52, can be varied, the object being the two stage assembly. It
will also be appreciated that the basic geometry or structure of the
body and cap can be modified to accept more than four wires. Also
more than two pairs of terminals can be provided but the connector
then becomes larger and more complex.
18
