Angled patch panel assembly

Angled connection panel assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DESCRIPTION

<dl><dt>1. </dt><dd>Technical Field </dd></dl>

The present description refers to an advantageous connection panel assembly and, more particularly, to an angled connection panel assembly that is configured to be mounted on a rack or console, facilitates wiring management functions and improves the use of the space.

<dl><dt>2. </dt><dd>Discussion of the Background of the Technique </dd></dl>

Connection panels are well known in the field of data communication systems. A connection panel generally provides a multitude of network ports embedded within a single structural element that connect the input and output lines of a local area network (LAN, Local Area Network) or other electrical, electronic or communication system. The connection panels are usually housed in a telecommunications cabinet or in an alternative location suitable for connection cables. Typical connection panels are mounted as hardware units that include a multitude of port locations (for example, twenty-four or forty-eight) that function as a kind of static switch, using cables to interconnect computers associated with a LAN and / or to connect computers to an outside network, for example, for connection to the Internet or another wide area network (WAN). A connection panel generally uses a kind of jumper wire, called a hose, to create each interconnection.

In a typical installation, the connection panel connects computers from one network to another and to the outside lines that allow the LAN to connect to the Internet or to another WAN. The connections are usually made with hoses and the connection panel allows the circuits to be arranged and reorganized easily and efficiently by connecting and disconnecting the hoses. Connection panel systems are generally intended to facilitate management and organization by implementing telecommunications cabling systems, for example, for high-speed data networks.

The connection panels are usually mounted between frame elements in order to allow conductive wires or cables, for example, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, to connect to IDCs placed on the rear face of the panel. connections and also allow the connection sockets to be plugged into the connectors or ports placed on the front face of the connection panel. Typical connection panels are basically flat, extending horizontally from frame element to frame element. The conductive wires / cables are guided to the desired location at the rear of the connection panel, that is, in the bounded region defined by the spaced frame elements. The connection cables are guided to the desired connectors / ports on the front face of the connection panel, for example, from a tread

or similar. Thus, for wiring management purposes, the connection cables are generally carried to either side of the connection panel on the front of the rack system and, from there, are guided to the desired components and / or to the location of the communication network

More recently, manufacturers have introduced connection panels that include a pair of flat front faces that are attached to each other at an angle, for example, at a central point thereof. For example, Panduit Corporation (Tinley Park, IL) offers a line of angled connection panels with the trade name "Plus DP6" that includes a pair of angled panels that support a multitude of ports. One of such angled connection panels is also described in EP 1 280 363. With reference to Figure 1, a top view of a commercial product angled connection panel 10 (Panduit Corporation) describing panels in angle 20, 22 joined at vertex 24. It is noteworthy that the tabs 26, 28 are attached to the panels at angle 20, 22, respectively. The tabs 26, 28 basically align with the front faces of the angled panels 20, 22 and are mounted angularly with respect thereto. The tabs 26, 28 allow the connection panel product 10 to be mounted with respect to a universal frame (not drawn), for example, a conventional 48.26 cm (19 ”) frame.

Another such known angle connection panel is described in US 6 537 106.

Despite efforts to date, there remains a need to improve the designs of angled connection panels that are configured to be mounted on a rack or console, facilitate wiring management functions and improve the utilization of space in and around the connection panel / rack assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

According to the invention, an angled connection panel according to claim 1 and an angled connection panel assembly according to claim 15 are provided.

This description refers to an angled connection panel that is configured to be mounted on a rack or console, facilitate wiring management functions and improve the utilization of space in and around the assembly of the connection panel / rack. The angled connection panel of the present description is configured to be mounted on a rack or console and includes first and second connection panel elements that are oriented angularly with respect to each other. The transition from the first connection panel element to the second connection panel element is generally achieved in a vertex zone. The first and second elements of the connection panel generally include an integrally formed front face, although it is contemplated that different connection panel elements can be used in the manufacture of the front face of the angled connection panel of the present description, such elements of the panel of different connections joining in the vertex zone by means of an appropriate structural connection.

According to the present description, flange elements are formed and / or placed at each end thereof. Each flange element defines a mounting face that includes mounting features to facilitate mounting the connection panel at an angle to a rack or console. Usually such mounting features take the form of slots and / or openings, although alternative mounting features can be used. Each flange element also advantageously includes or defines an extension arm that is intermediate between the mounting face and the connection panel element to which the flange element is mounted or from which the flange element extends. The extension arm is sized to facilitate at least partial recessing of the angled connection panel with respect to the frame / console when the angled connection panel is mounted thereon.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flange elements are formed integrally with respect to the front faces of the elements of the connection panel. Thus, the front face of the first and second connection elements can be defined, at least in part, by a single structural element, for example, an elongated steel plate. The vertex region of the angled connection panel can be defined by forming an appropriate fold (or combination of folds) in order to define the desired angular relationship between the first and second elements of the connection panel, for example, 10 ° to 20 ° . In addition, the flange elements can be defined by forming appropriate folds in the elongated structural element. Thus, with respect to each of the flange elements, a first fold can be formed to define the extension arm and a second fold can be formed to define the mounting face. In examples of embodiments of the present description, the extension arm is basically perpendicular to the mounting face, while the extension arm and the associated front face of the connection panel element generally define an acute angle.

The angle connection panel described generally includes a multitude of connectors or ports on the front face that are adapted to receive plugs and the associated punching blocks on the back of the angle connection panel. The number of ports associated with the described angle connection panel may vary. Examples of connection panel designs described include twenty-four and forty-eight ports, respectively. In such embodiments, the ports are generally arranged in groups of six, with two (or four) sets of six ports mounted with respect to each element of the angled connection panel.

Accessory elements can be provided advantageously according to the examples of implementations of the described angle connection panel. Thus, for example, a cable management support can be mounted with respect to threaded studs directed rearwardly associated with the respective connection panel elements. The cable management bracket can facilitate cable guidance to the rear of the angled connection panel, that is, inside the rack or console. Cable ties can be used to improve cable management performance. In addition, mounting screws and lock washers can be provided to facilitate mounting the connection panel at an angle to the rack / console. In circumstances where grounding is desired, an appropriate safety washer can be selected, for example, a safety washer made from phosphor bronze. Different areas can be provided for labeling the ports that are accessible on the front face of the angled connection panel, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The cable manager (s) can be mounted on the front face of one or both elements of the connection panel to further facilitate the cable management functions associated with the described angle connection panel assembly .

In use, the angled connection panel of the present description facilitates the cable management functions, while improving the use of space in and around the assembly of the connection panel / frame. The angular opening of the elements of the connection panel facilitates the guidance of the cable to the sides of the frame / console. The advantageous design of the described flange elements and the improved functionalities resulting from the design of such flange elements allow the elements of the connection panel to be substantially lowered with respect to the frame / console. By reducing the elements of the connection panel with respect to a rack / console, several advantages are realized: (i) the probability that waste or other undesirable elements will enter the area behind the connections is reduced, (ii) the functionality of cable management within the rack / console is improved by positioning such activities effectively further within the inside the frame / console, (iii) the front area of ​​the frame is reduced, which is carried out by the cable management functionalities and (iv) a more uniform and cleaner appearance is provided for the connection panel / rack assemblies.

Additional advantageous features and functions associated with the angled connection panel and the described connection panel assembly will be readily apparent from the detailed description that follows, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings attached to this description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present description belong have a better understanding of the uses and applications of the angled connection panel and of the described angled connection panel assemblies, reference is made to the Accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of an angled connection panel of the prior art;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, showing an example connection panel assembly with accessory elements according to the present description;

Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the example of a connection panel assembly with conductive wires / cables mounted on the rear part thereof;

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a further example of the connection panel and the cable management support according to the present description;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view, partially cut away, showing an example of a connection panel that is mounted with respect to a frame assembly, according to the present description;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a multi-conductor cable that is mounted with respect to the IDCs extending from the rear of the connection panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present description;

Figure 7 is a front view of a twenty-four (24) port connection panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present description; and

Figure 8 is a front view of a forty-eight (48) port connection panel according to a further embodiment of the present description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT

The present description provides advantageous angled connection panels that are configured to be mounted in a rack or console, to facilitate wiring management functions and to improve the utilization of space in and around the frame / connection panel assembly. The angled connection panels of the present description can be sized to operate in cooperation with conventional frame / console structures, for example, 48.26 cm (19 ") and 58.42 cm (23") racks. A multitude of angled connection panels can be mounted with respect to a single rack / console, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

With respect to Figs. 2 and 3, an example of an angle connection panel 100 according to the present description is schematically represented. The angle connection panel 100 is configured to be mounted on frame supports 50a, 50b, such that the angle connection panel 100 is positioned horizontally between the frame support 50a and the frame support 50b. The angled connection panel 100 includes a first connection panel element 102 and a second connection panel element 104 that are angularly oriented relative to each other. The transition from the first element 102 of the connection panel to the second element 104 of the connection panel occurs in a vertex-shaped region 106. The region of vertex 106 is generally defined at or near the midpoint of the angled connection panel 100 .

According to an example of embodiment of the present description, the first and second elements 102 and 104 of the connection panel are formed, at least in part, by a single structural element, for example, an elongated element that is manufactured from a material sufficiently rigid, for example, steel. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2-3, the connection panel elements 102, 104 are defined by an elongated steel element that includes a multitude of notches to facilitate the reception / assembly of six-port modules. Thus, with respect to Fig. 2, the first element 102 of the connection panel includes four (4) modules 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, each of which includes six (6) linearly aligned ports accessible from the front of the 100 angle connection panel. Similarly, the second element 104 of the connection panel includes four (4) modules, each of which includes six (6) linearly aligned ports. In total, the connection panel example 100 includes forty-eight (48) ports / connectors. The connectors associated with the connector modules of the present description may be of a conventional design with the appropriate levels of performance, for example, CAT 5E and / or CAT 6 performance levels.

Connector modules (for example, connector modules 108a-108d) generally include a basically rectangular projection face that defines, at least in part, the six linearly aligned connector openings associated with the module. The elongate element generally includes a multitude of basically rectangular notches that are sized and configured to receive the projection faces associated with the connector modules. The connector modules also generally include a housing area that is of a larger dimension than the rectangular projection face, thus allowing the module to be placed securely with respect to the first / second elements of the connection panel, by example, when introduced from the back of them. Mounting elements are generally provided at the rear of the angle connection panel 100 to secure the connector modules with respect to the elongated steel element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present description, threaded studs are mounted perpendicularly with respect to the elements 102, 104 of the connection panel, for example, on each side of each rectangular notch, and are adapted to cooperate with one or more openings formed at the edges of the connector modules. The threaded studs can be advantageously secured to the rear part of the elongate element, for example, by drawing the screw head into a properly sized countersunk, by welding, adhesion or the like. Mounting brackets are usually manufactured from an appropriate plastic material and can be placed in an interference position with respect to the connector modules in the assembly process. Mounting brackets are generally fixed in place by threaded nuts on the vertical studs that project from the back of the connection panel elements, although alternative fixing methods may be employed, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. technique. Examples of mounting brackets 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 are shown in the alternative embodiment of the twenty-four (24) connector port of Fig. 4. It should be noted that the centrally mounted mounting brackets (for example, brackets 222, 228 in Fig. 4) may include extending downwardly and block walls and / or structures that are configured and sized to space and align the adjacent connector modules.

Thus, examples of connector modules according to the present description include projection faces that extend through basically rectangular openings formed in the first and second elements of the connection panel, and such connector modules are fixed in place by means of mounting placed at the rear of the angled connection panel. It should be noted that the rectangular opening (s) closest to the region of vertex 106 advantageously moves away from the central point of the angled connection panel described by a sufficient distance to ensure that the innermost conductor wires secured to the back-directed IDCs have an appropriate / acceptable bending radius.

The elongate element that defines (at least in part) the first and second elements 102, 104 of the connection panel generally forms a fold in the region of vertex 106 that differentiates the first element 102 of the connection panel of the second element 104 of the connection panel. connections. The folding angle is selected on the basis of the desired geometry for the angled connection panel, but generally ranges from approximately 10 ° to 20 °. According to an embodiment of the present description, the elongate element includes an additional "backward" fold at the base thereof, defining an elongated platform such a backward fold that basically extends from side to side relative to the first and second 102, 104 of the connection panel. To adapt the folding of the vertex area, a cut is usually made on the platform at or near the center point thereof and an adequate amount of material is removed from the elongate element. Thereafter, welding can be done to connect the platform in the vertex zone. In the embodiments of the described angled connection panel that include a platform, the platform generally improves the structural stability / integrity of the described angled connection panels and supplies a base to the angled connection panel, for example, before mount the connection panel at an angle in relation to a rack / console.

As noted above, the region of vertex 106 of the angled connection panel 100 can be defined by forming one or more folds in the elongated elements, for example, an elongated steel element, in order to define the desired angular relationship between the first and second elements of the connection panel, for example, from 10º to 20º. It is noteworthy that the angle and the overall structural relationship of the first and second elements of the connection panel are generally selected in order to facilitate access to the location of the most central connector at the back of the connection panel in angle, for example, using a pressure insertion tool. The folds are usually rounded to facilitate manufacturing and to provide a smooth transition to the 100 angle connection panel. Instead of folding, however, the vertex zone can be established through a joint of the first and second elements of the connection panel in an angular form, for example, by incorporating a suitable joint structure. Thus, the present description is not limited to implementations in which the first and second elements of the connection panel are formed from a single elongated element, but also extends to implementations in which the first and second elements of the connection panel connections are defined by different structural elements that join angularly in the vertex zone.

Examples of embodiments of the present description include an application that adheres to the front face of the first and second elements of the connection panel. The application generally includes pre-printed signs, for example, port designations (see, for example, Figs. 7 and 8). The use of applications on the front face of the first and second elements of the connection panel facilitates the manufacture and use of the described angle connection panels. The inclusion of appropriate signs on such applications facilitates the interconnections that users wish to make, while avoiding the potentially expensive and difficult process of printing or otherwise defining appropriate signs directly on the elements of the connection panel. Applications are usually manufactured with appropriate rectangular openings (to match the openings formed in the connection panel elements) and extend advantageously and basically from side to side. Areas may also be provided for mounting / adhesion of additional information labels according to the present description, for example, below the linearly aligned ports (see, for example, the label blocks 420 in Figs. 7 and 8).

In addition, with respect to Figs. 2 and 3, the angled connection panel 100 includes flange elements 110, 112 extending from the first element 102 of the connection panel and the second element 104 of the connection panel, respectively. According to the present description, flange elements 110, 112 are formed and / or placed at each end of the angle connection panel 100. Each of the flange elements 110, 112 defines a mounting face that includes a series of mounting features to facilitate mounting of the connection panel at an angle to the frame or console. Such a series of mounting features usually take the form of slots and / or openings, although alternative mounting features may be employed. Each flange element also advantageously includes or defines an extension arm that is intermediate between the mounting face and the connection panel element to which the flange element is mounted or from which the flange element extends. The extension arm is sized to facilitate at least partial recessing of the angled connection panel with respect to the frame / console when the angled connection panel is mounted thereon.

Thus, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the flange elements 110, 112 are advantageously defined by the formation of suitable bends in the elongate element that defines (at least in part) the first and second elements 102, 104 of the connection panel. In particular, with respect to the flange element 110, a first fold 114 may be formed to define the extension arm 115 and a second fold 116 may be formed to define the mounting face 118. As shown in Fig. 3, the extension arm 115 is basically perpendicular to the mounting face 118, while the extension arm 115 and the associated front face of the first connection panel 102 generally defines an acute angle, for example, approximately 70 ° to 80 ° .

The extension arms defined as part of flange elements 110, 112 (for example, extension arm 115) are particularly significant for the purposes of the present description. The presence of the extension arms as part of the flange elements 110, 112 allows the first and second connection panels 102, 104 to be substantially lowered with respect to the frame elements 50a, 50b. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present description, the first and second connection panels 102, 104 are approximately 23 cm (nine inches) in length, while the extension arms are approximately 2.54 cm (one inch) ) of length. In such an embodiment, the region of vertex 106 of the angled connection panel 100 extends approximately 1.6 cm (5/8 inch) beyond the plane defined by the mounting faces 118 of the flange elements 110, 112. Thus, the first and second connection panels 102, 104 are substantially lowered within the frame / console in which they are mounted. Improvements and / or adjustments can be made to the extent that the connection panels are lowered relative to the frame / console by adjusting the angular relationship of the first and second connection panels in the region of the vertex and / or by means of the adjustment of the lengths of the extension arms of the flange elements 110, 112. For example, the extension arms associated with the flange elements may advantageously range in size from about 1.25 to about 3.80 cm (0.5 to about 1.5 inches) and more advantageously from about 1.90 to approximately 3.20 cm (0.75 inches to approximately 1.25 inches). Regardless of the precise geometric arrangement, however, the extension arms that are formed in the described flange elements advantageously facilitate the recessing of the connection panel elements to a desired degree with respect to the frame / console.

Accessory elements can be advantageously mounted with respect to the angle connection panel 100, for example, to facilitate the wiring management functions associated with this. Thus, for example, one or more conductive wire management brackets 130 can be mounted on the back of the first and second connection panels 102, 104. Two conductive wire management brackets are described on the angled connection panel of forty-eight (48) ports of Figure 2. An example of a conductive wire management support 130 includes a pair of L-shaped arms 132 and an elongated bar 134. The L-shaped arms 132 include a groove (see Fig. 4) to facilitate mounting of the support 130 of Conductor wire management with respect to the angled connection panel

100 Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present description, the centrally placed studs that are used, at least in part, to place the mounting brackets (for example, brackets 222, 228 in Fig. 4) with respect to the modules of connectors, can also be used to fix the wiring management support 130 with respect to the angle connection panel 100. In such an embodiment, wing nuts can be provided to fix the wiring management support with respect to the threaded studs, although alternative mounting mechanisms can be employed without departing from the present description.

As shown in Fig. 3, the conductive wires / cables 138 are mounted at the rear of the connector modules associated with the elements 102, 104 of the connection panel and are directed backwards towards the elongated bar 134 of the support 130 of thread management. The conductive wires / cables 138 are folded outwardly along the elongate bar 134 and are fixed relative to the elongated bar 134 by the wire ties 140. Once they are guided to the face (left or right), the conductive wires / cables can be advantageously guided to a desired location, as is well known in the art. In general, it is preferred to maintain the minimum radius of curvature of the cable to four times the diameter of the outer cable.

Furthermore, with respect to Fig. 2, one or more wiring manager (s) 150 can be advantageously mounted on the front face of the elements 102, 104 of the connection panel, for example, between the aligned connector modules . The wiring managers 150 are basically rectangular in their configuration and include a number of mounting features, for example, an opening, a groove or a threaded screw, which facilitates assembly with respect to the front face of the panel elements 102, 104 of connections. A space 152 is defined in the area in front of the mounting feature, to facilitate the introduction / removal of the conductive wires / cables thereof.

Returning to Fig. 4, an alternative angle connection panel 200 according to the present description is schematically represented. The structure of the angled connection panel 200 is basically identical to the structure of the angled connection panel 100, except that the connection panel 200 includes twenty-four (24) ports instead of forty-eight (48) ports. Thus, the total height of the angle connection panel 200 is less than that of the connection panel 100. In the examples of embodiments of the present description, the connection panel 100 (which includes 48 ports) is generally approximately 8.90 cm (3.5 inches) high, that is, approximately two rack mount units ( RMUs, Rack Mounting Units), while the connection panel 200 (which includes 24 ports) is generally approximately 4.45 cm (1.75 inches) tall, that is, approximately one RMU.

As clearly shown in Fig. 4, the L-shaped arms 132 include grooves 135 that receive threaded studs 145. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present description, the grooves 135 allow the management of the conducting wire to be carried out. with the stud placed in the groove the furthest distance from the extension arm part of the L-shaped arm and then slide to the opposite end of the groove once the wire management is completed. This replacement allows efficient thread management activities. Once the conductive wire management support 130 is in the desired location relative to the angled connection panel 200, the wing nuts 148 are tightened on the studs 145, whereby the management support 130 is thus fixed of the conductive wire with respect to the angle connection panel 200. The L-shaped arms 132 are oriented angularly with respect to the elongated bar 134, whereby they accommodate the angular orientation of the first element 202 of the connection panel with respect to the second element 204 of the connection panel and provide greater stability to the management support 130 of the conductive thread. As noted, wing nuts 149 can be used to fix the wiring management bracket with respect to threaded studs, although alternative mounting mechanisms can be used without departing from the present description.

As also shown in Fig. 4, the mounting face 218 of the flange element 210 includes three (3) openings to facilitate mounting of the angled connection panel 200 (24 ports) relative to a rack / console. As shown in Fig. 2, however, the angled connection panel 100 (48 ports) includes four (4) openings to facilitate mounting with respect to a rack / console. The number of openings and the arrangement thereof in the mounting face of the flange elements are not critical to the present description, although it is generally preferable that the mounting feature cooperates with the general characteristics found in the racks, consoles and the like. conventional. Thus, the spacing of the mounting characteristics, for example, openings, is generally selected to correspond to the applicable industrial standards, if any.

Returning to Fig. 5, a schematic view of the assembly of an example of an angled connection panel to a frame / console is provided. The angled connection panel 300 includes a flange element defining a mounting face 318 having a multitude of openings 350. As shown in Fig. 5, the flange element is mounted with respect to a frame 50 by passing a screw 370 through the opening 350 and the lock washer 360 and coupling with a mounting opening 56 formed in the frame 50. In circumstances in which grounding is preferred, a suitable safety washer 360 can be selected, for example, a safety washer made from phosphor bronze. Multiple 370 screws and 360 lock washers can be used, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Once mounted on a rack / console, the angled connection panel and the rack / console together define an angled connection panel assembly.

With respect to Fig. 6, a schematic description of the interaction between the individual conductor wires 138 'of the conductor wire / cable 138 and the connector module 108a is provided. As is well known in the art, the IDCs are placed inside a housing associated with the connector module and the separate conductive wires 138 'are inserted into a suitable joint according to the applicable wiring standards. Torque twists are generally maintained within 1/2 inch (1.30 cm) of the end point for improved data performance. Typically, the cables are guided and begin to terminate from the outside of the described angle connection panel and work towards the center. The cables are usually guided from both sides of the frame, rather than just one side, to achieve optimal wiring management functionality.

With respect to Figs. 7 and 8, front views of the angled connection panels 200 and 100 are shown schematically, respectively. In both cases, the ports are advantageously numbered from 1 to 24 from left to right. In the case of the angled connection panel 100, the lower ports are numbered from 25 to 48 from left to right. Such numbering is usually done with an application, as described above. Label blocks 420 are also provided for mounting / adhesion of additional information labels below the linearly aligned ports.

5 In use, the angled connection panels of the present description facilitate wiring management functions, while improving the utilization of space in and around the connection panel / rack assembly. The angular opening of the elements of the connection panel facilitates the guidance of the cable to the sides of the frame / console. The advantageous design of the described flange elements and the improved functionalities resulting from the design of such flange elements allows the panel elements of

10 connections are substantially lowered relative to the rack / console. By reducing the elements of the connection panel with respect to the rack / console, several advantages are realized: (i) the probability that waste or other undesirable elements will enter the area behind the connections is reduced, (ii) the functionality of cable management within the rack / console is improved by positioning such activities effectively further within the inside the frame / console, (iii) the front area of ​​the frame is reduced, which is carried out by the

fifteen Cable management functionalities and (iv) provides a more uniform and cleaner appearance for connection panel / rack assemblies.