MX2012008323A - One in four out connector. - Google Patents

Abstract

A one in four out connector assembly is disclosed having an internal wiring assembly with a series of wires. Connected to one end of each of the wires is an H-type wire. Connected to the opposing end of each of the wires is a single blade male terminal. The single blade male terminals form a power terminal group connectable to terminals of a junction block. The terminals of the H-type connectors form connector cable terminals which are connectable to at least four connector cable assemblies.

Description

ONE INLET AND FOUR OUTPUTS CONNECTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention relates to electric power distribution systems and, more particularly, to systems having junction box assemblies and the requirement to provide components that provide multiple incoming and outgoing cable connections for the junction box assemblies.

Previous Technique Known internal wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units. These units are often linked in various configurations, to divide a work site into smaller offices or work areas. In general, said modular wall panels may be equipped with means for receiving the general building energy and possibly, general communications. Said building energy may, for example, be conventional AC power received either under the floor or from relatively permanent walls or the like. In various types of environments that comprise electrical equipment, or where the Electrical apparatus is employed otherwise, the interconnections of electrical components to incoming electrical service energy are commonly provided through means of wires or conductors. For example, in office systems comprising modular furniture components, it is often necessary to provide electrical interconnections between the incoming power supplies and various types of electrical devices commonly used in an office environment, such as electrical machines, lamps, etc. Computer-related devices, such as video display terminals and similar peripherals, are also commonly used in various office and industrial environments.

An inherent advantage in modular office systems is the ability to rearrange furniture components as necessary for changes in space requirements, resulting from changes in the number of personnel and other considerations related to companies. However, these modular systems will allow not only the change in furniture configurations, but they should provide the convenient interconnection of electrical devices for public service energy, regardless of the spatial configuration of the modular systems and the resulting variable distances between the electrical devices.

By providing the interconnection of electrical apparatus and power inputs, it is necessary to include a provision for Feed the incoming public service energy to the outlets. In stationary structures, such as conventional industrial buildings and the like, there would normally be a substantial amount of space behind the stationary walls and other areas in which requisite wiring is provided to interconnect the incoming public utility power to the electrical receptacles mounted in the the walls. However, these systems can be designed to remain stationary throughout their useful life, without requiring general changes in the areas of office or industrial environment.

In addition to receiving electrical power from the general incoming building power supply, modular office systems commonly require communications connections for office equipment such as telephones, internet communications and the like. The problems associated with providing the distribution of communications correspond essentially to the same problems that exist with respect to conventional electrical power distribution.

In this regard, it is known how to provide modular wall panels with areas characterized as conduits for cables. Frequently, these cable ducts are located along the lower edges of modular panels. The cable ducts are adapted to accommodate electrical wiring and electrical junction boxes. Wiring and junction boxes are used to provide power outlets and power connections electrical to adjacent panels. However, it is clear that to the extent that it is referred to herein to provide electrical power outlets and connections for adjacent panels, the same problems exist with respect to providing communications between the panels.

Furthermore, it is known that the cable conduit of a modular wall unit can be provided with a male connector at one end, and a female connector at the other end. Pairs of junction boxes, each provided with receptacles, made to be placed in separate positions along the conduit for cables. The conduits may extend between the junction boxes and between the connectors in the junction boxes. In this way, electrical interconnections between the units are provided.

The modular panels of a space separator may be configured so that adjacent panels are in a straight line, or in several angular positions relative to one another. It is common to set up intersecting walls in such a way that three or four modular wall panels can intersect at right angles. Each of the panels requires a common socket outlet, and may require receptacles on both sides of the panels. In any case, electrical power has to be provided to all the panels, and often only one of the panels in the multiple panel junction is connected to a power supply source. Under such circumstances, the wiring of interconnection becomes a significant problem. That is, it may be necessary to make special modifications to the energy systems of the wall panels that will be used in said configuration. Because the exchange capacity of the wall panels is highly desirable, modifications to the measurement are preferable. In addition, the modifications of the wall panels at the site of the installation site are complex and can be relatively expensive.

In addition to the above issues, problems may arise with respect to the use of junction boxes and the amount of space that may exist within a conduit for cables. That is, the cable ducts require sufficient space to provide junction boxes, receptacle receptacle blocks, and wiring that extends between the junction boxes and between adjacent panels.

An example of a prior art system is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,382,648 to Propst et al., Published May 10, 1983. In the system of Propst et al, the mating connectors of opposing panels are Coupled when the panels are aligned in a straight line. When the panels are placed in an intersecting relationship, specially manufactured couplers are used. A type of special coupler is used when the panels are placed at right angles. Another type is used with adjacent panels placed at different angles to right angles. Consequently, they must be keep expensive inventories of the couplers. The system of Propst, et al. it uses a double set of connectors comprising a male and a female connector for each conductor to be interconnected. When an individual 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.

An additional system is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,135,775, for D ire 11, published January 23, 1979. In the Driscoll system, each panel is provided with an outlet box in its cable duct . Panels of different widths are provided with a pair of female connectors. The adjacent panel outlet boxes are interconnected by means of flexible cables that have male connectors at both ends. When three or four panels are joined in an intersection arrangement, two wires can be connected to the pair of female connectors at one end of an outlet box. In this way, the connection of two adjacent panels is facilitated.

With respect to both previous systems, and others of the special intersection relation, half of the double set of terminals of these systems is superfluous. There is a distinct disadvantage in current systems, where several independent electrical circuits are needed in a wall panel system, with each one that requires separate connectors. The space for such circuits and their connectors is very limited in the cable duct areas of modern thin-line wall panels.

There are also other systems with respect to electrical connectors, junction boxes and the like. For example, U.S. Patent No. 1,187,010 to Rodrigues, published June 13, 1916, discloses a removable and interchangeable electrical switch socket adapted for use in connection with various electrically heated appliances. A clamping device is placed in a fixed relationship, although detachable to one end of the plug. Means are provided for enclosing and preventing pronounced bending of the cord comprising a flexible enclosure tube clamped under tension by the other end of the clamping device. The plug and the clamping device can be removed simultaneously from the plug.

Finizie, U.S. Patent No. 2,540,575, published February 6, 1951, discloses a cable guide member for utensil plugs. The concept is to reduce the wear on the cable and the connector plug, and provide a connection that will resist the high tensile stresses without injury. Tension relief is also provided. A section body is previously equipped adjacent to one end of the body with terminals. The other end of the body contains an anterior chamber or plug. A pivotable cable guide member having a pivot member is mounted movably in the socket. A wedge-shaped tension relief insert is received within a wedge-shaped cavity in the pivot member. A conductor extends within the pivot member and includes wires that pass from the conductor to the terminals. The incoming portions of the cables are moved around the insert and firmly locked into the cavity.

U.S. Patent No. 4,551,577, to Byrne, published November 5, 1985, discloses a retractable energy center. The power center provides power source receptacles conveniently located adapted to be mounted on a work surface. In one embodiment, the energy center includes a rectangular housing received within a slot in a work surface. A clamping arrangement is used to secure the housing to the work surface. A lower extrusion is connected to the lower portion of the housing. A mobile power cart mounts, the receptacles and a retainer assembly releasably hold a carriage in a closed and retracted position. In response to manual activation, the detent assembly is released and the springs stretched between the carriage and the extrusion exert forces to extend the carriage upwardly into an open, extended position. In the open position, the user can feed the desired electrical devices from the receptacles, and then lower the carriage in the retracted position.

U.S. Patent No. 4,959,021, to Byrne, published September 25, 1990, discloses a pivotable power supply connector having a pivotal connector adapted to be connected to a flexible conduit or cable. The cable has a series of conductors that extend through it. The connector is pivotally connected to a block assembly through which the conductors extend. The block assembly, in turn, can be connected to a contact block, with the conductors conductively connected to a set of contact pin terminals extending outwardly from the block. A cover is secured on the block in order to prevent the contact pin terminals from being exposed during assembly and disassembly.

The cover automatically exposes the contact pin terminals as the power supply connector is moved into engagement with a receptacle in a modular office panel. The connector allows the conduit or cable to be rotated toward an arc of approximately 180 degrees to any desired position. The connector is also manually removable from the interconnection with the block assembly. Said removal allows the cable or duct to be pulled back from the conductors and cut to a desired length. The connector includes a power supply cover that can be used in part to maintain the connector in any of two spatial configurations relative to the assembly block.

U.S. Patent No. 5, 013,252, to Nienhuis, et al., Published May 7, 1991, discloses an electrified wall panel system having a power distribution server located within a panel unit of wall. The server includes four receptacle module ports oriented in a 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 to a second end of the wall panel unit. A third receptacle port and a second wall panel unit side open toward the first end of the wall panel unit, while correspondingly a fourth receptacle port on the second side of the wall panel unit. wall opens towards the second end of the wall panel unit. Each of first and second harnesses are electrically connected at first ends thereof to the power distribution server. They extend to opposite ends of the wall panel unit and include connector ports at the second ends thereof to provide electrical interconnection of adjacent wall panel units. The Nienhuis patent, et al. also describes a system with a wall panel connector usable interchangeably with the interconnection of two, three or four units. The connector includes a hook member to connect together adjacent vertical members of adjacent wall panel unit structures in a lower portion thereof. An extraction is provided to connect together adjacent vertical members of adjacent wall panel unit structures and an odd proportion thereof by vertical displacement thereof.

U.S. Patent No. 5,073,120, to Lincoln, et al., Published December 17, 1991, discloses an energy distribution assembly having a busbar distribution connector. The connector includes a series of busbar terminals placed inside an electrically insulating housing. A series of electrical terminals are placed in the housing to distribute more than one electrical circuit. At least one terminal for grounding, one neutral terminal and three terminals with load are provided. A grounding casing partially surrounds the busbar connector and includes a grounding flange that ground that grounding terminal to the metal grounding housing. In another embodiment, two busbar connectors are interconnected, in order to provide an increased number of output ports.

U.S. Patent No. 5,096,431, to Byrne, published March 17, 1992, discloses a receptacle receptacle with readjustable terminals. The receptacle is also provided with input terminals for positions selected for coupling with terminals of an electric junction box block. The block includes a series of terminals that represent a plurality of different electrical circuits. The receptacle block has flexible flexible conductor bars, of connection to earth and with load electrically connected to neutral terminals, of connection to earth and with load. The input terminals of the block are formed integral with the flexible conductor bars and levers are provided to move the terminal ends of the conductor bars to physically different positions. In one configuration, the receptacle block housing is provided with openings at opposite ends, and the flexible conductor bars have terminal ends controlled by levers at both ends of the receptacle 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 angle of approximately 90 degrees towards the bars. They also extend through openings in the rear wall of the receptacle receptacle for coupling with terminals of a junction box. Levers are provided in the rear wall of the receptacle block for placement of the terminal ends in alignment with different terminals of the junction box, and window openings in the front wall expose indexes on the levers identifying selected circuits.

U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434, to Byrne, published March 17, 1992, discloses an electrical interconnect assembly for use in wall panels of a space divider wall system. The system includes splice blocks having several receptacle connectors, so as to provide a plurality of receptacles on both sides of a wall panel. The junction box is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction box to opposite directed connector blocks for connection to adjacent panels. The assembly of the junction box and connector blocks allow electrical power to be supplied to one end of the panel and conducted to and through the junction box to other panels. The receptacle connectors in the each of splices each have a type of terminal configuration, for example, a female electrical terminal configuration. One of the connecting blocks is provided with the identical terminal configuration. The other connector block is provided with a mating terminal configuration, for example, a male electrical terminal configuration. When two wall panels are joined at their respective edges, the male connector block can be easily connected to the female connector block on the adjacent panel. When two panels are attached 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 two other panels may be connected to one of the receptacle connectors of the junction box in any of the other two panels, thereby establishing a three-way interconnection arrangement. Similarly, a fourth, or other additional panels may be added to the splice and plugged into receptacle receptacles of the other panels in order to provide a panel arrangement that is completely electrically interconnected.

U.S. Patent No. 5,164,544, to Snodgrass, et al., Published November 17, 1992, discloses an electrified space divider panel having a panel member, cable conduit, modular, or electrical system placed in A conduit for cables and conduit covers for cables to access the system. The system includes an individual terminal block having end and side plugs, with first and second electrical receptacles that are removably coupled respectively with the end plug and side plugs, so that the first and second electrical receptacles are placed in side-by-side relationship, horizontally spaced apart and projecting outwardly for predetermined light dimensions through receptacle openings in one of the cable duct covers. The cable conduit may include a network having an opening that cooperates with a support flange in the first receptacle during engagement of the first receptacle with end plug, to provide support Additional side for the electrical receptacle when a plug is removed from it.

U.S. Patent No. 5,178,555, to Kilpatrick, et al., Discloses equipment that includes a junction box for installation along a conduit for cables. The equipment includes a mounting bracket having a first adjustable mounting mechanism for positioning the bracket along the cable conduit. This provides an initial setting and a second adjustable mounting mechanism is provided to secure the junction box to the mounting bracket. This locates the junction box in an adjustable manner along the mounting bracket and provides a second or final fit to precisely locate the junction box between two previously measured cable lengths.

U.S. Patent No. 5,259,787, to Byrne, published November 9, 1993, discloses an electrical junction box assembly assembly, which can be used to mount the junction box within a cable duct. The assembly includes a cantilevered beam formed on an outer wall of the junction box. This beam is provided with a channel that extends transversely for coupling with a support structure. The beam is fixed to the junction box by means of an elastic articulation section, and is provided with a first arm section extending between the articulation section and the channel, and a second arm section extending beyond of the Chanel. The first arm section has a sloping surface which slopes away from the outer channel between the articulation section of the panel. The second arm section has a sloping surface that slopes towards the wall beyond the channel. The surfaces will contact a mounting rail or similar structure during the installation of the junction box. In this way, the articulated cantilever beam is flexed until the rail is in alignment with the channel for engagement with the structural support member.

A problem that exists with respect to power distribution systems for use in cable ducts and other configurations refers to the concept of providing components that allow the distribution of energy in variable and multiple directions. Also, in certain systems where the connector cable assemblies are essentially "in line", it may be desirable for an interconnected junction box assembly to have a directional orientation different from the particular orientation to the connector cable assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary elevation view, of the prior art of a plurality of adjacent wall panels and electrical connection assemblies placed on the panels; FIGURE 2 is an elongated perspective view, of the prior art of one of the electrical interconnection assemblies of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 4 is an elongated perspective view of the prior art of an outlet receptacle shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 5 is a side elevation view of the prior art receptacle receptacle of FIGURE 4; FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary plan view, of the prior art of cable duct areas of four wall panels, illustrating wall panel interconnections; FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the prior art taken along lines 7-7 of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the prior art of a receptacle contact blade shown in FIGURE 7; FIGURE 9 is a plan view of a connector assembly of one inlet and four outlets according to the invention, with the view of FIGURE 9 and other views corresponding to the orientation of the connector assembly of one inlet and four outlets shown in FIG. FIGURE 32; FIGURE 10 is a front elevation view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 11 is a left side end view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 12 is a bottom view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 13 is a right side end view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 14 is that which is characterized as a rear elevation view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 15 is a right perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 16 is a left perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 17 is a further perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9, but with the view being in a 90 ° rotation with respect to the view of FIGURE 16; FIGURE 18 is a perspective, partial and exploded view of a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9, and specifically shows a rear end section housing, and an internal wiring assembly comprising a series of wires having interconnected H-connectors and male terminal blades at their ends; FIGURE 19 is an exploded perspective view similar to the view of FIGURE 18, although it shows the front housing half, cable connector, cable connector side cover and the internal wiring assembly as it is assembled with half of the cable assembly. subsequent accommodation; FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9, with the view being similar to FIGURE 19, but showing, in an exploded format, the relative positioning of the connector side plates for assembly; FIGURE 21 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly in FIGURE 9 in a fully assembled state; FIGURE 22 is an elevation view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9, with the view being similar to the views of FIGURES 11 and 13; FIGURE 22A is an elongated view of a pair of terminal connector assemblies having a first upper key arrangement and a first intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 23 is an elevation view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly, showing an alternative manipulation arrangement; FIGURE 23A is an enlarged view of the handling arrangement shown in FIGURE 23, with each pair of terminal connector assemblies having the first upper key arrangement and a second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 24 is an elevation view of a third embodiment of the connector assembly, showing an additional alternative handling arrangement; FIGURE 24A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIGURE 24, showing the pair of terminal connector assemblies having a second upper key arrangement and the first intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 25 is an elevation view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly, showing an additional alternative handling arrangement; FIGURE 25A is an elongated view of the terminal connector assemblies shown in FIGURE 25, with each of the pair of connector assemblies having the second upper key arrangement and the second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 26 is a view in relation to another embodiment of the connector assembly; FIGURE 26A is an elongated view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 26, and showing the pair of terminal connector assemblies having the second upper key arrangement and a third, alternate intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 27 is a plan view of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9, and expressly showing the power connector assembly of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9; FIGURE 27A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIGURE 27, and expressly showing the energy connector assembly having a first upper key arrangement and a second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 28 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly; FIGURE 28A is an elongated view of a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 28, and showing the power connector group having the first upper key arrangement and a second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 29 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly; FIGURE 29A is an elongated view of a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 29, and showing a second upper key arrangement and a second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 30 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly; FIGURE 30A is an elongated view of a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 30, and showing the energy connector assembly having the second upper key arrangement and the second intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 31 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the connector assembly; FIGURE 31A is an elongated view of a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIGURE 31, and showing the energy connector assembly having the second upper key arrangement and a third intermediate key arrangement; FIGURE 32 is a perspective view showing the assemble a connector of FIGURE 9 placed for insertion into a cable duct, and that also shows positions of the other components to be interconnected to the connector assembly, the other components that are a junction box with associated receptacle block, and four assemblies connector cable; FIGURE 33 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 32, but shows the four connector cable assemblies, connector assembly and junction box with the associated receptacle block in a fully assembled state; Y FIGURE 34 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 33, although it shows the relative placement of the four connector cable assemblies below a wall panel, with the receptacle block and the junction box placed on the connector assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The principles of the invention are described, by way of example, in a connector assembly of one inlet and four outlets as illustrated in various embodiments shown in FIGURES 9-34. For purposes of brevity and description, it will be described herein the connector assembly of one input and four outputs with alternative terms, such as "connector assembly". These connector assemblies advantageously provide the ability to electrically couple a junction box and so minus four connector cable assemblies wherein the connector cable assemblies extend in a different direction and a different plane to an interconnected junction box assembly.

For purposes of describing the power distribution configurations in which the vertical splice box assemblies according to the invention can be used, the following paragraphs describe the prior art electrical interconnect assemblies that could be adapted for use within power distribution panels. Wall of a space divider wall system. These assemblies are shown in the prior art drawings of FIGURES 1-8. Specifically, FIGS. 1-8 describes and shows a junction box with several receptacle connectors, to accommodate a series of receptacles on both sides of a wall panel. The junction box is connected by means of conduits extending from both ends of the junction box to associated connector blocks for connection to adjacent panels. After the description of the electrical interconnection assemblies of the prior art, the vertical splice box assemblies according to the invention will be described with respect to FIGS. 9-29.

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary elevation view of the prior art of adjacent modular wall panels 101, 102, 103 of a re-accommodatable wall system. The wall panels are provided with electrical interconnection assemblies 105, 107 and 109 in a cable conduit area formed along the edge bottom of the panels 101, 102 and 103. Each of the panels is provided with substantially flat support legs 112 that allow passage of electrical conduits in the cable conduit. Cable duct covers, commonly used, have been omitted in the drawing of FIGURE 1 to better illustrate electrical splice assemblies. Each of the electrical interconnection assemblies 105, 107, and 109 is provided with a junction box 120, a female electrical connector block 140, and a mating male connector block 145. The connector blocks 140, 145 are connected to junction boxes 120 associated by means of conduit sections 142 and 147, respectively. Each of the junction boxes 120 shown in FIGURE 1 is provided with a pair of receptacle receptacles 150. The junction boxes 120 are double-sided and corresponding pairs of receptacle 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 equipment to be plugged into the receptacles from either side of the panel.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the electrical interconnection assemblies, for example assembly 107. The junction box 120 is provided with support tabs 122 by means of which the junction box is supported by standard fasteners extended through support boards extending from the lower edge of the wall panel, for example, the wall panel 102. The junction box 120 comprises an elongate housing having opposite ends 121 and 123 and a central symmetrical section comprising four female receptacle connectors 126. Only one of the receptacle connectors 126 is fully exposed in FIGURE 2. There are a pair of connectors 126 on each side of the housing and the connection on each side lateral in opposite directions. The support tabs 130 are provided adjacent each of the female connectors to provide support for receptacle receptacles coupled with the connectors 126. In this manner, the junction box 120 is adapted to support four receptacle receptacles, two on each side of a wall panel to which the junction box 120 is fixed. The junction box assembly further comprises an end connector block 140, provided with a female connector 141, and connected through a standard electrical conduit 142, which can be a flexible conduit, to the end 123 of the junction box 120. Similarly, the connector block 145, provided with a male connector 146 is connected through the flexible conduit 147 to the end 121 of the junction box 120. In one connection arrangement in a straight line, as shown for example in FIGURE 1, where a plurality of panels are placed adjacent to each other, the electrical energy e s transmitted between the panels by connecting the male connector block 145 to the female connector block 140 of the adjacent splice assembly.

The electrical energy is transmitted through the assembly of splicing by means of electrical cables placed in the conduits 142, 147, terminated in connectors 141 and 146, respectively, and connected to receptacle connectors 126 in the junction box 120. Accordingly, the electrical energy is transmitted through the electrical panels. interconnection and at the same time it is available in receptacles receptacle in each panel. The conduit 147, provided with the male connector block 145, may be a fixed length conduit and the conduit 142 may be of a length so the female connector block 140 is placed substantially the same distance from the panel edge on each panel independent of the width of the panel. Therefore, the female connector block 140 will always be accessible to the male connector block 145 independent of the width of the panels. To accommodate panels of different widths, the conduit 142 may be an expandable flexible conduit, such as those well known in the art. In that case, the connector block 140 may be provided with an internal spatial area 136, as shown in a partially exploded view in FIGURE 2. The internal spatial area 136 is provided to store the excess length of electrical wiring 138 in a configuration rolled up or another. The excessive length of electrical wiring 138 can be removed when the conduit 142 is expanded to an extended length. This arrangement is similar to that described in the prior patent, United States Patent No. 4,579,403 (dated April 1, 1986) and entitled ELECTRICAL JUNCTION ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE CONNECTORS.

The conduit 147 is preferably a flexible conduit that can be flexed to accommodate a connection to adjacent panels that are positioned at angular positions relative to each other, rather than in a straight line. The splice assemblies of this invention readily accommodate an arrangement in which three or more panels are placed in an intersecting relationship, as will be described hereinafter with respect to FIGURE 6. In such configuration, the male connector block 145 of one of the panels can be connected to one of the female receptacle connectors 126 of a junction box assembly in an adjacent wall panel. For this purpose, the female connector 141 of the connector block 140 and the female receptacle connectors 126 in the junction box 120 have been made identical. Similarly, the male connector 146 in the connector block 145 has been made identical for the male receptacle receptacle connector 150, shown in FIGURE 1. A greater detail of the receptacle 150 is shown in FIGURE 4 and is described below . As best seen from FIGURE 2, each of the female connectors 126 and 141 provided with a pair of side flanges 129 having upper and lower recessed areas 128, for engagement with the flanges 148 of a male connector to provide a fixing arrangement. The flanges 129, which are made of an elastic plastic material and formed integrally to the housing to which they are connected, are provided with a sloping end surface extending outwardly 135. When the surfaces 135 are engaged by the flanges 148 of the connector 146 in the connector block 145, the flanges 129 will be bent inwardly, allowing the flanges 148 of the male connector to engage the recesses 128 in order to provide a fixing coupling of the male and female connectors. A protrusion 137 with a generally rounded edge surface 139 is provided and acts as an input guide as a male connector is coupled to the female connector 126. Each of the female connectors 126, 141 is provided with a plurality of terminals female connectors 125 and a main tab 127. The male connector 146 is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals 149 and an opening 143 for receiving the main tab 127.

The receptacle receptacle 150, shown in FIGURE 4, is provided with male connectors 151 at both ends, which allows the receptacle to be plugged into any of the four female receptacle connectors 126 of the junction box 120. As shown in FIG. shown in FIGURE 2, the junction box 120 is provided with upper and lower support tabs 130 for supporting the receptacles 150 in each of the four female connectors 126. The lower support tabs 30 are provided with a fastening flange 132 The receptacle 150 is provided with a spring closure 152 positioned in the cavity 154 in the receptacle surface 156. The surface 156 engages one of the lower support tabs 30 when the receptacle 150 is installed in the junction box 120. The attachment tabs 132 will be aligned with the cavity 154 when the receptacle 150 is inserted between the flanges 130, causing the closure of 152 spring is pressed. The receptacle 150 can then be moved to the left or right to engage one of the female connectors 126. The cavities 158 are provided in the receptacle 150 to accommodate the fastening flange 132 and the movement either to the left or to the right by a sufficient distance that will cause the spring lock 152 to move past the locking flange 132, causing the spring lock 152 to return to its extended position. Therefore, the receptacle 150 will be retained in the closed position. The receptacle can be removed by pressing the spring lock 152 and sliding the receptacle 150 to the left or right to align the locking flange 132 with the cavity 154. FIGURE 5 is a right elevation of the receptacle 150 showing an elevation right or receptacle 150 showing the right male connector 151.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the junction box 120 taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3 shows two of the four receptacle connectors 126 of the connector block 120. One of the two connectors 126 shown in FIGURE 3 is placed on one side of the central receiving section 131, which contains a plurality of cables 133. In this Illustrative mode shows an eight-wire system. 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 center section 131 of the junction box 120. By way of example, these may include two ground wires, three neutral wires and three positive wires representing three separate circuits, with a shared ground connection for two of the circuits. Similarly, 10- or 12-wire systems, which have the corresponding number of terminals in each of the connectors and which provide a greater number of separate circuits, can be easily accommodated. Each of the four female receptacle connectors 126 are connected to the cables 133 by means of a plurality of contact blades, described hereinafter with respect to Figures 7 and 8. Each cable, together with the connector block terminals and the receptacle connector terminals to which it is connected, is referred to herein as a circuit element. A particular circuit may be selected for use of one of the receptacles 150 by suitable wiring connections internal to the receptacle. Since all the circuits are connected to each of the receptacle connectors 126 of the junction box 120, a connector block 145 of an adjacent panel, equipped with a male connector, can be connected to any of the receptacle connectors 126. From this way, electric power can be provided to the receptacle connectors for the junction box 120 and for the connector blocks 140, 145 and therefore to any adjacent panels to which these connectors can be connected. Similarly, a connector block 145 equipped with a male connector connected to one of the female connectors 126 can receive electrical power for distribution to a panel to which the connector block 145 belongs. These interconnection arrangements are further described herein. in relation to FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of FIGURE 2. In FIGURE 7 a contact blade structure 170 is shown which is one of the eight blades placed in the section of central housing 131. Each blade is in electrical contact with one of the conductors 133. The connection to the conductor 133 is made by means of a folded connection of the blade extension member 172 to the conductor 133. As can be more easily seen from the perspective view of FIGURE 8, the extension member 172 is part of a central section 173 which is connected to upper and lower left contact blades 174 and right upper and lower contact blades 175. The upper and lower contact blades on each side of the female opening part of the conductor 126 are for coupling with the blades of a male connector.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the four wall panel cable duct areas illustrating the connections of the interconnect assemblies of the invention in a configuration in which the four panels are positioned at right angles to each other. As will be apparent from the following description, the specific angle at which the panels are placed is not of particular importance. Each of the four panels is provided with an interconnect assembly, as shown in FIGURE 2, comprising a junction box 120, a male connector block 145, and a female connector block 140 fixed to the junction box 120 by means of flexible conduits 147 and 142, respectively. The junction box 120 is placed inside each conduit for panel cables near one edge of the panel. The panels 200, 201, 202 are positioned so that the end in which these panels are joined to other panels is the end near which the junction box 120 is placed. One of the panels, the panel 203, is placed with a opposite orientation to which the near end to which the junction box 120 is located opposite to the junction point of the four panels is located. The flexible conduit 147, provided with the male connector block 145, extends beyond the end of the panel in which it is placed, and the flexible conduit 142, provided with a female connector block 140, is terminated a short distance from the end of the panel .

Therefore, as shown also in FIGURE 1, a connection is made between the panels when extending the flexible conduit 147 with the male connector block 145 within the cable conduit area of the adjacent panel for coupling the female connector block 140 at the end of the flexible conduit 142. In the configuration of FIGURE 6, the male connector block 145 of the panel 202 and its conduit associated flexible 147 extend into the cable conduit area of the panel 202 to couple the female connector block 140 of the panel 203. It will be apparent that the connection as shown between the panel 202 and 203 can be made as long as these panels are adjacent to each other. independent of the angle at which the panels are placed one with respect to the other. In the configuration of FIGURE 6, the flexible conduit 147, with its male connector block 145, associated with the panel 200 extends into the cable conduit area of the panel 202 for engagement with one of the female receptacle connectors 126 of the junction box 120 on panel 202. In this way, an electrical connection is established between the junction boxes of the three panels 200, 202, and 203. Therefore, the electric power supplied from an external source to one of those three can be distributed to the other two by means of the arrangement of connection shown by way of example in FIGURE 6. In the arrangement of FIGURE 6, the flexible conduit 147 and its male connector block 145 of the panel 202 are connected to one of the female connectors 126 of the junction box 120 of the panel 200 thereby establishing an electrical connection between panels 200 and 201. This connection in combination with the other connections shown in FIGURE 6 and described in the previous statements, complete a provision to establish an electrical connection from any of the four panels for the complete four-panel configuration. Additional connections can be considered by means of male connector connections 145 from other panels within some of the additional female receptacle connectors 126 of junction boxes 120 of any of panels 201 to 203, if one is selected in order to provide a layout of more than four intersecting panels. In addition, additional conduits, such as the conduit 210 shown in FIGURE 6, may be connected by means of a male connector to any of the receptacle connectors 126 to supply electric power to lamps or other accessories.

It will be apparent to those with experience in the pertinent techniques that other embodiments of connector assemblies according to the invention can still be designed. That is, the principles of a connector assembly according to 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 illustrative embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. A connector assembly for use with a power distribution system for transporting electrical power and for providing electrical devices external to the connector assembly with access to said electrical power, the connector assembly comprising: a front housing half; a rear housing half; an internal wiring assembly comprising a plurality of cables having H-type connectors connected at one end of each cable, and a single male knife terminal connected at opposite ends of each cable; an energy connector assembly forming a connector housing around a terminal group comprising the individual blade terminal; at least four cable connector assemblies formed in the connector assembly, with each H-type connector forming a terminal in each of the cable connector assemblies.