EP0366556B1 - Versatile connection assembly for linking a data-processing terminal to a transmission network - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a universal connection assembly, for connecting a processing terminal to a data transmission network.

This invention applies to data transmission networks using multiline cables and more particularly so-called "twisted pair" multiline cables comprising a mass shielding suppressing parasitic noise in transmissions. In this type of cable, data transmission takes place in one direction in one of the lines of each pair, and in an opposite direction, in the other line of this pair.

We know that networks can be local or not and allow computer data transmissions (networks known for example under the names STARLAN, ETHERNET, TOKEN RING, etc.) or digital telephone data transmissions (for example the network ISDN integrated service digital network); it is essential to be able to connect in branch on each network, and in a simple way, one or more "terminal data processing equipment" (abbreviated as DTE), IT and / or telephone, depending on the type of network considered. These terminal data processing equipment are also called "Data Terminal Equipment" in English (or abbreviated to DTE), or terminal or station.

This connection of a terminal to a network poses problems specific to each network, which are due in particular to the architecture of the network considered (star, bus, tree architecture, etc.) and the type of link interface used in the network (standardized links V11 or V24 for example). Indeed, the connection of a terminal to a network is effected by means of an appropriate connection assembly, comprising a female connector connected to two successive sections of this network, and a male connector connected to the terminal. This connection assembly must ensure the continuity of data transmissions on the network, before connecting the terminal by inserting the male connector into the female connector, and, depending on the network architecture and the type of interface, allow when this insertion, a total or partial cut of the transmissions on the network to totally or partially divert these transmissions to the terminal, or on the contrary, does not cause any cut of the transmissions on the network.

Another problem arises when the multi-line cable sections used for transmissions on the network, and for the connection of a terminal on this network, are provided with ground shielding. It is indeed essential in this case to ensure electrical continuity of the shields of the sections of network cables and of the connection cable. It is also essential to provide a shield for connection terminals of the male connector, external to this connector, and a shield for the connection terminals of the female connector, internal to this connector, these external and internal shields having to be connected to the shields of the cables of the network and shielding of the terminal connection cable.

Finally, another problem appears from the fact that a recent international standard known as ISO8877, relating to connection assemblies usable in networks, defines in particular for each assembly the location of the connection terminals of the female connector and the male connector, the external shape of the male connector and the shape of an entry window on a front face of the female connector, allowing the insertion of the male connector.

There is currently no set of connections, which can be described as universal, that is to say which allows the connection of a terminal on a network with total or partial interruption, or without interruption of transmissions on the network. , which ensures continuity of the shields of the network communication cables and terminal connection as well as the shields of the male and female connectors. There is also no connection assembly with all the transmission characteristics and shielding continuity mentioned above, while respecting ISO8877 standard. There is also no connection assembly comprising coding means making it possible to avoid the connection of a computer terminal to a telephone type socket.

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by means of a universal connection assembly, adapting to any type of network, allowing connection of a branch terminal, to the network with total or partial interruption, or without interruption. transmissions on the network.

This connection assembly also makes it possible, in the case where the network transmission cables and the terminal connection cable comprise a ground shield, to ensure continuity of this shield with shields of the connection terminals of the male connectors and female. Finally, this connection assembly, while having these characteristics, obeys the ISO8877 standard.

• un connecteur femelle comprenant un boîtier muni d'une fenêtre d'entrée sur une face avant de ce boîtier et, à l'intérieur de ce boîtier et en regard de la fenêtre, des bornes de connexion respectivement reliées à des extrémités correspondantes de lignes de transmission d'un premier et d'un deuxième tronçons successifs de câbles du réseau ;
• un connecteur mâle comportant des bornes de connexion respectivement reliées à des lignes d'un câble de connexion multilignes dudit terminal, les bornes de connexion du connecteur mâle entrant respectivement en contact, par glissement, avec des bornes correspondantes du connecteur femelle, lors de l'insertion du connecteur mâle dans ladite fenêtre, pour raccorder le terminal au réseau;
• un premier groupe de bornes de connexion du connecteur femelle respectivement reliées par des premiers moyens de connexion avec les extrémités correspondantes des lignes du câble du premier tronçon et entrant respectivement en contact avec les bornes de connexion du connecteur mâle lors de ladite insertion ;
• un deuxième groupe de bornes de connexion du connecteur femelle respectivement reliées par des seconds moyens de connexion, avec des extrémités correspondantes des lignes du câble du deuxième tronçon ;
• et des moyens de liaisons électriques, mobiles et rétractables sous la poussée du connecteur mâle à l'insertion, internes au connecteur femelle et se déplaçant entre les bornes des premier et deuxième groupes du connecteur femelle, pour assurer la continuité des communications sur le réseau avant ladite insertion et pour assurer le raccordement du terminal avec le réseau, après ladite insertion.

The invention more specifically relates to a universal connection assembly, for connecting a processing terminal to a data transmission network by multiline cable, comprising:

• a female connector comprising a housing provided with an input window on a front face of this housing and, inside this housing and facing the window, connection terminals respectively connected to corresponding ends of lines of transmission of first and second successive sections of network cables;
• a male connector comprising connection terminals respectively connected to lines of a multiline connection cable of said terminal, the connection terminals of the male connector respectively coming into contact, by sliding, with corresponding terminals of the female connector, during the insertion of the male connector in said window, for connecting the terminal to the network;
• a first group of connection terminals of the female connector respectively connected by first connection means with the corresponding ends of the lines of the cable of the first section and respectively coming into contact with the connection terminals of the male connector during said insertion;
• a second group of connection terminals of the female connector respectively connected by second connection means, with corresponding ends of the lines of the cable of the second section;
• and means of electrical connections, mobile and retractable under the push of the male connector on insertion, internal to the female connector and moving between the terminals of the first and second female connector groups, to ensure continuity of communications on the network before said insertion and to ensure the connection of the terminal with the network, after said insertion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mobile means of electrical connections comprise a mobile support pushed by the male connector during the invention, and a group of jumpers of electrical connections, each jumper having two branches respectively in contact with a terminal of the first group and with a corresponding terminal of the second group of the female connector, before insertion, these jumpers all having branches of a first length, or all of a second length less than the first length, or this group of jumpers forming a first set of jumpers having branches of the first length and a second set of jumpers having branches of the second length.

• un blindage des bornes de connexion du connecteur femelle formant un fourreau enveloppant au moins partiellement les bornes de connexion du connecteur femelle à l'intérieur dudit boîtier et des moyens pour assurer la continuité électrique du blindage du connecteur femelle avec des lignes de blindage respectives des premier et deuxième tronçons de câbles du réseau,
• un blindage externe au connecteur mâle formant un autre fourreau enveloppant partiellement les bornes du connecteur mâle, ce fourreau étant en contact avec une ligne de blindage dudit câble de connexion du terminal et entrant en contact avec le blindage du connecteur femelle, lors de l'insertion.

According to another embodiment, the connection assembly comprises:

• a shielding of the connection terminals of the female connector forming a sheath at least partially enveloping the connection terminals of the female connector inside said housing and means for ensuring the electrical continuity of the shielding of the female connector with respective shielding lines of the first and second sections of network cables,
• a shield external to the male connector forming another sheath partially enveloping the terminals of the male connector, this sheath being in contact with a shield line of said terminal connection cable and coming into contact with the shield of the female connector, during insertion .

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement un réseau de transmission de données dans lequel intervient un ensemble de connexion conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement et en coupe transversale un câble multi-lignes avec blindage de masse, utilisé dans un réseau de communications dans lequel intervient l'ensemble de connexion de l'invention,
• la figure 3 représente schématiquement et en coupe transversale un ensemble de connexion conforme à l'invention, le connecteur mâle étant inséré dans le connecteur femelle,
• la figure 4 représente schématiquement et en coupe transversale, un ensemble de connexion conforme à l'invention, le connecteur mâle n'étant pas inséré dans le connecteur femelle,
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement et en coupe transversale, l'intérieur du connecteur femelle, au voisinage des moyens de blindage internes,
• la figure 6 représente schématiquement et en coupe longitudinale les moyens de liaisons mobiles et rétractables intervenant dans le connecteur femelle de l'invention,
• les figures 7 et 8 représentent schématiquement la fenêtre d'insertion apparaissant sur une face avant du connecteur femelle, cette fenêtre étant pourvue de moyens de détrompage, pour des applications différentes de l'ensemble de connexion,
• les figures 9A, 10A, 11A représentent schématiquement et en perspective différents modes de réalisation des moyens de liaison rétractables de l'ensemble de connexion de l'invention, qui permettent de rendre cet ensemble universel dans ses applications,
• les figures 9B, 10B, 11B représentent schématiquement et en perspective, respectivement pour les modes de réalisation précédents, les cavaliers de liaisons utilisés dans les moyens mobiles rétractables, et leurs positions vis-à-vis des bornes de connexion du connecteur femelle, lorsque les moyens mobiles sont en position rétractée ou en position libre,
• les figures 11A, 11B, 11C représentent schématiquement, respectivement pour les modes de réalisation précédents, les différents types de raccordement d'un terminal avec le réseau, obtenus pour chaque mode de réalisation.

Other features and benefits of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 diagrammatically represents a data transmission network in which a connection assembly according to the invention operates,
• FIG. 2 schematically represents in cross section a multi-line cable with ground shielding, used in a communications network in which the connection assembly of the invention operates,
• FIG. 3 shows schematically and in cross section a connection assembly in accordance with the invention, the male connector being inserted into the female connector,
• FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows in cross section a connection assembly in accordance with the invention, the male connector not being inserted in the female connector,
• FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically and in cross section, the interior of the female connector, in the vicinity of the internal shielding means,
• FIG. 6 schematically represents in longitudinal section the means of mobile and retractable connections intervening in the female connector of the invention,
• FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically represent the insertion window appearing on a front face of the female connector, this window being provided with polarizing means, for applications different from the connection assembly,
• FIGS. 9A, 10A, 11A show schematically and in perspective different embodiments of the retractable connecting means of the connection assembly of the invention, which make this assembly universal in its applications,
• FIGS. 9B, 10B, 11B show schematically and in perspective, respectively for the preceding embodiments, the jumpers for connections used in the retractable movable means, and their positions with respect to the connection terminals of the female connector, when the mobile means are in the retracted position or in the free position,
• FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C schematically represent, respectively for the previous embodiments, the different types of connection of a terminal with the network, obtained for each embodiment.

FIG. 1 schematically represents a network 1 for transmitting data between two stations 2, 3 communicating by means of a multi-line cable having for example a ground shield. This cable will be described later in detail. The connection assembly 4 of the invention makes it possible to connect, in diversion to this network, by a connection cable 5, another terminal or another station 6. This connection assembly comprises a female connector connected to two successive sections 7 , 8 of the network communications cable, and a male connector connected to the connection cable 5. The connection cable 5, like the sections of network transmission cables 7, 8, is preferably a multiline cable with ground shielding.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross section of one of the sections 7 or 8 of the network transmission cable, or of the connection cable 5. This cable here comprises eight conductive lines such as line 9, each consisting of a conductor 10 surrounded by an insulating sheath 11. This cable can be described as a cable with four twisted pairs. he also comprises a ground shield 12, constituted for example by a metallic casing wound around the lines 9. At least one conductive shielding line 13, in contact with the metallic casing 12, facilitates the interconnection of the ground shields of different sections of the cable. An insulating sheath 14 surrounds the shielding envelope 12 and the shielding conducting line 13. In this type of multiline cable, as indicated above, certain lines are intended to ensure transmissions in a first direction, while other lines are intended to provide transmissions in an opposite direction. The ground shield line is generally connected to the ground of the terminal or station connected to this cable. However, this shielding line can in certain cases convey a signal.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section of a connection assembly according to the invention. This connection assembly comprises a female connector 15 and a male connector 18. The female connector comprises a housing 16 provided with an inlet window 17 allowing the insertion of a male connector 18. This window 17 is located on one side front of the housing 16. The latter can be fixed by snap-fastening, on a support 22 shown in non-detailed manner in the figure. The support 22 can for example be fixed to a partition in a building. The female connector also includes, inside this housing and facing the window, a first group of connection terminals such as 28 and a second group of connection terminals such as 29, respectively connected, as will be seen more far in detail, at the corresponding ends of lines such as 32, 33 of the first and second successive sections 7, 8 of the network cable of FIG. 1.

The male connector 18 is shown at 26 in its insertion position in the female connector. This male connector has connection terminals 21 which come into sliding contact with the corresponding connection terminals 28 of the female connector. These connection terminals 21 make it possible to connect a terminal to the sections 7, 8 of the network, by a multiline connection cable 5 with ground shielding. The terminals 21 are of the "insulation piercing" type; they are in contact with each conductor 10 of the connection cable of the additional unit or apparatus, by virtue of the piercing of the insulating sheath 11 surrounding the conductor 10.

The retractable movable means 35 give the connector, as will be seen in detail below, its universal character. They make it possible to ensure the continuity of the transmissions on the network, in particular between the stations or terminals connected to the sections 7, 8 of cable of this network, before the insertion of the male connector; they also make it possible to manage the connections of the lines of the connection cable 5 with the lines of the cable sections 7, 8 of the network, as well as the interconnections between the lines of the network cable sections, after insertion of the male connector into the female connector . Other lines of the network cable sections, and other contacts not referenced, are represented in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the connection assembly further comprises a shield 23 of the connection terminals of the female connector. This shield forms a sheath at least partially enveloping a first and a second group of connection terminals 28, 29 of the female connector located opposite the window 17, inside the housing 15. The male connector 18 also includes a shield. external 24 which forms a sheath at least partially enveloping the connection terminals 21 of this connector. This sheath can for example be a metallized layer deposited on the insulating support 25 of the connection terminals 21. This support is moreover provided with an elastic lever 26 allowing the male connector to be held in position in the female connector, thanks to its snap-fastening on the front face of the housing 16. The metallized sheath 24 is brought into contact, by crimping, in a manner not shown in the figure, with the shielding 13, 14 (FIG. 2) of the connection cable 5.

The shielding sheath 24 of the male connector comes into contact, during insertion, with the shielding sheath 23 of the female connector. Good electrical contact between these two sleeves is ensured, for example, by means of two elastic tabs such as 27 and 75, as will be seen more clearly with reference to the description of FIG. 6, produced in the sleeve 23 and based on the shield sheath 24 of the male connector, on either side of the latter.

The connection assembly also includes means which will be described later in relation to FIG. 5, to ensure electrical continuity between the shield 23 of the female connector and the shield of each section of the network. These means notably comprise connection terminals of the female connector, contacts connected to these terminals and respectively connected to conductive shielding lines of the cable sections 7, 8 of the network, and an electrical connection jumper belonging to retractable mobile means 35 internal to the female connector.

Figure 4 is a more detailed schematic cross section of the connection assembly of the invention. This figure will allow better understand the structure of the retractable mobile means 35 which make it possible to ensure the continuity of the transmissions on the network before insertion of the male connector and the establishment of the connections between the network and the terminal connected to the male connector, during the insertion of that -this in the female connector. The same elements have the same references in this figure and in Figure 3.

The terminals 28 of the first group of connection terminals of the female connector are connected respectively by first connection means, at the ends of lines, such as line 32, of the first section 7 of the network cable. These first connection means will be described later in detail.

The terminals 29 of the second group of connection terminals of the female connector, are respectively connected by second connection means which will be described later in detail, at the ends of lines, such as line 33, of the second section 8 of the network cable. . The terminals 28, 29 of the first and second groups are located respectively opposite each other.

If each cable section, such as that which has been described in FIG. 2, has eight lines, the first and second groups of terminals 28, 29 respectively comprise eight terminals. Only one terminal of each group is shown in this figure.

The electrical connection means 35, mobile and retractable move by sliding between the first and second groups of terminals 28, 29, under the thrust of the male connector 18, during insertion. These retractable means comprise an insulating support 36 and a group of jumpers for electrical connections such as 37, 38, in the form of a U for example. Each rider has two branches of identical lengths. Before complete insertion of the male connector 18 into the female connector, the two branches 37A and 37B or 38A and 38B of each jumper such as 37 or 38 are respectively in contact with a terminal such as 28 of the first group and a terminal such as 29 of the second group, whatever the length L1 or L2 of the branches of the jumper considered, this length being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X′X of the female connector. Indeed, for reasons which will be indicated below, the branches of all the riders of the group can all have the same first length L1 (such as the jumper 37 in the figure), or all have the same second length L2 (such as the jumper 38) less than the first length L1. It is also possible that for the group of jumpers held by the insulating support 36, jumpers of a first set have branches having the first length L1 and jumpers of a second set have branches having the second length L2. This possibility of choosing the lengths of the branches of the jumpers gives the connection assembly its universal character. Indeed, it is thanks to this choice, as will be seen below in detail, that it is possible after insertion of the male connector to ensure data transmissions to the terminal and also to ensure continuity of transmissions on all the network lines connected to the female connector, or on the contrary a total or partial cut of transmissions on the network lines.

As shown in the figure, the terminals 21 of the male connector respectively come into sliding contact with the terminals 28 of the first group of the female connector, at the time of insertion of the male connector.

The retractable movable means 35 are shown in this figure in the retracted position, the male connector 18 being inserted into the female connector. (These retractable means are in the so-called "free" or "not pressed in" position, when the male connector is not inserted). They are pushed by a spring 39 bearing on the bottom of a housing 40 made in two insulating support blocks 41, 47 whose structure will be described later in detail.

The first connection means comprise a first group of line contacts such as the contact 43, passing through a first insulating support block 41 made integral with the housing 16 by means which are not shown in detail in the figure. These line contacts of the first group lead respectively to a first and a second face 44, 45 of this first support block. In the same way, the second connection means comprise a second group of line contacts, such as the contact 46, which pass through the second insulating support block 47, which can be joined to the housing 16. These contacts 46 of the second group, respectively lead to first and second faces 48, 49 of the second support block 47.

The contacts 43 of the first group are respectively connected on the side of the first face 44 of the first support block 41, at the ends of the lines, such as 32, of the first section of the network cable 7. Likewise, the contacts 46 of the second group are respectively connected on the side of the first face 48 of the second support block 47, at the ends of lines such as 33 of the second section of cable 8 of the network.

The contacts 43 of the first group are connected, on the side of the second face 45 of the first support block 41, to a first circuit 50. This first circuit is a printed circuit having tracks respectively connected to the connection terminals 28 of the first group and to the ends of the contacts 43 so as to ensure the electrical connection between the terminals 28 of the first group and the lines 32 of the first section 7 of the network cable.

Likewise, the contacts 46 of the second group are connected respectively, on the side of the first face 48 of the second support block 47, to the line ends 33 of the second cable section 8 of the network. These contacts are also connected, on the side of the second face 49 of the second support block 47, to a second circuit 51 which is a printed circuit having tracks respectively connected to the terminals 29 of connection of the second group. In this way the electrical connection is ensured between the connection terminals 29 of the second group 29 and the lines 33 of the second section of cable 8 of the network.

The first faces 44, 48 of the first and second support blocks 41, 47 are located respectively opposite two internal lateral faces of the housing 16. The second faces 45, 49 of the first and second support blocks 41, 47 are located opposite one from the other. The housing 40 contains the two printed circuits and the two blocks can be assembled and positioned by means of positioning pins not referenced.

Each line contact, such as the contacts 43, 46 of the first and second groups, is a self-stripping contact with a cutting fork 55. The end of each line such as 32, of the first or second section is inserted into this fork which cuts the insulating sheath surrounding the conductor of this line; electrical contact is ensured by pinching the driver in the fork.

This insertion, as well as the maintenance in position of each line, are facilitated by the use of insulating insertion pushers, such as the pushbutton 56 which has an opening 57 having a dimension close to that of the insulating sheath of line 32 The end of line 32 is introduced into this opening which is thus made integral with the pusher. The insertion of this pusher into a housing 58 surrounding the contact in the corresponding support block 41 or 47, on the side of the first face 44 or 48 of this support block, causes the insulating sheath to be cut by the cutting fork 55 , as well as the pinching of the conductor surrounded by it. The housings 58 of the pushers 56 extend towards the rear face of the housing 16, in the direction of the arrow 59, by gutters not shown in this figure; they respectively make it possible to contain the lines of the considered section of each cable, in the vicinity of their ends.

Figure 5 shows schematically and in cross section a partial view of the female connector in the vicinity of the shielding sleeve 23. The same elements have the same references in this figure and in the previous figures. The means which make it possible to ensure electrical continuity between the shield 23 of the female connector and the shield of each section of the network comprise in each of the two support blocks 41, 47, an additional contact and push button, of structure and arrangement identical to those of each push button and line contact described above.

This figure does not show the additional pushers which are identical to the pushers 56 of the previous figure. Contacts additional are shown at 60, 61 in FIG. 5. Each contact is connected on the side of the first face of the support block which corresponds to it to a screen line in contact with the screen of the corresponding section of cable of the network. Thus, for example, the additional contact 60 is connected to a line 62 of the first section 7 of the network (FIG. 4). This line in fact corresponds to line 13 in FIG. 2. In the same way, the additional contact 61 of the second support block 47 is connected to a screen line 63 in contact with the screen of the second section of cable 8 of the network. (figure 2).

Each additional contact is connected on the side of the second face 45 or 49 of the support block 41 or 47 which corresponds to it, to an additional track of the corresponding printed circuit. Thus, for example, the additional contact 60 is connected, on the side of the second face 45 of the first support block 41, to an additional track 65 of the first printed circuit 50. In the same way the additional contact 61 is connected, on the side of the second face 49 of the second block 47, to an additional track 66 of the second printed circuit 51. The additional track 65 of the first printed circuit 50 is connected to the shielding sheath 23 of the female connector, for example by a metal tongue 67 having a fork at its end 68; this fork clamps the additional track 65, so as to ensure electrical continuity between the shielding line 62 of the first network section 7 and the shielding sheath 23, via the additional contact 60.

The additional track 66 connected to the shielding line 63 of the second section 8 of the network cable, is here connected to the shielding sheath 23 of the female connector by an assembly which comprises: a additional terminal 70 of the second group of connection terminals of the female connector, an additional connection jumper 71 of the retractable mobile means 35, and an additional terminal 72 of the first group of connection terminals of the female connector, connected to the additional track 65 of the first printed circuit 50. The additional jumper 71 is in permanent contact, before and after insertion, with the additional terminals 70 and 72, whether the male connector is inserted or not in the female connector. Shielding continuity is thus permanently ensured between the shielding of the female connector and the shields of the network cable sections when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the outer shielding 24 (FIG. 3) of this connector comes into contact with the shield 23 of the female connector; the retractable means 35 are pushed by the male connector and ensure, thanks to the additional jumper 71, the electrical continuity between the shield 24 of the male connector, the shield 23 of the female connector, and the shield lines 62, 63 of the sections network cable. The additional jumper 71 has a shape identical to that of the connecting jumpers 37 in FIG. 4.

The continuity of the shielding between the shielding sheath 23 and the shielding lines 62, 63 of the network cables, could be ensured without using additional connection terminals and additional jumper; it would be possible, for example, to implement a second tongue of the sheath 23, comparable to the tongue 67, and having a fork in contact with the additional track 66 of the second printed circuit 50. It would also be possible to ensure the continuity of the shields thanks to connection wires connecting the sheath 23 to each of the additional tracks 65, 66 of the first and second printed circuits 50, 51.

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal section which represents the interior of the female connector, in a plane close to the second face 45 of the first support block 41 and mobile means 35. The same elements have the same references in this figure and on the previous figures. It is assumed that the male connector 18 is not completely inserted into the female connector. We can see in this figure the shielding sheath 23 of the female connector, the first group of connection terminals 28 and the contact tabs 27, 75. The mobile means have also been shown in their two positions, retracted A or free B 35. A distinction is also made in this figure, for example a first set of link jumpers 37 having the first length L1, a second set of link jumpers 38 having the second length L2, less than the first length. We also distinguish the connection between the ends of terminals 28 of the first group and connection pads 73 of the first printed circuit 50. We also note the additional track 65 of the first printed circuit 50, in contact with the tongue 67 which electrically connects this track additional with the shielding sheath 23. Partially shown are the connecting tracks 74 of the printed circuit, which make it possible to connect the terminals 28 of the first group with the contacts 43 which ensure the connection with the lines of the first section of cable 7. As shown schematically in broken lines 76, the additional track 65 is connected to the additional terminal 72 of the first group; there is also shown the additional jumper 71 ensuring electrical continuity between the additional terminal 72 of the first group and the additional terminal 70 of the second group (Figure 5).

The connection assembly of the invention also comprises in the window 17, which allows the insertion of the male connector, polarizing means whose role will be better understood with the aid of FIGS. 7 and 8. The window 17 is shown face on these two figures while the male connector is shown very schematically at 18. The same elements have the same references in these figures and in the previous figures.

In FIG. 7, the male connector is a connector intended for the connection of a telephone terminal for example, on a telephone network. In FIG. 8, the connector is intended for the connection of a data processing terminal on a computer network. We see in Figure 8 that the cross section of the male connector has a keying boss 80, flowing in a corresponding slide 81 of the window 17, while in Figure 7 the cross section of the male connector does not have this keying boss . To avoid the connection of a computer data processing terminal to a telephone data transmission network, for example, a keying means constituted for example by an elastic jumper 82 is therefore introduced into the slide 81 shown in FIG. 7, occupying this slide; this jumper prohibits the connection, on a telephone network for example, of a computer terminal connected to a male connector having a coding boss 80. It is also possible to stick on the front face of the box 16, a label indicating the type of network to which the female connector is connected.

Finally, and as shown in Figure 3, window 17 includes a retractable shutter at the time of insertion of the male connector. This retractable shutter can be constituted by a sliding shutter 83, pushed by a spring 84, integral with the housing 16. This spring makes it possible to close the window 17 using the shutter 83, in the absence of a male connector and can open this window when a male connector is to be inserted into the female connector.

The different connections which the connection assembly of the invention makes possible, which depend on the lengths of the connection jumpers used in the retractable mobile means 35, will be better understood with the aid of FIGS. 9A, 9B, ... , 11B, 11C. These various figures make it possible in particular to show the universal appearance of this connection assembly. The same elements have the same references in these figures and in the previous figures.

FIG. 9A shows schematically and in perspective, a first embodiment of the retractable mobile means 35 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the insulating support 36 carries a group 90 of identical jumpers 37, identical. Each rider has the shape of a U whose two branches have the same first length L1; there is also shown an additional jumper 71 which ensures, as indicated above, the continuity of the mass shields and whose branches also have the first length L1. FIG. 9B shows schematically and in perspective, the group 90 of jumpers 37 in FIG. 9A, the first group 91 of connection terminals 28 and the second group 92 of connection terminals 29 of the female connector. Also shown in this figure, the additional terminal 72 of the first group and the additional terminal 70 of the second group; these additional terminals ensure, by contact with the additional jumper 71, the electrical continuity of the earth shields. The jumpers 37 of the group 90, as well as the additional jumper 71 are shown in solid lines when the support 36 is in the free position (that is to say not pressed into the female connector, before insertion of the male connector). These jumpers are shown in broken lines when the support 36 is in the retracted position (that is to say pressed into the female connector, after insertion of the male connector).

The group 93 of connection terminals 21 of the male connector has also been shown diagrammatically, which when inserted, are respectively in contact with the corresponding terminals 28 of the first group of the female connector.

In this embodiment, before and after insertion of the male connector, the terminals 28 of the first group 90, and all the corresponding terminals 29 respectively of the second group 91, are in permanent electrical connection, whatever the free or retracted position of the support 36, the first length of the connecting jumpers being chosen accordingly. It is the same for the additional terminals 70 and 72 which ensure the continuity of the ground shields, by permanent contact with the additional jumper 72. The connections obtained in this embodiment are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 9C. The connection assembly 4 is represented schematically by a group 96 of switches 94 connected respectively to the cable sections 7, 8 of the network. The additional switch 95 is connected to the shielding lines of each section. The stations 2 and 3 of the network have also been represented, as well as the terminal 6 connected to the network by the multiline cable. 5, also comprising a ground shielding line. As indicated above, the insertion of the male connector does not cause any break in the connections between the lines of sections 7, 8 of the network. The switches 94 of the group 96 are therefore all in the closed position and schematically represent the continuity of the electrical connections respectively between the terminals 28 of the first group 91 and the terminals 29 of the second group 92; the continuity of the earth shields is represented by the closed position of the switch 95.

In this embodiment, on insertion, the transmission lines of the connection cable 5 and the additional screen line of this cable, are respectively connected, to the transmission lines and to the screen line of each cable section. There is no break in the links on the network.

FIG. 10A shows schematically and in perspective, a second embodiment of the retractable mobile means 35 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the insulating support 36 carries a group 90 of link jumpers 37, which are identical. Each jumper has the shape of a U, the two branches of which have the same second length L2, less than the first length L1 of the jumpers of FIG. 9A. There is also shown the additional jumper 71 which ensures, as indicated above, the continuity of the ground shields. The branches of this additional jumper are of first length L1, greater than the second length L2.

FIG. 10B shows schematically and in perspective, the group 90 of jumpers 38 of FIG. 10A, the first group 91 of connection terminals 28, the second group 92 of connection terminals 29 of the female connector. We also represented on this figure, the additional terminal 72 of the first group and the additional terminal 70 of the second group of terminals which ensure, by contact with the additional jumper 71, the electrical continuity of the earth shields. The jumpers 38 of the group 90, as well as the additional jumper 71 are shown in solid lines when the support 36 is in the free position (that is to say not pressed into the female connector, before insertion of the male connector). These jumpers are shown in broken lines when the support 36 is in the retracted position (that is to say pressed into the female connector, after insertion of the male connector).

The group 93 of connection terminals 21 of the male connector has also been shown diagrammatically, which when inserted, are respectively in contact with the corresponding terminals 28 of the first group of the female connector.

In this embodiment, before insertion of the male connector, the terminals 28 of the first group 90, and all the corresponding terminals 29 respectively of the second group 91, are in permanent electrical connection, the support 36 not being pressed into the female connector . It is the same for the additional terminals 70 and 72 which ensure the continuity of the ground shields, by permanent contact with the additional jumper 72 whose branches are of first length (length of the branches of the jumpers of FIG. 9A). After insertion, due to the shorter length L2 of the jumpers 38, there is a break in all the links in the network, with the exception of the ground shielding link.

The connections obtained in this embodiment are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10C. Connection assembly 4 is shown schematically by a group 96 of switches 94 respectively connected to the cable sections 7, 8 of the network. The additional switch 95 is connected to the shielding lines of each section. In this embodiment, the insertion of the male connector causes the connections between the lines of the sections 7, 8 of the network to be completely cut. The switches 94 of group 96 are therefore all in the open position and schematically represent the interruption of the electrical connections, respectively between the terminals 28 of the first group 91 and the terminals 29 of the second group 92; the continuity of the earth shields is represented by the closed position of the switch 95.

In this embodiment, on insertion, the transmission lines of the connection cable 5 are respectively connected to the lines of the cable section 7. The electrical shielding continuity is ensured between the cable sections 7, 8, and the cable 5. The terminal 6 is therefore connected to all the lines of the cable section 7 of the network and can communicate with the station 2, while the communication is interrupted on the network, between the stations 2 and 3.

FIG. 11A shows schematically and in perspective, a third embodiment of the retractable mobile means 35 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the insulating support 36 carries a group 90 of connecting jumpers which comprises a first set of jumpers 37 having branches of first length L1 (length of the branches of the jumpers of FIG. 9A), and a second set of jumpers 38 having branches of second length L2 (length of the branches of the jumpers of FIG. 10A).

There is also shown the additional jumper 71 which ensures, as indicated above, the continuity of the mass shields. The branches of this rider are first length L1. FIG. 11B schematically and in perspective represents the group 90 comprising a set of jumpers 37 of first length L1 and a set of jumpers 38 of second length L2, the first group 91 of connection terminals 28 and the second group 92 of connection terminals 29 of the female connector. Also shown in this figure is the additional terminal 72 of the first group and the additional terminal 70 of the second group of terminals which ensure, by contact with the additional jumper 71, the electrical continuity of the ground shields. The jumpers 37 and 38 of each set of the group of jumpers 90, as well as the additional jumper 71 are shown in solid lines when the support 36 is in the free position (that is to say not pressed into the female connector, before insertion male connector). These jumpers are shown in broken lines when the support 36 is in the retracted position (that is to say pressed into the female connector, after insertion of the male connector).

The group 93 of connection terminals 21 of the male connector has also been shown diagrammatically, which when inserted, are respectively in contact with the corresponding terminals 28 of the first group of the female connector.

In this embodiment, before insertion of the male connector, the terminals 28 of the first group 90, and all the corresponding terminals 29 of the second group 91 respectively, are in permanent electrical connection. It is the same for the additional terminals 70 and 72 which ensure the continuity of the earth shields, by permanent contact with the additional jumper 72. After insertion of the male connector, the connections are interrupted on the lines of the network which are connected to the connection terminals of the female connector which respectively correspond to the jumpers 38 of the second set. On the other hand, the links are maintained on the lines of the network connected to the connection terminals of the female connector, which respectively correspond to the jumpers 37 of the first set.

The connections obtained in this embodiment are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11C. The connection assembly 4 is represented diagrammatically by a group 96 of switches connected respectively to the cable sections 7, 8 of the network. The additional switch 95 is connected to the shielding lines of each section. As indicated above, the insertion of the male connector cuts the connections between the lines of the sections 7, 8 of the network which correspond respectively to the jumpers 38, which is shown diagrammatically in the figure by a set of open switches 98. connections are on the contrary maintained on the lines of the network which respectively correspond to the jumpers 37, which is shown diagrammatically on the figure by a set of closed switches 99. The continuity of the ground shields is represented by the closed position of the switch 95 .

In this embodiment, there is a partial cut of the connections on the network (on the lines of the sections 7 and 8 respectively connected to the terminals 28, 29 corresponding respectively to the set of jumpers 38 of second length) and partial maintenance of these connections (on the lines of sections 7 and 8 respectively connected to terminals 28, 29, corresponding respectively to the set of jumpers 37 of first length). Terminal 6 is connected to all lines of section 7, and partially connected to lines of section 8.

In all the embodiments, the support 36 includes notches and openings not referenced, making it possible to maintain the jumpers on this support.

The connection assembly which has just been described does indeed have a universality character since it allows all the possible combinations of connections of a terminal on a network, while providing the possibility of obtaining continuity of the ground shields. .

Claims (16)

1. Universal connection assembly for connecting a processing terminal to a data transmision network by multiline cable comprising:
      a female connector (15) having a box (16) provided with an inlet window (17) on a front face of said box and, within the box and facing the window, connection terminals (28,29) respectively connected to corresponding ends (32,33) of transmission lines of a first and a second successive sections (7,8) of cables of the network;
      a male connector (18) having connection terminals (21) respectively connected to lines of a multiline connection cable (5) of said terminal (6), the connection terminals (21) of the male connector respectively coming into contact, by sliding, with the corresponding terminals (28) of the female connector, during the insertion of the male connector into said window for connecting the terminal to the network;
      a first group of connection terminals (28) of the female connector respectively connected by first connection means (43,50) to the corresponding ends of cable lines of the first section (7) and respectively coming into contact with the connection terminals (21) of the male connector during said insertion;
      a second group of connection terminals (29) of the female connector respectively connected by second connection means (46,51) to corresponding ends of the lines of the cable of the second section (8); and electrical linking means (35), which are mobile and retractable under the thrust of the male connector on insertion, located within the female connector and moving between the terminals (28,29) of the first and second groups of the female connector, in order to ensure the continuity of communications on the network prior to said insertion and for ensuring the connection of the terminal (6) to the network after said insertion.
2. Connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile means of the electrical links (35) have a mobile support (36) moved by the male connector (18) during insertion and a group (90) of electric U-links, each link having two branches respectively in contact with a terminal (28) of the first group and with a corresponding terminal (29) of the second group of the female connector, prior to insertion, all or some of the U-links of said group having branches (37A, 37B - 38A, 38B) of a first and/or a second length (L1, L2).
3. Connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the U-links (37) have all the branches (37A, 38B) of the first length (L1) for ensuring the continuity of the electrical connection, after insertion, between the terminals (28) of the first group of the female connector and the respectively corresponding terminals (29) of the second group of the female connector.
4. Connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the U-links (38) have all branches (38A, 38B) of the second length (L2) so that, after insertion, the electrical links are interrupted between the terminals (28) of the first group of the female connector and the respectively corresponding terminals (29) of the second group of the female connector.
5. Connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the U-links (37) of the first assembly have branches (37A, 37B) of the first length (L1) and U-links (38) of the second assembly have branches (37A, 38B) of the second length (L2) so that, after insertion, they ensure the continuity of the electrical connections respectively between the terminals of a first terminal assembly (28, 29) of the first and second groups of the female connector and in order to interrupt the electrical connections respectively between the terminals of a second terminal assembly (28, 29) of the first and second groups of the female connector.
6. Connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises:
   a shield (23) for the connection terminals (28, 29) of the female connector forming a sleeve at least partly enveloping the connection terminals of the female connector within said said box and means (61, 62, 65, 67, 70, 71, 72, 66) for ensuring the electrical continuity of the shield of the female connector with the respective shielding lines (62, 63) of the first and second sections of cables of the network,
   a shield (24) outsides the male connector forming another sleeve partly enveloping the terminals (21) of the male connector, said sleeve being in contact with a shielding line of said connecting cable (5) of the terminal (6) and coming into contact with the shield (23) of the female connector during insertion.
7. Connection assembly according to any one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first and second connection means respectively incorporate a first and a second group of contacts (43, 46) of lines respectively traversing a first and a second support blocks (41, 47), which are of an insulating nature and can be integrated with the box, said contacts respectively issuing onto a first and second faces (44, 45) or (48, 49) of each support block, the contacts of lines (43, 46) of the first and second groups being respectively connected, from the side of the first face (44 or 48) of each support block (41 or 47), to the ends of the lines (32, 33) of the first and second network sections (7, 8) and being respectively connected, from the side of the second face (45 or 49) of each support block, to a first and a second circuits (50, 51) respectively connecting the terminals (28) of the first group to the contacts of the lines (43) of the first group and the terminals (29) of the second group to the contacts of the lines (46) of the second group.
8. Connection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the first faces (44, 48) of the first and second support blocks (41, 47) are respectively positioned facing two internal side faces of the box (16), the second faces (45, 49) of the first and second support blocks facing one another, the first and second circuits (50, 51) being printed circuits having tracks respectively connected to the terminals (28, 29) of the first and second groups of terminals of the female connector.
9. Connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that each contacts of lines (43 or 46) of the first and second groups is a cutting fork self-baring contact (55) in which is inserted the end of the corresponding line of the network cable section, each line being a conductor (10) surrounded by an insulating covering (11), the insertion of the end of the line into the line contact bringing about the cutting off the insulating covering and the gripping of the conductor by the fork.
10. Connection assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that each line contact (43 or 46) is provided with an insulating pushbutton (56) for inserting the corresponding line end of the network cable section, said pushbutton being joined to said line end and is embedded in a recess (58) surrounding the line contact in the support block, from the side of the first face (44 or 48) of said support block, in order to bring about the cutting off of the covering and the gripping of the said conductor at the end of the line, each support block having on the side of the first face (44 or 48) channels for receiving the lines of the corresponding cable section, in the vicinity of the ends of said lines, said channels being oriented towards a rear face of the box (16).
11. Connection assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for ensuring the electrical continuity between the shield of the female connector and the shielding line of each cable section of the network have in each of the support blocks (41, 47), a contact( 60 or 61) and a supplementary insulating pushbutton having a structure and arrangement identical to those of each pushbutton (56) and line contact (43), said contact being connected, from the side of the first face of the corresponding support block, to the shielding line (62 or 63) of the corresponding network section (7 or 8) and from the side of the second face (45 or 49) to a supplementary track (65 or 66) of the corresponding printed circuit (50 or 51), said supplementary track being connected to the shield (23) of the female connector.
12. Connection assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the supplementary track (65) of the first printed circuit (50) is connected to the shield (23) of the female connector by direct contact with said shield, the supplementary track (66) of the second printed circuit (51) being connected to the shield (23) of the female connector by a supplementary terminal (72) of the first group, connected to the supplementary track (65) of the first printed circuit by a supplementary terminal (70) of the second group connected to the supplementary track (66) of the second printed circuit (51) and by a supplementary U-link (71) of the retractable linking means (35), said supplementary U-link being in contact with the supplementary terminals (70,72) of the first and second groups, before and after the insertion of the male connector (18).
13. Connection assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said window (17) has foolproofing means (81,82) for preventing the connection of a computer terminal to a telephone data transmission network.
14. Connection assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 6 and 13, characterized in that said window (17) has a shutter (83), which can be retracted on inserting the male connector (18).
15. Data transmission network, characterized in that it incorporates at least one connection assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.
16. Universal connection assembly for connecting a processing terminal to a data transmission network by multiline cable comprising:
    a female connector (15) having a box (16) provided with an inlet window (17) on a front face of said box and, within the box and facing the window, connection terminals (28,29) respectively connected to the corresponding ends (32,33) of transmission lines of at least one section (7) of the cable of the network;
    a male connector (18) having connection terminals (21) respectively connected to lines of a multiline connection cable (5) of said terminal (6), the connection terminals (21) of the male connector respectively coming into contact, by sliding, with the corresponding terminals (28) of the female connector, during the insertion of the male connector into said window for connecting the terminal to the network;
    at least one group of connection terminals (28) of the female connector respectively connected by first connection means (43, 50) to the corresponding ends of cable lines of the section (7) and respectively coming into contact with the connection terminals (21) of the male connector during said insertion;
    electrical connecting means (35), within the female connector, in order to ensure the continuity of communications on the network following said insertion;
    a shield (23) for the connection terminals (28,29) of the female connector forming a sleeve at least partly enveloping the connection terminals of the female connector within said box and means (61,62,65,67,70,71,72,66) for ensuring the electrical continuity of the shield of the female connector with the respective shielding lines (62) of the cable of the network;
    a shield (24) outside the male connector forming another sleeve at least partly enveloping the terminals (21) of the male connector, said sleeve being in contact with a shielding line of said connection cable (5) of the terminal (6) and coming into contact with the shield (23) of the female connector during insertion.

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