Foldable sorting and fixing template and method as an aid in the assembly of network cables

Abstract

Foldable sorting and fixing template for mounting network cables (1) as an aid in mounting network cables to a patch panel, which has the following features: - two bodies of equal length, shaped as mirror images of each other (2, 3); - the bodies (2,3) have comb-like recesses (4) arranged at regular intervals; - the ends (5) of the recesses (4) have a rounded shape to accommodate a network cable each, - the two bodies (2,3) are connected by a hinge (6) so that the template can be folded.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a foldable sorting and fixing template as an aid for installing network cables to a patch panel. It also relates to a method for installing network cables to a patch panel.

[0002] When installing networks for operating interconnected computers, the individual network cables are typically connected to a patch panel to simplify and organize the cabling. Patch panels are particularly common, allowing the ends of 24 network cables to be attached in a row using mounting modules, such as RJ45 connectors.

[0003] The cables are often connected to the patch panel individually. Attempting to connect multiple cables simultaneously increases the risk of them slipping out of place, resulting in an irregularly shaped cable bundle. Furthermore, cables can easily be mixed up.

[0004] A device for assembling network cables is disclosed in DE 196 29 247 A1. In this device, a data cable is inserted into a template, cut to the appropriate length, and placed in a clamping device. After removing the template, an electrical connector, which is movably mounted on a slide, is moved towards the clamping device, and the data cables are inserted into the connector. DE 195 35 773 C1 discloses a method for connecting electrical lines to a distribution box in a telecommunications system. In this method, the lines arriving in cables are connected to stackable contact components at an assembly station and then inserted into a distribution box.

[0005] The task remained to improve and accelerate the process for mounting network cables to a patch panel. The desired result was a cable harness in which the individual cables were arranged at uniform intervals.

[0006] The problem was solved using a template with numerous recesses, each accommodating a network cable and holding it in position so that it cannot slip during installation. This also maintains the intended cable position throughout the process. To the applicant's knowledge, the use of such a template for mounting network cables to a patch panel has not been previously known.

[0007] The invention relates to a foldable sorting and fixing template (1) as an aid in the assembly of network cables to a patch panel, which has the following features: - two bodies of equal length, essentially mirror images of each other (2, 3); - the bodies (2,3) have comb-like recesses (4) arranged at regular intervals; - the ends (5) of the recesses (4) have a rounded shape to accommodate a network cable each, - the two bodies (2,3) are connected by a hinge (6) so that the template can be folded.

[0008] During use, the stencil is fully or almost fully unfolded.

[0009] The rounded ends (5) of the recesses (4) are only slightly larger than the diameter of a network cable. This ensures that the cable cannot slip through and is securely held in place. At the same time, the cables are held and thus sorted in the order required for later installation on the patch panel.

[0010] When unfolded, the auxiliary tool advantageously has a length of approximately 40 to 50 cm, a height of 1.4 to 1.8 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 cm, and a thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 cm, preferably approximately 1.0 cm. The length should roughly correspond to the length of the patch panel to which the cables are to be mounted. Standard patch panels are designed for mounting 24 network cables and have a width of approximately 40 to 50 cm. The auxiliary tool has a corresponding number of recesses for temporarily holding and securing these cables. The aforementioned thickness of the auxiliary tool is not only important for its stability, but also provides a sufficient contact surface with the network cables.

[0011] When folded, the auxiliary tool fits easily into a bag or toolbox. The hinge (6) is not necessary for the intended function of the auxiliary tool; it merely makes it more practical.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention is a method for installing network cables on a patch panel. During installation, the network cables are first fed through the designated openings in the patch panel. Care should be taken to ensure that they do not cross over each other. The differently numbered or labeled cables are then pressed into corresponding round recesses (4) of the comb-like auxiliary template according to the invention until they are arranged in the correct order required for installation. The auxiliary template is advantageously mounted at a distance of approximately 30 cm from the patch panel.

[0013] The cables are then marked at a distance of approximately 20 to 30 cm from where they pass through the patch panel opening, for example, with a felt-tip pen. Using the auxiliary template (also referred to in connection with the invention as a "sorting and fixing template"), all cables can be marked in a single step without slipping. Next, the cables are cut to length approximately 5 cm from the mark, and the cable ends are then stripped back to the mark. The marking on the cable stripping tool is aligned with the marking on the cable, and the insulation is removed. The exposed braided shield of the cable is then pulled back over the cable jacket and secured with insulating tape to the still-insulated cable at a distance of at least 1 cm from the beginning of the stripped section.The protective foil around the individual conductors of the cable in the stripped section is then removed. Each cable typically contains eight conductors, distinguishable from one another by their different colored sheathing. The cable conductors are then connected to a module. The sorting and alignment template according to the invention is then removed, and the ends of the cable conductors, along with the module (RJ45), are inserted into the respective openings of the patch panel.

[0014] The working method according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps: a. Routing the individual network cables through openings in the patch panel; b. Fixing the individual network cables in the recesses (4) of the sorting and adjustment template; c. Mark the network cables at a distance of approximately 20 to 30 cm from where they pass through the patch panel opening while they are held in place by the auxiliary tool; d. Cut the ends of the network cables to approximately 5 cm from the mark; e. Remove the insulation from the network cables up to the mark; f. Pull back the braided shield of each network cable and attach it to the still insulated part of the cable at a distance of at least 1 cm from the beginning of the stripped part of the cable; g. Removing the protective film around the individual wires of the cable; h. Connecting the ends of each wire to a module suitable for connection to the patch panel; i. Inserting the modules, each connected to the end of a wire, into the patch panel. j. Removing the sorting and adjustment template and

[0015] This procedure is specifically designed for Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 network cables. Step f) is naturally omitted for unshielded network cables.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary tool according to the invention has a recess (4) with rounded ends (5) for each cable, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the size of the recess, which is determined by the diameter of the cable. It is dimensioned so that the cable can be easily pressed in, yet is firmly secured against slippage. In the embodiment according to... Fig. The auxiliary tool has cutouts for 24 cables. It is equipped with a hinge in the middle, allowing it to be folded completely for easier and more secure transport. Fig. Figure 2 shows the auxiliary tool in its folded form.

[0017] The auxiliary tool is generally made of a thermoplastic material, for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS). It can be manufactured, for example, by 3D printing or injection molding. The two parts of the auxiliary tool, which are essentially mirror images of each other (except for the hinge), are expediently manufactured separately and then joined together via the hinge (6). The connecting element of the hinge is expediently made of metal. For example, it is a metal rivet or a metal screw, e.g., an M4 countersunk screw with a nut. Reference symbol list: 1 Foldable sorting and fixing template 2, 3 elongated halves of the sorting and fixing template with regularly spaced, comb-like recesses. 4 recesses 5. Rounded lower end of the recess for receiving a network cable 6 Hinge (joint) 7 Connecting element

Claims

[1] Foldable sorting and fixing template for mounting network cables (1) as an aid in mounting network cables to a patch panel, which has the following features: - two bodies of equal length, shaped as mirror images of each other (2, 3); - the bodies (2,3) have comb-like recesses (4) arranged at regular intervals; - the ends (5) of the recesses (4) have a rounded shape to accommodate a network cable each, - the two bodies (2,3) are connected by a hinge (6) so that the template can be folded. [2] Template according to claim 1, characterized by that when unfolded, it has a length of 40 to 50 cm, a height of 1.4 to 1.8 cm, preferably about 1.5 cm, and a thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 cm, preferably about 1.0 cm. [3] Template according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat it is made of thermoplastic material, preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. [4] Template according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that it has 24 recesses (4) with a length of 43 cm when unfolded. [5] Template according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that their two parts are connected by a hinge which has a screw and nut or a rivet as a connecting element, preferably made of metal. [6] The procedure for installing network cables to a patch panel comprises the following steps: a. Routing the individual network cables through openings in the patch panel; b. Fixing the individual network cables in the recesses (4) of the sorting and adjustment template; c. Mark the network cables at a distance of 20 to 30 cm from where they pass through the patch panel opening while they are held in place by the auxiliary tool; d. Cut the ends of the network cables to within 5 cm of the mark; e. Remove the insulation from the network cables up to the mark; f. Pull back the braided shield of each network cable and attach it to the still insulated part of the cable at a distance of at least 1 cm from the beginning of the stripped part of the cable; g. Removing the protective film around the individual wires of the cable; h. Connecting the ends of the individual wires to a module suitable for connection to the patch panel; i. Inserting the modules into the patch panel and j. Removing the sorting and adjustment template.

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