Tool-free improved reversible keystone coupler

Abstract

The invention is a keystone type coupler (100) comprising a box-shaped body (101) that contains a pin carrier (105) and two flaps (141, 142) hinged to two opposite sides (102, 103) of said box-shaped body (101) and suited to rotate between an open configuration (A), in which said pin carrier (105) can be accessed for the connection of a cable holder (200) of said pin carrier (105), and a closed configuration (C), in which said flaps (141, 142) enclose said pin carrier (105) and define at least two openings (140, 150) for the insertion of a cable (W) in at least two directions (X, Z)

Description

[0001] TOOL-FREE IMPROVED REVERSIBLE KEYSTONE COUPLER

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present patent concerns keystone type couplers, and more specifically it concerns a new improved reversible keystone coupler that can be used without tools (“tool-free").

[0004] The keystone couplers used in data communication networks are known.

[0005] Said keystone couplers generally consist of a box-shaped body housing a pin carrier that is connected to a port for housing a male connector of the cable to be connected. Said pin carrier is configured for connection to a cable holder, to which the wires of a main cable must be connected.

[0006] Said box-shaped body also comprises a first opening, in which a main cable is inserted, and a second opening that houses the port for the male connector of the cable to be connected.

[0007] Said first opening of the box-shaped body is usually positioned on one of its sides, or rear side, while said second opening of the box-shaped body is positioned on the opposite side, or front side, so that the direction of insertion of the main cable and the direction of insertion of the cable to be connected substantially coincide with or in any case are parallel to one and the same direction. Said direction defines an axis, which here below is referred to as the axis of the keystone coupler.

[0008] Said box-shaped body is also configured to be flush-mounted on panels or on the known pull boxes or switch boxes, where it is installed in such a way that said front side of the box-shaped body, where the port for the cable to be connected is located, is obviously facing the front of the panel or box, so that it is accessible for connection.

[0009] In addition to the configuration described above, which is the most widespread, it is sometimes necessary to change the orientation of the main cable, for example by arranging it orthogonally to the axis of the keystone coupler. This occurs, for example, when the space available in depth is particularly small and does not allow the main cable to be inserted in the rear side of the keystone coupler. In this case, a keystone coupler configured in a different manner must therefore be used.

[0010] Furthermore, since said port for the connection of the cable to be connected has a precise up-down orientation that must be maintained during installation, it is necessary to provide keystone couplers that can connect the main cable rotated by 90° upwards as well as by 90° downwards. Obviously, the same problem occurs if the cable has to be oriented to the right or to the left.

[0011] The subject of the present patent is a new keystone coupler of the type that can be reversed without using tools and that can be used alone to selectively arrange the main cable in at least two positions with respect to the keystone coupler itself.

[0012] In particular, the box-shaped body of the keystone coupler and the main cable holder are configured to allow the main cable to be selectively arranged in three different positions: a first position, in which the direction of insertion of the main cable is coaxial with or parallel to the axis of the keystone coupler; a second position, in which the direction of insertion of the main cable is orthogonal to the axis of the keystone coupler and the cable is oriented in one direction, for example upwards, or to the right, looking at the coupler frontally; a third position, in which the direction of insertion of the main cable is orthogonal to the axis of the keystone coupler and the cable is oriented in the opposite direction, for example downwards or to the left.

[0013] This result is achieved firstly thanks to the fact that said main cable holder makes it possible to connect the main cable in at least two different ways, and secondly thanks to the fact that said box-shaped body comprises parts that can be detached and assembled in a reversible manner without requiring the use of tools.

[0014] The characteristics of the new reversible keystone coupler are illustrated in greater detail in the following description, with reference to the drawings that are attached hereto by way of non-limiting example.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of the new keystone coupler (100) in the closed configuration, in which its front side (110) is visible, while Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view in which its rear side (120) is visible.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the keystone coupler (100) in the open configuration, that is, with flaps (141, 142) open for the insertion of a cable holder (200) for a main cable (W) oriented according to a first direction (X).

[0017] Figure 4 shows how it is possible for the keystone coupler (100) shown in Figure 3 to also allow the insertion of the cable holder (200) for the main cable (W), which instead is oriented according to a second direction (Z), orthogonal to said first direction (X).

[0018] Figures 5 and 6 show two three-dimensional views of the same keystone coupler (100) with the flaps (141, 142) detached from the main body (101), wherein in Figure 5 said flaps (141, 142) are mounted in such a way that the opening (140) for the cable (W) is directed upwards, while in Figure 6 said flaps (141, 142) have been inverted and rotated by 180° in such a way as to direct said opening (140) for the cable (W) downwards.

[0019] Figure 7 again shows the keystone coupler (100) with the flaps (141, 142) mounted on the body (101) but in inverted and rotated positions with respect to Figures 3 and 4, with the flaps (141, 142) open to allow the insertion of the cable holder (200) for the main cable (W) oriented according to said second direction (Z) but inserted from below.

[0020] The example illustrated in Figures 4 and 7 shows that said second direction (Z) is vertical, but the same inventive concept can be applied in the case where, instead, said second direction is horizontal, always looking at the coupler frontally. According to the invention, in this case the coupler (100) comprises a first pair of said flaps (141, 142) configured to allow the cable (W) to be oriented in said vertical second direction (Z) and / or a second pair of flaps similarly configured to allow the cable (W) to be oriented in a horizontal second direction, and wherein the operator can choose whether to mount said first pair of flaps (141, 142) or said second pair of flaps, according to the installation needs.

[0021] The new keystone coupler (100) comprises a box-shaped body (101), for example substantially parallelepiped, with a front side (110) and an opposite rear side (120). A socket or port (130) is mounted on the front side (110), that is, the side that remains accessible when the keystone coupler (100) is correctly mounted on a panel or box.

[0022] Figure 1 shows, for example, a port (130) of type RJ45 Cat 6A, which is conventionally configured in such a way that the male connectors must be inserted into it with a specific orientation, meaning that not all orientations are equally possible.

[0023] The cable is inserted along a first direction (X) shown in Figure 1.

[0024] A pin carrier (105) configured for connection to a cable holder (200) for an electrical cable (W) is housed inside said box-shaped body (101). Said connection is obtained by moving said cable holder (200) towards the pin carrier (105) in said first direction (X). Said first direction (X) defines the axis (XI) of the keystone coupler (100), that is, the axis connecting the socket (130) and the rear side (120) of the coupler itself.

[0025] On the rear side (120) of the box-shaped body (101) there are two flaps (141, 142) hinged to the two opposite sides (102, 103) of said box-shaped body (101) and rotating between a closed configuration (C), which is shown in Figure 2 and in which they enclose said pin carrier (105), and an open configuration (A), which is shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7, and in which a cable holder (200) can be connected to said pin carrier (105).

[0026] More specifically, said flaps (141, 142) are hinged so that they rotate around axes (Zl, Z2) that are oriented parallel to a second direction (Z), orthogonal to said first direction (X). Said flaps (141, 142) are configured in such a way that, in said open configuration (A), said pin carrier (105) can be accessed, while in said closed configuration (C) they completely enclose the rear side (120) of the keystone coupler (100) and define at least two openings (140, 150), wherein: a first opening (150) is substantially opposite said socket or port (130) and is suited to allow the passage of a cable (W) oriented according to said first direction (X) - see, for example, Figure 3; a second opening (140) is located on one side of the keystone coupler (100) to allow the passage of a cable (W) oriented according to a second direction (Z), orthogonal to said first direction (X). In Figures 4 and 7, said second direction (Z) is oriented vertically, that is, it corresponds to the up-down direction defined by the port (130), or it is oriented horizontally, that is, it corresponds to the right-left direction defined by the port (130).

[0027] In the specific, but not limiting solution shown in the drawings, each of said flaps (141, 142) has substantially four sides, of which: a main side (1410, 1420) intended to cover at least part of one side (102, 103) of the box-shaped body (101) of the keystone coupler (100); an upper side (1411, 1421) intended to cover at least part of the top side

[0028] (106) of the box-shaped body (110); a lower side (1412, 1422) intended to cover at least part of the bottom side

[0029] (107) of the box-shaped body (110); a rear side (1413, 1423) intended to cover at least part of the back of said pin carrier (105).

[0030] Said rear side (1413, 1423) of one or both of said flaps (141, 142) is configured with at least one recessed seat (1415, 1425) in such a way that, once said flaps (141, 142) are closed as shown in Figure 2, said rear sides (1413, 1423) of the flaps define said first opening (150) for the cable (W) oriented according to said first direction (X). Said upper side (1411, 1421) of one or both of said flaps (141, 142) is configured with at least one recessed seat (1414, 1424) in such a way that, once said flaps (141, 142) are closed as shown in Figure 2, said upper sides (1411, 1421) of the flaps define said second opening (140) for the cable (W) oriented according to said second direction (Z).

[0031] When not in use, said openings (140, 150) can be closed with a special covering element (144), for example shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] Each of said flaps (141, 142) is also hinged to the sides (102, 103) of the body (101) of the coupler in a removable manner.

[0033] For example, each flap (141, 142) includes a pin (143) suited to be removably inserted and to rotate in a corresponding groove or seat (108) obtained in the side (102, 103) of the box-shaped body (101) and shown in Figure 6.

[0034] Said flaps (141, 142) and said groove or seat (108) are configured in such a way that each of said flaps (141, 142) can be mounted either on one side (102) or, rotated by 180° with respect to the axis (XI) of the coupler (100), on the opposite side (103) of the box-shaped body (101), with the upper side (1411, 1421), provided with the recessed seat (1414, 1424), facing upwards or downwards.

[0035] This solution is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, wherein in Figure 5 said flaps (141, 142) are mounted with the upper side (1411, 1421) facing upwards, so that said second opening (140) faces upwards, while in Figure 6 said flaps (141, 142) are mounted with the upper side (1411, 1421) facing downwards, so that said second opening (140) faces downwards.

[0036] In the latter configuration, shown also in Figure 7, it is thus possible to insert a cable (W) oriented in said second direction (Z) but from below.

[0037] The same inventive concept can be applied in the case where said second direction is not vertical, but horizontal, looking at the coupler (100) frontally. In this case, the flaps (141, 142) can be hinged in a removable manner, so that they rotate around axes that are themselves horizontal, always orthogonally with respect to said first direction (X).

[0038] Furthermore, said cable holder (200) is configured so that it also allows a reversible connection with a cable (W).

[0039] Said cable holder (200) comprises: a connection portion (210), configured for connection to the pin carrier (105) mounted inside the keystone coupler (100); a first face (220) opposite said connection portion (210), configured for connection to a cable (W); when the cable (W) is connected to said first face (220), as shown in Figure 3, it can be inserted in the keystone coupler (100) according to said first direction (X); a second face (230) orthogonal to said first face (220); when the cable (W) is connected to said second face (230), as shown in Figure 4 or 7, it can be inserted in the keystone coupler (100) according to said second direction (Z).

[0040] In conclusion, through the reversible assembly of the flaps (141, 142) and of the cable holder (200), one and the same keystone coupler (100) according to the invention makes it possible to arrange the cable (W) in at least three different ways with respect to the keystone coupler (100) itself, that is, oriented in said first direction (X) or oriented in said second direction (Z), entering the keystone coupler (100) from above or below, or from the right or the left.

[0041] Clearly, the same concept applies if the position of the keystone coupler (100) is rotated by 90° around its own axis (XI), thus making it possible to orient the cable (W) horizontally, from the right or the left of the coupler.

[0042] This coupler (100) is particularly suitable for use with UTP cables, but also with STP cables. In the latter case, it is necessary to use a cable clamp (160) for earthing, fitted on the cable (W) upstream of the cable holder (200) in order to establish an electrical contact with the flaps (141, 142) when they are in the closed configuration (C). For this purpose, said cable clamp (160) includes protruding tabs (161) that ensure that said contact is established, in addition to providing for the correct positioning of the cable clamp.

[0043] According to the invention, said body (101) of the coupler (100) is completely or partially made of a metallic material. Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached drawings, the following claims are expressed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Keystone type coupler (100), comprising: a box-shaped body (101) with a front side (110) and an opposite rear side (120), wherein a socket or port (130) configured in such a way as to define a first direction of insertion (X) of a male coupler is mounted on said front side (110); a pin carrier (105) housed inside said box-shaped body (101) and configured for connection with a cable holder (200) of an electrical cable (W); characterized in that it comprises two flaps (141, 142) hinged to the two opposite sides (102, 103) of said box-shaped body (101) and rotating between an open configuration (A), in which said pin carrier (105) can be accessed for the connection of said cable holder (200), and a closed configuration (C), in which they enclose said pin carrier (105) and define at least two openings (140, 150), wherein: a first opening (150) is substantially opposite said socket or port (130) and is suited to allow the passage of a cable (W) oriented so that it is parallel to said first direction (X); a second opening (140) is located on one side of the keystone coupler (100) to allow the passage of a cable (W) oriented according to a second direction (Z) orthogonal to said first direction (X).

2. Keystone type coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said flaps (141, 142) is hinged in a removable manner to the sides (102, 103) of said box-shaped body (101) of the coupler.

3. Keystone type coupler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of said flaps (141, 142) is configured in such a way that it can be mounted either on one side (102) or, rotated by 180° with respect to said first direction (X), on the opposite side (103) of the box-shaped body (101), consequently also rotating the position of said second opening (140).

4. Keystone type coupler according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in thateach of said flaps (141, 142) comprises a pin (143) suited to be removably inserted and to rotate into a housing (108) provided on each of the two sides (102, 103) of said box-shaped body (101).

5. Keystone type coupler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said flaps (141, 142) substantially has 4 sides, of which: a main side (1410, 1420) intended to cover at least part of one side (102, 103) of the box-shaped body (101) of the keystone coupler (100); an upper side (1411, 1421) intended to cover at least part of the top side(106) of the box-shaped body (110); a lower side (1412, 1422) intended to cover at least part of the bottom side(107) of the box-shaped body (110); a rear side (1413, 1423) intended to cover at least part of the back of said pin carrier (105). and wherein said rear side (1413, 1423) of one or both of said flaps (141, 142) is configured with at least one recessed seat (1415, 1425) in such a way that, once said flaps (141, 142) are in said closed configuration (C), said rear sides (1413, 1423) of the flaps define said first opening (150) for the cable (W) oriented according to said first direction (X), and wherein said upper side (1411, 1421) of one or both of said flaps (141, 142) is configured with at least one recessed seat (1414, 1424) in such a way that, once said flaps (141, 142) are in said closed configuration (C), said upper sides (1411, 1421) of the flaps define said second opening (140) for the cable (W) oriented according to said second direction (Z).

6. Keystone type coupler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one covering element (144) suited to be selectively positioned on one of said openings (140, 150).

7. Keystone type coupler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cable holder (200), in turn comprising:a connection portion (210) configured for connection to said pin carrier (105); a first face (220) opposite said connection portion (210) and configured for connection to a cable (W); - a second face (230) orthogonal to said first face (220) and configured for connection to a cable (W).

8. Keystone type coupler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said cable holder (200) is configured for connection to cables of the UTP type.

9. Keystone type coupler according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said cable holder (200) is configured for connection to cables of the STP type and comprises a cable clamp (160) for earthing, fitted on the cable (W) upstream of the cable holder (200) so as to establish an electrical contact with the flaps (141, 142) when these are in the closed configuration (C), and wherein said cable clamp (160) comprises protruding tabs (161).

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