Device for connecting cable systems

Abstract

This utility model pertains to electrical engineering. The technical result consists of ease of use and reduced cable system maintenance time, thanks to the combined installation and testing of connectors. This eliminates the need to disconnect the cable from previously connected active equipment or connect an additional matched load during measurements.For this purpose, the device for connecting cables comprises a crimping hand tool for creating a permanent connection of the RJ network interface, including two handles, a crimping die with cutting edges in the block, and a device for testing contacts of the RJ network interface, containing a microcontroller programmed to supply a pulse and measure the signal level on the measured core of the cable under test, the output of which is connected to a visual information display device, wherein the block of the crimping die is made of a durable dielectric material to isolate the cutting edges from each other, and the input of the microcontroller is connected to the contacts in the cutting edges of the crimping tool. 2 c.p. fils, 5 figs.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of electrical engineering and can be used in telecommunication networks and is intended for the installation of RJ-type connectors (RJ-45, RJ-12, RJ-11, RJ-9) with simultaneous testing of the quality and correctness of crimping of the connector contacts.

[0002] A network interface contact testing device is known from the prior art (see US Patent No. 7,068,043 B1, Class G01R 31 / 11, published June 27, 2006). The device comprises a test module comprising a controller, a frequency synthesizer, an indicator, and a testing module consisting of a reading circuit, a crosstalk echo suppressor, and a power supply. The device operates on the principle of measuring the distance to the damaged area using reflectometry, i.e., by sending pulses, it detects the reflected signal and, by measuring the delay time, determines the length of the cable. However, the reflectometry measurement method inevitably leads to re-reflection of the useful signal and, in the case where the other end of the cable is connected to active equipment, will not contribute to obtaining a clearly expressed reflected signal.

[0003] In the device for testing contacts for the RJ-45 network interface according to RU patent No. 191279 (class H04B 3 / 46, published on 01.08.2019), the functions of a pulse generator and an analog-to-digital converter are implemented in a microcontroller programmed to supply a pulse and measure the pulse level alternately on all measured cores of the cable being tested, with the microcontroller input connected to the socket contacts and the output connected to a visual information display device. In this case, to measure the induced voltage on the measured cable core and to protect the microcontroller from electrical interference, the electrical circuit for communicating between the microcontroller and the socket contacts is implemented through an assembly of resistors, which eliminates the need to disconnect the cable from previously connected active equipment or connect an additional matched load during measurements.

[0004] Checking contacts with a known device is only possible after installing the network interface (connector and / or port), which is not always convenient and leads to an increase in the maintenance time of the cable system.

[0005] Crimping tools with a tester are known, which somewhat simplify the processes of installing a network interface and checking contacts (see US No. 7954232, cl. B23P 21 / 00, published on 07.06.2011; CN No. 201500944, cl. B25B 7 / 22, G01R 31 / 02, published on 09.06.2010; CN No. 202121191, cl. H01R 43 / 042, G01R 31 / 02, published on 18 / 01 / 2012). In the known devices, a cable tester and / or terminators are located in the handles of the crimping tool. After crimping the connector onto the cable, it must be separately connected to a cable tester, which also requires additional steps that prolong the contact testing process.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is to create a device for mounting RJ type connectors (RJ-45, RJ-12, RJ-11, RJ-9) while simultaneously testing the quality and correctness of crimping the connector contacts.

[0007] The technical result obtained by solving the assigned problem is expressed in the ease of use and reduction of time for servicing the cable system, due to the combination of the processes of installing connectors and their testing, while during measurements there is no need to disconnect the cable from previously connected active equipment or connect an additional matched load.

[0008] To solve the problem, a cable connection device is provided, comprising a hand-held crimping tool for creating a permanent connection of the RJ network interface, including two handles, a crimping die with cutting edges in a block, and a device for testing RJ network interface contacts, containing a microcontroller programmed to send a pulse and measure the signal level on the measured core of the cable under test, the output of which is connected to a visual information display device. The device is distinguished by the fact that the block of the crimping die is made of a durable dielectric material for mutually insulated placement of the cutting edges, and the input of the microcontroller is electrically connected to the cutting edges of the crimping tool. Furthermore, it is additionally equipped with a module in the form of a terminator-plug. Furthermore, the network interface contact testing device is powered by a supercapacitor with a capacity of 5-10 F.

[0009] A comparative analysis of the features of the claimed solution with the known features of analogs indicates that the claimed solution meets the criterion of “novelty”.

[0010] The combination of distinctive features ensures the solution of the stated technical problem, namely, the creation of a device that allows testing and finding damage in a cable network or network interface during installation work.

[0011] This device is designed to measure the induced voltage on the measured cable core, caused by capacitive coupling between the cores. Measurement results are visualized graphically on the device's built-in display. The graphical data representation includes elements illustrating the length of the measured cable cores (for example, as multiple dashes), allowing for the rapid detection of core length discrepancies—particularly in the case of loose connections in a patch cord or patch panel. Based on the obtained data, the approximate location of the cable fault is determined. This eliminates the need to disconnect the cable from the active equipment or connect an additional terminator, significantly simplifying the diagnostic procedure and reducing troubleshooting time.

[0012] Experimentally, it was determined that the optimal length of the tested cable section is no more than 10 meters. This range is sufficient for near-field diagnostics. When testing sections longer than 100 meters, the reliability of the results decreases due to increased measurement error.

[0013] The new device is unique in that it combines a device for testing contacts of the RJ network interface (tester) with a crimping hand tool (pliers, crimper) of a well-known design for installing connectors (plugs) of the RJ-45, RJ-12, RJ-11, RJ-9 type (for example, see https: / / anlan.ru / articles / 541?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Falice.yandex.ru%2F).

[0014] The RJ crimping tool (crimper) is a specialized hand tool designed to create a permanent connection between a conductor and a contact tip or connector by mechanical compression. It is used to install network cables (twisted pair) and telephone lines, ensuring reliable electrical contact and a strong mechanical fastening. The crimping tool has a standard design for a pliers tool: two handles, a crimping die, and cutting edges. When the handles are brought together, the die applies high pressure to the contact, forcing it into the conductor. The contact metal pierces the insulation, the wire core is plastically deformed, tightly crimping the contact, and the insulating sleeves are compressed around the cable insulation, creating mechanical fixation and vibration protection. Matching the die profile to the specific connector type is crucial, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and proper crimping geometry.

[0015] The claimed device is illustrated by drawings, where Fig. 1 shows the general view of the device; Fig. 2 is a diagram for connecting the cutting edges of the crimping tool to the tester; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the device; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the terminator; Fig. 5 is a die block for crimping with cutting edges.

[0016] The utility model comprises two handles 1, a crimping die 2 with cutting edges 3, connected to the contacts of a built-in cable tester 4, located in a visible and convenient place on the tool, for example, at the level of the junction of the handles 1 or in the handle 1 itself, and a module in the form of a terminator plug. Moreover, in the block 8 of the die, the cutting edges 3, which crimp the connector contacts, are insulated from each other. For this purpose, the block 8 can be made of ceramic or another high-strength dielectric material (see Figs. 1, 2, 5).

[0017] Tester switch 4 is hidden in handle 1 of the crimping tool and is activated when pressed. A terminator plug (not shown) can be attached to handle 1 and removed for remote testing. Thus, during the connector crimping process, pressing handles 1 of the crimping tool activates tester 4 and initiates continuous testing, the results of which are displayed on visual display device 7 immediately during connector installation.

[0018] The main module of the cable tester 4 includes a microcontroller 5, for example, a PIC16F886 type, which contacts the cutting edges 3 of the crimping tool, connected through an assembly of resistors 6, a display 7 and a circuit of elements. Power is supplied from known elements providing a supply current of no more than 1.5 mA, for example, a CR 2032 lithium battery. In another embodiment of the claimed device, a 5-10 F supercapacitor is used to power the tester, which is charged from any USB device, which ensures fast charging and readiness for operation of the tester. The basic electrical circuit diagram of the connection of the microcontroller 5 and the cutting edges 3 of the crimping tool, the microcontroller 5 with the display 7 is shown in Fig. 3.

[0019] Microcontroller 5 is controlled by a dedicated program, written, for example, in the assembler language of Microchip Technology's PIC controllers. This program controls the presence detection mode for each contact in the measured socket or connector with a cable. If necessary, the program can be used to measure compliance with the RJ connector and socket crimping standard, for example, to check for cable entanglement. This requires an additional module in the form of a terminator plug, the circuit diagram of which is shown in Fig. 4.

[0020] The operation of the declared device for mounting RJ type connectors (RJ-45, RJ-12, RJ-11, RJ-9) with simultaneous testing of network interface contacts is as follows.

[0021] Tester power button 4 is activated by squeezing the crimping tool handles 1. This allows for simultaneous crimping and testing of the connector, significantly reducing the time required for terminating and testing twisted-pair patch cords.

[0022] Microcontroller 5 generates measuring pulses on the contacts of cutting edges 3, lasting approximately 50 μs. Microcontroller 5 then connects an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) to one of these contacts and measures the decay potential of the signal's leading edge, which is caused by a differentiating circuit formed between the capacitance between the conductors and the device's input resistance. Microcontroller 5 sequentially performs the same measurements on all contacts, repeating the same processes according to a preset number of measurements (for example, 10).

[0023] Microcontroller 5 displays the maximum values ​​obtained on display 7, which graphically displays the presence or absence of contacts in a specific core on the patch panel or cutting edge 3, for example, as graphic lines illustrating the length of the measured cable cores. By displaying the difference in core length, in cases of missing contacts in the patch cord and patch panel, the approximate location of the cable fault is determined within the measured cable length. The other end of the cable can be disconnected from the active load or connected to any device, for example, with PoE (Power over Ethernet).

[0024] For example, if a terminator is installed at the opposite end of the cable, the screen will display the cable wire numbers, which can be used to determine whether the cable wires are properly terminated. When connecting to a switch or network card, the connected wires are marked with an "X." In the Fast Ethernet standard, the "X" will indicate wires 1, 2, 3, and 6, while in the Gigabit Ethernet standard, all eight wires are marked; when using telephony, it will indicate wires 4 and 5.

[0025] This utility model can be used, for example, in telecommunications networks during connector installation and for simultaneous troubleshooting in the near field (patch cord, patch panel, and telecommunications cabinet). Using this device, a technician can quickly and easily determine the presence and location of cable faults and missing contacts in the network interface. The tester's simple design and operation reduce the cost and speed up diagnostic work.

Claims

1. A device for connecting cables, comprising a crimping hand tool for creating a permanent connection of a network interface of the RJ standard, including two handles, a crimping die with cutting edges in a block and a device for checking contacts of the network interface of the RJ standard, containing a microcontroller programmed to supply a pulse and measure the signal level on the measured core of the cable being tested, wherein the output of the microcontroller is connected to a device for visual display of information, characterized in that the block of the crimping die is made of a durable dielectric material for isolating the cutting edges from each other, and the input of the microcontroller is electrically connected to the cutting edges of the crimping tool for each contact of the network interface connector.

2. A device for connecting cables according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it is additionally equipped with a module in the form of a terminator plug.

3. A device for connecting cables according to paragraphs 1 and 2, characterized in that the power supply for the device for checking the contacts of the network interface is provided by a supercapacitor.

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