GB2381131A

GB2381131A - Connector cover with gel air escape

Info

Publication number: GB2381131A
Application number: GB0124777A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald-Leu Shimirak
Original assignee: Channell Ltd
Current assignee: Channell Ltd
Priority date: 2001-10-16
Filing date: 2001-10-16
Publication date: 2003-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-16
Also published as: GB2381131B; GB0124777D0

Abstract

A telecommunications connector comprises a base unit with a socket 12 and a module unit 14 insertable into the socket, and a cover 20 over the mating portion, a concave recess 40 defined in the cover, an aperture 42 formed in the cover so as to allow fluid communication between the recess 40 and the socket 12, and a quality of gel 44 deposited in the recess covering the aperture 42. As the module 14 is inserted into the socket 12, air is compressed until the pressure is sufficient to break through the gel 44. When this happens, a leak path is momentarily formed in the gel 44 through which the air can escape. The gel 44 then re-seals and provides protection against the environment. An important advantage is that the gel 44 opens and closes with a sudden noise which can serve to confirm that the module has been inserted sufficiently. Another is that having expelled the air from the socket 12 on inserting the module, removal of the module 14 requires the formation of a vacuum or low pressure within the socket 12, beneath the module 14. This requires a slightly greater force than otherwise and thus accidental loss of the module is inhibited. This effect can be accentuated by locating the gel 44 on the outer side of the cover 20, in which case external pressure such as water will reinforce the seal. Suitable gels 44 are thermoplastic or silicone gels which are usually conformal.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONNECTOR The present invention relates to a telecommunications connector.

Connectors of this type often have removable modules which contain electrical circuitry or links. The presence, absence and nature of such modules is used to configure and re-configure the telecommunications system into which they are fitted. An example is shown in our earlier patent US 6,196, 862 and our pending application US 09/672670.

When such modules are provided, it is important that adequate sealing is provided for the interior of the module. Failure to do so can result in the degradation of the device due to environmental attack. It is also important to ensure that the module remains securely seated in its socket as any loosening could result in loss of electrical contact.

We have found that one cause of the module loosening is that air can become trapped within the socket, beneath the module. The air is compressed on insertion and can expand over time, slowly lifting the module from its socket. The rate at which this takes place will obviously depend on the size of the trapped volume, the mass of the module, etc. It is undesirable to provide a leak path for

the air ans this will also act as an ingress point for environmental contamination.

The present invention therefore provides a telecommunications connector comprising a base unit with a socket and a module unit insertable into the socket, the module unit comprising a mating portion for insertion in the socket and a cover over the mating portion, a concave recess defined in the cover, and an aperture formed in the cover so as to allow fluid communication between the recess and the socket, and a quantity of gel deposited in the recess covering the aperture.

According to the invention, as the module is inserted into the socket, air is compressed until the pressure is sufficient to break through the gel. When this happens, a leak path is momentarily formed in the gel through which the air can escape. The gel then re-seals and provides protection against the environment.

An important advantage of the invention is that the gel opens and closes with a sudden noise which can serve to confirm that the module has been inserted sufficiently. Another is that having expelled the air from the socket on inserting the module, removal of the module requires the formation of a vacuum or low pressure within the socket, beneath the module. This requires a slightly greater force than otherwise and thus accidental loss of the module is inhibited. This effect can be accentuated by locating the gel on the outer side of the cover, in which case external pressure such as water will also reinforce the seal.

It is preferred that the cover includes a handle. This allows easier removal of the module. In this case, the recess can be defined In or by the handle part.

Additional protection can be provided for the gel in this way.

The cover can suitably include an upstanding portion adjacent the aperture and at least one (preferably two) flanges extending from the upstanding portion

so as, with the cover and the upstanding portion, to define the recess. This can, in combination, provide the handle.

There is preferably a sealing ring around the mating portion.

Suitable gels are thermoplastic or silicone gels which are usually conforma.

The amount of gel can be adjusted to provide the correct action. An excessive amount of gel prevents proper escape of the air and bubbles form. An insufficient amount of gel hinders adequate re-sealing.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which; Figure 1 shows a vertical section of the apparatus, in a first plane, prior to insertion of the module; Figure 2 shows the vertical section of figure 1 after insertion of the module; Figure 3 shows a vertical section of the apparatus, in a second transverse plane, prior to insertion of the module ; and Figure 4 shows the vertical section of figure 3 after insertion of the module; Figures 1-4 show an embodiment of the invention. They show a telecommunications device generally designated as 10 in which a recess 12 is formed for accepting a module 14. Within the recess 12 are shown a pair of electrical IDC connectors 16,18, which are for representative purposes only.

The number and layout of electrical connectors in any individual are to ...................... telecommunications equipment 10 will depend on the purpose and function of the module 14 which is to be inserted. The module itself consists of

a cover part 20 which matches the shape of the recess 12, and from the lower part of which extend a set of side walls 22,24 which match the interior profile of the recess 12. Thus, the module 14 can be inserted into the recess and will seat securely therein.

An interior space 26 is thus defined by the side walls 22, 24. In practice, the interior space 26 will be filled with appropriate contacts for making electrical connection with the IDC connectors 16,18. Again, the number and layout of such contacts will depend on the purpose and function of the module 14.

On the outer surface of the cover 20 of the module 14, there is a handle generally designated as 28 the handle assists in seating the module 14 in the recess 12 and in grouping the module 14 for removal from the recess 12. The handle 28 is formed of an upstand 30 from approximately the centre of the cover 20 which leads to a Transverse-profile top 32. On either side of the upstand 30 and transverse thereto, there are a pair of side walls 34,36 which are concave so as to provide an easy finger grip.

The upstand 30, top 32 and side walls 34,36 together define a pair of recesses 38,40 these recesses are located on either side of the upstand 30, beneath the top 32 and enclosed on either lateral side by the side walls 34,36.

An aperture 42 is formed in the cover 20 leading to one of the recesses 40. In that recess, a small quantity of gel 44 is deposited.

An O-ring 46 is provided on the outer surface of the module 14 so that when it is seated in the recess 12 (Figures 2 and 4) the 0-ring 40 seals against interior faces of the socket 12 to provide environmental protection.

As the module 14 is inserted into the socket 12 (Figures 1-2 and Figures 3-4) air will be trapped within the socket 12 and the interior space 26 by the side

walls 22,24 of the module 14. As a module 14 is pressed further into the socket 12, air in this space will be compressed. Some may escape around the sides until such time as the 0-ring 46 comes into play, but it is likely that a significant pressure will accumulate within the socket 12 and interior space 26.

This then escapes through the aperture 42 and forms a back pressure beneath the gel 44. When that back pressure reaches a sufficient level, determined by the quantity of gel 44 present, the layer of gel 44 over the aperture 42 will rupture and form a leak path for the trapped air which will then escape.

The pressure behind the gel will then be relieved and the gel will reform due to its natural elastic properties. Typically, however, there is a short delay due to the response time of the gel and therefore the air will be able to completely or substantially completely exhaust.

Once the gel has reformed, there is an environmental protection over the aperture 42 which will prevent any ingress of environmental contaminants. Indeed, water pressure to the exterior of the module 14 will simply press the gel 44 against the aperture 42 and provide a still better seal.

As the module 14 is inserted, the sudden rupture and reformation of the gel 44 creates a short sharp sound which provides confirmation to the engineer that the module is seated collect fully and all out of the interior has been exhausted.

Careful control of the amount of gel 44 will provide that the"pop"on insertion occurs when the module 14 is fully home within the socket 12.

When the module 14 comes to be removed, the handle 28 must be gripped and pulled from the socket 12. As it does so, air will not be able to regain entry via the aperture 42 due to the gel 44, as the presence of the gel 44 on the outside of the aperture 42 means that there is no single concentrated pointed air pressure acting on the gel to cause rupture. Thus, a partial vacuum will form within the

socket 12 and interior space 26 which will hinder removal of the module. Given the dimensions involved, it is unlikely that this will cause significant difficulty to a human operator, but the partial vacuum will serve to retain the module 14 in place more securely than otherwise.

It will be appreciated that many variations may be made to the abovedescribed embodiment, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A telecommunications connector comprising a base unit with a socket and a module unit insertable into the socket; the module unit comprising a mating portion for insertion in the socket and a cover over the mating portion; a concave recess defined in the cover, an aperture formed in the cover so as to allow fluid communication between the recess and the socket, and a quantity of gel deposited in the recess covering the aperture.
2. A telecommunications connector according to claim 1 in which the gel is located on the outer side of the cover.
3. A telecommunications connector according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the cover includes a handle.
4. A telecommunications connector according to claim 3 in which the recess is defined in or by the handle
5. A telecommunications connector according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the cover includes an upstanding portion adjacent the aperture and at least one flange extending from the upstanding portion so as, with the cover and the upstanding portion, to define the recess.
6. A telecommunications connector according to claim 5 in which there are two flanges.
7. A telecommunications connector according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the upstanding portion and flanges, in combination, form a handle.

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8. A telecommunications connector according to any one of the preceding claims in which there is a sealing ring around the mating portion.
9. A telecommunications connector according to any one of the preceding claims in which the gel is one of a thermoplastic and a silicone gel.
10. A telecommunications connector according to claim 9 in which the gel is conforma.
11. A telecommunications connector substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.