MXPA96006455A - Electron interconnection assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical interconnect assembly for use in a space divider wall system, which includes a plurality of erect, modular wall panels having opposite end edges that extend vertically and a guide area extending between said opposite edges for supporting electrical conductors and junction blocks, said assembly adapted to be mounted on said guide area and comprising: at least one joint block for receiving electrical receptacles; a plurality of first receptacle connectors formed integrally with said terminal block; joint for receiving interchangeably receptacles of electric plug and at least one power clable, there is at least one power cable joining union block and a power source to supply power to said joint block, said joint block being a block connecting two sides with at least two of said first rececác connectroes In the opposite direction, said connecting block for receiving electrical receptacles, a plurality of first receptacle connectors formed integrally with said connecting block for interchangeably receiving receptacles of electric plug and at least one power clamp; said at least one power cable joining said junction block and a power source to supply power to said junction block, said junction block being a two-sided junction block with at least two of said first receptacle coenters being directed in an opposite manner, said junction block further comprising at least a second internal receptacle connector on at least one side of said junction block for accommodating electric reverb receptacles, an extension receptacle block connected to one of said first receptacle connectors directed in opposite manner in said junction block to provide additional connections for power equipment, said extension receptacle block comprising a second additional internal receptacle connector and an additional electric receptacle receptacle connected to said second inert receptacle connector.

Description

ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION ASSEMBLY Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The invention relates to electrical interconnection systems and more particularly to such systems for use in distributing electric power to modular wall panels or the like. Prior Art Known interior wall systems typically employ pre-fabricated modular units that are joined together in various configurations to divide a work space into smaller offices or work areas. Generally, such modular wall panels are equipped with guides, for example along a lower edge of the modular panels, to house electrical wiring and junction blocks in order to provide electrical contacts and electrical power connections to adjacent panels. The guide of a modular wall unit can be provided with a male connector at one end and a female connector at another end and a pair of connecting blocks, each provided with electrical contacts, arranged at spaced positions along the guide . Conduits, which extend between the junction blocks and between the connectors and the junction blocks, provide electrical interconnection between these units. The modular panels of a space divider system can be configured such that adjacent panels are in a straight line or in various angular positions with respect to each other. It is common to set up intersecting walls in such a way that three or four modular wall panels intersect at right angles. Each of the panels typically requires electrical contacts, and may require contacts on both sides of the panels. In any case, electrical power must be provided to all panels and often only one of the panels in the multiple panel junction is connected to a source of electrical power. Under such circumstances, interconnection wiring becomes a considerable problem, and special modifications may have to be made to wall panel power systems used in such a configuration. Since the interchangeability of the wall panel is highly desirable, such tailor-made modifications are preferably avoided. Furthermore, the modification of the panels on the site of the installation is cumbersome and expensive. An example of a prior art system is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,135,775, issued to R.P. Driscoll (dated January 23, 1979). In that patent, each panel is provided with an electrical contact box in its guide, and panels of different widths are provided with a pair of female connectors, and contact boxes of adjacent panels are interconnected by means of flexible cables having male connectors in both ends. When three or four panels are joined in an intersecting array, two wires can be connected to the pair of female connectors at one end of an outlet box in order to facilitate the connection of two adjacent panels. Except in the special intersection relationship, half of the double set of terminals in this previous system is superfluous. This is a distinct disadvantage in modern systems, where several independent electrical circuits are needed in wall panel systems, each requiring separate connectors, although the space for such circuits and their connectors is extremely limited in the panel guidance areas. of thin line, modern wall. U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434, issued to Byrne, whose subject matter is incorporated herein by reference, has attempted to overcome this problem by providing an interconnection system in each wall panel comprising an electrical junction block having four connectors. of receptacle formed integrally, for receiving electrical contact receptacles and a pair of end connectors electrically connected to the junction block for connection to similar end connectors of adjacent panels. However, even with this system, it was found that some of the end connectors are not yet used, depending on the various wall panel configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other problems with the prior art are overcome by means of an interconnection system comprising a single construction block arrangement that does not require special couplers for intersecting wall panels and in which all the connectors existing ones are available for use in the various different panel configurations. An electrical interconnect assembly for each panel includes an electrical junction block having a plurality of receptacle connectors integral with it for interchangeably receiving electrical contact receptacles and power cables. One of the power cables is connected between a wall panel junction block and a power source to supply power to the junction block. Other power cables may be connected between the junction blocks of adjacent panels in order to supply power to the junction blocks and / or to any cables or contact receptacles attached thereto. According to one aspect of the invention, each joint block is a two-sided connecting block having two receptacle connectors directed in opposite fashion and a single internal receptacle connector on each side of the joint block to accommodate contact receptacles. electrical or any combination of power cables and receptacles that may be required to obtain a desirable interconnection arrangement.

When two or more wall panels are arranged in an intersecting relationship, and due to the modular interchangeability of the connecting blocks, it is possible for one or more of the receptacle connectors of the four receptacle connectors directed oppositely in the block union are not used. In this case, the additional contact receptacles may be connected thereto to provide additional connections for the power equipment. Brief Description of the Drawings An illustrative embodiment of the invention is described in the following detailed description, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of four wall panel guide areas, illustrating wall panel interconnects according to the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the connecting blocks of an electrical interconnection assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged, orthographic view of a receptacle block for use with the present invention; Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of the receptacle block of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded orthographic view of an electrical interconnection assembly showing the union of an extension receptacle block; Figure 6 is an orthographic view of the assembled interconnection assembly of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the assembled components of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a plan view of the assembled components of Figure 6; Fig. 9 is an exploded orthographic view of an electrical interconnection assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention, showing the joining of a modified extension receptacle block; and Figure 10 is an orthographic view of the assembled components of Figure 9. Detailed Description Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of the four wall panel guide areas illustrating the connections of the interconnect assemblies of the invention in a configuration in which the four panels are arranged at right angles to each other. As will be evident from the following description, the specific angle at which the panels are placed is not particularly significant. Further, the invention is equally applicable to any number of panels configured at various angles. Figure 1 shows the guide portions 12, 14, 16 and 18 of a four panel configuration 10 where the panels are arranged at right angles to each other. Each of the four panels is provided with an interconnection assembly 19, comprising one or more junction blocks 22 and energy cable assemblies 20A-20F interconnecting the junction blocks 22. A junction block 22 is disposed within each panel guide, such that opposite sides of the junction block can be exposed. out of the guide through guide openings. Each connecting block has a pair of recesses 32 (FIG. 2) for mounting one or more electrical contact receptacle blocks 100 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The receptacle blocks 100 provide power to electrical equipment (not shown) located in proximity to the panels. Each junction block 22 includes a pair of female connector blocks 34 at one end and a pair of female connector blocks 34A at another end, as illustrated in Figure 2. Each pair of female connector blocks 34, 34A can be interconnected independently to one another. or more power cable assemblies 20A-20F, and each provided with two columns 38, 40 of a plurality of female connector terminals for connection to the male connector terminals of the power cable assemblies. Column 38 is electrically connected to column 40 in a similar manner, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,096,434. As shown in Figure 1, a power cable 21 connects the junction block 22A to an external power source. The power cable assembly 20A electrically interconnects the junction blocks 22A and 22B; the power cable assembly 20B electrically interconnects the connecting blocks 22B and 22C; and the power cable assembly 20C electrically interconnects the junction blocks 22C and 22D. In this way, the power cable 21 can only provide power to all the junction blocks through power cable assemblies located in the wall panel configuration 10. The 20D-20G power cable assemblies are provided for the Electrical connection of additional joint blocks (not shown), which may be part of the configuration of four panels or other panels. Depending on the type of panel configuration used, one or more columns 38, 40 of the junction blocks may not be connected to a set of power cables. Since column 38 is electrically interconnected to column 40, unused columns have a ready power source at their terminals. In this case, according to one aspect of the invention, an extension receptacle block 150, 250 (Figures 5-10) may be provided for electrical connection of additional power equipment. The extension blocks 150, 250 are described below in greater detail. Additional details relating to the connecting block 22 are illustrated in the enlarged orthographic view, as shown in Figure 2. The connecting block 22 has a lower wall 26, an upper wall 28, and a middle wall 30, which form an area open space 32 on each side of the junction block 22 (only one side is illustrated in Figure 2). In addition, block 22 includes a pair of female connector blocks 34 that extend outward from a first end 35 of joint block 22, and a second pair of female connector blocks 34A extending outwardly from a second end 35A of the joint block 22. A pair of female connector blocks 34 can be electrically connected to the other pair of female connector blocks 34A of the joint block 22, through internal wiring (not shown) in the joint block. A female receptacle connector 88 is located within each half of the joint block 22 within the open spatial area 32. Electrical contact receptacle blocks 100 (Figures 3 and 4) are adapted to link the female receptacle connectors 88. Of this In this manner, each of the connecting blocks 22 is adapted to support, if desired, two electrical contact receptacle blocks 100, one on each side of the junction block 22. As shown in Figure 2, the pairs of blocks female connectors 34, 34A are each provided with a pair of side flanges 90 having upper and lower recessed areas 91, for engagement with flanges 125 of a male connector 120 that is part of the power cable assembly 20 (Fig. 1) or for linking with the tabs 225 of a male connector 220 of an extension block 150, 250 (Figs. 5-10). The flanges 90 are made of resilient plastic material and formed integrally to the housing to which they are connected and are provided with an outwardly inclined, outwardly extending surface 92. When the end surfaces 92 of the side flanges 90 are linked by tabs 125 of the male connector 120, the side flanges 90 will be deviated inwardly, allowing the flanges 125 to link the recessed areas 91 to provide a mechanical locking linkage of the male and female connectors. The pairs of female connector blocks 34, 34A are each provided with two columns 38, 40 of a plurality of female connector terminals 94 and a wedge nipple 95. The male connector portion 120 of the cable assembly 20 is provided with a plurality of male connector terminal spaces 122 for receiving the male connector terminals 122A, and a wedge opening 124 for receiving the wedge nipple 95. In order to releasably secure the union block 22 to the panel guides 12, 14, 16 and 18, a mounting system includes a pair of L-shaped mounting nipples 75, 76 and interlocking bolt members 78, 80 are integrally mounted in or molded to the top of the wall upper 28. The joint block 22 can also be provided with connecting nipples 82, 84 to secure pre-formed halves of the joint block 22 together along a seam line 86, as further illustrated in the figure 2. This mounting system is similar to U.S. Patent No. 4,993,576, which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be noted that the two halves of the joint block 22, as defined by the seam line 86, are identical, and therefore a description with respect to one half of the joint block also refers to the other half. Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown an electrical contact receptacle block 100 for connection to the female receptacles 88 of the joint block 22 and the female receptacles 188 of the extension blocks 150, 250 (Figures 5-10) . The receptacle block 100 includes a first open end 101 and a second open end 102. The first and second open ends 101, 102 include a plurality of terminal spaces 103 for receiving male terminals 103A for connection to a plurality of female terminals ( not shown) located in the female receptacle connectors 88 in the joint block 22. A top receptacle portion 104 includes one or more receptacles 105 for receiving receptacle pins (not shown) of electrically operated equipment. An upper wall 106 and a lower wall 107 are spaced so as to provide a loose fit between the upper wall 28 and the lower wall 26 of the connecting and extension blocks. The receptacle 100 is provided with a spring latch 108 disposed in the recess 110 in the bottom surface 107 of the receptacle 100. The bottom wall 107 links the bottom wall 26 when the receptacle 100 is installed in the attachment or extension blocks. . The closing flange 31 on the lower wall 26 will be aligned with the recess 110 when the receptacle 100 is inserted between the upper and lower walls 28, 26, causing the spring latch 108 to be depressed. The receptacle 100 can then be moved further. either to the left or to the right (depending on which side of the junction block the receptacle 100 is installed) to link one of the open ends 101, 102, such that the male connectors 103 link female connectors (not shown) with a female receptacle 88. Discs 112 are provided in the receptacle 100 to accommodate the closing flange 31 in the lower wall 26 and movement to the left or right by a sufficient distance will cause the spring latch 108 to be moved beyond the closing tab 31, causing the spring latch 108 to return to its extended position. Therefore, the receptacle 100 will be retained in a closed position. The receptacle 100 can be removed by depressing the spring latch 108 and sliding the receptacle 100 to the left or right to align the closure flange 31 with the recess 110. Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the cable assembly of FIG. energy 20 includes electrical wires (not shown) arranged in a flexible conduit 112 and terminated in connectors (not shown) in the male connector portion 120 for connection to the junction block 22, as previously described. The conduit 122 is preferably a flexible conduit that can be bent to accommodate a connection to adjacent panels that are arranged at angular positions to each other, rather than in a straight line. An extension receptacle block 150 is adapted for connection to an unused column 38, 40 of the female connector terminals 94. The receptacle block 150 has a receptacle block that receives a portion similar to the junction block 22 and includes a wall lower 126, an upper wall 128, and a middle wall 130, which form an open spatial area 132 on one side of the extension block 150. A female receptacle connector 188 is located within the open spatial area 132 and is adapted to link a electrical contact receptacle block 100 similar in shape to connector 88 in connecting block 22. In this manner, extension block 150 is adapted to hold a single contact receptacle block 100 for supplying power to electrical equipment. A closure flange 131 provides the same function as the closure flange 31 in the junction block 22 for releasably closing the receptacle block 100. The extension block 150 has a male connector portion 220 integrally formed or otherwise joined. at one end. The male connector portion 220 is similar to the male connector portion 120 of the power cord assembly 20 and includes flanges 225 for linking recess areas 91 of the joint block 22 in a manner similar to the flanges 125 of the cable assembly 20 to provide bonding Mechanical closing of the male and female connectors. The male connector portion 220 of the extension block 150 is provided with a plurality of male connector terminal spaces 222 for receiving the male connector terminals 222A and a wedge opening 224 for receiving the wedge nipple 95 of the joint block 22. Although the male connector portion 220 is shown attached at a single end of the extension block 150, it will be apparent that the connector portion 220 may be attached to the other end or both ends of the extension block. Moreover, although the connector portion 220 is shown to be longitudinally joined to the block 150, it is contemplated that the connector portion 220 may be pivotally attached or fixed at an angle with respect to the middle wall 130 of the block 150. The extension block 150 includes a pair thereof. spaced nipples 134 on top wall 126 and a bottom wall 128 thereof to secure the extension block to a panel guide through suitable fasteners (not shown). Figures 9 and 10 show a modified extension block 250 having a receptacle portion 252 integrally formed or otherwise bonded thereto. The receptacle portion 242 is electrically connected to a male portion 220. The male portion 220 is identical to the male portion 220 of the previous embodiment, and thus similar elements are represented by like reference numerals. The receptacle portion 252 includes a nipple 254 similar to the nipples 152 in the previous embodiment for attaching the extension block 250 to a panel guide through suitable fasteners (not shown). As in the previous embodiment, although the male connector portion 220 is shown attached at a single end of the extension block 250, it will be apparent that the connector portion 220 can be attached to the other end or both ends of the extension block. Moreover, although connector portion 220 is shown attached longitudinally to block 250, it is contemplated that connector portion 220 may be tally joined or fixed at an angle to a defined plane along the length of block 250. Phantom lines in the Figures 5 and 9 show how the separate components are joined. The female receptacle connector 88 and the columns 38, 40 of the female connector terminals 94 may each be provided with eight separate terminals for the reception of eight separate electrical cables (not shown) from a set of power cables 20. A For example, these can include two ground wires, three neutral wires and three positive wires, representing three separate circuits, with a shared earth for two of the circuits. Similarly, 10 or 12 wire systems can be easily accommodated, having corresponding numbers of terminals in each of the connectors and providing a greater number of separate circuits. Some of the separate circuits may be dedicated circuits having protection against shock waves, battery backup, etc., for computers or other electrically sensitive equipment.The extension blocks 150, 250 may be attached to any junction block 22 having a free column 38, 40, of a plurality of female connector terminals 94, thereby providing additional receptacle contacts for electrical equipment. According to a unique feature of the invention, the male connector portion 220 of the extension blocks 150, 250 and / or the male terminals 103A of the receptacle block 100 can be configured to receive a specific electrical circuit, i.e., instead of providing eight separate male terminals, three male terminals 103A may be provided in the terminal spaces 103 of the receptacle block 100 or three male terminals 222A may be provided in spaces 222 of extension blocks 150, 250. The three male terminals would be placed in a terminal space suitable for accessing ground, neutral and positive lines present in the female terminals to create a single circuit in the extension block. The arrangement described above allows an extension block 150, 250 to have a different electrical circuit than the receptacle block 100 located within the open spatial area 32 of the junction block 22 for a dedicated line. The provision of separate electrical circuits to the junction block 22 and a joined extension block 150, 250 allows the creation of a separate dedicated circuit to a pre-existing wall panel configuration without rewiring or running a separate interconnection assembly 19. .

Although the above description refers to a specific embodiment having a specific arrangement of male and female terminals with their mechanical interconnection, it will be noted that such an arrangement is only illustrative. The male and female terminals and / or the mechanical interconnection can be inverted in the joint blocks, the power cable assemblies, the receptacle blocks and the extension blocks, to produce similar results. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are only illustrative of the invention, and that numerous other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. An electrical interconnect assembly for use in a space divider wall system, which includes a plurality of modular, erect wall panels having opposite, vertically extending end edges and a guide area extending between said opposite edges for supporting electrical conductors and junction blocks, said assembly adapted to be mounted on said guide and comprising: at least one joint block for receiving electrical receptacles; a plurality of receptacle connectors formed integrally to said joint block to interchangeably receive electrical contact receptacles and power cables; one of said power cables disposed between said junction block and a power source for supplying power to said junction block; said junction block being a two-sided connecting block having two opposite receptacle connectors and a single internal receptacle connector on each side of each junction block to accommodate electrical contact receptacles or any combination of power cables and receptacles that are required to obtain a particular interconnection arrangement; and an additional outlet receptacle connected to one of said receptacle connectors oppositely directed in said joint block to provide additional connections to. energy equipment.