Modular communication system

• US 5,957,714 A
• Filed: 07/18/1997
• Issued: 09/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Haworth Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Haworth Incorporated
• Inventors: Johnson, Ross, Wilson, Harold R.
• Primary Examiner(s): PAUMEN, GARY F
• Application Number:
  US08/896,451
• Time in Patent Office: 802 Days
• Field of Search: 439/215, 439/211, 439/210, 439/188, 439/225, 174/48
• US Class Current: 439/215
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/00 Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/00 Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles installations of bus-bars H02G5/00; overhead installations H02G7/00; installations in or on the ground H02G9/00

Abstract

A modular communication system, particularly for interior space-dividing wall panels which are serially connected together to define a plurality of adjacent workstations. The modular communication system is defined by a plurality of prefabricated modules, one of which is an elongate main distribution module mountable within a raceway which extends horizontally longitudinally of the panel. This elongate main distribution module, in one embodiment, has a length which approximately corresponds to the panel length, and has terminals or connectors at opposite ends so that a plurality of main distribution modules can be serially connected to extend along a plurality of serially-connected panels. The main communication modules define a plurality of telecommunication links (i.e., paths), with each link preferably being defined by eight conductors (i.e., four pairs). The system also includes tap-off modules which cooperate with the main communication modules to permit one (two in the preferred embodiment) link to be tapped off at a workstation for connection to communication equipment (i.e. a telephone and/or a computer). The tap-off module permits only the selected link or links to be tapped off and accessible at the workstation.

Claims

1. In an office furniture arrangement including a plurality of upright space-dividing wall panels interconnected to define a plurality of adjacent workstations, said plurality of panels including a series of panels which are positioned generally end-to-end in the lengthwise direction thereof to define a main panel run, the panels of said run defining therein a raceway which extends lengthwise thereof, and a telecommunication cabling arrangement disposed in said raceway for providing access to telecommunication links from workstations disposed adjacent said panels, the improvement comprising:

said telecommunication cabling arrangement being of modular construction and defined by a plurality of elongate main distribution modules which serially couple together and extend throughout the raceways defined by said run of panels, each said main distribution module including an elongate intermediate cable having a multi-conductor terminal unit at each end thereof, said cable defining a plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating at the terminal units provided at opposite ends thereof, each said terminal unit having a plurality of conductor contacts corresponding to the number of telecommunication links;

the terminal units as provided on adjacent ends of two said distribution modules being fixedly coupled together by connector units engaged serially therebetween so that the conductor contacts on one terminal unit respectively operatively communicate with the individual conductor contacts on the other terminal unit for permitting said plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links to be transmitted longitudinally along said telecommunication cabling arrangement;

at least one of said connector units being a tap-off module having access means communicating with the conductor contacts of the terminal units defining one said telecommunications link for accessing at least one, but less than all, of the telecommunication links which extend throughout the interconnected distribution modules; and

said tap-off module also including a cable connected to the access means and projecting away therefrom and being provided with an outlet connected to the other end thereof, said cable defining a multi-conductor telecommunication link for connecting said outlet to said one telecommunication link in communication with said access means.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said tap-off module is dedicated, said access means being in communication with a predetermined one of said telecommunication links.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said tap-off module is switchable, said access means being in communication with a selected one of said telecommunications links.

4. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each access means accesses two different but dedicated telecommunication links.

5. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said access means breaks said one telecommunication link so that said one telecommunication link is dead downstream of the tap-off point.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5, including an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to the telecommunication closet.

7. An arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the in-feed module is serially connected between the adjacent terminal units of two interconnected distribution modules.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1, including an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet.

9. In a telecommunication cabling arrangement, the improvement comprising:

said telecommunication cabling arrangement being of modular construction and defined by a plurality of elongate main distribution modules which serially couple together, each said main distribution module including an elongate intermediate cable having a multi-conductor terminal unit at each end thereof, said cable defining a plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating at the multi-conductor terminal units provided at opposite ends thereof, each said terminal unit having a plurality of conductor contacts corresponding to the number of telecommunication links;

the terminal units as provided on adjacent ends of two said distribution modules being serially coupled together by connector units removably engaged therebetween in series so that the conductor contacts on one terminal unit respectively operatively communicate with the individual contacts on the other terminal unit for permitting said plurality of telecommunication links to be transmitted longitudinally along the telecommunication cabling arrangement;

at least one of said connector units being a tap-off module having access means communicating with the conductor contacts of the terminal units defining one said telecommunications link for accessing at least one, but less than all, of the telecommunication links which extend throughout the interconnected distribution modules; and

said tap-off module also including an outlet connected to the access means, said outlet defining a multi-conductor telecommunication link which is connected to said one telecommunication link in communication with said access means.

10. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said tap-off module is dedicated, said access means being in communication with a predetermined one of said telecommunication links.

11. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said tap-off module is switchable, said access means being in communication with a selected one of said telecommunication links.

12. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein each access means accesses two different telecommunication links.

13. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said access means breaks said one telecommunication link so that said one telecommunication link is dead downstream of the tap-off point.

14. An arrangement according to claim 13, including an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet.

15. An arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the in-feed module is serially connected between the adjacent terminal units of two said interconnected distribution modules.

16. An arrangement according to claim 9, including an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet.

17. In an office furniture arrangement including a plurality of upright space-dividing wall panels interconnected to define a plurality of adjacent workstations, said plurality of panels including a series of panels which are positioned generally end-to-end in the lengthwise direction thereof to define a main panel run, the panels of said run defining therein a raceway which extends lengthwise thereof, and a telecommunication cabling arrangement disposed in said raceway for providing access to telecommunication links from workstations disposed adjacent said panels, the improvement comprising:

said telecommunication cabling arrangement being of modular construction and defined by a plurality of main distribution modules which serially couple together and extend throughout the raceways defined by said run of panels, each said main distribution module including an intermediate cable defining a plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating at terminal units provided at opposite ends thereof;

the terminal units as provided on adjacent ends of two said distribution modules being fixedly coupled together by connector means removably engaged serially therebetween for permitting said plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links to be transmitted longitudinally along the arrangement;

said connector means having access means in communication with said cabling arrangement at selected sites thereon for accessing at least one, but less than all, of the telecommunication links which extend throughout the distribution modules, and an outlet connected to the access means by conductors connected therebetween, said conductors defining a multi-conductor telecommunication link for connecting said outlet to said one telecommunication link in communication with said access means; and

an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet.

18. An arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the in-feed module is serially connected between the adjacent terminal units of two interconnected distribution modules.

19. An arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said in-feed module is connected between at least two serially adjacent main distribution modules and is switchable to selectively route each said telecommunication link to a selected adjacent one of said main distribution modules downstream from said in-feed module.

20. An arrangement according to claim 19, wherein said in-feed modules includes a circuit board adapted to define a circuit pattern for said telecommunication links of each adjacent said main distribution module.

21. In a telecommunication cabling arrangement, the improvement comprising:

said telecommunication cabling arrangement being of modular construction and defined by a plurality of elongate main distribution modules which serially couple together, each said main distribution module including an elongate intermediate cable having a multi-conductor terminal unit at each end thereof, said cable defining a plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating at the multi-conductor terminal units provided at opposite ends thereof, each said terminal unit having a plurality of conductor contacts corresponding to the number of telecommunication links;

the terminal units as provided on adjacent ends of two said distribution modules being serially coupled together by a connector unit releasably engaged therebetween so that the individual conductor contacts on one terminal unit respectively operatively communicate with the individual conductor contacts on the other terminal unit for permitting said plurality of telecommunication links to be transmitted longitudinally along the telecommunication cabling arrangement;

said connector unit being a tap-off module having access means communicating with the conductor contacts of the terminal units defining one said telecommunications link for accessing at least one, but less than all, of the telecommunication links which extend throughout the interconnected distribution modules, said access means breaking said one telecommunication link so that said one telecommunication link as it extends throughout the interconnected distribution modules is dead downstream of the tap-off point; and

said tap-off module also including conductors connected at one end thereof to the access means and connected with an outlet at the other end thereof for connection to a communication device, said conductors defining a multi-conductor telecommunication link for connecting said outlet to said one telecommunication link accessed by said access means.

22. An arrangement according to claim 21, wherein said tap-off module is switchable so that said access means can be disposed in communication with a selectable one of said telecommunication links.

23. An arrangement according to claim 21, including an in-feed module connected to one of said terminal units for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet.

24. An arrangement according to claim 23, wherein said in-feed module is releasably connected between two serially adjacent main distribution modules and includes switching to selectively route each said telecommunication link to a selected adjacent one of said main distribution modules downstream from said in-feed module.

25. In a telecommunication cabling arrangement, the improvement comprising:

said telecommunication cabling arrangement being of modular construction and defined by a plurality of elongate main distribution modules which serially couple together, each said main distribution module including an elongate intermediate cable having a multi-conductor terminal unit at each end thereof, said cable defining a plurality of multi-conductor telecommunication links extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating at the multi-conductor terminal units provided at opposite ends thereof, each said terminal unit having a plurality of conductor contacts corresponding to the number of telecommunication links;

the terminal units as provided on adjacent ends of two said distribution modules being serially coupled together by an in-feed module releasably engaged therebetween for supplying said plurality of telecommunication links to the interconnected distribution modules, said in-feed module having a remote end adapted for connection to a telecommunication closet;

said in-feed module including switching to selectively route each said telecommunication link to a selected adjacent one of said main distribution modules downstream from said in-feed modules while breaking said one telecommunication link so that said one telecommunication link as it extends through the other adjacent main distribution module is dead.

26. An arrangement according to claim 25, wherein said in-feed module includes first and second end terminals which are each adapted respectively for releasable engagement with a terminal unit of a said main distribution module for permitting said main distribution modules to extend downstream in opposite directions from said in-feed module, each said end terminal having a plurality of contacts associated therewith corresponding to said plurality of telecommunication links, and said switching as associated with each said one telecommunication link including first and second conductors which are respectively joined to the contacts of said one telecommunication link respectively associated with said first and second end terminals, and a third conductor which connects to said one telecommunication link as supplied to said in-feed module from the telecommunication closet, said first, second and third conductors normally being isolated from one another, and said switching also including a movable switch part which is selectively movable from a first position wherein it is engaged with said first and third conductors so that said one telecommunication link is supplied solely to said first end terminal, and a second position wherein it is engaged with said second and third conductors so that said one telecommunication link is supplied solely to said second end terminal.

27. A telecommunications and data connector arrangement comprising:

a first distribution module comprising an elongate first cable and a first terminal block having first contact elements connected to one end of said cable, said first contact elements and said first cable defining a plurality of telecommunications links adapted to transmit telecommunications signals therethrough;

a second distribution module comprising an elongate second cable and a second terminal block having second contact elements which correspond to said first contact elements and are connected to one end of said second cable, said second contact elements and said second cable defining a plurality of telecommunications links adapted to transmit telecommunications signals therethrough; and

a connector unit having first and second connector sections removably connected to said first and second terminal blocks so that said connector unit is engaged serially between said first and second terminal blocks, said connector unit including tap-off means which include an outlet and conductors which connect said outlet to one or more but less than all of said first contact elements for accessing at least one of said telecommunications links, and pass-through conductors connected to the other of said first contact elements and to said second contact elements corresponding thereto for connecting the other of said telecommunications links to said corresponding telecommunications links of said second distribution module.

28. The connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said telecommunication links transmit both data and voice signals.

29. The connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said tap-off means prevents connection between said at least one telecommunications link of said first distribution module and said corresponding telecommunication link of said second distribution module.

30. The connector arrangement according to claim 29, wherein said connector unit is connectable to said first and second terminal blocks respectively in a first position such that said tap-off means is connected to a first one of said telecommunications links while a second one of said telecommunication links is connected to said pass-through means, or in a second position such that said tap-off means is connected to said second one of said telecommunication links and said pass-through means is connected to said first one of said telecommunication links.

31. The connector arrangement according to claim 30, wherein said connector unit is rotated about an axis thereof between said first and second positions.

32. The connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said first and second terminal blocks each include an open socket in which said first and second contact elements are disposed respectively, said connector unit including first and second engagement parts which are insertable respectively within said open sockets of said first and second terminal blocks so as to be serially connected together.

33. The connector arrangement according to claim 32, wherein said first and second engagement parts include third and fourth contact elements connect to said first and second contact elements respectively, said pass-through means being connected serially between a corresponding group of said third and fourth contact elements so that said other of said telecommunications links is connected therebetween, and said tap-off means being connected to said third contact elements.

34. The connector arrangement according to claim 33, wherein said connector unit includes a circuit board which defines said first and second engagement parts on opposite ends thereof, said opposite ends adapted to be removably engaged within said sockets and respectively including said third and fourth contact elements on an exterior surface thereof.

35. The connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said first and second terminal blocks each include at least one socket having said respective first and second contact elements therein, each said socket having parallel side edges along which parallel rows of said contact elements are arranged, each of said first and second terminal blocks including layers of ribbon cable joined together which said layers are connected to a respective one of said rows of said contact elements.

36. The connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein said first and second connector sections are connected to said first and second terminal blocks respectively for accessing said telecommunication links of said first distribution module, or to said second and first terminal blocks respectively for accessing said telecommunication links of said second distribution module.

37. A telecommunications and data connector arrangement comprising:

first and second distribution modules each comprising an elongate cable and a terminal block which has a plurality of contact elements disposed therein which are connected to said cable to define a plurality of telecommunications links adapted to transmit telecommunication signals therethrough, each of said first and second distribution modules defining a predetermined number of said telecommunications links; and

an intermediate connector unit having first and second connector sections for joining said connector units serially between said first and second terminal blocks to join said first and second distribution modules together, said first and second connector sections of said connector unit and said terminal blocks of said first and second distribution modules having cooperating parts wherein said connector unit in a first position has said first and second connector sections connected to said first and second distribution modules and in a second position has said first and second connector sections removably connected to said second and first distribution modules respectively, said connector unit being connected to one of an inlet means or outlet means for providing telecommunication signals to or receiving telecommunication signals from said connector unit, said connector unit further including a plurality of conductors therethrough which connect to said one of said inlet means or said outlet means and are disposed in said first connector section, said plurality of conductors being connected to corresponding ones of said contact elements of said first distribution module when said connector unit is in said first position or said second distribution module when said connector unit is in said second position such that said one of said inlet means or said outlet means is connected to one or more of said telecommunications links defined by said contact elements whereby said one of said inlet means or said outlet means is connectable to one or more of said telecommunication links of either of said first and second distribution modules.

38. The connector arrangement according to claim 37, wherein said connector unit includes a second plurality of conductors which extend between said first and second connector sections for connecting one or more of said telecommunications of said first and second distribution modules together when said connector unit is in either said first position or said second position.

39. The connector arrangement according to claim 37, wherein said connector unit includes switch means for selectively switching the connection of said conductors to either said contact elements of said first and second distribution modules as said connector unit is disposed in said first position.