Patent Publication Number: US-7722402-B2

Title: Panel interface module which provides electrical connectivity between panel and shielded jacks

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/852,207 titled INTERFACE MODULE and filed on Oct. 16, 2006, the subject matter of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to connector modules that interface network components and, more particularly, to an interface module for shielded connectors. 
   Electronic components are typically connected to an electronic network using patch panels that allow connections between components in the network. In some applications, an interface module may be retained in the patch panel, or any number of other network structures that interconnect two or more separate network components. The interface module provides for easier mounting of a plurality of modular jacks into a single opening in the patch panel or other network structure. In a typical application, the interface module is mounted to the patch panel and the modular jacks are then loaded into the interface module. 
   Existing interface modules allow a plurality of unshielded jacks to be loaded therein. However, to meet the current performance requirements, new jack designs may be shielded, for example, using a metal housing that may increase the size of the jack. Effective shielding requires that all components be shielded and all shields be sufficiently bonded. However, in addition to not accommodating the increased jack sizes, current interface modules do not enable shielded jacks to be bonded and/or grounded to the patch panel. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment, an interface module is provided including a housing having a plurality of jack openings configured to receive shielded modular jacks therein. The housing has a mounting wall extending along one side of the jack openings. A bond bar is coupled to the mounting wall, wherein the bond bar has a jack interface configured to engage respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and a panel interface configured to engage a mating surface of a panel. The bond bar is configured to create an electrical connection between respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and the mating surface of the panel. 
   Optionally, a single bond bar is provided that engages multiple ones of the shielded modular jacks. Alternatively, multiple bond bars may be coupled to the housing, wherein each bond bar is configured to engage at least one of the shielded modular jacks. The bond bar may include a plurality of flexible beams provided on the panel interface, wherein the flexible beams are configured to be loaded against the mating surface of the panel to maintain connection between the bond bar and the panel. Optionally, the jack interface and the panel interface may be spaced apart from one another and extend generally parallel to one another, and the bond bar may includes an end wall extending between the jack interface and the panel interface. 
   In another embodiment, an interface module is provided that includes a housing configured to be mounted to a panel, wherein the housing has a plurality of jack openings configured to receive shielded modular jacks therein. A bond surface is provided on the housing, wherein the bond surface has a jack interface configured to engage the shielded modular jacks and a panel interface configured to engage a mating surface of the panel. The bond surface is configured to electrically common the shielded modular jacks and the panel. A latch mechanism is provided on the housing, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to securely couple the housing to the panel. 
   In a further embodiment, an interface module is provided that includes a plurality of shielded modular jacks and a housing having a plurality of jack openings that receive respective ones of the shielded modular jacks. The housing is configured to be mounted to a panel such that the plurality of shielded modular jacks are simultaneously mounted to the panel. A bond bar is coupled to the housing, wherein the bond bar has a jack interface engaging respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and a panel interface configured to engage a mating surface of the panel. The bond bar is configured to create an electrical connection between the respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and the mating surface when the housing is mounted to the panel. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a panel and an exemplary embodiment of an interface module with shielded modular jacks loaded therein. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the interface module and shielded modular jacks of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded bottom rear perspective view of the interface module of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded top rear perspective view of the interface module of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom rear perspective view of the interface module of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom rear perspective view of an alternative interface module. 
       FIG. 7  shows a rear bottom cutaway view of the interface module of  FIG. 1  with the shielded modular jacks loaded therein. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a sectional view of the interface module of  FIG. 1  with the shielded modular jacks loaded therein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a panel  10  and an exemplary embodiment of an interface module  12  with shielded modular jacks  14  loaded therein.  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the interface module  12  and shielded modular jacks  14 . As described herein, the interface module  12  is particularly adapted for use with shielded modular jacks  14 . The interface module  12  simultaneously mounts a plurality of shielded modular jacks  14  to the panel  10 . The interface module  12  defines a bond path or interface between the shielded modular jacks  14  and the panel  10 . The bond path makes an electrical connection between the components. Optionally, when one of the components (e.g. the panel  10 ) is taken to ground (e.g. electrically grounded), then the bond path defines a ground path between the components. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shielded modular jacks  14  are metalized, such as by an injection process or by providing a shield component to the jack housing  18 . As such, the shielded modular jacks  14  include shielded surfaces  16  surrounding jack housings  18 . The shielded modular jack  14  may be any type of shielded cable connector, such as, but not limited to, the shielded modular RJ-45 jack illustrated in the Figures. The shielded surface  16  increases the size of the jack as compared to non-shielded jacks, which typically have an envelope similar to the jack housing  18 . In an exemplary electronic network in which the shielded modular jacks  14  are utilized, the shielded surface  16  is bonded (e.g. electrically connected) to a grounded component, such as the panel  10 , to provide a ground path to the shielded surface  16 . When the interface module  12  is mounted to the panel  10 , the interface module  12  provides a ground path to ground and bond the shielded modular jack  14  to the panel  10 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the interface module  12  is mounted within an opening  20  of the panel  10 . The opening  20  is defined by a perimeter wall  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, the panel  10  includes a plurality of openings  20  for receiving a plurality of interface modules  12 . Optionally, the openings  20  may receive interface modules  12  having either shielded modular jacks, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or non-shielded modular jacks. The panel  10  includes a planar front surface  24 , and the interface module  12  is mounted against the front surface  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the panel  10  is a patch panel that may be mounted to a rack (not shown). In alternative embodiments, the panel  10  may be another type of network component used within a network system that supports modular jacks, such as a switch, a power box, and the like. As known in the art, the panel  10  is metallic and a means to ground and bond the panel is provided, such as a frame, rack, cable, wire, or other structure that is electrically connected to the panel  10 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the interface module  12  includes a housing  26  that includes a dielectric body fabricated from a dielectric material, such as a plastic material. The housing  26  includes a bond surface for interconnecting the shielded modular jacks  14  and the panel  10 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the housing  26  is selectively plated with a conductive material, such as a metal material, to create the bond surface. Thus, when the shielded modular jacks  14  are loaded into the housing  26 , the conductive plating engages the shielded modular jack  14  to create a bond and ground therebetween. When the interface module  12  is mounted into the panel  10 , the conductive plating engages the panel  10  to create a bond and ground path therebetween. Accordingly, when the shielded modular jacks  14  are assembled into the interface module  12 , which is then mounted into the panel  10 , a ground path is made for the shielded modular jacks  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive plating may constitute a bond bar  28  (shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ) that is coupled to the housing  26 . The bond bar  28  is described in further detail below. It is realized that the bond bar  28  is merely one example of a conductive plating type of structural element that may be used to define a bond surface and to interconnect the shielded modular jacks  14  with the panel  10  to create a bond path, and potentially a ground path, therebetween. The bond bar  28 , or its equivalent, may have many different shapes, sizes, and configurations to accomplish the interconnection of the shielded modular jacks  14  and the panel  10 , depending on the configuration of the interface module  12 . 
   In an alternative embodiment, rather than the conductive plating, the interface module  12  may be die cast or may be selectively metalized during a manufacturing process, such as an injection molding process, to create the bond surface. In such embodiments, the ground path is established by the shielded modular jacks  14  contacting the interface module  12  and the interface module  12  then contacting the panel  10 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  26  generally includes a top  30 , bottom  32 , sides  34  and  36 , a front  38  and a rear  40 . A faceplate  42  is provided at the front  38 . The faceplate  42  may be integrally formed with the housing  26 , such as in the illustrated embodiment, or the faceplate may be separately provided from and coupled to the housing  26 . The faceplate  42  is exposed when the interface module  12  is mounted to the panel  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A fixed latch  44  is provided along the first side  34  and a flexible latch  46  is provided along the second side  36 . The fixed and flexible latches  44 ,  46  are used to mount the interface module  12  to the panel  10 . For example, the interface module  12  is inserted into the panel opening  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) so that fixed latch  44  engages the perimeter wall  22 . The interface module  12  is then pivoted so that the flexible latch  46  engages and/or locks onto the perimeter wall  22  of the opening  20 . Alternatively, mating latches or features may be provided on the panel  10  to interact with the fixed and/or flexible latches  44 ,  46 . 
   The housing  26  also includes a plurality of jack openings  48  at the rear  40  that receive the shielded modular jacks  14  therein. The jack openings  48  are adapted to provide the proper opening dimensions for holding the shielded modular jacks  14  therein. The jack openings  48  provide access to jack cavities  50  that are sized and shaped to receive the shielded modular jacks  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the jack cavities  50  are generally box-shaped, but may be shaped differently if the shielded modular jacks  14  are shaped differently. A bottom wall  52  defines a portion of the jack openings  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shielded modular jacks  14  are mounted to the bottom wall  52 , which defines a mounting wall  52 . The bottom wall  52  includes an inner, or first, wall surface  54  that faces and extends at least partially along the jack cavities  50 . The bottom wall  52  also includes an outer, or second, wall surface  55 , generally opposite to, and extending substantially parallel to, the inner surface  54 , and an end surface  56  extending between the inner and outer surfaces  54 ,  55 . In the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces  54 ,  55 ,  56  are generally flat, but the surfaces  54 ,  55 ,  56  may have a different, more complicated geometry in alternative embodiments. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the faceplate  42  includes mating plug openings  58  at the front  38  that are aligned with, and provide access to, the jack cavities  50 . The mating plug openings  58  are sized and shaped to receive mating plugs (not shown) that are connected to the shielded modular jacks  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mating plug openings  58  define an RJ-45 envelope configured to receive an RJ-45 plug. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  26  is fabricated as a single piece, however, the various components of the housing  26  may be assembled together. 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded bottom rear perspective view of the housing  26  portion of the interface module  12  with the shielded modular jacks  14  removed and illustrating the bond bar  28  formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4  is an exploded top rear perspective view of the housing portion of the interface module  12  and the bond bar  28 .  FIG. 5  is a bottom rear perspective view of the housing portion of the interface module  12 , illustrating the bond bar  28  coupled to the housing  26 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the bond bar  28  is a metallic j-shaped bar having a first flat portion extending along the longitudinal length of the bond bar  28  that defines a jack interface  60 , a second flat portion extending along the longitudinal length of the bond bar  28  that defines a panel interface  62 , and an end wall  64  extending between the jack interface  60  and the panel interface  62  forming the j-shape. The bond bar  28  is attached to the housing  26  so that the jack interface  60  of the bond bar  28  significantly covers the inner surface  54  of the housing  26 . When the bond bar  28  is attached to the housing  26 , the panel interface  62  of the bond bar  28  significantly covers the outer surface  55 . Similarly, when the bond bar  28  is attached to the housing  26 , the end wall  64  of the bond bar  28  significantly covers the end surface  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, one leg of the j-shaped bond bar  28 , namely the panel interface  62 , is wider then the other leg, however both legs may be substantially equal in width in alternative embodiments forming more of a c-shaped bond bar  28 . Additionally, in other alternative embodiments, the bond bar  28  may have a more complex shape to substantially conform to the housing  26 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the bond bar  28  is formed to fixedly attach to the housing  26 . In one embodiment, holes and/or cutouts  66  are formed in the bond bar  28  and are aligned with posts  68  on the end surface  56  of the housing  26 . The bond bar  28  is placed on the housing  26  so that the posts  68  are inserted through the holes and/or cutouts  66  as the bond bar  28  is attached to the housing  26 . Once the bond bar  28  is in contact with the housing  26  along the length of the end surface  56 , the posts  68  are flattened to secure the bond bar  28  to the end surface  56  of the housing  26 . In alternative embodiments, other fastening means as known in the art may be used to secure the bond bar  28  to the housing  26 . For example, the bond bar  28  may simply be snapped into place, fasteners may be used, latches may be used, the bond bar  28  may be frictionally coupled to the housing  26 , the shielded modular jacks  14  may be used to retain the bond bar  28  in position, and the like. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, the panel interface  62  of the bond bar  28  includes an outer surface  70  ( FIG. 3 ) and an inner surface  72  ( FIG. 4 ). A plurality of flexible beams  74  are formed on, and extend from, the outer surface  70 . As described in further detail below, the flexible beams  74  may define spring-like elements to provide a normal force against the panel  10  when the housing  26  is mounted to the panel  10 . One or more protrusions  76  are located on, and extend from, the inner surface  72  of the panel interface  62 . The bottom wall  52  of the housing  26  includes one or more cutouts  78  aligned with the protrusions  76 . As the bond bar  28  is installed onto the housing  26 , the protrusions  76  snap into the cutouts  78  to orient the bond bar  28  with respect to the housing  26 . As known to those skilled in the art, other means of attaching the bond bar  28  to the housing  26  would be suitable. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, the housing  26  includes a plurality of notches  80  in the faceplate  42 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the flexible beams  74  of the bond bar  28  are aligned with, and may be at least partially received within, the notches  80 . As described in further detail below, when the housing  26  is mounted to the panel  10 , the flexible beams  74  are compressed and biased against the panel  10  so that contact is made between the flexible beams  74  of the bond bar  28  and the panel  10 . As the flexible beams  74  are compressed, the ends of the flexible beams  74  may move into the associated notches  80 . 
     FIG. 6  is a bottom rear perspective view of an alternative interface module  100  with the shielded modular jacks  14  removed. The interface module  100  includes a housing  102  and a plurality of bond bars  104 . The housing  102  is substantially similar to the housing  26 , and like elements have like reference numerals. In the illustrated embodiment, individual bond bars  104  are provided for each jack opening  50 . Each bond bar  104  is configured to engage a respective one of the shielded modular jacks  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bond bars  104  are coupled to the housing  102 , such as by a snap-fit coupling. Each bond bar  104  includes at least one flexible beam  74  for engaging the panel  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for creating a bond path, and potentially a ground path, between the panel  10  and the respective shielded modular jack  14 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a rear bottom cutaway view of the interface module  12  with the shielded modular jacks  14  loaded therein.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a sectional view of the interface module  12  with the shielded modular jacks  14  loaded therein. The shielded modular jacks  14  include a top  110 , a bottom  112 , a mating end  114 , and a cable end  116 . The shielded modular jack  14  mates with a mating plug (not shown) that is loaded through the mating end  114 . A cable (not shown) extends from the cable end  116 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the shielded modular jacks  14  are loaded into the jack cavities  50  until the mating end  114  abuts the faceplate  42 . A fixed latch  118  is provided along the bottom  112  and a flexible latch  120  is provided along the top  110 . The fixed and flexible latches  118 ,  120  are used to mount the shielded modular jacks  14  to the housing  26 . For example, the flexible latch  120  is depressed and the shielded modular jack  14  is inserted into the jack opening  48  so that the fixed latch  118  engages the bottom wall  52 . The flexible latch  120  is then aligned with a top wall  122  of the housing  26 , and the flexible latch is released from a deflected or depressed position to engage the top wall  122 . When the latches  118 ,  120  engage the walls  52 ,  122 , the shielded modular jack  14  is securely coupled to the housing  26 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible latch  120  biases the shielded modular jack  14  against the bottom wall  52 , in the direction of arrow A shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , to ensure engagement of the fixed latch  118  with the bottom wall  52 . In alternative embodiments, other fastening means as known in the art may be used to secure the shielded modular jacks  14  to the housing  26 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when the shielded modular jack  14  is mounted to the bottom wall  52 , the shielded modular jack  14  engages, and is electrically coupled to, the bond bar  28 . In particular, the jack interface  60  of the bond bar  28  extends along the inner surface  54  of the bottom wall  52  and the shielded modular jack  14  abuttingly engages the jack interface  60 , thus creating a bond path, and potentially a ground path, therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the fixed latch  118  abuttingly engages at least a portion of the end wall  64  of the bond bar  28 , thus creating a bond path, and potentially a ground path, therebetween. In such embodiment, the shielded modular jack  14  engages two different surfaces of the bond bar  28 . In alternative embodiments, the bond bar  28  may be provided on or coupled to alternative portions of the housing  26 , such that the bond and/or ground between the shielded modular jack  14  and the housing  26  is created in alternative locations. For example, the bond bar  28  may be provided along the faceplate  42  or the top wall  122 . In another alternative embodiment, the shielded modular jacks  14  may be securely coupled to the housing  26  in a different way, or the panel  10  may be configured differently, such that the shielded modular jacks  14  may directly engage the panel  10 . 
   During assembly, once the shielded modular jacks  14  are coupled to the housing  26  and bonded to the bond bar  28 , the interface module  12  is mated to the panel  10 . The interface module  12  is loaded into the panel opening  20  from the front and latched into place with the latches  44 ,  46  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The face plate  42  generally abuts the front surface  24 . As the interface module  12  is mated with the panel  10 , the bond bar  28  engages the panel  10 , thus bonding to, and potentially being grounded to, the panel  10 . In particular, the flexible beams  74  engage a mating surface  124  of the panel  10 . The flexible beams  74  may be at least partially deflected by the panel  10  to maintain mechanical and electrical connection therebetween. Consequently, the interface module  12  provides a secure mounting for a plurality of shielded modular jacks  14  and a complete bond path circuit when the interface module  12  is mounted to a panel  10  or other equipment opening. In an alternative embodiment, electrical interconnection may be made between the bond bar  28  and the mating surface  124  without the use of the flexible beams  74 . For example, the size of the panel opening  20  may guarantee electrical connection therebetween, or alternatively, another biasing element may be provided on the housing  26  or the panel  10  to bias the housing  26 , and thus the bond bar  28 , against the mating surface  124 . 
   It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.