Relay connector

Abstract

To provide a relay connector that connects an STP harness and a UTP harness and that can reduce electrostatic discharge (ESD) noise propagating to a core wire.SOLUTION: A relay connector 41 is used to connect an STP harness 20 having a shield 22 to an unshielded UTP harness 30. The relay connector has an STP connector 51 to which the STP harness is connected, and a UTP connector 61 that is detachably coupled to the STP connector and to which the UTP harness is connected. The relay connector has a ground connection line 70 that is electrically connected to the shield of the STP harness and is earth-connected to a ground site G when the STP connector and the UTP connector are coupled together.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A twisted pair harness, which is made by twisting multiple electric wires together, is less susceptible to noise than simple parallel wires and has less noise radiation. For this reason, it is suitable for use in in-vehicle networks and the like. Known types of twisted pair harnesses are STP (shielded twisted pair) harnesses and UTP (unshielded twisted pair) harnesses. In an STP harness, the core wire is surrounded by a shield. Compared to a UTP harness, an STP harness has stronger resistance to noise such as ESD (electrostatic discharge).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a relay connector for connecting STP harnesses. The relay connector (15) is located between two divided wirings (12A) and electrically connects them. In addition, the relay connector (15) is located between two separate shields (13A) and electrically connects them. The relay connector (15) has a ground connection member (14). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP2019-202671A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The relay connector of Patent Document 1 can allow a portion of the ESD noise applied to the STP harness to escape from the ground connection member to the vehicle body ground. However, because the relay connector connects the STP harnesses together, a portion of the ESD noise continues to propagate through the shield ground of the STP harness. As a result, the ESD noise propagates to the core wire (signal wire) of the STP harness. This may cause electronic devices to malfunction.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a relay connector that connects an STP harness and a UTP harness and that can reduce ESD (electrostatic discharge) noise propagating to the core wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a relay connector for connecting an STP harness having a shield and an unshielded UTP harness. The relay connector includes an STP connector to which the STP harness is connected, and a UTP connector detachably connected to the STP connector and to which the UTP harness is connected. The relay connector further includes a ground connection line that is electrically connected to the shield of the STP harness and is earth-connected to a ground site when the STP connector and the UTP connector are connected to each other. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the relay connector of the present invention, the shield of the STP harness is grounded via the ground connection line. Noise caused by ESD applied to the STP harness escapes to the ground part. This reduces ESD noise propagating to the core wires of the STP harness and UTP harness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an in-vehicle harness to which the relay connector of the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical relay connector of a first embodiment. [Figure 1C] 3 is a cross-sectional view used to explain electrical connection in the relay connector of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1B is a schematic diagram used to explain the effect of reducing ESD noise propagating to a core wire in the example of the vehicle-mounted harness shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. [Figure 3A] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an in-vehicle harness to which the relay connector of the second embodiment is applied. FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a relay connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] 10 is a cross-sectional view used to explain electrical connection in a relay connector of embodiment 2. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a relay connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 11 is a cross-sectional view used to explain electrical connection in a relay connector of embodiment 3. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a relay connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5B] 13 is a cross-sectional view used to explain electrical connection in a relay connector of embodiment 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an in-vehicle harness according to a fifth embodiment in which a relay connector is connected to only one end of an STP harness. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram used to explain the effect of reducing ESD noise propagating to a core wire in the example of the vehicle-mounted harness shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle harness in which an STP harness and a UTP harness are selected for use. [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the use of an in-vehicle harness in which an STP harness and a UTP harness are selected and used. [Figure 8C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of the use of an in-vehicle harness in which an STP harness and a UTP harness are selected and used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown here are merely illustrative in order to embody the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, and are included in the scope of the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0011] In addition, for the convenience of illustration and ease of understanding, the drawings attached to this specification may be represented diagrammatically with the scale, aspect ratio, shape, etc. appropriately changed from the actual product; however, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0012] In this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. may be used. However, unless otherwise specified, these ordinal numbers are used to identify components for the convenience of explanation, and do not specify the number or order.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> 1A, the vehicle harness 10 includes an STP harness 20 and UTP harnesses 30 connected to both sides of the STP harness 20. Each UTP harness 30 is connected to an ECU 11 (electronic control unit). The STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30 are connected via a relay connector 41.

[0014] The STP harness 20 has a plurality of core wires 21, a conductor shield 22 surrounding the core wires 21, and an insulating outer sheath 23 surrounding the shield 22. The UTP harness 30 has a plurality of core wires 31 and an insulating outer sheath 33 surrounding the core wires 31.

[0015] The numerous ECUs 11 mounted on the vehicle perform control of the engine, brakes, steering, etc., control of information related to audio, navigation, GPS, etc., and control of the vehicle body, such as lights, doors, and a keyless entry system.

[0016] 1B and 1C, the relay connector 41 is used to connect the STP harness 20 having the shield 22 to the UTP harness 30 without the shield 22. The relay connector 41 has an STP connector 51 to which the STP harness 20 is connected, and a UTP connector 61 that is detachably connected to the STP connector 51 and to which the UTP harness 30 is connected. The relay connector 41 further has a ground connection line 70 that is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20 and is earth-connected to the ground site G when the STP connector 51 and the UTP connector 61 are connected to each other.

[0017] The STP connector 51 has a conductor 81 electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20. The conductor 81 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The STP connector 51 further has a connection part 71 for detachably connecting the ground connection line 70. The detachable configuration is not particularly limited, and various known configurations such as a screw type, an engagement claw, etc. may be adopted.

[0018] The UTP connector 61 has a conductor 91 electrically connected to the conductor 81 of the STP connector 51. The conductor 91 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical conductor 91 of the UTP connector 61 may fit inside the cylindrical conductor 81 of the STP connector 51.

[0019] The STP connector 51 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C employs a branched structure type connector shape that includes a connection portion 71 for a ground connection line 70 in addition to the connection structure with the UTP connector 61.

[0020] The casing of the STP connector 51, the casing of the UTP connector 61, and the engagement claws that detachably connect the two casings can be configured in a variety of known ways in general relay connectors, and therefore illustrations and descriptions of these members will be omitted.

[0021] In the case of relay connectors that connect STP harnesses together, some of the ESD noise applied to the STP harness escapes to the grounding part via the ground connection wire provided in the relay connector. However, some of the ESD noise continues to propagate through the shield ground of the STP harness. This causes the ESD noise to propagate to the core wire (signal wire) of the STP harness. This may cause electronic devices to malfunction.

[0022] 2, the relay connector 41 of the first embodiment connects the shield 22 of the STP harness 20 to earth via a ground connection line 70. Noise caused by ESD (electrostatic discharge) applied to the STP harness 20 escapes to the grounding part G. This reduces the ESD noise propagating to the core wires 21, 31 of the STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30. This improves ESD resistance and makes it possible to prevent malfunction of electronic devices such as the ECU 11.

[0023] In FIG. 2, reference numeral "11a" denotes an interface section of the ECU 11, and reference numeral "11b" denotes a ground section of the ECU 11.

[0024] <Embodiment 2> As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the relay connector 42 of embodiment 2 differs from the relay connector 41 of embodiment 1 in that the UTP connector 62 has a connection portion 71 to which the ground connection wire 70 is detachably connected.

[0025] The STP connector 52 has a conductor 82 that is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20. The conductor 82 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0026] The UTP connector 62 has a conductor 92 electrically connected to the conductor 82 of the STP connector 52. The conductor 92 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical conductor 82 of the STP connector 52 may be fitted inside the cylindrical conductor 92 of the UTP connector 62. The UTP connector 62 further has a connection part 71 for detachably connecting the ground connection line 70. The detachable structure is not particularly limited, and various known structures such as a screw type and an engagement claw type may be adopted. In a state where the STP connector 52 and the UTP connector 62 are connected to each other, the ground connection line 70 is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20 via the conductor 92 of the UTP connector 62 and the conductor 82 of the STP connector 52.

[0027] The UTP connector 62 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C employs a branched structure type connector shape that includes a connection portion 71 for a ground connection line 70 in addition to the connection structure with the STP connector 52.

[0028] The relay connector 42 of the second embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0029] <Embodiment 3> As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the relay connector 43 of the third embodiment differs from the relay connector 42 of the second embodiment in that a ground connection line 70 is connected to the UTP connector 63.

[0030] The STP connector 53 has a conductor 83 that is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20. The conductor 83 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0031] The UTP connector 63 has a conductor 93 electrically connected to the conductor 83 of the STP connector 53. The conductor 93 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical conductor 93 of the UTP connector 63 may fit inside the cylindrical conductor 83 of the STP connector 53. A ground connection line 70 is connected to the UTP connector 63. In a state in which the STP connector 53 and the UTP connector 63 are coupled together, the ground connection line 70 is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20 via the conductor 93 of the UTP connector 63 and the conductor 83 of the STP connector 53.

[0032] The UTP connector 63 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B employs a connector shape that does not have a branch structure, unlike the branch structure type connector shape shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C.

[0033] In this manner, the UTP connector can have a connection portion 71 to which the ground connection line 70 is connected or which removably connects the ground connection line 70 .

[0034] The UTP connector can selectively adopt a connector shape of a branched structure type (UTP connector 62 in Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C) having a connection part 71 for a ground connection line 70 in addition to the connection structure with the STP connector 52, or a connector shape without a branched structure (UTP connector 63 in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B). This allows the UTP connector 62, 63 having the desired connector shape to be selected and used (the connector can be replaced for use).

[0035] The relay connector 43 of the third embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0036] In the third embodiment, the relay connector 43 in which the ground connection line 70 is connected to the UTP connector 63 is shown, but instead, the ground connection line 70 can be connected to an STP connector. In this case, the STP connector can have a connector shape that does not have a branch structure, unlike the connector shape of the branch structure type shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0037] In this manner, the STP connector can have a connection portion 71 to which the ground connection line 70 is connected or which detachably connects the ground connection line 70 .

[0038] The STP connector can selectively adopt a connector shape of a branched structure type (STP connector 51 in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1) that has a connection part 71 for a ground connection line 70 in addition to the connection structure with the UTP connector 61, or a connector shape that does not have a branched structure. This allows the STP connector 51, etc. having a desired connector shape to be selected and used (the connector can be replaced and used).

[0039] <Embodiment 4> As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the relay connector 44 of the fourth embodiment differs from the relay connectors 41, 42, and 43 of the first to third embodiments in that it has an intermediate connector 104 that connects the STP connector 54 and the UTP connector 64.

[0040] The STP connector 54 has a conductor 84 that is electrically connected to the shield 22 of the STP harness 20. The conductor 84 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0041] The intermediate connector 104 has a first conductor 105, a second conductor 106 provided continuously with the first conductor 105, and an intermediate core wire 107. The first conductor 105 and the second conductor 106 can have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The first conductor 105 can be formed to have a smaller diameter than the second conductor 106. The first conductor 105 is electrically connected to the conductor 84 of the STP connector 54. The cylindrical first conductor 105 of the intermediate connector 104 can be fitted inside the cylindrical conductor 84 of the STP connector 54. The intermediate connector 104 further has a connection part 71 for detachably connecting the ground connection line 70. The detachable configuration is not particularly limited, and various known configurations such as a screw type and an engagement claw can be adopted.

[0042] The UTP connector 64 has a conductor 94 that is electrically connected to the second conductor 106 of the intermediate connector 104. The conductor 94 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical conductor 94 of the UTP connector 64 may fit inside the cylindrical second conductor 106 of the intermediate connector 104.

[0043] The relay connector 44 can be used by sandwiching a branched intermediate connector 104 having a connection portion 71 for a ground connection line 70 between the STP connector 54 and the UTP connector 64. In this way, by adding the branched intermediate connector 104 without modifying the STP connector 54 and the UTP connector 64, it is possible to reduce ESD noise propagating to the core wires 21 and 31 and prevent malfunction of electronic devices.

[0044] <Embodiment 5> 6, the fifth embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the relay connectors 41, 42 are connected to both ends of the STP harness 20 in that the relay connector 42 is connected to only one end of the STP harness 20. In the fifth embodiment, the relay connector 42 of the second embodiment is applied.

[0045] 7, even when the relay connector 42 is connected to only one end of the STP harness 20, the shield 22 of the STP harness 20 is grounded via the ground connection line 70. Noise caused by ESD applied to the STP harness 20 escapes to the grounding part G. This reduces the ESD noise propagating to the core wires 21, 31 of the STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30. This improves ESD resistance and makes it possible to prevent malfunction of electronic devices.

[0046] <Usage example> An example of the use of the vehicle-mounted harness 10 in which the STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30 are selected and used will be described with reference to Figs. 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0047] In general, the STP harness 20 is more expensive than the UTP harness 30, and the UTP harness 30 is more susceptible to temperature and water-induced impedance and loss. The STP harness 20 has stronger resistance to noise such as ESD (electrostatic discharge) than the UTP harness 30. Conversely, the UTP harness 30 has stronger radiation noise and lower noise resistance than the STP harness 20. For this reason, the STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30 are selected and used depending on the environment in which the harness is used (for example, inside a vehicle). The relay connector 40 can be any of the relay connectors 41 to 44 of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0048] 8A, an STP harness 20 can be used between the relay connector 40 and the ECU 111 located at the front of the vehicle, and a UTP harness 30 can be used between the relay connector 40 and the ECU 112 located at the rear of the vehicle. The UTP harness 30 is significantly affected by temperature and water-induced characteristic impedance and loss. For this reason, the STP harness 20 is used in places where high temperatures and water splashes occur, such as the front of the vehicle. In other places, such as the rear of the vehicle, the relatively inexpensive UTP harness 30 is used.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 8B, an STP harness 20 can be used between relay connector 40 and ECU 113 close to components such as antenna 114 that are highly sensitive to noise, and a UTP harness 30 can be used between relay connector 40 and ECU 112 located at the rear of the vehicle. The UTP harness 30 emits a lot of noise. For this reason, the STP harness 20, which emits relatively little noise, is used near components such as antennas that are highly sensitive to noise (for GPS, terrestrial digital, radio, etc.). In other locations, such as the rear of the vehicle, a UTP harness 30 is used, where relatively large amounts of radiation noise will not cause any problems.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 8C, an STP harness 20 can be used between the relay connector 40 and the ECU 112 close to the motor parts 115 that emit large amounts of noise, and a UTP harness 30 can be used between the relay connector 40 and the ECU 116 located in the center of the vehicle. The UTP harness 30 has low noise resistance. For this reason, the STP harness 20, which has high noise resistance, is used near the motor parts 115 that emit large amounts of noise. In other locations, such as the center of the vehicle, a UTP harness 30 is used, which does not suffer from low noise resistance.

[0051] The relay connector in Patent Document 1 connects STP harnesses together, but cannot connect an STP harness to a UTP harness. Therefore, it is not possible to select an STP harness or a UTP harness depending on the environment in which the harness is used.

[0052] In contrast, according to the relay connectors 41 to 44 of the first to fourth embodiments, the STP harness 20 and the UTP harness 30 can be selected and used depending on the environment in which the harness is used.

[0053] Various embodiments of the relay connector 40 of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate based on the description of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10 Vehicle harness 11 ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20 STP Harness 21 Core Wire 22 Shield 23 Hull 30 UTP harness 31 Core Wire 33 Hull 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 Relay connector 51, 52, 53, 54 STP Connectors 61, 62, 63, 64 UTP Connectors 70 Ground connection wire 71 Connection 81, 82, 83, 84 Conductors 91, 92, 93, 94 Conductors 104 Intermediate Connector 105 First Conductor 106 Second Conductor 107 Intermediate core wire 111, 112, 113, 116 ECUs 114 Antenna 115 Motor parts G Ground contact point

Claims

1. A relay connector for connecting a shielded STP harness to an unshielded UTP harness, an STP connector to which the STP harness is connected; a UTP connector detachably connected to the STP connector and to which the UTP harness is connected; a ground connection line that is electrically connected to the shield of the STP harness and is earth-connected to a ground site when the STP connector and the UTP connector are connected together.

2. The relay connector according to claim 1 , wherein the STP connector has a connection portion to which the ground connection line is connected or which detachably connects the ground connection line.

3. 2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the UTP connector has a connection portion to which the ground connection line is connected or which detachably connects the ground connection line.

4. an intermediate connector for connecting the STP connector and the UTP connector; The relay connector according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate connector has a connection portion for detachably connecting the ground connection line.

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