Ethernet connector for motor vehicles

Abstract

An Ethernet connector for a motor vehicle is provided. The connector (4) for the motor vehicle (2) includes at least two signal leads (5-8) arranged adjacent to each other; wherein each signal lead (5-8) has a rectangular cross-section with a width (w) and a height (h) less than the width (w); wherein, in a first portion (L1) of the connector (4), the at least two signal leads (5-8) are arranged such that the height direction (h1) of the first signal lead and the height direction (h1) of the second signal lead extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the respective signal lead (5-8); and wherein, in a second portion (L2) of the connector (4), at least the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first portion (L1) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), such that the width direction (w1) of the first signal lead extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an Ethernet connector for a motor vehicle, an electrical system for a motor vehicle including the Ethernet connector, a motor vehicle including the electrical system, and a method for manufacturing the Ethernet connector. Background Technology

[0002] Onboard electrical systems can refer to electrical components in vehicles such as automobiles and commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks).

[0003] Electrical components of an onboard electrical system may include wiring and onboard voltage sockets, control units, sensors, display elements (such as warning and indicator lights, displays, etc.), actuators (such as electric motors, lights and lighting systems, etc.), bus systems, energy storage devices (such as batteries or accumulators, etc.), generators, driver assistance systems and / or comfort features (such as power seat adjustment, etc.).

[0004] The airborne electrical system can be responsible for power supply (energy airborne electrical system) and / or the information flow between these components (communication airborne electrical system).

[0005] This electrical system can utilize Ethernet. Ethernet is a family of wired computer networking technologies. It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized as IEEE 802.3 in 1983. Ethernet has been improved to support higher bit rates, a larger number of nodes, and longer link distances, while retaining more backward compatibility.

[0006] Systems communicating over Ethernet divide data streams into shorter segments called frames. Each frame contains source and destination addresses, as well as error check data, allowing corrupted frames to be detected and discarded; most commonly, higher-layer protocols trigger retransmissions of lost frames. According to the OSI model, Ethernet provides services including the data link layer.

[0007] The airborne electrical system may include an Ethernet connector. Ethernet connectors are described, for example, in EP 3171461 A1.

[0008] The connector may include two or more signal leads. A signal lead can be defined as a path through which (Ethernet) data signals travel or are transmitted using copper or other conductors. These signal leads must be spaced a minimum distance from each other to function correctly, i.e., to ensure that the Ethernet signal is transmitted effectively, thereby ensuring they remain free from interference and do not interfere with each other. This minimum distance may be difficult to achieve using some envelope, i.e., a mechanical boundary, which serves as a clearly defined perimeter or restriction and cannot be crossed due to manufacturability or security reasons.

[0009] In the context of the prior art, one object of this disclosure may be to specify apparatus and / or methods, each of which is suitable for enriching the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims each relate to optional further developments of this disclosure.

[0011] An Ethernet connector for a motor vehicle is provided. The connector includes at least two signal leads arranged adjacent to each other. Each signal lead has a rectangular cross-section with a width and a height, the height being less than the width. In a first portion of the connector, the at least two signal leads are arranged such that the height direction of a first signal lead and the height direction of a second signal lead extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective signal lead. In a second portion of the connector, at least a first signal lead is twisted 90° relative to the first portion about its longitudinal axis, such that the width direction of the first signal lead extends parallel to its longitudinal axis.

[0012] In other words, the shape of the Ethernet leads can be changed by twisting them about 90° around or relative to their longitudinal axis. This allows for adaptation to space constraints, i.e., arranging the signal leads closer together while maintaining the same distance between the leads and the same cross-section of the leads.

[0013] The connector can use Ethernet standards such as IEEE 802.3bw 100 BASE-T1 (100Mbps) and IEEE 802.3bp 100 0 BASE-T1 (1Gbps) (versions at the time of filing of this application).

[0014] The longitudinal direction can be perpendicular to the cross-section. The height of the cross-section can be measured along its height direction. The width of the cross-section can be measured along its width. The height direction and the width direction can encompass an angle of 90°.

[0015] The motor vehicle may be a passenger car, optionally a car, or a commercial vehicle, such as a bus, tractor, and / or truck. The truck may include a tractor unit and / or one or more trailers.

[0016] Furthermore, the definitions and explanations provided above, with necessary modifications, apply to the proposed Ethernet connector.

[0017] The following sections explain in detail the optional further developments of the aforementioned Ethernet connector.

[0018] In the second part of the connector, only the first of the at least two signal leads may be twisted 90° relative to the first part about the longitudinal axis of the first of the at least two signal leads, such that the height direction of the first of the at least two signal leads is perpendicular to the height direction of the second of the at least two signal leads.

[0019] In the second portion of the connector, the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads may be twisted 90° relative to the first portion about its longitudinal axis. Similarly, in the second portion of the connector, the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads may be twisted 90° relative to the first portion along its longitudinal axis. Therefore, the width direction of the first signal lead may extend parallel to the width direction of the second signal lead.

[0020] In other words, one or more (e.g., two) of the signal leads can be twisted by 90° each in order to achieve the aforementioned effect of at least maintaining the required minimum distance between the leads while reducing the total space required for the leads within the connector.

[0021] In the third portion of the connector, at least the first of the at least two signal leads may be twisted 90° relative to the second portion about the longitudinal axis of the first of the at least two signal leads, such that the height direction of the first of the at least two signal leads extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first of the at least two signal leads.

[0022] In other words, alternatively, when there is more available space in the connector, the one or more twist leads can be twisted back and can be arranged in the same manner as in the first part.

[0023] Along the longitudinal axis of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads, the first portion of the connector may be followed by the second portion of the connector, and then by the third portion of the connector. Similarly, along the longitudinal axis of the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads, the first portion of the connector may be followed by the second portion of the connector, and then by the third portion of the connector.

[0024] In the second part of the connector, the at least two signal leads may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of at least 0.9 mm, or optionally at least 1.3 mm.

[0025] These distances are suitable to ensure that the signal leads function correctly.

[0026] The connector may include a molding die that fixes the position of the at least two signal leads relative to each other.

[0027] In other words, the overmolded component can hold the signal lead in place. The overmolded component can be manufactured using overmolding, a specialized injection molding process where one material is molded onto another. The overmolded component can be molded in a first stage and can be placed into a larger form for remolding in a second, separate stage of the manufacturing process.

[0028] An electrical system or wiring system for a motor vehicle may be provided, the system including the aforementioned Ethernet connector.

[0029] A motor vehicle may be provided, the motor vehicle including the above-described system.

[0030] A method for manufacturing an Ethernet connector for a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes arranging at least two signal leads adjacent to each other. Each signal lead has a rectangular cross-section with a width and a height, the height being less than the width. In a first portion of the connector, the at least two signal leads are arranged such that the height direction of a first signal lead and the height direction of a second signal lead extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective signal lead. In a second portion of the connector, at least a first signal lead is twisted 90° relative to the first portion about its longitudinal axis, such that the width direction of the first signal lead extends parallel to its longitudinal axis.

[0031] The above description of Ethernet connectors, with necessary modifications, applies to the method described, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 3 Describe optional embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1 The connector frame, including an Ethernet connector, is schematically shown in a top view and forms part of the electrical system of a motor vehicle.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic top view is shown. Figure 1 Ethernet connectors, and

[0035] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The Ethernet connector shown has two signal leads.

[0036] Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0037] exist Figure 1 The image shows a connector frame 1. Frame 1 forms part of a motor vehicle 2 (not shown in more detail). Frame 1 includes an Ethernet connector 4 with an interface 3, which in turn forms part of the wiring system (not shown in more detail) of the motor vehicle 2. Interface 3 can be a convex or concave portion. Here, interface 3 is configured as a concave portion to receive the convex portion (not shown) of another Ethernet connector. The Ethernet connector 4 shown can form part of a gearbox control unit, which can be connected to the gearbox (not shown) of the vehicle 2 via interface 3.

[0038] You can also from Figure 2 The collection in the middle shows more details. Figure 1 The circular portion of the Ethernet connector 4 includes four signal leads 5-8, which are arranged adjacent to each other. The Ethernet connector 4 includes a molding 9 that holds the four signal leads 5-8 and fixes their position relative to each other.

[0039] from Figure 3 As can be seen, two of the four signal leads 5-8, namely inner signal leads 6 and 7, are shown in detail. At least the two signal leads 6 and 7 each have a rectangular cross-section with a width of w and a height of h, where the height h is less than the width w.

[0040] Connector 4 and the two signal leads can be divided into three parts L1 to L3. Along the longitudinal axis L of the two signal leads 6 and 7, the first part L1 of connector 4 is followed by the second part L2 of connector 4, and then the third part L3 of connector 4.

[0041] In the first part L1 of connector 4, at least two signal leads 6, 7 are arranged such that the corresponding height directions h1 of the two signal leads 6, 7 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the corresponding longitudinal axes L of the two signal leads 6, 7.

[0042] At the beginning of the second section L2, two signal leads 6 and 7 are twisted 90° relative to the first section L1 about their respective longitudinal axes L, such that the width directions w1 of the two signal leads 6 and 7 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to their respective longitudinal axes L in the second section L2. In the second section L2, the at least two signal leads are spaced apart from each other by a distance d1 of at least 0.9 mm, optionally at least 1.3 mm, here 2.4 mm (see [reference]). Figure 2 It should be noted that it is also possible that only one of the two signal leads 6 and 7 is twisted in the second part L2.

[0043] At the beginning of the second part L2, the two signal leads 6 and 7 are twisted 90° relative to the second part L2 around their respective longitudinal axes L, such that the respective height directions h1 of the two signal leads 6 and 7 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the respective longitudinal axes L of the two signal leads 6 and 7.

[0044] Figure reference numerals (part of the specification) 1 Connector frame 2 Motor vehicles 3 Ethernet connector interface 4 Ethernet connectors 5-8 Signal leads 9. Overmolded parts d1 Distance h height h1 Height Direction L longitudinal axis L1 Part 1 L2 Part 2 L3 Part 3 w width w1 represents the width direction.

Claims

1. An Ethernet connector (4) for a motor vehicle (2), characterized in that: - The connector (4) includes at least two signal leads (5-8) arranged adjacent to each other. - Each of the signal leads (5-8) has a rectangular cross-section with a width (w) and a height (h), wherein the height (h) is smaller than the width (w). - In the first portion (L1) of the connector (4), the at least two signal leads (5-8) are arranged such that the height direction (h1) of the first signal lead (5-8) and the height direction (h1) of the second signal lead (5-8) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the respective signal lead (5-8), and - In the second part (L2) of the connector (4), at least the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first part (L1) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), such that the width direction (w1) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8).

2. The Ethernet connector (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second portion (L2) of the connector (4), only the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first portion (L1) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), such that the height direction (h1) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is perpendicular to the height direction (h1) of the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8).

3. The Ethernet connector (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - In the second part (L2) of the connector (4), the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first part (L1) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), and - In the second part (L2) of the connector (4), the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first part (L1) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8). The width direction (w1) of the first signal lead (5-8) of the at least two signal leads (5-8) extends parallel to the width direction (w1) of the second signal lead (5-8).

4. The Ethernet connector (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: - In the third part (L3) of the connector (4), at least the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the second part (L2) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), such that the height direction (h1) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8).

5. The Ethernet connector (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that: - Along the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), the first portion (L1) of the connector (4) is followed by the second portion (L2) of the connector (4), and then the second portion (L2) of the connector (4) is followed by the third portion (L3) of the connector (4), and - Along the longitudinal axis (L) of the second signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), the first part (L1) of the connector (4) is followed by the second part (L2) of the connector (4), and then the second part (L2) of the connector (4) is followed by the third part (L3) of the connector (4).

6. The Ethernet connector (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: - In the second part (L2) of the connector (4), the at least two signal leads (5-8) are spaced apart from each other by a distance (d1) of at least 0.9 mm, and optionally by a distance of at least 1.3 mm.

7. The Ethernet connector (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: - The connector (4) includes a cover molding (9) that fixes the position of the at least two signal leads (5-8) relative to each other.

8. A wiring system for a motor vehicle (2), the system comprising an Ethernet connector (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A motor vehicle (2) comprising the wiring system according to claim 8.

10. A method for manufacturing an Ethernet connector (4) for a motor vehicle (2), characterized in that, The method includes: - Arrange at least two signal leads (5-8) adjacent to each other. - Each of the signal leads (5-8) has a rectangular cross-section with a width (w) and a height (h), wherein the height (h) is smaller than the width (w). - Wherein, in the first part (L1) of the connector (4), the at least two signal leads (5-8) are arranged such that the height direction (h1) of the first signal lead (5-8) and the height direction (h1) of the second signal lead (5-8) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the respective signal lead (5-8), and - Wherein, in the second part (L2) of the connector (4), at least the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) is twisted 90° relative to the first part (L1) about the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8), such that the width direction (w1) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the first signal lead of the at least two signal leads (5-8).

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