Communication devices and equipment

Abstract

To provide a communication unit and a communication device capable of reducing a footprint on mounting surface.SOLUTION: A communication unit (relay part) 11 receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference of two electric signals propagating two conductor wires, respectively. The communication unit 11 removes noise from the two electric signals with a first conductor Gs1 as a reference voltage. The communication unit 11 converts the differential signal represented by a voltage difference of the two electric signals with noise removed to a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference voltage is a voltage of a second conductor Gs2. The first conductor Gs1 and the second conductor Gs2 are respectively disposed on a first board Bs1 and a second board Bs2. The first board Bs1 and the second board Bs2 are respectively connected with a board connection body 47 having flexibility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communicator and a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle communication device that receives a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between two electric signals propagating through two conductors. In this communication device, noise is removed from the two electric signals using the potential of a first conductor as a reference potential. Furthermore, the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electric signals from which noise has been removed is converted into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor are arranged inside one substrate. A plurality of circuit elements required for noise removal and conversion are arranged on one surface of the substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-167536 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the communication device described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of circuit elements are arranged on one board. Therefore, the area of ​​the installation surface of the communication device is large. The communication device is mounted on various vehicles having different shapes. There are cases where a device with a small installation surface area is preferred as a communication device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device and a communication apparatus that can reduce the area of ​​the installation surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device that receives a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through two conductors, and includes a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of a first conductor as a reference potential, a conversion unit that converts the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of a second conductor, a first substrate on which the first conductor is arranged, a second substrate on which the second conductor is arranged, and a flexible substrate connector that connects the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0007] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communicator that receives a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through two conductors, and a power supply device that supplies power to the communicator, wherein the communicator has a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of a first conductor as a reference potential, a conversion unit that converts the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of a second conductor, a first substrate on which the first conductor is arranged, a second substrate on which the second conductor is arranged, a flexible substrate connector that connects the first substrate and the second substrate, and a device connector that connects the second substrate and a power supply device, and the power supply device supplies power to the conversion unit via the device connector. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the area of ​​the installation surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a repeater. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a signal processing circuit. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a relay device and a repeater. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the external appearance of a repeater. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of components housed in a box body of the repeater. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a repeater in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of members housed in a box body of a repeater in embodiment 3. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a repeater in embodiment 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a repeater in embodiment 5. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a repeater in embodiment 6. [Figure 15] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of members housed in a box body of a repeater in embodiment 7. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of members housed in a box body of a repeater in an eighth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a front view of the repeater in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a side view of the repeater in embodiment 10. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a relay device in an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of a second conducting wire. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a relay device in a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of connection parts. [Diagram 25]FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of a board connection body in embodiment 13. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view of the board connection body taken along line AA in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a repeater. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a signal processing circuit. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of conductor connecting elements. [Diagram 30] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a relay device in a fourteenth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement of second main conductors. [Diagram 32] A block diagram showing the main configuration of a repeater in embodiment 15. [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a signal processing circuit. [Diagram 34] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of electrical connection elements. [Diagram 35] A block diagram showing the main configuration of a communication system in embodiment 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. At least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0011] (1) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through two conductors, and includes a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using a potential of a first conductor as a reference potential, a conversion unit that converts the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of a second conductor, a first substrate on which the first conductor is arranged, a second substrate on which the second conductor is arranged, and a flexible substrate connector that connects the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the first and second substrates are connected by a flexible substrate connector, which allows for a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first and second substrates, and therefore allows the first and second substrates to be arranged in a manner that reduces the area of ​​the installation surface.

[0013] (2) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential signal is a communication signal conforming to an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication protocol, a communication signal using LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), or a communication signal conforming to USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0014] In the above aspect, a communication signal conforming to the Ethernet communication protocol, a communication signal using LVDS, or a communication signal conforming to USB is received.

[0015] (3) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a conductor connection element connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, the conductor connection element being an inductor, a resistor, or a conductor.

[0016] In the above embodiment, even if noise enters the first conductor and causes the potential of the first conductor to fluctuate, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the second conductor.Similarly, even if noise enters the second conductor and causes the potential of the second conductor to fluctuate, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the first conductor.

[0017] (4) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first circuit element is arranged on one side of the first substrate, a second circuit element is arranged on one side of the second substrate, and the side of the first substrate on which the first circuit element is arranged faces the side of the second substrate on which the second circuit element is arranged.

[0018] In the above aspect, one surface of the first substrate faces one surface of the second substrate, thereby reducing the area of ​​the installation surface.

[0019] (5) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first circuit element is arranged on one side of the first substrate, a second circuit element is arranged on one side of the second substrate, and the side of the first substrate on which the first circuit element is arranged is perpendicular to the side of the second substrate on which the second circuit element is arranged.

[0020] In the above aspect, the area of ​​the installation surface is reduced by arranging the first and second substrates so that one surface of each of the first and second substrates is perpendicular to each other.

[0021] (6) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a conductive box body that houses the first board and the second board, and a protrusion that protrudes outward from the box body and is used to fix the box body, the protrusion being conductive and conducting to the first conductor via the box body.

[0022] In the above embodiment, the protrusion is connected to the board by, for example, soldering. This allows the protrusion to be electrically connected to a conductor disposed on the board. In this case, the first conductor is electrically connected to the conductor of the board via the box and the protrusion.

[0023] (7) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion has a through hole through which a conductive screw is passed, and the box is fixed by tightening the screw, and when the box is fixed, the screw becomes conductive to the protrusion.

[0024] In the above embodiment, a screw is passed through the through hole of the protrusion. Then, for example, the screw is tightened on a substrate. As a result, the screw comes into contact with the conductive protrusion, and the box is fixed to the substrate. For example, the screw is conductive to a conductor in the substrate. In this case, the first conductor is conductive to the conductor of the substrate via the box, the protrusion, and the screw.

[0025] (8) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second protrusion that is conductive, protrudes outward from the box body, and is used to fix the box body, the box body having a first conductive portion that is conductive and conductive with the first conductor, a second conductive portion that is conductive and conductive with the second conductor, and a connecting portion that is insulating and connects the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the protrusion protruding from the first conductive portion, and the second protrusion protruding from the second conductive portion.

[0026] In the above embodiment, the first conductive portion of the box is connected to the second conductive portion by the connecting portion having insulating properties. The protrusion and the second protrusion can be electrically connected to two conductors.

[0027] (9) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a conductive rod having electrical conductivity, and the first substrate has an insertion hole into which the conductive rod is inserted, and the conductive rod is inserted into the insertion hole and is electrically connected to the first conductor.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the conductive rod is inserted into the insertion hole of the first board. The conductive rod is inserted into, for example, the insertion hole of the board of the other device. In the two insertion holes, the conductive rod is connected to the first board and the board of the other device by, for example, solder. As a result, the first conductor of the first board is electrically connected to the conductor of the board by the conductive rod.

[0029] (10) A communication device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a device connector that connects the second board and an external device, and power is supplied to the conversion unit via the device connector.

[0030] In the above aspect, power is supplied to the conversion unit from the external device via the device connector.

[0031] (11) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device connector has a second conductive rod having electrical conductivity, and the second substrate is provided with a second insertion hole into which the second conductive rod is inserted.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the second conductive rod connects the external device and the conversion unit. Power is supplied from the external device to the conversion unit via the second conductive rod.

[0033] (12) In a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the device connector is an edge connector and protrudes from the second substrate.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the device connector is inserted into a recess provided in the external device, whereby the device connector is connected to the external device.

[0035] (13) In a communication device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the device connector has a plate shape and is flexible, and an end of the device connector is attached to the second substrate.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the end of the device connector is connected to the external device. Since the device connector has flexibility, the connection can be easily realized.

[0037] (14) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication line connector to which a communication line including two conductors is connected, and the differential signal is input to the noise removal circuit via the communication line and the communication line connector.

[0038] In the above aspect, noise is removed from two electrical signals that constitute a differential signal input via the communication line and the communication line connector.

[0039] (15) In a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communication line connector is an edge connector and protrudes from the first substrate.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the communication line connector is inserted into a hole provided in a cable including the communication line, for example, so that the communication line connector is connected to the communication line.

[0041] (16) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communicator that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through two conductors, and a power supply device that supplies power to the communicator, wherein the communicator has a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using a potential of a first conductor as a reference potential, a conversion unit that converts the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of a second conductor, a first substrate on which the first conductor is arranged, a second substrate on which the second conductor is arranged, a flexible substrate connector that connects the first substrate and the second substrate, and a device connector that connects the second substrate and a power supply device, and the power supply device supplies power to the conversion unit via the device connector.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the first and second boards are connected by a flexible board connector, so there is a high degree of freedom in arranging the first and second boards. Therefore, the first and second boards can be arranged so that the area of ​​the installation surface of the communicator is reduced. When the area of ​​the installation surface of the communicator is reduced, the area of ​​the installation surface of the device is also reduced.

[0043] (17) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply device has a first power conductor and a second power conductor, the first power conductor and the second power conductor are conductive to the first conductor and the second conductor, respectively, and the first power conductor and the second power conductor are connected by an inductor or a resistor.

[0044] In the above embodiment, since the first power conductor is conductive with the first conductor, the first power conductor and the first conductor are treated as one conductor. Since the second power conductor is conductive with the second conductor, the second power conductor and the second conductor are also treated as one conductor. The first power conductor and the second power conductor are connected by an inductor or a resistor. Therefore, even if the potential of the first power conductor fluctuates due to noise entering the first power conductor, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the second power conductor. Similarly, even if the potential of the second power conductor fluctuates due to noise entering the second power conductor, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the first power conductor.

[0045] (18) In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply device has a first power conductor and a second power conductor, the first power conductor and the second power conductor are conductive to the first conductor and the second conductor, respectively, and the first power conductor and the second power conductor are connected by a second conductor.

[0046] In the above embodiment, since the first power conductor is conductive with the first conductor, the first power conductor and the first conductor are treated as one conductor. Since the second power conductor is conductive with the second conductor, the second power conductor and the second conductor are also treated as one conductor. The first power conductor and the second power conductor are connected by a second conductor. The second conductor has a resistive component. Therefore, even if the potential of the first conductor fluctuates due to noise entering the first conductor, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the second conductor. Similarly, even if the potential of the second conductor fluctuates due to noise entering the second conductor, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the first conductor.

[0047] (19) A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrical connection element that realizes an electrical connection, the two conductors passing through the substrate connection body, the substrate connection body having a connection conductor that is conductive to the first conductor or the second conductor, and the electrical connection element being connected between the connection conductor and the second conductor or between the first conductor and the connection conductor.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the connecting conductor is conductive to one of the first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor. The connecting conductor is connected to the other of the first conductor and the second conductor. This prevents the connecting conductor from acting as an antenna that converts electromagnetic waves propagating through the air into electric current. If the connecting conductor is insulated from the other of the first conductor and the second conductor, the connecting conductor may act as an antenna that converts electromagnetic waves propagating through the air into electric current. The changed electric current may act as noise.

[0049] (20) In a communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the communicator transmits data included in the voltage signal converted by the converter to the power supply device via the device connector.

[0050] In the above aspect, the power supply device receives data from the communication device.

[0051] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of communication systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0052] (Embodiment 1) <Communication system configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a communication system 1 in the first embodiment. The communication system 1 is mounted on a vehicle M. The communication system 1 includes a relay device 10, a repeater 11, a DC power supply 12, and a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 13, 14. The DC power supply 12 is, for example, a battery. The relay device 10 has a power connector 20 and two bus connectors 21. In Fig. 1, signal lines through which signals are transmitted are indicated by thick lines. Wiring different from the signal lines is indicated by thin lines.

[0053] The power connector 20 of the relay device 10 is connected to the positive and negative poles of a DC power supply 12, respectively. The negative pole of the DC power supply 12 is further grounded. The grounding is achieved, for example, by connecting it to the body of the vehicle M. A communication bus Lb is connected to each of the two bus connectors 21 of the relay device 10. A plurality of ECUs 13 are connected to each of the communication buses Lb. The relay device 11 is connected to the relay device 10. The relay device 11 is connected to each of a plurality of ECUs 14 by a communication line Lc.

[0054] The DC power supply 12 supplies power to the relay device 10. The relay device 10 is, for example, an ECU. The relay device 10 supplies power to the repeater 11. The relay device 10 functions as a power supply device. The relay device 10 and the repeater 11 each perform various processes using the supplied power. The relay device 10 and the ECU 13 each transmit a differential signal including data via the communication bus Lb. The transmission of the differential signal corresponds to the transmission of data. The communication bus Lb includes two conductors. The differential signal is represented by the voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through each of the two conductors. The differential signal transmitted via the communication bus Lb is received by all devices connected to the communication bus Lb.

[0055] Each of the ECUs 13 and 14 is connected to an actuator and a sensor (not shown). Each of the ECUs 13 and 14 acquires the detection results detected by the sensor. Each of the ECUs 13 and 14 outputs an operation signal to the actuator. The operation signal indicates the operation of the actuator. When an operation signal is input, the actuator executes the operation indicated by the input operation signal. Each of the ECUs 13 and 14 controls the operation of the actuator by outputting the operation signal to the actuator. The actuator is a door motor that locks and unlocks the door, a wiper motor that swings the wipers, a lamp, etc.

[0056] When the ECU 13 receives a differential signal via the communication bus Lb, the ECU 13 determines whether the destination of the data included in the received differential signal is the own device. When the ECU 13 determines that the destination of the data is the own device, the ECU 13 controls the operation of the actuator based on the data of the received differential signal. For example, the ECU 13 transmits a differential signal including data indicating a detection result detected by a sensor via the communication bus Lb. The destination of the data included in the differential signal is an ECU 13 or an ECU 14 different from the transmission source.

[0057] When the relay device 10 receives a differential signal via the communication bus Lb, the relay device 10 determines whether or not to relay the transmission of the data based on the destination of the data included in the received differential signal. When the relay device 10 determines to relay the transmission of the data, the relay device 10 performs at least one of two processes. The first process is to transmit the differential signal via a communication bus Lb different from the communication bus Lb used to receive the differential signal. The second process is to transmit a voltage signal including the data to the relay 11. The voltage signal is a signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the conductor. The transmission of the voltage signal also corresponds to the transmission of data.

[0058] When the repeater 11 receives a voltage signal from the repeater device 10, the repeater 11 generates a differential signal including data of the received voltage signal. The repeater 11 transmits the generated differential signal to the ECU 14 via the communication line Lc. The communication line Lc includes two conductors Wa, Wb (see FIG. 3) similar to the communication bus Lb. The differential signal is represented by the voltage difference between two electric signals propagating through the two conductors Wa, Wb, respectively.

[0059] The ECU 14 transmits, for example, a differential signal including data indicating a detection result detected by the sensor to the repeater 11 via the communication line Lc. The destination of the data included in the differential signal is the ECU 13 or an ECU 14 different from the transmission source. The repeater 11 receives the differential signal. The repeater 11 functions as a communication device. An apparatus including the repeater 10 and the repeater 11 functions as a communication device.

[0060] When the repeater 11 receives a differential signal from the ECU 14, if the destination of the data contained in the received differential signal is an ECU 14 different from the source, the repeater 11 transmits the differential signal including the data to the destination ECU 14.

[0061] When the ECU 14 receives the differential signal via the communication line Lc, the ECU 14 controls the actuator based on the data included in the received differential signal.

[0062] When the relay 11 receives a differential signal from the ECU 14, if the destination of the data included in the received differential signal is the ECU 13, the relay 11 transmits a voltage signal including the data of the received differential signal to the relay device 10. When the relay device 10 receives a voltage signal from the relay 11, the relay device 10 transmits the differential signal including the data of the received voltage signal to the ECU 13 via the communication bus Lb.

[0063] As described above, the relay device 10 relays data communication between the two ECUs 13 connected to the two different communication buses Lb. The relay 11 relays data communication between the two ECUs 14. The relay device 10 and the relay 11 relay communication between the ECUs 13 and 14.

[0064] The communication via the communication bus Lb is performed according to, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol, and the communication via the communication line Lc is performed according to, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) communication protocol.

[0065] <Configuration of Relay Device 10> The relay device 10 includes a common mode choke coil 22, a power supply circuit 23, a communication circuit 24, a first main conductor Gm1, and a second main conductor Gm2 in addition to a power connector 20 and two bus connectors 21. The common mode choke coil 22 includes a first inductor 22a, a second inductor 22b, and a ring-shaped magnetic body (not shown). The first inductor 22a and the second inductor 22b are wound around the magnetic body. The potentials of the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 function as grounds. The first main conductor Gm1 functions as a first power supply conductor. The second main conductor Gm2 functions as a second power supply conductor.

[0066] One end of the first inductor 22a and one end of the second inductor 22b are each connected to the power connector 20. A connection node between the second inductor 22b and the power connector 20 is connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The other end of the first inductor 22a is connected to the power supply circuit 23. The other end of the second inductor 22b and the power supply circuit 23 are each connected to the second main conductor Gm2.

[0067] As described above, the second inductor 22b connects the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2. The circuit element connecting the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 is not limited to the second inductor 22b and may be, for example, a resistor. In this case, the power connector 20 is connected to the power circuit 23 without passing through the first inductor 22a.

[0068] The power supply circuit 23 is further connected to the repeater 11 and a communication circuit 24. The communication circuit 24 is further connected to each of the repeater 11, the two bus connectors 21, the first main conductor Gm1, and the second main conductor Gm2. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 are each connected to the repeater 11.

[0069] A voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 is applied from the DC power supply 12 to one end of the first inductor 22a and the second inductor 22b of the common mode choke coil 22. The common mode choke coil 22 removes common mode noise from the applied voltage. The common mode noise is noise that is superimposed in phase on two conductors connected to one end of the first inductor 22a and the second inductor 22b.

[0070] The common mode choke coil 22 applies a voltage from which common mode noise has been removed, from the other end of the first inductor 22a to the power supply circuit 23. As described above, the other end of the second inductor 22b and the power supply circuit 23 are connected to the second main conductor Gm2. Therefore, the voltage that the common mode choke coil 22 applies to the power supply circuit 23 is a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2.

[0071] The power supply circuit 23 steps down the voltage applied from the common mode choke coil 22 to a constant voltage such as 5 V or 3.3 V. The power supply circuit 23 applies the constant voltage generated by stepping down the voltage to the repeater 11 and the communication circuit 24. This supplies power to the repeater 11 and the communication circuit 24. The reference potential of the constant voltage is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2.

[0072] When the communication circuit 24 receives a differential signal via the communication bus Lb, the communication circuit 24 removes noise from two electrical signals constituting the received differential signal, using the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 as a reference potential. The communication circuit 24 converts the differential signal, which is represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed, into a voltage signal whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. The communication circuit 24 acquires data included in the converted voltage signal.

[0073] The communication circuit 24 determines whether or not to relay the transmission of the data based on the destination of the acquired data. When the communication circuit 24 determines to relay the transmission of the data, it performs at least one of the two processes described above. The first process described above is the transmission of a differential signal via a communication bus Lb different from the communication bus Lb used to receive the differential signal. The second process is the transmission of a voltage signal including the data to the repeater 11.

[0074] In the first process, the communication circuit 24 generates a differential signal including the acquired data and transmits the generated differential signal via a communication bus Lb different from the communication bus Lb used to receive the differential signal. In the second process, the communication circuit 24 transmits a voltage signal indicating the acquired data to the repeater 11. As described above, when the repeater 11 receives a voltage signal from the communication circuit 24, the repeater 11 generates a differential signal including data of the received voltage signal. The repeater 11 transmits the generated differential signal to the ECU 14.

[0075] As described above, the communication circuit 24 processes electric signals with the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 as the reference potential, and processes electric signals with the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 as the reference potential.

[0076] As described above, the relay device 10 has the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2. Therefore, even if the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 fluctuates due to noise entering the first main conductor Gm1, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. Similarly, even if the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 fluctuates due to noise entering the second main conductor Gm2, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal which is the potential of the first main conductor Gm1.

[0077] The number of ECUs 13 connected to one communication bus Lb may be one. The number of communication buses Lb connected to the relay device 10 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The number of bus connectors 21 included in the relay device 10 is adjusted to the same number as the number of communication buses Lb. When the number of communication buses Lb is one, the relay device 10 does not relay communication between two ECUs 13.

[0078] <Configuration of Repeater 11> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the repeater 11. Fig. 2 shows an example in which the number of ECUs 14 is three. There is no problem with the number of ECUs 14 connected to the repeater 11 as long as it is one or more. Therefore, the number of ECUs 14 is not limited to three. In Fig. 2, signal lines are shown with thick lines as in Fig. 1. Wiring that is different from the signal lines is shown with thin lines.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 2, the repeater 11 has a communication line connection body 30, three signal processing circuits 31, three conversion units 32, a relay unit 33, a device connection body 34, a first sub-conductor Gs1, and a second sub-conductor Gs2. One end of each of the three communication lines Lc is connected to the communication line connection body 30. As described above, the communication line Lc includes two conductors Wa and Wb. The other end of the communication line Lc is connected to the ECU 14. The potentials of the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 function as ground.

[0080] The communication line connector 30 is connected to three signal processing circuits 31, respectively. The three signal processing circuits 31 are connected to three conversion units 32, respectively. The three conversion units 32 are further connected to relay units 33, respectively. The three conversion units 32 and the relay units 33 are further connected to an apparatus connector 34, respectively. The apparatus connector 34 is further connected to a second sub-conductor Gs2. The three signal processing circuits 31 are connected to a first sub-conductor Gs1 and a second sub-conductor Gs2, respectively. The three conversion units 32 and the relay units 33 are further connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2, respectively.

[0081] As described above, the relay device 10 has the power supply circuit 23, the communication circuit 24, the first main conductor Gm1, and the second main conductor Gm2. The communication circuit 24 is connected to the relay section 33 via the device connection body 34. The power supply circuit 23 is connected to the three conversion sections 32 and the relay section 33 via the device connection body 34. The second main conductor Gm2 is connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2 via the device connection body 34. The first main conductor Gm1 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 without going through the device connection body 34.

[0082] The number of signal processing circuits 31 and conversion units 32 is the same as the number of ECUs 14. Therefore, when the number of ECUs 14 is different from three, the number of signal processing circuits 31 and conversion units 32 is adjusted to the same as the number of ECUs 14.

[0083] As described above, the power supply circuit 23 applies a constant voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 to the relay 11. The second main conductor Gm2 is connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2. The potential of the second main conductor Gm2 is the same as the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. The power supply circuit 23 applies a constant voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33. This supplies power to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33.

[0084] As described above, the ECU 14 transmits a differential signal via the communication line Lc. In the repeater 11, the differential signal is input to the signal processing circuit 31 via the communication line Lc and the communication line connector 30. The signal processing circuit 31 removes noise from two electric signals constituting the differential signal input via the communication line Lc and the communication line connector 30, using the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1 as a reference potential. Here, the noise to be removed is, for example, electrostatic noise that is superimposed on a signal when static electricity is generated. When electrostatic noise is superimposed on an electric signal, the voltage of the electric signal temporarily rises significantly. The first sub-conductor Gs1 functions as a first conductor. The signal processing circuit 31 functions as a noise removal circuit.

[0085] The signal processing circuit 31 removes common mode noise from a differential signal composed of two electrical signals from which noise has been removed. Common mode noise is noise that is superimposed in phase on the two conductors that make up the communication line Lc. The signal processing circuit 31 removes noise from the two electrical signals that make up the differential signal from which common mode noise has been removed, using the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 as a reference potential. The noise removed here is, for example, static electricity noise.

[0086] The signal processing circuit 31 outputs a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed to the conversion unit 32. As a result, the conversion unit 32 receives the differential signal. The conversion unit 32 converts the received differential signal into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. The second sub-conductor Gs2 functions as a second conductor. The conversion unit 32 outputs the converted voltage signal to the relay unit 33. The relay unit 33 acquires data included in the input voltage signal.

[0087] When the destination of the acquired data is the ECU 13, the relay unit 33 generates a voltage signal including the acquired data. Here, the reference potential of the voltage signal is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 (second main conductor Gm2). The relay unit 33 transmits the generated voltage signal to the communication circuit 24 via the device connector 34. As a result, the communication circuit 24 receives the data from the relay unit 33.

[0088] When the destination of the acquired data is the ECU 14, the relay unit 33 generates a voltage signal including the acquired data. Again, the reference potential of the voltage signal is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. The relay unit 33 outputs the generated voltage signal to the conversion unit 32.

[0089] The communication circuit 24 transmits a voltage signal whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 (second sub-conductor Gs2) to the relay unit 33. When the relay unit 33 receives the voltage signal, it acquires data of the received voltage signal. The relay unit 33 generates a voltage signal including the acquired data, and outputs the generated voltage signal to the conversion unit 32. The relay unit 33 includes, for example, an integrated circuit element.

[0090] When a voltage signal is input from the relay unit 33, the conversion unit 32 converts the input voltage signal into a differential signal. The conversion unit 32 transmits the converted differential signal to the ECU 14 via the signal processing circuit 31 and the communication line connector 30.

[0091] As described above, the relay 11 processes an electric signal with the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1 as the reference potential, and processes an electric signal with the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 as the reference potential.

[0092] The differential signal transmitted via the communication line Lc is, for example, a communication signal conforming to the Ethernet communication protocol, a communication signal using LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), or a communication signal conforming to USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0093] In communication conforming to the Ethernet communication protocol, communication using LVDS, or communication conforming to USB, signals are transmitted and received in a P2P (peer-to-peer) format. Therefore, the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit time is large. In the case where the P2P (peer-to-peer) format is adopted, it is difficult to increase the number of ECUs 14 when the ECUs 14 are directly connected to the relay device. However, the relay device 10 is connected to a repeater 11. Therefore, by replacing the current repeater 11 with another repeater 11, the number of ECUs 14 can be easily increased or decreased.

[0094] An example of communication in which differential signals are transmitted is communication conforming to the CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. In this communication, ECUs are connected to a communication bus. This makes it easy to increase or decrease the number of ECUs. However, since this is not a P2P format, the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit time is small.

[0095] In the case where the ECU 14 is directly connected to the relay device, it is difficult to increase or decrease the number of ECUs 14 after the relay device is manufactured. Assume that a new sensor is installed in the vehicle after the relay device is manufactured. In this case, it may become necessary to transmit the detection result detected by the sensor from one ECU 14 to the ECU 13 or another ECU 14. In this case, it is necessary to increase the number of ECUs 14 connected to the relay device. However, since the ECU 14 is directly connected to the relay device, it is necessary to newly manufacture the relay device.

[0096] However, in the communication system 1, the ECU 14 that transmits the sensor detection value can be easily added by replacing the current repeater 11 with another repeater 11. Also, the repeater 11 can be replaced. Therefore, depending on the situation of the vehicle M, the repeater 11 can be attached to each of the multiple repeater devices 10 having mutually different functions.

[0097] <Configuration of signal processing circuit 31> 3 is a circuit diagram of the signal processing circuit 31. The signal processing circuit 31 has two first suppressors 40a and 40b, three resistors 41a, 41b, and 42, three capacitors 43, 44a, and 44b, a common mode choke coil 45, and two second suppressors 46a and 46b. The common mode choke coil 45 has a first inductor 45a, a second inductor 45b, and an annular magnetic body. Each of the first inductor 45a and the second inductor 45b is wound around the magnetic body.

[0098] As described above, the communication line Lc includes two conductors Wa and Wb. A capacitor 44a and a first inductor 45a of the common mode choke coil 45 are disposed in the middle of the conductor Wa. The capacitor 44a is disposed on the communication line connector 30 side of the first inductor 45a. Similarly, a capacitor 44b and a second inductor 45b of the common mode choke coil 45 are disposed in the middle of the conductor Wb. The capacitor 44b is disposed on the communication line connector 30 side of the second inductor 45b.

[0099] On the communication line connecting body 30 side of the capacitor 44a, one ends of the first suppressor 40a and the resistor 41a are connected to the conductor Wa. The connection point of the first suppressor 40a is located closer to the communication line connecting body 30 than the connection point of the resistor 41a. Similarly, on the communication line connecting body 30 side of the capacitor 44b, one ends of the first suppressor 40b and the resistor 41b are connected to the conductor Wb. The connection point of the first suppressor 40b is located closer to the communication line connecting body 30 than the connection point of the resistor 41b.

[0100] The other end of the resistor 41a is connected to the other end of the resistor 41b. A connection node between the resistors 41a and 41b is connected to one end of a resistor 42 and a capacitor 43. The other ends of the first suppressors 40a and 40b, the resistor 42, and the capacitor 43 are connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1.

[0101] On the conversion unit 32 side of the first inductor 45a, one end of the second suppressor 46a is connected to the conductor Wa. Similarly, on the conversion unit 32 side of the second inductor 45b, one end of the second suppressor 46b is connected to the conductor Wb. The other ends of the second suppressors 46a and 46b are connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2.

[0102] Each of the first suppressors 40a, 40b includes a suppressor, a varistor, a capacitor, or the like. Each of the first suppressors 40a, 40b suppresses the peak values ​​of two electric signals whose reference potential is the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1. As described above, the peak values ​​of the electric signals may temporarily increase significantly due to noise superposition. Electrostatic noise is removed from the electric signals by suppressing the peak values. Each of the two electric signals propagates through two conductors Wa, Wb. Each of the first suppressors 40a, 40b suppresses the peak values ​​of two electric signals constituting the differential signal input from the communication line connector 30.

[0103] The resistors 41a, 41b, and 42 and the capacitor 43 function as a termination circuit, and suppress reflection of the differential signal input from the communication line connector 30 side. Each of the capacitors 44a and 44b removes the DC component of two electrical signals constituting a differential signal input from the communication line connecting body 30. The capacitors 44a and 44b output to the common mode choke coil 45 a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which the DC components have been removed.

[0104] The common mode choke coil 45 removes common mode noise from the differential signals output by the capacitors 44a and 44b, and outputs the differential signals from which the common mode noise has been removed to the conversion unit 32 side.

[0105] Each of the second suppressors 46a, 46b includes a suppressor, a varistor, a capacitor, a Zener diode, a diode clamp circuit, or the like. Each of the second suppressors 46a, 46b suppresses the peak values ​​of two electric signals whose reference potential is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. This removes noise from the two electric signals. The noise to be removed is, for example, electrostatic noise. Each of the two electric signals propagates through the two conductors Wa, Wb. Each of the second suppressors 46a, 46b suppresses the peak values ​​of two electric signals constituting the differential signal input from the common mode choke coil 45. The differential signals constituting the two electric signals whose peak values ​​have been suppressed are input to the conversion unit 32.

[0106] As described above, the conversion unit 32 transmits a differential signal via the communication line Lc. In this case, each of the second suppressors 46a and 46b suppresses the peak values ​​of the two electric signals constituting the differential signal input from the conversion unit 32. This removes noise from the two electric signals. The differential signal constituting the two electric signals with the suppressed peak values ​​is input to the common mode choke coil 45. The common mode choke coil 45 removes common mode noise from the differential signal input from the conversion unit 32 side, and outputs the differential signal from which the common mode noise has been removed to the communication line connecting body 30 side.

[0107] Each of the capacitors 44a and 44b removes the DC component of the two electric signals constituting the differential signal input from the conversion unit 32 side. The capacitors 44a and 44b output a differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electric signals from which the DC component has been removed to the communication line connection body 30 side. Each of the first suppressors 40a and 40b suppresses the peak values ​​of the two electric signals constituting the differential signal output by the capacitors 44a and 44b. This removes noise from the two electric signals. The differential signal constituting the two electric signals with the peak values ​​suppressed is output to the ECU 14 via the communication line connection body 30.

[0108] As described above, the signal processing circuit 31 removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1 as a reference potential. The signal processing circuit 31 removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 as a reference potential.

[0109] As described above, the relay 11 has the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2. Therefore, even if the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1 fluctuates due to noise entering the first sub-conductor Gs1, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal which is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. Similarly, even if the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 fluctuates due to noise entering the second sub-conductor Gs2, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal which is the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1. The noise input to the first sub-conductor Gs1 is output to the outside of the relay device 10 via the first main conductor Gm1 and the power connector 20. The signal processing circuit 31 may be configured without the two second suppressors 46a and 46b.

[0110] <Location of Repeater 11> Fig. 4 is a plan view of the relay device 10 and the relay 11. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the number of bus connectors 21 is two. As described above, the number of bus connectors 21 may be one or three or more. As shown in Fig. 4, the relay device 10 further includes a main substrate Bm. A first main conductor Gm1 and a second main conductor Gm2 are arranged inside the main substrate Bm. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 each have a plate shape. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 are arranged in the front-rear direction of the relay device 10. The main surfaces of the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 each face the main surface of the main substrate Bm. The main surface of the plate is a wide surface and is different from the end surface.

[0111] The repeater 11, the power connector 20, the two bus connectors 21, the common mode choke coil 22, the power circuit 23, and the communication circuit 24 are arranged on the main surface of the main board Bm. As described above, the power connector 20 is connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The power circuit 23 is connected to the second main conductor Gm2. The repeater 11, the common mode choke coil 22, and the communication circuit 24 are each connected to both the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2. The connection to the first main conductor Gm1 or the second main conductor Gm2 is realized, for example, by providing a through hole in the main board Bm.

[0112] <External appearance of Repeater 11> Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the external appearance of the repeater 11. Fig. 5 shows the front, rear, and side of the repeater 11. The repeater 11 has a box 35 with one side open. The box 35 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening 35h is provided on the front side of the box 35.

[0113] Two first protrusions 36a and two second protrusions 36b protrude downward (outside the box 35) from the bottom surface of the box 35. The two first protrusions 36a are lined up in the left-right direction. The two second protrusions 36b are also lined up in the left-right direction. The first protrusions 36a and the second protrusions 36b are disposed on the front and rear sides, respectively. The upper side of FIG. 4 corresponds to the front side of the repeater 11. The communication line connector 30 is inserted into the box 35 through an opening 35h.

[0114] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the communication line connection body 30 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with one side open. As shown in FIG. 5, an opening 30h is provided on the front side of the communication line connection body 30. For example, a cable including multiple communication lines Lc is inserted into the opening 30h of the communication line connection body 30. This connects the multiple communication lines Lc to the communication line connection body 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the rear side of the communication line connection body 30 covers the opening 35h of the box body 35. The main board Bm is provided with multiple through holes 25 that penetrate in the vertical direction. The first protrusion 36a and the second protrusion 36b of the repeater 11 are inserted into the through holes 25 of the main board Bm.

[0115] Then, the first protrusion 36a and the second protrusion 36b are each connected to the main board Bm by solder. This fixes the box body 35 to the main board Bm. The box body 35 and the first protrusion 36a are conductive. The first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 arranged inside the main board Bm by, for example, solder.

[0116] <Inside of Repeater 11> Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of multiple components housed in the box 35 of the repeater 11. Fig. 7 shows the multiple components removed from the box 35 and arranged on a plane. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the box 35 of the repeater 11 houses a first sub-substrate Bs1 and a second sub-substrate Bs2 each having a rectangular shape. As shown in Fig. 6, the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are arranged at a distance from each other. The main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 faces the main surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2.

[0117] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the front end surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 is connected to the rear surface of the communication line connector 30. In the repeater 11, the rear end surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the front end surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2 are connected by a flexible rectangular board connector 47. The board connector 47 is bent multiple times. The board connector 47 is, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). In each of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2, multiple conductive patterns are arranged on the main surface of the insulating plate. The board connector 47 electrically connects the conductive patterns of the first sub-substrate Bs1 to the conductive patterns of the second sub-substrate Bs2.

[0118] On the main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1, a plurality of circuit elements constituting the two first suppressors 40a, 40b, three resistors 41a, 41b, 42, three capacitors 43, 44a, 44b, and a common mode choke coil 45 are arranged. These circuit elements function as first circuit elements. In Figs. 6 and 7, only the common mode choke coil 45 is shown. On the main surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2, a plurality of circuit elements constituting the two second suppressors 46a, 46b, the conversion unit 32, and the relay unit 33 are arranged. These circuit elements function as second circuit elements. In Figs. 6 and 7, the second circuit elements are omitted.

[0119] A first sub-conductor Gs1 is disposed inside the first sub-substrate Bs1. A second sub-conductor Gs2 is disposed inside the second sub-substrate Bs2. The first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 function as a first conductor and a second conductor, respectively. The first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 function as a first substrate and a second substrate, respectively.

[0120] The box body 35 is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 via a conductor (not shown). As described above, the first protrusion 36a protrudes from the box body 35. Therefore, the first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the box body 35. As a result, the first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 via the box body 35. As described above, when the box body 35 of the repeater 11 is fixed to the main board Bm by soldering, the first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1. Therefore, the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 via the box body 35 and the first protrusion 36a. The first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 are treated as one conductor. The box body 35 is separated from the second sub-conductor Gs2. The box body 35 is not directly electrically connected to the second main conductor Gm2 via a conductor.

[0121] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the repeater 11. The device connector 34 of the repeater 11 has a conductive rod 34p having conductivity. The conductive rod 34p functions as a second conductive rod. The conductive rod 34p is a so-called lead pin. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an insertion hole 48 into which the conductive rod 34p is inserted is provided on the rear side of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The insertion hole 48 functions as a second insertion hole. The insertion hole 48 penetrates in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the multiple insertion holes 48 are lined up in the horizontal direction. In the example of FIG. 7, six insertion holes 48 are provided. In FIG. 7, in order to prevent the drawing from becoming complicated, only one insertion hole 48 is given a reference symbol.

[0122] The bottom surface of the box 35 is provided with a through hole 35i that penetrates in the vertical direction. The main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10 is provided with an insertion hole 26 into which the conductive rod 34p is inserted. The conductive rod 34p passes through the through hole 35i. In this state, the conductive rod 34p is inserted into the two insertion holes 26, 48. In the insertion hole 26, the conductive rod 34p is connected to the main board Bm by solder. In the insertion hole 48, the conductive rod 34p is connected to the second sub-board Bs2 by solder. Therefore, the conductive rod 34p of the device connector 34 connects the second sub-board Bs2 and the main board Bm of the relay device 10. The conductive rod 34p is electrically connected to the conductive patterns provided on the main board Bm and the second sub-board Bs2 by solder.

[0123] In the through hole 35i, an insulator is filled between the conductive rod 34p and the box body 35. The box body 35 is separated from the conductive rod 34p and is not electrically connected to the conductive rod 34p.

[0124] The device connection body 34 has at least three conductive rods 34p. As shown in FIG. 2, the first conductive rod 34p connects the communication circuit 24 of the relay device 10 and the relay unit 33 of the relay 11. The second conductive rod 34p connects the power circuit 23 of the relay device 10 and the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 of the relay 11. Therefore, power is supplied from the power circuit 23 to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 through the conductive rod 34p of the device connection body 34. The third conductive rod 34p connects the second main conductor Gm2 of the relay device 10 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 of the relay 11. Therefore, the second main conductor Gm2 is conductive to the second sub-conductor Gs2. Therefore, the second main conductor Gm2 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 are treated as one conductor.

[0125] <Effects of Repeater 11> In the repeater 11, the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are connected by a flexible substrate connector 47, so there is a high degree of freedom in terms of the arrangement of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2. Therefore, the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 can be arranged so that the area of ​​the installation surface of the repeater 11 is reduced. Specifically, the area of ​​the installation surface of the repeater 11 is reduced by facing one surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 to one surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. Because the area of ​​the installation surface of the repeater 11 is reduced, the area of ​​the installation surface of the relay device 10 and the communication device including the repeater 11 is also reduced.

[0126] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the configuration of the device connector 34 of the relay 11 is not limited to a configuration having the conductive rod 34p. The following describes the differences between embodiment 2 and embodiment 1. Configurations other than those described below are common to embodiment 1. For this reason, components common to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as embodiment 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0127] <Inside of Repeater 11> 9 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the device connection body 34 of the repeater 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper surface of the device connection body 34 is placed on the lower surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The lower surface of the box body 35 is provided with a through hole 35j that penetrates in the vertical direction. The device connection body 34 is inserted into the through hole 35j and is exposed to the outside of the box body 35. The lower surface of the device connection body 34 is provided with a recess that is recessed upward.

[0128] In the relay device 10, a rectangular parallelepiped connector 27, which is connected to the device connector 34, is provided on the upper main surface of the main board Bm. A protrusion that protrudes upward is provided on the upper surface of the connector 27. The protrusion of the connector 27 is inserted into a recess of the device connector 34. In this way, the device connector 34 is connected to the connector 27.

[0129] The device connection body 34 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the second sub-board Bs2. The connector 27 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the main board Bm. Therefore, by connecting the device connection body 34 to the connector 27, the device connection body 34 connects the second sub-board Bs2 and the main board Bm of the relay device 10. The power supply circuit 23 of the relay device 10 supplies power to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 via the device connection body 34. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the second embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0130] (Embodiment 3) In the second embodiment, the shape of the device connector 34 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The following describes the differences between the third embodiment and the second embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the second embodiment. Therefore, the same reference symbols as in the second embodiment are used for the components common to the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] <Inside of Repeater 11> Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of multiple components housed in a box body 35 of the repeater 11 in embodiment 3. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, in the repeater 11, a plate-shaped device connection body 34 protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The device connection body 34 is an edge connector. As shown in Fig. 10, multiple conductive patterns are arranged on the main surface of the device connection body 34.

[0132] In the third embodiment, a through hole 35j is provided on the rear surface of the box body 35. The through hole 35j penetrates in the left-right direction. The device connector 34 is inserted into the through hole 35j and is exposed on the rear side of the box body 35.

[0133] In the connector 27, an insertion portion into which the device connection body 34 is inserted is connected to an installation portion installed on the main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10 by a connection wire. One surface of the insertion portion is provided with a recess that is recessed inward. The device connection body 34 is inserted into the recess of the insertion portion of the connector 27. In this way, the device connection body 34 is connected to the connector 27.

[0134] The device connection body 34 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the second sub-board Bs2. The connector 27 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the main board Bm. Therefore, by connecting the device connection body 34 to the connector 27, the device connection body 34 connects the second sub-board Bs2 and the main board Bm of the relay device 10. The power supply circuit 23 of the relay device 10 supplies power to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 via the device connection body 34. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the third embodiment have the same effects as those in the second embodiment.

[0135] (Embodiment 4) In the fourth embodiment, the device connector 34 is not limited to an edge connector. The following describes the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the third embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment are used for the components common to the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] <Inside of Repeater 11> FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the repeater 11, a plate-shaped device connection body 34 protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The device connection body 34 is flexible. The device connection body 34 is, for example, an FPC. One end of the device connection body 34 is installed on the second sub-substrate Bs2. In the fifth embodiment, the device connection body 34 is inserted into the through-hole 35j and exposed on the rear side of the box body 35. A plate-shaped terminal is connected to the other end of the device connection body 34.

[0137] In the relay device 10, a rectangular parallelepiped connector 27 connected to the device connector 34 is provided on the upper main surface of the main board Bm. A recess that is recessed downward is provided on the upper surface of the connector 27. The terminal of the device connector 34 is inserted into the recess of the connector 27. This connects the device connector 34 to the connector 27. Since the device connector 34 is flexible, the connection between the connector 27 and the device connector 34 can be easily achieved.

[0138] The device connection body 34 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the second sub-board Bs2. The connector 27 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the main board Bm. Therefore, by connecting the device connection body 34 to the connector 27, the device connection body 34 connects the second sub-board Bs2 and the main board Bm of the relay device 10. The power supply circuit 23 of the relay device 10 supplies power to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 via the device connection body 34. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the fourth embodiment have the same effects as those in the third embodiment.

[0139] (Embodiment 5) In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 is not limited to an arrangement in which the main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 faces the main surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The following describes the differences between embodiment 5 and embodiment 2. Except for the configuration described below, the configuration is the same as embodiment 2. Therefore, the components common to embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals as embodiment 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0140] <Inside of Repeater 11> 13 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11 in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the opening 35h of the box 35 is blocked by the front surface of the communication line connection body 30. As in the second embodiment, an opening 30h is provided in the front surface of the communication line connection body 30. One main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 is disposed on the rear surface of the communication line connection body 30. A plurality of circuit elements (first circuit elements) are disposed on the other main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1.

[0141] The second sub-substrate Bs2 is arranged so that two main surfaces are located on the upper and lower sides, similar to embodiment 2. A plurality of circuit elements (second circuit elements) are arranged on the upper main surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. Therefore, the main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0142] Here, "perpendicular" means substantially perpendicular. Therefore, the angle between the main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 is not limited to 90 degrees. Even if the deviation from 90 degrees is within the design error range, the main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are perpendicular.

[0143] In the fifth embodiment, the substrate connector 47 connects the upper end surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the front end surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2.

[0144] <Effects of Repeater 11> The repeater 11 in embodiment 5 has the same effects as the repeater 11 in embodiment 2, except for the effect obtained by opposing one surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1 to one surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. In the repeater 11 in embodiment 5, the installation surface of the repeater 11 is reduced by arranging the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 so that the main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0145] (Embodiment 6) In the fifth embodiment, the configuration of the device connector 34 may be the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The following describes the differences between the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment. Except for the configurations described below, the sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the components common to the fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11 in the sixth embodiment. The device connection body 34 is plate-shaped and flexible, as in the fourth embodiment. The device connection body 34 protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The device connection body 34 is, for example, an FPC. One end of the device connection body 34 is installed on the second sub-substrate Bs2. In the fifth embodiment, the device connection body 34 is inserted into the through-hole 35j and exposed on the rear side of the box body 35. A plate-shaped terminal is connected to the other end of the device connection body 34.

[0147] The connector 27 in the relay device 10 is configured in the same manner as in embodiment 4. The plate portion of the device connection body 34 is inserted into the recess of the connector 27. This connects the device connection body 34 to the connector 27. Since the device connection body 34 is flexible, the connection between the connector 27 and the device connection body 34 can be easily achieved.

[0148] The device connection body 34 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the second sub-board Bs2. The connector 27 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern provided on the main board Bm. Therefore, by connecting the device connection body 34 to the connector 27, the device connection body 34 connects the second sub-board Bs2 and the main board Bm of the relay device 10. The power supply circuit 23 of the relay device 10 supplies power to the conversion unit 32 and the relay unit 33 via the device connection body 34. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the sixth embodiment have the same effects as those in the fifth embodiment.

[0149] In the sixth embodiment, the device connection body 34 may have a conductive rod 34p, as in the first embodiment. The device connection body 34 may be an edge connector, as in the third embodiment. In this case, the connector 27 has the same structure as in the third embodiment.

[0150] (Embodiment 7) In the first embodiment, the electrical continuity between the first main conductor Gm1 of the relay device 10 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 of the relay 11 is achieved by the box body 35 and the first protrusion 36a. However, the electrical continuity between the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 may be achieved by other methods. The following describes the differences between embodiment 7 and embodiment 1. Except for the configurations described below, other configurations are common to embodiment 1. For this reason, components common to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as embodiment 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0151] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of components housed in a box body 35 of the repeater 11 in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11. In FIG. 15, as in FIG. 7, only one insertion hole 48 is marked with a reference symbol. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, an insertion hole 49 penetrating in the vertical direction is provided on the front side of the first sub-substrate Bs1. In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the repeater 11 has a conductive rod 37 having conductivity. The conductive rod 37 is a so-called lead pin. The conductive rod 37 is inserted into the insertion hole 49.

[0152] The bottom surface of the box 35 is provided with a through hole 35k that penetrates in the vertical direction. The main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10 is provided with an insertion hole 28 into which the conductive rod 37 is inserted. The conductive rod 37 passes through the through hole 35k. In this state, the conductive rod 37 is inserted into the two insertion holes 28, 49. In the insertion hole 28, the conductive rod 37 is connected to the main board Bm by solder. The conductive rod 37 is electrically connected to a first main conductor Gm1 provided on the main board Bm by, for example, solder.

[0153] In the insertion hole 49, the conductive rod 37 is connected to the first sub-substrate Bs1 by solder. The conductive rod 37 is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 provided on the first sub-substrate Bs1 by, for example, solder. As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 are electrically connected to each other by the conductive rod 37. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the seventh embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

[0154] In the seventh embodiment, the electrical continuity between the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 does not have to be achieved by the box body 35 and the first protruding portion 36a. Therefore, the box body 35 may be an insulator. Therefore, the box body 35 may be made of, for example, resin. In the relay 11 in the second to sixth embodiments, similarly to the seventh embodiment, the electrical continuity between the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 may be achieved by using a conductive rod 37. Here, in the configurations of the fifth and sixth embodiments, the conductive rod 37 is L-shaped.

[0155] (Embodiment 8) In the fourth embodiment, the communication line connection body 30 is not limited to a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open. The following describes the differences between the eighth embodiment and the fourth embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment are used for the components common to the fourth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0156] <Inside of Repeater 11> Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of multiple components housed in a box 35 of the repeater 11 in embodiment 8. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the repeater 11. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, in the repeater 11, a plate-shaped communication line connection body 30 protrudes forward from the front end face of the first sub-substrate Bs1. The communication line connection body 30 is an edge connector. As shown in Fig. 17, multiple conductive patterns are arranged on the main surface of the communication line connection body 30.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 18, the communication line connector 30 is inserted into an opening 35h of the box 35 and is exposed at the front side of the box 35. For example, the multiple communication lines Lc are housed in a cable. The cable has a recess. The communication line connector 30 is inserted into the recess of the cable. As a result, the communication line connector 30 is connected to the multiple communication lines Lc. The repeater 11 and the communication device in the eighth embodiment have the same effects as those in the fourth embodiment.

[0158] In the repeater 11 in embodiments 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the communication line connection body 30 may be an edge connector, similar to embodiment 4. When the main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 are perpendicular to each other, the communication line connection body 30 protrudes forward from the front main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1.

[0159] (Embodiment 9) In the first embodiment, the box 35 of the relay 11 is fixed to the main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10 by soldering. However, the method of fixing the box 35 is not limited to the method using soldering. The following describes the differences between embodiment 9 and embodiment 1. Except for the configurations described below, other configurations are common to embodiment 1. For this reason, components common to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as embodiment 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0160] <External appearance of Repeater 11> Fig. 19 is a front view of the repeater 11 in the ninth embodiment. The repeater 11 in the ninth embodiment has two first protrusions 38 instead of the two first protrusions 36a. As shown in Fig. 19, one of the first protrusions 38 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the box 35. The other first protrusion 38 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the box 35. The first protrusions 38 are provided with a through hole 38h that penetrates in the up-down direction.

[0161] Two screw holes 29 are provided on the upper main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10. Two screws 50 are passed through each of the two through holes 38h. In this state, the two screws 50 are inserted into the two screw holes 29, respectively. Then, the two screws 50 are tightened. By tightening the two screws 50, the box body 35 is fixed to the main surface of the main board Bm. When the box body 35 is fixed, the top of the screw 50 comes into contact with the first protrusion 38.

[0162] The screw 50 and the first protrusion 38 are conductive. As described in the description of the first embodiment, the box body 35 is conductive and is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1. Since the first protrusion 38 is provided on the box body 35, the box body 35 is electrically connected to the first protrusion 38. Therefore, the first protrusion 38 is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 through the box body 35. When the box body 35 is fixed, the first protrusion 38 is in contact with the screw 50, so that the screw 50 is electrically connected to the first protrusion 38. The screw 50 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 in the main board Bm. As a result, the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 through the box body 35, the first protrusion 38, and the screw 50.

[0163] The repeater 11 and the communication device in the ninth embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, a second protrusion configured similarly to the first protrusion 38 may be used instead of the second protrusion 36b. In this case, too, a screw is passed through the through hole of the second protrusion and inserted into the screw hole of the main board Bm. Then, the screw is tightened.

[0164] Furthermore, the relay 11 in the second to eighth embodiments may have a first protrusion 38 instead of the first protrusion 36a, similar to the ninth embodiment. In this case, the box 35 is fixed to the upper surface of the main board Bm by using a screw 50, similar to the ninth embodiment.

[0165] (Embodiment 10) In the first embodiment, the method for achieving electrical continuity between the second main conductor Gm2 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 is not limited to the method using the conductive rod 34p. The following describes the differences between the tenth embodiment and the first embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, the components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] <External appearance of Repeater 11> Fig. 20 is a side view of the repeater 11 in the tenth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, the box 35 has a first conductive portion 35a, a second conductive portion 35b, and a connecting portion 35c. The first conductive portion 35a and the second conductive portion 35b are disposed on the front and rear sides, respectively. The connecting portion 35c connects the first conductive portion 35a and the second conductive portion 35b. In the tenth embodiment, the shape of the box 35 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0167] The first conductive portion 35a and the second conductive portion 35b are conductive. The connecting portion 35c is insulating. The first conductive portion 35a is separated from the second conductive portion 35b by the connecting portion 35c. Two first protrusions 36a protrude downward from the lower surface of the first conductive portion 35a. Two second protrusions 36b protrude downward from the lower surface of the second conductive portion 35b. The second protrusions 36b are conductive like the first protrusions 36a.

[0168] The first conductive portion 35a of the box 35 is electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 via a conductor (not shown). The first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the first conductive portion 35a. When the box 35 is fixed to the main board Bm of the relay device 10 by soldering, the first protrusion 36a is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1. Therefore, the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 via the first conductive portion 35a and the first protrusion 36a.

[0169] Similarly, the second conductive portion 35b of the box 35 is electrically connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2 via a conductor (not shown). The second protrusion 36b is electrically connected to the second conductive portion 35b. When the box 35 is fixed to the main board Bm of the relay device 10 by soldering, the second protrusion 36b is electrically connected to the second main conductor Gm2. Therefore, the second sub-conductor Gs2 is electrically connected to the second main conductor Gm2 via the second conductive portion 35b and the second protrusion 36b.

[0170] As described above, the first protruding portion 36a and the second protruding portion 36b can be electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2, respectively. In the relay 11 in the tenth embodiment, the conductive rod 34p connecting the second main conductor Gm2 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 is not necessary.

[0171] The repeater 11 and the communication device in the tenth embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment. In the second to ninth embodiments, the box 35 may be configured in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment. Here, in the second to eighth embodiments, the first protrusion 36a and the second protrusion 36b are provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the first protrusion 38 protrudes from the first conductive portion 35a. The second protrusion in the ninth embodiment is conductive and protrudes from the second conductive portion 35b. In this case, a conductive screw is inserted into the through hole of the second protrusion. The second sub-conductor Gs2 is electrically connected to the second main conductor Gm2 via the second conductive portion 35b, the second protrusion, and the screw.

[0172] (Embodiment 11) In the first embodiment, the second inductor 22b or the resistor connects the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2. However, a member other than the second inductor 22b and the resistor may connect the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2. The following describes the differences between the eleventh embodiment and the first embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference symbols as those in the first embodiment are used for the components common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0173] <Configuration of Relay Device 10> 21 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the relay device 10. The relay device 10 in the eleventh embodiment has the same components as the relay device 10 in the first embodiment, except for the common mode choke coil 22. The relay device 10 in the eleventh embodiment further has a second conductor 60.

[0174] The power supply circuit 23 is directly connected to the power connector 20. One end of the second conductor 60 is connected to the power connector 20 and the first main conductor Gm1. The other end of the second conductor 60 is connected to the second main conductor Gm2. In this manner, the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 are connected by the second conductor 60.

[0175] The current flows from the positive electrode of the DC power supply 12 through the power supply circuit 23, the second main conductor Gm2, and the second conductor 60 in this order, and returns to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 12. The DC power supply 12 applies a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 to the power supply circuit 23. The power supply circuit 23 steps down the voltage applied from the DC power supply 12 to a constant voltage such as 5V or 3.3V. The power supply circuit 23 applies the constant voltage generated by stepping down to the repeater 11 and the communication circuit 24 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. This supplies power to the repeater 11 and the communication circuit 24. The reference potential of the constant voltage is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. As in the first embodiment, the noise that has entered the first sub-conductor Gs1 of the repeater 11 is output to the outside of the repeater 10 via the first main conductor Gm1 and the power connector 20.

[0176] Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the second conductor 60. As shown in Fig. 22, the second conductor 60 is arranged on the main surface of the main substrate Bm. One end of the second conductor 60 is located above the first main conductor Gm1 and is connected to one point on the first main conductor Gm1. The other end of the second conductor 60 is located above the second main conductor Gm2 and is connected to one point on the second main conductor Gm2.

[0177] The second conductor 60 has a resistance component. Since the second conductor 60 has a linear shape, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second conductor 60 is small. Therefore, the resistance value of the resistance component of the second conductor 60 is large. Therefore, noise is less likely to pass through the second conductor 60. Even if the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 fluctuates due to noise entering the first main conductor Gm1, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal, which is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. Similarly, even if the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 fluctuates due to noise entering the second main conductor Gm2, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal, which is the potential of the first main conductor Gm1.

[0178] The communication device in the eleventh embodiment has the same effects as those in the first embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, the communication device includes the relay device 10 and the relay 11. The configuration of the repeater 11 is not limited to that of the embodiment 1. The repeater 11 of the embodiment 11 may be configured similarly to one of the repeaters 11 of the embodiments 2 to 10.

[0179] (Embodiment 12) In the first embodiment, the negative electrode of the DC power supply 12 is connected to the first main conductor Gm1 via the power supply connector 20. However, the negative electrode of the DC power supply 12 does not have to be connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The following describes the differences between the 12th embodiment and the 1st embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the 12th embodiment. Therefore, the same reference symbols as those in the 1st embodiment are used for the components common to the 12th embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] <Configuration of Relay Device 10> 23 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the relay device 10 according to the embodiment 12. The relay device 10 according to the embodiment 12 has the same components as the relay device 10 according to the embodiment 1 except for the common mode choke coil 22. The relay device 10 according to the embodiment 12 further has a connection part 61.

[0181] The power supply circuit 23 is directly connected to the power connector 20. The power connector 20 is further connected to the second main conductor Gm2. The power connector 20 is not connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The connection part 61 is an inductor, a resistor, a conductor, or the like. The conductor has a resistance component. One end of the connection part 61 is connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The other end of the connection part 61 is connected to the second main conductor Gm2. Therefore, the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 are connected by the connection part 61.

[0182] As described above, the connection part 61 is an inductor, a resistor, a conductor, or the like. Therefore, as in the first and eleventh embodiments, even if the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 fluctuates due to noise entering the first main conductor Gm1, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or electrical signal which is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. Similarly, even if the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 fluctuates due to noise entering the second main conductor Gm2, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal which is the potential of the first main conductor Gm1.

[0183] Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the connection parts 61. As shown in Fig. 24, the connection parts 61 are arranged on the main surface of the main board Bm. One end of the connection parts 61 is located above the first main conductor Gm1 and is connected to one point on the first main conductor Gm1. The other end of the connection parts 61 is located above the second main conductor Gm2 and is connected to one point on the second main conductor Gm2.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 23, in the relay device 10, the first main conductor Gm1 is not connected to the power connector 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the first main conductor Gm1 near the power connector 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, a plate-shaped conductor with a small main surface area can be used as the first main conductor Gm1. When a plate-shaped conductor with a small main surface area is used as the first main conductor Gm1, a plate-shaped conductor with a large main surface area can be used as the second main conductor Gm2. In this case, since the resistance value of the second main conductor Gm2 is small, the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 is stable.

[0185] The communication device in the twelfth embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. The configuration of the repeater 11 is not limited to that of the embodiment 1. The repeater 11 of the embodiment 12 may be configured similarly to one of the repeaters 11 of the embodiments 2 to 10.

[0186] (Embodiment 13) In the first embodiment, the first sub-conductor Gs1 of the relay 11 is connected to the first main conductor Gm1 of the relay device 10. However, the first sub-conductor Gs1 does not have to be connected to the first main conductor Gm1. The following describes the differences between the 13th embodiment and the 1st embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the 13th embodiment. Therefore, the same reference symbols as those in the 1st embodiment are used for the components common to the 13th embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] <Configuration of Repeater 11> FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the board connection body 47 in the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 25 shows the board connection body 47, the first sub-substrate Bs1, and the second sub-substrate Bs2 arranged on a plane. Inside the box 35, the board connection body 47 is bent multiple times. As described in the description of the first embodiment, the repeater 11 has a flexible rectangular board connection body 47. The board connection body 47 connects one end face of the first sub-conductor Gs1 and one end face of the second sub-conductor Gs2. One end of the board connection body 47 is embedded in the first sub-substrate Bs1. The other end of the board connection body 47 is embedded in the second sub-substrate Bs2.

[0188] Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the board connection body 47 taken along line AA in Fig. 25. Fig. 26 shows an example in which the number of ECUs 14 is three. When the number of ECUs 14 is three, three communication lines Lc are arranged in the repeater 11. Each communication line Lc includes two conductors Wa, Wb through which a differential signal propagates. The two conductors Wa, Wb included in each communication line Lc pass through the board connection body 47.

[0189] In the board connector 47, the two conductors Wa, Wb included in each communication line Lc are embedded in an insulator 47i. The conductors Wa, Wb are alternately arranged along the left-right direction. The conductors Wa, Wb are arranged at a distance from each other. A rectangular plate-shaped connection conductor 47g is embedded in the insulator 47i. The connection conductor 47g is arranged below the two conductors Wa, Wb included in each communication line Lc. The two conductors Wa, Wb included in each communication line Lc each face the upper main surface of the common connection conductor 47g at a distance from each other. As described in the explanation of the first embodiment, with respect to the plate, the main surface is the wide surface and is different from the end surface.

[0190] Fig. 27 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the repeater 11. Fig. 28 is a circuit diagram of the signal processing circuit 31. As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, one end of a connection conductor 47g of the board connector 47 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 and is conductive with the first sub-conductor Gs1. In the board connector 47, the characteristic impedance of each of the two conductors Wa, Wb included in each communication line Lc is adjusted to a constant value such as 100Ω or 120Ω by arranging the connection conductor 47g. As described in the description of the first embodiment, an electric signal propagates through each of the conductors Wa, Wb.

[0191] The repeater 11 has a conductor connection element 70. The conductor connection element 70 is an inductor, a resistor, a conductor, or the like. The conductor has a resistance component. The conductor connection element 70 connects the other end of the connection conductor 47g to the second sub-conductor Gs2. As described above, one end of the connection conductor 47g is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1. Therefore, the conductor connection element 70 is connected between the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2.

[0192] FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the conductor connection element 70. As shown in FIG. 29, one end of the connection conductor 47g is located in the first sub-substrate Bs1. The other end of the connection conductor 47g is located in the second sub-substrate Bs2. The conductor connection element 70 is arranged on the main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1. One end of the conductor connection element 70 is located above the first sub-conductor Gs1. One end of the conductor connection element 70 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 using, for example, a through hole. The other end of the conductor connection element 70 is located above the connection conductor 47g. The other end of the conductor connection element 70 is connected to the connection conductor 47g using, for example, a through hole.

[0193] In the thirteenth embodiment, the first sub-conductor Gs1 is not electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1. In the first embodiment, the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1 via the box body 35 and the first protrusion 37a. In the thirteenth embodiment, as a first example, both or one of the box body 35 and the first protrusion 37a are insulating. As a second example, the first protrusion 37a and the first main conductor Gm1 are not connected to each other.

[0194] The conductor connection element 70 is connected between the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2. Therefore, even if noise enters the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1 fluctuates, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal, which is the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. Similarly, even if noise enters the second sub-conductor Gs2 and the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2 fluctuates, the reference potential has little effect on the voltage or signal, which is the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1.

[0195] The repeater 11 and the communication device in the thirteenth embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment. In the thirteenth embodiment, the other end of the connection conductor 47g of the substrate connector 47 may be connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2 and be electrically connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2. In this case, one end of the connection conductor 47g is not electrically connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1. When the other end of the connection conductor 47g is electrically connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2, the conductor connection element 70 connects one end of the connection conductor 47g to the first sub-conductor Gs1. The conductor connection element 70 is connected between the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the second sub-conductor Gs2.

[0196] In addition, in the thirteenth embodiment, the first sub-conductor Gs1 may be electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1, as in the first embodiment. The device connection body 34 of the repeater 11 may be configured in the same manner as one of the second and sixth embodiments. The shape of the device connection body 34 may be in the same manner as one of the third and fourth embodiments. The first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 may be disposed in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment. When the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1, the electrical continuity between the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 may be realized in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment.

[0197] The shape of the communication line connection body 30 may be the same as that of the eighth embodiment. The box 35 of the repeater 11 may be fixed to the main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10, as in the ninth embodiment. The conduction between the second main conductor Gm2 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 may be achieved, as in the tenth embodiment. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be connected by a conductor, as in the eleventh embodiment. In this case, the common mode choke coil 22 is not used in the relay device 10. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be connected by a connecting part 61, as in the twelfth embodiment.

[0198] (Embodiment 14) In the thirteenth embodiment, the relay device 10 does not necessarily have to have the first main conductor Gm1. The following describes the differences between the 14th embodiment and the 13th embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the 13th embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the 13th embodiment are used for the components common to the 13th embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0199] <Configuration of Relay Device 10> 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the relay device 10 in the embodiment 14. The relay device 10 in the embodiment 14 has the same components as the relay device 10 in the embodiment 13 except for the common mode choke coil 22 and the first main conductor Gm1.

[0200] The power supply circuit 23 is directly connected to the power connector 20. The power connector 20 is further connected to the second main conductor Gm2. Since the relay device 10 does not have the first main conductor Gm1, the power supply connector 20 and the communication circuit 24 are not connected to the first main conductor Gm1.

[0201] In the fourteenth embodiment, the communication circuit 24 does not process an electric signal with the potential of the first main conductor Gm1 as a reference potential. Therefore, when the communication circuit 24 receives a differential signal via the communication bus Lb, the communication circuit 24 converts the received differential signal into a voltage signal whose reference potential is the potential of the second main conductor Gm2. The communication circuit 24 acquires data included in the converted voltage signal.

[0202] Fig. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the second main conductor Gm2. Since the first main conductor Gm1 is not provided in the relay device 10, a plate-shaped conductor having a large main surface area can be used as the second main conductor Gm2 as shown in Fig. 31. In this case, since the resistance value of the second main conductor Gm2 is small, the potential of the second main conductor Gm2 is stable.

[0203] The repeater 11 in the embodiment 14 achieves the same effects as the repeater 11 in the embodiment 13, except for the connection effect obtained by connecting the first main conductor Gm1 to the first sub-conductor Gs1. The communication device in the embodiment 14 achieves the same effects as the communication device in the embodiment 13, except for the connection effect and the effect achieved by the common mode choke coil 22.

[0204] (Embodiment 15) In the first embodiment, the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be electrically connected. The following describes the differences between embodiment 15 and embodiment 1. Except for the configuration described below, the configuration is the same as embodiment 1. Therefore, the components common to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as embodiment 1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0205] <Configuration of Repeater 11> Fig. 32 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the repeater 11 in the fifteenth embodiment. Fig. 33 is a circuit diagram of the signal processing circuit 31. The board connection body 47 of the repeater 11 in the fifteenth embodiment is configured similarly to that of the thirteenth embodiment (see Figs. 25 and 26). Therefore, the conductors Wa, Wb included in the communication line Lc pass through the board connection body 47. One end of the connection conductor 47g of the board connection body 47 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 and is electrically conductive with the first sub-conductor Gs1.

[0206] The repeater 11 further includes an electrical connection element 80 that realizes an electrical connection. The electrical connection element 80 is an inductor, a resistor, a capacitor, a conductor, or the like. The conductor has a resistance component. There is no problem with the electrical connection element 80 as long as it is a circuit element through which an AC voltage propagates. One end of the electrical connection element 80 is connected to the other end of the connection conductor 47g. The other end of the electrical connection element 80 is connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2. In this manner, the electrical connection element 80 is connected between the connection conductor 47g and the second sub-conductor Gs2.

[0207] FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the electrical connection element 80. As shown in FIG. 34, one end of the connection conductor 47g is located in the first sub-substrate Bs1. The other end of the connection conductor 47g is located in the second sub-substrate Bs2. The electrical connection element 80 is arranged on the main surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1. One end of the electrical connection element 80 is located above the first sub-conductor Gs1. One end of the electrical connection element 80 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 using, for example, a through hole. The other end of the electrical connection element 80 is located above the connection conductor 47g. The other end of the electrical connection element 80 is connected to the connection conductor 47g using, for example, a through hole.

[0208] In the case where the connecting conductor 47g is insulated from the second sub-conductor Gs2, if the connecting conductor 47g has a long length in the front-rear direction, the connecting conductor 47g may act as an antenna that converts electromagnetic waves propagating through the air into electric current. The converted electric current fluctuates the potential of the first sub-conductor Gs1. As a result, the converted electric current acts as noise. In the repeater 11 in the fifteenth embodiment, the electrical connection element 80 is connected between the connecting conductor 47g and the second sub-conductor Gs2. This prevents the connecting conductor 47g from acting as an antenna.

[0209] The repeater 11 and the communication device in the fifteenth embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment. The connection conductor 47g of the board connector 47 may be connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2 and may be electrically connected to the second sub-conductor Gs2. In this case, the electrical connection element 80 is connected between the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the connection conductor 47g.

[0210] When the connecting conductor 47g is insulated from the first sub-conductor Gs1, if the connecting conductor 47g has a long length in the front-rear direction, the connecting conductor 47g may act as an antenna that converts electromagnetic waves propagating through the air into electric current. The converted electric current fluctuates the potential of the second sub-conductor Gs2. As a result, the converted electric current acts as noise. Since the electrical connection element 80 is connected between the first sub-conductor Gs1 and the connecting conductor 47g, the connecting conductor 47g is prevented from acting as an antenna.

[0211] In addition, in the fifteenth embodiment, the device connection body 34 of the repeater 11 may be configured similarly to one of the second and sixth embodiments. The shape of the device connection body 34 may be similar to one of the third and fourth embodiments. The first sub-substrate Bs1 and the second sub-substrate Bs2 may be arranged similarly to the fifth embodiment. When the first sub-conductor Gs1 is electrically connected to the first main conductor Gm1, the electrical connection between the first main conductor Gm1 and the first sub-conductor Gs1 may be realized similarly to the seventh embodiment.

[0212] The shape of the communication line connection body 30 may be the same as that of the eighth embodiment. The box 35 of the repeater 11 may be fixed to the main surface of the main board Bm of the relay device 10, as in the ninth embodiment. The conduction between the second main conductor Gm2 and the second sub-conductor Gs2 may be achieved, as in the tenth embodiment. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be connected by a conductor, as in the eleventh embodiment. In this case, the common mode choke coil 22 is not used in the relay device 10. The first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be connected by a connecting part 61, as in the twelfth embodiment.

[0213] (Embodiment 16) In the first embodiment, the device to which the repeater 11 is connected is not limited to the repeater 10 . The following describes the differences between the sixteenth embodiment and the first embodiment. Except for the configuration described below, the other configurations are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, the components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0214] <Configuration of communication system 1> FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a communication system 1 in the eleventh embodiment. Comparing the first and sixteenth embodiments, the device connected to the repeater 11 is different. The communication system 1 in the sixteenth embodiment includes a power supply device 15 instead of the repeater 10. A DC power source 12 supplies power to the power supply device 15. The power supply device 15 supplies power to the repeater 11. In the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of ECUs 14 are connected to the repeater 11. The repeater 11 relays communication between two ECUs 14, similar to the first embodiment.

[0215] <Configuration of power supply unit 15> The power supply device 15 has a configuration similar to that of the relay device 10 in the first embodiment, except that one or more bus connectors 21 and the communication circuit 24 are removed. Fig. 35 shows an example in which the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 are connected by a second inductor 22b. As described in the description of the first embodiment, the first main conductor Gm1 and the second main conductor Gm2 may be connected by a resistor.

[0216] <Effects of Repeater 11> The repeater 11 and the communication device in the eleventh embodiment have the same effects as those in the first embodiment. The repeater 11 may be configured in the same manner as any one of the second to fifteenth embodiments.

[0217] When the repeater 11 is configured similarly to each of the embodiments 11 to 14, the power supply device 15 has a configuration similar to that of the repeater 10 in each of the embodiments 11 to 14, except that one or more bus connectors 21 and communication circuits 24 are excluded.

[0218] <Modification> In the first to sixth embodiments, the ECU 14 may be replaced with another communication device, for example, a camera. The ECU 14 and a communication device different from the ECU 14 may be connected to the repeater 11. The communication system 1 in each of the first to tenth embodiments may further include the repeater 11 in the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of communication devices (ECU 14), and a power supply device 15. In this case, for example, two repeaters 11 are connected by a communication line Lc. A common DC power source 12 supplies power to the repeater 10 and the power supply device 15. In the first to eleventh embodiments, the first main conductor Gm1 may be connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 via the device connector 34. In a configuration in which the device connector 34 has a plurality of conductive rods 34p, the first main conductor Gm1 is connected to the first sub-conductor Gs1 via one conductive rod 34p.

[0219] In the repeater 11 in the embodiments 1 to 4 and 7 to 16, circuit elements may be arranged on both main surfaces of the first sub-substrate Bs1. In the repeater 11 in the embodiments 1 to 16, circuit elements may be arranged on both main surfaces of the second sub-substrate Bs2. In the embodiments 1 to 16, the number of first protrusions 36a or the number of first protrusions 38 is not limited to 2, and may be 1 or 3 or more. Also, in the embodiments 1 to 16, the number of second protrusions 36b or the number of second protrusions configured similarly to the first protrusions 38 is not limited to 2, and may be 1 or 3 or more.

[0220] In the repeater 11 in the first to sixteenth embodiments, the location where the first sub-conductor Gs1 is arranged is not limited to the inside of the first sub-substrate Bs1, and may be the main surface or end surface of the first sub-substrate Bs1. Similarly, the location where the second sub-conductor Gs2 is arranged is not limited to the inside of the second sub-substrate Bs2, and may be the main surface or end surface of the second sub-substrate Bs2. The location where the first main conductor Gm1 is arranged is Main board Bm Not limited to the inside of Main board Bm Similarly, the location where the second main conductor Gm2 is disposed may be the principal surface or the end surface of the second main conductor Gm2. Main board Bm Not limited to the inside of Main board Bm It may be a main surface or an end surface.

[0221] In the first to sixteenth embodiments, the communication line Lc connected to the relay 11 may be a communication bus. In this case, a plurality of ECUs 14 are connected to the communication line Lc. The communication via the communication line Lc is performed in the same manner as the communication via the communication bus Lb. The communication via the communication line Lc is, for example, communication according to the CAN communication protocol.

[0222] The technical features (constituent elements) described in the first to sixteenth embodiments can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The disclosed embodiments 1 to 16 are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1. Communication Systems 10 Relay device (power supply device) 11 Repeater (communication device) 12 DC power supply 13,14 ECU 15 Power supply 20 Power Connector 21 Bus Connector 22,45 Common mode choke coil 22a, 45a First inductor 22b, 45b Second inductor 23 Power circuit 24 Communication Circuits 25,35i,35j,35k,38h through hole 26,28,49 Insertion holes 27 Connectors 29 Screw hole 30 Communication line connector 30h,35h opening 31 Signal processing circuit (noise removal circuit) 32 Conversion section 33 Relay Section 34 Device connection body 34p Conductive rod (second conductive rod) 35 Box body 35a 1st conductive part 35b Second conductive part 35c Connecting part 36a,38 1st protrusion 36b Second protrusion 37 Conductive Rod 40a,40b 1st suppressor 41a,41b,42 Resistor 43, 44a, 44b Capacitor 46a,46b 2nd suppressor 47 Substrate connector 47g connecting conductor 47i Insulator 48 Insertion hole (second insertion hole) 50 Screw 60 Second Conductor 61 Connection parts 70 Conductor connection element 80 Electrical connection element Bm main board Bs1 1st sub-board (1st board) Bs2 Second sub-board (Second board) Gm1 First main conductor (first power conductor) Gm2 Second main conductor (second power conductor) Gs1 1st sub-conductor (1st conductor) Gs2 Second sub-conductor (second conductor) Lb communication bus Lc communication line M Vehicle Wa,Wb conductor

Claims

1. A communication device that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating along two conductors, a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the first conductor as a reference potential; a conversion unit that converts a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor; a first substrate on which the first conductor is disposed; a second substrate on which the second conductor is disposed; a substrate connector having flexibility and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; a conductive box for housing the first and second substrates; a protrusion protruding outward from the box body and used for fixing the box body; Equipped with The protrusion is conductive and is electrically connected to the first conductor through the box. Communication device.

2. A communication device that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating along two conductors, a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the first conductor as a reference potential; a conversion unit that converts a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor; a first substrate on which the first conductor is disposed; a second substrate on which the second conductor is disposed; a substrate connector having flexibility and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; A conductive rod having electrical conductivity. Equipped with The first substrate is provided with an insertion hole into which the conductive rod is inserted, The conductive rod is inserted into the insertion hole and is electrically connected to the first conductor. Communication device.

3. A communication device that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating along two conductors, a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the first conductor as a reference potential; a conversion unit that converts a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor; a first substrate on which the first conductor is disposed; a second substrate on which the second conductor is disposed; a substrate connector having flexibility and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; a device connector for connecting the second substrate and an external device; Equipped with Power is supplied to the converter via the device connector. Communication device.

4. A communication device that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating along two conductors, a communication line connector connected to an ECU and receiving the differential signal from the ECU; a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals that constitute the differential signal received by the communication line connector, using the potential of the first conductor as a reference potential; a conversion unit that converts a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor; a device connector that is connected to an external device other than the ECU and transmits the voltage signal converted by the conversion unit to the external device; a first substrate on which the first conductor is disposed; a second substrate on which the second conductor is disposed; a substrate connector having flexibility and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; A communication device comprising:

5. The differential signal is a communication signal conforming to an Ethernet communication protocol, a communication signal using LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), or a communication signal conforming to USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a conductor connection element connected between the first conductor and the second conductor; The conductive connecting element is an inductor, a resistor or a conductor. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a first circuit element is disposed on one surface of the first substrate; A second circuit element is disposed on one surface of the second substrate, A surface of the first substrate on which the first circuit element is arranged faces a surface of the second substrate on which the second circuit element is arranged. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a first circuit element is disposed on one surface of the first substrate; A second circuit element is disposed on one surface of the second substrate, A surface of the first substrate on which the first circuit element is arranged and a surface of the second substrate on which the second circuit element is arranged are perpendicular to each other. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a conductive box for housing the first and second substrates; a protrusion protruding outward from the box body and used for fixing the box body; Equipped with The protrusion is conductive and is electrically connected to the first conductor through the box. A communication device according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4.

10. the protruding portion is provided with a through hole through which a conductive screw is inserted, The box body is fixed by tightening the screws, When the box body is fixed, the screw is electrically connected to the protrusion. A communication device according to claim 1 or claim 9.

11. a second protrusion that is conductive, protrudes outward from the box body, and is used to fix the box body; The box body is a first conductive portion having electrical conductivity and in electrical communication with the first conductor; a second conductive portion having electrical conductivity and in electrical communication with the second conductor; a connecting portion having insulating properties and connecting the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion; having the protrusion protrudes from the first conductive portion, The second protrusion protrudes from the second conductive portion. A communication device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. A conductive rod having electrical conductivity is provided, The first substrate is provided with an insertion hole into which the conductive rod is inserted, The conductive rod is inserted into the insertion hole and is electrically connected to the first conductor. A communication device according to claim 1, claim 3 or claim 4.

13. a device connector for connecting the second substrate and an external device; Power is supplied to the converter via the device connector. A communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The device connector has a second conductive rod having electrical conductivity, The second substrate is provided with a second insertion hole into which the second conductive rod is inserted. A communication device according to claim 3, claim 4 or claim 13.

15. The device connector is an edge connector and protrudes from the second substrate. A communication device according to claim 3, claim 4 or claim 13.

16. The device connector is plate-shaped and flexible. The end of the device connector is mounted on the second substrate. A communication device according to claim 3, claim 4 or claim 13.

17. A communication line connector to which a communication line including two conductors is connected, The differential signal is input to the noise removal circuit via the communication line and the communication line connector. A communication device according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3.

18. The communication line connector is an edge connector and protrudes from the first substrate. A communication device according to claim 4 or claim 17.

19. A communication device that receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals propagating through two conductors, respectively; a power supply device for supplying power to the communication device; Equipped with The communication device includes: a noise removal circuit that removes noise from the two electrical signals using the potential of the first conductor as a reference potential; a conversion unit that converts a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed by the noise removal circuit into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference potential is the potential of the second conductor; a first substrate on which the first conductor is disposed; a second substrate on which the second conductor is disposed; a substrate connector having flexibility and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; a device connector that connects the second board and a power supply device; having The power supply device supplies power to the conversion unit via the device connector. Communications equipment.

20. the power supply has a first power conductor and a second power conductor; the first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor are electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor, respectively; The first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor are connected by an inductor or a resistor.

20. The communication device of claim 19.

21. the power supply has a first power conductor and a second power conductor; the first power supply conductor and the second power supply conductor are electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor, respectively; The first power conductor and the second power conductor are connected by a second wire.

20. The communication device of claim 19.

22. An electrical connection element for realizing an electrical connection is provided, The two conductive wires pass through the board connection body, the substrate connector has a connection conductor that is electrically connected to the first conductor or the second conductor, The electrical connection element is connected between the connecting conductor and the second conductor or between the first conductor and the connecting conductor. A communication device according to claim 20 or 21.

23. The communication device transmits data included in the voltage signal converted by the conversion unit to the power supply device via the device connector. A communication device according to any one of claims 19 to 22.

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