Connector system, connector, wire harness, and on-vehicle device

Abstract

This connector system is used for a communication line connecting the communications between a first communication unit and a second communication unit, and connects a first communication line on the first communication unit side and a second communication line on the second communication unit side. The connector system includes: a first connector to which one end of the first communication line is connected and which includes a signal interruption unit for interrupting a signal in a band used for communication; and a second connector to which one end of the second communication line is connected and which is connected to the first connector. The second connector includes an interruption restriction unit for restricting the interruption of a signal in the band by the signal interruption unit by connection with the first connector.

Description

Connector system, connector, wire harness, and on-board device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-101599, filed June 21, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of that application.

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with various on-board devices. These devices include various ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control functions necessary for the vehicle, such as steering and braking. These ECUs are connected to each other to form a network. Each ECU communicates with each other via this network to realize basic vehicle functions, such as "driving," "turning," and "stopping." Wiring harnesses are usually used to connect the on-board devices.

[0003] Such in-vehicle devices require technology to prevent hacking or data tampering of the in-vehicle devices (ECUs).Patent Document 1, listed below, proposes a connector system for preventing communication between a wire harness and unintended devices.

[0004] The connector system described in Patent Document 1 includes a first connector and a second connector connected thereto. The second connector includes a processing unit that creates verification information and transmits it to the first connector. The first connector includes a verification unit that verifies the second connector based on the verification information received from the second connector. The verification unit determines that verification has failed if it is unable to receive the verification information. The first connector further includes a switch that, when connected to the second connector, switches between electrically connecting the transmission line in the first connector and the transmission line in the second connector, and a control unit that controls the switch based on the verification results of the verification unit.

[0005] If the second connector is an unauthorized connector, the verification unit of the first connector determines that the verification has failed. The control unit of the first connector maintains the switch in the off state. This interrupts the electrical connection between the transmission line of the first connector and the transmission line of the second connector. This prevents communication between the wire harness and unintended devices, ensuring the security of communication between devices.

[0006] International Publication No. 2019 / 187349

[0007] A connector system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is used in a communication line connecting communication between a first communication unit and a second communication unit, and connects the first communication line on the first communication unit side to the second communication line on the second communication unit side. This connector system includes a first connector to which one end of the first communication line is connected and which includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication, and a second connector to which one end of the second communication line is connected and which is connected to the first connector. The second connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the first connector.

[0008] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a connector system, connector, wire harness, or on-board device that includes such a characteristic configuration, but also as other systems or devices that include a connector system, connector, wire harness, or on-board device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a connector system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a first connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a second connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example when an unauthorized connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example when a second connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an open stub. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of an open stub. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a short stub. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of a short stub. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of a filter when a legitimate connector is connected and when an unauthorized connector is connected in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a first connector according to a modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a wire harness according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a connector system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the first connector shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the second connector shown in FIG. 13 . FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an unauthorized connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an unauthorized connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an unauthorized connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a second connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a second connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 21 is a diagram (an enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 20 ) illustrating an example of a case where a second connector is connected to the first connector. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frequency characteristics of a filter when a legitimate connector is connected and when an unauthorized connector is connected in the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a connector system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a connector system according to the fourth embodiment.Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example where a second connector is connected to a first connector. Fig. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example where an unauthorized connector is connected to a first connector. Fig. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a connector system according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a connector system according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 29 is a diagram for explaining an example where a second connector is connected to a first connector. Fig. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example where an unauthorized connector is connected to a first connector. Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0010] The connector system described in Patent Document 1 is an excellent system in terms of ensuring security. However, because the processing unit, verification unit, and control unit are realized by electronic devices, and the electronic devices and switches are built into the connector, it is difficult to simplify the configuration. As a result, manufacturing costs tend to be high.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and one object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector system, a connector, a wire harness, and an on-board device that can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0012] Effect of the Present Disclosure The present disclosure provides a connector system, a connector, a wire harness, and an in-vehicle device that can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any combination.

[0014] (1) A connector system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is used in a communication line connecting communication between a first communication unit and a second communication unit, and connects a first communication line on the first communication unit side with a second communication line on the second communication unit side, and includes: a first connector to which one end of the first communication line is connected and which includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication; and a second connector to which one end of the second communication line is connected and which is connected to the first connector, and the second connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the first connector.

[0015] The first connector includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication. If the connector connected to the first connector does not include a blocking restriction unit that limits the blocking of in-band signals, communication is blocked. On the other hand, if the connector connected to the first connector is the second connector, the blocking restriction unit limits the blocking of in-band signals by the signal blocking unit. In other words, when the second connector is connected to the first connector, communication is not blocked. In this way, when an unauthorized connector that does not include a blocking restriction unit is connected to the first connector, communication is blocked, but when the second connector, which is an authorized connector, is connected to the first connector, communication is not blocked. Therefore, this connector system can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0016] (2) In the above (1), the signal blocking unit may include a filter having blocking characteristics that block signals within the band, and the blocking limiting unit may include a characteristic inverting unit that inverts the characteristics of the filter. This allows the first connector to be easily configured to include the signal blocking unit, and the second connector to be easily configured to include the blocking limiting unit. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to easily simplify the connector system.

[0017] (3) In the above (2), the filter may include a stub filter provided in the first connector on the first communication line, and the stub filter may function as a short stub that blocks in-band signals when a connector different from the second connector is connected to the first connector, and as an open stub that passes in-band signals when the second connector is connected to the first connector. This allows for a connector system that can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration. Note that the filter only needs to be provided to function as a stub filter for the first communication line.

[0018] (4) In the above (2), the filter may be provided on the first connection pin of the first connector, the characteristic inverting unit may be provided on the second connection pin of the second connector, and the filter may function as a high-pass filter that blocks in-band signals and passes signals of higher frequencies than the band when a connection pin of a connector different from the second connector is connected to the first connection pin, and function as a low-pass filter that passes in-band signals and blocks signals of higher frequencies than the band when the second connection pin is connected to the first connection pin. This also makes it possible to obtain a connector system that can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0019] (5) In the above (1), the signal blocking unit may include a conductive member that shorts the first communication line by connecting to the first communication line in the first connector, and the blocking limiting unit may include a switching unit that switches the state of the conductive member relative to the first communication line from a connected state to a disconnected state. By shorting the first communication line using the conductive member, signals within the band used for communication can be easily blocked. On the other hand, by switching the state of the conductive member relative to the first communication line from a connected state to a disconnected state using the switching unit, blocking of signals within the band can be easily limited. This allows the first connector to be easily configured to include the signal blocking unit, and the second connector to be easily configured to include the blocking limiting unit. Therefore, this configuration allows the connector system to be easily simplified.

[0020] (6) In the above (5), the conductive member may include a metallic filter member having blocking characteristics that block in-band signals, the first connector may include a support portion that supports the filter member so as to be switchable between a connected state and a disconnected state with respect to the first communication line, and the switching portion may include a pin member that presses the filter member when the second connector is connected to the first connector, thereby switching the state of the filter member with respect to the first communication line from a connected state to a disconnected state. This makes it possible to obtain a connector system that can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0021] (7) A connector according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that is connected to a communication line and includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector. The specific connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector. This connector enables communication when connected to the specific connector.

[0022] This connector includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within the band used for communication. If a connector other than the specified connector is connected to this connector, that is, if an unauthorized connector that does not include a blocking restriction unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band is connected, communication will be blocked. On the other hand, if a specified connector is connected to this connector, the blocking restriction unit included in the specified connector will limit the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit. In other words, if a specified connector that is an official connector is connected to this connector, communication will not be blocked. Therefore, this connector can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0023] (8) A connector according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a connector for connection to a communication line, the connector being connectable to a specific connector including a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication. The connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the specific connector.

[0024] This connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the above band by the signal blocking unit. When a specific connector is connected to this connector, the blocking of signals within the above band is limited. On the other hand, if the specific connector is connected to an unauthorized connector other than this connector, the signals within the above band are blocked. By using this connector to connect to a specific connector, normal communication is possible, but if an unauthorized connector other than this connector is used, communication is restricted. Therefore, this connector can also improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0025] (9) A wire harness according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a wire harness including a communication line and a connector connected to an end of the communication line, wherein the connector includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector, the specific connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector, and the wire harness enables communication when the connector is connected to the specific connector.

[0026] The connector of this wire harness includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within the band used for communication. If a connector other than the specified connector is connected to this connector, i.e., if an unauthorized connector that does not include a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band is connected, communication is blocked. On the other hand, if a specified connector is connected to the connector of this wire harness, the blocking limiting unit included in the specified connector limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit. In other words, if a specified connector that is an official connector is connected to the connector of this wire harness, communication is not blocked. Therefore, this wire harness can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0027] (10) A wire harness according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a wire harness including a communication line and a connector connected to an end of the communication line, wherein the connector is connectable to a specific connector including a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication, and the connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the specific connector.

[0028] The connector of this wire harness includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit. When the specific connector is connected to the connector of this wire harness, blocking of signals within the band is limited. On the other hand, if the specific connector is connected to an unauthorized connector other than the connector of this wire harness, the signals within the band are blocked. By using the connector of this wire harness to connect to the specific connector, normal communication is possible, but if an unauthorized connector other than the connector of this wire harness is used, communication is restricted. Therefore, this wire harness can also improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0029] (11) In the above (9) or (10), a sheet-like holding member for holding the communication wire may be further included. This makes it possible to obtain a flat wire harness that can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0030] (12) A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides an in-vehicle device including a connector, the connector including a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when the connector is connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector, the specific connector including a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector, and the connector of the in-vehicle device enables communication when connected to the specific connector.

[0031] This makes it possible to obtain an in-vehicle device that can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0032] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of a connector system, a connector, a wire harness, or an on-vehicle device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also identical. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0033] (First embodiment) [Overall configuration] Referring to Fig. 1, a connector system 100 according to this embodiment is used in a communication line 70 that connects communication between a first in-vehicle device 50 and a second in-vehicle device 60. The connector system 100 includes a first connector 200 and a second connector 300. The first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are connectable to each other.

[0034] The connector system 100 is mounted on a vehicle 40 together with a first in-vehicle device 50, a second in-vehicle device 60, and a communication line 70. The vehicle 40 is equipped with various in-vehicle devices including the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60 described above.

[0035] The first in-vehicle device 50 includes a first communication unit 52. The second in-vehicle device 60 includes a second communication unit 62. A communication line 70 provided with the connector system 100 connects communication between the first communication unit 52 and the second communication unit 62. The communication line 70 may be a communication line used for communication such as differential transmission or single-ended transmission.

[0036] Assume that the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60 are both ECUs. In this case, the first communication unit 52 and the second communication unit 62 include a PHY (Physical Layer). The PHY is configured by a chip mounted on the ECU that transmits and receives signals.

[0037] The connector system 100 connects a first communication line 72 on the side of the first communication unit 52 and a second communication line 74 on the side of the second communication unit 62. One end of the first communication line 72 is connected to the first connector 200, and one end of the second communication line 74 is connected to the second connector 300.

[0038] When the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are connected, i.e., when the connectors are officially connected, the connector system 100 enables communication between the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60. On the other hand, when a connector other than the second connector 300 (e.g., an unauthorized connector) is connected to the first connector 200, the connector system 100 cuts off communication between the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60.

[0039] [Configuration of Connector System 100] As described above, connector system 100 includes first connector 200 and second connector 300. Referring to Fig. 2, first connector 200 includes housing 202 (connector body) and connection pins 210 and 212 provided within housing 202. First communication line 72 includes communication line 72a and communication line 72b. An end of communication line 72a is electrically connected to connection pin 210, and an end of communication line 72b is electrically connected to connection pin 212. An end of first communication line 72 is located within first connector 200 (housing 202).

[0040] The first connector 200 further includes a signal blocking unit 220 that blocks signals within a band used for communication between on-board devices (hereinafter also referred to as the "communication band"). The signal blocking unit 220 includes a metal spring member 222. The spring member 222 is elastically deformable and is provided at an end portion of the first communication line 72 (communication line 72a) within the first connector 200. This spring member 222 functions as a stub filter 224 and is in contact with the communication line 72b under normal conditions. In this case, the communication line 72b may also function as a ground.

[0041] In this disclosure, the term "communication band" refers to a frequency band used for communication between devices, and means a band that satisfies the frequency characteristics of a standard such as IEEE 802.3 (registered trademark).

[0042] 3 , the second connector 300 includes a housing 302 and connection pins 310 and 312 provided within the housing 302. The second communication line 74 includes communication lines 74a and 74b. An end of the communication line 74a is electrically connected to the connection pin 310, and an end of the communication line 74b is electrically connected to the connection pin 312. When the second connector 300 is connected to the first connector 200, the connection pins 310 and 312 of the second connector 300 are electrically connected to the connection pins 210 and 212 of the first connector 200, respectively. An end of the second communication line 74 is located within the second connector 300 (housing 302).

[0043] The second connector 300 further includes a cut-off limiting unit 320 that, when connected to the first connector 200, limits the cut-off of signals within the communication band by the signal cut-off unit 220. The cut-off limiting unit 320 includes a push-up pin 322 provided between the connection pins 310 and 312. The push-up pin 322 is made of an insulating material such as a resin material, and is provided within the housing 302 so as to extend along the connection pins 310 and 312. When the second connector 300 is connected to the first connector 200, the push-up pin 322 has the function of pushing up the spring member 222 of the first connector 200, thereby releasing contact between the spring member 222 and the communication line 72b.

[0044] 4, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200, the spring member 222 comes into contact with the communication line 72b because the unauthorized connector 400 does not have the push-up pin 322 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the spring member 222 serving as the stub filter 224 functions as a short stub.

[0045] 5, when second connector 300, which is a proper connector, is connected to first connector 200, push-up pin 322 of second connector 300 pushes up spring member 222 of first connector 200. This releases contact between spring member 222 and communication line 72b. In this case, spring member 222 serving as stub filter 224 functions as an open stub.

[0046] In this way, the spring member 222 functioning as the stub filter 224 is configured to be able to switch between the characteristics of a short stub and the characteristics of an open stub depending on the connector to which it is connected.

[0047] Here, the stub filter will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. In Fig. 7 and Fig. 9, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents transmission loss.

[0048] 6 and 7 , the open stub 30 is a narrow-band filter provided on the transmission line 32 and has an electrical length a. The open stub 30 is a band reject filter that exhibits short-circuit characteristics at a specific frequency (resonant frequency f). In other words, the open stub 30 is a filter that blocks frequency components in a band that includes the resonant frequency f and passes other frequency components.

[0049] The resonant frequency f is controlled by the electrical length a of the open stub 30, and the bandwidth and depth thereof are controlled by the width of the open stub 30. The shape of the open stub 30 is set so that the resonant frequency f is located in a predetermined band.

[0050] When the shape of the open stub 30 is set so that the resonant frequency f is located outside the communication band, the open stub 30 functions as a filter that has a cutoff characteristic outside the communication band. In this case, the open stub 30 passes signals within the communication band.

[0051] 8 and 9, the short stub 34 is also a narrow-band filter provided on the transmission line 32. An end of the short stub 34 is connected to the ground 36. The short stub 34 serves as a band pass filter that exhibits an open characteristic at a specific frequency (resonant frequency f). In other words, the short stub 34 is a filter that passes frequency components in a band including the resonant frequency f and blocks other frequency components.

[0052] The resonant frequency f is controlled by the electrical length a of the short stub 34, and its bandwidth and depth are controlled by the width of the short stub 34. Therefore, if the electrical length a and width of the short stub 34 are the same as those of the open stub 30, the resonant frequency f will also be the same as that of the open stub 30. In this case, the characteristics of the short stub 34 and the open stub 30 will be reversed.

[0053] 10, the spring member 222 (see FIG. 2) serving as the stub filter 224 is set so that its resonant frequency f is outside the communication band. As shown in FIG. 4, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200, the spring member 222 functions as a short stub. That is, the spring member 222 functions as a filter having blocking characteristics within the communication band. Therefore, as shown in the right column of FIG. 10, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200, signals within the communication band are blocked.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the second connector 300, which is a proper connector, is connected to the first connector 200, the spring member 222 is pushed up by the push-up pin 322. This causes the spring member 222 to function as an open stub, and the filter characteristics are inverted. That is, the push-up pin 322 functions as a characteristic inverting unit that inverts the filter characteristics. By inverting the filter characteristics, the characteristic inverting unit disables the blocking of signals within the communication band. On the other hand, in this case, the spring member 222 functions as a filter with an open characteristic within the communication band. Therefore, as shown in the left column of FIG. 10 , when the proper connector (second connector 300) is connected to the first connector 200, signals within the communication band can pass through.

[0055] 1 , the first wire harness 80 according to the present embodiment includes a first connector 200 and a first communication line 72. The second wire harness 90 according to the present embodiment includes a second connector 300 and a second communication line 74. The communication line 70 that connects the communication between the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60 is configured by connecting the first connector 200 of the first wire harness 80 and the second connector 300 of the second wire harness 90.

[0056] When the second wire harness 90 is viewed from the first wire harness 80, the second connector 300 of the second wire harness 90 is a specific connector including a cutoff limiting section 320 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, when the first wire harness 80 is viewed from the second wire harness 90, the first connector 200 of the first wire harness 80 is a specific connector including a signal cutoff section 220 (see FIG. 2).

[0057] As described above, the connector system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first connector 200 and a second connector 300. The first connector 200 includes a signal blocking unit 220 that blocks signals within the communication band. If the connector connected to the first connector 200 does not include a blocking limiting unit 320 that limits the blocking of signals within the communication band, communication is blocked. On the other hand, if the connector connected to the first connector 200 is the second connector 300, the blocking limiting unit 320 limits the blocking of signals within the communication band by the signal blocking unit 220. In other words, when the second connector 300 is connected to the first connector 200, communication is not blocked. In this way, when an unauthorized connector 400 that does not include a blocking limiting unit 320 is connected to the first connector 200, communication is blocked, but when the authorized second connector 300 is connected to the first connector 200, communication is enabled. Therefore, the connector system 100 can improve communication security with a simple configuration. Note that, by attenuating signals passing through the connector within the communication band, communication via an unauthorized connector can be inhibited. The present disclosure focuses on this point and blocks signals within the communication band. Note that, since the blocking is performed if the communication is disrupted, the frequency range to be attenuated within the communication band and the amount of attenuation are design matters that can be selected as appropriate.

[0058] The signal blocking unit 220 includes a filter having blocking characteristics that block signals within the communication band, and the blocking limiting unit 320 includes a characteristic inverting unit (push-up pin 322) that inverts the characteristics of the filter. This allows the first connector 200 to be easily configured to include the signal blocking unit 220, and the second connector 300 to be easily configured to include the blocking limiting unit 320. Therefore, this configuration allows the connector system 100 to be easily simplified.

[0059] The stub filter 224 functions as a short stub that blocks signals within the communication band when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200, and functions as an open stub that passes signals within the communication band when the second connector 300 is connected to the first connector 200. This makes it possible to obtain a connector system 100 that can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0060] The first wire harness 80 and the second wire harness 90 according to this embodiment also have the same effect.

[0061] (Modification) Referring to FIG. 11 , a first connector 200A according to a modification includes a signal blocking unit 220a instead of the signal blocking unit 220 (see FIG. 2 ). The signal blocking unit 220a includes a metal rod-shaped member 230. The rod-shaped member 230 functions as a stub filter, similar to the spring member 222 (see FIG. 2 ). The rod-shaped member 230 is provided at the base of the connection pin 210 so as to be swingable about a support shaft 232 as a fulcrum. The rod-shaped member 230 is biased in the direction of arrow A by a spring (not shown). A stopper 206 is provided within the housing 204, and the stopper 206 stops the rod-shaped member 230 at a position where it contacts the communication line 72b.

[0062] When the second connector 300 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the first connector 200, the push-up pin 322 of the second connector 300 pushes up the rod-shaped member 230, releasing the contact between the rod-shaped member 230 and the communication line 72b, in the same manner as described above.

[0063] (Second embodiment) Referring to FIG. 12 , a wire harness 500 according to this embodiment is a harness using a flat cable, and includes communication lines 510 and 520, a sheet-like holding member 530 that holds the communication lines 510 and 520, and connectors 540 and 550.

[0064] The sheet-like holding member 530 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material (resin sheet). The communication lines 510 and 520 have a configuration in which conductive core wires are covered with insulating resin. The communication lines 510 and 520 are wired so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the holding member 530. The communication lines 510 and 520 are fixed (welded) to a first main surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the sheet-like holding member 530 by, for example, ultrasonic welding or laser welding.

[0065] A connector similar to the second connector, including a cutoff limiting unit, is connected to connector 540. In this case, connector 540 includes a signal cutoff unit 542 similar to the first connector. A connector similar to the first connector, including a signal cutoff unit, is connected to connector 550. In this case, connector 550 includes a cutoff limiting unit 552 similar to the second connector.

[0066] When a connector similar to the first connector including a signal blocking portion is connected to connector 540, connector 540 can be configured to include a blocking limiting portion similar to the second connector. Similarly, when a connector similar to the second connector including a blocking limiting portion is connected to connector 550, connector 550 can be configured to include a signal blocking portion similar to the first connector.

[0067] According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a flat wire harness 500 that can improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0068] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0069] (Third embodiment) Referring to Figure 13, a connector system 600 according to this embodiment differs from the connector system according to the first embodiment in that a wideband filter is provided as the signal blocking section, whereas a narrowband filter is provided as the signal blocking section.

[0070] The connector system 600 is used for a communication line 70 that connects communication between a first in-vehicle device 50 and a second in-vehicle device 60. The communication line 70 includes a first communication line 72 and a second communication line 74. The connector system 600 includes a first connector 700 and a second connector 800. One end of the first communication line 72 is connected to the first connector 700, and one end of the second communication line 74 is connected to the second connector 800.

[0071] 14 , the first connector 700 includes a housing 702 and connection pins 710 and 712 provided within the housing 702. The first communication line 72 includes communication lines 72a and 72b. An end of the communication line 72a is electrically connected to the connection pin 710, and an end of the communication line 72b is electrically connected to the connection pin 712.

[0072] The connection pins 710 and 712 are each formed thinner than a normal connection pin. Specifically, the connection pins 710 and 712 are each formed thinner than the communication lines 72a and 72b. The connection pins 710 and 712 function as wideband filters when the first connector 700 is connected to a connector including the second connector 800.

[0073] 15 , the second connector 800 includes a housing 802 and connection pins 810 and 812 provided within the housing 802. The second communication line 74 includes communication lines 74a and 74b. An end of the communication line 74a is electrically connected to the connection pin 810, and an end of the communication line 74b is electrically connected to the connection pin 812. The connection pins 810 are formed in a cylindrical shape into which the connection pins 710 (see FIG. 14 ) of the first connector 700 fit. The outer diameter of the connection pins 810 is formed to be thinner than the communication line 74a. Similarly, the connection pins 812 are formed in a cylindrical shape into which the connection pins 712 (see FIG. 14 ) of the first connector 700 fit. The outer diameter of the connection pins 812 is also formed to be thinner than the communication line 74b.

[0074] 16 and 17 , consider the case where an unauthorized connector 900 having normal-sized connection pins 910 and 912 is connected to a first connector 700. Referring to FIG. 18 , in this case, a gap is formed between the connection pins 710 of the first connector 700 and the connection pins 910 of the unauthorized connector 900. Similarly, a gap is formed between the connection pins 712 of the first connector 700 and the connection pins 912 of the unauthorized connector 900. The connection pins of the first connector 700 and the connection pins of the unauthorized connector 900 do not contact each other, and appear as a capacitive coupling (C) in the high-frequency range. Therefore, when the unauthorized connector 900 is connected, the connection pins 710 and 712 of the first connector 700 have the characteristics of a high-pass filter (HPF). A high-pass filter is a wide-band filter that removes signals below a specified frequency and passes signals above a specified frequency.

[0075] In this embodiment, connection pins 710 and 712 are configured to remove signals within the communication band and pass signals exceeding the communication band (signals with higher frequencies than the communication band). That is, connection pins 710 and 712 of first connector 700 function as signal blocking unit 720 that blocks signals within the communication band when first connector 700 is connected to an unauthorized connector 900.

[0076] 19 and 20 , when second connector 800, which is a proper connector, is connected to first connector 700, there is no gap between connection pin 710 of first connector 700 and connection pin 810 of second connector 800, and they come into contact with each other. Similarly, there is no gap between connection pin 712 of first connector 700 and connection pin 812 of second connector 800, and they come into contact with each other.

[0077] 21 , in this case, the connection portion C1 between the connection pins is thinner than the communication lines 72a and 74a, and the connection portion C1 between the connection pins is also thinner than the communication lines 72b and 74b. As a result, the connection portions C1 and C2 between the connection pins appear as an L (inductive coupling) in the high frequency range. Therefore, when connected to the second connector 800, the connection pins 710 and 712 of the first connector 700 have the characteristics of a low-pass filter (LPF). A low-pass filter is a wideband filter that removes signals above a specified frequency and passes signals below the specified frequency.

[0078] Each connection pin of the first connector 700 and the second connector 800 is configured to pass signals within the communication band and to remove signals exceeding the communication band (signals with higher frequencies than the communication band). In other words, the connection pins 810 and 812 of the second connector 800 function as a cut-off limiting unit 820 that limits the cut-off of signals within the communication band by the signal cut-off unit 720 when the second connector 800 is connected to the first connector 700.

[0079] In this way, the connection pins 710 and 712 of the first connector 700, which function as wideband filters, are configured to be switchable between high-pass filter characteristics and low-pass filter characteristics depending on the connector to which they are connected.

[0080] 22, when an unauthorized connector 900 (see FIG. 17) is connected to first connector 700 (see FIG. 17), the connection pins of first connector 700 function as a high-pass filter as described above. That is, connection pins 710 and 712 of first connector 700 function as a filter having a blocking characteristic within the communication band. Therefore, as shown in the right column of FIG. 22, when an unauthorized connector 900 is connected to first connector 700, signals within the communication band are blocked.

[0081] On the other hand, when the second connector 800 (see FIG. 20 ), which is a proper connector, is connected to the first connector 700 (see FIG. 20 ), the connection pins of the first connector 700 function as a low-pass filter. That is, the connection pins 710 and 712 of the first connector 700 function as a filter with an open characteristic within the communication band. Therefore, as shown in the left column of FIG. 22 , when the proper connector (second connector 800) is connected to the first connector 700, signals within the communication band can pass through. Note that the connection pins 810 and 812 of the second connector 800 function as a characteristic inverting unit that inverts the filter characteristic.

[0082] 13 , the first wire harness 82 according to the present embodiment includes a first connector 700 and a first communication line 72. The second wire harness 92 according to the present embodiment includes a second connector 800 and a second communication line 74. The communication line 70 that connects the communication between the first in-vehicle device 50 and the second in-vehicle device 60 is configured by connecting the first connector 700 of the first wire harness 82 and the second connector 800 of the second wire harness 92.

[0083] When the second wire harness 92 is viewed from the first wire harness 82, the second connector 800 of the second wire harness 92 is a specific connector including a cutoff limiting portion 820 (see FIG. 15). On the other hand, when the first wire harness 82 is viewed from the second wire harness 92, the first connector 700 of the first wire harness 82 is a specific connector including a signal cutoff portion 720 (see FIG. 14).

[0084] In this embodiment, too, a wire harness using a flat cable can be used, as in the second embodiment.

[0085] Connector system 600 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0086] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0087] 23 and 24 , a connector system 100A according to this embodiment includes a first connector 200B ( FIG. 23 ) and a second connector 300A ( FIG. 24 ). Referring to FIG. 23 , the first connector 200B includes a housing 207 and connection pins 210 and 212 provided within the housing 207. As described above, the first communication line 72 includes communication lines 72a and 72b. An end of the communication line 72a is electrically connected to the connection pin 210, and an end of the communication line 72b is electrically connected to the connection pin 212.

[0088] The first connector 200B according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a signal blocking unit 220b instead of the signal blocking unit 220 (see FIG. 2 ). The signal blocking unit 220b includes a conductive member 240 that shorts the first communication line 72 by connecting (contacting) the first communication line 72 in the first connector 200B. The conductive member 240 includes, for example, a metal spring member 242. As described below, the spring member 242 may have any shape that functions as a stub filter. The spring member 242 is elastically deformable and contacts the communication lines 72a and 72b in a normal state (e.g., a state in which the second connector 300A is not connected). In other words, the spring member 242 functions to conduct the communication lines 72a and 72b and short-circuit the first communication line 72. The conductive member 240 may be made of a material other than a metal material as long as it is conductive.

[0089] The spring member 242 functions as the stub filter 224, similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, the spring member 242 can also be considered a filter member. The spring member 242 functions as a short stub when in contact with (connected to) the communication line 72a and the communication line 72b. In this case, the spring member 242 (filter member) blocks signals within the band used for communication between the in-vehicle devices.

[0090] The housing 207 includes a support portion 250 that supports the spring member 242 so that the spring member 242 can be switchably connected (in contact) to the first communication line 72 and disconnected (out of contact) from the first communication line 72. The support portion 250 includes, for example, ribs 250a and 250b provided inside the housing 207. The housing 207 may be made of, for example, an insulating resin, and the ribs 250a and 250b may be formed integrally with the housing 207 inside the housing 207. The support portion 250 may also include a support portion other than the ribs 250a and 250b. For example, a rib or the like may be provided separately to fix the position of the spring member 242. Furthermore, the support portion 250 may have a configuration other than a rib.

[0091] 24, the second connector 300A has a configuration similar to that of the second connector 300 (see FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment. Specifically, the second connector 300A includes a housing 302 and connection pins 310 and 312 provided within the housing 302. The second communication line 74 includes communication lines 74a and 74b. An end of the communication line 74a is electrically connected to the connection pin 310, and an end of the communication line 74b is electrically connected to the connection pin 312. When the second connector 300A is connected to the first connector 200B (see FIG. 23), the connection pins 310 and 312 of the second connector 300A are electrically connected to the connection pins 210 and 212 of the first connector 200B, respectively. An end of the second communication line 74 is located within the second connector 300A (housing 302).

[0092] The second connector 300A further includes a cut-off limiting unit 320A that, when connected to the first connector 200B, limits the cut-off of signals within the communication band by the signal cut-off unit 220b. That is, the second connector 300A includes the cut-off limiting unit 320A instead of the cut-off limiting unit 320 (see FIG. 3). The cut-off limiting unit 320A includes, for example, a pin member 322A provided between the connection pin 310 and the connection pin 312. The pin member 322A is made of an insulating material such as a resin material and is provided within the housing 302 so as to extend along the connection pins 310 and 312. The pin member 322A may have a configuration similar to the push-up pin 322 (see FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment.

[0093] When the second connector 300A is connected to the first connector 200B (see Figure 23), this pin member 322A presses the spring member 242 of the first connector 200B and functions as a switching unit that switches the state of the spring member 242 relative to the first communication line 72 from a connected state (contact state) to a non-connected state (non-contact state).

[0094] 25 , when the second connector 300A, which is a proper connector, is connected to the first connector 200B, the pin member 322A presses the spring member 242. This causes the spring member 242 to deform (bend), and the spring member 242 moves away from the communication lines 74a and 74b. That is, the pin member 322A switches the state of the spring member 242 with respect to the first communication line 72 from a contact state to a non-contact state. Therefore, when the proper connector (the second connector 300A) is connected to the first connector 200B, the short-circuit state of the first communication line 72 is eliminated, and the stub filter is disconnected from the first communication line 72. This allows signals within the communication band to pass, enabling normal communication.

[0095] In this way, the pin member 322A of the second connector 300A can disable the blocking of signals within the communication band by the blocking limiter 320A. When the second connector 300A is detached from the first connector 200B, the spring member 242 returns to a state of contact with the communication lines 72a and 72b.

[0096] 26, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to first connector 200B, the spring member 242 remains in contact with both communication line 72a and communication line 72b because the unauthorized connector 400 does not have pin member 322A (see FIG. 24). In this case, spring member 242 serving as stub filter 224 functions as a short stub, and first communication line 72 is short-circuited. In this way, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to first connector 200B, communication is suppressed.

[0097] In this embodiment, too, a wire harness using a flat cable can be used, as in the second embodiment.

[0098] Connector system 100A according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0099] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0100] (Fifth embodiment) The connector system according to this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the state of the conductive member relative to the first communication line is switched from a connected state (contact state) to a non-connected state (non-contact state) by rotating the conductive member that shorts the first communication line.

[0101] 27 and 28, connector system 100B according to the present embodiment includes a first connector 200C (FIG. 27) and a second connector 300B (FIG. 28). Referring to FIG. 27, first connector 200C includes a housing 208 and connection pins 210 and 212 provided within housing 208. An end of communication line 72a is electrically connected to connection pin 210, and an end of communication line 72b is electrically connected to connection pin 212.

[0102] The first connector 200C according to this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that it includes a signal blocking unit 220c instead of the signal blocking unit 220b (see FIG. 23 ). The signal blocking unit 220c includes a conductive member 244 that shorts the first communication line 72 by connecting (contacting) the first communication line 72 in the first connector 200C. The conductive member 244 includes, for example, a metal member 246 (hereinafter referred to as the metal member 246). As in the fourth embodiment, the metal member 246 may be a metal spring member. This metal member 246 may also have a shape that functions as a stub filter. In a normal state (e.g., when the second connector 300B is not connected), the metal member 246 is in contact with the communication line 72a and the communication line 72b. That is, the metal member 246 has the function of shorting the first communication line 72 by electrically connecting the communication line 72a and the communication line 72b. The conductive member 244 may be made of a material other than a metal material as long as it is a material that is conductive.

[0103] The metal member 246 functions as the stub filter 224, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the metal member 246 can also be considered a filter member. When the metal member 246 is in contact with (connected to) the communication lines 72a and 72b, it functions as a short stub. In this case, the metal member 246 (filter member) blocks signals within the band used for communication between on-board devices.

[0104] The housing 208 includes a support portion 252 that supports the metal member 246 in a manner that allows it to be switchably connected (in contact) and disconnected (out of contact) with the first communication line 72. The support portion 252 includes, for example, a resin support shaft 252a that is fixed to the metal member 246. The support shaft 252a is attached to the housing 208 so that the metal member 246 is rotatable. Note that a biasing spring, a stopper, or the like may be separately provided so that the metal member 246 is in contact with the communication lines 72a and 72b in the normal state.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 28 , the second connector 300B has a configuration similar to that of the second connector 300A (see FIG. 24 ) shown in the fourth embodiment. However, the second connector 300B differs from the fourth embodiment in that it includes a cutoff limiting section 320B instead of the cutoff limiting section 320A (see FIG. 24 ). The cutoff limiting section 320B includes a pin member 322B similar to the pin member 322A (see FIG. 24 ). The pin member 322B is disposed between the connection pin 310 and the connection pin 312, shifted toward one of the pins (here, the connection pin 310 side). Depending on the position of the support shaft 252 a, the pin member 322B may be disposed, for example, in the center between the connection pin 310 and the connection pin 312.

[0106] When the second connector 300B is connected to the first connector 200C (see Figure 27), this pin member 322B presses the metal member 246 of the first connector 200C to rotate the metal member 246, and functions as a switching unit that switches the state of the metal member 246 relative to the first communication line 72 from a connected state (contact state) to a non-connected state (non-contact state).

[0107] 29 , when the second connector 300B, which is a proper connector, is connected to the first connector 200C, the pin member 322B presses the metal member 246. This causes the metal member 246 to rotate around the support shaft 252a as a fulcrum, and the metal member 246 moves away from the communication lines 74a and 74b. That is, the pin member 322B switches the state of the metal member 246 relative to the first communication line 72 from a contact state to a non-contact state. Therefore, when the proper connector (the second connector 300B) is connected to the first connector 200C, the short-circuit state of the first communication line 72 is eliminated, and the stub filter is disconnected from the first communication line 72. This allows signals within the communication band to pass, enabling normal communication.

[0108] In this way, the pin member 322B of the second connector 300B can disable the blocking of signals within the communication band by the blocking limiter 320B. When the second connector 300B is detached from the first connector 200C, the metal member 246 returns to a state of contact with the communication lines 72a and 72b.

[0109] 30, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200C, the unauthorized connector 400 does not have pin member 322B (see FIG. 28), and therefore the metal member 246 remains in contact with both the communication line 72a and the communication line 72b. In this case, the metal member 246 serving as the stub filter 224 functions as a short stub, and the first communication line 72 is short-circuited. In this way, when an unauthorized connector 400 is connected to the first connector 200C, communication is suppressed.

[0110] In this embodiment, too, a wire harness using a flat cable can be used, as in the second embodiment.

[0111] Connector system 100B according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore can easily improve communication security with a simple configuration.

[0112] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first or fourth embodiment.

[0113] Sixth Embodiment An example of an in-vehicle device including a connector will be described with reference to Fig. 31. In-vehicle device 1000 according to this embodiment includes a mounting board 1010, a connector 1020 attached to mounting board 1010, an electronic component 1030 mounted on mounting board 1010, and a communication line 1040 connecting electronic component 1030 and connector 1020.

[0114] The connector 1020 has the same configuration as the first connector described in the first embodiment. That is, the connector 1020 includes a signal blocking unit 1022 that is similar to the signal blocking unit of the first connector. The signal blocking unit 1022 includes a stub filter.

[0115] The connector 1020 is connectable to a specific connector 1100. The specific connector 1100 has a configuration similar to that of the second connector shown in the first embodiment. That is, the specific connector 1100 includes a cutoff limiting section 1110 similar to the cutoff limiting section of the second connector. The cutoff limiting section 1110 includes a characteristic inverting section that inverts the characteristics of the stub filter. The characteristic inverting section can be a boost member, as shown in the first embodiment.

[0116] This allows the in-vehicle device 1000 to communicate when the specified connector 1100 is connected, but can block communication when an unauthorized connector is connected.

[0117] The connector 1020 of the in-vehicle device 1000 may have a configuration similar to that of the first connector shown in the third embodiment. In this case, the signal blocking unit 1022 of the connector 1020 includes a wideband filter. The cut-off limiting unit 1110 of the specific connector 1100 may have a configuration similar to that of the cut-off limiting unit of the second connector shown in the third embodiment. Furthermore, the connector 1020 of the in-vehicle device 1000 may be the first connector shown in the fourth embodiment or may have a configuration similar to that of the first connector shown in the fourth embodiment.

[0118] The configurations of the connector 1020 and the specific connector 1100 may be reversed. The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first, third, fourth or fifth embodiment.

[0119] (Modification) In the above embodiment, an example in which the wire harness includes two communication lines has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. The number of communication lines may be three or more.

[0120] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the resonant frequency of the stub filter is located outside the communication band. Also, an example has been shown in which the designated frequency of the wideband filter is located outside the communication band. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. As long as the communication band is secured in the proper connector combination, the filter provided in the connector system may have any characteristics at frequencies other than those mentioned above.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a spring member, a rod-shaped member, a metal member, or a conductive member that functions as a stub filter comes into contact with a communication line to become a short stub. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. The ground of the short stub may be something other than the communication line. In other words, the spring member, the rod-shaped member, the metal member, or the conductive member may be configured to become a short stub by coming into contact with a ground other than the communication line.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the limiting / cutting portion of the second connector includes a boost member. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. The limiting / cutting portion may include a member other than a boost member as long as it is capable of limiting the cutoff of signals within the communication band.

[0123] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the first connector is connected to the communication line of the first in-vehicle device and the second connector is connected to the communication line of the second in-vehicle device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. A configuration in which the second connector is connected to the communication line of the first in-vehicle device and the first connector is connected to the communication line of the second in-vehicle device may also be used. Furthermore, for example, the first connector may be connected to a communication line of an in-vehicle device that stores highly confidential information.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first connector is provided with a signal blocking portion and the second connector is provided with a blocking limiting portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the first connector and the second connector may each be provided with a signal blocking portion and a blocking limiting portion. In this case, when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the signal blocking portion of the first connector is limited to blocking signals by the blocking limiting portion of the second connector, and the signal blocking portion of the second connector is limited to blocking signals by the blocking limiting portion of the first connector.

[0125] Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the techniques disclosed above are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0126] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims in the scope of the claims, taking into consideration the description of the detailed description of the invention, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein.

[0127] 30 Open stub 32 Transmission line 34 Short stub 36 Ground 40 Vehicle 50 First on-board device 52 First communication unit 60 Second on-board device 62 Second communication unit 70, 72a, 72b, 74a, 74b, 510, 520, 1040 Communication line 72 First communication line 74 Second communication line 80, 82 First wire harness 90, 92 Second wire harness 100, 100A, 100B, 600 Connector system 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 700 First connector 202, 204, 207, 208, 302, 702, 802 Housing 206 Stopper 210, 212, 310, 312, 710, 712, 810, 812, 910, 912 Connection pin 220, 220a, 220b, 220c, 542, 720, 1022 Signal blocking portion 222, 242 Spring member 224 Stub filter 230 Rod-shaped member 232, 252a Support shaft 240, 244 Conductive member 246 Metal member 250, 252 Support portion 250a, 250b Rib 300, 300A, 300B, 800 Second connector 320, 320A, 320B, 552, 820, 1110 Blocking limiting portion 322 Push-up pin 322A, 322B Pin member 400, 900 Incorrect connector 500 Wire harness 530 Holding member 540, 550, 1020 Connector 1000 In-vehicle device 1010 Mounting board 1030 Electronic component 1100 Specific connector C1, C2 Connection part a Electrical length A Arrow f Resonance frequency

Claims

1. A connector system used in a communication line connecting communication between a first communication unit and a second communication unit, connecting a first communication line on the first communication unit side and a second communication line on the second communication unit side, comprising: a first connector to which one end of the first communication line is connected, and which includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for the communication; and a second connector to which one end of the second communication line is connected, and which is connected to the first connector, wherein the second connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the first connector.

2. A connector system as described in claim 1, wherein the signal blocking section includes a filter having blocking characteristics that block signals within the band, and the blocking limiting section includes a characteristic inversion section that inverts the characteristics of the filter.

3. The connector system described in claim 2, wherein the filter includes a stub filter provided on the first communication line in the first connector, the stub filter functions as a short stub that blocks signals in the band when a connector other than the second connector is connected to the first connector, and functions as an open stub that passes signals in the band when the second connector is connected to the first connector.

4. The connector system of claim 2, wherein the filter is provided on a first connection pin of the first connector, the characteristic inversion unit is provided on a second connection pin of the second connector, and the filter functions as a high-pass filter that blocks signals within the band and passes signals of higher frequencies than the band when a connection pin of a connector different from the second connector is connected to the first connection pin, and functions as a low-pass filter that passes signals within the band and blocks signals of higher frequencies than the band when the second connection pin is connected to the first connection pin.

5. A connector system as described in claim 1, wherein the signal blocking unit includes a conductive member that shorts out the first communication line by being connected to the first communication line in the first connector, and the blocking limiting unit includes a switching unit that switches the state of the conductive member relative to the first communication line from a connected state to a non-connected state.

6. A connector system as described in claim 5, wherein the conductive member includes a metallic filter member having blocking characteristics for blocking signals within the band, the first connector includes a support portion that supports the filter member in a manner that allows it to be switched between a connected state and a non-connected state with respect to the first communication line, and the switching portion includes a pin member that presses the filter member when the second connector is connected to the first connector, thereby switching the state of the filter member with respect to the first communication line from a connected state to a non-connected state.

7. A connector for connection to a communication line, comprising: a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector, the specific connector comprising a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector, and the connector enables communication when connected to the specific connector.

8. A connector for connection to a communication line, said connector being connectable to a specific connector including a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication, said connector including a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by said signal blocking unit when said connector is connected to said specific connector.

9. A wire harness including a communication line and a connector connected to an end of the communication line, wherein the connector includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector, the specific connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector, and the wire harness enables communication when the connector is connected to the specific connector.

10. A wire harness including a communication line and a connector connected to an end of the communication line, the connector being connectable to a specific connector including a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication, the connector including a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the specific connector.

11. The wire harness according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a sheet-like holding member for holding the communication line.

12. An in-vehicle device including a connector, wherein the connector includes a signal blocking unit that blocks signals within a band used for communication when the connector is connected to a connector other than a predetermined specific connector, the specific connector includes a blocking limiting unit that limits the blocking of signals within the band by the signal blocking unit when connected to the connector, and the connector of the in-vehicle device enables communication when connected to the specific connector.