Cable set

Abstract

A cable set (10) comprises a first connector (41), a second connector (42), first cables (20), and second cables (30). Each first cable (20) has a first terminal (201) fixed to the first connector (41) and a second terminal (202) fixed to the second connector (42), and provides electrical conduction between the first connector (41) and the second connector (42). Each second cable (30) has a third terminal (301) fixed to the first connector (41) and a fourth terminal (302) fixed to the second connector (42). The length between the third terminal (301) and the fourth terminal (302) of each second cable (30) is less than the length between the first terminal (201) and the second terminal (202) of each first cable (20).

Description

Cable set

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable set including a plurality of cables and connectors connected to both ends of the cables.

[0002] The cable connection structure for electronic devices described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of cables, a connector socket, and a bundling part. The plurality of cables includes a plurality of cables for actual wiring and a plurality of dummy cables.

[0003] One end of each of the plurality of wiring cables and one end of each of the plurality of dummy cables are inserted into and fixed to the connector socket, and the plurality of wiring cables and the plurality of dummy cables are bundled together using a bundling section.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-245927

[0005] However, in the cable wiring structure for electronic devices described in Patent Document 1, for example, if a worker touches one of the cables during work, stress such as tension is applied to the wiring cable, which may cause the wiring cable to become disconnected or break.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cable set that suppresses undesirable external stresses on cables that have an electrical connection function.

[0007] A cable set according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector, a second connector, a first cable, and a second cable. The first cable has a first terminal fixed to the first connector and a second terminal fixed to the second connector, providing electrical continuity between the first and second connectors. The second cable has a third terminal fixed to the first connector and a fourth terminal fixed to the second connector, providing no electrical continuity between the first and second connectors. The length between the third and fourth terminals of the second cable is shorter than the length between the first and second terminals of the first cable.

[0008] In this configuration, when the second cable and the first cable are pulled, the tensile stress is applied to the relatively shorter second cable, and the tensile stress is less likely to be applied to the first cable, thereby suppressing undesired external stress applied to the first cable, which has the function of electrical connection.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress undesired external stress applied to a cable having an electrical connection function.

[0010] FIG. 1(A) is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1(B) is an end view showing an example of the cable set according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the cable set according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a power supply system in which a cable set according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a structure including a cable set of a derivative example.

[0011] [First embodiment] A cable set according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1(A) is a plan view showing an example of the cable set according to the first embodiment, Fig. 1(B) is an end view showing an example of the cable set according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the cable set according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the cable set 10 includes a plurality of first cables 20, a plurality of second cables 30, a first connector 41, and a second connector .

[0013] The first cables 20 and the second cables 30 each have a structure in which a linear conductor is covered with an insulator. The first cables 20 and the second cables 30 are made of the same material. The first cables 20 and the second cables 30 may be made of different materials. The flexibility of each cable may be the same or different. The flexibility of the second cables 30 may be less than or equal to that of the first cables 20.

[0014] The first connector 41 has an insulating main body. The main body is, for example, elongated in one direction, and has an end face 411 at one longitudinal end and an end face 412 at the other longitudinal end. A plurality of conductive sockets (hereinafter simply referred to as sockets) are formed in the main body of the first connector 41. The plurality of sockets are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The second connector 42 has the same structure as the first connector 41. The main body of the second connector 42 has an end face 421 at one longitudinal end and an end face 422 at the other longitudinal end. Similar to the main body of the first connector 41, the main body of the second connector 42 has a plurality of sockets formed therein. The plurality of sockets are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction.

[0016] One linear end of each of the first cables 20 is electrically connected to and fixed to one of the sockets of the first connector 41. More specifically, one ends of each of the first cables 20 are connected to the sockets adjacent to the end face 411.

[0017] The portion of the first cable 20 that is connected to and fixed to the first connector 41 is the first terminal 201 of the first cable 20 .

[0018] The other linear ends of the plurality of first cables 20 are electrically connected to and fixed to the plurality of sockets of the second connector 42. More specifically, the other ends of the plurality of first cables 20 are connected to the plurality of sockets adjacent to the end face 421.

[0019] The portion of the first cable 20 that is connected to and fixed to the second connector 42 is the second terminal 202 of the first cable 20 .

[0020] One ends of the linear shapes of the plurality of second cables 30 are fixed to the plurality of sockets of the first connector 41. More specifically, one ends of the plurality of second cables 30 are connected to the plurality of sockets on the end face 412 side of the sockets to which the plurality of first cables 20 are fixed.

[0021] The portion of the second cable 30 that is connected to and fixed to the first connector 41 is a third terminal 301 of the second cable 30 .

[0022] The other linear ends of the plurality of second cables 30 are fixed to the plurality of sockets of the second connector 42. More specifically, the other ends of the plurality of second cables 30 are connected to the plurality of sockets closer to the end face 422 than the sockets to which the plurality of first cables 20 are fixed.

[0023] The portion of the second cable 30 that is connected to and fixed to the second connector 42 is a fourth terminal 302 of the second cable 30 .

[0024] The cable set 10 having such a configuration is used, for example, as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a power supply system in which the cable set according to the embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, the power supply system includes a plurality of power supply shelves 91 and 92. The plurality of power supply shelves 91 and 92 are mounted in a rack (not shown). For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the power supply shelf 91 is disposed above the power supply shelf 92 by the rack.

[0026] A rear surface 910 of the power shelf 91 and a rear surface 920 of the power shelf 92 are at approximately the same position in the horizontal direction. A side surface SE91 of the power shelf 91 and a side surface SE92 of the power shelf 92 are at approximately the same position in the horizontal direction.

[0027] A concave connector is provided on the rear surface of the power shelf 91, near the side surface SE91. A concave connector is provided on the rear surface of the power shelf 92, near the side surface SE92.

[0028] The first connector 41 of the cable set 10 is attached to the female connector of the power shelf 91. The second connector 42 of the cable set 10 is attached to the female connector of the power shelf 92. With this configuration, the power shelf 91 and the power shelf 92 are electrically connected via the plurality of first cables 20. That is, the first cables 20 are cables used in the actual wiring that actually connects the power shelf 91 and the power shelf 92. On the other hand, the plurality of second cables 30 are not involved in the electrical connection between the power shelf 91 and the power shelf 92. That is, the second cables 30 are dummy cables that are not used in the actual wiring that actually connects the power shelf 91 and the power shelf 92.

[0029] At this time, the cable set 10 is attached to the power supply shelf 91 and the power supply shelf 92 so that the plurality of first cables 20 are closer to the side surfaces SE91 and SE92 than the plurality of second cables 30.

[0030] In the above configuration, the length between the third terminal 301 and the fourth terminal 302 in the plurality of second cables 30 (dummy wiring length) is shorter than the length between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 in the plurality of first cables 20 (actual wiring length). Conversely, the length between the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 in the plurality of first cables 20 (actual wiring length) is longer than the length between the third terminal 301 and the fourth terminal 302 in the plurality of second cables 30 (dummy wiring length).

[0031] Here, for example, suppose that a worker accidentally contacts and pulls the plurality of second cables 30 and the plurality of first cables 20. However, since the plurality of second cables 30 are shorter than the plurality of first cables 20, the stress (tension) caused by the pulling is preferentially applied to the plurality of second cables 30.

[0032] This makes it possible to suppress undesired tension (stress) applied to the plurality of first cables 20. Therefore, damage to the plurality of first cables 20 can be suppressed.

[0033] In this case, the second cable 30 is substantially the same as the first cable 20. Therefore, there is no need to separately prepare a member (such as a cable with higher rigidity) that is not necessary for electrical connection in order to suppress undesired tension on the first cable 20. Therefore, undesired tension applied to the first cable 20 can be suppressed with a simpler configuration.

[0034] 3 , in the cable set 10, the multiple first cables 20 are arranged closer to the side surfaces SE91 and SE92 on the rear surfaces 910 and 920 than the multiple second cables 30. As a result, the multiple second cables 30 are arranged closer to the main working area Rw where a worker works on the rear surfaces of the power supply shelves 91 and 92 than the multiple first cables 20. As a result, even if a worker unintentionally touches the side surfaces SE91 and SE92, the worker will first come into contact with the multiple second cables 30. This makes it possible to prevent unintentional contact with the multiple first cables 20, and further reduce damage and the like.

[0035] It should be noted that the multiple first cables 20 do not all need to be the same length. Also, the multiple second cables 30 do not all need to be the same length. In such cases, it is sufficient that the length of the longest second cable 30 is shorter than the length of the shortest first cable 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the number of first cables 20 and the number of second cables 30 are not limited to the numbers shown in the respective drawings (two first cables 20 and four second cables 30). The number of first cables 20 is determined based on the specifications of the power supply system. The number of second cables 30 may be any number that can suppress breakage of the first cables 20 as described above, and it is preferable that the number of second cables 30 is equal to or greater than the number of first cables 20, for example.

[0037] Furthermore, the length of the second cable 30 is preferably 80% or more (less than 100%) of the length of the first cable 20. This prevents the first cable 20 from becoming undesirably long relative to the second cable 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first cable 20 from being too long and touching the other cable first, and the second cable 30 can more effectively prevent undesirable tension from being applied to the first cable 20.

[0038] Second Embodiment A cable set according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to the second embodiment.

[0039] 4, the cable set 10A according to the second embodiment differs from the cable set 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of second cables 30A that are separated midway and an insulating cover member 50. The other configuration of the cable set 10A is the same as that of the cable set 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0040] The cable set 10A includes a plurality of second cables 30A and an insulating cover member 50. The second cables 30A have a structure in which the second cables 30 shown in the first embodiment are divided midway, and are composed of second cables 31 and 32.

[0041] The plurality of second cables 31 are connected to and fixed to the first connector 41, and have third terminals 301 at the ends connected to and fixed to the first connector 41. The plurality of second cables 32 are connected to and fixed to the second connector 42, and have fourth terminals 302 at the ends connected to and fixed to the second connector 42.

[0042] The end of second cable 31 opposite to third terminal 301 and the end of second cable 32 opposite to fourth terminal 302 are separated in proximity to each other and are not electrically connected. The portion where second cable 31 and second cable 32 are separated in proximity to each other is the divided portion of second cable 30A.

[0043] The insulating cover member 50 is formed so as to cover the divided portion-side ends of the plurality of second cables 31 and the divided portion-side ends of the plurality of second cables 32. As a result, the divided portion-side ends of the plurality of second cables 31 and the divided portion-side ends of the plurality of second cables 32 are physically connected and fixed by the insulating cover member 50.

[0044] The insulating cover member 50 is realized by, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube having insulating properties.

[0045] With this configuration, the cable set 10A has the same effects as the cable set 10, and can more reliably block power and signals passing through the second cable 30A between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0046] It is preferable that the flexibility of the portion of the second cable 30A that is covered with the insulating cover member 50 is higher than the flexibility of the portion of the second cable 30A that is not covered with the insulating cover member.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferable that the width of the insulating cover member 50 (the length in the direction in which the plurality of second cables 30A are arranged) be longer than the length of the plurality of second cables 30A arranged in contact with one another.

[0048] As a result, the insulating cover member 50 is more likely to be subjected to undesired contact and to introduce undesired tension into the plurality of second cables 30A. Therefore, the cable set 10A can more reliably suppress undesired tension in the plurality of first cables 20.

[0049] Third Embodiment A cable set according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to the third embodiment.

[0050] 5, the cable set 10B according to the third embodiment differs from the cable set 10A according to the second embodiment in that a plurality of first cables 20 are adhered to an insulating cover member 50. The other configuration of the cable set 10B is the same as that of the cable set 10A, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0051] The cable set 10B includes a plurality of first cables 20B, a plurality of second cables 30B, and an adhesive 500. The plurality of second cables 30B have the same configuration as the plurality of second cables 30A.

[0052] The plurality of first cables 20B are adhered to the insulating cover member 50 using an adhesive 500. With this configuration, the cable set 10B can prevent the plurality of first cables 20 from being subjected to undesirable tension individually.

[0053] Furthermore, the first cables 20B are not bonded to the insulating cover member at the shortest distance from the first terminals 201 and the second terminals 202, but are bonded in a manner that allows a predetermined degree of flexure. With this configuration, even if undesired tension is applied to the insulating cover member 50 and the second cables 30B, it is possible to prevent tension from being applied to the first cables 20B.

[0054] With this configuration, the cable set 10B achieves the same effects as the cable set 10A, and can also prevent the plurality of first cables 20 from being subjected to undesirable tension individually.

[0055] It is preferable that the adhesive 500 be made of a material that can achieve elastic adhesion. Elastic adhesion means that the adhesive becomes, for example, a rubber-like elastic body after hardening and adheres. In other words, it means that the adhesive is not firmly adhered, but rather adheres with a certain degree of softness and flexibility. By using elastic adhesion, even if undesired tension is applied to the insulating cover member 50 and the multiple second cables 30B, the elasticity of the adhesive 500 can prevent tension from being applied to the multiple first cables 20B.

[0056] [Fourth embodiment] A cable set according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a cable set according to the fourth embodiment.

[0057] 6, the cable set 10C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the cable set 10C according to the first embodiment in that a plurality of first cables 20 are wound around a plurality of second cables 30. Other configurations of the cable set 10C are the same as those of the cable set 10, and therefore a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0058] In the cable set 10C, the plurality of first cables 20 are wound around the plurality of second cables 30. At this time, the plurality of first cables 20 are loosely wound around the plurality of second cables 30. Loosely wound means that the plurality of second cables 30 are not tightened, and tension is not immediately applied to the plurality of first cables 20 even if the plurality of second cables 30 are deformed.

[0059] As a result, the cable set 10C can prevent the multiple first cables 20 from being subjected to undesired tension individually, and can prevent tension from being applied to the multiple first cables 20 even if undesired tension is applied to the multiple second cables 30.

[0060] [Derivative Examples] In each of the above-described embodiments, the cable set main body is provided with various characteristic configurations, but a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 7 may also be added.

[0061] 7 is a plan view of a structure including a cable set according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the structure includes the cable set 10, a circuit board 981, and a circuit board 982.

[0062] The first connector 41 of the cable set 10 is mounted or attached to the circuit board 981. A plurality of wiring conductor patterns 991 are formed on the circuit board 981. The circuit board 981 corresponds to the "first circuit board," and the plurality of wiring conductor patterns 991 correspond to the "first wiring patterns."

[0063] The plurality of wiring conductor patterns 991 are electrically connected to sockets in the first connector 41 to which the plurality of first cables 20 are connected. The circuit board 981 does not have any wiring conductor patterns formed thereon that are electrically connected to sockets in the first connector 41 to which the plurality of second cables 30 are connected. In other words, the third terminals 301 of the plurality of second cables 30 are electrically open.

[0064] The second connector 42 of the cable set 10 is mounted or attached to the circuit board 982. A plurality of wiring conductor patterns 992 are formed on the circuit board 982. The circuit board 982 corresponds to the "second circuit board," and the plurality of wiring conductor patterns 992 correspond to the "second wiring patterns."

[0065] The plurality of wiring conductor patterns 992 are electrically connected to sockets in the second connector 42 to which the plurality of first cables 20 are connected. The circuit board 982 does not have any wiring conductor patterns formed thereon that are electrically connected to sockets in the second connector 42 to which the plurality of second cables 30 are connected. In other words, the fourth terminals 302 of the plurality of second cables 30 are electrically open.

[0066] With this configuration, the structure including the cable set can suppress undesired tension applied to the multiple first cables 20, and can more reliably block power and signals passing through the second cables 30.

[0067] The configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and effects corresponding to each combination can be achieved.

[0068] Note that a cable used for actual wiring is a cable that can transmit the necessary signals / power, and a dummy cable is a cable that does not transmit the necessary signals / power. A dummy cable may be insulated midway through the cable to prevent the passage of signals / power, or the board to which the cable is connected may be left open to prevent the passage of signals / power.

[0069] The disadvantage of a dummy cable being conductive is that unnecessary signals / power are transmitted. If necessary signals are conducted using a dummy cable, there is a disadvantage that the necessary signals / power cannot be transmitted if the dummy cable is subjected to tension and breaks. Dummy cables must be insulated somewhere along the cable or by a circuit board to prevent the transmission of signals / power.

[0070] <1> A cable set comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a first cable having a first terminal fixed to the first connector and a second terminal fixed to the second connector, providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; and a second cable having a third terminal fixed to the first connector and a fourth terminal fixed to the second connector, providing no electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector, wherein a length between the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the second cable is shorter than a length between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first cable.

[0071] <2> The cable set according to <1>, wherein the flexibility of the second cable is equal to or less than the flexibility of the first cable.

[0072] <3> The cable set according to <1> or <2>, wherein the material of the first cable and the material of the second cable are the same.

[0073] <4> The cable set according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the second cable is electrically disconnected at a midpoint between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and the disconnected portion is covered with an insulating cover member.

[0074] <5> The cable set according to <4>, wherein the flexibility of the portion covered with the insulating cover member is higher than the flexibility of the portion of the second cable that is not covered with the insulating cover member.

[0075] <6> The cable set according to <4> or <5>, wherein the width of the insulating cover member is longer than the length of the second cables arranged in contact with each other.

[0076] <7> The cable set according to any one of <4> to <6>, wherein the first cable is adhered to the insulating cover member.

[0077] <8> The cable set according to <7>, wherein the first cable is elastically bonded to the insulating cover member.

[0078] <9> The cable set according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the first cable is arranged by being wound around the second cable.

[0079] <10> The cable set according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the length between the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the second cable is 80% or more of the length between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first cable.

[0080] <11> The cable set of <1> comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a first cable having a first terminal fixed to the first connector and a second terminal fixed to the second connector, providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; a second cable having a third terminal fixed to the first connector and a fourth terminal fixed to the second connector, providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; a first circuit board on which the first connector is mounted; and a second circuit board on which the second connector is mounted, wherein a length between the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the second cable is shorter than a length between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first cable, the first circuit board has a first wiring pattern connected to the first terminal of the first connector, and the second circuit board has a second wiring pattern connected to the second terminal of the second connector, and the third terminal of the first connector and the fourth terminal of the second connector are electrically open.

[0081] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: Cable set 20, 20B: First cable 30, 30A, 30B, 31, 32: Second cable 41: First connector 42: Second connector 50: Insulating cover member 91, 92: Power supply shelf 201: First terminal 202: Second terminal 301: Third terminal 302: Fourth terminal 411, 412, 421, 422: End face 500: Adhesive 910, 920: Back face 981, 982: Circuit board 991, 992: Wiring conductor pattern Rw: Work area SE91: Side face SE92: Side face

Claims

1. a first connector; A second connector; a first cable having a first terminal fixed to the first connector and a second terminal fixed to the second connector, and providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; a second cable having a third terminal fixed to the first connector and a fourth terminal fixed to the second connector, the second cable not providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; Equipped with a length between the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the second cable is shorter than a length between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first cable; Cable set.

2. The flexibility of the second cable is equal to or less than the flexibility of the first cable. The cable set according to claim 1 .

3. The material of the first cable and the material of the second cable are the same. The cable set according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second cable is electrically disconnected at a midpoint between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, The divided portion is covered with an insulating cover member. The cable set according to claim 1 .

5. The flexibility of the portion of the second cable that is covered with the insulating cover member is higher than the flexibility of the portion of the second cable that is not covered with the insulating cover member. The cable set according to claim 4.

6. The width of the insulating cover member is longer than the length of the second cables arranged in contact with each other. The cable set according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first cable is bonded to the insulating cover member. The cable set according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The first cable is elastically bonded to the insulating cover member. The cable set according to claim 7.

9. The first cable is wound around the second cable. The cable set according to claim 1 .

10. a length of the second cable between the third terminal and the fourth terminal is 80% or more of a length of the first cable between the first terminal and the second terminal; The cable set according to claim 1 .

11. a first connector; A second connector; a first cable having a first terminal fixed to the first connector and a second terminal fixed to the second connector, and providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; a second cable having a third terminal fixed to the first connector and a fourth terminal fixed to the second connector, and providing electrical continuity between the first connector and the second connector; a first circuit board on which the first connector is mounted; a second circuit board on which the second connector is mounted; Equipped with a length between the third terminal and the fourth terminal of the second cable is shorter than a length between the first terminal and the second terminal of the first cable; the first circuit board includes a first wiring pattern connected to the first terminal of the first connector; the second circuit board includes a second wiring pattern connected to the second terminal of the second connector, the third terminal of the first connector and the fourth terminal of the second connector are electrically open; The cable set according to claim 1 .