JP6429601B2 - Flexible flat cable connector and rotary connector device including the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a connection tool welded to a conductor portion of a flexible flat cable.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a rotary connector device for electrically connecting a rotating side and a fixed side, for example, on a steering side and a vehicle body side of an automobile. In general, the steering of an automobile is provided with a device such as an air bag that requires a reliable operation in an emergency. For this reason, a rotary connector having a configuration in which a steering side and a vehicle body side are connected by a flexible flat cable or the like configured in a ribbon shape without using a low-reliability sliding electrode or the like is employed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses this type of rotary connector device. The rotary connector device of Patent Document 1 is a flexible flat having a certain length in an annular space formed between a cylindrical outer cylindrical portion of a stator and a cylindrical inner cylindrical portion of a rotator. It is the structure accommodated in the state which wound the cable. This flexible flat cable electrically connects a connector included in the stator and a connector included in the rotator. The flexible flat cable is wound in one direction within the annular space, and then the direction in which the flexible flat cable is wound is reversed into a U shape and wound in the opposite direction. With this configuration, the rotator can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the number of times corresponding to the length of the flexible flat cable.

  By the way, a flexible flat cable is obtained by coating a plurality of thin conductors with a resin or the like, and when connecting the flexible flat cable and an external electrical component, it is connected via a connector as shown in Patent Document 2. The structure to perform is common.

  The bus bar shown in Patent Document 2 has a metal terminal portion. One end of the terminal portion is connected to a conductor portion of a flat cable, and the other end is connected to a core wire of an electric component. With this configuration, the flat cable and an external electrical component can be electrically connected.

JP 2001-126636 A JP-A-11-31542

  By the way, with the recent increase in electrical components and communication volume, this type of rotary connector device may bundle and accommodate a plurality of flexible flat cables. In this case, in order to connect the flexible flat cable and the electrical component, the same number of connectors (terminal portions) as the flexible flat cable are required. In this case, in the manufacturing process of the rotary connector device, the worker sets the connection tool on the workbench and welds it to the flexible flat cable, and then sets another connection tool on the workbench and connects the other flexible flat cable to the workbench. It is necessary to perform welding. Therefore, the time required for welding becomes long.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is a connector provided in a rotary connector device or the like having a plurality of flexible flat cables, and has a configuration in which the time required for welding is shortened. It is to provide.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

According to the 1st viewpoint of this invention, the connection tool for flexible flat cables of the following structures is provided. That is, the flexible flat cable connector includes a first flexible flat cable, a second flexible flat cable, a first cable connecting portion, a second cable connecting portion, and a connecting portion. The first flexible flat cable has a plurality of conductor portions arranged side by side and a covering portion arranged to cover the plurality of conductor portions. The second flexible flat cable has a plurality of conductor parts arranged side by side and a covering part arranged to cover the plurality of conductor parts. The first cable connection portion includes a plurality of first bus bars and a first mold portion that collectively covers the plurality of first bus bars, and the first bus bar includes the conductor portions of the first flexible flat cable and A first weld to be welded is formed. The second cable connection portion includes a plurality of second bus bars and a second mold portion that collectively covers the plurality of second bus bars, and the second bus bar includes the conductor portion of the second flexible flat cable and A second welded portion to be welded is formed, and at least before the welding, the second welded portion is located on the same side as the first welded portion. The connecting portion connects the first cable connecting portion and the second cable connecting portion, and can be bent so that the first cable connecting portion and the second cable connecting portion overlap each other. The covering portions of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable are respectively formed with window portions that individually expose the plurality of conductor portions for welding. Before the connection portion is bent, the longitudinal direction of the first bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar are parallel to each other. The longitudinal direction of the first bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the first flexible flat cable are orthogonal to each other, and the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the second flexible flat cable are orthogonal to each other.

  Thereby, since two welding parts are located in the same surface of a connector, welding of two flexible flat cables can be performed continuously in the state which set the connector on the work bench. Therefore, the time required for welding can be shortened. Moreover, a connection part can be made compact after welding because a connection part is comprised so that bending is possible. Furthermore, since two flexible flat cables can be connected by one connection tool, the cost of manufacturing the connection tool can be reduced.

  In the flexible flat cable connector, when the size in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first welded portion or the second welded portion is referred to as thickness, before bending the connecting portion, The thickness of the connecting portion is smaller than the thickness of the portion connected to the connecting portion in the first cable connecting portion and the thickness of the portion connected to the connecting portion of the second cable connecting portion. It is preferable.

  By thinning the connection portion in this way, the connection portion can be bent with a simple configuration. In particular, since the bending is not performed many times in the present invention, it is preferable to employ such a connecting portion.

  The flexible flat cable connector is preferably configured as follows. That is, the first bus bar and the second bus bar are parallel to each other. The connecting portion is bendable about the space between the first welded portion and the second welded portion.

  Thereby, since the position of the 1st flexible flat cable after bending a connection part and the 2nd flexible flat cable can be arrange | equalized, handling of a cable becomes easy.

  In the flexible flat cable connector, before bending the connection portion, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first welded portion and the second welded portion are formed, It is preferable that at least one of the recess, the through hole, and the notch is formed.

  Thereby, force required in order to bend a connection part can be reduced.

  In the flexible flat cable connector, when the size in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first welded portion or the second welded portion is referred to as thickness, after bending the connecting portion, It is preferable that the connecting portion connects an outer side from the center in the thickness direction of the first cable connecting portion and an outer side from the center in the thickness direction of the second cable connecting portion.

  Thereby, since the curvature of a connection part can be suppressed, the force required for a bending can be reduced. Moreover, after bending a connection part, the state which piled up the 1st cable connection part and the 2nd cable connection part can be maintained favorably (a bending can be prevented from returning to the original).

  In the flexible flat cable connector described above, it is preferable that a cut is formed in the connection portion in a direction separating the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion.

  Thereby, the force required for a bending can be reduced because the notch is formed. In addition, the position (bending line) where the connecting portion is bent can always be constant.

  The flexible flat cable connector is preferably configured as follows. That is, a first engagement portion is formed in a portion of the first cable connection portion that becomes inside after the connection portion is bent. A second engagement portion is formed in a portion of the second cable connection portion that becomes inside after the connection portion is bent. After the connection portion is bent, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged.

  Thereby, since the 1st engaging part and the 2nd engaging part engage, after bending a connecting part, the state which piled up the 1st cable connecting part and the 2nd cable connecting part can be maintained favorably. .

  In the connector for flexible flat cable, it is preferable that the first welded portion and the second welded portion are located inside after the connecting portion is bent.

  Thereby, after bending a connection part, since a flexible flat cable is located inside, an operator becomes easy to hold | grip a connection tool. Therefore, the handleability of the connection tool can be improved.

  In the connector for flexible flat cable, it is preferable that the first welded portion and the second welded portion are located outside after the connecting portion is bent.

  Thereby, after bending a connection part, since flexible flat cables do not contact, between flexible flat cables can be insulated reliably.

  According to the 2nd viewpoint of this invention, a rotation connector apparatus provided with the said connector for flexible flat cables is provided.

  Thereby, the rotation connector apparatus of the structure provided with a compact connector with the short time required for welding of a flexible flat cable is realizable.

1 is an external perspective view showing an overall configuration of a rotary connector device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the mode of the flexible flat cable accommodated in the accommodation space, and a retainer. The top view of the connection tool before welding after welding of a flexible flat cable. The figure explaining the process of bending a connection tool after welding of a flexible flat cable. The figure which shows the structure of the connection tool which concerns on a 1st modification. The figure which shows the structure of the connection tool which concerns on a 2nd modification. The figure which shows the structure of the connection tool which concerns on a 3rd modification. The figure which shows the structure of the connection tool which concerns on a 4th modification. The figure which shows the structure of the connection tool which concerns on a 5th modification.

  Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A rotary connector device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a stator (fixed member) 11 and a rotator (rotary member) 12.

  The stator 11 is fixed to an appropriate member on the vehicle body side, for example, a combination switch. The stator 11 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to a steering wheel (not shown). Further, an outer cylindrical portion 31 is formed on the stator 11.

  An inner cylinder part 32 is formed in the rotator 12, and a steering wheel is inserted into the inner cylinder part 32. The rotator 12 is configured to rotate integrally with the inserted steering wheel and to rotate relative to the stator 11.

  The stator 11 and the rotator 12 are each formed with a recess for attaching the fixing pin 18. By attaching the fixing pin 18 to the recesses of the stator 11 and the rotator 12, the rotator 12 can be locked so as not to rotate with respect to the stator 11. The fixing pin 18 is temporarily attached so that the position of the rotator 12 does not deviate from the neutral position when the rotary connector device 1 is attached to the vehicle body. After the rotary connector device 1 is properly attached to the vehicle body, the rotator 12 can be rotated with respect to the stator 11 by breaking the fixing pin 18 in the middle.

  A first connector 41 is attached to the stator 11, and a second connector 42 is attached to the rotator 12. The second connector 42 rotates integrally with the rotation of the rotator 12. The first connector 41 and the second connector 42 are configured to be connectable to unillustrated cables drawn from an external electric circuit (for example, a horn switch, an airbag module, a power supply, an ECU, etc.).

  A cable housing space that is an annular space is formed between the stator 11 and the rotator 12. Specifically, the cable housing space is a space surrounded by the outer wall portion of the inner cylindrical portion 32 and the inner wall portion of the outer cylindrical portion 31. A retainer 25 and two flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are accommodated in the cable accommodating space. The retainer 25 includes a base ring 26 and a plurality of rotating rollers 27.

  The base ring 26 is a plate-like member formed in an annular shape. The base ring 26 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the rotator 12. The rotating rollers 27 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on one surface side of the base ring 26.

  The flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are accommodated in the cable accommodating space so as to be wound on the base ring 26. The first end portions 14 a and 15 a of the two flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are connected to the first connector 41.

  The flexible flat cables 14 and 15 drawn out from the first connector 41 to the cable housing space are wound so that a part thereof is along the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 31 of the stator 11 outside the retainer 25. Then, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are reversed in direction so as to be wound around one of the plurality of rotating rollers 27 (reversing unit 16 and reversing unit 17). Thereafter, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are wound inside the retainer 25 so as to follow the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 32 of the rotator 12 and are finally drawn out from the cable housing space. The second ends 14 b and 15 b of the two flexible flat cables 14 and 15 drawn out from the cable housing space are connected to the second connector 42.

  As described above, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are wound inside the cable housing space so as to have a slack of an appropriate length. It changes by doing. By appropriately rotating the retainer 25 so as to follow the change in the slack length, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 can be held in an always aligned state in the cable housing space.

  As a result, the airbag module or the like on the steering wheel side (rotating side) and the power source or the like on the vehicle body side (fixed side) can be electrically connected via the flexible flat cables 14 and 15.

  Next, with reference to FIG.3 and FIG.4, the connection tool 45 (connector for flexible flat cables) arrange | positioned inside the 1st connector 41 or the 2nd connector 42 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 3A, the connection tool 45 includes a first cable connection portion 50, a second cable connection portion 60, and a connection portion 70.

  The first cable connection part 50 includes a plurality of first bus bars 51 and a first mold part 52. The first bus bar 51 is a metal bar-like member and is arranged in parallel to each other. The 1st bus-bar 51 is comprised from the 1st welding part 51a to which the flexible flat cable 14 is welded, and the terminal connection part 51b connected to another terminal.

  The first mold part 52 is a resin member, and is an integral member that collectively covers the plurality of first bus bars 51 by insert molding or the like. The first mold part 52 covers the first bus bar 51 so as to expose at least one surface of the first weld part 51a so that the first bus bar 51 and the flexible flat cable 14 can be welded. Below, the 1st welding part 51a is exposed and the surface (surface parallel to the paper surface of Fig.3 (a)) to which the flexible flat cable 14 is welded may be called a welding surface. The first mold part 52 also has a role of holding the first bus bar 51 at a predetermined interval.

  Since the 2nd cable connection part 60 is the structure similar to the 1st cable connection part 50, it demonstrates easily. The second cable connection part 60 includes a plurality of second bus bars 61 and a second mold part 62. The second bus bar 61 is a metal bar-like member and is arranged in parallel to each other. The 2nd bus bar 61 is comprised from the 2nd welding part 61a to which the flexible flat cable 15 is welded, and the 2nd terminal connection part 61b connected to another terminal. The second mold part 62 is a resin member, and is an integral member that collectively covers the plurality of second bus bars 61 by insert molding or the like. Moreover, the welding surface of the 1st cable connection part 50 and the welding surface of the 2nd cable connection part 60 are provided in the same side (side shown by Fig.3 (a)) of the connection tool 45. FIG.

  The connection unit 70 connects the first cable connection unit 50 and the second cable connection unit 60. The connecting portion 70 is in the thickness direction of the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 (vertical direction in FIG. 4, the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first welding portion 51a or the second welding portion 61a is formed). Connect the central parts. As shown to Fig.4 (a), the connection part 70 is a thin plate-shaped member, and it is comprised so that it can be bent centering | focusing on the bending line L1. The bending line is a line that becomes the center when bent, and is a portion where a broken line is generated when bent, and a central portion of the generated arc when bent.

  Further, the connection unit 70 is configured to be thinner than the first cable connection unit 50 and the second cable connection unit 60. In more detail, the thickness of the connection part 70 is smaller than the thickness of the part connected to the connection part 70 among the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60. FIG. Moreover, the thickness of the connection part 70 can also be expressed as a size in a direction perpendicular to the welding surface (up and down direction in FIG. 4A).

  Next, a welding process for welding the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 to the connector 45 will be described in comparison with a conventional welding process.

  First, a conventional welding process will be described. Conventionally, when two flexible flat cables are provided, two connectors are used. In this case, the worker first sets the first connection tool on the work table and performs welding with the first flexible flat cable. Next, the worker places the flexible flat cable and the connection tool that have been welded in another place, and sets the second connection tool on the work table. Then, welding is performed with the second flexible flat cable. That is, in the conventional welding process, it was necessary to set the connection tool on the work table twice.

  Next, the welding process and the bending process of this embodiment will be described. The worker first sets the connection tool 45 on the work table. Then, the worker connects the first bus bar 51 (specifically, the first welded portion 51a) of the first cable connecting portion 50 and the first flexible flat cable 14 by welding.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the flexible flat cable 14 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of conductor portions 14c (the same number as the number of first bus bars 51) arranged side by side, and these conductor portions. And a covering portion 14d arranged so as to cover 14c. Further, the same number of window portions 14e as the conductor portions 14c are formed in the covering portion 14d so that the plurality of conductor portions 14c are individually exposed.

Operator, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the flexible longitudinal to the longitudinal direction of the first bus bar 51 of the flat cable 14 such that Ryakujika exchange, the flexible flat cable on the first cable connecting portion 50 14 Put on. Then, the operator performs ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, or laser welding on the window portion 14e of the flexible flat cable 14, thereby electrically connecting the plurality of conductor portions 14c and the plurality of first welding portions 51a. And mechanically connect.

  Here, the connection part 45 of this embodiment is provided with the welding location of the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 on the same side. Therefore, the operator keeps the connector 45 on the workbench, and the second bus bar 61 (specifically, the second welded portion 61a) of the second cable connecting portion 60 and the conductor of the second flexible flat cable 15 The part 15c can be connected by welding through a window part 15e formed in the covering part 15d. Since the second welding is the same as the first welding, a detailed description is omitted. As described above, by using the connection tool 45 of the present embodiment, the number of times of setting the connection tool 45 on the workbench can be reduced, so that the time required for welding can be shortened.

  Here, when the connection tool 45 is not bendable, the size of the connection tool 45 increases, and the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 extend in different directions. In this respect, the connection portion 70 of the connection tool 45 is configured to be bendable.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the operator bends the connecting portion 70 along the bending line L <b> 1 to connect the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60. Overlapping. Specifically, the first cable connection portion 50 and the second cable connection portion 60 are bent so that the welding surfaces (that is, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15) are on the outside. The worker may bend by hand or may be bent using a bending tool or machine. Thereby, since the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 overlap, the connection tool 45 becomes compact. Furthermore, since the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 can be stacked, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 with the connection tool 45 are easy to handle.

  As described above, the connection tool 45 of the present embodiment includes the first cable connection part 50, the second cable connection part 60, and the connection part 70. The first cable connection part 50 includes a plurality of first bus bars 51 and a first mold part 52 that collectively covers the plurality of first bus bars 51. The first bus bar 51 is welded to the flexible flat cable 14. One weld 51a is formed. The second cable connection portion 60 includes a plurality of second bus bars 61 and a second mold portion 62 that collectively covers the plurality of second bus bars 61. The second bus bar 61 is welded to the flexible flat cable 15. Two welds 61a are formed. Before the connection part 70 is bent (that is, before welding), the first welding part 51 a and the second welding part 61 a are located on the same side of the connection tool 45. The connecting portion 70 connects the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 and can be bent so that the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 overlap each other.

  Thereby, while being able to shorten the time concerning welding, the connector 45 can be made compact after welding.

  Next, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the connection tool 45 of the first modification, a rectangular hole 71 that is a through-hole penetrating the connection portion 70 in the thickness direction is formed. Thereby, since the magnitude | size of the part bent can be made small, the force required for a bending can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the force required for bending the connecting portion 70 can be reduced by forming a notch cut from the end portion of the connecting portion 70 toward the central portion instead of the rectangular hole 71. However, in this case, from the viewpoint of resistance to torsional force, it is preferable to form the rectangular hole 71 in the central portion of the connection portion 70 as in the present modification. In addition, you may form a recessed part (hole which is not penetrating) without forming a through-hole in the connection part 70. FIG. Furthermore, the shape of the hole is arbitrary. For example, one or a plurality of round holes may be formed instead of the rectangular hole.

  Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the said embodiment, as shown in FIG.4 (b), the connection part 70 is bent so that the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 may become an outer side. In this case, since the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 (particularly the window portion 14e and the window portion 15e) do not come into contact with each other, both can be reliably insulated. However, since the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are exposed to the outside, it is difficult for an operator to grip the connection tool 45, and handling properties are reduced.

  In this regard, in the second modified example, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 70 is bent so that the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 are inside (the welding surface is inside). Thereby, since an operator can hold | grip so that the outer surface of the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 may be pinched | interposed, handling property can be improved.

  Moreover, in the 2nd modification, the position where the connection part 70 connects the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 is also different from the said embodiment. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the connecting portion 70 connects the central portions in the thickness direction of the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60. However, in the second modification, the connecting portion 70 70 connects the portions (portions outside the center in the thickness direction) that are outside when the connection portion 70 is bent, of the first cable connection portion 50 and the second cable connection portion 60.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the curvature of the connecting portion 70 after the connecting portion 70 is bent can be suppressed, so that the force required for bending the connecting portion 70 can be reduced. Moreover, since the repulsive force is reduced by suppressing the curvature of the connecting portion 70, the state where the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 are superposed can be maintained well (based on the bending of the connecting portion 70). To prevent it from returning).

  Next, a third modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a cut 72 is formed in the connection portion 70 of the third modification so as to separate the first cable connection portion 50 and the second cable connection portion 60. The cut 72 is formed from end to end of the connecting portion 70. In addition, as shown in FIG.7 (b), the connection part 70 of a 3rd modification becomes inside when the connection part 70 is bent among the 1st cable connection parts 50 and the 2nd cable connection parts 60. As shown in FIG. It is formed so as to connect the parts. This is because in the third modified example, the connecting portion 70 is not bent, but is bent so as to rotate around the notch 72.

  By forming the notch 72 in the connecting portion 70, the connecting portion 70 can be reliably bent at a desired position, so that the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 can be aligned with high accuracy. Further, since the width of the connecting portion 70 (left and right direction in FIG. 7) can be reduced, the first cable connecting portion 50 and the second cable connecting portion 60 can be brought closer to each other, and the connecting tool 45 can be made more compact. Can do.

  Next, a fourth modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the connection tool 45 of the fourth modified example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a locking projection 52 a is formed on the first cable connection portion 50, and the second cable connection portion 60 is provided. A locking hole 62a is formed.

  The locking protrusion 52 a is formed on the first mold part 52. Specifically, it is a surface (a welding surface in the fourth modified example) that becomes the inner side when the connecting portion 70 is bent, and is formed at a position where the flexible flat cable 14 is not set. The locking hole 62 a is formed in the second mold part 62. Specifically, it is a surface that becomes the inner side when the connecting portion 70 is bent, and is formed at a position corresponding to the locking projection 52a.

  With this configuration, when the connection portion 70 is bent and the first cable connection portion 50 and the second cable connection portion 60 are overlapped, the engagement protrusion 52a enters the engagement hole 62a, thereby engaging the both. Thereby, the state which piled up the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 can be maintained favorably. In addition, since the latching protrusion 52a becomes difficult to remove from the latching hole 62a by slightly shifting the position where the latching protrusion 52a is formed and the position where the latching hole 62a is formed, the first cable connecting portion 50 and the first The state in which the two cable connection portions 60 are superposed can be favorably maintained. Moreover, the structure which latches the 1st cable connection part 50 and the 2nd cable connection part 60 is arbitrary, For example, the latching protrusion 52a and the latching hole 62a may be formed in multiple numbers. Further, it is preferable that the locking protrusions 52 a and the locking holes 62 a are formed at positions separated from the connection portion 70.

  Next, a fifth modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the said embodiment and modification, before bending the connection part 70, the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 were arrange | positioned so that the width direction might face. On the other hand, in the 5th modification, it arrange | positions so that the longitudinal direction of the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 may face. Thereby, since the extending direction of the flexible flat cables 14 and 15 can be aligned before the connection part 70 is bent, the handleability can be further improved.

  The preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example.

  The embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate. For example, in the fifth modification (FIG. 9), the configurations of the first to fourth modifications can be employed.

  The connecting portion 70 may be bent so as to be bent, or may be bent so as to be bent.

  The shape of the 1st cable connection part 50, the 2nd cable connection part 60, and the connection part 70 is arbitrary, and can be changed suitably. For example, the first cable connection portion 50 and the second cable connection portion 60 may be curved to follow the outer peripheral portion of the rotary connector device 1. The connecting portion 70 may have any shape as long as it can be bent, and may not be a thin hinge.

  The direction in which the flexible flat cable 14 is wound inside the rotary connector device 1 may be opposite to the above embodiment. Moreover, you may make the number of the flexible flat cables 14 accommodated into three or more as needed. Moreover, the shape of the flexible flat cable 14 is also arbitrary.

  The rotary connector device of the present invention is not limited to a configuration that is attached to a steering wheel and a vehicle body of an automobile, and can be widely applied and used for devices intended to electrically connect a rotating side and a fixed side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rotation connector apparatus 11 Stator 12 Rotator 14 Flexible flat cable (1st flexible flat cable)
15 Flexible flat cable (second flexible flat cable)
45 Connector (Connector for flexible flat cable)
50 1st cable connection part 51 1st bus bar 51a 1st welding part 51b Terminal connection part 52 1st mold part 60 2nd cable connection part 61 2nd bus bar 61a 2nd welding part 61b 2nd terminal connection part 62 2nd mold part 70 connections

Claims (10)

A first flexible flat cable having a plurality of conductor portions arranged side by side and a covering portion arranged to cover the plurality of conductor portions;
A plurality of conductor portions arranged side by side, and a second flexible flat cable having a covering portion arranged to cover the plurality of conductor portions;
Has a first mold part covering together a plurality of first bus bar and a plurality of said first bus bar, wherein the first bus bar, the first weld to be welded to the conductor portion of the first flexible flat cable A formed first cable connection;
A second mold part covering together multiple second bus bar and a plurality of said second bus bar, wherein the second bus bar, a second weld to be welded to the conductor portion of the second flexible flat cable A second cable connecting portion that is formed and at least before the welding, the second welded portion is located on the same side as the first welded portion;
The first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion are connected, and a connection portion that can be bent so that the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion overlap each other,
Equipped with a,
The covering portions of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable are respectively formed with window portions that individually expose the plurality of conductor portions for welding,
Before bending the connection part,
The longitudinal direction of the first bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar are parallel,
The longitudinal direction of the first bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the first flexible flat cable are orthogonal to each other, and the longitudinal direction of the second bus bar and the longitudinal direction of the second flexible flat cable are orthogonal to each other. Flexible flat cable connector. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to claim 1,
When the size in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first weld or the second weld is formed is referred to as thickness,
Before bending the connection part, the thickness of the connection part is connected to the connection part of the first cable connection part and the connection part of the second cable connection part. A connector for a flexible flat cable, characterized in that the thickness is smaller than the thickness of the portion. The flexible flat cable connector according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Before SL connections, fittings for flexible flat cable, wherein the first bendable around a between said weld the second weld. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Before bending the connection portion, the connection portion has at least one of a recess, a through hole, and a notch when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first weld portion and the second weld portion are formed. A connector for a flexible flat cable, characterized in that either one is formed. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the size in the direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first weld or the second weld is formed is referred to as thickness,
After the connection portion is bent, the connection portion connects the outer side from the center in the thickness direction of the first cable connection portion and the outer side from the center in the thickness direction of the second cable connection portion. A flexible flat cable connector. A connector for flexible flat cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The connecting portion for a flexible flat cable, wherein the connecting portion is formed with a cut in a direction separating the first cable connecting portion and the second cable connecting portion. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A first engagement portion is formed on a portion of the first cable connection portion that becomes the inner side after the connection portion is bent,
Of the second cable connection portion, a second engagement portion is formed in a portion that becomes inside after the connection portion is bent,
The flexible flat cable connector, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged after the connecting portion is bent. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The flexible flat cable connector, wherein the first welded portion and the second welded portion are located inside after the connecting portion is bent. It is a connection tool for flexible flat cables according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The flexible flat cable connector, wherein the first welded part and the second welded part are located outside after the connecting part is bent.   A rotary connector device comprising the flexible flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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