JP2002246136A - Rotary connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotary connector, enabling a large electric current to flow, by solving the problem of the conventional rotary connector 100 where only one sheet of a flexible cable 103, to which a plurality of conductor parts 123 are stuck, is disposed, so that there is a limit in an electric current flowing through the conductor part, and there is caused a problem in feeding a large current via one sheet of a flexible cable to an electrical device. SOLUTION: This rotary connector is provided with a fixed housing 1, a movable housing 2 mounted rotatably on the fixed housing, at least two sheets of flexible cables 3, 4 stored in a stacked state in a space 16, formed between the fixed housing and the movable housing, and a lead block 30, having a plurality of first connecting terminal parts 32 to which at least each one of the end parts of the flexible cables, is connected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering heater device,
And a rotary connector used as electrical connection means between electrical devices such as an airbag system provided in a vehicle body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, there has been proposed a rotary connector for electrically connecting an electric device provided in a steering device such as a steering heater and an electric device provided in a vehicle body.

This rotary connector enables electrical connection between an electric device provided on a steering wheel, which is a rotating body, and an electric device provided on a vehicle body, which is a fixed body. A flexible electric cable or an optical fiber wound around a space between a rotor part (movable housing) and a case that constitutes a stator part (fixed housing) that is driven (rotated) by a wheel. A cable (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as a "flexible cable") is housed, one end of which is fixed to the rotor unit, and the other end of which is fixed to the stator unit. Some devices make it possible to make an electrical connection between the electric devices.

A conventional rotary connector will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a conventional rotary connector, FIG. 14 is a plan view of a main part showing a flexible cable of the conventional rotary connector, and FIG. 15 is a main part showing a flexible cable of the conventional rotary connector. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a lead block of a conventional rotary connector. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a main part for describing attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of a conventional rotary connector, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a main part for describing attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary connector 120 includes a fixed housing 101 and a fixed housing 10.
Movable housing 10 rotatably connected to 1
2, one flexible cable 103 which is a flat cable housed in a space 114 formed between the fixed side / movable side housings 101 and 102, and a loop between the fixed side / movable side housings 101 and 102. A movable body 104 movably arranged, and one lead block 105, 10 connected to both ends of one flexible cable 103, respectively.
6 and 6.

The fixed housing 101 has a cylindrical outer tube 107, a circular bottom wall (not shown) provided at an end of the outer tube 105, and a central portion of the bottom wall. And a circular hole (not shown). On the other hand, the movable side housing 102 has a cylindrical inner cylindrical portion 108 and an inner cylindrical portion 10.
8 has a substantially annular upper wall (not shown) provided at one end thereof, and the outer tubular portion 107 and the inner tubular portion 108 are coaxially arranged, and both outer and inner tubular portions 107 are provided. , 108, an annular storage portion 109 as a space 114 is defined.

A moving body 104 is disposed in the storage section 109. The moving body 104 includes a ring-shaped rotating plate 110, a plurality of rollers 111 supported on the rotating plate 110, And a pair of cylindrical fixed pillars 112 having a circular hollow hole. This pair of fixed columns 11
2 is formed integrally with the rotating plate 110. And
An opening 113 through which one flexible cable 103 is inserted is formed between one of the fixed columns 112 and the roller 111.

One flexible cable 103 has a plurality of strips (for example, 4 pieces) made of strip-like copper foil (Cu) having extremely thin dimensions between two insulating films forming a strip-shaped base film.
The conductor section 123 of the book is adhered, and the flexible cable 103 is shown in white for convenience. The outer end of one flexible cable 103 is electrically and mechanically connected to a lead block 105 as a fixed-side joint fixed to the outer cylinder 107, and the fixed side is fixed via the lead block 105. It is electrically led out of the housing 101.

The inner end of the flexible cable 103 is
The movable housing 102 is electrically and mechanically connected to a lead block 106 serving as a movable joint fixed to the inner cylinder 108, and is connected via the lead block 106.
Is electrically led outside.

Next, a conventional flexible cable will be described with reference to the drawings. The belt-shaped flexible cable 103 as a flat cable is, as shown in FIGS.
For example, the first and second insulating films 121 and 122 are formed of a resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are formed into a thin film, are laminated, and are long and strip-shaped base films. A plurality (for example, four) of coppers are disposed in a state where substantially the whole portion is sandwiched between the second insulating films 121 and 122, are formed to have the same width, and are disposed in parallel at equal intervals. Foil (Cu)
And the like.

Each of the conductors 123 has a first,
A first base conductor portion 123a having a whole portion sandwiched between the second insulating films 121 and 122, and a first base conductor portion 123
a, the first and second insulating films 121 and 12
2 has a first exposed conductor portion 123b that is exposed from the front end portion and protrudes outward.

Further, each of the first exposed conductor portions 123b
A band-like holding film 124 made of PET or the like is adhered to one surface of the tip of the first exposed conductor 12.
3b is held at the free end side. Such a configuration is provided at both ends of the flexible cable 103.

Further, the lead block 105 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17, a base portion 131 made of an insulating material,
The base portion 131 includes a plurality of first connection terminal portions 132 provided by, for example, insert molding.
The base portion 131 is made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, is substantially rectangular, and has a rectangular through hole 131 at a substantially central portion of the base portion 131.
a is provided.

On the front end side (right side in FIG. 17) of the base 131, there is provided an inclined base 131b protruding outward from the upper surface of the base 131.

The first connection terminal portion 132 is made of, for example, a conductive metal flat plate material such as copper, is formed by press working, has a predetermined width, and is disposed at equal intervals. , Four) first connecting portions 132a, and first outer terminal portions 13 extending outward from the first connecting portions 132a.
2b. The first connection terminal part 132 is insert-molded in the inclined base 131b of the base 131 and is integrated with the base 131. The width dimension of the first connection terminal 132 is the first dimension of the flexible cable 103.
The width of the base conductor 123a and the width of the first exposed conductor 123b are substantially the same.

In this state, a substantially central portion of the first connection portion 132a of the first connection terminal portion 132 is disposed so as to extend over the through hole 131a of the base portion 131.
The surface on the rear end side (left side in FIG. 17) of the connection portion 132a and the surface of the base portion 131 are formed to be flush with each other.

Next, attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of a conventional rotary connector will be described. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 1
As shown in FIG. 9, one flexible cable 103 is stacked and placed on the side where the first exposed conductor 123b is formed.

In this state, the read block 1
05, and the respective first exposed conductors 123b of the flexible cable 103 are opposed to each other and laminated, and each of the first exposed conductors 123b is provided.
“b” is disposed on the through hole 131a of the lead block 105. Then, each of the first connection portions 132a
The respective first exposed conductor portions 123b are mechanically and electrically connected to each other by an appropriate means such as an ultrasonic connection means.

That is, each of the conductor portions 123 and each of the first connection terminal portions 132 are individually connected. This connection allows a relatively small current to flow through each conductor 123.

The rotary connector 1 thus configured schematically
Reference numeral 20 denotes a vehicle body (not shown) in which the fixed housing 101 is
In addition, the movable housing 102 is fixed to a handle member (not shown), and one flexible cable 10 is fixed.
3 are fixed-side and movable-side lead blocks 10 respectively.
By connecting to the vehicle body and the respective electric devices on the steering wheel side via 5, 106, a steering heater device,
It is used as electrical connection means for in-vehicle airbag systems and horn circuits. That is, the flexible cable 103
A predetermined current flows in each of the plurality of conductor portions 123, thereby functioning as electrical connection means.

[0021]

However, in the rotary connector 120 having the above-described structure, one flexible sheet is provided in the space 114 formed between the fixed housing 101 and the movable housing 102. A single flexible cable 103 has a plurality of (for example, four) conductor portions 123 made of a strip-shaped copper foil (Cu) having extremely thin dimensions. Since it is formed so as to be stuck between them, the current value that can flow through each conductor cannot be so large. In recent years, a steering device for heating a steering wheel (steering wheel) incorporated in a steering wheel (steering wheel) has been used as a steering device of a vehicle mainly used in a cold region. The steering heater device is required to supply a relatively large current value to the heater device in order to cause the heater device to generate heat.
It is required to flow a large current value through the conductor part No. 03. However, as described above, the conventional rotary connector 10
0, only one flexible cable 103 to which a plurality of conductors 123 are attached is provided, so that in this flexible cable 103, a large current value is applied to the conductor 123. There is a limit to the current value for flowing,
Therefore, a current value sufficient to cause the heater device to generate heat is 1
There is a problem in supplying the heater device through the flexible cables 103.

The four first exposed conductors 123b are
Since the first and second insulating films 121 and 122 are exposed from the distal end portions and are provided so as to protrude outward, it is difficult to position each of the first exposed conductor portions 123b on the lead block 105. In addition to increasing the assembly cost, the flexible cable 10 can be formed only by the protruding first exposed conductor.
3 has a problem that the strength is weak.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary connector that allows a large current to flow through a conductor by using a plurality of flexible cables.

[0024]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A rotary connector according to the present invention comprises a fixed housing, a movable housing rotatably mounted on the fixed housing, and a movable housing mounted between the fixed housing and the movable housing. It has at least two flexible cables stored in a state of being stacked in the formed space, and a plurality of first connection terminal portions to which at least one of respective ends of the flexible cable is connected. A single lead block, and each flexible cable has a plurality of strip-shaped first base conductors attached to one surface of an insulating film;
Alternatively, a plurality of strip-shaped first members may be interposed between two insulating films.
A tip portion of the first base conductor portion having a configuration in which the base conductor portion is sandwiched and having one surface adhered to and supported by the insulation film at the tip portion of the insulating film, and the other surface exposed. And a first exposed conductor portion provided at the first connection terminal portion of one lead block, the first exposed conductor portion being disposed at a different position for each of the laminated flexible cables. The first of each flexible cable
The exposed conductors are arranged so as to be shifted in the longitudinal direction of the flexible cable, and the first exposed conductors that are staggered and stacked are electrically connected to the same first connection terminal portions and stacked. The same current flows through the respective first base conductor of each flexible cable. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a rotary connector that allows a large current to flow through the plurality of first base conductors without increasing the number of lead blocks. Also, with such a configuration,
Since each of the first exposed conductors is adhered and supported on the insulating film, the positioning of each of the first exposed conductors is easy, and a rotary connector having a high strength for attaching a flexible cable can be provided.

In the rotary connector according to the present invention, the plurality of first base conductors are used for supplying power to the heater device. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for use in power supply with a large current.

In the rotary connector according to the present invention, at least two flexible cables are provided with a second base conductor for supplying a signal current in parallel with the plurality of first base conductors, and are provided with leads. The block is provided with a second connection terminal section to which the second base conductor section is electrically connected, and the second base conductor section and the second connection terminal section are electrically connected.
With such a configuration, the first and second base conductors for a plurality of applications are arranged side by side on the flexible cable, so that a current is supplied to the heater device and the like without a lead block being provided, and the signal current is also reduced. A multifunctional rotary connector that can be supplied can be provided.

Further, in the rotary connector according to the present invention, the plurality of first base conductors and the second base conductor are separately provided in the bisected area of the insulating film. With this configuration, since the base conductors for power supply and signal are separated, a rotary connector that is simple and easy to connect externally can be provided.

Further, in the rotary connector according to the present invention, the width of the plurality of first base conductors is provided to be wider than the width of the second base conductor, and the plurality of first base conductors are provided with a larger width. That is, the current capacity of the one base conductor is made larger than the current capacity of the second base conductor. With such a configuration, the width of the second base conductor for signals having a relatively small current is reduced, the width of the first base conductor for power supply is increased, and a sufficiently large current capacity is provided to the first base conductor. You can have.

In the rotary connector according to the present invention, the lead block is provided with a positioning portion comprising a convex portion, and at least two flexible cables are provided with an engaging portion to which the positioning portion is fitted. The engaging portions of the two flexible cables are fitted to the positioning portions, and the flexible cables are positioned on the lead block. With this configuration, the flexible cable is positioned on the lead block, so that the flexible cable can be easily attached to the lead block, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the rotary connector of the present invention, a plurality of bisected flexible cables housed in a state of being stacked in a space formed between the fixed housing and the movable housing are provided. , Each of which is inverted in a U-shape at a different position, and is provided in the space so that the two divided flexible cables are driven at the separated inverted positions. With such a configuration, the movement of winding and rewinding the plurality of flexible cables becomes smooth.

[0031]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an essential part showing a first embodiment of a first flexible cable of a rotary connector of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a rotary connector of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part showing a first embodiment of the second flexible cable. FIG. 4 is a side view of a main part showing the first embodiment of the first flexible cable of the rotary connector of the present invention. FIGS. 5 and 5 are plan views showing a first embodiment of the lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the first embodiment of the lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an essential part for describing a first embodiment of attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view illustrating flexibility of the rotary connector according to the present invention. Principal part side for explaining the first embodiment of attachment of a cable and a lead block It is a diagram.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector 100 includes a fixed housing 1, a movable housing 2 rotatably connected to the fixed housing 1, and a fixed housing 1 and a movable housing 2. Between the fixed and movable housings 1 and 2 and the two (plural) first and second flexible cables 3 and 4 which are flat cables stored in the space 16 formed in Moving body 5 movably arranged
And a total of two first and second lead blocks 6, 7 connected one by one to each end of each of the two first and second flexible cables 3, 4. It is schematically configured.

The fixed housing 1 is provided with a cylindrical outer tube portion 8, a circular bottom wall (not shown) provided at an end of the outer tube portion 8, and a central portion of the bottom wall. And a circular hole (not shown). On the other hand, the movable housing 2 has
It has a cylindrical inner cylinder portion 9 and a substantially annular upper wall (not shown) provided at one end of the inner cylinder portion 9. The outer cylinder portion 8 and the inner cylinder portion 9 are coaxial. Are arranged on both sides, the outer and inner cylindrical portions 8,
An annular storage section 10 as a space 16 is defined between the sections 9.

A moving body 5 is disposed in the storage section 10, and the moving body 5 includes a ring-shaped rotating plate 11,
It is composed of a plurality of rollers 12 supported on a rotating plate 11 and a pair of cylindrical fixed columns 13 having a circular hollow hole. The pair of fixed columns 13 are formed integrally with the rotating plate 11. A first opening 14 through which the first flexible cable 3 is inserted is formed between one of the fixed columns 13 and the roller 12, and a first opening 14 is formed between the other fixed column 13 and the roller 12. Has a second opening 15 through which the second flexible cable 4 is inserted.

The two first and second flexible cables 3 and 4 are formed of a strip-like insulating film made of a strip-like insulating tape such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A plurality of (for example, four) conductor portions 23 made of copper (Cu) or the like are adhered. For convenience, the first flexible cable 3 is outlined, and the second flexible cable 4 is black. Shown in solid color. The outer ends of the two first and second flexible cables 3 and 4 are electrically connected to a lead block 6 serving as a fixed-side joint fixed to the outer cylinder 8.
It is mechanically connected and is electrically led out of the fixed housing 1 via the lead block 6.

The inner ends of the first and second flexible cables 3 and 4 are electrically and mechanically connected to a lead block 7 serving as a movable joint fixed to the inner cylinder 9. The lead is electrically led out of the movable housing 2 through the lead block 7.

At this time, the first and second flexible cables 3 and 4 are separated from the lead block 6 with one of the bisected numbers of the first flexible cables 3 inside. After being wound counterclockwise along the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 8 and then branched, the first flexible cable 3 passes through the first opening 14 and becomes a U-shaped one of the rollers 12 group. The other second flexible cable 4 of the bisected number passes through the second opening 15 and is inverted in a U-shape to another one of the rollers 12, and After being wound clockwise around the peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 9 with the second flexible cable 4 facing inside, it is stored in the storage portion 10 so as to reach the lead block 7.

Next, the rotary connector 10 of the present invention will be described.
The connection between the flexible cable of No. 0 and the lead block will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the strip-shaped first flexible cable 20 as a flat cable is made of a resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is formed in a thin film shape. The first and second insulating films 21 and 22 as a long and strip-shaped base film, and the first and second insulating films 21 and 22 are stacked.
A long, strip-shaped conductor made of two copper foils (Cu) and the like, which are arranged in such a manner that substantially the entire portion is sandwiched therebetween, are formed in equal width dimensions, and are arranged in parallel at equal intervals. Part 2
3, and two through-holes 24 as engagement portions provided in predetermined portions of the first and second insulating films 21 and 22 within each conductor portion 23.

Each of the conductor portions 23 has a wide first base conductor portion 23a whose whole portion is sandwiched between the first and second insulating films 21 and 22, and extends from the first base conductor portion 23a. And has a narrow first exposed conductor portion 23b which is exposed from the front end portion of the second insulating film 22 and extends outward. That is, one surface of the first exposed conductor portion 23b is attached to only the first insulating film 21 and the other surface is provided in an exposed state. Further, in other words, the first exposed conductor portion 23b is supported by being attached to one surface of the first insulating film 21 at the tip of the insulating film,
It has a configuration provided at the tip of the first base conductor 23a with the other surface exposed.

The first exposed conductor 23b extends from one end of the first base conductor 23a (the right side in FIG. 2). In other words, the width of the first exposed conductor 23b is provided to be smaller than the width of the first base conductor 23a.

Such a structure is provided at both ends of the first flexible cable 20, and the first flexible cable 20 is formed of one or a plurality of the same structure. ing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the second flexible cable 26 as a flat cable has a basic configuration substantially the same as the configuration of the first flexible cable 20 described above. However, the difference will be described. The narrow first exposed conductor portion 2 of the first flexible cable 20 described above.
3b is extended from one end side (the right side in FIG. 2) of the distal end of the wide first base conductor portion 23a, while the width of the second flexible cable 26 is The narrow first exposed conductor 23c extends from the other end (left side in FIG. 3) of the distal end of the wide first base conductor 23a. In other words, the width dimension of the first exposed conductor portion 23c is
The width of the first base conductor portion 23a is smaller than the width of the first base conductor portion 23a.

The position of the through hole 24 as an engaging portion provided in the second flexible cable 26 is smaller than the position of the through hole 24 of the first flexible cable 20. 1
It is provided at a position separated from the exposed conductor portion 23c.

Such a structure is provided at both ends of the second flexible cable 26, and the second flexible cable 26 is formed of one or a plurality of the same structure. ing. Further, the first flexible cable 20 and the second flexible cable 26 are connected to the first exposed conductor portions 23b,
The respective distal ends of 23c are superimposed and arranged at positions shifted in the longitudinal direction of the flexible cable. In this state, the through hole 24 of the first flexible cable 20 and the through hole 24 of the second flexible cable 26 are arranged at the same position.

In this state, the first exposed conductor 23b of the first flexible cable 20 and the first exposed conductor 23c of the second flexible cable 26 are connected to the first and second conductors. The insulating films 21 and 22 are provided at different positions on the ends.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lead block 30 includes a base portion 31 and a plurality of first connection terminal portions 3 provided on the base portion 31 by, for example, insert molding.
And 2. The base portion 31 is made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, is substantially rectangular, and a rectangular through hole 31a is provided at a substantially central portion of the base portion 31. I have.

On the front end side (upper side in FIG. 5) of the base portion 31, there is provided an inclined base 31b protruding outward from the upper surface of the base portion 31, and provided on the rear end side of the base portion 31. At a predetermined position (lower side in FIG. 5), two positioning portions 31c projecting outward from the upper surface of the base portion 31 and including substantially columnar convex portions are provided.

The first connection terminal portion 32 is made of, for example, a conductive metal plate material such as copper, is formed by press working, has a predetermined width, and is disposed at a predetermined interval. It has a wide first connecting portion 32a and a narrow first outer terminal portion 32b extending outward from a substantially central portion of one end of the first connecting portion 32a. The first connection terminal portion 32 is integrated with the base portion 31 by insert molding in the inclined base portion 31b of the base portion 31.

In this state, the substantially central portion of the first connection portion 32a of the first connection terminal portion 32 is formed in the through hole 31 of the base portion 31.
a so that the first connecting portion 3
The surface on the rear end side (lower side in FIG. 5) of the base 2a and the surface of the base 31 are formed to be flush with each other. Also, a positioning portion 31c formed of a convex portion in the pair of first connection portions 32a.
Are arranged.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the first exposed conductor portions of the two first and second flexible cables 20 and 26 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 31 of the lead block 30. 23
The side on which b and 23c are formed is stacked and placed. In this state, the positioning portion 31c of the lead block 30
Is inserted into each through hole 24 of each of the first and second flexible cables 20 and 26 so that the lead block 30 and each of the first and second flexible cables 20 and 26 are positioned relative to each other. Is done.

In this state of mutual positioning, the first connecting portions 32a of the lead block 30 and the first connecting portions 32a of the first and second flexible cables 20 and 26 are connected.
The exposed conductor portions 23b and 23c are disposed facing each other at positions shifted in the longitudinal direction of the flexible cable, and
Each of the first exposed conductor portions 23b and 23c is
0 is provided on the through hole 31a. Then, each of the first connection portions 32a and each of the stacked first
The exposed conductor portions 23b and 23c are mechanically and electrically connected to each other by an appropriate means such as an ultrasonic connection means.

Then, the first and second flexible cables 20 and 26 and the one lead block 30 thus configured and stacked are held in an integrated state. In this state, the first and second flexible cables 2
0, 26 of each overlapping first base conductor 23a
Are connected to the same first connection terminal portion 32, and the same current flows. That is, the current flowing through the conductors of the two flexible cables is doubled as compared with the current flowing through the conductors of one flexible cable.

The rotary connector 100 thus configured
Is for attaching the fixed side housing 1 to a vehicle body (not shown),
The movable side housing 2 is fixed to a handle member (not shown), and two first and second flexible cables 20 are provided.
26 (the flexible cables 3 and 4 in FIG. 1) are fixed on both ends, and the lead block 3 is a movable joint.
0 (lead blocks 6 and 7 in FIG. 1) to connect to the vehicle and the respective electric devices on the steering wheel side,
It is used as an electrical connection means for a steering heater device, an in-vehicle airbag system, a horn circuit, and the like. That is, two first and second flexible cables 20, 26-2
A predetermined current flows in each of the conductor portions 23 of the book, thereby functioning as electrical connection means.

Next, the rotary connector 10 of the present invention will be described.
The connection of the flexible cable of No. 0 and the lead block according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a principal part showing a second embodiment of the first flexible cable of the rotary connector of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a second view of the rotary connector of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a main part of a flexible cable according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a plan view of a lead block of a rotary connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a principal part top view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the connection state of the 1st, 2nd flexible cable of a rotary connector, and a lead block.

The connection state between the first and second flexible cables of the second embodiment and the lead block is different from that of the first embodiment. explain. First, as shown in FIG. 9, the first and second insulating films 41 and 42 as long and strip-shaped base films and two copper foils (Cu) are used in the first flexible cable 40 having a strip shape. Band-shaped and wide first conductor portion 43 made of
And a second narrow second portion arranged in parallel with the first conductor portion 43.
And the first and second insulating films 41 and 42
And a through hole 45 as two engagement portions provided at predetermined locations. This configuration is formed almost in the same manner as the first flexible cable 20 of the first embodiment.

The difference from the first flexible cable 20 of the above-described first embodiment is that the formation position of the strip-shaped second conductor portion 44 is different. The reason is that the second conductor portion 44 is disposed in a state where almost the entire portion is sandwiched between the first and second insulating films 41 and 42. In this state, the first conductor portion 44 is disposed. 43 and the second conductor portion 44
Two wide first base conductors 43a which are separately provided in bisected regions of the first and second insulating films 41 and 42 and are used for supplying power to a heater device or the like.
And one narrow second base conductor 44a used for signals.

The width of the first base conductor portion 43a for supplying power is provided to be wider than the width of the second base conductor portion 44a for signals. Depending on the point, the current capacity that can flow through the first base conductor 43a is formed to be larger than the current capacity that can flow through the second base conductor 44a. At this time, each first base conductor 43a and each second base conductor 43a
The distance between the base conductor 44a and the base conductor 44a is set to a predetermined distance.

The respective first conductors 43
And the second conductor portion 44 are connected to the respective first base conductor portions 4.
3a and each of the first exposed conductor portions 43b and the second exposed conductor portions 44b which are extended from the second base conductor portion 44a, are exposed from the distal end portion of the second insulating film 42, and protrude outward. are doing. In other words, the first exposed conductor portion 43b and each of the second exposed conductor portions 44b are located at the tip of the insulating film.
One of the first and second base conductor portions 4 is adhered and supported on the first insulating film 41 while the other surface is exposed.
It has a configuration provided at the tip of 3a, 44a.

In this state, the width of each of the first exposed conductor portions 43b projecting outward is set to the first base conductor portion 4b.
3a is provided in a narrower width dimension than the width dimension, and
The first exposed conductor portion 43b extends from one end side (the right side in FIG. 9) of the distal end portion of the first base conductor portion 43a.

Further, the width dimension of the second base conductor portion 44a,
The width of the second exposed conductor 44b is substantially the same as the width of the second exposed conductor 44b.

Such a structure is provided at both ends of the second flexible cable 40, and the second flexible cable 40 is formed of one or a plurality of the same structure. ing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the second flexible cable 46 as a flat cable has a basic configuration substantially the same as the configuration of the first flexible cable 40 described above. However, the difference will be described. First exposed conductor 43b of first flexible cable 40 described above
Is extended from one end side (the right side in FIG. 9) of the tip end of the first base conductor 43a, whereas the second
The first exposed conductor 43e of the flexible cable 46
The base conductor 43a extends from the other end (left side in FIG. 10) of the distal end of the base conductor 43a.

The position of the through hole 45 as an engaging portion provided in the second flexible cable 46 is smaller than the position of the through hole 45 of the first flexible cable 40. 1
It is provided at a position separated from the exposed conductor 43e.

Such a structure is provided at both ends of the second flexible cable 46, and the second flexible cable 46 is formed of one or a plurality of the same structure. ing. Further, the first flexible cable 40 and the second flexible cable 46 are connected to the first exposed conductor portions 43b,
Each of the distal end portions 43e is disposed so as to be overlapped at a position shifted in the longitudinal direction of the flexible cable. In this state, the first exposed conductor portion 43b of the first flexible cable 40
And the first exposed conductor 43e of the second flexible cable 46 are provided at different positions on the ends of the first and second insulating films 41 and 42.

Then, similarly, the first flexible cable 40
The second exposed conductor 44b of the second flexible cable 46 and the second exposed conductor 44b of the second flexible cable 46 are also the first and second insulating films 4.
1, 42 are provided at different positions on the ends. Also,
In this state, the through hole 4 of the first flexible cable 40
5 and the through hole 45 of the second flexible cable 46 are arranged at the same position.

Next, with respect to the read block 50 of the second embodiment, the read block 30 of the first embodiment will be described.
The following description focuses on the differences. The lead block 50
As shown in FIG. 11, the base 51 and the first connection terminal 5
2 and a second connection terminal 53 provided side by side with the first connection terminal 52. Further, a positioning portion 51c composed of two convex portions is provided on the base portion 51.

The first connection terminal portion 52 of the lead block 50 has the same configuration as the first connection terminal portion 32 (see FIG. 5) having the first connection portion 32a of the first embodiment. It has a wide first connection portion 52a and a narrow first outer terminal portion 52b. Next, the second connection terminal portion 53 is made of, for example, a conductive metal flat plate material such as copper and is formed by press working, and has a second connection portion 53a having a predetermined width dimension, and a second connection portion 53a. And a second outer terminal portion 53b extending outward from the second terminal portion 53a.

The second connection terminal 53 is provided in parallel with the first connection terminal 52. And again, this second
The width of the second connection portion 53a of the connection terminal portion 53 is formed to be smaller than the width of the first connection portion 52a of the first connection terminal portion 52.

Then, the width dimension of the first connection portion 52a and the first base conductor portion 4 of the first flexible cable 40 are determined.
3a is provided with substantially the same width as the width, and
The width of the second connection portion 53a and the width of the second exposed conductor portion 44b of the first flexible cable 40 are substantially the same. Also, the first connection section 52
a and the second connection portion 53a are separately provided in the bisected region of the base portion 51.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12, on the upper surface of the base portion 51 of the lead block 50, the first exposed conductor portions 4 of the two first and second flexible cables 40 and 46 are provided.
The side on which the 3b, 43e and the second exposed conductor 44b are formed is stacked and placed. In this state, the positioning portion 51c of the lead block 50 is inserted into each through hole 45 of each of the first and second flexible cables 40 and 46, and the lead block 50 and each of the first and second flexible cables 40 and 46 are inserted. Are positioned relative to each other.

In this state of mutual positioning, the first and second connection portions 52a, 52a,
53a and the first and second flexible cables 40, 46
The first and second exposed conductor portions 43b, 43e, and 44b are disposed so as to be opposed to each other and laminated, and the first and second exposed conductor portions 43b, 43e, and 44b pass through the lead block 50. It is arranged on the hole 51a. Each of the first and second connection portions 52a and 53a and each of the first and second exposed conductor portions 43b and 43e,
44b is mechanically and electrically connected by an appropriate means such as an ultrasonic connection means.

The two first and second flexible cables 40 and 46 and one lead block 50 thus configured are held in an integrated state. Also,
In this state, the first and second flexible cables 40, 4
6 are connected to the same first connection terminal 52, so that the same current flows, and the second base conductors 44a are respectively connected to the individual second base conductors 44a. The connection terminals 53 are connected to each other, and different currents flow.

Thus, in other words, the current flowing in the first base conductor of the two flexible cables is doubled as compared with the current flowing in the conductor of one flexible cable.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the first connection terminal portion has the first connection portion, and the first external terminal portion extending outward from the first connection portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first connecting portion is formed as two divided first connecting portions, and the two first connecting portions are connected by the connecting portion to form a bifurcated shape. It is a matter of course that a different exposed conductor may be connected to each of the bifurcated first connecting portions.

In the first and second embodiments, the two first and second flexible cables are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number is
For example, three or more cables may be used. Further, in at least two of the flexible cables, the first exposed conductor may be provided at the same position.

[0077]

As described above, in the rotary connector according to the present invention, each of the first exposed conductor portions provided on the flexible cable has:
Each of the flexible cables is arranged at a different position, and the first connection terminal portions of one lead block are laminated with the first exposed conductor portions of a plurality of flexible cables, respectively. Each of the first connection terminals is electrically connected to the first base conductor of each flexible cable so that the same current flows through the first base conductor. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a rotary connector capable of flowing a current having a large current value from one connection terminal portion.

In the rotary connector according to the present invention, the first base conductor is used for supplying power,
A sufficiently large current can flow through the first base conductor.

In the rotary connector according to the present invention, the second base conductor for signal is provided in parallel with the first base conductor for power supply. The first and second base conductors are juxtaposed to provide a multifunctional rotary connector that can effectively utilize a space.

Further, in the rotary connector according to the present invention, the lead block is provided with a positioning portion formed of a convex portion, and the flexible cable is provided with an engaging portion into which the positioning portion is fitted. The engagement part is fitted to the positioning part,
By positioning the flexible cable on the lead block, the flexible cable can be easily attached to the lead block, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a rotary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a main part plan view showing a first embodiment of a first flexible cable of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a principal part showing a first embodiment of the second flexible cable of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a main part side view showing a first embodiment of the first flexible cable of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a first view of a lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention.
It is a top view which shows embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a first example of a lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention.
It is a side view which shows embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an essential part for describing attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of the rotary connector of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a main part side view for explaining attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of the rotary connector of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a principal part showing a second embodiment of the first flexible cable of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a main part plan view showing a second embodiment of the second flexible cable of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a principal part showing a second embodiment of the connection state between the flexible cable and the lead block of the rotary connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a main part showing a flexible cable of a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a main part showing a flexible cable of a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 18 is a main part plan view for explaining attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a main part for describing attachment of a flexible cable and a lead block of a conventional rotary connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fixed side housing 2 Movable side housing 3, 4 Flexible cable 6, 7 Lead block 20 1st flexible cable (flexible cable) 21, 22 Insulating film 23 Conductor 23a First base conductor 23b, 23c first exposed conductor portion 24 through-hole (engaging portion) 26 second flexible cable (flexible cable) 30 lead block 32 first connection terminal portion 32a first connection portion 53 second connection terminal portion 53a 2 connections 100 rotation connector

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A fixed-side housing, a movable-side housing rotatably mounted on the fixed-side housing, and stacked in a space formed between the fixed-side housing and the movable-side housing. At least two flexible cables housed in a folded state, and a lead block having a plurality of first connection terminal portions to which at least one of respective ends of the flexible cable is connected, The flexible cable has a plurality of strip-shaped first base conductors on one surface of the insulating film, and a plurality of strip-shaped first base conductors between the insulating films.
A tip portion of the first base conductor portion having a configuration in which the base conductor portion is sandwiched and having one surface adhered to and supported by the insulation film at the tip portion of the insulating film and the other surface exposed. A first exposed conductor portion provided in the plurality of flexible cables, the first exposed conductor portion is exposed from a different position in a width direction of the insulating film from each of the insulating films of the plurality of flexible cables, The first exposed conductor portions exposed from different positions of the insulating films of the plurality of flexible cables are displaced in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of flexible cables, and the plurality of first exposed conductors are shifted from each other.
The first connection terminals are stacked and disposed on each of the first connection terminals.
A rotary connector electrically connected to a connection terminal portion, wherein the same current flows through each of the first base conductor portions of the plurality of laminated flexible cables. 2. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first base conductors are used for supplying power to a heater device. 3. The at least two flexible cables,
A second connection terminal provided in parallel with the plurality of first base conductor portions for supplying a signal current, and a second connection terminal to which the second base conductor portion is electrically connected to the lead block; The rotary connector according to claim 2, wherein a portion is provided, and the second base conductor portion and the second connection terminal portion are electrically connected. 4. The plurality of first base conductors and the second base conductor,
4. The rotary connector according to claim 3, wherein the base conductor is provided separately in a bisected region of the insulating film. 5. The width dimension of the plurality of first base conductors is:
It is provided that the width is larger than the width of the second base conductor, and the current capacity of the plurality of first bases is larger than the current capacity of the second base. The rotary connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein 6. The lead block is provided with a positioning portion comprising a convex portion, and the at least two flexible cables are provided with an engaging portion to which the positioning portion is fitted, and the at least two flexible cables are provided. 2. The flexible cable according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is fitted to the positioning portion, and the flexible cable is positioned at the lead block.
A rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. A plurality of bisected numbers of said flexible cables housed in a stacked state in a space formed between said fixed side housing and said movable side housing,
The flexible cable is inverted in a U-shape at different positions, and two or more flexible cables are provided in the space so as to be driven at the separated inverted positions. 6. The rotary connector according to 6.