JP2014013655A

JP2014013655A - Relay structure of steering wheel

Info

Publication number: JP2014013655A
Application number: JP2012149672A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Terushi Hara; 輝史原; Shin Nemoto; 晋根本; Motoki Murakoshi; 元貴村越
Original assignee: Yazaki Corp
Current assignee: Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 2012-07-03
Filing date: 2012-07-03
Publication date: 2014-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-03
Also published as: JP5957314B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a relay structure of a steering wheel configured to set a conductive connection state between an electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the circuit of a vehicle body side and capable of achieving cost reduction by reducing the number of components, and improving operation reliability by improving the durability of the components.SOLUTION: A second connection terminal part 40, which is configured to set a conductive connection state between a first connection terminal part 14 connected to a circuit mounted on a steering wheel 1 and the power supply circuit of a vehicle body side, includes a resin housing 41 fixed to the shaft insertion casing 30 of the vehicle body side, and a terminal metal fitting 42 made of a metal plate fixed to the resin housing 41. The terminal metal fitting 42 includes a terminal body part 42a made of a metal plate and fixed in the resin housing 41, an electric wire connection part 42b integrally formed at the base end of the terminal body part 42a, and a leaf spring part 42c integrally formed in the terminal body part 42a so as to protrude from a boss opposite surface 32 to abut on a slide contact surface 14a.

Description

本発明は、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器と車体側の回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造に関する。 The present invention relates to a relay wheel structure of a steering wheel for electrically connecting an electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and a circuit on the vehicle body side.

図８は、下記特許文献１に開示されたステアリングホイールの継電部構造の一部を示したものである。 FIG. 8 shows a part of a steering wheel relay portion structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

図示の継電部構造は、ステアリングホイールの中心ボス部１１０の基端面１１１に固定装備される第１の接続端子部１２０と車体側に装備される第２の接続端子部１３０との導通接続状態を示したものである。 The illustrated relay portion structure is a conductive connection state between the first connection terminal portion 120 fixedly mounted on the base end surface 111 of the center boss portion 110 of the steering wheel and the second connection terminal portion 130 mounted on the vehicle body side. Is shown.

第１の接続端子部１２０は、ステアリングホイールに搭載されるホーンスイッチなどの回路の給電用端子に、不図示の配線部材を介して接続される接続端子部である。 The first connection terminal portion 120 is a connection terminal portion that is connected to a power feeding terminal of a circuit such as a horn switch mounted on the steering wheel via a wiring member (not shown).

第１の接続端子部１２０は、前記基端面１１１に固定装備される第１の接続端子部１２０であって、金属板により円環状（ドーナツ盤状）に形成されると共に、不図示のステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心に基端面１１１上に配置されている。この第１の接続端子部１２０は、所謂スリップリングで、基端面１１１上に、ステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面１２１を形成している。 The first connection terminal portion 120 is a first connection terminal portion 120 that is fixedly mounted on the base end surface 111, and is formed in an annular shape (a donut disk shape) with a metal plate, and a steering shaft (not shown). Are arranged on the base end surface 111 concentrically with the rotation center axis of the lens. The first connection terminal portion 120 is a so-called slip ring, and an annular sliding contact surface 121 concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft is formed on the base end surface 111.

第２の接続端子部１３０は、軸挿通筐体１４０に固定装備された給電回路の給電端子１５０を、第１の接続端子部１２０に導通接続する。 The second connection terminal unit 130 electrically connects the power supply terminal 150 of the power supply circuit fixedly mounted on the shaft insertion housing 140 to the first connection terminal unit 120.

軸挿通筐体１４０は、車体に固定された構造部材である。この軸挿通筐体１４０は、不図示のステアリング軸が回転自在に挿通すると共に、中心ボス部１１０の基端面１１１と対向するボス部対向面１４１を備えている。 The shaft insertion case 140 is a structural member fixed to the vehicle body. The shaft insertion case 140 includes a boss portion facing surface 141 that allows a steering shaft (not shown) to be rotatably inserted and faces the base end surface 111 of the center boss portion 110.

給電端子１５０は、金属板により円環状（ドーナツ盤状）に形成されると共に、不図示のステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心にボス部対向面１４１上に配置されている。この給電端子１５０は、所謂スリップリングで、ボス部対向面１４１上に、ステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面１５１を形成している。 The power supply terminal 150 is formed in an annular shape (doughnut board shape) by a metal plate, and is disposed on the boss portion facing surface 141 concentrically with the rotation center axis of a steering shaft (not shown). The power supply terminal 150 is a so-called slip ring, and an annular sliding contact surface 151 concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft is formed on the boss portion facing surface 141.

特許文献１における第２の接続端子部１３０は、中心ボス部１１０と一体の端子部支持フレーム１１２に取り付けられた略筒状構造の端子収容ハウジング１３１と、この端子収容ハウジング１３１の第１の接続端子部１２０側の端部１３１ａに出没可能に取り付けられた第１接点部材１３２と、端子収容ハウジング１３１の軸挿通筐体１４０側の端部１３１ｂに出没可能に取り付けられた第２接点部材１３３と、第１接点部材１３２と第２接点部材１３３との間に圧縮状態に装着された接点付勢ばね１３４と、を備えている。 The second connection terminal portion 130 in Patent Document 1 includes a terminal housing housing 131 having a substantially cylindrical structure attached to a terminal portion support frame 112 integral with the center boss portion 110, and a first connection of the terminal housing housing 131. A first contact member 132 detachably attached to the end portion 131 a on the terminal portion 120 side, and a second contact member 133 detachably attached to the end portion 131 b on the shaft insertion housing 140 side of the terminal housing housing 131. And a contact urging spring 134 mounted in a compressed state between the first contact member 132 and the second contact member 133.

第１接点部材１３２及び第２接点部材１３３は、鍔付きのピン構造に成形された樹脂製の本体の表面に、金属メッキによる導電層を形成したものである。第１接点部材１３２は、図８に示すように、表面の導電層を摺動接触面１２１に押圧接触させることで、第１の接続端子部１２０に導通接続される。第２接点部材１３３は、図８に示すように、表面の導電層を摺動接触面１５１に押圧接触させることで、給電端子１５０に導通接続される。 The first contact member 132 and the second contact member 133 are obtained by forming a conductive layer by metal plating on the surface of a resin main body formed into a pin structure with a hook. As shown in FIG. 8, the first contact member 132 is conductively connected to the first connection terminal portion 120 by pressing the conductive layer on the surface against the sliding contact surface 121. As shown in FIG. 8, the second contact member 133 is conductively connected to the power supply terminal 150 by bringing the conductive layer on the surface into press contact with the sliding contact surface 151.

接点付勢ばね１３４は、金属製の圧縮コイルばねで、第１接点部材１３２と第２接点部材１３３とを互いに離反する方向に付勢して、それぞれの接点部材を対応する摺動接触面１２１，１５１に押圧接触した状態を保つと共に、第１接点部材１３２と第２接点部材１３３とを導通接続する導電部材として機能する。 The contact urging spring 134 is a metal compression coil spring that urges the first contact member 132 and the second contact member 133 in directions away from each other, thereby causing each contact member to correspond to the corresponding sliding contact surface 121. , 151 is maintained in a pressure contact state, and functions as a conductive member that electrically connects the first contact member 132 and the second contact member 133.

特開昭６４−４４３６１号公報JP-A-64-44361

ところが、図８に示したステアリングホイールの継電部構造は、第２の接続端子部１３０が、端子収容ハウジング１３１、第１接点部材１３２、第２接点部材１３３、接点付勢ばね１３４などの多数の独立部品から構成されており、構成部品数が多く、組立工程数も多くなるため、製造コストの削減が難しいという問題があった。 However, in the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 8, the second connection terminal portion 130 includes a number of terminal housings 131, first contact members 132, second contact members 133, contact biasing springs 134, and the like. Since the number of components is large and the number of assembly processes is large, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost.

また、構成部品数が多い分、全ての部品の品質を同等に維持することが難しく、構成部品の品質向上によって動作信頼性の向上を図ることが難しいという問題もあった。 In addition, since the number of component parts is large, it is difficult to maintain the same quality of all parts, and it is difficult to improve the operation reliability by improving the quality of the component parts.

更に、特許文献１の第２の接続端子部１３０の場合、第１接点部材１３２や第２接点部材１３３が、樹脂製の本体の表面に、金属メッキによる導電層を形成したもので、導電層が摺動摩擦によって摩耗すると、導通不良が発生するおそれがあり、耐久性や動作信頼性の向上が難しいという問題があった。 Further, in the case of the second connection terminal portion 130 of Patent Document 1, the first contact member 132 and the second contact member 133 are formed by forming a conductive layer by metal plating on the surface of the resin body. However, when worn due to sliding friction, there is a risk that poor conduction may occur, and it is difficult to improve durability and operational reliability.

そこで、本発明の目的は、上記課題を解消することに係り、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器と車体側の回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造であって、構成部品数の削減によるコストダウンと、構成部品の耐久性の向上による動作信頼性の向上と、を達成することのできるステアリングホイールの継電部構造を提供することにある。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a steering wheel relay structure for electrically connecting an electronic device mounted on a steering wheel and a circuit on the vehicle body side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering wheel relay structure that can achieve cost reduction by reducing the number and improvement of operation reliability by improving durability of components.

本発明の前述した目的は、下記の構成により達成される。
（１）車体に回転自在に支持されたステアリング軸の先端に固定されるステアリングホイールの中心ボス部であって、前記ステアリング軸と直交する基端面を有した中心ボス部と、
前記ステアリング軸が回転自在に挿通すると共に前記中心ボス部の基端面と対向するボス部対向面を備えて前記車体に固定された軸挿通筐体と、
前記ステアリングホイールに搭載される回路の給電用端子に接続される接続端子部として前記基端面に固定装備される第１の接続端子部であって、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に前記ステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心に前記基端面上に配置されて、前記基端面上に、前記ステアリング軸の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面を形成した第１の接続端子部と、
先端が前記摺動接触面に押圧接触するように前記ボス部対向面に装備されると共に、基端が前記車体側の給電回路に導通接続される第２の接続端子部と、
を備えて、
前記第１の接続端子部と前記第２の接続端子部との接触部を介して前記ステアリングホイール上の前記回路の給電用端子と前記車体側の前記給電回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造であって、
前記第２の接続端子部は、先端面が前記ボス部対向面に配置された開口部から前記基端面に対向するように前記軸挿通筐体に固定される樹脂製ハウジングと、前記樹脂製ハウジングに保持される金属板製の端子金具と、を備え、
前記端子金具は、前記樹脂製ハウジングに形成された端子収容孔内に挿入されて前記樹脂製ハウジング内に固定される端子本体部と、該端子本体部の基端に一体形成されて前記車体側の前記給電回路からのリード線が導通接続可能な電線接続部と、前記樹脂製ハウジングの先端面から突出して前記摺動接触面に当接するように前記端子本体部に一体形成されると共に前記摺動接触面との当接により当接方向に所定の弾性変形をする板ばね部と、
を備えたことを特徴とするステアリングホイールの継電部構造。 The above-described object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.
(1) A central boss portion of a steering wheel fixed to a tip end of a steering shaft rotatably supported by a vehicle body, the central boss portion having a base end surface orthogonal to the steering shaft;
A shaft insertion housing that is fixed to the vehicle body with a boss-part-facing surface that faces the base end surface of the central boss part, and the steering shaft is rotatably inserted;
A first connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the base end surface as a connection terminal portion connected to a power feeding terminal of a circuit mounted on the steering wheel, and is formed in an annular shape with a metal plate and the steering A first connection terminal portion disposed on the base end surface concentrically with the rotation center axis of the shaft, and forming an annular sliding contact surface concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft on the base end surface;
A second connecting terminal portion that is mounted on the boss portion facing surface such that a distal end is in press contact with the sliding contact surface, and a proximal end is electrically connected to the power feeding circuit on the vehicle body side;
With
A steering wheel for electrically connecting the power supply terminal of the circuit on the steering wheel and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side through a contact portion between the first connection terminal portion and the second connection terminal portion. The relay part structure of
The second connection terminal portion includes a resin housing fixed to the shaft insertion housing so that a distal end surface thereof is opposed to the base end surface from an opening disposed on the boss portion facing surface, and the resin housing And a metal plate terminal fitting held by
The terminal fitting is inserted into a terminal receiving hole formed in the resin housing and fixed in the resin housing, and is integrally formed at a base end of the terminal body portion so as to be on the vehicle body side. An electric wire connecting portion to which a lead wire from the power feeding circuit can be conductively connected; and a terminal body portion that is integrally formed with the terminal main body portion so as to protrude from a front end surface of the resin housing and abut against the sliding contact surface. A leaf spring portion that performs predetermined elastic deformation in the contact direction by contact with the dynamic contact surface;
A steering wheel relay structure characterized by comprising:

（２）前記ステアリングホイールに搭載される前記回路のアース端子に接続される接続端子部として前記基端面に固定装備される第３の接続端子部であって、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に前記基端面上に配置されて、前記基端面上に前記第１の接続端子部と同心の環状の摺動接触面を形成した第３の接続端子部と、
前記車体側の接地部に導通接続されるアース端子部として前記ボス部対向面に固定装備される第４の接続端子部であって、前記第１の接続端子部との当接による前記板ばね部の弾性変形量が規定量に達したときに前記第３の接続端子部と面接触状態となるように、前記ボス部対向面に配置された第４の接続端子部と、
を備えたことを特徴とする上記（１）に記載のステアリングホイールの継電部構造。 (2) A third connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the base end surface as a connection terminal portion connected to the ground terminal of the circuit mounted on the steering wheel, and formed in an annular shape by a metal plate. And a third connection terminal portion disposed on the base end surface and forming an annular sliding contact surface concentric with the first connection terminal portion on the base end surface;
A fourth connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the surface opposite to the boss portion as a ground terminal portion that is conductively connected to the ground portion on the vehicle body side, the leaf spring being in contact with the first connection terminal portion A fourth connection terminal portion disposed on the boss portion-facing surface so as to be in a surface contact state with the third connection terminal portion when the amount of elastic deformation of the portion reaches a specified amount;
The steering wheel relay part structure according to (1) above, characterized by comprising:

上記（１）の構成によれば、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器に接続される第１の接続端子部と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部は、車体側の軸挿通筐体に固定される樹脂製ハウジングと、該樹脂製ハウジングに装着される金属板製の端子金具と、の２部品から構成される。そのため、図８に示した従来の第２の接続端子部と比較すると、構成部品数が大幅に削減され、組立工程数も削減される。従って、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造において、構成部品数の削減によるコストダウンを達成することができる。 According to the configuration of (1) above, the first connection terminal portion connected to the electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the second connection terminal portion that conducts the electrical connection on the vehicle body side are provided on the vehicle body side. It consists of two parts: a resin housing fixed to the shaft insertion housing, and a metal plate terminal fitting attached to the resin housing. Therefore, compared with the conventional second connection terminal portion shown in FIG. 8, the number of components is greatly reduced, and the number of assembly steps is also reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve cost reduction by reducing the number of component parts in the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel that electrically connects the electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side.

また、上記（１）の構成によれば、先端を第１の接続端子部の摺動接触面に押圧接触させることで、第１の接続端子部と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部の端子金具が金属板製であり、樹脂製の本体の表面に金属メッキによる導電層を形成した接点部材が使用された従来の継電部構造と比較すると、表面の摩耗による導通不良の発生を防止することができ、構成部品の耐久性の向上による動作信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 According to the configuration of (1), the first connection terminal portion and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side are electrically connected by pressing the tip end against the sliding contact surface of the first connection terminal portion. Compared with the conventional relay part structure in which the terminal fitting of the connection terminal part 2 is made of a metal plate and a contact member in which a conductive layer is formed by metal plating on the surface of the resin body is used, it is due to surface wear. Occurrence of continuity failure can be prevented, and operational reliability can be improved by improving the durability of the component parts.

上記（２）の構成によれば、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器のアース端子と車体側の接地部との間の導通接続は、金属板により円環状に形成されてステアリングホイールの中心ボス部の基端面に配置された第３の接続端子部と、中心ボス部の基端面と対向する車体側の軸挿通筐体のボス部対向面に配置された第４の接続端子部と、の直接接触による。即ち、第３の接続端子部と第４の接続端子部とは、他の部材が介在しない直接接触により導通接続されるため、構成部品の増加を招くことのない最少の部品構成で、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器を車体にアース接続することができ、構成部品数の削減によるコスト低減や、信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 According to the configuration of (2) above, the conductive connection between the ground terminal of the electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the grounding part on the vehicle body side is formed in an annular shape by the metal plate, and the central boss part of the steering wheel The third connection terminal portion disposed on the base end surface of the vehicle and the fourth connection terminal portion disposed on the boss portion facing surface of the vehicle body side shaft insertion housing facing the base end surface of the center boss portion. By contact. That is, since the third connection terminal portion and the fourth connection terminal portion are conductively connected by direct contact with no other member interposed therebetween, the steering wheel has a minimum component configuration that does not increase the number of components. The electronic device mounted on the vehicle can be grounded to the vehicle body, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components and the reliability can be improved.

本発明によるステアリングホイールの継電部構造によれば、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器に接続される第１の接続端子部と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部は、車体側の軸挿通筐体に固定される樹脂製ハウジングと、該樹脂製ハウジングに装着される金属板製の端子金具と、の２部品から構成される。そのため、図８に示した従来の第２の接続端子部と比較すると、構成部品数が大幅に削減され、組立工程数も削減される。従って、ステアリングホイールに搭載される電子機器と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造において、構成部品数の削減によるコストダウンを達成することができる。 According to the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel according to the present invention, the second connection terminal part for conducting and connecting the first connection terminal part connected to the electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side is The resin housing is fixed to the vehicle body-side shaft insertion housing, and the metal plate terminal fitting is attached to the resin housing. Therefore, compared with the conventional second connection terminal portion shown in FIG. 8, the number of components is greatly reduced, and the number of assembly steps is also reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve cost reduction by reducing the number of component parts in the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel that electrically connects the electronic device mounted on the steering wheel and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side.

また、本発明によるステアリングホイールの継電部構造によれば、先端を第１の接続端子部の摺動接触面に押圧接触させることで、第１の接続端子部と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部の端子金具が金属板製であり、樹脂製の本体の表面に金属メッキによる導電層を形成した接点部材が使用された従来の継電部構造と比較すると、表面の摩耗による導通不良の発生を防止することができ、構成部品の耐久性の向上による動作信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 In addition, according to the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel according to the present invention, the first connection terminal portion and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side are connected by pressing the tip to the sliding contact surface of the first connection terminal portion. Compared with the conventional relay part structure in which the terminal fitting of the second connection terminal part to be conductively connected is made of a metal plate, and a contact member in which a conductive layer by metal plating is formed on the surface of the resin main body is used. Occurrence of poor conduction due to surface wear can be prevented, and operational reliability can be improved by improving the durability of the component parts.

以上、本発明について簡潔に説明した。更に、以下に説明される発明を実施するための形態（以下、「実施形態」という。）を添付の図面を参照して通読することにより、本発明の詳細は更に明確化されるであろう。 The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through a mode for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

図１は本発明に係るステアリングホイールの継電部構造の一実施形態の分解斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a relay wheel structure of a steering wheel according to the present invention. 図２は図１に示したステアリングホイールの継電部の継電部の組立状態の縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembled state of the relay portion of the steering portion of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 図３は図１に示したステアリングホイールの裏面側からの斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the back side of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 図４は図１に示した樹脂製ハウジングと端子金具の拡大斜視図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the resin housing and terminal fitting shown in FIG. 図５は図４に示した端子金具の拡大斜視図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the terminal fitting shown in FIG. 図６は図５に示した端子金具が樹脂製ハウジングに保持されている状態を示す拡大縦断面図である。FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the terminal fitting shown in FIG. 5 is held by the resin housing. 図７は図２のＡ部の拡大図である。FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 図８は従来のステアリングホイールの継電部構造の縦断面図である。FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional relay wheel structure of a steering wheel.

以下、本発明に係るステアリングホイールの継電部構造の好適な実施形態について、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。 Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a relay wheel structure of a steering wheel according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

図１〜図７は本発明に係るステアリングホイールの継電部構造の一実施形態を示したもので、図１は本発明の一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造の分解斜視図、図２は図１に示したステアリングホイールの継電部の継電部の組立状態の縦断面図、図３は図１に示したステアリングホイールの裏面側からの斜視図、図４は図１に示した樹脂製ハウジングと端子金具の拡大斜視図、図５は図４に示した端子金具の拡大斜視図、図６は図５に示した端子金具が樹脂製ハウジングに保持されている状態を示す拡大縦断面図、図７は図２のＡ部の拡大図である。 1 to 7 show an embodiment of a relay wheel structure of a steering wheel according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the relay wheel structure of a steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an assembled state of the relay portion of the relay portion of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the back side of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the terminal fitting shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a state where the terminal fitting shown in FIG. 5 is held by the resin housing. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG.

この一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造は、図１に示すステアリングホイール１に搭載されるホーンスイッチ１０などの電子機器の給電端子やアース端子を、車体側の給電回路やアース端子部に導通接続するものである。 The steering wheel relay portion structure of this embodiment is configured such that a power supply terminal and a ground terminal of an electronic device such as a horn switch 10 mounted on the steering wheel 1 shown in FIG. Conductive connection is made.

ステアリングホイール１における継電部２０は、ステアリングホイール１が回動自在に車体側に接続される部分で、図１に示すように、ステアリングホイール１に一体形成された中心ボス部１２と、車体に固定された軸挿通筐体３０と、中心ボス部１２に装備される第１の接続端子部１４及び第３の接続端子部１６（図３参照）と、軸挿通筐体３０に装備される第２の接続端子部４０及び第４の接続端子部５０と、を備える。 The relay portion 20 in the steering wheel 1 is a portion where the steering wheel 1 is pivotally connected to the vehicle body side. As shown in FIG. 1, a central boss portion 12 formed integrally with the steering wheel 1 and a vehicle body. The fixed shaft insertion housing 30, the first connection terminal portion 14 and the third connection terminal portion 16 (see FIG. 3) provided on the central boss portion 12, and the first connection terminal portion 16 provided on the shaft insertion housing 30. 2 connection terminal portions 40 and a fourth connection terminal portion 50.

中心ボス部１２は、図２に示すように、ステアリングホイール１の中心部に裏面側に突出する円柱状に形成された部位で、車体に回転自在に支持されたステアリング軸１７の先端に固定される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the center boss portion 12 is a portion formed in a columnar shape protruding from the rear surface side at the center portion of the steering wheel 1, and is fixed to the tip end of the steering shaft 17 that is rotatably supported by the vehicle body. The

ステアリング軸１７の先端部には、図２に示すように、中心ボス部１２に形成された軸嵌合孔１２ａに嵌合する円柱状のボス部嵌合部１７ａと、ボス部嵌合部１７ａの先端面に突設された締結用雄ねじ部１７ｂと、が備えられている。締結用雄ねじ部１７ｂは、ボス部嵌合部１７ａよりも小径のねじ部である。締結用雄ねじ部１７ｂは、図２に示すように、軸嵌合孔１２ａの内奥に設けられた軸当接壁１２ｂに貫通形成されたねじ挿通孔１２ｃを挿通する。 As shown in FIG. 2, a columnar boss portion fitting portion 17a that fits into a shaft fitting hole 12a formed in the center boss portion 12 and a boss portion fitting portion 17a are provided at the distal end portion of the steering shaft 17. And a fastening male screw portion 17b projecting from the front end surface of the screw. The fastening male screw portion 17b is a screw portion having a smaller diameter than the boss portion fitting portion 17a. As shown in FIG. 2, the fastening male screw portion 17b is inserted through a screw insertion hole 12c formed through a shaft abutting wall 12b provided in the inner part of the shaft fitting hole 12a.

ステアリングホイール１は、図２に示すように、軸当接壁１２ｂを挿通した締結用雄ねじ部１７ｂにナット１８を螺合させて、ナット１８とボス部嵌合部１７ａとで軸当接壁１２ｂを挟持させることで、ステアリング軸１７の先端に固定される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the steering wheel 1 has a nut 18 screwed into a fastening male screw portion 17b inserted through the shaft contact wall 12b, and the shaft contact wall 12b between the nut 18 and the boss fitting portion 17a. Is fixed to the tip end of the steering shaft 17.

ステアリングホイール１の中心部近傍には、図１に示すように、配線挿通孔１２ｄが、ステアリング軸１７の中心軸線と略平行に貫通形成されている。この配線挿通孔１２ｄは、図２に示すように、ホーンスイッチ１０の給電端子やアース端子に接続されたリード線（配線）６０を挿通させる。 As shown in FIG. 1, a wiring insertion hole 12 d is formed in the vicinity of the central portion of the steering wheel 1 so as to penetrate substantially parallel to the central axis of the steering shaft 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring insertion hole 12 d allows a lead wire (wiring) 60 connected to the power supply terminal or the ground terminal of the horn switch 10 to pass therethrough.

ステアリングホイール１の中心ボス部１２は、図２及び図３に示すように、ステアリング軸１７と直交する平坦な基端面１２ｅを有している。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the central boss portion 12 of the steering wheel 1 has a flat base end surface 12 e orthogonal to the steering shaft 17.

軸挿通筐体３０は、図１に示すように、軸挿通孔３１と、ボス部対向面３２と、端子装着孔３３と、を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft insertion housing 30 includes a shaft insertion hole 31, a boss portion facing surface 32, and a terminal mounting hole 33.

軸挿通孔３１は、ステアリング軸１７が回転自在に挿通する孔で、軸挿通筐体３０の中心部に貫通形成されている。 The shaft insertion hole 31 is a hole through which the steering shaft 17 is rotatably inserted, and is formed through the central portion of the shaft insertion housing 30.

ボス部対向面３２は、中心ボス部１２の基端面１２ｅと対向する面である。ボス部対向面３２は、軸挿通筐体３０のステアリングホイール１側の端面に膨出形成された円柱状のボス部３４の先端面で、基端面１２ｅと平行な平坦面である。 The boss portion facing surface 32 is a surface facing the base end surface 12 e of the central boss portion 12. The boss portion facing surface 32 is a front end surface of a columnar boss portion 34 bulging and formed on the end surface of the shaft insertion housing 30 on the steering wheel 1 side, and is a flat surface parallel to the base end surface 12e.

第１の接続端子部１４は、ステアリングホイール１に搭載されるホーンスイッチ１０の給電用端子に接続される接続端子部として、図３及び図７に示すように、基端面１２ｅに固定装備される。第１の接続端子部１４は、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に、ステアリング軸１７の回転中心軸と同心に基端面１２ｅ上に配置される。この第１の接続端子部１４は、所謂スリップリングで、基端面１２ｅ上に、ステアリング軸１７の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面１４ａを形成いている。 As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the first connection terminal portion 14 is fixedly mounted on the base end surface 12 e as a connection terminal portion connected to a power feeding terminal of the horn switch 10 mounted on the steering wheel 1. . The first connection terminal portion 14 is formed in an annular shape from a metal plate and is disposed on the base end surface 12 e concentrically with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft 17. The first connection terminal portion 14 is a so-called slip ring, and an annular sliding contact surface 14a concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft 17 is formed on the base end surface 12e.

第３の接続端子部１６は、ステアリングホイール１に搭載されるホーンスイッチ１０のアース端子に接続される接続端子部として、図３に示すように、基端面１２ｅに固定装備される。本実施形態の第３の接続端子部１６は、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に、ステアリング軸１７の回転中心軸と同心に基端面１２ｅ上に配置される。この第３の接続端子部１６は、基端面１２ｅ上に、第１の接続端子部１４と同心の環状の摺動接触面１６ａを形成している。 As shown in FIG. 3, the third connection terminal portion 16 is fixedly mounted on the base end surface 12 e as a connection terminal portion connected to the ground terminal of the horn switch 10 mounted on the steering wheel 1. The third connection terminal portion 16 of the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape by a metal plate, and is disposed on the base end surface 12 e concentrically with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft 17. The third connection terminal portion 16 forms an annular sliding contact surface 16a concentric with the first connection terminal portion 14 on the base end surface 12e.

第２の接続端子部４０は、先端が摺動接触面１４ａに押圧接触するようにボス部対向面３２に装備されると共に、基端が車体側の給電回路に導通接続される端子部である。 The second connection terminal portion 40 is a terminal portion that is mounted on the boss portion facing surface 32 so that the distal end is in press contact with the sliding contact surface 14a, and the base end is conductively connected to the power feeding circuit on the vehicle body side. .

第２の接続端子部４０は、図４に示すように、樹脂製ハウジング４１と、金属板製の端子金具４２と、から構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the second connection terminal portion 40 includes a resin housing 41 and a metal plate terminal fitting 42.

樹脂製ハウジング４１は、図７に示すように、その先端面４１ａがボス部対向面３２に配置された端子装着孔３３の開口部から基端面１２ｅに対向するように、軸挿通筐体３０の端子装着孔３３に固定される。 As shown in FIG. 7, the resin housing 41 has a distal end surface 41a of the shaft insertion housing 30 so that the distal end surface 41a faces the base end surface 12e from the opening of the terminal mounting hole 33 disposed on the boss portion facing surface 32. It is fixed to the terminal mounting hole 33.

端子金具４２は、図４に示した樹脂製ハウジング４１の端子収容孔４１ｂに保持される。 The terminal fitting 42 is held in the terminal receiving hole 41b of the resin housing 41 shown in FIG.

この端子金具４２は、図５に示すように、端子本体部４２ａと、電線接続部４２ｂと、板ばね部４２ｃと、を金属板のプレス成形により一体形成したものである。 As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal fitting 42 is formed by integrally forming a terminal main body 42a, an electric wire connecting portion 42b, and a leaf spring portion 42c by press forming a metal plate.

端子本体部４２ａは、図４及び図６に示すように、樹脂製ハウジング４１の後端側から端子収容孔４１ｂ内に挿入される。端子収容孔４１ｂに挿入された端子本体部４２ａは、図６に示すように、樹脂製ハウジング４１内に装備された端子係止ランス４１ｆと係合することにより、抜け止めされて、樹脂製ハウジング４１内に固定される。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the terminal main body portion 42 a is inserted into the terminal accommodating hole 41 b from the rear end side of the resin housing 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal main body portion 42a inserted into the terminal receiving hole 41b is prevented from coming off by engaging with a terminal locking lance 41f provided in the resin housing 41, and the resin housing. 41 is fixed.

電線接続部４２ｂは、図４に示すように、端子本体部４２ａの基端に一体形成された電線加締め部である。この電線接続部４２ｂは、車体側の給電回路からのリード線６２を圧着接続することで、リード線６２を導通接続可能である。 As shown in FIG. 4, the electric wire connecting portion 42 b is an electric wire crimping portion that is integrally formed at the base end of the terminal main body portion 42 a. The electric wire connection portion 42b can be connected to the lead wire 62 by crimping the lead wire 62 from the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side.

板ばね部４２ｃは、図５及び図６に示すように、樹脂製ハウジング４１の先端面４１ａから突出して摺動接触面１４ａに当接するように、端子本体部４２ａに一体形成されている。板ばね部４２ｃは、摺動接触面１４ａとの当接により当接方向に所定の弾性変形をするように、適宜、湾曲部が形成される。 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the leaf spring portion 42 c is integrally formed with the terminal main body portion 42 a so as to protrude from the tip end surface 41 a of the resin housing 41 and come into contact with the sliding contact surface 14 a. The leaf spring portion 42c is appropriately formed with a curved portion so as to undergo predetermined elastic deformation in the contact direction by contact with the sliding contact surface 14a.

第４の接続端子部５０は、車体側の接地部に導通接続されるアース端子部として、図１に示すように、ボス部対向面３２に固定装備されている。本実施形態の場合、第４の接続端子部５０は、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に、ステアリング軸１７の回転中心軸と同心にボス部対向面３２上に配置される。この第４の接続端子部５０は、ボス部対向面３２上に、ステアリング軸１７の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面５０ａを形成している。本実施形態の第４の接続端子部５０は、第１の接続端子部１４との当接による板ばね部４２ｃの弾性変形量が規定量（規定の接触圧）に達したときに第３の接続端子部１６と面接触状態となるように、ボス部対向面３２に配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth connection terminal portion 50 is fixedly mounted on the boss portion facing surface 32 as a ground terminal portion that is conductively connected to the ground portion on the vehicle body side. In the case of this embodiment, the fourth connection terminal portion 50 is formed in an annular shape by a metal plate and is disposed on the boss portion facing surface 32 concentrically with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft 17. The fourth connection terminal portion 50 forms an annular sliding contact surface 50 a concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft 17 on the boss portion facing surface 32. The fourth connection terminal portion 50 of the present embodiment has a third configuration when the amount of elastic deformation of the leaf spring portion 42c due to contact with the first connection terminal portion 14 reaches a specified amount (a specified contact pressure). It arrange | positions at the boss | hub part opposing surface 32 so that it may be in a surface contact state with the connecting terminal part 16. FIG.

以上に説明した一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造は、第１の接続端子部１４と第２の接続端子部４０との接触部を介してステアリングホイール１上の回路の給電用端子と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続状態にする。また、第３の接続端子部１６と第４の接続端子部５０との接触部を介してステアリングホイール１上の回路のアース端子と車体側の接地部とを導通接続状態にする。 The relay wheel structure of the steering wheel according to the embodiment described above includes a power feeding terminal of a circuit on the steering wheel 1 via a contact portion between the first connection terminal portion 14 and the second connection terminal portion 40. A conductive connection state is established with the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side. In addition, the ground terminal of the circuit on the steering wheel 1 and the grounding portion on the vehicle body side are brought into a conductive connection state through the contact portion between the third connection terminal portion 16 and the fourth connection terminal portion 50.

以上に説明した一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造によれば、ステアリングホイール１に搭載される回路に接続される第１の接続端子部１４と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部４０は、車体側の軸挿通筐体３０に固定される樹脂製ハウジング４１と、該樹脂製ハウジング４１に装着される金属板製の端子金具４２と、の２部品から構成される。 According to the steering wheel relay portion structure of the embodiment described above, the first connection terminal portion 14 connected to the circuit mounted on the steering wheel 1 and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side are electrically connected. The two connection terminal portions 40 are composed of two parts: a resin housing 41 fixed to the shaft insertion housing 30 on the vehicle body side, and a metal plate terminal fitting 42 attached to the resin housing 41. The

そのため、図８に示した従来の第２の接続端子部４０と比較すると、構成部品数が大幅に削減され、組立工程数も削減される。従って、ステアリングホイール１に搭載される回路と車体側の回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイール１の継電部構造において、構成部品数の削減によるコストダウンを達成することができる。 Therefore, compared with the conventional second connection terminal portion 40 shown in FIG. 8, the number of components is greatly reduced, and the number of assembly steps is also reduced. Therefore, in the relay part structure of the steering wheel 1 that brings the circuit mounted on the steering wheel 1 and the circuit on the vehicle body into a conductive connection state, it is possible to achieve cost reduction by reducing the number of components.

また、以上に説明した一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造によれば、先端を第１の接続端子部１４の摺動接触面１４ａに押圧接触させることで、第１の接続端子部１４と車体側の給電回路とを導通接続させる第２の接続端子部４０の端子金具４２が金属板製であり、樹脂製の本体の表面に金属メッキによる導電層を形成した接点部材が使用された従来の継電部構造と比較すると、表面の摩耗による導通不良の発生を防止することができ、構成部品の耐久性の向上による動作信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 Further, according to the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel according to the embodiment described above, the first connection terminal portion 14 is brought into pressure contact with the sliding contact surface 14a of the first connection terminal portion 14. The terminal fitting 42 of the second connection terminal portion 40 for electrically connecting the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side to the vehicle body side is made of a metal plate, and a contact member having a conductive layer formed by metal plating on the surface of the resin main body is used. Compared to the conventional relay structure, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor conduction due to surface wear, and to improve the operational reliability by improving the durability of the component parts.

また、以上に説明した一実施形態のステアリングホイールの継電部構造によれば、ステアリングホイール１に搭載される回路のアース端子と車体側の接地部との間の導通接続は、金属板により円環状に形成されてステアリングホイール１の中心ボス部１２の基端面１２ｅに配置された第３の接続端子部１６と、中心ボス部１２の基端面１２ｅと対向する車体側の軸挿通筐体３０のボス部対向面３２に配置された第４の接続端子部５０と、の直接接触による。 Further, according to the steering wheel relay portion structure of the embodiment described above, the conductive connection between the ground terminal of the circuit mounted on the steering wheel 1 and the ground portion on the vehicle body side is made by a metal plate. A third connection terminal portion 16 formed in an annular shape and disposed on the base end surface 12e of the center boss portion 12 of the steering wheel 1, and a shaft insertion housing 30 on the vehicle body side facing the base end surface 12e of the center boss portion 12 are provided. By direct contact with the fourth connection terminal portion 50 disposed on the boss portion facing surface 32.

即ち、第３の接続端子部１６と第４の接続端子部５０とは、他の部材が介在しない直接接触により導通接続されるため、構成部品の増加を招くことのない最少の部品構成で、ステアリングホイール１に搭載される回路を車体にアース接続することができ、構成部品数の削減によるコスト低減や、信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 That is, since the third connection terminal portion 16 and the fourth connection terminal portion 50 are conductively connected by direct contact without any other member interposed therebetween, the minimum component configuration that does not cause an increase in the number of components is achieved. The circuit mounted on the steering wheel 1 can be grounded to the vehicle body, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components and the reliability can be improved.

なお、本発明は、上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、適宜、変形、改良、等が可能である。その他、上述した実施形態における各構成要素の材質、形状、寸法、数、配置箇所、等は本発明を達成できるものであれば任意であり、限定されない。 In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A deformation | transformation, improvement, etc. are possible suitably. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement location, and the like of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

例えば、端子金具４２に装備される板ばね部４２ｃの具体的な湾曲形状は、例えば、途中に蛇腹状のばね構造を持つ構成としても良い。 For example, the specific curved shape of the leaf spring portion 42c provided in the terminal fitting 42 may be configured to have a bellows-like spring structure in the middle, for example.

また上記実施形態における板ばね部４２ｃは、端子本体部４２ａの上壁部側から延出しているが、端子本体部４２ａの側壁部から延出する構成としても良い。 Moreover, although the leaf | plate spring part 42c in the said embodiment is extended from the upper wall part side of the terminal main-body part 42a, it is good also as a structure extended from the side wall part of the terminal main-body part 42a.

ここで、上述した本発明に係るステアリングホイールの継電部構造の実施形態の特徴をそれぞれ以下［１］〜［２］に簡潔に纏めて列記する。 Here, the features of the above-described embodiment of the relay wheel structure of the steering wheel according to the present invention are summarized and listed in the following [1] to [2], respectively.

［１］車体に回転自在に支持されたステアリング軸（１７）の先端に固定されるステアリングホイール（１）の中心ボス部（１２）であって、前記ステアリング軸（１７）と直交する基端面（１２ｅ）を有した中心ボス部（１２）と、
前記ステアリング軸（１７）が回転自在に挿通すると共に前記中心ボス部（１２）の基端面（１２ｅ）と対向するボス部対向面（３２）を備えて前記車体に固定された軸挿通筐体（３０）と、
前記ステアリングホイール（１）に搭載される回路の給電用端子に接続される接続端子部として前記基端面（１２ｅ）に固定装備される第１の接続端子部（１４）であって、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に前記ステアリング軸（１７）の回転中心軸と同心に前記基端面（１２ｅ）上に配置されて、前記基端面（１２ｅ）上に、前記ステアリング軸（１７）の回転中心軸と同心の環状の摺動接触面（１４ａ）を形成した第１の接続端子部（１４）と、
先端が前記摺動接触面（１４ａ）に押圧接触するように前記ボス部対向面（３２）に装備されると共に、基端が前記車体側の給電回路に導通接続される第２の接続端子部（４０）と、
を備えて、
前記第１の接続端子部（１４）と前記第２の接続端子部（４０）との接触部を介して前記ステアリングホイール（１）上の前記回路の給電用端子と前記車体側の前記給電回路とを導通接続状態にするステアリングホイールの継電部構造であって、
前記第２の接続端子部（４０）は、先端面が前記ボス部対向面（３２）に配置された開口部から前記基端面（１２ｅ）に対向するように前記軸挿通筐体（３０）に固定される樹脂製ハウジング（４１）と、前記樹脂製ハウジング（４１）に保持される金属板製の端子金具（４２）と、を備え、
前記端子金具（４２）は、前記樹脂製ハウジング（４１）に形成された端子収容孔（４１ｂ）内に挿入されて前記樹脂製ハウジング（４１）内に固定される端子本体部（４２ａ）と、該端子本体部（４２ａ）の基端に一体形成されて前記車体側の前記給電回路からのリード線が導通接続可能な電線接続部（４２ｂ）と、前記樹脂製ハウジング（４１）の先端面（４１ａ）から突出して前記摺動接触面（１４ａ）に当接するように前記端子本体部（４２ａ）に一体形成されると共に前記摺動接触面（１４ａ）との当接により当接方向に所定の弾性変形をする板ばね部（４２ｃ）と、
を備えたことを特徴とするステアリングホイールの継電部構造。 [1] A central boss portion (12) of a steering wheel (1) fixed to a tip of a steering shaft (17) rotatably supported by a vehicle body, and a base end surface (perpendicular to the steering shaft (17)) A central boss (12) having 12e);
The steering shaft (17) is rotatably inserted and has a boss portion facing surface (32) facing the base end surface (12e) of the center boss portion (12) and is fixed to the vehicle body. 30),
A first connection terminal portion (14) fixedly mounted on the base end surface (12e) as a connection terminal portion connected to a power feeding terminal of a circuit mounted on the steering wheel (1), wherein a metal plate It is formed in an annular shape and is disposed on the base end surface (12e) concentrically with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft (17), and on the base end surface (12e), the rotation center of the steering shaft (17). A first connecting terminal portion (14) having an annular sliding contact surface (14a) concentric with the shaft;
A second connection terminal portion that is mounted on the boss portion facing surface (32) so that the distal end is in pressure contact with the sliding contact surface (14a) and the base end is conductively connected to the power feeding circuit on the vehicle body side. (40)
With
The power supply terminal of the circuit on the steering wheel (1) and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side via a contact portion between the first connection terminal portion (14) and the second connection terminal portion (40) And a steering wheel relay part structure for connecting the
The second connection terminal portion (40) is disposed on the shaft insertion housing (30) such that a distal end surface thereof is opposed to the proximal end surface (12e) from an opening disposed on the boss portion facing surface (32). A resin housing (41) to be fixed, and a metal plate terminal fitting (42) held by the resin housing (41),
The terminal fitting (42) is inserted into a terminal receiving hole (41b) formed in the resin housing (41) and fixed in the resin housing (41); A wire connection part (42b) integrally formed at the base end of the terminal main body part (42a) and capable of conducting a lead connection from the power feeding circuit on the vehicle body side, and a distal end surface of the resin housing (41) ( 41a) is integrally formed with the terminal main body (42a) so as to protrude from the sliding contact surface (14a) so as to come into contact with the sliding contact surface (14a). A leaf spring portion (42c) for elastic deformation;
A steering wheel relay structure characterized by comprising:

［２］前記ステアリングホイール（１）に搭載される前記回路のアース端子に接続される接続端子部として前記基端面（１２ｅ）に固定装備される第３の接続端子部（１６）であって、金属板により円環状に形成されると共に前記基端面（１２ｅ）上に配置されて、前記基端面（１２ｅ）上に前記第１の接続端子部（１４）と同心の環状の摺動接触面（１６ａ）を形成した第３の接続端子部（１６）と、
前記車体側の接地部に導通接続されるアース端子部として前記ボス部対向面（３２）に固定装備される第４の接続端子部（５０）であって、前記第１の接続端子部（１４）との当接による前記板ばね部（４２ｃ）の弾性変形量が規定量に達したときに前記第３の接続端子部（１６）と面接触状態となるように、前記ボス部対向面（３２）に配置された第４の接続端子部（５０）と、
を備えたことを特徴とする上記［１］に記載のステアリングホイールの継電部構造。 [2] A third connection terminal portion (16) fixedly mounted on the base end surface (12e) as a connection terminal portion connected to the ground terminal of the circuit mounted on the steering wheel (1), An annular sliding contact surface that is formed in an annular shape by a metal plate and is disposed on the base end surface (12e) and concentric with the first connection terminal portion (14) on the base end surface (12e). A third connection terminal part (16) forming 16a);
A fourth connection terminal portion (50) fixedly equipped on the boss portion facing surface (32) as a ground terminal portion that is conductively connected to the ground portion on the vehicle body side, wherein the first connection terminal portion (14 ) So that the elastic deformation amount of the leaf spring portion (42c) due to contact with the third contact terminal portion (16) is in surface contact with the third connection terminal portion (16). 32) a fourth connection terminal part (50) arranged in
The steering wheel relay structure according to the above [1], comprising:

１ステアリングホイール
１２中心ボス部
１２ｅ基端面
１４第１の接続端子部
１４ａ摺動接触面
１６第３の接続端子部
１７ステアリング軸
３０軸挿通筐体
３２ボス部対向面
４０第２の接続端子部
４１樹脂製ハウジング
４２端子金具
４２ａ端子本体部
４２ｂ電線接続部
４２ｃ板ばね部
５０第４の接続端子部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 12 Center boss | hub part 12e Base end surface 14 1st connection terminal part 14a Sliding contact surface 16 3rd connection terminal part 17 Steering shaft 30 Shaft insertion housing | casing 32 Boss part opposing surface 40 2nd connection terminal part 41 Resin housing 42 Terminal fitting 42a Terminal body 42b Electric wire connecting part 42c Leaf spring part 50 Fourth connecting terminal part

Claims

A central boss portion of a steering wheel fixed to a distal end of a steering shaft rotatably supported by a vehicle body, the central boss portion having a base end surface orthogonal to the steering shaft;
A shaft insertion housing that is fixed to the vehicle body with a boss-part-facing surface that faces the base end surface of the central boss part, and the steering shaft is rotatably inserted;
A first connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the base end surface as a connection terminal portion connected to a power feeding terminal of a circuit mounted on the steering wheel, and is formed in an annular shape with a metal plate and the steering A first connection terminal portion disposed on the base end surface concentrically with the rotation center axis of the shaft, and forming an annular sliding contact surface concentric with the rotation center axis of the steering shaft on the base end surface;
A second connecting terminal portion that is mounted on the boss portion facing surface such that a distal end is in press contact with the sliding contact surface, and a proximal end is electrically connected to the power feeding circuit on the vehicle body side;
With
A steering wheel for electrically connecting the power supply terminal of the circuit on the steering wheel and the power supply circuit on the vehicle body side through a contact portion between the first connection terminal portion and the second connection terminal portion. The relay part structure of
The second connection terminal portion includes a resin housing fixed to the shaft insertion housing so that a distal end surface thereof is opposed to the base end surface from an opening disposed on the boss portion facing surface, and the resin housing And a metal plate terminal fitting held by
The terminal fitting is inserted into a terminal receiving hole formed in the resin housing and fixed in the resin housing, and is integrally formed at a base end of the terminal body portion so as to be on the vehicle body side. An electric wire connecting portion to which a lead wire from the power feeding circuit can be conductively connected; and a terminal body portion that is integrally formed with the terminal main body portion so as to protrude from a front end surface of the resin housing and abut against the sliding contact surface. A leaf spring portion that performs predetermined elastic deformation in the contact direction by contact with the dynamic contact surface;
A steering wheel relay structure characterized by comprising:

A third connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the base end surface as a connection terminal portion connected to a ground terminal of the circuit mounted on the steering wheel, the third connection terminal portion being formed in an annular shape by a metal plate and the base A third connection terminal portion disposed on the end surface and forming an annular sliding contact surface concentric with the first connection terminal portion on the base end surface;
A fourth connection terminal portion fixedly mounted on the surface opposite to the boss portion as a ground terminal portion that is conductively connected to the ground portion on the vehicle body side, the leaf spring being in contact with the first connection terminal portion A fourth connection terminal portion disposed on the boss portion-facing surface so as to be in a surface contact state with the third connection terminal portion when the amount of elastic deformation of the portion reaches a specified amount;
The relay wheel structure of a steering wheel according to claim 1, comprising: