JP3170189B2 - Cable connection structure - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cable connecting structure for connecting, for example, a flexible flat cable for electrically connecting relatively rotating members to another cable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for electrically connecting relatively rotating members by a flexible flat cable, for example, a relative rotating member relay device 10 shown in FIG. 9 is known. The relative rotating member relay device 10 includes a rotating body (first rotating body) 11 having an inner cylindrical portion 11a,
A fixed body (second rotating body) 12 having an outer cylindrical portion 12a surrounding the inner cylindrical portion 11a at a predetermined interval, and an annular space K between the inner cylindrical portion 11a and the outer cylindrical portion 12a, A flexible flat cable 13 which is housed in a state of being spirally wound along the same space K, the inner peripheral end portion 13a is held by the inner cylindrical portion 11a, and the outer peripheral end portion 13b is held by the outer cylindrical portion 12a; A C-shaped moving body 2 which is provided movably along the space K and inverts the flexible flat cable 13 at the opening 2a.

[0003] The fixed body 12 is provided with a cover 14 so as to cover the upper side of the space K and the periphery of the outer cylindrical portion 12a. The cover 14 is provided so as not to rotate relative to the fixed body 12, and has an upper surface 14 a
An opening 14b is formed at the center of the. Further, the fixed body 12 has a lower cover 12 covering the lower side of the space K.
b is formed integrally with the outer cylindrical portion 12a. Also,
An upper cover 110 is rotatably provided above the cover 14. The rotating body 11 has an inner cylindrical portion 11 a connected to the upper cover 110 through an opening 14 b of the cover 14. The rotating body 11 is connected to, for example, a steering wheel side of a steering wheel of an automobile, and the fixed body 12 is fixed to a steering column side.

[0004] The flexible flat cable 13
Is connected to another cable 16 via the cable connection structure 15.
It is connected to the.

[0005] As the cable connection structure 15, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-24611 is known. That is, the cable connection structure 15 welds and connects the conductor 13c of the flexible flat cable 13 and the conductor 16a of the other cable 16 via the joint bar 15b connected by the insulating support 15a, and the connection by the joint bar 15b. The entire portion is covered with a resin molded protection body 15c.

However, other cables 16 which are individually independent.
1 is wider than the interval between the conductors 13c of the flexible flat cable 13, the cable connection structure 15 cannot be used.
2 will be used. In the cable connection structure 17, a conductor 13c of the flexible flat cable 13 having a small interval and a conductor 16a of another cable 16 having a large interval are welded to each other via a bus bar 18 for changing the interval between the conductors. I have.

[0007]

As described above, when the interval between the conductors 16a of the other cable 16 is wider than the interval between the conductors 13c of the flexible flat cable 13, the bus bar 18 for changing the interval between the conductors is used. Must be used, but when the bus bar 18 is used,
Since the conductors 13c and 16a must be welded to the one end and the other end of the bus bar 18, there is a disadvantage that the number of welding locations increases. For this reason, there is a problem that the rate of occurrence of connection failure increases as a whole, and the reliability decreases. In addition, since there are many welding locations, there is a problem that the cost for welding increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible flat cable in which the distance between the conductors of other cables differs from the distance between the conductors of a flexible flat cable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable connection structure capable of reducing the number of welding points for connecting a conductor, thereby improving reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a cable connection structure for connecting a flexible flat cable to another cable which is independent of each other. An intermediate separating member is provided to divide up and down the branch flexible flat cable, which is thinly cut along with the covering along each conductor, every other wire, and on this intermediate separating member, the conductor of the branch flexible flat cable and the conductor of the other cable are provided. Are connected.

The intermediate separating member has a first flexible guide cable for guiding the branch flexible flat cable to a predetermined position.
It is preferable to provide a second guide portion for guiding another cable to a predetermined position, in addition to the guide portion.

Further, it is preferable that the first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed by grooves.

Further, it is preferable that the groove as the first guide portion is formed in a hole shape by closing an upper portion.

Further, the groove as the second guide portion is
Form the inner surface to match the outer surface of the other cable,
When inserting another cable, both sides of the groove bend outward to allow the insertion of another cable, and when the insertion of this other cable is completed, both sides of the groove return to the original position and the other cables Is preferably maintained.

Further, it is preferable that the ends of the flexible flat cable and the other cables and the intermediate separating member are fixed with a resin connection molded body.

In the invention configured as described above, every other branch flexible flat cable is distributed above and below the intermediate separating member, so that the conductive wires of the branch flexible flat cable on the upper surface and the lower surface of the intermediate separating member. Becomes wider. For this reason, even when the distance between the conductors of other independent cables is wider than the distance between the conductors of the branch flexible flat cable in the state where the cables are laid flat, the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate separation member is smaller. The conductor of another cable can be directly welded to the conductor of the expanded branch flexible flat cable. Therefore, the number of welding connections can be reduced to half that of the conventional bus bar. Therefore, the reliability can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Also, in the case where a first guide portion for guiding the branch flexible flat cable and a second guide portion for guiding another cable are provided in the intermediate separating member, the lead wire of the branch flexible flat cable is provided. When,
Alignment with the conductor of another cable becomes easy. Therefore, assembling efficiency is improved, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Further, in the case where the first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed by grooves, the branch flexible flat cable and other cables can be easily installed at predetermined positions.

Further, in the case where the groove as the first guide portion is formed in a hole shape by closing the upper portion,
Because the branch flexible flat cable can be prevented from moving away from the intermediate separating member,
The branch flexible flat cable can be reliably installed at a predetermined position.

Further, in the case where the groove serving as the second guide portion is configured so that both sides of the groove bend outwardly when the other cable is taken in and out, the other cable can be easily attached and detached. When attached, other cables can be reliably held at predetermined positions.

Further, in the case where the periphery of the intermediate separating member is fixed by a connection molded body made of resin, it is possible to improve the insulation properties and the strength of the connection portion.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. However, FIGS.
The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the conventional example shown in FIG.

Cable connection structure 2 shown in this embodiment
0, as shown in FIG. 6, when the distance between the conductors 16a of the other individual cables 16 is wider than the distance between the conductors 13c of the flexible flat cable 13,
The configuration is such that the conductor 13c of the flexible flat cable 13 is connected to the conductor 16a of another cable 16.

That is, the cable connection structure 20 has the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, an intermediate separating member 21 is provided for vertically arranging the branch flexible flat cables 130 cut along the respective conductors 13 c of the flexible flat cable 13 along with the coating, alternately every other wire. Thus, the conductor 13c of the branch flexible flat cable 130 is connected to the conductor 16a of the other cable 16.

The intermediate separating member 21 is provided with a first guide portion 211 for guiding the branch flexible flat cable 130 to a predetermined position, and a second guide for guiding the other cable 16 to a predetermined position. A guide portion 212 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first guide portion 211 is constituted by grooves 211b formed between a plurality of projecting wall portions 211a, and the width of each groove 211b is determined by each branch. It is formed so as to match the width of the flexible flat cable 130.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second guide portion 212 is constituted by grooves 212b formed between a plurality of projecting wall portions (side portions) 212a. Is formed so that the inner surface thereof coincides with the outer peripheral surface of the other cable 16. In the case of this embodiment, since the outer peripheral surface of the other cable 16 is formed in a circular shape, the inner surface of each groove 212b is also formed in a circular shape. And the protruding wall portion 212a constituting each groove 212b
When the other cable 16 is inserted, the cable is elastically bent outward to allow the other cable 16 to be inserted, and when the insertion is completed, the cable returns to the original position to securely hold the other cable 16. Has become.

The first guide portion 211 and the second guide portion 212 are formed integrally with the intermediate separating member 21 by an insulating resin. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a resin connection around the intermediate separating member 21 for fixing the intermediate separating member 21 to the end of the flexible flat cable 13 and the end of the other cable 16. A molded body 22 is molded.

In the cable connecting structure 20 constructed as described above, first, as shown in FIG.
Is molded. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, every other one of these branch flexible flat cables 130 is distributed above and below the intermediate separating member 21 and fitted into each groove 211 b. Thereby, each branch flexible flat cable 130 is installed at a predetermined position of the intermediate separating member 21.

Next, another cable 16 is fitted into each groove 212b so as to correspond to each branch flexible flat cable 130. As a result, the conductor 16a of the other cable 16 is connected to the branch flexible flat cable 130.
Is superimposed on the conductive wire 13c. Therefore, the conductor 16a of the other cable 16 and the conductor 13c of the branch flexible flat cable 130 are welded by soldering.
Then, the connection molded body 22 is molded around the intermediate separation member 21 by insert molding using, for example, an injection molding machine.

According to the cable connection structure 20 configured as described above, the branch flexible flat cable 13
0 is distributed above and below the intermediate separation member 21 every other line, so that the conductors 13 of the branch flexible flat cable 130 on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate separation member 21 are separated.
The interval of c will be widened. For this reason, even when the distance between the conductors 16a of the other independent cables 16 is wider than the distance between the conductors 13c of the branch flexible flat cable 130 when the cables are laid flat, the upper surface of the intermediate separation member 21 or On the lower surface, another cable 16 is connected to the conducting wire 13c of the branch flexible flat cable 130.
Can be directly welded. Therefore, the number of welding connections can be reduced to half that of the conventional bus bar. Therefore, the reliability can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Since the intermediate separating member 21 is provided with the first guide portion 211 for guiding the branch flexible flat cable 130 and the second guide portion 212 for guiding the other cable 16, the branch flexible flat cable 130 is provided. Positioning of the conductor 13c of the flat cable 130 and the conductor 16a of the other cable 16 is facilitated. Therefore, the efficiency of assembly can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, since the first guide portion 211 and the second guide portion 212 are formed by the grooves 211b and 212b, respectively, the branch flexible flat cable 130 and the other cable 16 can be easily installed at predetermined positions. be able to.

[0033] In particular, the grooves constituting the second guide unit 212, the together to be able to detachably hold the other cable 16, to ensure the other cable 16 in place when mounted There is an advantage that can be retained. In addition, the periphery of the intermediate separating member 21 is formed of a connection molded body 22
Therefore, the insulation and the strength of the connection portion can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the first guide portion 211 is formed by the groove 211b. However, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
The top of the groove 211b is closed with a top plate 211c, and a hole 211d is formed.
You may comprise so that it may have. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the branch flexible flat cable 130 from moving away from the intermediate separating member 21. Can be installed reliably.

Although the conductors 13c and 16a are welded to each other by solder, they may be welded by spot welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

Further, the branch flexible flat cable 130 is installed first on the intermediate separating member 21 and then another cable 16 is installed on the intermediate separating member 21. However, the other cable 16 is installed first. It may be configured as follows. In this case, the conductor 1 of the other cable 16
The conducting wire 13c of the branch flexible flat cable 130 is superimposed on 6a.

Further, in the above embodiment,
Each configuration of the cable connection structure 20 has been described on the assumption that the interval between the conductors 16a of the other cable 16 is wider than the interval between the conductors 13c of the flexible flat cable 13. Cable 16
Even if the interval between the conductors 16a is narrower than the interval between the conductors 13c of the flexible flat cable 13, there is no problem in connecting the cables.

[0038]

According to the present invention, the intervals between the conducting wires of the branch flexible flat cable on the upper surface and the lower surface of the intermediate separation member are increased by distributing every other branch flexible flat cable above and below the intermediate separation member. . For this reason, even when the distance between the conductors of other independent cables is wider than the distance between the conductors of the branch flexible flat cable in the state where the cables are laid flat, the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate separation member is smaller. The conductor of another cable can be directly welded to the conductor of the expanded branch flexible flat cable. Therefore, the number of welding connections can be reduced to half that of the conventional bus bar. Therefore, the reliability can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the case where the first guide portion for guiding the branch flexible flat cable and the second guide portion for guiding another cable are provided in the intermediate separating member, the conductor of the branch flexible flat cable is provided. When,
Alignment with the conductor of another cable becomes easy. Therefore, assembling efficiency is improved, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Further, in the case where the first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed by grooves, the branch flexible flat cable and other cables can be easily installed at predetermined positions.

Further, in the case where the groove as the first guide portion is formed in a hole shape by closing the upper portion,
Because the branch flexible flat cable can be prevented from moving away from the intermediate separating member,
The branch flexible flat cable can be reliably installed at a predetermined position.

Further, in the case where the groove serving as the second guide portion is configured so that both sides of the groove bend outward when another cable is taken in and out, the other cable can be easily attached and detached. When attached, other cables can be reliably held at predetermined positions.

Further, in the case where the periphery of the intermediate separating member is fixed by a connection molded body made of resin, it is possible to improve the insulation properties and the strength of the connection portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a cable connection structure shown as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cable connection structure.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the cable connection structure, and
Sectional drawing along III-III.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the same cable connection structure,
Sectional drawing along IV-IV.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an intermediate separating member of the cable connection structure.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a flexible flat cable and another cable connected in the cable connection structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the intermediate separating member in the cable connection structure.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the intermediate separating member, and is a view showing a section VIII of FIG.
Sectional drawing along the line VIII.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a relative rotary member relay device having a cable connection structure shown as a conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the cable connection structure.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the cable connection structure.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a cable connection structure shown as another conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 1st rotating body (rotating body) 12 2nd rotating body (fixed body) 13 Flexible flat cable 13c Conductor 130 Branch flexible flat cable 16 Other cable 16a Conductor 20 Cable connection structure 21 Intermediate separation member 211 First guide Portion 211a Projecting wall portion 211b Groove 211d Hole 212 Second guide portion 212a Side (projecting wall portion) 212b Groove 22 Connection molded body K space

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A 48-114074 (JP, U) JP-A 64-21988 (JP, U) JP-A 1-140769 (JP, U) JP 1-Ju 22225 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60R 16/02 675 H01R 12/08 H01R 35/04 H01R 43/00-43/28

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cable connection structure for connecting a flexible flat cable to another cable which is independent of each other, comprising: a branch flexible flat cable which is thinly cut together with a coating along each conductor of the flexible flat cable. A cable connection structure, comprising: an intermediate separating member that is disposed vertically every other book, and configured to connect a lead of a branch flexible flat cable and a lead of another cable on the intermediate separating member. 2. The intermediate separating member is provided with a first guide portion for guiding a branch flexible flat cable to a predetermined position and a second guide portion for guiding another cable to a predetermined position. The cable connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The cable connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are formed by grooves. 4. The cable connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the groove serving as the first guide portion is formed in a hole shape by closing an upper portion. 5. A groove as a second guide portion, the inner surface of which is formed so as to coincide with the outer peripheral surface of another cable, and when inserting another cable, both sides of the groove are bent outward and the other cable is bent. The insertion of another cable is completed, and the insertion of the other cable is completed, and both sides of the groove return to the original position to hold the other cable. 4. The cable connection structure according to 4. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end of the flexible flat cable and the other cable and the intermediate separating member are fixed by a resin connection molded body. The cable connection structure according to claim 4 or claim 5.