JP3999593B2

JP3999593B2 - Electrical connection structure and electrical connection device

Info

Publication number: JP3999593B2
Application number: JP2002213199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 清嗣大庭
Original assignee: Fujikura Ltd
Current assignee: Fujikura Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-22
Filing date: 2002-07-22
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-22
Also published as: JP2004056948A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、例えば２以上の部材を連結部により連結してなる自動車等のシートなどに適用されて２以上の部材間の電気的接続を行う電気接続構造、電気接続装置及びこの装置を適用したシートに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、自動車等の乗り物のシートには、電動リクライニング機構やシートヒータなどの各種電装部品等の補機が多数搭載されるようになっている。この場合、各補機間の電気的接続には、通常、ワイヤハーネス等の接続部材が用いられている。図１４は、自動車のシートに搭載された補機とその配線構造を説明するための図である。シート１００は、背もたれ部１０１と着座部１０２とから構成されており、背もたれ部１０１にはヘッドレスト１０３が備えられ、着座部１０２はシートレール１０４上に載置されている。背もたれ部１０１と着座部１０２は、シートフレーム１０５にクッション材等を取り付けて構成されており、両者を回動自在に連結する連結部１０６を介して背もたれ部１０１が着座部１０２に対して傾倒可能な構造となっている。
【０００３】
このように構成されたシート１００の背もたれ部１０１には、例えば着座者の背中を温めるためのバック側シートヒータ１１１と、サイドエアバックが折りたたまれて格納されているサイドエアバッグインフレータ１１２と、背もたれ部１０１を傾倒させるためのリクライニングモータ１１３とが内蔵されている。また、シート１００の着座部１０２には、例えば着座者の臀部付近を温めるためのクッション側シートヒータ１１４と、シートレール１０４の固定部１０４ａに対して可動部１０４ｂを水平方向（図中矢印ｘ方向）に移動させることによりシート１００をスライドさせるスライドモータ１１５と、シート１００をシートレール１０４の可動部１０４ｂに対して垂直方向（図中矢印ｙ方向）に移動させるためのリフターモータ１１６と、着座部１０２の前端フレーム１０５ａのシートフレーム１０５に対する傾斜角度（図中矢印φ方向の角度）を調節するためのバーチカルモータ１１７とが内蔵されている。なお、これら各補機のうちリクライニングモータ１１３、スライドモータ１１５、リフターモータ１１６及びバーチカルモータ１１７のコントロールは、着座部１０２の側部に搭載されたパワーシートスイッチ１２０により行われる。
【０００４】
このように背もたれ部１０１と着座部１０２とに搭載された各補機は、連結部１０６の外側を通って配索され、シートフレーム１０５に取り付けられた複数のワイヤハーネス１２１により各補機毎に電気的に接続されており、更にシート１００の前端に導かれたワイヤハーネス１２２を介して車体側の回路（図示せず）と電気的に接続されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような構造のシート１００では、クッション材等の内部に配索されたワイヤハーネス１２１以外の連結部１０６の近傍のワイヤハーネス１２１は外部に露出した状態となるため、見栄えが悪くなり、これらを隠すための露出部分全部をカバーするカバー部１２３ａが形成されたシートカバー１２３を背もたれ部１０１や着座部１０２に取り付けてシート１００を構成する必要があり、部品コストが高くなる場合がある。また、背もたれ部１０１を着座部１０２に対して１８０°近く傾倒させたいわゆるリクライニング状態においてワイヤハーネス１２１の配線長を決定すると、背もたれ部１０１が着座部１０２に対して９０°近く傾倒したいわゆる通常状態やそれより更に着座部１０２の近くに傾倒した状態において、ワイヤハーネス１２１の配線長が足りなくなるため、ワイヤハーネス１２１の配線長は十分な余裕を持たせて余分に決定する必要があり、そのために弛みが生じてやはり見栄えが悪くなったり、余分な配線長に付随して部品コストが高くなったりする場合がある。更に、配索態様によっては、連結部１０６の動きによりワイヤハーネス１２１にねじれや曲がりが発生するため、ワイヤハーネス１２１はこれらに強い構造としなければならず、配索作業にも慎重を期す必要が生じている。
【０００６】
更に、近年のシートへの補機の増加は、ハーネス径の肥大化をもたらし、これによるシート表皮へのハーネス形状の浮き出し（いわゆるハイライト）の問題が発生する。このため、リクライニングモータ１１３とエアバックインフレータ１１２とが、背もたれ部１０１の同じ側にあるにも拘らず、着座部１０２から背もたれ部１０１への配索は、左右２系統で行なわれており、線長増加並びに個別外装及び個別固定によるコストアップを招いている。
【０００７】
この発明は、このような問題点を解決するためになされたもので、簡単な構造で安価に連結部を有する２以上の部材間を電気的に接続することができる電気接続構造、電気接続装置及びこの装置を適用したシートを提供することを目的とする。
この発明はまた、配索経路の短縮と配索作業の簡単化を図って、コスト低減を図ることができる電気接続構造、電気接続装置及びこの装置を適用したシートを提供することを他の目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る電気接続構造は、連結部で回動可能に連結された２以上の部材間を接続回路部材で電気的に接続する電気接続構造であって、前記接続回路部材は、前記連結部の近傍を通過し、少なくとも前記連結部の近傍位置では前記部材間の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索され且つ配索方向に沿って１回以上折り返した折返し部が形成され、前記折返し部の両側の部分が前記部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動及び平行移動するとともに前記部材間を電気的に接続するための可撓性を有するフラット型の部材であることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
この発明に係る電気接続装置は、連結部で回動可能に連結された２以上の部材間を電気的に接続する電気接続装置であって、前記連結部の近傍を通過し、少なくとも前記連結部の近傍位置では前記部材間の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索され且つ配索方向に沿って１回以上折り返した折返し部が形成された、前記部材間を電気的に接続するための可撓性を有するフラット型の接続回路部材と、前記接続回路部材の折返し部の両側の部分が前記部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動及び平行移動するように前記折返し部の一部を支持する支持部材とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
この発明によれば、連結部で回動可能に連結された２以上の部材間を電気的に接続する接続回路部材が可撓性を有するフラット型の接続回路部材により構成され、この接続回路部材が、連結部の近傍を通過し、少なくとも連結部の近傍位置では部材間の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索されると共に配索方向に沿って１回以上折り返して形成された折返し部を備えているので、この折返し部の両側の部分を部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動移動させることができる。このため、従来に比べ、例えば２以上の部材にそれぞれ搭載された各補機間の連結部の近傍における電気的接続を一系統に集中させ、配索作業を簡素化し、余分な配索のための配線長を不要とし、配線を隠すためのカバー類を最小限にして、更に配線の捻じれや曲がりに影響を受け易い場所に対してもこれらの影響を受け難い電気接続を簡単に実現することができる。これにより、簡単な構造で安価に連結部を有する２以上の部材間を電気的に接続することが可能となる。また、接続回路部材の折返し部の両側の部分を、部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動及び平行移動可能な構成とすることにより、部材間のより複雑な動きに対しても、これに対応可能な電気接続構造を実現することができる。
【００１１】
なお、接続回路部材の折返し部の両側の部分のうち、少なくとも一方の部分は、配索方向に引き出された場合、折返し部自身のバネ力により元の位置に戻る方向に付勢されている構成とすると、２以上の部材の回動状態に拘わらず、折返し部の両側の部分に弛み等が生じ難い構造となるため、自動的に接続回路部材の余分な配線長を調節することができると共に、例えばシート等に適用した場合にその見栄えを向上させることなどが期待できる。
【００１２】
また、支持部材は、折返し部を内部に収容するケース部であることが好ましく、この場合、ケース部が、着脱可能な構造の複数のケース部材から構成され、これら複数のケース部材が、結合状態で連結部の回転方向に回転可能な構造となるように構成されていると、連結部の回動に合わせて接続回路部材が更に無理なく動くことができるため、配索の自由度向上を図ることができると共に無理な捻じれ等による回路部分の破断等の不具合を防止し易くすることができる。
【００１３】
なお、ケース部を構成する複数のケース部材のうち、少なくとも一方のケース部材には接続回路部材の折返し部の近傍をケース部内に固定するための固定部が形成され、他方のケース部材には接続回路部材を移動可能な状態で取り付けるための取付部が形成されていることが好ましい。
【００１４】
この場合、ケース部材には、接続回路部材の両側を通過させるためのスリットが形成されていることが好ましく、ケース部を構成する複数のケース部材は、内部に収容した接続回路部材の折返し部の両側の部分を通過させるためのスリット部をそれぞれ備えるものであることが好ましい。
【００１５】
なお、前記接続回路部材としては、フレキシブルプリント回路、フレキシブルフラット回路又はフレキシブルフラットケーブルが好適であり、これらを重ね合わせて構成するようにしても良い。例えば、重ね合わせて構成すれば、フラット型の接続回路部材の幅（短手方向幅）を大きくすることなく、多数の回路間の電気的接続を可能とすることができると共に、連結部を介して放射状に連結された複雑な連結構造の２以上の部材間に対する電気的接続にも柔軟に対応することが可能となる。
【００１６】
この発明に係るシートは、連結部で回動可能に連結された２以上のシート部材と、これらシート部材にそれぞれ搭載された複数の補機と、これら補機間を電気的に接続する電気接続装置とを備えたシートであって、前記電気接続装置は、前記シート部材の側面を前記連結部の近傍を通過するように配索され、少なくとも前記連結部の近傍位置では前記シート部材間の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索され且つ配索方向に沿って１回以上折り返した折返し部が形成された、前記補機間を電気的に接続するための可撓性を有するフラット型の接続回路部材と、この接続回路部材の前記折返し部の両側の部分が前記シート部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動及び平行移動するように前記折返し部の一部を支持する支持部材とを備えたものであることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
この場合、複数のシート部材としては、背もたれ部及び着座部を含むものであることが考えられる。背もたれ部と着座部とは、回動可能な連結部を介して連結されることが多く、上記電気接続装置を適用し易いからである。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付の図面を参照して、この発明の好ましい実施の形態を説明する。
図１（ａ）は、この発明の一実施形態に係る電気接続装置を適用したシートの一例を示す透過斜視図、図１（ｂ）はシートの一部を拡大して示す図である。
図１（ａ）に示すように、シート１は、例えば自動車等の乗り物に用いられる座席シートであり、背もたれ部２と着座部３とから構成されており、背もたれ部２にはヘッドレスト４が備えられ、着座部３はシートレール５の上に載置されている。背もたれ部２と着座部３は、図示しないシートフレームにクッション材等を取り付けて構成されており、両者を回動可能に連結する連結部（図示せず）を介して背もたれ部２が着座部３に対して傾倒可能な構造となっている。
【００１９】
このように構成されたシート１の背もたれ部２には、例えば着座者の背中を温めるための背中側シートヒータ１１と、背もたれ部２に搭載されたサイドエアバッグが折りたたまれて格納されているサイドエアバッグインフレータ１２と、背もたれ部２を着座部３に対して傾倒させるためのリクライニングモータ１３とが内蔵されている。また、シート１の着座部３には、例えば着座者の臀部付近を温めるための臀部側シートヒータ２１と、シートレール５の固定部５ａに対して可動部５ｂを水平方向（図中矢印Ａ方向）に移動させることによりシート１をスライドさせるためのスライドモータ２２と、シート１をシートレール５の可動部５ｂに対して垂直方向（図中矢印Ｂ方向）に移動させるためのリフターモータ２３と、着座部３の前端フレーム（図示せず）のシートフレームに対する傾斜角度を、図中矢印Ｃ方向に移動させて調節するためのバーチカルモータ２４とが内蔵されている。また、着座部３の側部には、これら背もたれ部２及び着座部３に搭載された各補機のうち、リクライニングモータ１３、スライドモータ２２、リフターモータ２３及びバーチカルモータ２４のコントロールを行うためのパワーシートスイッチ３０が搭載されている。
【００２０】
背もたれ部２に内蔵された背中側シートヒータ１１と着座部３に内蔵された臀部側シートヒータ２１とは、背もたれ部２及び着座部３の側部に沿って配索された接続回路部材４１を介して互いに接続され、着座部３の前部に沿って配索された接続回路部材４９を介して車体側回路５０に接続されている。背もたれ部２に内蔵されたサイドエアバッグインフレータ１２は、接続回路部材４１，４４を介して車体側回路５０に電気的に接続されている。背もたれ部２に内蔵されたリクライニングモータ１３と、着座部３に内蔵されたスライドモータ２２、リフターモータ２３及びバーチカルモータ２４とは、パワーシートスイッチ３０に接続され、パワーシートスイッチ３０から延びる、着座部３の前部に沿って配索された接続回路部材４３により車体側回路５０に電気的に接続されている。
【００２１】
図１（ｂ）に示すように、シート１の連結部に配置された電気接続装置４０は、接続回路部材４１がシート１の連結部の近傍を通過し、少なくとも連結部の近傍位置では背もたれ部２及び着座部３の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索されると共に接続回路部材４１の一部がケース部４２の内部に収容され、ケース部４２の両側の部分が背もたれ部２及び着座部３の回動面に沿って互いに図中矢印Ｇ方向に回動すると共に図中矢印Ｅ，Ｆ方向及びＨ方向に平行移動する。
【００２２】
次に、この電気接続装置４０を詳細に説明する前に、この電気接続装置４０の機能について、概略的に説明する。
いま、図２（ａ）に示すように、可撓性のフラット型の接続回路部材４１を２回折り返すようにすると、接続回路部材４１は、折返し部の両側で両方向から伸縮可能になる。ここで、図２（ｂ）に示すように、接続回路部材４１の図中左側を矢印Ｅで示す左側に引き出すと、Ｓ字を描いた折返し部の曲率半径Ｒ２が、図２（ａ）に示す引き出し前の曲率半径Ｒ１よりも小さくなり、この曲率半径Ｒ２を元の曲率半径Ｒ１に戻そうとする力が、接続回路部材４１の引き出した部分を矢印Ｆで示す方向に引き戻そうとする力となり、自己復帰動作が実現する。図３のように、折返し部の一方を固定部６２で固定すると、接続回路部材４１は、折返し部の図中左側の部分だけが伸縮するが、右側の部分は固定されているので、位置がずれることはない。
【００２３】
この構造によれば、接続回路部材４１は、図１（ｂ）に示した伸縮方向Ｅ，Ｆに移動する他、折返し部が歪の吸収体となるので、折返し部の非固定側の部分が、図１（ｂ）に示した回動方向Ｇ及び幅方向Ｈにも移動可能になる。そして、これらの伸縮、回転、幅方向への移動動作は、個別に又は任意の組み合わせで起こり得る。例えば、背もたれ部２と着座部３との回動軸の中心と、この電気接続装置４０の回動軸の中心とがずれているような場合（パワーシートリクライニング機構を使用した場合等がこれに該当する）でも回動自在動作の上に伸縮動作が加わるため、支障のない動作が実現される。ここで、図４に示すように、固定部６２をケース部４２の中心軸Ｄから下側の折返し端の方に移動させると、中心軸Ｄ上で固定した場合の、折返し部の変形時の屈曲部の持ち上がりが確実に防止され、接続回路部材４１間の干渉が防止されて、擦れ等による回路破断が起こりにくい構造となる。
更に、図５に示すように、折返し部の上方の部分に伸縮方向のスリット６８を形成し、取付部６１をスリット６８に挿入するようにすれば、接続回路部材４１の可動側の伸縮方向の移動量を規制することができる。
このような観点で構成されたものが本実施形態における電気接続装置４０である。
【００２４】
電気接続装置４０は、図５に示したように、接続回路部材４１と、ケース部４２とから構成され、この例の電気接続装置４０では、接続回路部材４１は、接続回路部材４１の両端末部間で接続回路部材４１が撓んだ状態で折り返されるように２回折り返され、この折返し部を含む所定範囲の接続回路部材４１が上ケース４２ａ及び下ケース４２ｂの複数のケース部材からなるケース部４２の内部に収容されると共に、折返し部の両側の部分がケース部４２の外部に延出した状態となるようにケース部４２内に収容されて構成されている。
【００２５】
接続回路部材４１は、例えばポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）、ポリエチレンナフタレート（ＰＥＮ）及びポリイミド（ＰＩ）等の絶縁フィルムの上に、銅箔等の導電材をパターン形成してなる回路部が形成され、これら絶縁フィルム及び回路部の上に合成樹脂等からなるカバーレイを形成した構造からなるフレキシブルプリント回路（ＦＰＣ）や上記回路部を打ち抜き形成したフレキシブルフラット回路（ＦＦＣ）、導体の押出成形により回路部を形成し、この回路部を絶縁フィルムでラミネートした構造からなるフレキシブルフラットケーブル（ＦＦＣ）等からなるもので、可撓性を備えている。
【００２６】
一方、ケース部４２は、例えば樹脂成型部材等からなり、この例では上ケース４２ａ及びこの上ケース４２ａとケース部４２の中心軸Ｄに対して回動自在な状態で嵌合する下ケース４２ｂの複数のケース部材から構成され、これら上ケース４２ａ及び下ケース４２ｂを嵌合（結合）することで薄型円盤状のケース部４２が構成され、これら上ケース４２ａと下ケース４２ｂとで構成されるケース内空間４２ｃに、例えば図６（ａ）に示すように、接続回路部材４１の折返し部を含む所定範囲が収容されている。なお、図６は、ケース部４２の上ケース４２ａの図示を省略した電気接続装置４０を示す斜視図である。
【００２７】
図５に示すように、ケース部４２の下ケース４２ｂには、例えば接続回路部材４１の折返し部の近傍を下ケース４２に固定するための固定部６２が形成されると共に、上ケース４２ａには、接続回路部材４１を引出方向にスライド可能な状態で取り付けるための取付部６１が形成されている。これら固定部６２及び取付部６１には、接続回路部材４１の抜けや脱落を防止するための鍔部６３がそれぞれ形成されており、固定部６２には接続回路部材４１に形成された穴部６９を介して、取付部６１には接続回路部材４１に形成されたスリット６８を介して接続回路部材４１がそれぞれ取付・固定されている。なお、上ケース４２ａ及び下ケース４２ｂの外周側部には、それぞれ接続回路部材４１をケース部４２の内部と外部に連通するためのスリット部４５が形成されている。また、この例の電気接続装置４０では、上ケース４２ａの取付部６１がケース部４２の中心軸Ｄと同軸位置に形成されると共に、下ケース４２ｂの固定部６２がケース部４２の中心軸Ｄに対して偏心した位置に形成されている。
【００２８】
このように構成された電気接続装置４０では、図５に示すように、例えば上ケース４２ａに取付部６１を介して取り付けられた接続回路部材４１は、スリット部４５を介して引出方向にスリット６８の長さ分だけ移動可能となると共に、ケース部４２内に収容された折返し部のバネ力により引出方向と反対方向に常に付勢され、スリット６８の長さ分だけ自動的に戻る構造となっている。また、上ケース４２ａに取り付けられた接続回路部材４１は、上ケース４２ａと下ケース４２ｂの回転方向に沿って回動可能な構造であると共に、スリット部４５の開口長に応じても図６（ｂ）に示すように、図中矢印Ｇ方向（上ケース４２ａと下ケース４２ｂの中心軸Ｄに対する回転方向）に移動することができる構造となっている。一方、下ケース４２ｂに固定部６２を介して固定された接続回路部材４１は、スリット部４５を介して引出方向には移動できないが、スリット部４５の開口長に応じて上ケース４２ａと下ケース４２ｂとの回転方向に移動することができる構造となっている。なお、取付部６１は、図中仮想線で示すように、ケース部４２の中心軸Ｄに対して偏心した位置に形成されていても良い。このようにすれば、接続回路部材４１は、ケース部４２の中心軸Ｄを中心とした回転方向とは別に取付部６１を中心としたＧ方向への移動をすることが可能となる。
【００２９】
図７は、接続回路部材４１の動きを説明するための平面図である。
このような構造による電気接続装置４０では、同図（ａ）に示すと共に上述したように、上ケース４２ａに取り付けられた接続回路部材４１は、図中矢印Ｅ，Ｆ方向及びＧ方向に移動可能な状態となると共に、同図（ｂ）に示すように、図中矢印Ｈ方向（即ち、接続回路部材４１の延出方向に直交する方向）に移動可能な状態となる。これは、接続回路部材４１が可撓性を有し、ケース部４２内のケース内空間４２ｃに収容された２箇所の折返し部が接続回路部材４１の曲げや捩れの成分を柔軟に吸収するこの電気接続装置４０の構造により実現される。
【００３０】
この電気接続装置４０によれば、上述したシート１（図１参照）の場合のように、２以上の部材間の連結部の近傍における電気的接続を一系統に集中させ、接続回路部材４１の配索作業を簡素化し、ケース部４２から延出する接続回路部材４１が自動的にその長さを調整する（自己引戻し機能）ため余分な配線長を不要とし、従来のワイヤハーネスを用いた電気接続に比べて配線を隠すためのカバー類を最小限とすることができ、配線の捻じれや曲がりに影響を受け易い場所に対してもこれらの影響を受け難い電気接続構造を簡単な構成で実現することが可能となる。従って、簡単な構造で安価に連結部を有するシート１の背もたれ部２及び着座部３の間の電気的接続を図ることが可能となる。
【００３１】
図８は、この発明の他の実施形態に電気接続装置４０´を示す一部断面図である。なお、以降において、既に説明した部分と重複する説明は割愛する。
同図（ａ）に示すように、電気接続装置４０´は、接続回路部材４１と、ケース部４２とから構成され、接続回路部材４１は、ケース部４２に密着した部分から折り返される部分がほぼ直角に近い状態で折り曲げられるようになっている。このような直角の折曲げ部を形成すると、弾性力が発生する部分の長さが、先の実施形態のものよりも短くなり、いわゆるＳバネの作用でバネ力が向上する。同時に、直角折曲部が、同図（ｂ）の圧縮時にケース部４２の内壁に対して線接触となり、ケース部４２との間の摩擦力が低下する。これにより、図５で示した電気接続装置４０の場合よりも更に強く自動復帰する構造を実現することができる。
【００３２】
図９〜図１３は、この発明の更に他の実施形態に係る電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
図９に示すように、この例の電気接続装置７０は、先の例の電気接続装置４０に対してケース部４２内のケース内空間４２ｃに収容される接続回路部材４１の折返し部が２倍の数だけ形成されている点が相違している。この電気接続装置７０によれば、上ケース４２ａと下ケース４２ｂとの回転方向に対する接続回路部材４１の移動可能範囲を広げることが可能となる。
【００３３】
図１０に示すように、この例の電気接続装置７１では、先の例の電気接続装置４０に対してケース部４２内のケース内空間４２ｃに収容される接続回路部材４１の折返し部が３箇所形成されており、接続回路部材４１のそれぞれの延出方向がほぼ同一方向となるように構成されている点が相違している。この電気接続装置７１は、連結部を介して２以上の部材が、連結部の軸方向を見て鋭角を構成する範囲内に配置されるような場合に適用することができる。
【００３４】
図１１に示すように、この例の電気接続装置７２は、先の例の電気接続装置４０に対して接続回路部材４１がその厚さ方向に複数枚重ね合わされた接続回路部材４１ａ，４１ｂにより構成されている点が相違している。この電気接続装置７２によれば、連結部を有する２以上の部材間に接続すべき回路数が多数ある場合に接続回路部材４１のケーブル幅（短手方向幅）を増やさないで接続することができる。
【００３５】
図１２に示すように、この例の電気接続装置７３は、図１０に示した先の例の電気接続装置７１に対してケース部４２の上ケース４２ａに、取付部６１を複数設けると共にスリット部４５を複数設け、ケース部４２のケース内空間４２ｃに収容される下ケース４２ｂ側から数えて２番目の折返し部と３番目の折返し部との間で接続回路部材４１を、それぞれ反対方向に延出する接続回路部材４１ｃ，４１ｄに分け、それぞれの接続回路部材４１ｃ，４１ｄをほぼ反対方向に延出させた点が相違している。この電気接続装置７３は、連結部を介して連結される２以上の部材の数が増えた（特に、３以上となった）場合に適用することができる。
【００３６】
図１３に示すように、この例の電気接続装置７４は、接続回路部材４１が複数枚の接続回路部材４１ａ，４１ｂにより構成され、ケース部４２が上ケース４２ａ、下ケース４２ｂ及びこれらの間に介装される中ケース４２ｄから構成され、ケース部４２の中ケース４２ｄにも取付部６１が形成され、ケース部４２のケース内空間４２ｃに収容される折返し部が、２箇所である接続回路部材４１ｂの延出方向と、３箇所である接続回路部材４１ａの延出方向とがほぼ反対方向となると共に、各ケース４２ａ，４２ｄ，４２ｂの回転方向に合わせてそれぞれの接続回路部材４１ａ，４１ｂが回動自在に移動可能となる構造を実現する。この電気接続装置７４は、連結部を介して連結される２以上の部材の数が増え、その回転動作が複雑な場合に適用することができる。
【００３７】
なお、上記例では、電気接続装置のケース部として薄型円盤状のケース部４２を用いて説明したが、中空矩形状のケース部やその他の形のケース部を用いてもこの発明の電気接続装置を構成することは可能である。また、接続回路部材４１にスリット６８が、上ケース４２ａに取付部６１がそれぞれ形成されていなくてもこの発明の電気接続装置を構成すること可能である。また、シートとしては自動車用のシートを用いて説明したが、例えば背もたれ部と着座部とを含む複数の部材が回転可動部により連結された構造を有するシートであれば、この発明のシートを構成することは可能である。
【００３８】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、この発明によれば、連結部で回動可能に連結された２以上の部材間を電気的に接続する接続回路部材が可撓性を有するフラット型の接続回路部材により構成され、この接続回路部材が、連結部の近傍を通過し、少なくとも連結部の近傍位置では部材間の回動面に対してほぼ平行に配索されると共に配索方向に沿って１回以上折り返して形成された折返し部を備えているので、この折返し部の両側の部分を部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動移動させることができる。このため、従来に比べ、例えば２以上の部材にそれぞれ搭載された各補機間の連結部の近傍における電気的接続を一系統に集中させ、配索作業を簡素化し、余分な配索のための配線長を不要とし、配線を隠すためのカバー類を最小限にして、更に配線の捻じれや曲がりに影響を受け易い場所に対してもこれらの影響を受け難い電気接続を簡単に実現することができる。これにより、簡単な構造で安価に連結部を有する２以上の部材間を電気的に接続することが可能となる。また、接続回路部材の折返し部の両側の部分を、部材間の回動面に沿って相互に回動及び平行移動可能な構成とすることにより、部材間のより複雑な動きに対しても、これに対応可能な電気接続構造を実現することができるという効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の一実施形態に係る電気接続装置を適用したシートの一例を示す透過斜視図及び一部拡大図である。
【図２】同電気接続装置の構造を説明するための一部断面図である。
【図３】同電気接続装置の構造を説明するための一部断面図である。
【図４】同電気接続装置の構造を説明するための一部断面図である。
【図５】同電気接続装置の構造を説明するための一部断面図である。
【図６】ケース部の上ケースの図示を省略した同電気接続装置を示す斜視図である。
【図７】接続回路部材の動きを説明するための平面図である。
【図８】この発明の他の実施形態に係る電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図９】この発明の更に他の実施形態に係る電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図１０】同更に他の電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図１１】同更に他の電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図１２】同更に他の電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図１３】同更に他の電気接続装置を示す一部断面図である。
【図１４】自動車のシートに搭載された補機とその配線構造を説明するための図である。
【符号の説明】
１…シート、２…背もたれ部、３…着座部、４…ヘッドレスト、５…シートレール、１１…背中側シートヒータ、１２…サイドエアバッグインフレータ、１３…リクライニングモータ、２１…臀部側シートヒータ、２２…スライドモータ、２３…リフターモータ、２４…バーチカルモータ、３０…パワーシートスイッチ、４０…電気接続装置、４１…接続回路部材、４２…ケース部、４２ａ…上ケース、４２ｂ…下ケース、５０…車体側回路。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is applied to, for example, a seat of an automobile or the like in which two or more members are connected by a connecting portion, and an electrical connection structure, an electrical connection device, and this device for applying electrical connection between two or more members are applied. Regarding the sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of auxiliary machines such as various electric parts such as an electric reclining mechanism and a seat heater have been mounted on a vehicle seat such as an automobile. In this case, a connection member such as a wire harness is usually used for electrical connection between the auxiliary machines. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary machine mounted on a vehicle seat and its wiring structure. The seat 100 includes a backrest portion 101 and a seating portion 102, the backrest portion 101 is provided with a headrest 103, and the seating portion 102 is placed on the seat rail 104. The backrest portion 101 and the seating portion 102 are configured by attaching a cushion material or the like to the seat frame 105, and the backrest portion 101 can be tilted with respect to the seating portion 102 via a connecting portion 106 that rotatably couples the both. It has a simple structure.
[0003]
In the backrest portion 101 of the seat 100 configured as described above, for example, a backside seat heater 111 for warming a seated person's back, a side airbag inflator 112 in which a side airbag is folded and stored, and a backrest A reclining motor 113 for tilting the part 101 is incorporated. In addition, the seating portion 102 of the seat 100 has a cushion side seat heater 114 for heating, for example, the vicinity of the buttocks of the seated person, and a movable portion 104b with respect to the fixed portion 104a of the seat rail 104 in the horizontal direction (in the direction of arrow x in the figure) ), A lift motor 116 for moving the seat 100 in a direction perpendicular to the movable portion 104b of the seat rail 104 (in the direction of arrow y in the figure), and a seating portion. A vertical motor 117 for adjusting an inclination angle (an angle in the direction of arrow φ in the figure) of the front end frame 105a of 102 with respect to the seat frame 105 is incorporated. Of these auxiliary machines, the reclining motor 113, the slide motor 115, the lifter motor 116, and the vertical motor 117 are controlled by a power seat switch 120 mounted on the side of the seating section 102.
[0004]
Each accessory mounted on the backrest 101 and the seating portion 102 in this way is routed through the outside of the connecting portion 106 and is attached to each accessory by a plurality of wire harnesses 121 attached to the seat frame 105. It is electrically connected, and is further electrically connected to a vehicle body side circuit (not shown) via a wire harness 122 led to the front end of the seat 100.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the seat 100 having such a structure, the wire harness 121 in the vicinity of the connecting portion 106 other than the wire harness 121 routed inside the cushion material or the like is exposed to the outside, so that it looks bad. It is necessary to configure the seat 100 by attaching the seat cover 123 formed with the cover portion 123a covering the entire exposed portion for concealing them to the backrest portion 101 or the seating portion 102, which may increase the cost of parts. Further, when the wiring length of the wire harness 121 is determined in a so-called reclining state in which the backrest 101 is tilted by approximately 180 ° with respect to the seating portion 102, a so-called normal state in which the backrest 101 is tilted by approximately 90 ° with respect to the seating portion 102. In addition, in the state where the wire harness 121 is further tilted near the seating portion 102, the wiring length of the wire harness 121 becomes insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the wiring length of the wire harness 121 with a sufficient margin. In some cases, slack may occur and the appearance may deteriorate, or the part cost may increase due to the extra wiring length. Furthermore, depending on the routing mode, the wire harness 121 may be twisted or bent due to the movement of the connecting portion 106. Therefore, the wire harness 121 must have a strong structure against these, and it is necessary to be cautious about the routing operation. Has occurred.
[0006]
Furthermore, the recent increase in the number of accessories to the seats leads to enlargement of the harness diameter, which causes the problem of the harness shape rising (so-called highlight) on the seat skin. For this reason, although the reclining motor 113 and the airbag inflator 112 are on the same side of the backrest portion 101, the wiring from the seating portion 102 to the backrest portion 101 is performed in two left and right systems. The increase in the length and the cost increase by individual exterior and individual fixation are invited.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an electrical connection structure and an electrical connection device capable of electrically connecting two or more members having a connecting portion with a simple structure at low cost. And it aims at providing the sheet | seat which applied this apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection structure, an electrical connection device, and a seat to which the device is applied, which can reduce the cost by shortening the routing route and simplifying the routing work. And
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The electrical connection structure according to the present invention is an electrical connection structure in which two or more members that are rotatably connected by a connecting portion are connected by a connecting circuit member, and the connecting circuit member includes the connecting portion. At least in the vicinity of the connecting portion, a folded portion is formed that is arranged substantially parallel to the rotation surface between the members and folded back one or more times along the arrangement direction. , The portions on both sides of the folded portion rotate and translate with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the members. It is a flat member having flexibility for electrically connecting the members.
[0009]
An electrical connection device according to the present invention is an electrical connection device that electrically connects two or more members that are rotatably connected by a connecting portion, and passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion, and at least the connecting portion In the vicinity of the member, a folded portion that is arranged substantially parallel to the rotation surface between the members and is folded back at least once along the arrangement direction is provided for electrically connecting the members. A flexible flat connection circuit member and one side of the folded portion so that the portions on both sides of the folded portion of the connected circuit member rotate and translate with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the members. And a support member for supporting the portion.
[0010]
According to this invention, the connecting circuit member that electrically connects two or more members that are rotatably connected by the connecting portion is constituted by a flat connecting circuit member having flexibility, and this connecting circuit member However, it passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion, and is routed at least in the vicinity of the connecting portion so as to be substantially parallel to the rotation surface between the members and folded back at least once along the routing direction. Therefore, the portions on both sides of the folded portion can be rotated and moved along the rotating surface between the members. For this reason, for example, the electrical connection in the vicinity of the connecting portion between each auxiliary machine mounted on each of two or more members is concentrated in one system compared with the conventional one, for simplifying the wiring work and extra wiring. This eliminates the need for wiring length, minimizes covers to hide the wiring, and easily realizes electrical connections that are not easily affected by twisting or bending of wiring. be able to. Thereby, it becomes possible to electrically connect two or more members having a connecting portion with a simple structure at low cost. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the portions on both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member can be rotated and translated with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the members, even for more complicated movement between the members, An electrical connection structure that can cope with this can be realized.
[0011]
In addition, at least one of the portions on both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member is biased in a direction to return to the original position by the spring force of the folded portion itself when pulled out in the routing direction. Then, regardless of the rotation state of the two or more members, it becomes a structure in which slack or the like is unlikely to occur on both sides of the folded portion, so that the excess wiring length of the connection circuit member can be automatically adjusted. For example, when applied to a sheet or the like, it can be expected to improve its appearance.
[0012]
Further, the support member is preferably a case portion that accommodates the folded portion therein, and in this case, the case portion is configured by a plurality of case members having a detachable structure, and the plurality of case members are coupled to each other. If the connecting portion is configured to be rotatable in the direction of rotation of the connecting portion, the connecting circuit member can be moved more easily in accordance with the turning of the connecting portion, so that the degree of freedom in routing is improved. In addition, it is possible to easily prevent problems such as breakage of the circuit portion due to excessive twisting.
[0013]
Of the plurality of case members constituting the case portion, at least one case member is formed with a fixing portion for fixing the vicinity of the folded portion of the connection circuit member in the case portion, and connected to the other case member. It is preferable that an attachment portion for attaching the circuit member in a movable state is formed.
[0014]
In this case, the case member is preferably formed with slits for allowing both sides of the connection circuit member to pass therethrough, and the plurality of case members constituting the case portion are formed of the folded portions of the connection circuit member accommodated therein. It is preferable that each is provided with a slit portion for allowing the portions on both sides to pass therethrough.
[0015]
In addition, as said connection circuit member, a flexible printed circuit, a flexible flat circuit, or a flexible flat cable is suitable, and you may make it superimpose these. For example, when configured by overlapping, it is possible to make electrical connection between a large number of circuits without increasing the width (width in the short direction) of the flat connection circuit member, and via the connecting portion. Thus, it is possible to flexibly cope with an electrical connection between two or more members having a complicated connection structure that is radially connected.
[0016]
The seat according to the present invention includes two or more seat members that are rotatably connected by a connecting portion, a plurality of auxiliary devices that are respectively mounted on the sheet members, and an electrical connection that electrically connects the auxiliary devices. The electrical connection device is routed so that the side surface of the sheet member passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion, and the circuit between the sheet members is at least in the vicinity of the connecting portion. A flat type having flexibility for electrically connecting the auxiliary machines, wherein a folded part is formed that is arranged substantially parallel to the moving surface and folded back at least once along the arrangement direction. A connection circuit member and a support member that supports a part of the folded portion so that both sides of the folded portion of the connected circuit member rotate and translate with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the sheet members. That it is equipped with And butterflies.
[0017]
In this case, it is considered that the plurality of seat members include a backrest portion and a seating portion. This is because the backrest portion and the seating portion are often coupled via a pivotable coupling portion, and the above electrical connection device can be easily applied.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A is a transparent perspective view showing an example of a sheet to which an electrical connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view showing a part of the sheet.
As shown in FIG. 1A, a seat 1 is a seat seat used for a vehicle such as an automobile, and includes a backrest portion 2 and a seating portion 3, and the backrest portion 2 includes a headrest 4. The seat portion 3 is placed on the seat rail 5. The backrest part 2 and the seating part 3 are configured by attaching a cushion material or the like to a seat frame (not shown), and the backrest part 2 is seated through a connecting part (not shown) that rotatably connects the two. It is a structure that can be tilted against.
[0019]
In the backrest 2 of the seat 1 configured in this way, for example, a side seat heater 11 for warming the back of the seated person and a side airbag mounted on the backrest 2 are folded and stored. The airbag inflator 12 and the reclining motor 13 for tilting the backrest part 2 with respect to the seating part 3 are incorporated. The seat 3 of the seat 1 has, for example, a buttocks-side seat heater 21 for heating the vicinity of the buttocks of the seated person and a movable portion 5b with respect to the fixed portion 5a of the seat rail 5 (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). ) And a lifter motor 23 for moving the seat 1 in a direction perpendicular to the movable portion 5b of the seat rail 5 (in the direction of arrow B in the figure), A vertical motor 24 for adjusting the inclination angle of the front end frame (not shown) of the seating portion 3 with respect to the seat frame by moving in the direction of arrow C in the figure is incorporated. Further, on the side part of the seating part 3, of these backrest part 2 and each auxiliary machine mounted on the seating part 3, for controlling the reclining motor 13, the slide motor 22, the lifter motor 23 and the vertical motor 24. A power seat switch 30 is mounted.
[0020]
The back side seat heater 11 built in the backrest part 2 and the buttocks side seat heater 21 built in the seating part 3 are connected circuit members 41 arranged along the side parts of the backrest part 2 and the seating part 3. Connecting circuit members 4 connected to each other via the front part of the seating part 3 9 Is connected to the vehicle body side circuit 50. The side airbag inflator 12 incorporated in the backrest 2 is electrically connected to the vehicle body side circuit 50 via connection circuit members 41 and 44. The reclining motor 13 built in the backrest 2 and the slide motor 22, the lifter motor 23 and the vertical motor 24 built in the seat 3 are connected to the power seat switch 30 and extend from the power seat switch 30. 3 is electrically connected to the vehicle body side circuit 50 by a connection circuit member 43 routed along the front portion of the vehicle body 3.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1B, in the electrical connecting device 40 arranged at the connecting portion of the seat 1, the connecting circuit member 41 passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion of the seat 1, and the backrest portion is at least in the vicinity of the connecting portion. 2 and the rotating portion of the seat portion 3 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and a part of the connection circuit member 41 is accommodated in the case portion 42, and both side portions of the case portion 42 are the backrest portion 2 and the seat. The parts 3 rotate in the direction of the arrow G in the figure along the rotation surface of the part 3 and translate in the directions of the arrows E, F and H in the figure.
[0022]
Next, before describing the electrical connection device 40 in detail, the function of the electrical connection device 40 will be schematically described.
Now, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the flexible flat connection circuit member 41 is folded twice, the connection circuit member 41 can expand and contract in both directions on both sides of the folded portion. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the left side of the connection circuit member 41 in the drawing is pulled out to the left side indicated by the arrow E, the curvature radius R2 of the folded portion depicting the S-shape is shown in FIG. 2 (a). The radius of curvature R1 is smaller than the radius of curvature R1 before the drawing, and the force to return the radius of curvature R2 to the original radius of curvature R1 becomes the force to pull back the drawn portion of the connection circuit member 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow F. Self-return operation is realized. As shown in FIG. 3, when one of the folded portions is fixed by the fixing portion 62, the connection circuit member 41 expands and contracts only in the left portion of the folded portion in the drawing, but the right portion is fixed, so the position is There is no deviation.
[0023]
According to this structure, the connection circuit member 41 moves in the expansion and contraction directions E and F shown in FIG. 1B, and the folded portion serves as a strain absorber. , It can also move in the rotation direction G and the width direction H shown in FIG. These expansion / contraction, rotation, and movement operations in the width direction can occur individually or in any combination. For example, when the center of the rotation shaft of the backrest 2 and the seating portion 3 is shifted from the center of the rotation shaft of the electrical connection device 40 (for example, when a power seat reclining mechanism is used). (Applicable), however, a telescopic motion is added to the pivotable motion, so that an operation without any trouble is realized. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when the fixing portion 62 is moved from the central axis D of the case portion 42 toward the lower folding end, the folding portion is deformed when fixed on the central axis D. Lifting of the bent portion is surely prevented, interference between the connection circuit members 41 is prevented, and a circuit breakage due to rubbing or the like hardly occurs.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, if a slit 68 in the expansion / contraction direction is formed in the upper part of the folded portion and the attachment portion 61 is inserted into the slit 68, the expansion / contraction direction on the movable side of the connection circuit member 41 is increased. The amount of movement can be regulated.
What is configured from such a viewpoint is the electrical connection device 40 in the present embodiment.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical connection device 40 includes a connection circuit member 41 and a case portion 42. In the electrical connection device 40 of this example, the connection circuit member 41 is connected to both terminals of the connection circuit member 41. A case in which the connection circuit member 41 is folded twice so that the connection circuit member 41 is bent in a bent state, and the connection circuit member 41 in a predetermined range including the turn-up portion includes a plurality of case members of the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b. In addition to being housed inside the portion 42, the both sides of the folded portion are housed inside the case portion 42 so as to extend to the outside of the case portion 42.
[0025]
The connection circuit member 41 has a circuit portion formed by patterning a conductive material such as copper foil on an insulating film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI). A flexible printed circuit (FPC) having a structure in which a cover lay made of a synthetic resin or the like is formed on the insulating film and the circuit portion, a flexible flat circuit (FFC) formed by punching the circuit portion, and a circuit portion by extrusion of a conductor. The circuit portion is made of a flexible flat cable (FFC) having a structure in which the circuit portion is laminated with an insulating film, and has flexibility.
[0026]
On the other hand, the case portion 42 is made of, for example, a resin molded member. In this example, the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b that is fitted to the upper case 42a and the central axis D of the case portion 42 so as to be rotatable. A case composed of a plurality of case members, and a thin disc-shaped case portion 42 is formed by fitting (joining) the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b, and the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a predetermined range including the folded portion of the connection circuit member 41 is accommodated in the inner space 42c. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the electrical connecting device 40 in which the upper case 42a of the case portion 42 is not shown.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 5, the lower case 42b of the case portion 42 is formed with a fixing portion 62 for fixing, for example, the vicinity of the folded portion of the connection circuit member 41 to the lower case 42, and the upper case 42a A mounting portion 61 is formed for mounting the connection circuit member 41 in a slidable state in the pull-out direction. Each of the fixing portion 62 and the attachment portion 61 is formed with a flange portion 63 for preventing the connection circuit member 41 from coming off or falling off, and the fixing portion 62 has a hole 69 formed in the connection circuit member 41. The connection circuit member 41 is attached and fixed to the attachment portion 61 through a slit 68 formed in the connection circuit member 41. Note that slit portions 45 for communicating the connection circuit member 41 with the inside and the outside of the case portion 42 are formed on the outer peripheral side portions of the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b, respectively. Further, in the electrical connecting device 40 of this example, the mounting portion 61 of the upper case 42 a is formed at a position coaxial with the central axis D of the case portion 42, and the fixing portion 62 of the lower case 42 b is the central axis D of the case portion 42. Is formed at an eccentric position.
[0028]
In the electrical connection device 40 configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the connection circuit member 41 attached to the upper case 42 a via the attachment portion 61 has a slit 68 in the drawing direction via the slit portion 45. Of the length of the slit 68, and is always urged in the direction opposite to the pull-out direction by the spring force of the folded portion housed in the case portion 42, and automatically returns by the length of the slit 68. ing. Further, the connection circuit member 41 attached to the upper case 42a has a structure that can be rotated along the rotation direction of the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b, and also according to the opening length of the slit portion 45 (FIG. As shown to b), it has the structure which can move to the arrow G direction (rotation direction with respect to the central axis D of the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b) in the figure. On the other hand, the connection circuit member 41 fixed to the lower case 42b via the fixing portion 62 cannot move in the pull-out direction via the slit portion 45, but the upper case 42a and the lower case according to the opening length of the slit portion 45. It has a structure that can move in the rotational direction with respect to 42b. In addition, the attachment part 61 may be formed in the position eccentric with respect to the central axis D of the case part 42, as shown with the virtual line in a figure. In this way, the connection circuit member 41 can move in the G direction around the mounting portion 61 separately from the rotation direction around the central axis D of the case portion 42.
[0029]
FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the movement of the connection circuit member 41.
In the electrical connection device 40 having such a structure, the connection circuit member 41 attached to the upper case 42a is movable in the directions of arrows E, F and G in the figure as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, the state becomes movable in the direction of arrow H in the drawing (that is, the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the connection circuit member 41). This is because the connection circuit member 41 has flexibility, and the two folded portions accommodated in the case internal space 42c in the case portion 42 flexibly absorb the bending and twisting components of the connection circuit member 41. This is realized by the structure of the electrical connection device 40.
[0030]
According to the electrical connection device 40, as in the case of the sheet 1 (see FIG. 1) described above, the electrical connection in the vicinity of the connecting portion between two or more members is concentrated in one system, and the connection circuit member 41 The wiring work is simplified, and the connecting circuit member 41 extending from the case portion 42 automatically adjusts its length (self-retraction function), so that no extra wiring length is required, and the electric power using the conventional wire harness Covers for hiding the wiring can be minimized compared to the connection, and the electrical connection structure that is not easily affected by twisting or bending of the wiring can be made with a simple configuration. It can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to achieve electrical connection between the backrest portion 2 and the seating portion 3 of the seat 1 having a connecting portion with a simple structure at low cost.
[0031]
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection device 40 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following, descriptions that overlap with those already described are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrical connection device 40 ′ is composed of a connection circuit member 41 and a case portion 42, and the connection circuit member 41 is almost folded back from a portion in close contact with the case portion 42. It can be bent at a right angle. When such a right-angled bent portion is formed, the length of the portion where the elastic force is generated becomes shorter than that of the previous embodiment, and the spring force is improved by the action of the so-called S spring. At the same time, the right-angled bent portion is in line contact with the inner wall of the case portion 42 during compression in FIG. 5B, and the frictional force with the case portion 42 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to realize a structure that automatically and more strongly restores the electrical connection device 40 shown in FIG.
[0032]
9 to 13 are partial cross-sectional views showing an electrical connection device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, the electrical connection device 70 of this example has twice the folded-back portion of the connection circuit member 41 accommodated in the case internal space 42 c in the case portion 42 compared to the electrical connection device 40 of the previous example. It is different in that it is formed by the number of. According to the electrical connection device 70, the movable range of the connection circuit member 41 with respect to the rotation direction of the upper case 42a and the lower case 42b can be expanded.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the electrical connection device 71 of this example, there are three folded portions of the connection circuit member 41 accommodated in the case internal space 42 c in the case portion 42 with respect to the electrical connection device 40 of the previous example. The connecting circuit member 41 is formed so that the extending directions of the connecting circuit members 41 are substantially the same. The electrical connection device 71 can be applied to a case where two or more members are disposed within a range that forms an acute angle when viewed in the axial direction of the connecting portion via the connecting portion.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 11, the electrical connection device 72 of this example includes connection circuit members 41 a and 41 b in which a plurality of connection circuit members 41 are stacked in the thickness direction of the electrical connection device 40 of the previous example. The difference is. According to this electrical connection device 72, when there are a large number of circuits to be connected between two or more members having a connecting portion, the connection circuit member 41 can be connected without increasing the cable width (width in the short direction). it can.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 12, the electrical connecting device 73 of this example is provided with a plurality of mounting portions 61 on the upper case 42a of the case portion 42 with respect to the electrical connecting device 71 of the previous example shown in FIG. 45, and the connection circuit member 41 extends in the opposite direction between the second folded portion and the third folded portion counted from the lower case 42b side accommodated in the case inner space 42c of the case portion 42. The connection circuit members 41c and 41d are separated from each other, and the connection circuit members 41c and 41d are extended in substantially opposite directions. This electrical connection device 73 can be applied when the number of two or more members connected via the connecting portion increases (particularly, 3 or more).
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 13, in the electrical connection device 74 of this example, the connection circuit member 41 is composed of a plurality of connection circuit members 41a and 41b, and the case portion 42 has an upper case 42a, a lower case 42b, and a gap between them. A connecting circuit member that includes an intermediate case 42d that is interposed, an attachment portion 61 is also formed in the intermediate case 42d of the case portion 42, and two folded portions are accommodated in the case inner space 42c of the case portion 42. The extending direction of 41b and the extending direction of the three connecting circuit members 41a are substantially opposite to each other, and the connecting circuit members 41a and 41b are arranged in accordance with the rotational directions of the cases 42a, 42d and 42b. A structure that can move freely is realized. This electrical connecting device 74 can be applied when the number of two or more members connected via the connecting portion increases and the rotational operation is complicated.
[0037]
In the above example, the thin disk-shaped case portion 42 is used as the case portion of the electrical connection device. However, the electrical connection device of the present invention can be used even when a hollow rectangular case portion or other shape case portion is used. It is possible to construct Further, even if the connection circuit member 41 is not formed with the slit 68 and the upper case 42a is not formed with the attachment portion 61, the electrical connection device of the present invention can be configured. Moreover, although it demonstrated using the sheet | seat for motor vehicles as a sheet | seat, if it is a sheet | seat which has the structure where the several member containing a backrest part and a seating part was connected by the rotation movable part, for example, it comprises the sheet | seat of this invention. It is possible to do.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the connecting circuit member that electrically connects two or more members that are rotatably connected by the connecting portion is constituted by a flat connecting circuit member having flexibility. The connecting circuit member passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion, and at least at a position in the vicinity of the connecting portion, the connecting circuit member is routed substantially parallel to the rotation surface between the members, and is folded once or more along the routing direction. Since the folded part formed in this way is provided, the parts on both sides of the folded part can be rotated together along the rotating surface between the members. For this reason, for example, the electrical connection in the vicinity of the connecting portion between each auxiliary machine mounted on each of two or more members is concentrated in one system compared with the conventional one, for simplifying the wiring work and extra wiring. This eliminates the need for wiring length, minimizes covers to hide the wiring, and easily realizes electrical connections that are not easily affected by twisting or bending of wiring. be able to. Thereby, it becomes possible to electrically connect two or more members having a connecting portion with a simple structure at low cost. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the portions on both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member can be rotated and translated with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the members, even for more complicated movement between the members, There exists an effect that the electrical connection structure which can respond to this can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a transparent perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing an example of a sheet to which an electrical connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the electrical connecting device.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the electrical connecting device.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the electrical connecting device.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the electrical connecting device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the electrical connecting device in which the upper case of the case portion is not shown.
FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the movement of the connection circuit member.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another electrical connection device.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another electrical connection device.
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another electrical connection device.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another electrical connection device.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an auxiliary machine mounted on a vehicle seat and its wiring structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Seat, 2 ... Backrest part, 3 ... Seating part, 4 ... Headrest, 5 ... Seat rail, 11 ... Back side seat heater, 12 ... Side airbag inflator, 13 ... Reclining motor, 21 ... Butt part side seat heater, 22 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Slide motor, 23 ... Lifter motor, 24 ... Vertical motor, 30 ... Power seat switch, 40 ... Electrical connection device, 41 ... Connection circuit member, 42 ... Case part, 42a ... Upper case, 42b ... Lower case, 50 ... Vehicle body Side circuit.

Claims

An electrical connection structure that electrically connects two or more members that are rotatably connected by a connecting portion with a connection circuit member,
The connection circuit member is
A folded portion is formed that passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion and is routed almost parallel to the rotation surface between the members at least at a position near the connecting portion and folded back at least once along the routing direction. The flat portions are flexible so that the portions on both sides of the folded portion rotate and translate with respect to each other along the rotation surface between the members and electrically connect the members. An electrical connection structure characterized by that.

An electrical connection device that electrically connects two or more members rotatably connected by a connecting portion,
A folded portion is formed that passes through the vicinity of the connecting portion and is routed almost parallel to the rotation surface between the members at least at a position near the connecting portion and folded back at least once along the routing direction. A flat connection circuit member having flexibility for electrically connecting the members;
A support member for supporting a part of the folded portion so that both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member rotate and translate with respect to each other along a rotation surface between the members. Electrical connection device.

At least one of the portions on both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member is biased in a direction to return to the original position by the spring force of the folded portion itself when pulled out in the wiring direction. The electrical connection device according to claim 2, wherein

Wherein the support member, the electrical connection device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the a case portion for accommodating the folded portion therein.

The case portion is configured by a plurality of case members having a detachable structure, and the plurality of case members are configured to be rotatable in the rotation direction of the connecting portion in a coupled state. The electrical connection device according to claim 4 .

Among the plurality of case members constituting the case portion, at least one case member is formed with a fixing portion for fixing the vicinity of the folded portion of the connection circuit member in the case portion, and the other case member is 6. The electrical connection device according to claim 5, wherein an attachment portion for attaching the connection circuit member in a movable state is formed.

The electrical connection device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the case member is formed with a slit for allowing both sides of the connection circuit member to pass therethrough.

A plurality of case members constituting the casing part, claims 5 to 7, characterized in that comprises slits for passing the both sides of the folded portion of the connecting circuit member accommodating therein each The electrical connection device according to any one of the above.

The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 , wherein the connection circuit member is formed of a flexible printed circuit, a flexible flat circuit, or a flexible flat cable.

The electrical connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 , wherein the connection circuit member is configured by overlapping a plurality of flexible printed circuits, flexible flat circuits, or flexible flat cables.

Two or more sheet members rotatably connected at the connecting portion;
A plurality of auxiliary machines respectively mounted on these sheet members;
An electrical connection device for electrically connecting these auxiliary machines,
The electrical connection device
The side surface of the sheet member is routed so as to pass through the vicinity of the connecting portion, and at least in the vicinity of the connecting portion, the side surface of the seat member is routed substantially parallel to the rotation surface between the sheet members and in the routing direction. A flat connection circuit member having flexibility for electrically connecting between the auxiliary machines, in which a folded portion that is folded once or more along is formed;
A support member that supports a part of the folded portion so that both sides of the folded portion of the connection circuit member rotate and translate with respect to each other along the rotating surface between the sheet members. A sheet characterized by the following.

Wherein the plurality of sheet members, the sheet of claim 1 1, wherein a is intended to include backrest and seat.